Wonderful Wisconsin Wool!

While on a family trip to Wisconsin, we went to the County Fair to see our niece, Olyvia's blue ribbon winning 4H cow, Loosy Moosy.

After seeing her beautiful dairy cow, we headed toward the sheep. I met a lovely sheep shearer named Dan, who offered to give me 200 POUNDS of wool. He needed the space, and wanted it to go a happy home. WHAT!!!???

We called him the next day and took a quick field trip to his farm.

This was the only actual sheep he had onsite. She was too old to breed, and he saved her life by giving her a retirement plan. We got a giant bag of her wool in addition to a few bags from sheep of different breeds.

While we were taking pics, my amazing Mother-in-law spun up some of the wool in the car.

Here's some of the Leicester wool straight out of the bag.

Dan told us, we could gently unravel the wool and it would stay together in one piece. Then, we could easily remove the dirtier pieces. he was totally right!

Here's some wool from a Jacob sheep. I am so excited about these colors. 

After we picked out the really dirty chunks, we used my in-laws mini vacuum to suck out the air so the bags would fit on the plane. 

Such a fun adventure! I'm so glad we were able to thank the little Dorset for her wool. She gave a very loud "You're Welcome"

Tour De Yarn Continues!

I've now been back in Wisconsin for exactly a month. I've already hit some amazing yarn shops. I'll fill you in over the next few days. Here's the first shop we went to in Delavan, called Needles and Pins.

Lindsey (another yarn head) took us to this spot, and Katie (a non yarn head) was great and came along for the ride.

I love this barn! This is the Parking lot for the shop... what? So great.

They had some great finds, but mostly I was excited about the GIANT barn out in front, and the fact that they keep their yarn in baby beds. What a beautiful useful idea! I love it!

More yarn shop updates to come!

Way to Go 2010!

So, the year has just started and already, 2 wildly different kick butt pieces of news to share.

First - I'm lucky enough to say I have some seriously talented, hard working friends. On the 28th of December at 2pm a cast of 9 singers, 8 band members, a director, stage manager, costume designer, sound designer and a 3 person crew got together to put on a show at the Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI. The show was conceived by our Director, Ed Flesch, who was also a member of the cast. This would usually seem like a normal task for all of us but here's the kicker... the show went up on New Years Eve. That's 2.5 days to put on a full 2 Act 2.5 hour show in a 700 seat theatre.

I don't know how - but we did it! And... it was actually pretty fantastic. Only a few little word flubs here and there, but I can say without a doubt both of our full houses had a great time, and so did we. Here's a few pics from the crazy day.

Here's few members of the cast right before the show.

I sang Goldfinger and got to wear some AMAZING shoes.

My fiance John Dominguez who also played bass in the show!

And - my second bit of news...

So - I wake up this morning, clearly EXHAUSTED. We get ready and head to spend a nice day off with JD's family. On the way to their house we stop to look for a book for his mom. She's also an avid knitter and has been wanted to knit a top down raglan sweater for his dad. I found a book that looked just right called Knit on Down. It has several patterns that are mostly seamless and mostly knit from the top down. Done and done. As we head to the register, I tell JD I want to stop by the magazine section.

SIDE NOTE - A few weeks ago, after announcing to my Molly Made Facebook group that my Doggie Shrug pattern is now available at www.redheart.com, Drew Emborsky (aka The Crochet Dude) mentioned there was a Doggie Shrug used as a full page add in the Jan/Feb issue of Crochet Today. I honestly thought he was mistaken. I was a little sad and thought someone else must have written a Doggie Shrug pattern. I often buy this crocheting magazine, but I don't subscribe because I spend so much time on the road doing shows. It's hard to have magazines forwarded all over the country. I've looked for it in several shops, but had yet to find the Jan/Feb edition.

So, we stopped by the craft/hobbie magazine section of this Barnes and Noble in Milwaukee. I gave JD one copy and I took one copy. I started slowly page by page, he quickly leafed through and... BAM! There's a giant pic of my Doggie Shrug on the inside of the back cover! I seriously freaked out!! I screamed and jumped up and down. I have got to be the biggest dork in the world!

