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 the Shibaguyz Blog 

Upcoming BARN Workshops

11/11/2020

 

Food & Fiber Arts Classes at BARN

Hey there folx! We are thrilled beyond words to be back in the grooooooove of teaching again and we wanted to let you know about a new venue for us that we have LOVED working on. The Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) is a non-profit community center for artisans and makers and serves as a creative hub for many on Bainbridge Island and throughout our home base region in the Pacific Northwest. Here in Seattle, we are a quick but STUNNING ferry ride to Bainbridge Island so we were fortunate enough to hook up with the programing folx in their fiber arts program to plan out a series of yarn and fabric based classes before the pandemic shook everything up. Luckily, when we approached the folx at BARN about virtual programming, they were already headed in that direction and we worked with them to adapt our classes and workshops to fit this new way of interacting with our students and their members.
Now, after several wonderfully successful sessions, we have added cooking classes (YES!!) to our BARN schedule including Jason's Miracle Bread and our killer read sauce. Look for more details about those cooking classes on our Classes Page HERE and make sure you are signed up for our NEWSLETTER HERE to stay up on the latest.

Today, however, we want to give you all a heads up about four workshops in the fiber arts studio of BARN; two of which are coming up very soon!
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Killer Red Sauce Cooking Class

Yup… we're teaching cooking classes at BARN too! This is a live, virtual hands-on cooking class from the comfort of your own kitchen. Make our KILLER Red Sauce that you can serve that night or freeze and eat later with the family. Think of this like one of our Fun Food Friday shows only you get to eat at the end of this one! Follow along, ask questions, interact with others just like you would if you were in the BARN Kitchen.
Killer Red Sauce Cooking Class at BARN

Kogin Sashiko Essentials

If you've taken any of our sashiko or boro classes, this is a whole different branch of sashiko that we have not presented in class before. Just like our other sashiko essential classes, there is no experience necessary. You will receive a kit with all of the fabric, thread, floss, and tools you need to create your very first kogin pieces.

As we said, kogin is a completely different branch of sashiko than the hitomezashi and moyouzashi sashiko styles we have taught in the past and it definitely deserves its own class. Don't wait too long on this one. We expect this to sell out fast. You know what to do… click that button below and save your spot. Today!
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Kogin Sashiko Essentials at BARN

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Visible Mending

You all asked for it… so here it is! This is the return of our visible mending workshop we did a few months ago at BARN. We're covering patched and woven mends as well as those tricky patches for knits. Come learn how to do more than just patch those fabrics… give them new life with just the right stitches to make them functional works of art.

This sold out last time so smash that button below and save your spot today!
Visible Mending at BARN

Pepper Jelly Cooking Class

Another cooking class, this one is all about the nectar of the gods… also known as our pepper jelly. Make is spicy with a kick, sweet and mild, or somewhere in the middle, you are going to want to keep this on hand year round for basting meats, as a condiment on your favorite sandwiches, or as a way to dress up your party dips. Join us an make your very own gorgeous batch of this addictive concoction.
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Pepper Jelly Cooking Class at BARN

If you haven't heard of BARN before, be sure to check out their full website (while you're there signing up for one of our classes) to learn more about this gem right here in the Pacific Northwest that now, thanks to their virtual platform, you all can experience from all over the world!

If you have any questions about the logistics of the workshops, contact the BARN folx via their website or drop us a note here via our contact form and we'll get you where you need to go to answer your question.

For now, go… enroll… and we'll see you all in the virtual classroom!

STITCH ON!!
S&J

New Crochet Just in Time for Fall!

9/1/2020

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It's Time for a Crochet Wardrobe Refresh

Yes, we know. It's just the first of September. But we are big fans of Fall and the temps have been down in the 50's here at night so we're calling it. Fall wardrobe refresh season is here! Even though the daytime temps prevent us from wrapping up in cozy layers, we all know it takes a bit of time to gather the materials and actually make new crochet garments sooooo… no time like the present to get started!
For this season, we present four new crochet patterns that range from light and layerable to downright cozy. Here's a quick look at all four. Click through the photos for a more detailed look at the sizing and materials specs.

This cabled cardigan is the next showpiece in your crochet wardrobe. The luxe crochet cables ensure that you will stay engaged with this pattern from start to finish and the resulting fabric will keep you cozy on those chilly fall mornings and all through the coming winter. Design details like the generous hood and thumb openings transforming the sleeves into hand and wrist warmers will make this the wardrobe piece you reach for the most.
Crochet Cabled Cardigan
Crochet Cables that Little Red Riding Hood wishes she'd had.

Crochet Conch Top Pattern
Light and layerable to get you through those last days of summer.
The days might be growing cooler but some of us just aren't ready to let go of the summer vibes. With this light and layerable  crochet top, you can have both. The breezy fabric is fun to make and gives you just enough breathing room to enjoy those last fresh breezes of summer air. Don't put this one away! As the first leaves turn, you'll appreciate the added layering without feeling overwhelmed.

Y'all know we love to play with simple, geometric shapes to create wearable, fashionable garments. This crochet top was in a series of experiments that resulted in our book Crochet Geometry. The  ultimate versatile piece  for your crochet wardrobe, this top is easy to make, easy to construct, and so easy to wear… on just about any body type. You're going to want more than one of these as it will definitely be your year-round
go-to essential
for your crochet wardrobe.
Quad Top Crochet Pattern
A year-round essential for your crochet wardrobe.

Crochet Motif Duster Pattern
A crochet style throw back that never went out of style.
We do love a good crochet motif and we love love LOVE a duster. Throw those two together into a 70's inspired vibe and we're in heaven. We paired solid crochet fabric on the top to lend stability to the join-as-you-go motifs along the body of this light and wearable long top. You don't have to want to pack up your camper van to wear this light-weight top. Pick the colors that work for you and make this another
crochet wardrobe staple that will serve you well year round.

We hope you all love wearing these as much as we loved designing them. Click through the photos above to go to the individual pattern pages. As always, we appreciate your support of our studio by purchasing our patterns. Be sure to tag us on social media at the links below to show us what you've made so we can help you celebrate!

STITCH ON!!
S&J


Crochet Cabled Hooded Cardigan - DIGITAL PATTERN

$7.50
Incredible cables adorn the edging and back of this cozy hooded cardigan with long sleeves that double as mitts with an opening for the thumb. If you love cables, this show stopping cardigan is the pattern you've been waiting for.


This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, cable charts and blocking schematic.


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SKILLS USED
 
  • Single crochet
  • Front post double crochet
  • Left leaning front post treble crochet
  • Right crossing front post treble cable
  • Left crossing front post treble cable
  • Increases
  • Blocking
  • Locking mattress stitch
  • Setting in a sleeve

SIZES
S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
To Fit Bust Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)” ”
Finshed Bust: 37 (41, 45, 49, 52. , 57, 60. , 65)” bust circumference with fronts overlapping for 4 (4. , 4. ,
5. , 5. , 6. , 6. , 7. )”. Sample shown measures 37”, modeled with 5” ease.
Length from Shoulder: 28 (28, 28.5, 29, 29, 29, 29.5, 29.5)”.

