Happenings (blog)

Spring Cardi-along

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by Sati <3

Any pattern, any yarn. Let’s get stitchin’!

Springtime is upon us, and there is nothing like a good cardigan for the chilly mornings and evenings. Here in the South, spring weather is especially fickle and we never know how to dress from one day (or hour) to the next. A light-weight cardi is just what we need. Let’s make one together!

This Cardi-along, like all of the -alongs at Rows & Roses, will err on the side of less rules rather than more. It’s not super structured, and the schedule is just to keep you on track IF you need it. If you can’t make the cast-on party, or you’re not quite halfway at the halfway mark, please don’t stress! This is supposed to be fun. As long as you wear your finished cardi in for the Fashion Show, you’re good.

Schedule

Cast-on Party: Tuesday, March 8 at 2pm (I know it’s called “cast-on” but it’s just a term we’re using. This is for knitters AND crocheters!)
Halfway check-in: Saturday, April 2 (you can swing by for a WIP pic, or you can simply post your own on the page or in the group.)
Fashion Show: Friday, May 27 at 2pm

You can find all of the info, as well as a discussion thread, in the event on Facebook. If you can’t make it into the shop, or if you have pictures to post, questions to ask, or ideas to share, this is where you can do that!

Perfect Yarns

Not sure which yarn you want to use? I’m here to help! All of the yarns shown below are excellent choices for a spring cardigan.
Some of these yarns have limited quantities (such as Divina, which has been discontinued by the manufacturer,) and others have not yet made it into the shop (the ones that say “sold out” on the website.) Don’t worry, we have plenty of choices for the cast-on party, and if you want to wait a little longer, MUCH more on the way.

Come shop all of them here.

Previous image

Next image

I can’t wait to see everyone’s creations. Come to the cast-on party if you can make it, and be sure to bring your cardi into the shop to work on throughout the spring if you’re local. If you’re not local, you may post all of your pictures and ideas in the facebook event. There are tons of pattern ideas listed in the event discussion, as well, so if you’re needing inspiration, that’s the place to go.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns- whether about yarn, patterns, sizes, gauge, blocking, or anything else- I’m just a click or a phone call away.

Chev Scarf

Posted on February 19, 2022February 19, 2022 by Sati <3

FREE Pattern

Hey hey, fellow fiber artists. I’m dropping a new crochet pattern on you today, and it comes about for one very important reason: Berroco Remix Light is in the house at Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber! I could not wait to get my hands on this super fun, super soft yarn, and this Chev Scarf is just what fell off my hook.

Crocheted in a chevron stitch but in one solid color, this lightweight scarf is a great summertime weight, and super quick to work up. Tassels on the ends make it extra fun to wear. If you’re looking for a quick project to try out a yarn, this is it.

Want a printable .pdf of this pattern for just $1.99? Click here.

The Details

Stitches: Ch, dc, dc2tog over 3 ch/st
Yarn: Berroco Remix Light (#3) DK weight, 400 yards, 1 ball. Shown in color 6984
Hook: US7/4.5mm
Sizes: 4” wide, 78” long w/ tassels

Gauge: not important

NOTES:

Dc2tog over next 3 ch/st: work a dc2tog as usual, putting the first “leg” in the first ch/st and the second “leg” in the third ch/st, skipping the ch/st in the middle (second ch/st.)

Let's Goooo!

Pattern:

Ch 17

Row 1) 2dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc 2, dc2tog over next 3 ch, dc 2, (dc, ch 1, dc,) in next ch, dc 2, dc2tog over next 3 ch, dc 2, 2dc in last ch. Turn.

Row 2) Ch 2 (does not count as a st,) 2dc in first st, dc 2, dc2tog over next 3 st, dc 2, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st, dc 2, dc2tog over next 3 st, dc 2, 2dc in last st. Turn.

Rep Row 2 until the scarf is as long as you want.

