Updates at Spinster

Had a couple technical difficulties for a bit there with the blog but we are back in the swing of things!

Some updates at the shop:

I had a blast at Sheep and Wool! Oh yes! Lots of fleece was bought and I am going to begin the process of processing it next week. And our lovely spinning and knitting teacher Jacey Boggs won herself some ribbons for her always fabulous yarns. Check that out at her blog Insubordiknit. Congrats Jacey!!!!!

I am coming up with my plans for a "Batt Station" in the shop where custom batts can be made from a selection of locks and fibers and fun additions all chosen by YOU! I have locks that I am going to have dyed up, drum carder is here in the shop, I have a nice collection of sparkly stuff...so look for updates on that soon!

Classes, classes, classes...

This Sunday, May 18, is the next session start of Socks on 2 Circulars. The class runs May 18, June 8, June 22 from 4-6pm. There are 3 slots left for this class...

The next beginning wheel spinning class is July 13 & July 20 from 4-6pm. We have ONE slot left! First one to call with a credit card gets the spot. Anyone else can be added to a waiting list in the event that a student cancels. Spinning is really taking off here at Spinster. Remember, there is a Louet wheel and a Lendrum in the shop if you ever want to come play! I am working on getting more wheels for display/use as well.

We have an upcoming class on Crochet for Knitters as well! More info coming on that one. We had the Crocheted Necklace Workshop last weekend which was fun. I have pics to upload on some of the activities that have been happening here. Look for that post in a bit.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Book attack!

Just in to the shop:

New Yarn Harlot!




And this fabulous book...



I mean, seriously? How could you not want to crochet with patterns like this?



Nevermind the zombies, ninjas, and grim reapers you could make too. There needs to be more than 24 hours in a day so I can get to all these projects!

Sheep and Wool and 10% sale

Of course I am going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival! Sunday will find me happily wandering around all that sheep-y goodness and I hope to come home smelling of sheep and loaded down with fiber. The shop is still open this weekend though. And in order to entice those of you who may or may not be Sheep and Wooling it, there will be a 10% off sale on Saturday and Sunday in the shop towards any items. This includes spring Namaste stuff....so if you are contemplating a new Laguna or Malibu bag, this the the time!

O M G

Namaste bags are here and they are so hot! I have already sold some and they literally got here just a few hours ago! This is what I have now in stock:






Laguna in Turquoise, Hollywood Pink, Lime, and Olive $60 each





Malibu in Charcoal Gray, Hollywood Pink, Olive $60 each



Plus I have the Cali Cozy in all the colors. They are only $9 each!

I still have the Cali Clutches too! Lime, Hollywood Pink, Olive and Turquoise $50 each

I suggest that you get in here soon or they will be GONE! They are sooo popular right now. If there is a color that you want me to special order for you, I can do that as well.

Plus current in-store stock of Executive, Everyday, Jetsetter and Vintage bags are discounted. Looks like Everyday and Executive bags are no longer being made so if you want one, get what is left while you can!

In stock I have:

Everday in Camel; marked down to $50 from $70
Jetsetter in Black and Chocolate; marked down to $50 from $70
Executive in Dusty Rose and Red; marked down to $50 from $70
Vintage in Turquoise; marked down to $60 from $80



I can't wait to see what their fall line will have!!!!!

NEW CLASSES NEW CLASSES

Friday Night Knitting with Ann Wilson

Introduction to lace
2 hours $25
class size 2 - 6
Ready to start a lace project, but afraid of it? This class will take away the fear of:

How to read a lace chart
Understand the different stitches used (yarn over, increases and decreases) and their abbreviations
Provisional cast on

We will make a small sample so that you can practice the different stitches.
Handout will be provided
Supplies needed: any light colored, smooth worsted weight yarn from Spinster Yarns & Fibers and needles to match, crochet hook
May 2nd; 4 -6 pm

Beginner lace project - Little Silk Shrug
Two 2-hr sessions $45
class size 2 - 6
This is a great project for first-time lace knitters, there is no shaping and the stitch pattern is easy.
Supplies needed: Book "Lace Style" from Interweave Knits - available at Spinster, 2 balls of Inspiration by South West Trading Company in your choice of color from Spinster Yarns & Fibers, US size 7 and size 8 needles (one 24 inch circular needle is needed for the edging), measuring tape, tapestry needle
May 16th , May 30th ; 4-6pm

Intermediate/Advanced lace project - you pick your own project!
Two 2-hr sessions $45 (additional sessions can be scheduled if needed)
class size 2 - 6
You pick a lace project of your choice and we will go over the pattern together, discussing any open questions and yarn selections. Please come prepared with a pattern of your choice, there are many great books in the store. I particularly like the book "Lace Style" from Interweave Knits, because there are many different items for all level of experience and also a very extensive "how to" section in the back.
Supplies needed: based on the project chosen, yarn to be bought at Spinster Yarns & Fibers
June 13th, June 27th; 4-6 pm

Switch to Continental style knitting
2 hours $20
class size 2 - 6
Would you like to try out Continental style knitting? This class is designed for knitters who already know how to knit and purl with any other method than the Continental one.
Supplies needed: any light colored, smooth worsted weight yarn from Spinster Yarns & Fibers and needles to match
July 11th; 4-6pm

And, as always...

The Fine Print Class Policy stuff:
All classes are to be pre-registered with full payment to hold your spot. You may call the shop to register with a credit card (410-444-9276) or register in person. A materials list will be provided. Yarn or fiber must be purchased at the shop, prior to the time the class starts so that the class may start on time. You may bring your own needles if you have them.
Refunds: A waiting list is established once a class is filled. If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your spot to another person. Cancellations at least one week prior to the start of class will be refunded. No refunds will be granted if cancellation occurs after that time or a no-show of a participant. No exceptions. In the rare event that the teacher of the class has to cancel, a full refund will be granted.

Crochet Necklace Workshop

This class will take a maximum of 6 students. It will fill up fast so reserve your spot soon! You can call the shop with a credit card to reserve your spot or come on in and you can purchase your yarn for the class too.


Teacher: MaryKate Newcomb
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008, 3-6 PM
Cost: $40 per participant, plus the purchase of 1 skein of thin-gauge yarn from the shop

Materials included in fee: seed beads, button closure, and a copy of the book Jewelry With a Hook by Terry Taylor that MaryKate has a published pattern in.

Please bring: a size D, E or F crochet hook, small yarn needle, and basic crochet skills!

Come and enjoy an afternoon of crocheting a beautiful beaded choker from the new book, Jewelry With a Hook! Crochet designer MaryKate Newcomb will teach workshop participants how to crochet with beads to create one of the designs from the book, and will also provide techniques adapting other trim patterns for jewelry.

Attention MICA students!

Spinster Yarns & Fibers formally invites you to 10% any purchases in the shop with showing your student ID. This invitation does not expire. Anytime you come in, show your ID and you are good to go.

I can also special order any kind of fiber you may need for your projects and classes with prepayment. I can get pretty much any kind of fiber in any quantity: bamboo, hemp, flax, synthetic fibers, animal fibers, whatever. I can also special order Gaywool Dyes for any of your fiber dyeing requirements.

And speaking of hooking...

I finished my beanie!

Check it out:

For you hookers...

A new class is forming and it is really cool. MaryKate is teaching a 3 hour workshop on making crocheted jewelry. More info is coming....



I put this necklace on and don't want to take it off! She is making another one out of Allhemp 3...just in to the shop for spring and summer hemp projects!