Homespun Yarn Party - Savage, MD - March 25, 2012

Follow our group on Facebook!

2012-01-28T16:36:00.003-05:00

Are you on facebook? Join our facebook group!

We'll be having a couple of giveaways both on facebook and here in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out!

Vendor Application - 2012

2011-12-26T14:37:00.010-05:00

This year’s event will be Sunday March 25, 2012. 12PM-5PM (set up starts at 11AM) in the Great Room at Savage Mill in Savage, MD.

Vendors will be selected via a jury process. Applicants are applying to sell only their own handcrafted yarns and/or fibers or other crafts, not commercial products. No mass-produced yarns and fibers are allowed for sale. (commercially spun but hand-dyed yarn is okay. fully mass-produced is not.) Preference will be given to local vendors.

• Your completed application and photos must be submitted by January 31st to be considered for the show. Email applications and 3 Print quality (each no larger than 1MB) photos that clearly show your product to: yarnparty@gmail.com, with your business name(s) in the Subject Line.

• Applicants will be notified by February 14th regarding their vendor status. If accepted, information on the event and instructions on sending payment for the vendor fee will be emailed.

• Tables for the Yarn Party will cost $85, to be paid upon acceptance. This year, we'll have an early application discount if you get your application to us by January 20th - $80. Spaces are 6 foot by 6 foot. This includes a rental table (6 foot long) and chairs. Vendors will need to provide their own table linens.

• Each year the yarn party has door prizes for attendees, which we collect from all vendors. We feel this helps us point out your table and your wonderful wares, and gets attendees excited about your products. We expect all accepted applicants to help with this effort by donating a prize (such as a yarn skein, fiber, a soap, etc.).

• If you want to share a table, please have each person submit an application and photos in one email with both of your names in the Subject line.

Business Name:
Full Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Website:
If you are sharing a booth space with another crafter, please tell us their name (each vendor must submit an application):

Tell us about your products in 50 words or less. Feel free to pick from the following questions if you like: Do you have products for knitters/crocheters, spinners, weavers, etc? What kinds of fibers or types of yarns do you carry? What do you think makes your product unique? What led you to start your business? What is your favorite part of crafting your product? Tell us about a time when you have seen your product used "in the wild". If you haven't seen your product used, how do you hope people use your product? Tell us where your business is going, where you hope to be in three years.

Please email us with questions! Submit your application and 3 photos of your work via email to: yarnparty@gmail.com. Unfortunately, late applications cannot be included.

Thanks!

-Yarn Party Organizers

Note that any vendors not selected in the jury process will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified as soon as possible should a space open up. We strive to include as many vendors as possible each year while providing a variety of unique, high quality products, showcasing regional artists.

Also, we are moving towards an email list for all potential vendors. If you haven’t signed up for it, please do, as we will not be sending notices about the application individually in the future! http://homespunyarnparty.blogspot.com/2011/02/want-to-be-notified-next-time-were.html

Sponsor Post - Fibre Space

2011-11-11T19:57:00.003-05:00

Check out what is happening at one of our favorite LYS's - Fibre Space - this month!

Felted Wool Holiday Stockings with Betz White
Sunday, November 13, 3-6 pm
Cost is $75

Get in the holiday spirit and explore some new reasons to love wool with Betz White! Learn to make your own felted holiday stocking in this hands-on class. Turn old sweaters, felt scraps, wool roving and more into a whimsical holiday decoration or a wonderful gift. Embellish your creations with flowers, rosettes, leaves, and more using applique, simple hand stitching and needle felting. Betz is the author of Warm Fuzzies and Sewing Green and she has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show and been featured in Craft Magazine, Country Living and Cloth, Paper, Scissors. Her bright and whimsical style will have you inspired to create a lot out of a little after this fabulous class!

Read more and register here!

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Handspun Holidays with Molly Miller
Saturday, Dec. 3, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Cost is $115

It’s the time of year you’ve all been waiting for… the holidays, and our holiday workshop with local artist Molly Miller! Ring in the holidays with luxurious handspun yarn and a decadent cocoa tasting. This gift-giving-themed workshop will focus on using unique handspun art yarns for quick and easy holiday projects. Each student will receive three swatches of handspun to practice on in the class, plus a full skein of handspun to make a full project on your own!

Read more and register today!

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Black Friday at fibre space™!

fibre space™ will be opening at 6 am on Friday, November 25, 2011 for our third annual Black Friday day of discounts! This year we have an even larger discount!!

6-8 a.m. Shop all yarn, fibre and individual patterns at 30% off. Some yarns will be even further discounted**

8-10 a.m. The discounts continue at 20%

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Discount is 10% and the store closes at 6 p.m.

**Discount coupons will be given to customers entering the store between these hours. Discounts good for single patterns, yarn, ribbon and roving. No discount on held or preordered yarns. Must be present to enjoy this sale! Fire code mandates no more than 42 people in the shop. Feel free to wear your PJs. We are!
Black Friday in Old Town

The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Don’t fight the mall traffic and crowds this year. Instead enjoy a more pleasant gift buying experience by shopping your locally owned boutiques during the first-ever Old Town-wide Shop Local Alexandria Black Friday Sale! You’ll find deep discounts and extended hours from your favorite local stores. Shop as early as 6 am and enjoy coffee and breakfast from some of your favorite Old Town cafes. Here are the participating stores, their street address, hours and special discounts.
www.fibrespace.com/events

Planning for next year!

2011-11-11T19:55:00.002-05:00

Hello Yarn Party fans! We're getting the gears turning, starting to plan for next year!! We're planning on a Sunday in late March again - details will be posted as soon as we get final confirmation!

In the mean time, we'll be posting some info from some of our sponsors, as well as some other stuff you'll hopefully find fun (a blog contest, even!)!

YAY YARN PARTY!

Where we'll be!

2011-03-25T14:16:00.002-04:00

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 - directions are provided on their website here. It's pretty convenient from I-95, right off Rt 32.

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! We encourage people to arrive throughout the day - our vendors will have great stuff all day and we'll be announcing new door prizes every hour.

(view bigger map here!)

Also, take some time to check out all the great antiques and furniture! There's a used book store, craft and scrapbooking stores, a pottery shop with yarn bowls, the Noni studio, and more to see! If you get hungry, there are plenty of options! Save room for a delicious french pastry at Bonapartes! If the weather is nicer than expected, go for (or send your family on) a walk on the Savage Mill Trail!

Sirona Labs

2011-03-23T20:52:00.001-04:00

1. What is your website?
Sironalabs.com

2. What do you make?
I make instantly-absorbing natural soothing skin care products, mineral cosmetics, and
perfumes.

3. How did you get into making stuff?
I started out as a soap maker. My dad was diagnosed with aggressive thyroid cancer,
and was going to be treated with an extremely high dosage of radiation. He asked me
to make him a cream to remedy his expected radiation burns. He gave me 3 months in
which to do this. Please understand, asking a soap maker to make a healing skin cream
was much like asking a licensed driver to build you a working spacecraft. After teaching
myself the basics of lotion making, lightening struck and Sirona Original Moisturizing
Crème was created. Sirona Labs is now proud to announce the addition of Sirona Argan V,
a natural, vegetarian alternative to Sirona Original, which contains Emu oil.

4. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love the beautiful and unique things that people create with their hands. My mom is
a knitter as were both my grandmothers. I’ve always admired their sweaters but felt so
badly for them when their hands would tire and chap. It brings me great joy when my mom
or other fiber crafters use my Moisturizing Crème to soothe their achy joints and dried
skin from overwork.

5. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
There’s nothing like the feeling of knowing I created something that helped someone
else feel better. Whether it’s relieving aches and pains with Sirona Moisturizing Crème,
improving confidence by helping someone’s inner beauty shine through with Sirona cosmetics, or delighting the senses with my perfumes, my crafting feeds my soul in a way
no other thing ever has.

6. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
There is no failure, there are only experiences that pave your way to success.

The Crooked Elm

2011-03-23T20:43:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website?
thecrookedelm.com
Crooked Elm Ravelry Pattern Store
Etsy Shop

2. Your Ravelry username?
alianthe

3. What do you make?
I design and write knitwear (and occasionally crochet) patterns, and also make stitch markers, row counters, and slighty quirky office accessories like abacus bracelets, badge holders, lanyards, and jewelry suitable for office wear. I am in the process of putting up how-to videos for knitting and crochet techniques, to spread the gift of fiber artistry around.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
From the time I could stack a couple of blocks together, I've never not made stuff. For me, creation isn't something I do so much as something I am. From childhood, my grandmother and mother taught me a wide variety of crafts, and I always loved working with my hands. When I grew older, I realized I had a talent for design - my degree and
first career is actually in civil engineering. I bring the same principles to both infrastructure design and fiber arts - the key to human success above every other animal is that we are the only ones who change our environments to suit ourselves rather than adapting ourselves to suit our environments. What we build and surround
ourselves with is important. Beauty in the every day world is important. So, the things I make are about creating beauty that works, and a better immediate environment for our soft and vulnerable selves. Beyond that, creation has always been very soothing to me. I am a person who always feels the need to be accomplishing something, and so
for me there was always great appeal in the meditative qualities of quilting or knitting or crochet. It keeps my hands busy and my whole self engaged in a literally constructive act, which allows my mind to relax, and gives me time to process and mull on the things that have been going on in my world.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Everyone is so friendly and supportive of one another. It's quite refreshing to be in a group of people who all appreciate the importance of the work of one's hands, and whose main uniting focus is the love of and delight in beauty and texture and color.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I make incremental beauty in the world, and in small ways, that influences everything. Doing good little things and sending them out into the world makes other good little things happen out in the world, like dropping a stone in a pond makes ripples in the surface a long way away. I make physical embodiments of love and caring and warmth
for the people I love to carry around, so they will get to feel good more often and smile more often. Every time my best friend puts on the hand warmers I made her, she feels warmer AND she remembers that I care about her. She might be having a stressy day, but I'll bet it makes her smile a little every time, and whoever she smiles at is
perhaps a little bit happier than they would have been otherwise, too. I make patterns so that other people can make physical embodiments of their love for their loved ones to carry around, and the ripples go a little further. I think this makes me a happier person than I would otherwise be, and I think it makes the world a little nicer, which in turn makes my life a little nicer in perhaps unexpected or seemingly unrelated ways.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
It's okay to reinvent yourself, as many times as you need to. It's scary, but it's worth it.

Mid Valley Fibers

2011-03-23T20:41:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
midvalleyfibers.com
midvalleyfibers.etsy.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
linspins

3. What do you make?
Handspun yarns from local alpaca and wools; handknit accessories including shawls, scarves, neckwarmers, fingerless mitts and hats; angels from unspun wool and knitting patterns and kits.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I've been knitting since the age of 8. My elegant, tall, gorgeous aunt taught me. I wanted to be just like her. I achieved the knitting goal, but the didn't make it to 6' tall and thin! Oh well, I love the art of knitting and added spinning about 20 years ago so that I could go from their backs (the animals) to mine.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I've met so many people through fibers in the last few years. Through my local knit groups and fiber guilds I've had a chance to share techniques and learn so many new techniques that I did not have access to when I was a solitary knitter for so many years. I've also met many fiber producers and really enjoy learning more about the animals and what it takes to make a good yarn from the farm. I have any fiber producer friends and let them know that as a fiber consurmer I really appreciate the hard work it takes to produce good fiber fleeces.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Seven years ago my grandson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. I had the chance to be his primary daycare provider and daytime caregiver. Since he slept so much, I had the chance to knit furiously and after gifting so much I turned to offering my handknits to public. I donate a portion of the proceeds to Cystic Fibrosis research in honor of my grandson, Noah. (He's doing quite well with all the new respiratory therapies, drug therapies and new preventative regimens that have been developed in the last 15-20 years.) In addition to the CF aspect, I've had the chance to develop patterns and teach both knitting and spinning in the last two years and look forward to more opportunities for these.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I fell in love with alpaca several years ago when I made friends with a local alpaca producer. She got me involved in a new fiber guild, invited me to help out when they sheared their animals and just generally encouraged me to work with alpaca fiber. Since then I've become involved with the Maryland Alpaca Breeders Association and have made many friends through this group. The educational seminars that groups like this put on are invaluable to fiber artists and I highly recommend and encourage others to make friends with fiber producers of all types. The more you learn about the fiber and how it is produced, the better you understand the fibers and how to create yarn and garments appropriate to those fibers.

Wild Hare Fibers

2011-03-23T20:32:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
wildharefiber.com
Etsy Shop

2. Your Ravelry username?
wildharefiber

3. What do you make?
I spin, dye, knit, crochet, felt and weave... if it involves yarn or fiber I've probably tried it, as I love to experiment, learn new things and combine techniques. In my booth, you will find handspun art yarns and hand-dyed yarns and fibers for spinning and felting.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
My great-grandmother taught me to crochet, sew and embroider when I was pre-school age -- I've been making things my entire life. She didn't spin, but had her great-grandmother's flax wheel, and I would play with it, and dream of creating my own yarns from raw wool. I've now been spinning 20 years, focusing on art yarns in the last five.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love the vitality and excitement -- there are so many new people learning and falling in love with knitting, spinning and other fiber arts. The creativity and enthusiasm is intoxicating!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
What I do and what I make and 'the rest' of my life are like warp and weft -- integrated and vital to one another. I'm a fiber artist and a mother. Having my own business gives me flexibility to be there when my children need me, sets an example of self-reliance for them, and makes me a happier person and therefore better parent. Being able to pursue my passion for fiber arts is a blessing that I am most thankful for.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
'Wild Hare' refers to craziness, not bunny hair. It's from an old saying based on male hare's antics to impress the females, and was used to describe someone who does something unexpected or out of character -- I chose it as my shop name to express my creative, no-rules approach to fiber arts.

