Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Quietly busy

Although we've been quiet here on the blog, we can't stop talking about our plans for next year. We love producing YarnCon, and organizing other yarny events throughout the year, and we want to bring Chicago more of the Yarny Goodness. There are so many talented and creative fiber artists we want to bring to your attention, and we are working on fun new ways (including YarnCon, of course) of introducing them to you. But, we can use your help, while helping you get some holiday shopping done at the same time. Please help us raise funds by purchasing our limited edition YarnCon print.

Each print is signed and numbered by Chicago artist, Alex Uribe. For a mere $30 you can have this great poster, and know that you're helping promote Chicago area artists. Thanks!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Thank you for a great second year!

Thanks go out to everyone who helped make YarnCon 2008 such a big success: our fabulous vendors, amazing volunteers, and all the enthusiastic shoppers and supporters who came out by the hundreds! It was a really great day, thanks to our wonderful Chicago crafting community.




More pictures available in our Flickr pool (feel free to join and add your own!):

http://www.flickr.com/groups/yarnconchicago

Want to make sure you're in the loop for next year? Email us at info@yarnygoodness.com, and we'll keep you up to date.

Monday, September 29, 2008

YarnCon is almost here!

Things are getting exciting over here as we get the final pieces in place for YarnCon 2008 on Saturday, Oct. 4th!

We have great vendors, classes and more in store for you this year. We're so thrilled that we commissioned a commemorative poster, designed by Chicago artist (and my brother), Alex Uribe. Want a peek?

These hand-printed posters are signed and numbered (there are only 30, and #1 is being raffled, so you'll want to buy yours early) by the artist. Isn't it lovely? We'll have them for sale at the front along with the YarnCon shirts and pins.

We can't wait to see you on Saturday!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Support for a fellow yarn lover

Our friend and fellow knitter, Kristy, is raising money for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. She and her husband are participating in AIDS Run / Walk Chicago 2008, and she is giving you a major incentive to donate: a knitters raffle! Check out details on donating and all the great prizes you can win at kristyland.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Check out our great vendors!

We've posted the vendor list for 2008! Hooray! There are still more updates to the list to come, so please keep an eye on it. It keeps getting better!

Less than a month to go!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

the YarnCon Family's newest member

Things have been pretty slow around this blog in the past month or so, and sometimes that's just how it goes. Sometimes other life events take precedence over even something as fun and exciting as our beloved YarnCon...

...like Natalia having her baby! He's here, and he's a doll. Details and a super cute pic are available here:
http://www.evil-eye-emporium.com/wordpress/

In the meantime, YarnCon plans are still humming along. The big day is less than two months away at this point, and we need you! (Yes, you!) If you're interested in volunteering (i.e., indulging your yarn fetish for a day in exchange for a small amount of work), please email us at info@yarnygoodness.com.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

We're a thing to do!

YarnCon is mentioned as a "Thing to do and apply for" over at Handmade Nation. We, of course, could not agree more. Although the application deadline has passed, we do have a waiting list, so if you were thinking about, you can still get an application in for a vendor spot. We are also looking for people who would like to share their fibery knowledge, so if you would like to teach a class, please contact us.

We're really excited about how this year's YarnCon is shaping up. Not only will there be the fabulous vendors, but we also have some exhibitions in the works, a Stitching Lounge where you can hang out with like minded yarn-lovers, and even more good stuff to come!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

WWKIP Day

We had a fantastic turnout at WWKIP Day in Millennium Park on Saturday. At least 93 people were in attendance throughout the day! The weather was picture perfect, and security was baffled. We actually did overwhelm security a bit, but the end result is that we will work with the park to have an even better spot in Millennium Park next year, in the lawn, with actual shade! We want to thank Kate, Lis, Katie and Captain for helping us put this year's event together. They came to us with new ideas which really made this year better than ever, and were there to help throughout the day. Also, thanks to Kate's boyfriend for making the sign:


WWKIP Day!
Photo taken by Sara.

And thanks to everyone who came out to knit, crochet and spin in public. We had a wonderful time, and we are already looking forward to next year.

It was a day of great successes, including the yarn swap run by Katie, and a collection of yarn, books and tools for Interim House run by Lis. So successful that we need your help to ship this generous donation over to them. If you could please give a few dollars to help us ship everything over, we would be eternally grateful. Any money collected that goes over the shipping total will be sent to Interim House as well.

You can contribute to shipping by clicking on the paypal donation button below:



Check out how much was collected over the course of the afternoon:

Donations collected for Interim House

And more was added after the picture was taken! As you can see, we really can use your help to pay for shipping, that is a whole lot of yarn! Thanks to everyone who contributed.

