The Yardgoods Center

February and March Stamping Class Schedule

2011-02-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Getting a wee bit tired of all the snow? Coming in for a stamping class is a surefire cabin fever reliever! Here's what we've got in store for this month and next:

Valentine's Pop-up Cards
Saturday February 11th from 10-noon
Teddy bears and frilly hearts galore!

Punch a Bunch
Using a variety of punches, we'll make a whole bunch o' cards.
Wednesday February 16th 1-3, and Saturday February 19th from 10-noon

Ribbons & Lace
Using brightly colored ribbons to embellish, we'll make cards for all occasions.
Wednesday February 23rd from 1-3, and Saturday February 26th from 10-noon

St. Patrick's Day Cards and Birthday Cards
Wednesday, March 2nd from 1-3, and Saturday March 5th from 10-noon

All New Housemouse
Housemouse makes the cutest stamps. Come and see!
Wednesday March 9th from 1-3, and Saturday March 12th from 10-noon

Easter Eggstravaganza
Its not too early to start some nice cards for Easter!
Wednesday March 16th from 1-3, and Saturday, March 19th from 10-noon

Call 872-2118 or stop by the store to sign up. Bring double-sided tape, a glue stick, scissors and whatever stamping supplies you have to class. As always, folks who purchase $50 worth of stamping supplies are entered to win a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing is on February 12th.

2010-12-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Our annual yarn sale has begun!

2010-12-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

All yarn is 20-50% off! Now's the time to stock up! A Christmas gift for you or for and all the knitters and crocheters in your life. . put some yarn in those hand-knit stockings! Happy Holidays!

Needle Felting Class!

2010-11-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, January 22nd, we'll be hosting two needle felting classes with a special instructor, Bob Nichols. There will be a beginner's class from 9:30 to noon, and an advanced class from 1:00 to 3:00. Each class is $20 (including all the supplies!). Take one class or make a day of it and do both. Bob's easy going, a great teacher, and it's sure to be fun! You can read about Bob and his fiber art here. That's Bob, above, at Fiber College, with his needle felted sculpture and paintings at Fiber College.

Needle felting is fun and easy. If you've ever wanted to make a cute little animal or doll with this technique, here's your chance to learn! Needle felted animals are so cute! If you're in the shop, check out our selection of needle felting books. "Wool Pets" is a great beginner's book, with lots of cute animals (of course):

Stop by or give the store a call (872-2118) to sign up for either or both workshops.

There's still time to knit up Christmas gifts! We've got new sock yarn (as if we didn't have enough for you to choice from!) And don't forget to grab some free patterns when you're in the store. The easy hat pattern is here, made with lovely Eco Duo yarn. Two skeins make three hats!

If you'd like some help with your knitting, or just some good company, don't forget about our ongoing knitting classes - Monday through Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:00pm, Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:30, and Saturdays from 1:00-3:30.

Buy fifty dollars of yarn (for yourself or as a Christmas gift - y'know, knitters love yarn as a gift - hint, hint), and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing will be on December 5th. Speaking of Christmas gifts, we've got the wonderful Hiya interchangeable needle sets for $79.99. We've figured it out and that's about $500 dollars worth of needles!

December stamping classes

2010-11-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Workshop
Wednesday December 1st 1-3pm
Get those Christmas cards started!

Time to Make Your Cards
Saturday December 5th from 10-Noon
If you haven't gotten started on your Christmas cards, it's time!

New House Mouse and more. . .
Wednesday December 8th 1-3
Saturday December 11th 10-Noon
. . .Christmas cards, of course! These are all so cute.

Last Minute Christmas Card Extravaganza
Wednesday December 15th 1-3
Saturday December 19th 10-Noon
As they say, "better late than never!"

Christmas Card Party
Wednesday, December 22nd 1-3
This will be really last minute! We'll get in the holiday mood, and also make some Christmas Thank You cards.

The next drawing for the $25 gift certificate will be on December 4th. Remember, if you spend fifty dollars on supplies, you'll be entered in the monthly drawing.

As always, bring scissors, double sided tape, a glue stick, and whatever stamping supplies you'd like to the classes. Please call 872-2118 or stop by the store to sign up.

A really popular scarf

2010-11-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here's Peggy, surrounded by lots of sock yarn, wearing the ever popular basket weave scarf from Nomis' booklet "Hats, Scarves, and Mittens." This big scarf is knitted in Noro Kochoran, a lovely blend of 50% wool, 30% angora, and 20% silk. Would make a wonderful Christmas gift! At the store, we've got samples of many scarves knit in the same pattern. It looks just as lovely (but quite different) in solid white - Plymouth's Buckingham is a great choice - another super soft yarn made of luxurious 80% baby alpaca and 20% silk.