Alpacas of Maryland at Peace Hollow Farm

2011-03-22T19:57:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website? and email?
www.alpacasofmaryland.com
alpacasofmaryland@yahoo.com

2. Your Ravelry.com username?
alpacasofmaryland

3. Where are you located?
Westminster, MD

4. What do you make?
We make alpacas! We breed them for their ultra soft fine warm fleece and have it spun into yarn. We also have the raw fleeces available for spinning.

5. Do you make fiber/yarn/etc. full-time?
Yes

6. How did you get into making stuff?
We started with the alpacas, then after a short lesson, I practiced spinning for two years, and after that learned knitting and crocheting. I'm still very new at both, but am finishing my first feather and fan pattern scarf.

7. How long have you been doing this?
Been raising alpacas for over five years. Spinning for two years, and knitting and crocheting for about two months.

8. Where do you find inspiration?
The wonderful soft yarn from my own animals is so inspiring. I love the natural color, and knowing which animal I am working with is very special.. I'm also inspired by the people in this whole fiber community.. It's as though a whole new group of very kind folks have appeared in my life just when I can really appreciate them.

9. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Sometimes the opening of a life path happens in the most subtle way. After falling in love with the farm that we eventually bought, we fell in love with alpacas. That has led us to the most wonderful experiences and life style we could imagine. I'm raising these peaceful loving animals every day and hopefully learning to create things of beauty. Life just keeps giving surprising gifts in abundance.

Avalon Springs Farm

2011-03-22T19:48:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
avalonspringsfarm.com
Avalon Springs Farm blog

2. Your Ravelry username?
AvalonSprings

3. What do you make?
I make several kinds of yarn -- handspun, cottage spun and hand-dyed. I also make specialty packs of dyed locks, felt and roving.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I was an Art teacher for 12 years. My whole life long, I don't think I've ever stopped making stuff. However, more specifically about fiber -- about 15 years ago I got a small group of weathered male angora goats and named them all after different knights of King Arthur's round table. That was the beginning of Avalon Springs Farm, and my love of fiber art, but making yarn and roving is a little more recent.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
That it really is a community. What a lovely group of people. Between the couple of e-groups like Rav. and Phatfiber, local shows, other fiber farms, and a few loyal customers I really do see a define group. And, it is a warm, inviting, enthusiastic group!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I am so happy being a fiber art person. I loved teaching because I loved the vibrant evolving connection to the kids. But, now - I feel so fulfilled making and creating directly myself. Working with color and texture, the fiber is my canvass, nothing is better!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
This show comes just on the heels of a very exciting time on our farm -- kidding season! This was a super year. Everyone arrived happy healthy and full of life. We've had nine baby goats born so far, and one set of triplets (kind of unusual for Angoras). My family loves to watch them play, lovingly hold them, and name them - we never tire of it; its really a blast.

Wullenstudio

2011-03-22T19:41:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
knitswithsticks.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
SheilaR

Two Ravelry Groups: Sheila Rovelstad Designs and Knitting Behind Bars

3. What do you make?
Hand-dyed sock yarns, sterling silver and semi-precious stone stitch markers.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I have always done it for myself, I went into business when I retired and started dying sock yarn to keep myself in interesting sock yarns, but kept selling it to my friends before I could knit it up!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I am always so pleased at the generosity of the local fiber community. The community keeps our "Knitting Behind Bars" program at the Men's prison in Jessup in yarn and knitting needles. They come through whenever we are in need of supplies. They also have come through with over 3,000 books, including a full law library for the inmates. It blows me away! We teach our guys to "pay it forward" when it comes to knitting. We use what the knitting community is doing for them as an example!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
First, making what I want stirs my creativity. But I also listen to my customers. They let me know what colors they are dreaming about, and I love to come up with the yarns to paint their dreams.

Then , I love the serenity knitting brings to my life. My friend Lynn and I take that love of knitting and the resulting serenity, to teach self control, sharing and creativity to the inmates we teach in our program. After a year and a half we still get a great deal of satisfaction from this program.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Do what you love, love what you do!. I knit, therefore, I rock!

Sponsor: Noni Patterns

2011-03-22T19:36:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website? Email?
nonipatterns.com
nora@nonipatterns.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
my name on Rav is nonibags
I have a few groups that are dedicated to Noni: Noni Designs, Love Noni Patterns, and Noni Bags & Flowers

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
Noni is located in the Savage Mill, Carding Studio 108: one flight up from bonaparte bakery and down the hall. I am in the studio Monday through Friday from about 10 am until 5pm. My studio doubles as a little shop and gallery of Noni, but it is a working studio, so some days I’ve got the latest project spread out all over the teaching table, and some days it looks more boutique-ish. There is always something interesting to look at: I have the full line of Noni patterns on display. Any bags and garments that are not out visiting other yarn stores are on display as well, some come and browse the samples, patterns, and yarn.

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
I specialize in felting yarn and the supplies to make the bags: stiffener, bag feet, closures. I carry my own pattern line and Stonehedge Fiber Mill’s Shepherd’s Wool, the entire palette, plus Tilli Tomas Flurres, as well as an assortment of other felting yarns.

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
My studio has been open for a little over a year, but Noni has been in business 6 years this August 19, 2011.

6. What's your favorite thing about having your business?
My shop is specialized, obviously, with a focus mainly on offering patterns and supplies for felted bags, flowers, and accessories. I love to teach and am in the process of developing an education program for the studio. That’s my favorite part. . . And I like meeting people from all different parts of the country who get excited about felting.

Sponsor: Stitches South/XRX Inc.

2011-03-21T20:41:00.005-04:00

1. What is your website? Email?
We can be found online at two places: knittinguniverse.com and knitalk.com
To contact us via email, use customerservice@knittinguniverse.com for any questions.
The latest news with us can be found on each of our Facebook pages and do not require an account to see them:
facebook.com/XRXBooks
facebook.com/KnittersMagazine
facebook.com/STITCHESExpos

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
We participate in various groups:
Knitter's Magazine is moderated by Molly, the Operations Manager
Think Outside the SOX
Entree for Entrelac
Inside STITCHES Knitting Expos
STITCHES South
STITCHES West
STITCHES Midwest
STITCHES East

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
You can find XRX, Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the office hours of 9AM to 5PM Central Time.

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
We offer a magazine that appeals to all knitters who want timeless garments along with beautiful books and conferences full of classes and a market to shop. The events at our conferences include a market for shopping, an opening day speaker with a "meet the teachers" luncheon following, classes of different intensities, a fashion show with dinner, a student banquet for "show and telling" to share, and finally a "little" pajama party thrown by Kimberly (aka, Some Bunny's Love).

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
XRX, Inc. has been in business close to 30 years -- 28 to be exact. It all started when the family's weaving shop decided to publish their own newsletter. A couple of years later, Knitter's Magazine was born!

6. What's your favorite thing about having your business?
We love how knitters can come together in order to help. The genuine solidarity in their kindness is a great example of how people of different backgrounds and beliefs can still work alongside for a purpose.

Feederbrook Farm

2011-03-21T20:31:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.feederbrook.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
Feedrbrook

3. What do you make?
Hand spun / hand dyes artisan Yarns and Roving from Sheltand Sheep, Alpacas and BFL crosses. Fibers are home grown or from local producers. We also offer fiber CSA memberships and educational oportunities.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
In 1996 the tenants on the farm left and forgot to take their cats and sheep. So we decided to keep the flock and the felines. We knew absolutely nothing about livestock, farming or fiber, but we learned fast. A few years past and the bags of fleeces began to build up, so as a joke I asked my family for a spinning wheel for Christmas. Well they did not think that I was joking. That was 15 years ago and the rest is history.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The folks that I have met thought the fiber community have been such an inspiration.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Everything I do revolves completely around the animals and fiber.... my family can attest to that. There are some days the house is a wash of fiber from the kitchen and livingroom to the porch and even the ceiling. Most days we get it put away before my husband walks in the door. Although there are other days (especially during lambing) he is wondering where the sound of the newborn lamb is coming from.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Farming happens rain or shine and you might as well have a smile on your face even when the sheep escape and the pig has made a bed out of 10 bales of your best alfalfa.

Sponsor: Metro Yarn Crawl

2011-03-21T20:24:00.005-04:00

Metro Yarn Crawl April 9–17, 2011

Website: metroyarncrawl.com

Nine days of shopping bliss and fab discounts at the DC metro area’s finest yarn shops! Receive 20% off at all participating shops and be entered for a $100 prize! Join our “crawl” around the beltway by purchasing a tote at any one of the participating shops. Totes are available on or after March 15th. The crawl is from April 9-17, 2011.

How do I participate in the crawl?

Join the Metro Area Yarn Crawl by purchasing the MYC tote – available at any of the participating shops for $13. This canvas tote is your ticket for discounts at all participating shops!

What do I get for participating?

Show your tote at any participating shop from April 9-17, 2011 and receive 20% off your entire purchase of full priced yarn, fibre, books and patterns. You may use your tote as often as you like during these nine days.

*This discount may not be combined with any other discount.
*Please note the shop hours of each store. Some shops are not open on Sundays. The Yarn Spot is not open on Saturdays.

How do I get entered for one of the prize drawings?

Collect stamps on your “metro card” (given to you with your tote). Each shop that you visit will provide one stamp. Get 7 of the 10 stamps and you can then enter to win a drawing at the shop of your choice! Each prize is valued at $100. You may enter at any participating shop and are then eligible for the drawing at that particular shop.

For more info, including a list of participating shops, please visit the Metro Yarn Crawl website!

Neighborhood Fiber Co.

2011-03-20T22:40:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website?
Website
Twitter
Facebook page

2. Your Ravelry username?
karida

3. What do you make?
hand-dyed yarns, patterns and kits

4. How did you get into making stuff?
My best friend taught me to knit after college and opened up the whole world of crafting to me.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love how rich and diverse it is. There are so many people in DC/MD/VA area who are being creative and making stuff! It's really a great source of inspiration for me.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Being the only non-lawyer in my immediate family, I tend to always feel a bit different. Doing something that I love, making yarn, helps me feel free to bask in my difference. Also, it's nice to have a job where I can have tattoos and funny hair!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
My business has moved from DC to MD to OH and now back to MD. I'm in Baltimore now and I finally feel like I'm somewhere permanent.

Alpacas of Windswept Farm

2011-03-20T22:34:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.WindsweptAlpacas.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
WindsweptAlpacas

3. What do you make?
We make a variety of yarn with alpaca and other natural fibers. We hand dye/paint a large portion of our yarn selections but also offer 100% natural, un-dyed for those concerned with allergic reactions. All our alpaca fiber is raised in the USA; from our own farm or neighboring farms. We also try our best to support the other local farms when we need other natural fibers. We also offer roving, batts and raw fiber for the quilter, spinner or crafter. Our latest addition to our project list includes making scarves and shawls from our yarn.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
The making of the yarn, roving etc. was a natural extension of raising the livestock. We both have a creative side expressed through gardening and eventually hand dying of yarn/fiber.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The People – no doubt about it. We have met so many wonderful folks who are involved in either raising livestock or using the fiber for yarn or craft projects. It’s always a joy to speak with people and share experiences and stories.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
After 20+ years in the IT industry, it is pure bliss to work with the alpacas and the fiber. It was the best change we have ever made to our lives.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Every day is a treasure just waiting to be unwrapped.

Gnome Garden

2011-03-20T22:26:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
Website
Etsy Shop

2. Your Ravelry username?
gnomegarden

3. What do you make?
I make hand dyed fibers for spinning and crafting and hand spun yarns

4. How did you get into making stuff?
Always been a chronic crafter. My sister taught me to knit maybe 10 years ago, and I slid down the slippery slope into fiber arts soon after. I love it so much and am sort of panicked if I don't have something yarny or crafty going at all times.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love the festivals and the friendliness of the fiber people. It is a very generous community.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Well, there are a lot of sparkles flying about our house....

I love sharing the love of fibery pursuits with people. Especially teaching kids to knit.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Hmmn, well many of life's mysteries can be solved with a little Pee-Wee Herman.

As he so sagely said--"The mind plays tricks on you. You play tricks back! It's like you're unraveling a big cable-knit sweater that someone keeps knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting and knitting..." That quote can help explain the unexplainable in a pinch.

Ive been making some "worry yarns" inspired by my girls. We've had a bit of hard-life happenings lately, and my youngest is a big fan of telling her worry dolls about her troubles before bed. Then she spreads them out on her pillow and goes to sleep. When she wakes up they are all tangled up in her hair. I thought that was a really great look and also a nice image to make yarn that turns into garments that will carry your worries for you & look after you. I've also been incorporating Latin American Milagros-- little silver charms that represent prayers or hopes and wishes. I think it's good to think positively-- a sort of practical magic. :)

Sponsor: Nature's Yarns, Inc.

2011-03-17T13:29:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website? Email?
naturesyarnsinc.com/
info@naturesyarnsinc.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Group name: Nature's Yarns, Inc.

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
11212 Lee Hwy (Jermantown Square)
Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours: 10am until 6pm Monday through Saturday, 10am until 8:30pm on Wednesdays, 12-5 on Sunday

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
Local fibers (alpaca and wools) and roving, Blue Ridge yarns, our own hand dyed yarns (Reflections), and tons more. We'll special order wheels and looms but usually don't have them in the store.

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
We've been in business 3 and a half years. We really enjoy all of the fiber arts and LOVE working with others that share our interests and/or want to dive into fiber.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
Meeting the people and touching the yarn!

Kate's Cauldron

2011-03-17T11:29:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
Etsy Shop

2. Your Ravelry username?
katbyrd

3. What do you make?
Over the years, I've professional crafted in a number of media. I started with pottery, then gradually shifted to stained glass which I designed and sold for at least a decade. For the past few years I've been playing with fibers---something I had been wanting to do for years. Right now I spin (and sometimes re-spin, in the case of reclaimed yarns) and make wooden spindles. I'm especially fond of spindles with spiral tips that really seem to help maintain an even spin. I love the wood I'm using for my spindles and hate to waste any of it. I've alos been using the scraps to make shawl pins and buttons when the mood stikes me.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I've always loved making things. I was an anthropology and archaeology student and still find that I have a need to know, hands on, how and why people do what they do. Tools and craft are such a big part of that. I love looking at form and function, that place where culture, spirit and art collides with neccessity and work.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Those I've met are just big hearted, creative and just wacky enough to keep things interesting.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Craft is sometimes, just something I have to do to keep my sanity. Things going on around me may influence the colors and designs that inspire me at any given moment. I am currently being seduced by the palette of a halved avacado, for example, although I've yet to figure out what I'm ging to do with this vision (other than make guacamole).

