Lucky, Lucky Ducky

Sometimes, I stop and think about how lucky I am to get to do this job and share yarny goodness with you. I especially think these thinks when I am getting ready to enjoy a great week like the one I have ahead. I am just leaving our 5th meeting of Knit Swirl after having a wonderful time making body doubles with the group.

The week is only going to improve from this high point.

Tomorrow night, Apr. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., I get to teach Martina Behm's Hitchhiker. (There are still 2 spots open as of this moment.)

 

Then, on Wednesday, Apr. 24 from 6 to 9pm, I am teaching Continental Converts which is a class that teaches you how to hold your yarn in your left hand and to pick the stitches. This change makes you faster and helps when managing two strands of yarn for colorwork. This class leads into my plans for next Monday, Apr. 29 from 6 to 9, at the Intro to Stranding - Fake Isle class (hats pictured below).

Before next Monday though, I get to spend ALL DAY this Saturday with many of you at  the AFY EWENIVERSITY. The link provided will take you to more info as well as a schedule of the days available classes. Only a few days are left to sign up for your favorites.

Madelinetosh Has Arrived!

We have our shipment of Madelinetosh! 

First, it looked like this and I could hardly wait to break into those boxes.

There are so many hanks of stunning colors in the following yarn lines: Tosh Merino Light, Tosh Sock, and Tosh DK.

So, Lois just finished printing the stickers and they are ready to sell to you! Sounds like a trip to Anacapa Fine Yarns needs to be added to your plans during this lovely, sunny weekend.

Happy Needling,

Anne

Operation Showers of Appreciation

I posted about this on our Facebook page a while back, but I wanted to take a second to tell you all about a wonderful organization that needs the knitting and crochet community's help; Operation Showers of Appreciation.

From their website:

"OSOA is a 501(c)3, non-profit tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to honor our military families in a unique way by showering them with gifts for their newborn babies, providing support during difficult times, and letting them know the many sacrifices of both the families and service members are appreciated.  

OSOA does this by hosting and co-hosting large scale baby showers in honor of our local military and their families. We are a volunteer and donation based organization. All proceeds are evenly dispersed at our Annual Baby Showers."

 We were recently contacted by them because they are planning a shower locally and is looking for donations of baby hats. I know a lot of wonderful crafters who love to put their talents to use to help others, and if you are one of them, please consider knitting or crocheting up a baby hat or two to donate to this wonderful organization!

You can drop off donations here at the shop, or if you don't live in the area, you can contact the organization to find out more.

Here's a link to a Ravelry search for knitted baby hat patterns, all free: CLICK HERE

And here's a link to free crocheted hat patterns: CLICK HERE

I hope you'll consider working up a couple little hats to help out a great cause!

Zen Yarn Garden!

We just got in a shipment from Zen Yarn Garden, two new fingering weight yarns!

The first one is Serenity Silk +

Serenity Silk + is 75% Superwash Merino, 15% Cashmere, and 10% Silk, with approximately 500 yards in one skein! This would be absolutely gorgeous as a shawl or lacey scarf.

The other yarn we got from them is Serenity 20

Serenity 20 is 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon, with approximately 400 yards in one skein. This would be fabulous for socks, scarves, shawls, sweaters, and more!

Stop by soon to check them out, we have some beautiful colors!

Spring has Sprung!

Happy Spring everyone! I am so glad that Springtime is here, and I wanted to share with you today 9 brand new  yarns that we have in at the shop for Spring 2013!

Debbie Bliss Luxury Silk DK:

100% Silk, DK Weight, 100m/50g

Florafil Super Soft Bulky:

97% Cotton, 3% Nylon, Bulky Weight, 125y/100g

Berroco Floret:

75% Arylic, 25% Cotton, Worsted Weight, 109y/50g

Berroco Maya:

85% Pima Cotton, 15% Baby Alpaca, Worsted Weight, 137y/50g

Juniper Moon Moonshine:

40% Wool, 40% Alpaca, 20% Silk, Worsted Weight, 197y/100g

Knit One Crochet Too Cozette:

62% Silk, 30% Cotton, 8% Polymide, Fingering Weight, 273y/50g

Araucania Malipulli:

30% Cotton, 25% Bamboo, 30% Linen, 10% Silk, Sport Weight, 237y/100g

Knitting Fever Tristan:

65% Viscose, 35% Linen, DK Weight, 250y/100g

Knitting Fever Luxury Silk:

100% Silk, DK Weight, 252y/100g

Color Inspiration: Scarlet Macaw

Photo by flickr user “jmlawlor”, used under Creative Commons license.

Yarn from Left to Right: HiKoo "Cobasi"  in color #54, Berroco "Maya" in color #5628, Juniper Moon "Moonshine" in color #13, and Debbie Bliss "Luxury Silk DK" in color #5.

That handsome guy up there is a Scarlet Macaw, and this photo was taken at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

This week's Color Inspiration yarns are all brand new yarns that we have in at the shop for Spring! Come in and see them in person, we have a TON of new stuff!

Craftcation 2013

Hey guys! I hope you all had a wonderful and safe St. Patrick's Day! Today I want to write a quick post to tell you about Craftcation! If you haven't heard of Craftcation, it's a crafy conference that happens here in our hometown of Ventura, California!

 

 Craftcation is a four-day indie business and DIY conference featuring lectures and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft, and food-centered small businesses, taking place this weekend. Craftcation features more than 50 workshops, lectures, and events!

If you are going this weekend, look for our ad in the brochure, and maybe a little goody! Also, if you are taking the Beer Tasting and Crochet Workshop (which sounds like way too much fun!) your supplies will be courtesy of us at Anacapa Fine Yarns!

Unfortunately, Craftcation is sold out for this year, but go check out their website and find out how you can find out more about next year's conference!