tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73998068195771444272024-03-05T07:44:00.000-08:00Beya's Craft & HobbySome of my crafts and hobbies will be featured here. I'll have patterns as well as articles about my attempts. I may even show some artwork now and again. You'll find lots of articles on what's going on, in the art world (arts of all kinds), around me.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-74672109564883800992012-08-13T17:22:00.001-07:002012-08-13T17:22:33.394-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4L0yftik_-A7u2HcLKpki3drVQQ0uuMpLn4NabyrtmQkamy6jUVKMYPsO_9TuAUucK6Jq4b-cCMfMwVvcJ2RYP8bF5LRrV2dhpgIsMZxl9826fg0dZ1K9jopTlPIdovAunOwfV6X4iIRO/s1600/GIANT+Rug.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4L0yftik_-A7u2HcLKpki3drVQQ0uuMpLn4NabyrtmQkamy6jUVKMYPsO_9TuAUucK6Jq4b-cCMfMwVvcJ2RYP8bF5LRrV2dhpgIsMZxl9826fg0dZ1K9jopTlPIdovAunOwfV6X4iIRO/s320/GIANT+Rug.jpg" width="233" /></a><br />
I have no idea where this picture was found. I do recall it was an advertisement for purchasing the giant rug. I found it very intriguing and decided that I wanted my own pattern.<br />
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I would have gone with a more elaborate pattern, but then there'd either be texture with crevices and bumps that would trip somebody, or there would be many open holes that a foot could fall into. Therefore, I've decided to do my first giant rug pattern with a basic pattern very similar to the one I saw in the picture. I hope you'll enjoy the pattern.
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Don't necessarily go by the count at the end of each row because I haven't worked it up yet so I can't say. As soon as I do one, I'll come back and delete this sentence and correct the end count.
I hop you enjoy the pattern.<br />
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<h3>
<b>GIANT RUG </b></h3>
Edited by Beverly L Elrod , August 13, 2012
Rug is worked on one side without turning.<br />
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<b>MATERIAL LIST:</b><br />
Rope<br />
Size GIANT crochet hook<br />
<br />
<b>ABBREVIATIONS:</b><br />
Ch-chain<br />
Lp(s)-loop(s)<br />
Rep-repeat<br />
Sc-single crochet<br />
Sk-skip<br />
Sl st-slip stitch<br />
<br />
<b>PATTERN:</b><br />
2 ch,<br />
<b>Row 1: </b>15 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sl st in first sc. (15 sc)<br />
<b>Row 2: </b>ch 4, sk 1 st, *sl st next st, ch 4, sk 1 st, rep from * around ending with sl st last sl st of prev row. (8 ch-4 lps)<br />
<b>Row 3:</b> sl st to 2rd ch of ch-4 lp. Ch 5, *sl st in 2nd ch of ch-4 lp, ch 5, rep from * around ending with sl st in last sl st of prev row. (8 ch-5 lps)
<b>Row 4:</b> sl st to middle chain of ch-5 lp, *ch 5, sl st in middle chain of ch-5, rep from * around ending with sl st in last sl st of prev row. (8 ch-5 lps)<br />
<b>Row 5:</b> sl st to first ch-5 lp, ch 1, 5 sc in same lp, 5 sc in each ch-5 lp around. Join with sl st in first sc. (40 sc)<br />
<b>Row 6:</b> sl st in next sc, ch 3, sk 1 sc, *sl st in next sc, sk 1 sc around. Join with sl st in last sl st of prev row. (15? ch-3 lps)<br />
<b>Row 7:</b> sl st to middle ch of ch-3 lp, ch 4, *sl in middle of next ch-3 lp, ch 4, rep from * around ending with sl st in last sl st of prev row. (15? ch-4 lps)<br />
<b>Row 8: </b>sl st to next ch, chain 4, (sl st, ch 4) every other ch arnd ending with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4. (30 ch-4 lps)<br />
<b>Row 9:</b> sl st to next ch, ch 4, sk 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1, (*sk 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc next ch, ch 1), rep around ending with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. (60? chs)<br />
<b>Row 10:</b> ch 3, *sl st in next dc, ch 3, rep around, ending with sl st in sl st of previous row. (60? ch-3 lps)Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-31565014465222842862012-07-04T20:43:00.000-07:002012-07-04T20:43:16.989-07:00Too Hot to....It seems that no matter where you're from (in the United States) it's an awful hot summer. Down here in southeast Georgia, it's not only hot, but we also have high humidity. I have a window a/c unit in my bedroom. The past several days, I've been doing most of my living in my bedroom. Just stepping into the other parts of the house causes perspiration to immediately trickle down my forehead, down my arms and other areas that I won't even mention.
While I do have some crocheting, tatting and knitting in my bedroom, I'm not getting a lot of that done. It's too hot to work much on my daughters floor-length hooded cap. I'm about to start stitching the hood together and then will just need to do the fun-fur edging all around and the make the drawstring with tassels and then off to Richmond, Virginia it goes.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-87688870869501881992012-06-23T14:20:00.001-07:002012-06-23T14:20:03.713-07:00Back OnlineHi Everybody,
After several months of being offline due to a puppy that thought the cords coming out the back of my computer tower was for chewing, I'm finally back online; thanks to some wonderful friends who chipped in and found/repaired what I needed.
So, I'll be back to designing and sharing either sharing free patterns or posting on Etsy. For those who've never seen my Etsy store, go to www.etsy.com and find me either under Beverly's Boutique or under the user ID Beverly5876.