Make tassels or fringe by wrapping yarn multiple times around your phone, a deck of cards, a wide remote control, or anything around that size. Cut strands through the middle and use a large crochet hook (or your fingers) to pull them through the points at either end of the scarf. Secure strands.

Voila. You’re finished! Quick, easy, and stylish, I bet you’ll love this scarf for years to come. Have fun with this pattern, and be sure to share your projects on your favorite social media with the tags @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesChevScarf so we can all enjoy your creation. As always, if you need me, I’m only a click or two away.

Sati Glenn, owner and operator of Rows and Roses Fiberworks.
Email: sati@rowsandroses.com
Website: www.rowsandroses.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/rowsandrosescrochet
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/stores/rows-and-roses

The End of a Season

Posted on January 23, 2022January 23, 2022 by Sati <3

A closing door can mean freedom

Hello, friends. I hope you have all had a great start to the new year. 2022 should be kind to us after all we’ve been through, don’t you think?

I come to you today with a bit of an announcement, as well as just some ramblings and wonderings. I hope you can indulge me.

A little over a week ago, I received some pretty shocking and upsetting news: WeCrochet, the crochet company and yarn brand which I have been so quick to support in every way, and have been entwined with in so many ways since they first went live, made a very strange decision. Without a word of warning, they pulled almost all of their lace and fingering weight yarns from their site. Their explanation, when asked by a concerned Ravelry user? “Those yarns aren’t really used for crochet.”

I lost my breath, my stomach hit the floor, and I stared aghast at my computer screen for probably a full minute. Is this real life? Not used for crochet? Since when?!

So many of us designers, who not only design with their yarns but actually FOR THEIR BRAND, use these yarns often. We have patterns in their Independent Designer Program using these yarns. These patterns are sold on their site, with the intentions of having visitors purchase the yarns for the patterns. How, then, are we to sell our patterns if the yarns are not also available?

Before anyone helpfully reminds me that Knit Picks is basically the same company and sells these yarns, so we can just go get them there…… that is completely beside the point. WeCrochet is supposed to be all about crochet. They are supposed to support crochet designers and offer a spotlight for showing what crochet can do and be, without the overall implication of being a counterpart to knitting. You cannot claim to be a crochet advocate while simultaneously limiting the yarns for your crocheters to use. I have designed crochet patterns and created crocheted items from #10 thread all the way up to super-bulky. Saying that lighter weight yarns aren’t used for crochet is just ignorant and enhances the stigma that crochet is only good for certain things.

Due to all of this madness, I have a two part announcement to make.

First...

After my latest pattern goes live in March (a pattern they asked for, using a yarn that they don’t even sell now, so…huh? Whatever.) I will be distancing myself from the WeCrochet brand.

I will no longer be designing patterns in their yarn, considering that not all of their yarns are “for me.” My existing patterns will remain in their IDP program for as long as they will leave them there. I mean, every little bit helps for us starving artists, right? However, no more new patterns for them. I’m appalled at their attitude and cannot in good conscience continue to support them.

I will still test patterns when they send them to me, as we crocheters NEED the patterns tested! I feel better knowing that patterns go through such rigorous testing (they really do) before they are released. And again, every little bit helps.

Also...

I have decided to take this year off from designing in a “designing as a business” capacity. I miss creating new things and trying out new ideas simply for the sake of enjoyment. Being an ambassador for two years brought me 24 hard deadlines. I was happy to do it, and it was a wonderful opportunity, but now I am ready to relax into creating for fun.

I’m not saying I won’t release any new patterns this year. I’m just saying that I will not be shackling myself to deadlines or contracts that will push me to go go go like I’ve had to do for the past two years. I will self-publish as I choose, and I hope to work with Expression Fiber Arts and Interweave again this year if they will be willing to work with my self-imposed LACK of designing schedule. I’m happy with a deadline that’s 10 months away. Not so much with 4 weeks…. you feel me? It’s been stressful and I’m ready to unwind and relax with my yarn again!

In closing...

