Wow, it's been awhile!

I can't believe I haven't posted anything this year! I have been more actively updating Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns on Facebook with new yarn listings and personally, have just been very busy!

I am gearing up for a small show in Madison, Wisconsin on March 19 - the Madison Knitter's Guild Knit-In. For more information please check out their website here.

I have listed some new yarns recently in my etsy handspun yarn shop, but not quite as many as usual. I really hope to start listing more new yarns soon.

Art vs Craft, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and more!

Wow, it really has been awhile since I have posted! I've been busy getting ready for November shows, the last of which is tomorrow!

ART vs CRAFT - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Saturday, November 27
10am-6pm
For more information check out the Art vs Craft site here

I'm also currently running a special on gift cards in my Etsy Hand Spun Yarn Shop - they are discounted 20%! Purchase by noon on Sunday, and they can only be redeemed AFTER December 1, 2010. You can find them in this Gift Card section here!

And, since Etsy now supports coupon codes, I will be having a CYBER MONDAY SALE as well, but will post details about that on Sunday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and happy shopping! :)

Summer CRAFTACULAR tomorrow in Madison!

Tomorrow - Sunday, August 15 - is the Summer Craftacular in Madison, Wisconsin. I will be there with my hand spun yarns, fiber batts, art yarn kits, and hand knits! I will be in booth #25, which is on the stage. Here is just a small sample of the items I'll have -


For more items, check out my etsy shops - Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns and Kitty Grrlz Knits!

After the show, I should have some new yarns to list on Monday!

Grand Opening of River Rock Wool in the Folk Art Emporium

You may have noticed a bunch of my yarns disappeared this week, or became "reserved". Well, that's because they will be at the Grand Opening of the Folk Art Emporium in Menomonie, Wisconsin this SATURDAY, June 12, thanks to Paulette at River Rock Wool! If you are in this area, please consider heading out to this great event! Here is more information, from the River Rock Wool website -

River Rock Wool has found a second home in Menomonie, Wisconsin at the new Fiber Cooperative, "Folk Art Emporium". The Folk Art Emporium (over 2,600 square feet) is stocked with a great selection of hand dyed wool fabric, textured wool on the bolt, recycled wool, patterns, linen, hooks, books, kits, and other rug hooking supplies.

You are invited to our Grand Opening and our first Hook-In on Saturday, June 12th.

The doors open at 10:00 am and so will our Hook-In. Bring a current hooking project or let me, mom, or Sharon help you put together a new project. Hook until 5:00 pm, or just stop in for awhile. The entire line of Sharon A. Smith patterns will be available on linen. If you are thinking of starting a new pattern, let me know when you RSVP--I will keep one for you. Sharon will be unveiling her newest rugs, "Napping Knitter" & "Purple Rain"-- which you are going to love!!!!!

There will be beverages and appetizers available throughout the day. I will have a special Hookers Lunch prepared for everyone at 1:00 pm--please RSVP so I am prepared.

--Ribbon Cutting is at noon with the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce.
--Belly Dancing in the afternoon.
--Traditional music intermittent in the afternoon.
--Demonstrations of Spinning, Weaving, Knitting, Crocheting, Quilting, & RUG HOOKING
--Door Prizes at noon and 5:00 pm (must be present to win)

I look forward to seeing all of you and showing you our new location on our first official day of business.
Please RSVP if you can come to paulette@riverrockwool.com or call 715.294.1732 (home) or just come if plans change last minute and you are able to make it. Hope to hear from you soon.

The Folk Art Emporium is located in downtown Menomonie, across the street from the historic Mable Tainter Theater (considered the most beautiful historic theater in the country), and a few doors down from the University Wisconsin Stout.

Folk Art Emporium
222 Main Street East
Menomonie, WI 54751
715.231.2112
www.riverrockwool.com
(lots of other great shopping in this downtown area as well)

Note: The Menomonie location is in addition to our great location inside the Bear Patch Quilting Company in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and of course everything is always available through the website: www.RiverRockWool.com

This sounds like a ton of fun so I hope anyone in the area interested will check it out! I was next to Paulette last year at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival and it was amazing to watch them work on this gorgeous rug - and it was also interesting to see *actual* rug hooking and not the 70s version I kept thinking of in my head - latch-hook. I contemplated buying a kit at the time, but knew I just didn't have time for another crafty venture. It IS on my to-do list, though, someday when I have more time.

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Looking for something to do this weekend?

