Homespun Yarn Party

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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Lovelyarns Charm City Yarn Crawl Trunk Shows!

Lovelyarns is hosting TWO trunks shows during the Charm City Yarn Crawl this year.  
Tiny Owl Yarns will be at the shop on Saturday, March 30th 11am-5pm. Event Details here!
Kim Dyes Yarn will be at the shop on Saturday, April 6th 11am-5pm. Event details here!

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Many Thanks and a Couple of Lost & Founds

Thank you for another great Yarn Party!

We had a really great time today and want to thank everyone who came and participated. We had about 600 visitors from at least 12 different states this year and appreciated the steady stream of arrivals throughout the day.

Thanks go out to....

Our generous sponsors:

Tier 1 sponsors:

* Cloverhill Yarn Shop (Catonsville, MD)
* Fibre Space (Alexandria, VA)
* The Knot House (Frederick, MD)
* Looped Yarn Works (Washington, DC)
* Lovelyarns (Hampden/Baltimore, MD) who also sponsored our charity table this year
* Red Fox Yarns (Fairfax, VA)
* Woolwinders (Rockville and Annapolis, MD)

Tier 2 sponsors:

* Charm City Yarn Crawl (March 29-April 7 at LYSes in the Baltimore area)
* Corrine Walcher Designs
* Leona’s Gallery (Savage Mill)
* Second Story Knits (Bethesda, MD)
* Two Rivers Yarns (Purcellville, VA)
* Unicorn Clean

Our talented vendors:

All of our vendors make their own products in some way, whether that means raising the animals, dyeing the fiber, spinning the yarn, or crafting bags, jewelry, woodworking, or spindles by hand in small batches. You can find profiles of each of the vendors here on the blog.

29 Bridges Studio
Avalon Springs Farm
Backyard Fiberworks
ColorStorms
Crabapple Yarns
Dragonfly Fibers
Duck Duck Wool
End of the Row Yarns
Fair Winds Farm
Feederbrook Farm
Flying Goat Farm
Folktale Fibers
Fully Spun
Hobbledehoy Yarn and Fiber
Jammin Yarn and Fibers/AlpacaJoy of Maryland
Metis Industries
needleclicksEtc
Rajkovich Designs
Rising Tide Fiber Co
Snallygaster Fibers
SpaceCadet
StarKnits
Taylored Fibers
Tempting Ewe Yarns Inc
The Lazy Ewe
The Spanish Peacock
Three Ravens Studio
Unplanned Peacock Studio
Wandering Wool
Wild Hare Fiber Studio
Wolles Yarn Creations
Wood Rasp Shop

(double thanks to those of you who also provided a volunteer door prize)

Our wonderful volunteers:

We couldn’t do this without you and truly appreciate all your hard work helping spread the word and ensuring everything comes together on the day of show.

AddieElizabeth
ariadnesthread
bedheadmaestro
cozit
cwashing
cyb
darymaid
ejweidig
elizen8876
FireMedic
geniap
gottoknit
heiressknits
hopefultoast
jennalyn
jhankie
joneice
KatMacPet
Kdlane77
kiraknits
Klevitan17
laramary
laurenhaiken
LiisaB
LuckbeaPanda
mizelissa
mizzleahmae
mrgcaster
MtownKnitGuy
OfftoExplore
p1lambird
pelageyka
PhDelicious
Sandrag08
Shawnknitter
Su1282
Tanno
tcknit
textilegeek
TheManny
tichubabe
TipsyTarsier
tobebeatrice
vaacosta
woundtootight
xavyor
5cats4me
Liz G
Andrea J

Special thanks to our teachers:

pelageyka, Tanno, mrgcaster, geniap, ariadnesthread, TipsyTarsier, and laurenhaiken

Our selection committee, who have the difficult job of narrowing down the applicants to fit our space.

Everyone who brought FOs for the 500 Hats Project and yarn for Knitters & Crocheters Care, and everyone who stopped by the charity tables to work a few rows on our scarves and hats.

And everyone who came to shop and socialize and learn and be awesome together!

Please share your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Ravelry with #homespunyarnparty

We have one lost and found item returned to us (a heart earring left at a vendor booth) - if this is yours please get in touch with us and we'll pop it in the mail.

We also had a size 3 16" circular needle left at one of the social tables. If you happened to pick this up accidentally please let us know and we'll arrange to get it back to its owner.

-Jess, Lindsay, Corrine, and Paula

Let's Party!

Come party with us!

