The weather is hinting at summer, temps are a little higher in the afternoon but still cooling off in the evening. That means it is time to finish up those big, heavy projects and get started on some new, lighter ones. And what could be a better opportunity than to accomplish this in a UFO (UnFinished Object) or Knit Your Wish class. Maybe you have finished those and are looking for something new? We have lots of fun, light and lighthearted offerings this summer: Billy’s new Knit One Below Hat, Toy Workshops with Grace, several shawl classes, Lightweight summer sweater projects, crochet projects and Camp for Kids. And yes, we even have samples in the shop for most of the classes.

 A couple of changes here in the shop, you may notice that Diane Nelson’s name is not among the teachers this time. She has had to move to California to care for her mother. We will miss her and her giant knitted bag of projects. You may have noticed Elly behind the counter in the evenings again. Didn’t she have a party with cake and stuff a couple of years ago? It just goes to show you no one ever really retires from The Fiber Factory. Once this place is in your blood…

May 1^st marks groundbreaking for the utility relocation activities for the Light Rail construction in the downtown area. They will begin work on the north side of Main Street, so for a time there will be no on street parking. Remember that access to our parking lot will always be available via University Drive or 1^st Street and Robson. Turn west into the alley and park in our large, unrestricted lot. Yes we know the signs say restricted parking, but that is for those who are not coming to The Fiber Factory or our favorite lunch spot next door. Enter the store through the entrance in the parking lot, easy as casting on!  Call us if you need directions. Come on down, get out of the heat and observe the activities with us. There will be heavy equipment, men working and confused drivers to watch.

Remember we are part of Metro’s Max Rewards program. Sign up for a Metro Max Rewards card on Metro Light Rail’s website, then show your card for a yarn discount. (Psst…In fact, you can pick one up at the front of the store.)

So, we tossed the idea around of open or closed on Fourth of July since it falls in the middle of the week and finally decided that we will be closed on that day to celebrate the 236^th anniversary of Independence with family and friends. We hope that all of you will be doing the same.

Oh by the way, a little bird told us that there will be Madelinetosh and a Knit–a-long this summer in the shop. Watch for email announcements of summer fun!

December 19, 2012

So maybe Mark didn’t knit a baby blanket in 8 hours but he is a winner because his efforts resulted in $270 for the United Food Bank and $80 and 3 bags of toys for Toys for Tots.  We are all proud of The efforts of these two knitters.  Mark’s blanket is halfway complete and Lori’s about 75%.  Thank you everyone for your generous support of this challenge

We shipped off a big box stuffed full of  35 scarves for the Red Scarf Project this morning.

The variety in design and interpretation within the parameters of the project was fun to see. This photo is of scarves turned in prior to the Friday Night Party.  There were a few more added to the display as the evening progressed.  Many of them can be viewed on the Fiber Factory Facebook page. Find us, become a fan and join in the fun!

December 12, 2012

We don’t expect the world to end with the Mayan calendar on December 21^st, so we went ahead and scheduled a full range of classes for your learning pleasure, including opportunities to pick a project to stretch your skill level in Knit Your Wish, with an experienced instructor to assist you all the way. Our crochet teachers have new, fun stuff to share as well.

 Once again, your generosity and skills have enabled us to support charity knitting and crochet groups and projects. The Linus Project and the Red Scarf Project and ongoing donations of hats and booties for newborns and preemies fill a real need in our community and the organizations receiving these items are grateful for your efforts. Our Friday Night Out activities which we ask for a donation to the United Food Bank in lieu of a fee have generated nearly 200 pounds of food and $300 in donations. This confirms what we have always known, “We have great customers!’

 Yarn of the Month will continue into 2013. The positive response to the selection of yarns from independent small dyers here in theUShas inspired us to find some new goodies for you. Check the website or Facebook at the beginning of each month for the current selection. Quantities are limited; you don’t want to miss them.

 Ongoing activities in the shop include a Friday afternoon crochet-a-long and Friday afternoon Happy Hour in the Knit Pit. Once a month there is a Rigid Heddle Study Group and on the 2^nd Friday we stay open until 9PM and have a planned activity with one of our fabulous instructors. Many of these involve a project for a specific charity, or a mini class in which the instructor waives their fee for a food bank donation.

