December 7, 2012

It's coming, it's coming, it's coming.......the cold weather that is!  Here in Texas we are finally going to get perfect knitting and crocheting weather!  Are y'all prepared for Monday?  High of 45!  I know I will be all curled up with a great movie and working away on the Swing Knitting that I am teaching myself.  Next I will be finishing up my red cabled Christmas vest, then there's the bubble scarf, not to forget the Joy Jacket I want to begin this weekend now that my yarn is here, so there will not be time for me to dig in my unfinished projects box until after Christmas where I will then madly search to get as many unfinished projects done as I can in one week.  Nothing like dreaming big right.  Maybe if I leave out those unfinished projects Christmas Eve, Santa will bring extra elves with him!!  Where is that Finishing Fairy when you need her, (not mentioning any names HotSprings Leslie!)  And because of the upcoming weather I might feel the need to put alot of yarn on sale.....uhhhmmm come see what I end up putting on sale!

Not only is the cold weather coming, but Christmas is right around the corner.  We have many small, medium and large gifts for your knitter or crocheter, is that you?  Then treat yourself; how about some yummy wonderful hand lotion.  We have the Soak hand lotion as well as the Soak Wool Wash both in travel pacs and individual bottles.   The people who use it swear by it, and I am one of them.   So many scents to choose from or the unscented works just as well.

 If Soak isn't for you, we also have the Lavishea bars, 11 different scents available including the Yarn Bar (almond).  How about some totally awesome foot cream, made right here in Arlington.  Have a charm bracelet, or know a knitter or crocheter with one, get them a pack of knitting or crocheting charms. We also have the Knit Calculator, the Knit Counter, the Circular Stitch Holder, Magnifying Needle Sizer from Knitter's Pride, and for the younger set, we have knitting and crocheting watch off tattoos!  and many, many more accessories and gift ideas  The above gift ideas are all $15.00 or less!

Moving into the next category, we have books, patterns Dreamz 16" Circular Needle Sets, and Regular Dreamz needle sets, handpainted Silk Scarves, lots of Ruffle yarns left, and other wonderful novelty scarf yarns!  All these gifts are priced less than $50.00 except for the full Dreamz needle sets.

And on to other ideas, we have as of the typing of this update, Addi Turbo kits in stock as well as Long Lace Tip Sets and Short Lace Tip sets, they are going very fast though.

Silk Maiden

We have finally received all of our Fleece Artist/Hand Maiden Yarns, and had to place one more order, some of the new colors are so popular they sold out the same day they came in.  Not familiar with these yarns?  They are AWESOME!  I just got to knit with Great Big Sea, I could not believe how awesome this yarn is knitted up.  It is so soft it almost feels like there is a lotion in it.  It it 50% Silk/30% Wool/20% Kelp, 275 yards to a skein.  I knit it on a US 6, 7 and 8.  This is the yarn for my jacket which I cannot wait to start!  Silk Maiden is their 50% Wool/50% Silk blend, 302 yards to a skein.  We cannot keep this yarn in stock and I truly understand why.  Once you use it you are so spoiled!  I have knitted and crocheted with it and it feels beautiful both ways.  Swatches hanging by the yarns, the hardest part about this yarn is choosing a color.  This yarn be used on a variety of needle sizes.  As much as I love those last two yarns, I really adore Sea Silk, it's those small needle knits that catch my eye  and I  really love using it in lace.  It is perfect to wear here in Texas.  All of these yarns come from Canada and are handpainted so we always wait patiently or not so, until we receive their boxes.  So I have already had my Christmas! 


Great Big Sea

Rhapsody Glitter Light

We don't want to forget the gorgeous Rhapsody Glitter Light from Art Yarns, 400 yards to a skein.  It is so pretty, it is hard to make a color choice in this yarn.  I am not a big mohair fan, but this yarn has completely made me rethink my position on that.  It is the silk blend that compliments the mohair so well.  That little touch of glitter gives it exactly the right about of pizzazz.  Not to be outdone is the beautiful beaded silk in matching colors.  Treat yourself or a friend to a skein of these yarns.

Touch Me Lux

Not to be outdone by any means is the most fabulous yarn....Touch Me.  The name truly says it all.  A little slouch hat can be done with 2 skeins!!  So verrrrrry, verrrrrry soft.  And this yarn can be watched and dryed in the washing machine and dryer!  We have the regular colors and the new colors with a hint of glitter.  In fact, I am working on a new Slouch Hat model out of the Touch Me Lux, this one is going to be for ME!! I know Andie would lovvvee the purple in this!  So much yarn, so little time!!

I have been hearing so much on the news about the elderly foregoing medicine to buy food or vice versa.  This has really motivated me.  At first I was angry, we treat our senoir citizens so poorly and I realized that any difference I want to see has to start with me.  I was telling our Thursday Therapy group about what I have been hearing and being the absolute wonderful, loving, generous people that they are, they jumped right on board.  So starting this week, we are collecting food for the elderly that make too much money to get assistance and not enough to buy both food and medicine.  After talking with all the officials I have spoken to about this I am AMAZED that they all admit their is a major problem but their hands are tied. So we have a new charity, I have named it HOPE; Help Other People Eat!  We are targeting senoir citizens who have the ability to cook, but need food assistance.  Our plan is to start with 12 elderly and provide food for them for 12 months.  This is a HUGE endeavor and we can't do it without your help.  So please help us by dropping off food here at the shop.  We will deliver once a month and the day we deliver we will buy the persihables such as; bread, milk and meats.  Think of your favorite easy to make meals and please help us provide for them.  I cannot stress enough how EVERY organization I contacted told me how MASSIVE this need is.  We have our first two elderly and will be delivering this Saturday to one and next Saturday to the other.  We need, macroni, spaghetti, potatoes, mac/cheese/ravoli's, crackers, ceral (cold and hot), if you don't want to buy food, we could use gift cards to grocery stores to help us on the days we buy the perishables.  I have always ask alot from our customers.  I truly believe in giving back, if you have never supported us before, please, please help us with HOPE.  I can't imagine living my whole life as a contributing member of society just to reach a certain age and not be able to support myself and to have this need.  I think of my own grandmother who is no longer with me and just the thought of her going without brings tears to my eyes.  Many of these elderly have no family left and are very proud people, so I am speaking for them.  Thank you in advance for your contributions, they will truly make a difference in someones life.  If you know someone in this position, please contact us with their information. 