BTW, if there's anything you'd like to see me design in either knitting, crochet or tatting, let me know. I'll see what I can do to appease everybody and whoever suggested the pattern that I choose to design gets a free copy of the pattern.
Please feel free to leave comments. I LOVE COMMENTS!!!Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-51429776929989249712011-04-04T15:45:00.000-07:002013-05-20T20:10:15.285-07:00SERENITY Chunky Weight Yarn GIVEAWAYHave you heard about the SERENITY Chunky Weight Yarn being given away by Premier Yarns? You can check it out and sign up at http://www.allfreecrochet.com/sweeps/SERENITY-Chunky-Weight-Yarn-Giveaway<br />
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If you can't click on the link, you may need to copy/paste the URL into your browser. <br />
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There are three ways you can be eledgible for an entry each day.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-68643877329430836722010-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:002010-12-20T13:09:00.487-08:00Felted Crochet Book Give-AwayCheck out and sign up to win The Color Book of Felted Crochet by Amy O’Neill Houck and Stina Ramos<br />
http://bit.ly/a8sCN4Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-79558288991558642232010-12-20T11:34:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:38:05.043-08:00Free Give-AwayHave you seen the latest give-aways on AllFreeCrochet.com? It's the OH BABY! CROCHET book by Connie Ellison. It looks like it has some wonderful patterns for baby in it. Jump on over to http://bit.ly/alKujI and get in on the give-away.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-72288025620059561252010-10-08T20:25:00.001-07:002010-10-08T20:25:58.216-07:00In trainingI'm in training for the crochet editor position at www.bellaonline.com so please forgive me while I direct my attention that way for a little bit. The training I'm taking through bellaonline will also help me here on my blog. So, please be patient.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-64475651154396213542010-09-25T00:01:00.000-07:002010-09-25T00:12:58.506-07:00Amazon.com AffiliateI'm finially associated with Amazon.com here on my craft blog. I'm hoping that when I speak of a specific product, you'll be happy with how this works. At the end of my post, I'll be able to show some links to the subject I'm talking about. <br />
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I mention Celtic because I've done some Celtic tatting and I'm looking at Celtic crochet. I've done a little bit in the past but nothing elaborate. Below, you'll see some books that have some very interesting designs. Enjoy the eye candy!<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=crochet09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1931171106&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=crochet09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=193117122X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=crochet09-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1596350660&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-80486763945621033092010-09-18T14:29:00.000-07:002012-06-23T14:20:55.069-07:00Up and RunningI've moved from the beautiful NW coast of the US (Tacoma, Washington) to the gorgeous SE coast (Odum, Georgia). It's taken me a while to get my computer up and online and to get enough straightened out so that I could get back into the creating mode. But, I've finally done it. I've gotten back to designing patterns in Knit, Crochet and Tatting. I've even done a bit of cro-tatting. So, I'll be sharing some of those patterns; while the rest will be put to good use and hopefully published in a book or two.<br /><br />I hope that you'll all be keeping up with my new stuff and comment on what you see and read.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-38391964886226878232010-04-02T14:05:00.001-07:002010-04-02T14:20:01.175-07:00Crocheted Top Hat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iYlrYrSUlDs-cEuU6G4jjqUyVM9W9tteSqNE4ocakIiiuSAOk7vdqR-XByc8O6tMKli5pxPJpVLpzij3GMMzCxNrF56QDDd4EDZ15qLS9qEvo60GXdzXPXo7YCc6gank0Q5ssSNFoByE/s1600/Top+Hat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iYlrYrSUlDs-cEuU6G4jjqUyVM9W9tteSqNE4ocakIiiuSAOk7vdqR-XByc8O6tMKli5pxPJpVLpzij3GMMzCxNrF56QDDd4EDZ15qLS9qEvo60GXdzXPXo7YCc6gank0Q5ssSNFoByE/s320/Top+Hat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455652965752377330" /></a><br /><strong>Ok, so I got around to designing that top hat. Here's a picture of it. I used a multiple of colors so it's difficult to see the detail. I'll eventually get around to doing another one in a solid color and post it as well.<br /><br />I'll be putting the pattern up for sale on my web site as soon as I get it proofed.</strong>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-13245247863263029452010-04-02T13:55:00.000-07:002010-04-02T14:01:24.200-07:00Two Fiber Art Guilds<strong>If you live in the South Puget Sound are in Washington state, USA (or are willing to drive) please check out the South South Yarn and Fiber Artists Guild at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/South-Sound-Yarn-And-Fiber-Artists/ This is a local group and we meet regularly for fun, teaching, sharing patterns, show-n-tell and much more.<br /><br />If you live in the Southeastern part of Georgia, USA (or are willing to drive) please check out the Southeastern Georgia Yarn and Fiber Artists Guild at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Southeast-Georgia-Yarn-and-Fiber-Artists-Guild/ This is also a local group and will be meeting regularly for the same type of fun as that enjoyed by the Washington group.</strong>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-8844304044261096452009-08-29T12:15:00.000-07:002009-08-29T12:15:49.457-07:00Julie's Art Life: 5 Print Giveaway!<a href="http://juliesartlife.blogspot.com/2009/08/print-giveaway.html">Julie's Art Life: 5 Print Giveaway!</a>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-84462493249039563532009-06-06T08:55:00.002-07:002009-06-06T08:58:07.110-07:00Crochet bookmarksMy crochet hooks have been flying again. This time, I've pulled out a steel crochet hook and size #10 crochet cotton (my favorite). So far, I've designed two bookmarks and plant to make a pattern booklet for sale. But, I shall post it here first for my readers to see. <br /><br />So, stay tuned.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-16724769240167162382009-06-06T08:55:00.001-07:002009-06-06T08:55:45.623-07:00Since this can be classified as crochet and tat (of sorts), I'll post this to both my crocheting and my tatting blogs.<br /><br />I hadn't done any cro-tatting in quit an age. But, looking at my various craft implements, I was drawn to my cro-hook. So, looking up some of the online patterns (as my cro-tatting patterns are buried somewhere), I found a 'beginners' pattern for tatted bookmarks. Following this pattern-even using the same shade of red-I completed the pattern without any complications; only to decide that this was just too little. So, I changed the pattern just a bit and made it a bit wideer and longer. Ahhhh! Smiles all around.<br /><br />As soon as I get a photo taken, I'll post it here.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-58058696031353894172009-06-03T13:03:00.000-07:002009-06-03T13:05:21.804-07:00Has anybody done any cro-tatting lately? I haven't done any for a while but, last night I pulled out one of my cro-hooks and made a couple of bookmarkers. Now, I'm working on designing one that's heartshaped and made in a size #10 cotton. I'll post these as soon as I get some pictures taken.Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-34866688180894574542009-02-25T16:31:00.001-08:002009-02-25T16:31:39.188-08:00<iframe id="KNchart" width="120" height="395" src="http://www.secretcorridor.co.uk/snags/knittingchart/snag.html?Thistle&MediumOrchid&Blue" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" style="overflow:hidden;">Sorry your browser does not support frames</iframe>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-61180582705134037342008-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:002008-08-09T09:37:16.841-07:00Mariner's Stitch n Pitch Night & Pierce County Crochet GuildMy partner/helper, Jeannie, and I had a blast. As is usually the case, at events such as this, the hour and a half before game time was a continual throb of people. And, there was quite a variety of those. We saw women with 'lite-up' tipped knitting needles in their hair, a woman wearing a 'birthday cake' hat (I recalled seeing her last-or at least, the hat-last year and it wasn't until just last night that I realized that she was an employee representing the birthday of the 4th annual Stitch n Pitch). Later, we saw a man in a 'muscle body' outfit (blue); wearing a silver cape (I think it had an "M" on the back). I guess he represented the 'super heros' of MARINER'S. He stopped at our table and looked around. I do wish, now, that I had my camera or that we had ANY camera 'on the ready' as he picked up one of the washcloths that Jacquie, another guild member, had crocheted and very serenely placed it on his head and asked what we thought. After I informed him that people might mistake him for a TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLE. He quickly returned it to the table and stated, "Well, that just won't do." And, he quickly moved along the line of tables: I suppose to see if he could find another fiber art to accent his uniform.<br /><br />Jeannie and I quickly learned various "sales pitch" techniques to draw attention to our afghan; which was displayed on a metal park bench that just happened to be right behind us. People ooooh'd and aaaaaah'd at the beauty of it. We told how very long it took for each square to be made and that one of our members did each one and that no two squares were exactly alike. And, I must tell you that I didn't even feel shy when I asked if I could get them a ticket for it and sometimes even added PLEASE (hey, sometimes it worked!!!). I haven't yet counted all of the tickets for the raffle but at last count (and we sold more since) it was at 50 tickets.<br /><br />Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. One one, who stopped by was not at all interested in purchasing a raffle ticket but she did give us a $1.00 donation.<br /><br />Many visitors, to our table, admitted to being just crocheters, just knitters, or bi-crafters. For those who crocheted, we handed each a copy of the poem A CROCHETERS PRAYER (written by myself). Some stood right there and read the entire poem rather than waiting to read it later. I just explained that it was simply something to give them a little chuckle.<br /><br />We answered questions on crochet (as well as demonstrating crochet-whenever we had the opportunity) and Jeannie spent some one-on-one time helping one young woman with an issue she was having. I was pleased to find many who said they were just learning to crochet. And, even though most lived in Seattle, some visitors were from California and as far away as Utah (who said that they heard about the Stitch n Pitch and had to come-this was the closest ball field that offered the SnP). Many were given business cards and I see that I'll need to print up some more before going to the next event.<br /><br />This years freebie that was given out by the Mariner's marketers was a T-shirt. Part of the advertising was a baseball and they used it as a ball of yarn to stick two knitting needles through. I thought this was a cute idea. Then, I realized that the Stitch n Pitch is ALWAYS geared toward knitters. So, I HAD to speak up. I wrote a letter to my contact. I let her know how much I loved the freebies this year but there are many other 'stitch' crafters out there; like crocheteres. I suggested that they consider the idea of using these other crafts in their advertising and maybe rotate them around, taking turn, each year. My contact person did respond that she'd pass it by the marketeers.<br /><br /><br /><br />Just letting my peeps know that I'm always looking out for us<br />crocheters. It does seem as though there are more knitters. But, if<br />all that's advertised is knitting...how can people learn that there<br />are other crafts out there. And, how many times have people seen you<br />with 'hook in hand' and asked, "What are you knitting?"<br /><br /><br />I'll have more later for next years event.<br />Beverly<div style="visibility: hidden;" title="1218299212968" id="_booktextmark_tab_id_"></div>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-42979288352357022302008-05-27T12:22:00.001-07:002008-05-28T10:27:34.969-07:002008 South Sound Yarn Crawl<p style="visibility: visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-54.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" style="width: 426px; height: 320px;" height="320" width="426"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-54.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><param name="salign" value="l"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2233785415190769748&site=widget-54.slide.com"></object></p><p><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2233785415190769748&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-54.slide.com/p1/2233785415190769748/ms_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" ismap="ismap" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=2233785415190769748&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-54.slide.com/p2/2233785415190769748/ms_t046_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" ismap="ismap" border="0" /></a></p><p></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><br /></span></b></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">As one of the South Sound Yarn Crawlers, I chose to write a review of my observations of the shops, and surroundings of those shops, during the 2008 South Sound Yarn Crawl (SSYC). <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">At first, I just planned to do the review for my own personal benefit, but then thought about sharing my views with the SSYC. Once I got the ‘ok’ to do the review for the SSYC website, I started telling the shop owners that I was doing a review of the yarn crawl and for those who asked where the review would show up, I told them that it was going to be on the SSYC website. Since that time, there being at least a few negative reviews (Who’d have thought that others would share my thoughts of it being a good idea to write my opinion to share with the world?), I was told that my review wouldn’t be placed on the website. So, I’ve decided to put this in my personal blog and still share it with everybody, including the shop owners.