August 8, 2012

Fall always brings changes, and there are some changes coming to The Fiber Factory. Su Walker is heading to the Northwest were the sun rarely shines. She has, however, provided us with a quite capable successor. Please welcome Pam Pollack to our teaching staff.
 
Speaking of our delightful teaching staff, they have provided a plethora of classes this fall.  Many of the classes are geared toward small projects, excellent for gift giving. If a class interests you and is not offered at a time convenient to your schedule, by all means, ask us if we can offer it again for you and a friend to take together.
  
(Insert heavy sigh here…) One of the less welcome changes coming is the announced retirement of our beloved Lori Smith. (Insert collective gasp here!) Although we threatened to lock the doors and not let her leave, we understand her desire to stay home and fulfill her own creative desires; including weaving the large rug her husband has been patiently waiting for the past 11 years while she has been here. Of course there will be a party! Mark your calendar for the afternoon of September 15^th. If you have ever made something in a class Lori taught, you MUST bring it to share. It would be awesome to see the impact that we know she has made on us all.

New Yarns, Trunk Shows, a Dye Day and Stuff!
We will post information as they are scheduled  via social media, email and our web page. Check the web page often for specials and activities. They always show up there first!

 April 25, 2012

There are exciting changes coming to Main Street. New shops and restaurants are opening. Preparations for the light rail extension are in full swing. In a short while “Susan will be ridin’ the rails” to work. Remember that access to our parking lot will always be available via University Drive or 1^st Street and Robson. Turn west into the alley and park in our large, unrestricted lot.  Enter the store through the entrance in the parking lot, easy as casting on!

We have joined Metro’s Max Rewards program. Sign up for a Metro Max Rewards card on Metro Light Rail’s website, then show your card for a yarn discount.

It is our pleasure to introduce Karen Sadow, proprietor of the on-line store One Planet Yarn and Fiber to our teaching staff. Our association with Karen allows an opportunity for you to purchase yarns that we don’t stock from her website with no shipping costs. Karen is going to be leading the Storybook Club as well as teaching several new classes. The Cricket club for rigid heddle loom weavers will meet on the 2^ndFriday of each month at 3 PM: May 11, June 8, July 13 and August 10.

While Mary is in Canada this summer, Lori and Karen will be leading the Knit ‘n Kibitz sessions with their own personal touches. Be sure to sign up for one or all of these fun experiences.

For the first time, Sherry Borgren will be teaching in the daytime. Lori and Mark are offering some classes featuring Frankie Brown patterns. The class fee includes a donation to Frankie’s favorite charity supporting research for children’s liver cancer. You can have some fun, learn something new and support a worthy cause.

This summer will be the last time Su Walker will be teaching for us as she is moving toWashingtonState.  We would like to express our thanks to her and wish her the best. There is a little jealousy here, knowing that she does not have to endure the heat next summer. Fear not, she is training a new basket weaving instructor for us.

For those of you sticking it out here in the valley, classes are being offered that will allow you to take advantage of some of our wonderful new summer yarns. We now have Firefly from Classic Elite, Pansies from KFI, Lang’s Denim Cotton, and Egyptian Cotton from Sublime.  Come check them out.

Another opportunity for charity knitting and crochet has presented itself. We are now collecting blankets for the Children’s Crisis Nursery. They give a blanket to each child that comes through any of their facilities as a comfort.  Sadly, there is an extreme need for these items. As always we continue to collect hats and booties for preemies and newborns and chemo caps.

 December 14, 2011

During this season of thanksgiving and goodwill, we would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who continues to donate to our United Food Bank box and collection jar and to the charity knitting and crochet projects. We have not received the final tally yet, but by our reckoning you have donated more than $280 and well over 100 pounds of non-perishable food items. Charity knitters’ have contributed over 500 sets of baby hats, booties and blankets. Your continued generosity confirms what we have always said, “We have the BEST customers!”

Please join us in welcoming Danielle Albrecht to our staff. She will be assisting you in planning and implementing your projects on Saturdays as well as teaching some new and somewhat unusual classes. Danielle is definitely a gal who thinks outside of the box, adding lots of whimsy to her projects.

We are excited to have Level 3 Master Knitter Doreene Stacey teaching a Knitted Toys class for us.  If you have wanted to try one of the darling Alan Dart or Jean Greenhowe patterns but didn’t think you were quite up to it, here’s your chance.

