The annual Early Bird Sale in downtown Belfast will take place on Saturday, December 3, 6-9 am.

As usual, we will not be getting up super-early. Instead, we will open at 8 am, and offer a 20% discount all day until 6 pm.

However, many of our fellow businesses have deals you may want to get up early for. There will be ads in all papers, plus radio, Web and TV ads.

If you haven't bookmarked it already, you may want to put Our Town Belfast's Holiday Events page on your Bookmarks tab. They keep their Web site very up to date with the latest happenings in downtown Belfast. We have made it a promise not to e-mail you more than once a month, so we sometimes miss some information you may want to have.

We will be rearranging the shop beginning on January 1. We are expanding the Maine Yarn section and so an already-stocked shelf will have to shed some inventory.

This month, we are putting more than a dozen lines of yarn on sale, mostly in our non-wool section (cotton and cotton blends).

At a 25% discount, this is a great time to start knitting that spring garment for yourself, making a gift for a loved one who lives in a more southern climate, knitting for a baby (they just keep coming!) or just trying out knitting a different fiber.

If you would like to give a gift of fiber and a gift from Maine to someone who lives out of state but you are unsure of what to give, consider a Fiber of Maine gift voucher. Unlike our shop, Fiber of Maine is an online store, which is convenient for those who do not live close by.

Here is a cute and very useful gift for a knitter. Cheryl knit this for a friend and loved it! Knitcushion is available on Ravelry for $6. (We're sorry, but at this time, we cannot sell you this pattern through our shop.)

We used Lamb's Pride Brown Sheep, worsted weight. You probably have some leftover bits that would be perfect for this project. If not, come in and check out our four shelves full of color choices.

We find this little gem so appealing because digging through your knitting notions bag is fine for travel, but we like the idea of having everything in full view while knitting at home. The pattern has other versions, including a quilter's cushion, too.

These Classic Mittens are a free pattern on Ravelry. The pattern has a double-hemmed cuff, fun to do and a nice change from ribbing. We decided on stripes, which seemed to make the knitting go fast because your progress is visually measurable.

The palm thumb is great for a beginner as well as a seasoned knitter who has only knit mittens with a thumb gusset. Since we were looking for a cozy halo effect, our sample is knit with Rowan Felted Tweed.

The shop has many beautiful colors of Felted Tweed to choose from. Oh, and don't worry about weaving in ends, because the yarn for the striped hand is carried up the inside of the mitten.

If you have limited time but would like to make mittens for the holidays, here is a simple pattern using super bulky yarn. It is called Dexter Mittens, named for a Maine town, not far from Harmony, Maine, the home of Bartlettyarns.

We sell many super bulky yarns beginning at $8.95 a skein -- enough for a pair. We made our Dexter Mittens with Bartlettyarns Bulky ($9.50 per skein), but if you are trying to stash bust, it may work using three strands of worsted weight held together or two strands of chunky.

We often have many skeins of art yarns available for sale. These art yarns are usually one of a kind, embellished, handspun skeins.

Ours are made in Maine, currently by Pat of Silk Purse Handspun and by Gail McGlamery. They are really unique and beautiful and they make a "Wow!" impact if they are received by a knitter or crocheter as an unworked hank.

Often, however, many a knitter or crocheter wonders what to do with these skeins other than to admire the beauty.

Helen's simple art-yarn cowl (click to zoom)

We think these are often best used with a very plain but appealing coordinating yarn. You can alternate yarns every row to make just about anything. Helen played around with a few yards given to her. She used Quince's Puffin and a #13 circular needle. For a simple cowl, she cast on 60 stitches and knit mostly with the Puffin due to having only a few yards of art yarn.

But hopefully you get the idea. If you have a #15 needle and super bulky yarns, try casting on around 50 stitches for a cowl.

Art-yarn cowl, worn as a headband (click to zoom)

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy creating whatever you envision. If you are loving what you are doing, the finished project will show it. If it is given as a gift, the recipient will feel the love!

