Thursday, December 18, 2008

Look What Karen Did!

Oh, My! The things that have been flying in and out of the shop! Karen brought in her swirl shawl and baby suprise with matching hat! These recipents will have a Merry Christmas!


Terrific work Karen! (There is still room in the swirl scarf/shawl if you want to make one too!)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Carve Out Some "Me" Time...

...by signing up for a class.

Check them out here!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Buttons, buttons, buttons!!


The perfect button makes your project not just special, but extraordinary. We've got a collection for you to browse with a new shipment just in. Now, that's something to look forward to on your next visit!

Ever lose your place?

If you've ever been happily working away on a pattern only to find dozens of rows in that you've missed a row, then we've got a gem for you!

Hightlighter Tape is here! All you do is tape your line, and move the tape as you move on through the pattern. Brilliant!

New Yarn!


We welcome a new yarn to the fold. From Jojoland, this 100% wool yarn is available in both fingering and lace weights. Melody is an inexpensive superwash fingering weight. Great for socks too! It comes in twelve colorchanging shades with recommendations for US #1-3 needles to obtain 7-8 stitches per inch. Harmony is the lace weight, which comes in eight colorchanging shades. US # B1-D3 hook sizes are recommended.


We are putting together a kit for you that includes a pattern to make a shawl and a scarf. Also included is the yarn to complete your project. See, we've done all your work except for the fun part....knitting!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

After Ditch N' Stitch...


Henry Thomas arrived.
8.5 lbs
19.5" long
11/14/08 4:13am

Friday, November 14, 2008

Hat Box


Look at these cute little boxes for your rings, small notions, or anything else your heart desires! The patterns are here, along with some samples for your viewing pleasure.

This is a Honey of a Hat...and a Free Pattern!


Such a cute hat! Stop in to take a look and to get your free pattern. Someone's going to be extra cozy this winter in the Honeycomb Hat.

Holiday Treats


Looking for a fun stocking stuffer (maybe for yourself, perhaps)? Look no further. Lantern Moon's peppermint candy tape measures are the perfect treat.

New Books, Galore!!





Here is just a sampling of the new shipment of books for you to pour over. You'll find patterns and styles to fit every personality. Come in and try to NOT find something you love. We dare you!




























Cute Pouch Alert---Just In Time for the Holidays!

Baa, baa, Black Sheep...
Handmade felted pouches from Frabjous Fibers have arrived in the shop. Aside from the black sheep pouches, we have grey and white sheep too....all in mama and baby sizes. Flower and leaf pouches round out the assortment.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Stitches N-2 Socks






There is something new in the shop! and it's local!


Jeanne Whiteside of Whimsical Fibers & What Have Ewes has brought her "Stitches N-2 Socks" to Fiddlehead Yarns!


Jeanne has handdyed these "flat socks" in fabulous colors and left the appearance of the sock a mystery. You can unravel the mystery by knitting them up. Here's the fun part....Choose any sock pattern you like, unzip the bottom edge and start both socks at the same time. 2 strands begin to unravel which are exactly the same. Exactly the same color yarn means 2 matching socks! There are 400 yards in each of these which is enough for almost anyone's feet!


While you are here, pick up one of the great books we have in the shop on the subject!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Something new for knitting lace


Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush is the newest edition to our library. Stop in to drool over the gorgeous patterns detailed by many beautiful pictures within the pages.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

This Just In........


The newest editions of Vogue Knitting
and Interweave Knits Magazines
have arrived in the shop. Lovely fall and holiday knits are just waiting within these pages for you to browse over a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Stop in to get your copies before they all scurry back out the door!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Interested in a Little Charity?

For those of you looking for some "fibery" ways to give....we at Fiddlehead Yarns can help you!

A worthy cause have come to our attention recently and I thought I would pass it along to you. If you are interested and need more information, give the shop a call!