It's an add for Red Heart Yarn which is a great tried and true brand you can get mostly anywhere. My name isn't even listed by the picture - but I could care less! I'm seriously so honored and excited to see that they are using something I created. I also have a pattern for Flower Petal Leg Warmers available on their website and I have a secret pattern coming out on another website... so I know this is just the beginning. I do wonder if, some day, seeing my piece in a mag will be old hat, but I will never forget how unbelievably excited I was to see my first piece in print. Knowing it is in book stores and yarn shops all over the country, sends me over the moon.

I had JD take some pictures of me with the magazine before I bought a few copies. I do think it is really hilarious to compare the pic of me in my Goldfinger costume to the pic of me in my tragic day after the show get up. (I love this giant knit Anthropologie sweater.) Oh the "glamorous" life of an actress with an addiction to yarn.

I can't believe it took so long to find! Maybe I was meant to find it today as a way to kick off the new year.

Big Chunky Winter Goodness!

ACTOR CRAFTS IS TOMORROW!

Holy Cross School

on 43rd between 8th and 9th

10am - 6pm

Stop by and say hi!

As winter approaches I'm loving giant chunky pieces. Check out some of my newest designs!

New Giant Skoodie!

New Chunky Headband/Cowl

New Giant Pom Pom Choker

New Large Lady Bug

CHECK BACK SOON FOR MOLLY MADE NEWS!

CRAFTS IN CHELSEA

Molly Made is making it's craft show Debut! CRAFTS IN CHELSEA Here's a quick look into all I've been working on...

I'd love to see you there!

Saturday October 17th

10-6pm

21st Street Between 8th and 9th

CROCHET..... A HOUSE?

I have been crazy busy and loads of blog ideas have been flying through my head. Today, however, I came across something that I HAD to blog about NOW.

My ridiculously cool sister forwarded me an email from a mutual friend. The subject of this email was "Do you know what a Yurt is?" I knew it sounded familiar and as I read the email I remembered I had recently heard about Yurts. First, at the Fashioning Felt exhibit I blogged about a few weeks ago, and in one of the many CraftyPod episodes I listened to this weekend.

According to Wikipedia "A yurt is a portable, felt-covered, wood lattice-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia." For a more detailed description check out the full entry.

I read the email and instantly teared up with excitement! Kate Pokorny is embarking on an amazing task. She is going to CROCHET A FULL SIZED YURT!

Here's a small description from her site http://YurtAlert.com

"Historically, Mongolian nomads made felt for their yurts via a labor intensive process that still required an internal structure at the end of the day.

My project is to take that design a step further and make a locally-sourced (local to New Hampshire), self-supporting crocheted yurt out of hand-felted cording approximately 1.5 – 2 inches thick."

Her process looks so fantastic!

She met the sheep...

Felted the wool into a giant cord...

She even whittled her own Crochet hook!

After felting the cord she realized that it would take a tree sized hook so she's decided to crochet the yurt with her HANDS. I've been made fun of by my family for crocheting a hat with my fingers. So, I can't wait to tell them someone else is as crazy as I am.

It's going to take a LOT of wool to make a full blown Yurt. So... Kate is accepting donations. If you'd like to help check out her project countdown and donation page at Kickstart.com.

If you can't tell... I am SUPER excited about seeing this project unfold. No Wait... better yet... FOLD, into lots of lovely knots that make a house : )

The Ideal Local Yarn Shop

Opening a Local Yarn Shop(LYS) of my own has been on my mind and in my heart. I've dreamt about it for quite some time. Lately, I feel the dream tugging, tugging. tugging... OPEN OPEN OPEN. When something pulls that hard, I think it should be paid some attention. Several signs have been put in my path telling me this is something I should seriously look into and soon!

I've made steps towards making this dream a reality. I attended a great conference through the Crochet Guild of America. I've sold several pat

tern designs to two different nation wide yarn companies. I finally signed up to sell my own hand made items at a craft fair. I've made wonderful con

nections with professionals through blogs and social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. And, I have visited about 20 different yarn shops around the US and Canada and even Spain.

Perhaps the most helpful tool I have used to find information has simply been speaking to yarn shop owners and friends who knit and crochet. When ever I meet someone who has the slightest idea of how to own, shop in, or appreciate a yarn shop, I tell them I'm looking to open one of my own. I ask millions of questions, and have gotten some great advice. The advice that

seems most prevalent is "IT'S VERY DIFFICULT!"

