Woolful

Sponsor: Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is nestled in the little alcove of Madrone Lane on the beautiful Bainbridge Island in the Puget Sound. Just up the street from the ferry, this was my first local yarn shop…a place I remember visiting in my teens, mesmerized and enchanted by this cozy yarn and tea emporium. It was what I dreamed of aspiring to as a knitter, a place I visited often over the years as I grew up and now look back on as a key memory in my fiber journey…a push in the right direction. Churchmouse opened in 2000 with the intention to help people make their lives beautiful by making beautiful things. From their carefully curated selection of yarns, patterns, gifts and tea, it’s easy to see why Churchmouse has become a favorite for both local and distant knitters. Make sure to visit Churchmouse Yarns and Tea when in the Seattle and Olympic Peninsula area and visit online at churchmouseyarns.com to experience a bit of the magic from the coziness of your chair. And make sure to follow on Instagram @chur

Sponsor: My Sister Knits is a locally owned and loved yarn shop located in For Collins, CO, minutes away from Historic Old Town and located in a carriage house. What started out as a small venture for founder Julie Luckasen, grew into a passionate community of creative minds. My Sister Knits provides a welcoming atmosphere for knitters of all types and skill levels, a place for people to gather and cultivate their passion for knitting, share and support one another. Join them each Tuesday night from 5-8pm for their Open Knitting Night. And make sure to visit mysisterknits.com to view their list of upcoming classes including, Learn to Knit, Latvian Mittens, Brioche, Knitting Backwards, and Intro to Stranded Colorwork. And if you find yourself in or around Fort Collins, make sure to visit this shop in person to find YOTH yarns and more. Follow on Instagram @mysisterknits Fiber folk: It’s hard to put into words just how great the family behind Yarn on the House, or YOTH yarns is. Earlier this year I spent an eve

Sponsor: Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook of Marian Rae Publications, the brilliant designers behind collections such as Journey and Seasonless have released their newest book, Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul. This beautifully photographed book takes you on a visual journey, through a world of modern rustic coziness designed to stimulated the sense and kindle inspiration. You’ll find six signature patterns, including accessories, a shawl, and what may become your new favorite everyday garments. Together, the pieces in this accessible collection make a function and beautiful addition to any knitter’s wardrobe. You can find Within on Ravelry, on mariaraepublications.com or look for it at your local yarn shop. Follow along on Instagram @soveryshannon and @janerichmond and make sure to tag your photos #withinknits. Fiber folk: Nearly two years ago I received an email from Tanis Lavallee. It began as a conversation, which then spurred a new journey for her and her husband Chris’s seasoned hand dyed yarn b

  Sponsor: Tucked away into the heart of Leelanau County, where cherry trees, centennial farms and wine grapes meet the shores of Lake Michigan, is a knitter’s paradise and that place is Wool & Honey.  Wool & Honey’s focus is on thoughtful companies who add their own stories to our little spot in the world–brands that highlight fibers that mirror the exquisite natural beauty of their area. Michigan fiber artists are paramount—and their selection of locally grown, dyed, spun yarns and fiber is unparalleled. The hive is the center of it all–it’s home. Home to bees of all ages and ability levels, each adding a bit of shine to a vibrant community. Every day, these tiny workers gather pollen–powdery bits of fluff–and with a little time and effort, transform it into gorgeous, golden nectar. How similar we knitters are to the bee! Taking nothing more than two sticks and a string, we create warmth and comfort, fabric to clothe and decorate our bodies. On September 27th from 7-9pm, Stephen West will be spendin

  Sponsor: NorthCoast Knittery is a favorite in Humbolt county, with it’s charming storefront in Eureka California. NorthCoast Knittery opened it’s doors in 2008, with the hope to create a unique gathering place for fiber folk and help expand the local fiber community. It’s a wonderful spot to meet friends and work on projects as you enjoy a cup of tea. They offer a variety of classes and workshops, helping enhance your skill levels and each Thursday at 6pm they host a Sip & Knit social evening.  This month NorthCoast Knittery is hosting the “Knitting in the Redwoods” retreat. Four nights of relaxation, stories, delicious farm to table meals, great company and the peaceful surroundings of the Klamath river and Redwood National Park. The retreat takes place at the historic Requa Inn, and each day will bring a new workshop and special treat showcasing the incredible area.  Make sure to visit NorthCoast Knittery in person when in Eureka and online at northcoastknittery.com for a full selection of beautiful y