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">First, let me get the disclosures out of the way…<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I am only one person and am presenting only my own personal opinion and observations. My thoughts and opinions are not necessarily shared by anyone affiliated with or who participated in the 2008 SSYC. I have strived to write this as unbiased as possible and to be as honest as I can. The order in which I have listed the ten shops involved in this year’s SSYC is not in any particular order of preference; but simply the order in which this writer visited the shops. To answer any curious questions…the reason behind the order had to do with careful planning concerning geographical location in reference to my home, shop hours and the price of gas.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Each shop owner was simply handed a short questionnaire and told that I was writing a review for the SSYC and asked if they’d please fill it out. Everybody was happy and cooperative to do their part by participating. Each entrepreneur was also given the opportunity to tell us anything else that they might like us to know about their small section of fiber ‘heaven’.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">In reading the review, please keep in mind that anything written in purple are my own words. Anything that is in black print is written either exactly the way the shop owner wrote it in my notebook, or rewritten by myself to work the shop owners notes into complete sentences and changed to be written in the third person. If I’ve misprinted something or ‘gotten the information wrong’, please bare in mind that I am not a professional writer and let me know so that I can make the changes as soon as possible.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Starting out the day and having just recently taken some anti-inflammatory medicine to help me get through the day, I started out with my double canes. What a surprise when I got to the first shop!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #1<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Amanda’s Art-Yarn/Paulsbo, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="mailto:yarnstore@silverlink.net">yarnstore@silverlink.net</a></span><!--[endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Amanda Richardson</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>18 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>18 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Spin, Knit, Weave, Felt, Dye, Crochet, Design Patterns</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business?</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Amanda shared that ‘years ago’ she raised rabbits to sell for meat. Then she started raising <st1:place st="on">Angora</st1:place> rabbits. This interested her into using the angora to spin. Thus, she started out as a fiber artist, doing craft shows and selling her original designs; hand knit and hand spun from Angora rabbit wool.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Running out of room and not liking the idea of storing her product in boxes, Amanda started the shop to have a working studio to have an area to spin and dye her own yarn. Thus…a full service yarn shop, Amanda’s Art-Yarn, was born.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Amanda’s Art-Yarn does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Amanda’s Art-Yarn is located in beautiful downtown, ‘touristy’ <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Paulsbo</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">WA</st1:state></st1:place>; which sits on the edge of a large body of calming water. On the day of the SSYC Paulbo was celebrating Viking Days; thus making parking all but impossible. Luckily, Amanda has some private parking in the back of her shop.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Amanda’s Art-Yarn is located on the second floor but, there’s a back entrance with only seven steps. If you can negotiate those seven steps you’ll be amazed at what you find once you enter the back door.<span style=""> </span>Although a small shop, Amanda made every inch count. And, talking with Amanda about the inconvenience of the steps, she let me in on her secret. It’s by maintaining the shop at its present location that she’s allotted more floor space and able to keep competitive prices on her products. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Oh, I’d almost forgotten to mention the classroom which is the home for some weaving apparatuses, a hand-cranked carder and at least one spinning wheel. Oh, I was blissfully pleased before I’d taken more than a few steps. I couldn’t believe all the wonderfully dyed roving (although she had some natural), yarns, wools and mixed fibers. She had drop spindles and dpn’s in size #17. I snatched those things right away. I left there with my purse about $70 lighter but I had a huge smile on my face for all the booty I’d acquired. Oh, definitely a MUST SEE if you get up near Paulsbo.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I loved Amanda’s brilliantly colored roving in bulk and the large variety of crafts she catered to. And, who couldn’t love Amanda’s wonderful personality. She was not only fun to talk with but, she was knowledgeable and willing to go get the items that I wanted and didn’t see, so that I didn’t have to walk any more than was necessary. What a Sweetie!</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Next was a short jog down to Silverdale.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #2<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Linda’s Knit N’ Stitch/Silverdale, WA<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.lindasknitnstitch.com/">www.lindasknitnstitch.com</a> <span style=""> </span><a href="mailto:Linda@lindasknitnstitch.com">Linda@lindasknitnstitch.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Linda Johnson</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>12 ½ Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>3 ½ Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Knit, Crochet<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business?<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Linda worked at Yarncraters for five years. When they went out of business she decided to <span style=""> </span>open her own shop. She states ‘the rest is history’. But, she can, and does, boast that theirs is the only yarn shop that offers a rose garden, and that they are housed in an old church that is one hundred years old. Their ‘upstairs’ neighbor isn’t quite ‘the man upstairs’ but, rather, a bead store. And, every other Tuesday they have ‘Chicks with Sticks’ in for a potluck. The ‘Chicks’ not only enjoy good grub but good fellowship while eating and laughing. Oh, yes, they also get a few stitches of knitting and crocheting squeezed in there as well. The second Friday of the last month of the quarter<b style=""><span style="color:purple;"> (for those, like myself, who aren’t too good at calendars and quarters…that means March, June, September and December—I think!)</span></b> they do the Silverdale Art Walk, where a local artist hangs their art work and pays them a personal visit.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Linda’s Knit N’ Stitch does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The Gathering Room: A large room intended for gatherings as described above.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The youngest ‘regular’ to Linda’s Knit N’ Stitch is Grandson<span style=""> </span>, who’s been ‘tending the store’ since he was three months old.