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Kate's Cauldron is an odd name for a spindlemaker. I can't seem to abandon my original business name that I've been using since I first started making pottery. The photo in my logo is a hand built Goddess/fertility pot made over twenty years ago and the only largish pot I kept for myself. Nowadays I use it to hold my spindles, so I guess it belongs after all.

Sponsor: Fibre Space

2011-03-17T11:22:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website?
fibrespace.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Group Name: Fans of Fibre Space

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
102 N Fayette Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Mon-Tues, Fri-Sat: 10 am – 7 pm
Weds – Thurs: 10 am – 9 pm
Sun: 11 am – 6 pm

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
spinning fibre
Sanguine Gryphon
Miss Babs
Neighborhood Fiber Co
Sweet Georgia
String Theory
Blue Sky Alpacas
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
We have been in business since July 2009.

the fibre space shop grew out of Knit-a-Gogo, Inc., which was opened in October of 2006 to provide knitting classes, parties and events at coffee shops and bakeries in the DC metro area. Danielle Romanetti was the sole teacher and operator of the business until 2008. In August of 2008, the business expanded to six additional teachers and three new locations. The Knit-a-Gogo following grew and eventually demanded a permanent home. In July 2009, Knit-a-Gogo expanded into fibre space, a new retail store space with a classroom and events space.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
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.

Sponsor: A Tangled Skein

2011-03-17T11:13:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website? Email?
atangledskein.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Group Name: A Tangled Skein

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
5200 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781

HOURS:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 11-7
Wednesday 11-9
Saturday 11-6
Sunday 1-5
Closed Monday.

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
Lots of yarn, including Noro, Rowan, Schaefer, Neighborhood Fiber Co., Abstract Fibers, Berroco, and many others. We also have a good selection of books and individual patterns.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
Meeting our customers. They're such creative, interesting people. And we like having the shop be a community gathering place. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that the workday is spent surrounded by piles and piles of wonderful colored yarn.)

Classes and knitting groups:
We have Sit and Stitch twice a week, on Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons, and Sit and Spin on the fourth Friday evening of the month. Our complete class schedule can be found on our website.

Sponsor: Aylin's Woolgatherer

2011-03-13T22:45:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website? Email?
Aylin's Woolgatherer

Email: aylin@aylins-wool.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Group name: Aylin's Woolgatherer

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
7245 Arlington Blvd., Suite 318
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-573-1900

Regular Store Hours:
Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5:30 pm
Thu: open later, until 8:30 pm

Directions from Washington, DC:
Take Rt. 50 into Nothern Virginia approximately 8 miles to Graham Rd.
(Next stop light after Annandale Rd.) Turn left and make the next right into
Loehman's Plaza shopping center. Go to the 3rd floor of "7-11 building" in the middle of the center.

Directions from the Capitol Beltway (I-495):
Go to Northern Virginia. Exit onto Rt. 50 East.
Proceed just under a mile to Graham Rd. (4th traffic light after the Beltway) and turn right.
Make the first right turn into Loehman's Plaza shopping center.
Go to the 3rd floor of "7-11 building" in the middle of the center.

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
We offer a wonderful selection of high quality yarns, exquisite fibers, an extensive library of books and patterns, implements, unique gifts and accessories. I love the creations of Blue Ridge Yarns and are very interested in finding more local dyers. I would be very interested in promoting and applauding the new talents coming into our industry. Above all, at Aylin’s Woolgatherer we offer to share our ideas, expertise and enthusiasm in the art of knitting and crocheting with all other enthusiasts near and far.

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
I started Aylin’s Woolgatherer 36 years ago, on the 2nd of January in 1975. A good friend Mrs. Wynn Gnam, who owned The Woolgatherer downtown, urged me to open up my own shop. At the time, I had a little girl and I was most concerned with participating fully in her early development. With the encouragement and guidance from my friend, owning my own business seemed like a natural choice. I have never regretted it, even for one day.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
My favorite thing about owning a yarn store is the opportunity it gives me to combine my lifelong love and interest in the textile crafts with my love of working with and being around people. It allowed me to find, develop and nurture a community of like-minded people who really became a second family to me. I have always been blessed because the hard work it takes to run a business never felt like “work” to me.

Persimmon Tree Farm

2011-03-13T22:33:00.002-04:00

1. What is your website?
Persimmon Tree Farm

2. What do you make?
I have been doing fiber shows for about 18 years now up and down the east coast and Midwest. I have even had a booth at Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, Black Sheep Gathering and Estes Park CO. I hand dye custom/commercial spun yarn. I also produce hand dyed blended 50/wool/50/mohair roving for handspinng/felting. I also carry handspun yarn, hand knit/woven finished items. Raw and washed natural colored mohair.

3. How did you get into making stuff?
I got into all this wonderful stuff when my husband and I bought a farm in 1989. We needed some lawn mowers, so first came some Border Leicester sheep, and then came Natural Colored Angora goats.

4. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
They are just as nice and friendly as the local sheep and goat breeders, wonder people.

5. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Just ask my family, it is my life, and they get drug into it also. It is a huge part of my life. I enjoy working with the animals and the fiber.

6. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Stories?? Which one do you want to hear? Fiber and animal folks are full of stories. Like when the head gasket blew on the way to Michigan and we had to stop every hour to put water in the radiator, or the time the truck/trailer broke down going up the mountain getting home from SAFF, or even the time I put diesel in the gas tank and could not figure out why the truck would not run ,,that was on the way back from Michigan another year. I could go on and on. Life is an adventure. I keep telling my girlfriend we should write a book.

Folktale Fibers

2011-03-12T20:38:00.003-05:00

1. What is your website?
Etsy Shop
Folktale Fibers Blog

2. Your Ravelry username?
folktale

3. What do you make?
I make handspun yarn from sustainable fibers, mainly local small farm wool and fiber recycled from large spinning mills. I'm trying to make my entire process more sustainable now that I have my own small farm - I've been experimenting with solar dyeing, and am in the process of switching over to low impact dyes. I buy most of my local wool as raw fleeces and wash, dye, card, and spin them myself. This year I will have a few yarns spun from my own pygora goats fiber available, for the first time ever!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I can't ever remember not making stuff, even when it was just badly constructed doll clothing! My mom was really crafty and artsy, so probably picked up a lot from her.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
It's hard to pick one thing, but I think my favorite thing would be everyone's generosity. I've never met a more welcoming bunch of people!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I think each craft sort of leads to another for me - I started out sewing and crocheting. I learned to knit in high school, then got really obsessed with spinning, and then I ended up getting very interested in the animals the fiber comes from. Now I have my own mini herd!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
This past year, I discovered that I really, really love goats. My business isn't just a fiber business anymore, I'm now starting a small farm/homestead and will be expanding into raising animals and growing herbs and vegetables.

Alpaca Yarn Arts

2011-03-12T20:31:00.005-05:00

Email: alpacayarnarts@yahoo.com

Do you have products for knitters/crocheters, spinners, weavers, etc?

Handwarmer Kits: Try working with laceweight yarn with my handwarmer kits-- hand-dyed alpaca yarn in sport or worsted weight with matching laceweight for ruffles, dyed at the same time, for knitters, The laceweight is dyed with the sport weight or worsted weight, so it matches exactly.

Knitting patterns: Another style of handwarmer, and a hat with vertical stripes created by knitting horizontal stripes using three methods in the same hat with earflaps, peruvian style.

Felt: I've had alpaca fleece made into sheets of luscious felt for seamstresses that will make beautiful jackets, vests, slippers, lap-robes and other items, even one piece of llama felt that would be a lovely soft, springy rug to put your feet onto in the morning.

Felted soap: Don't miss my thinly felted soap (the bubbles come right through). The soap is handmade in Maryland, and covered with dyed alpaca fleece raised in Maryland. I also have some unscented soap, felted with undyed alpaca fleece.

Sponsor: The Yarn Spot

2011-03-12T20:22:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website? Email?
The Yarn Spot website
victoria@theyarnspot.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
The Yarn Spotters (and Victoria is The Loomist and Jill is riproaring)

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
11406A Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD (on the site of the former Anchor Inn)
Sunday 10 - 5
Monday 10 - 6
Tuesday 10 - 6
Wednesday 10 - 8
Thursday 10 - 8
Friday 10 - 5
Closed Sat.
Stitch Gatherings: Sundays 2-4 PM, Wed. and Thursday evenings 6-8 PM

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
We carry many standard yarns, as well as Alchemy, Schaefer Yarns, Blue Heron Yarn, Three Irish Girls, Rock Creek Yarn, and will be adding Dragonfly Fibers soon.

We also carry Kromski spinning and weaving equipment, Schacht spinning and weaving equipment as well as a good range of fiber for spinning and a small selection of cone yarns for weaving.

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
We have been open since November of 2009. We opened the store because of our love of yarn, fiber and craft and it seemed like the right time to embark on our next great adventure!

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
Meeting wonderful people who enjoy fiber as much as we do, working with yarn ALL DAY LONG and having flexibility in my schedule. Must attend school shows and events!

Sponsor: Yarns International

2011-03-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Yarns International

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Our Ravelry group is Yarns International.

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
We are an online store only. Our office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
We carry only Shetland yarns which we import directly from the Shetland Islands. These include 2-ply jumper weight in both undyed natural colors and dyed colors; lace weight yarns, both gossamer (cobweb) and 2-ply, in five natural colors. We have a wide variety of patterns using all of our yarns.

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
We had a brick and mortar store in Bethesda for 12 years, from 1994 through 2006, when we went online only.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
What we loved about our store, and what we miss most, is the community of knitters that were centered in our store. We stay in contact with many of our customers through our online business and at Sheep and Wool Festivals in Maryland and in New York. We also hold “live” events in Bethesda several times each year.

Sponsor: Looped Yarn Works

2011-03-08T21:36:00.003-05:00

1. What is your website?
Looped Yarn Works

2. What is your Ravelry name/group?
Looped Yarn Works

3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
1732 Connecticut Avenue, NW #200
Washington, DC 20009

Hours:
Tues. and Thurs. 11 am – 9 pm
Wed. and Fri. 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday 11 am – 6 pm
Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Monday closed

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
Malabrigo, Tilli Tomas, Kangaroo Dyer, Madeline Tosh, Rowan, Blue Heron, Blue Ridge Yarns, Abstract Fibers

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open a LYS?
We opened August 19, 2010. We wanted to bring yarn back to Dupont Circle and provide a friendly, warm and helpful environment for knitters and crocheters.

6. What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
Our customers.

Charity Crafting at HYP!

2011-03-08T08:28:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that we'll once again have Knitters and Crocheters Care collecting items at Yarn Party this year!

Items will be going to Alternative House, who provides shelter and outreach to pregnant and parenting teenagers, through their Assisting Young Mothers program.

So please knit or crochet an eight inch square (or a few!) and we'll sew them together for some sweet little baby blankets! Of course other baby items are welcome and will find a good home! Please be sure everything is washable!

Cosy Knits (Literally)

2011-03-07T21:52:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Cosymakes.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
cosymakes

3. What do you make?
hand dyed and handspun yarns from responsible wool sources including farm wool and low process falkland.

i dye several wool yarn lines - snapdragon and rainbow chard, i also dye some bulky lamb's pride.

i also do knitwear design, including lots of accessories and baby stuff.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
i suppose i'd have to point to my mother as the source of me making stuff. she's a very creative woman who always encouraged me in the arts.

i'm not sure where the crafts aspect came in... but you have to have something that's your own.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
oh my. someone to talk to about my own personal version of geekiness ;)

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
i do this full time, so it is my life! i love working with wool, farmers, color, and shape. there's so much variety and interest in all of the things that i do.

i couldn't just knit or just dye, but all of it together is a holistic occupation for me.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
every time i tell people i'm a fiber artist, you can visually see their heads think about leafy greens before they maybe land on quilting or something. hee hee.

SpaceCadet Creations

2011-03-07T21:42:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
SpaceCadet Creations

2. Your Ravelry username?
I am SpaceCadetCreates. And there is a SpaceCadet Creations group on Ravelry too.

3. What do you make?
I make beautiful hand-dyed yarns and fibers by mixing each colour by hand from primaries. Every yarn and fiber-braid is unique.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I have been a fiber freak ever since I begged my mother for spinning lessons way back when I was 11 years old! I taught myself to knit when I was 19, took up spinning a decade later, and picked up a degree in Textiles and Clothing while I was at it. But it's dyeing -- creating all those wonderful colours! -- that really gets my blood pumping.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love how welcoming and supportive crafters are to one another. If you ask a knitter to teach you to knit or a spinner to teach you to spin, she'll not only do it, but probably invite you to her knitting or spinning group, and end up being a friend too. It happens all the time, and I just love being part of a community like that!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Probably the coolest thing about dyeing is that inspiration is simply all around me. I see colours I want to create everywhere I look, and am constantly filled with exciting ideas!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
When I was a kid and I’d do something dumb, my dad would call me a “Space Cadet”. He said it with love but it wasn't a compliment ...and I did a lot of dumb things as a kid! So I decided a long time ago that when I finally worked up the courage to break out of the mould of ordinary work and do something creative -- something I wanted to be proud of -- I was going to call my little venture "SpaceCadet". And baptise that old nickname with a brand-new meaning.

