Upcoming Events & Classes!

Did you know that Saturday, June 14th is World Wide Knit & Crochet in Public Day?  Come join us for some public crafting complete with refreshments at Nana's Yarn Stash - 10200 Corrales Rd Ste C1

Also, I have another exciting upcoming workshop!

On Saturday, June 29th, I'll be teaching my Gauge & Blocking workshop at Nana's Yarn Stash in Albuquerque. You can find the details on my Classes page. Please contact Patsi at 505-900-1939 to register. Space is limited.

Another year, more changes!

I've been very remiss in my posts. No good reason, just busy.

And, there is a lot to be busy with.

I'm happy to announce that in addition to online sales with Practical Stitchcraft, Dye Monkey Yarns is now available for in shop sales at Nana's Yarn Stash at 10200 Corrales Rd, Ste C1 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

And, I'm also teaching again. You'll see I now have a Classes tab above. Classes are being hosted at Nana's Yarn Stash. I'll be beginning with my Forensic Knitting class.

My Forensic Knitting class is designed to help knitters learn to read their knitting, become familiar with the architecture of knit stitches, and encourages live stitch fixes over frogging. I have found this class encourages confidence in newer knitters, eliminates frustration, and builds a fearlessness in the craft. 

Be sure to check out the class description and reach out to Pasty at Nana's Yarn Stash for more information or to inquire about future dates and other class offerings.

Whoosh! That year went quick...

Punk Rock Parakeet on Folk Monkey Fingering

Well, here I am. I've been back at the dye pots for a year now. I'm sorry you haven't heard from me sooner; life has been full of surprises this past year. It's also been full of lots of fun yarn dyeing and crafting.  

I've got a number of new colorways, as well as a couple of old favorites in stock over at Practical Stitchcraft.  Be sure to check out Heather's site. She is a force of nature. Despite her full-time job, she is still offering in-person classes, occasional virtual classes (with more to come), pop-up events, all while still working the tech-editing side of her business, helping designers produce patterns that are size inclusive and fully comprehensive.  

Phew! Like I said... force of nature.  

And my yarn is only a small part of her shop's story. She offers a full line of notions, accessories and several commercial yarns, with more to come, as well as tools, kits and supplies for the embroiderers out there.  It's a lot, and I'm very proud to have my little space in her world.

And... yup, you guessed it, there is more: Meet-ups! Check her site, get connected and join the public meet-ups. Generally, there is one (often more) meet-up per month in Albuquerque, open to the public, open to ALL crafts, and featuring in-person deliveries of orders and often even a full shop pop-up to let you get your hands on the yarns and see them side-by-side in person.  

I love the meet-ups. Locations vary, often have food opportunities near-by, and I'm yet to attend one that was in a poorly lit venue.  This crafting community is friendly, generous, and supportive. Bring your project, share your craft, or just hang out and chat if you need communal time.  There is never pressure or obligation.  All are welcome.

I'm back and so's my yarn!

Wednesday's Child on Tap Monkey

I'm very proud to announce that I've been pulled back out of retirement, and will be dyeing yarns exclusively for Practical Stitchcraft!

Yarns will become available online beginning Saturday, April 8th at 10am MST 

I'm creating lots of new colorways, so be sure to follow @Practical.Stitchcraft on Instagram and bookmark the website. 

In addition to my yarns, Practical Stitchcraft carries a wonderful assortment of tools and notions including a full line of hooks and needles. 

If you are local to Albuquerque be sure to check out upcoming events and if you're interested in learning to knit, or just need some help with a particular project, be sure to check out the class offerings. 

Have you ever heard of a whisper campaign?

Okay, so, it's like this...

On the down low, under the table maybe, or even something someone might have said to someone else that you happened to overhear, but certainly not a rumor, because really, we are above those things...

There was a monkey spotted recently placing a large order for yarn base. Another monkey was overheard placing an order for dye chemicals. Perhaps a third monkey - or maybe they were all the same monkey, was seen in communications with an industry business owner about stocking product. Wait, WHAT?!?!?

Watch this space. Follow DyeMonkeyYarns on Instagram. Be in the know.

Organized or Obsessed?

 

I recently purchased a couple circular needles for a project and upon receipt, employed them immediately. Not too far into that project I discovered that I needed to change needles due to a gauge issue. When I checked my needle stock, I found I was going to have to purchase needles again to fill that need. I found this really frustrating and decided it was time to update my inventory list on Ravelry, and, if I was going to have to place another order, should really use my inventory list to ascertain gaps that needed filling.

To be sure I was getting an accurate inventory, I cleared the needle list I had in Ravelry and started from zero. I went through all my needle cases. I gathered project bags. I listed each needle, even designating brands. I then created a separate spreadsheet for my circulars that I could color-code and manipulate to get a better handle on gaps and my needs.

I placed my order - a Christmas gift to myself - and purchased needles.

When the needles arrived, I pulled out my handy spreadsheet, filled in the newest additions and calculated how I could store them to make best use of my needle cases. I color coded my inventory spreadsheet and pulled out my handy label maker and went to work re-organizing my entire circular needle collection. 

Approximately two hours later, very proud of myself, I had one complete, hyper organized circular collection, complete with laminated reference charts. I was never going to buy duplicates again, I was always going to know not only that I had the needle, but where to find it. I rewarded myself with a little knitting time on the sofa. I settled in, pulled out my project bag and immediately found two circular needles I'd missed, and recently replaced. 

Spreadsheets are editable and there is always a knitting friend who can make use of your duplicate needles if you can't find another project to cast on.