So, I figure, GREAT! I'm am never afraid of a challenge! Nothing about pursuing a career in musical theatre is easy. However, with the help of some very supportive people, I have had a career in musical theatre. After getting my Equity card, I worked as a singing waiter for a little over a year, and then I started booking work... consistently. I have worked successfully as an actor for four years now. I am very proud of this accomplishment and I've loved (almost) every second of the journey. But, I can't help but notice my passions are pulling me in a different direction. I know I will never want to stop performing completely, I just might want to change my focus. I find when I'm on the road, nothing makes me happier or helps me to feel more at home than when I step into a Local Yarn Shop.

Now, what am I accomplishing with this post?

I've been to LYSs of over the country and I've started to get a feel for what I want in a shop of my own. As of now, it's all a bunch of mumbo jumbo floating around in my head and heart. Today I'm going to begin a list of everything I hope my shop will embody. I'd LOVE feed back and comments on what type of a shop you most enjoy. What turns you on about your favorite LYS? What turns you off? You've never been in a yarn shop?? Tell me what makes you happiest about your favorite independently owned clothing shop, paint store, shoe store, coffee shop. Anything that makes you happy (or unhappy) about a small retail shop will help.

Here's my list and I'll continue updating as I discover or rediscover ideas that will help describe my ideal LYS.

MY IDEAL YARN SHOP WOULD HAVE...

Clean organized shelves

Organize yarn by weight and then color then fiber

Enough, but not too much yarn - lots to choose from but not so

much that it is overwhelming

Clearly labeled prices (this is a big one for me)

Encourage cross crafting (knitting, crocheting, felting, using yarn with glue or playdough if it works)

Greet each customer as they come in the door in a jovial relaxed encouraging manner

Offer project and technique classes

Offer one on one and group classes

Offer some classes that span over a few weeks and some that are completed in just one day so that people who travel for work still have an opportunity to take class

Craft and coffee nights

Afternoon crafting tea

Men's night

Family crafting groups

Handmade items for sale

Cute Reusable Bags (this is from Persones Llanes in Barcelona, Spain)

Projects (or knit AND crocheted swatches) made out of most types of yarn

Happy felted items around shop, but not too many so that it's cluttered

Coffee and snacks

Kids play area

Comfy Chairs and tables for hanging in the shop

Easily accessible swift and winder

Offer to wind more than one type of yarn together for multi yarn projects like at this shop

Interesting notions, buttons, and beads

Skacel and Lantern Moon needles/hooks

Tunisian hooks maybe by ChaioGoo

Machines for felting (this might not happen right away)

Some sort of mascot that greets shoppers at the door (this guy is at Knitch in Atlanta)

What are your thoughts?

Crochet Guild of America

I recently joined the Crochet Guild of America. What a great decision! I went to their conference in Buffalo and had a fantastic time. My head is spinning with loads of information. I attended the Professional Development day, took 4 classes, and met several professional crochet designers and teachers.

Here's a few highlights from the week...

JD came with me to help with the drive and to keep me company when the classes were not in session. But, while I was at the conference, I was on my own. I had made a few connections through Ravelry, and Twitter, but I was still pretty nervous. One of the main connections I had made was with a woman named Jocelyn Sass. (she is known as CuteCrochet on Twitter) She has been a super cheerleader via twitter, but I had no idea she would turn out to be such a Crochet Angel! Jocelyn took such great care of me and explained any goofy question I had with such kindness and intelligence, introduced me to several lovely people (including Wendy Cozby who is with us in this pic) and helped me connect with many designers and editors.Her help on the design front helped me to SELL several pattern designs to two different companies! I'll have more news on that once things are official.