Mary Glendinning is deep into Level 2 of the Master Knitter Program and will not have much time to teach for us. However, she will be leading Knit, Nosh and Kibitz four times a month. It promises to be both educational and fun. She will be sharing tips and tricks that she picks up on her knitting journey as well as assisting you with starting and executing your projects.  If you were unable to take any of her recent classes, here is an opportunity to get a condensed version. Please register in advance so that we can have the coffee and teapots started.

 All of us here at The Fiber Factory want to thank you for your continued support of the business that we love so much and wish all of you the happiest of holidays and a healthy and prosperous new year!  XOX!

October 25, 2011 3 Workshops With Jeane deCoster of Elemental Affects

We are very pleased to announce that Jeane deCoster, owner of Elemental Affects, will be coming to The Fiber Factory for November 18th and 19th to hold three workshops for us.  She wil be teaching one for knitters, one for spinners and one for those of you who want to add some color to your projects! 

Double Fisted Knitting  Friday, November 18. 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Leap fearlessly into learning to knit with two colors at the same time. Stranded knitting (sometimes referred to as Fair Isle) a color-work knitting technique that is easy when you carry one yarn in each hand. Regardless of which hand you normally use to carry yarn when you knit, you’ll learn how to use both hands in this class. Learn the basics of handling multiple colors, creating steeks, managing yarn tension, reading color charts and . . . wait for it . . . CUTTING THE STEEKS! Previously knit samples will be provided for practicing cutting and finishing steeks during class.

Fast, Furious & Fluffy  Friday, November 18. 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Tired of spinning the same old yarn? Break free and learn a proper “long draw.” Trying to spin a fat yarn with a worsted technique will often result in a dense, heavy, thick yarn. Good for some things, but not for others. In this class, you’ll learn to spin fat yarn that’s actually light and fluffy. And, if you’re looking for a really fast yarn, this could be it for you!

Get the Color you Want – Reactive Dyes  Saturday, November 19   10:30-4:30
Just what the title says! Dye yarn or fabric and…. Get the color you want! How many times have you made your best guess, mixed your dyes and ended up with MUD! Learn to mix colors with confidence. Bring color ideas and yarn or small pieces of fabric (fat quarters ok). In the morning session, we’ll go over the basics of mixing colors and sampling techniques to match your color ideas. In the afternoon, you’ll put that knowledge to work and dye enough for a project. Go home with a solid success under your belt so you can live to “dye another day.”

August 19, 2011

Any day now we will start to feel the cool crispness of fall. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. Fall is bringing a few changes around here.  Bonita has officially retired from teaching weaving classes. Have no fear, Bernie Goodrich and Heather Vandervelden with be taking up the standard and covering the intermediate weaving classes.

Some exciting adventures are in store for others of the Fiber Factory staff. You won’t see Charlotte’s name for any classes this session as she will be in China with her husband for a few months.  Lori will also be visiting her daughter in China(not the same part). She will be back in November. No worries, Mary, Mark, Grace and Diane will be offering some new classes to keep you going. 

We are very excited to announce that Diane Wolf has made some time in her busy schedule to teach tapestry weaving here at the shop. She is a fabulous teacher, weaver and artist. If you have ever had any desire to learn tapestry weaving, now is you chance.

Jeane deCoster of Elemental Affects will be coming through town at the end of September and will stop to teach a few classes.  We will let you know about them as soon as the details are confirmed. She will present Double-Fisted Knitting (Fair Isle technique), and Fast, Furious and Fluffy for the spinners followed by a day of dying with Reactive Dyes. We will send out an e-mail announcement and post on the web page with the details as soon as Jeane is back from the Shetlands.

You can find out more about Jeane and her business at www.elementalaffects.com.

 This Fall look for a new yarn from Berroco called Flicker. This unbelievably soft yarn has a surprise. Nestled in the lofty alpaca chainette is a soft, glittering tinsel-like filament. The metallic elements are matched to each shade (either silver or gold) and they are completely soft to the touch. New colors of Silk Garden from Noro and Debbie Bliss’ Angel are on order. Terra Tweed from Tahki Stacey Charles is scheduled to arrive in time for making up your holiday scarves and hats for your loved ones. We have also signed up for the Dream in Color Club yarn again. It is always a thrill open the box and see the wonderful hand dyed colors and the project designed especially for the Yarn of the Month.