Dragonfly Fibers

2011-03-06T21:52:00.003-05:00

1. What is your website?
Etsy Shop
Blog!

2. Your Ravelry username?
dragonflyfibers

3. What do you make?
I make artisan-dyed yarn and spinning fiber in deep rich and sometimes shockingly bright colors. I will also have Trindles at HYP, and perhaps some handspun.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I started off learning to sew, so I could quilt. Then I decided that I wanted to make the fabric itself, and began knitting, then spinning, and then dyeing fiber. Last year, I learned to do rug hooking at MD Sheep and wool festival. This year, I plan to learn crochet very soon, and am fascinated with making small rugs crocheted with strips of re-purposed fabric.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The people, of course, and the beautiful work they do!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
My family will say that my yarn and fiber cover every inch of our homeJ Seriously, I have been privileged to dye yarn full-time since June and am living my dream. I never considered myself to be an entrepreneurial type, but I am learning more now than at any other point, and enjoying it more. I love that my kids can be involved and that they see what can be possible.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
To get me to protect myself better when kettle-dyeing, my husband gave me Kevlar sleeves and mechanics gloves for Christmas! Best present of the season!

Flying Goat Farm

2011-03-06T21:41:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Flying Goat Farm
Etsy Shop

2. Your Ravelry username?
goatherd

3. What do you make?
I have hand-dyed yarns made from luxury fibers. Some of the yarns are from our angora goats, cormo and BFL sheep and others are commercially prepared. I also have some wonderful handspun singles. We have spinning fibers for sale in rovings and some art batts. All my yarns are made in a pet-friendly, non-smoking home. We also have photographic greeting cards, silk scarves and some handknit items. We include a free pattern with each purchase of yarn.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I started as a weaver several years ago. I wove a lot of Ikat, so I needed to learn how to dye my warps and wefts. I swore I would never spin, but I won a spinning wheel and it must have been fate to do that too. Now we have our own farm with wonderful animals who give us lots of fleece to share!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My favorite thing is the weaver/knitter/crocheter/spinner’s handshake. We are such visual and tactile people that it is hard to not touch someone else’s work when talking with them. My favorite thing about Homespun Yarn Party is the energy and creativity of each and every person there. It is so much fun to see what people are working on and talk with them about their projects.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Now that I have my own animals and tend my own pastures, orchards and fields, I am much more cognizant of working in a sustainable way. I have to take care of my animals so that they produce great, soft, fine fibers. I have to take care of my trees and fields for the same reason. I believe in honestly labeling my items to reflect their origin and we are trying to increase the amount of local fibers we have for people in MD, VA, WV, and DC. We also have classes at Flying Goat Farm in beginning spinning, dyeing basics, weaving, fruit tree pruning and testing/controlling parasites in your sheep, goats, and alpacas.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Everyone we meet asks us about the name of our farm. It comes from a silly story I invented to make sense of what was happening in my trees. In our first field, we had 2 apple trees. Being new to goats, I didn’t really understand that a goat’s favorite foods are leaves, bark and other tasty parts of trees. We would go to work each morning and when we came home, higher and higher pieces of the trees were missing. So we made up a story that our two goats, Winter and Inkblob, would fly and browse among the tree tops when humans weren’t looking. When they heard a car, truck or skateboard, they would quickly land and stow away their wings and appear to be just calmly grazing in the field.

Shelby B's Designs

2011-03-04T10:12:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Shelby B's Designs

2. Your Ravelry username?
shelbyknits

3. What do you make?
I handpaint yarn in fun colorways. Most of them are inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, so they have a lot of fun and different color combinations.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I was looking for yarn in funky combinations, but couldn't find what I was looking for. So I started playing around with color, and couldn't stop!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
That there are so many of us and we all do things differently. We could all use the same colors and come up with something entirely different. It's a lot of fun to see!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I'm a scientist by day, so dyeing is my outlet from being so analytical. It also helps to have a background in the lab, so I'm used to dealing with chemicals.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
This will be my very last show. I am sorry to say that I have had to make the hard decision to stop dyeing for now on. I have 2 kids (ages 3 and 7), and they take up more time every day. I had to decide to give something up, and I don't think getting rid of the kids would be a good idea. Having the extra time will allow me to focus more on them and their extra-curricular activities. I hope to come back at some point, once they are a little older and require less hands on attention.

CompassioKnit

2011-03-01T19:58:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
CompassioKnit

2. Your Ravelry username?
allisonjai

3. What do you make?
CompassioKnit is my new outlet for handspun yarns that place respect for fellow creatures and the environment at the forefront of fiber choices.

My goal is to provide spectacular yarns and other fiber art products to the conscientious crafter. This means:

- Loads of vegan / plant-based items
- Recycled and up-cycled goods
- Wools and other protein fibers from folks who view their companion animals as friends, rather than commodities. Most sources are rescue organizations, and absolutely none are kill farms or irresponsible breeders.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was a small child. She pitched it as a survival skill: if you can make your own clothes, you won't be cold.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
No egos! The local fiber community is so welcoming of all different approaches to fiber art... I love it. Creativity *plus* support?! You guys are awesome.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
As I explore different handcrafts, I find that I view everyday tasks with a more critical eye. I'm able to solve problems easier. Honestly, I think I'm getting smarter!

In turn, I tend to bring innovative approaches to my art. The question, "well, why not?" is a driving force in my work.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I live with three bunny rabbits. I say with experience that the two most sage words of wisdom are: poop happens.

Snallygaster Fibers

2011-03-01T19:51:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Snallygaster Fibers

2. Your Ravelry username?
LadieKae and Lynus

3. What do you make?
We dye mostly sock yarn that is designed to spiral as it is knit.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
We are sisters, born and raised in Baltimore. A few years ago we discovered the world of knitting and all of the amazing people in it. Through our experiences with the community and small knitting group sessions, we have developed a wonderful network of friends, one of whom was a remarkable dye artist herself. We fell in love with the vibrant colors she used. Shortly after we met this woman, she decided that she was no longer going to dye yarn.

At first we joked that we were going to have to learn how to dye, in order to keep ourselves stocked with the yarns that we had come to admire. One day she happened to give us a jar of dye and cautioned- "You're going to love this"...

And the rest of the story unfolds as you would imagine. We got a ton of natural yarn and started playing.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
There are so many talented fiber artists in this area. We have met many and have nothing but positive experiences with every one of them. It’s always fun to get a hold of something that was done by hand in small batches. We love getting things that have been touched by people, rather than machines. It’s like a treasure hunt. And when you get the meet the person that made it, it makes it even more special.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
This entire endeavor is evidence that if you do what you love, it never feels like work.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Every colorway we dye has a story behind it. Some are obvious, some are more obscure references to the culty things we love, like video games, old cartoons, and random comedians.

Biggs & Featherbelle

2011-02-28T20:42:00.003-05:00

1. What is your website?
Biggs & Featherbelle

2. Your Ravelry username?
We are not on ravelry.

3. What do you make?
We make all natural body care products free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives. They are purposeful, fun and full of quality ingredients. Our line of body care products include soaps, lip balm, bath soak, belly balm, body butter bars, body scrubs, gift sets and a lot more in the works!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
A Martha Stewart magazine article inspired us to make 'melt and pour' glycerin soaps as Christmas presents. With backgrounds in the Fine Arts and Fashion, we both had fun creating unique recipes, packaging and clever names for each item. The gifts were a big hit. Our family has always been proponents of alternative healing practices and consumers of natural beauty products. So, it seemed fitting to continue exploring the benefits of botanicals. The innocent investigation soon turned to obsession. We quit our day jobs and devoted every hour to research and invention, striving to create the products we couldn't find on the shelves.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Everyone in the local fiber community appreciates everything handmade including handmade body care products! They really understand the importance of quality and the handmade aspect.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Our business is our life! It is all about soap...we never really leave it. Our business has taught us about how to create balance in life. Also we have much more of a appreciation for a well handmade product. We understand what a labor of love is now. It is wonderful how our business has connected us with so many talented indie rafters and the natural products community.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Learn as you go and don't dwell on the little mistakes.
Take advice from the right people and don't let other people's opinions affect you too much.
Love what you do!
Stay organized.

We have had so many funny stories and experiences over the seven years. I sometimes wish we wrote them all down. Something that always sticks out in our mind is our first version of packaging, which was about 5 versions ago (nothing is ever final). I believe we were taking handmade a little too literally and realized that we couldn’t make every detail perfect! We used to cut out circle sponges to stamp a large sheet of paper, then cut it into squares, then the part that always make us laugh is that our mom would sew the paper on her sewing machine together to make a bag for the soap. Mom really felt like she was working in a sweatshop hunched over her sewing machine for hours at a time, which is why our packaging eventually evolved into what it is today. Although we still do everything ourselves and probably create more work for ourselves than necessary…we have fun doing it.

Dancing Leaf Farm

2011-02-28T20:28:00.003-05:00

1. What is your website?
Dancing Leaf Farm

2. Your Ravelry username?
dancingleaffarm

3. What do you make?
I hand paint various types of wool yarn and fiber, some from my sheep. I make fused glass buttons and brooches and hand card fun fibers into spinning batts.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I got into this business by raising the sheep first, then having all their wool for dyeing and spinning.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My favorite thing about the fiber community is their inspiration and comraderie.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I'm all about the color and color weaves its way into all facets of my life, from painting the fiber to painting my wall, to planting my flower garden.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
When folks visit me during our studio tours, I get told many times that this is what they would like to be doing with their life. I tell them to make the leap if possible or to just put aside some time every week to do their craft.

The Sanguine Gryphon

2011-02-27T19:29:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
The Sanguine Gryphon

2. Your Ravelry username?
Sanguinegryphon and Onmytiptoes

3. What do you make?
We hand-dye yarn and spinning fiber!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
We've always loved making things of all sorts, but The Sanguine Gryphon has been around for about four years now.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
We love being surrounded by creative people- it's such a supportive place to be, full of interesting people from absolutely every walk of life. People in this community are ready to lend a ear or a hand at any time; I've definitely never seen an industry where "competitors" are so eager to help each other out. They're also full of useful skills that they're more than happy to share: I learned how to make yogurt during a knit night, and I'm slowly being drawn towards quilting, now, too. Perhaps what I mean to say is that the local fiber community is full of excellent enablers... but give us another year or so and we'll be completely ready for the looming and inevitable zombie/ robot apocalypse.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Doing this gives us the freedom to live the way we'd always wanted to- to spend our time being geeky and making things. We name our yarns after the things that we love- bugs, languages, books, poetry- and we never have to worry about wearing a suit unless it makes us feel good. Neither of us could imagine living any other way.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
We are two of the biggest misfits ever; a linguist and a biologist, both completely obsessed with history and color, making yarn.

Farmgirl Chic

2011-02-27T19:14:00.002-05:00

1. What is your website?
Etsy Shop
Blog

2. Your ravelry.com username?
farmgirlchic

3. What do you make?
I craft handspun yarn, mainly art yarn, art batts and fiber blends for the handspinner from sheep and goats I raise here on my family farm. I also craft stash and project bags from vintage and new fabric.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I have always been a crafty gal making Barbie clothes for my Barbies and paint by numbers but it wasn't until I moved to PA 11 years ago that I discovered handspinning when we got several angora goats.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My most favorite thing about the fiber community is that everyone is very receptive to the fact that...fiber is cool and that it is definitely not your Grandmothers Red Heart....

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I live and breathe fiber from the time I wake up in the morning and go out and feed the girls to my in home studio that has somehow overtaken not one but two rooms in my house...The colors and sights and sounds of our farm inspire the colors and ideas for my work.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I believe that being a shepherd and being able to on a daily basis interact with my animals and then be able to produce something wonderful and special from the fiber that my animals produce is awesome. A fabulous life!

Vendor List is up!

2011-02-22T16:53:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone for waiting patiently, but wait no more--the vendor list is up! So start planning your shopping. :)

Baby Blanket Joining Party (plus prizes!!)

2011-02-21T12:12:00.004-05:00

We're excited about our charity component this year! We're planning a baby blanket joining party! Knitters & Crocheters Care will once again be our charity partner for this year's Homespun Yarn Party.

We need: 8 inch squares made from washable yarns, to be joined at the yarn party
Prizes: We'll be giving one ticket for squares/blankets/other baby items donated (one ticket total) and one ticket to anyone who sits down and helps us join squares during the yarn party. Two chances to win something!

Prizes to be announced, but we plan on finding some great indie yarn and other fun items!

--------
Here is a bit more about the organization, and their contact information:

Knitters & Crocheters Care is a charitable organization started by Claire Wudowsky and Michelle Strange. It is our intention to act as a clearinghouse for everything from yarn to finished items and to bring together DC, VA and MD crafters and charities. We currently have four charity events scheduled each month and we would love to add more. If you would like to start one - we will help by providing supplies and by promoting your event on our blog and on Ravelry.

Knitters And Crocheters Care
PO Box 3036
Merrifield, VA 22116

knitters-and-crocheters-care.blogspot.com
knitters and crocheters care on Ravelry
Knitters_and_Crocheters_Care@yahoo.com
ClaireLeah on Ravelry, Facebook and Twitter.

Want to be notified next time we're seeking vendors?

2011-02-20T21:20:00.002-05:00

Are you interested in becoming a vendor next year? Please sign up for our vendor email list, and we'll notify you when we have applications out again, or if we find out about other relevant events!

Less than 6 weeks away!

2011-02-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

We're notifying applicants of the jury process results tonight and the new vendor list will be posted in a few days once everyone has confirmed their participation. We had a great group of artists this year and will be welcoming some new faces in addition to old favorites.

Please help us spread the news about the Yarn Party to your local craft guild, SnB, shops, and fellow fiber artists!

People interested in volunteering should visit our Ravelry group for more information on how they can help out - volunteer emails will go out this week.

We will have our usual charity effort for Knitters and Crocheters Care, this year with dedicated prizes - more info on that is coming soon!

Can you tell we're starting to get really excited?

Promote the Yarn Party!

2011-02-06T14:14:00.003-05:00

Help us spread the word about the yarn party by downloading one of these images and using it as your ravatar or as a button on your blog!

