BLOG.YARNCLOUD.COM

2013 Nov. Trunk Show, Events, Sales & Classes

2013-11-01T12:59:36Z

The Great Yarn Give-away was a fabulous success and almost all of the 15 large cartons of yarn were scooped up by the community. Hats and other warm things are already arriving and we look forward to providing a large stack to the shelter on December 1st. We will continue to take items throughout the winter and provide another donation around March. New yarn donations will be accepted starting January 17th, 2014.

Just our Yarns

(yes JOY, how appropriate) from here in Falls Church has dropped off over 300 skeins of their newly hand-painted yarns. Starting today you can select your favorites and we'll put them away for you until this weekend. Diane and Cathy will be at the store from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm November 2nd & from noon until 5:00 pm on November 3rd to help you match your yarns to beads and patterns. Please call at 703-763-3285 or come-in to sign-up for your time with them. Don't forget to mark your calendars!

On November 7th and 9th, the Yarn Cloud will be at the Trollbeads Event sponsored by the Lake Ridge Nursery in Woodbridge, VA. Thursday night November 7th from 5-7:30 will include wine and food as well as a variety of vendors with beautiful holiday gifts. The event continues on Saturday afternoon from 1-4 pm if you want to make it a family outing.

With the holidays approaching, take a moment to read our Class, Returns and Gift certificate policies. They are posted in the shop above the class bulletin board and at the bottom of this email.

We also want to shout-out to Libby who is recuperating but will not be returning to work at the Yarn Cloud.Thanks for sharing your knitting knowledge and experience, we will certainly miss seeing you in the shop everyday but expect to see you at community knit events as soon as you are able.

Looking forward to seeing you,

Robyn & Stacey

November 2013

November 2nd from 10 am-3 pm & Nov 3rd from noon-5
Just Our Yarns Trunk Show:

Yarns will be available for selection starting on Wednesday October 30th. Sign-up sheets for individualized assistance in matching yarn to beads and patterns is available in the shop or by phone.

November 7th & 9th the Trollbead Event at Lake Ridge Nursery

Saturday, November 16th from 9 am - noon
Learn Fair Isle and Jogless joins - knitting (T)

Ever wanted to learn how to make those beautiful patterns using two colors? This is a beginning class to learn the Fair Isle technique. We will be making a two-color cowl using chunky yarn. You will also receive a book which includes 10 more patterns as part of the class.

Cost $45.00 Instructor: Robyn Becker

Ornament of the Month Club for Knitters & Crocheters

Last 2 days to make a reservations for the November kit. Kits include all supplies except needles and notions. Kits can be worked on during the socials where there are folks to assist but there is no formal class. Samples are on the board behind the register.

November Kit: Knit or Crocheted Bell with a clanger

November Socials - Limited to 12 reservation required

Tat-a-long November 10th from 1-3 pm Join Bonnie & Karen as they walk us thru our next project. Bring your usual tatting supplies.

Crochet Social - November 17th from 2-4 pm Join Stacey to work on your ornament kit, a UFO, or finish a current project.

Knitting Social - November 24th from 2-4 pm Join Robyn to work on your ornament, a UFO, or finish on a current project.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Yarn Cloud will be closed starting noon on Wednesday November 27th and will remain closed until 10 am Saturday November 30th.

Coming in December 2013

Finishing for Knitters - Thursday December 5th

Relief Headband - Thursday December 12th

Sample Sale - we'll be selling a number of our beautiful samples from prior seasons for last minute "ready to go" gift giving.

Store Closing: The Yarn Cloud will be closed from December 22-26

Coming in January 2014

January 1st - New Years Day sale. Everything in the store is 30% off. Nothing held back!

Learn to use a Lucet to make I-cord

Free Class taught by Robyn and Nancy (hand-turned lucets will be available for purchase at the shop)

Learn how to read a crochet symbol chart

Free class taught by Robyn

January is selfish knitting month. We will assist all knitters and crocheters free of charge if they are working on a project for themselves.

