Stitch 'N Pitch

Well, it is about time that I wrote about this wonderful experience. On 9/9/07, the Detroit Tigers hosted what I think was their first Stitch 'n Pitch event. This event is sponsored by The National NeedleArts Association and was open to whomever wanted to attend. This 'movement' was started 4 years ago in Seattle. Seems that some crafty women in the Mariner's front office suggested marketing to knitters and crocheters as a way of getting folks into the ball park. Since then, it has spread to 25 of the 32 MLB teams (I may have the numbers a bit wrong).

The organization for the event was amazing. The local yarn and craft stores sold tickets for specific sections in the ballpark. We also received coupons for a gift bag with wonderful goodies donated by the local and some national vendors. The bag I received (perfect for toting more knitting) had several pairs of knitting needles, some patterns, some yarn samples, a scarf kit, a magazine or two and some coupons. During the event, you could hear some exclaiming about the contents of the bags while other people were bartering and trading for needles and yarns -as if they were trading cards! The goodies were nice enough that a person could start a project while at the park - just in case they'd forgotten their knitting (as if!). It was grand!!

I have no idea how many fiber artists, friends and family were there but it was easily 500 or more. There were knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers, from what I could see. Some folks had big, chunky work and others had very fine work. There were non-knitters/crafters and those just learning. You could tell who the more experienced were because they'd be huddled over someone elses work offering advice or oohing and aahing over the effort.

Every now and again, you'd hear the shout 'show me your bag' or 'that's a great sweater'. You just knew that someone's needlework was being admired.

Afterwards, Miss Alabama, Miss Missouri and I spoke of this event. They are absolute baseball fans. Me, not so much; well, I wasn't until that day. Anyway, we are talking about doing a round of SnPs next year. We could see the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers play. For Alabama, I am not sure which MLB team we could see - but, heck, I am game to travel to a third.

I started a sock that day and am almost finished with it (see the photo above, same photo as 9/19). This is the 2nd sock in the pair, woohoo! Now, I think I have sock knitting down and can start doing it for other people.

I'd bet that the food vendors found their sales skewed a bit that day. After all, one can sip on a soda or eat a wrapped hot dog but don't get the cotton candy near the fuzzy yarn!

Seems that the Detroit Tigers have another fan and I've found another excuse to knit in public.
Life is good!!