Mark your calendars for Sunday March 27th! We'll be posting the list of vendors in another week or so.

Homespun Yarn Party 2011

2011-01-18T14:00:00.004-05:00

We are pleased to announce that this year's Homespun Yarn Party will be held on Sunday, March 27 at historic Savage Mill in Savage Maryland.

Keep an eye on this blog for more details!

The 2011 Vendor Application may be found here.

Yarn Party Gear on Etsy!!

2010-11-28T08:10:00.003-05:00

Pick up some Homespun Yarn Party gear, and help make the Homespun Yarn Party possible! We've got blank cards, measuring tapes, and totes up on etsy right now!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/homespunyarnparty

And to celebrate the holiday shopping season, get 20% off your purchase with code HYP2010

This stuff is perfect for stocking stuffers for knitters and spinners!

Video!!

2010-04-21T13:28:00.003-04:00

The ladies of the Sanguine Gryphon took this great video at the Homespun Yarn Party. Check it out!

Filmed by Laura Garcia, edited by Sarah Eyre, music by L'Ensemble Cercamon.

Do you have video or photos from the party to share? You can add your photos to our Flickr group (linked on the sidebar), and if you have a video please send us the YouTube link.

Attn Lisa who purchased Cosy's book...

2010-04-14T22:43:00.004-04:00

I was going through my book stack the other day and noticed that I had an autographed book made out to Lisa! The last show I did was Homespun Yarn Party and I remember writing this inscription there - so I assume this sad person thought they misplaced their book, when really I still had it. Whoops!

Anyhow, I’m looking for Lisa so I can send her book to her. If you know a Lisa who attended or if you are Lisa, please contact me!
Cosy

(Lisa, this is from a thread in the Homespun Yarn Party group on Ravelry. You can also email us at yarnparty at gmail.com and we can pass that on to Cosy)

Thanks, Lost & Found, and a few Announcements

2010-03-23T03:08:00.004-04:00

We'd like to thank everyone who helped make our third Yarn Party a great success. We had over 550 attendees (not counting vendors, helpers, or organizers) throughout the day and gave away nearly 50 prizes.

Our wonderful volunteers. I’m not going to name you all individually because I’m afraid I’d miss someone but you guys were such great help this year that the organizers actually had time to shop and sit and socialize a bit. Thanks for helping us get set up on time, make sure we had everything we needed, get door prize tickets to all our visitors, and thanks especially those of you who stuck around to make sure we all got out on time. Thank you SO SO much!

Our super-talented vendors. You are all rockstars and we hope you had a great show!

Our sponsors, who give us much needed financial support to keep putting this party on: A Tangled Skein, Fibre Space, Lovelyarns, The Yarn Spot, Woolwinders, Yarns International. These are all great shops - make sure you check them out!

Blueswirly for our excellent new logo, which was featured on all the Homespun Yarn Party swag this year.

Everyone who came out to the Mill and shopped and learned and shared and stopped by to say hello! (psst - that’s you)

We’ll have the leftover Homespun Yarn Party swag up on etsy soon, so if you missed out on the tote bags, project bags, notecards, or tape measures, stay tuned for how you can get your very own.

A button was found on the floor during cleanup - it's large, round, with a gold rim and a cream conical center. If it came off your garment and can't be replaced please let us know.

A ladies ring was lost during the event. If you found this and picked it up, please let us know so we can put you in touch with its owner.

Ewes-ful Fiber Arts has asked us to announce a Spin-In coming up on April 10 from 12-6pm in Westminster, MD. If you are interested in attending, please email Susan at ewesfulfiberarts at gmail.com.

If you took photos at the event, please add them to our Flickr Group (brand new for 2010)!

Persimmon Tree Farm

2010-03-19T10:16:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.angoragoat.com/persimmon

2. What do you make?
I have been doing fiber shows for about 18 years now up and down the east coast and Midwest. I have even had a booth at Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, Black Sheep Gathering and Estes Park CO. I hand dye custom/commercial spun yarn. I also produce hand dyed blended 50/wool/50/mohair roving for handspinng/felting. I also carry handspun yarn, hand knit/woven finished items. Raw and washed natural colored mohair.

3. How did you get into making stuff?
I got into all this wonderful stuff when my husband and I bought a farm in 1989. We needed some lawn mowers, so first came some Border Leicester sheep, and then came Natural Colored Angora goats.

4. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
They are just as nice and friendly as the local sheep and goat breeders, wonder people.

5. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Just ask my family, it is my life, and they get drug into it also. It is a huge part of my life. I enjoy working with the animals and the fiber.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Stories?? Which one do you want to hear? Fiber and animal folks are full of stories. Like when the head gasket blew on the way to Michigan and we had to stop every hour to put water in the radiator, or the time the truck/trailer broke down going up the mountain getting home from SAFF, or even the time I put diesel in the gas tank and could not figure out why the truck would not run ,,that was on the way back from Michigan another year. I could go on and on. Life is an adventure. I keep telling my girlfriend we should write a book.

Woolarina

2010-03-19T09:27:00.003-04:00

1. What is your website?
http://woolarina.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
woolarina

3. What do you make?
I dye yarns, mostly, along with a little roving and spinning some yarns.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
My mom taught me to knit when I was 5 or so. I remember having this awful minty seafoam green hat that I made! It's SUCH A GOOD THING that there are awesome indie dyers today, as it just wasn't so pretty in the 80s!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
People are so willing to pitch in and help out! This is our third year of HYP, and it's all volunteer-based. It's great to meet so many people as interested in fiber and yarn as I am!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Playing with yarn grounds me, I think. Life was pretty hectic already, and we now have a 6 month old keeping us busy. Being able to escape into the yarny world every so often keeps me happy!

Loop! - needs text

2010-03-17T21:03:00.005-04:00

1. www.loop.etsy.com
2. loop
3. I blend specialty fiber for spinners and make art yarn for knitters, crocheters, and weavers.

4. I've always been a "creative" type, but it manifested itself previously through dance and creative writing as a kid and young adult. I'd always envied artists who made something tangible, but never seemed to find my medium. Years later, my mother-in-law tried to teach me how to knit and instead of being a good student of knitting I became obsessed with yarn. I googled "spinning lessons" in my area and found my spinning teacher and mentor. About a month into my classes with her, she introduced me to my first drum carder and I was hooked.

5. My goal is to make hand-carded batts and handspun yarns that are as beautiful as the finished objects produced by those who use them. By focusing on supplies, and not on the end product, I feel like I'm able to share my affinity for fiber with many other crafters. This artistic collaboration is what drives my work. Nothing motivates me more than seeing my customers' finished projects.

5. Favorite thing about the local fiber community.
I love meeting other fiber enthusiasts and have enjoyed meeting them at spin-ins in my studio. The online fiber community is awesome, but there's nothing better than getting to spend time with fiber friends. I've met some of my best friends through Loop and I treasure that more than anything.

6. How does what you do influence the rest of your life?
I started Loop while I was working in international development and pursuing a PhD in international education policy. Since then, Loop has grown from a part-time hobby into a full-time fiber business. I basically fell under a spell. I became fascinated with fiber as a creative medium and realized I wanted more than anything to work with it every day. And that's exactly what I do now!

In 2009, I moved Loop from my fiber-packed living room in Maryland to a 2500 square foot studio in a pre-Civil War textile mill turned arts center in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. The new studio is like a fiber candy store. Visitors can hand pick their favorite color and fiber combinations from the rows of bins and jars lining the shelves. They can blend these ingredients on a drum carder themselves, or have me feed them into my new mini mill carding machine to make custom clouds or roving. The studio is a perfect setting for fiber gatherings and classes- from carding and spinning to felting and weaving.

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

2010-03-17T20:54:00.009-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.wildhare.etsy.com
wildharefiber.com (under construction)

2. Your Ravelry username?
wildharefiber

3. What do you make?
I'm primarily a hand spinner and dyer. I love creating beautiful colors on wool and other natural fibers, and spinning yarn of all kinds, including art yarns (one of my skeins was pictured in a recent Spin-Off article about art yarns). In my spare time I also knit, crochet, felt and do a bit of frame loom weaving.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I was cutting up socks and fabric scraps to make doll clothes when I was three -- so I've been 'making stuff' pretty much my entire life. My great-grandmother, who was an accomplished quilter and crocheter, passed her skills on to me at an early age, and I taught myself to knit in middle school. I studied fine art and design in college, and also sew and do a bit of light carpentry/home renovation. I guess I'm like Tinkerbelle, making and 'tinkering' with stuff is just what I do!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
the enthusiasm! It's so gratifying to connect with people who share my love and appreciation for these things.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Involvement with fiber arts has always been an important part of my life. The meditative and creative qualities of knitting, spinning and other handcrafts have brought me peace through the ups and downs of life, in good times and bad. In recent years, my passion for these pursuits has become even more important, as I've transitioned to follow my dream of being a full-time fiber artist. I hope that my children will grow up with the confidence to pursue their personal dreams as well.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Sometimes people assume that "Wild Hare" means I'm selling angora rabbit products -- which is ironic, since angora is one of the few fibers I have trouble working with (it makes me sneeze). In reality, the name 'wild hare' comes from the old saying that someone doing something crazy and unexpected was 'going off on a wild hare' (which refers to that animal's mating behavior). I thought the name expressed the creative, adventurous spirit of my shop, along with the 'crazy' leap of faith I made in pursuing my fiber-business dream.

Alpacas of Windswept Farm

2010-03-17T20:51:00.006-04:00

Crash into Ewe

2010-03-17T20:49:00.004-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.crashintoewe.etsy.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
crashintoewe

3. What do you make?
hand-dyed yarn, roving, row counters

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I started as a hobby then took a chance on selling what I had made and it worked.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The local fiber community is so supportive of one another. I love that about this area.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Well, it sure keeps the rest of my life much busier!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Make sure you really like doing what you're doing because it really does end up taking alot of time. Also make sure that you not only account for materials, but the time involved when you're setting your prices.

HYP 2010 Map, Swag, and Prizes

2010-03-17T14:00:00.006-04:00

Want to know where your favorite vendors will be? Here's a map!

We're excited to have lots of fun Homespun Yarn Party merchandise for sale this year. We have project bags, tote bags, pins, and tape measures featuring our logo (created for us by the wonderful Blueswirly), as well as notecards featuring the winners you chose in our Photo Contest!

Each of our vendors will be providing something great for our door prize drawings, and we have awesome prizes from some of our sponsors as well. We have a Louet Hand Dyeing kit and tote bag from Fibre Space, a project amount of Berroco Sprite yarn from The Yarn Spot, a yarn bowl from Clayations, and more! Make sure you get a ticket at the door, and listen for your number to be called throughout the day.

Sponsor - The Yarn Spot

2010-03-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

We'd like to thank a new sponsor this year - the brand new shop in Wheaton - the Yarn Spot!

What is your website? www.theyarnspot.com

What is your Ravelry name/group? The Yarn Spotters

What kind of things do you carry? Is it all for knitting/crocheting, or do you have spinning/weaving/etc supplies?
We support knitting, crochet and spinning, and have a small selection of weaving supplies. (and believe me, I can carry on if you like ;)

What's your favorite thing about having your own yarn shop?
I love being around yarn all day - talking about yarn, helping people learn about the crafts we support and getting to further my own knowledge.

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop? Any fun classes coming up?
We have great groups coming in to knit for our official open knit times: Wed. & Thurs 6 - 8 PM and Sunday afternoons 2 - 4 pm. People are always welcome to come sit and knit, and we have spontaneous groups popping up all the time!

8th Street Soap Kitchen

2010-03-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.8thstreetsoap.com

2. What do you make?
I make soap. And a handful of other nice-smelling things (scented oils, etc).

3. How did you get into making stuff?
I have always loved making stuff. I got into soapmaking after picking up a soapmaking book about 10 years ago. I was intrigued. And then hooked.

4. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I don't knit or crochet and am generally a total dodo when it comes to fiber arts. But I love looking at and touching the yarns and the wonderful finished products -- I can't help it, they're so beautiful (and I'm tactile like that)! Some of the nicest, coolest people I've met in the craft world are in this community.

5. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Often, a new soap idea will develop out of a memory/story from my non-soap life, or to commemorate a special event -- in some ways, it's like a blog. Like a blog I don't update very frequently, that is.

I strongly believe that soapmaking has helped me keep my sanity. When I have a bad day at my normal day job, I think about soap and it makes me feel better. I haven't bought commercial "store soap" for years (and neither do members of my family, come to think of it).

6. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I was handing out little slices of soap samples at a fair recently and had someone eat one by mistake (granted, it was one that looks a bit like dill havarti cheese). He was so mortified, he ate the whole thing rather than spit it out. His wife could not stop laughing. He survived, by the way. Not that I'd encourage that sort of thing.

Words of wisdom? If you haven't tried handmade soap, you should! You'll never go back to that awful stuff they sell at the drugstore!

Shelby B's Designs

2010-03-16T19:59:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
shelbysyarns.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
shelbyknits

3. What do you make?
Hand painted yarn and stitch markers.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I started beading in grad school, and got back into it after I started knitting and wanted some fun stitch markers. I made too many, so selling them was the next best thing. Then I had a hard time finding really funky color combinations in yarn, so I started playing with Kool Aid and Wiltons colors. Then got into acid dyes and have been hooked ever since!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Everyone is so supportive of each other!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice
versa?
Dyeing for me is an outlet from my every day life. I am mom of 2 and a scientist, so my life is very analytical. I take my time dyeing and just let go of that completely.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I just have a lot of fun with it! I take my inspiration from the magical world of Harry Potter, which is fun and different.

