Milestones and Honors

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY YARN CRAVIN'!



Sunday,February 12 was the 5th anniversary of Yarn Cravin's opening, and co-owners Bobbie and Dale Ann celebrated by having cake for customers on Friday and Monday. Shoppers lucky enough to drop by were treated to a customer appreciation gift and a coupon to use in the future. How blessed we all are to have Yarn Cravin' in our lives!! Best wishes to Bobbie and Dale Ann for their continued success! You are loved, ladies!

As this is written, it is President's Day, and what better time to write about honoring those who have served our country? Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio takes WWII Veterans from our area to Washington DC and makes sure they safely are able to see our nation's monuments, and especially the World War II Memorial, built to honor their service and sacrifice for us all. It is the goal to make sure all WWII Vets see the Memorial, and other parts of Washington DC, before they die. Upon their return to Toledo, it is nice to have some token to present to them as a remembrance of their trip. This is where we need your help, fiber friends!

Having a goal of 80 scarves by the first flight of spring (late April 2012), Yarn Cravin' has volunteered to help by knitting 80 (yes, EIGHTY) red/white/blue scarves. You only need to know the knit stitch, as the scarf is all done in garter stitch. The yarn is Encore, pictured below, and the cast on is 22 stitches on US size 8 needles. Nothing fancy. But we want to make sure every veteran receives a patriotic scarf when he or she comes off the airplane. Knitters are also welcome to be part of the "welcome home" contingent waiting for the veterans at Toledo Express when they return from their trip.



Your scarf will end up looking something like this:



Yarn Cravin' has so many customers who are speedy knitters. We can hit this goal in no time! Stop in, pick up a ball of Encore at the register. Make sure you sign up on the clipboard, and let's HONOR our beloved veterans!

There are many new goodies in the shop right now. Cuddles is a yummy yarn from Crystal Palace in many delicious colors. There are solids and variegated. This yarn is amazingly soft and would make great chemo caps, baby items and children's clothes.



Thought to be gone forever, Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn is back! Make socks, or pair it with another yarn, such as a mohair, to make a shawl.



We have many little felted wool bags for notions, felted embellishments, zipper bags and more.



These little guys are pins for your lapel!



As always, Yarn Cravin' has books, patterns, yarn, needles and notions to meet all your fiber needs. If it's not in stock, it can be ordered in for you. Stop in soon!

Generosity

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are numerous opportunities for giving to those who are need of food, toys, clothing, financial assistance and other things to get them through the Holiday Season. What happens then? *crickets chirping* It's been found that right after the holiday season, food banks have a dire need to re-stock their shelves, and our creative, generous, yarn shop owners dreamt up a plan to help.

Saturday, January 7, was our first ever Breakfast Sale. Yarn Cravin' opened two hours early to shoppers, and all those who brought a non-perishable breakfast food item to donate received a 35% discount on their purchase from 8:00-10:00AM that morning. We were blessed with generous shoppers who brought nutritious food items in the way of cereals, pancake mixes, pop tarts, cereal bars, muffin mixes,oatmeal, peanut butter, juices, and more.

This photo shows the food donation just an hour into the sale!

After 10:00AM, any non-perishable food item could be redeemed for a 25% discount on purchases for the rest of the day. The food continued to stack up, and the knitters continued to pour in the door to shop.

Just across the street, in the church, the community room had been reserved. Knitters, spinners, and other crafters were welcome to spend the day working on their UFO's and socializing. Snacks were shared. Knitting support was offered. Some even brought their kids with them, and they proceeded to play and look after the little ones.

Some old friends came back to us just in time for the sale. Our old, worn out, comfy chairs came back, having had a face lift! Look how gorgeous they are now!



This chair has a cover that cannot be removed.

The chair pictured below, however, has a lovely slip cover which can be removed.



Isn't the back lovely?



If you are interested in showing an old piece of furniture some loving, here's the contact information:
Feather Your Nest
Upholstery and Slipcovers
Barb Converse 419-874-5911
barbjc@bex.net
112 W. 2nd Street, Perrysburg, OH
Located In Back Alley Design Studio

Here's the latest wall art at Yarn Cravin'



Hopefully the generosity of the knitters this past weekend will help soothe the souls of many in need. And we hope that having our comfy chairs back, all beautified, will help soothe your souls as you sit and knit.

Thank you again for all you do to support Yarn Cravin' and each other.

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.


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!)


A very popular book, especially for fiber enthusiasts and sock knitters, is this one:

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!

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.

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.



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.



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.



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.

Trunk Shows and Sock Clubs and New Things... Oh My!

If you were fortunate enough to be at Yarn Cravin' on November 12, then you know just how gorgeous the items from the HPKY Trunk Show were in person. There are photos below of a few items. If you missed it (we know there are some nasty cold and tummy bugs going around), never fear! Bobbie and Dale made sure to keep some of the items on hand to sell in the shop.


Scarf-in-a-scarf kits


Scarf-in-a-scarf knitted up

A couple nights ago was the last meeting of Yarn Cravin's Sock Club for 2011. Here is the last installment of yarn:


Northern Lights, by SeaStar Handpaints.

