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

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

email is melanie@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.

2013: 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. 

 

wollesyarncreations.etsy.com

 

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.

2013: 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.

 

www.wildharefiber.com
www.wildhare.etsy.com

 

2013: 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.

 

www.wanderingwool.com

 

2013: 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.

 

www.tinaseamonster.com

 

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

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!

 

www.threeravens.net

 

2013: 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.

 

www.verdantgryphon.com

 

2013: 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.

 

www.camelshoppe.com

 

2013: That Clever Clementine

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

 

www.etsy.com/shop/ThatCleverClementine

 

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.

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

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

 

www.etsy.com/shop/tayloredfibers

 

2013: 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.

 

www.etsy.com/shop/starknits

Longest Thread Competition, Classes, Prizes, Charity Collection, Winding Station, and Swag!

Last year we ran The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. It was such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

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

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? Lauren will teach you! We'll offer classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. Yarn for lessons will be provided - just bring a set of needles or a hook, or pick up some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors. Classes are held at the center tables.

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

Don't forget to bring your hats for HomeStretch and if you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. You can read more about this year's project here.

Finally, we'll have a fun little giveaway to commemorate the 6th annual Homespun Yarn Party and we'll also have HYP tote bags, project bags, and other fun goodies for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Weather permitting, the deck will be available to hand out and socialize if you need a break from shopping. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

2013: SpaceCadet Creations

I believe that knitting & crocheting with gorgeous, vibrant colour makes people happier deep down inside. For me, dyeing is a cosmic adventure – a wonderful process of mixing each shade by hand and seeing where the colour takes me. I’m thrilled to be able to share the yarn I create!

spacecadetcreations.com/

 

Sponsor: Dog House Yarns

1. What is your website and email? 

www.DogHouseYarns.com       

E-mail:  There is a contact form on the website.

2.  What is your Ravelry name/group?   

Dog House Yarns

3.  Where are you located and what are your hours? 

708 Sunset Lane, Culpeper, VA  22701.  

From Northern Virginia take Rt. 29 from Warrenton to the fourth Culpeper exit which will be Rt. 29 business at the south end of the town.  Pass the motels and at the first traffic light turn right on Sunset Lane, start up the hill, and turn into the parking lot with the Good Earth Florist on the opposite end of the building.

Hours:  Always check the website because they sometimes change.  Right now it's Sunday noon to 4 p.m., Monday 11:30-ish to 5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday - Closed, Thursday 11:30ish to 8 p.m., Friday 11:30ish to 3 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The "ish" on 11:30 is because the owner has an elderly dog that has difficulty walking because of arthritis and sometimes it takes her longer to leave home depending on what's happening with the dog.

4.  What kinds of things do you carry?  

We are a full service yarn shop, easily accessible to travelers using Rt. 29 from Northern Virginia to Charlottesville.  We always have a good selection of hand-dyed sock yarns in addition to yarns from the larger commercial companies.  We also offer a small selection of hand-dyed spinning fibers and some nice drop spindles from Kundert and KCL. Our main needle selection comes from Addi, Hiya-Hiya, and Chiao Goo in the circulars and Brittany and Chiao Goo in straights. And, we offer classes in basic knitting and crocheting, various knitting techniques and projects, beginner and intermediate spinning, and Tunisian crochet.  Classes are posted on our website.

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

The most obvious favorite thing is the opportunity to be around all the pretty colors and fibers of so many different types.  It's a pleasure to look around the shop and be greeted by color everywhere.  We've also met some very nice people, but in addition to that, having a shop has provided the catalyst for learning so many new skills.  The more one learns about various aspects of the fiber arts, the more there is to learn.  It tends to make you a very well rounded knitter who can crochet, spin, do Tunisian crochet, design basic patterns, and even do a little yarn dyeing.

2013: Snallygaster Yarns

We focus on self-striping (spiraling) sock yarn. We like bright colors and high contrast that make plain knit look spectacular. Many of our colorways are inspired by landmarks and neighborhoods in Baltimore where we grew up. We have recently expanded into hand-dyed rovings, and are experimenting with hand-dyed silk scarves.

 

www.snallygasterfibers.com

 

2013: Slippery Slope Farm

I have luxury fiber for spinners. Natural colored pygora, merino, and angora bunny fur from our farm animal. I also have hand dyed merino and pygora roving. My products are unique because Pygora is unique and unusual! I started our fiber farm because I am a fiber-oholic and what a better than to grow your own! And I love to share my treasures with others!

I am also a Greener Shades Dyes retailer. This is the brand of dyes that I use on my products.

www.etsy.com/shop/fibermenagerie