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Carol Prine.  Carol passed away two weeks ago.  She taught many, many people in the metroplex how to knit and crochet.  She was a phenonimal knitter herself.  She will be missed.

And on a lighter note......Santa Claus is coming to Yarn Heaven!!!  That's right, Thursday December 13, Santa will make an appearance and get our Christmas wishes, wonder which of his lists on I am this year...naughty or nice?  To our Thursday Therapy regulars and all who would like to attend, we are having a pot luck buffett and a chinese gift exchange.  Last year's was way too much fun, we will be singing Christmas carols, eating wonderful food and having a great time.  Diana we hope you can make it you have been studying very, very hard!

I am working on the class schedule and will have it posted by Tuesday at the latest.  How does Cabled Squares of the month sound?  You can knit them or crochet them, if you do both have both of them in your throw!  Yes, some of you have asked, and I am working on that Swing knitting, it is on the class schedule.  Much more to come!

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for the wonderful Birthday wishes.  19 years, wow!  If you were a gift certificate winner, your gift certificate needs to be used by the end of 2012.  And to all of you may you have a wonderful, happy, loving, safe Chrstmas and may 2013 be better for everyone!  Thank you from the bottom of my very full heart!

Tarie

November 1, 2012

Goodness sakes where oh where did October go?  Well, Happy November.  I love the month of November, although my favorite time of year is spring; November has alot of special dates for me.   November 1, we have been open in our new location one year today!! November 7 is my wedding anniversary, (26 years this year),  November 15, a truly wonderful couple; Shirley and Effie Foster share their 70th  wedding anniversary, you read correctly 70th  wedding anniversary on November 15, November 22 is Turkey Day and November 24 is the store's anniversary.  19 years this year!

As I look back over the years with Yarn Heaven, I realize it was just like raising a child, we had the infant or opening year, than we went into the terrible twos struggling to keep up with the growth.  The toddler and preteen years, just like kids, they were loads of fun, learning and truly enjoying the growth.  Then the teen years hit, just like a teenager, there were ups and downs and ups again and downs again, there were struggles, hard decisions to make, changes to be made and a different path started.  This is the last of our teen age years and I am going to enjoy every day of it! 

Nineteen years, even I have to pinch myself.  I can't believe that much time has gone by.  I have truly loved most of that time being in business.  Being honest; there were lots of things I didn't like also.  I didn't like having to put cameras in the store, I didn't like having to move, although it meant expanding and that was exciting, just hated the actual moving part of it.  I dislike the part of such great loss when a customer passes on and this year there were many of them, I think of Nedra, Shirley and Karen often.  I don't like it when my favorite people move to other states, Nancy, Jackie, Andy, and Danelle to name just a very few.  It's all a part of life I know, but it's the sad part and as a shop owner sometimes the grief is overwhelming. 

The things I have loved most about our little yarn shop here in Arlington; the fact you bring your pets to see me.  I get to love on and meet alot of beautiful animals.  The fact, I am teaching the next generation in your families how to knit or crochet.  Teaching the first generation was fun and back then I never imagined I would have the 2nd generations of families.  What an honor.  I have loved watching the people who have learned how to knit or crochet here, grow past me in their skills.  I loved watching your skills develop and grow, specifically, Lisette, Stacy, Andie, Vicki H, Sharon J., Amanada H. and Greta.  You all bring so much to my life.  The thing I absolutely love about Yarn Heaven....is all the wonderful, strong women that I have meant.  Most of you still amaze me and I am so grateful to be a part of your lives even in a small way.  Thank you for the most wonderful 19 years.  It has been and continues to be quite the roller coaster ride.   There have been times I want to get off of the ride and other times I just don't want it to stop. 

Nineteen years ago there was no such thing as "social media sites".  Now there are all kinds of those sites and our industry is right up there with some big ones such as; YouTube, Ravelry, PinInterest, Etsy.  It seems like in the blink of an eye, we were a country across a big ocean from lots of other countries, now friends from those countrys speak to us daily; thru cell phones, face time, and skype to name a few.  We are now forever connected to one another.  The State Fair used to be the place to display your work, now we have our own social media sites which gives us a much larger audience for our finished projects, our daily rants and quicker answers to our questions.  I sit back in utter amazement at times.  I find it to be both invigirating and initimidating both at the same time.  I could go on for days, but I am sure there will be more at the end of the month so I will stop here!  Just know, how much I appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.  I know in 19 years there were many that I have not made happy, probably even made a few angry but as a whole, y'all are the best thing that could have happened to me outside of my husband, so thank you so much for 19 wonderful years!

So in celebration of 19 years, we have decided to draw 20 times out of our Small Business Promotion Jar, this month the small business we are promoting is YARN HEAVEN!!  For every $50.00 you spend, not including tax, you get your name in the jar for the drawings!  So what are we drawing for?  How about 19, $19.00 gift certificates to the store and the grand prize drawing will be a wonderful package valued at $400, the package will include a gift certificate (amount to be determined) as well as other items.  If you win a gift certificate your name will go back into the jar and still be eligible for the grand prize.  We are doing the drawings on the 24th of November, Saturday at 4:00pm.

We have so much new stuff in the store that I will be writing more about that next week.  This small business thanks you profusely!  We know you have choices and we are proud to be your choice!

Oh, yes, Stitches and Sparkles have been updated:
http://barkstopshere.blogspot.com/
http://barkstopshere.blogspot.com/

Tarie

September 19, 2012

September is over half gone, we can sort of feel fall trying to set it.  I know it sure was hard to get out of bed the last few days.  Just love sleeping with the windows open and the cool breeze coming in.  My dogs didn't even want to get out of bed this morning!

So much news!  First off we want to congratulate Paula Losasso, from Keller, Texas.  She was our Small Business Promotion winner for the month of September!  We know she had a rather relaxing weekend, and I am sure enjoyed that bottle of chocolate wine.  You too can be a winner.... our next drawing will be Oct. 16th.  We are running it two weeks into October as it has taken me a little longer to get this newsletter out.  So let me tell  you about the awesome basket on the counter now!  Yarn Heaven's contribution is 10 skeins of Soft Kid and a Rebecca Home Magazine, make something scrumptious for your home or yourself!  Our secret wine contributor has contributed another bottle of wine (sorry not chocolate), two wine glasses, different than the last two, one says KNIT, one says PURL!  There is a gorgeous purse inside of this basket kindly donated by Angel Roc.  Angel Roc is a tiny little business at the corner of  Broad St. and Main St. in Mansfield, which just happens to be in the historic district and also happens to be not too far from where I live.  I pass this little gem on the way back and forth to work, so one day I just had to stop in.  If you love purses and jewelry, this place is for you.  The owner is a very nice lady and she does have a facebook page, please stop by her page and say hello or better yet stop in and see what she has to offer.  My sister has received several purses and other items from this little store,  she loves the stuff I buy her from Angel Roc.  Their link on facebook is here https://www.facebook.com/w.php?h=AeRc3IBlur0oxqX4#!/angelrocjewelry.  Please let them know that Yarn Heaven sent you their way and we appreciate their contribution!