Speaking of sock yarn and old favorites, here's a link to two free sock patterns from a 1940 booklet entitled "Essentials for the Forces" from England. There's a pattern for over-the-knee socks, and one for bed socks with pom-poms! Both of them, these days, are more suitable for women. Check it out here.

Hats!

2010-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

These hats are great for gifts (and great for you). They're so warm and cozy in Cascade's 70% baby alpaca and 30% merino Eco Duo yarn. The yarn comes in various shades of natural colors.

You'll need one skein of yarn, a 16" size six circular needle, and size 6 circular needles. This pattern fits most:

With circular needle, cast on 100 sts.
Work 8 rounds in K1, P1 rib.

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until hat measures 6 inches.

Option: If you wish to work a contrast color into the hat, decrease 1 stitch in the 9th row. Knit 1 stitch in main color, 1 st in contrasting color around for 5 rounds. Then switch back to working in main color, increasing 1 stitch when you do.

Decrease rounds (switch to double pointed needles when needed):

1 - K3, K2tog around
2 - Knit around
3 - Knit around
4 - K2, K2tog around
5 - Knit around
6 - Knit around
7 - K1, K2tog around
8 - Knit around
9 - Knit around
10 Knit 2tog around
11 Knit around

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" length. Using a yarn needle, thread yarn through remain stitches, pull together, and weave loose ends in.

Easy!

November stamping classes

2010-10-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

There's still leaves on the trees, but they're going fast! That lets us know that the holidays will soon be here. It's time to get stamping! Here's what we've got in store for November:

Christmas Concertina
We'll learn to make little books. Cards, too!
Wednesday November 3rd from 1-3
Saturday November 4th from 10-Noon

Stamping on Tiles
We'll be making hot plates and wall hangings. Stamping is not just for cards!
Wednesday November 10th from 1-3

Northwoods Christmas Cards
We'll be making cards with new design from the ever popular Northwoods collection.
Wednesday November 17th from 1-3
Saturday November 20th from 10-Noon

Call 872-2118 or stop by the store to sign up for classes. As always, bring a glue stick, double sided tape, scissors, and stamping supplies to class. Participants receive 10% off all stamping supplies in the store, and if you buy $50 worth, you'll be entered in our drawing for a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing in on December 4th.

Wrist warmers

2010-10-19T14:29:00.001-07:00

Call them what you will - wrist warmers, fingerless gloves, pulse warmers, wristers, or gauntlets - they're quick to knit and make great gifts. Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca is a super soft yarn that comes in many colors. Click here to get the free pattern.

October stamping classes

2010-09-27T06:49:00.005-07:00

Besides the usual birthdays, thank you, and get well cards, Autumn is a time to get cracking making cards. Before you know it, it'll be Christmas!

Awesome Autumn Cards
Northwoods makes such gorgeous scenery stamps, especially for this time of year!
Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00-Noon

Sympathy and Get Well Cards
It's always good to have these on hand.
Wednesday, October 6th from 1:00-3:00
Saturday, October 9th from 10:00-Noon

Alcohol Inks and Watercolor Techniques Workshop
We'll learn to make cool backgrounds and shading.
Wednesday, October 13th from 1:00-3:00

Tea Bag Folding
Tea bag folding is a paper folding technique that originated in Europe. It's similar to origami. Come learn the basic folds to make something new!
Wednesday, October 20th from 1:00-3:00
Saturday, October 23rd from 10:00-Noon

All Occasions Cards Workshop
You name it - we'll make it!
Wednesday, October 27th from 1:00-3:00
Saturday, October 30th from 10:00-Noon

Please call 872-2118 to sign up or drop by the store.

Bring scissors, a glue stick, double sided tape, and stamping supplies to all workshops. If you buy $50 or more of stamping supplies, you'll be entered in our drawing to win a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing is on November 20th. As always, class participants get 10% off all supplies purchased.

The days are getting cooler. . .

2010-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

. . .so it's time to get those needles out and start knitting, if you haven't already!

Joyce is modeling the beautiful one size fits most Jojoland Halo kimono. It uses Jojoland's beautiful variegated Rhythm yarn against their solid Baritone yarn. Sorry, this is not a free pattern. It's just that it's so beautiful we wanted you to see it!

A reminder - we'd love to see pictures of your knitting. Please email if you have any digital pictures you'd like to see displayed on this blog!

September stamping classes

2010-09-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to get busy and start making cards! Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be here before you know it (and winter, too, but we don't want to think about that, do we?) Here's our stamping classes for the duration of the month:

Wednesday September 15th from 1-3
The "Cat's Pajamas" Christmas Cards
What are they? Come find out!

Saturday September 18th from 10-noon
Fall Northwoods Cards
Northwoods cards are gorgeous. The card at the top of this post is a Northwoods stamp. Check out their detailed coloring instructions here. Come to the class to play with some new stamps!