This weekend, I am partaking in our first annual Three-Generation Rummage, Craft and Bake Sale!

WHEN?

Friday, May 28, 2010 from 8 AM - 4 PM
Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 8 AM - 4 PM

WHERE?

North Prairie, Wisconsin - Hwy ZZ & County E - 1/4 mile west of E on HWY ZZ
(For exact address or directions, please email me here!)

WHAT??

A HUGE Antiquer's Rummage Sale - Friday and Saturday
Including plenty of things to make antique hunters happy, along with household items, some cds, and other wonderful miscellaneous treasures. My contributions include some Jack Daniels memorabilia, some awesome collectible dolls, Barbies, cds, and more.

A Mini CRAFT Fair - SATURDAY ONLY
I will have all of my hand made items - hand knits, a bit of jewelry and ALL of my hand spun yarns. Knits and jewelry will be deeply discounted. Yarns will be on sale, too! I'll also have my spinning wheel, so if you are curious to see how yarn is actually spun, I'll be spinning throughout the day!

I will also have craft SUPPLIES - some jewelry making items, fiber for spinning or felting, commercial yarns, ribbon, and more.

A BAKE SALE and GOOD FOOD - SATURDAY ONLY
My sister (and niece) will have some amazing goodies she's making for the event - her list included brats, salsa, baked goods, and things I am forgetting. All super-yummy though!

So, if you are in the area, please consider coming out for a unique "rummage" sale experience!

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New Yarns & Sheep in the City

I know I have been very bad about blogging, but it has been a really busy week or so. My birthday was last week, so I did take some time off this past weekend. I'm sort of regretting it now as I prepare for my show, which starts tomorrow, but I really did have fun. We went out on Friday for lunch, and Saturday night to the bars. This was the first time in a long time that i just went out and *relaxed*. Even though I knew I should have been home spinning, I was able to have fun. I really needed a night out like that with Scott as sometimes I feel like the fiber is overtaking everything!

Anyways, today I updated my etsy shop with some new yarns. These are the last new yarns I will post until Monday, when I will post whatever I spin this weekend. I plan on spinning "Squish-tastic!" 2plys while there, and I should get at least 3 done! So, I WILL have new things on Monday.

Here is a mosaic of the new yarns. You can click the picture to go to my etsy shop and have a closer look -

I also received more bamboo fiber in the "Black Gold" colorway. This was the yarn that was featured last weekend in the ETSY WEEKEND DEALS email and Storque article. I have a listing on etsy HERE for a custom-spun skein, but I do plan on spinning that up just as soon as I can. I have quite a few custom spins to get done next week, but in between, I'll be spinning more bamboo and probably a couple more art yarns. If you want to make sure to get your skein or skeins of DRAGONSONG, you may want to purchase the custom listing or EMAIL ME directly.



And, a reminder about THIS WEEKEND! It is the SHEEP IN THE CITY GETAWAY in Oak Creek, Wisconsin! It runs all weekend, and I will be teaching two classes. On Saturday, I'll be teaching art yarn spinning and on Sunday I'll be teaching art yarn knitting. I'm really nervous about doing these sessions, but hopefully it will be okay. Which means I need to get offline now and get fiber/patterns/etc ready for the weekend!

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Sheep in the City Getaway - I'll be teaching!

So, I believe it is official - I will be teaching at the Sheep in the City Getaway event which is at the end of February! This is a 3-day event - Friday, February 27, Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1. It is being held at the Comfort Suites at 6362 S. 13th Street in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. There will be knitting, spinning and a marketplace, too!

I will be teaching two classes related to art yarns! First, on Saturday morning from 9-11:30am, I will be teaching a How to Spin Art Yarn class. You can bring you own fiber and add-ins and thread or complete fiber and materials will be provided for an additional materials fee of $15. That will include at least 2 oz of hand dyed merino wool, pre-cut yarn snippets, angelina (sparkle), and thread. Then, all you need is your wheel, and I will show how to spin art yarns similar to the ones I do. Or, if you prefer to learn another form of "art yarn spinning", I will try to accommodate each individual. For example, I can also show how to spin coils! Some of that will depend on the size of the class and how time goes, though I would like to try and show as many techniques as possible.

