Thursday, December 22, 2011

Stocking Stuffers and Stuff

If you're a regular reader of The Toledo Blade, you probably have noticed the Holiday Gift Guides published daily in the front section in December. The December 21 issue was a guide entitled, "What To Buy Artists and Crafters" and featured a mention of the many knitting and crochet books carried by Yarn Cravin'! Congrats on the good press, Bobbie and Dale! If you still have your Blade from that day, you can find it on page four.

Is there still room in the stocking of your favorite knitter or fiber friend? Need a little gift for a holiday package? Stumped for a little Hanukkah gift for a knitter? Yarn Cravin' has some little treats!

Little sheep key chains made of wool, in grey, black, or white.
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Zippered notion pouches made of felted wool. This is the larger size. YC also has a smaller size in various colors, including teal and purple. (No photos, because they weren't even unpacked yet when I was there to take photos!)
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A very popular book, especially for fiber enthusiasts and sock knitters, is this one:
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The third in a series, Clara Parkes has also written The Knitter's Book of Yarn and The Knitter's Book of Wool. She reviews new yarns and knitting tools at KnittersReview.com, an online weekly email magazine. It's free to subscribe.

The new schedule of classes is out! Check out the offerings and sign up. You can see what your choices are by going to the Yarn Cravin' website and clicking on the "class schedule" tab. Yarn Cravin' Website

Please take a moment to send healing thoughts to our dear owner Dale Ann as she is recovering from surgery to remove her pesky gall bladder. All went well and we expect her back in the shop soon.

Everyone at Yarn Cravin' wishes you and your family a Joyous Holiday Season and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Deck The Hall With... Yarn!

It's December, Fiber Friends! December!!!!

Small Business Saturday in late November was a big success thanks to so many of you. Your support of Yarn Cravin', and other independent shops in the area that day, was greatly appreciated. Thank you!

If you need some ideas for quick gifts to knit, Yarn Cravin' has you covered. Stop by and check out the front table full of ideas and books full of quick knits. Even the little tree has ideas for you.

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From ear-warming to headbands to crochet bracelets with some surprise bling in them, there's something for everyone. No time to knit or crochet? Not sure of the size? Your fiber friends would love a gift certificate to Yarn Cravin'!

While you're in the shop, be sure to fill out your Wish List card so that friends and family members can get you exactly what you want. Just ask anyone working for a Wish List card, write down yarns, books, needles, notions, bags and the sizes, colors and or amounts. The Yarn Cravin' Elves will keep it on file and take care of the rest. Oh! You do have to make sure to send them shopping at YC, though. :-)

Want some ideas for your Wish List? Here's what just came in this past week...

Dream In Color Classy. This is a worsted weight yarn, great for mittens, fingerless mitts, cowls, a scarf, hats, etc. Think warm, winter gear! This yarn is American spun and dyed, too.

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Madelinetosh Merino Light has arrived! This fingering weight yarn is hand-dyed here in the USA and sells out everywhere. It's beautiful for socks, but two skeins make a gorgeous shawl. It won't last long.

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If you missed out on the Everlasting Sock by Dream In Color, more has arrived. With as fast as the first shipment flew out of YC, we know this is tried and true.

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Keep checking the Yarn Cravin' website for the updated schedule of classes, which should be posted soon. Of note, there will be two different classes about how to use Ravelry; one for beginners, and an Intermediate class for those who want to learn to post pictures and add links and use Ravelry more in-depth. If you use fiber, want to search patterns on the Internet, and want to network with other fiber enthusiasts in your area, these classes are for you.

BIG NEWS!!!! In February 2012, Yarn Cravin' will celebrate being FIVE YEARS young! What a fabulous milestone for a small, independent, business! If you would like to be part of the planning for this anniversary celebration (not you, Bobbie and Dale Ann!), please email your name to weloveyc@gmail.com . (you may need to cut and paste the link into your email) Put Yarn Cravin' Anniversary in the subject line.

As always, stop in to see us for help finding just the right yarn for that special project, or the right pattern for yarn you already have. We would love to see you even if it's just for a few minutes to say hello and have a cup of coffee during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We appreciate each and every one of you who have visited us during 2011.