Here at Paste we are committed to being more than just a craft store and we love to give a shout out to our friends in support when we think they’re doing something cool. Our very own Holly, resident instructor and artist, has an awesome seed swap project going on right now we thought was worth sharing. It’s totally FREE and open to the community (advance registration is required). Next Sunday,March 6, from noon to three, at Urban Eats Cafe.

The purpose of the event is to share seeds and knowledge. Participants sign up and log the seeds they plan to bring (store-bought or harvested). When they arrive, they’ll check in, then enjoy some peer-to-peer education with four lovely ladies who will be talking about various topics: Gardening 101, Urban Chickens, DIY Planters, and Harvest Cooking. After a little learning and a little socializing, everyone will be invited to come through the seed buffet and make their selections.

To learn more about this event or register, please visit the website at www.dropswapgrow.com.

Paste and South City Studio are teaming up for the fourth installment of Needles for Newborns to benefit St. Louis Children’s hospital. The goodies we make keep little preemie babies toasty at Children’s hospital. Mark your calendar, right now! February 19th, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

FAQ

It’s a noble cause and all, but why should I waste a precious Saturday when my life is already so busy?

• Babies. Teeny tiny babies who get chilly easily.
• Crafting with purpose feels really good!
• It’s a super-duper fun time. We are a diverse bunch of really interesting people.
• If you’re rusty or just beginning, this is a great opportunity to pick up some skills. Sit near an experienced stitcher and watch ‘em go. We’re a generous bunch, you can ask questions, too.

Do I have to stay the whole time? Can I come late?
You don’t have to stay the whole time by any means, drop in when it’s convenient and stay for however long you’d like. Warning: You’ll have such a good time, you won’t want to go.

What should I bring?
A chair (just in case), a friend (if you can), a snack to share (we’ll provide some snacks), and yarn/needles/hook.

Do I have to bring my own yarn? Can I buy yarn at Paste?
Most people bring their own or buy on arrival. We’ll have some donated yarn up for grabs and there is a fantastic selection of really pretty yarn at very reasonable prices.

Can I donate yarn/supplies/food to the event?
Heck, yes! We love that and thanks in advance for being such a generous soul. Snuggles from the babies.

What kind of yarn is best for babies?
Babies have really sensitive skin, cotton or acrylic is best. No wool.

I can’t come, can I drop of things I make on my own?
Of course! The babies don’t mind one bit.

What are we going to make?
Hats, booties, and blankets.

Will you have patterns?
Yep, we’ll have some. Please feel free to bring your favorite. There are scads for free on the internet if you don’t have a favorite yet, just Google it — free pattern knit crochet preemie baby. BAM! Zillions.

How big should a preemie hat be?
A very wise NICU worker told me think plum, tennis ball, orange. Yes, THAT tiny! Some of the preemie babies only weigh a couple pounds, so they’re gosh darn tiny.

Is this a kid-friendly event?
It breaks my heart to say this because we love the little people, but not really. A) A bunch of ladies cackling and stitching is pretty boring for the kiddos. B) The conversation tends to lean PG-13 and some of the adults like to consume adult-beverages. As a rule of thumb, I’d say it’s probably too “educational” for anyone younger than 14.

I’m a dude, can I come?
Yes, please join us! Disclaimer: If you’re planning to shop the crowd for single ladies, may I suggest match.com?

Do I need to RSVP?
Probably not. If you are planning to bring a bus load of people, then, yes please, let’s talk. Otherwise, no worries, just show up. Early and late tend to be the least busy times, mid-afternoon is the busiest.

Haven of Grace is also in need of knitting/crocheting supplies for women at the shelter.  If you have unused of yarn or some extra hookes or needles sitting around and feel like helping feel free to drop if off at the store anytime.

The event started at 8am Saturday morning and continued until somewhere around 3am on Sunday.  The store was packed with food donated by local restaurants.  I foolishly bought food the night before thinking we would not have enough, and I couldn’t have been more wrong.  A Super thanks to Nadine’s Gin Joint, Ferraro’s Pizza, Soulard Coffee Garden and Carondelet Bakery for keeping the girls fed!

And now for the super big thanks… Thank you to all of the forty some people who came out to knit/crochet for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. And a special thanks to Holly from South City Studio for helping me plan the event.   We created over seventy pieces to be donated.  With all the ohhs and ahhs one would have thought we were holding a baby shower here at Paste.  From blankets and bibs to booties and burial gowns and even some pumpkin hats.  We had everyone ranging from beginner to expert.  The stuff is so cute I have to admit it’s going to be a little tough handing the boxes over.

What was most spectacular were the women who gave up their time on a Saturday to be here doing something for a good cause.  There was such a feeling of community all day long here at the store and I would be lying if I said it doesn’t make me a little teary thinking about it.

Since Needles for Newborns was such a success we’ve decided to launch a sorta-monthly series of gatherings at Paste for charity called Crafting With Purpose and have Needles be the big annual event. The next event will be on December 13 from 10-8 and will benefit The Haven of Grace, a shelter and rehabilitation center for homeless pregnant women and their children. In addition to needle artists, we’ve decided to invite the scrappy/card making folks as well. When you’re starting a new life, words of inspiration are important! I hope you will join us and bring your big hearts!

One million thanks for not only supporting this event but for supporting Paste.

Katie

So again, and this time more so than others I am SO EXCITED!  Paste is teaming up with South City Studios and Girls Guide to the Galaxy to present Needles for Newborns.  It’s a 24 hour needle event to benefit St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  Paste will be open 24 hours welcoming local knitters and crocheters willing to donate a little time to make hats, mittens, and blankets for newborns.

Local crafters can sign up in two hour slots (or more if your super wonderful!) to get the needles working.  And if doing it for charity isn’t enough we’re being supported by some very wonderful local restaurants.  I mean girls gotta eat right?  Food will be donated by Nadines Gin Joint, Soulard Coffee Garden, Feraro’s Jersey Style Pizza and Carondelet Bakery.

And of course a special thanks to Cara McKinlay for designing this awesomely cute flyer.  I kind of want to print it out and cuddle with it!  Also to the Ink Spot for giving us a super good deal on printing.

To participate or donate email pastesoulard@gmail.com or call 314-577-6930