Here's a round up of information about this year's event:



Where: Historic Savage Mill - 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763
When: Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 12-5pm
Admission is FREE!




Carpool if you can and come later in the day to avoid the crowds. We promise there will still be great yarn, fiber, prizes and other treasures. We recommend parking in the West lot (at the far end of the mill), and you can usually find street parking in the neighborhood within a few streets.



We're excited and we hope you are too. See you soon!

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

2019 Maps and Venue Info


(Click the image to enlarge)

Savage Mill is a super cute old complex that was once a fiber mill. It's got spinning areas, carding areas, weaving areas, and a cotton shed. You can read more about the history and renovation here. It's the perfect venue to hold us and our fiber fanatics!

Savage is just north of Laurel - get directions from your location here. It's pretty convenient from I-95, right off Rt 32. For your GPS, the address is 8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763.



Once you're at the mill, we'll be in the Great Room. There are maps around once you're in the door, so it shouldn't be hard to find us! Parking is easiest in the west lot - it gets pretty crowded in the closer lots!  Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood.




While folks tend to line up outside the room before doors open, please come a little later if you can...this ensures that our vendors and volunteers can set up safely and is courteous to our neighbors at the Mill.  If you prefer to avoid crowds keep in mind that the shopping experience is always much more relaxed after the first hour.  We promise you there will be tons of great yarn to check out all afternoon, and we will encourage vendors to hold back some of their best sellers until later in the day! We'll be announcing new door prizes every 30 minutes.

Also, take some time to check out all the great antiques and furniture! There's a used book store, craft and scrapbooking stores, a bead shop, a game shop, and more to see! Save room for a delicious french pastry at Bonaparte-Rustiq or a sweet treat at Sweet Cascades Chocolatier. The rest of the Mill is open until 6pm.  If the weather is nice, go for (or send your family on) a walk on the Savage Mill Trail or take a self-guided tour of Savage!

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

2019 Sponsor: Charm City Yarn Crawl

What is CCYC?
Join the Charm City Yarn Crawl and receive 20% off full-priced yarn, fiber, and patterns by purchasing the CCYC tote for $15 from participating Baltimore area shops. The discount is valid March 29th - April 7th, 2019. Each shop will be planning events during the 10 day event and each shop is offering an amazing raffle prize that participants can enter to win.

What stores are participating?
Each year participating stores are listed on the website. www.charmcityyarncrawl.com

When is it happening?
This year the Charm City Yarn Crawl will be March 29th - April 7th, 2019.

What inspired you to start the crawl?
Honestly, we wanted to participate in the Metro Yarn Crawl in D.C. but we were too far away to participate. Danielle from Fibre Space encouraged us to start our own crawl and even connected us with people who could help us get started. I think it benefits customers as well as LYS owners.

How does it benefit customers?
Customers buy a tote for $15 and during the yarn crawl they are entitled to 20% off their purchase of yarn, fiber and patterns. They have a "passport" they will get stamped as they visit the shops (no purchase necessary for a stamp). While they are at the shops they should ask what the shop has as a raffle prize because at the end of the crawl, they'll drop their stamped passport off at the shop with the prize they like the most.

This event is a great way for customers to be introduced to all of their local yarn shops. Each shop has their own specialty and a yarn crawl is the perfect opportunity for each shop to demonstrate their uniqueness to a new group of customers.

2019 Sponsor: Woolwinders

What is your website? Email?  
Woolwinders.com
info@woolwinders.com


What is your Ravelry name/group?  
Woolwinders Yarn Shop

Facebook: WoolwindersYarnShop
Instagram: Woolwinders
Twitter: Woolwinders

Where are you located and what are your hours?  
Woolwinders Rockville:
404 King Farm Blvd., Suite 150,
Rockville, MD  20850

Woolwinders Annapolis:
709 Skippers Lane
Annapolis, MD  21401

Hours at both locations:
Tuesday - Saturday  11:00 - 6:00
Sunday  12:00 - 5:00
Closed Monday

What kinds of things do you carry?  
Large assortment of yarns, needles and accessories

How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?  
Woolwinders has been in business for about 15 years.

What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?  
We love helping customers with their knitting projects!

Monday, March 18, 2019

2019 Sponsor: The Knot House


What is your website? Email

Instagram: Knothouseyarns
Facebook: Knothouseyarns

What is your Ravelry group?

