Florafil now shimmers!

If you haven't yet seen or used the Florafil yarns, let me tell you, they really are super soft!  And the variegated colors (which are named after flowers) have great transitions and patterns.  And now, they've added metallic wrapped yarns to the mix!

I'm really excited about this, because the only other shimmery yarn I carry is Sterling, from Kraemer.  Sterling is an amazing yarn too, absolutely beautiful worked into a stole or fingerless mitts.  But it's wool.  That means that many of my customers tend to shy away from it.  Florafil Metallics opens up a new world of shimmer and shine to many more of my customers.

And...since DYNT is located near Pittsburgh, for those of you who are sports fans,  the new metallic line includes black & gold.  I think this might be a good combo to get many of you started on your Christmas projects.  Glam up those sports fans a bit - I see a great big fluffy scarf or stadium blanket.

It's a full schedule!

I'll be sending out an e-mail shortly, and there's the new calendar feature on the blog, but I still thought I should post this information here too.  Mostly because I'm excited about the full schedule!  I'm hoping you are too.  Mark your calendar, let me know you're coming... I hope DYNT is bustling with activity as the weather cools down.

First, I'd like to note that while they are still working on the public space in the Center of Harmony, the entry way to DYNT is a bit dusty and disheveled.  But, you are always welcome to pull up a chair and work there.  Let me know, I'll do a quick wipe down of the table and chairs.  Once the work is done, I'm hoping to tidy up the area regularly and use it for impromptu meetings and groups - that means you!

In the mean time, it's absolutely gorgeous outside right now!  Our porch is always open for previously mentioned impromptu meetings and groups!  Just hang onto your needles and hooks, they will fit between the cracks, and we can't get underneath to retrieve them! (As we move into fall, I'm keeping my eye out for a discounted outdoor rug to help remedy this problem.)

As promised, here's the current schedule in one condensed place.  See the event/class page for more detailed information about each.  Also as each gets closer, I'll highlight them a bit more:

• Saturday, Sept. 8 - Harmony Bluegrass Festival.  DYNT will be open 10-4 as scheduled and there will be food available at the Center of Harmony.
• Wednesday, Sept. 12, 19, & 26 - 10am - noon.  Legwarmer KAL.  Free.
• Saturday, Sept. 22 - 2pm - 4pm.  Learn Needle felting - Jack O'Lantern.  $10.  Registration required.
• Thursday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25 - noon - 2pm.  Harvest CAL.  Free.
• Saturday, Oct. 13 - 1pm - 3pm.  Learn Wheel Spinning.  $45.  Registration required, class size limited.
• Saturday, Oct. 13, 20, & 27 - 10am - noon.  Pumpkin KAL.  
• Saturday, Oct. 13, 20, 27, & Nov. 3 - 10am - noon.  Learn to Knit.  $30/session or $90 for all 4.  Registration required.
• Wednesday, Oct. 24 - 6pm - 8pm.  Learn Needle felting - pumpkin earrings.  $10.  Registration required.
• Wednesday, Nov. 7, 14, 21, & 28 - 4pm - 6pm.  "I've got hair, Baby!" hair wrap KAL.  Free.
• Saturday, Nov. 10 - Harmony Christmas Celebration.  DYNT will be open extended hours.
• Sunday, Nov. 11 - Harmony Christmas Celebration.  DYNT will be open.
• Thursday, Nov. 22 - CLOSED!  Happy Thanksgiving.
• Thursday, Dec. 6 & 13 - 10am - noon.  Denver Scarf KAL.  Free.
• Saturday, Dec. 8 - Men's day.  Fill in your wish list before this date, then send your fella gift shopping.  Wish lists will be provided by DYNT.  DYNT will be open extended hours and there will be other shops participating in Men's day.  Stay posted for details.

New possum fur yarns in stock!

So this week's blog is pretty much a cut and past job.  But it was easier than rewriting what's already been well documented.

This week's photo is of the lush New Zealand woodlands...

Why?  Because I just got in Zealana's Kiwi Fingering weight yarns in 4 gorgeous colors!  What makes the Zealana line so unique is the possum fur!  Yes, possum.  Taken directly from the website - here's why it's pretty darn cool stuff and now offered at DYNT:

Lightness and warmth 
Exceptional thermal properties due to the hollow nature of the Possum fibre.
Weight for weight fabrics made from “Zealana” yarn is:
- 55% warmer than 100% merino wool
- 35% warmer than 100% cashmere
Based on independent tests on matched fabrics - Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago.

Soft to touch 
The combination of the fibre scale structure and the unique finishing process required for all fabrics made from Zealana yarn gives it a soft, light touch.
Based on independent tests on matched fabrics - Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago.

Low pill
It has been proven though independent testing that fabrics made from “Zealana” yarn have a higher resistance to pilling than other natural fibres.
Based on independent tests on matched fabrics - Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago.

Minimal prickle factor
Independent tests have shown that the possum fibre is a tapered fibre and is approximately 1 to 2 microns at the tip of the fibre. This means that the ends of the fibre are well below the threshold of 30 micron, which the CSIRO has shown to cause ‘prickle’ sensation.
Certified by SGS testing

Good moisture absorbencyZealana fabrics will absorb reasonable quantities of moisture without feeling damp allowing the fibre to buffer the body’s microclimate in changing conditions.
Based on independent tests on matched fabrics - Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago.

