Homespun Yarn Party

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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Sponsor Post: Yarns by Design

Yarns by Design has a Black Friday sale planned.







And Small Business Weekend events planned.


- 5% off all full-priced purchases over $50 or more
- 25% off Shibui Sock
- 40% off Cascade 220 (cash only)
- 40% off Ella Rae Amity & Classic (cash only)

Applies to FULL-PRICED items ONLY - Cannot be combined with ANY other offer - All sales are final - Only on In-stock items






And a gift card special.


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Sponsor Post: Knitting Boutique Retreat Weekend at Kent Manor Inn on the Eastern Shore – March 7-9

The Knitting Boutique has rented a mansion and we want you to join us for a weekend of knitting!  The Historic Kent Manor Inn sits in a pristine, waterfront location and is perfect for a March 2014 knitting retreat. The 1820 Historic Kent Manor Inn and Hotel, restored to its original beauty, combines history with contemporary comforts. Comprised of 220 acres of woods and farmland, including a mile of waterfront, we’ll find traditional Eastern Shore hospitality, beautiful flower gardens, and expansive water views. Fireplaces and porches grace many of the 24 sleeping rooms, all decorated in the finest period furnishings. All rooms have private baths, flat screen TVs, coffee maker, complimentary bottled water, ironing board and irons, alarm clock and complimentary wireless Internet.

Dates
Fri - Sun, March 7th-9th 2014
Historic Kent Manor Inn and Hotel
Registration Information
All-inclusive fees (room, dining, classes). Register early for room preference and fireplace rooms! 50% deposit due November 30 (deposit refundable through November 30 less a $25 administrative fee). Balance due no later than December 31. After November 30, costs are not refundable. Kent Manor Inn has a total of 24 rooms accommodating 1 to 3 people per room; please register early to get your preferred room.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Sponsor Post: Join The Knitting Boutique's Animal Luxury Fiber Subscription Club

This Tanis Grey design is the first pattern in the club. 
Receive a luxury yarn kit every other month in 2014. Each kit will feature an approximate 4-ounce skein (approx. 400 yds) of The Knitting Boutique’s exclusive luxury animal fiber, plus a pattern designed for The Knitting Boutique by Heather Zoppetti or Tanis Gray. To be a part of the yarn club for the full year, sign up by December 15. Customers will be contacted for subsequent shipping payment information.

Pay in a one-time payment or four installments.

Month 1 - Baby Camel, Merino, Silk
Month 2 - Yak, Merino, Silk
Month 3 - Alpaca, Merino, Silk
Month 4 - Merino, Angora
Month 5 - Cashmere, Merino
Month 6 - Merino, Silk, Possum



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Sponsor Post: The Knitting Boutique Animal Luxury Fiber Club


We’re Not Quite Spinning Fiber into Gold, but Close. Receive a luxury yarn kit every other month from January through November of 2014.  Each kit will feature an approximate 4-ounce skein of The Knitting Boutique’s exclusive hand-dyed yarns, plus a pattern designed for The Knitting Boutique by Heather Zoppetti and Tanis Gray.  Blends will include:  Baby Camel, Yak, Angora, Cashmere, Alpaca and Silk. 

To be a part of the yarn club for the full year, sign up by December 31. The six-month subscription is $220 plus shipping.  Pay a one-time fee or in four easy installments of $55.  Visit KnittingBoutique.com website for details or call us at 410.553.0433.
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Sponsor Post: The Knitting Boutique Introduces New Yarn Line

The Knitting Boutique, located in Glen Burnie, Md., has combined forces with Sweitzer Mill Farm in Seven Valleys, Pa., to develop a new yarn line exclusive to the Boutique.
A rainbow covers Sweitzer Mill farm.

The new yarn line consists of five different blends of yarn, all named after Maryland Rivers. We’re introducing the Patapsco, Susquehanna, Monocacy, Severn, and Sassafrass yarns across the country
through our website KnittingBoutique.com.

Sweitzer Mill, owned by Jason and Heather Sweizter, rests among rolling hills on a 132-­acre farm. Heather is excited by the partnership with The Knitting Boutique and combining Maryland’s hospitality and Pennsylvania beauty.

“We make the yarn for each individual customer, but my goal is to not let it leave this mill until it is a yarn that I would like to have for myself,” said Heather. “Our mission is to create high-­quality products. We promise each customer that his or her fiber gets the individual attention it deserves.”
Heather Sweitzer spinning yarn.