Then, on Sunday morning from 9-11:30am, I will be doing a "Knitting with art yarn" class. I will have patterns for several projects that can be done with one skein of art yarn. As of now, you will receive a pattern for a scarf, neckwarmer/cowl, hat, and also wristwarmers/fingerless gloves. For most of these you would only need to bring a pair of needles - size 11, 13 or 15 (or all 3) - though for the hat, I'd recommend bringing size 11 circulars and matching double-points and for the wristwarmers - size 11 double-points. You can bring your own art yarn (at least 50 yards of bulky/super bulky yarn) or receive a significant discount on my art yarns (more than 50% off in most cases!). Then, we will knit and I will try and provide some tips and tricks for working with art yarn.

Since this is still a few months away, I will be mentioning it periodically here on my blog, but wanted to get the information out there! You can get further information on the Getaway, how to register for classes, and how to book a room (if needed) HERE.

NOW, I really have to get to work! :)

HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR - Saturday, December 6 - Madison, Wisconsin

Tomorrow - Saturday, December 6 from 10am - 6pm I will be at the HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR in Madison, Wisconsin! It is my last show of the year! Here are just a few of the new yarns I will have -


and, some of the hand knits -

ART VS CRAFT - Saturday, November 29 in Milwaukee

Tomorrow, I will be at ART VS CRAFT in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Like the DIY Trunk Show in Chicago, and the Craftacular in Madison - this is a great indie craft show with wonderful artists and crafters who make all sorts of items that would make great gifts!

Please come and check it out!

Saturday, November 29, 2008
10am - 7pm
Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center
790 N. Van Buren Street in downtown Milwaukee

I don't have many pictures to show of my new items, but I will have 4 new hand knit cowls/neckwarmers knit with hand spun art yarn, some new scarves, and lots of yarn - though I wasn't able to get as much spun this week as I had hoped. Here is a mosaic of some of the things I should have there -

DIY Trunk Show - Saturday, November 22 in Chicago

Once again, it is that time of year! The time of year for wonderful indie craft shows, and the first one is THIS SATURDAY, November 22, in Chicago.

Last year at this time I wrote a slightly crazy post about how much the Trunk show has meant to me, so I won't repeat that again. But, if you want to read it, it's right here.

Today, I'll just give you the basics -

DIY TRUNK SHOW
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse
1419 W. Blackhawk
Chicago, Illinois
10am - 5pm

For more information and a list of participants, you can CLICK HERE.

I can't wait! I always love this show! I've got new hand knits - including two new cowls/neckwarmers, and as always will have LOTS of yarn!


AND, if you aren't in Illinois, but rather the Poynette, Wisconsin area, you can actually find some of my yarns at the Lapacek's Orchard annual Hoedown for the Holidays, which is today (Friday, November 21) and tomorrow (Saturday, November 22). It is 1/2 mile east of Poynette, Wisconsin and you can find more information right HERE. I sent a small collection of yarns for their show, including a few bamboo skeins, some "Batt-tacular" yarns, a two-ply, and even a couple of small art yarn skeins. All yarns sent (except for the 2plys) are $30 or under!

Yay!

Seems my website is fixed! Have no idea what happened, but, it's back!

Also, I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I DO have a SHOW this weekend! It is "A COMMUNITY AFFAIR" in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin - at the high school on Saturday, October 18. More details can be found HERE or HERE. I'll have some new yarns and new scarves, too!

Going to the Mall!

So, this weekend I will be at the MALL all weekend!

No, really!

I will be at the Artful Hands Art & Craft show at the HILLDALE MALL in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday and Sunday. We will be set up during the regular mall hours. (Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm)

Come check it out if you are in the Madison area! I will have the usual - lots of yarns, some shawls, wristwarmers, and some new scarves, too!

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

I have been very bad in not updating here much lately, but I've been busy and distracted with things, so I apologize. Hopefully things will get back to normal next week and i can once again post regularly.

One of the main reasons I haven't had time to post is that I am getting ready for the WISCONSIN SHEEP & WOOL FESTIVAL which is THIS weekend, actually, it starts TOMORROW! It runs Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. I will be there vending in the Country Store area. I've been busy spinning and have new art yarns, lots of Kitty Singles single plys, and 14 new skeins of bamboo. I may have some pictures to share later, but for now - have to get to work.

If you are near Jefferson, Wisconsin and love wool and fiber - come check out the Festival! CLICK HERE for all the important information!

Stonewood Village Art Fair this weekend!

This weekend I will be at the Stonewood Village Art Fair in Brookfield, Wisconsin! If you are in the area, please consider coming out -


I will be in booth #72! I will have more hand knit shawls, new wristwarmers and some new yarns, too!