 If there is anything that you want to learn that we have not thought of, please give us some feedback or suggestions for new classes in the spring.

April 20,2011

“It can’t be time for summer already! I’m still working on my cardigan from two winters ago!” Susan was heard shrieking for a block and a half. Well, don’t be like Susan, take advantage of any of the six classes offered and make a sweater in four to eight weeks! It’s true, you can complete a sweater or tank or tee in the yarn you want with the details you like before it gets chilly again Check out classes 104, 110, 127, 129, 130 and 131 for details. Take a little time to peruse all the other fun happenings as well.

Do you have a child 8-12 years of age?  Introduce them to the wonderful world of fibers with a series of workshops offered by Grace Dianne.  Spinning, safe and easy dyeing, weaving and corking (spool knitting) are offered in June.  All materials are included and enrollment is limited.

 Come on in and see the new yarns in stock. We have Sawya from the Mirasol line, Cool Wool from Elsebeth Lavold, Bombay and Sweetness from KFI, Lindsey from Berroco and Tanabata from Noro, just to name a few.

Every Friday, Rae Sordahl will be hosting Knitting Happy Hour!  Come in for social knitting, knitting help, or just hang out.  The table is open 1:30 until…  Rae said that she will keep coming in as long as we let her and we’re not about to tell Rae no. 

 Please note. There will be some utility work on Main Street throughout spring and summer as the first phase of Light Rail construction begins.  If you usually come to the shop via Main Street, avoid lane restrictions by traveling on University or 1^St Street, then turn south on Robson and take the alley driveway to the back parking lot.

 PSST… A new restaurant just opened next door, Urban Picnic. The samples they brought while working on the menu indicate some tasty sandwiches being made.  And an espresso machine!

March 2011

New Books!

More Yarns!

Sweetness from Plymouth Yarns,  new colors of Nuna from Euro, Remix from Berroco and Moochi Plus from Crystal Palace are here!

Mary Glendinning is back at The Fiber Factory!  She will be bringing her knitting expertise with a number of classes and is also available for private lessons. 

 So we invite you to spend some time with us, resolve to learn some new skills, relax and make some new friends this year!

 Here’s a picture from the REP Weave class:

 Here’s a picture of the Arrow Basket class that occured on July 22nd! 

The basket was woven with a handle integrated into the base of the basket and had a beautiful arrow design woven in the sides.  Everyone finished their basket during the class time, as if it were planned that way.  Please ignore the date at the bottom right corner of the photo. Forgot to reset the date/time stamp on the camera.

 Check This Out!

Diane Bykowski felts her fancy yarns fibers into these fabulous fashions.  Phenomenal! 

Find out more about Diane and her work here.

The summer classes are posted. Register by phone or click here to go to the classes page. Download your own Class List!  Use this link to access the newsletter via a PDF file. 

  

  

 

 

 

May Club Yarn

From Dream in Color, Smooshy with Cashmere! The colorway is Strange Harvest, 100 grams of sockweight superwash merino and cashmere in shades of green, with subtle hues of rust and  well, see for yourself!. MMmmm…. Love cashmere!

 

 

    

 

CROCHET-A-LONG

 

Every Friday afternoon at 3. Bring your hooks and yarn. Our current projects are the Dragonfly Shawl and the Diamonds Shawl from Crochet So Fine, pictured here at the right.

 

 

 

 Donate for a Discount! 

The Food Drive for the United Food Bank will continue for as long as there is a need. 

Every Friday afternoon starting at 1:30

Come in for some social knitting and crochet, project help and fun!

A little reminder:  Fiber Factory Gift Certificates are always available.  Be sure to drop hints to your family and friends.  They can be used for classes as well as merchandise.

Can’t Wait to Find out What We’re Up To?

Please use the sign up for at right to receive an email message when we have an amazing event or special, or post new classes.  You’ll never have to lay awake at night wondering if the new class list has been published, you’ll know when we’re having events where cake will be served, your whole life will be better and it won’t cost you a dime.  You can unsubscribe at any time.

 As always, feel free to come in and knit, crochet or spin on the couch and share your projects with us. We love Show and Tell!