Folktale Fibers

2010-03-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

1. What is your website?
folktale.etsy.com
folktalefibers.blogspot.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
folktale

3. What do you make?
Mostly I spin yarns. I use quite a bit of locally grown wool, so many of my yarns start from a raw fleece that I wash, dye, and process myself. I try to use all local, recycled, and sustainable fibers. I also occasionally sell other fibery things - hand dyed and hand carded fiber, felty bits, and sometimes handsewn or handknit items.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I've been making stuff ever since I can remember! I probably picked it up from my mom, who is also pretty crafty - she got me into sewing and crochet at a young age.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love meeting local fiber people, who have all been very helpful and fun and inspiring, but I think my favorite thing might be the fiber producers: the animals and the people who raise them. There is nothing I love more than taking a trip out to buy fleeces from a local farm!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Making things is so ingrained in me that it's very hard to separate it from the rest of my life. For example, even when it comes to cooking I prefer making everything from scratch, all the way down to grinding my own flours and fermenting my own sauerkraut. I think making things has influenced me in that I really pay attention to details, think about where almost everything I use comes from and how it was made, and makes me appreciate things that I don't have the skills to make more.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
At the time I thought it was ridiculous, but when I was about 13 years old I took one of those extensive tests through my school that is supposed to be able to suggest your ideal careers to you, and it told me that I should be a llama farmer. I remember joking about it with my friends because I thought it was hilarious, but I now find it eerily accurate.

Gnomegarden Yarn & Fiber

2010-03-16T19:26:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
dawndoran.com
dawndoran.com/blog
gnomegarden.etsy.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
gnomegarden

3. What do you make?
Hand dyed and spun yarn, hand dyed spinning fiber, custom blended batts and rovings

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I think I finger knitted my umbilical cord. :) I was was raised by some very crafty ladies, and blessed with crafty sisters. My grandmother was a craft goddess and got us headed in the right direction. I remember going to out babysitters for the day and packing my embroidery, and crochet, and sewing, etc... I was always afraid I'd run out of crafts.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My favorite thing about the local fiber community is the Homespun Yarn Party. No kidding. I remember leaving last year with the best case of "warm fuzzies" (pun intended!). It was so fun to chat with fiber people all day and meet folks from the internet whom I had never, see people laughing and learning at the classes, and just to be around so much creative fiber energy. It is so much more intimate than MD Sheep & Wool and there is a definite spirit of friendly community in the air.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Spinning is surely a creative meditation practice. If you don't know how to do it, come to the Yarn Party and learn!! If you want to read about my fall into the world of fiber and spinning, here is a link to a Spinterview with Spin In Public. See you on Sunday!

Dragonfly Fibers

2010-03-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.DragonflyFibers.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
dragonflyfibers

3. What do you make?
I make hand dyed yarn and spinning fiber

4. How did you get into making stuff?
Making stuff started with sewing, then quilting for me. I realized i was really in love with the fabric, not the sewing, and started knitting because i liked the idea of making the fabric while making the item. Then, of course, I started spinning because I had to make the yarn. And, because I'm all about color, i had to start dyeing the yarn. At this point, i was making a royal mess. My loving husband suggested i start selling all of these things i was making in an effort to get them out of the house. I thought that was a good idea, so I could make even more stuff, and now we have an even bigger mess. Now, my husband is suggesting that i move the business out of the house.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I love to get together with the local fiber community and spin and knit, and of course, talk about spinning and knitting. Our local fiber community is full of really great people who can make really beautiful things (and sometimes organize really fabulous events:) Thanks HYP committee! Ya'll rock all kinds of ways!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Being able to create things helps me live more fully as myself. I live a very hectic life, as do we all, and dyeing, and knitting, and spinning, and sometimes sewing and beading bring me back to basics. I like modelling this lifestyle for my kids too; whatever i can do to counter the perception that we have to win, win, win and earn, earn, earn is, in my mind, a good thing:)

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
My funny story is the flip side of the above. My family, particularly my kids, are very aware of how much time i spend working with fibers and closely monitor the amount of space the business takes up in the house. This fall, I purchased a bunch of new equipment to increase my production and, as I dye yarns out on the deck, have begun to "take over" our outdoor living space. In a fit of frustration, my daughter rushed out there after school one day and painted a white line down the middle of the deck, declaring that my business was not to extend past the line. This command was repeated for the basement, as well. I bet you can imagine just how that is going!

Cedar Wool Farm

2010-03-16T09:04:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
cedarwool.googlepages.com
cedarwool.etsy.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
Willowwinds

3. What do you make?
Handspun yarns, batts, handdyed and blended yarns and fibers, knitted items such as hats, scarves, shawls, bags.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I couldn't help but catch the bug growing up with sheep, I love it!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The people are just so wonderful and helpful. Met many great new friends through my love of fiber.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa? Inspiration comes from all over. I like it keeps me grounded, always learning and growing and I look forward to all paths I come across.

Sponsor - Yarns International

2010-03-16T03:35:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Yarns International, a locally based, online yarn shop for their continued support! You can see their yarns in person at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival and color cards on their website.

Website: www.yarnsinternational.com

Ravelry group: Yarns International

What kind of things do you carry? Is it all for knitting/crocheting, or do you have spinning/weaving/etc supplies?
We specialize in pure undyed Shetland yarn in two-ply jumper weight, two-ply lace weight, and gossamer lace weight. The jumper weight yarn comes in nine natural colors, the lace weight in five natural colors. We have excellent pattern support for all of these, including designs created exclusively for us. We also carry Koigu merino wool and Shepherd's Wool.

What's your favorite thing about having your own yarn shop?
We no longer have a brick and mortar shop. We did have a shop for 12 years before becoming an internet-only store. We hold "live" sales events during the year where we reconnect with old customers and friends. We also have a booth at both the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May and at the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in October.

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop? Any fun classes coming up?
We offer workshops in Fair Isle knitting once a year and occasionally other workshops.

Sponsor - Lovelyarns

2010-03-15T05:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks to new sponsor, Lovelyarns in Hampden (that's Baltimore, hon!). Visit them on the Avenue.

Website: www.lovelyarns.com

Ravelry group: lovelyarns knitters,teachers,snb'ers

What kind of things does Lovelyarns carry?
Knitting and crocheting supplies! Gorgeous wool, silk, alpaca, bamboo, soy, cotton, rayon and other yarns. Beautiful hand-paints and self-striping yarns too. Sorry, no spinning/weaving.
What's your favorite thing about having your own yarn shop?

The people! I have the best customers, and when there are classes going on and stitch-n-bitch and customers shopping, it's a fabulous beehive of activity. (I also kinda like picking out all the beautiful yarns.)

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop?
Yep. Every Saturday, all day. Stitch-n-Bitch from 11:00 - 6:00. And a beautiful fenced back porch and front porch to sit outside when it's nice out!

Any fun classes coming up?
Of course. There's a garter-stitch modular shawl with a built-in edging that is so clever!

The Sanguine Gryphon

2010-03-14T20:46:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.sanguinegryphon.com
sanguinegryphon.blogspot.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
Sanguinegryphon and Onmytiptoes

3. What do you make?
We hand-dye spinning fiber and yarn!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
We've always loved making things of all sorts, but The Sanguine Gryphon business has been around for about three years now.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
We love being surrounded by creative people- it's such a supportive place to be, full of interesting people from absolutely every walk of life. People in this community are ready to lend a ear or a hand at any time; I've definitely never seen an industry where "competitors" are so eager to help each other out. They're also full of useful skills that they're more than happy to share: I learned how to make yogurt during a knit night, and I'm slowly being drawn towards quilting, now, too. Perhaps what I mean to say is that the local fiber community is full of excellent enablers... but give us another year or so and we'll be completely ready for the looming and inevitable zombie/ robot apocalypse.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Doing this gives us the freedom to live the way we'd always wanted to- to spend our time being geeky and making things. We name our yarns after the things that we love- bugs, languages, poets- and we never have to worry about wearing a suit unless it makes us feel good. Neither of us could imagine living any other way.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
We are two of the biggest misfits ever; a linguist and a biologist, both completely obsessed with history and color, making yarn.

Rock Creek Yarn

2010-03-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.RockCreekYarn.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
MerryGentlemen

3. What do you make?
Hand dyed yarn

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I've always made stuff. I got into yarn because of my grandmother. She was an avid crocheter.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Knitters (and crocheters, spinners, and weavers) are some of the friendliest people I've ever met. When I moved to Maryland a couple of years ago, I went straight to knitting groups to start making new friends. It worked.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
A lot of my colorways are inspired by places I've been and things I've seen. It makes me pay more attention to the colors in my surroundings.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I met my husband because of knitting.

Feederbrook Farm

2010-03-14T18:48:00.000-04:00

1. What is your website?
www.feederbrook.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
feederbrook

3. What do you make?
Hand spun yarns, hand painted yarn, roving, some finished goods and happy health sheep!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
In 1996 the tenants on the farm left and forgot to take their cats and sheep. So we decided to keep the flock and the felines. We knew absolutely nothing about livestock, farming or fiber, but we learned fast. A few years past and the bags of fleeces began to build up, so as a joke I asked my family for a spinning wheel for Christmas. Well they did not think that I was joking. That was 14 years ago and the rest is history.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
teaching and learning

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Everything I do revolves completely around the animals and fiber.... my family can attest to that.

Mid Valley Fibers

2010-03-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

Ashton Studio Arts, LLC

2010-03-14T18:09:00.001-04:00

1. What is your website?
AshtonStudioArts.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
AshtonStudioArts

3. What do you make?
We create hand painted and hand dyed yarns using our own techniques. We use top quality professional dyes and yarns manufactured for our ASA yarns. We have developed extensive dyeing formulas for our reproducible colorways. We use a technical approach to producing our dyes, weighing and measuring our all ingredients to our exacting standards. We plan to expand our product line with fiber for weaving and spinning in the near future and hope to open our studio to the public for sales and classes in the next year.

We are also heavily involved with photography of all types where we find much of our inspiration for our colorways.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I am an accomplished knitter and crocheter and like to experiment with color. Sometimes, the artist in me just takes over and I have to create a new pattern or colorway. I love to try new things and am an avid reader which helps me modify other’s successful dying techniques. Both my husband and I have formal training in the yarn and fiber dyeing process.

My husband loves to work with his hands and has a very artistic side as well. He creates colorways and dyes yarns, has designed and is building out our studio and assembles much of the process equipment we use in the yarn dyeing process. Photography has been a passion for him for over 40 years.Thus, a family business is born.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
The local fiber community is very friendly and helpful. A few people in our area have helped us expand our horizons by answering questions, offering suggestions and sharing their experiences. It’s almost like an extended family.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Creating something from an abstract idea or a concept is very exciting and fulfilling. Being fulfilled and content only contributes to the creative cycle. Our greatest joy is seeing our customers create beautiful projects using our yarns. We are working towards becoming an internationally known hand dyed yarn source.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Just go for your dream and follow it wherever it takes you.

Sponsor - A Tangled Skein

2010-03-14T04:12:00.000-04:00

We'd like to thank A Tangled Skein for sponsoring the Homespun Yarn Party once again! Visit this great shop in Hyattsville, MD (and don't miss their Friday the 13th sales).

Website: www.atangledskein.com

Ravelry Group: A Tangled Skein

What kinds of things do you carry at A Tangled Skein?
Lots of yarn, including Noro, Art Yarns, Schaeffer, Neighborhood Fiber Company, Malabrigo, Berocco, and many others; good selection of books and individual patterns

What's your favorite thing about having a LYS?
Meeting our customers. They’re such a creative, interesting people. And we like having the shop be a community gathering place. (Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the workday is spent surrounded by piles and piles of wonderful colored yarn.)

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop? Any fun classes coming up?
We’re proud to announce that our own Stacey Trock will be signing her new book, Cuddly Crochet, at A Tangled Skein on Saturday, March 20, at 5 p.m. And in case you can’t get enough of Stacey, she’s repeating her popular Two Socks at a Time class beginning of Tuesday, March 23, and continuing on March 30 and April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. You can find the rest of the class schedule here, including the biweekly Sit & Stitch and monthly Sit & Spin.

Sponsor - Fibre Space

2010-03-14T01:55:00.000-05:00

Thanks to our sponsor Fibre Space, knit-a-gogo's yarn shop in Alexandria, Virginia. Go check them out!

Website: www.fibrespace.com

Ravelry Group: Fans of fibre space

What kind of things do you carry? Is it all for knitting/crocheting, or do you have spinning/weaving/etc supplies?
We carry yarn, needles, notions and also needle felting and spinning supplies.

What's your favorite thing about having your own yarn shop?
I meet the most amazing people. Knitters and crocheters are so creative and seeing what they are working on, what projects they find on Rav, and what colors they put together is a constant inspiration.

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop? Any fun classes coming up?
We have our weekly “Stitch in Space” every Thursday evening from 5-9 pm. Jared Flood will be at the shop May 15-16 for several unique workshops. We also have an exciting Mother’s Day event with Betz White coming up on May 8.

Location, Location, Location!

2010-03-13T23:37:00.000-05:00

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 - directions are provided on their website here. It's pretty convenient from I-95, right off Rt 32.

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! We encourage people to arrive throughout the day - our vendors will have great stuff all day and we'll be announcing new door prizes every hour.

Also, take some time to check out all the great antiques and furniture! There's a used book store, craft and scrapbooking stores, a pottery shop with yarn bowls, and more to see! If you get hungry, there are plenty of options! Save room for a delicious french pastry at Bonapartes! If the weather is nice, go for (or send your family on) a walk on the Savage Mill Trail!

Neighborhood Fiber Co.

2010-03-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
neighborhoodfiberco.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
karida

3. What do you make?
Hand-dyed yarns and fiber in unique colors inspired by my hometown, Washington, DC.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
My best friend taught me to knit after college, and I pretty much haven't stopped since then. It opened up a whole world of craft for me that I didn't know existed.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
I miss the DC/MD/VA fiber community so much since I moved to Ohio! I love the diversity of talent and interests in the area. It's such a large community that it's easy to find your niche.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
My interest in DIY and crafting has helped to make me a more conscientious consumer I think. If I can't make something myself (or don't want to do it), I always try to buy handmade and/or locally produced goods. I'm much more aware of small businesses. Also, the community of awesome crafty folks that I've met help to make me feel confident about trying new crafts. With a little help from my friends, I feel like I can make anything!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
When knitting hand-dyed yarn, alternate skeins of yarn (every other row) for consistent color throughout your project. You'll thank me later.