Where are you located and what are your hours?
129 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD

Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM-8PM
Wednesday thru Saturday 11AM-5PM
Sunday 12-4PM

What kinds of things do you carry?
We carry almost all Indie dyed Yarns including:
Shalimar
Magpie
Swift
Western Sky Knits
Julie Asselin
Olann
Spincycle Yarns
Just to name a few, as well as Shepards Wool, Shibui, and Kelbourne Woolens.


Knot House PodcastHow long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
July will make 6 years. There wasn't a local yarn shop for over 3 years, so we thought with the building, light and hard work we would open one. We have enjoyed bringing the small Indie Dyers to the community, and enjoy looking for "what's new" all the time.

What's your favorite thing about owning a LYS?
Our favorite thing about owning The Knot House is the incredible sense of community it brings. Customers often say it is a happy place, and I don't think you can ask for more than that.


The Knot House also has a podcast

2019 Sponsor: Leona's Gallery - Sewing Studio

What is your website? www.leonasgallery.com

Also on Facebook: LEONAs GALLERY

Where are you located and what are your hours? 
LEONAs GALLERY - Sewing Studio
Historic Savage Mill
8600 Foundry Street, Carding Bldg., Ste. 214
Savage, MD. 20763

Hours of Operation:
Sunday By Appt.
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 10am-6:00pm
Wednesday 10am-6:00pm
Thursday Noon-6:00pm
Friday 10am-6:00pm
Saturday 10am-6:00pm

What kinds of things do you carry / what services do you provide?
I teach sewing, design and quilting classes.  I have a sewing program that allows Home Schoolers the opportunity to earn scholastic achievement  in Family & Consumer Sciences.  As a dressmaker, I specialize in bridal gown alterations and custom clothing.

Check out Leona's Wednesday Evening Sewing Lab Sessions to get help on your projects - finish old projects, learn new techniques, relax spending quality time sewing! Each Wednesday 6-8PM. $60 per session, includes sewing machine but no materials. See details: Sewing Classes

How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
I feel as though I've been in this business all of my lifetime. I became interested in sewing at the age of ten.  I continued my studies in Commercial Sewing & Business Management.   I have been sewing for over forty years! I am achieving a lifetime dream of creating apparel and teaching others the valuable life skill of sewing.  In 2015, LEONAs GALLERY Sewing Studio took up residence at the Historic Savage Mill.  What a  wonderful back drop to be in such an historical place that speaks to the overall craft and textile industry. 

What's your favorite thing about owning your own business?

The ability to handle day to day operations that are based on my level of integrity.  Living a lifestyle that's spiritual, balanced, healthy and passionate.



Sunday, March 17, 2019

2019 Sponsor: Corrine Walcher Designs

What is your website and other social media?
Instagram: GingyKnits


What is your Ravelry name/group?
Gingy


Tell us about your designs
I like classic design and I design everything from socks to shawls to sweaters to accessories sets. I primarily knit with local dyers (many of whom are Homespun Yarn Party vendors).


How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
In May 2014, a dyer friend had a designer pull out on a promised club design, and I thought I could probably throw one together for her. It was Barrel Riders, and I liked it, and began to design a few more things.


What's your favorite thing about having your business?
It allows me to stay home to run the house and take care of my kids. And who doesn't like to play with beautiful yarns all day?


Friday, March 15, 2019

2019 Sponsor: Fibre Space

What is your website?
Instagram: fibrespace
Facebook: fibrespaceshop

What is your Ravelry group?


Where are you located and what are your hours?
In the heart of Historic Alexandria, VA
Mon - Fri:  11 am - 8 pm
Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
Sun: 12-6 pm

What kinds of things do you carry?
We search out unique and hard to find yarns and tools for our knit and crochet community. We specialize in indie and US made companies (Brooklyn Tweed, Harrisville Designs, Spincycle, Stonehedge Fiber Mill and Jill Draper Makes Stuff, for example) and are most known for our amazing selection of hand dyed yarns. Here are a few: Neighborhood Fiber Co., Miss Babs, The Lemonade Shop, Freia Handpaints and Hazel Knits. We’ve also got some interesting imports that you might not see anywhere else: Kalinka by Karen Oberg, De Rerum Natura and a variety of notions and accessories from too!

How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
My teaching business, Knit-a-Gogo, Inc was started in 2006. The retail shop grew out of that business (after a lot of begging and pleading by my students!). We opened our doors in July 2009.

What's your favorite thing about having your business?
I love being inspired by my customer’s creativity. Every day, someone points out a new great pattern that they found or puts together two colors that I would never have thought of putting together. I really have the greatest job in the world.

Check out this awesome video of the Fibre Space story!

