Darn Yarn Needles and Thread

Just another weekly update

2012-02-08T16:20:00.000-05:00

My dad says I don't have any photos of the shop on line. I'm not sure where he's looking. So, just for him, here's another photo of the shop. This is just the "new" needle felting, spinning and silk yarn corner. The needle felting and spinning supplies are on the left, the silk is on the right.

I'm not sure how I feel about this arrangement. We'll see as time goes on. I was going to put a sofa in this corner, but didn't want everyone to bump their heads on the hooks. So who knows, in a few weeks, this could be where the sofa is. I do it just to keep all of you on your toes. Not really. I do it 'cause every time I get new inventory or things like sofas, I need to find a place to put them.

Which reminds me - new inventory is on it's way. Spring is too, so there should be some new cottons arriving soon. Stay posted.

Don't forget, this weekend is the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival. For all you fiber junkies out there - words can not describe this event! You have to see it to believe it. I won't have a booth there, but I will be attending on Sunday. If you are there on Saturday, I'll be open. Stop by on your way to or from. If you see me there on Sunday, say hello.

Brown Sheep wools in stock

2012-02-01T12:25:00.000-05:00

Recently, I got a shipment of Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Superwash Bulky yarns. It reminded me how much I love this company and all of their products. But I'll admit, I love wool. I know there are many out there who don't like it, or find it itchy. I ask you to give it another try. Stop in at your local yarn store (LYS) and feel some of the new wools out there. The itch comes from the size of the fiber. That's about all I know, and about as technical as I'll get. Breeding, careful selection and processing has brought wool along way from the itchy clothes I remember wearing as a child. (I'll admit, I liked it even then, itchy or not.)

Wool absorbs perspiration while resisting water and is odor resistant. And of course, it's warm. But did you know it "breathes" too - making it perfect for climates like ours where it's below freezing in the morning but warm during the day. If you want more information about the Brown Sheep Company and their yarns, check out their web site. www.brownsheep.com It's a great American company. When you're done, stop in and see the yarns for your self.

I also carry Brown Sheep's two childrens' books: "Freddie's Blanket" and "Phoebe's Sweater". At the end of both books are knitting patterns for items described and pictured in the books! Including Freddie and Phoebe.

Banana Silk & Peace Silk now in stock.

2012-01-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

I feel settled in, finally. This new space is proving to be a comfortable and cozy spot for me, and I hope, in the long run, for you too.

Peace Silk (top basket) and
Recycled Silk (bottom basket)

I was finally able to reach Frabjous Fibers in New England! They are drying out, and I was able to get in some Peace Silk. Peace Silk is also called "Ahimsa" silk. It was created for Buddhist monks who did not like the idea of killing the silk worms to harvest the silk that was being used for their robes. The moths are allowed to emerge before the silk is harvested for Ahimsa or Peace Silk. I'm not sure if this makes it Vegan Friendly, but I sure like the idea. Honestly, until I heard about Peace Silk, I didn't realize the worms were killed in silk production. I'm familiar with the tent caterpillars - and they leave quite a mess when they fly away - so I kind of thought silk production was something like that. Guess I was wrong!

Anyway, the new Peace Silk is $10 for 230 yards. It is an undyed, hand spun, fair-trade silk too. I'm impressed with how unbelievably soft this product is. I just may have to make myself some little do dad from this yarn, maybe a quick beret or small cowl. Remember silk is a great "regulator" fiber - which makes it great for our climate. And now that I know about the worms - this Peace Silk may find it's way into many of my projects!

Frabjous Fibers Recycled yarns are also in stock - sorry didn't get a photo of them. These yarns are brilliant multi colored and tonal yarns. Each skein contain 100 yards of silk weaving mill waste that is hand spun into beautiful mottled colors. They are $12 each.

Banana Silk is also back in stock! This was a quick seller for me, and I have been waiting to get it back in stock! Rather than pick the colors, (and since they were out of quite a few due to the flood and other issues) I just had them send me an assortment of their best selling colors. There's a reason these are best sellers! The Banana Silk Yarn is hand spun and kettle dyed in India. It's also a fair-trade item and is Vegan Friendly. The rayon made from the banana fibers is much heavier than one would expect. This creates a unique yarn that works up like a bulkier weight.

New stuff in my new space!

2012-01-18T13:33:00.000-05:00

NEW! Serena Alpaca/Pima Cotton

NEW! Organic Cotton Thread!

NEW! Pima Cotton.

NEW! Belfast Linen Blend from Kraemer.

New colors of Naturally Nazareth.

NEW! Stott's Ranch

Well, the Open House went well. Thanks to every one who made it out. I hope you enjoyed the new space and all the vendors.

I brought in a few new items and thought I should take the time to share them with you. These photos are just a few things that are new. There are also new colors in Burly Spun from Brown Sheep Co., new colors of O'wool's Balance (I love this stuff!), new Serendipity Tweed from Brown Sheep - it works well with the Cotton Fleece as the Cotton Fleece is a similiar blend and weight, but in solid colors and the Serendipity Tweeds are, well, tweeds.

I'm excited about many of the new items, for different reasons. The Serena is a beautiful light weight yarn, I can't wait to try something that needs a smaller stitch - a hat maybe? I need a good slouchy beret. The Belfast is a linen blend, and I haven't done much with linen yet. Now's my chance - a crocheted skirt maybe? I have felting dreams about the new colors of Naturally Nazareth and Stott's Ranch. And honestly, what fiber junkie doesn't like a simple, but good quality thread? We all have to sew on buttons and such occasionally? I hope you'll stop by soon and check out all the new stuff and the new space too.

Open House this weekend.

2012-01-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

This week is the official opening of DYNT in it's new location - The Center of Harmony. The new location is at 253D Mercer Street, in Harmony, PA. The building is just a block or so from the Harmony Inn. I'm working on a new sign, but in the mean time, once in the parking lot, my entry door is in the left corner of the lot. There's a deck in the corner that I share w/ Pearlette - they already have their sign up, so head that direction and you'll find my door.

This Saturday is the Center of Harmony's Grand-Opening. We'll be open from 10am - 6pm. The other shops will be open, there will be vendors and local organizations, classes and the Opera Hall will be open. I'm, looking forward to a busy day and can't wait to see everyone and meet many new people!

Just for the occasion, I just got in some new colors of Burly Spun, Naturally Nazareth, and Frog Tree's Bulky Alpaca; new Belfast Linen blend, Frog Tree Pima Cotton and Organic Cotton Thread! Also, there are many items on sale - Peaches and Creme, Starlette, and more.

And...we're open! Sorta...

2012-01-03T21:14:00.003-05:00

DYNT is now in it's new location, 253 Mercer Street. We're part of the Center of Harmony (CoH). And yes, we're open...sort of...tomorrow will be a busy day, we'll be getting ready for the CoH Grand Opening next week! The Grand Opening will be Saturday the 14th from 10am - 6pm.

So, in a nutshell, yes, we'll be open tomorrow, Wednesday, January 4th at 10am. However, the yarn has yet to be unpacked, if you stop in, that's probably what we'll be doing! Be prepared to sort through stuff with us! I've been putting it off 'cause CoH is still under construction - and it's an amazing transformation. But any construction kicks up alot of dust. Because of the dust, I haven't unpacked most of the yarns. But, again, with the Grand Opening quickly approaching, the construction is winding down too.

Also, because of new year stuff, new hours, and scheduling issues...we will only be open until about 5:30 tomorrow. But will be open from 10am - 6pm on Thursday and 10am -4pm on Saturday. I hope to see you soon.

Phew! That was alot of disjointed information. Stay tuned for more updates and photos.

Farewell Butler, Hello Harmony.

2011-12-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

Well, this is it, my last post while the shop is still located in Butler. DYNT will be open at the Markethouse on Thursday the 22nd (10am - 6pm); and Friday the 23rd (10am -4pm-ish). The phone will be disconnected on Friday. Be sure to stop in and say hello and goodbye. Pick up your last minute gifts for the knitters on your list.

Next week, DYNT will be closed. We will be moving to our new location in Harmony. We're looking forward to the move, which is good - 'cause otherwise why would I move the shop?

For the time being, the hours at the new location will be Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am - 6pm and Saturdays 10am - 4. I know they are a bit goofy, but I've still got to go to work at my other job on the other days... bear with me in this and I'm hoping that eventually DYNT will be open more "regular" hours.

Also, The Center of Harmony will be having our Grand Open House on Saturday, January 14th from 10am -6pm. Stop in then and see me and the other shops. It'll be a great time and a great way to celebrate the start of 2012 and new beginnings for all of us.

Christmas is almost here...

2011-12-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for Men's/Elves' Night? I'm looking forward to it, myself.

If you haven't heard about it, on this Thursday, from 6pm - 9pm, DYNT will be open late for all those shoppers that have crocheters, knitters, spinners, and fiber junkies on their gift lists. Send in your spouses, spouses & kids, parents, nieces, nephews, etc. - anyone who may have you on their gift list! If you stop in before then, you can create your wish list for them to shop from! Or send them w/ a list from home - your favorite types of fiber, weights or colors and we can help them shop. We'll even gift wrap their purchases.

Sure, Christmas is almost here...and I'm looking forward to a warm, family filled holiday, but I'm also looking forward to a new shop location! My DH and a few friends will be moving the shop over Christmas vacation. If you haven't heard, as of January 1st, DYNT will be located in the Center of Harmony, in Harmony PA. The new address will be 253D Mercer St., Harmony PA 16037. I'll be sure to post the phone as soon as I know it's working...that's a long story.

If you haven't checked out the new space yet, the Center of Harmony has a website. Be sure to check out my new neighbors.

Doesn't look like much...

2011-12-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

Well, in just a few short weeks, this empty space will be a fiber arts shop - filled to the brim with supplies and goodies for all your projects. It's a diamond in the rough right now. I love the space, but am sure that some of you are looking at it and thinking "Is she crazy?" To quote Sheldon Cooper, "I'm not crazy. My mother had me tested."

I'm a bit nervous about the move myself. Change is, well, change. It can be scary, regardless of how positive or negative, big or small that change is. And quite frankly, I'm moving at one of the busiest times of the years, both in the retail world and in most of our personal lives. That has it's own set of pros and cons. The pros are that it is a time when my hubby and a few others have time off from their regular employment and while most of you are visiting with your families, you aren't busy shopping and running about - unless your knitting cousin in in town!

One of the cons is that it's in another town...moving a shop across town is one thing, moving it 15 miles is another. Pray this unseasonably warm weather holds! Also, moving just adds to the regular holidaze we all deal with. This year seems exceptionally downcast in our household. I'll be glad when it's over and this space becomes my home away from home.

Until then, I'll be looking forward to seeing you at the current location! Stop in at the Markethouse this week and help me move - anything you purchase is less that I have to move! Hint. Hint.

Grandmom's unfinished baby blanket

2011-11-30T09:09:00.001-05:00

Over Thanksgiving we went to my hubby's grandmother's house for dinner. Gmom K is over 95 and has a hard time seeing. But that hasn't stopped her from knitting. She brought out her knitting basket and asked if I could fix a baby blanket she's been working on for months - if not over a year. At some point, she pulled it out of her basket, and not being able to see, pulled the needle out of the stitches. She tried picking them all up again - and did an amazingly good job of it, except for 1 small edge section that's about 1 1/2 inches square. She somehow managed to unravel most of that section, and attempted to put it back together. She asked if I could fix it.

I could easily have frogged (ripped out) about 5 rows and picked up the proper stitches. But I thought that would be too heart breaking for her, and I just couldn't do it! She's over 95, can hardly see, and is still trying to knit - and succeeding pretty darn well! Instead I dug around in her basket until I found a crochet hook. Then I did my best to carry the stitches from one place to the other. It isn't pretty, but it's fixed. I wound up with 2 extra stitches, so I knit a row, Knitting 2 stitches together twice. Then I knit another row, just to even out the knitting so she only saw one stitch at a time on the needles.

I then told her how many stitches she has on her needles and we put a point protector on the needles so she can't pull the stitches out like that again, or at least that's the theory. She was so excited that she started pulling out all her past projects to show off. It was neat. All the cousins were giggling over the doll clothes, sweaters and blankets they remember her making them when they were children.

As mentioned, the baby blanket fix isn't pretty, or perfect. But the great-grandkid that gets this blanket will have something hand knit by their Great-Grandmother - when she was their Great-Grandmother. It wasn't made when she was young and then handed down through the generations. There's something cool about that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T08:12:00.001-05:00

Wow! It's Thanksgiving! Time sure flies these days. I've got a bunch to be thankful for, how about you?

1. My car(s) still run. One is old enough to vote - if it had a conscience. The other is "only" 13. I'm thankful we have a good mechanic and that they have been amazing cars.

2. It's mid November and I have yet to break out my heavy winter coat. I'm still wearing my rainy mix spring/fall coat! Woot! Woot!

3. My Grandparents are doing well right now. And everyone in my extended family is currently healthy.

4. My sis is doing well, happy, healthy. She's my sis, so I know that that's a big deal!

I'm also thankful for all of my customers and the path that DYNT has taken recently. Slowly, but steadily, people are starting to understand why I find it so important to buy American when I can, to support Fair-Trade organizations, and to be concerned about the impact a product makes on our world. I struggle each day to purchase and carry items that are high quality, yet fit these standards. Why? Because I believe that every creature is important to the Creator. That means, to me, that I support my neighbors, be they here in the US or abroad. I also believe that tending to the care of all creatures means thinking about the impact something has on the Creation as a whole. Is it sustainable? Is it harming an Eco-system? Is the manufacturing harmful to someone? Not all of these questions can always be answered positively in one product. But by thinking through my decisions, I often feel "comfortable" with the answers I can find. I'm thankful that each day I find new and exciting products to share with you!

