Happy Valentine's Day! I know it has been a very long time since you have heard from me last. I thought about sharing the short story, but even that was too long to tell and most likely not a very good read. So, after much thought, I decided that I would just start right where I am now. But, like exercising, when you stop for a long time you can not start back up where you left off, unfortunately: I have tried that and it hurts! So will be the case with Yarn Stashio. More on this to come.

Back to the challenge, should you be brave enough to join me.

YARN STASHIO CHALLENGE #1:
Level of Expertise is VERY EASY

Dig into your stash of completed knit items to find your top favorite Yarn Stashio garment AND wear it at least once in the next 7 days: report back with comments!! Got more than one, wear them all (not all at the same time mind you). I did this recently and was shocked at how much I loved to wear some of the things I made and how timeless the colors turned out to be. I forgot how many compliments I used to get when I did! My favorite color ways include Mallard, Pink Poodle, Cappuccino and Tapestry. Which one is your favorite?

YARN STASHIO CHALLENGE #2:
Level of Expertise is EASY to INTERMEDIATE

Dig into your stash of UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) to find a yet to be knit or yet to be finished Yarn Stashio project AND start back up within the next 7 days. Stick with it until completed, wear it and report back with comments! I finished up a scarf, a capelet and am working to finish a totally amazing super large chevron shawl all of which will become Yarn Stashio kits in the future.

So, that is it. Time to fall in love again with Yarn Stashio! Please join me as we continue our venture into the wonderful exploration of color and texture knitting to rediscover our creative selves. It is time to spice it back up again, forget those all one color cable sweaters and the $30 pairs of socks. Let's have some fun again doing what we love: knitting with beautiful yarns to create one of a kind luxury items that will make us feel great when we wear them!

God Bless,
Kristine

Well, it is that time of the year again. I am off to TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) Convention in Columbus the first weekend in June. I am so blessed to be able to attend! The conference is for only open to yarn shop owners and designers. I am able to attend because of my two designs for Plymouth Yarn Company that were published in Creative Knitting a while back giving me the necessary designer status.

This year I am going with a purpose: to gather together everything necessary to introduce my new line of easy to make, super fun purse kits that will be called ARM CANDY: limited edition work of art purse kits that can be knit, crocheted or a combination of both. There will only be 5-10 kits in each color way. I am hoping to make Signature Scarf Kits to match, if I can. And also to include a no-knit Love Me Knot Scarf Pattern with each purse kit that can be made from left over yarns after completing your ARM CANDY PURSE.

ARM CANDY PURSES will be various sizes: these two sizes (bigger ones to follow) will have a detachable handle allowing the purse to be a clutch, a hand bag or a shoulder bag! My daughter is working on some optional beaded handles as well allowing you to have basically four purses in one. Take the handle off or add the beaded handle to dress it up for a night on the town or add the more durable handle for everyday use. Slip off this handle anytime to turn it into a clutch in just a few seconds!

Each kit will be named after the part of the world from which I get its inspiration. The first four will be called: Serengeti, Fall in New England, Caribbean and Museum of Modern Art. The three larger purses shown measure 9" by 6" by 3 1/2" plus the handle. The smaller one measures 7 1/2" by 5" by 3" plus the handle.

OK, so here they are:



Each kit will contain about 30 different yarns, the purse form, purse handle, hand made dichoric glass button, magnetic fastener, lining material, extremely detailed pattern with lots of photos, special needle for sewing up the purse form, Love Me Knot Scarf Pattern and so much more: kit could contain ribbons, beads, dyed silk cocoon pods as well as other fun embellishments. Each color way kit will be unique in its use of special adornments to go with the theme of the color.

I would love to hear from you as to which color you would like to see introduced first. Detailed photos below for each color to help in your decision. Please email me with your vote, whichever color gets the most votes will be the first kit available. I do need to knit up one more color way to take detailed step by step photos for the final pattern.

I know these may look intimidating, but I assure they are NOT! You know me. I like to make these look impossible so you get all those rave reviews, but my engineering brain likes to simplify everything. These kits truly look incredible but they are so easy and so fun, you will have a hard time accepting all the compliments! Each purse takes about 2-3 nights to whip it up. Each will be totally unique but the resulting colors will look like the purses shown no matter how you knit or crochet your very own ARM CANDY.

So, cast your vote now. In order, Serengeti, Fall in New England, Caribbean and Museum of Modern Art.









I hope you are as excited about these new kits as I am. I have been working on them for quite some time and have become very addicted in the process. Now it is time to see if your fav is the same as mine! But then candy is candy and an assortment is always the best! Why have just one?

