BLOG.YARNCLOUD.COM

Changes to the Yarn Cloud Blog -

2012-05-04T15:34:00Z

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

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

Classes for May 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

Robyn & the Wooley Yarnmeister

April Sales & Classes

2012-04-10T09:14:12Z

Spotlight is on socks this month

15% off all sock books and discontinued sock yarns*

We also welcome a new arrival to our shelves: Cestari sock yarn These cotton blend sock yarns are made right here in Virginia from locally grown products and breeds. Local production and delivery means substantial savings which we can pass on to you.

I see cotton socks for the summer in my future, how about you?

*discontinued sock yarns include Plymouth Happy Feet, Fibra Natura Yummy, & Wisdom Yarns Endurance

Top-Down Socks Class #980
Class starts Thursday April 12 from 7-9 pm
Maximum # of students: 6 No minimum Instructor: Robyn Becker
This 3-week knitting class will complete a sample sock knit with worsted weight yarn. We will cover the structure and anatomy of socks, choices for casting-on, make a round heel, reinforced heel flap and the kitchener stitch for closing the toe. After you finish the first sock you can start on the second returning to the shop along the way if you need additional assistance at no additional cost.

You will need either two circular needles, magic loop or dpn's in whatever size will give you six stitches per inch along with approx. 60 yards of worsted weight yarn (double that if you will be making both sample socks). You will also need a stitch marker and your usual supplies. Cost of class is $60.00. If you need needles and yarn estimated cost is $25.00 depending on your selection

NOTE: You must know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, AND knit small round items prior to enrolling in this class.

Toe-Up Socks Class# 987

Class starts Saturday April 14th from 2:30-4:30 pm Maximum # of students: 6 No minimum

Instructor: Robyn Becker

This 3-week knitting class will complete a sample sock knit with worsted weight yarn. We will cover the structure and anatomy of socks, Judy's magic 8 cast-on, make a round heel, reinforced heel flap, choices for making the cuff and two different bind-off's. After you finish the first sock you can start on the second returning to the shop along the way if you need additional assistance at no additional cost.

NOTE: You must know how to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, AND knit small round items prior to enrolling in this class.

UFO Spring Cleaning

Sundays in April & May

Do you have UnFinished Objects stuck in your closet? Let's unearth those old projects and figure out how to finish them or re-purpose the yarn. Bring your project and pattern to the shop on Sunday afternoons for project analysis and free advise on any techniques that have you stumped. Please call to let us know you're coming 703-763-3285

Coming in May/June

Tunisian crochet - socks in the round
Understanding and Using Knitting Charts
Knitting Tips & Tricks
Yarn to Dye for

I see bunny ears in your future

2012-02-18T13:09:06Z

Ready for the next fiber rush? Check out the beautiful spring colors that have arrived in DK wool and cotton blends. Shown in the baskets are Sannibel, Daisy, Tempo and Zarina and Zarina-Chine. Each basket contains inspiration booklets with knit and/or crochet patterns.

If you need a little more inspiration, new arrivals include:

Sweet Shawlettes-25 Irresistable Patterns for Knitting Cowls, Capelets and More by Jean Moss
Debbie Bliss Baby and Toddler Knits- 20 gorgeous jackets, sweaters, hats, bootees and more
The Lace Knitting Palette by Leisure Arts
Custom fit Knit Jackets- Casual to Couture by Jean Frost
Lovely Knits for Little Girls - 20 Just-Right Patterns, Just For Girls by Vibe Ulrik Sondergaard
2012 Award Winning Tunisian Afghan Designs
Interweave Knits - Spring 2012 with 18 crisp knits including lace and graphic patterns

Are you ready for a Sweetheart of a Sale?

2012-02-10T01:27:00Z

Yarn Cloud Valentine Sale

Feb 10, 11 & 12th

Buy 2 Get 1 FREE on selected yarns**

PLUS

10% off Needles & Notions

Berroco Weekend - cotton/acrylic
Classic Elite Avenue - merino/silk
Classic Elite Princess - merino/cashmere/angora
Classic Elite Woodland - merino/nettles
Plymouth Boku - wool/silk
Plymouth Ashton - alpaca/wool/silk
Universal Tapestry - acrylic/wool

Look for the valentine hearts on label of all sale yarns.