The first and last classes I took were with Edie Eckman. First I attended her

hour long talk about Designing for Publication during Professional Development Day, and I also took her class called "Unlearn to Knit." I highly recommend both classes. Submitting for publication is definitely a different beast than submitting for an audition. And, after taking her Knitting class, I really feel like I am in control of my stitches. I can actually tell what I am creating with the yarn and the needles, rather than just doing what someone else told me to do. In this picture, Edie is holding one of her books called, The Crochet Answer Book. A book I happen to love and had with me on the road for all 9 months of the Chitty tour. Pretty cool : )

This next picture is with Myra Wood. I sat in on her seminar on Self Publication at Professional Development Day and, took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. The info she had to Share about Self Publication was so empowering. I have lists of websites and computer

programs to go through. I have had book ideas in the past, and knowing I can easily publish my ideas myself makes the idea of publishing more of a reality. On Friday I took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. Boy, oh boy, was this the class for me. For a long time, I've known that my love for crochet is found in the freedom of knowing I don't really need to follow a pattern. I can follow patterns, but I much prefer to make things up as I work through the piece. This class was like a key to the world of crochet I'd been looking for. My first few pieces were a little funky, but I can see how easy and liberating this style of crochet can be. I also learned that Myra lives in Southern California. If my crazy dream of opening my own shop in So. Cal. becomes a reality, I am so happy to have her as a connection. I can't wait to set up Myra Wood knitting and crocheting workshops in my own shop.

And, here we have... The Crochet Dude! Drew Emborksky (The Crochet Dude) was the MC for the Professional Development Day. He also set up a warm welcome meeting for new members of the guild. Drew and I actually have a funny history. I follow him on Twitter, and while I was in Houston with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he tweeted about coming to see the show! I wrote him back and said, "No way! I'm in the show!" We talked a bit about the show and that was that. Then, at the annual CGOA meeting, I won a raffle prize. I went up to get my prize, and in true goofy Mahoney fashion, I decided to give a good ol' showgirl kick to the face. Clearly this was out of the ordinary in the world of Crochet. I had not yet introduced myself to Drew, but saw him almost die laughing. I had not planned on pulling out a high kick, but it proved to be the perfect reason to introduce myself and remind him that I was in the cast of Chitty. Drew was super supportive and gave me some great tips about the "designer meet and greet" that I attended on the Saturday morning. If our shop plans come to fruition, I'll definitely be asking Drew to come to Cali as well.

These are just a few of the talented people I met at the convention. Now that I'm home I feel like I'll never have time to actually put into action all that I learned. But, shoot, I'm gonna try. I'll end this post with a few links that I picked up this weekend. I can't wait till the next CGOA week. I feel like I fell in a rabbit hole that took me to a Wonderland of Yarny Goodness. The world is curiouser and curiouser, and boy is it grand.

Jingebrewear

First of all... Jingebre means Ginger in Spanish and I LOVE GINGER. But more importantly... Sheldon, a new up and coming designer, is so super cool and has great ideas. He also was a dancer like me! We had loads in common and I look forward to catching up with him in Chicago sometime soon.

Kim Kotary

I met Kim during professional development day. She lives in Queens! She has some great designs and had great tips on setting up a new web site.

www.crochetingwithdee.com

I also met Dee during professional development day. Then, I took a class called "Crochet Your Knit." I learned many new techniques including the Tunisian Knit Stitch. Super cool! Check out her site, lots of info!

Doris Chan

I have been following Doris Chan's blog for a while now, but I'm even more excited about it after meeting her in person! During the welcome meeting for new CGOA members I couldn't take my eye's off of her lacy skirt. It had such a youthful bounce. I loved chatting with her and I'm currently obsessed with her Avalon Top which can be found at...

www.NaturallyCaron.com

This website is updated frequently with a free pattern and an audio fashion show! I had a great meeting with Cari Clement from Caron yarns. She knows her stuff, and gets the type of young, funky designs I love. I also really appreciate their work with Rwanda Knits. I've used Caron Simply Soft for Skoodies in the past. It makes for a lovely supple cuddly light weight Skoodie. It is so great to know a face behind their designs and yarns.

www.RedHeart.com

I also met with Bobbie Matela of Coats and Clark. They make Red Heart yarn which will always have a special place in my heart. It's the yarn I first learned to crochet and knit with and I think their website puts it perfectly... "yarn and designs for real life." You can find Coats and Clarks products everywhere and you can always count on them for sturdy "real life" projects. In fact, I think the first scarf I ever sold was made with red Light and Lofty. Bobbie was the first person I met with at the designer meet and greet and she was super informative and so encouraging.

www.jellyyarns.com

It's a little kooky, but looks great for kids. I bought some to give to my 10 year old friend Aly. And... I bought the gold sparkly skein for me. I'll post pics if I come up with something cool. And... their reps were pretty great.