Women's Resource Center
This terrific place for women and their children to take refuge is looking for handmade items to sell at two upcoming gift shows. They would love anything knit, which gives you a fantastic chance to try out a new pattern! Deadline dates are October 15th and November15th. Drop them at the shop and we will get them to the center!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

New Classes

Christmas is 3 months away....Get some of your presents done now!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Something to Share With Your Family at Dinner



My parents have a subscription to the "Wisconsin State Farmer". It comes on Fridays so when I'm there I love to page through, check the classifieds for some potato diggers and cow inseminators...


This week there was a small article highlighting National Alpaca Farm Days. LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch up in Two Rivers is the epicenter for this celebration. Two Rivers?? I actually have been there and the two men who own the farm are great and are more than happy to show you around.


Anyway, reading further, there was some great information about alpacas. If you need some dinnertime fodder, read on...




Alpacas were only first imported to the US in 1984.


There are 2 types, Huacaya and Suri. Suri is the rarer of the two with silky fiber.


Cousins of the llama, they usually grow to be about 36" tall and weigh between 150 and 200 pounds.


They do not have horns, hooves, claws or incisors.


Usually they are shorn every 12 to 18 months and produce 5 to 10 pounds of fiber.


The alpaca fiber is just as warm as wool, yet 1/3 the weight of wool to achieve that warmth.


There are 22 natural colors.


Because it contains no lanolin like wool, it is naturally hypoallergenic. This means that most people who have problems with wool being itchy won't have a problem with alpaca.


The fiber has great stretch, water repellency and is wrinkle-resistant.
Let them all know about this and they might be begging you for one...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Countdown to Year 3

Fiddlehead Yarn's 2nd Anniversary Sale was a blast! It was so much fun to see everyone and the projects that they will be working on this fall. If you didn't get a chance to make it down, here's a little of what you missed...

Abbie from up front was a champ and helped us all day! Here she and Kim are before the storm!

The Frank Neighborhood Project Donation Drive was a huge success! Carol S was great enough to a whole box of toilet paper. A mischevious high schooler's dream.

The loot!

Everything's being loaded into the truck. They are beginning home visits again next week and said that all of this will a HUGE help!

...So with all the donations loaded into the truck, we figured it was time to draw names and see who won all the knitting loot!
Jack was coerced with a promise of ice cream later to draw the names. Here's what he picked...

Christmas Stocking Kit.............Darnell

Lucy Neatby DVD Set..............Maxine P.

Harmony Guide Set..................Sue D.

Offhand Designs Bag.................Lucy N.

Year of Socks.............................Barb H.

Congratulations and thanks again!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Bring Something to Get Something...

We are getting ready here at the shop for a busy weekend. Our 2nd Anniversary Sale takes place Friday from 9am to 9pm. It will be 12 hours of everything being on sale inside the shop!
10 hours later...the luxurious Coach bus will pull away from Fiddlehead Yarns and head up to Jefferson County FairGrounds to enjoy another Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival!

Preparing for the sale, we are putting together some great prizes! (I'm still trying to find a basket big enough to hold all the "Sock Yarn for a Year" prize) Don't miss out on your chance at one or all of these things. Our goal is to have to make a couple trips over to Frank School!
You can help by bringing in any or all of the things listed on the donation list (check the latest newsletter or a couple posts below). The more you bring, the more chances you get!

Thanks and see you Friday!
Mindy

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

September Classes

September classes have been posted on our website.
Be sure to check them out over here: September classes!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Fiddlehead is Turning 2!!





Fiddlehead Yarns is turning 2 and there is much to be excited about this year. We are offering a special way for you to win some free things and feel great about yourself!
The sale is even bigger this year and everything is discounted! Many of the fall yarns are in the shop already and are included in the sale.
And New This Year...

