Malabrigo Yarn Update

Here's the latest from Malabrigo Yarn:

"I have good news and bad news.

The mill is still functional, there is very little damage, and we can start working as soon as the building is open, and after we have electricity back. We hope it will take less than a month but we don’t know as the firefighters are still working on it. After that the municipality has to inspect the building and say which areas are approved and which are to be closed. But basically is a problem of when, not how.

The bad news is that the offices, the lab and the warehouse are basically ruined, we may be able to recover some yarn, but most of it (among it 500 kilos of the sock on the works) is probably gone.

We will have to move the warehouse, we hope we will be able to keep dyeing in the building, but that depends on what the fire department and municipality say.

We think it will take us 20 to 30 days to be dyeing again, either there or at a new location.We had insurance which will help (in part) with the recovery, but nothing can pay for the time it will take us to be back in a situation where we can ship as before.

Thanks again for your prayers and best wishes, I’m in a down mood right now, just to see all that wasted yarn was heartbreaking, but I hope things will start to look much better next week."

Debbie Macomber Is Coming to"A Good Yarn Shop"In Prescott, Az

BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
“A GOOD YARN” IS COMING TO

A GOOD YARN

220 W. Goodwin StreetSuite #6

Prescott, AZ 86305

on
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008

for a

BOOK SIGNING
1:00-4 P.M.

Mystery Bag Knitalong...T Minus 12

For those of you who were waiting for yarns to arrive to complete your Mystery yarn kits - UPS delivered this morning. For those who have been waiting, now is the time to choose your yarn kit.

This Mystery Knitalong has far exceeded our expectations and has shown us the adventurous side of our customers. Jolly Good!

It's only 14 days till the fun begins.

For those who have signed up through 5pm today, you should have received your Yahoo Group invitation. If you haven't please check you junk mail. If it's not there, call us.

If you have ordered it from out of state, all orders will be going in the mail tomorrow.

For more details see the May 27th posting.

Fire in Malabrigo Plant - - Not Good!

Just received the following email from Malaybrigo:

"Last night, on May 29, 2008, the building where we have our mill in caught fire. The fire started in the floor below us and was bravely contained by the fire department of Montevideo . They were still fighting the flames this morning.

Even though our floor did not catch fire, it seems there is substantial damage on our mill and offices caused by the soot and smoke. We do not really know as the firefighters say that we cannot get into the building at least until tomorrow, if we can get in at all, as there is considerable structural damage.

As you may understand all deliveries are stopped until further notice, we hope we can resume our dyeing activities next week, probably in another location, but we will not know anything until we get inside the building.

We thank you for your continuing support and we hope to be up and running soon."

"Last Call" as Fred says for the Choose Your Own Adventure Retreat

Beat the Heat

Tempe Yarn & Fiber's 2nd Annual "Choose Your Own Adventure" retreat is the perfect chance to escape from the summer heat and enjoy the company of fellow knitters, crocheters, & spinners.

For all those who have already signed up for the retreat, please make sure you contact the hotel and make reservation.

For those who wish to attend the retreat but don't want to spend the night in the hotel, you can still attend the retreat and join the fun. Give us a call to get signed up.

When: Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th, 2008


Where: DoubleTree Guest Suites, 320 North 44th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. Group Room Rates have been negotiated as follows: Single $89, Double $89, Triple $99 and Quad $109 (plus tax). Hotel reservations must be made by June 1st to get the discount rate (the discount code will be provided when you register for the retreat).

Why: Retreating from the real world; immersing yourself in something you feel passionate about; being with others who "get it" about that skein of yarn, project, fluff of fiber or pattern; uninterrupted time to "be" with your projects; and sharing in the energy of having that many fiber people in one space.

Cost: A $25 Non-refundable Retreat Deposit is due at the time of registration. The Retreat Fee, which includes the $25 Retreat Deposit, is $120.

Last day to sign up for the Retreat: June 15th


Check out the details on the Registration Form.

What's covered by that Retreat Fee*:
- Space to sit and work in an air conditioned Conference Room, among other inspiring spinners, crocheters, and knitters, from 4:00-11:00 pm on Friday, and from 9:00 am-11:00 pm on Saturday

- Snacks and beverages on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night- Lunch in the Conference Room on Saturday

- A Yarn Tasting Friday night (you will receive small balls of different yarns to "taste", along with lots of ideas and samples to further tempt your yarn palate)

- A couple of small, fun activities on Saturday to give you a break from your "work"

- A special TYF Un+Ewe+Sual Challenge that, if you choose to accept it, will allow you to stretch your creative muscles before the Retreat so we can all be inspired by your ewe+nique creation

- Door prizes--and a special gift from TYF

Don't miss this chance to get away!

* Lodging is NOT included in the Retreat Fee.

Don't Be Left Out of theTYF Mystery Bag Knitalong

T Minus 15 Days

It seems that a lot of people really like a good Mystery!

Within 48 hours of announcing the Mystery Bag Knit-Along, we were sold out of two (Petroglyph and Dynasty) of the seven Yarn Kit color ways and a significant dent had been made in the others.


However, fear not, Sherlock has come up with a solution and more yarn is on its way (everything should be in place by Thursday).


If you haven't done a Mystery Knitalong before here's how it works: You'll purchase a Yarn Kit at Tempe Yarn & Fiber, choosing from 1 of 7 yarn colorways (see below) to make your own Mystery Bag.

You'll then be invited to join a private Yahoo group where you'll receive daily Clues, beginning on June 11th, for 23 days. As you complete the clues, you'll begin to see how the pieces fit together as the Mystery Bag evolves.


Here are the Yarn Kit color ways:

Questions & Answers:

When can I sign up?