If you have made it this far through my self-indulgent rant, I thank you kindly from the bottom of my heart. The friends, fans, and customers of Rows & Roses are the lifeblood of this brand. You are all in the details of everything I do and every pattern, yarn, and event that I put out there. Never have I felt more validated, more appreciated, or more loved than when I am in the thick of it with all of you. Every like, every share, every page view, every download… they all mean the world to me.

Thanks for being my friends. Thanks so much for your support. I adore every single one of you. You are what keeps me going ♥

Dashing

Posted on December 10, 2021December 27, 2021 by Sati <3

FREE crochet pattern

The whole point of this pattern is for a quick and simple gift idea that won’t take a ton of yarn, and that has a texture that will keep you warm. Introducing Dashing Headband, the softest, warmest crocheted headband ever! Crocheted in 100% baby alpaca, it is lightweight while still keeping you toasty, and the combination of of stitches, in their perfect placement, creates a stunning texture that you will love to touch over and over again. Enjoy!

Want a printable .pdf for just $1.99? Click Here.
#WCCrochetGifts21

Get Ready...

Stitches: Ch, sl st, fsc (foundation single crochet,) hdc, hdc3lp (half-double crochet thru 3rd loop)
Yarn: DK (#3) 60 yards, WeCrochet’s Alpaca Cloud DK in “Magnus,” 1 skein
Hook: US7/4.5mm
Sizes: 15” circumference, 3.75” tall, at rest. Easily customizable.

Gauge: 7 st x 7 rows = 2” unblocked, in patt

NOTES:
This pattern is very easy to modify for larger or smaller heads. Simply add or subtract fsc in multiples of 6.

You want this to be a snug fit due to the fact that alpaca doesn’t hold its shape as well as wool. If it’s a little loose when you first put it on, it’ll be around your neck in no time.

And You're Off!

Pattern:

Fsc 54. Join with sl st to first st to form a ring.

Round 1) Ch 1, hdc in each st around. Join.

Round 2) Ch 1, *hdc3lp in next 3 st, hdc in next 3 st; rep from * around. Join.

Round 3) Ch 1, *hdc in next 3 st, hdc3lp in next 3 st; rep from * around. Join.

Round 4-11) Rep Rounds 2-3

Round 12) Ch 1, sc around. Join. Cut yarn, weave in ends.

Finishing:

Join yarn in any fsc at bottom of headband. Ch 1, sc around. Join. Cut yarn, weave in ends.

Congratulations! You just made a super cool headband/ear warmer. You should be proud.
I would love to see your creation! Just post to your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesDashingHeadband so we can all see your awesome new accessory! As always, if you need me, I’m just a click or two away.

Small Business Saturday 2021

Posted on November 16, 2021November 16, 2021 by Sati <3

Shop small, y’all!

You know what I’m thankful for? I am thankful for my community, and for the opportunity to serve my community with my small, local business. This year, let’s skip the Black Friday madness and head into beautiful downtown for Small Business Saturday instead.

Rows & Roses is throwing a party, and you’re invited! Come on out and support local small businesses on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 10am to 6pm. Let’s visit all the small local businesses and put our holiday gift dollars where they will make a big difference. In downtown and other areas, you can get all of your holiday shopping done and give a boost to our community. Shop smarter, not harder!
So what’s going on a Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber on Small Business Saturday?

SALES ~ HOT COCOA BUFFET ~ FREEBIES WITH PURCHASE ~ GIFT BASKET DRAWING

I mean, of course we’re going to have some massive sales, but what’s even better than sales? How about a giveaway! Rows & Roses is partnering with lots of small businesses in the area to bring you an amazing gift basket, stuffed full of goodies. Handmade items, gift cards, and all kinds of fun stuff! Every $20 you spend at Rows & Roses on Small Business Saturday will earn you one entry into the drawing. At the end of the day, I’ll go LIVE on facebook to draw a winner. (You don’t have to “do facebook” to win; I will contact you via email.)

Let’s take a look at our collaborators. If there are small businesses here that you’ve never heard of, look them up! Finding new small businesses to support is always a good idea.