Fiddlehead Yarns is giving away 5 Great Knitting Essentials:
1. Offhand Designs Knitting Bag
2. Lucy Neatby’s DVD Set “Knitting Essentials 1 &2”
3. Sock Yarn for a Year (you’ll enjoy sock yarn for a pair a month!)
4. Christmas Stocking Kit
5. Interweave Press’s Harmony Guides including “Lace & Eyelets, Knit & Purl and Cables & Arans”

Here’s how to win…

Team up with the Frank Neighborhood Project and donate one or many of the items listed from the list below. With each item donated, you enter your name into the giveaway for one of the 5 Great Knitting Essentials. The more you items you donate, the more chances you have!
You can walk away with some great gifts and local families can be given needed items. It’s a win-win!
Needed Items:
Trash Bags
Toilet Paper
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Diapers
Children’s Tylenol or Motrin
Band Aids
Socks
Combs
Underwear
Children’s Vitamins
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Stamps
Floor/Bathroom Cleaners

Friday, August 1, 2008

Twist Collective


Something new to check out...



A great new online knitting magazine put together by some great knitters! Pam Allen, Cat Bordhi, Clara Parkes, Cookie A and many more familiar names!

There are some great patterns and interesting articles. Most of the patterns are downloadable for $7 each, payable with Paypal. How easy is that?

There are socks, lace and sweaters for men and women. Now just to narrow down the choices...


Have fun!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Another reason to watch the Olympics

The Olympics are beginning in Beijing China in 13 days. Just enough time for you to pour through your patterns, stash, notebook or whatever and choose something to knit...

...Back up.... Sometimes all we need is just the right motivator, deadline or swift kick in the seat to get moving. Need one?

The 2008 Ravelympics!!

Do you have something you've been wanting to knit? Challenging? Need a reason to focus on one project?

Click over to the above link and take a look. How much fun is this? Knitters are signing on with a commitment to knit a specific project. Cast on the moment opening ceremonies commence (August 8th, 7am our time) and you have until the closing ceremonies to complete. Swatching early is allowed...

There are many events to choose from. (I'm training for the Sweater Sprint, hoping to compete with the Rorschach Sweater)

Read about it, think about your current training condition and send the shop and email to let us know if you are in. Nothing organized here but I would love for you to send us picture updates so I can share them with everyone! ..And we can all cheer you on!

Here's to a finished project or bust!!


Take All Tuesdays

Fiddlehead Yarns is holding
"Take All Tuesdays"
in the month of August!
If you have something you would like to finish, learn or just carve out time to do, join us!
The shop will be open from 6-8pm on Tuesday, August 5th and 19th.
Attend one Tuesday for $10 or both for $15 and we will get you moving in the right direction.
Please call the shop or stop in to sign up and let us know what you will be working on!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Stitch N' Pitch Fun!!

With the park filled with knitters, the clicking of needles could be heard everywhere!




Sunday, June 22, 2008

Snip, Snip...

Last fall I was able to attend Meg Swansen's Knitting Workshop with my sister, Lindsey. I think of it as an experience that ranks up with the tops ones...getting married, having the 2 footer...

During that weekend, participants were taken to Schoolhouse Press and allowed to peruse the shelves of gorgeous yarns, books and patterns. With my mother's school of thought in mind (If you are in a wonderful place, buy yourself something special to remember the experience), I bought enough Jamieson's to make a sweater. With EZ's Seamless Yoke in mind, I picked out a gorgeous oatmeal for the body and 6 colors to use in the fair isle yoke.

The dream weekend over, I packed the yarn away, hoping one day to write up the pattern and start knitting.

Fast forward to a last month...The Fall Knitting Workshop this year was announced so I quickly signed myself and my sister up with hopes to enjoy the magical weekend again. A few days later, the acceptance email came. Remembering all the great things that we would now be in for, I could hardly wait. Knitting late into the night and up early again in the morning to get back at it, great food, Meg Swansen and shopping at Schoolhouse Press...shopping at Schoolhouse Press....

My mother's other school of thought is "you don't need more of something you already have".