The Patapsco is our new Falkland yarn, made entirely of fleece from the Falkland Islands. Located off the southern tip of Argentina, this region is known for its cultivation of exceptionally fine wool.

The Susquehanna is our Organic Polwarth Silk blend of certified organic Polwarth, named for the county in Australia. We’re combining our Organic Polwarth with Silk, to create a perfect blend. Organic means that the fibers have undergone minimal chemical processing resulting in a finer, softer, naturally white yarn that takes dye with vivid boldness.
New baby lambs born on the farm.

The Monocacy is our 100% Merino yarn. With a natural twist and spin, Monocacy is incredibly soft, and durable.

The Severn is our Blue Faced Leicester (BFL) and Silk blend. BFL sheep has luxuriously long, silken, Shirley Temple-­esque locks to go with its blue Roman nose and is known for its threadlike, incredibly light wool. We’ve created a blend of BFL with silk highlights, which creates drape and lightness, making this yarn perfect for multi-­season.

The Sassafrass is our Merino and Bamboo blend. Our Sassafrass combines the durability of Merino fiber with the softness of bamboo. Bamboo fiber adds luster and drape to a yarn, similar to silk, but with the added benefits of being naturally antibiotic while pulling heat and moisture away from the skin. Blending bamboo with Merino wool creates a slinky, shiny yarn that has beautiful stitch definition, lovely drape and is perfect warmer climates.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Fibre Space: Rare Imports Club!



Our lovely sponsor Fibre Space is offering an exciting new yarn club! 6 months of beautifully hand dyed yarn from outside the United States! For more information, check out their blog post:

Rare Imports Club!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

We had a really great time today and want to thank everyone who came and participated! Apologies in advance to anyone I have inadvertently left out here…

Our generous sponsors:
Fibre Space (Alexandria, VA)
Knit and Stitch = Bliss (Bethesda, MD)
Knit One Spin Too (Spin U event in July)
The Knitting Boutique (Glen Burnie, MD)
Looped Yarn Works (DC)
Nature’s Yarns (Fairfax, VA)
Aylin’s Woolgatherer (Falls Church, VA)
Crabapple Yarns (one of our vendors)
Curiosity McGee (in Savage Mill)
Dog House Yarns (Culpeper, VA)
Susquehanna Knitting Company (Silver Spring & Havre de Grace)
Yarns by Design (Oakmont, PA)

Door prize donors:
All of our vendors, Knit and Stitch = Bliss, Unicorn Fibre, Claire, Susan

Our talented vendors:
All of our vendors make their own products in some way, whether that means raising the animals, dyeing the fiber, spinning the yarn, or crafting by hand in small batches. You can find profiles of each of the vendors on our blog, with links to their websites.
Alpacas of Windswept Farm
Ashton Studio Arts
Avalon Springs Farm
BabesterArts
Cavey Family Sheep & Wool
Cephalopod Yarns
Claymonster Pottery
Crabapple Yarns
Dancing Leaf Farm
Dragonfly Fibers
Feederbrook Farm
Flying Goat Farm
Folktale Fibers
Good Golly Miss Olli!
Kate’s Cauldron
Mid Valley Fibers
Misty Mountain Farm
Neighborhood Fiber Co.
Rajkovich Designs
Shalimar Yarns
Slippery Slope Farm
Snallygaster Fibers
SpaceCadet Creations
StarKnits
TayloredFibers
That Clever Clementine
The Camel Shoppe
The Verdant Gryphon
Threeravens Yarn / Fiber
Tina Seamonster
Wandering Wool
Wild Hare Fiber Studio
Wolle’s Yarn Creations

Our wonderful volunteers:
We couldn’t do this without you and truly appreciate all your hard work helping spread the word and ensuring everything comes together on the day of show.
ariadnesthread
caroleNJ
cozit
cyb
faireattention
graebel
idontknit-tilnow
imjustlori
kims
Klevitan17
lambie
laurenhaiken
miscellanearts
mizzleahmae
pokinthecrazy
quiltkarrot
spinknitsusan
Su1282
suzanne17
tcknit
textilegeek
TheManny
vaacosta
vbjenn
xavyor

Our selection committee:
Who have the difficult job of narrowing down the applicants to fit our space

Our teachers:
Claire, Lauren, and Cybele

HomeStretch Hat and yarn donors:
lots of you! there was a huge pile of stuff on the charity table!

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

Please share your photos on Facebook, Ravelry, and in our 2013 Flickr Group!