Wednesday, September 22nd from 1-3 and Saturday September 25th from 10-Noon
Too Cute to Spook Workshop
This will be great fun!

Got sock yarn?

2010-08-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

You know we have plenty of sock yarn in the store! If you knit socks, we bet you have some leftover sock yarn, too.

Joyce is wearing "The Kimono of Many Colors", a pattern from Cherry Tree Hill.

Now that the nights are getting cool, it's time to start thinking about knitting (and wearing) sweaters again!

Here's another pic:

This is fun to knit - every kimono is one-of-a-kind!

C'mon in for your free gift!

2010-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

During our summer yarn sale, which will be going on through August 14th, if you print out this post and bring it into the store, you'll get a free gift! If you can't print it out, just mention you saw it on the blog - no problem!

Yarn sale is still on. . .

2010-07-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

. . .don't forget! Yarn is on sale from 20-50% through August 14th!

Like the bag above? You can get the free pattern here.

August stamping classes

2010-07-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Summer's flying by! Here's our stamping classes for August:

Outlines Flowers and Paper Quilting
New floral cards, always great from the Outlines series.
Wednesday, August 4 from 1-3 and Saturday August 7th from 10-noon

Pop-Up Cards
Wouldn't you know? They pop up when you open them. Lots of fun!
Wednesday August 11th from 10-Noon and Saturday August 14th from 10-noon

All New House Mouse Workshop
New the cute critters are fuzzy and soft. Come check 'em out!
Wednesday August 18th from 1-3 and Saturday August 21st from 10-noon

Punches and Ribbons
Make a portfolio of cards to give or have ready.
Wednesday August 25th from 1-3 and Saturday August 28th from 10-noon

Please call 872-2118 to sign up for classes. Don't forget to bring a glue stick, double stick tape, scissors, and any stamping supplies you have and want to use.

The next drawing for a $25 gift certificate is on August 28th. As always, class participants get 10% off supplies, and you're entered to win the drawing if you purchase $50 worth.

Summer yarn sale!

2010-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

C'mon in! Our annual summer yarn sale is going on now through August 14th. Yarn is 20-50% off! Now's a good to time to stock up. Summer is over before you can blink in Maine, and soon we'll all be thinking about knitting warm scarves again!

In the meantime, if you want to knit up a quick and cool summer vest, please go to the Knitting Fever website for the pattern. There's lots of other wonderful free patterns on their site. Check it out! We carry much of their yarn line, and if you see something we don't have, we'd be more than happy to order it for you.

In other news, the Bob Nichols needle felting workshops are now scheduled! The beginner class will be on August 7th from 9:30-noon, and the intermediate class is in the afternoon from 1-3. The workshops are $20 and all supplies are included. Please check this earlier post for more information about the class. Bob's a great teacher and his classes are so much fun! Please call 872-2118 to sign up, or just stop by the store. Stop by anyway, and check out the yarn sale. That yarn you've been hankering for may be 50% off!

July Stamping Classes

2010-07-12T17:29:00.001-07:00

No, it's not April Fool's Day, and it's not Christmas, but we've got some upcoming early Christmas card classes in July! Here's the schedule for the month:

Christmas in July!
Wednesday July 17th from 1-3 and Saturday July 17th from 10-noon
Stay cool and get a super early head start on great crds for Christmas!

The Way Life Should Be
Wednesday July 21st from 1-3 and Saturday July 24th from 10-noon
We'll be making scenery and summer cards. Ah, Maine in summer. Make memories with cards!

Hero Arts Workshop
Wednesday July 28th from 1-3 and Saturday July 31st from 10-noon
All new cards from the wonderful Hero Arts company. Join us and have fun!

Please call 872-2118 to sign up or just stop by the store. Don't forget to bring a glue stick, scissors, double sided tape, and any stamping supplies you may have. As always, class participants get 10% off supplies.

June Stamping Classes

2010-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 12th from 10-Noon
Father's Day or Guy's Birthday cards

Paper Cut Creations
Wednesday, June 16th from 1-3
New folding cards and shaker cards.

Paper Cut Creations
Saturday June 19th from 10-Noon
Let's play with more folding and shaker cards!

New House Mouse
Wednesday, June 23rd from 1-3
We'll make some summer themed cards for birthdays or any occasion.

New House Mouse
Saturday, June 26th from 10-Noon
More summer themed cards!

Impression Obsession
Wednesday June 30th from 1-3
These cards will be different and really fun. We've got new ideas from the stamp show!

Our next drawing for a $25 gift certificate will be on July 17th. Come in and buy $50 worth of stamping supplies and be entered to win.