Next in our Small Business Promotion Basket is a zany little place called Swankyville Boutique!  Yes, you have read correctly.  Swankyville Boutique is located South of the bridge on Main St. in Mansfield, on the East Side.  Never in a million years did I expect to find the treasures I did in this awesome little business.  Don't let my description fool you.  This store might be small, but there is not one inch of wasted space on the inside and there was sooooooo much to see!  Everywhere I looked there was something of interest.  There was so much that I had to go back a second time and of course, purchased something both times.  They have unique clothing, shoes, blinged out t -shirts and sandals, jewelry and so much more.  I was amazed at how much they had in their space and yet comfortable enough to shop in.  I had been in that space when it was another store that had nowhere near the amount this store has and I couldn't turn around, not the case in Swankyville Boutique.  The owners were very generous and donated a Papaya Art insulated bag.  And if you think Sparkle is spoiled rotten, well she has nothing on that Swankyville puppy! Next to Sparkle one of the cutest puppies I have ever seen.  Here is the facebook link to Swankyville Boutique https://www.facebook.com/w.php?h=AeRc3IBlur0oxqX4#!/pages/Swankyville-Boutique/125830544124623 and Swankyville Boutique's website is http://shopsatswankyville.com/
Again, please let these businesses know how you heard about them or found them thru Yarn Heaven.  That way they know when they donate  we are telling customers about their businesses. 

These are two great little businesses and both women owned and operated.  With the economy still as soft as it is, all of us Mom and Pop businesses need all the help we can get.  I just had a great discussion with my landlord about the downfall of small businesses.  If we work together and keep the 3/50 project in mind, (pick three of your favorite small businesses that you would hate to see go out of business and try to spend $50.00 a month in those stores), it will help to keep their doors open.

Let me tell you about a lady that does not have a store front but does make the most fabulous foot cream you could ever imagine! The cream is called the Bee Hive.   Bee Jenkins has been making this cream for years.  Alot of our Thursday nite ladies have been using this cream.  It took awhile for me to realize that I should just let her sell it in the store and so it is here!  Come try it and order from Bee.  By the way, she also makes phenominal jewelry.  We have four people wanting booths outside, and hope that more of you would like to have a booth also.  We have a lady that will sell hand crafted Aprons, (I am buying one!), so if there is something you would like to sell, let me know and let's get this craft fair off of the ground

Sadly, the economy is hitting even further up the yarn industry ladder.  It is with much
disappointment that I have to report that as of now, Lana Grossa Yarns will no longer be imported into the United States.  As small stores, we used to have minimum opening orders with companies, and then I believe the industry got greedy.   The further up the ladder you go the more you have to spend.  So our wholesalers have to spend more than 20 times what I have to spend and unlike a million retail stores, the number of wholesalers is much smaller.  If the customers are not buying, the retailers are not buying, if the retailers are not buying the wholesalers are not buying, if the wholesalers are not buying, the product usually ends up no longer being made.  How sad this situation is.  I can only speak for my industry but I can see it happening in many other industrys, except we won't get the bail out the car industrys and banks got, the only way small businesses get bailed out is if people spend their money in our businesses.  So please, when you are thinking of making a purchase at Wal Mart, or Target or other big name stores, take a minute and  ask youself if this is something you can purchase from a privately owned business and know much it would help them to keep their doors open. 

Just like y'all we are looking for ways to cut back expenses as much as we can.  One way this small business has found to cut expenses was by switching from a Land Line to a Cell Phone, saving over $170 per month.  When we got rid of our land line we still needed a way to take credit cards.  There are many ways to take cards now on our Ipads and smart phones.  Doing this we have gone from being charged up 2.02 % up to 4% on those credit cards that give y'all rewards when you use them to a flat rate of being charged 1.7% whether I key in the transaction or swipe, so far, we are saving over $200 a month.  If you are a small business owner, I hope this tip helps you as much as it has helped me.  Ok, I am off of the small business soapbox and on to other things. 

The new Touch Me Lux, is just incrediable!  Sometimes, I just pick up a skein and walk around the store.......touching it!  Time to make a nice scarf out of it for the cruise!!

Sea Silk order is expected to arrive any day now.  I cannot wait!! 250 skeins of Sea Silk, 60 skeins of Silk Maiden, Maiden Hair, Sea Sock and some undyed so we can dye some more for you!! 

We have quite a surprise in the store.  In my travels to California, I came across a couple of really cute vests.  They are comfortable and loose fitting.  Everytime I have worn these, y'all have wanted to know where to buy them, well guess what.....they are here in the store, with some lovely long, elastic waistband skirts that go from light to dark and are extremely comfortable.  Come check them out!  We sold out of the black vests the first day, but received our order yesterday and as of right now there are still a few skirts left. 

It was with much excitement that I registered for Stitch and Sail today, my roommate is Andie!!  She will really appreciate the Bahama's in October, especially after her first year back in the snow.  Here is the registration link and I hope to see lots of you on the cruise! http://www.stitchandsail.com/

And one last reminder about some of the great classes coming up; Cabled Vest, Amelie Jacket (knit or crochet it) Socks!!  http://yhclasses.blogspot.com/

With our Christmas Knitting Count Down started Joan has prepared our Wish List Book again and it is now on the counter, take a sheet, put your name on it and make a list of your hearts desires!  Send your friends and family in and we will show them the book, get what you really want for Christmas, my husband wishes it was so easy for him!  Speaking of Christimas, as of 2:20pm today, there are 72 days, 1738 hours, 104319 minutes of knitting and crocheting time left!!

One last item, my landlord has a space for lease in our strip center, it is 2000sq ft and he is asking from $1900 to $2400 a month, depending on credentials.  It is a great little spot, and I for one would love to see it filled!

 Wow, I can't believe it is August 22, 2012 (!!Happy Birthday to my Brother today, and to my sister tomorrow!!) I don't know what I have been thinking, I guess I am just enjoying this summer a little bit too much. We are starting to receive our fall yarns and I realize we need to clear some shelves. After giving it much thought, I decided, yes, do it! 