SKILL LEVEL
Advanced: Knowledge of Post Stitches and Cables

MATERIALS
Sample uses Valley Yarns Haydenville (distributed by WEBS) (60% superwash merino, 40% acrylic microfiber;
220 yd [201 m]/
3. oz [100 g]; ): #9 red, 14 (15, 17, 18,
20, 21, 23, 24) balls.

CROCHET HOOK
Hook Size 7 (4.50mm). Adjust hook size if needed to obtain correct gauge.

NOTIONS
Yarn needle

BLOCKED GAUGES
18 sts and 20 rows = 4” in sc patt;
21 sts and 21 rows = 4” in linen st patt.


Originally published as Crimson Hooded Cardigan
in Interweave Crochet Winter 2018
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Effortless QuadTop - Crochet Digital Pattern

$7.50

Crocheted from four rectangles, this crocheted top is a perfect addition to any ensemble. Made from fingering weight yarn, this top is easy to wear alone or with an undershirt.



Crocheters new to the craft will appreciate the simplicity of the stitching. Advanced stitchers will certainly welcome the visual interest sported by the final sewn garment.



This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, stitch charts, and blocking schematic.



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STITCHES USED:

Double crochet

Foundation double crochet (Fdc):

Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc)

1-over-2 pulled double crochet cross (pulled dc cross) (worked over 3 sts): 



SIZES

S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)



FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Bust Circumference: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)”. 

Finshed Bust: 30¾ (34, 38¼, 41¾, 46, 49½ , 53, 57¼ )”

Sample shown measures 36” bust.

To Fit Hip: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)”

Finished Hip: 32.5 (36, 41, 44.25, 49, 52.25, 56, 60.5)”



SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate



YARN 

Light/Fingering Weight



MATERIALS

Sample uses Malabrigo Sock (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 440 yd [402 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]; CYC #1): #SW800 Tiziano Red, 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8) hanks.



CROCHET HOOK

C/2 (2.75mm). 



NOTIONS

Yarn needle



BLOCKED GAUGES

6.63 sts and 2.88 rows = 1” in pattern stitch

53 sts = 8”; 23 rows = 8” in pattern stitch



Originally published as Courageous Caftan

in Love of Crochet Fall 2017

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The Conch Cardigan - Crochet Digital Pattern

$7.50

Wear it to the beach, in the garden, at the store, or anywhere you need a ready layering item. The easy fit and versatility of this dolman sleeved cardi makes it a FAB piece for any body type and just about any occasion.


This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, stitch charts, and blocking schematic.


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STITCHES USED:

Foundation single crochet (Fsc)

Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc)

Double crochet

Double crochet V-stitch (dc-v)

Half double crochet v-stitch (hdc-v)

Single crochet v-stitch (sc-v)


SIZES

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)”/76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5) cm

Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)”/86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5) cm

Cuff to Cuff: 44 (45, 47, 47.5, 49, 49, 51, 51)”/112 (114, 119.5, 120.5, 124.5, 124.5, 129.5, 129.5) cm


SKILL LEVEL

Advanced


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)"

Finished Bust: 38 (41, 44, 50, 53.5, 57, 63, 66, 69)"

Finished Length: 30.7 (30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 35, 35, 35, 35)"

Top Line: 38 (39.25, 41, 44, 45.5, 47, 50, 51.75, 53.5)"

Main Body Width: 19 (20.5, 22, 25, 26.75, 28.5, 31.5, 33, 34.5)"


YARN

Super Fine


MATERIALS

Sample uses Cascade Heritage Silk (85% Superwash Merino Wool/15% Silk); 3.5 ounces/100g = 437 yards/400

m): 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) balls in color Storm Blue #5675— 2185 (2185, 2622, 2622, 3059, 3059, 3496, 3496)

yards/2000 (2000, 2400, 2400, 2800, 2800, 3200, 3200) meterss of super fine yarn


CROCHET HOOK

2.25mm (size B-1) and 3.25mm (size D-3) or size to obtain gauge


NOTIONS

Yarn needle


BLOCKED HANGING GAUGE

10 V-sts and 18 rows = 4” with larger hook in patt; back lace insert =

7 (7, 7, 7, 8. , 8. , 8. , 8. )” wide.


Originally published as Conch Cardigan

in Interweave Crochet Summer 2017

Shop

Motif Duster - Crochet Digital Pattern

$7.50

There are two things the Shibaguyz really love: Dusters, and the 70's. When we were asked to create this 70's inspired duster for Interweave Crochet Magazine, we were in heaven!


We think you will be in heaven too when you see how fast this garment comes together. The "flowers" are made from a fun bobble stitch in all join-as-you-go crochet (so no seaming needed there...). The top section is a simple sc/Hdc pattern stitch that even newbies will find fun to work up. We also give you all the instructions you need to be able to change yarns in the round.


This digital download includes the full crochet pattern in PDF format with photos, charts, and blocking schematic.


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SKILLS USED:

Single crochet (sc)

Half double crochet (hdc)

Foundation single crochet (Fsc)

Extending foundation single crochet (foundation sc as used for extending rows) (Ext-Fsc)

Linked first double crochet (Linked first-dc)

5 double crochet bobble (5-dc bobble)

Joining with new color


SIZES

S ( M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)”

To Fit Bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)”.

Sample shown measures 36”, modeled with 4” of ease in the bust.

Cuff to Cuff: 24 (26, 28.25, 32, 34, 38, 40, 42.25)”

Finished Length from Shoulder: 40.5 (41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44)”


SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate


YARN

Light


MATERIALS

Sample uses Yarn Cascade Yarns Roslyn (65% superwash merino wool, 35% silk; 382.76 yd [350 m]/3.5 oz

[100 g]; CYC #3): #06 Deep Red, #03 Sand, #05 Gold, #13 Olive, 1 skein each.

Cascade Yarns Hampton (70% Pima Cotton, 30% linen; 273 yd [250 m]/31/2 oz [100 g]; #08 Ecru (MC), 4 (4, 5,

5, 6, 6, 7, 8) hanks.


CROCHET HOOK

E/4 (3.50mm).


NOTIONS

Yarn needle, 3/8” clasp closure


BLOCKED GAUGES

Motif = 4.5 x 4.5”

31 sts = 7”; 21 rows = 6”; 4.43 sts = 1”; 3.5 rows = 1” in hdc/sc patt with larger hook.



Shop
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PRIDE Month 2020

6/26/2020

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A Brief History: Pride Project 2020

Happy Pride!!

​Every year as June rolls around, we take time to reflect on our LGBTQIA community: to consider how far we’ve come, how far we have to go, and to pay our respects to the folx who lead our community now and those who came before us who made it possible for us to celebrate Pride Month.
 