Class Policies

- Classes must be paid for at the time of registration

- Supply lists will be provided at the time of registration

- Cancellations must be received at least 2 days prior to class for a full refund. This allows us to contact folks

on the waiting list

- A 10% discount on supplies purchased for class is available (if not already on sale). Must be purchased

prior to or on the day of class

- Make up classes and out of class assistance must be coordinated with the instructor

- Yarn must be purchased from the Yarn Cloud for use in class unless otherwise noted. The materials for

each class have been specifically selected to ensure students will have a successful experience and

projects have the same texture, ease, fit and results as the instructor's samples.

Earn a Gift Certificate

- Complete a knitting or crochet technique project class (noted by a "T" next to the class name) and receive a

certificate.

- Complete the project from the technique class and receive a stamp on the certificate.

- Accumulate 4 stamps and receive a $5.00 gift certificate to be used towards any purchase

Return and Gift Certificate Policies

We offer a full refund within 90 days on yarn and notions in original condition or packaging
We cannot accept returns on yarn that has been wound by either the shop or by the customer
Yarn smelling of smoke or containing pet hair will be refused
We cannot accept returns on discontinued yarns
We cannot accept returns on books, booklets, patterns, or magazines
Gift Certificates must be used within 6 months of being issued
Remaining balances will remain on the gift certificate until used or expired
Gift certificates are not refundable in cash

Labor Day Weekend Sale

2013-08-28T10:52:08Z

40-60% Off Discontinued Yarns & Needles

Friday and Saturday Only

August 30 & 31st

Welcome to our first annual discontinued yarn and needles sale. If you thought our "buy 2 get 1 free" sale was good you're going to love this one!! This will be your best chance to purchase yarns and needles that you've wanted to try, or needed for a larger project. With so many new & exciting yarns our there, we want to continue to bring you fresh and interesting choices every time you visit.

Please check your knitting and crochet queues to ensure you have enough yarn for your current and/or upcoming projects. Once these yarns are gone we will not be taking special orders for them nor will we be able to take returns.

Any manufacturer discontinued yarns left after the sale will be donated to groups working on charity projects, schools and the shelters. Please [email protected]" linktype="2" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">email us if you know of a charity knitter, special group or school that could use a donation of yarn.

Don't forget to check out our class board. We still have some seats available for the September classes.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend,

Robyn, Libby & Stacey

p.s. We will be closed Sunday and Monday September 1st and 2nd.

Manufacturer Discontinued

50% Off

Lana Gatto (lace)
Wisdom Marathon (sock)
Wisdom North Pole (sock)
Fibranatura Yummy (sock)
Universal Renew Wool (dk)
Plymouth Ashton (dk)
Yarn Cloud Bella (dk)
Yarn Cloud Primavera mini (dk)
Wisdom Endurance (sock)
Plymouth Dolce Merino (dk)
Universal Double Twist (dk)
Universal Classic Worsted Holiday (worsted)
Universal Deluxe Concord Tweed (worsted)
Yarn Cloud bamboo (worsted)
Universal Tundra (ruffle scarf )
Universal Marina (ruffle scarf )
Universal Spectra
Universal Duet (ruffle scarf)
Universal Flora (ruffle scarf)
Universal Bewilder (bulky)
Universal Classic Chunky Long Print (bulky)
Universal Combo Multi (bulky)
Universal Deluxe Chunky LP (bulky)

Discontinued by the Shop

40% Off

Classic Elite Avenue (dk)
Plymouth Merino Superwash (worsted)
Classic Elite Woodland (worsted)
Berocco Weekend (worsted)
Lamb's Pride Superwash (worsted)
Classic Elite Wool Bamboo (worsted)
Classic Elite Liberty Wool (worsted)
Plymouth Juli (bulky)
Plymouth Baby Alpaca Aire (bulky)
Classic Elite Solstice
Made in America Florafil (bulky)
Berocco Weekend (worsted)
Lamb's Pride superwash (worsted)

Discontinued Needles

Manufacturer or Shop

60% Off

Prym Inox circular needles
KA circular needles
Hiya Hiya circulars
Hiya Hiya interchangeable tips
Kollage square circular (soft & firm) (non-USA made)
Knit Lites

Ornament of the Month Club - Are you joining?