I'm also thankful for the up-coming move. Each day brings me more reassurance about my decision. I'm not happy about leaving the city of Butler, and I'm sorry to possibly loose a few of my currently loyal customers. But I've started to think on a grander scale...I'll still be in Butler County. This move may be "bigger" than the picture I can currently envision. Stay posted.

Holiday Happenings

2011-11-10T07:56:00.001-05:00

There’s a lot going on at the Markethouse right now. Stop in! The Hidden Nest is all decked out for Christmas – I know with the unseasonable weather it’s hard to think about, but it is mid November already! Personally, I’ll keep this weather as long as we can!

There are parades tomorrow and on the 19th! DYNT will be open during both of them. Stop in before, during (is it a while between your family members’ floats?) or after.

DYNT will also be open during Light Up Night! I’m excited about this. The tree at Diamond Park will be decorated w/ purple ribbons in Honor or in Memory of people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Ribbons are $10 each and proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. I personally think cancer is a “four-letter word” and am doing what I can to help this year’s cause…so that means you can purchase your Light Up Night Ribbons at DYNT. Please, pass this along and let everyone know that they can get their ribbons here. Even if they would not normally shop in a yarn shop, let them know they are welcome to stop in. I’d like to sell as many ribbons as possible – it’s a big tree! It’s going to need a lot of ribbons to look festive. And if you haven’t been affected by cancer, you’re lucky.

Also, now’s your chance to stop in and create your wish list. December 15th will be Men’s’ Night. I really should call it Spouse Night or Elves’ Night – ‘cause guys are able to fill in wish lists too, as are kids. It’s really for anyone. I just know that guys are sometimes reluctant to purchase specialty items ‘cause, well, their specialty items – just like I don’t go into a bike shop and Christmas Shop without help. So I thought I’d try something to offer help to all those shoppers who have crafty folk on their lists.

Extended Friday Hours

2011-11-02T08:12:00.003-04:00

Starting this Friday, DYNT will be open until 4 on Fridays. So the hours are now: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10-4, Thursday 10-6.

I'm pretty excited about this. For one thing, it makes the hours easier to remember; both for me and the customers! For another thing, it means that Christina has gained enough confidence to be willing to work a few more hours. If you've been in on Fridays, you know I'm not there. Christina's a friend of mine who has a few learning disabilities and it's difficult for her to be properly trained in a traditional (hurried and impersonal) work environment, despite her desire to be a productive, working part of society. So thanks the the patience of my customers, assistance from other shop keepers, and lots of time, she is slowly learning new skills and gaining the ability to work in a more traditional setting.

So if you regularly stop in on Fridays, thanks!

Buttons, Toggles, Shawl Pins and more!

2011-10-26T17:19:00.005-04:00

Last week I picked up a few buttons! Buttons are one of those things we need...but they aren't that glamourous, usually! I picked up a few abalone shell buttons, some reproduction Czech glass, and some black wooden toggles! I'm pretty excited about the toggles, I often have a hard time finding them when I need one for a bag or a coat that I've made. Now I've got them! They are US Made, machine washable, drycleanable, about 2" long and cost $2.99.

Stop in and check out the selection of shawl pins, sticks and buttons. You might just find something to make a project around!

Latest finished project.

2011-10-19T08:11:00.003-04:00

I finally finished the wrap pattern "Aethercopter" from O-Wool, using O-Wool's Balance yarn. I'm pretty proud of this one! I had to frog (wrip it apart) 3 times! It was my first attempt at something lace-like. And yes, now that I've "got" it, I'd make another, I like it that much!

The Balance yarn is amazing! It's a 50-50 blend of organic wool and organic cotton, and US made! Being a 50-50 blend makes it a great yarn for our climate - you know the cold, wet & damp Spring & Fall. It's a DK/light worsted weight, super soft, available in gorgeous colors and machine washable. Each skein is 130 yards and retails for about $10. I'm looking forward to ordering in more of the colors of this amazing yarn. So if you don't see it a color that you just can't do with out, ask to see the color card, I can special order a different color for you.

I will admit, one of the biggest perks of owning a LYS is making all the samples and using all the great yarns available. It also forces me to try new things, like this pattern. I don't know if I would have attempted it if I hadn't needed and great sample piece! This finished product is not for sale! However, if you want to make your own, I do carry the pattern, it's $5.99 or free with the purchase of the recomended Balance Yarn.

Odds & Ends.

2011-10-12T23:11:00.004-04:00

This week's been busy, or maybe it's just me. I've been a bit under the weather - allergies, infections, reactions to medicines. That always seems to speed things up and slow them down all at the same time.

Anyway, I wanted to take some photos for this week's post, but keep forgetting to take the camera to the shop! So anyway, as an update, the light in the back room (animal fibers) is on the fritz. Haven't had a chance to get up there and see if it's the bulb or the connection. Either one is easy enough to fix... I just don't yet know which it is. So in the mean time, if there's something in there you really can't see well, feel free to bring it into the other rooms!

The house painters have made thier way around to my part of the Markethouse. So don't be startled when you see someone outside of the 2nd story window! I know it's taken me a few days to get used to it.

The first knitting class went well, at least that's what I hope! The class was small, but that's ok - since it's my first time trying to teach anyone. I'm learning just as much as they are! And it's always a good reminder to me that everyone has different talents and abilities. I'm not saying these ladies can't knit...or that I'm an amazing knitter. What I am saying is that sometimes it's difficult for people who are able to pick something up quickly to teach it to others because we forget how hard it can be. Maybe that's why my dad was such a horible math tutor when my sis & I were in high school.

Pumkin Patch

2011-09-29T08:11:00.002-04:00

During Saturdays in October, stop in an purchase "Pumpkin Patch Approved" yarns from Farmhouse Yarns and you will recieve a pattern to knit your own pumpkins! The pattern is $4.99 and is available for purchase too - should you have orange, brown and green yarns at home in your stash. These cute vegetables make great centerpieces. I suppose, should it fit your decor, that a large one would make a fun pillow too!

Thier size is determined by the yarn and the size of the needles you choose. If you look closely, in the lower lefthand corner of the photo is a small pumpkin I knit in a few hours during the Fall Festival. I made it using orange and browns scrap yarn. Basic DPN ablity is needed as they are knit in the round and can be a bit awkward or too small for circulars.

DYNT is open on Saturdays from 10am -4pm. Stop in, pick out your pumpkin (yarn), pull up a chair and start working!

If you don't know how to knit, sign up for the beginers knitting class that starts in October too. It's just 2 Tuesday nights, costs $25 and includes materials.

I am not a lace knitter.

2011-09-24T18:05:00.005-04:00

I keep forgetting to take photos of the Pumpkin Patch yarns! They are an amazing assortment of orange, brown, green and yellow. During October, Saturdays are "Knit your own Pumpkin Patch" days! What does that mean? That means that if you stop in on Saturdays (10am - 4pm) and purchase one of the "pumpkin approved" yarns from Farmhouse Yarns, you'll recieve the pumpkin pattern free! It's an easy pattern and can be used on any weight yarn, w/ any size needles. Changing these 2 variables gives you different sized pumpkins! How fun and easy is that? Basic DPN (Double Point Needle) knowledge is needed.

I've been working on a wrap from O'wool's pattern collection, "Aethercopter", it's pictured to the left (Thank's O-Wool! And for those of you who know my sis, no this isn't her!) The pattern is available at Darn Yarn Needles and Thread for $5.99. While I don't think it would be difficult for most knitters, it's my first try at anything lace-like, and I'm having a hard time with the YO's. Not the fault of the pattern or the yarn, I just can't seem to keep them all. The pattern is actually very well written, that's why I thought I'd try it for my first shot at something lacey. The pattern calls for 5 skiens of O-Wool's Balance Yarn - also available at DYNT (and if I don't have a color you'd like, I can order it for you). The pattern is free w/ the purchase of 5 skiens.

If you can't knit..sign up for the class! October 11 & 18!

Hoodie's done!

2011-09-14T08:03:00.006-04:00

I finished the hoodie I made for my hubby. I used Brown Sheep's Lanaloft. I love this yarn! There's something about single ply wool that I just love! The pattern is from the book "Son of Stitch & Bitch 45 patterns to knit and crochet for men." Both the book and the yarn are available at DYNT.

I admit that while the pattern is easy, and I've made a sweater using this pattern before...I goofed up on this one...big time! I some how managed to put the hood and the pocket on opposite sides?! Wierd, since I checked my progress as I went and didn't notice until I was completely done?! Sooo, I frogged the piece from the hood down. The pattern directions start at the hood and work down in 1 piece on circulars, which is why it's such an easy and great pattern. But this means that I was frogging "backwards". Not an easy task. The end result is that the hood/neck area is a bit off, but it still fits, and works, so I'm happy with the end results. And I learned that I am capable of somewhat reading a pattern backwards and in reverse.

Regardless, I would still recomend this pattern to those who want to make that jump to sweater knitting. 1. It uses Knit & Purl stitches only (there are a few increase/ decreases but they aren't hard). 2. Hoodie's are popular right now. 3. It calls for worsted weight yarn, so there are lots of options. 4. Being knit in the round in 1 piece, it's easy and quick to see your progress.

The finished piece will be at the shop until the dog walking mornings get bitter... and it will return when the dog walking mornings return to pleasantly brisk. DYNT is open Wednesday 10-4; Thursday 10-6; Friday 10-2; and Saturday 10-4.

September Sales

2011-09-07T08:39:00.004-04:00

September is here. Wow. It came fast, and the weather cooled down quickly. Has that gotten you in the indoors mood? Or are you a leaf watcher, waiting for the cool crisp Autumn days to watch the multi-colored leaves slowly drift downward? Me, I'm some where in the middle.

Anyway, with this cooler weather, have you given any thought to your Fall projects? I know I have. There's a great wrap pattern using O'wool's Balance that I can't wait to try. Choosing my color is the hardest part. I really like the green, but I'm not sure it would go well w/ much of my personal clothing. Hmm.

This month, Mary Maxim's Starlette, Peaches & Creme and Honeysuckle (chenille) yarns are all on sale - 15% off. Stock up now on the remaining colors.

The manufacturer of Peaches & Creme and Honeysuckle has shut down it's US plant and moved to Canada. I've yet to decide what to do about that. Unfortunatley, sticking w/ my US made, Fair-trade or eco-friendly mantra for my yarns, I may just need to replace them. I've nothing against Canada, but the new manufacturer is also the maker of Cream & Sugar. So it seems a bit silly to me to offer the same product you can purchase at any of the big box stores. Yes, you may have been able to purchase Peaches & Creme there too, but they were made State-side... so I comprimised a bit there. In the mean time, Kraemer's Tatamy and Tatamy Tweed are a cotton/acrylic blend that can also be used to make dishclothes and hand towels, and it is still made right here in PA! So try a skein and see what you think.

DYNT will be closed on Saturday, Sept. 3rd.

2011-08-31T07:48:00.003-04:00

DYNT will be closed Saturday, September 3rd for the Labor Day Holiday.

In the past, holiday weekends have been incredibly slow at the Markethouse. It makes sense, really. If you're all at picnics, doing the family thing, or traveling, you probably aren't thinking about doing any specialty shopping. I mean really, I'm not either! So for my mental sanity, I decided to close this coming Saturday. Sorry for the inconvience.

DYNT will be open Wednesday 10am -4pm; Thursdays 10am - 6pm; and Friday, 10am - 2pm. Stop in during these hours to check up on me...

I did rearange the shop recently. I switched the "Vegetable" and "Mineral" room. If you don't know what this means, it's just one more reason you should stop in this week.

Hmm...what projects to work on this winter?

2011-08-24T20:51:00.004-04:00

Well this morning felt like Fall was just around the corner. (Does anyone remeber that Frog and Toad book in which Toad goes looking for Spring 'cause it's "just around the corner"?)

With the coming of Fall comes many thoughts about routine, back to the basics, and for me, what to start working on for Christmas Gifts. 'Cause while I'm fast, I'm not that fast. And if I want to make something for more than say, 3 people, I really need to get moving! This year I've got a Baby Shower for a cousin thrown in there too. Hmm.

What are you planning on working on this fall? What kind of yarns will you be looking for? Colors? Choosing colors for gifts is very difficult, don't you think? Sometimes, even if I know the recipient loves the color, but I don't, it makes it hard to work on. Why is that? I mean I can't only make stuff for me, and most people I know never get around to making themselves something. So why is the color thing such a big deal? Just keep on crocheting, knitting or purling... sounds easy enough.

Stop by and let me know what you're going to be working on. Many of my yarns can be special ordered (Brown Sheep, Kraemer, Farmhouse, and even a few others) should I not have a color you would like to use. Just let me know.

J.T. visists DYNT

2011-08-18T19:48:00.005-04:00

Every day the Markethouse is open, J.T. visits us. J.T. is a local man. He lives across the street from the Markethouse. Every day J.T. goes through his routine - grocery store, pick up a paper, visist some friends and feed thier pets, and stop at the Markethouse to see "his girls". "His girls" are the shop keepers at the Markethouse, but mostly me, Gerry @ The Hidden Nest, and Dolly @ The Artist's Garden.