From the Mattachine Society and the Society for Human Rights, the Daughters of Bilitis and the homophile movement, to the Stonewall Riots and the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. The Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activist Alliance, ACTUP, GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ Freedom Fund, the Black AIDS Institute, the Transgender Law Center, and Trevor Project… we could write rich volumes about each of these organizations… and so many more like them. (FYI, those last two sentences would make a great jumping off point for internet searches to learn more about the LGBTQIA community.) LGBTQIA organizations and the leaders who marched, threw bricks, fought, wrote, sang, chanted, and gave their lives for us are the reason we are able to be open and proud of who we are. We have a long way to go… but we have most definitely come a long way.
 
This year for Pride, we decided to focus on one of the most prominent symbols of the LGBTQIA community: The Pride Flag. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all of the flags representing all aspects of our community. Instead we started from the end (we’ll get to that in a minute) and worked our way backward to show you how we got to the final Pride flag that inspired us to create the project at the end of this post.

​The original Pride flag created in 1978 was designed by fashion and textile artist Gilbert Baker at the request of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Gilbert was known for his activism through fashion which, by itself, is a fascinating read… definitely a rabbit hole worth going down.
 
The Gilbert Baker flag, consisting of eight stripes, was first flown in the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco for the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade.
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​Since that first flag, there have been several revisions, including one where the top stripe was removed due to the lack of available hot pink fabric… ain’t that always the way?

​The Pride flag most familiar to those of us of *ahem* a certain age… would be the flag with six stripes. Personally, this version of the Pride flag has adorned our clothes as patches, pins, painting, and sequins. We have worn it as face paint, body paint (those were the days!), temporary tattoos, hats, socks, um… other things one would wear on one’s body (those were the nights…)
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​Monica Helms, a trans woman, activist, author, and Navy veteran, designed the Transgender Pride flag in August 1999. The flag flew for the first time the following year at a Phoenix, AZ pride celebration. In her own words: “The stripes at the top and bottom are light blue, the traditional color for baby boys. The stripes next to them are pink, the traditional color for baby girls. The strip in the middle is white, for those who are intersex, transitioning, or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender. The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it is always correct, signifying us finding correctness in our lives.”

​The Inclusive Pride flag was created in 2017 in response to the LGBTQIA community of Philadelphia coming to terms with racism in the LGBTQIA community as a whole. At that time, Amber Hikes, then the ED of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, created a design that added the black and brown stripes to the top of the flag as both a way to represent the voice of non-white members of the LGBTQIA community and to raise awareness and start a conversation about the issue of racism within our community.
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​While there are many other flags that represent the diverse communities that falls under the umbrella of the LGBTQIA community, these are the ones that lead us up to the topic of today’s post. ​

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The Progress Pride flag was created by graphic artist Daniel Quasar as a result of their desire to create a flag that included wider representation within the LGBTQIA community. As a result, we have the flag that inspired our project!
​In the designer’s own words on their site:
 
“When the Pride flag was recreated in 2017 and 2018 to include both black/brown stripes, as well as the trans stripes, I wanted to see if there could be more emphasis in the design of the flag to elevate its meaning.
 
The 6 stripe LGBTQ flag should be separated from the newer stripes because of their difference in meaning, as well as to shift focus and emphasis to what is important in our current community climate. The main section of the flag includes the traditional 6 stripe LGBTQ flag as seen in its most widely used form so as not to take away from its original meaning
 
The trans flag stripes and marginalized community stripes were shifted to the Hoist of the flag and given a new arrow shape. The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress still needs to be made.”

​And that brings us to our Pride 2020 project! Obviously, the design is taken from the Progress Pride Flag… and, yes, we contacted the designer to let them know about our project and this post. We are not selling this design. It is, instead, a way for us to pay homage to all of those who have come before us and all those who are with us now. This is the new standard under which we will rally to march, celebrate, and live as our truest selves.
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We were raised as newbies in the community under the six stripe Pride flag. As a result, that flag will always represent the banner we rallied under as we marched, laughed, cried, danced, mourned, fought, loved, and declared our rights to exist as LGBTQIA humans. We will always feel a sense of Pride and empowerment when we see that flag flying. ​
But times change and flags change. The LGBTQIA community must continue to expand and open ourselves to uplift the voices of and give representation to ALL of the folx within our community. As we grow and learn how to uplift the voices of ALL of our community, the creative folx within our ranks will come up with new physical incarnations of that resulting PRIDE.
If one more person can look up at this Pride flag feel the same elation we have felt when we saw our first Pride flags, if one more person feels moved to march, dance, fight, laugh, or cry beneath this banner of Pride, then WE. ARE. HERE. FOR. IT!
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Who knows what yet unheard voice out there might create and lift up as the next evolution of the representation of the diversity and unity of our FAB LGBTQIA community? Indeed… who knows?

Here's a little video documenting the making of our Pride 2020 Project (and, of course, Shannon's new nail color).

Happy Pride to all of the amazing, fantastic, gorgeous, FAB members of the LGBTQIA community. We love you all and stand proudly next to you as we move forward into our futures.

STITCH ON!!
S&J
Big shout out to some of the folx who made this project possible:

Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics for donating all of their FAB fabric - check out Karla's work here:
Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabrics

​Daniel Quasar for their permission to use their Progress Pride Flag design - check out their work here:
Progress Initiative
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They/Them Pullover

6/25/2020

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More Than Just a Gender-Inclusive Design

It may look like just a crochet pullover to you, but, for us, it is a statement of power. A statement of independence from the arbitrary binary masculine roles we were taught to play out our entire lives.

"Don't be a sissy!"

“Boys don’t wear pink.”

“Don’t you want something a little less… feminine?”


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“Grow a pair!

"Man up!”

“You look like a f*ggot.”



“Real men <insert something here which arbitrarily defines what a "REAL MAN" is by what that real man does>."