Musky Jamboree!

This Sunday I will be at the MUSKY JAMBOREE in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin! If you are in the area - please check it out! I will be in booth #28 - right across from Coontail Sports and very near the entertainment stage!

I have been knitting up a storm this week to have new shawls, scarves, and even a hat or two. I will also have lots of yarn, as always!

South Shore Frolics Festival Of Arts

THIS Sunday, July 13, I will be at the South Shore Frolics Festival of Arts at South Shore Park, from 10am-5pm, in booth #1!


Come check it out! I'll have lots of yarns and summer shawls, too. For more information, CLICK HERE!

And, since I can't possibly post without a yarn picture - here is a new art yarn, spun from a Spontaneous Spinning batt from LOOP. Lilac Silver Mist -

Artistic Accessories in Madison this weekend!

This weekend I will be at the Hilldale Mall in Madison, Wisconsin for the "Artistic Accessories" show! I will have lots of hand knit shawls, light scarves, wristwarmers, and more! Hours are basically mall hours - Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. If you are in the area, come on by for great Mother's Day gift shopping, or to find something special for yourself!

And, since I can't possibly have a post without yarn pictures - here are some new yarns!

First, the Divine Melon skeins ARE available!

And, some single ply yarns spun from batts of wonderful fiber!


That's it for me! While I will be spinning over the weekend at the show I won't have anything new posted until next week - lots of art yarns coming and more!

This Weekend! Valentine Craftacular!

Don't forget! This Saturday, February 9 is the Valentine Craftacular at the High Noon Saloon in Madison, Wisconsin! Despite the crazy snow we had this week - I WILL BE THERE!!! If you are in the area I hope you come by!

Also, my newsletter subscribers have a special discount they can use at the show - so if you'd like to become a newsletter member - just email me! I only send out ONE email a month and there is always at least one special or discount for NEWSLETTER Subscribers only! These are the *only* specials I usually offer now!

In other news . . . no yarns spun last night but I did knit a pair of wristwarmers for the show this weekend. My plan is to do one more pair tonight, finish a scarf and that will probably be it. I'll be getting back to the spinning wheel on Sunday, for sure . . .

ART vs CRAFT this SATURDAY!

It is my LAST SHOW OF THE YEAR!
Art vs Craft in Milwaukee, WI!
CLICK HERE for all the important information!

The basics:
Saturday, December 8 from 10am-7pm
Scottish Rite Masonic Center
790 N. Van Buren Street
Downtown Milwaukee

I will be in the LOWER LEVEL, booth number 76.

Hope to see you there!

I'm going to be on TV!?

So, wow, I'm kinda freaking out a little . . . I'm going to be on TV this weekend! Let me explain . . .

This weekend is the High Noon Saloon Holiday Craftacular in Madison, Wisconsin. A great Indie craft show, it runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25 at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Street. For more information CLICK HERE.

SO, apparently the organizers (Naomi of Glitterworkshop and Emily of EKRA) do an amazing job of getting the word out about this show. Last year, there was an article in the Sunday newspaper, and this year . . . they are getting even more press . . . and will be on the NBC15 Weekend Live show on the Sunday morning of Craftacular (November 25). They will be doing satellite interviews with Naomi, Emily . . . and ME! I believe I will get to talk a little about the show, but mostly about spinning! Yay!

But, I admit I am freaking out a little. I know my enthusiasm is great but I'm worried I will ramble too much! But, how cool!! I am excited and just know this will be a great show! (But if anyone has any helpful tips for the TV interview, I'd love the hear them!)

Speaking of great shows, the DIY Trunk Show was last weekend (Saturday, November 17 in Chicago) and it was FABULOUS! So many great people came out to support handmade! And, what was especially cool was I had return customers! People who saw me last year and came back to find me this year! I am so thankful and happy for this . . . and of course all of the new buyers as well! It's funny, I almost thought about not applying for the Trunk Show this year . . . but I'm so glad I did. The Chicago Craft Mafia put on a wonderful event and I hope they do it again next year!

In other news, here are just a couple quick pictures of some new items:

Martha's Midnight Trellis Handspun Navajo 3-ply Yarn

Twilight HandSpun Single Ply Yarn

Atomic Holiday Hand Knit Handspun Art Hat

Okay, I better go now . . . don't forget . . . if you are in the Madison area-- CRAFTACULAR THIS WEEKEND!!