November 2007

DVDs Available Dec 1

Great Gift for the Weaver

Wool Pak Yarns = NEW!!!

Moods Transition

Thanksgiving is over, and Christmas is around the corner.  I cannot believe how fast the past two months have flown by!  If it makes any of you feel better, I have only bought one present so far and have no idea what to get anyone else!  I plan to open the shop between Christmas and New Year for those who just want to get away from it all.  The shop will only be opened during the day time hours between Wednesday, December 26, and Saturday, December 29.  Normal hours will resume after the New Year.

CLASSES

The last “Beginner Spinning” class for 2007 will be given on December 8 & 9, and there will be a Needle Felting Embellishment Class given on Friday evening, December 7^th from 6-9.  Please call to reserve a seat in either of these two classes.  In the meantime, we are sitting down to update our class schedule for 2008-2009.  If you have any classes you are interested in and have specific dates in mind, please call us; and we will try to put that into the schedule.

GIFTS

I hope we can help you with some of your last minute Christmas Gifts, both for yourself and others.   As usual, Gift Certificates are easy!  We will have some generic ones at the counter for quick purchase.  If you want them personalized, please call the shop or order on-line. 

For the Knitters -- We just received a shipment of Elizabeth Zimmerman Books and DVD’s, to include the Knitting Glossary, which is probably the best reference for knitters of all levels.  All you have to do is load the DVD and click on what you want to know.  Elizabeth and Meg will take you through all knitting techniques from A-Z.  These items went quick last year, and they will be available December 1^st.

For the Spinners – We have all seasons of the “Spinner’s Gift Box” available.  Each gift set contains a variety of fibers, from wool to exotics in a beautiful Christmas Gift Box.  Spring Flowers is represented with Pink, Lavender, Yellow and all the beautiful pastels of the season.  Caribbean Summer will remind you of the Ocean with the teal greens and complimentary blues.  Autumn Leaves has the warm colors of the Fall, and Winter Storm is depicted with whites and greys from a cold snowy day.  The fibers are different in each box.  Mixtures may include, but are not limited to: Angora, Merino Sliver, Flash, Tencel, Camel Down, Various forms of Silk, Alpaca, Soy Silk, Carbonized Bamboo, Mohair, Fine Corriedale, and Banana Silk.   Gift Boxes range from $20 - $40, depending on the weight of the fiber within each box.  Hopefully, I will get some time to get pictures onto the website for these so you can see each one.

For the Weavers – The new book on the 4-shaft loom from Ashford is available, along with other books coveted by the weaving community.  Other suggested items are a cone of yarn for warping of a loom or some additional shuttles or pick-up sticks. 

For the Crocheters – How about some beautiful fine cotton for that perfect doily, or you may decide to purchase one of the hand carved crochet hooks that would become a collector's item. 

For the Felters – A Wool Sampler Bag is terrific along with a set of felting needles.  If they don’t have the kit yet with the foam block, this would be great too!  You can also get some of the undyed roving for them to experiment with.

For the Dyers – How about unfelted yarn or roving?  There are some great books on dyeing, and some wonderful dyes from Ashford & Jacquard that are also available.

We will be giving out free gift patterns for several different items starting the week of December 1^st for ornaments or last-minute gift items, and we will have a Christmas Stocking Knit Along, which you can participate in when you visit the shop.

In January, we will have the Aran Coat knit along!

NEW YARNS

We now have WOOL PAK available in the 14-ply.  It comes in 8- & 10-ply, too. Gauge for the 14 ply is 14 stitches and 19 rows per 4 inches on US size 10 needles.  There are 310 yards per 250 gram hank.  This yarn comes in a wide range of colors, both natural and dyed.  The great thing is the amount of yarn in one skein.  Also, if you want to special order, we can order one skein or many.  We are not limited to the “10 per bag” requirement.  --  I think you will be impressed with this one!