Nevermore Tattoo

Brock says:

Nevermore Tattoo specializes in dotwork, linework, and black and grey art. We take pride in having an extremely clean/sterile shop, and only use top of the line supplies. Let’s meet and get your next piece planned out!

Find us on Facebook.

World of Woodcraft

Erin says:

World of Woodcraft is a skilled and imaginative husband & wife team based in Seneca, SC. From crafting small artistic items and pictorial engraving to building farmhouse tables and chicken coops, they enjoy every aspect of their craft. If you are looking for something truly unique, custom orders are always welcome.

Check out our facebook page.

Raventree Studio

Summer says:
Ravens have a reputation of being givers. Ravens have been known to bring gifts to, not only their mates, but humans as well. Ravens brought food to the biblical prophet Elijah when he had no other way to feed himself. Ravens seem to think of the giving of gifts as an act of service to the people who have been kind to them.
As the owner/artist of Raventree Studio, I approach each project with love and attention as I would if preparing a gift for someone special. I am creating something unique for you or your company as an act of service, bringing you the gift of art and beauty because you have placed your trust in me and my work.
Find me on instagram.

Decks & Dice

Jared says:

Decks & Dice is your destination for all your TCG, tabletop RPG, Warhammer, and geek world collectible needs! From new releases, single cards, card sleeves, binders, paints, miniatures, to shiny click-clack magic math rocks and more!

Find us on Facebook.

All About the Buttons

Barbra says:
All About The Buttons began when I got tired of seeing my collection of hundreds of buttons just sit and gather dust. Buttons are decorative, as well as practical, and whimsical and can be used for more than just to close a piece of clothing. They add a little something extra to my tape measures as well as my knitted pieces.

Shop: https://allaboutthebuttons.goimagine.com/

The Gem Store

Heather says:

The Gem Store of Seneca is located at 509 ByPass 123, Suite E. We are a brand new metaphysical shop featuring: crystals, an apothecary, jewelry, gem mining sluices, local vendors, and much more! We will also be adding monthly boxes, a salt room, take home buckets, and event hosting! You can find more information on facebook, IG, or TikTok- @thegemstoreseneca ! We can’t wait to meet you!

The Healthy Olive

The Healthy Olive Story:

Everything Kat's Dogs

Allison and Kat say:

Everything? Everything! We at Everything Kat’s Dogs provide everything your dog needs to participate in family life. Basic Etiquette Classes, Therapy Dog training, in-home pet sitting, and homemade dog treats!

Find us on Facebook

Dear Rosie

Welcome to Dear Rosie Boutique’s Online Clothing Boutique

Cute clothes are our thing! We can’t wait for you to find the next must have item! We’ll keep your closet stocked with fun, fashion forward, unique but still affordable styles! We get in new arrivals daily but we have limited quantities of many items and they sell out fast! So don’t wait to grab your favorites!

Find us on facebook

Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean Martial Art. Toran and Sarah Gordanier provide martial arts training, self defense, and physical fitness training for the entire family.Classes book up very quickly, so call today for spring semester!

Find us on facebook.

Becklan Custom Homes

Trishka says:

At Becklan Custom Homes we focus on building high quality, uniquely custom homes. Whether it is a cozy cabin in the woods, a modern home downtown or a traditional home in the suburbs, we want you to have a home that’s built just for you. Your home isn’t a cookie, so why should it be cut like one?

Check out our website.

Bonaterra

A unique, casual dining experience with a plethora of Latin-inspired entrees, refreshing drinks, and an abundance of fun is always on tap when you visit Bonaterra. When the sumptuous Latino flavors of juicy steaks, hearty burgers, fresh seafood, and other delicacies are calling your name, answer that call with a trip to our Latin restaurant in Seneca, SC.

