Knitting show will keep Schaumburg in stitches

Thousands of knitters are expected at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg this weekend for Stitches Midwest, a four-day knitting extravaganza Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 10-13.

The show will bring thousands of knitting experts, novices and spectators together with designers, authors, educators and suppliers from across the country and around the world.

Highlights are:

• Stitches Market, with 150-plus booths with the latest knitting supplies, book signings, demonstrations, style shows and free learn-to-knit clinics. One-hour workshops (priced separately) are available to enhance basic knitting skills.

• More than 150 different, intensive classes for knitters of all levels, covering almost every knitting topic and taught by expert knitters and designers. Classes range from three to six hours.

• A professional runway fashion show highlighting the latest trends in knitwear design hosted by Knitter's Magazine editor Rick Mondragon and co-host Fontelle Jones.

• An attendee banquet with a fashion show featuring knits by attendees themselves.

Expo activities are priced a la carte, but several packages are offered. Market entrance is $8 per day, with multiday passes available at KnittingUniverse.com/MWMarket/.

Market workshops are $30 per hour when booked in advance and $35 at the door if space is available. Intensive classes are $80 and up and include entrance to The Market. Tickets to the Stitches Midwest Opening Day event, fashion show or attendee banquet program are $50 and up. Detailed information about all expo events and registration materials are available at KnittingUniverse.com/Events/.