One Happy Secret Pal

So... I've been doing a 3 month knitting/crocheting gift exchange.  I've had a great time.  My first package arrived a few days ago.  She sent me some beautiful brown yarn, which I LOVE!  I've worked with bamboo and wool before, but never with a bamboo wool blend.  She also sent some wool friendly soap which (I hate to admit) I've never used. But, I'm sure once I start, I will be hooked.   She suggested a cowl or hat with this yarn and I definitely think I'll embark on a detailed knit cowl.   I have a few projects to finish first, but I'll be sure to post pics when I put it on my needles.

Kids Krochet

As you'd imagine, there are kids that travel with us on the Chitty tour.  One of the girls, Aly Brier, has been interested in crocheting since day one.  I love kids, and I have worked with a few that I still keep in touch with. Aly will definitely be on the top of that list.  AND... as of last Saturday, she officially Crochets!

   Her birthday is coming up, so I decided I wanted to take her out on a special Birthday date, and finally teach her to crochet.  We had so much fun, and she seriously has a knack for working with yarn. She picked it up so well and really seemed to love it.  We already have a date planned to go to a shop in NYC so she can get yarn to make an AFGAN as a gift for a family member. How great is that?  

   Here are a few pics from our date at Johnny Rockets in Denver.

Watch her go!  I also love that her hair is in braids so it can go under her wig.

She had never had a ROOT BEER FLOAT!  She loved it : )

Great day!

I've joined a really great knitting/crocheting gift exchange called Secret Pal.  Here are the rules.

As of now - we have to answer and post this questionnaire.

Super fun.

Questionnaire for SP14

 

Here is the questionnaire for SP14. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than July 10th, but sooner would be better as it can be helpful to us in selecting your pals.

 

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?  

I love so many yarns. This is too hard! As for what I don’t like, I am not into yarn that is crazy furry or eyelash yarns.  This week I’ve really been enjoying Frog Tree Alpaca.  I love earthy colors.

 

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

 I have two pencil cases for small hooks and needles and a large plastic needle case for my longer needles. I keep my circulars loosely in a bag with other notions

 

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? 

I’ve been crocheting for 10 years and knitting for 1. I’d consider myself an advanced crocheter, and a good beginning knitter. I could probably do more than I give myself credit for, but I loose patience with following knitting patterns pretty quickly.  I love to create as I go.

 

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? 

No – I should look into that.

 

5. What's your favorite scent? 

I love orange and lavender candles. When I wear perfume I wear earthy herbal sents.

 

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? 

Black liquorice, and ginger. I guess I like candy with bite.

 

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? 

I don’t spin, but I’d love to learn how.  I needle felt, and have started some wet felting. I’m interested in crafts of all kinds, especially crafting that can be done on the road.

 

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) 

I have a Mac and I use Itunes. I love folky music with lyrics that really mean something. I like lyrics that make you think. David Wilcox is my all time favorite songwriter.

 

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

 I’ve been in a purpley blueish mood lately. I also love brown. I guess I tend to stay away from really bright colors.

 

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? 

No pets. I’ve recently developed a cat allergy, which makes me sad. I love all animals. I am recently engaged and (when I’m not on the road doing a musical) I live in a 400 sq foot studio in NYC with my fiancé.

 

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? 

Yes.

 

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? 

Patterns that don’t include seams or sewing : ) I also love patterns that combine knitting and crocheting

 

13. What are you knitting right now? 

I started my first Raglan sweater recently… with lace weight yarn, so it’s taking forever.  I’m also crocheting a hooded scarf  (a skoodie) for a friend. 

 

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? 

Love to!

 

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? 

My favorite are Lantern moon wooden needles.  I love circulars.

 

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No : ( I’ve almost bought one several times, but I always give in to the power of my own self winding.

 

17. How old is your oldest UFO?  

Oooooo good question. I’m sure I have some in my storage unit that are super old, but us of now this darn raglan sweater has me stumped. I think I made a mistake and I can’t find the pattern. Ugh… I started it several months ago.