2013-07-16T12:18:44Z

Starting today we will be taking registrations for the Ornament of the Month Club (OOTMC). Here are the details and pictures by month. Unless noted the ornament is the same for the knit kits and the crochet kits..

August: Santa's Hat (#7494 knit or #7498 crochet)
September: Cabled or plain round ornament (#7495 knit of #7499 crochet)
October:
Bobble mini-stocking (#7496 knit) or
Santa gift card holder (#7500 crochet),
November: Holiday Bell with clanger (#7497 knit or #7501 crochet)

Registration including payment must be received no later than the 1st of each month for that month's ornament (yes you can reserve in advance for any of the kits). To help with your selections please use the registration form
The cost of 1-3 kits is $7.50 each. Buy 4 or more for $7.00 per kit.
Each kit will include all the supplies you need except needles and basic knitting notions to make one or more of each ornament.
You can select any or all of them
Crochet kits will be available starting the 3rd Sunday of that month at noon
Knit kits will be available starting the 4th Sunday of that month at noon
Kits can be mailed first class $1.70 per kit; $5.00 up to 4 kits; $7.50 for all 8 kits

How are you celebrating July 4th?

2013-07-03T14:00:44Z

The Yarn Cloud will be open from 10 till 4 on Thursday July 4th. As we did on Memorial day we will be giving away a free skein of yarn with every purchase for the first 30 customers.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Holidays are Approaching... oh my

2012-11-08T22:41:04Z

Friends,

I've been busily working on items for the shop showing off our new yarns and trying to finish up my UFO's so I can go into January's selfish knitting month without guilt or as little of it as possible. If I can keep focused then everyone in the family will also have holiday gifts in December (instead of January or February). A two-for-one achievement. Wish me nimble fingers!

Just off my needles:

The "Through the Woods" hooded cowl (knit) using one of our new yarns Cascade Eco+. The pattern was very reasonably priced at $1.99 from Knit Picks and it needed less than 1 skein of the Cascade Eco+ which has 478 yards and sells for $20.00. A very economical project. There is enough yarn left over so I can also knit the wrist warmers. Just some thoughts about this new yarn. It is 100% Peruvian Highland Wool and gets incredibly soft just from knitting or crocheting with it. The color range for the Eco+ is nicely varied. It is soft and wearable and can be used for garments or for felting. Gauge is 3.5-4 stitches to the inch. The Cascade Eco is undyed wool that comes in both solids and variegated. Lucky us we just restocked our shelves with both Eco and Eco+.

Also just completed is my long-standing effort (over a year on the hook) - a Tunisian Crochet blanket in simple stitch made from Universal Yarn's Double Twist. To keep the stripes interesting, I used the Fibonacci's method to determine the number of rows per stripe in navy blue, maroon and white. Unfortunately this yarn has been discontinued, but the shop still has a nice supply of varied colors. Pictures of this completed project can be found on my Ravelry account RocknRobyn.

In completing the blanket, I re-discovered by fondness for crochet especially for edging knitted projects. Timing was good because 3 new crochet books just came in: Clever Crocheted Accessories with 25 eye-catching projects including brooches, handbags, socks, mitts and even a cocktail ring; Connect the Shapes with 101 new motif designs and instructions for joining motifs of all shapes; and Crochet Noro with 30 new dazzling designs.

The raffled project bag for last month was won by Nancy E. Congratulations!! Come into the shop to see the new project bag for this month's raffle.

The needle and notions racks have been restocked and we received our shipment of the new Interchangeable Chiaogoo Lace Needle sets and Knitter's Pride Karbonz double points. The interchangeable set includes sizes 2-15, stitch markers, needle gauge, cables and a well-made zippered case with an outside pocket.

Love Signature needles but hate the price? The Karbonz DPN's start at size 000 and feel and look exactly the same as Signatures but prices start at $11.95. Since I can't wait to try these myself, I'll be opening a size 2 dpn set to sit down and knit with today. Would love to hear what folks think who own the signature needles so everyone's invited to come in and try them out.

Last but not least, we have a number of new classes coming up in December and January. Once you learn the techniques in the December classes you can make a quick project to give as a gift.