2019 Classes, Contests, and Swag

For many years now, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize!

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer free classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. If you're a beginner looking to pick up a new craft, loaner needles and hooks will be provided for intro to knit and crochet lessons. For the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own.

We're excited to bring back two of our popular intermediate level classes this year and add an intermediate crochet class:

We'll show a few different cast ons - i.e. for toe up socks, or the circular cast on for shawls (instead of the tab), or even how to knit that tab. Time permitting, we may add some cast-off options, such as a stretchy bind off for socks or cuffs.

For both knitters and crocheters, we will give tips on how to weave in ends. Then we will show some methods to join new yarn in the middle of a project to avoid having ends to weave in at all. Among other options, you'll be able to watch a spit splice demonstration then try it on your own!

We're also offering a new class this year on crocheted granny squares. If you've mastered the basic crochet stitches and are ready to try something a little more advanced, join us to learn how to make the building blocks of an afghan. Granny squares are a great portable project. We'll review how to read a basic crochet pattern, how to get started crocheting in the round, how to turn a corner on a square, and how to join your squares together.

Classes are held at the center tables. Space is limited and classes are first come, first served.

12:45 – Intro to Knitting

1:15 – Intro to Crochet

1:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

2:15 – More Ways to Cast-On

2:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

3:15 – Granny Squares

3:45 – Longest Thread Contest

4:15 – Weaving In and Joining Ends

In addition to our group sessions, our Roving Teachers will be available for one-on-one project help and Q&A throughout the day.
Do you have a project in the works that could benefit from some quick expert advice? Bring it along! Our teachers have generously offered to make time available for those needing a bit of help on a project (e.g. picking up stitches, tightening holes in heel gussets, those blasted side stitches that like to get messy, joining new fiber on your spindle without losing twist, interpreting a tricky pattern instruction) and offer impromptu mini-sessions and on the spot Q&A on crochet, spinning, and knitting.

If you see one of our teachers sitting at the class table without an active class session, or roving about, sporting an HYP "Roving Teacher" button, feel free to flag them down for assistance!


Our teachers will be out and about throughout the day. We want to make sure our teachers get some shopping time in, so if they don't have their button on, they're off-duty.

We'll have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table (aka the TABLE OF AWESOME) - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your knitted/crocheted accessories for the 500 Hats Project. If you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, we will be happy to take it off your hands at the charity table. Some hats will be started if you'd like to stop by and add a few rounds. You can read more about this year's project here.

We'll have Homespun Yarn Party bags, stickers, stitch markers, stitch marker boxes, key tags, tape measures, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.


Here's a preview...


photo by kaylavie - RatchetCatBoutique


Weather permitting, the adjacent deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping. If the deck is open and it's warm, we welcome wheel spinning and electric spinners outside. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

NOTE: Our class tables must be kept open for our scheduled sessions and Roving Teachers, and our charity tables for those actively working on a charity project. We ask that shoppers leave their wheels in their vehicles until the final hour of the event unless the deck is open (check first as we have no public storage space). We understand if you need to take a few moments to sit and recover from the yarn fumes but please be courteous of your fellow shoppers and share time at the social tables.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

2019: Wood Rasp Shop

Wood Rasp Shop

I create unique hardwood shawl, scarf or hair pins from locally found wood. I make two-piece buckle and pin fastening designs and wood buttons in a variety of shapes and sizes. All are shaped, sanded and oiled by hand then buffed to a jewel finish.

Wood Rasp Shop

Instagram: @thewoodraspshop

Wood Rasp Shop

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

2019: Wolle's Yarn Creations

Wolles Yarn Creations

Color Changing Cotton and Cotton/Silk yarns -- the original gradients. Feeling is believing: our skin-soft yarns are delightful to knit + crochet and a pleasure to wear.

Wolles Yarn Creations

Website: wollesyarncreations.etsy.com
Instagram: @wollesyarn
Twitter: @wollesyarn
Facebook: Wolle's Yarn Creations
Ravelry: Wolle's Yarn Creations

Wolles Yarn Creations

2019 Sponsor: Unicorn Clean


Thank you to returning sponsor Unicorn Clean!

What is your website?
Instagram: unicornclean

What is your Ravelry name/group?
Username: UnicornClean

Tell us about Unicorn Fibre and your products
Our conditioning Fibre Rinse will soften all fibers, including itchy wool, to reduce the "itch" factor, all while protecting your fabrics and fibers.

Fibre Wash is our everyday detergent choice, just right for your daily laundry pile AND your most beloved heirloom and luxury items.