I bring this up because as our customer traffic at the Markethouse increases, the chances of him interacting with our customers increases too. So if you are shopping when J.T. stops in, don't worry, he's harmless. Yes, he'll give you his opinon about the color of the yarn you are choosing. He may even ask you to make him a blanket. (Today I heard him comment on the fit of a dress a bride was trying on!) No need to be alarmed. He's nice, friendly, and likes to talk. That's were the warning comes in...he likes to talk...and talk...and talk. He makes small talk, chooses a rootbeer barrel from my candy bowl, and then leaves.

Honestly, he's one of the reasons I love Butler and am glad to be a shop owner on Main Street. I like knowing that there are still people who, like J.T., are "special" yet are able to live thier lives, create their routines and still be a part of the greater whole of our city. So if you're shopping when he stops in, please understand that I will say hi to him, and he will probably say hi to you too.

Back to school means back to shop on Wednesdays.

2011-08-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

Have you seen the Brown Sheep Lanaloft yarns? They are beautiful, monocromatic colors, single ply, worsted weight wool yarns. They sorta stripe since they are monocromatic. Like that fruit gum w/ the zebra. I think it's becoming one of my favorite yarns.

Also in is O'Wool Balance. A 50-50 wool/cotton blend. I can't wait to try something with this yarn. There's a great pattern for a circular knitted wrap. The pattern is free w/ the purchase of the required O'Wool Yarn.

School's just around the corner, which means I'll be back at the shop on Wednesdays. It's been great to have the extra time "off" while my hubby shop sat for me. I got the basement windows painted, the back porch water-sealed, the side door painted, both hallways repainted... But I've missed seeing all of you on Wednesdays. So It's back to the regular schedule starting next week. This doesn't mean anything for you, as my hours stay the same, it just means I'll be in the shop on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays again

Back to the grind...

2011-08-02T16:53:00.003-04:00

Well, vacation is over. Time to get back to it! DYNT will be open this Wednesday - as scheduled.

Tonight I'm teaching a Girl Scout Troop to Needle Felt. I'm pretty excited about that. It's a first for me, and bound to be a hoot.

The Jeep Festival is coming up... DYNT will be open during the parade, so stop in and say hello! I'm looking forward to meeting all the travelers. Since the Jeep is a US "invention" and DYNT specializes in US made yarns, I'm hoping to meet many people who are also concerned about the origins of the things they purchase. I hope you remember that too...do you know where any of your supplies come from?

Well, having been away for a few days, and closed for a week...I'm at a loss of anything else to say! Stay posted for more updates later.

Closed Saturday - Saturday.

2011-07-20T21:30:00.004-04:00

I'm having a hard time posting to my blog. So I appologize for typos, spelling errors and the general lack of formating to this post...

DYNT will be closed this Saturday, July 23rd thru Saturday July 30th. We will reopen, Wednesday, August 3rd @ 10am. It's time for vacation! (Actually we're going to WI for NAUCC - North American Unicyle Competion and Convention.)

I just got in some O-wool Balance! I'm excited about this yarn. It's 50% organic cotton & 50% organic wool and US made! In my opinion the 50/50 makes it the perfect 3-season yarn for around here. I know it's hard to think about cool nights right now, but they are coming.

I realize that I'm bad about (not)posting photos. I need to get better at that. I promise that after vacation, I'm going to try much harder at getting photos posted in the blog and on FB.

Don't forget that there is a knitting class scheduled to start in early August. It's for the "craft-impaired" or lefties. Please note, I don't think lefties are "craft-impared", I'm just right-handed and therefore will be slow at teaching the lefties, just as I'm planning on going slow for the students that feel like they don't know the first thing about crafts. I'm hoping that the slower spead of learning will help me teach lefties while I'm still working as a right handed knitter. But rest assured, I'll be teaching "Left-handed knitting" as this seems to be what I learned?! I know that sounds wierd...but it will all make sense - I hope. I'm pretty excited about this class and hope others are too. Please check FB or e-mail me for more information or to sign up.

July is here !

2011-07-06T10:09:00.005-04:00

Another month's gone by! Wow!

I wanted to thank all of my customers, June 2011 was the best month at the shop so far! Thanks for helping me reach my goals. Slowly DYNT will grow, and that will enable me to offer more business hours, classes and inventory!

I'm not quite yet at the point of being able to be open Tuesday - Saturday. But I was wondering what times are best for you? Would you rather DYNT be open early in the day, or later into the evening? Is there an day or evening that works better for you for classes and events?

It's July - and this month's sale is on Alpaca, Angora and Mohair. Stock up on these specialty yarns at 15% off. Alpaca is super soft, and because the fleece is different from wool, it's considered hypo-allergenic. That makes it a great, super soft and warm alternative for those who feel wool to be too itchy. Angora can come from an Angora goat or a bunny. Both are on sale. And the Angora Bunny sock yarn is locally produced! What a great way to splurge on the next pair of hand-knitted socks. Mohair has an airy, fuzzy quality about it, it's great for wraps and "fancy" articles that need some sort of soft elegance.

Stop in and say hi! Don't let the summer heat keep you away, Thursdays are Brown Bag Thursdays - bring your lunch and your projects and enjoy your meal w/ like minded fiber-artists.

Shop Local

2011-06-29T20:20:00.005-04:00

My hubby's been keeping quite busy down at the Markethouse on Wednesdays...and I've been busy at home. Today I got 2 windows and 2 doors painted. Phew. But I did miss being at DYNT - he's been busy! That's great. I'm glad to hear it. He's doing well and learning fast.

I haven't gotten anything new in this week...but that's no reason for you to stay away. The chances that something came in since your last visit is pretty good! Have you seen the Frog Tree Yarns Alpaca? Alpaca is super soft, and since it's a different hair/fur structure than wool, it's considered "hypo-allergenic". The colors are bright and soft, all at the same time! If you like wool, but want to try alpaca, there is also some Done Roving Wool and Alpaca blended yarns in dark forest-y colors.

Did you notice the "shop local" sign in the window? It's new. It's important that we all shop local. With all the talk about the economy going down the drain, it's even more important to remember that when you shop local, you're keeping your own hard earned money in your community. So shop at the mom & pop grocery store. Pick up your new pair of running shoes at one of the smaller shops downtown. Think of it as your daily effort to bolster the economy and get America back on it's feet. Visit your locally owned specialty stores instead of stopping in at a "super-store". Thanks! If you want a little more information about the importance of shopping local, check out www.the350project.net .

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2011-06-22T13:08:00.003-04:00

A shipment of Lanaloft from Brown Sheep Yarns arrived late last week. I can't believe the colors! This is a gorgeous worsted weight, single ply yarn. I keep promising my hubby a sweater...I think I finally figured out what yarn I want to make it out of! The 16 colors are all monochromatic - which means the orange is a few shades of orange, and the blues are a few shades of blues. They don't really stripe, but they don't stay the same color either. I always enjoy using monochromatic yarns, I just like watching the colors morph from light to dark.

I also got in more sock yarn from Brown Sheep. Don't forget that they are on sale thru the end of June. Stock up now! I just need to learn to make socks now. I'm working on it, so please don't laugh at my first attempt.

Cruise-a-palooza is Sunday. DYNT will be open from 10am -2(ish). So even if you aren't a fan of car shows, come down to Main Street on Sunday. A few other shops will be open as well, like The Hidden Nest (downstairs). It might be a good time to check out some of the shops that you otherwise would drive or rush by and never stop in to see what they carry.

Wednesdays have a new face.

2011-06-15T20:25:00.004-04:00

Wednesdays at DYNT are a bit different this summer...my hubby's working at the shop! Lest you think I'm sitting around eating bon-bons, rest assured, it's a trade. Our house is old, it needs some attention - mostly paint. He hates to paint. I like to paint. Today I cleaned out 3 window wells (that was a stinky mess - I think I destroyed at least one mouse nest) and painted 2 of them. The fourth is behind a bunch of lilies and phlox, so I'll get to it last...

He's an artist in his own right, and has recently started needle felting, but please be patient with him. He's a great people person and learns quickly, so it won't be long before he's telling me what's what, but right now, he's getting the hang of retail for the first time since he was 16. And that was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (It was long ago enough that he didn't have to worry about credit cards then.)

Anyway, sock yarn is still on sale. Do you have enough yarn in your project bag for your summer trips? Need a new small project? Are you a crocheter? Stop in on Saturdays in June from 10-noon for the Crochet-A-Long ruffle scarf! It's a quick, easy, basic project, perfect for a day/short trip project bag.

Don't forget about "Brown Bag Thursdays". Every Thursday from 11-1 is your chance to eat lunch with other like-mined crafters. Maybe work on a project after your lunch is finished. You provide the food...I've got napkins and after lunch mints, but you need to save the root beer barrels for JT. (He's one of the Markethouse's neighbors and regularly checks on "his girls" and grabs a root beer barrel.)

Brown Bag Thursdays

2011-06-08T09:38:00.003-04:00

There have been a few requests for knitting groups...I wasn't sure how to approach this...so I decided to start a Brown Bag Lunch Group. I'm hoping that many of the people who work downtown will be able to take their lunch break and join us at DYNT.

Every Thursday from 11am - 1pm we will be having a "Brown Bag" Group. Bring your lunch and your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) and eat and work with fellow fiber fans. During the nice days, you're also welcome to sit on the porch (pretend it's a knit-in-public event!). It gets noisy out there sometimes, but it's a nice place to sit, eat, and work.

While there is water and a microwave in the Markethouse on Main's shared kitchen, you will have to provide your meal.

I'm not sure how this will go, but it's worth a shot! Hope to see you there.

Also - Saturday mornings in June will feature a Crochet-a-long Ruffle Scarf. Stop in on Saturdays between 10am - noon and work on this popular, and easy crochet project. Basic stitch knowledge is needed - perfect for the beginner who wants to try something new!

June Sales & more!

2011-05-31T15:54:00.004-04:00

It's almost June - Wow! Where does the time go?

A new month means a new sale. This month at DYNT, sock yarns are all 15% off! I figured socks are small projects, great for all the summer-time traveling. So stop in now and stock up! There's cotton, bamboo, and wool.

Remember, sock yarn's not just for socks - I'm currently making a "buff" like head wrap with some great bamboo sock yarn from Done Roving. Sock weight yarn is also good for belts, lightweight wraps, baby wear and as a substitute for some of the heavier weight crochet threads. I suppose it would also make great doll clothing!

I recently got in some Frog Tree Yarn Pediboo, it's a fair-trade wool and bamboo sock yarn, ('cause sock yarns' are on sale!) and some bright bulky alpaca yarn. Be sure to check them out. I opted for the bulky bright alpaca to help round out the local alpaca offerings...so if alpaca yarn's your thing, stop in. I've now got local hand spun in natural colors, local milled lace/dk weight in natural colors, and some fair trade bright bulky alpaca yarns.

Cotton sale and rainy weather...

2011-05-18T20:59:00.004-04:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come again another day! I know I should be thankful for all the rain, but could we at least share it with some drier parts of the world?

If the weather's gloomy grey days have you down, stop in at The Markethouse on Main! It's bright and cheerful inside. Gerry, @ The Hidden Nest is sprucing up for Spring. She just got some cool LED lanterns in! I wonder if they are bright enough to crochet by? Hmm.

Upstairs, Bridal Treasures is closed for remodelling...which means, I'm all by myself! Stop in and say hello. It would make my day.

I just got in some more Peace Fleece. I love their colors! Even their brights are "earthy". I've got a bunch of colors in worsted weight wool. This is a Fair-trade product and a partnership between a company in Maine and Russian farmers. I've got their cardigan kit, and I've put it on my list of projects... the list is long, so I'm not sure I'll get to it anytime soon!

Don't forget that cotton's are on sale this month. 15% off all cotton and cotton blends! Stock up! I know we should be thinking of lighter weight and summer-y projects... I don't know about you, but hats and woolly shawls or scarves still sound like a good option...maybe when this rain lets up? So if you stock up on your cottons now, you'll be ready for the lighter summer projects, when warmer weather does get here.

2011-05-04T19:03:00.002-04:00

April showers bring May flowers... hope they're beautiful this year.

This month all cotton and cotton blend yarns are 15% off!

Stock up on your summer project yarns now! This sale includes the Peaches and Cream worsted weight cotton, cones, and Kraemer Yarn's Tatamy & Tatamy Tweed! If you are unfamiliar with the layout of DYNT - the first room you enter contains all the plant based yarns like bamboo, corn, and... cotton.

I'm currently working on a shawl using a pattern from Farmhouse Yarns and yarn from Done Roving (I know - mixing brands! But I love seeing how things work out.) The yarn is a bamboo/cotton/ elastine blend recommended for socks. It's a fun yarn to work with and is quite springy! Despite the stretchy characteristics of the yarn, it knits up evenly and consistently.

I hope to see you at the Markethouse on Main soon... DYNT is open Wednesday - Saturday. Stop by and say hi while you're wandering around town. Parking is in the rear.

Baa Baa Brown Sheep!

2011-04-27T08:31:00.004-04:00

Wow! I'm starting to get an idea of what it's like to live in areas of the world that have monsoon seasons! The fast moving pressure systems are causing havoc in my inner ear and head - and that makes me grumpy. It's not fun to feel like your marbles are loose and rolling around (rather violently) in your skull.

Anyway - the Markethouse is bustling with activity! Bridal Treasures in going to be remodeling, so they are having a huge clearance sale! Stop in if you need a Bridal, prom or just a more formal dress. They are all on sale! (It's much easier to re-model when you don't have to worry about damaging the inventory!).