 

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?  

I think New Years Eve might be my favorite holiday.  I was raised Catholic, so I celebrate Christmas, but I’ve been to a few Sedars (which are clearly not celebrated during the winter) and I really would love to continue celebrating during Passover. Such a fantastic tradition.

 

19. Is there anything that you collect? 

Vintage purses/hats clothses/earings/buttons/records/dishes   I am also addicted to Anthropologie and I’m very grateful they have a sale section.

 

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? 

Being an actor who lives on the road makes it hard to commit to a subscription. I do like to pic up mags here and there.  I have to be careful with books… they are so heavy, but I love them.

 

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? 

I’m going to the Knit and Crochet Show in Buffalo this year. I am taking 4 classes. I’ve never taken a formal class, so I’m freaked and excited.

 

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? 

I wear a 8 ½  shoe. I’ve never made socks. I tend to work with thicker yarn. I do have a pair a friend made me… I love them!

 

23. When is your birthday?

 March 9th

 

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? 

Yep - MollyMade

YARN STORE KETCHUP, Philly and Atlanta

I've been crazy busy seeing loads of amazing places all over the country. Here's a few of the fiber highlights.

   3 GREAT YARN SHOPS PHILLY.

      ROSIE'S YARN CELLER

          This is the first shop I visited. I walked by it twice without seeing it, which I couldn't believe. It is... like the title says... a cellar.  Nice shop packed with loads of skeins to please all. The staff was helpful, and obviously very passionate about their craft.  I'm sure I would frequent this shop.  It's a little cramped... but great for treasure hunting. I spent quite some time digging through their sale basket.  

      LOOP

            I'm so sad I wasn't able to spend more time in this shop.  It was very clean, bright and spacious.  I literally had 10 minutes tops to run through their shop, so my

 memory of what they have is fuzzy, but I did end up with a great little project bag by Blue Sky Alpacas, and some wonderful roving for felting.   This flower is one of the many flowers I've made from the roving bag I bought at loop. I loved the

 natural rustic color combo.

     NANGELLINI

             Two of the gals in my cast found this shop and recommend it, so I ran down between shows on our last day in town.  I am so glad I did.  It was crazy full of fiber and color.  The owner, Nancy, clearly had a zest for life and a passion for fiber. She excitedly took me up to the sale section of her shop, and then showed me how everything was organized. I don't know if I have ever encountered a more helpful yarn shop owner/employee.  Like I said, this shop was FILLED with color, some things that were a bit too bright for me, but I so appreciated the time and passion that went into the display.  My favorite part was a collection of yarns Nancy had paired and wound and was selling together.  I often mix 2 or more skeins, but I've never thought of having them wound together at a shop.  She sells pairings that she suggests, or will wind combos of your own.  Why have I never seen this at a shop?  Great idea!  I bought two of her combos and made one of my own.  I love them so

 much, I might not ever bring myself to knit or crochet them. I'm sure someday they'll tell me what they want to be. 

ONE GLORIOUS SHOP IN ATLANTA

          KNITCH

               Hands down.... THIS IS THE GREATEST YARN SHOP I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED! Just the building was enough to make me squeal. Exposed brick, rustic wood, and a spiral staircase leading from the first floor to the second floor. As you enter the gate, this lovely creature greats you. Then, a large pot of their own coffee brew welcomes you as you step into the shop.  The first floor was PACKED with all kinds of wool yarns. And, a nice little felting section with unspun fiber. (including lots died by local artists)  The second floor has cotton, acrylic, and a WALL OF WASHER/DRYERS for rent so you can satisfy all of your felting needs. What?  I don't have a washer/dryer in my apartment, and obviously don't have one on the road

. I've tried this whole felting in the bathtub thing and it's a messy pain the butt! A shop like this would be so amazing!    I ended up leaving with some super soft Blue Sky Cotton, and a shirt that makes me so happy.  I wanted to buy another for a friend, but it was the last of it's kind. I found it online at CafePress. I've already been approached by friends who think it's some sort of dietary yoga message.  I know those who really get what I get, will get it too. 

