The sky has returned to it's usual shade of grey, but inside the Marketplace on Main, things are still cheery and sunny. An Angel's Attic has moved from the room in the back hallway to the room adjoining the White Olive Boutique. Rumor has it that I'll have another neighbor soon too. I'll keep you posted on that.
FYI - If you stop in on Wednesdays, right now I'm the only shop open, so be sure to use the front door (push hard, it sticks) and don't be afraid to climb the stairs. Actually, on any given day you stop in - don't be afraid to climb the stairs! So far there are only 2 of us up there, but I have to say, I think it's worth the trip! Just follow the arrows to DYNT.
I started using the tri-loom (from Tri-Looms by Jim/Sunflower Fibers). Let me tell you, it is easy, fun, fast and an all-around amazing thing! I've made a Plarn bag to showcase the loom and one of the patterns I have available. Now I'm using scraps of yarn; the great thing is that it uses so little yarn - about 50yds. All those single odd balls of yarn I have left from previous projects have just been given a new reason for being! It's also a great way to ply together 2 odd left over yarns and come up with something new and beautiful. I'm wondering how long it'll be before I break down and buy myself a larger loom, and maybe stock some too!
Back to the Plarn; Plarn in PLastic yARN. It's made from used plastic bags. My hubby asked, "Let me get this straight, your cutting up plastic bags to make a plastic bag?" YES! It's such a strange and bizarre thing. After completing the project I was walking around the Marketplace on Main like a little girl playing dress up with her mom's old purse! We (the other shop keepers and me) decided it's a pretty cool thing. Check it out when you stop by. It'll be next to the loom. It sure makes carrying your lunch to work in a plastic bag alot cooler (and green!). Plarn is easy to make, but I may make some and stock it in the store. I'm not really expecting to sell it, but it'll show people what it looks like, acts, and feels like, before you create with it. And it just might inspire them to make their own.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Opening Day
So yesterday was the opening day of DYNT!
The Marketplace on Main is buzzing as spring seems to have arrived. Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Western Pa - an area of the country that statistically rivals Seattle for gloomy grey days. The sun was shinning, the weather was pleasant, the front doors of the Marketplace were thrown open!
Thanks to everyone who stopped in! Now that you know where I am, don't be a stranger, and be sure to tell others. Yes, the room is small...but when you start small, the only thing you can do is grow, right?
One of the highlights for me, was the surprise visit from Mike & Emily of North St. Crochet, in Ohio. They had mentioned that they might make the trip out to say hello some day, but I never thought it would have been yesterday. Mike is the creator of some of the T-shirt yarn I stock. I still find it to be amazing stuff. And now that the weather may have broken, I just might have to make myself a summer hat out of some of it...one of the many projects in my head right now.
I think some were disappointed that I didn't have much "regular" yarn (one woman actually used the word regular, which is why I am using it here...). I had a few ask if I was going to carry specific brands. It's sometimes hard to explain to people why I am trying to carry smaller "brands" of local/regionally supplied stuff as well as fair trade for the stuff you can't get here - like silk.
In this global economy, and the financial crunch that so many people are in, it's often difficult for people to see why buying something from someone you may actually meet some day is important. I like to tell people that it keeps your money in your circle. Which, when you think long and hard about it, can really only help the local economy. Besides, I got to meet Mike & Emily! If I had found a similiar yarn from some giant international yarn supplier, what are my chances of meeting the guy who actually does the physical work of turning a T-shirt into yarn?
I am looking into some larger lines of "regular" yarn. There's a small company in the south that has their own line, but due to industry in their area closing and moving overseas, many of the local fiber mills have shut down. So now some of their stuff does come from overseas. So I'm still looking into which ones are made stateside, and if I can live with the stocking the ones that aren't. However, it's probably still not going to be of interest to people who use double coupons at the big box craft stores. I'll keep you posted.
The Marketplace on Main is buzzing as spring seems to have arrived. Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Western Pa - an area of the country that statistically rivals Seattle for gloomy grey days. The sun was shinning, the weather was pleasant, the front doors of the Marketplace were thrown open!
Thanks to everyone who stopped in! Now that you know where I am, don't be a stranger, and be sure to tell others. Yes, the room is small...but when you start small, the only thing you can do is grow, right?
One of the highlights for me, was the surprise visit from Mike & Emily of North St. Crochet, in Ohio. They had mentioned that they might make the trip out to say hello some day, but I never thought it would have been yesterday. Mike is the creator of some of the T-shirt yarn I stock. I still find it to be amazing stuff. And now that the weather may have broken, I just might have to make myself a summer hat out of some of it...one of the many projects in my head right now.
I think some were disappointed that I didn't have much "regular" yarn (one woman actually used the word regular, which is why I am using it here...). I had a few ask if I was going to carry specific brands. It's sometimes hard to explain to people why I am trying to carry smaller "brands" of local/regionally supplied stuff as well as fair trade for the stuff you can't get here - like silk.