As always, stamping classes are $7 and participants get 10% off their supplies. Please stop by or call 872-2118 to sign up. And don't forget to bring scissors, a glue stick, double stick tape, and whatever supplies you'd like to use.

We look forward to seeing you! Stamping is fun!

Summer quilting and sewing classes!

2010-06-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Come join us for some wonderful quilting and sewing classes!

Spring Table Runner with Janet Music
Saturday June 19th 10-4 $35
Please bring a bag lunch.

Penny Rugg Sample with Peggy Wentworth
Wednesday June 23rd 1-4 $20
A kit will be available from Peggy for $15

Red, White, and Blue Posie Wallhanging with Barbara Bathelder
Saturday June 26th at 10 $35

Liberating Stars with Elvira Gastaldo
Just take two pieces of cloth, sew, and square up. It's quick and fun!
Date - to be announced - please call, stop in, or check this blog. $35

Beginner Hand Applique with Peggy Wentworth
Monday June 28th 10-12:30 $15

Puzzle Quilt (Stack and Whack) with Peggy Wentworth
Beginner Level II (know how to use a rotary cutter and do basic piecing)
Monday July 12 10-2:30 $30
Please bring a bag lunch.

Square Table Topper Wall Hanging with Jane Pronovost
Tuesday July 13th, 20th, 27th, and August 3rd from 10-12:30
Evening classes from 6:30-8:45 on same dates $40

Under Water Fantasy with Peggy Wentworth
Monday July 19th 10-2:30 $30
Small fabric pieces covered with tulle are quilted to make this unusual wall hanging.

Beginner Machine Sewing Classes with Liz Baley
Thursday, June 17th, July 1st, and July 8th from 1-3:30 or 6:30-9
We'll learn about fabric, machines, make an apron, and a second surprise project.

Stop in or call 872-5403 to sign up for a workshop. Come have fun, and cool off in the air conditioning. Summer's a great time to quilt and sew!

Needle felting class scheduled (and other news)

2010-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

We're happy to have a date for our upcoming needle felting class with Bob Nichols.It'll be on June 19th, from 9:30 to noon. Check out Bob's needle felted art over at the Valley Arts Alliance website. Bob is a great teacher and it'll be a lot of fun!. The workshop is twenty dollars including all the supplies you'll need. Please call 872-2118 to reserve your spot.

We've got lots of new items in the store. The HiyaHiya needle set pictured above is absolutely gorgeous. The same company also makes what they call Dumpling Cases, filled with stitch markers. Check them out! Wonder how they open up? You'll have to come into the store to find out!

If you can't make it into the store, we do ship. Don't hesitate to call us, tell us what you want or need, and we'll get it right out to you. No, we don't have an online store, because we're old-fashioned that way.

Reminders

2010-05-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

We've got lots of wool yarn on sale right now. It's not just for scarves, hats, and other warm things we don't really want to think about when the weather is warming up. It's a great time to make some felted bags and purses! Stop by and check out the sale table (and everything else, of course).

As usual, new yarns are coming in every week. Lots of designer yarns. They get better all the time.

And, don't forget, Bob Nichols will be joining us for needle felting classes. Call 872-2118 for details.

Again, we'd really love to post photos of your finished projects. All you need to do is email us with your photo files! Click on the "Profile" section at the right, which will bring you to the email address, which will open up your email program. . .or just email yardgoodscenter@gmail.com! Yep, it's a new thing, and we're used to just dropping by for our show-and-tells and gabbing, but there's lots of ways to share. Some folks can't get out much. Wouldn't it be nice to let them see the pretty things we all make?

And just in case you forgot, or don't know, everyone who purchases $50 of yarn supplies enters a drawing for a $25 gift certificate - the next drawing is on May 29th.

May Stamping Classes

2010-05-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

The pic above has no color and it's finally spring! Well, click on it, print it out, and color it in. It's from "Outlines", and we've got new "Outlines" and Hero Arts products arriving soon.

Here's what we've got in store (no pun intended!) for the rest of May (better late than never!) All classes this month are with Sue:

Saturday May 15th "Outlines" 10-Noon
We'll use those wonderful "Outlines" stamps to make birthday, thanks, and what-have-you cards.

Wednesday, May Father's Day Cards 19th 1-3
Let's make those Dads some nice cards!

Saturday, May 22nd Punch Art 10-Noon
Using new punches, we'll be making several different cards. Bright colors (or not)! Using a punch is a great way to use up scrap paper. Don't forget to bring what you have, and you don't have any leftovers, that's okay, too.

Wednesday, May 28th Hero Arts 1-3
These are the new ideas from the stamp show. They are very nice cards and this will be a wonderful class. They're all fun, but we get excited sometimes.

