5th Block of the Sew Red Mystery Sew-A-Long by Kay Whitt

You’ve been waiting patiently for the next block in the Mystery Sew Red Sew-along so here it is!  You’ll fall head over heels for this amazing block designed by Kay Whitt of Serendipity Studio.  

All about Kay

Kay Whitt is the talented designer of Serendipity Studio patterns.  You can also catch her adorable mug modeling on the pattern covers.  Her modern-yet-classic style is on display once more in her recent pattern releases.  See the range of her designs in the fun, flirty style of the Ramona WrapDress, the chic elegance of the Jordan Jacket, and the simple wear-ability of the skirts in the Fashion Formula Skirts Booklet 3.  She sure is one fashionable lady!

Kay and Sew Red

We at Jimmy Beans have loved Kay’s patterns from day one so it was a bit of a no-brainer for us to see if she would be willing to whip one up for Sew Red.   Kay's personal connection to cardiovascular disease made her more than up to the challege.  Her father underwent heart bypass surgery, and that had a huge impact on her lifestyle choices.  We're glad she choose to participate, and her Sweet Sixteen skirt definitely did not disappoint – it’s fun, flattering, flirty and easy to sew! 

Kay’s Block for the Mystery Sew Red Sew-along

Kay isn’t a traditional quilter, but she still wanted to participate in the Mystery Sew Red Sew-along, and we were so excited that she wanted to be a part of it!  Her finished block is an amazing strip heart.  Follow the link to her blog to get started right away!

Barry Klein Sets Stitch Red Trends

Poppy yarn in Red Barron

Barry Klein of Trendsetter Yarns truly is a trend setter himself. We asked him to share a little bit about the Stitch Red product that his company will be contributing. This one is unique, not just in its style, but in that a portion of proceeds from ALL colors of this product will go to the cause. You can view other colorways of the Poppy yarn here.

Why did you choose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign? 
I chose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign because of who our customers are. Most of our clients are woman and without clients we have no business. We must all work together to fight heart disease. I also come from a family that fights high blood pressure and obesity and stroke, all that can be fought with a healthy heart.

What product have you created for the Stitch Red campaign? What was your inspiration behind it?

Terry wearing a Poppy scarf

We selected a product called Poppy which is a scarf yarn that is a wide mesh that has wool tops attached to one edge. I created a jacket in Red using three of my favorite yarns and attached Poppy as the detail effect. I love that scarf yarns are still the most fashionable. I love that they are easy to knit, quick to knit and be crochet as well. What is better for your heart than to have something to hold onto that feels incredible and is easy to do……makes my heart happy!!

What's your favorite heart healthy tip?
A group of us have been doing Weight Watchers for the past year. It is important to learn a way to enjoy the foods you love but maintain the idea that quantity is something to watch. In addition, we have been doing 3 hours of Zumba in order to get our heart rates up and get into an aerobic state. Food is really important. It is my reward and so doing the exercise allows me to enjoy the foods I love.

What gets your heart racing?
What gets my heart racing is being with a group of people who love to knit and create and who love to be creative. Nothing is more satisfying than teaching people something new that they will share with their friends. Trendsetter is my company…in fact its my life. I love sharing the yarns that I create, the patterns I create and then have people come and show me what they’ve made in my yarns. Having people appreciate “my yarns/my kids” as much as I do really gets my heart racing.

Barry will also be featured as one of the designers in the upcoming Knit Red book. For a sneak peak at his pattern (and the 29 others in the book), a digital preview is available here.

Thanks Barry for your fabulous yarn, patterns, and commitment to the cause!

Yarn Pop's Lori Jordan Shares Her Stitch Red Story

Independent designer and travel-lover, Lori Jordan of Yarn Pop products (also known as Top Shelf Totes), has come out with a project pouch specifically for the Stitch Red campaign. We asked her about her involvement in the campaign and what she does to stay heart healthy.




Why did you choose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign?
 