  Sponsor: Knit City is the premiere fibre arts festival in Western Canada, showcasing local fibre artists such as dyers, spinners, weavers, pattern designers and notion makers. It also hosts a wide spectrum of Canadian and International knitting and other textile craft instructors. This special event is taking place in Vancouver BC, October 1-2, 2016 and this year marks the 5th anniversary of the show. Featuring classes and lectures from some amazing folks, including todays guest Susan Anderson, a large vendor Marketplace, free demonstrations, local food trucks and more. Knit City is proudly produced by Amanda Milne and Fiona McLean of Knit Social Event Co. To find out more info and register, visit knitsocial.ca and follow along on Instagram @knitsocial Fiber folk: When I think about fiber folks who I’ve been most inspired by over the years, Susan Anderson is one of the first that comes to mind. The first knitting book I ever bought was her Itty Bitty Toys book, and it became dogeared and well loved. Since t

  Sponsor: Knit Purl is a wonderfully motivating yarn shop in Portland, Oregon founded by Darcy Cameron in 2004, with the intention to create a unique curated experience for yarn buyers. They’ve worked closely with local, regional and international makers and designers to provide a one of a kind experience, to fuel creativity for fiber and design enthusiasts. Each month they offer a great calendar of classes and events, and every other Wednesday you can join other fiber folk for Knit Night at 6pm. Make sure to stop by in person when in Portland and shop their large selection of yarns including Habu yarns at knit-purl.com. And find them on Instagram @knitpurlpdx And from now until July 31st, Knit Purl is offering a 10% discount on all lace weight yarns, including some of our favorite Habu yarns. Use the code LACE2016 in all caps during checkout. Fiber folk: Fiber fascination is something we can all relate too, discovering new yarns both rustic and soft…but Takako of Habu Textiles and yarns takes that fascinati

  Sponsor: Wool Days is an Australian based wool company, co founded by Megan Elizabeth with a mission to create a purposeful connection between where things come from and the people who love them and share the message that wool has the ability to heal, warm and delight. To connect with people who adore those special days spent slow dancing with the things that bring them true happiness. There is a world of inspiration and joy that fuels kindness and creativity in all of us, and the hope is that Wool days is a source of inspiration and joy for those who love good wool. Wool Days has created a most comforting and beautiful yarn, Scout, a single source, Australian Merino yarn. Our wants are simple, and they are grand – give us good wool and our imagination to please. A pot of tea and our knitting. Everyone has their own special ingredients for elevating their day, and the honest hope is the Wool days will be an essential part of that experience. You can find out so much more about Wool days and Scout yarn at wo

  Sponsor: Every year there is a special place, on a lake in New Hampshire, where people gather to explore their creativity, healing and community. This place is called Squam. Behind this goodness is one remarkable woman by the name of Elizabeth Duvivier, someone who’s sought out to find her path and enlightenment in this creative world, bringing souls together and taking just as much away from each experience as those who attend. The FALL SQUAM RETREAT is taking place this September, complete with twinkle lights, generous teachers, sweet walks through the woods, vintage cottages, laughter on the dock, some very incredible workshops and ending with a Gather Here Bash pre-fair party and the SQUAM ART FAIR Saturday night. Join classes with incredible fiber folks like Maryanne Moodie, Anne Wood, Arne + Carlos, and Norah Gaughan – also on hand will be Jared Flood, Tif Fussell, Jaime + Amber of Fancy Tiger and so many other lovely spirits. There are still a few spots open so if this has been calling to you there i

    Sponsor: Yarn, a sweet shop for yarn addicts, created by Sunni Scrivner in Eureka, California. Sunni’s love of color is reflected in her warm and soulful shop. Her in-shop pattern line called, Sweet Shop Patterns is available in the store and on their website at yarn-fun.com, where you can also find information about classes and other special events, including their week long “Craft Camp for Kids”, which begins this upcoming Monday and covers fun fiber crafts such as finger knitting, weaving, felting, and more. Call the shop to reserve a spot for this fun event. Make sure to visit Yarn when in Humboldt county and follow along on Instagram @yarnfun418. Fiber folk: I love meeting people in this the fiber industry that surprise you with their story, and Saremy is one of those people. From fashion school to farm life, articulation pattern drafting and now Chicken Boots, her life has been full of adventure and a lot of hard work. It’s inspiring to watch someone who is so dedicated to domestic production, worki

    Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. The most recent issue PRESERVE features a collection of wonderful finds as we step in Summer. With lessons in arm knitting, preserved lemon and infusion recipes, stories in farming and woolworking, and a collection of preserving how-tos. There is so much goodness in each issue. You can visit Taproot Magazine online at Taprootmag.com and on Instagram @taprootmag. Fiber folk: It’s no secret that Maine is one of the epicenters of this fiber world, with its designers and yarn companies, but

  Sponsor: Yarn Along the Rockies is a yarn crawl on the front range of Colorado that features 18 shops from Colorado Springs to Boulder. YATR spans 9 days from August 20th – 28th. Yarn Crawl participants can take a Passport Tour of participating yarn shops for a chance to win one of five grand prizes as well as enter to win prize baskets at each store and participating shops will each have a free pattern available for crawlers as well as a free shop pin. If you visit 4 stores or more during the 9 day yarn crawl to get a free commemorative stitch marker. If you’re a Colorado resident or visiting in August, you don’t want to miss this fiber community event. Visit yarnalongtherockies.com for a printable list of participating shops and more info on this exciting event. And find them on Instagram @yarnalongtherockies. Fiber folk: When I first met Elaine and heard a bit of her story, I knew it went much deeper, and I wanted to hear her full story…about life and fiber. This conversation left me in tears, touched by

Sponsor: Sunday Knits has quickly become one of my new favorite yarns to knit with. Started in 2008 by Carol Sunday, Sunday Knits is a collection of 4 merino and merino blend yarns and beautiful patterns designed by Carol. 100% extra-fine Australian merino to the French Angora, all their fibers are humanely sourced and then milled in Italy to Carol’s meticulous and caring specifications. Aside from this yarns obvious qualities, they’re a dream to knit with…so soft yet sturdy and the breadth of colors are beautiful and perfect for color work…I have yet to move beyond swatching, as there are so many great uses for this wholesome yarn. And if you enjoy knitting vests, make sure to take a look at Carol’s latest pattern, the Nancy Vest, a little warmth and a lot of style makes this classic best a wardrobe staple, and an enjoyable knit, in any of Sunday Knits’ 3-ply yarns. Visit Sunday Knits at sundayknits.com or if you can make a trip to Roscoe, Illinois near the Wisconsin state line, make an appointment to visit

  Sponsor: Fuzzy Goat is a charming yarn shop in Historic Downtown Thomasville, Georgia created by Cadence Kidwell in 2014. Their whimsical lodge, luxurious yarns from independent, Southern and US sources, including Spincycle Yarns and focus on attainable challenges makes them a fun and memorable place to drop in. Whether you’re new to handcrafts or an experienced knitter, crocheter or weaver, you’ll find an appealing space to build your fiber community and exquisite materials and classes at Fuzzy Goat. Make yourself comfortable and feel welcome to discover your next project, letting the yarns speak for themselves and the Fuzzy Goat team will find the right moment to help you turn an idea into a project ready to cast on. Make Fuzzy Goat a destination when near Thomasville, Georgia and find a list of classes and other info at fuzzygoatyarns.com. And follow along on Instagram @fuzzy_goat.  Fiber folk: I had a great time visiting spinsters Rachel Price & Kate Burge in their cozy studio in downtown Bellingham

Sponsor: Every year there is a special place, on a lake in New Hampshire, where people gather to explore their creativity, healing and community. This place is called Squam. Behind this goodness is one remarkable woman by the name of Elizabeth Duvivier, someone who’s sought out to find her path and enlightenment in this creative world, bringing souls together and taking just as much away from each experience as those who attend. The Spring Squam retreat is taking place this June, complete with twinkle lights, generous teachers, sweet walks through the woods, vintage cottages, laughter on the dock, some very incredible workshops and ending with the Squam Art Fair and Ravelry Reverly. Join classes with incredible fiber folks like Gudrun Johnston, Kate Atherley, Andrea Rangel, Kristine Vejar, and Mary Jane Mucklestone to name just a few. And there is still time to register and make your travel plans to attend this June retreat, so visit squamartworkshops.com for more info on this incredible retreat and to regist