Don’t all of these places sound absolutely amazing? When you come out to Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber on Small Business Saturday, and shop to enter to win the gift basket, be sure to stop in at some of these small businesses too and show your support. Tell them Rows & Roses sent you! See you all on #SBS

Herriot Scarf

Posted on November 7, 2021November 14, 2021 by Sati <3

FREE crochet pattern

This is absolutely the most perfect scarf pattern: it only uses one skein, there is no counting after the second row, and you can make it in an evening if you’re motivated. As if that wasn’t enough, this gender neutral stitch pattern is great for every single human, no matter their style. These stitches combined with this specific yarn creates a scarf that doesn’t even need to be blocked! Just churn them out and gift them right away. Grab a few skeins of Herriot 100% baby alpaca and whip up ALL of your holiday gifts!

Want a printable .pdf of this pattern for just $1.99? Click here.

Get Ready...

Stitches: Ch, sc, dc

Yarn: DK weight (#3) 218 yards
Shown in Juniper Moon’s Herriot 100% baby alpaca in “Seaweed” and “Wasabi”

Hook: J10/6mm

Sizes: 76” long x 5” wide, unblocked. You can block it if you want to, but it’s not necessary.

Gauge: 9 st x 3 rows = 2”, unblocked

Let's Do It!

Pattern:

Ch 21

Row 1) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in each ch across. Turn. = 20 sc

Row 2) Ch 2 (does not count as a st,) dc in first st, sk 1, *(dc, ch1, dc) in next st, sk 2; rep from * across, ending with sk 1, dc in last st. Turn. = 14 dc

Row 3) Ch 2, *(dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp; rep from * across, ending with dc in last st. Turn.

Rep Row 3 until almost out of yarn, or until desired length.

Last Row) Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-1 sp across.

Cut yarn, weave in ends.

Wow, what a great scarf! You did such a good job. Now just think, that masterpiece took only one skein of some of the finest baby alpaca in the world. I’m so proud of you!
I’d love to see your gorgeous creation. Just post a pic to your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesHerriotScarf so we can all be super impressed. As always, if you need me, I’m only a click or two away.

October 2021 Showcase

Posted on October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 by Sati <3

Monthly round up of yarny goodness

And there goes another month! October has been crazy busy due to Specials & Customs and Warm Fuzzies combining into the biggest commissions event of the year. I was thrilled to get to make so many wonderful things for my lovely people, and I want to share them with you in this October 2021 Showcase.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that went down this past month. Please enjoy!

Fresh off the hook!

Patterns and such

My latest free pattern on my blog is Winterland, a light-as-air poncho that is so much warmer than you’d think. Crocheted in WeCrochet’s Wonderfluff Ombre, this poncho uses crocheted cables to create icicle-like columns. It is such a fun make, and can be worked up quickly!

Swirled is just one of the four fabulous patterns that dropped with my brand new eBook this year.
This skirt is made for hugging your curves and is sized for up to a 54″ waist. Using the drop & swap technique, you can have yourself a super warm and flattering winter skirt in no time. Perfect for wearing over leggings!

Thanks for stopping by to check out the October 2021 Showcase! I always love showing you all the new things, and it means so much to me that you come back, month after month.
If you should feel so inclined, would you mind helping me out? Like this post, share this post, comment on this post, tweet this post, pin an image in this post, or visit my yarn shop online at shop.rowsandroses.com
Every little thing you do makes a big difference to my little business. I sure do appreciate you ♥

Winterland

Posted on October 10, 2021October 13, 2021 by Sati <3

Free Crochet Pattern

How often do you wish for something soft, warm, and pillowy to get you through the drudge of the cold, harsh winter months? I know I’m always bundling up in a cowl or scarf or poncho, or if I’m spending the day at home, under a blanket. For this winter, I wanted a new little piece of warmth and comfort, and the Winterland ponchette is what I came up with for us. Winterland is like a bowl of steaming soup, with a warm slice of freshly baked and buttered bread on the side. Comfort yarn, if you will. The cables are simple enough to not cause trouble, and the bulky-weight yarn and large hook mean you’ll finish in no time. We all deserve a little comfort. #HumansThatYarnWeC21

Want a printable .pdf for just $1.99? Click here.