More Brown Sheep Yarn arrived last week. It's their "Cotton Fleece" yarn - a cotton/wool blend. This great yarn has all the benefits of both fibers! It's really soft and drapes well, comes in bright colors, and is quite versatile. I'm still trying to decide what to do with it! I also ordered in some patterns for use with it...a child's pullover sweater, a crocheted tank top and an easy striped sweater. The patterns are free w/ the purchase of recommended Brown Sheep Yarns! And should you want your sweater in a different color - I can special order it for you!

2011-04-20T08:36:00.002-04:00

Are you keeping dry? Sure is hard these days...but imagine if it were snow! All the rain means that Spring has arrived and Summer is on it's way.

Easter is this weekend. I hope you and your family have a peaceful and meaningful celebration - be it big or small. If you're not sure how to kick off the holiday weekend, First United Methodist Church, on McKean will be having a Maundy Thursday Service at 7:30. It's a Living Last Supper Service and is a great way to get into the Easter Spirit.

If you are the type of person who stuffs Easter Baskets...stop by the Markethouse on Main over the next few days...we don't have much, if any, chocolate. But we do have many little things that could fill a basket w/o adding the guilt of overindulgence!

Cotton Blossom and I am Allergic to wool yarns from Farmhouse Yarns are U.S. cotton yarns in cheery spring-y and Easter Egg like colors. Don't forget the Brittany Needles - made in California from sustainable wood. DYNT also offers gift certificates, should you not want to pick the yarn!

April Showers

2011-04-14T08:40:00.002-04:00

Well if it's true that "April showers bring May flowers." then we are in for one heck of a floral display. I hope it lives up to it's expectations!

The patched roof held during the last torrent of rain we had! Phew! Go roofers!

If you are a felter or spinner - this is your month at DYNT! Roving and felting supplies are 10% off! This includes the needle felting and wet felting kits! Have you seen these critters? There's a Boston Terrier, a few kitty cats and fuzzy cute critters like raccoons and hedgehogs. Not to mention an small flock of baby chicks!

2011-04-06T08:01:00.002-04:00

I've been busy keeping up with the daily to-do's of life...if you've been doing the same, stop in at DYNT for a breather. Sit in the rocker for a bit and work on the project you've been putting off.

I started a Bedford Spring Shawl using Kraemer's Fountain Hill Mohair Fingering yarn. So far, so good. I did finish the belt I was making with Kraemer's Saucony Sock yarn - 'cause you can use it for much more than just socks! However, belts are hard to display. Hmm. I'll have to come up with something better than wrapping it around the candy bowl.

While it doesn't seem like Winter doesn't want to leave...like the house guest that really just needs to go home... the Markethouse on Main is actively waiting for Spring. Bridal Treasures is full of beautiful prom dresses, The Hidden Nest is in bloom w/ Spring and Easter arrangements and decor, and DYNT is looking forward to lighter projects and yarns. Any color suggestions? Do you like cotton, silk, bamboo?

Also, today, April 6th is the MDA lockup! DYNT will be closed from 10am - 11am (give or take a few minutes) while I'm "locked up"! Stop up at the Texas Roadhouse during that hour and make a donation to help me make "bail". All the proceeds go to the local MDA branch, which means the funds stay in the area and help our neighbors and friends who are dealing with one of the 40 diseases covered by the MDA.

Year 2 - here we go!

2011-03-30T08:35:00.005-04:00

Another week has gone by, it's so true: "The days are long but the years are short." DYNT is moving into it's 2nd year. Wow! Thanks for your support, keep spreading the word - word or mouth is the best advertising out there. Keep checking in on me too, new stuff arrives often. Handspun yarn is on sale this week - 20% off! This stuff is great to add some pizazz to a project that you just aren't to excited about. It's also great for smaller projects, hems, and edging. You could also use it in a stash buster project to add some interest and tie the whole thing together. I finished the continuous scarf using Andy's Merino from Farmhouse Yarns. Have you seen this stuff? It's a great wool yarn that's an incredibly soft single ply (heavy worsted-ish) wool yarn. The colors are beautiful, it's hand dyed so they fade and morph from shade to shade, color to color. I think it's one of my favorite yarns! Anyone interested in a knitting/crochet group on Thursday evenings? I'm thinking 6-8pm? Let me know what would be a good time. How about a spinning group on a Saturday morning? Any interest in that? Please let me know.

Weekly Update

2011-03-23T08:06:00.004-04:00

I've been away from the computer recently - actually, I just didn't' feel like logging on and checking anything. That's not a great idea for business, but I sure got more stuff done around the house - and things needed done!

The week of my Open House went well. Thanks to everyone who stopped in last week. But the sales aren't over...there are still 2 weeks of March left. Most "crafting" supplies are on this week and hand spun yarns will be next week.

I recently finished a shruggin made from Schaefer Yarn's Nancy. It's a fun wardrobe piece and was easy to knit. It's a 1 skein project, and the pattern is free w/ the purchase of 1 skein of Nancy ($40). I liked the way the extra yarn crocheted - so now I'm working on a crochet granny square type blanket. We'll see how that works out.

Anyway, with spring here, The Markethouse on Main is starting to see more and more traffic, are you a part of that? You should be. Stop in and visit all the open shops. Take a break from the rain that's sure to come over the next few weeks. It's dry inside (unless the roof repairs don'e hold - lol!).

Happy Anniversary to me!

2011-03-15T19:54:00.002-04:00

It's official, this week is DYNT's 1 year anniversary! Wahoo! Thanks for all your support, and keep it coming!

Stop in this week, everything ('cept local alpaca yarn and already marked down items) is 25% off! This week I'll be having an "Open House" - coffee and cookies - to celebrate the success of one year as a local shop.

I've been away from the computer for a few days, it was a nice break. But, unfortunately, I didn't quite talk up the anniversary as much as I should have.

I'm glad to say I've made it through the first year, but there are still many years ahead...and I'm hoping that you'll be there through it too. I think that it's important to support the little local mom & pop shops, and I hope you feel the same way. The Markethouse on Main is a great way to help support your local neighbors who are striving to start their own business. It also helps keep your hard earned dollars in the community! Who doesn't want thier money to stretch as far as it can and help the community?

Next week is the Anniversary Open House!

2011-03-10T08:46:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy few weeks...Taste of Home Show, Church Craft Club, WISR interview. Hope you were one of the many that I've said hello to recently!

All this activity is to announce and help celebrate DYNT's 1 year anniversary!
There are specials all month. Like this week, all pastel yarns are on sale - 20% off - to help all of us think Spring and start any last minute Easter projects.

Next week will be the "Open House". Stop in during regular hours for some coffee and cookies, check out the shop and take advantage of yet another sale! Also, there will be a gift basket drawing. Anyone who makes a purchase next week will be eligible for the drawing. The basket include 4 skeins of yarn donated by Kraemer Yarns in Nazareth PA!

Sadly, I didn't have anyone sign up for the blanket Crochet-a-long. I'm not sure why, my guess is that you would rather a "class" setting than an "a-long"? But I'm not sure. Let me know, please. I'd love to have a schedule of events, but it's been hard to establish.

DYNT's first CAL!

2011-03-03T08:17:00.002-05:00

Hip Hip Hooray!
March 9th is DYNT's first CAL (Crochet-a-long)!

A CAL is a bit like a workshop, a little like a "Stitch and Bitch" and a good way to work on a project. A project is determined ahead of time, in this case it'll be a cotton blanket made w/ worsted weight cotton (Peaches and Creme is available at DYNT). During each session the group works on their individual blankets and there is a leader available to assist and answer questions.

For this CAL a basic knowledge is needed, as crocheting, as a whole, won't be taught, but beginners are welcome as the stitch needed to make this blanket will be taught during the first session.

The CAL will meet every OTHER Wednesday from 6pm - 8pm (March 9th & 23rd, April 6th & 20th). The stitch will be taught on the first week, and assembly and finishing techniques will be taught on April 20th. There is a $5 fee due on the first meeting - to cover the stitch instruction. Registration is not necessary, but greatly appreciated, as the shop is small and I need to know how many chairs to move in for the night! Please call the shop, send and e-mail, or a message on FB or Ravelry to register.

If you would like to pick out your colors sooner than later, stop in at DYNT and check out the Peaches and Creme or the Kraemer Tatamy Tweed Worsted. Some colors may be special ordered... all yarns purchased for this CAL are 10% off!

If you aren't interested in this CAL but have a project you'd love to work on and share with others - including a knitted project, please contact the shop to schedule your own CAL or KAL! I know the shop's space is tight, but that's a good problem to have...

March is just around the corner!

2011-02-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

March is DYNT's 1 Year Anniversary!

Hip Hip Hooray! What does that mean? It means different things are on sale each week. It means that the week of St. Patrick's Day is DYNT's open house. It means I need to thanks all of you who have helped me get this far!

Stop in soon! I just got some new Peace Fleece yarn and kits in! They are fun and despite the woolly aspect, quite Springy!

If you've ever wondered about knitting your child's cloth diaper covers...stop in...I've got a book for you.

CLOSED Friday, February 25th

2011-02-24T09:18:00.002-05:00

I'll post something more exciting later... I've got all sorts of fun stuff arriving for my anniversary!

But for now, due to the stomach flu, DYNT will be closed tomorrow, Friday February 25th. I know it seems odd to mention it ahead of time, like the flu was planned... but you know how the stomach flu works. You don't feel very well the day after all the yuck.

Time to catch my breath

2011-02-15T21:23:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been a busy few weeks, and my schedule seems packed for the next few weeks as well...that's because March is Darn Yarn Needles and Thread's 1 year anniversary! Thanks to everyone who's helped along the way.

Since it's been almost a year, I thought I'd remind everyone (myself included) that DYNT specializes in local and US made yarns, fair-trade yarns and eco-friendly options. I believe we were only given 1 planet, and part of being a good steward is taking care of the poeple on it and the planet itself. By knowing where the yarn is made, I'm making an conscious effort to help people make a living and by spending my money on sustainable products, I'm helping to ensure that the planet will sustain the next few generations. Enough on that for tonight.

The Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival was a blast. Christina and I went on Sunday. I gathered lots of info, so keep your eyes and ears open for new items. I picked up Annie Adams' buttons, buckles, and shawl pins. She's from Buffalo NY and the line is made from lead free pewter. So if you're searching for the perfect button or accesory for that special project, check these items out!

Update on projects...

2011-02-09T19:55:00.002-05:00

Well, I finished the hat...I really really really like the Burly Spun yarn from Brown Sheep Co. Should I get more? Hmm... It's really hard to say, I know Spring will arrive, but right now it's just so much more fun to work with thick and woolly yarns! I had extra yarn from the hat, so I'm working on a matching scarf - don't have a pattern for the scarf, but I like it so far. The hat pattern was very easy to use, but I didn't check my gauge and it's a bit smaller than it should be. Oops! Major no-no, I know...but it was for a shop sample and I wasn't too worried about it - besides, the hat still fits me! Remember the hat pattern is free w/ the purchase of a skein of Burly Spun.

I also finished my Raspberry Beret. It's made from Corntastic - yarn made from corn!? I have many young customers ask "You mean the part you eat?" Honestly, I don't know the answer to that! After all - there's yarn made from milk!? I'm assuming that Corntastic is made in a similar way that bamboo yarn and linen from flax is made. After all, corn stalks, bamboo and flax are all very fibrous stemmed plants.

Anyway, the beret looks good, I like the color even more now than when I was working on it. It's on display w/ the Alpaca wrap, and they look like a great ensemble. It also worked up amazingly soft and silky. I might have to find a real pattern for a dread tam and make myself a summer tam!

This week's projects

2011-02-06T11:39:00.002-05:00

The other day while I was thinking that I needed to update my blog but couldn't think of what to blog about - I realized that since this is fiber arts shop blog, I can always blog about fiber arts (duh! This hit me like a ton of fiber - which weighs the same as a ton of bricks!).

So lets begin. All 4 projects are for the shop, using shop materials to give customers and idea and let them touch and feel how the various fibers work up.

1. One-Skein Burly Spun Knitted Hat from Brown Sheep. Burly Spun is a super bulky wool yarn that works up quick and is incredibly soft and easy to work with and is US made. The pattern is also from Brown Sheep and was easy (I'm a beginner) to understand and complete. My gauge was off - I didn't feel like taking the time to figure it out, as it was for a store sample. Bad, I know, but the hat still fits me! It's just a bit smaller than should be... I still have yarn from the skein left, so I'm using it to make a scarf. The pattern for the hat is available at DYNT and is free w/ the purchase of 1 skein of Burly Spun ($17 - the hand painted is around $23.) Also available is a One-Skein Burly Spun Mitten pattern (makes a pair) that is also free w/ the purchase of as skein of Burly Spun.

2. A Schaefer Yarn 1 Skein Shruggin using Nancy. Nancy is also a bulky wool yarn, the difference is that it's nubby and the diameter varies from thick to really thin - but it knits up as a bulky yarn would. It's alot of fun to work with because of the variations in diameter and color. The pattern is easy to follow and also available at DYNT. Like the hat, it's also free w/ the purchase of Nancy yarn ($40 for about 600yds.).