From Universal Yarns, we have “Moods” and “Heathers.”  Both are unique.  Moods gradually fades from Black to a color and then back.  The effect is very nice.  Heathers also fades from one color to another, but this is a highly textured yarn, which looks rich and warm when knitted up.  One of the customers started a Moebius Scarf with this yarn, and it is really pretty so far.

Other yarns have been replenished that were sold out and requested, such as “Poems.”  

OTHER NEWS

Here we Grow Again!  Little Old Downtown Richlands continues to grow.  The Miss Priss Boutique recently opened, and they have some very cute items in their shop for both young and old.  From Yankee Candles to adorable baby dolls, I’m sure you can find something that you like, and their prices are great for the quality of the items they offer.

The Bog Art Shop closed because Deb’s husband received orders, and they will have to relocate up North.  BUT there is already an antique shop taking her place. 

If you are looking for a bargain, the Formal Shop has dresses at over 50% off!  You might find something for the holiday season?

The Luna Café is beginning to plan its food menu!  Hoorah! 

Mercy’s Garden will soon offer a Montessori School for the little ones.

September 2007

The first week of October is National Spinning & Weaving Week, and we hope you will stop by to participate in the fun events we have planned and to see demonstrations in spinning, weaving and other fiber arts. 

The Tail Spinner is hosting a coloring contest for children from the ages of 4-12.  Winners in each category will be awarded a certificate and a $50 Savings Bond.   Entry forms can be picked up at the shop and other establishments.  Please call the shop for more details.  Judging will be done by persons who are not affiliated with the store.

We will also be hosting some other great activities:

· Skein and Garment Competition  <-- Click on Link for Rules

· Let’s make a Wool Sandwich

· Knit/Crochet Games and Activities

· Yarn Bargains

· Weave It!

· Spin In!

· Free Gifts with Purchases of $25 or more.

And MUCH MORE! Call the shop for more information. 

We will also be celebrating a birthday this week.  It will be Spin-Off’s 30th year in publication, and we will have a birthday party for Spin-Off all week.  Stop by to get a piece of cake, sit and spin, and just have a great time!  I am encouraging all spinners to get out and spin and show off our wonderful art form.  Take a drop spindle out and about and spin and get people interested.  I also invite all spinners to join me for a “Spin In” on Saturday, 7 October at the shop!

The Grand Finale will be a pot luck dinner beginning at 5 p.m. with Lamb as the main entrée, courtesy of Joe and Bill, who will be cooking outback for all of us.  Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend the dinner.

Baby Trunk Show

The Tail Spinner will also be hosting a Baby Trunk Show in conjunction with the Celebration.  We expect the show to arrive the last week in September.  Come by to see adorable baby items that were made by Yarn Shops from all across the USA.  Patterns will be available for the items on display. 

State Fair

Melissa and her 4H group will be showing the sheep on Thursday, October 18th at the State Fair beginning at 9 am at the Expo Center.  Those who are interested or just want to come and give support are more than encouraged to attend.  Hope to see you there!

Note of Interest! - Dress the Bear Contest

S.R.Kertzer is having a contest!  The “Beary Impossible Mission” is for you to design a new outfit for their newest member, “Sammy the Bear.”  I have contest forms at the shop, or you can visit their website at http://www.kertzer.com for more information.

July 2007

Wool Roving

Black Diamonds

The Wool has Arrived

Melissa and I had over 30 pounds of her beautiful Corriedale wool processed into roving.  It will be selling for $25 per one-pound bags.  The micron count on the fleeces for this roving was between 20 - 24, with a comfort rating of 99% or better. 

Speaking of spinning and fibers, we also have carbonized bamboo available, called Black Diamonds, and the new Optim, which is a silky wool. 

Don't forget that we have some great bargains going on this month!  Buy 2 and get one free on several great yarns and free patterns and books are available with certain purchases. 

The new line of "Eco Yarns" has also come in, but it may take us a while to get them priced and available for purchase.  Included in these are organic cotton, hemp, linen, nettle, and silk yarns.  Weavers, you will be very interested in these, especially the silk!  I am really proud to offer these yarns in addition to my homespun. 