In this global economy, and the financial crunch that so many people are in, it's often difficult for people to see why buying something from someone you may actually meet some day is important. I like to tell people that it keeps your money in your circle. Which, when you think long and hard about it, can really only help the local economy. Besides, I got to meet Mike & Emily! If I had found a similiar yarn from some giant international yarn supplier, what are my chances of meeting the guy who actually does the physical work of turning a T-shirt into yarn?
I am looking into some larger lines of "regular" yarn. There's a small company in the south that has their own line, but due to industry in their area closing and moving overseas, many of the local fiber mills have shut down. So now some of their stuff does come from overseas. So I'm still looking into which ones are made stateside, and if I can live with the stocking the ones that aren't. However, it's probably still not going to be of interest to people who use double coupons at the big box craft stores. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday Update.
The phone was installed today! Yeah! So now I have a working number, and a phone that rings. I have to dig the phone instructions out of the attic. My hubby programed it to play "We Will Rock You" as the ring tone, I think I might want to change that, and I have to learn how to use it as an answering machine.
With the phone installation, the credit card machine is now up and running too. I think I'm all set for Saturday!
I also hung some things on the wall. Please don't criticize the uneven-ness of the charts. The entire house is catty-wonked. Don't even look at the windows' curtains. It'll just drive you bonkers trying to figure out if the window is crooked or if it's the curtain. I'll give you a hint, it's the house. My part of the building leans toward Penn Street. I gave up trying to make things look right - if the lettering is straight, it's good. One of the other shops has a shelf in it that looks so skewed, you would swear the shelf bows up about 1 foot from the opposite side. You'd be wrong. When a level is placed on the shelf, it is level. The door frame under the shelf is so crooked it makes the shelf looked warped. Oh the joys of older homes.
Anyway, I'll be open on Saturday from 10am - 4 pm. I hope to see you there.
With the phone installation, the credit card machine is now up and running too. I think I'm all set for Saturday!
I also hung some things on the wall. Please don't criticize the uneven-ness of the charts. The entire house is catty-wonked. Don't even look at the windows' curtains. It'll just drive you bonkers trying to figure out if the window is crooked or if it's the curtain. I'll give you a hint, it's the house. My part of the building leans toward Penn Street. I gave up trying to make things look right - if the lettering is straight, it's good. One of the other shops has a shelf in it that looks so skewed, you would swear the shelf bows up about 1 foot from the opposite side. You'd be wrong. When a level is placed on the shelf, it is level. The door frame under the shelf is so crooked it makes the shelf looked warped. Oh the joys of older homes.
Anyway, I'll be open on Saturday from 10am - 4 pm. I hope to see you there.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Opening Saturday, March 20th!
Well, it's about as official as I can get. DYNT will be opening on Saturday, March 20th! The shop will be open from 10 - 4. Stop by. Say hello. Welcome Spring with the shops at the Marketplace on Main.
I'm upstairs, so from the front door, head up the stairs and turn right at the top of the stairs. "Sonja's Upstairs Studio" is on your left. Go through the door straight ahead, and keep turning right!
The Marketplace on Main is a great place to browse - please stop in at the other stores too - The White Olive Boutique, The Hidden Nest, Angel's Attic, Children's Consignment Boutique, The Artist's Garden, and Sonja's Upstairs Studio. I'm excited about becoming part of this unique family. Every one's been very helpful as I've been in and out and up and down the stairs.
See you Saturday, March 20th.
I'm upstairs, so from the front door, head up the stairs and turn right at the top of the stairs. "Sonja's Upstairs Studio" is on your left. Go through the door straight ahead, and keep turning right!
The Marketplace on Main is a great place to browse - please stop in at the other stores too - The White Olive Boutique, The Hidden Nest, Angel's Attic, Children's Consignment Boutique, The Artist's Garden, and Sonja's Upstairs Studio. I'm excited about becoming part of this unique family. Every one's been very helpful as I've been in and out and up and down the stairs.
See you Saturday, March 20th.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
T-shirt yarns in stock!
I've recently received a few shipments of T-shirt yarns. Eclectic Notions, North Street Crochet & The Stuff Muffin are all supplying my local, recycled, T-shirt yarn needs! Wait until you see this stuff! I've used T-shirt yarn to make rugs, but my homemade yarn looks nothing like this! I don't know how they do it, and I can't imagine the patience involved. But it is a cool end product.
For those of you wondering what T-shirt yarn is and why you would use it, lets begin with what it is. T-shirt yarn is a bulkier weight, usually cotton, yarn made from old T-shirts. The T-shirts are clean, and must be in a "usable" condition from the start. The T-shirts are then cut and treated in such a way that the end result is a yarn. I'm not sure what the full process is, because like I already mentioned, mine doesn't look like theirs when finished!