Knit the Community sends a heartfelt thank you to all the knitters and supporters of the knit-a-thon to benefit H.O.M.E. last month. Over $800 was raised, and donations are still arriving daily. If you missed out on the opportunity to participate, and would like to donate, please visit H.O.M.E. or email Jillian at Jillianliver@gmail.com.

With the success of the knit-a-thon behind it, Knit the Community now turns its attention to knitting hats and mittens for the men from the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center in Belfast. MCRRC is a residential center designed to give incarcerated men the skills and experience they need to live successfully as citizens and employees after they transition into their home communities. It is the only such facility in the state, with a similar center for women located in Sanford.

Through St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Knit the Community organizes and collects much-needed clothing and cold-weather gear. Please consider gifting a hat, mittens or pair of gloves. Items do not need to be hand knit, but handmade gifts are most appreciated. The deadline for donations is December 18. Items can be left at Heavenly Socks Yarns, or delivered to St. Margaret's, 95 Court St., Belfast, Tuesday through Friday between 9 am and noon. For more information, phone Sara at 978-325-0045 or email Jillian at Jillianliver@gmail.com.

Three Little Kittens would love your children's mitten donations for area schoolchildren all winter long. For more information, phone Sara at 978-325-0045.

Berroco has done Minutia patterns for the last three years. These free patterns are designed to use up bits of Berroco yarn that you may have accumulated throughout the year to knit or crochet fun little pieces for the holidays, and display them proudly among your holiday decorations.

Be sure to show them your finished sweaters! Tag them (@BerrocoYarn); to post to Berroco, find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and show off your fancy new sweaters. You can also share photos in the Berroco Lovers group on Ravelry.

The First Church in Belfast invites you to join them in an Advent project to provide new or gently used hats, scarves, mittens and socks to those in need in Waldo County. Financial donations (to be deposited in the City of Belfast's Poverty Account) or donations of yarn are also appreciated. Drop items off at Heavenly Socks Yarns anytime, or at the church office from 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Tuesday-Thursday, through December 23. The Church will see that they reach those in need. Thank you for your support of this important project! For more information, phone 207-338-2282. Sponsored by the Missions Committee of the First Church in Belfast.

Handmade Art/Craft/Show/Sale
Waterfall Arts' annual Handmade Art and Craft Show and Sale returns to the Clifford Gallery on Friday, December 2, 5-8 pm, with a glittering opening party. The juried show includes work from over 100 Maine (mostly) artists and craftspeople.

Finely made glass, ceramics, jewelry, prints, drawings, paintings, sculpture, specialty foods, soaps, tea, cards, textiles, journals, vintage treasures, home furnishings, decor, calendars and more are included in the show, with almost all items under $100.

Special Workshops
On Friday-Sunday, December 2-4, Kris Engman and Susan Guthrie will lead Photoshop for Artists and Creatives, an intensive three-day class designed to expand the ability to work digitally on photography or color issues. On Saturday, December 10, Helena Melone will hold a silk ornament workshop, showing how to use dye-resist and silk paints to make beautiful snowflake designs on silk. On the same day, Linda Stec leads a Paint Your Own Pottery workshop. And on Saturday, December 17, Abbie Read will give instruction in paste paper painting and simple bookbinding.

AIA Maine Design Awards Exhibition
The Maine branch of the American Institute of Architects will showcase project submissions for the 2016 AIA Maine Design Awards program at Waterfall Arts from December 2-23. The Corridor Gallery exhibit opens with a festive reception shared with Waterfall's Handmade show on Friday, December 2, 5-8 pm.

Featuring over 60 projects from Maine's local architectural community, the exhibit celebrates the best of Maine's architecture and showcases the various ways in which architects design buildings that respond to Maine's natural and built landscape.

Waterfall Arts is located at 256 High St. in Belfast. For more information, stop by or phone 207-338-2222.

Belfast's closing Art Walk of 2016, hosted by Belfast Creative Coalition and featuring downtown galleries and studios, will take place on Main Street and High Street in Belfast on December 2, from 5:30-8 pm. Do some gift shopping, enjoy downtown Belfast at the holiday season, and take part in the local arts community!

