Red Scarf Project 2009

It's that time again! It's time to think about creating that special scarf that will be loved by an Orphan. You can read all about this special knitting event here. Check out the photo's for last years send in's! Mine got photographed!! WOOT! I chose to do the "My so-called Scarf" pattern that is a freebie pattern they have linked on their site.



Mine is the last one on the right! WOOHOO!! It was a recycled sweater that I kettle dyed red. I tied sections of the yarn so that it would not take up dye so it left many variegated white spots. Makes it easy to spot.
You can see other scarves that knitters sent in to the Orphan Foundation of America here.


I'd very much like to send a large box filled with our knitted donations this coming September, so please think about starting that Red Scarf soon then bring it in when you are finished. The guidelines for the scarf & freebie patterns can be found at this here web page but I will post them here as well.

Scarf Size: Approximately 60" long and 5" to 8" wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front.

Style: Think unisex collegiate. Ask yourself if your son, brother, and/or husband would enjoy receiving the scarf. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape and tie easily.

Yarn: Preferably DK, double fingering-weight, worsted weight, or light bully yarns. No lace weight, super-chunky, or mohair yarns as there are many people who find mohair too itchy. The yarn should be soft.

Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red. Other unisex colors, including black, navy, teal, olive or gold are also welcome.

Finished and tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying "Handmade for You" with your first name, city, and group affiliation (Off the Beaten Path Yarnhouse, knitmeone.com), if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, burger bucks, books of stamps, etc.

Patterns:

Irish Hiking Scarf

Twin Rib Scarf

My So-Called Scarf

Basketweave Scarf

Enjoyable Rib Scarf

Reversible Cable Red Scarf

Ribbed Red Scarf

$10 gets you a 110 St Scarf!

This is an in-store offer only. For $10 you can knit yourself (or a gift for someone else) a Pscarf (pattern by Carol Anderson) from our pre-cut strands of various yarns. The scarf takes anywhere from 1 1/2 - 2 hours to make. If you cannot stay until it is finished we can hold your UFO behind the counter for next time you come in to knit. There is always hot water for tea & coffee available but feel free to BYO tea or beverage of choice.

If this sounds like fun to you, just mention this blog post about the $10, Pscarf by Carol Anderson when you visit. We have 10 & 10 1/2 needles in-stock (32" circulars & 13" Straights) to purchase, or BYO.

Supported Spindle Spinning

Here is a peek into our supported spindle class with Celia! Are you interested in learning support spindle spinning? Call to schedule a class anytime during our open hours!

Yarn Sale Continues!

Just a short note to let everyone know that our yarn sale continues into the New Year!
All sale yarns are buy one at the sale price, get the second one half off that sale price (applies to IN-STORE purchases only). It's crazy but TRUE! Stop by today & get a skien or two or more of this awesome sale!

Needles & Tofutsies & Angora, OH MY!!

We've got our needles restock & they are ready to be adopted. YAY!


New this week: the next generation of Tofutsie sock yarns are in & are available in-store as well as online at knitmeone.com! Many of the older colors are now 15% off!

We now carry Angora Mohair yarn & roving from Oregon WI by Fine Mohair Products Circle Studio. They are super soft & ohhh so luxurious!

"The fiber of Circle Studio has evolved carefully since July of 2004. Serendipityplayed a large factor when 6 goats fell from the sky into our pasture that was justthere doing nothing. Since then, we have acquired 4 (2 rescue) goats from variousplaces and 7 goats from careful breeding. We lost a favorite goat Taylor (anoriginal) to a pre existing condition last winter. We are a small mother anddaughter operation that is growing slowly. We are spinning, dyeing, felting andknitting. But our favorite job is taking good care of our lovely goat friends. They have taught us much and for that we are always grateful. This year we had two sets of twins, which has brought our total to 16 goats. We, of course, know all their names and label all our product giving credit wherecredit is due. So the Circle Studio Goats from Tuck~A~Way~Farm are: Ben and Jerry(white), Badger and Big Boy(black) Treya (white), Freda (multi-brown) and Freya(multi-black), Bumblebee and Butterfly (both champagne), Lily and Lila (white), Raul(multi-light brown) and Julio(black), and finally, Ollie and Chloe (both black andgrey). We also have a buck named Orion's Cricket who lives quite happily withother bucks just outside of Janesville, WI.Tuck~A~Way~Farm is in Oregon, WI where five acres are devoted to the hay and 2 acresto goatee pasture. The last acre is for the home and Chris Maitzen, the dad's,photography studio, A True Likeness. Since 2004, we have built two barns, replacedthe 1000 ft fence and hope to add electricity and water to the barns. Gwen Maitzen, the mom, is a high school art teacher and mix media artist and KatieMaitzen is going off to college in the fall to study illustration and business. Katie is currently a 4-H member and is proud to say that Butterfly took grandchampion exotic at the Dane County Fair last summer. She is planning on continuingto help with Circle Studio during her college years and after. Give us a call if you want to stop by and visit: 608.835.8684 or contact us at phainto at charter dot net."

Snow Bunny Bucks

Stop in the Yarnhouse anytime while it's snowing and you'll get a Snow Bunny Buck worth $1 on your next purchase (not counting your snow-purchase).

We're usually open even during really bad storms & frigid temperatures, but you might want to call before you come over -- 221-0219.

Spinning Saturday a blast!

Our Spinning Saturday in December was a blast! We had several experienced spinners drop in to spin & several newbie spinners came in with questions. One even learned how to spin!! WOO-HOO!! Way to go!
You too can join us for Spinning Saturday, every 1st Saturday from Noon-2pm.