 

 

The first new arrival of the season is:.....drum roll please....Touch Me Lux.....OMGoodness, I didn't think Touch Me could get any better, but, it has! Check out this lovely twist on a wonderful yarn, sparkle! Two skeins makes a great hat, three make a great slouch hat, a scarve on the skinny side, how about a cowl? This is thethis yarn ha yarn you want around your neck, face,arms, stomach anywhere, it feels so good it just screams TOUCH ME! The afghan on the sofa at the shop is made out of Touch Me, a gift for my husband, he didn't take care of so back to the shop it came. The afghan is used everyday, it is at least 15 years old so you can see how well this fabulous yarn holds up, and people pet it, touch it and drool over it every single day. It is Sparkles blanket when she is at work and she doesn't allow Stitches to perch on it. If a Thursday nite lady is sitting on it, Sparkle will gently nudge her with her nose so the offender can make room for Sparkle, as many of you can testify to! It says alot when a yarn has been on the market for 20 years like Touch Me   

So, Yarn Heaven is having a pre-Christmas Sale!! That's right, you read correctly! Do you realize that it is only 124 more days till Christmas, in other words, 6 pairs of socks, 2 dozen or so hats, at least two throws, countless numbers of mittens and gloves and scarves galore can still be made in time to give as Christmas gifts! Make this a Christmas from your Hands and Heart! So, before much more starts arriving like 250 and more skeins of Sea Silk, 50 Skeins and more of Silk Maiden, 30 and more skeins of Maiden Hair, forgot how many I ordered in the Sea Sock; countless more skeins of Yarn Heaven Handpaints! I need shelve space, so our need is your gain! From today until and including next Tuesday, we are slashing prices





All Linen and Linen Blends 40% off! (we need those shelves!)

                                             We are closing out all Lorna's Laces Yarns Shepard Sock- 25% off

                                             Lorna's Laces Pearl - 20% off

                                             Various, lovely novelty yarns are priced to go!!!

                                              Artyarns Beaded Silk - 15% off

                                             

It's a price slash party, each day of the sale there will be a surprise item put on sale! Stop in and see what it is. Remember for every $50. spent less tax; your name goes into the barrell for the gift box valued at $137.00.....did I mention the gift box has chocolate wine in it? We have our items for next months gift box all ready to go and can't wait to tell you about the next couple of small businesses we are going to promote. Again, we want to thank Forever Young Records for their contribution and to again remind you; for your hard to find musical needs, please remember Forever Young Records in Arlingotn. 972-352-6299 www.foreveryoungrecords.com! Thank you Pat, love being across the freeway from you! Becky O. please thank you husband again for the wine, it will be so appreciated! This basket is all about relax!

And if you haven't heard yet.....the new outlet mall is open, Chicos, Bloomingdales, Saks, just to name a few and the exit off of 360 either direction is Mayfield, stop and see us before you go or come show us what you bought!
 

On a sad note, we regret to inform you of the passing of Karen Rex. Karen was a regular Thursday nite participant and she will be missed.Every time I look at a purple yarn I think of Karen. She was as passionate about purple as I am about blue! Karen battled with Pulmonary Hypertension and gave it a very good fight. RIP Karen.

I am very excited to announce that I have been ask to teach some knitting classes on the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas Stitch and Sail Cruise! October 2013!! What a way to celebrate 20 years in business.   I am so excited, I have always wanted to go to the Bahama's and I can't believe they are paying me to do this!   Here is the link on ravelry to the cruise info!  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/stitch-and-sail  and of course now in my head the only song I hear is Sailing Away by the Beach Boys.  Some days, I just feel so lucky!

 

With the kids back in school, more knitting and crocheting time!! Yahoo, and we invite y'all to come join the crazy crowd on Thursday nites, I actually have two finished projects to show, I hope that Leslie Balboa comes tonight!! And as always, thank you for continuing to support this small business. Everyone of you are appreciated!

August 8 2012 Update

I swear the faster technology moves, the more behind I get it seems like!!  We have so much new "technology" here at the shop now.  If you haven't been in the last week or two, we have a new way of taking credit cards.  Af first, I didn't want to do it (sort of like texting) and now I love it! (again, sort of like texting!)  Not only can you text the shop now at our regular 817-226-9276 number, but when you use a credit card, you sign with your FINGER!  and your credit card receipt gets emailed to you.  Do you know how many CPA's and accountants are loving this new way of doing business?  No more rumpled up receipts.  With the economy being what it is and so much competition for yarn now a days it was time to find ways to cut costs.  I have to tell you if you are a small business owner and you still have a land line, I saved over $170 a month switching the shop phone to a cell phone.  Switching from land line credit card processing to a go payment system has also saved me well over $100 a month, just by making a few changes, we are saving $300 per month and are on the technology move.  FYI, easier for us to get pictures of customers finished projects, just text them to us!  We are working on our counter display of revolving pictures.  The item I lack the most is TIME! and it doesn't seem to be slowing down one darn bit.

A few of the "new" items that I left out in the last update.  Have you heard about the "new" cable protectors for your Addi interchangable needle sets?  They are so cool.  They are in the shape of hearts and you can literally leave your work on the actual cable, remove the tips put your heart cable protector on and use your tips and come back to your work at anytime and all the stitches are in the same place.  Just love them I do.  

Knitter's Pride Dreamz and Cubics are in stock, both single circulars as well as the sets.  The Dreamz have two sets, the full set which includes 4 cords (24", 2 32" and a 40") knitting needle tips from US Size 4/3.5mm to US 11/8.0mm and the Starter Set which 1 24" and 1 32" cord and needle tip sizes US 6/4.0mm, US 9/5.5mm and US 10 6.0mm.  Then Knitter's Pride came out with the Cubics, which are the interchangeable square needle sets.  There are also two kinds of sets in the Cubics.  One is the 16" interchangeable set, Symfonie Rose SPECIAL  which has 2 16" cords and US needle sizes  6/4.0mm to US 10/6.0mm.  (These are so cute!)   Then there is the Symphonie Rose DELUXE which has 4 cords (24", 2 32" and a 40") andu US Needle sizes 6/4.0mm to 11/8.0mm.   Each of the sets come with size makrers, end caps (which can turn the needle into a straight needle) cord keys and a case.  They are really nice needles and with Christmas right around the corner, now is the time to be thinking about what to give and what to ask for!