Power Scour is perfect for the tough messes in your life (including your home! I'm looking at you bathrooms!). It lifts odors, stains, grease and lanolin.


How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
Anna is the owner and has been in business for more than 20 years, inspired because sister had Alpacas.

What's your favorite thing about having your business?
Everything, it is wonderful working with products you know do a great job and meeting great people along the way.


See Unicorn Clean's awesome guide How to Clean Everything!

2019: Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Wild Hare Fiber Studio is known for innovative hand-dyed yarns and fibers, including gradient, black light reactive, and painterly splattered and speckled colorways. Looking for a new way to use yarn? The Weave-a-Round Circle loom developed by Wild Hare Fiber Studio is and easy and creative way to get into weaving!

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Website: www.wildharefiber.com
Instagram: @wildharefiber
Facebook: wildharefiber
Ravelry: Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

2019: Wandering Wool

Wandering Wool

Wandering Wool carries a variety of wool and wool blend yarns, all dyed by hand in my home studio. I specialize in gradient colorways with long color changes in addition to semi-solid and variegated colorways. My colorways are inspired by nature and travel.

Wandering Wool

Website: www.unplannedpeacock.com
Instagram: @wanderingwool
Twitter: @WanderingWool
Facebook: wanderingwool
Ravelry: Wandering Wool

Wandering Wool

2019: Unplanned Peacock Studio

Unplanned Peacock Studio

Unplanned Peacock Studio crafts gorgeous, high quality hand dyed yarn and fiber. We use only the most luxurious materials, and all of our colors are uniquely designed.

Unplanned Peacock Studio

Website: www.unplannedpeacock.com
Instagram: @unplannedpeacock
Twitter: @unplannedpeack
Facebook: unplannedpeacockstudio
Ravelry: Unplanned Peacock Studio

Unplanned Peacock Studio

Monday, March 11, 2019

2019: Three Ravens Studio

Three Ravens Studio

I prep, dye, and blend beautiful fiber to spin or felt, as well as make handspun yarn from those fibers for others to use. I also create weavings, wearables, jewelry and home decor like hanging plant podlets from natural materials like crystals, wood, and copper combined with my handspun yarn.

Three Ravens Studio

Website: https://www.threeravens.net
Instagram: @three_ravens_studio
Twitter: @xiane_3ravens
Facebook: threeravens.net
Ravelry: Xiane


Three Ravens Studio

2019 Sponsor: Lovelyarns

What is your website? Email?
website: http://www.lovelyarns.com email: lovelyarns@gmail.com
Facebook: lovelyarnslys
Instagram: @lovelyarns

Twitter: @lovelyarns


What is your Ravelry name/group?
Our rav group is Lovelyarns Fiberati






Where are you located and what are your hours?

We are located in the Historical Neighborhood of Hampden, in Baltimore City at 3610 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211 and we are open Monday - Wednesday 11-5:30; Thursday - Saturday 11-8pm; Sunday 11-5pm.









 
What kinds of things do you carry?

We specialize in locally hand-dyed yarn and fiber.  We have a Yarn Tasting Wall where you may purchase yarn by the gram and we have beads to add some extra bling to your stitching!  We carry an array of fibers including alpaca, camel, llama, yak, wool, cotton, linen, silk wrapped stainless steel, silk, and even paper!






How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?

This is the 13th year that Lovelyarns has been in business, however, it is my third year as owner and chief yarn slinger.  With help from my recently late grandmother, I was able to purchase the business on January 1, 2017 from long-time owner and founder, Sue Caldwell.  I was first a customer and then an employee of Sue's and this past summer she made me an offer I couldn't refuse and now here we are living the dream!


What's your favorite thing about having a LYS? 

All the yarn!! Hahaha! I really enjoy meeting all of the wonderful dyers and artisans whose work we sell and of course all of our lovely stitchers, spinners, weavers, and felters! While I was working on the business plan for the shop, part of my "Big Vision" was to create a magical space where people could come in and feel inspired to be playful and creative with their various fiber arts projects.  I am proud to say that I think we are achieving that goal.

2019: The Spanish Peacock (new vendor!)

The Spanish Peacock

The Spanish Peacock has been creating beautiful handmade fiber arts tools for over sixteen years. While our products are mainly for hand spinners, we also provide beautiful tools for knitting, crochet, weaving and other less well known crafts.

The Spanish Peacock

Website: www.spanishpeacock.com
Instagram: @spanish_peacock
Facebook: SpanishPeacock

The Spanish Peacock