Farmgirl Chic

2010-03-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
farmgirlchic.etsy.com
stores.ebay.com/Farmgirl-Chic
farmgirlchic.blogspot.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
FarmgirlChic

3. What do you make?
Maybe it should be what don't I...LOL raw and washed fleeces, hand dyed locks, hand dyed roving, art batts, handspun yarn, recycled upcycled hand dyed yarn, vintage and new yarny fabric accessories

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I have been a textile artist for many years...had an antiques shop in Baltimore (Hampden) 93-01 and had a textile studio in the shop where I sewed home accessories and handbags from vintage an newer fabric...literally sold the shop...and bought the farm in Southeastern PA! All the while still sewing and selling on ebay until the angora goats and then the sheep started calling to me..LOL..learned to spin and now we have 40+ at any given time fiber animals and I am loving being a farmer and still being able to be creative especially with the fiber from my girls!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
That everyone has been so welcoming and helpful!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Well I Iive and breathe fiber! From bottle babies to chores to having a studio in our farmhouse with "insulation" everywhere (fleeces). My kids 4-22 help with the animals, skirting fleeces etc! My husband, God love him will even help. They (the fiber and animals) are part of our life and I don't think we would change it or go back to the "city" for anything!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
You need a sense of humor! Lots of hard work but lots of rewards! My kids go to school and say they live on a fiber farm! Not many kids can say that!

Wullenstudio Designer Yarns

2010-03-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
www.knitswithsticks.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
SheilaR

3. What do you make?
Hand dyed yarns and Sterling Silver and Semi-Precious Stone Stitch Markers

4. How did you get into making stuff?
Started hand dying to satisfy my needs and then to satisfy others requests. Started making stitch markers because I couldn't find any that met my requirements.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
Friendships and the vast array of talent out there!

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
This is not only my full-time job, but it is also my passion. I have kept my studio in my home because I work any time day or night when the muse strikes! Sometimes dinner is late or take out, because I dye in my kitchen and I am a very strict about not having dyes and food on the counter at the same time. Also, I name my yarn colors after old songs, so there is always music playing. I knit, therefore, I rock.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Always knit the second sock first...that is the only way to absolutely prevent second sock syndrome!

My husband really buys into my business. First of all, he is sure that yarn can only be bought in bales. Also, whenever I buy a another set of needles, he says, "Oh good, more needles, we were almost out!" He is not a knitter, but high appreciates the fruits of my labors. We've been together forty years, and the yarn and needles were here long before I found him!

Alpacas of Maryland at Peace Hollow Farm

2010-03-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website? and email?
www.alpacasofmaryland.com
alpacasofmaryland@yahoo.com

2. Your Ravelry.com username?
alpacasofmaryland

3. Where are you located?
Westminster, MD

4. What do you make?
We make alpacas! We breed them for their ultra soft fine warm fleece and have it spun into yarn. We also have the raw fleeces available for spinning.

5. Do you make fiber/yarn/etc. full-time?
Yes

6. How did you get into making stuff?
We started with the alpacas, then after a short lesson, I practiced spinning for two years, and after that learned knitting and crocheting. I'm still very new at both, but am finishing my first feather and fan pattern scarf.

7. How long have you been doing this?
Been raising alpacas for over five years. Spinning for two years, and knitting and crocheting for about two months.

8. Where do you find inspiration?
The wonderful soft yarn from my own animals is so inspiring. I love the natural color, and knowing which animal I am working with is very special.. I'm also inspired by the people in this whole fiber community.. It's as though a whole new group of very kind folks have appeared in my life just when I can really appreciate them.

9. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Sometimes the opening of a life path happens in the most subtle way. After falling in love with the farm that we eventually bought, we fell in love with alpacas. That has led us to the most wonderful experiences and life style we could imagine. I'm raising these peaceful loving animals every day and hopefully learning to create things of beauty. Life just keeps giving surprising gifts in abundance.

Serendipitous Ewe

2010-03-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website? www.serendipitousewe.com

2. Your ravelry.com username? AngMac

3. What do you make? Hand-dyed yarn and fiber, Handcrafted Spindles, Retro Video Game Sock Club

4. How did you get into making stuff? I have always had a passion for fiber. At an early age, my grandmother taught me to crochet and we would spend the summers crocheting afghans. In 2006, I taught myself how to knit and resparked my passion in working with fiber. In August 2008, I decided to take my passion for yarn and fiber and turn it into an expression my love of the colors found in nature. I started by doing custom dye jobs for friends and branched out into local fiber shows.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community? It is amazing to be part of a community that brings creative energy and color to the world.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa? Being a stay-at-home mom to 3 boys under 5 is rewarding but also challenging and very busy. Dyeing fiber and yarn is my time to relax. I feel very refreshed after creating new colorways and working with yarn and fiber. It truly is my serenity.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business? Maximize the serendipity around you.

Cosy Knits (Literally)

2010-03-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?

http://cosymakes.com

2. Your ravelry.com username?

cosymakes

3. What do you make?

I design patterns and make kits for my designs using hand dyed, handspun and commercial yarns. I hand dye and handspin yarns from localish farms and from the falkland islands. I hand dyed wool top for spinners also, including kits for making my striping yarns.

4. How did you get into making stuff?

A friend of mine knit and I wanted to learn so I taught myself. Then I moved to British Columbia and found my local wool shop to have spinning and dyeing classes. Then someone approached me over flickr about writing a book and I've been doing all of this ever since.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?

I like how the local fiber community brings me back to the earth, how it grounds me back into what is real and good and woolie.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?

This one is funny. What I do is my life. It's where my abundance of creativity goes. It's what I think about all the time. It is the good work that I've been given to do on this earth. I make.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?

I have a Masters in Christian Studies in Theology and the Arts - and my final arts project was a gallery full of handknits

Sponsor - Woolwinders

2010-03-11T13:52:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank WoolWinders in Rockville for generously sponsoring us again this year! Learn more about the shop and see what fun yarns it's got!

Website: www.woolwinders.com

Ravelry ID: woolwinders

What kind of stock does WoolWinders carry?
WoolWinders is geared to knitting/crocheting. We carry Rowan, Nashua, Cascade, Malabrigo, Manos. Artyarns, Tilli Tomas, Scholler Stahl, Cherry Tree Hill among other yarn lines. We carry needles, notions, accessories, etc. No spinning/weaving.

What's your favorite thing about having a yarn shop?
We love the excitement of watching new knitters and crocheters!

Do you have any knitting groups meeting at your shop? Any fun classes coming up?
We have open knitting Thursdays from 6-8 PM. Our weekend classes are free of charge--both a Saturday KAL and a project program called Sundays in the Salon. These are described on our website. And we offer Learn to Knit and Learn to Crochet for $10/session. See the class schedule here!

Biggs & Featherbelle

2010-03-10T20:40:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?

www.biggsandfeather.com

2. What do you make?

We make all natural body care products free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives. They are purposeful, fun and full of quality ingredients. Our line of body care products include soaps, lip balm, bath soak, belly balm, body butter bars, body scrubs, gift sets and a lot more in the works!

3. How did you get into making stuff?

A Martha Stewart magazine article inspired us to make 'melt and pour' glycerin soaps as Christmas presents. With backgrounds in the Fine Arts and Fashion, we both had fun creating unique recipes, packaging and clever names for each item. The gifts were a big hit. Our family has always been proponents of alternative healing practices and consumers of natural beauty products. So, it seemed fitting to continue exploring the benefits of botanicals. The innocent investigation soon turned to obsession. We quit our day jobs and devoted every hour to research and invention, striving to create the products we couldn't find on the shelves.

4. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?

Everyone in the local fiber community appreciates everything handmade including handmade body care products! They really understand the importance of quality and the handmade aspect.

5. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?

Our business is our life! It is all about soap...we never really leave it. Our business has taught us about how to create balance in life. Also we have much more of a appreciation for a well handmade product. We understand what a labor of love is now. It is wonderful how our business has connected us with so many talented indie crafters and the natural products commmunity.

6. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about
you or your business?

Learn as you go and don't dwell on the little mistakes.
Take advice from the right people and don't let other people's opinions affect you too much.
Love what you do! Stay organized.

We have had so many funny stories and experiences over the seven years. I sometimes wish we wrote them all down. Something that always sticks out in our mind is our first version of packaging, which was about 5 versions ago (nothing is ever final). I believe we were taking handmade a little too literally and realized that we couldn’t make every detail perfect! We used to cut out circle sponges to stamp a large sheet of paper, then cut it into squares, then the part that always make us laugh is that our mom would sew the paper on her sewing machine together to make a bag for the soap. Mom really felt like she was working in a sweatshop hunched over her sewing machine for hours at a time, which is why our packaging eventually evolved into what it is today. Although we still do everything ourselves and probably create more work for ourselves than necessary…we have fun doing it.

Ewes-ful Fiber Arts

2010-03-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
www.prismportal.com/fiberarts

2. Your Ravelry username?
Not on Ravelry

3. What do you make?
Handspun/Hand dyed yarns from my own sheep, angora rabbits, and alpacas. Also, Handspun baby camel down yarn (soft as cashmere) Original Patterns developed to give away with yarn purchase. In addition, felted wool covered hand made soaps that last a LONG time.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I bought sheep 11 years ago to train my three border collie dogs to herd. Turned out they had nice fleece for spinning. Gave spinning a try and it became a passion. My love for all things fiber related grew from there and I obtained angora rabbits, and then started getting rescue alpaca boys. Still have the working border collies!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
It is a friendly, supportive, and interconnected community. People are willing to share ideas and skills to teach and help others. I find that other fiber artists, particularly ones who raise the animals are very much like me and can appreciate the same things I do. That is something that the "real world" sometimes doesn't "get."

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
I am a kindergarten teacher, and I take my passion for the fiber arts into my class. Every year I bring a lamb to school, and at shearing time, the kids help me take a fleece from raw wool to finished yarn that they have washed, picked, carded, spun and dyed. I have run a fiber arts camp for kids during the summers for a week where kids spin, weave, dye, felt, meet fiber animals, and see a working sheepdog demo. I LOVE to demonstrate spinning, and have done so many places. Spinning gives me a feeling of peace and a real appreciation for and connection to, the animals that I have raised and cared for day after day.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
As mentioned above, this all started when I bought six woolly and very expensive "dog training tools." A quilting friend of mine asked me if I'd become a spinner and I said "NO, I'm busy enough" Within six months I was spinning with a drop spindle, and three months later bought my FIRST spinning wheel. I did not know how to knit, crochet or weave, so skeins of yarn were beginning to take over the house. I decided I'd better learn to do something with it, so I learned how to knit. I can knit simple things, but I soon found that knitting was not my passion. In fact, it was often a source of extreme frustration for me! SO...the business was born. I'll spin beautiful yarns from many different fibers, and let someone who can do them justice buy them to enjoy! To this day, I only have a few pairs of socks, a couple of pairs of mittens, a scarf, a shawl and a couple of hats out of my own hand spun yarn. There IS a sweater in the making (Row one and two K2, P2, K2, P2.......row three and four P2, K2, P2, K2 the whole thing!) but, it was started three years ago, and MIGHT be finished in another three!

Juniper Moon Farm

2010-03-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
www.junipermoon.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
ShepherdSusie

3. What do you make?
We raise Cormo sheep and Angora goats for fiber, which is processed into roving, combed top and yarn.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
About ten year's ago, I became completely overwhelmed by the amount of stuff my (now ex-) husband and I received as wedding and Christmas present. There was just this huge pile of gifts and we didn't need anything. It really depressed me. I decided that from then on I was going to make everyone's Christmas gifts and asked my family to do the same. I got a book and tried to teach myself to knit that same weekend. FAIL! I ended up signing up for a class at my LYS and was hooked. The irony, of course, is that I immediately started building up a world-class yarn stash! So much for my anti-consumerism...

Within a year, I had purchased my first small flock of sheep and a pair of Angora goats. I started my business selling premium yarns and rovings and shepherding has been my full-time job for three years.

Today, in addition to selling yarn and spinning fibers, we operated the first Fiber CSA in the country and have opened our home to farm stays for people looking for a knitting retreat with the sheep. Would-be shepherds can attend our Shepherding Camp to get a taste of what owning sheep is really like.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
When we moved our farm down from Martha's Vineyard, I couldn't believe the welcome we received from the knitters and spinners of the Mid-Atlantic. So many people sent emails and cards, offered to help come by the farm to help us unpack and even sent gift baskets! We love it here in Virginia; it feels like home.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Oh gosh. I don't have a lot of work/life

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Making your hobby into your business is dangerous and a little scary, but it's also the most rewarding thing I've ever done. The people I've met and friends I've made in this business mean the world to me.

Potosi Sheep Farm

2010-03-10T17:18:00.000-05:00

Website: www.potosisheepfarm.com

Ravelry name: BFLsheep

My sheep are my passion. From the original three sheep for handspinning to the present flock of 75 you might say that sheep are an obsession. I enjoy them and all aspects of the fiber business. The sheep and fiber world has given me wonderful friends and the ability to travel to shows and make more friends through my flock and their wool.

Potosi Bluefaced Leicester and Shetland sheep have to work to earn their keep by providing soft lustrous fiber. It is my belief that the fiber grown here will be the only products sold on our website and in the Potosi Sheep Farm booth. Raw fleeces are available as well as roving, yarn and sheepskins. We have a special Bluefaced Leicester Yarn that is commercially spun and hand painted here at the farm. I am both the shepherd and the fiber artist here so I keep very busy. Potosi Farm is located on I83 40 miles north of Baltimore. Come and visit. You are always welcome.