The new Lace blocking wires are in, if I could just finish my lace shawl I would get to try them.  There's an idea, a finished project!!

Next I want to talk about the changes that are coming to our classes.  We LOVE your enthusiusm at the beginning of the class, but it seems we hear that there is not enough time to get the knitting done.  We have heard you and put alot of thought into how we can make it better.  For our short classes, like two at a time socks, the entrelac purse class (coming up) they will still be two saturdays in a row.  The sweater classes are where the changes are coming.  We are going to offer the Amelie Knitted or Crocheted Sweater Class again, as well as, the gorgeous Cabled Vest Class. 

CABLED VEST - This class will meet on the first Saturday of October, November, December and January.  We will finish the vest in class in January.  Each class you attend will be $25.00. 
October  6 - Saturday 10:30 to 1:00pm - Gauge Swatch, measurements, cast on for back of vest -$25.00
November 3 - Saturday  10:30 to 12:30 - Back of vest should be finished, starting both fronts at the same time, Q&A about pattern, problems - $25.00
December 1 - Saturday 10:30-12:30 - three needle bind off on shoulders, pick up stitches for hood, start hood - $25.00
January 5 - Saturday 10:30 -1pm - Sew Hood closed, pick up ribbing around armholes and finish, button band and button holes, sew on buttons, pose for class picture with beautiful new hooded vest.  $25.00

Please see the class schedule for the rest of our classes http://yhclasses.blogspot.com/.

I am in the process of teaching myself  Swing Knitting.  This method has been around forever and is really fun to do.It is a very special practice of short row knitting.  It is called Swing Knitting, because it "swings" - it's like knitting music.  You knit only one color at a time and your "knitting melody" gives the beat.  You knit "stanzas" - defined knitted areas.  This kind of knitting is both exciting and relaxing at the same time, it just "swings!" Sounds like fun, huh?   It will be listed on the class schedule, which should be done by tomorrow.

My heart has been heavy for a week or so now.  The absolute hardest part of this store is saying goodbye, whether you guys are just moving to Dallas (so you don't pop in as frequently) or Alaska, as a few of my fun customers have gone, or Rockford, IL, where Marlene ended up, or Oklahoma where several of you have gone, most recently Stacy, or Michigan where our dear Andie ended up.   Following corporate husbands has to be so hard on the families but on the other hand, it can be fun!  Promotions are almost like ransoms if you have to move to get them.  But, you guys are all settled now and Skyping on Thursdays can be fun, if this keeps up, I will have IPads on the couch instead of real bodies!  It's when good bye is final that makes it so very hard.  Many of you knew Shirley Binder.  It was with much sadness that I learned of her passing about 10 days ago.  So many memories of her came flooding back and before I knew it I was laughing out loud, which is definately what she would have wanted.  She lost her long fight with cancer, this newsletter is for you Shirley, I know you enjoyed them!  And to our dear, dear friend Patty Allers.  Patty lost her mother unexpectedly this week.  We want you to know, when you are ready we are all here for you.  To both families, my most sincere condelences.

My husband and I had the most interesting conversation about the dog days of summer and when they were supposed to be, and today I found this little nugget of information and can't wait to share it with him, but you heard it hear first!!

Did you know that the phrase "the dog days of summer" refers to the placement of Sirius, the largest star in the Canis Major ("big dog") constellation, in the night sky?  For most of July and August, Sirius rises and sets in coordination with the sun, and the ancient Romans believed that the brightness of Sirius added to that of the sun was responsible for the warmer weather.  We know now that the earth's tilt is responsible for the change in seasons, but the old expression has persisted nonetheless!!

And as always, we continue to invite you to join us for Therapy Thursday!  We are looking for a traveling massage therapist again.  I have someone I am going to call, but she has moved and is farther away now, so if you know anyone please have them call the shop!  Every Thursday, come join us for a wonderful time!  Anytime after 5pm

Oh, one last thing, if you are a knitter in the Houston Areas, close to the main MD ANDERSON hospital and are interested in teaching a cancer patient there how to knit would you please contact me either thru text or phone call at the shop.  817-226-9276.  Thank you!

July 19 2012 Update

And here we are in hot, hot Texas, but with listening to the news, we know this year we are not alone in our suffering.  Record breaking tempertures all of the United States.  Hottest summer ever!  I just read about the huge floating "island" iceberg, twice the size of Manhatten that has broken off the the Greenland glacier.  I find nature and history extremely interesting and love to share interesting facts.  If you would like to read more about the Greenland glacier break, click this link http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/07/18/156961848/iceberg-twice-the-size-of-manhattan-breaks-off-glacier-in-greeland

Wow from hot to cold in a matter of seconds, don't we wish it could really happen that fast!  Today, I have been busy rearranging yarn shelves to fit in the 14 new colors that have just arrived in Berrocco Comfort.  Comfort is a wonderful yarn for knitting and crocheting afghans, many people do make sweaters out of it and house slippers, hats, etc.  It is a wonderful mixture of acrylic and nylon.  As we run out of the colors in Dark Horse Fantasy we are replacing them with Comfort as the Fantasy has been changed and is not the same yarn we are used to.  I have been told by Lynn Herring that I now have the perfect school colors for LSU!  Her daughter will love the new afghan that will keep her warm and comfy while she is studying away from home.

We also have a new yarn called Cobasi, it is 55% cotton/16% bamboo, 8% silk and 21% elastic.  Knits 6.5-8 stitches per inch on US 1-4 needle.  Yes, it is a wonderful new sock yarn for our knitters and crocheters that cannot use wool.  I am excited about giving it a try, the 12 colors that have arrived keep me going back and trying to choose.  Just in time for the sock class coming up in October.  We hope to get it up on the site soon.  Until then, take a sneak peek here http://www.skacelknitting.com/s.nl/it.A/id.16065/.f?sc=2&category=111428

Something new happening at Yarn Heaven....next week you will see a gorgeous gift basket sitting on the counter.  Inside of that gift basket will be many different kinds of gifts.  These gifts come from our local small businesses.  We are trying to band together and help each other out.  Once a month, we will have a basket that you have a chance to win.  With every $50.00 purchase your name will go into a jar and on the last day of August, we will draw a name and that person will win the basket which will have a value of $100 or more.  There will be gift certificates to local stores, gifts from local stores, products made by local people.  If you want to just purchase tickets to put in the drawing,  it is $3.00 per ticket.  The basket for August has something from Forever Young Records, a true small business story.  Pat and her husband started Forever Young around the same time I started Yarn Heaven.  I have watched them grow, suceed, worry and sweat out the tough times just like myself.  If you are looking for hard to find music or current music give them a try.  Forever Young is right across the freeway from us and if you do stop in please let them know we mentioned them, so we know our efforts to help promote other small businesses are working.  If you have a small business and would like to join our efforts, please contact me at the shop!