Getting Started

Stitches: Ch, sl st, fsc (foundation single crochet,) sc, sdc (standing double crochet,) dc, FpTreb (front post treble crochet)

Yarn: Bulky (#5) 360 yards
Shown in WeCrochet’s Wonderfluff Ombre (248 yards/100g) “Wonderland Heather” and Wonderfluff (142 yards/50g) “Wonderland Heather”

Hook: K10.5/ 6.5mm

Sizes: One size fits most, easily adjustable

Gauge: 10 st x 5 rows = 4” in patt, blocked

NOTES:
~ Joining at the end of each round is always done with a slip stitch in first stitch.
~ Stitch counts at the end of each row include ch-1 sp as a stitch.

~ I made mine a “shorty” style poncho, but you may add another ball of yarn and make yours as long as you want.

~ To increase circumference, simply add one (or two) more increase rounds before working Round 8.

Let's Do It!

Pattern:

Fsc 48. Join.

1) Sdc, dc, ch 1, *dc 3, ch 1; rep from * to last st, dc in last st. Join. = 64 st

2) Sdc, dc in same st, *sk 1, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, 2 dc in next st; rep from * around, omitting final 2 dc. Join. = 80 st

3) Sdc, dc in same st, dc, *sk 1, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, 2dc in next st, dc in next st; rep from * around, omitting final 3 dc. Join. = 96 st

4) Sdc, dc, 2 dc, *sk 1, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, dc 2, 2dc; rep from * around, omitting final 4 dc. Join. = 112 st

5) Sdc, dc 2, 2dc, *sk 1, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, dc 3, 2dc; rep from * around, omitting final 5 dc. Join. = 128 st

6) Sdc, *sk 2, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around first skipped st, dc; rep from * around, omitting final dc. Join. = 144 st

7) Sdc, dc in same st, *sk 2, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, 2dc; rep from * around, omitting final 2 dc. Join. = 160 st

Here is where you can adjust circumference by adding another round (or two) of increases. Continue in the same manner in which we have been increasing. No problem!

8) Sdc, dc, *sk 2, fpTreb around next st, ch 1, fpTreb around skipped st, dc 2; rep from * around, omitting final 2 dc. Join.

9-19) Rep Round 8

And here is where you can make it longer, if you want. Just add another ball of yarn and keep going until length desired. Super easy, right?

21) Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-1 sp around. Join.

Cut yarn, weave in ends. Block.

Well well, check you out! Don’t you look great in your warm winter hug? I bet you’re going to wear this so much this year. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done. Upload a pic to your favorite social media and tag @RowsAndRoses and #RowsAndRosesWinterland to show us all your lovely creation! As always, if you need me, I’m only a click or two away.

Did you enjoy this free pattern? I have more free patterns here!

And, if you’re looking for yarn, please visit my online shop. I have so many wonderful yarns that are just waiting to go home with you.

My First eBook

Posted on October 9, 2021October 9, 2021 by Sati <3

“Drop & Swap” with Knotions Magazine

I can’t believe it. In fact, I’m still in shock. Today, Knotions Magazine released the first ever Rows & Roses eBook, Drop & Swap!

This eBook is filled with four amazing crochet designs that will take your hook to the next level. Each pattern is worked on the bias, and features a fun little color-changing method I like to call the Drop & Swap (D&S.)

In this book, you’ll learn how D&S can jazz up a pattern, making gorgeous stripes with minimal effort. There are way less ends to weave in when using D&S because you simply carry your non-working yarns up the sides. When you’re finished, you crochet around the edges so you’ll never know those strands are there. Brilliant!

Previous image

Next image

25% off, this weekend only!

LYS Weekend

Posted on September 20, 2021September 20, 2021 by Sati <3

So much fun!

It isn’t often that I get to go off and do something fun. Last weekend, at the first LYS Weekend event in Charlotte, NC was so much more than fun; it was AMAZING!