3. A Tunisian crochet project of my own creation - hopefully it'll turn into some sort of bag. I'm using Andy's Merino from Farmhouse Yarns in CT, Country Yarns Wool yarn (made in Canada) and some fair-trade recycled sari ribbon. I'm hoping to wet-felt the completed piece and see what happens! I'll keep you posted on how it turns out, as I'm only in the Tunisian crocheting part right now, so it just looks like a funny rectangle.

4. And lastly, a raspberry beret. Yes, just like the song. It didn't occur to me that that's what I was making until I was close to done with the top. I'm not using a pattern - which is a huge downfall of mine. I like hats and will just start one...and see how it turns out. And that's what happened w/ this one. I had a booth at the Butler Wine Festival, and has some friends work the first shift for me. I had a sick hubby at home, and was just recovering myself from the same illness, so because I was tired and didn't plan ahead or pack a bag, I didn't take any current projects with me. While manning the 2nd session, I dug in my purse and found a hook - so I grabbed some of the Kollage' Corntastic and started working. It's incredibly soft and silky, the finished project has an amazing luster and softness to it. Just a few more rows - and it should be done. It's slightly unsymmetrical - partially because I didn't have a pattern, and partially because I often lost count as I was talking to the hundreds of festival attendees. But I'd wear it, and I probably will.

Don't forget - 10% off RED and PINK during February!

2011-01-30T10:23:00.003-05:00

So this is the wool jacket I've been working on! It won and Honorable Mention in the Butler Art Center's Gothic Show. The theme was Gothic, Victorian, and Steam-punk. I was one of the few who leaned towards the Victorian and Steam-punk side of things. So it looks a bit out of place among all the dark, Gothic style works. But I'm still happy with it. After all, this is Butler, I figured there would be alot of dark, Gothic style artwork entered. Anyway, I promised photos...

Also, just a reminder, it's almost February. Did you get your tickets for the Knit & Crochet Festival yet? That's next on my list of things to do.

During the month of February, all reds and pinks are on sale! That means all red and pink yarn is 10% off!

Remember, Groundhog's day is coming up soon...no matter what the outcome of poor Groundhog Phil's shadow... Spring will get here! While that means the snow will go away, it will only be replaced by rain, rain, and more rain! So...get your supplies now, that way when it's too muddy to go out an play in the yard, and the ground's still to cold to plant your tomatoes, your craft basket will be well stocked and you can get something done!

Phew, another hectic week.

2011-01-20T08:12:00.004-05:00

Thanks for hanging in there with me... the past few weeks have been hectic, and the pace seems like it's going to be maintained a bit longer.

DYNT will be closed tomorrow, January 21st. My employee, Christina, has to be in court due to custody issues. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as this is very stressful for her, as some of you know. I know there will be a few drop- in customers who will be upset. I understand that you only get one chance to make a first impression, and not being open when you're supposed to be open is not a good impression...but I truly believe that Christina's daughter and their family life is more important in the grand scheme of things. I'm sure this is more info than the general public needs to know, but I also figure that those that follow this, or even check it regularly know a bit more about the goings on at DYNT than the general public.

Enough of that... remember that during January all needles, hooks and books are 10% off. New rayon chenille just arrived, as well as lost of fun bright colors of Peaches and Creme 4 ply worsted weight cotton - both made in the US!

Also, my embellished wool coat is just about done! I'll take some photos today and try and get them uploaded! I'm pretty proud of this project and am already planning my next. Gotta get my etsy site up and active again!

Ice Jams and Illness.

2011-01-16T10:55:00.003-05:00

This past week I've been fighting the flu/or a really bad cold... which this morning sounds like it has turned into bronchitis. Oh well, such is the life of someone with "auto-immune issues".

I closed DYNT on Thursday. I didn't feel like playing the part of Typhoid Mary. I'm sorry if I missed you. Chrisitina opened on Friday, as scheduled. I called off work, again being really sick. About 1:30 my home phone rang. There was a leak in the shop and the other shop keepers didn't know what to do for me. So I put on my coat and headed down to the shop (in my p.j.'s). The leak wasn't that big...but it was a long strip and hard to say where the water was coming in. I had everyone help me move all the stuff out of the room.

Now it may have seemed like an over-reaction, due to the small amount of water that was dripping into the buckets. But, I have an old home, and I've seen the slat board attic of this one. I was more concerned about the possibility of the contractors falling through the ceiling than I was of water damage!

It all ended well, thankfully. The roofers were able to patch the hole - and yes, it was a hole. After they made it to the attic, they could see blue sky through the roof, right above my shop. They also chipped the ice-jam off the roof.

Needless to say, I had a mess to clean up on Saturday. They room was okay - no one fell through and the plaster stayed on the ceiling. But I had to move everything back. Not a problem, except that I still wasn't feeling 100%. But I took my time (all day) and the shop's been reassembled!

I did some rearranging while I was at it... some new PEACHES & CREME yarn will be arriving next week, as well as some HONEYSUCKLE RAYON CHENILLE! I'm excited about both of these. They are made in the U.S. Peaches & Creme is a 4-ply worsted weight cotton while the chenille is, well, chenille! I don't have any of the that yet!

Stop by the Markethouse on Main next week - regular hours - and check out the new colors. Maybe start a spring project.

SICK DAY!

2011-01-13T08:53:00.002-05:00

DYNT will be closed today, Thursday, January 13th. I'm home sick with the flu or a bad head-cold. The shop should be opened tomorrow as scheduled and Saturday. I really hate to do this, but with the weather outside too, I'm hoping that most people aren't out and about today anyway.

And so begins 20111

2011-01-09T13:15:00.003-05:00

Well the first week of the new year has come and gone. Hope your 2011 started out well enough.

So far the trial run of the new hours has gone well. I was able to attend the Butler Spinners & Weavers Guild Meeting on Wednesday morning. That was very enjoyable, and if you're a Butler County resident (or even if you live nearby and don't have your own guild) I'd recommend membership for all fiber arts fanatics.

This month, January, all needles, hooks and books are on sale! Stop in and fill in the gaps in your supply of needles and hooks...

I've started a new project, finally! I have to have it finished by the 20th! I'm embellishing a wool jacket with felting, embroidery and general fiber-type stuff. It's for the Goth show at the Butler Art Center. The show's theme is Gothic, Victorian, and Steam-punk era/type stuff. This is my first big felting project. So I'm pretty excited, and so far so good. I'll try and post photos when done. But if you stop in between now and the 20th, the chances that I'll be working on it are pretty good! You could get a sneak peak before the unveiling at the show opening on the 21st.

Don't forget, DYNT is on Ravelry too. If you're not a member of the Darn Yarn Needles and Thread group, joining today! That's another great way to keep up with your LYS. I try to check there and update info about once a week too...it'd be more frequent if I didn't have a second job, but that's neither here nor there....

New Year, New things to do - not sure if they are resolutions.

2011-01-02T11:05:00.004-05:00

Well, it's a new year! I'm not sure what that means, 'cause every day you wake up, it's a whole new year... but as far as a unified effort to mark the passing of time, it's time for a new calendar year. Two days in, I've enjoyed 2011 so far.

Darn Yarn Needles and Thread is heading towards it's first anniversary (March 17th) and I thought I'd start a few new things, or try to do a few other things better this year.

First, I've switched Wednesday & Thursday hours. This will allow DYNT to remain open later at least one night a week, while still allowing me some time to schedule personal stuff, such as doctors appointments and meetings. So please keep that in mind - DYNT is open 10am -4pm on Wednesdays and 10am - 6pm on Thursdays now.

Second, I've decided that I really do need to make it to the Butler Spinners and Weavers Guild meetings. They are the first Wednesday of each month. So while this is confusing DYNT will open at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. I didn't' want to change all Wednesdays to noon... so I'm hoping that this doesn't get too confusing. When the day comes that I only have one job - DYNT - I'll do something about that, but for now, if it's the first Wednesday, please stop by between noon -4pm.

Third, I've thought about it, and I want to have sales each month. Keep checking back, I'll post the current months sale items in the upcoming events sections. For January, all Needles, Hooks, and Books are 10% off!

Lastly, I really need to be more aggressive in my electronic updates and sites. I'm going to try and update the blog, Ravelry, and Facebook more regularly, as well as send out regular e-mail newsletters. If you'd like to be on the e-mail list, send your e-mail address to dynt10@gmail.com

Have a great 2011 - get more fiber in your life.

2010-12-28T13:09:00.003-05:00

NEW HOURS!

I know I should have posted this sooner... I just kept going back and forth about it, it's not a major decision, but I kept debating the pros & cons in my head.

Starting January 5th & 6th... Darn Yarn Needles and Thread will be open:
Wednesdays 10am - 4pm (noon - 4pm on the first Wednesday of the Month)
Thursdays 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

The reasons for this are that there are alot of things reguarly scheduled on Wednesday evenings anymore, both for me and for everyone else. Also I have a regular apointment at 6pm on Thursdays - just a few blocks away. So now instead of heading home, and then back out, I'll just make Thursday's the long day of my week. Bridal Treasures is also open until 7pm on Thursdays, so now there will be 2 of open during the early evening on Thursdays.

U.S. Made Alpaca/Wool batting just arrived.

2010-12-16T07:56:00.004-05:00

I'm not the best at keeping these posts up to date, I just feel as if I'm repeating myself or don't have anything to say on a regular basis...

Anyway, Christmas is quickly approaching. This weekend is your last chance to be entered in the gift basket drawing! Anyone who makes a purchase before the 22nd is eligible for a chance at the gift basket drawing. The basket's value is over $150! It includes Starlette Yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, a few notions, and gift certificates to 3 other Butler County shops - The Appalachian Rock Shop, The Book Place and Nicolette's Gift Shop!

Alpaca/Wool batting arrived last week! I'm excited about this product, it 's U.S. made and comes in multiple sizes - including craft & Queen. It's good for quilters, felters, and crafters. The batting can be cut to size or shape. For example, want to make a bag, cut it to shape, sew it together and then embellish as desired (with felting?). One customer thought it might make a fun and warm vest. The craft size retails at $16, the Queen at $49. This batting is also good for any reenactors you may know who need something a bit more "authentic" than polyester for their quilts.

Along those lines, coming soon are alpaca felt fat quarters - also great for crafts, embellishments, and felting! I haven't seen them yet, so I'm not sure how I want to sell them... check in later for prices, colors, and sizes.

If you or anyone you know are machine knitters, I recently got some coned cotton in. The colors are beautiful, the shelf looks like a giant Easter Egg! It greatly brightens up the corner during this early, already long and dreary winter. I'm not a machine knitter, and admit I know nothing about it... so you'll have to tell me what you're going to do with it. It's a fine weight cotton. Hand knitters and crocheters could use it too...

Stay warm!

Holiday Hours, etc.

2010-12-01T08:35:00.007-05:00

Well, Butler's flooding! The intersection of North Main and Penn often floods...I'm hoping that the Markethouse on Main isn't under water! Being on the 2nd floor, the roof being in good condition is more of an issue. But we have new windows - that means that the room with the wool in it is mostly dry. The old window in there used to fill with water and drip or blow into the room - depending on the amount of wind.

If you aren't stranded on your own little island of dry, stop in this week and say hello. Now that Thanksgiving is past (you did have a good one, right?), the holiday hours are in full swing:

DYNT is open 10-6 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 - 2 on Fridays, and 10-5 on Saturdays until Christmas. DYNT will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Year's Eve Day, and New Year's Day.

I'm thinking about next year's schedule and the shop hours - extending, changing and re-arranging. Let me know if you'd like to lead a knit or crochet along, workshop, or teach a class! The schedule is wide open.

It's not too late to start a gift project or shop for the crafter on your gift giving list. DYNT's got yarn, patterns, books, notions, needles and hooks...and GIFT CERTIFICATES if you just can't decide.

Happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate the Festival of Lights! I don't know enough about the holiday to offer you an appropriate blessing/salutation - but I hope it's a warm time of reflection as you spend time with your family and friends.

2010-11-24T07:55:00.002-05:00

Those who know me, find this funny, I'm sure... but I don't like blogging. I have nothing to say, or don't know what to say on a regularly scheduled fashion. I feel like I'm repeating myself...

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the day. Even if you don't do anything big or spectacular, take a moment slow down and think of a few things you are thankful for this year. If you are cooking a huge dinner that could feed a small army, take time to relax - even if it is for just a few minutes while your perfectly roasted turkey rests before you carve it.

Anyway, "Black Friday" is quickly approaching. The Markethouse on Main will be open. DYNT will try to be open. There are a few scheduling issues...so there are a few of us who are going to try and get there and open up shop. If you stop by and DYNT isn't open, please understand and stop in another time. This is our first "Black Friday" and we (those that help me staff the shop) all have traditions and plans that need rescheduled or rearranged and we aren't sure what to expect at the Markethouse.

Previously, during parades, the crowds rarely ever turn around and look at the buildings behind them. You would think that being located at the start of the parade route would be a good thing...but it's only good if people stop and linger after the parade or between the floats that they are watching for. So again, with the Holiday Parade passing the Markethouse on Friday morning, we aren't sure what to expect...and some of us are in the Parade, so it may be ok if the crowds don't linger...

2010-11-14T09:51:00.005-05:00

It's been a good week down at the shop. The Hidden Nest hosted an open house. That was fun and exciting. If you didn't make it down, be sure to stop in soon, the Nest is filled to the brim with great Christmas decor and primitives.

If you did make it down to the Market House, sorry about the construction! I hope you were able to step over or around the mess. We've recently had some work started and done on the house, inside and out. It's exciting, but it also means our customers have to put up with a bit of a mess every now and then. I hope you understand. And most people from this area do understand, as many of us live in homes over 100 years old. Sometimes, you just need to do something, and scheduling a convenient time for the improvement just isn't possible.

