New flair and planning for Fall 😍
Last week was largely spent participating in a virtual tradeshow--something I've done informally during the pandemic, as vendors presented to a smaller group of shop owners. This week's event was organized more like a comprehensive show, with a schedule of presentations, a virtual market floor, color cards and samples, and the opportunity for private meetings.
Short term, we have some fun little treats already here (see below!), or on the way, and medium term we have some truly inspiring yarns already ordered for fall, and more ideas to pursue.
Current open hours are Monday - Friday, 7am-3:30pm, and Saturdays, 9am-3pm. In-store shopping: mask covering nose and mouth required for the duration of your visit. We continue to be mindful about making it possible to maintain social distancing in the shop.
…to learn (and do)
CURRENT CLASSES & EVENTS
Social Stitching via Zoom
Thursday, June 17th, 4:00-6:00pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/981942707?pwd=TExyQlRPWnB3OW40QkFZRCs5aVRtQT09 OR open Zoom and enter 981-942-707 for the meeting ID
PASSWORD IS 330044.
Reminder: we've consolidated to just one Zoom event for now, but if you'd like to share project photos, chat, or share KAL progress, we'd love for you to create an account at yarnfolk.com and participate in the community we're building there. No intent to be yet another social network, but it's an option for sharing that doesn't depend on any outside platform. You can find it here.
Olive Knits 4 Day KAL (Fireworks)
Thursday, July 1st to Saturday, July 31st
Details here; view DK yarn options at Yarn Folk here.
...to anticipate
adKnits promises "nature-inspired goods for knitters and makers," and designer Augusta Donaldson delivers. Can't lie--I ordered most of what she offers: gift tags, stitch markers, enamel pins, merit badges, and stickers, all with outdoor themes that really speak to our beautiful surroundings here in the Pacific Northwest. Links above for what we have in stock right now!
…to inspire
I rarely use the yarn called for in a pattern, and over time have had good success with yarn substitutions. Tools like yarnsub.com can help a lot, and when it comes to yarns I carry in the shop, I've at least swatched all of them, and have used most in projects big and large, which gives me an idea of how they might behave in a particular design.
This article about grist offers another tool that could be very useful when swapping a yarn for another with a different blend of fibers. I haven't seen the process described quite this way before, and it was a fascinating read.
Above, are two yarns that knit to about the same gauge on similar size needles, with a similar ply structure, but Homestead is 100% wool at 191 yards in 100g, and Blue Sky Printed Organic Cotton is 100% cotton at 140 yards in 100g. After reading the article, think about how much a 600 yard project would weigh in wool vs. cotton!
