I'm a librarian, spinner, knitter! This is my blog for crafty things, updates to my shop and more.
You can check out my handspun yarns here - Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns and my hand knit items here - Kitty Grrlz Hand Knits

Friday, March 27, 2009

Leaves of (Ocean) Grass and Black Cherry Art yarns

So, yesterday I was supposed to be spinning bamboo for a custom request that I've had for way too long. I am horrible for not just spinning it but I was really motivated and inspired to spin a couple of art yarns. Thus, instead of spinning the bamboo, I spun these four art yarn skeins -

The top two are more "Tainted Love" but this time I'm sticking to the colorway name of "Black Cherry" because this fiber batch was so dark and wonderful and saturated that I actually spun in some black eyelash yarns along with the other colors. So these are just a bit different than previous skeins. The bottom two are spun from the colorway "Whitman", which helped inspire the name - Leaves of (Ocean) Grass. I had to add the ocean to it because there was something about it that made me think of the sea. Both were spun from merino wool handdyed by Lynn aka The Yarn Wench.

All of these are on etsy, and now, I must really finish spinning that bamboo!!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

New Single Ply Yarns

Just a a quickie post today to show off my 3 latest single ply yarns. When I received these batches of fiber in the mail from Cloudlover, I was speechless! The colors were so deep and gorgeous! I wanted to spin them right away, but had to wait. I should have been working on more commissions yesterday, but instead I snuck in these 3 spins - (all are now on etsy here!)

Annabel Lee - 166 yards - 5.2 oz - worsted weight

Lenore - 120 yards - 4.2 oz - worsted weight

Lost - 136 yards - 5.2 oz - thicker worsted weight

Monday, March 23, 2009

A Few More Fabulous Finds . . .

Yesterday, my post was getting a little long, so I'd like to post a couple more of my favorite items . . . two made with my yarn, and one, well, one, just because.

First, is a wonderful "Aqua Lime Explosion" scarf from Kelli of LoopyKnitsBoutique. Kelli first found my yarn around the holidays and proceeded to make a fabulous scarf out of one of my "Boho Brights" art yarn skeins. (You can see that on her blog here.) Then, she made this one from another of my favorite, brightly-colored skeins - (photo courtesy of Kelli)

I just love the textures and colors. She has also knit several scarves using my Beautiful Bamboo yarn - you can see them here! Bamboo is great for soft and slinky scarves.

Yesterday, I also mentioned Naomi of KnottyHandspuns. She has also used my art yarns in some of her knitting, and here is one of her cowls, knit with one of my art yarn skeins - (photo courtesy of Naomi)


I also mentioned her fabulous Thick n Thin Single ply yarns yesterday, but she also spins amazing two-plys! This one is in my favorites right now, and if I had even a glimmer of hope that I'd actually have time to knit it up, I would have snatched it up already - this is "Shady Forest" -
(photo courtesy of Naomi)

I'm running out of time again, so that's all for today, except for the new listing picture! I listed one skein of Summer Carnival Light bamboo today, and will be listing 3 skeins of Stormy Night in a little bit. Here is a picture of the Summer Carnival Light skein -

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fabulous Finds Made From My Yarn!

Before I get to my new listing and picture for today, I have to share some of my favorite items that have been made with my yarns. Spinning yarn and selling it - that is a great feeling, to know that someone else likes my yarn enough to buy it - but seeing that yarn turned into something wonderful - that feeling is even better! Lately, some really talented people have created some great items with my yarn so today I'm going to share them with you.

First, is Brenda of Phydeaux Designs. She has actually used several of my yarns for her beautifully knit scarves, but this one is my all-time favorite - so lush and gorgeous - she really knows how to get the most out of my art yarns - Here is her "Titania" Scarf knit with "Sabrina's Vintage Garden" art yarn - (great photo courtesy of Brenda)

She also makes the best scarves out of the best hand spun thick n thin single ply yarns out there - those spun by Naomi of Knotty HandSpuns. Seriously, these scarves are amazing - the spinning is exquisite and the knitting equally so! This is one of my recent favorites, "Honey Berry" spun from Naomi's "Plum Honey" hand spun Squoosh Monster thick n thin single ply yarn. (Again, photo courtesy of Brenda)

Today, I was also notified of this great hat knit with my hand spun single ply yarn by Dave at UrbanRagg, also on etsy. I especially like how he combined my yarn with that of another etsian! Such great colors - and he's got lots more to choose from, too! (photo courtesy of UrbanRagg)

Finally, I have to include one of Becca's capelets - She can be found on etsy - HappiKnits and also on Trunkt! What I love most about her items are the elegance and how she uses the art yarns in an understated way to add that perfect little-extra to her designs. Oh, and of course I love this one because of the color! (photo courtesy of Becca)

These are only a few of the wonderful artists who have used my yarns in their creations, but just happen to be my most recent favorites!