Sponsor: Amirisu is a beautiful bilingual knitting print and digital magazine founded by Meri and Tokuko and created in Japan. Amirisu plays an vital role in this international fiber community of ours, is a key player in this editorial and inspirational world and one of my favorites. Each issue features patterns in both Japanese and English accompanied by beautifully written articles and photography. And launching today is Amirisu’s Spring/Summer issue, with Spring Vintage inspired designs from Amy Christoffers, Britol Ivy, Leila Raabe, Joji Locatelli, Helen Stewart, Melissa LaBarre, Nadia Cretin-Lechenne and Kirsten Johnstone and the craft city guide of Nashville Tennessee. You can find this and past issues at amirisu.com and a selection of local yarn shops. And make sure to follow Amirisu on Instagram @amirisushop to keep up with all the going ons.  Fiber folk: Every year there is a special place, on a lake in New Hampshire, where people gather to explore their creativity, healing and community. This place

Sponsor: We Are Knitters is a young, modern, and fashion-forward brand with a focus on DIY and the handmade community. They believe in spreading the joy of knitting through unique, original kits that provide the recipient with everything they need to knit their own individual item – from start to finish. Kits contain yarn, needles (or a hook for crocheters!), a pattern, a little sewing needle and tag, and a recyclable bag to keep all your knitting supplies in! They source only the highest quality of fibers from Peru and work with their partners to ensure an ethical supply chain from start to finish – resulting in a product that you can truly feel good about (and also in!).  Join their knitting revolution on Instagram at @weareknitters and make sure to become part of the community with the hashtag #weareknitters when you post pictures of your work and for a chance to be automatically entered into a number of monthly giveaways. And make sure to checkout We Are Knitters most recent cotton collection for this Spr

Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. The most recent issue MYTH features a collection of wonderful finds as we step in Spring. With fermentation and jam recipes, stories, food myths, how to make a pan flute and Bristol Ivy’s latest pattern the “Selkie Hat & Mitts”. There is so much goodness in each issue. You can visit Taproot Magazine online at taprootmag.com and on Instagram @taprootmag. Fiber folk: I’ve met very few people in life that match the passion, enthusiasm and joy of Anna Dianich and her infectious energy emana

Sponsor: NorthCoast Knittery is a favorite in Humbolt county, with it’s charming storefront in Eureka California. NorthCoast Knittery opened it’s doors in 2008, with the hope to create a unique gathering place for fiber folk and help expand the local fiber community. It’s a wonderful spot to meet friends and work on projects as you enjoy a cup of tea. They offer a variety of classes and workshops, helping enhance your skill levels and each Thursday at 6pm they host a Sip & Knit social evening.  In September NorthCoast Knittery is hosting the “Knitting in the Redwoods” retreat. Four nights of relaxation, stories, delicious farm to table meals, great company and the peaceful surroundings of the Klamath river and Redwood National Park. The retreat takes place at the historic Requa Inn, and each day will bring a new workshop and special treat showcasing the incredible area. Make sure to visit NorthCoast Knittery in person when in Eureka and online at northcoastknittery.com for a full selection of beautiful ya

Sponsor: It’s the one year anniversary of Home & Away: Knits for Everyday Adventures, a terrific book written and published by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. And she’s hosting an Instagram fashion show, to celebrate all the beautiful and wearable knits you’ve made since the release last Spring. Hannah strives to design wearable knitwear for the modern knitter and her most recent book Home & Away features 9 wearable designs plus education, support and inspiration to help you grow as a knitter. Now through April 10th you can enter her Home & Away hashtag fashion show on Instagram. Show off how you style your finished knits by posting to Instagram with the hashtag #wewearknitbot and be eligible to win some great prizes! Hannah’s offering a $3 off the print or digital copy of Home & Away, so use the promo code wewearknitbot on her site and on Ravelry. You can find all the details and list of at knitbot.com and you can find Hannah on Instagram @knitbot Fiber folk: Aesthetics plays a huge part in a fiber