Explore imaginative art galleries that brighten up downtown, featuring both local and nationally recognized artists. Art Walk sites open during this holiday art walk include Small Space art gallery, Evolve Sanctuary for the Soul, Kris Engman's studio, the Parent Gallery, Betts Gallery, Alpha Libra Collective, Belfast Bay Shade Company, Front Street Pottery, Maine Farmland Trust Gallery, High Street Studio and Gallery, Lewis Cisle's studio (a new addition to the art walk, located at 243 High St. in Belfast, roughly across the street from Waterfall Arts), and Waterfall Arts.

Enjoy Belfast's vibrant arts community, participate in some carol singing, do some holiday shopping, and visit with your neighbors in beautiful downtown Belfast For more information, view BCC's Art Walk page.

Join Belfast Flying Shoes on Friday, December 2, for an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43, 143 Church St. in Belfast. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a community dance called by Chrissy Fowler. The contra dance begins at 8 pm and runs till around 11 pm. (Belfast Flying Shoes is celebrating its 11th birthday -- fruit and cookies at the mid-dance intermission.)

This month's caller is Will Mentor of northern Vermont, known for his relaxed, upbeat presence. Providing the tunes will be Cardinal Direction. Supporting Cedar Stanistreet (on fiddle) and Rebecca Bosworth-Clemens (on clarinet and banjo) with fresh Maine-made grooves will be local favorite Jamie Oshima on guitar, piano and foot percussion. Sound by Eric Weest Johnson.

For more information, phone 207-338-0979, email belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com, visit Belfast Flying Shoes or find them on Facebook.

On Saturday, December 3, at 7 pm at the Searsport Congregational Church and on Sunday, December 4 at 3 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Belfast, the Penobscot Bay Singers will present a program of holiday- inspired choral music Caroling, Caroling, with carols from the 14th to the 21st century. Delight in familiar favorites such as "Ding, Dong! Merrily on High" and Burt's "Caroling, Caroling" plus the annual carol sing-along. New carols will also be featured. The Singers will be joined by Maho Hisikawa, the principal flutist for the Odeon Adult Orchestra. Suggested donation for admission is $15, accompanied children are free. Both churches are handicap accessible. The Singers accept donations of toiletries and soap for the Waldo County Soap Closet. For more information, find them on Facebook or email PenBaySingers@gmail.com.

On Sunday, December 4, 7:30-10:30 am, at the Waldo County Shrine Club, the Belfast Lions Club will present its Annual Breakfast with Santa, featuring the famous Belfast Lions' made-to-order brunch. Santa will be visiting to greet all children. This is a great photo opportunity, so bring your camera. Adults $8, children $3. Sponsored by Belfast Lions Club to benefit local Lions causes.

Enjoy a festive display of Christmas trees at Bell the Cat. Trees have been uniquely decorated and donated by community members and organizations from all across Waldo County.

Trees will be raffled off on Tuesday, December 6, and will be on display through that date. All proceeds will benefit the local non-profit Fair Haven Camps in Brooks (#CampLifeWithChrist). Each winner receives a tree with all its gifts and decorations. Raffle tickets are ten for $5, for sale during normal business hours Monday-Saturday, 7:30 am-7 pm and Sunday, 9 am-4 pm.

Want to start the new year feeling good rather than regretting your holiday choices? On Tuesday, December 6, at 6:30 pm, join Mirja Pitkin for a presentation at the Belfast Free Library, Keep Calm and Carry On: Navigate the Holidays with Good Health and Good Cheer, and learn how to maximize your health and happiness through the holiday season.

Leave this lively, hands-on talk with strategies to help you enjoy holiday treats within reason, keep your cool amid holiday prep and family time, and be physically active despite cold, short days.

A personal trainer, movement teacher and wellness coach, Mirja Pitkin uses an integrated approach to help people lead healthier, happier lives. Learn more about her at Move Your Groove. This program is free and open to all.