“Real men <insert something here which arbitrarily defines what a "REAL MAN" is by what that real man does not do>.“


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After having grown up hearing these and, frankly, much worse, we had shrunk into the “norms” that society had held up to us as part of our masculine roles we were to play. The more we fit in, the less likely we were to be yelled at, beaten up, harassed, or possibly hospitalized. This is the act we learn to put on from a very young age. We learn from our families. We learn from our teachers. We learn from our classmates. We learn from TV, movies, books, our neighbors, the people we work with… we learn our lessons and we learn them well. We swallow our feelings and deny our true nature. And we learn to exist… sometimes even with a smile on our faces. After a while, that life becomes the norm and, suddenly, you’re 40-50 years down the road and you’ve learned your lessons so well that you’ve forgotten who you really are. That realization is a kick in the gut.
For years, we have tried to break out of the arbitrary gender binary with our design work but, according to the folx paying for our work, non-gendered or uni-sex designs just wouldn’t work for their magazine/yarn/books. So, all of those designs we gendered according to the arbitrary binary and published as such. To be clear, working for other companies in the fiber arts industry barely pays the bills and selling your work on your own even less so. So we justified it all by saying that we just had to do what we had to do to pay the bills. Once again, we swallowed our pride and learned our lessons… and we did the work to pay the bills. After a while, paying the bills and building a business become the norm and we learned your lessons so well that we forgotten who we set out to be. That realization was, again… a kick in the gut.
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This one design, the They/Them Pullover was us finally breaking the bars of our binary cage. It was, at least, a first step. The journey of creating this design and having Jason wear it on the stage at STITCHES West a year and a half ago was a long one that ultimately culminated in us doing our Tale of the Purple Zebra talk at that same event a year later and to Shannon coming out as gender queer and using they/them & he/him pronouns. Yeah… don’t think his therapist missed out on the symbolism of testing the waters with a design surrogate before kicking down the gender closet doors a year later wearing a sparkly gold tux dress and high-heeled, knee high boots on stage.
While a pink and black crochet pullover with a non-binary name might not seem like that big of a deal to a lot of folx, for us, it was a triumph in our own journey to realize who we really were as designers and as humans. It was the first monumental step that shook the foundations of our lives and put us on a path that we’ve been trying to get back to for a very long, exhausting time. For me, Shannon, it was a sigh of relief that I no longer had to hide who I was. And I’m telling you, seeing my husband, Jason, proudly wearing that pullover on the stage at STITCHES West was one of the most life affirming events of my 50+ years on this planet. Plus… he looks really good in it… don’t ya think? Yeah the leather pants don’t hurt at all.

Happy Pride Month everyone! To our LGBTQIA community, we love you, and we are proud to stand with you.

STITCH ON!!
S&J

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Photos of Jason on stage taken by the talented Kellie Nuss Photography used with permission of STITCHES Events.
Yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts… we know… it's pretty amazing!


If you'd like to make your own They/Them Pullover, click on the link below!

They-Them Crocheted Pullover - DIGITAL PATTERN Size Small-5X

$7.50
Add to Cart

Fashion is meant for EVERY body regardless of gender

Designed by the Shibaguyz – Shannon & Jason Mullett-Bowlsby, the They/Them Pullover is a gender neutral pullover that is perfect for him or her or they or them. This design features fabric made in a Half Double Herringbone crochet stitch with a large cowl neck collar, easy slip stitch shaping at the neckline, and the arms are crocheted long enough to become handwarmers, just insert your thumbs into the openings and you’re good to go.


You can customize this design to fit your body, your life, and your style and make your own kit with NEW colors of Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock yarn available from Needlepoints West.


SKILLS USED

  • Foundation herringbone half double crochet
  • Linked first half double crochet
  • Herringbone half double crochet
  • Increases
  • Carrying yarn up the side of work
  • Blocking
  • Locking mattress stitch
  • Setting in a sleeve


SIZES

S (M, L, 1X, 2X {Sample Size}, 3X, 4X, 5X)

To Fit Chest: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/ 86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25, 147.25) cm

Sample shown to fit chest 48”/122 cm


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 58)”/86.25 (96.5, 106.75, 116.75, 122, 127, 137.25,

147.25) cm

Finished Chest Circumference: 38.25 (42.25, 46.25, 50, 52, 54, 58, 62)”/ 96.5 (106.75, 117, 127, 132, 137.25,

147.25, 157.5) cm

Finished length from shoulder: 28.75 (29.5, 29.75, 30, 30, 30.25, 30.5, 30.5)”/ 73 (75, 76.25, 76.25, 76.25,

77, 77.5, 77.5) cm

Neckline Width: 9.5 (10.5, 10.5, 11.25, 11.25, 11.5, 12.25, 12.5)”/ 24 (27, 27, 28.5, 28.5, 29.25, 31, 31.75) cm


MATERIALS and TOOLS

Sample uses Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Soft Rock (100% Superwash Merino; 4 ounces/113g = 500 yards/475 m):

3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color F*ck Cancer and 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls in color #Survivor—3000 (4000,

4000, 4000, 4000, 4000, 5000, 5000) total yards/2743.25 (3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 3657.5, 4572,

4572) total meters of fingering weight yarn; 18 WPI; CYCA 1

Crochet hook: 2.75mm (size C-2) or size to obtain gauge

Yarn needle

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Ten-grain Bread Recipe

5/21/2020

 

A Homemade Ten Grain Sandwich Loaf?
Yes, Please!

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Some of the best things in life are quite often the most simple things. Take, for instance, this whole wheat bread. It's a simple recipe, but one that yields a beautiful loaf of bread that's perfect for toast, sandwiches, and just enjoying with butter and jam.

(Note from Shannon: Or peanut butter… I like to rip off chunks of this bread and slather them with peanut butter. Okay… back to Jason's recipe.)

For this recipe we chose to use a combination of 50% bread flour and 50% half whole wheat flour. This makes a loaf that is wonderfully chewy, but not overly dense – as 100% whole wheat can sometimes be. The addition of the 10 Grain Hot Cereal Mix adds a delicious nutty quality and great toothy character.

We baked our loaves shaped into a torpedo right on a pizza stone, but this loaf will be just as good baked in a loaf pan. That choice is yours.

I'm sure most of you will agree that nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked loaf of bread, and we hope you take a little time to make this one. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Baking!
the Shibaguyz
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What you need:
1½ Cups Bread Flour PLUS 2-3 Tbsp for kneading. 
1½  Cups Whole Wheat Flour
½ Cup Bob's 10 Grain Hot Cereal Mix
2 Tbsp Honey
2 tsp Sugar
2 tsp Salt
​2½ tsp (1 packet) Quick Rise Yeast 