** If you mix and match sale yarns, the lowest priced yarn will be free

Yarn Cloud - Feb/March Events, Sales & Classes

2012-01-29T01:54:44Z

It's been a very busy month with inventory and year end bookkeeping, but we've finally organized some sales, trunk shows, and classes for February and March. Take a look at the newsletter and give me a call if any of the classes spark your interest. Class sizes are limited so don't wait to call. Please note that class policies have been clarified.

Hope to see you soon.

Robyn

Yarn Cloud- Sales, Events & Classes for February & March
myemail.constantcontact.com

Tat-along continues tomorrow

2012-01-07T23:17:00Z

Just a quick reminder that the monthly tat-along starts at 1:00 pm Sunday January 8th. The theme for this month is hearts- just in time for Valentine's Day.

Holiday Hours & New Years Blowout Sale!!!

2011-12-22T18:30:31Z

Come join us on January 1st from 1 pm - 4 pm

All yarn in the store 30% off
All books 25% off

Holiday Hours:

Friday, December 23rd: 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday, December 24th 10 am - 1 pm
Sunday, December 25th Closed
Monday, December 26th Closed

Tuesday, December 27th thru Friday December 30th:
Limited hours 1 pm - 6 pm

Saturday, December 31st 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, January 1st 1 pm - 4 pm
Monday, January 2nd - Closed

New Items have arrived at the Cloud

2011-12-22T16:47:39Z

Kits:

Art yarns: Crochet or knit shawl in amazing colorways
HPKY: scarf in a scarf kit

Books, DVD's & Magazines

Simply Crochet by Robyn Chachula. 22 stylish deisgns for every day
Textured Stitches by Connie chang Chinchio. Knited sweaters & accessories with smart details
Folk socks by Nancy Bush (revised). The history and techniques of handknitted footwear
Entre to Entrelac by Gwen Bortner. The definitive guide from a biased knitter
DVD - Entrelac Knitting Hats & Bags Felted or not! with Nenah Galati.
Interweave Crochet - Winter 2011
Crochet World - February 2012
Creative Knitting - January 2012

Needles and Notions

KnitPicks: Interchangeable Harmony Wood set sizes 4-11
KnitPicks: DPN Harmony wood 4" set sizes 0-4
KnitPicks: DPN Harmony wood 5" set sizes 0-3
KnitPicks: DPN Nicket plated 6" set sizes 0-3
Clover locking stitch markers regular & jumbo
Sheep cell phone holder (sheep sherpa)
Stitch markers - handmade rings and loops and Lantern moon sheep
Lantern Moon Tape measures - rabbit, bumblebee
All Chiaogoo and Bamboo needle racks are back to full strength

Still need last minute holiday gifts?

2011-12-17T02:39:47Z

New arrivals at the store might be the answer. Just in.....................

Artyarns: shawl kits that you can either knit or crochet. The kits themselves are beautifully designed and make great stocking stuffers. Kits contain 1 large skein of Silk Rhapsody Glitter light and 4 small skeins of Beaded Silk & Sequins Light.

HPKY - scarf in a scarf kits. Beautiful dyed yarns with matching scarfs dyed in the same colorway!

Handmade beaded stitchmarkers have also landed.

What's new at the Cloud

2011-11-24T05:33:43Z

Our first Tat-A-Long (TAL) for shuttle and needle tatters is scheduled for Friday November 26th at 1:00 pm. Bonnie Swank and Karen Parent-Beary will both be at the shop to help us thru the holiday pattern. Shuttles, needles, white size 20 tatting thread, florist pins and satin covered ornament balls will all be available at the shop if needed.

New Arrivals at the shop

Baby hat and sock kits from Life's Little Luxuries in specially designed banana fiber bags
New books and magazines for knitting, crochet and tatting
Clover bamboo needles rack is back up to 100%
The Amigurumi toy trunk show has arrived
Universal bulky weight yarns Bewilder and Poems Puzzle - great for last minute gifts
More Rozetti Marina and Tundra in all the colors (net & tape yarns)
Handpainted 100% silk yarn from Unplanned Peacock
Handpainted roving from Unplanned Peacock
New Spring colors of Plymouth Superwash merino have started to arrive

Remember to complete a raffle ticket for this month's project bag (made by Baaags by Karen) everytime you come into the shop - no purchase necessary !!!!! Drawing will be held on November 30th at noon.

Yarn Cloud closed tomorrow from 1:30-3:30 PM

2011-11-10T01:29:00Z

We taking the show on the road. Tomorrow and next Thursday, Leiah and I will be teaching at River Run Senior Living. That means that the shop will be closed from 1:30-3:30 pm. The shop will be open the rest of the day until 6:00 pm.