December: Fixing Mistakes, Reversible Cables, Traveling Lines Cable Pattern, and Tunisian Crochet for beginners

January: Adult Top-Down Sweater Knit-a-Long using Ann Budd's new book, Estonian Lace-Lilly of the Valley with Nupps and Finishing Techniques for Knitters

All the details for the classes with be coming out in the next email with links making it easy for you to register using the website.

Hope to see you soon. Happy Knitting!

Robyn & the Wooley Yarnmeister

Updated September Sales, Classes & Socials

2012-09-03T17:03:17Z

CLASSES (supply lists available at registration)

Fixing Mistakes #6320 at noon or #6323 at 7 pm on September 6th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Samples will be provided for you to identify errors and learn to repair them. This is a single 2-hour class. Cost $25.00

Knitted Entrelac #6321 at noon and #6324 at 7 pm on September 13th & 20th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Learn the intarsia technique and how to read charts Choose between a duck or xmas tree motif when creating your washcloth. Cost $45.00 plus supplies

Learn how to Cable #6322 at noon and#6325 at 7 pm on September 27th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

New at cables? Learn how to make a stationary double rope cable. 1 two-hour class. Cost $25.00 plus supplies

SUNDAY SOCIALS - Catch up with friends and meet new folks, have a opportunity to knit away from distractions of home, ask pattern or technique questions, start new projects, or finish those UFO's. Each social will have at least one expert on hand to assist you if needed.

Tat-A-Long (2nd Sunday) - September 9th from 1-3 pm. Join Bonnie and Karen with your needles and shuttles.

Crochet Social (3rd Sunday) - September 16th from 2-4 pm. Join Maria and Robyn with your hooks and yarn.

Knitting Social (4th Sunday) -September 23rd from 2-4 pm. Join Petra and Robyn with your pointy sticks.

Save

15%

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW FALL YARNS !!

Please present this coupon in-store or use the coupon code online for a 15% discount on all new fall yarns between September 10th and November 1st.

Feel free to share this coupon with yarn-loving friends and family.

Coupon can not be combined with any other discounts or applied to special orders. Limit 1 coupon per person per visit. No minimum purchase required.

Coupon Code: FALL2012

Offer Expires: November 1, 2012

2012 Fall Classes & Events

2012-08-11T12:11:11Z

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Yarn Cloud

Schedule of Classes & Events for August, September & October 2012

The Yarn Cloud is proud to provide classes and events for the next 3 months that will provide you with opportunities to network with other yarn lovers and kick your skills up a notch before you enter the holiday "must-get-that-gift-done" crunch.

Petra Bietch has joined the shop to teach specific skill knitting classes. She has been knitting for 40 years and teaching almost as long bringing a background in European knitting and technical skills. Petra will also be co-hosting our new knitting socials. Welcome Petra!

Below you will find a coupon for 15% off our new fall yarns which should bring unique and interesting pizaaz to your holiday gifts.

Hope to see you soon!

Robyn

August Classes & Events

Tat-A-Long - August 12th from 1-3 pm. Join Bonnie and Karen on Sunday with your needles and shuttles. New tatting yarns in fall colors have started arriving.

Tunisian Crochet Scarflet #6318

Instructor: Robin Cooper

2 week class starting Wednesday August 22th from 7-9 pm to learn tunisian crochet and create a beautiful scarflet perfect for gift giving. Cost is $45.00 plus supplies

Crocheted Bowl #6319

Instructor: Deborah Hunter

2 week class starting Thursday August 16th to learn how make a crocheted bowl reinforced with rope that will stand up and hold just about anything. Great for plants or balls of yarn. Cost is $35.00 plus $20.00 supply fee (includes, yarn, needle and stiffener).