Why would you use T-shirt yarn?
It's unique. Because it's made from recycled T-shirts, the color selections vary based on what is available at the time - so be sure to buy enough to finish your project, or plan accordingly. This can create some funky and fun color combinations, as well as spur some creative thinking - how will you incorporated it with other yarns?
It's recycled. Except for the effort by the creator of each skein/ball, there are no extra cotton and or fiber resources used in the making of the yarn, it's already been manufactured once, used, and has moved on to it's new life as yarn.
It's often cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is a very toxic crop, from start to finish. Organic cotton exists, but is expensive and hard to find. T-shirt yarn, back to the recycling point, has already been through all those toxic processes. There is nothing else to be done to it. It's not organic, but no "extra" pesticides, herbicides or dyes were added to it. The recycling part of it is pretty low-tech. It's washed, but so are all of your clothes, right?
I'm pretty excited about all the recycled yarns in stock. They are all amazing. Be sure to check out all the recycled yarns - some are made from old sweater yarn! I can't imagine the patience involved in that either! I'm very excited about the recycled options available, each new box I open just gets my mind spinning with new ideas and projects.
For those of you wondering what T-shirt yarn is and why you would use it, lets begin with what it is. T-shirt yarn is a bulkier weight, usually cotton, yarn made from old T-shirts. The T-shirts are clean, and must be in a "usable" condition from the start. The T-shirts are then cut and treated in such a way that the end result is a yarn. I'm not sure what the full process is, because like I already mentioned, mine doesn't look like theirs when finished!
Why would you use T-shirt yarn?
It's unique. Because it's made from recycled T-shirts, the color selections vary based on what is available at the time - so be sure to buy enough to finish your project, or plan accordingly. This can create some funky and fun color combinations, as well as spur some creative thinking - how will you incorporated it with other yarns?
It's recycled. Except for the effort by the creator of each skein/ball, there are no extra cotton and or fiber resources used in the making of the yarn, it's already been manufactured once, used, and has moved on to it's new life as yarn.
It's often cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton is a very toxic crop, from start to finish. Organic cotton exists, but is expensive and hard to find. T-shirt yarn, back to the recycling point, has already been through all those toxic processes. There is nothing else to be done to it. It's not organic, but no "extra" pesticides, herbicides or dyes were added to it. The recycling part of it is pretty low-tech. It's washed, but so are all of your clothes, right?
I'm pretty excited about all the recycled yarns in stock. They are all amazing. Be sure to check out all the recycled yarns - some are made from old sweater yarn! I can't imagine the patience involved in that either! I'm very excited about the recycled options available, each new box I open just gets my mind spinning with new ideas and projects.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Painting, painting and more painting.
Well it's Wednesday. That means I headed down to the shop to get some painting done. And I can now say that I'm exhausted, but I'm just about done painting! I only have to polyurethane the trim work and I'll be done. Whew. Today I painted the wall above the fireplace (2 coats), washed, scraped and distressed the trim work and 2 doors, and put the 2nd coat on the other walls.
I also think I got a phone line. It's very difficult to get a phone when you don't have a phone. Yes, I'm one of the few remaining people who does not have a cell phone. So I had made arrangements to meet the rep at the shop this morning. He didn't show up, so I walked down to the phone company, it's about 2 blocks from the shop. I had to talk to 5 different people before it was determined that he'd meet me at the shop in a few minutes.
The phone people kept asking me for a number they could reach me at... I did my best not to be a smart ass, but it was hard. I just kept telling them, "I don't have a phone there, that's why I walked down here." I realize they assumed I had a cell phone, but it seemed like a strange SNL skit with me standing in the lobby of a phone company asking for a phone line and them asking for my phone number.
Anyway, when I get a number, I'll be sure to post it! My dad will be happy to get the number too because he calls to check on me every Wednesday. Once I get a number he can just call me there! So if you're shopping on a Wednesday and I'm on the phone yapping away, it's probably just my dad.
I also think I got a phone line. It's very difficult to get a phone when you don't have a phone. Yes, I'm one of the few remaining people who does not have a cell phone. So I had made arrangements to meet the rep at the shop this morning. He didn't show up, so I walked down to the phone company, it's about 2 blocks from the shop. I had to talk to 5 different people before it was determined that he'd meet me at the shop in a few minutes.
The phone people kept asking me for a number they could reach me at... I did my best not to be a smart ass, but it was hard. I just kept telling them, "I don't have a phone there, that's why I walked down here." I realize they assumed I had a cell phone, but it seemed like a strange SNL skit with me standing in the lobby of a phone company asking for a phone line and them asking for my phone number.
Anyway, when I get a number, I'll be sure to post it! My dad will be happy to get the number too because he calls to check on me every Wednesday. Once I get a number he can just call me there! So if you're shopping on a Wednesday and I'm on the phone yapping away, it's probably just my dad.
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