¼ Cup Powdered Milk
1 to 1½ Cups Lukewarm Water
½ Cup Hot Water

Directions:
Part One: The Night Before
Make Your "Sponge"
  • In a mixing bowl combine 1½ Cups Bread Flour and 1½  Cups Whole Wheat Flour.
  • Split  and set aside half of the flour mixture.
  • Add Sugar and 1 tsp of yeast to the first half of the flour, mix well.
  • add 1 Cup room temperature water to this mixture and mix till smooth.
  • In the second half of the flour, add remaining yeast, stir, then mix in the salt.
NOTE: DO NOT PUT SALT DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE YEAST. IT WILL KILL IT.
  • Pour the dry mixture over the wet and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Sit the bowl on the counter overnight. In the morning you will see the wet mixture has bubbled up through the dry... this is good.
Part Two: Lets Make Bread
Make the Dough
  • Mix Hot Water and Honey together in a bowl or 1 cup glass measuring cup.
  • Pour 10 Grain mix into water and stir.
  • Allow to set for at least 30 min.
  • Add the wet 10 grain mixture and any remaining liquid, and the Powdered Milk to the Flour mixture.
  • Install a dough hook to your KitchenAid or food processor and knead for 5-7 minutes, until dough comes together in a smooth(ish) ball. You may need to add a few Tbsp of flour if the mixture is too wet, or dd a few Tbsp of water if the mixture is too dry.  Dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl, but not be crumbly.
  • Allow the mixture to rest covered for 30 min.
  • Knead dough for 10 minutes in your machine OR 20 minutes by hand. This is a hefty dough, so if you have a machine with a bread hook, now's the time to pull it out...
  • Place dough in a bowl that has been greased with butter or oil and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Allow dough to rise in a draft free part of your kitchen. I recommend the microwave for this.
  • ​When dough has risen to 2X its original size take it out of the bowl, stretch it gently and fold in thirds.
  • Replace in the bowl, cover and allow to rise again.
  • When Dough has risen again to 2X its original size remove from the bowl and split into 2 loaves.  You can shape these into any shape you like, I prefer a Torpedo shape (think football for you Americans out there).
  • Place shaped loaves on parchment paper or on a baking sheet and allow to rise until puffy and springy (about 30 min, or until your oven is nice and hot. Speaking of that...
​Part Three: Baking
Get these puppies in the oven!

While loaves are rising
  • Pre-Heat your oven to 425°F  (218C)
  • If you have a bread stone or pizza stone, heat it in the oven on the middle rack.
  • Place an ovenproof pan/skillet on the bottom rack and allow to pre-heat with the oven.
  • When bread is risen, slash the top with a sharp razor or knife and brush on a light egg wash (1 egg and 1Tbsp water).
  • Place bread directly on the bread stone or place parchment lined baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven... 
  • At the same time pour 1 cup of ice into the hot pan in the bottom of the oven... close the door quickly. The steam created will give your bread a nice toothy crust.
  • Bake for 30-35 min or until crust is deep golden brown and bread should hollow when thumped (an instant read thermometer will read 190° to 200°F ).
  • Place bread on a wire rack to cool.

Eat and Enjoy
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Complete Crochet Course - Autographed Copy

$29.95
From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner to experienced pro.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Shop

Sashiko Vest #1 Digital Pattern

$15.00

Literally meaning "little stabs" or "little pierce", Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. We added Sashiko stitching elements to a vest based on Japanese patching technique, Boro to complete this design.


Boro came to predominately signify clothing worn by the peasant farming classes in the Edo era of Japan who mended their garments with spare fabric scraps out of economic necessity. A boro garment would most likely be handed down over generations, eventually resembling a patchwork after decades of mending. Only in the modern era are we beginning to see the care and beauty of these textiles.


Sashiko Vest #1 is a long vest sewn using Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric cotton cloth, then hand stitched in various Sashiko patterns using The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection from Aurifil Thread.


Fabric: Body - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric in Indigo. 

Patches - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric from fat quarters in various colors.

Sashiko Stitching - Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby hand stitched Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (where the pattern emerges from the alignment of single stitches made on a grid) then the garment pieces are machine sewn.


Pattern includes: 

Instructions for making the vest in Sizes Small through 5X and doing the sashiko stitching.

Fabric amounts for all sizes

Detailed schematics, stitching instructions for the vest and for the sashiko embellishments



SIZES 

Small (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) 

To Fit Measured Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" / 81.3 (91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1, 142.2, 152.4)cm 

To Fit Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" / 86.4 (96.5, 106.7, 116.8, 127.0, 137.2, 147.3, 157.5)cm 


SKILL LEVEL 

Intermediate 


MATERIALS 

Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric 

2 YDs (3 YD for XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X) 

-Back Panel 

-Front Panels 

-Collar Panels 

-Sides Panels 


10 fat quarters in various colors for patches 

PLUS Two more fat quarters in the same color for the F Patch 1 (left and right) 


Sewing Machine 


Sashiko Notions 

Sashiko Thread 

Sashiko Needle and Thimble 

Sashiko Pattern Templates 


Not Required, but will make it easier 

Plastic grid 

Circular plastic grid 

Washable or heat removable White Marking Pen from Clover 

Washable Blue fabric marking pen(s) 

Serger/Overlock 

Shop

Limited Edition Crochet Collection Stitchip - Signed by the Designers

$20.00
Fill your library with innovation, inspiration, and instruction. Each Stitchip contains a COMPLETE pattern collection in a credit-card- sized USB drive.

​We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite crochet patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
​
Crocheters in search of sophisticated designs will find what they’re looking for in this chic, contemporary collection of 12 crochet patterns. 

This Limited Edition Collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, and vests, all patterned in a wide range of sizes (most up to 3X and some up to 5X). We’ve also included two FAB shawls and two afghans to dress up your home décor.

​Patterns Included Are:
Chrysanthemum Shrug, 
Diamond Mandala Afghan/Wrap
Filigree Leaf Shrug
Infinity Squared Afghan
​London Tunic
Marsala Tunic
Men's Cabled Vest
Men's Hooded Vest
Ripples and Leaves Scarf
Spring Fling Top
Tiamat Shawlette
Women's Hooded Vest

To help master the skills needed to create these stunning items, these PDF patterns include stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 crochet patterns is a superb addition to any crocheter’s library. ​

These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).
​
​
​
Shop

Limited Edition Knit Collection Stitchip - Signed by the Designers

$20.00
Fill your library with innovation, inspiration, and instruction. Each Stitchip contains a COMPLETE pattern collection in a credit-card- sized USB drive.

​We are thrilled to offer 12 of our favorite knitting patterns on this limited edition stitchip.
​
Knitters in search of chic, stylish, and contemporary knitting patterns will love this Limited Edition Collection of 12 knitting patterns.

The collection consists of sweaters, pullovers, tanks, vests, and tunics patterned in a wide range of sizes (all to at least 3X, and the majority up to 5X). Stitch patterns range from easy stockinette stitch to exquisite cables and lace.
​
Included are:
Belted Knit Tunic
Lace Blocked Tunic
Drape Front Cardi
Cabled Pullover
Poncho Top 
Diamonds Knit Top
Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
Knit Cardi
Knit Tank
Lace Pullover
Men's Cabled Sweater
​Ribbed Edge Knit Vest

These PDF patterns include, stitch charts and schematics where appropriate, hyperlinks to various tutorials at ShibaguyzDesignz.com, bookmarks to major pattern sections for easy navigation, and many other fun extras. This exclusive collection of 12 knitting patterns is the perfect addition to any knitter’s library. ​

These patterns sell for $6 each individually... so this is a real bargain to be able to get 12 of our best patterns for only $20 per stitchip (that's a $72 value if you download each of these patterns separately).