My husband's family has a history of heart disease and I had a good friend who was affected with a heart issue, as well. When I was presented with the opportunity to support this campaign, I joined immediately. Education and research are critical to making progress against this disease, and I’m happy to be part of a movement that supports both.

What was your inspiration behind your Stitch Red product?
 
The product we are offering is the Bold Red Fleur - Yarn Pop. Great for holding yarn, projects and notions, our entire Yarn Pop line is available in the Stitch Red print. I chose this look because the red combined with the pattern is bold, bright and has a feeling of movement.

Do you have a heart healthy tip to share?
 
Daily, 30 minute walks. It is good exercise, and also helps keep stress levels down.

What gets your heart racing?
Travel will always get my heart racing. I traveled a lot on my own before I met my husband and now we travel a lot together. It is always refreshing to get out of town and explore. Of course I always use it as a great opportunity to visit local yarn shops and love the time in transit for some focused knitting time!

Thanks for your contribution, Lori!

Do you have a heart healthy tip to share? We would love to hear from you! Post a comment, or send us an e-mail at info@stitchred.com. Tell us your tips and your heart stories, your heart-felt stories, or your Stitch Red felting stories. We may end up sharing them in out blog or newsletter!

Blue Sky Alpacas Goes Red!

We asked the folks at Blue Sky Alpacas why they're choosing to Stitch Red and what melts their hearts. Here's what they had to say: 

Blue Sky Alpacas chose to be involved with the Stitch Red campaign because when Laura at Jimmy Bean's Wool asked, we knew it was the right thing to do. Ten of eleven employees have been touched by heart disease here at Blue Sky. With this disease affecting so many near and dear, becoming a part of Stitch Red was a great way for the whole Blue Sky staff to become involved in awareness and prevention.

Blue Sky Alpacas had already designed the Techno yarn in Cha-Cha Red [featured above] when we were invited to participate in the Stitch Red campaign. We felt that Techno Cha-Cha Red was perfectly suited to Stitch Red because of its duality. Techno is new technology; the latest advancement in how it is possible to create yarn. Blue Sky thinks all knitters and crocheters deserve the latest and greatest. We certainly feel that all people deserve the best technology when it comes to taking action to fight heart disease. Blue Sky Alpacas Techno may be new technology, but it is also yarn; used to make garments for centuries. Knitting and crocheting can be a slow task that takes time and perseverance. Much like heart health, you have to be committed, you have to want to be healthy. It takes time, but the results show one step stitch at a time.

The Blue Sky Staff is taking a heart healthy step in the right direction. We try and go for a walk together everyday. That time sure flies by when you have good friends to chat yarn with! It's always easier to do something difficult when you aren't alone.

Here at Blue Sky our hearts melt for the newest member of the Blue Sky Family! Jones [the handsome alpaca shown here] joined the herd in late February and we just cannot get enough of him.

If you love the cardigan shown above, you'll be pleased to know that this Stitch Red pattern and the Stitch Red Techno yarn in Cha Cha Red it's shown in are available together in kit form here. Just find your size to purchase the pattern and all the yarn you need for this cardigan. And, of course, 5% of Blue Sky Alpaca's gross profits from sales of both the pattern AND the yarn will go to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health in support of The Heart Truth®.

Classic Elite Yarns with Heart Healthy Hats and Love of Dance

Betsy from Classic Elite Yarns signed up with the Stitch Red campaign early and her fabulous company has already come out with several lovely red yarns AND a free pattern (shown below) for our enjoyment. We recently asked her about her involvement in Stitch Red and how she gets her heart racing.

The Healthy Heart Hat

Why did you choose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign? There is a long history of heart disease in my family, so along with a general bent towards doing the right thing, this cause is personal to me and my family. Many in my father’s generation succumbed to the disease at a very early age. My generation is doing much better, but we still watch for warning signs because of our genes.