And, quickly, here is the latest yarns I listed today - more Plum Divine 2009. This is the last of the fiber I have on hand so I'm not sure when I'll spin this one again - though I'm sure I will at some point! I have two skeins - an 82 yard skein and a smaller, 48-yard skein.

For YOU, Xanadu!

Tonight I didn't really start working until after 8pm. I prepped fiber for awhile and when basketball ended, was ready to spin, but needed something for "background" noise but just couldn't take ESPN at the time. I started going through the guide and, Wait, what? Xanadu? Really? As in, the movie from 1980 with Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly and Michael Beck (who my boyfriend noted was also in The Warriors)? Well, I had to watch.

Usually when this happens, I don't end up watching through to the end because it just becomes too much to take. (It seems things that I loved when I was young don't hold up well over time.)

Thankfully, since I was spinning during this, and therefore was mostly *listening* and not *watching*, I "watched" to the end. Of course, I mostly wanted to hear "Suspended in Time" - my favorite song from the soundtrack (which I still have to this day on vinyl!)

The thing about this movie is that it is probably one of 3 movies that I really remember as being my favorites. There was Grease, Xanadu, and . . . The Outsiders. I've watched Grease from time to time and still can't help but love the music. I can't watch the Outsiders because it depresses me more than it did when I read the book when I was 12. This track record probably contributed to the thought that there'd be no way I'd make it through all of Xanadu . .

There were definitely moments I cringed at the
-cheesiness!
-the fashion! oh my GOD! i'm sorry, but it was HIDEOUS. There is NO fashion trend of the 80s that should EVER come back!**
-the special effects!
-the rollerskating!

Okay, the last one I actually thought was just weird seeing featured so prominently in a movie! I LOVED to roller skate. We'd go ALL THE TIME when we were kids - especially from about 12 - 16? 17?. My 16th birthday was spent at SkateLand. I had my own skates (actually still do), and have actually had a birthday party *as an adult* at a rollerskating rink! But, it was weird to see it in a movie.

I'm sure that's one of the reasons I loved it way back when, though. The rollerskating! And, I remember liking the music, with the aforementioned Suspended in Time being my favorite song. So simple and sappy! I remember playing the soundtrack ALOT.

I wanted to BE Kira. I wanted her dress and the barretts, with the ribbons? My grandma actually made us barrets similar to that - they were all the rage back then. Seeing it now, well, I don't know what I was thinking. The dress isn't as light and flowing as I remember it. All of her "Muse" dresses looked really thick, layered, and heavy to me now.

I was maybe 8 when it came out. I don't know if I saw it right when it came out or not, because that seems sort of young, but who knows.

And, maybe because I was fairly young when I first saw it, as I watched it tonight and tried to figure out what part it has played in my life, how it fits into who I am and how I got to this point, I realize why maybe this movie stood out.

The whole, muse, follow your dreams thing? I like that, and still do, even if it has taken me almost 30 years past that to realize the truth of it.

I know, that may not make sense, but this is the point to this post - what I'm trying to get at, and that is - even though from very early on, I *wanted to believe* in the whole "follow your dreams" thing, the "you can do anything" thing, the wanting to do something *creative* . . . at every fork in the road of my life I've taken the opposite path. Until recently. Until I was almost forced into it . . . finally, there were no more "smart" or "safe" or "easy" options - the only logical path was finally the one I had always wanted - being able to do something creative, something artistic, to *make* something.

And, now, I really should go to sleep. I may delete this post in the morning, but for now, here is a post about something other than yarn and I'll end with the lyrics to Suspended in Time -

A child and a fool in one/So sure I could need no one/My heart always on the run to nowhere
Now as you're holding me/My heart is reminding me/That now I could never be without you

But how can our love succeed/A miracle is what we need/And so I appeal to you

Keep me suspended in time with you/Don't let this moment die
I get a feeling when I'm with you/None of the rules apply
But I know for certain/Goodbye is a crime/So love if you need me
Suspend me in time

Wasted the time away/Holding our love at bay/Now I can't last a day without you
Your smile is a thrill to see/Your eyes hold me tenderly/They'll shine in my memory forever

(yes, i do have a really sappy side which is why i don't watch movies - i cry at anything!)

**i keep thinking about this, and there were actually many eras represented in this movie, but some of the costuming was just - ugh! Don't want to go back there, really!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

New yarns - Boho again!