I brought down a tiny tree for the shop, decorated it with some handmade crocheted flower pins and recycled, fair trade, silk sari ribbon from Frabjous Fibers. The ribbon looks great! I may have to use it as garland on my tree at home. I ordered in more of it, in red and 2 shades of green just for all of your home decorating needs. Stop by and check it out. As mentioned, it's fair trade and recycled - so if you're one to put ribbons on your tree, or use it as garland, think about switching this year...

It's November!

2010-11-02T18:55:00.003-04:00

Thanks for all the well wishes last week. My maternal grandfather passed away. He'd had dementia, so many of us had "said good-bye" years before. It still makes me sad, though. My mom passed away years ago when I was in high-school. Now both of her parents are gone too. That only leaves me w/ and aunt and uncle as far as direct relations to her go. But enough about that...you don't need to know all that gobbley-goop, I just haven't had a voice for about a week (I got laryngitis while in OH) and have needed to say it to someone...

Anyway, while I was in OH 3 big boxes arrived! Wahoo! What was in those boxes?

1. Mary Maxim Starlette Acrylic yarn in 9 colors! Aprox. 180yds for $3.29. Perfect for all your Christmas gift giving projects, as well as items you are making to be donated to charity.
2. Aunt Lydia's crochet thread in size 3 & 10.
3. Aunt Lydia's BAMBOO crochet thread.
4. 101 Stitches to crochet or knit box of stitches - great for learners and advanced fiber artists.
5. Silk Ribbon for embroidery or to embellish your knit and crocheted projects.
6. Darning thread - a shop named DARN Yarn Needles and Thread should have some darning thread right?!

Stop in soon and check out all the new stuff. Looking forward to seeing you.

What a week...and it's only Monday.

2010-10-25T21:09:00.003-04:00

DYNT will be closed this Wednesday & Thursday (Oct. 27 & 28th).
Sorry for any inconvenience. There's been a death in my family so I must travel to the services. DYNT will be open 10am - 2pm as normally scheduled on Friday and 10am - 4pm on Saturday. Stop by then if it fits your schedule.

My maternal grandfather passed away on Sunday. He had dementia and was stuck, in his head, sometime around 1990. We've all been waiting for this, I haven't really thought about him being "around" for some time now, but it's always the logistics of getting out there, seeing everyone, and rescheduling my daily life that makes you think about it...

I won't be able to attend the Taste of Home cooking show either. I'm sorry about that, I was looking forward to meeting all of you, and attending the Expo. Maybe next time.

Say tuned for more info about the shop, there's been a bunch of inventory arriving recently. I'll be sure to update you soon. As for now, I have to go make sure I've got a decent outfit for a funeral - one that packs well and still fits!

New Arrivals

2010-10-14T08:42:00.005-04:00

As the weather turns cooler and we all start thinking about donning the big fuzzy hats, scarves and mittens, I'm trying to stock more and more each day...

Corntastic from Kollage' arrived this week. It's a silky yarn with wonderful drape that's made from corn! Now there's a sustainable fiber! Could corn be America's answer to bamboo? Corntastic is currently available at DYNT in 4 jewel toned colors, 100ish yards a skien for around $8.

Also from Kollage' - HOPE cotton & Marvelous Mohair Mix. HOPE is a USA made, undyed, organic cotton yarn available in DK and worsted weights, about 100 yards is $7.69. Marvelous is a fuzzy Mohair/Wool/Nylon blend. It's also available in 100 yard skeins and retails for $14.

Is "square circular" needles an oxymoron? By request, because they aren't made in the US, Square needles are starting to arrive. I ordered many sizes in the circular 24" & 32" sizes. However, many are on back order, so I've currently got 4 sizes in in the 32" and size 9 in 24". I started with the circulars because, even though the needles are made in China, the circular cable part is made state-side and shipped to China for assembly.

Speaking of needles, I also picked up the Brittany Line. Brittany needles are handmade in California of Birch wood. If you've never worked with wood needles, you should give it a next try, they are warm and comfortable to work with.

Start your Christmas shopping now! Pink Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Sets are on sale for the month of October - 10% off!

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all pink yarns are also 10% off. I didn't stock up too much this year, but I wanted to do something fun for October - so Pink it is!

Closed this Friday, October 8th

2010-10-07T08:10:00.005-04:00

DYNT will be closed this FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8th.
Sorry for any inconvenience...Christina needs to take her daughter to the hospital for some pre-surgery testing. We all know how long these things can take, even when all is going well and the nurses and medical staff are great. I may be able to find a friend who isn't working and can open up for me...but for now, we'll be closed.

FYI- if you stop by the MARKETHOUSE ON MAIN and aren't sure about coming in because of the condition of the front porch, please be assured that if it's during one of the shops' business hours, we are open. The house is being re-painted and they've made their way around to the porch! So the main entrance is a mess... but we're still open inside. Come on in. You could always check the back door too, it's often open if the shops downstairs are open. When it's just us upstairs, we can't keep an eye on both doors.

DON'T PANIC!

Also along the lines of general old house upkeep, we got new windows; including a transom above the main entrance doors. This has upset the natural, settled in, balance of an old home and it's fixtures. The door sticks even more now. Please, please, please, take your time when opening the door. If you have and old home, you know what I'm talking about. The knob turns to the right from the outside, (the left from the inside). Turn it completely and then push the door open.

DON'T PANIC - you will get in (or out!).
Please don't rattle and shake it violently, thinking someone will come to you're rescue. We will. But you'll look silly when we walk right up to it and open it. And we don't want a broken door! Yes, there may seem to be a trick to it, but other than taking your time and being sure you turn the knob the right way, I'm not sure what to tell you... and no, we don't know when we or if we will be getting a new door. Again, you could always check to see if the back door is open (although, it's not much better!).

New Friday Hours!

2010-09-09T08:20:00.004-04:00

Starting Friday, September 24th, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread will have new Friday hours. We will now be open on Fridays from 10am - 2pm.

While I'm going to miss Shelly, she did a great job, I'm excited about Chris working on Fridays. I've known Chris for over 10 years... during those 10 years I've worked with her on her reading, math, and life skills. Like an older computer, her brain works well enough, it just sometimes computes much slower than most. Because of this she doesn't interview well and has childish handwriting, even though she's a people person, can learn, and can make change.

Chris is very friendly and loves talking to people. She's excited about working at DYNT. If you stop in the Markethouse on Friday's when Chris is working, say hello, introduce yourself. While she's just learning to crochet, and can't answer many questions about using the different yarns for different projects, she'll be glad to show you where the wool yarn is, or help you pick colors...

Odds and ends.

2010-09-01T19:42:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who showed up for the Schaefer Yarn Tasting! It was a fun event, I don't know how anyone could not like some of the colors! I did pick up a few skeins of cotton and a few skeins of wool. More will be arriving in a few weeks. I'll be sure to let you know!

Unicorn Fabric Wash is now in stock too. Stop by and pick some up. It's great for all your hand washables, but especially your prized finished pieces.

Today was slow at the Markethouse on Main. But that was ok. I was able to get the bike rack painted. Check it out next time you stop by... we're bike friendly (surprise!).

I recently taught myself to knit. I'm working on a sweater! I'm practicing with some acrylic yarn, but I'm excited to try the same pattern (From Son of a Stitch - n - Bitch, available @ DYNT) in some of the wool blends at DYNT. Christmas is coming...hmm.

Schaefer Yarn Tasting

2010-08-26T09:17:00.002-04:00

Phew, things are moving along at the Markethouse on Main. Stop by and see all the changes for fall.

Be sure to stop in this Saturday, August 28th! From 1 - 4pm the Schaefer Yarn Rep will be at Darn Yarn Needles and Thread with a bunch of their yarns for you to touch, see, and purchase... Pick a favorite colorway. Feel the different yarns. Select a pattern to work on this fall. I'll have a pot of coffee on, maybe some snacks (I have yet to decide what's a good finger food while everyone is handling the yarns!)

I'm excited about the event and hope you are too! I'm hoping this will help me get a feel for the colors you are excited about working with this fall as well as the preferred weight of Butler's fiber arts aficionados.

DYNT's first class was last night too. It went well. Thanks to Nicole for teaching! She did a great job. I hope the participants felt the same.

I'm still in need of more instructors and leaders. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to lead a knit/crochet-a-long, special project, charity knitting/crochet group, or teach a class on anything from rug hooking to knitting. The more the merrier, and the more well rounded a class schedule DYNT can offer!

2010-08-08T11:19:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile, and alot has happened. I apologize for that. The Markethouse on Main is alive with shops and customers. Stop by and visit all the other shops as well as Darn Yarn Needles and Thread. The upstairs is full! There are now 3 shops, DYNT, Greensleeves (an eco-friendly boutique), and Bridal Treasures and Tuxedos (an existing business that just relocated to the Markethouse!). So climb the stairs, there's a fun mix of people up there.

I'm trying to stock up on stuff for those winter (gasp!) projects and Christmas gift giving. Just arrived are some knitted stocking kits and some wool sock yarn (80% wool, 20% nylon)from Candide (ok - it's a Canadian company, but it's made solely (no pun intended) for a nice company out of CT.) Also in are more needles! There's now a small selection of steel crochet hooks, as well as SP aluminum knitting needles and aluminum crochet hooks.

Don't forget to sign up for Crochet 101 classes - if you just haven't' been able to figure out how to use a single hook instead of 2 needles! It's sure to be fun and will help with edging all your beautifully knitted projects. If you don't knit, crocheting is a great alternative. Sign up and learn a new skill, just in time to start making some Christmas presents. Classes run every other Wednesday, Starting August 25th from 6-8pm. Fees are $5/class or all 6 sessions for $25. Class size is limited.

Also, mark your calendars, you don't want to miss the Schaefer Yarn Tasting on Saturday, August 28th! From 1-4pm that Saturday, the Schaefer Yarn rep will be at DYNT showcasing all the beautiful yarns that Schaefer has to offer as well as some projects using said yarns! This is a great opportunity to spark your creativity and start thinking about the next project, Christmas gift giving, or trying a new color and texture of yarn.

DYNT hosts it's first Yarn Tasting Event.

2010-07-29T17:03:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy week at DYNT. Thanks for putting up with me while I've had a cold, and sound like Edith Ann!

Classes are still in the works, and are starting to surface and make it to the calendar. I'll post specifics as soon as I have them. But start looking for Crochet classes, maybe some spinning and weaving too!

Also, mark your calendars now. On August 28th from 1pm -4pm DYNT will host it's first Yarn Tasting! Stop in and see new and old favorites from Schaefer Yarn Company in New York State. These yarns work up beautifully, come in a variety of weights and blends, and I couldn't even begin to pick my favorite colorway.

Sorry I was closed on Saturday 7/24/2010

2010-07-25T13:06:00.002-04:00

Sorry I was closed yesterday, I hope you'll stop by another time! I was (and still am) home with the flu or a really bad head cold thing.

Please stop by another time, I'm still working on scheduling classes. Let me know if you'd be interested in teaching anything. The theme/class type is pretty much up to the instructor, so lets talk! We can work around your schedule as much as possible too.

Again, sorry for being closed yesterday, my sole employee was also out of town, and my hubby had a prior engagement too... some times things just work out like that. I needed the rest, but I do enjoy Saturdays at the Markethouse, so I'm still a bit sad that I missed it...even though all I did at home was sleep. Maybe I need to move a sofa down there...hmm. Nah, 'cause I still wouldn't want to share this any of you!

Back to "Normal"

2010-07-20T18:27:00.003-04:00

Well things around our house are slowing down, the race is over. Phew. It was quite a lot of work and was a great time, but the relief of being done is great...until next year. That means things around the Markethouse are ready to take off.

I'm starting to try and schedule classes. Please let me know if you'd like to be an instructor. I can't teach and run the shop, it's just too much for me. And I only know enough about a few subjects to get buy, not enough to teach much of anything useful. The dates and times of classes are really up to the instructors at this point. For example, if you're concerned that only Tuesdays work for you, and I'm not open on Tuesdays, let me know. I may be able to work around that somehow.

I'm scheduling a yarn tasting for the end of August, more information on that will be posted soon.

Butler County Stage Race

2010-07-15T17:24:00.001-04:00

Welcome Cyclists!

Yes, that's a strange thing to have at the top of a blog for a fiber arts shop. Bear with me...

This Saturday, July 17th, Main Street in Butler will be closed for much of the day. There will be as series of bicycle and unicycle races all day. From 8am to Noon, it will be closed all the way to Penn Street. Which is where the Markethouse on Main in located. The Markethouse will be open. Why? We LOVE foot traffic and visitors from out of town. A big bonus is that we have a huge shady front porch - a great vantage point for watching the Time Trial races. After noon, Main Street will be open further up than Penn, but still partially closed.

The Butler County Stage Race is a series (Time Trial (TT), Criterion (Crit) and Road Race) that takes place over 2 days. The TT and Crit will be on Saturday, the Road Race is in Renfrew on Sunday. There will be over 100 semi-pro cyclist competing. No it's not the Tour de France, but I'm still looking forward to the races. I don't live in France or along the California coast, therefore I don't get to personally watch bicycle races of this caliber that often. And cyclists of this level don't often have the opportunity to race on a closed course - Thanks Butler!