Just to catch you up if hadn’t seen my posts about it, last weekend Universal Yarn teamed up with a bunch of other yarn and fiber companies to bring us the first ever LYS Weekend event. Erin and I were invited to attend, and it was not open to the public. While there, we got to meet so many wonderful people in the yarn and fiber industry, talk shop with other yarn store owners, and sample goods from various vendors. Sunday Social hour rounded out the first night, and on Monday I was able to place a couple of orders for the shop before heading back to SC.

ROAD TRIP!

As moms who feel like we rarely get to sit down, much less take time for ourselves, a simple one-night trip to NC felt like a real weekend getaway for Erin and me. We loaded the car full of snacks, picked out a bunch of great music, and made a couple of coffee stops along the way. We took our time and laughed so hard, about everything and nothing, that this trip felt like a true vacation.

Thankfully traffic worked out in our favor. There’s nothing I hate worse than sitting on the interstate, especially with all this coffee… that sometimes makes for an emergency situation! We did not take a wrong exit, and when we did want to stop for something, the places we chose were open. It was good luck all the way.

Once we got there, we discovered that the early check-in I asked for didn’t mean anything, so… even though we were there at noon, we had to wait til 4pm to get our room! Oh well, slightly unfortunate, but no big deal. We went on down to the LYS Weekend vendors area after a quick snack, and decided to go ahead with the show while we waited for our room.

So many amazing vendors

I’ll be honest; neither of us had ever been to anything like this. We didn’t really know what to expect. How many people were going to be in there? Were there going to be presentations? Wait, is this going to be super salesy, where were locked in a conference room for 4 hours like a timeshare presentation but with yarn???

When we got through with registration (and got our super awesome wooden name tags, generously made for everyone by Katrinkles!) we looked at our map and got started visiting with the vendors. We needn’t have worried about anything because we soon discovered that this was just about the most fun you could have as a LYS!

We started with Bryson Distributing, where we met the lovely ladies Julie and Tammi. They made us feel right at home, answered all of our questions, and offered us a few free gifts. These ladies were so warm and eager to get to know us. As two newcomers to the LYS world, we were grateful to them for all of their help.

From there, we visited with Yonca and Heather at Universal Yarn, then Leticia of Malabrigo. The sweet ladies at the Katrinkles table were so nice, and everyone at Tahki and Trendsetter Yarns were so knowledgeable and ready to help answer all of our questions.

But the YARN!! I mean, let’s not forget why we came, yeah? My very favorite setup was Skacel. In fact, they so impressed me that, even though I did not currently carry any of their wares, I placed an order for a whole new yarn line! All of the vendors were set up beautifully, and every single one had gift bags of freebies to give to us to thank us for coming out. We made off with a huge haul, and thanks to these amazingly wonderful yarny folks, we now have two new yarn lines on the way to shop right now. Take a look at more pics below. Click on each for the caption.

I wore my Gradiate top on day 1, and got tons of compliments :)

Sueno Tweed, by Skacel, was far and away my favorite yarn. i loved it so much, I've ordered the whole line and it's on its way to the shop.

I adored these "insta-gradients" and I think everyone else did, too! They're on my list of new lines for Spring.

Katrinkles made me swoooooon. I'm planning a big order right now!

And.... more Katrinkles. Can you tell I love them? haha

Cobblestone by Universal is such a super fun yarn!

There were really just too many yarns to even try to list.

Suffice it to say, everyone brought only the best of their best.

As always, nobody can top a Panera breakfast.

Sati Glenn of Rows & Roses and Yonca Ozbelli of Universal Yarns

Previous image

Next image

Best Trip EVER!

In case you hadn’t gathered as much, this LYS Weekend trip was positively delightful. I can’t wait for next year! Erin and I will be better prepared to make the most out of it.

If you haven’t been into the shop lately, you’ll want to come in sometime in the next week or two to check out the new yarns which are due to arrive any day now. Big plans, big growth, and a really big deal: that’s our Rows & Roses Yarn & Fiber. Swing by and see what’s happening!