What products have you created for the Stitch Red campaign? We are coming up with new things every day! Our designated yarns are Magnolia, a lustrous silk and wool blend, and Silky Alpaca Lace, our flagship laceweight silk blend. Look for kits featuring two of our most popular designs, the Lacy Scarf and the Empress Wrap in Silky Alpaca Lace and Magnolia respectively. 

We also have some free patterns coming up in our weekly Web-Letter; we kicked it off with a Valentine’s Day pattern from our very own Meg Myers, the Healthy Heart Hat in two colors of Magnolia. We have a few other projects lined up, but they’re top secret for now! You’ll have to sign up for the Web-Letter to find out. 

Betsy and her granddaughter

What gets your heart racing? I love to dance, but I’m married to someone who doesn’t share the passion. But now I have a 6-year old granddaughter who loves to dance – and she has become my dancin’ partner! We turn up the funky music (her favorite) and just do whatever we feel like. It’s a blast! Everyone should try dancing with a 6-year old – it’s a very exhilarating experience!! (She danced with enthusiasm as a 4- and 5-year old too; I’m hoping the dancing bug will last well into her adulthood.)

Thanks, Betsy! 

If you love Classic Elite Yarns, stay tuned for their NEW addition to the Stitch Red campaign, Alpaca Sox in a deep, rich red. We will be featuring this new product very soon!

Lindabelinda Talks Heart Health and Creative Design

This week we interviewed Dr. Linda Ruggiero, of Lindabelinda Ceramics. As an independent designer who has pledged to donate 100% of gross profits from the sale of her Stitch Red buttons, we wanted to know what her thoughts were on the Stitch Red campaign, heart health and her commitment to the cause. Check out her heart-warming answers below.

Why did you choose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign?

"I am a huge advocate for promoting awareness through craft. I support several initiatives in this way, and when I learned about the Stitch Red Campaign, I was immediately on board. Having grown up with a father who suffered two heart attacks during my childhood, followed by triple bypass surgery and implantation of a pacemaker, I am well aware of the prevalence and dangers of heart disease. I am also a firm believer in preventative health care, and I try to demonstrate this in my own lifestyle with a daily yoga practice and a healthy diet. I also believe that preventative care is made possible through education, and I support Stitch Red for its commitment to that."

What was your inspiration behind your Stitch Red product? 

"As an avid knitter and ceramicist, I enjoy combining clay and fiber arts in different ways. One way is through the creation of handmade ceramic buttons, which can be functional findings for knitwear, as well as aesthetic, decorative accessories. When I learned of the Stitch Red Campaign, I decided to design a line of heart-shaped red buttons embossed with a feminine floral design. The buttons are also available in a simple round shape, with the same color scheme and design."

What's your heart healthy tip? 

"I believe it is most important to reduce stress in one's life as much as possible. I have learned through both personal experience and through my training as a neuroscientist that stress reduction is accomplished through positive emotions, and so I believe that everyone should do one thing a day for themselves. Life should be enjoyable - and so often we get caught up in routines and deadlines and neglect taking care of our own interests and happiness. Giving to one's self is important - it allows us to better give to others and makes us healthier individuals - both physically and emotionally."

What gets your heart racing?  

"I am most thrilled when I  am learning new skills or having novel experiences. I love to travel and to see how others implement crafts in their daily lives. I also love working with children - particularly in creative settings. Kids are so free and uninhibited - they come up with the most exciting ideas. And I adore the pride that children take in work they have made themselves. They are the best teachers."

Thank you Linda, for your generous (and beautiful) contributions to the campaign and for your insight. We're proud to have you on board.

If you would like more information on Linda, please visit her custom-design website here, or her Etsy page, here.

