The countdown to World Wide Knit in Public Day

If you are a knitter, you probably already pack your yarn and needles with you wherever you go. Whether you are waiting for your child's practice to be over or you are sitting patiently at the doctor's office, you can't wait to fill that down time with squeezing in a few more stitches. If this sounds anything like you, join in on the World Wide Knit in Public fun in just 5 short days.

Join in on June 10th, 2017. 

What is World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIPD)? It is a community of knitters that started in 2005 and is held on the second Saturday of each June. The founder Danielle Landes wanted a way for knitters to get together and…well, knit. Each year, participation grows and this year is sure to be the biggest one yet. So far, 47 countries have signed up! From Turkey, to Guinea, to Slovenia to just down the street from you-knitters will be out and about with yarn in tow.

Knitters often find themselves knitting alone. It can get a little secluded. This special day will give fiber artists the opportunity to get out and show off their skills, meet new people, share tips, trade their yarn and maybe even teach some non-knitters how to get started.

Sandy with YBD knitting in public at the Pirates game. 

Check out the WWKIPD website and Facebook page for more details. You can also host your own local event. Click here for the Pennsylvania events to find your nearest host.  For the crocheters out there, don't feel left out. You'll find most of these events are NOT exclusive to knitters. I, as a crocheter will be keeping an eye out for a knitter in public and perhaps use the opportunity to start learning.  Don't forget to thank the volunteers, the entire day is volunteer run!

Need a stylish way to tote your yarn around for the big day? Stop by the Yarns By Design boutique and check out our fun selection of project bags.

Knit in public in style. 

Be sure to share your World Wide Knit in Public Day experience with us. Comment below, we'd love to hear from you.


Warmly,

Sarah with Yarns By Design
sarah@yarnsbydesignpa.com

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

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