Last, but most certainly not least, tonite for our Therapy Thursday, we are having a send off party for Andie.  I can't believe how hard a time I have saying that.  Andie came into my life like the wind and now she will be leaving the same way.  Andie learned to knit and crochet here at Yarn Heaven and took to both like a duck out of water.  I was amazed at how fast she picked things up and how beautiful her knitted and crocheted items are.  I told her in class on Saturday that she is a better knitter than I am, and it was with great pride I told her that.  We will all miss Andie so very much.  I don't know what I will do the first few Saturdays that she is gone, I am so used to her hanging out at the shop, y'all will just have to come in and keep me distracted.  So tonite, starting anytime after 5:30pm we are throwing a pot luck, therapy session.  Not much different that most Thursdays, but this Thursday Andie will be gifted something very special that will help her remember each and every one of us.  Come find out what it is, and Andie when you read this, please know how very much you will be missed.  See y'all tonite!

June 21, 2012

Wow, two posts in one month. I see the talking to I gave myself is working!  I am going to try to get updates out every two weeks instead of once a month.  I forget so many things I want to talk about when a month goes by!

We have just received our HUGE order of Cool Wool 2000 and Cool Wool Melange.  This has been my favorite wool for knitting sweaters for a very long time.  It knits up beautifully on a US 6/7 needle and cables in it are just gorgeous.  This is the wool we are recommending for the Cable Vest Class starting in July.  Here are just a few of the 47 colors we now have in stock!  And here is a picture of a sweater made out of cool wool.  Perfect for any climate.  A garment does not have to be bulky to be warm, this sweater is a wonderful example of that and one of my favorite sweaters.

I am so eager to start the vest, but I have been behaving

very well, and getting my lace blouse done first!  Back is done, both fronts well on their way and should be finished by this weekend.  During the week I will sew it together and start on that awesome lace button band which is what made me want to do the top.  I am still sticking to the New Year's Resolution of  button bands only, no pullovers!  First time I have ever stuck to a resolution!!

Before I forget, I want to take a minute to thank Jamie Zalenski for bringing by some knitting novels to the shop.  I don't usually read these kind of books as I live them.  But Jamie is so nice and I thought it was wonderful of her to bring the books by.  I took them home and felt a little obligated to read them, so very glad I did!  Thank you Jamie, How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron was a very inspiring read and made me have a renewed love for my shop and the people who frequent!  I am reading the second one now, How to Knit a Heart Back Home, and I hear she has another one out Wishes and Stitches.  I will be looking for it.  We have been passing the first book around amongst the Thursday nite ladies and they all seem to really like it.    So, Jamie, thanks again!

The 3/50 project has been at it again.  Thank goodness for organizations like this one.  Their main goal is to help promote and support small brick and mortar businesses.  To learn more about this please click this link http://www.the350project.net/home.html.   If you are in Texas here is a link that provides names of business that are small brick and mortar businesses and need our support to survive in this economy.   http://www.the350project.net/states/TX.html  if you are in another state, just look up your state and see who you can help keep in business. 

It is tough all over, my sister just got laid off for the 2nd time in 1 1/2 years.  After working for a big bank for over 20 years, they got bought out by a big bank and her job went with the sale of the bank.  After looking for 19 months she found another job in the banking industry, just to have the whole division laid off last Friday.   Her husbaned works for a company where they all took 40% pay cuts so they could keep their jobs.  Melinda, a friend of the shop looked for two years before she just got hired in a retail store.  She is a degreed teacher.   On the other hand there are some benefits to being a little on the slow side.  My husband owns a tile business, floors, counter tops, tubs, back splashes, etc.  We have had the granite in our garage for new counter tops for about 6 years now and the last two weeks I have gotten a new kitchen!  Lots of remodeling being done at my house, but I am willing to share, so if you have considered putting in tile, now would be the time to give him a call.  He does give free estimates!  817-473-0698!   Here is a picture of the new counter tops and back splash

OK, short and sweet, time to get some paperwork done and order some new yarns!  It is Thursday and we will have our Therapy Thursday tonite. Between vacations and school, kids and summer, we know it will be awhile before we see some of you at Therapy!  We miss you Loreen, hope school is going well, Alpha, we miss you and hope that grandson wins those baseball games.  Lourdes, it's Thursday!!! Jamie, and Jeni, it's Thursday!!!!!  Have a wonderful day, turn that air down or come share ours and knit and crochet to your heart's content!

October Craft Fair

October 13th- Saturday, 10-4 - reserve a booth space and sell your hand crafted products.  Just in time for the craftfests, the fair and cooler weather.  We have about 14 spaces we are going to charge $35.00 for each space.  Set your space up any way you would like.  We are looking for jewelry, toys, sewn items, paintings, anything you can make with your hands.  If you are intersted in booth space, please contact Tarie at the Yarn Heaven.  817 -22-69276 or email work4yarn@yarnheaven.com.  Booth space must be reserved at paid for by September 22, 2012.

Yarn Heaven Update June 7, 2012

Good Morning, as I sit here typing, I can't help but giggle a little bit and that saying "the best laid plans" keeps running thru my head.  I have been trying since Tuesday to get this out and here it is Friday morning.  Yes, we have been busy at the store, but it is what is behind that scenes that has kept me a little overwhelmed and super busy.  So, let me tell you what we have going on.  I am really very excited about it.  They say if we are not always learning then our brain gets stagnant, well, in my case, my brain is on overload! 

We have been hearing for years about locally Individually Hand Dyed yarns.  To me that meant yarn that was unique and one of a kind, never to be repeated again.  The confusion comes in when we have customers come in and ask us for this kind of yarn and in the same sentence refer to Lorna's Laces, Mountain Colors, Malabrigo, Fleece Artist just to name a few.  We carry several of the above mentioned yarns, but they are not Indy Dyed yarns as these yarns are sometimes referred to.  They are commerically dyed.  That means they have a receipe for a color that they repeat over and over again.  These colors can be bought in dozens of yarn stores all over the country and can be reordered at any time with a long wait time to receive the orders.  After discussing this with several other yarn shop owners and customers we have realized that what many of you want is those one of a kind skeins not commerically dyed.  So, we decided that we would look locally for women who dyed and spun yarn and yes, now you know what is coming.....