You can see the rest of the pictures at the Flickr WWKIP Day Chicago 2008 Pool.

Monday, June 9, 2008

YarnCon can't stop planning events

How much do we love playing with yarn? So much that we are back again, this time bringing you World Wide Knit in Public Day in Chicago. WWKIP Day has been celebrated in Chicago's Millennium Park for 4 years now, and we took over organizing the event last year. This year we have additional help from some fine ladies we met on Ravelry.

Join us for a fun filled day of knitting and crocheting and spinning in public on June 14th (this Saturday) from Noon to at least 4pm in the pavilion behind the "faces" fountains in Millennium Park. We suggest you bring something to sit on, sunscreen, and plenty to drink. Of course, given our location, there are lots of great places to get something to eat and drink, so the choice is yours.

The first 100 people to stop by our welcome table will receive a Yarn Crawl in a bag! There will also be a yarn swap, and collection for Interim House, so bring that yarn you know you're not going to use, and trade it or give it to folks who can really use it. There will also be a group sewing up Afghans for Afghans rectangles (7" x 9"), so if you have those, or are looking for easy knitting while you chat with your friends, bring those rectangles along.

We'll also be accepting applications for YarnCon, so if you have been thinking of applying, but haven't gotten around to it, stop by and see us at the welcome table! We'll even have the forms printed and waiting for you, so no more excuses!

YarnCon Chicago Wants You!

We know you are out there, you make yarn, yarny tools and accessories, create new patterns, embellish lovely items with yarny themes, write yarny books. You just need somewhere to sell those goods. Well, what are you waiting for? Apply to be a vendor at YarnCon 2008!

Perhaps teaching or demonstrating your craft is more your style. You are in luck, we need you as well. Drop us a line at info@yarnygoodness.com.

We want YarnCon to be the event you turn to for all things yarny. To hang out and play with yarn, to learn about yarn, to buy and sell yarn and yarny tools. But we need your help to make it happen. Last year was fantastic, but we can't stop there! We know there is more yarny love to share!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

YarnCon loves YarnSchool

I can't believe it took me so long to post about Yarn School. It could have something to do with the fact I have had a hard time tearing myself away from my spinning wheel and all of the wonderful fiber I brought back with me.

We had such an amazing time at Yarn School, we didn't want to leave. As if learning all about making yarn by hand from really talented people (we were a bit star-struck at getting to meet Adrian from Hello Yarn, Sarah from Maisy Day Handspun and Jennifer of Whirled Yarn) wasn't enough to make us giddy, being surrounded by like-minded people, the freedom to experiment with an almost limitless supply of fiber, and being fed fabulous food was enough to make us want to move in. Thanks to Nikol and her fabulous helpers for putting together a great event.

We came home with bags full of fiber, cameras full of pictures, new yarny skills, and even more enthusiasm for this year's YarnCon*!



*I didn't know I could get even more excited about YarnCon!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Yeay for Bobmas!

So, how did everyone enjoy Bobmas Eve, and Bobmas day? Sara and I had grand plans of visiting a number of Yarn Stores on Thursday, but Chicago is large, the weather was bad, and traffic was worse. But, we did manage to attend two parties that night, and I was able to attend one Bobmas day party on Friday.

On Bobmas Eve we visited Knitting Workshop at its fabulous new location.

Welcome to Knitting Workshop!

We were welcomed to join the knitters at the table, once we had a chance to check out the new store, and grab some snacks.

Enjoying Bobmas Eve at the new Knitting Workshop

Jessica at Knitting Workshop

The other reason we could not visit more stores is that once you are surrounded by knitters, and have your own knitting out, the time flies, and you are in no hurry to leave. But, after Sara finished weaving the ends in to her lovely new scarf, we decided it was time to visit at least one more shop.

Sara models her freshly completed scarf

From Knitting Workshop, it was off to Loopy Yarns. The night was winding down at Loopy (they stayed open late for us, how cool is that?), but there was still much fun to be had, and cupcakes and Bobtinis to consume (I stuck to the yummy cupcakes), not to mention yarn to fondle.

Surrounding the Bobtinis

Kirstin, Megan and Zoe

On Friday I took a trip down to Beverly to check out the Bobmas fun at My Sister's Knits. Right away I was greeted with Grandma's super comfy love seat, cupcakes and tea. What I had planned as a short visit became a longer one, but not long enough in my opinion. I had a great time meeting Carol, and her lovely Golden Retrievers, Goldie and Cody, plus a great bunch of knitters. I can't wait to go back.

My Sister's Knits

Bobmas at My Sister's Knits

Cody

We obviously need more yarn holidays!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Maybe you wanted still another place to celebrate?