Hope to hear from you soon and I will do my best to get the kits up on the web site after my return from TNNA.

Happy Knitting Always,
God Bless,
Kristine
Yarn Stashio

Link to my AUCTIVA/Ebay storefront for sale items: Yarn Stashio Ebay Sale

Just a quick note to let you know that I am in the process of selling some of my most precious high end yarns and kits on Ebay: yarns like Prism Wild Stuff, Prism Cool Stuff, Prism Impressions, other yarns in the Prism line up as well yarns like Lorna's Laces Samplers, Tilli Tomas, Tilli Tomas Tote Kits, Fiesta La Boheme, K1C2, Great Adirondack Surprise and Louisa Harding, just to name a few. If you have been in the market for a good deal on some of the best yarns out there, now is your chance. Yarn Stashio Ebay Sale

I am doing this to make room in my Stashio to get ready for next fall on the web site. I have a lot of new yarns to post and new ideas for knitters like myself, who may have too many scarves but are never going to be sock or sweater knitters! If I see one more all one color cable sweater, I think I am going to scream, if you know what I mean. So stay tuned on that front.

Since all my listings are being hosted by auctiva.com, they have allowed me to create a web page that will have my Ebay listings currently running all in one place.  Yarn Stashio Ebay Sale There will be some household items listed as well from time to time, but I will try to keep yarn items up at all times, as best I can. Here is that link again: Yarn Stashio Ebay Sale Please bookmark that page and check back often as the listings will change quickly. It is Ebay.

I know the Yarn Stashio Store is very low on inventory and I apologize for that. The holidays, as well as getting into the 2008 Pattern A Day Knitting Calendar for March 29th and 30th, has depleted my stock considerably. I have submitted several patterns for the 2009 calendar as well and will be hearing back soon as to which ones were accepted. The Yarn Stashio Simple Shrug is the free pattern for 2008.

Meanwhile, enjoy the Ebay deals and if you have some ideas as to what you would like to see for kits and projects in the fall, please drop me a line. I would love to hear from you!

God Bless,
Kristine Strange
Yarn Stashio

We have all heard of finding our "soul mate". I have always heard it in reference to marriage, haven't you? I never thought of it in terms of friends, or a girl friend, until I lost my dear friend Amy last December. I knew she was very important to me, but I had no idea just how much until she was gone. It took me months to even be able to pick up my knitting needles or play with new designs without thinking of her and what she meant to me. I was so much more of who I could be because of her and I miss her with all my heart.

I happened to watch the Bette Midler movie "Beaches" the other night and it just brought back all I felt for Amy and how much I truly miss her. There is a line in the movie where Ceci Bloom (Bette Midler) has been devastated by the loss of her friendship with Hillary (Barbara Hershey) when she shouts at her and says "You took away our friendship, the most important thing in my life, and didn't even discuss it with me!" That is how I feel. The loss has been so hard. Amy, wherever you are, you were the wind beneath my wings. I may never fly again as high as I did with you by my side. I miss you so much and always will. To Amy, With love.

Losing Amy, was the beginning of several losses, unfortunately. I lost my Aunt Lindy in April, the Aunt that I am most like, after she battled Parkinson's Disease for over 10 years. I have her to thank for bubble baths, candles, pretty packages with big bows and most of the "fluff" in my life. She is why each Yarn Stashio purchase is carefully wrapped to look like the gift that it should be. I will miss her very much.

Then, on May 29th, my father-in-law, Shelby went to be with the Lord. We have been caring for him extensively for the past six years, both in our home and at a nearby Memory Care Home. He fell fracturing his hip on Friday before Memorial Day. Although he made it through the surgery on Saturday, he never made it through mentally due to his severe dementia. He was laid to rest in Ann Arbor, MI next to his wife of nearly 60 years. This has been quite a blow to our family and especially my husband, an only child with no surviving parents. It is both a relief and a loss which only adds to the confusion of emotions.

I felt I needed to explain my absence these past few months. I am ready now to get back to the wonderful world of yarns and fibers. Immediately following the funeral, I was able to attend The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) yearly convention in early June with my MOM! We were like kids in a candy store, staying up late, knitting and chatting and just enjoying the mother/daughter time. It was very special. Of course, seeing all that yarn in one place sparked many wonderful ideas and directions for Yarn Stashio! Thank you for your support these past few months and be on the look out for lots of new things soon. Happy knitting always!