For those of you who live in and around Reno, don't forget to stop by Jimmy Beans Wool at 6:00 tonight for our monthly Stitch Red Knit Night, where University of Nevada, Reno Graduate Research Assistant, Heidi Lengdorfer will discuss her most recent research on local trends involving heart disease, and the most effective ways women can reduce their risk. Bring your knitting, a friend, and any questions you might have. This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

-The Stitch Red Team

Local Yarn Store Crafting Healthy Hearts With Monthly Stitch Red Knit Night Educational Series

Presenter to Talk Trends & Provide Risk Reduction Tips for Heart Disease   

Reno, Nev. (March 21, 2012) – University of Nevada, Reno Graduate Research Assistant, Heidi Lengdorfer, is joining Jimmy Beans Wool, local retailer of yarn and fabric, to educate women about cardiovascular disease and how they can protect their heart health. The free Stitch Red Knit Night event will take place on Tuesday, April 3^rd at 6 pm and is part of an ongoing educational series focusing on heart health hosted monthly at Jimmy Beans Wool’s retail location at 1312 Capital Blvd. #103 in Southeast Reno.

Stitch Red Knit Night is part of a high-profile nationwide heart disease awareness campaign, Stitch Red, founded by Jimmy Beans Wool and supported by a majority of manufacturers and retailers in the Needlearts Industry. The campaign is driving efforts to draw attention to heart disease, help women understand the risk factors for the disease and encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles so they can protect their heart health.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States and the Needlearts industry is made up of 98% women, so we need to draw attention to this deadly illness and help make the fiber community and women everywhere aware of their risks and informed on how to lead healthier lives,” said Laura Zander, owner of Jimmy Beans Wool. 

Lengdorfer is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health and is writing her thesis on the public health implications of heart disease for women in Nevada. She will discuss noteworthy heart disease and cardiovascular disease trends; showcase how Nevada and Washoe County stack up to the U.S. in heart disease trends; explain gender differences in cardiovascular disease; and draw attention to risk factors and provide tips on ways to reduce risk for heart disease.   

“As a knitter, a customer of Jimmy Beans Wool, as well as a public health graduate student, I was excited by the opportunity to speak about the threat of heart disease to other women who share my interests and bring awareness to my own community, said Lengdorfer. “I hope to encourage other women to protect their heart and vascular health for longer, happier lives."

Attendees of the Stitch Red Knit Night will be able to preview and purchase official Stitch Red products for which a percentage of gross profits will benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) in support of The Heart Truth^®, a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). For more information about the Stitch Red Knit Night and to reserve your spot, please call 775-827-9276 or email info@stitchred.com.

About Stitch Red

Stitch Red is supported by a majority of manufacturers and vendors in the Needlearts industry who are creating unique Stitch Red products for which a percentage of gross profits will benefit the FNIH in support of The Heart Truth^®, a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease, sponsored by the NHLBI. Additionally, Jimmy Beans Wool has written a book, Knit Red, which features 30 celebrity designers sharing patterns and personal stories and will be released in June of 2012. Stitch Red Knit Nights are being hosted by Jimmy Beans Wool and other local yarn stores across the country. A percentage of gross profits from Knit Red and Stitch Red Knit Nights will also benefit FNIH in support of The Heart Truth^®. 

About Jimmy Beans Wool

Jimmy Beans Wool is a yarn and fabric retailer offering knitters, crocheters and sewers worldwide a comprehensive selection of the finest yarns and fabrics along with the latest fashion trends. As a market leader in its multi-billion dollar industry, Jimmy Beans Wool takes an innovative, unparalleled approach to marketing. It is the first-ever official yarn, knitting and crochet supplier to U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing and is responsible for the national industry-wide Stitch Red campaign against heart disease in women. The store has been awarded an excellent rating from StellaService for its outstanding customer service reputation and has been named three times to the Inc. 5000, Inc. Magazine's List of Fastest Growing Private Companies in the U.S. It has also been featured on CNN, NPR, Forbes and in the New York Times.

About The Heart Truth^® Campaign
The Heart Truth^® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease and is sponsored by the NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through the campaign, the NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by the NHLBI. The Red Dress^® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.  To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov.

® The Heart Truth and The Red Dress are registered trademarks of HHS. Participation by Jimmy Beans Wool and Stitch Red partners does not imply endorsement by HHS/NIH/NHLBI.