Yarn Heaven now has it's own, individually hand dyed yarns.  Dyed, spun and blended right here in the DFW area.  They are limited editions and will never be repeated again.  You will neve have to worry about seeing yourself coming as the quantities of these yarns are going to be limited and when they are gone, they are gone.  We introduced them last night to our Therapy Thursday group and the response was wonderful...actually sold out of one color completely!  The rest of the yarn is either in the process of drying and more to be painted this weekend.  The entire collection of Yarn Heaven's Limited Edition Hand Paints will be available on Tuesday, June 12.  We have lots of wool/silk mixtures and 100% wool as well as some Angora/Wool blends.  We will be finishing our sock and lace weight this weekend.  Our intentions is to be dying every 3 to 4 months as long as there is an interest in this type of yarn. 

What I have learned from this experience is why hand paints tend to be a little on the expensive side.  It is alot of work!  Preparing the yarn, preparing the dyes, testing color batches, testing the color on the different yarns, it is really quite a process, and an interesting one at that.  I have learned so much and have truly learned to appreciate my commericial hand dyers as well.  My life is ruled by color.  I love all the beautiful hues.  It was fun to suggest a color combination and see it come to light.  Sometimes what looked good in my head, did not look as good as I thought it would in yarn, and the really interesting part was how the different kinds of yarn dyed with the same exact color would appear so differently on each different yarn.  When I place my order to today with Fleece Artist/Hand Maiden I am going to be sure to tell them how much I appreicate the work they put into their beautiful yarns.  When we place our next order of Mountain Colors Crazy Foot Sock Yarn I will again tell them how much I appreciate the work they put into dying their yarn.  I am trying to plan a date for hand dying here at the shop so y'all can come see the process and what goes into it.  Just like knitting, there are so many ways to achieve the same thing in hand dyeing.  Our ladies have kettle dyed the yarn, meaning they actually cook it on the stove!!

Doesn't this look like alot of fun?

And the final results of the last picture is....

We hope that you will enjoy the endeavors of our local ladies, the yarn is soft and wonderful and the colors are scrumptious!

Our new class schedule as also posted.  The last June Class and the 1st class in July have been requested by a very dear friend of the shop.  Andie, came to Texas a little over a year ago.  Walked into the shop in October, learned to crochet, came back three weeks later and learned to knit, and I swear an addict was born!  She is an amazingly quick learner and her thirst for knowledge puts a song in my heart.  We are now trying to cram her brain full because two months ago she got promoted and in order for her to have that promotion she has to move back to Michigan.  With all she will be learning in her new position and settling back into a new location, she feels there might not be time for knitting lessons for a while, so we found patterns that would teach her what she needed, thank goodness she picked great patterns.  We already have three people in each class and they are limited so please call or email the shop and sign up before all the spaces are full. 

This is knit in public week, take your needles, or your crochet hook and go to a public place and be seen!  Today and tomorrow we will have chairs outside for those that want to come knit.  Couldn't be more public, with thousands of cars a day going down 360, and believe me you will be seen knitting in public!

As I stated earlier we are getting ready to place our Fleece Artist/Hand Maiden order, this is the company with the fabulous Sea Silk with kelp in it and their silk/wool and kelp yarn.  If there is a color that you would like us to order for you, please let us know. 

We have scheduled October 13, 2012 Saturday for our Craftfest Day!  Reserve a booth, read the next entry for more details.  We do expect the spaces to fill quickly!

And it's always an open invitation for Therapy Thursday.  Anytime after 5pm, come join us for lots of laughter and fun, oh, yes and the knitting/crocheting also! We appreciate your continued support!



May 16 2012 Update

Good Afternoon one and all, isn’t it a beautiful day here in Texas, probably our last one until October, so we better enjoy it, tomorrow’s high is 99!!  Time to get back inside and get those knitting needles clicking away and that crochet hook flying!  I hope all of you mother’s out there had a fabulous mother’s day.  We know some of you got some awesome gifts!  We really make it easy on our loved ones don’t we….love those lists that say…anything for knitting and crocheting. 

Every day we get asked “how do you like your new location”.  I cannot express enough how much we love it here.  The space is full of natural light which we love.  In fact, it is so bright in the mornings we have had to install shades so that we could see the computer screen and they really cut down on the heat coming into the shop.  So far, our electric bills alone have made the move worth it.  If you haven’t seen the new location yet, we would love to show it off to you.   This morning I went by the old location, I needed to see Sherri from Country Florist, I miss her arrangements, so I decided to go by and pick up some flowers for the shop.  It was good to see her, and reinforced how glad I am that we moved. 

WHAT’S NEW!!

Well, where do I start….let’s talk about the new cotton for dishcloths we have brought into the shop.  It is called Big Easy, by GGH yarns.  A wonderful, durable, cotton.  77 yards to a skein, knits up on US 8-10, crochets nicely on a US H-J and feels fabulous!  Priced at $4.95 per skein, 19 colors to choose from, a great start on Christmas, a few dishcloths all done up seems to be quite the hit.  And to make it easy for you, here is a site with 25+ free dishcloth patterns for knitting ! http://tipnut.com/dishcloth-patterns/  and for crocheter’s http://tipnut.com/dishcloth-crochet/

Carezza from Lana Grossa has arrived in three new colors.  This yarn has really been a hit.  So soft to the touch, great yardage, beautiful garments!

Touch Me from GGH has arrived in 10 more colors and we are awaiting more new colors, this Touch Me will have Lurex (glitter yarn) in it therefore making it an even more fun yarn to use.  Remember two skeins does awesome Chemo caps. (pattern free with purchase), three skeins make the gorgeous slouch beret. 

Sock Yarn – We got about 30 skeins of a beautiful wool/cotton/nylon mix in the colors are delicious.  Our SEA SOCK from Fleece Artist is just gorgeous not only to look at but to knit with and to wear!  I now not only do not own any store bought socks, but am patiently replacing my regular hand knit socks with Sea Socks! My feet really love me!