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Linda’s Knit & Stitch had a comfortable laid-back atmosphere with her grandson there. I walked in during his mealtime and it was a joy to see the little one. He was fascinated with my cane. Linda had many things to brag about but a few are the remodeling of her bathroom, which was a surprise gift for her (I especially liked the bathroom lamp made of a canning jar with little balls of purple yarn inside of it), secondly she has a huge rose garden out front and the ‘granddaddy’ of all is the uniqueness of her shop being housed in an old church. How cool is that?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Then came the gorgeous drive to Allyn. This was absolutely beautiful with the sunshine, clear atmosphere, perfectly blue lakes and great company of another yarn ‘petter’.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Note:<span style=""> </span>By this time my pain medicines were kicking in and I graduated to using my cane. Wheee!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #3<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Allyn Knit Shop & Spinning Supply/Allyn, WA<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.allynknitandspin.com/">www.allynknitandspin.com</a><span style=""> </span>Allyn Knit Shop & Spinning Supply can be emailed via their<span style=""> </span>website</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Lois Henderson</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>6 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>3 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Spin, Weave, Felt, Knit, Crochet, Needle Felt</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lois has been doing knitting and crochet since the age of five <b style=""><span style="color:purple;">(no, she didn’t give enough info-such as a number of years she’s been crafting-to let us figure how old she is now. A lady never gives away her age)</span></b>. When the previous owner was going to close the shop, in 2005, Lois couldn’t bear to see it close. So she not only stepped up and took notice, she also took over.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Allyn Knit Shop & Spinning Supply does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Allyn Knit Shop & Spinning Supply is another quaint shop but it’s well packed with a wide variety of craft items. In the back area is a marvelous area with ‘Walton’s’ style of table for crafters to sit and enjoy their craft of choice. And tucked in the corner are some looms for weaving and I found very interesting (since I’ve never tried that art). Speaking with some of the ladies at the table, I found some multi-talented ladies in the community of Allyn.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Although we enjoyed the scenery, it was just a short drive down to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Shelton</st1:place></st1:city>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #4<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Fancy Image Yarn/Shelton, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.fancyimageyarn.com/">www.fancyimageyarn.com</a></span><!--[endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Myra</st1:place></st1:city> Garcia</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>22 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>10 ½ Years </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Hand-Dyed Yarns, Knitting, Weaving, Crochet</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Interest in Knitting that turned into Spinning yarn from my own sheep & <st1:place st="on">Angora</st1:place> goats. Then, I started Dyeing commercially spun yarns to sell at yarn shows. Store in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Shelton</st1:place></st1:city><a href="http://www.americasknitting.com/">www.AmericasKnitting.com</a></span> was my production weaving studio before I turned it into a yarn store. Also, see </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fancy Image Yarn does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Myra</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"> was a wonderful hostess, answering questions and offering suggestions of yarns to look at. She had an ever-ready smile that was welcoming. In her craft area I found some cute little sweaters attached to a ‘half’ wall. It was explained that each sweater represented the ‘yarn of the month’. Now, how cute of an idea is that? I enjoyed the variety of yarns that I found on the upper floor and was satisfied with that. I was told that the more common yarns were downstairs. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">A quaint shop with an easy atmosphere. The shop contains a 2<sup>nd</sup>, bottom, floor; which the shop owner assured this disabled writer that the best was ‘up-top’, housing home spun and hand-dyed yarns. A co-yarn crawler attested to the fact that there was some special deals to be found for taking the trip down the flight of stairs to the floor below.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Fancy Yarns has bragging rights on sitting areas both inside and out. While inside makes for a cozy place to sit and work with the ‘yarn of the month’, outside stands a festively decorated wooden alpaca which watches over the flower boxes and herb garden, inviting those of the ‘yarn persuasion’ to come inside.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">And, what seemed like even less time, we were soon in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Olympia</st1:place></st1:city> and enjoying yet another taste of fiber heaven.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Note:<span style=""> </span>Hobbling, but I was able to leave my cane in the truck. Yippie! I could move around the shop without a third leg.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #5<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Canvas Works/Olympia, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.canvasworks.net/">www.canvasworks.net</a><span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Nancy Graybeal</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>30 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>5 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Knitting, Crochet, Needle Felting, Spinning, Sewing</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Simply put…a love of fiber arts and handwork</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Canvas Works does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Located within just a few blocks from Washington’s State Capital and also within walking distance of at least two gorgeous city parks, I found this shop worth a return trip to enjoy the local surroundings as well as to be able to take time to enjoy looking over the city’s hidden treasures; which I know I had to have missed today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Nancy’s love of Knitting, Crochet, Needle Felting, Spinning and Sewing cannot be denied when you look around Canvas Works. From the front and all the way to the back of this hugacious of huge craft stores, each nook and cranny are filled with fiber arts and the tools to go with the trade. Some of the items you’ll find in Nancy’s craft store are yarns of too numerous brands and mediums to mention, pattern books, unique instrumental tools, material (from delicate print quilting cotton to outside fabrics and vinyl’s).