We’ll see you next year!

-Jess, Paula, Corrine, Lindsay, Theresa, and Laura

Friday, March 22, 2013

Sponsor: Aylin's Woolgatherer

Meet returning sponsor: Aylin's Woolgatherer 

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 38 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.

Sponsor: Unicorn Fibre

Thank you to returning sponsor Unicorn Fibre!

1. What is your website/email? Website is www.unicornfibre.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group if you have one?
Group: Unicorn Fibre Products 
Username: Unicorn1

3. Tell us about Unicorn Fibre and your products?
We have the Power Scour, Fibre Wash and Fibre Rinse. Power scour deep cleans oily/waxy fibres, Fibre Wash cleans and refreshes natural luxury fibers and garments and the Fibre Rinse is an anti static conditioning with a touch of lavender.

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

5.
What's your favorite thing about having your business? Everything, it is wonderful working with products you know do a great job and meeting great people along the way.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

2013: Wolle's Yarn Creations

Wolle's Yarn Creations

Wolle’s Yarn Creations are 4-ply fingering weight yarns that gradually change colors creating a stunning effect. All yarns are 100% cotton and very soft; they have a beautiful drape and are perfectly suited for shawls and scarves. The up-coming spring color selection will be great for knitters, crocheters, and weavers alike. 

 Wolle's Yarn Creations


 Wolle's Yarn Creations

Sponsor: Spin-U

Meet this new 2013 sponsor, Spin-U. Many past attendees of Homespun Yarn Party learned to spin from Lauren and this is her newest endeavor!  

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

2. What is your Ravelry name/group if you have one?
There are two: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/spin-u-2012 is still active, but we're moving to a more general http://www.ravelry.com/groups/spin-u.  

4. What is Spin-U? Spin-U is a weekend of fiber love. Spinning, shopping, and socialization in Uniondale, NY. Knit One Spin Too welcomes teachers Abby Franquemont, Lisa Grossman, Rosane Mordt, Beth Smith, and a variety of vendors, including DC locals Cephalopod Yarns and Dragonfly Fibers. There will be university provided housing, and a meal plan available. Choose one class, or many. Eat with the group, or on your own. The a-la-carte options will make this retreat event affordable for all.  

5. How long have you been in business, and what inspired you to open your business?
Knit One Spin Too LLC is a new business, open less than a year. Spin-U 2013 will be my first event. When I moved here from DC I found that there were no shows, no retreats, nothing really local. I missed having that, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.  

6. What's your favorite thing about having your business? 
I'm enjoying bringing the fibery love to the people, teaching people how to spin and knit.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

2013: Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Wild Hare Fiber Studio

Artfully hand dyed yarns and fibers, unique handspun yarns, original knitting patterns, and handmade fiber tools; there is always something exciting going on at Wild Hare Fiber Studio. Fiber artist Melissa Yoder Ricks combines a fine arts background, passion for fiber, and love of experimentation when creating all her products.

 Wild Hare Fiber Studio


 Wild Hare Fiber Studio

2013: Wandering Wool

Wandering Wool

I carry a range of semi-solid and variegated yarns hand-dyed in my Washington DC apartment kitchen. I started my business because I love the process of mixing new colors and because I want to create unique and exciting yarns for my customers to work with.

 Wandering Wool


 Wandering Wool

2013: Tina Seamonster

Tina Seamonster

I currently sell my handprinted knitting inspired tote bags to about 10 knitting stores across the US. Our popular bags are Panic Knitting for the Apocalypse and Zombies are Crap at Knitting. The bags are simple cotton totes, perfect for knitting projects.

 Tina Seamonster


 Tina Seamonster

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Sponsor: Knit + Stitch = Bliss


Our website is knitandstitch.com. You can reach us at 301-652-8688 or info@knitandstitch.com.

Ravelry group: Knit+Stitch=Bliss

We are located at 4706 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda Maryland 20814. The store is at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave and Bethesda Ave (behind the Starbucks). We have a free parking lot and are 3 blocks from the Bethesda Metro.

We are open:
Mon, Tues, Wed and Friday 10-6:30 pm
Thursday 10- 8 pm
Saturday 10- 5:30 pm
Sunday 12-5 pm



My goal is to be a friendly local yarn shop with something for everyone. We carry everything from Plymouth Encore to exquisite hand-dyed yarns. We carry yarn from most of the major yarn companies: Blue Sky Alpaca, Rowan, Cascade, Berrroco, Tahki, Plymouth, KFI, Skacel, Euroyarns. We also have an extensive selection of hand-dyed yarns (my soft spot)--Swans Island, String Theory, Madeline Tosh, Jade Saphire, Manos, Malabrigo, The Fibre Company, Prism, Great Adirondack, Claudia Hand Painted, We carry a good assortment of books and patterns, needles and bags (Attendi, Blue Q, Chica).