Please call 872-2118 to sign up, or sign up in the store. All classes are seven dollars. Bring stamping supplies, scissors, glue stick, and double-sided tape. Class participants get 10% off supplies, and if you purchase $50 worth of supplies, you'll get a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing will be on May 29th.

Mini Mochi Flower Garden Shawl (and more free patterns!)

2010-04-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

We've always loved Mini Mochi and Mochi Plus yarns, but now there's even more reasons to love them. Their website has lots of free patterns!

This is a fun project made from 8 balls of Mini Mochi in four different colorways. Of course, you can choose whatever colors you like best. The pattern is here. As it says on the website," Your Granny Squares never looked so good with so little effort! The color changes are built into the yarn!"

Have fun looking at their website - there's so much to see and we have all the yarn that's called for in the shop.

Spring is here!

2010-04-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

Go here to sign up for a free membership on Bernat's website. The amount of patterns is amazing! We have lots of free Bernat patterns in the store, too, on the back table. New ones come in nearly every week!

This pretty crocheted market bag is so Spring-time, isn't it? Crochet up a bunch of these easy to make cheery and useful items, use them yourself, and give them to your friends and family. Who needs all those Shaw's and Hannaford plastic bags, anyway? If you're anything like this writer, you've got a huge stash of them under your sink!

Two special classes coming up!

2010-03-30T09:59:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, May 8th from 1:00-3:30, Roberta will be teaching "How to Knit a Short Row Hat." The class is only $5 and includes the hat pattern. Short rows are a great technique for shaping, and learning how to do them in a small project is a great way to learn! Call 872-2118 to sign up, and to find out what you need to bring to the class. Call soon - we have a feeling this one will fill up fast!

There'll be a needle felting class with a special instructor, Bob Nichols. You can read about Bob and his fiber art here. We haven't scheduled it yet - please call 872-2118 for more information. Needle felting is fun and easy. If you've ever wanted to make a cute little animal or doll with this technique, here's your chance to learn! Needle felted animals are so cute! If you're in the shop, check out our selection of needle felting books. The projects in them are irresistible, like the ones in the picture above from the book "Wool Pets".

If you're in the mood to knit a felted bag or purse, we've got lots of wool yarn on our sale table right now. Stop by and check it out soon because once it's gone, well, it's gone for good.

April Stamping Classes

2010-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

New Outlines stamps and all sorts of products from Hero Arts will be arriving soon. April's classes will be filled with new stamping techniques that Sue and Sharon learned when they spent three days at the Boston Stamping Show!

Flower Power
Join Sue as we make gorgeous flower arrangements for all occasions.
Saturday, April 3rd from 10-12

Learn to Quill Flowers with Sharon
We'll learn the skill of paper "twirling". It's easy and fun! We'll be making several springtime floral cards, too.
Wednesday, April 7th from 1-3

Northwoods Wildlife
Sue will show us all the Northwoods Arts stamps - guy cards, summer birthdays. . .they're all so beautiful!
Saturday April 10th from 10-Noon

Springtime Flutterbys
Glittery butterflies and flowers say spring! Come join the fun with Sharon.
Wednesday, April 14th from 1-3
Saturday, April 17th from 10-Noon

Floral Embroidery on Paper
We'll be making several birthday cards as well as a special thank you note or two. Join Sharon as we learn some new techniques.
Wednesday, April 17th from 1-3
Saturday, April 24th from 10-12

Mother's Days Cards
Join Sue as it's time to make some beautiful cars for the moms in your life!
Wednesday, April 28th from 1-3

Please call 872-2118 to sign up for classes.

As always, please bring stamping supplies, scissors, a glue stick, and double stick tape. All class participants receive 10% off stamping supplies, and if you purchase $50 or more, you'll be entered into the drawing for a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing is April 17th!

Bamboo & merino sock yarn for $4.50?!

2010-03-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yep! That's how much a ball of Deborah Norville's new Serenity Sock yarn costs. Here's the specs:
There's 230 yards per ball of 50% merino superwash wool, 25% bamboo, and 25% nylon to a ball. That's enough for kid's socks, or a pair of socklets (get it done by summer with no rush)! The combination of bamboo and merino makes for a really soft yarn. Bamboo is terrific for warm weather, too, for it wicks away moisture.

Of course, we've got lots of other sock yarns in the store, but we thought you should know about this one, as it's flying off the shelves. Well, it's in a basket, but you get the idea.

Knitting socks is not just for winter! This yarn will knit up beautifully with a simple sock pattern, but since spring and summer are on the way, consider making some lace socks. We've got plenty of beautiful yarns that will knit up nicely for lace and patterns galore. Never thought of making lace socks? Maybe it's time to give it a try!

We've got Ukrainian egg decorating supplies!

2010-03-06T20:24:00.001-08:00

No, we're not selling stamps, but these are lovely designs for you to be inspired by. They were put together by a committee in Winnipeg in the 1960's.

