Reporting from the OTHER Windy City!
Last week, I flew to Chicago to attend the h+h Americas trade show for "soft crafts." Most of the exhibitors were related to knitting and crochet, but quilting, needlework, macrame, and a few other crafts were represented as well. In addition to the opportunity to connect with some of my current vendors, I also gathered information from new potential partners, took several business-focused classes, and enjoyed the company of shop owner friends (some of whom I'd not previously met face-to-face). It was a rejuvenating trip, and I'm excited for the ways that it will ehance your experience as a customer!
In-store shopping: masks are optional (but welcome and appreciated). Thanks for your help in keeping my business open to the public!
…to learn (and do)
CURRENT CLASSES & EVENTS
In-Person Social Stitching
July 9, July 23
(2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month), 2-4 pm
July 20
(3rd Wednesdays, May-October), 5-8 pm
Sailaway -- Olive Knits 4 Day KAL
July 1 Full pattern released. Drop in cast on festivities at Yarn Folk 12-5. If you'd like to cast on with some company, drop in during Friday afternoon hours.
July 1 - 31 Online events and giveaways continue!
More details at Olive Knits. Suggested yarn/color combinations on our 4Day KAL page and you can find sample sweater details in our May 17 blog post!
Holiday Hours
July 4 CLOSED
...to anticipate
I knew that not much would be arriving while I was away, but a couple of our regular monthly treats were waiting when I returned, both with fun summer pop culture vibes. Our friends from Apple Fiber Studio were at h+h also, but the July colorway for the Pretty Pretty Yarn Club was shipped out before they left. The theme for the summer colorways is Blockbusters, and the first color is Maverick. Time to buzz the tower!
Meanwhile, Katrinkles' Stitch Marker of the Month pays tribute to that annual July tradition--Shark Week. The Stitch Marker of the Month sets have five laser engraved wood markers, paired with a coordinating acrylic marker, and the acrylic marker this month is a sparkly silver dorsal fin. (The acrylic markers make great beginning of round markers!)
…to inspire
What do you think of when you think of a conference or trade show? The venerable tote bag of info and swag, of course. One of the things that caught my eye was a tiny brochure from Knitter's Pride highlighting their Mindful Collection, and linking to a video of stretches for knitters and crocheters. The volume balance between the spoken instruction and the accompanying music is a bit off, but it's a nice, short introduction to some stretches that can keep repetitive stress injuries at bay.
...to stitch
I got to work a bit on the Miles Shirt Jacket in Manchelopis at Social Stitching on Saturday, but I opted to choose smaller more portable projects for traveling. I took the Anemone Cowl by Jeananne Atthowe, and discovered I only had a few rounds remaining. I loved the firm twist of Murky Depths' Harbour Singles for this free crochet pattern. I also knit the rest of the leg of my second sock in Vesper Sock (but didn't have a moment to get the short-row garter stitch heel started). And I started a summer version of The Shift in Lazy Hazy Summer Cotton. All three colors have been introduced at this point, and I'm loving the soft, beachy vibe of this combination. (The specific combination here is Pastel/Salmon/Mustard, but Patina/Lilac/Purple or Patina/Buttercream/Fuchsia are other strong choices!)