Note: Please call to receive the supply list for each class

September Classes & Events

Fixing Mistakes #6320 at noon or #6323 at 7 pm on September 6th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Samples will be provided for you to identify errors and learn to repair them. This is a single 2-hour class. Cost $25.00

Tat-A-Long (2nd Sunday) - September 9th from 1-3 pm. Join Bonnie and Karen on Sunday with your needles and shuttles. Please call to reserve space. No cost

Knitted Entrelac #6321 at noon and #6324 at 7 pm on September 13th & 20th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Learn the intarsia technique and how to read charts Choose between a duck or xmas tree motif when creating your washcloth. Cost $45.00 plus supplies

Learn a new Cable Pattern #6322 at noon and#6325 at 7 pm on September 27th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

New at cables? Learn how to make a stationary double rope cable. 1 two-hour class. Cost $25.00 plus supplies

Knitting Social -starting this month we will have a knitting social on the 4th Sunday of each month from 2-4 pm. The first one is scheduled for September 29th. Socials are designed for you to meet folks and have a place to knit away from the distractions of home. Petra and Robyn will be on hand to assist with any project questions. Please call to reserve space. No cost

October Classes & Events

Sweater Knit-a-long #1488 at noon or #1497 at 7 pm starting October 4th and continuing approx, every 3 weeks. October 25th, November 15th and November 29th.

Learn to make a child's (4T) sweater learning fair isle, how to fix mistakes, cast-on stitches for a hood, shoulder seams without bulk, and how to make button bands. Cost $75.00 plus supplies.

Learn Intarsia #1499 at noon or #1500 at 7 pm on October 11th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Learn the Intarsia technique and how to read charts You will be able to choose between a duck or Xmas tree motif. This is a single 2-hour class. Cost is $25.00 plus supplies.

Tat-A-Long (2nd Sunday) October 14th from 1-3 pm. Join Bonnie and Karen on Sunday with your needles and shuttles. Please call to reserve space. No cost.

Learn Feather & Fan Pattern Lace #1501 at noon or #1502 at 7 pm on September 18th. Instructor: Petra Bietch

Learn the feather & fan lace pattern which can be used with any weight yarn to create a beautiful scarf elegant enough for any occasion. This is a single 2 hour class. Cost is $25.00 plus supplies.

Knitting Social (4th Sunday) 2-4 pm. Socials are designed for you to meet folks and have a place to knit away from the distractions of home. Petra and Robyn will be on hand to assist with any issues. Reservations will be needed as space is limited so please call ahead. No cost.

Join Our Mailing List!

Contact Information

Robyn Becker

Yarn Cloud

13895 Hedgewood Drive

Suite #113

Woodbridge, Va 22103

703-763-3285

Class Policies

Classes must be paid for at the time of registration.

Supply lists will be provided at registration

Cancellations must be received at least 7 days prior to class for a full refund

We reserve the right to cancel class if minimum number of 2 students is not met. Students will receive a full refund

10% discount on supplies purchased for class that are not already on sale.. Supplies must be purchased prior to or on the day of class.

Make up classes and out of class assistance must be coordinated between student and instructor.

Pictures of class projects can be see by clicking on the class # or by accessing the online store under classes (top line of the menu to the right)

Questions?

Call Robyn at 703-763-3285

Save

15%

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW FALL YARNS !!

Please present this coupon in-store or use the coupon code online for a 15% discount on all new fall yarns between September 10th and November 1st.

Feel free to share this coupon with yarn-loving friends and family.

Coupon can not be combined with any other discounts or applied to special orders. Limit 1 coupon per person per visit. No minimum purchase required.

Coupon Code: FALL2012

Offer Expires: November 1, 2012

Yarn Cloud Big Savings - Up to 40% off in July

2012-07-23T14:05:04Z

JOIN US for our
2012 Christmas in July Event !
July 25th thru July 29th

40% off All Discontinued Yarns & Magazines from 2009-2011

These dramatic savings are yours as we make space for the new fall yarns and pattern books.

30% off all Cotton Yarns

With another two months of hot weather on the horizon, we are offering our knitters, crocheters and tatters an opportunity to stash some summer weights to keep at your fingertips.

In store yarns only - discount can not be applied to special orders.

15% off all Ruffle Yarns

A new selection of ruffles yarns have arrived including Spectra, Spectra Duet, Tundra Glitz, Marina Multi, Flora Multi, Pirouette, and Flamenco

10% off New Soak Boxes and other Knitting/Crochet Kits

Each Soakbox includes a new 3oz bottle of Soak and Handmaid luxury hand creme in like fragrances, stylishly matched to premium nail polish and custom hand-dyed yarn by Lorna's Laces, as well as a unique Fiona Ellis pattern for fingerless gloves.