I have three new yarns that I listed today, and two skeins are spun from the "Boho" colorway - this is the same colorway used for the "Squish-tastic!" skeins posted a few days ago! Much darker than the previous version I had of this colorway, I spun in novelty and specialty yarns in shades of orange, pink, fuchsia, and teal/peacock. Each skein is slightly different as I ran out of one my favorite yarns to use after the first skein. So, the second skein has a teal eyelash yarn spun in instead. Here are the pictures of the art yarn skeins -

Functionart - Boho - 80 yards

FunctionArt - Boho - 82 yards

I also listed another bamboo skein in a similar color to "Chocolate Berry Shine" - but this one is much lighter -

And, don't forget - my Spring Has Sprung sale continues all weekend in my etsy shops - Kitty Grrlz Knits and Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns!

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Friday, March 20, 2009

Yes, I'm Having Another Sale

The fact of the matter is, I need money to pay taxes! So, I'm having "Spring Has Sprung" sales this weekend in BOTH of my etsy shops!

In my Kitty Grrlz Knits Hand Knits shop -
$10 off all winter hats, scarves, and cowls!
PLUS, Free Shipping in the USA and $5 International shipping
No code needed - prices are already changed to reflect these specials. Sale runs through Sunday night.

In my Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns shop -
Free Shipping in the USA and $5 International Shipping
PLUS:
Purchase 2-3 yarns and receive 10% off!
Purchase 4 or more yarns and receive 15% off!
CODE: SpringHasSprung09
To receive the additional percentage off discount, please put the code in the Notes to Seller section and wait for revised invoice via Paypal, or pay and I will refund the discount amount.
Offer valid through Sunday night, March 22.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New Yarn & last hours of St Patrick's Day Sale!

My St. Patrick's Day Sale on bamboo continues until Wednesday morning at 6am Central Time! You can find all remaining available skeins here!

I also listed a new Squish-tastic! yarn today - Boho - in shades of pink/fuchsia, orange and teal/peacock. Two skeins, one 70 yards and the other 40 yards-


I'll be listing the matching Navajo 3ply on Wednesday.

Today was my last day of "rest". My hands really were worn out from all the spinning last week, so I took a few days off from the wheel. Tomorrow, I am back to it, though, and will start with some commissions, though I hope to get a couple skeins done to list on etsy, too.

Monday, March 16, 2009

New Hand Spun Bamboo Yarns

Today I listed all the bamboo skeins I spun last week. I'm also going to be having a sale on them starting at 6pm (Central Time) today, Monday, and ending at 6am on Wednesday morning. I'll be changing the prices on etsy around 6pm tonight. You can find all the bamboo HERE, or click on the mosaic of the new colors -


Also, newsletter subscribers - make sure to check your email today as I have some additional specials for newsletter subscribers only. Not a subscriber but would like to be? You can subscribe via the app on the side of this blog!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

New Hand Spun Art Yarns listed & more

I am back from the Knit-In and have lots of new yarns to list! Today, I listed 6 new art yarn skeins, all in colors I have previously done, but each slightly different than the previous versions. The three are Plum Divine 2009, Tainted Love, and Plum Honey. Here is a mosaic of these new ones, along with the other new ones listed last week. They can all be found on ETSY HERE!

Tomorrow, I will be listing 18 bamboo skeins AND announcing my St. Patrick's Day Sale! This sale will be focused primarily on the bamboo yarns, which is why I hope to have them all listed in time for the sale on Tuesday. Wednesday I'll be listing a new, bright Squish-tastic! 2ply and a matching Navajo 3ply skein.

I've got commissions to work on this week as well, but will be taking it a little easy as I allow my hands to recover from my marathon-spinning week last week as I prepared for the Knit-In. I'm not spinning today, but do have tons of photos to edit, so back to work I go!

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Weekend Deals Scarf Sale continues!

Today is the last day of my WEEKEND DEALS Sale going on in my Kitty Grrlz Knits shop on etsy! Free shipping in the USA and Half Price International shipping on all items, PLUS $10 off ALL Scarves! Prices already reflect these discounts - please check it out HERE.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Going Green - New Hand Spun Yarns in Shades of Green

New yarns just listed - all in shades of green, or close to it. There is "Olive Cream" FunctionArt Art yarn in olive green and creamy shades of white, Loch Ness single ply in shades of brighter green and brown, and finally, Ocean Glass single ply in shades of blue/green. All are on etsy here!

Friday, March 6, 2009

New Yarns & a Weekend Deals Scarf Sale!

First, I have to say that I probably won't be online much during this upcoming week, as I will be busy busy busy spinning yarn for the Knit-In on March 14 in Madison, Wisconsin. I hope to have lots of new bamboo skeins spun for it, along with some new art yarns, and of course other yarns, too. I will still be listing at least one new yarn a day on etsy, but may not list everything I spin. Any yarns spun, not listed, and not sold at the Knit-In will be listed on March 15-16th.