<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Canvas Works was the largest of all the shops that I saw on the 2008 SSYC. Therefore, the layout was very spacious and there was plenty of room between the isles and turnable racks. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city> owns one of the stores that supply some of the more unique tools for the various fiber trades. I was able to pick up some bamboo size #13 dpns and a few other supplies that I’ve been attempting to find for a while. I’m so glad that this shop was on the tour. Thanks SSYC and thanks Canvas Works!</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Note: Okay, I was starting to feel the pain in my knees and back again but, I decided to do another shop without the cane so that I could keep my hands free for the camera.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #6<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Lamb’s Ear/Tacoma, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.lambsearfarm.com/">www.lambsearfarm.com</a><span style=""> </span><a href="mailto:rockfarm@gte.net">rockfarm@gte.net</a></span><!--[endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Roxi Willoughby</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>9 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>8 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Mostly Knitting, also Crochet, Spin, Dye, Weave, Felt</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It seems that Roxi was taken by surprised into entrepreneurship. Although she’s crocheted since her childhood, she learned to knit in the mid 1990’s. Within a year she had learned to spin on a drop spindle. And, just a couple of months later she had acquired her first spinning wheel. Following the pattern of ‘moving along quickly’ Roxie was the proud mamma to a spinner’s flock of six sheep and an Angora goat. Admittedly, she was addicted. Roxie’s husband must be a ‘real keeper’-definitely one in a million-since he gave up claim to that outside room that women call a ‘garage’ and converted it into a fiber studio just for her. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It was about this same time that the local yarn shop, at the Tacoma Mall, was closing. And, having the supportive husband that she does, her hubby came up with another brilliant idea and they began to stock some yarns and needles for their “local knitting community”. It wasn’t long before they outgrew the ‘outdoor room’ hand moved to their current location.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lamb’s Ear does have a mailing list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Classes Taught: Magic Loop Socks, Dropped Stitches, Artfelt, Basic Brioche Stitch Scarf, Introduction to Continental Knitting, Worsted Weight magic Loop Socks, Circular Needles; Why We Love Them, Cast On Clinic, Drop Spindling<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Roxi, at the Lamb’s Ear, had a selection of patterns from Annie’s Attic and Leisure Arts. Some people consider these publications to be ‘lower scale’ but, does it really matter who published the pattern if you like the item? Not to me! In the past, I’ve spent $21.00 on one book just to get one pattern, because I really wanted that pattern. I’ve also turned down a book that was priced at next to nothing, because there just weren’t any patterns that I was interested in. While I enjoy the high-end books on crochet it’s also refreshing to find the fun things found in the inexpensive booklets. It was nice to find a variety of pattern styles that will encompass not only the experienced needle crafters but, the less experienced as well.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Getting late in the day, we decided to call it ‘a day’ and venture through the rest of our crawl tomorrow.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The first shop on day #2 took us way out in the country. Did I say WAY OUT in the country? But, it was another wonderful drive and tucked away was a cute little Alpaca farm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #7<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Alpaca Spin/Auburn, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.spinalpaca.com/">www.SpinAlpaca.com</a></span><!--[endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Eva Gallagher</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>10 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>10 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Shear & Raise Alpacas, Comb, Card, Dye, Spin, Knit, Crochet, Weave, Felt Alpaca</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In 1998 we moved to the farm, bought three Llamas and three bags of fleece, and a pair of English wool combs. After processing and selling the fleece, we bought more inventory, tools, Alpacas and fleece. We’ve enjoyed growing our business and now have an e-commerce site, travel to trade shows and special event and host summertime yarn arts. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We will host our fourth annual 'Yarn Arts Happy Hour' Wednesday evenings June 18 - August 13 from 4 - 8pm.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The spinning wheel I use to generate our handspun alpaca yarn is a 1999 Watson “Marie” hand made in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sydney</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">BC</st1:state></st1:place> by James Watson. Plans for the future include completing our <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Happy Square</st1:address></st1:street> log home, increasing our internet sales and improving the fleeces of our herd.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I had met Eva, and her daughter, last year at the open house for a <st1:place st="on">LYS</st1:place>. Although Eva was very busy when I saw her during the yarn crawl, I can tell you that when I first met her, she was very sweet and willing to teach. She’d brought her spinning wheel and a drop spindle. Her daughter expertly demonstrated how to use the wheel while Eva patiently demonstrated and explained how to spin yarn with the drop spindle. She showed willingness to answer questions and teach. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">And, let’s face it…how many places can you go to and pick up Alpaca roving or home spun yarn fresh from the farm?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Back across the <st1:placetype st="on">Narrows</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype st="on">Bridge</st1:placetype>, we headed to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Gig</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Harbor</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #8<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Yarn Garden/Gig Harbor, WA<span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.theyarngarden.com/">www.theyarngarden.com</a></span><!--[endif]--> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Tracy Patton & Trish Gereb</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>5 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>3 Years</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Knit, Crochet, Beading, Needle Felting</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My sister and I chose to open this store when her first grandchild was on the way. We realized there was no yarn shop in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Gig</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Harbor</st1:placetype></st1:place> and we thought it would be a fun enterprise. We specialize in quality yarns for knitting and crochet. We have a talented staff of published designers and teachers of which we are very proud. We have social/charity knitting on Tuesday evenings and during the summer we can sit outside and enjoy the summer concert series and view of the harbor. Our website has our classes posted. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Yarn</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Garden</st1:placetype></st1:place> has a mailing list and email list.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">If you’ve never visited the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Yarn</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Garden</st1:placetype></st1:place>, you really must put it on your ‘to do’ list. Not only does she have a beautiful water view out the front windows, but who could possibly get tired of viewing all of her ‘pet-able’ yarn? I found that the owner of the Yarn Garden was not only willing to listen to was comfortable with asking questions of my opinion on items I might like to see in her shop. I appreciated how she cares to find what customers want. Oh, and that view of the water…if you’re in one of her classes, you can sit at her work table and enjoy the sites!</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Though the drive from <st1:city st="on">Olympia</st1:city> to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lakewood</st1:place></st1:city> was a short one, I managed to catch the rush hour traffic. But, my companion and I took advantage of the travel time to share our thoughts over the day, the shops, shop owners and the wonderful goodies we’d discovered on our crawl; which, of course, made for an interesting and relatively short trip.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #9<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span>Shibori Dragon/Lakewood, WA<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.shiboridragon.com/">www.shiboridragon.com</a><span style=""> </span><a href="mailto:shiboridragon@juno.com">shiboridragon@juno.com</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Becky & Joe Scellato</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>1 Year as a yarn shop but started out as a quilt shop</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>1 Year</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The proprietors of Shibori Dragon were away during the day that I visited their shop during the yarn crawl. Because the shop owners opted out of filling out the questionnaire, their selves, I can only supply the information given to me by the shop clerks. But, of course, I also have my own information that I gathered from walking through the store.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The first thing I noticed upon entering the shop was the diversity of items within the shop. There was yarn, beads, fabrics, sewing patterns, needle felting fibers, scrapbooking supplies and oh too many things to mention. The specialty of the day (at least that’s what I assumed it was for) was the cutest little ‘kit’ for socks-some wonderful sock yarn, a pattern, chop sticks and graffiti paper in a Chinese ‘to go’ carton. If I wasn’t already in the middle of designing a pair of socks I’d have been tempted to purchase the kit. Shibori Dragon had a wonderful table full of baskets of yarns and patterns. All were marked at terrific discounts. Oh yes, the patterns were mostly cross stitch; which reminds me about the little ‘in between’ room full of all sorts of yarns and threads for cross stitch, needlework and (I’m sure) more crafts that I’m unaware of or forgetting at this moment. There was wonderful knit and bead work all over the fiber room and in the fabric room my eyes were drawn to the quilts that hung either from the ceiling (or maybe just were up so high that it seems that they hung from the ceiling) or were hanging on the walls. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">The craft room was huge and what was most impressive to me was that this room supplies the students with a mini kitchenette. Not only is there a coffee pot but, there’s also a dorm sized refrigerator, microwave and a sink. Who wouldn’t find this a comforting area to do crafting in? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Throughout the shop was hints of the Shibori Dragon theme; miniature framed kimono’s, dragons, figures of at least one geisha girl and much more. And, getting back to the beads; other than Ship Wreck Beads, this was the largest selection of beads that I’ve seen in the Pacific <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">North West</st1:place></st1:state>. If you didn’t get a chance to make or finish the crawl, this is definitely a shop worth checking out. I intend to get back to it during a time when I’ll have plenty of time to look through the beads and yarns.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 37.05pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">And, the last shop on my passport, being just a short drive away, in the same town….<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="">Shop #10<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Name of Shop:<span style=""> </span><st1:place st="on">Yorkshire</st1:place> Yarns/Lakewood, WA<span style=""> </span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""> </span><a href="http://www.yorkshireyarns.com/">www.yorkshireyarns.com</a> <span style=""> </span><a href="mailto:info@yorkshireyarns.com">info@yorkshireyarns.com</a></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Shop Owner:<span style=""> </span>Sonya K. Acord</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years in business:<span style=""> </span>1 Year</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">4)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Years at this location:<span style=""> </span>1 Year</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">5)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>Fiber arts done by the shop owner:<span style=""> </span>Knit</span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="">6)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span>How did you get started in this business? </span><!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We’re a full service shop with yarn, patterns, buttons, notions and classes. We have a comfortable 1500 square foot shop with plenty of space for groups and social events.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">What a wonderful way to end the day. Sonya’s shopkeeper welcomed us with an open smile. Upon seeing that she was putting the last stamp on our passports she even placed her hand (shaped to form a circle) to her mouth and gave us her imitation of a trumpet call.<span style=""> </span>Who couldn’t laugh at that? It was just what we needed at that moment and time. Then, we noticed the refreshments and the huge suede (?) recliner sectional set inviting us from the other room. But, first we had to pass by the treasure chest that housed wonderful yarns with a sign displaying 60% off. Somehow we both seemed to find renewed energy…at least enough to remove a good amount of yarn from the trunk. LOL<span style=""> </span>Sorry if we didn’t leave a whole lot for the rest of ya, but…oh who am I kidding? NOT!!!!!!