Other kits are from Debbie Ware, HPKY, Artyarns, and Schaefer. Christmas kits will also be available during this sale

13895 Hedgewood Dr

Woodbridge, Virginia 22193

703-763-3285

Save
15%

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW FALL YARNS:

Please present this coupon in-store or use the coupon code online for a 15% discount on all new fall yarns between September 10th and November 1st.

Feel free to share this coupon with your yarn-loving friends and family.

Coupon can not be combined with any other discounts or applied to special orders. Limit 1 coupon per person.

Coupon Code: FALL2012

Offer Expires: November 1, 2012

July 4th - Yarn Cloud is Open

2012-07-04T11:46:04Z

The last month has flown by as I prepared for and an recovering from surgery. Many thanks to Libby, Leiah and my family for helping to keep the Yarn Cloud up and running!!

I've met with all my yarn reps and placed the new fall orders. Whew!! The new yarns which are starting to arrive are interesting and fun and fill in some empty places in the store inventory. The first to arrive on the scene is Plymouth's yarn called Jelli Beenz. Similar to Coffee Beenz but in bright bold colors. We currently have red, blue and purple. In the same shipment came a new yarn: Baby Alpaca Aire, a 100% Alpaca cabled yarn in a denim color which is incredibly soft to the touch and will work up quickly at 4 sts to the inch.

New classes will be posted by next week. Along with our current very talented instructors, we will have a new knitting instructor for the fall and will be bringing in some nationally-known instructors to liven things up. Stay tuned..............

Knitting and crochet classes at River Run Senior Center are still very popular. Over the last couple of months we have completed knitted and crocheted summer hats, knitted cowls, a crocheted market bag, and using interesting trellis yarns a crocheted necklace. The classes are still growing so if you are interested in helping out at either the knitting or crochet class which are held from 2-3:30 pm during each month, please let me know.

The new bag for the monthly raffle is up at the store. Karen did a great job capturing the sun and fun of the summer. Reminder: when you visit the store please fill out a raffle ticket for your chance to win one of these unique bags- no purchase is necessary.

Today is our nation's birthday and we're celebrating by sharing a 25% discount on all our American made yarns including

Made in America: Florafil 100% cotton
Cestari - cotton/wool/silk
Blue Fiber Farms - matching skeins for toes/heels and body of sock
Unplanned peacock - 100% silk
Saucon Sock by Kraemer - only one color left in turquoise 100% cotton

The shop will be open from 10-3 today so come and join us.

Changes to the Yarn Cloud Blog -

2012-05-04T15:34:00Z

For the last year as the store has begun to take shape the blog has been used to share news of sales, events and classes. Now that the email system is in place, I thought I would be begin to use the blog as it was meant to be used, sharing my current projects, things I am learning, new yarns, resources and products yarn stories, and challenges faced and overcome. Sales, events and classes will still be posted around the first of every month. I hope that this medium will become more of a dialogue between us, so please don't hesitate to leave comments and suggestions.

So we begin................

Classes for May 2012

Brioche Simple Tube Socks Class# 6169 Saturday May 12th from 2:30-4:30 pm This two hour knitting class will introduce the brioche stitch in the round. We will cover the construction of the simple brioche stitch and will begin work on a sample tube sock. Each participant will receive "Knitting Brioche-Stitch Socks" book which contains 14 patterns for Tube Socks NOTE: You must know how to knit, purl, cast on, AND knit small round items prior to enrolling in this class.

Understanding & Using Charts Class #6170 Thursday May 17th from 7-9 pm Being able to comfortably read a knitting chart is one of the critical steps to advancing as a knitter. Cable knitting, color patterns and lace all rely on charts to lay out the pattern for each row of knitting. If you have felt overwhelmed by charted knitting then come join us. In this two hour class we will review the methods for reading a chart, how to eat the elephant a bite at a time, and how to overcome symbolitis.

