I love yarn... doesn't everyone?

Celeigh Wool ~ Millet

2011-04-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

Looking at the calendar this am, I realized it has been a month since RDKS (Red Deer Knitting Societys) trip to Celeigh Wool. I apologize for keeping this experience from all of you.
There is only one word that completes the description of Celeigh Wool. PICTURQUE. (Here is where I would have included a picture... which I have and its great)
This shop is perfecrtly located outside the town of Millet, in a building that shouts 'I hold yarn'. For directions, (super easy to find) visit http://www.milletmuseum.ca/galleries/show_photo/104973
Marg was very welcoming to our group and happy to answer all questions. Also a great demostration on swing needles.
I was a first timer to this shop and look forward to returning. Marg carries Fleece Artist, Harmonique Spinning Wheels, Looms, and products, local merino and soo much more! The selection of books, magazines and booklets is unreal! If you are looking for a back issue I would suggest this place.
Celeigh Wool is geared towards spinners, but there is lots of good finds for all fiber lovers. This shop rates high on my must see list.
Celeigh Wool is a sponsor of this years Olds Fiber Week and you can find regristration forms and details in store.
Looking forward to starting my Fleece Artist Thrum socks which was one of my purchases.
* This shop, being located in the country is cash and credit. NO debit.*

QUICK! Get in your car and make this road trip!

Knitting, with some bitchin
J9

RDKS yarn crawl ~ River City Yarns

2011-03-16T01:03:00.005-06:00

I've been struggling on how to blog about this experience. There is so much to say that I don't know where to start!
A number of years ago I was taken to River City Yarns, by a friend. This was my first yarn shop outside of Mi Yarn (store that use to be in Camrose) and Michael's. I was blown away. I had no idea that people were paying so much for skeins. BUT I also didn't know such luxury's existed!
Fast forward and we are 8 fiber lusting women in River City Yarns (#2).
I remember walking around the store (which was 10 days ago now) and being content. There is this sense of peace that comes with fresh yarn, a different shop and watching other knitters rub skeins.
Looking back now I think I looked at very little yarn;probably thinking of my husbands reaction what I spent the week before at 2 other stores, but I did choose wisely.
It is such an adventure to find different yarns, bright colours, and meet new people.
RCY, on the south; was buzzing with activity the hour(+) that we were there. Cynthia Hyslop was a wonderful hostess, gave us cookies! and a sock pattern for her hand painted yarn, Stained Skeins. The only thing that could have made this trip more wonderful (possible?) was going to RCY #1!
I especially enjoyed the library corner of this store and read through some great books. Although in my excitement over a HUGE square pink button, I forgot to go back for the children's book I was drooling over!
O! speaking of drooling! I should pass on my thank yous to everyone for talking me outta the 'horrible' Malabrigo Rasta in the most 'ugly' of pink, and purples. (LMAO)
Purchased: Awesome lrg pink button and Fleece Artist Thrum Mitten kit. (already knit and gifted)
Thank you ladies from River City Yarns for letting us over take your space.

Keep clicking those needles!
Janine

P.S stayed tuned for part 2 about Celeigh Wool.

Getting Lost ~ Custom Woolen Mills

2011-03-10T10:56:00.004-07:00

There is a few 'rules' to be learned about visiting LYS's, ESPECIALLY ones you've never been to.
RULE #1: Go alone or only take other fiber lovers. Do not take someone who has to be at work by a certain time. ( I love my brother, but he doesn't belong on such road trips.)
RULE #2: Know where you are going. Get a GPS, a LARGE map and write down the directions in case the satellite powering that GPS decides to not work. GPS on a phone isn't my recommendation. This small step will save gas.
RULE#3: Give yourself browse time, conversation time and of course purchase time. If you have spent 30 mins plus driving to this location, you deserve, as well as the shop owner deserves; your attention, and that special conversation that fiber lusters have. I recommend 1 hr.
RULE #4: If you happen upon a mill take the time to look, visit, tour, and ask questions. Once again another reason to follow rule#1 and rule#2.
RULE#5: If you are looking for a certain yarn, be clear. But with that being said, have the husband who's sweater hangs in the balance be clear about the yarn he desires. (anyone interested in 18 balls of black Sirdar BIG softie, that DH 'changed' his mind about!)

My trip to Custom Woolen Mills.
~took my brother. He tells me he works today, mid driving. That cuts time way too short for my comfort.
~ we then get lost. Unreliable co-pilot.
~attempted to call business 6 times between 10am-1:45pm. That would have given me 2 hrs before leaving my home to get better acquainted with the right directions. No one answered the phone til 1:45pm, I had already been lost for 45min by this time.
~finally arrive. Greeted rudely, asked if we are lost.
~ realizing time crunch, and once inside yarn shop, explain what I need.
~ am then taken on a wild goose chase, being told I can't do that , with that yarn.
~ explain what I would like and prepare to make my purchase. Can't find old school credit card machine. 'Do you have cash?'
~ here is where I am thankful for my brother.
~ attempt to pay. By this time someone else has arrived in yarn shop. I get an apologetic look, younger women explains she can finish assisting us. Cash register is not working.
~ We leave.
~ I'm frustrated. My brother asks if he can come back when I need more yarn! (could only purchase 2 cones of necessary yarn as per cash vs credit problem) He wants to bring his girlfriend and spend time looking through the mill.
~ Feeling of trip being worth while. My brother understands this obession. He recognizes my second love.
~ I forgive him for getting us lost.