Any of you with children need to be on the watch for the coloring contest we are sponsoring for Spinning and Weaving Week, which will be the first week of October. 

Mentioning children made me think that I never shared with you some of the baby pictures of Melissa's flock this year! 

Aren't they adorable?!?!?

June 2007

Butterfly Cotton from Greece

Ceramic Buttons

EVENTS

Come celebrate Christmas in July at the Tail Spinner.  We have lots of fun stuff happening.  In addition to the classes listed below, shoppers will also have the opportunity to win prizes and take advantage of  yarn specials and other incentives.   How about some fun patterns for items that will make great Christmas gifts and are quick and easy to make?  We will be doing a "No Peak" shawl, and all customers will have the opportunity to help make this garment!  There will also be a raffle for a $50 gift certificate and a beautiful poncho made from handspun and novelty yarns (courtesy of Melissa Gray).

Melissa Gray will be giving a Needle Felting Class for a Christmas Ornament on July 21st.  Create a detailed Christmas Ornament by sculpting with wool fibers and a barbed needle. Learn how to add shape and dimension and color. Prerequisites: NONE (But Beginner’s Class helps significantly) Cost: $30.00 which includes the wool supplies needed to make the ornament.  The basic kit with needles and foam is $8, if you don't already have one.   Class starts at 10 a.m. and lasts for approximately 5 hours. 

On July 28 & 29, Linda will be giving a Beginner's Spinning Class.  Please refer to the website for all the details and curriculum. 

On July 13 & 14, knitting students will continue with the second part of the Modular/ Multidirectional knitting workshop.  If you were unable to make the first session, you can catch up by calling the shop to make an appointment for the first session.

More fun things will be happening in August, and in September, we will have a Baby Trunk Show, which consists of baby items made at local yarn shops from everywhere in the country.  I have heard great reviews on the show so far, and I am looking forward to hosting this event. 

Finally, SAFF has their website ( www.saffsite.org ) up with class information for this October.  If you are planning to attend, I highly recommend that you sign up for your classes as soon as possible.  Last year, many popular classes filled-up quickly.  SAFF will be October 26 – 28 this year.

CLASSES 

The 2007-2008 Class Catalog is on the website, and the calendar page lists the classes being given for the remainder of the year.  There may be additional sessions added, so be sure to check on dates and other information. 

I’m looking forward to an exciting summer!  We have expanded the curriculum and have scheduled most workshops over a full weekend to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules.  As usual, if you want to take a class and cannot attend one of the scheduled classes, arrangements can be made to take the classes on your schedule by calling the shop.

WHAT's NEW???

May 2007

... and it was at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival!  Congratulations to Melissa Gray for winning BEST IN SHOW at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival!  How wool is that???

Melissa will be giving an advanced needle felting class at the Tail Spinner on Saturday, May 19th.  You need to have some felting experience prior to taking the class.  If you haven't done this yet, you can prepare for the class by stopping by the shop and picking up one of Melissa's beginner kits.  This will get you started, and you will be ready to move up to learn more in her class!

April 2007

By popular demand, I have created sweater kits for the “Dalmatian” Baby Surprise Sweater that has been on display in the shop.  The kit includes: 

YOUR COST is $25.00 – That’s a $6.00 savings!

 All you need to complete the project is 24” or 29” circular needles and two removable stitch markers, i.e., coilless safety pins.

Wait til you see the new "Tango" yarn and what it does when you knit it up.  It makes ruffles!!!  You can make a scarf, or use it to embellish cuffs, socks, and more!

This month we have the Needle Felting Class with Melissa Gray on the 10th of March.  In this class, you will learn to make an adorable bunny for Easter!  Please make your reservation, as class sizes are limited.

At the end of the month, we will have a beginner spinning class...  Please call for a reservation and further details.  This one includes the sheep shearing demonstration.

The New Universal Yarns have arrived!