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Although Sonya admits to only doing knitting; I personally know that she has people around her who know how to do most of the other needle arts (if not all of them). Therefore, she’s able to provide class instructions to almost anybody who desires to learn.</span></b></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="color:purple;">My ‘overall’ opinion of the shops and the SSYC:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I do wish that the hours were more uniform and maybe longer than the usual business hours as some of us traveled a great distance. I spent 178 miles the first day and only managed to get to six shops. Then, on the second day, I had to back-track to a shop that I missed on the first day, because of shop hours.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Although I knit, tat, cross stitch, needle felt and do various other crafts, I also crochet. Crochet is one of the biggest needle arts but I found very little crochet items on display-even from the shop owners who said that they crochet along with their other crafts. Also, (and keep in mind that most crocheters realize that knitting is much more popular than crochet-right now-there are still a lot of crochet books and pattern leaflets/booklets in publication), on the whole, there just was very minimal crochet patterns to be found. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">And, although many said that they crocheted, upon searching out the store web sites, I found that crochet (and the other needle arts) was either not mentioned anywhere at all or was mentioned in a limited degree. Knitting, on the other hand was everywhere. I’m hoping the shop owners will take heart and realize that we crafters are a very diversified group and do multiple needle arts. We’d like to see a little bit of everything to be featured in your stores. I, personally, don’t mind that knitting is more expressed than the other crafts. It’s just more popular, right now. But, we do other things and would like to be able to get the supplies and especially the patterns.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I found two shops that sold thread small enough for tatting and three that sell the equivalent of a size #10, #20 or #30 thread. These can be used for tatting, crochet and knitting. And, then, there’s the art of bobbin lace making that uses threads.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">Here, I’ve mentioned a few negatives but, all in all, I loved every one of these shops and look forward to visiting them again…when I have ample time to look around and see everything. I was totally overwhelmed with all the color, texture and yarn types that I saw in the two days that I did the crawl.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="color:purple;">Shop Owners:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I’d like to personally thank all of the shop owners who participated in the 1<sup>st</sup> annual SSYC and I hope that it brought you much business, new customers and new friends. I know that it must have been a lot of work for you to get set up for all the traffic into your stores and the discounts you offered were greatly appreciated. I also hope you enjoyed it so much that we’ll have a 2<sup>nd</sup> annual SSYC next year.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="color:purple;">Yarn Crawlers:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;">I’ve listed the shop owners web sites and email addresses, where provided, so that (now that the rush is over) you can take the opportunity to contact the entrepreneurs and let them know how much you appreciated the hard work they all put into making this years SSYC a huge success.</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style="color:purple;">SSYC Coordinators:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b style=""><span style="color:purple;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’m sure that I couldn’t even imagine how much effort went into scheduling this event, making arrangements with the shop owners and encouraging them to participate, advertising, setting up the website with all the shops information, printing passports, setting rules for the yarn crawl and all the ‘behind scenes’ things that had to be taken care of. My hats off to you and I look forward to doing it again next year.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><b style=""><span style=";font-size:14;color:purple;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></span></b><div style="visibility: hidden;" title="1211916179170" id="_booktextmark_tab_id_"></div>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-78391989541376848162008-05-22T23:09:00.001-07:002008-05-23T15:20:55.428-07:001st Annual South South Yarn Crawl<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Oh, what an event! Three days to visit ten shops in the south Puget Sound area. My partner in 'fiber-frolicking', Jacquie, and I did it in two days; as the laundry just had to be done </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >sometime</span> this weekend and wasn't about to wait another week. So, I'll be working on the reviews as soon as I get everything together and let you know what I thought of all the wonderful shops and shop owners.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It does seem that there's been a lot of hurt feelings over some of the reviews and some petty things mentioned in some of them. I hate to see this happen since it's the shop owners who are hurt and they're the ones who opened their doors with fantastic sales and a discount, 'to boot', for yarn crawlers. I can almost understand why they might not want to participate next year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On the other foot, I can also attest to the fact that some of that hurtfulness also went the other way. One shop owner was given inaccurate information about me and there was a big misunderstanding. But, I'm hoping that this will get cleared up shortly. I'm not mentioning any shop names, here, because (although I'm not a professional writer) I do want to put on a professional attitude and I have great expectations that this will be settled soon. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So, stay tuned for a future writeup to be coming soon.</span></span><div style="visibility: hidden;" title="1211522965015" id="_booktextmark_tab_id_"></div>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399806819577144427.post-88685750856699904722008-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:002008-03-25T10:05:42.104-07:00Welcome to my blog<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">For those who know me, I'm not very big into blogging. Well, that is, I'm not big into joining new blogs because I'm already into so many. But, I wanted to start a special place to put up my free crochet patterns; along with those that I'll be posting for sale. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">I've been so busy, lately, with designing and I just needed a special place for storing everything. Well, here it is. And if you'd like to be put on my list, for when something new is posted, please email or even make a comment and I'll be happy to add you to my email list.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Thanks,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">Beverly-AKA: Beya</span>Beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557477426693868941noreply@blogger.com0