Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting

Are you thinking about learning to knit or crochet? Well here's one more reason to help you take the leap: they're good for you!

They can be meditative. You may not find the skills soothing right away, but once you've learned the basics you'll see that knitting and crocheting can be a lot like meditation. It involves repetition, rhythm, and relaxation. Before you know it, your new skill will be your happy place.

They keep your mind sharp. Both knitting and crocheting involve counting and math and following instructions (for pattern reading). They also involve some sort of concentration and multitasking, even if it is watching Netflix while making a scarf.

Counting and concentration can be fun!

You find friends everywhere. Once you know how to knit or crochet, you'll start to notice when people are wearing a handmade item or fellow fiber artists will start to notice when you are wearing what you've made. And just like that, a conversation is started and you've made new friends. Whenever I have my yarn out in public, there's always a knitter or crocheter (or soon-to-be) wanting to know what I am working on. Just think of all of the group classes and social events you can be a part of!

Sign up and socialize today. 
You gain self pride. Nothing will give you more joy than saying "I made that". Beware: compliments will follow.

Take pride in your D.I.Y.
Now it's time to sign up! Check out what Yarns By Design has to offer, there is something for everyone:
-Classes
-Groups
-Clubs
-Events
-Ravelry

Learn more about the benefits of knitting and crocheting here.

Has knitting or crocheting improved your health or wellness in some way? Please share your story with us!

Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design
sarah@yarnsbydesignpa.com








Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Sheep and Fiber Fest

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 14th Annual Sheep and Fiber Fest in Waynesburg, PA. It is a wonderful (and free) two day event that highlights the sheep and fiber industry. The long list of activities included several sheep shearing demonstrations, they looked like completely different sheep after their haircut! The breed pavilion gave visitors the chance to see, touch and learn about the sheep. Other activities were dog shepherding demos, lamb cooking demos and sampling, hand spun skein exhibits, makers space, live music, and fiber arts vendor and crafts sale.
A good looking pair of Kerry Hill sheep.
What's a Fiber Fest without alpacas? 
For those of you with a competitive spirit there were events like the fleece to shawl competition and the fiber arts competition. The fleece to shawl competition consists of teams of fibers artists who spin and weave with the raw fleece material and finish with a completed shawl…all timed of course! The fiber arts competition allows youth and adults to enter their handmade knitted, crocheted, woven and felted items that are judged for the chance at awards and prizes. All items had to be at least 50% natural animal fibers and made within the past one year. I tried my hand at this competition and entered my crocheted "radish brooch", which won honorable mention. Yay!

Soft and squishy fleece and roving from Roving Acres Farm. 

My radish brooch gets honorable mention. 
Checking out the fiber arts vendor and crafts sale was especially fun. Vendors had beautiful hand spun yarns, handcrafted tabletop looms, handmade jewelry, and hand painted ceramic pieces to name a few. Talk about talented artisans and crafters! My favorite pick was Sweitzer's Fiber Mill from Seven Valleys, PA who had lovely displays of their own yarn (including yarn made from milk protein, corn and soybean). I treated myself to some pretty yarns hand dyed in shades of pink and purple by the owner's 7 year old daughter, Lilly. It even came with an autograph from Lilly herself.

Lilly's Ranbow Yarns from Sweitzer's FIber Mill

This fun fest inspired me to learn  more about sheep breeds and the process of how their fleece turns into beautiful yarn for me to use. Now, I'm searching for more local fiber arts festivals!

Sheep shearing demonstration. 
Do you have any fiber arts festival recommendations for me? What about your fiber arts competition stories and tips? I'd love to hear from you, comment below.


Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design
sarah@yarnsbydesignpa.com






Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Wrist Ruler: A Functional Accessory

If you are like me, you are always taking a project with you wherever you go. Sometimes, you just really wish you packed your tape measure too! This problem has a fun and fashionable solution and it is at Yarns By Design…the Wrist Ruler- a bracelet that doubles as a ruler. The bracelets have both inches and centimeters etched on them and are made in the USA.

This bracelet easily measures up to any of your other accessories. 


They come in two lengths of either 15 or 17 inches and designed to be wrapped around your wrist twice for a stylish look that goes with everything.  The genuine leather bracelets will look good on everyone as they come in three shades: medium brown, dark brown or black. I think the leather looks great with anything denim and can be dressed up or down (of course with your favorite handmade top, shawl or pullover).

Prepared for any project on the go. 


Are bracelets not your look but you like the idea of having a ruler with you on the go? We also have the keychain ruler,  you can find them at our boutique in both light brown or black.

Ruler Keychains.


What other accessory or tool do you not leave home without when taking your project with you? Leave a comment here or stop in and tell us about it! 


Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design