Some of the Sock Club Members already working hard!



Here are some projects from the August yarn, dyed by BadAmy! She is a genius with self-striping yarns.



Now, on the new goodies at Yarn Cravin'... Do you like bags? I know I like bags. Bags are our friends!

Lantern Moon has created a larger tote



New to Yarn Cravin' are these totes in all shapes, sizes and colors by Hadaki. There's even a catalog for you to look through so that you can order exactly what you want! Of course, the shop will carry several colors and styles if instant gratification is more your style.




The insides are full of pockets, and the bags zip closed.

Do you love Noro yarns? There's a brand new Noro book available, full of accessories like mitts, cowls, scarves, and hats. This fiber enthusiast can't wait to knit the entrelac mittens!



Now, a couple of notes about the upcoming holidays:

*Yarn Cravin' IS open the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

*The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday - a day to support small, independent businesses. Support Main Street, not Wall Street!

*As in years past, you can still fill out a "Wish List" card at the shop to help loved ones with gift ideas for you! Just stop by, fill out a Wish List with items you would like to receive, and send your friends, family and loved ones to Yarn Cravin' to shop for you.

Also, if you know Mary Derck, who sometimes helps out at Yarn Cravin', send her good thoughts and wishes this weekend. She is getting married this Saturday, Nov. 19!

Congratulations, Mary and Lee!

Trick or Treat!

No tricks today, fiber friends, just many, many treats!!

Before the feast for your eyes, though, a reminder about the HPKY (Hand Painted Knitting Yarns) Trunk Show on November 12. This show will be cash and carry. The link will take you to the website where you can see some of the yummy colorways that HPKY has available. If you have been in Yarn Cravin' recently, you may have seen the scarf in a scarf kits that came and went. These kits contain a hand-dyed silk scarf and yarn dyed to match, along with instructions for knitting and and many ways for tying and wearing the combination! The scarves and yarns are dyed together so they really do match exactly. This is a show you won't want to miss!

Meet Mendocino, by Crystal Palace

Have you seen the chunky yarn from Claudia Handpaints? This knits up quickly into mittens or fingerless mitts or even a quick pair of socks.

Meet Toboggan, by Classic Elite. This is also a chunky yarn, that will knit up quickly into hats and mittens. There's a pattern booklet available specifically geared to this yarn!





Are you looking for something washable? This is Tonic, by Jojoland. Each skein has over 200 yards and the suggested needle size is US 6-8. Look at all those colors!



You've asked for it, and Yarn Cravin' now has it! Dream In Color! This is Everlasting sock.





Many new books have arrived at the shop, too. Just a couple that you might be interested in? Clara Parkes' new sock book, and the latest 60 Quick Knits book.





The big winter holidays will be here before we know it, and Yarn Cravin' has stocked up on wonderful Herdy goodies that will make great gifts for friends... or yourself!

Key rings and stitch markers


Tote bags


Salt and pepper shakers (also available in purple)


Sheep banks, for saving your dollars up for that next fiber excursion. This could also be a great baby gift!

As always, new patterns and new yarns are arriving daily. Stop in and browse. We'll gladly help you find just what you're looking for!

Retreat Reminder and New! New! New!

Today is the last day of summer and that means the Yarn Cravin' Fall Retreat is right around the corner. As of today, 32 people have signed up for the fabulous fun that awaits October 15-16. There are still EIGHT spots left, and we want to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun and fellowship of this amazing event. Stop in the shop to pay your deposit and reserve your spot. If you've never attended one of our knitting retreats, get a friend and sign up! Your life will never be the same. I have it on good authority that there's a Mystery Knit Along (KAL) in the works!

September 12 was the Trunk Show for Abstract Fibers and it was great fun! Yarn Cravin' was full of wonderful people and beautiful yarns and fibers.

If you weren't able to make it to the trunk show, never fear. Abstract Fibers will be staying at Yarn Cravin', and if there's something you want that is out of stock, we can easily order it for you!

Author Event/Book Signing! There are flyers in the shop announcing this event as well. October 1, at 1:30, at St. Luke's Hospital, Mary Lou Carney, the author of The Truly Terribly Horrible Sweater That Grandma Made Me will be speak and be available to sign books purchased there. We have this book in the shop if you'd like to see it, or purchase it for a loved one. This book is co-authored with Debbie Macomber. Tickets are $10



Boxes and boxes of new yarns for fall and winter are arriving almost daily and some of those yarns are leaving the shop almost as fast as we can price them and get them on the shelves! Here's a peek at some of the new goodies!

Debbie Bliss Paloma


Mountain Meadow Wool. This is organic, fiber friends. The dyes are even all natural!


Noro Hitsuji


Malabrigo Rasta (Bulky) This is flying out of the shop!


Malabrigo Rios


Boboli, by Berocco


Link, a super bulky yarn, knit on size 50 needles! We have the needles on order.


What caught your eye? Better get into Yarn Cravin', fast!

Lastly, co-owner Bobbie recently had major foot surgery and will be out of commission for a little while since she has to be non-weight bearing on that leg. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. We miss her at Yarn Cravin', and she misses being there! Hang in there, Bobbie!