The stitchip will be signed by Shannon and Jason then mailed to you... be sure to let us know to whom we should make the inscription to.
​
​
​
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Video Tutorial: Intro to Sashiko - Offset Running Stitch and Offset Crosses

5/16/2020

0 Comments

 

Introduction to Hitomezashi Sashiko

Offset Running Stitch and Offset Crosses

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If you've spent any time around our social media feeds or classes, you know we've been obsessed with sashiko. The history, the applications for strengthening and mending fabrics. Even quilting! Sashiko is now a permanent part of our creative lives.
Lately, folx have asked us for an introduction tutorial for sashiko… we can't blame y'all for being as excited to explore this fascinating Japanese mending and reinforcement technique as we are. So, to get y'all started, we've created a short video to introduce you to the basics of the sashiko Offset Running Stitch and Offset Crosses.
The offset running stitch and offset crosses are the basis for a profusion of other hitomezashi sashiko patterns and it makes a great stand-alone stitch for reinforcing or embellishing fabrics. Both stitches are perfect for fastening down patches and for layered patchwork and visible mending patches (like on Jason's jeans in the photo above). After all, sashiko IS visible mending! These two sashiko stitches are the first stitches all of our students learn in our live classes and now you can give them a try!
Links To The Tools We Use In The Video
Sashiko Needles 
Adjustable Ring Thimble with Plate
Thread Snips
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Thread: We recommend stitching with Aurifil 12 weight cotton thread instead of the "sashiko thread" you can find online and in some craft stores. And this particular thread in this video is our very own FAB Sashiko Essentials Collection from Aurifil thread!

Come find us on social media!


Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection

$77.00

FAB Sashiko Essentials by the Shibaguyz

Includes 6 large spools of Aurifil Cotton 12wt thread with 356 yds/325 m per spool

Colors Included

2024 – White

2740 – Dark Cobalt

2265 – Lobster Red

1240 – Very Dark Eggplant

1147 – Light Leaf Green

4657 – Tramanto a Zoagli (variegated)


Our FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection for Aurifil is the perfect starter pack of colors to set you on the right path for your sashiko projects. We use these thread in our classes and our book and personal sashiko and handsewing projects. However, we’ve also used these same threads for hand quilting, embroidery, and even cross stitcha nd machine embroidery. We picked the colors for this collection specifically to work across a wide range of projects and fabrics whether you want your threads to stand out for sashiko or blend in more for shading in embroidery and quilting.


If you’ve never worked with Aurifil thread before in your hand sewing and sashiko, do yourself a favor and try this essentials collection. You’ll find out very quickly why we only work with Aurifil thread: smooth thread that doesn't easily tangle or snag. Aurifil thread produces virtually no lint or thread dust to clog up your machines. We were hooked from the first samples we used and are now Aurifil Ambassadors and designers.


From the Aurifil Website

Aurifil’s 100% Cotton 12wt thread is the heaviest weight thread we offer and is perfect for hand applique, hand embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch, embellishment, handmade lace, machine applique, blanket stitch, machine embroidery (especially for designs that use a longer stitch length), machine art quilting, Sashiko, redwork, lower looper serging, and longarm quilting.


Uses

Hand applique, hand embroidery, hand quilting, cross stitch, embellishment and lace, machine applique, blanket stitch, buttonhole stitch, machine embroidery, machine art quilting, sashiko, redwork, lower looper serging, longarm quilting.


Needle Recommendations

·     Sashiko Needle (hand stitching)

·     100/16 or 90/14 Topstitch Needle (40wt in the bobbin)

·     4.5 Longarm Needle (28wt in the bobbin)


Tips

·     When using 12wt thread by machine, we recommend using a much thinner thread in the bobbin, like our 40wt.

·     When using in a Longarm machine, quilt slowly, using a longer stitch and silicone conditioner where necessary.

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Shibaguyz Mighty Ten Hand Sewing Essentials Thread Collection

$45.00

This new collection of 50wt thread is perfect for machine or hand sewing, and includes 10 small spools (164 yards, 150 meters) of glorious 100% long staple Egyptian cotton Aurifil thread.


Colors Included:

2692 - black

2024 - white

6711 - pewter

2260 - dark carmine red

5023 - medium green

5022 - mustard

2784 - dark navy

2770 - very light delft

4030 - plum

2395 - pumpkin spice (don’t judge us)



From the Aurifil Website

Aurifil’s 50wt thread is our most versatile and most popular Cotton thread. It is available in all 270 of our Cotton colors, and is wound on our iconic orange spool. The 50wt is strong and thin, and results in remarkably flat and crisp seams.


Uses

While it is wonderful for piecing, subtle quilting & topstitching, and English Paper Piecing it also works incredibly well for Needle Turn Applique, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, ZigZag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch,) Machine Embroidery, Dense Machine Quilting, Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting, Basting, Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting, and Dense Background Designs.


Needle Recommendations

Perfect for: Needle Turn Applique, English Paper Piecing, Hand Piecing, Bobbin and Machine Lace, Machine Applique (Straight Stitch, Zig

Zag, Blind Hem and Blanket Stitch,) Machine Embroidery, Dense Machine Quilting, Subtle Machine and Longarm Quilting, Basting, Whole Cloth and Micro Quilting, Dense Background Designs 

Shop

Sashiko Vest #1 Digital Pattern

$15.00

Literally meaning "little stabs" or "little pierce", Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching (or functional embroidery) from Japan. We added Sashiko stitching elements to a vest based on Japanese patching technique, Boro to complete this design.


Boro came to predominately signify clothing worn by the peasant farming classes in the Edo era of Japan who mended their garments with spare fabric scraps out of economic necessity. A boro garment would most likely be handed down over generations, eventually resembling a patchwork after decades of mending. Only in the modern era are we beginning to see the care and beauty of these textiles.


Sashiko Vest #1 is a long vest sewn using Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric cotton cloth, then hand stitched in various Sashiko patterns using The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials thread collection from Aurifil Thread.


Fabric: Body - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric in Indigo. 

Patches - Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric from fat quarters in various colors.

Sashiko Stitching - Shannon and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby hand stitched Hitomezashi Sashiko patterns (where the pattern emerges from the alignment of single stitches made on a grid) then the garment pieces are machine sewn.


Pattern includes: 

Instructions for making the vest in Sizes Small through 5X and doing the sashiko stitching.

Fabric amounts for all sizes

Detailed schematics, stitching instructions for the vest and for the sashiko embellishments



SIZES 

Small (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) 

To Fit Measured Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)" / 81.3 (91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1, 142.2, 152.4)cm 

To Fit Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" / 86.4 (96.5, 106.7, 116.8, 127.0, 137.2, 147.3, 157.5)cm 


SKILL LEVEL 

Intermediate 


MATERIALS 

Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric 

2 YDs (3 YD for XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X) 

-Back Panel 

-Front Panels 

-Collar Panels 

-Sides Panels 


10 fat quarters in various colors for patches 

PLUS Two more fat quarters in the same color for the F Patch 1 (left and right) 


Sewing Machine 


Sashiko Notions 

Sashiko Thread 

Sashiko Needle and Thimble 

Sashiko Pattern Templates 


Not Required, but will make it easier 

Plastic grid 

Circular plastic grid 

Washable or heat removable White Marking Pen from Clover 

Washable Blue fabric marking pen(s) 

Serger/Overlock 

Shop

Complete Crochet Course - Autographed Copy

$29.95
From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner to experienced pro.
Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills.
Shop
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Jason's Miracle Bread

4/13/2020

0 Comments

 

Few things are as simple as making bread.