Developing a problem?

2011-03-09T21:55:00.006-07:00

*Please forgive me for not blogging about a recent LYS visit*
In the last month I have been to 6 retail 'spaces' that sell yarn and accessories. I have spent over $300...
I have some guilt about this, as I already have a well rounded stash that seems to have taken over the living room, spare room and a section of the kitchen. This growing stash now uses more plastic tubs then the Christmas decorations, summer clothes, extra blankets/sheets and camping gear combined.
To my credit, I have not gotten to the point where balls, skeins, and hanks are hidden in closets, under couches or the bed, in the oven or behind the books on the shelf. But I fear it is coming...
A friend, who is not a knitter, nor crafty in anyway; questioned my quest for yarn today. I thought for a moment, and then reassured her it was quite normal. Hope she is prepared for the possible side affects of me teaching her 5 yr old to knit.
So I guess my reflection would be I don't have a problem. (with yarn stashing that is) I simply have a love for all things fuzzy, soft, warm, cozy, colourful etc. This love just happens to have hijacked my wallet and all the free space in my house! I pray my marriage handle this other love

Stitches and kisses
Janine

Quick visit ~ Liv with Yarn, Camrose

2011-03-06T10:15:00.005-07:00

There is something about Camrose that pulls at my heart strings.
First, visits there are never quick! Second, it is the birthplace of my yarn addiction.
When travelling to see the DH I decided I needed to stop in Camrose to check out this new yarn store. I had heard from my dear friend, Joyce that a mutual friend was involved in teaching classes there. Therefore I knew this was totally the trip off the beaten path.
The 'quick' visit turned into a long visit... followed by a short stop at Liv with Yarn. I wish I had, had more time to absorb this space. Painted in rich comforting colours it oozes 'come, sit, knit'. It warmed my heart to see women of several different ages, sitting at a long solid wood table chatting and stitching. I wanted so desperately to grab a project and sit.
I am sad to say that I did not spend the time there that I wanted to... but I know that this place is well worth the trip off the beaten path (by that I mean a detour off hiway 2 and the addition of an hour to Ft Mac)
I did however get very excited to find the ChiaoGoo needles in just the right size and length for 2 at time socks on a circ. Who doesn't love that shiny red cord, and just slightly cheaper then the last place you saw them!
Thank you Liv with Yarn for bringing back this necessity to Camrose.

Keep stitching!
J9

Lynn's Knitting Studio ~ Fort McMurray

2011-02-28T15:39:00.004-07:00

The power of the internet allows everyone to become very connected. People now can met other people who share the same opinion, ideas and joys. Thank you to the internet, I was introduced to Raverly. BUT this post is not about raverly.com, (join, it will change you) it is about my recent trip to Ft Mac and a women named Lynn.

Through raverly I discovered there is a yarn store here. Lynn's Knitting Studio (read this with a sign of pure contentment). Lynn or knitluvr and I messaged back and forth and she told me about her shop.

Set up in the garage of her home, Lynn supplies a VERY talented and diverse group (who knew heavy duty mechanics would knit!) of knitters with all there needs... and much much more. I was able to handle many Namaste products, actually see additurbo needles in person and learn a totally new perspective on our amazing craft. Lynn carries many products I had never seen! And to brag a little I am now a happy owner of a Namaste bag (Monroe in pink... thank you to my wonderful husband!)

He doesn't need to know about the 6 new skeins of yarn...
In a very small area of her garage, about 1/4 of a two car space; Lynn has loaded ( thats an under statement) shelves, containers and table top with many knitting delights. Fort McMurray is lucky to have this treasure! As mentioned earlier, Lynn carries Namaste (nahm-a-stay) bags/ purses, needle cases, and buddy cases. There is a variaty of soak products and I highly recommend heels. Great for feet, hands and elbows. A few of the yarn brands are Noro, Briggs and Little, louet, and Trekking. There really is too much to mention!

Getting to know Lynn has been a complete blessing. She is a wonderful person, creative knitter, a talented spinner and a published designer. She opened my eyes to the town of Ft Mac and the things that people would not think about.
A little side note, the McDonald leisure center is amazing and totally blows the Collicut Center outta the water!

I look forward to returning and of course having Lynn fill my knitting "needs"

Thank you for blessing me in a such a knitting way.

Love and keep stitching

"New" blog

2011-02-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! After much debate, I have decided to continue with my blog. Going back to the name of my blog, Janines yarn tails; it struck me maybe I was missing something.
While in a new relationship, then planning a wedding, I had forgotten one of the very important things that define me. KNITTING! SO I have decided that this blog needs to be about what the title suggests. My yarn tails.
Every week ( everyday just isn't me) I am going to blog about a LYS (local yarn store) that I have visited, a website, another blog, a knitting group, a new knitting book, podcast... I'm sure you get the point.
In the next few weeks I'll be blogging about The Crafty Lady in Lacombe, my future visit to Liv with Yarn in Camrose, Lynn's Knitting Studio in Ft Mac and the Red Deer Knittin Societys visit to River City Yarns in March! Look forward to hearing from everyone!
Luv and stitches
Janine