By Hand Yarn Retreat 2010

By Hand Yarn will host its 3rd annual retreat at Silver Spur Conference Center September 10-12, 2010.  The weekend begins Friday evening with dinner and ends with brunch on Sunday and includes a private party at the shop on Saturday evening. 

Your cost of $190 includes all food and lodging for the weekend and a class on Saturday.  This class will focus on projects that are great for stash busting.  On Saturday afternoon both Pat and Candace will be available to help you with your knitting questions and problems.  We may even throw in another field trip this year. (Note the cost has gone DOWN since last year!)

Please note that accommodations include shared rooms for up to six people, including queen size beds for two, upper and lower bunks, and single beds.  If you require special consideration for sleeping arrangements, please let us know and we will do our best to make it work for you.

Registration opens Monday, February 15^th at 9:00a.m.  Bring your coffee and knitting and we’ll have a Monday morning sit and stitch! Call or stop by the store to reserve your space with a non-refundable deposit of $50 ( your deposit may be refunded if we are able to fill your spot from a waiting list).  Payment is due in full by August 1^st.  Information packets will be mailed approximately 30 days before the event.

See you at Silver Spur!

Super Bowl – Single Skein

“Super” Single Skein Social

February 7 – 2:00-5:00

Snood/Slouchy Hat – 16” circs 9 & 11, DP 11

Washcloth – Size 5 

Hugs and Kisses Scarf – Size 9

Heart shaped Trivet – Size 11 or 13

Crochet Capelet – Crochet hook K

Yarn and ?

Last week we had people coming into the yarn store asking for something new.  Like power and water!  We had requests for an outlet to charge cell phones, and water for teeth brushing.  Much of the motherlode was without power for some of last week, and we saw many of our store community coming in for refuge.  Some knitters/crocheters just came in to stitch and enjoy the warmth.  

Let me just say:  I love these times at the yarn store!

Welcome Pattie!

We are pleased to announce our newest staff member, Pattie Henderson.  Pattie has been a part of the By Hand Yarn community as a customer for years.  She took classes from Frankie the first year the store was open, that was 7.5 years ago.  She is now a very accomplished knitter.  You will often notice her wearing her knit garments, they are always beautifully knit and fit just right!

We have all enjoyed working with Pattie, and find her a valuable asset to our staff. 

Welcome Pattie!

What a great trip!

In between sitting outside and soaking up the warm sun we went to classes, met with other retailers, brainstormed, and shopped the trade show floor.  It is hard for me to even re-cap the highlights there were so many. 

I enjoyed the class I took on “colorwork knitting” from Jared Flood.  He was a great teacher, and discussed many aspects of knitting and yarn  beyond the scope of the class.  I hope to be able to bring some of that knowledge to the store. 

We went to the “sample it” event where some retailers were selling their new, noteworthy items for us to buy and check out.  I have a table at the store with some of the items we would like to try, and have your input on.  Items of note:  Namaste bag (new style), Kollage square needles, Lornas Shepherd chunky / Toy kit, Offhand Designs knitting bag, Knit Kit, Shibui Stocatto (merino/silk), Schaefer’s new Audrey (merino/silk), Mountain Colors new sock yarn, Jaggerspun merino/silk in 570 yd balls and more!

One of the great things  for us was spending this time together to collaborate.  We spent a lot of time brainstorming for the store reatreat, and other events for the store.

Shopping the trade show floor was overwhelming!  There was so much to see, and absorb.  We came back with a lot of ideas and info.  We even did a little buying for the store.  I thought Pat was going to burst not being able to buy and take with her.  She finally did satisfy that urge at the Colonial Needle booth.  She bought an interchangeable needle kit out of the rosewood.   I know she took it to Denver with her.  I am anxious to see how she likes them.

Well, there’s at least a start of a recap of our trip.

TNNA or bust…

Pat and Candace are headed to TNNA (The National Needle Arts) tradeshow this week.  We will be taking classes, meeting with other retailers, and most importantly shopping!   Wish us luck, this show is always overwhelming!

There will be no drop-in classes this week.  The class schedule starts up again next week, hope to see you then.

Holiday Greetings

All of us at By Hand Yarn would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Holiday season.   We thank you all for your continued friendship and support.

If your downtown Sonora over the Holiday season, please stop in for a hug and/or a smile.  We will be marking down Art Yarns and Tilli Tomas  25% off this week as our gift to you.

With continued gratitude to you all,

Frankie, Candace, Pat, Anneliese, Eric and Pattie

Yes, we crochet too!

Don’t feel left out crocheters!   Come join us at our Crochet Block of the Month.

December Single Skein

A good time was had  by all at our December SSS.  Thanks to everyone who came and helped us ring in the holiday season.  A big thanks also to Rebecca, Carol, Victoria and Missy for the yummy treats!  Now get knitting and finish those gifts!

December Single Skein Social

Featured Projects for Single Skein Social

Single Skein Social

Sunday, Dec. 6^th 2:00-5:00

Snowflake Dishcloth

            -Size 5 needles

             -Rowan – Purelife Cotton

Alpaca Neckwarmer

            -Size 8 needles

            -Classic Elite – Inca Marl

Felted Envelopes

            -Size 10.5 Needles

            -Noro – Kureyon

Chunky Tam/Beret

            -Circular 16” size 11 and DP size 11

             -Misti Alpaca – Tonos Chunky

Saphira Hat

            -Circular 16” size 10 and DP size 10

             -SWTC – Saphira

Infant Hat

            -size 5 DP needles

            -Sirdar – Baby Bamboo