Registration is now open! Simply stop by TYF and purchase your yarn kit and complete the Registration form.

What is the cost?

There is no cost to participate in the Mystery Bag Knitalong but you are required to purchase the Yarn Kit at TYF (which is approximately $40).

What is the yarn that's going to be used?

Cascade 220 Superwash

Do I have to use the Yarn Kit color ways?

No, you can select your own colors of Cascade 220 Superwash and purchase it as a Yarn Kit.

What is the skill level needed for this project?

Advanced Beginner to intermediate

What needles and other supplies will I need?
This information will be sent to you after you have signed up and joined the Yahoo Group.

Can knitters from other parts of the country participate?

Yes, if they purchase the Yarn Kit and complete the registration.

Will I be able to get help?

Support groups will meet weekly at TYF on Wednesday evenings (6-7pm) beginning June 11th and Friday mornings (11-12 am) beginning June 13th.

malabrigo Yarn Has Arrived!

In worsted we received:
Bobby Blue
Jewel Blue
Garnet
Marine
Roanoke Gold
Violetas
Verde Adriana
Emerald Blue
Forest
Verde Esperanza
Rich Chocolate
Stonechat
Marron Oscuro
Buscando Azul
Cabernet
Praline
Pale Khaki

Photos to follow

"Cotton Kisses" by PlymouthAmazing All-In-One Baby Sweater

Here is a picture of a completed "Cotton Kisses" baby sweater.

But this sweater started in a single 396 yard ball of yarn made of 51% Cotton, 42% Acrylic and 7% Nylon.

So what's the big deal? It's what's in the yarn ball itself (besides the yarn) that makes this so cleaver. Inside the ball you'll find the sweater pattern, plus the little duck buttons.

Mystery Knitalong Update

Mystery Knitalong

Update

(T-Minus 20 Days till Clue 1)

Do you enjoy a good mystery, but hate how it cuts into your knitting time?

Well, we have the perfect solution for you--a "Mystery Knitalong."

How does a Mystery Knitalong work?

You'll purchase a Yarn Kit at Tempe Yarn & Fiber, choosing from 1 of 7 yarn colorways (Hula Hoop, Petroglyph, Carnival, Monsoon, Forest, Dynasty, Sandstone) to make your own Mystery Bag.

You'll then be invited to join a private Yahoo group where you'll receive daily Clues, beginning on June 11th, for 23 days. As you complete the clues, you'll begin to see how the pieces fit together as the Mystery Bag evolves.

Questions & Answers:

When can I sign up?Registration is now open! Simply stop by TYF and purchase your yarn kit and complete the Registration form.

What is the cost?
There is no cost to participate in the Mystery Knitalong but you are required to purchase the Yarn Kit at TYF (which is approximately $40).

What is the yarn that's going to be used?
Cascade 220 Superwash

Do I have to use the Yarn Kit color ways?
No, you can select your own colors of Cascade 220 Superwash and purchase it as a Yarn Kit.

What is the skill level needed for this project?Advanced Beginner to intermediate

What needles and other supplies will I need?

This information will be sent to you after you have signed up and joined the Yahoo Group.

Can knitters from other parts of the country participate?
Yes, if they purchase the Yarn Kit and complete the registration.

Will I be able to get help?
Support groups will meet weekly at TYF on Wednesday evenings (6-7pm) beginning June 11th and Friday mornings (11-12 am) beginning June 13th.

Public Spin-In/Knit-In/Crochet-In A Great Success

Sunday's Spin-In/Knit-In/Crochet-In gathering outside of Harkins Theatres at the Tempe Marketplace drew over 25 folks and finally broke up at around 9:30 pm.

Why did we do this? To simply get together and spend a couple hours in a comfortable place with other fiber friends. Here are some pictures.

We want to thank Joyce and Edith for coming up with and making the arrangements for this event, as well as the great folks at Tempe Marketplace.

We'll plan on doing another one in the next couple months.

Yumiko Alexander from DanDoh DesignVisited TYF

Yumiko Alexander, internationally published designer from DanDoh Designs visited Tempe Yarn & Fiber today for a pattern signing and a reception.

On display during here visit were models from her earliest designs, which are part of her private collection, to her latest pattern (which has not yet been released).

Universal / FibraNatura "Heaven" Arrives

A yarn that's called Heaven has a lot to live up to. This one, from Universal Yarns, is a heavenly 50% Merino Wool / 50% Silk worsted blend that comes in 125-yard skeins.

With seven solids and six variegated colors, this is a great choice for those summer projects.

Heaven will be the yarn use in an upcoming pattern by Yumiko Alexander.

Come Join Us For a Public Spin-In/Knit-In/Crochet-In/ On Sunday May 18th

WHAT: Spin-In / Knit-In / Crochet-In

WHEN: Sunday, May 18th from 5:00 pm till dark

WHERE: At Tempe Marketplace (located on Rio Salado Parkway just west of the 101) at the couches in front of Harkins Theatres.

WHY: It's fun.

No reservations needed--simply come join us and bring your needles, hooks and/or spinning wheel and spend a couple of hours in a comfortable place with other Fiber People.

Questions: email Joyce at banadura1@yahoo.com

Yumiko Alexander's "Oak Creek" PatternIs Now Available

Knits Summer 2008 Magazine Available

Keep knitting all summer long with easy twenty-three projects that burst with color, pattern, and line: Slip stitches, stripes, stranded colorwork, intarsia, and embroidery all seem fresh and new when worked in silks and cool cottons. PLUS: Breezy lace, the real deal on the new regenerated yarns on the market, a look at the life of a commercial sweater designer, and a special interview with Meg Swansen with a bonus pattern.