Again, I know it's an odd post for a fiber blog...but I thought it needed mentioned. After all, it will make it a bit difficult to get to the shop on Saturday, but I think the trip into town will be worth it. BTW - I'm going to be racing the uni Crit B (for the not so elite riders)! How silly is that!

Painting is completed, sort of

2010-07-11T12:52:00.003-04:00

Well, I finished painting one of the new rooms! I had already painted the 3rd room, as it was a sort of entry-way and needed some attention to make the other rooms look more inviting. All but one wall is newly patched and painted. I didn't finish the last wall 'cause it is need of some major repair, more than I'm capable of with Spackle and drywall tape.

The painting was quick, and not my best job. As long as my friends at Sherwin-Williams don't stop by to critique it, I'll be fine. (Actually, they are welcome to stop in - just don't look to critically at my paint job.) However, my dad's stopping in next weekend, I may have to take some rough criticism from him!

The inventory's been spread out, since I've got 3 rooms now. I'm not sure if it looks better or worse! I was able to group stuff a bit more. For example, all the macrame' stuff is all in one location. I think that will help with some things. Spinning and felting overlap a bit, so I'm not sure how to display that, but I'll keep working on it and only time will tell. Keep stopping in, as I'm sure the products will be on the move for a few weeks as I settle into a good way of displaying all the different products. This may help customers discover something they missed previously!

Weekly Update

2010-07-01T17:18:00.002-04:00

As mentioned earlier, DYNT is expanding. So I spent most of yesterday and today stripping the wallpaper border. I had one woman scold me for taking it down. I kept quiet, 'cause really the walls are in bad shape. The need some Spackle, a good washing, and a new coat of paint to hide the years of neglect and stains. So why would I leave the border up? It was peeling and the glue was starting to show and stain it. I just thought it would be funny to repaint and then leave an old crumbly border up. But maybe it's just me.

I got a shipment of yarns and supplies this week too. Check out the new Perfection colors from Kraemer Yarns in PA. Perfection is a worsted weight acrylic & merino blend($5.95/ approx. 200yds). Also in from Kraemer Yarns is 4 colors of Naturally Nazareth. It's a worsted weight 100% domestic wool yarn ($7.25/approx. 184 yds). Check out the Sterling yarns too. They are a sock weight Merino/Silk/Nylon blend with silver ($19.95/ approx. 420 yds.)!

Also just in, Farmhouse yarns Silk blend in beautiful earthy shades.

If you like needle felting, felt, roving, 2 felt purse forms and a few idea books have arrived. The books are fun, and good for beginners. I know I don't need a new hobby, but I think I really need to do more needle felting!

For you macrame' fans, new colors of rope are in, as well as some hoops and idea books.

I do need to mention, again, please excuse the mess! I'll get through the painting as soon as I can, but in the meantime, keep your tunnel vision looking at the yarns and fibers and not the walls!

Expansion = classes

2010-06-24T19:14:00.002-04:00

It's true, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread is expanding. This will allow for classes. As most of you know my current physical space is pretty small. By expanding into the adjoining rooms, I'll have space for classes.

Now, please understand, I'm not a great teacher. (Some may argue this point, but the truth is, I'm not good at explaining how I make something. As someone who comes from an artistic and crafty family, we just do, don't ask us to explain how or why we do it.) I'm only offering the space. If you have a knack for teaching your craft, please let me know. I'm especially looking for teachers of all fiber arts crafts, tatting, felting, macrame, weaving, rug hooking...

That being said, please excuse the mess as DYNT is "remodeling". The empty rooms need alot of work.

I'm hoping to have classes and group meetings scheduled by August.

Yes, I'd like to have group meetings too. Left Handed Knitters & Crocheters, Men's Night, things like that. Let me know what you think about that too... Wednesday nights good for everyone? Saturday Mornings? What special group would you like to start?

Buttons, Buttons, and more Buttons

2010-06-17T20:20:00.003-04:00

Today, while I was chatting with the Hidden Nest shop owner, the mailman came by. I took him by surprise 'cause I ran to the door and threw it open while exclaiming, "How are you?" (I think the other shop keepers thought I was nuts!). He replied, and we chit-chatted for a few minutes. He used to be the mailman on our street, but was transferred downtown. He's a nice guy, retired military man, and one of those mailmen that you always hear about checking in on the elderly or helping the people on their route.

Turns out he had a package for me! It was a box of handmade (in Ohio) buttons! Glorious big ceramic buttons with large holes for yarn. Beautiful porcelain buttons in the shape of sheep and bunnies. Sparkling glass buttons. Buttons with 4 holes. Buttons with 2 holes. Buttons with shanks. Matching buttons. Single buttons. Star shaped buttons. Green buttons. Blue buttons. Yellow buttons. Buttons that would inspire a project.

If you've been waiting for just the right button for that bag or shawl, stop in. DYNT just might have it.

FYI - Sonja, of Sonja's Upstairs Studio is a button collector. So if you don't find the button you're looking for at DYNT, stop in her shop, say hi, and check out her button collection.

Saturday at the Markethouse

2010-06-13T14:40:00.003-04:00

Saturday was a busy day at the Markethouse on Main. Although it looked like rain, the day remained muggy and grey. That didn't stop us! We (myself and 2 other shop keepers) decided that today was day to clean up the flowerbeds and mow the lawn. Thanks to Frank, our fearless, unpaid and unacknowledged maintenance man, the lawn was mowed and trimmed and the beds weeded. I was going to help, but after my customers left and I made it back outside, he was just about done!

As always, there was no one at the Markethouse when we started the project...and then there were people in all the shops! We'll take it, but poor Frank did all the work. He's a good sport. Frank's wife owns The Hidden Nest, and poor Frank gets talked into all sorts of repairs and projects around the Markethouse. He did have the help of 2 of his grand kids yesterday. They were small enough to send in behind the shrubs and pull the giant weeds! They thought it was great fun. It's always fun when you can make kids think work is a game. It makes it more fun for the adults too.

We also ate watermelon on the porch (yummy!) and waved to passing friends in their cars at the intersection.

Honestly, our front porch is a fun place to spend a few hours. If you have a project your working on, bring it on down and join us on the porch. It gets noisy sometimes, because of the auto traffic, but it's still a nice place to sit.

Don't forget to stop by and order your Farmhouse Yarns. I'll be ordering at the end of June, so find a project and pick your yarns!

Special project? Order your yarn now!

2010-06-03T08:28:00.003-04:00

Stop in before the end of June and order some yarn from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC. They source all that they can from US cotton & sheep (many of the sheep are hers and some of the yarns are named after the sheep the fleece comes from!). There are many beautiful colorways as well as a variety of textures. Currently DYNT carries some of Fannie's Fingering and Bonnie's Bamboo.

There are some sample cards at the shop for you to browse. That will help with color selection. It doesn't help me, I want one of everything! They are just so brilliant.

I'm also tossing about the idea of expanding the footprint of the store, let me know what you think about that. It's a tough decision, I don't have the inventory to fill it yet, but the space would be good for classes and groups. All you southpaws out there take heed, I'd like to start a Southpaw Knit & Crochet group so you can help each other out with all the "How do I do this backwards?" questions!

If I had extra space, I'd also like to start a "Show - n - Tell" wall or area that showcases pieces made by DYNT customers. It's sometimes fun to show others who share your passion what you have done. Especially when those projects were ones that you weren't sure were going to turn out well. This would also help when customers of the Markethouse on Main stop in and tell me they don't know what to do with yarn. They may never pick up a hook, needle, spindle, or shuttle but they can see what their neighbors are doing!

Wednesday, yes I'm open...

2010-06-02T08:07:00.003-04:00

Well, today, Wednesday the 2nd, DYNT is open. However, should you stop by in the late afternoon, the shop will be closed. It's only temporary, and if you need me to open up, not a problem. I'll be 1 block north, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Come in around the back and find me (or call the church office) and I'll head over to the shop and open up.

The Hopkins 4K 4 Cancer kids are rolling through town this evening and I'm going to be helping with the dinner preparations. The 4K 4 Cancer is a fundraising bike ride across the country. The (mostly) college aged riders stop over each night in a different community. Tonight is Butler. They stay at Westminster, shower at the YMCA and give a presentation in the evening about why they ride. Most of them have had a personal experience with cancer, sometimes, it's even their own battle!

My hubby, the local "bike guy" will be there with a few friends. He spends the evening tuning up their bikes and helping with any riding issues they may have encountered.

This year, there are a few dietary issues, i.e. allergies, intolerances, and celiac. That's where I come in to the picture. Having multiple food issues myself, I'm familiar with some of the requirements.

So, if you do stop in at the shop, and it's locked up tight, don't despair! I'll be there as soon as I can to let you in... just let me know you're there!

What is my goal?

2010-05-16T17:38:00.003-04:00

I'm excited about the possibilities for Darn Yarn Needles and Thread. Each week brings ups and downs. But slowly, people are hearing about DYNT. It's been, and will continue to be, difficult to decide where to spend my advertising budget. (Which BTW is very very small.) I know what my target market is, but it's a tough market to reach with the current outlets available to me.

I was surprised earlier this week, when I had to explain to someone, again, what Fair-Trade meant. And when I mentioned that the other yarns are all US made/spun, she asked if "being green" was my goal. I wasn't' sure how to answer her.

I didn't know that being concerned about where something was made, made you "green". I truly believe that God gave us this planet to tend and keep, that includes taking care of the people on it. Which, to me, means doing what I can to know where things are made. And being as I live in the US and am a US citizen, I'd like to support US people first. I'd also like to know, if possible, that the international people I'm supporting are able to survive on their wages. Call me crazy, call me a hippie, you wouldn't be the first. But in the end, I hope you call me fair.

I also recently read a blog from one of my suppliers that was very open and frank. I'm sure it must have been hard for her to lay it all out there for all of us to read. But in the end, it made me think, "see that's why I want to buy local, to support people like her."

So I will continue to support local and US made stuff, I may branch out a bit to offer some other things as needed. But in the long run, I hope the local community can grasp the bigger picture, even though it's a smaller focus, and that they too will understand why I buy as many local/US made products as I can.

Fantastic Fun Felting.

2010-05-09T12:07:00.002-04:00

Saturday was a grey, cold, wet day here in Butler, PA. It was a bit slow at the shop. Can't really blame anyone for not wanting to go out in this weather!

It did give me a chance to finish a few demo projects. The Jelly Yarn's alot of fun to work with! It makes a great beach/grocery bag as it stretches and is just plain cool looking. The bag's been made for my niece, but I won't see her for a while, so until then it's in the shop for all to see. I've also got a Jelly Yarn dog collar and a small jewelry box made of Jelly Yarn, thanks to the makers of Jelly Yarn who sent that out to me.

Yesterday I also worked on a small felted applique. Wow! I think I've been putting off felting because I knew it would inspire me! It's like painting with wool. Whoa. I started thinking about all the possibilities. I definitely think I need to get in some more felting supplies. I think there's a reason some crafters spend so much time felting.

New Hours, New Links

2010-05-02T15:23:00.003-04:00

It's been a busy week at Darn Yarn Needles & Thread. I did finish painting the walls of the entry way and got all the new inventory in place and priced. I still need to touch up the trim work, but that can wait a bit. I've got more hooks for the ladders, so I'll be filling the empty one later this week and I'll be ordering a few more books later today, too. Busy, busy, busy.

I've been meaning to personally join the Butler Spinners & Weavers Guild, but kept putting it off. So I finally sent in my dues this week. I've added a link to their site in "Other Links of Interest" in the sied bar on the right. Check them out, it's a great and very active group.

DYNT is also now a member of the Butler Co. Tourism and Convention Bureau. I've also added a link to their site on the same sidebar. Check them out too. Even if you are a local, there's a ton of stuff listed on their site: events, shops, historical sites, parks.... it's a great resource for figuring out what to do on a free Saturday or when some out of town family is visiting. There's alot here... it's sometimes easy for us locals to forget about all the cool stuff in our own backyard.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the reason I started this post today - DYNT has new hours! The new hours line up a bit more with some of the other shops in the Markethouse on Main. I kept one late day for shoppers on their way home from work. It also makes the hours a bit more consistent, and I'm hoping, easier for people to remember! DYNT will now be open:

Wednesdays 10am - 6pm
Thursdays 10am - 4pm
Fridays 1:30pm - 4pm
Saturdays 10am -4pm

However, this Thursday, I may be opening a bit later, as I have a previous appointment. I may be able to change it, but don't know for sure yet.

On the way home from church today, my hubby and I spotted an old Formica table in the trash...so yes, we picked it up, and in our Sunday best, carried it about 5 blocks to the shop! So that's this coming week's project. I'll be in there cleaning it up a bit. It's in OK shape as is, so it won't take much work. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it...but with more inventory coming in all the time, another (free) table is welcome right now.

Hours subject to change...

2010-04-29T19:24:00.004-04:00

Well, I've been thinking about it, and Darn Yarn Needles and Thread's hours may be changing. Just to keep them a bit more "consistent" looking and easier for people to remember. As a whole, The Market House on Main is quite quiet after 4pm, but I didn't want to let go of the late hours on at least one day, I'm still hoping to catch some people after work. Let me know what you think.

The new possible hours are:
Wednesdays 10am - 6pm
Thursdays 10am - 4pm
Fridays 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays 10am - 4pm

Also, recently added to inventory are US Made macrame rope; Jute Roping; Tatting Needles, Shuttles, and Thread; Embroidery Needles; Felting Needles, Foam and applique kits; Euclean delicate wash, and bamboo yarn made in CT!