It became clear I needed to get that sweater knit.

After weeks of knitting, the 2-footer and I sat enjoying the great morning today. He, playing with playdoh and I, weaving in the last few ends of the sweater. With a snip of the last yarn, I held it up for the 2-footer to see. He said "Looks great mom, can I have some applesauce?" ...thanks...

I put the sweater down and went to the kitchen to get him a bowl.

**Now...for those of you with weak stomachs, skip the rest of this**

I ran to the bathroom, turned the sink on to block the sweater and tried it on. Nice fit.....and nice GIANT HOLE IN THE FRONT OF IT!!!!

The 2-footer, while I was so graciously getting him a bowl of applesauce, had cut a hole into the front of my sweater. With all the things he could have cut like his own hair, the cat's hair, the couch, the curtains....he had to cut my sweater???

After counting to 10...10 times...we had the talk as to why it is bad to use mom's scissors and why it's really bad to cut into mom's knitting. His response? "Don't worry mom, I'll help you clean up the mess." Sure you will...

So after a little grafting, that hopefully only I will know is there, here is my Seamless Yoke with the pattern assistance from Elizabeth Zimmermann and front embellishment by the 2-footer.


Saturday, June 14, 2008

Need Help Planning Your Summer???

The fun days of summer appear to be here...what happened to spring?...
With so many things to fill up your warm days ahead, get out the calendar and carve out a few dates for yourself! Here are a few to get you up and going...

Fiddlehead Yarns July Classes!!!
http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

July 9th, 7:05pm
Milwaukee Brewers Stitch N' Pitch

July 18, 19 and 20
The Midwest Fiber and Folk Festival (Crytal Lake, IL)
http://www.fiberandfolk.com/

August 21, 22, 23 and 24
Stitches Midwest (Schaumburg, IL)
http://www.knittinguniverse.com/flash/events.php

September 5
Fiddlehead Yarns' 2nd Anniversary Sale!

September 5, 6 and 7
Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival (Jefferson County Fairgrounds)
http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/
(Fiddlehead Yarns is taking a bus for this great event! $36 includes Coach bus ride and admission ticket to the festival!)

October 3
Yarn Con (Chicago, IL)
http://www.yarncon.com/

November 29
Art vs Craft (Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.artvscraft.com/



Friday, May 30, 2008

The deadline is approaching...

The Milwaukee Brewer Stitch N' Pitch is fast approaching!
Tickets are still available for the July 9th game against at the Colorado Rockies. The game kicks off at 7:05 pm and we will be knitting the whole game through!

Please have $22 to Fiddlehead Yarns by June 14th if you are interested!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

June 2008 Classes

The June classes have been posted over at www.fiddleheadyarns.com
We have added some fun new-to-Fiddlehead Yarns classes!
Hope to see you soon!

...and I hope Mother's Day will be spent with your feet up, a good cup of coffee and plenty of knitting! Happy Day!

Friday, May 2, 2008

For 2 Days ONLY...

NORO
is dropping in and will be gone by Saturday…


The Noro trunk show just arrived and is here for 2 days.
Stop in to see all the models from the 3 latest Noro – Jane Ellison books!
This includes models knit from your favorite Noro yarns along with the newest including
Taiyo, Matsuri, Silk Garden Chunky and Kureyon Sock!

Enjoy seeing and feeling the models up close, while you page through the gorgeous pattern books!
…And if you find something…..
Receive
15% off ALL NORO yarn and patterns in the store!!
(this excludes special orders and runs only through Saturday)



Fiddlehead Yarns is open Friday, 10-6 and Saturday, 10-4

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

They're Here!



The Spring issue of Interweave Knits is here! Many fun top and a great article on Schoolhouse Press!

The other is Verena! A European magazine just now being circulated here in the states. Check out this website for more info! http://www.verenaknitting.com/Default.aspx

Sunday, April 20, 2008

A Tangled Yoke Sighting



Miss Stacy drove up from Chicago this weekend to show us her latest work of art!