What we do have in the store is all the supplies you'll need for decorating eggs the Ukrainian way! We've got books, beeswax, egg blowers, egg stands, kits, and kistkas. What's a kistka? If you don't know, you'll have to come into the shop to find out!

Those stamps are so pretty. Here's some more:

Happy egg decorating!

March stamping classes

2010-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday March 6th St. Patrick's Day Cards
We'll be making St. Patrick's Day cards, of course! Think green. . .from 10:00am to noon.

Wednesday March 10th The All Occasion Jamboree
From 1-3, we'll be stocking up on birthday, thank you, and get well cards. Get 'em ready!

Saturday March 13th Another All Occasion Jamboree!
From 10:00am to noon.

Wednesday March 17th Easter Cards
From 1-3, we'll start making the cutest Easter cards.

Saturday March 20th Easter Cards
From 10-noon, even more Easter cards!

Wednesday March 24th Bunnies, Chicks, Peeps and More Easter Cards
Even more Easter cards - try your handy at making fuzzy cards with beautiful colors, from 1-3.

Call 872-2118 to sign up. Don't forget to bring stamping supplies, scissors, glue sticks, and double sided tape. All class participants get 10% off supplies. Every time you buy $50 dollars of supplies, you'll be entered in our monthly drawing to win a $25 gift certificate. The next drawing is on April 10th.

Spring is in the air! The lovely wreath is a Northwoods rubber stamp. Their detailed instructions for coloring are here.

Bear Hugs are here!

2010-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Bear Hugs is a cotton/acrylic blend that works up fast at 4 stitches per inch. The yarn has a slight thick and thin and "huggable" hand. One ball of yarn is actually a kit - everything you need except for the needles! Inside the ball of yarn are two adorable bear buttons and a baby sweater pattern. One ball is all that's needed for a 3-6 month old. Come in and grab one (the yarn, not a baby)! Take a look at Plymouth's web page to see the color selection - we have them all. They are the cutest!

Free patterns galore

2010-01-29T08:03:00.001-08:00

We have plenty of free knitting patterns in the store. We also have the largest collection of patterns in the state of Maine. But, there's no such thing as too many patterns, is there?

Lion Brand yarn offers a tremendous collection of free patterns on their website. Right now, they've just put up some really nice cowl patterns, which are simply the thing to knit this winter. Go here to check them out. You'll have to sign up, but it's worth it.

Happy knitting!

Three goods reasons to stop by

2010-01-23T16:42:00.000-08:00

The first good reason is that if you know the secret password*, you'll get a free gift. The second good reason is that the 20% yarn sale is still on, and will be through February 13th. The third good reason is because just browsing is a good way to beat the winter blahs. When Maine's gray, cold, and covered with snow, it's good to come in and see all the colors in the store!

Have anything you'd like to see more of on this blog? Please leave a comment. What we'd love to see is pictures of your finished projects! You can send your pics to yardgoodscenter@gmail.com and we'll post them here.

Happy crafting, whatever you make!

*Oh, here's the secret password: "I didn't get the coupon from the newspaper. I saw it on the blog." Don't worry if you don't say it correctly. We're not strict.

Isn't that baby sweater cute? We've still got Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Cashmerino Aran at 25% off and it's going fast!

February Stamping Class Schedule

2010-01-23T16:09:00.001-08:00

Here it is:

Embossed Valentines
Sharon will show us how to do paste, dry, and regular embossing.
Wednesday February 3rd from 1-3 and Saturday February 6th from 10-Noon

Valentine Cards
Join Sue to make pop-ups and other cards.
Wednesday February 10th from 1-3 and Saturday February 13th from 10-Noon

All New House Mouse
Make fun and cute cards for all occasions with Sue.
Wednesday February 17th from 1-3

Hero Arts Party
Saturday February 20th from 10-Noon Read more about this class here.

Northwoods Butterflies
Wednesday February 24th from 1-3 Join Sue, who says, "These butterflies are so pretty!" Think Spring!

Shrink Art
Saturday February 27th from 10-Noon
Sue will show us how to make shrink art pins. Great gifts!

As usual, please bring stamping supplies, scissors, a glue stick, and double stick tape. All class participants receive 10% off stamping supplies. Call 872-2118 to sign up.

If you'd like to look at the full color catalog of Northwoods wildlife stamps, click here. We have a large selection in the store and are happy to order any ones you may like.

Would you like to know how to artists at Northwoods color their stamping so beautifully (like the one up above?) There's a detailed tutorial for you to read and print out at their website.

Upcoming stamping classes

2010-01-15T08:08:00.001-08:00

While we're still in the holiday spirit, there will be two Christmas card classes. Sharon said "It's never too early!" They are on Wednesday, January 20th, from 1-3, and Saturday, January 23rd from 10-12.