For more information on this or other library events, phone the library at 207-338-3884, ext 10, or visit Library Programs.

On Saturday, December 10, a free rabies clinic will be held at the Lincolnville Fire Station, Camden Road, Lincolnville, from 9-11 am. Dr. Sarah Caputo of Belfast Veterinary Hospital will administer the shots. Rabies shots are free to animal owners residing in Waldo County. Pets from other counties are welcome to come for shots for a small fee. Donations will be gratefully accepted. Please bring all animals on leashes or in portable pet carriers. It is also important to bring proof of a previous rabies shot so your pet can receive a three-year rabies certificate. In addition to the rabies shot, coupon discounts toward the cost of having pets spayed or neutered will be available. For information about the clinics, phone the Waldo County Humane Society at 207-852-5033 or find them on Facebook.

On Saturday, December 10, at 9:30-10:30 am, the Belfast Dance Studio, in collaboration with Holiday on the Harbor, presents the 6th Annual Join-In Nutcracker. Fun for all ages. Hear the story. Leap and twirl to highlights from the classic holiday ballet. Bring your tutus (or extras to share). Nutcracker-inspired dress encouraged. Ticket proceeds benefit the Studio's Children's Dance Scholarship Fund. For more information, phone 207-338-5380.

On Saturday, December 10, in Belfast, join the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the holiday season. Lighted trees line Harbor Walk; at 11:30 am, Santa Claus arrives by boat in the harbor; and there will be crafts and other family fun at the Boathouse, including photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. For more information, phone the Chamber office at 207-338-5900.

On Saturday, December 10, at 4 pm, the 20th annual Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast ( UUCB) Winter Solstice Celebration will take place at the Blue Goose Center on Route 1 in Northport. The event marks the shortest day of the year and the gradual return of more daylight with a program of music, dance and stories for all ages. Festivities will include songs by the UUCB Choir, HeartSong, and Patty Heath; seasonal dances by the Sword Sisters and Highland Mary Morris dancers; dancing and storytelling for children led by Chrissy Fowler; poetry read by Linda Buckmaster; drumming; caroling; a lively Mummers Play by Sumner Roberts, performed by him and his Merry Band of Players; and other entertainment. The audience will feast on goodies and cider at the conclusion of the program.

The Winter Solstice Celebration this year is a fundraiser for the City of Belfast Poverty Fund which will be used to help people who are homeless. General admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and youth ages 6 to 18, and $25 for a family; children under age 6 are free. The snow date is Sunday, December 11 at 4 pm. For more information, phone 207-338-1505.

Waldo County Woodshed, a volunteer non-profit group that works to provide firewood for people in need in the Waldo County area, is now providing quarter-cord piles of firewood for short-term heating assistance. Wood is available on a first-come, first-served basis and recipients must sign up in advance by phone at 207-338-2692. If you need additional wood later on, you are welcome to sign up again. It's best to call weekdays between 10:30 am-4:30 pm. Currently, the Woodshed has wood yards in Searsmont, Waldo, Monroe, Frankfort and Brooks. They will try to arrange for you to receive wood at the location closest to your home. The hours at each site vary and are currently just one day per week. They are not able to make many deliveries, so please try to find someone to help you carry the wood to your home if possible.

Belfast Community Radio is happening! The station will broadcast at 100.9 FM; the call letters have yet to be determined. They started fundraising back in September with a launching goal of $20,000 to build the station and fund the first year of operations. So far, they've raised over $10,000 and have had a lot of the necessary gear donated. Their planned on-air date is Saturday, December 17. They have a detailed plan in place, and are ready to go, but are asking for support to help them get over the final hurdle. For more information, email eklausmeyer@gmail.com, phone Erik at 207-323-8441 or find them on Facebook.

Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County ( HVOWC) now offers a set of lovely notecards based on the quilt made by for HVOWC by Lauraine Doyon and Diane Dixon.

Cards with envelopes are five for $10. All proceeds go to support Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County. For more information, phone Flic Shooter at 207-930-2677 or email hvowc1@gmail.com.