    Visiting these yarn shops around the country has made me so happy. It is so inspiring to see so many places around the country that are thriving and bringing wooly goodness to their community's.   I really hope that some day, I can do the same. 

****One Non-Yarn bit of joy*****   

    I also went to the shop at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design).  I found this ridiculously soft skirt by Vanessa Boulton.

don't be surprised if I wear it every day!

Wholly Craft! - Columbus, OH

Yesterday was a seriously happy day. I mean.. most of my days are pretty happy lately... aside from the obvious stress of being on the road (long drives, too much stuff with too little space, missing my apartment, missing my family, missing my friends and not having a KITCHEN). But.. really I feel very lucky to be making a living doing what I love, with the one I love. That aside, as I was was saying, yesterday was a very happy day. It was set into motion by a fantastic shop we found in Columbus called "WHOLLY CRAFT!" I mean, seriously, just

the title is enough to make a craftaholic like me smile.

I first stumbled upon this lovely little shop while I was looking for LYS in Columbus. I found a great new shop, WonderKnit, and while exploring their website I found a link to their neighbor... Wholly Craft. The shop was filled with so many things that made me smile. The first joyful item we stumbled upon was Shanon Gerard's Plushtash. When JD held it up under his nose I screamed.. "Why didn't I think of that!" The woman behind the counter said "we hear that often." JD is obsessed with the idea of a sweet moustache. I can't believe I never thought of crocheting him one.

Next.... I found a perfect little tree purse by In Hope. I know I have way too many bags/purses with me on the road. But I couldn't pass this up. Trees always made me happy... and it was the perfect size! I love big bags, but I always fill them with too much junk. (the girls in the dressing room started calling me CVS) This new clutch will help me simplify.

I slowly made my way through the bits of whimsy to a small craft supply section in the back. I bought, a set of vintage circular needles (mostly because I loved the packaging), a big vintage belt buckle making kit, two used books on crewel designs, and a blue plastic hoop . I've recently

been drooling over the trees at Wool and Hoop. Unfortunately they didn't have any tree kits left. We'll see if I can actually find the time play with the techniques in these books.

While I was going through the crafty goodness... JD came up with tears in his eyes. He had found something that sent him over the edge of enjoyment. This squirrel print by Berkley Illustration had him on the floor laughing. He especially loved the tie. I had been worried he would be bored at this shop, so seeing him so happy made me even more happy. We bought the 5X7 print for his niece Olyvia. She loves his rendition of the Aladdin song "A Whole New World" called "A Whole New Squirrel" so we figured this was the perfect gift.

I had to stop myself from buying any more. Sometimes I wonder wether selling my own hand made crafts makes me as happy as buying goodies others have made. I guess I think supporting other artists is great cause it keeps the whole hand made movement in motion.

We did end up at the yarn shop next door. The woman behind the counter (who I think was the owner) was chatting with one of the customers about her new book... "Pints and Purls - Portable Projects for the Social Knitter" It's not out in stores yet... but the customer had pre-ordered her copy on Amazon. I loved hearing them talk about the process of publishing the book. I was able to flip through it, and it looks like something I'd love. I've done my best to convert the non-knitting members of my cast, but I still get crap from those who don't

understand my addiction. I find bringing a skein to the hotel bar to be very normal. I even brought my Innovations Knitting machine to the hotel bar in Toronto. (ok - that might have been a bit much, but I was excited to try it out) I feel like this book might actually validate my addiction. I ended up with a few skeins from Wonderknit. I bought 1 skein of Loop-d-loop Fern in white (I've already started a lovely drop stitch scarf), and two skeins of Frog Tree Chunky Alpaca.

To top off my lovely day... I started and finished a new shrug when I got home from work. We have a cast party tonight and I really wanted to wear a new dress... but I didn't have a sweater that matched. Problem solved! I used some left over Brown Sheep Burly Spun in Dark

Charcoal and some sparkly grey and white label-less yarn I bought downstairs at Romni Wools. I've never knit a shrug, and I completely improvised the design... but it totally worked! I finished it in under 2 hours, and I'm super happy with the way it turned out! (please excuse the awkward cell phone pic with the lovely hotel carpet background)

PHEW - Thats it! Yesterday was a long wonderful day!