Second, I am having a WEEKEND DEALS SALE in my Kitty Grrlz Knits Etsy shop! Free shipping in the USA and Half Price International Shipping on all items, PLUS $10 off ALL SCARVES! I am not sure I will continue to knit this year, as the spinning is really keeping me busy, so I would love to clear out some of my knits inventory. If I DO decide to keep knitting, then it also will clear some room in my "knit-bin". ;) Please check it out HERE.

Finally, here is a new art yarn listed today on etsy -

FunctionArt - Mahogany Midnight Moon - two skeins - 86 and 82 yards


Now it's time for me to get spinning!

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Monday, March 2, 2009

New yarns listed today!

I was able to list a few more yarns today than I thought since I received back two bamboo skeins. The two bamboo skeins are of the "DragonSong" colorway, but they don't quite match. I also have a small skein of Novel-Ply, a small skein of Navajo 3-ply, and a wonderful super bulky, 5.2 ounce skein of Squish-tastic!. All of these new yarns are listed on my etsy site here (or click on the picture)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

What a weekend! (Sheep in the City)

Well, it is Sunday evening and my first show of 2009 is now behind me. It was the Sheep in the City Getaway in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. It was a 3-day event, with classes and knitting and shopping and spinning and cake walks and fashion shows, a sheep to scarf challenge, and more. I'm not going to lie - I really wasn't expecting much sales-wise. Even at fiber/yarn-specific events, I don't always do well. And, given what state the economy is in, and that Milwaukee is one of the more "frugal" places, I just didn't go into the weekend with high expectations. I also taught two classes and was very nervous and worried about them. Add to that the fact I hadn't done a show in 3 months, and i'd say i was less-than-looking-forward to it. Wouldn't sleeping in and spinning at home have been a better way to spend 3 days?

Well, I was wrong to be reluctant - it was a WONDERFUL event! The time seemed to fly by for most of the weekend! My sales were decent and the classes went well enough that I'd consider teaching again. I was also next to two wonderful women, both named Pam, who sold candles, lotions, soaps, etc., - their business being called "Pam's Essentials". (Click on the name to check out their site!) I told them all about etsy and they gave me the name of their tax person! They were also kind enough to watch my booth while I taught my classes, which was very much appreciated. By the end of the weekend, another vendor had them knitting! Not only that, but for a first-time event, I thought the crowd was pretty good - lots of knitters and spinners and crazy fiber people, which you just know if you put them in a conference room together, wackiness will ensue! The organizer, Jan of JustForEwe, kept things rolling and lots of fun, capping off Saturday night with a fashion show and pajama party (okay, i didn't stay for all of the fashion show or the pajama party since i wasn't staying at the hotel, but i can't imagine the night not being a total blast!)

I also had fun teaching, despite being nervous. For the art yarn spinning class, I showed how to core-spin which was something none of them had done before, so I was happy I could share something new. Then, they each spun an art yarn and one of the students (who was taking the beginning spinning class later that afternoon (aside - next time we'll make sure to have the beginning spinning FIRST)) who had NEVER SPUN BEFORE made a fantastic skein of black and purple art yarn!! It was truly amazing, especially since she used MY wheel which was definitely having issues (later that day i actually went to get a screw that had apparently fallen out of my woolee winder!).

The next day (today), I taught the art yarn knitting and one of the students from the spinning class knit up her yarn into the *cutest* baby hat ever!! Another of the knitting students took my final skein of "Sabrina's Vintage Garden" and knit a wonderful cowl! I know my patterns were written a bit oddly, but I was so happy that they were able to complete items within the class time. Another student actually started two projects so she could see how the patterns went.

And, can I just say that having internet access (since it was at a hotel, in their conference room) was FABULOUS!! I could update my site as things sold, and removed items from my table if they sold on etsy. I didn't have much "down time", but I was able to type up my patterns on Saturday night while there, and also checked in on email a little bit during lulls. I wish ALL shows could provide this type of access!

But, now the work really begins. I am down to only 38 items in my etsy shop and 4 of them are gift certificates, one is sold, and a couple are the "spin to order" bamboo listings. I've got custom orders to work on this week, but I also hope to still list at *least* one new yarn daily this week (starting tomorrow! I've got a gorgeous Squish-tastic! done!), and then back to normal next week which means I hope to list 4-8 new yarns each day. Then, March 14 is the Madison Knitter's Guild Knit-In!

I also need to send out my emailed newsletter. I may try and get that out tonight, but it may have to wait until Monday morning as I'm already starting to feel the "crash" that comes after a show. There's a good chance I'll be asleep very soon!

Anyways, thank you to all who stopped by my booth this weekend and I look forward to next year!
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