There will be a Valentine's Day card class with Sharon on Wednesday, January 27th from 1-3. As always, class participants get 10% off all their supplies. Call 872-2118 to sign up.

You can click on the image above to print it out and color it in. Happy stamping!

The yarn sale continues!

2010-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

The yarn sale will continue for another month! The last day will be February 13th! So, don't despair if you haven't come in to take advantage of 20% off all our yarn!

What's new? There's some fantastic Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran that's now 25% off. Get it before it's gone! And we're now carrying Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash, a truly fantastic new yarn. It's great for so many types of knitting, is super soft, and washable.

You can get a free pattern for the cowl in the picture by clicking here . It's made with Baby Alpaca Grande, which we've got in the store.

Happy New Year (and happy new yarns)!

2009-12-30T19:09:00.002-08:00

Here's to 2010! Warm wishes for a wonderful new year!

Our 20% yarn sale is still on, and will be into the new year. We've got so many great new yarns! One yarn that isn't really new is Noro Kureyon sock yarn. Folks thought it was scratchy for the feet, so we stopped carrying it. Well, we saw a simply gorgeous shawl made of it and were convinced to bring it back into the store. Seems it isn't as scratchy as we remember, but no matter, even the designers are using it to make everything except socks! The cardigan above is made from this yarn. The pattern is from Jenny Watson's Noro Book #3. We don't have a photograph of the shawl just yet, but we do have a free pattern for it at the store. Don't forget to ask for one. It'd be beautiful made from the Noro yarn, but it'll work up just as nicely with many of your favorite sock yarns.

We are carrying a new Noro yarn - Yuzen. It's 56% Wool, 34% Silk, 10% Mohair, and simply gorgeous. Here's a lovely cardigan from "Jane Ellison's Noro Family" pattern book:

We just hung up some huge skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Merino hand-painted lace yarn. The skeins have 2400 yards of luscious 100% merino - enough for two shawls. C'mon in so you can see it and touch it in person!

Let's see. What else? So many new yarns are coming in every day. There's many new colors of the amazingly soft but bulky Baby Alpaca Grande, and Baby Alpaca Grande Tweed. This is another yarn that has to be felt next to the skin. It's the softest bulky we've ever touched!

2010 is going to be a very good year for knitters!

Hero Arts Party

2009-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Just so you can't say we aren't giving you enough notice, there will be a Hero Arts Party on February 20th from 10:00am to noon. It's the price of a regular stamping class - seven dollars. Even if you're not a big stamper, you might want to check this one out! To get a taste of Hero Arts stamping and get all sorts of nifty crafty ideas and free projects, too, take yourself over to the Hero Club Blog.

And of course, Merry Christmas! Hope you and yours are happy, healthy, and toasty warm!

Class schedule through the end of the year

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Wednesday, December 16th from 1:00-3:00 Christmas Cards by Papercute with Sue
This will be extra-fun. Lots of new ideas and cute cards.

Saturday, December 19th from 10:00-12:00 A Variety of Christmas Cards with Sue
Last chance to make cards at a class in the store! Let's do a little punching, some snow, some Santas - a workshop of many cards!

Wednesday, December 30th from 1:00-3:00 Christmas Thank You Cards with Sharon
It'll be time to make and send those thank you cards.

All classes, as usual, are seven dollars. Bring stamping supplies, scissors, a glue stick, and double-stick tape. Call 872-2118 for more info or to sign up.

There's still a few sewing and quilting classes before the year is up. Call 872-5403 for more info.

If you click on the wreath image above, it will open in a new window. That way, you can print it out.

Browse yarns in the comfort of your own home

2009-12-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Scroll down on the the sidebar, at right, and you'll find a list of yarn companies. Now, you can browse colors from the comfort of your own home! The list will be growing every week, so keep an eye on it. But don't let the shortness of this list fool you: the Plymouth site has more than a dozen yarns that we carry in the store. Check it out. It might save you some stress if you tend to get overwhelmed by the amount of yarn that's in the store. Lots of people do get yarn overload - it's hard not love nearly everything one sees and touches.

Wondering what these swatches are? They're Araucania Panguipulli, a beautiful yarn with an unpronouncable name. It's not in the store yet; we're just giving you a peek of what's to come! It's a soft, marled yarn in 100% merino that knits up fast. We're really looking forward to trying it. The sample scarves that are in the store now are just so luscious.

Winter yarn sale

2009-12-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, we had a big party and everything is on sale, but it's not over! All our yarn is on sale at 20% off and will be until January 13th. C'mon in and save! Plus, new exciting yarns are coming in. Right now we're going to let that be a surprise, but soon we'll be posting pics of some of these very special yarns, including new yarns from Noro and Arucania. They are simply gorgeous! Check out the Arucania color swatch scarves that we put in the store today.