Yarn Cloud- November Classes

2011-11-06T20:52:54Z

Hi everyone, sorry for the delay in getting this message out, but the shop's been very busy.

Tuesday November 8th - Ornament of the Month KAL 7-9 pm

(held at Panera's Old Bridge Road and Prince William Parkway)

This month we are crocheting a "Gingerbread Man Wine Topper"

There will be both dk weight and worsted weight yarn packettes.

If planning to use dk weight please bring a size E hook, worsted weight a size G or 7 hook

Cost is $5.00 which includes yarn and instructions

Thursday November 10th - Beginning Knitting 2-3 pm

Private Class for residents of River Run - Senior Living

Back by popular demand:

Thursday November 10th - Beginning Tunisian Crochet 7-9 pm

Class will meet Nov 10, 17 and Dec 1

Cost is $60.00 plus supplies (estimated at $20 for yarn and Tunisian crochet hook)

Sunday November 13th - Knit an Aran Square 2-5 pm

Experience 3 Aran Stitch Patterns- Trinity Stitch, Little Chain and Bobble Diamond.

This is the first in a new series of classes designed to expand your technical skills.

When all squares are complete they can be sewn together to create a blanket

Cost is $30.00 plus supplies (estimated at $10 for yarn and $10 for needles)

Thursday November 17th - Beginning Crochet 2-3 PM

Private class for residents of River Run - Senior Living

New Arrivals at the Yarn Cloud

2011-10-25T16:51:22Z

Highlights of the new arrivals:

Yarns:

3 new colorways for Stilleto by Plymouth Yarn (sock yarn weight with some sparkle)
3 new coloways for Coffee Beenze by Plymouth Yarn (worsted weight)

Trunk Show - available only until October 31st

9 pieces made from Classic Elite Yarn's Toboggan (merino & superfine alpaca)

Customer sharing: Items in the shop for a limited time

Sweater and hat by Wendy made from Classic Elite Baby Alpaca Grande
Baby Hat by Rachel made from Plymouth Encore and Coffee Beenze

Needles & Notions

the Chiaogoo Knitting and Crochet needle racks are back to full strength
Mini-sweater keyrings
Sheep stitch markers
Mesh yarn holders
Tape measures - sheep, ladybug, and cats
Sheep salt and pepper shaker set
More project bags petite and tote size from Baaags by Karen

Books:

200 Fair Isle Motifs - a Knitter's Directory by Mary Jane Mucklestone
Knitting off the axis by Mathew Gnagy
The best of Knitscene by Lisa Shroyer

Magazines:

Crochet world - December 2011
Knitscene - Winter 2011
Creative Knitting - November 2011

Crochet Basket with a "Q" hook still has openings

2011-10-22T01:16:01Z

Come join us on Sunday, October 23rd from 2-5 pm and make a crocheted basket strong enough to hold a vase.

Cost is $50.00 and includes yarn supplies. "Q" hook is available at the shop.

Trunk Show for Classic Elite Toboggan has Arrived!!!

2011-10-22T01:12:51Z

Classic Elite Toboggan is a super soft, bulky yarn that comes in fun, cheerful colors. It is perfect for quick projects that will brighten up a winter’s day. Made in Peru. Seven bright and playful designs in Toboggan can be found in 9147 pattern booklet at the shop.
Come and take a look

October sale and raffle at the Yarn Cloud

2011-10-13T14:42:47Z

Getting ready for Halloween and the December holidays? We can help with new halloween and holiday yarns. Reminder that starting October 15th thru the 30th is our October Sale and Raffle. Buy 2 get 1 free of all Worsted Tapestry by Universal. Everyone that comes in the store has the opportunity to put their name in to the raffle for the Spider petite box bag (made by Baaags by Karen). Raffle will be held on October 31st.

"I LOVE YARN" DAY celebrate at the Yarn Cloud

2011-10-13T14:41:32Z

Come and celebrate our love of fiber. Everything in the store is 10% off.

Life’s Little Luxuries a new line of handspun by Rachael Chua

2011-10-10T13:10:59Z

Introducing hand dyed one-of-a-kind yarns. The Yarn Cloud is currently carrying her first Special Edition collection. These yarns are truly one of a kind, so get them while they last as they will not be offered again.