Then here it is:

Mosaic Yarn Studio in Des Plaines will have their Knit & Crochet Night on Thursday from 6-8pm, with added Bobmas goodness. Added goodness includes free pizza and 20% off sock yarn, including Koigu!

(I must remember to not eat before leaving for all of these parties!)

I've already created a flickr group for pictures of the festivities, so please take your cameras, and add them to the group.

And a celebration on Bobmas Day!

I'm so happy to add yet another place to celebrate the fun that is Ravelry, My Sister's Knits! They will have their celebration during their Friday Knit Night, and it will include cupcakes! Who doesn't love cupcakes?

My Sister's Knits will celebrate Bobmas (Raverly’s one year anniversary)
on Friday, April 11th
Why not do it during our open Knit Night?
So from 6:30pm - 8:30pm there will be a 20% store-wide discount & a prize for those of you who shop.
Cupcakes & Tea will be served.
Hope to see you all there.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Another place to celebrate Bobmas Eve

We have a new addition to the list of places to celebrate Bobmas Eve on April 10th, Chix with Stix!

Chix with Stix
7316 W. Madison St
Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: 708-366-6300

Chix with Stix will be open until 9pm, and serving wine, snacks, and 10% off all yarn. Plus, Howie will be there as Bob’s Proxy!

So, how are you planning to celebrate? Will you go to your favorite LYS? The most local? Or are you planning a yarn crawl? I wish I could teleport so I could visit them all at least for a few minutes.



Thursday, March 27, 2008

Bobmas Eve celebrations!

This post isn't about YarnCon per se, but it's in support of the yarny arts without a doubt. In honor of Ravelry, Natalia and I asked the Chicagoland LYSes if they'd be up for each hosting their own Bobmas Eve party (to spread the love around our rather large city), and the response has been fantastic! We've heard back from 8 stores so far. Below are the details. If you don't see your favorite store, call 'em up and ask them if they're planning anything!

**********************************
Arcadia Knitting
1613 W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
773-293-1211

Arcadia is pleased to join in the Bobmas Eve celebration! Come by for fun and festivities -- we'll be open until 8pm.

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Knit 1
3823 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
773-244-1646

Knit1 will be open until 9pm on Thursday, April 10. Come celebrate the first annual observance of Bobmas Eve and enjoy snacks, beverages, and a special sale on select yarns in honor of the event!

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Knitting Workshop
2115 N. Damen (new location!)
Chicago, IL 60647
773-929-5776

The Knitting Workshop will be open until 9pm on Thursday, April 10, and welcomes all Ravelry revelers. Come join us for light refreshments -- wine, cheese, etc. -- and celebrate Bobmas Eve.

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Knitwerks
1934 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL 60616
312-949-9276

Knitwerks will be open and celebrating Bobmas Eve with snacks and lots of knitting fun! Come join us until 8pm.

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Loopy Yarns
719 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-583-YARN (9276)

Loopy Yarns' Bobmas Eve party will be from 6 to 8pm with selected sale yarns and beverages. We will be closing early to host this holiday celebration for Ravelry members!

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nina
a well-knit shop
1655 w. division st.
Chicago, IL 60622
773 486.8996

For Bobmas Eve, Nina will be offering:
- Wine & Nibbles
- Ravelry FO Fashion Show (a chance for people to wear and show off finished objects they've posted on Ravelry)
- Prizes
- 20% off all purchases during the evening (from 5-8pm)

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Sister Arts Studio
721 W. Wrightwood
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-7274

Bobmas Eve Mother & Daughter Creative Night (ages 7+)
April 10th - 6:30 - 9:30
* Bring your daughter...if no daughter bring a sister or friend!
* Bring your current needle work project; knitting, crochet, felting, tatting, embroidery etc..
* Bring a beverage or snack to share and receive 10% off your yarn or craft-kit purchase!

**********************************
Woolly Lamb Yarn Studio
6007 N. Nina Ave.
Chicago, IL 60631
773-631-6208

Woolly Lamb will be participating in the Bobmas Eve celebrations, as well! Please call our shop for details.

Friday, March 7, 2008

A shout out

A big shout out to Carrie M. for listing YarnCon on Yelp! Thanks for the support, Carrie!

Sunday, March 2, 2008

YarnCon 2008! Now taking applications!

We're back for another year of Yarny Goodness! YarnCon 2008 takes place on October 4 at the fabulous Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. Please download the application and either mail it to us on the address at the bottom of the form with your pictures, or email us the answers, and attach or link to your pictures. Applications are due June 15, 2008. We plan to make this year's YarnCon even bigger and better than last year's event. We'll have more information to come, as well as questions for you about how to make this event everything you want it to be.