Flying Goat Farm

2010-03-09T19:09:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
Our website is www.flyinggoatfarm.com. We also have an ETSY site: www.flyinggoatfarm.etsy.com

2. What is your Ravelry name?
My Ravelry name is Goatherd

3. What do you make?
I raise angora goats and sheep. I have fleece and rovings that either naturally colored or hand-dyed for handspinners and felters. I have yarn from my animals and commercial sources that are dyed in beautiful colors. I put many types of yarn in a one of a kind dye pot so that knitters and weavers can add texture into their fabulous finished pieces. I also offer "Fair Trade Handspun" yarn. Local spinners spin my fiber into a unique yarn. These spinners are paid a living wage for their expertise and excellence in spinning. My yarns are very soft and colorful. Wrap your colorful self in luxury!!

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I started out as a weaver and spinner about 15 years. I taught myself to dye so that I could make the colors that I dreamt of but couldn't find. I've had my own fiber animals for 4 years. Now I have an almost unlimited amount of fiber to dye and spin with. I also send my fiber out to be made into yarn for me. While waiting for my own yarn to come back from the processor, I started to dye commercial yarns that are luxurious and soft. These yarns round out our product line.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My favorite this about selling to the local fiber community is being able to see the wonderful products that are made from my animals. Some are spinning exotic yarns, while others are knitting or weaving up shawls, socks, mittens and scarves.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
My fiber and yarn is a natural extension of the farm. When I go out with my animals, I can envision how their fleeces will look dyed and spun up into yarn. On the weekends, I'm out in my studio dyeing, skeining and spinning the fiber that I have grown on my farm and some that I wish I had grown. My art is a big part of my life and the farm allows me to have fiber that is raised in a humane and organic way.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
There have been many times when my students have asked me "Why are you green? (or blue, or pink or orange) When I explain that I was dyeing this past weekend, a strange look comes over their faces....not dieing....dyeing. Since my students are young English language learners you can imagine their confusion!

Solitude

2010-03-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
www.solitudewool.com

2. Your Ravelry username?
GretchenSolitude

3. What do you make?
Breed-specific wool yarns from sheep on small farms in the Chesapeake watershed. Due to space limitations, we will bring a sample of everything. If there is something you are interested in, send us an email ahead of time and we will bring it.

4. How did you get into making stuff?
Gretchen’s answer: I’ve always made stuff! My sister taught me to sew doll clothes by hand when I was 5. I have a BFA and was a graphic designer for 20 years. When I wanted to be a farmer I realized that fiber was a way to combine farming with my love of “making stuff.” I learned to spin before we moved to Loudoun County and got goats then sheep.

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
My favorite thing is that fiber people are really nice. That is true for sheep people too. It’s just really great to work with good people and have such nice customers. The fun thing about the local fiber community is you never know what people do in their non-fiber life. This area is so interesting and diverse.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
This is my whole life I think...between the animals, growing dye plants, making yarn, dyeing yarn, skeining yarn and selling yarn there is hardly time left for knitting and weaving.

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
Most of our amusements in life come from the animals. They are really funny and entertaining...but it’s hard to share that in a sentence. But about our business I would like to share that one of our missions is to help create a (viable) market for small farms that produce good wool. It is hard for a shepherd if they aren’t fiber people to sell their fleece for a decent price (the wool pool pays only pennies a pound), especially if they don’t have the skills or interest to create a value added product. Last year Solitude bought 1800 pounds of wool from 24 small farms representing 14 different breeds of sheep.

Dancing Leaf Farm

2010-03-08T19:05:00.000-05:00

1. What is your website?
www.dancingleaffarm.com, etsy: dancingLeafFarm and designsByDalis

2. Your Ravelry username?
dancingleaffarm

3. What do you make?
Hand dyed yarns, fused glass button, hand carded batts

4. How did you get into making stuff?
I raise the sheep that produce the yarn that I dye and spin. I also dye commercial yarns from all over the world. But the sheep need shearing and the yarn needs to be used. So I started Dancing Leaf Farm because I had WAY too much yarn!

5. What is your favorite thing about the local fiber community?
We all support one another and everyone is just so nice.

6. How does what you do/make influence the rest of your life, and vice versa?
Dancing leaf Farm has turned into a full time job, but it still leaves me time to enjoy travel and outdoor activities. I always have my knitting with me so fiber is never far away. I even knit while backpacking! Haven't figured out how to knit while biking though!

7. Any funny stories, words of wisdom, something else to share about you or your business?
I've been enjoying Dancing Leaf Farm for over 20 years now, starting out with sheep for pets and going from there. We built a studio on our farm where I have my shop and workspace. I'm so lucky to fulfill a dream, raising 3 boys in the country along with a myriad of farm animals. As far as the yarn goes, Dancing Leaf Farm is known for color...rich, deep, saturated colors. Dyeing yarn is the fun part of the business, (paperwork, not so much), squeezing liquid color onto white yarn and watching it turn the most fabulous hues. I also make fused glass buttons to complement my yarns, felted jewelry and nuno felt scarves. I encourage anyone who has a dream of starting a business, to just go ahead and do it. I started small, selling only handspun from my sheep's wool and the business just took off. Whatever you do, leave time for relaxation, laughter and friends. and smile, smile, smile!!!

Photo Contest Winners!

2010-03-01T21:35:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out our Ravelry Group? We've announced the winners of the HYP 2010 photo contest! We got a lot of great photos - thanks to everyone who submitted their favorite shots! We'll have more info soon - details of the winners and what cool products we'll have at HYP!

Voting is Open!

2010-02-22T20:14:00.001-05:00

Head on over to our Ravelry Group to view the photo submissions and vote for the ones you like! There's some great ones, so check them out! :)

You can vote through Friday!

Blog buttons and Ravatars

2010-02-20T19:31:00.000-05:00

The lovely and talented Blueswirly has created a set of blog buttons and ravatars you can use to help us get the word out about the Yarn Party. Please upload these to your own server if you plan on posting to your blog or website. You'll need to download the image you wish to use as a Ravatar to your own computer first, then upload it to your Ravelry profile. You can find instructions for that here. Enjoy!

Don't forget that tomorrow (2/21) is the last day to enter our photo contest! We really want to see your pics. You don't need to be a professional photographer and you don't even need to attend the Yarn Party to win, but of course we hope you do!

Yarn Party Photo Contest!

2010-02-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

We're excited this year to have a photo contest to go along with the yarn party! Unfortunately, it's going to be a crazy quick turn-around, so we reaaaalllllly hope some of you awesome photographers have some appropriate photos laying around that you might want to enter! Photos are due by the 21st of February!

Last year, we had a bunch of notecards and goodies for sale with photos from one of the organizers who had some pretty great photos. This year, we want YOU to participate! Do you have some fun sheepy photos, or some pretty photos of your knitting or spinning stash? If it's something you'd like to share so we can again have rad goodies for sale to support the yarn party, please send in your photos, pronto! You can even win prizes!!

How can you enter the HYP photo contest?

To enter the Homespun Yarn Party (HYP) Photo Contest, email your photo(s) in JPG format, along with what category they are to be entered in, to yarnpartyphoto@gmail.com by February 21, 2010. We recommend that photos have a resolution of 300 dpi and are at least 4 by 6 inches.

What are the categories, and how many photos can be submitted?

You may submit a total of three (3) photos to the contest, in the following categories: Yarn, Fiber, and Animals. One photo may be submitted per category. In the spirit of the HYP, we prefer you submit photos of independent yarn/fiber products if possible – we like to support our small businesses!

* Yarn – Handspun, hand painted, hand dyed, etc.
* Fiber – Roving, top, batts, fleece, etc.
* Fiber Producing Animals – sheep, llama, alpaca, rabbits, etc.

Voting on winning photos

Photos will be posted in the homespun yarn party group on ravelry.com for voting the week of February 22nd – 26th. Any member of ravelry may vote on photos. The top four photos per category will be selected for use by the HYP. In the case of ties, the HYP organizing committee will vote to break the tie.

What if your photograph wins?

Photographs will be used to create notecards and other derivative work to sell at the HYP and online in order to fund future HYP endeavors. Photographers will not be compensated beyond any prize awarded.

When will the winners be notified?

Voting will close February 26th, and winners will be notified by March 1, 2010.

What can you win?

First-place winners for each of the categories of the HYP Photo Contest will win $25 gift certificates to be used at any vendor of the HYP. Other winners will receive $10 gift certificates for the Yarn Party Merchandise Table at the HYP.

What rights does the Homespun Yarn Party have to your photo submission?

By entering the HYP Photo Contest, you grant a nonexclusive license to HYP to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the entries (with a name credit) in connection with the contest and promotion thereof in media including, but not limited to, display online and publication in the form of note cards and other items. The photographer maintains copyright ownership of the photograph. The photographer will not be compensated monetarily by HYP beyond any prize awarded.

Are release forms required to submit a photo?

By submit your photograph(s) to the HYP Photography Contest, you attest that you are the owner of the image, that you alone own the copyright, and that you have obtained any third-party releases, if necessary. If we require any releases, we will ask you to submit them.

Email Confirmation

HYP will send a confirmation email on receipt of your entry.

Questions?

Please email us at yarnpartyphoto@gmail.com

Homespun Yarn Party 2010 Vendor Application

2010-01-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

Great News! We're accepting applications for HYP 2010!

This year’s event will be Sunday March 21, 2010. 12PM – 4PM. Savage Mill, Savage, MD. There’s a possibility that we’ll extend the shopping hours until 5PM – vendors will be notified of the updated time by March 1.

Vendors will be selected via a jury process. Applicants are applying to sell only their own handcrafted yarns and/or fibers, not commercial yarns and/or fibers. No mass-produced yarns and fibers are allowed for sale. (commercially spun but hand-dyed yarn is ok. fully mass-produced is not.) Preference will be given to local vendors.

• Your completed application and photos must be submitted by January 31st to be considered for the show. Email applications and photos to: yarnparty@gmail.com, with your business name(s) in the Subject Line.
• Applicants will be notified by February 7th regarding their vendor status. If accepted, information on the event and instructions on sending payment for the vendor fee will be emailed.
• Tables for the Yarn Party will cost $75, to be paid upon acceptance. Spaces are 6 foot by 6 foot. This includes a rental table (6 foot long) and chairs. Vendors will need to provide their own table linens. This year, we’re limiting vendors to single spaces, so that we might have more vendor spaces available without crowding the room.
• If you want to share a table, please have each person submit an application and photos. Please include both of your names in the Subject line of the email.

Business Name:
Full Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
If you are sharing a booth space with another crafter, please tell us their name (each vendor must submit an application):
Tell us about your products in 50 words or less. Do you have products for knitters/crocheters, spinners, weavers, etc? What kinds of fibers or types of yarns do you carry? What do you think makes your product unique?

Feel free to email us with questions! Submit your application and 3-5 photos of your work via email to: yarnparty@gmail.com

Third Annual Homespun Yarn Party!

2010-01-10T22:41:00.001-05:00

We had a great time last year - this year will be even better!

What: Yarn Party! Check out local yarn vendors, sit and knit, meet new people!

Who: All your favorite local yarn dyers and spinners, plus some extra crafty goodness! And all our knitting/crocheting/spinning friends (you!) of course!!

Where: Historic Savage Mill |8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763 | Just off I-95, plenty of parking!

When: Sunday, March 21, 2010 - 12 PM to 5 PM

Why: Who needs an excuse to get together and craft?! We wanted to get together and spread some fiber love!

In addition to some great crafty vendors, we'll also have:

free lessons on knitting, crochet, spinning, and maybe more
fabulous door prizes to be given away throughout the event
weather-permitting, a sit and spin/crochet/knit area out on the deck

And we'll be collecting knitted and crocheted items for local charities!

Admission is FREE!

Special thanks to our vendors, the organizing committee, and everyone who is helping make the Yarn Party possible. Please see the blog sidebar for a full listing of vendors and sponsors.

HYP 2010 is just around the corner!

2010-01-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

The Homespun Yarn Party planning committee has been hard at work finalizing details for this year's event. Watch this space for an announcement of this year's date and time, vendor application information, and volunteer opportunities in the coming week.

We're very excited to bring you our third annual yarn party!

MDSW! After! Party!

2009-04-24T06:36:00.000-04:00

There's much a-happening around Sheep and Wool. Have you seen this MDSW After Party? It is bound to be loads of crazy fun!

You should go sign up now! It's just a measly $6 for the first 50 people, for snacks, door prizes, and a cash bar! The ravelry party last year was totally fun, and this one's sure to be rad!

HYP Vendors at Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

2009-04-05T12:04:00.000-04:00

Many of our wonderful vendors from this year's Homespun Yarn Party will also have their wares available at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. The Festival is on May 2 and 3 at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland. If you've never been, prepare to be amazed! In addition to a multitude of fiber vendors, there are also live animals, demonstrations, food, classes, an equipment auction, raw fleece show and sale... check out the festival website and the MDSW Ravelry group for more information.

We'll update this post as we learn where our vendors will be but here's a preliminary list:

Dancing Leaf Farm (Outside, S05)

Potosi Sheep/Persimmon Tree Farms (Outside, S03)

Spirit Trail Fiber Works (Main, A30)

Cloverhill Yarn Shop (Main D1, D3) will feature 23 independent yarnies including Dragonfly Fiber Designs, Felt Forest, Folktale Fibers, GnomeGarden, Neighborhood Fiber Co., Sanguine Gryphon, Serendipitous Ewe, Shelby's Designs, Three Irish Girls, Woolarina, Wullenstudio, and more!

Thank You!!

2009-03-15T23:01:00.000-04:00

Today's event was a great success. Thank you to our vendors, our sponsors, our wonderful volunteers, and everyone who came out to shop and learn and play.

If you took photos, please share them with our Flickr Group!

We did have a few items left behind. You can reach the Great Room at 301-490-1668 or the Savage Mill offices at 800-788-6455 or info@savagemill.com to inquire about lost & found. If they are unable to help you find a lost item, please email us at yarnparty@gmail.com.