Tunisian Crochet Socks Class #6168 Saturday May 19th 9am to 1 pm Prior experience with Tunisian Crochet Simple Stitch is required. This 3 hour Tunisian crochet class will complete a sample sock with two contrasting colors of dk weight yarn. We will learn to use a double ended crochet hook, how to do a chain cast-on, change from Tunisian simple to Tunisian knit, and decrease to shape the heel and toe.

TAT-A-LONG Sunday May 20th from 1-3 pm Bonnie & Karen will be teaching us how to tat flower earrings. Please call ahead to reserve space at 703-763-3285. No cost to participate. Prior experience with tatting is required.

Now to the good stuff. This week I gave myself permission to get some CPE by attending the Brenda Dayne workshops that were held at Fibre space. Brenda has been part of my life for almost 7 years since I've became a loyal listener of her podcast "Cast-On" and we have emailed back and forth as she has said things that touched me. For the next seven weeks she is touring the United States and Canada sharing her designs. This week she gave great workshops on the Sherman toe and heel, knitting a beautiful beaded wrist warmer and learning how to construct a top-down raglan that will always fit perfectly.

I also had the privilege of having lunch with Brenda and Heather Ordover from Craftlit (another fab podcast). Craftlit focuses on the reading of classic literature with craftiness thrown in. (Heather is into all sorts of crafts) I have been listening to Craftlit almost as long as Cast-on. Heather's last book "What would Madame DeFarge Knit" is a focused compilation of knit and crochet designs inspired by beloved characters from classic fiction and includes some of Brenda's designs. I hope you'll check out both of these podcasts and the book. These podcasts kept me company - made me laugh, and cry, and just feel like I always had a friend with me, during my 2-1/2 commute to work every morning/evening before I retired from federal service. Heather has agreed to come and teach at the shop, we're working on the details now. Stay tuned............

Here's a picture of Brenda and I at Fibrespace after the first class.

Shop News: This weekend I'm actually closing the shop on Sunday. My hubby and I are heading to Maryland to experience the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I'll be looking for new local fiber artists to add to the shop. Is there a special local fiber company you would like to see in the shop? Currently we carry Cestari, Unplanned Peacock and Blue Ridge Farm yarns.

Speaking of the shop, the Yarn Cloud has been approached to sponsor a new weeknight crochet group which we hope will morph into a Crochet guild. If you have suggestions or experience with setting up either of these, please leave a message here or at the shop.

The new raffle bag by Karen W has arrived in the shop. Beautiful peacock colors 11" x 12" with a braided handle. Come by, see the new shop fiber, notions, books, and Laurel Burch bags, and fill out a ticket for your chance to win. Remember no purchase is necessary.

So what's on my needles this week? I'm trying to finish the sample for the Brioche class using Plymouth Ashton and the pocketbook to show off the new trendsetter yarns using Dune and Zarina Chine. And I now have two more starts from Brenda's classes. Uh-oh, I think I'm falling in the dark abyss..... I see UFO's in my future unless I can figure out how to grow more hands or work less hours.

Challenges faced and (I hope) overcome: Yesterday, Gay, a customer, came in the shop horrified to discover that she had reversed a pattern by accidently knitting one extra knit row. She is using one of the Schaefer Memorable Women yarns and the feather and fan lace pattern. Gay chose the perfect pattern to show off the colorway but wanted help ripping out all the offending rows. When I looked at her scarf, now about 10 inches long, it looked magnificent, the colors picking up the light like jewels in the sun. We identified where she went wrong but because she had knitted an extra knit row the pattern now appeared on both sides and an unintended effect was now the scarf was now reversible. You know what I said "It's not a mistake, it's a new design element !!!! Let's just figure out what the repeats are and keep doing it." She looked at my like I had grown two heads and her response was "but it's not what the pattern calls for". Gay just needed some convincing to step out of the pattern box and into the world of design. And of course I wanted to point out that our store tagline is "where nature meets imagination". So we worked on the elements of the new pattern she had knitted, wrote everything down and she went home to knit. I can't wait to see how the scarf turns out. I'll include a picture if Gay brings it back when it is completed.

Until next time,

Robyn & the Wooley Yarnmeister