OK, let’s talk scarf yarns now.  These ruffly yarns have been fun to do scarves out of, but I think I feel the burn out on scarves.   That’s ok, we have found some other really fun, fast projects to do with this yarn.  How does a purse, knitting bag, carry all sound?  They are really, really fun to make, one or two skeins will do it, depending on the size.  I had a blast knitting up my red/white/blue knitting bag.  I put a crystal zipper in and added my Grayson leather handles, whoolah, a show stopper for sure.  This was after I spent hours looking for puffy white stars, that is what I wanted the handle out of, but they do not make them anymore and if I am going to knit stars, than I would have to finish my patriotic vest which is just lacking about 36 more stars to be knitted and sewn on! This purse pattern came about thanks to Kate Baird, Andie Paterson and Lori Torrence.  I think Kate started it and everyone else put their personal touches to it, Lori added a flap to make a messenger bag, complete with lined pockets on the inside, you go Lori!  Andi, kept trying different yarns to get just the right combination for herself and she did knit two of the shop models.  It is amazing what casting on 6 to 10 stitches more does for the size. 

Next project for this yarn, which I had a blast doing.  How about a shawl?  I got a post on my FB site featuring this cool shawl, when I inquired about a pattern I was told it was free on Ravelry.  Want to check it out for yourself, go to Ravelry, in the patterns section type in Kelp Shawlette.  I advise watching the video as the written instructions did not translate to me what the video was showing.  Easy as pie, I did it in about 7 hours, used two skeins of yarn.  Brenda did one using one skein of yarn, it was just as cute, just smaller.  I am working on one in the bubble yarn right now, can’t wait to see how that ends up looking.  These make wonderful fast gifts for any occasion. Pictures at the end of the update.

Another fast fun summer project, is the MY Skirt kits.  I love my skirt and will love the second one just as much.  Add a t-shirt and sandels and you are ready for a day on the town, add heels and a dressy top and you are ready for an evening out!  Fast knits, as it is knit in the round, the only purling is in the waistband ribbing.  We didn’t do the I-cord, I just added elastic on the inside of the ribbing and another finished project!

CLASSES

The last class for May is TOP DOWN BEADED SILK SLEEVELESS SHELL - May 26 - Saturday 10:30am - 1:30pm - $40.00 - Materials: 2-4 Skeins of ArtYarns Beaded Silk Light, Size 8-10  needles or needles to get gauge, bring 8/9 to be safe. What a perfect top for our hot Texas Summers, you don't wear sleeveless, that's ok, we will show you how to easily put in set in sleeves and you now have a T-shirt! The Beaded Silk Light is a perfect yarn for this project and our hot Texas summers. Knits extremely quickly on US size 8-10, the pattern is free with the purchase of the Beaded Silk Light. Those colors scream KNIT ME every time I walk by them.  We still have openings in this class.  If you have never made a top, I highly suggest this class, it is fast and easy.  Ask Andi, it was her first knitted project and Artyarns uses her top as one of the pictures on their site featuring this yarn. 

Ruffly Purse - June 2nd we are having the purse class with the ruffly yarn, the class is $10.00 plus your yarn and needles.  10:30 to noon!

Ruffly Shawl –  June 2^nd Saturday 1:pm to 3:pm - $10.00  plus your yarn and needles. 

We have the Milanese shrug and Granny Squares scheduled so far for June.  I will be working on the class schedule this week and adding more for June, July and August. 

And for those Thursday nites when you don’t have anything else planned, remember us!  Therapy Thursdays can be contagious and too much fun!  Come join us anytime after 5:00pm

Now, we want to welcome, Joan Adams, our newest addition to the staff.  Joan was in the banking world before she came our way.  She is a lovely knitter and looks forward to trying to help in any way that she can. 

Brenda has decided that she wants to set up a left over garage sale corner, I am sure she will be working on that Monday, come by and take it off her hands!

We will be closed May 28^th for Memorial Day, Joan and Brenda will be waiting eagerly to help all of you on Tuesday May 29^th.  They are giving me a three day weekend.  I will be spending that weekend with my sister who just flew home from our Brother In Laws funeral.  My youngest sister (yes, I have lots of them), Tracy lost her husband this past Friday after an 8 month fight with Lung Cancer.  Thank you to all who donated to his Burial fund. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of Yarn Heaven.  Keep it in Texas!  If you need to order on line, try Texas stores that have an online business.  Remember money spent in Texas stays in Texas  and for our out of state friends, we love being your local yarn store and thank you for your support also!

Don't forget to join us on Facebook!  http://www.facebook.com/Yarnheaven

INVENTORY CLEARNANCE SALE!!

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE!!

APRIL 14, 2012

SATURDAY

10:00am to 4:00pm!

Yes, you have read correctly. We are getting more and more settled every day and the gargage is just too overwhelming, so everything is priced to go. Single skeins of yarn at .50 and up! This is a great time to build up that stash again, cause if you have been doing what I have been doing, we are working down that stash!

We have kitted many yarns with patterns, the kits would normally be $90.00, on sale for $30.00. Patterns for .50 and up, needles going for $5.00, of course they are missing packages, but they work great!

This is going to be a fun event that we are holding outside! We are sectioning off the North Side of the parking lot, (the whole parking lot to the south is available for parking as we are the only business open in the this center on Saturdays). Launa Virgo will have pastries from her company All Tarted Up Bakery available for purchase. If you make jewelry and have some available for sale now, we would love to give you some booth space so please contact me ASAP.

I need that garage area turned into an office area, come get some really good deals while you can!

For those of you that do hand crafts. In October, we are going to have another big event. We want to hold a craft show. If you make jewelry, sew items, have wood crafting that you do by hand, if you bake, anything done by hand, we are going to have booth space available for you to sell your items! That is anything not conflicting with Yarn Heaven. We will have our own booth for hand knitted/crocheted items. If you are interested in this event please contact the shop for booth space information. We have excellent visability for such an event and I would love to help other hand crafters sell their items. More information on this will be forthcoming!

We are looking for part time help at the store, if you are interested please contact Tarie. This help does require working Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm.

Our newest Sea Silk, Sea Sock, Silk Maiden, Maiden Hair have arrived and selling as quickly. The colors they dyed just for us, are beautiful, my fingers are itching to get started on another Sea Silk top! Lots of Joy Metallic left right now. Mother's Day is May 13th, a pretty little scarf would make a perfect Mother's day gift!

Joann DeLuca can you please call the shop.

Our Easter Egg hunt was quite successful, I can see this happening again next year. We had many prize winners, but CJ walked away with the grand prize which was a cone of cashmere, she also managed to find many eggs that had prizes in them, next year, 5 minute wait before anyone younger than 30 can start looking!! LOL, much fun was had by all .

Thank you everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes. I had a wonderful weekend.

I have been trying to post pictures with this update, but everything is being finicky this morning so I will have to post them later.