And now, more pictures from Saturday:

Ken and Sally

Sale? Party? Sue and the stampers just keep on going, no matter what! Looks like fun.

At least one person posed for the camera. Bette's working hard, as usual.

No yarn from the store was used in the knitting of Scott's Norwegian sweater. Tsk tsk!

Truly, 60 years of family and friends.

Happy 60th Anniversary!

2009-12-13T18:59:00.001-08:00

Saturday was the big sale and party for the 60th anniversary of the store. Wow, it was a madhouse!

Folks got all sorts of goodies. Here's Joyce, Bea, and Ken with the cake before it started being gobbled up. What's in the crockpot? Meatballs in barbecue sauce. Yum!

More photos are on their way. If you recognize yourself in one of them, leave a comment with your name (unless you want to remain anonymous).

On Saturday, as we were loading up your bags,we heard so much about all the projects that are being planned. Don't forget to take some pictures and send them to us. We want to see what you've made!

Free felted bag, slipper, and hat patterns

2009-12-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Click here for a big collection of excellent free patterns for felted bags, hats, and slippers. We have lots of bulky weight single-ply yarns in stock that you can use. Come in and look around!

And don't forget to print out the one-day-only sale coupon for December 12th! You'll find it below.

Beautiful new yarns

2009-11-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

Cherry Tree Hill yarns have always been special. We've got two new additions in the store. Charmed is a lovely hand dyed baby alpaca yarn with a bit of glitter. The fingerless mitts shown above are a wonderful quick-to-make Christmas gift!

Even though we're overflowing with sock yarn, we couldn't resist the soft and subtle colorways of Cherry Tree Hill's new superwash 100% merino fingering weight yarn. Because of its special high twist, there's no need for nylon.

60th Anniversary Celebration!

2009-11-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

On December 12th, we're having our big 60th anniversary celebration! There will be refreshments, door prizes, surprises (even we don't know what they are yet!) and the coupon above. Click on the coupon image (it'll open in a new window) and then print it out. If you're unable to print it, just mention you saw it on the blog.

It's a great chance to get some of those things you've been wanting at discount. As Joyce says, "It's all therapy!" No guilt necessary 'cause crafting is good for your mental health!

We look forward to seeing you then!

Discount yarns

2009-11-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

There's always yarn on sale at the store. Come in and find something irresistible!

We just put out a lot of Sirdar Denim yarn. It's a great yarn for so many projects - it's next to skin soft and machine washable.

We've got some beautiful Jknits hand-dyed bulky - perfect for making a quick hat for Christmas. Don't forget to ask for one of our free hat patterns!

These two yarns are just the tip of the iceberg. If you've to the store, you'll know that our sale yarn bins are always overflowing - so much fun to explore!

Lucy Neatby workshops

2009-09-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

We will have some truly special knitting workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 6th and 7th, with Canadian knitter extraordinaire Lucy Neatby. That's Lucy above, and you can learn more about her at her own colorful blog, "Happy Stitches."

Lucy describes herself as a "technical knitter." Here a run-down of the workshops:

Tuesday Morning 9-Noon "Ship Shape Shoulders"
Suitable for beginners and up.
Learn to work short rows to eliminate stair-steps on the shoulders of sweaters. Deal with cables, mismatched seams.

Tuesday Afternoon 1-4 "Fringes, Folderols, and Furbelows"
For intermediate knitters.
A mixed bag of interesting techniques to add exciting beginning and finishing touches to your knitting.

Wednesday Morning 9-Noon "Gilding the Lily"
Must have working knowledge of kitchener and mattress stitch as these will not be covered in detail.
We will look at a variety of refinements to the detailing of your pieces, owkr on provisional cast-ons, make a double knit pocket, and trim a choice of pocket top. A more intensive class than the others.

Wednesday afternoon 1-4 "Merrily Down the Tubes"
Advanced Class
Test and compare many methods of achieving a tubular cast-on. Incorporate invisible channels suitable for i-cord or elastic within a a rib followed by a sewn tubular bind-off for single and double rib fabrics.

All workshops are $30. Call 207-872-2118 for more details, find out what supplies and swatches you need to bring with you, and to sign up. This should be fun!

What's new

2009-09-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here's Joyce, busy as usual, talking on the phone, and picking out new Fiesta yarn. Well, that's not so new. What's new is this blog, which we hope you'll enjoy. We're also working on a new website.

Stop by here weekly as we'll be posting news, sales, and events. We hope to also post pics of your projects or any sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, stamping or other crafts tips that you'd like to share. Just click the "view my complete profile" link for our e-mail address.

Comments are welcome. We hope that this will become the store's new on-line community.