...A gorgeous dusty pink "Tangled Yoke Cardigan". Done in Rowan's Felted Tweed, it is breathtaking!

Great work Stacy. What's next?

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Vanishing Magknits

If you have knit the "Jaywalker Socks", the "Odessa Hat" or the "Fake Isle Hat", you are familiar with Magknits. A great online knitting magizine, it has provided free patterns for all knitting levels for over 4 years. Unfortunately, the site has folded and the patterns are gone....
Before you flip out because you didn't print the copy of the Jaywalkers off, at this moment it's still possible to get the patterns.
Google the pattern name with MagKnits following (i.e. Jaywalkers Magknits)
Rather than clicking on the website...click on "cached" and the pattern will appear, though without the picture.
I'm not sure how long this will be available so check it out soon!
I hope this helps those that still were going to knit themselves something from this site!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Exposing A Yarn Snob

Just like most people, there are things in knitting that are "fine" and then there are things that I am "unwaivering" about. Find a terrific color scheme to knit my next sweater..."fine". Under the "Unwaivering" catgeory I can add socks. I like to knit them in certain ways, with certain needles and with specific fibers. Nylon to be exact. I wear my socks so I want them to last. When holes do occur, I would much rather spend a few days knitting a new pair then spend the few minutes fixing holes. Don't ask, there is no logic. Occasionally, I find a goregous yarn with no reinforcement that still needs to be knit. So with this said, I have resorted to different manuevers to make those socks without nylon last a little longer. Garter stitch heels, adding Wooly Nylon, knitting an Afterthought Heel ala Elizabeth Zimmermann and a few others. My favorite sock yarns fit the "gorgeous" and "with nylon" group. A new one has been added to this group and, although I'm not finished yet, this might be the best!
We just received our inaugural shipment of Misti Alpaca and inside, along with some gorgeous lace weight, was something brand new to our shop and the knitting world...
Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Sock Yarn
50% Alpaca
30% Merino Wool
10% Silk
10% Nylon
(Nylon and Silk...twin powers of reinforcement!!)


Kim and I fought over the 12 colors as to which ones to knit. This was my pick...

Friday, March 28, 2008

Take Me (and my needles) Out To The Ballgame!

The Milwaukee Brewers and the TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association) are teaming up again this year for the 2nd annual...
Stitch N' Pitch at Miller Park!
Milwaukee Brewers vs Colorado Rockies
Wednesday, July 9th @ 7:05 pm
Tickets are $22 for a Log Outfield box seat (a $4 savings!).
Sign up at the shop or call the shop and sit with everyone from Fiddlehead Yarns!
Please let us know if you are interested in giving or taking a ride and we will try to help out!
Baseball and Knitting....Could it be any better?
(and keep your fingers crossed...Brewers are playing the Cubs at Wrigley Field Monday and they are calling for nothing but rain...)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Monday, February 25, 2008

"Show and Tell" at Fiddlehead Yarns

Some braved the onslaught of snow to show us what they have been working on at tonight's "Show and Tell".
Needless to say... I have a few more things added to my "To Knit" List!

A dear friend and the wonderful seasonal decorator at the shop, Sue, is expecting her first grandchild in May. When the shop opened, as a great friend would, she took a class to learn how to knit. After taking the class she said that although she had fun...sewing, decorating and all the other things that come along with being a mom to 4 girls took up a lot of her time and knitting would have to take a back seat. Seeing her sporadically, always with a smile and tons of energy, she usually had a knitting project to show me that she was working on. After annoucing the she was going to be a grandma a few months ago, she started paging through the knitting books on the table to find things to knit.

Last week she told me that knitting is about the only thing she does now and she has decided that being the seasonal decorator that she is, this new baby is going to need a hat for each season. The woman is on a quest!
I present to you....the 1st show and tell:

The football hat from "Itty Bitty Hats". Both her daughter and son-in-law graduated from THE University of Notre Dame. Those games can get cold late in the season! Especially for a baby! Go Irish!