I am so proud to introduce Universal Yarns to the shop!  So far, they have received rave reviews from the customers and are flying off the shelves!  A few of the many lines we now have in the store are:

Poems - 100% Wool in soft striping colors that melt together.  We have a beautiful sweater on display in the store of this yarn.
Imagine - A wool and acrylic blend that self stripes for sweaters and other garments.  This one has some very interesting possibilities.
Classic Worsted, Classic Worsted Long Print and Classic Worsted Impressions - another beautiful wool acrylic blend that is soft and is machine washable and dryable!  -- Great for kids or garments that get more exposure than most.
Bamboo Splash - 100% bamboo hand painted yarn - beautiful colors that appear to be "splashed" on, and the feel is soft and silky.
Ditto - Self patterned, superwashed wool sock yarn - very soft and interesting!
Pace - a solid superwash wool in fingering weight that is great for socks or fairisle knitting - comes in 21 colors, and many more!

We are waiting on the arrival of the linen yarns, the Tango ( a gorgeous thick ribbon yarn for ruffle effects) and the self patterning Marathon sock yarns.

Great News!!!! NEW STORE HOURS!!! -- The Store is now open during the day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm !!!

More new yarns have arrived to include offerings from  Conjoined Creations, Crystal Palace, and Opal Sock Yarns.  Additionally, the new Mango Moon kits are gorgeous.  We have silk fusion kits available for making all sorts of neat stuff. 

There are also some new and updated publications from Ashford, such as their new book on carding.

This is a practical and inspirational guide to carding fleece, slivers and exotic fibers. Written for the hand spinner and felter, and everyone who loves fiber, there are sections on using flick, hand and drum carders, fiber and color blending, color theory and four innovative projects. Step by step instructions and full color photographs envelope you in the world of color, texture and the endless possibilities of fiber. 92 pages..

I currently have two of their lines (a worsted wt and a chunky), including some of the natural white.  You have to feel this yarn to believe it! 

In the meantime, check out the latest rigid heddle loom from the Kromski's of Poland.  It is called the 'Fiddle'.  If you are looking for a basic rigid heddle loom, the Kromski Fiddle will fit the bill. Great for your first try at weaving, for kids and more.

The Fiddle, at 16", will do everything the Harp will do in terms of weaving; you will not be giving up anything in that regard. Weave to your hearts content. The Fiddle is packaged with a 10-dent heddle, 2 stick shuttles, clamps, a modified Warp Helper, warping peg and a threading hook. You can also add the following options to your Fiddle: additional shuttles, pick-up sticks, heddle blocks (to allow the use of 2 heddles) and The Harp stand (above). The Fiddle also comes ready for use as a warping board (pre-drilled holes on the back of the frame) - you can purchase the pegs for this purpose or make your own.

Introducing the all-new Ashford Knitters Loom. Fast and easy, this compact loom makes for exciting weaving anytime, anyplace.  Fast – from yarn to scarf in two hours, easy – a loom that is simple to understand and operate, and exciting – let your fancy yarns play. The flexibility of the Knitters Loom means you can be weaving in your lunch break, while camping, or when visiting friends. What's more you can take the loom to workshops with the weaving still in place – a revolution in
loom design and manufacture.

This is an exciting new way for knitters to make use of all the fancy and funky yarns that are available in knitting stores. It is quick and easy, with the same portability as knitting.

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Ashford has also come out with a portable inkle loom, which they are calling the "Inklette."  This little loom is lightweight, portable and strong and has a convenient cut out for weaving and carrying.  Now you can take your inklette to class, guild meetings or on holiday.  The loom is only 14 1/2 inches long and weights a little over one pound.  You can achieve an amazing 72-inch weaving length.

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The Ashford Book of Weaving for Knitters - by Rowena Hart -- For weavers and knitters, an all-new project book with 25 stunning scarves. Sixty-five, full colour pages with easy and inspirational projects. This project book uses a selection of fabulous knitting yarns available from yarn stores everywhere and featuring the exciting, new, portable Ashford Knitters Loom – a great combination for weavers and knitters on the go.

The Ashford Book of Weaving for Knitters