I'm going into my 13th year of business. I used to shop at the yarn store that was previously in the same location and when it went out of business, I decided to dump the law and do something I loved. When I opened, I was a beginner knitter (I also sold needlepoint in the beginning) with no business experience. God protects drunks and fools and I was able to survive all the mistakes I made. In case you are wondering about the name, Knit + Stitch = Bliss, I had to pick a name that no one else had used, (for trademark purposes). In my mind, knitting and stitching equal bliss.

My goal was to be very user friendly since I had felt very intimidated when I was learning to knit. I now have a fantastic group of women and a man who share my commitment to being friendly and helpful. Since we all have different taste in fiber and types of knitting, their input has helped us to become a well rounded knitting store.



My favorite thing about having the store is helping customers find a project that excites them. I enjoy matching the customer's interest, skills and budget with the perfect project. I also love my store's part in creating a knitting community where people are happy and comfortable.

2013: Threeravens Yarn and Fiber

Threeravens Yarn and Fiber

I blend amazing fibers, colors, and textures into a tactile rainbow of awesome! I'm known for lots of brightness and expression and soft feel in my work, which is all made from hand-dyed and hand-processed fiber - locally sourced, when possible. I also make hand-made support spindles and yarn lamps!

 Threeravens Yarn and Fiber


 Threeravens Yarn and Fiber

2013: The Verdant Gryphon

The Verdant Gryphon

The Verdant Gryphon hand-dyes luxury yarns in a wide array of brilliant and complex colours. We're a 5-person operation based on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore, and we love to have a quirky good time in coming up with our colours and naming them along all sorts of esoteric themes.

 The Verdant Gryphon


 The Verdant Gryphon

Monday, March 18, 2013

2013: The Camel Shoppe

The Camel Shoppe

I carry hand dyed handspun yarns, hand dyed yarns and hand dyed spinning fibers. Most of the yarns and fibers I carry are wool and wool blends. And yes, I do also carry camel fiber, handspun camel yarn as well as some hand crafted items.

 The Camel Shoppe


 The Camel Shoppe

2013: That Clever Clementine

That Clever Clementine

Whimsical, amusing, clever, FUNctional project bags & yarn bowls! 

 That Clever Clementine


 That Clever Clementine

Sponsor: Fibre Space

1. What is your website?
fibrespace.com

2. What is your Ravelry name/group if you have one?
Fans of fibre space



3. Where are you located and what are your hours?
1219 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-664-0344

Hours:
Mon, Tues, Fri: 11 am - 7 pm
Weds, Thurs: 11 am - 9 pm
Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
Sun: 12-6 pm

4. What kinds of things do you carry?
We offer a wide selection of yarns, needles and notions as well as spinning fibre and supplies. We specialize in indie and US made companies (Brooklyn Tweed, Stonehedge Fiber Mill and Imperial Stock Ranch, for example) and are most known for our amazing selection of hand dyed yarns. Here are a few: Neighborhood Fiber Co., Dragonfly Fibers, Sweet Georgia, Miss Babs, Skein and Lorna's Laces.



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

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

Sunday, March 17, 2013

2013 Vendor Map and Venue Info



(Click the image to enlarge)

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

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



Once you're at the mill, we'll be in the Great Room. There are maps around once you're in the door, so it shouldn't be hard to find us! Parking is easiest in the west lot - it gets pretty crowded in the closer lots! 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 30 minutes.

Also, take some time to check out all the great antiques and furniture! There's a used book store, craft and scrapbooking stores, a bead shop, a glass studio, and more to see! If you get hungry, there are several options at the Mill and nearby! 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!

2013: Taylored Fibers

Taylored Fibers

Fine, hand dyed yarns and fibers for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers and felters.

 Taylored Fibers


 Taylored Fibers

2013: StarKnits

 StarKnits

By making bags in various shapes and sizes, I create what I like to think of as yarn and fiber support. I also make stitch markers and handcrafted crochet hooks. I love using both coordinating fabrics and mixing it up to create useful bags as original as the projects they protect.

 StarKnits


StarKnits