But why possum, you ask?  Because... (also directly from the Zealana website)  

The Australian Brush Tailed Possum was introduced into New Zealand in 1850’s and with no known predators their numbers have grown to plague proportions. Government agencies spend over $60m per year on Possum control in an effort to limit the enormous damage caused to native flora and fauna by these pests. However they are still not able to eliminate continued significant damage to native forests and endangered wildlife species.

“Anybody using possums as a resource (in this case fur) for pecuniary gain may be helping to control possums numbers albeit at a local level. Any activity that controls or reduces the population of possums is welcomed by the New Zealand government.”

Woolyarn’s are pleased to contribute to the protection of the New Zealand environment for future generations, by promoting the commercial use of Possum fibre.

A significant number of environmental protection and health authorities, including MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) and Regional Animal Health Boards, support the humane culling of possum numbers as a key means of protecting New Zealand’s unique bio cultures and eco systems.

And their yarns help restore the habitat...  

As a result of Woolyarns original involvement in the development of yarns using possum fibre some 14 years ago, it was impossible to not to become increasingly aware of the serious damage caused to New Zealand’s unique native bird and plant life, by introduced species such as Possums, Stoats, Weasels, Rats and Cats.

“In its first 5 years, the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Trust successfully eradicated 13 species of pest mammal(including possums) from a 250ha area of bush and wetland. A 2.2m-high predator proof fence created New Zealand’s first “mainland island” where the bush could regenerate and native species could be reintroduced safely”

Nancy McIntosh-Ward, Chief Executive, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

Woolyarns are therefore pleased to be have become a Corporate Supporter of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a world first conservation attraction, providing a safe haven for endangered native birds and other wildlife, only minutes from downtown Wellington.

So, because it fits with the "eco-friendly" part of my mission  by helping to restore the habitat, culling the overpopulation of an invasive species and makes a darn smooth and amazing yarn, DYNT now carries the Zealana line.  Stop in and check this stuff out.

Sale at DYNT!

So just what is this a photo of?  It looks like a table stock full of yarns and fiber arts stuff.  You're right.  But what the photo doesn't show very well is that these are many of the items that are currently on sale.  I have many new items I'd like to bring in for the fall and coming cooler weather, but can't do it without making room for the new stuff.  Here's a list of what's on the table and what's on sale in the shop:

• 50% off all reclaimed yarns.  These are all 1 of a kind - they used to be sweaters in a previous life!  How cool is that?!  If you're looking for a unique yarn for a special smaller project, like a scarf or a hat, check out these yarns.
• 50% off cotton cones.  Great for machine knitters - but don't let that stop you.  They are all finer weight yarns that would be great for hand knitters or crocheters who need a lot of yardage for a project.  Also makes a great ply for hand-spinners looking to add something unique to their yarns or as a second strand in a knit or crochet project to give some added depth to the finished piece.
• All needles and hooks on this table (KA & Primm) are 75% off.  Great stocking stuffers or to round out your needles and hooks.
• All in stock embroidery thread from Silk & Ivory are now $2.99/each.  If you like to embellish your works, stock up on your favorite colors.
• O-wool is now 30% off!  It's a great blend of organic wool and cotton.  
• All Aunt Lydia's crochet thread is just $1/each!  Did you read that crocheters?  

All sales are final.  All sales are valid on in stock items and colors only.

August begins...Welcome Jeepers!

August seems to be such a very busy time here in Butler County!  We've got festivals out the wazoo.  My favorite is the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.  I find this ironic, since I'm not a fan of the automobile in general.  Don't get me wrong, the engine is a great invention and it's served humanity well... but I don't like the upkeep they require, the dirtiness or the consumption aspect.

That being said, the Bantam Jeep was invented and first manufactured here in Butler County!  And from what I gather, it's one of the few remaining, truly, American made automobiles!  That makes me proud, and I love the Bantam Jeep Festival and the visitors it brings to our area.  Last year's Jeep Fest was a wonderful event,  DYNT participated in the Butler County Shopping Passport - an "event" marketed and conducted by the Butler County Tourism Board.  Because of the passport, I met many nice people and many out-of-towners stopped in at DYNT during their visit to Butler County.

DYNT will be participating in the passport again this year.  I'll be extending the sale to all my customers, out-of-towners and locals!  All USA Made yarns will be 10% off during the week of August 8th - 11th!  Also, as a special treat for those attending the festival,  DYNT will be open on Friday, August 10th from 10am - 4pm.  My hubby will be manning the shop for me.

Just a reminder too, Wednesday Night Groups have been canceled until further notice.  I've had poor attendance.  I understand why, as I've also missed several other Wednesday night meetings to be here for the various  groups.  If you would like to start a group, just let me know the day and time and we can get something going.  Remember, for now, my hours are Wednesday & Thursday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4.  We can work around those; say you want and earlier morning meeting on Wednesdays, I can open earlier on those days.  Just let me know.