Shop Local

My hubby's been keeping quite busy down at the Markethouse on Wednesdays...and I've been busy at home. Today I got 2 windows and 2 doors painted. Phew. But I did miss being at DYNT - he's been busy! That's great. I'm glad to hear it. He's doing well and learning fast.

I haven't gotten anything new in this week...but that's no reason for you to stay away. The chances that something came in since your last visit is pretty good! Have you seen the Frog Tree Yarns Alpaca? Alpaca is super soft, and since it's a different hair/fur structure than wool, it's considered "hypo-allergenic". The colors are bright and soft, all at the same time! If you like wool, but want to try alpaca, there is also some Done Roving Wool and Alpaca blended yarns in dark forest-y colors.

Did you notice the "shop local" sign in the window? It's new. It's important that we all shop local. With all the talk about the economy going down the drain, it's even more important to remember that when you shop local, you're keeping your own hard earned money in your community. So shop at the mom & pop grocery store. Pick up your new pair of running shoes at one of the smaller shops downtown. Think of it as your daily effort to bolster the economy and get America back on it's feet. Visit your locally owned specialty stores instead of stopping in at a "super-store". Thanks! If you want a little more information about the importance of shopping local, check out www.the350project.net .

Sunday Sunday Sunday

A shipment of Lanaloft from Brown Sheep Yarns arrived late last week. I can't believe the colors! This is a gorgeous worsted weight, single ply yarn. I keep promising my hubby a sweater...I think I finally figured out what yarn I want to make it out of! The 16 colors are all monochromatic - which means the orange is a few shades of orange, and the blues are a few shades of blues. They don't really stripe, but they don't stay the same color either. I always enjoy using monochromatic yarns, I just like watching the colors morph from light to dark.

I also got in more sock yarn from Brown Sheep. Don't forget that they are on sale thru the end of June. Stock up now! I just need to learn to make socks now. I'm working on it, so please don't laugh at my first attempt.

Cruise-a-palooza is Sunday. DYNT will be open from 10am -2(ish). So even if you aren't a fan of car shows, come down to Main Street on Sunday. A few other shops will be open as well, like The Hidden Nest (downstairs). It might be a good time to check out some of the shops that you otherwise would drive or rush by and never stop in to see what they carry.

Wednesdays have a new face.

Wednesdays at DYNT are a bit different this summer...my hubby's working at the shop! Lest you think I'm sitting around eating bon-bons, rest assured, it's a trade. Our house is old, it needs some attention - mostly paint. He hates to paint. I like to paint. Today I cleaned out 3 window wells (that was a stinky mess - I think I destroyed at least one mouse nest) and painted 2 of them. The fourth is behind a bunch of lilies and phlox, so I'll get to it last...

He's an artist in his own right, and has recently started needle felting, but please be patient with him. He's a great people person and learns quickly, so it won't be long before he's telling me what's what, but right now, he's getting the hang of retail for the first time since he was 16. And that was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (It was long ago enough that he didn't have to worry about credit cards then.)

Anyway, sock yarn is still on sale. Do you have enough yarn in your project bag for your summer trips? Need a new small project? Are you a crocheter? Stop in on Saturdays in June from 10-noon for the Crochet-A-Long ruffle scarf! It's a quick, easy, basic project, perfect for a day/short trip project bag.

Don't forget about "Brown Bag Thursdays". Every Thursday from 11-1 is your chance to eat lunch with other like-mined crafters. Maybe work on a project after your lunch is finished. You provide the food...I've got napkins and after lunch mints, but you need to save the root beer barrels for JT. (He's one of the Markethouse's neighbors and regularly checks on "his girls" and grabs a root beer barrel.)

Brown Bag Thursdays

There have been a few requests for knitting groups...I wasn't sure how to approach this...so I decided to start a Brown Bag Lunch Group. I'm hoping that many of the people who work downtown will be able to take their lunch break and join us at DYNT.

Every Thursday from 11am - 1pm we will be having a "Brown Bag" Group. Bring your lunch and your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) and eat and work with fellow fiber fans. During the nice days, you're also welcome to sit on the porch (pretend it's a knit-in-public event!). It gets noisy out there sometimes, but it's a nice place to sit, eat, and work.

While there is water and a microwave in the Markethouse on Main's shared kitchen, you will have to provide your meal.

I'm not sure how this will go, but it's worth a shot! Hope to see you there.

Also - Saturday mornings in June will feature a Crochet-a-long Ruffle Scarf. Stop in on Saturdays between 10am - noon and work on this popular, and easy crochet project. Basic stitch knowledge is needed - perfect for the beginner who wants to try something new!