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Long before humanity created the first alphabet, folx had discovered how to mix together flour, water, yeast, and salt to make nutrient rich loaves of bread. However, whether due to the artisan food movement or because of those photos posted by professional food accounts on social media of perfectly formed loaves of 12-grain bread created by milling their own flour from grain grown on their balcony in their studio apartment then fermented with wild yeast and baked in terracotta pans they made from clay in the desert during Burning Man… the simple loaf of bread has become something, seemingly, unattainable to the every day person.

We, The Shibaguyz, are here to tell you that you do not need a masters degree in chemistry to make great bread. Nor do you need to buy mixes from those professional food accounts on social media to create YUMMY loaves of Instagram-worthy bread. We, in fact, learned to make bread from watching our grandparents. In fact, Jason’s grandpa was well known for his bread recipe. Well… technically he was known for flirting with waitresses AND his bread recipe… but that’s a story for another time…


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Banana Bread: The Return

4/10/2020

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Banana Bread: the Craving!

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Recently, we have found ourselves making and eating a lot of banana bread. First, we have not been traveling as much as expected due to the pandemic so we are home more often and baking a LOT. Second, we like banana bread. Specifically, Shannon really likes banana bread and gets random cravings for it. Those random cravings have prompted me to keep extra bananas in the freezer so I can whip up a batch of bready banana goodness on short notice.

Wait… you didn't know that?

Yes, you can take bananas that have "gone over" (read: turning black) and pop them in the freezer for safe keeping. In fact, these overly ripened bananas provide a more intense flavor to banana bread (and smoothies) than regular bananas.

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New STITCH ON! Projects

4/1/2020

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New Tutorial and Easy Sewing Project

Many of you have been following our Clover Tool School Extra Credit series where we review Clover products and show you how to use those products in projects. Well, now there's even more to play along with in our STITCH ON! tutorial and projects series. To kick things off, we used the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge to create 3 Easy Projects. Even if you've never sewn or quilted before, this tool will have you looking like a pro in no time. And, with the three different projects, you can progress through the tutorials to up your skills as you go.
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New Tool School Extra Credit with the Shibaguyz - Yo-Yo Pillow!

3/30/2020

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Tool School Extra Credit Tutorial and Project Sheet

It's time for another Tool School Extra Credit with the Shibaguyz! This time, we used the Clover Quick Yo-Yo Maker to create a pillow top. As always, the video includes both a tutorial on how to use the product followed by a step-by-step project walk through.
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We have to admit, we've not been big fans of the original method we were familiar with for making yo-yo projects. Between fussing to keep the fabric on the circular template and trying to make the stitches just so to make a perfect little yo-yo, we just couldn't bring ourselves to make more than a few. But, by locking the fabric in place and with guides for how to place the stitches, this little tool makes is so quick and easy… we got a little carried away making these while watching a movie one night. Yup… it's that simple with this clever little tool.

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A Request From The Shibaguyz During The COVID19 Pandemic

3/16/2020

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As freelance fiber artists, our teaching gigs and the resulting product sales account for a large portion of our income. With two events now canceled (and a possible third cancellation) as well as the early closure of our museum show, we are facing some uncertainty right now. In addition, a few of our clients have shut down their operations and “will not be processing invoices.” 

During this time of 
uncertainty we come to you, our friends, neighbors, students, and fellow makers and crafters to help us out if you have the means. There are a couple of ways to do this: 
  • First, you can find something that you love, books, thread, or patterns, in our online store where every purchase is greatly appreciated. 
  • Second, you can also donate directly to us. Below is a link to our PayPal Donate page. Even the smallest donation will be greatly appreciated and will assist Shibaguyz Designz in weathering through the next few months. 

Thank you for your help and understanding. 
​Stitch On!

S&J
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How to Register for Classes with the Shibaguyz at Sew Expo 2020

1/24/2020

 

​Get Your Tickets to Our Sew Expo 2020 Classes - A Walkthrough

UPDATE: This event has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event!
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

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It is time, once again, to register for our classes at Sew Expo! We know some of y’all have had some issues navigating the Sew Expo website in the past but, this year, they have really stepped up their game and made the process a few steps easier. Still… we’re going to do our annual walkthrough to help you find and register for our classes. Again, the process is a little bit easier this year but there is one very important step right at the beginning that you must attend to. So read on…
First, go to Sewexpo.com
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Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection

2/8/2019

 

Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection

The time has finally come when we can tell you about a project we have been working on with the FAB folks at Aurifil. We can officially announce the launch of our NEW thread collection from Aurifil! The Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essential thread collection is now available for preorder RIGHT HERE on our website. Can you tell we’re more than a little excited about this? We have been fans of Aurifil threads for all of our hand and machine sewing and embellishing ever since we tried our first sampler pack. We because Aurifil Ambassadors in 2018 and have been using Aurifil on projects here in the studio and our students have been using Aurifil threads in the classroom thanks to Aurifil’s generous sponsorship of our classes. So… yeah… we’re big fans.
 
When we were approached with the opportunity to produce a thread collection of our favorite colors in our favorite thread weight, we were simultaneously excited and stressed. Excited because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. Stressed because curating a custom collection of thread and colors is HUGE. But, of course, we did make decisions (with the help of our friends at Aurifil) and we were even able to design our own packaging! Check it out!
Shibaguyz FAB Sashiko Essentials Aurifil Thread Collection

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How to Register for Classes with the Shibaguyz at Sew Expo 2019

2/4/2019

 

Get Your Tickets to Our Sew Expo 2019 Classes - A Walkthrough
UPDATE: This event has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

It's time to purchase tickets to our classes at this year's Sew Stitch Expo in Puyallup, WA. WOOHOO! We have a LOT of classes at Sew Expo this year including embellishing crochet and knit fabric, English Paper Piecing, 5 FAB hand stitches, and our whirlwind BORO Class! In addition, we will be sharing a booth with Cherrywood Hand Dyed Fabric. What a FAB weekend!!