Upcoming hand dyed collections will include:
Sensuous Silk: 100% silk, single-ply lace weight
Leicester Lace: 100% Blue-Faced Leicester wool, single-ply fingering weight
Fleecy Feet: 100% superwash wool, 2-ply fingering weight
Luxurious Lace: 85% Blue-Faced Leicester/15% silk, 2 ply fingering weight
Wild and Woolly: 100% wool, 2-ply available in DK, sport, and worsted weight
Woolly Mammoth: 100% wool, 2-ply bulky weight

As with all handspun, the yarn is at least slightly thick and thin, adding interest to lace and unique textures in bulkier 2-ply projects, making it the perfect compliment to your hand knit projects.

Rachael, an avid fan of the fiber arts, has been knitting and crocheting since childhood. She began spinning yarn a little over a year ago and hasn’t stopped since. With the recent birth of her first child putting her knitting and crocheting teaching on hold, she decided to put her addiction to use and started Life’s Little Luxuries in October 2011. Her work is definitely something to watch as she begins to add the exciting world of hand dyeing to her repertoire of fiber fun.

Life’s Little Luxuries also takes requests for custom yarns and colorways. Contact Rachael at 571-991-1008 to make your request. Custom yarns are usually available in store within a month.

Yarn Cloud Open Columbus Day from 10-3

2011-10-10T12:54:40Z

Come sit and knit with us.

Preview the yarns that will be on sale on the 15th. (buy 2 get 1 free)

Yarn Cloud October Classes Scheduled

2011-10-04T11:53:11Z

New Classes for October have been confirmed.

Hope you can join us !

Ornament of the month club- October (Knit)

Tuesday October 11th Panera's Old Bridge Road and Prince William Parkway 6:30 pm

This month we are knitting a miniature scarf or if you are looking for something more challenging – a miniature hat with a pom-pom. If you are knitting the scarf you will need to bring size 2 knitting needles, or if you chose the hat a set of double pointed needles or 2 circular needles size 2. Kits with instructions will be provided at Panera. Some assistance will be available but please remember that this is a knit-along, not a class. Cost is $5.00 and can be paid at Panera. Kit includes yarn and instructions to make scarf or hat ornament. After each person who is interested receives a kit you may purchase a second one as long as supplies last..

Beginning Tunisian Crochet

Wednesdays starting October 12th from 7 -9 pm for 3 weeks

Using the Tunisian Crochet simple stitch, create a washcloth learning how to cast on, change colors, weave in and complete a single crochet border taught by our own Robin Cooper. It would be helpful to know how to single crochet and create a chain. Cost of class is $60.00. Supply cost approximately $20.00 (for 1 flexible crochet hook and 3 skeins of double twist yarn in light colors)

Beginning Needle Tatting

Thursdays starting October 13th from 7-9 pm for 3 weeks

Learn how to load your needles, make chains, loops and joins while completing 4 projects all taught by award winning tatter Bonnie Swank. The 4 projects you complete are great for gift giving by adding them to the front of gift card, putting on a holiday ornament or making into a bookmark. Cost of class is $85.00. Supply cost is $10.00 (for needle and one solid color ball of size 20 tatting yarn.

Toe-Up Sampler Socks

Saturdays October 15th, October 22 and November 5th from 3-5 pm

Ever wanted to learn how to knit socks? Here's your chance to learn all the parts of knitting a toe-up sock. We will learn 2 different starts: figure 8 magic cast-on and provisional, the heel gusset all the way up Judy’s surprisingly stretchy bind off. This is not a beginning knitting class. You should know how to knit, purl, use double-pointed needles or 2 circular needles and be comfortable with written directions. Class will be taught by Robyn Becker. Cost of class is $60.00. Cost of supplies approximately $20.00 (1 skein of worsted weight yarn and size 5 needles – can be double points, 2 circular, or magic loop)

Crochet Baskets

Sunday - October 23rd - 3 hour class from 2 -5 pm

Learn how to quickly and easily crochet a basket strong enough to hold a water-filled vase of flowers using 8 strands of yarn held together and a "Q" hook. The basket can be used as a holiday gift package instead of a box. This is not a beginning crochet class. You should know how to complete a single crochet, double crochet and slip stitch. Class will be taught by Robyn Becker. Cost of class is $50.00 and includes yarn. Several styles of size "Q" crochet hook will be available at the shop after October 15th for less than $10.00

__________________________________________________________________

Please note: You will not be considered registered for the class until payment is received. You can register either on-line or by calling 703-763-3285. (If you register online, please select paypal as your method of payment and in-store pickup as your delivery) All material (yarns and threads) used in these classes must be purchased from the Yarn Cloud.