Next up...Aaron!


He let everyone take a look at his Jamieson's Fair Isle Hat he did in class a couple months ago! This was his first go around at 2 color knitting! We are all anxious to see your next attempt! Spectacular!





Cristina brought in a bunch of sweaters that she has been "loving" for sometime! This Vogue pattern was her favorite! Gorgeous yarn and gorgeous stitches! Beautiful!



Emily wore some of her creations in! The hat....a little something she whipped up using the "Fake Isle Hat" Pattern and her sweater.... the "Retrograde Pullover" from Interweave Knits Winter 2006. It is 2 sweaters in one and both are winners!



Patty brought in so many finished objects that we needed the two footer's dad to help with the modeling! They are wearing mittens, hat and scarf all made from the Artyarns Handpainted. The purple hat, scarf and wrist warmers are made from Frog Tree Alpaca. At the base of the pile is her Brown Sheep sweater which she said is so warm. (We all could use a closet full of those this winter!) ...And most importantly....Patty's first pair of SOCKS!!! Made from Opal, she loves making them so much that she has more pairs on the needles!



...and now....what many have been waiting for.....TAAAA DAAAAA!!!


It's Clint's Sweater!!


This thing is amazing! Kim can knit for herself for at least another few years before she has to knit him anything! Complete with rip cord, zipper and the Dale of Norway patch!


As knitters, we start each project hoping to create something that looks outstanding and possibly mistaken for something that was bought. This sweater, my friends, would definitely set off the alarms if Clint walked out of a Dale of Norway Sweater Retail Store.


A note to Clint....Kim mentioned how, while you were at work the other day, she tried it on and it fit perfectly. Sleep with one eye open, dear....

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Show and Tell

A perk of being at the shop most days is seeing the beautiful things that you all have created! It is constant inspiration for me as I dive into new projects. I often find myself telling a knitter "You should have seen what so and so knit. It was amazing."
We came to the conclusion that we needed to put our words into action! So...this Monday, February 25th, we are opening the shop to you and your most loved projects! Bring them in and share with everyone during Fiddlehead Yarns'
"SHOW and TELL"!
We will start at 5 pm and share until 7:30 pm. You will be wowed by everyone's work and most likely have a bug in your knitting bag to try some of the projects.
To help you with that,
ALL yarn will be 15% off!!
Bring your completed projects to show and a current project to sit and knit a bit! We can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Friday, February 8, 2008

New Classes

The new classes have been posted...Find something and sign up!
You could make one of these....the scarf...not the kid!


Noro Ribbed Scarf

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Snow Day

The two footer's dad has closed Mobile One and Fiddlehead Yarns for today. Class tonight has been cancelled. We will see you tomorrow at noon...hopefully!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

It's Warming Up Here!

It's snowing as I peak out the window right now and WGN is saying we are in store for some "accumulating totals"....For those of you who have had enough....I give you some warm weather thoughts thanks to Rowan!

Kim has been a big fan of Rowan and bent my arm behind my back for these...all new to the shop!

Wool Cotton
50% merino wool, 50& cotton
5 1/2-6 sts/in
machine washable


4-ply Cotton
100% Cotton
7-7 1/2 sts/in
machine washable

4 Ply Soft
100% merino wool
7 sts/in
machine washable

All Season Cotton
60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
4-4 1/2 sts/in
machine washable and great for kids!

Denim
100% Cotton
5 sts/in
machine washable and we have pattern books just for this yarn!

Summer Tweed
70% Silk, 30% cotton
4 sts/in
handwash and we have patterns just for this yarn too. So beautiful!


...And the NEW Rowan 43 Magazine is here! Most of the yarns listed above are used in this book. I've already started one. It seems to help the coping process as all this snow is piling up!