Yesterday I painted the entry room/hall a bright and cheery yellow. It took me longer than expected, but I got distracted by a 4 year old talking about popcorn.

Just keep following the signs and arrows. You'll get to me.

This Just In...

2010-04-25T13:11:00.002-04:00

(Visualize the Muppet Show Newsroom, circa 1976) Newsflash, dateline Butler Pennsylvania. This just in, sock yarn made in Pennsylvania has been spotted at the local Fiber Arts & Crafts Store, Darn Yarn Needles and Thread. Also spotted were some brightly spring colored worsted weight tweeds, also spun in Pennsylvania. "Socks for all" proclaimed a crazed local knitter as she ran through the Market House on Main clutching a bright yellow skein of yarn and a set of double point knitting needles.

Holy Customers Batman!

2010-04-22T08:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day at Darn Yarn Needles and Thread! I headed down to the shop with the hope of getting some painting done in the entryway to the shop. I didn't even get to call Sherwin Williams with my question until 4:30! The shop was hopping! At one point, the phone was ringing, there were 5 customers browsing, and things were falling from the ceiling! It was quite an adventure.

I added chalkboard signs to the top of the ladders to indicate what is on each ladder. Chalkboards being relatively thin, I wasn't sure how to mount them. My method didn't work well initially, they would periodically fall from the top of the ladders with a loud shattering noise. (although none of them broke yet!) I'm hoping they are all still attached when I wander down there this morning.

I have new photos! I'll try and get them uploaded today too.

Scheduled to arrive next week at DYNT are a few selections from Kraemer Yarns in Nazareth, Pa as well as a few yarns from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC in CT. I'm looking forward to adding these two company's to the line-up of US made products. I'll also be getting in some tatting and macrame supplies soon. I can't promise they will be US made, but other countries need to have a GNP too, I'd just rather shop US first if possible and I'll try my best!

I'm considering indicating US made products in the shop with a little flag in the bin, shelf or on the display. I am, however, having a hard time finding little US flags that are made in the US. Somehow it just feels really wrong to me to display a country's flag when the flag itself isn't made in that country, silly I know. I'll have to start looking in the Scrapbooking sections for stickers...maybe I can create some sort of tag. Hmm.

On a personal note, I'm on anit-biotics for an abscess tooth/gum infection. If you stop in and I look perturbed or angry, I'm probably not. It's most likely just me trying not to let the meds get the better of me. They are giving me horrid constant heartburn, a headache, and yesterday they made me shaky (maybe it's a good thing I didn't paint!). I'm calling the dentist today - as I've only been on them for about 24hrs.

Wednesday Update

2010-04-14T08:04:00.004-04:00

Well, things are moving at the Markethouse on Main.

The Artist's Garden's weekly garage sale in the parking lot & garage have started - Please, please, please, I'm begging, if you stop for it, watch were you are driving and parking! From the DYNT window last Saturday, I saw 1 almost accident (with wheels screeching and horns honking!), 2 cyclists almost got run over, and there were numerous near misses as people just drove over the curbs and then parked where ever they stopped the car (diagonally, in the driveway, blocking others). Penn St. is a busy street. The parking lot is marked, albeit faintly. Please use common sense. The bargains of a garage sale aren't worth an insurance deductible.

I've reluctantly created a Facebook page for DYNT. Become a fan if you're on FB. I'm not a fan of networking sites. I'll leave it at that. I'd rather see your smiling face at the actual shop than have you as a fan on FB. But for some of you, those that aren't local and therefore may never make it to the physical location, becoming a fan is always an option, as is following the blog. (Thanks to all who already follow it!)

The ladders are slowly making their way into the shop. I've got some new photos and will try and upload them over the next few days.

I'm looking into a regional yarn supplier that still makes their products here in Pennsylvania. I'll keep you posted on that. I'm pretty excited about the possibility. It will allow me to carry what a few knitters have referred to as "regular" yarn while still sticking to my beliefs about local/regional and US made stuff.

2010-04-07T10:22:00.004-04:00

I'm home a bit early from Dad's. His hip replacement went amazingly well. I knew he'd recover quickly, but I think even he's amazed at the progress. I got to see the x-rays and photos. Yuck. But I should explain that he needed this! His left hip was starting to fuse together. Can you imagine the pain? It was also in the wrong spot. His leg bone had moved about 3 inches up into the hip socket. So now his legs are the same length and they both move! He's not in much pain and he can already do flights of steps - very very slowly, but he gets there!

The shop's still closed today though. I have errands and stuff that need done around the house - between the head cold and Dad's surgery, things got put on hold. I'm using today to play catch up.

I'm working on a hat made from T-shirt yarn. It's progressing well. I'm also working on a few critters, an owl right now. We'll see how those go.

Stop in and say hi on Thursday - Saturday! The ladders are up and the Markethouse on Main is hoping. Last week there were some plumbing issues. If you stopped in on Thursday you may have seen some of the flooding when the pipe to an upstairs bathroom burst. Gotta love old buildings. No inventory in any of the downstairs shops was damaged. Thank the guardian angels for that!

Market House on Main has a sign!

2010-04-02T12:08:00.003-04:00

Did you see it? Did you see it? Wahoo! The Markethouse on Main sign is up and drawing attention from those driving by. Be sure to check it out. DYNT is listed, along with all the other shops in the building.

The shops are hopping! Stop in and say hi!

Just a reminder - DYNT will be closed on next Wednesday, April 7th. I'll be out east helping my dad get mobile after a full hip replacement.

Weekly Update

2010-03-28T11:11:00.002-04:00

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.

Opening Day

2010-03-21T12:41:00.003-04:00

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.

Wednesday Update.

2010-03-17T18:03:00.003-04:00

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.

Opening Saturday, March 20th!

2010-03-12T15:17:00.004-05:00

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.

T-shirt yarns in stock!

2010-03-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

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.

Painting, painting and more painting.

2010-03-03T18:55:00.002-05:00

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.

2010-02-28T08:27:00.004-05:00

Today I'm hoping to get some painting done. The walls are primed. I'm moving slow today though, so we'll see how that goes.

I took a spinning class yesterday. If you know me, I'm sure it would have made you chuckle. Despite my many hours pedaling each week, and the fact that I'm married to "BikeGuy", I couldn't keep the wheel spinning in the correct (clockwise) direction. I'm not surprised, my coordination level is not that high. But overall, it was fun, and something I'd like to try again and practice more often. Just like most anything, there is talent involved, but practice always helps! I may never be the best at it, but I can say I've tried it.

I'm hoping to get a phone this coming week. I'll post that information as soon as I can. I'm also hoping to start moving stuff in by Saturday. We'll see how that goes. It will be a relief to start moving the supplies out of my living room and into their proper place. It will also help me better visualize what else I need to order to keep my stock well-rounded for all, or at least many, different fiber artists.

I just got in some more recycled yarns, banana yarn and fair trade silk! I'm excited to try the banana yarn. I'm already thinking I might have to order more - I'd like to make something out of it so people can see how it works up. Hmm.... maybe a good summer hat?

2010-02-21T17:36:00.006-05:00

I was able to get in and get some painting done on Saturday. It wasn't much, just the ceiling and some primer on a few of the walls - yes "few". Being in an old home, the rooms aren't square shaped. That makes it fun and difficult at the same time.

Lilly, the 3 year old who "works" downstairs in her mom's shop White Olive Boutique, has approved of the color I picked for the walls. Good, I was worried about the approval of the pre-k set. She found her way up to my room, which for her means sneaking out of Mom's sight, up a flight of stairs, around the corner, and through 3 doors.

I was working when I hear a little "Whatcha do-in?" I turn to see Lilly, dressed up in giant earrings, draped in necklaces, and carrying a purse almost as big as she is. All the accessories were from her mom's shop. When I told her I was painting the room, she wanted to know what color. Having the color chip on hand, I gave it to her, she walked to the wall, held it up against the wall, looked around and proclaimed "That'll look nice." Phew. For a minute there, I was worried.

All in all, the work day went well. I'm not sure when I'll get in again. I've got meetings all week and my Wednesday's quickly getting eaten up with phone calls and meetings too. But I am anxious to get the painting done. Because then the set-up and moving in can begin. I also don't have a lock on the door yet, so I don't want to start moving all the inventory in until my friend, and local handyman, Adam, can get in and work on the lock. Right, now, there's a garbage bag and a few cans of paint. I'm not too concerned about them.

I was going to take before and after photos. But I didn't really think it would be good business to let people see the sorry shape of the room when I started. The paint was peeling, the roof looked damaged, the marble's stained. But after being in there and poking and painting and checking things more closely, for the age of the building, we're in pretty good shape! So far I haven't hit any serious glitches in the decor department.

And yes, after standing most of the day, my bum feels better, but I'm exhausted!

Wednesday Update

2010-02-17T16:32:00.004-05:00

I've just posted 2 photos of The Market on Main. The Market on Main is the location of Darn Yarn Needles and Thread. DYNT will be on the second floor. I've included some links from a few of the other tenants in the building, as well as a woman I met this past weekend who spins angora.

Yes, I took the photos in the middle of yet another snow shower. Oh well.

I'll be open Wednesdays, by appointment. So if you are in a knitting or fiber arts group and would like a place to meet on Wednesdays, let me know! If you teach some sort of class in the fiber arts and would like to hold a class on Wednesday, let me know. Eventually, as the weather warms (it WILL happen!) some of the others in the house may be open on Wednesdays, in which case, I will be too.

Right now I'll be open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 - 5. I will probably be adding Friday, that will be confirmed shortly, but for now, I'm sticking with Thursdays & Saturdays.

I visited Sherwin Williams today and picked up some paint. I'm hoping to get in there tomorrow and Saturday and get alot of that done! That will be a big relief to me. I'm anxious about moving in for good!

On a personal note, that fall I took last week... did you know you can sprain your butt?! It makes sense since all your spinal stuff is connected to the rest of you via muscles and tendons. But it sure does sound funny. No wonder it hurt to unicycle last Saturday (for those of you who don't know, my hubby is a competitive unicyclist. I picked up the sport a few years ago, not with near the amount of success he's had, and I don't compete. Check out his blogs, I think they are in the links on the right with the other blogs I follow.)

At any rate, I've been told to stand more than sit... makes painting look like a good idea! I was also told, that while it may not sound as damaging as breaking your tailbone, it will most likely take longer to heal, and hurt for a longer period of time, since we always use those tendons and muscles to move. So for now, I'll keep carrying a pillow to work with me and sitting on cushy sofas.

"So long and thanks for all the fish"

2010-02-14T18:55:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I added a quote from a pop-culture sci-fi book to the bottom of my blog page. I figured I should take a moment, early on, to explain why it's there.

My hubby and I had an inside joke for a long time, "Someday, when I open my own store..." Recently, it became "Someday, when I open Darn Yarn Needles and Thread...". Well things started falling into place. A place opened up on Main Street in Butler, with rent I could afford. They started talking at work about watching our hours and I figured I could reduce mine to part-time. These two things led to us discussing the possibility that Darn Yarn Needles and Thread could become a reality.

I started planning on a shoe string budget, a baby shoe-string budget. I wasn't really sure how this was going to work.

My hubby's Aunt Sue became ill around Thanksgiving. It was discovered that she had Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She passed away just after Thanksgiving.

Aunt Sue was a kindred spirit. All Kracks are incredibly talented, most of them can fix anything, many have translated this talent into artistic endeavours. Like Aunt Sue. She owned and ran a Quilt shop for a few years, she was an official quilter for the state of West Virginia. She was also the type of person that was always there to help you. She loved all her nieces and nephews and took care of all of them and all of the niece and nephew-in-laws.

My husband, shocked and stunned himself, recently discovered that Aunt Sue, having no kids of her own, thought enough of all the nieces and nephews to name them as her beneficiaries. My hubby, having known Aunt Sue his entire life, decided that I should use this money for Darn Yarn Needles and Thread. He figures it's what she would want done with the money. It's not a lot, but it's more than a little too. My shoe string just increased to a sneaker length shoe string.

At her funeral, we learned that Aunt Sue and a few of her sibling would use the quote "So long and thanks for all the fish" as a way to say goodbye when they would part company. I thought it only fitting to use this quote as a way of thanking her for all her love and support in the past, and in the future. While I'd rather have her than her money, her memory will live on every time I purchase inventory for the shop.

So Aunt Sue, you are missed alot every day, I could use your help now as I start my own fiber arts business, but "So long and thanks for all the fish."

All things are going according to plans, despite the weather.

2010-02-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Snow. SNow. SNOw. SNOW.

I'm getting tired of digging out, as I'm sure much of the eastern part of the country is. But despite the slowing down of commerce and the world as we know it, things are still progressing towards an opening in March.

I did tumble down our front steps yesterday, so that has physically slowed me down. But that just means more time to sit and crochet and plan. I just have to sit on a pillow for a few days while I sit infront of the computer.

My father-in-law had some items I was looking for to display the yarns. No big surprise there, if you ever get to see his garage/workshop, you would understand. One could probably find many needed things in there! I just had to remember to ask.

I have yet to meet up, physically, with the landlord of the new space. Snow keeps getting in the way. But maybe tonight!

Continue to stay tuned.

Coming Soon!

2010-02-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

Stay tuned for more information, but soon Darn Yarn Needles and Thread will be opening in Butler Pennsylvania.

It won't be today, or tommorow, based on the weather...and it might not be for another week or two... but soon.

Actually, we are looking to open for business the first week in March.