Now we wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a minute of the FAB fun we have planned for you but, occasionally, we hear from folks that they have problems finding our classes and registering online. So this year we thought we'd put up a little walkthrough to help you with the process. The process does take a couple of steps, but is not difficult. Once it is all over, you end up with the best possible prize... a class with the Shibaguyz! [blush]

Here we GO…
First go to www.sewexpo.com
Sew Expo Register Walk Through
On this page you will see lots of options. Click on the TICKETS button at the top of the screen.
Sew Expo Register Walk Through

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The Season of Giving-Away Week 4 AND GRAND PRIZE

12/23/2018

 

Week 4 of the Season of Giving-Away Event is Upon us. That means our final weekly giveaway AND the AWSOME GRAND PRIZE

UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP


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New Crochet Pattern!

12/20/2018

 

Balsam Pullover on the Cover of Interweave Crochet

They don't tell you these things ahead of time… you just open your mail one day to find a mailing packet with your contributor copy and a very nice note thanking you for contributing to the latest issue of Interweave Crochet. Imagine the celebrating that ensued when we realized that was our design on the cover of the Winter 2019 Issue of Interweave Crochet! If you've ever been around us… you know there was some noise.
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The Balsam Pullover is a cowl-neck pullover that truly embodies our sense of tailored casual style. We used Valley Superwash DK (courtesy of the folks at WEBS) for a mid-weight fabric that would feel good on the body without weighing you down. The asymmetrical hem balances a wide range of body types and the single crochet ribbing at the cuffs and draped cowl neckline are cozy  and balance the sleek look of the main body and sleeves. From special occasions to curling up with a good book to an afternoon of shopping, we designed this to be a true wardrobe staple.

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The Season of Giving-Away Event: Week 3

12/17/2018

 

​It's Week 3 of our Season of Giving-Away Event

UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

​Week 2 is over, but there are a lot more prize packages to give away.
​Lets look at what Week 3 has to offer.
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Week 3 is our Knitting Extravaganza

The winner of this week will receive:
From Clover: Takumi Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set
From The Daylight Company: Yoyo Magnifier Light
and from Soak: Soak Wash 12 oz bottle - fragrance "Lacey"
 

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The Season of Giving-Away Event: Week 2

12/10/2018

 

It's Week 2 of our Season of Giving-Away Event
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

Week 1 is over, but there are a lot more prize packages to give away. Lets look at what Week 2 has to offer.
Daylight Company Smart Clip On Light
I sew for fun kit

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‘Tis the Season of Giving-Away!

12/2/2018

 

A Giveaway to End 2018 with a Bang
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

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Luminos Lamp Tour

11/29/2018

 

Take a Tour of the Luminos Lamp from the Daylight Company

Daylight Company
Luminos Lamp by Daylight Company
In case you missed our recent announcement let us start off by saying have signed on as ambassadors for the Daylight Company and their incredible line of lamps. And, while they do pay us to represent their products and produce content for them, we contacted them because we LOVED their products. In fact, when we first met the folks from the Daylight Company we were blown away by the range and quality of their products and now could not be happier to be spokespersons for such a great company.

The Daylight Company has a wide range of lamps from travel lamps to larger workspace lamps that are perfect for fiber artists, and makers of all kinds. In this video, we are giving you a tour of the Luminos Lamp right in one of our main work spaces. We knew the moment we saw it in action that we'd have to get one (or two) (or three) for our studios. And recently we did, WOOHOO! The folks at the Daylight Company sent one over and we both fell in love with it! After a wild thumb wrestling competition (best 2 out of 3 won by Shannon) the Luminos lives in the fiber arts studio upstairs… but there is a special bonus use for this FAB lamp (we show you in the video) that causes it to disappear into Jason's space every once in a while… just sayin'…

You need to see it in action to really get why we love this lamp so much. So we created a video tour of the Luminos to really provide you with a detailed look all the great features it includes... not all lamps are created equal and this one stands out above the rest… by far!

Click on the video below and see for yourself.

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Iron Easy with Flatter from Soak

11/8/2018

 

Check Out Our Latest Video... All About Flatter Smoothing Spray

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Shortly before we became paid ambassadors for Soak we tried Flatter Smoothing Spray for the first time... we were impressed to say the least. Imagine an ironing assistant that is starch free, biodegradable, and actually smells great (you’ll see Our favorite in the video). Oh, it also actually works! It's flat-out fabulous! See what we did there? Flat? Flatter? *ahem* Moving on…

We decided to show Flatter in action so you could see for yourselves why we like it. And, yes, this really is the only thing that can make Shannon do the ironing. Watch and you’ll see why…
Flatter Smoothing Spray is available from selected retailers locally or online. You can go to soakwash.com to see a list of retailers in your area. Special thanks to the folks at Soak for providing us with their products for our studio and for this review!

Stitch On!
​S&J

The Shibaguyz Are Headlining at DFW Fiber Fest!

11/7/2018

 

We're Heading Back To DFW Fiber Fest, Y'all!

UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

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WOOHOO! We're so flipping excited to announce that not only are we teaching at DFW Fiber Fest 2019, but we have also been selected to be the KEYNOTE Speakers!! OMG! Really, this is such an honor and we have something really special planned for you all. #purplezebra

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Shibaguyz Use Soak Wash on a Crocheted Sweater

8/23/2018

 

How to Care for a Soakworthy Handmade Garment with Soak!

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We have a lot of handmade items... I mean, a LOT. Many of these are able to be washed in our washing machine - some on regular, others on hand wash or delicate cycles. Others need a little more care. Heirloom quilts, boro'd bags & jackets, and crochet and knit garments and accessories fall into the second category. In fact, the garment you are going to see us cleaning in this video is very special to us… you'll see why in the video.

We get asked the question often by readers and students: "How do I clean my handmade items?" So, we decided to make a quick video to show you how we do it here in the studio... with Soak Wash, a rinse-free wash that comes in a lot of FAB fragrances as well as scentless. We certainly have OUR favorite scents… mmmmm… pineapples…
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Clover Tool School - Rotary Cutters

8/22/2018

 

Clover Tool School Extra Credit, Rotary Cutter Episode, is Online

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WOOHOO!
​Our newest Clover Tool School Extra Credit Episode is live on the Clover blog. This month we explore Rotary Cutters and some different ways to use them. From cutting fabric for English Paper Piecing, to recycling denim pants fora boro tote, a rotary cutter is a Shibaguyz's best friend! As always with us, the right tool for the right job!
Shibaguyz Rotary Cutters Size Matters
Shibaguyz Cutting Fabric for English Paper Pieces
Boro Sashiko and Rotary Cutter

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OMG! Peach Salsa

7/13/2018

 

OMG! Peach Salsa - Recipe

You’ve seen it in the grocery stores. You looked at it with wonder and amazement. You thought to yourself, “Am I really seeing this? OMG! Peach Salsa.” And then you saw it was $9.00 a jar, promptly put it back on the shelf, and sadly backed away.
We are here to tell you that you can have that peach salsa and pay your light bill too. In fact you can have it on crackers, chips, chicken, meatloaf, or any other way you like because you can make it yourself and keep it in the fridge for weeks!
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    Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby 
    Co-Owner, Shibaguyz Designz

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