God Bless,
Kristine
Yarn Stashio
yarnstashio@aol.com

A quick note to annouce the addition of the new Yarn Stashio Hand Beaded Stitch Markers.

     

These wonderful markers are hand made with love by my 11 year old daughter, Kaylyn. She is the beader in the family and I am thrilled to be able to bring the beaurty of beads to the Yarn Stashio line. You will see more and more of them used in future designs. So far, she has created bead dangles for the Tapestry Wrap (pattern coming soon) and the soon to be announced Isosceles Wrap. She will also gladly design custom bead dangles for your project needs.



"Designs by Kaylyn" is her own business. She will be creating beaded stitch markers in all sizes and colors, beaded purse handles and will be glad to design custom jewelry to coordinate with any Yarn Stashio Colorway of your choice. She is very creative and very good at what she does. I may have an eye for yarns but she has the eye for beads!

The stitch markers come in a set of five, one of which is unique so that it can be used as a beginning of row marker. If you need more than five and there are not multiple sets available, please email us as yarnstashio@aol.com and we will gladly create a set in any quantity, color or needle size you need. 

We have come up with several wonderful ways to use the stitch markers as jewelry when they are not in a knitting project. To learn more about "Designs by Kaylyn" and some inspirational photos, please check out the "Yarn Stashio Beaded Stitch Markers as Jewelry" photo gallery.

To help jump start her business, first 10 customers who purchase one or more sets of her new beaded stitch markers, Yarn Stashio (Mom) will be offering a free black choker necklace and pair of surgical steel pierced earring wires (shown below) for your stitch markers.  Here is an example of how a set of stitch markers would look as a necklace and earring set:



These are so fun, I suspect you may want to purchase them as jewelry and they may never see a pair of knitting needles! Please take a moment to check out the new stitch markers. And remember, like all Yarn Stashio things, they are all very limited quantities and when they are gone, they are gone forever.

Happy Knitting Always,
God Bless,
Kristine and Kaylyn Strange
yarnstashio@aol.com 

It's my birthday on Monday and I thought what better way to say thank you for a great year, than to offer all of the various shawl pins at an unbelievable price for one day, January 29th. No, I am not telling how old I am, just inviting you to the party!

Prices shown on January 29th will be the discounted prices. No special codes to enter upon checkout. So, on Monday, January 29th, the prices on all shawl pins and brooches will be as follows:

20% off all Exotic Wood Shawl Pins



30% off all Exotic Wood Stix (can be used as hair pins, too!)



40% off all Swarovski Brooches (add to purses, scarves, sweaters and shawls!)



Each pin is gift boxed or gift wrapped, so stock up for yourself and don't forget everyone else on your gift list for the year. All are one of kind, so if you have had your eye on one of these for a while, shop early, you will not want to miss out. Remember, prices shown on January 29th will be the discounted prices. No special codes to enter upon checkout. Retail prices will be in effect on January 30th.

Thank you for coming to my party!
Happy Knitting Always,
God Bless
Kristine at Yarn Stashio
yarnstashio@aol.com

YARN STASHIO is instituting a new way to announce new designs as they are created. From now on, when  a new design becomes available, it will be part of the "Free Pattern with Purpose Program." What this means is that for 2 weeks the new design pattern will be FREE with the purchase of enough yarn to complete that new design in any color way of your choice. The design will not be available for sale until the two weeks is up, at which point it will be sold as an individual pattern download and also added to the YARN STASHIO Pattern CD.

IN ADDITION, during that two week period, there will be a 10% discount on either the colorway used in that design, or a another designated colorway of our choosing.

So, to kick this program off, YARN STASHIO is announcing the newest scarf design called the Isosceles Scarf. It requires one Classic Hank  (shown) or two Signature Scarf kits. It is a fun and addicting way to knit a scarf. It goes rather quickly, well under 5 hours, requires no picking up of stitches and only uses the knit stitch! OK, there are a couple of trick things you have to do, but the 5 page pattern spells out the instructions line by line and explains all uncommon terms in detail along with several photos.

To receive the discount on the Tapestry Classic Hank upon checkout , enter the promo code: Tapestry
or to received the discount on the Tapestry Signature Scarf kit , upon checkout , enter the promo code: Tapestry2

After 1/31/2007, the Isosceles Scarf pattern will be available separtely as a download for $5 , and will be added to the YARN STASHIO Pattern CD which sells for $30 (always Free with $150 purchase).

The Isosceles Scarf is 5" wide and 85-90" long with the fringe. The pattern explains a very fun and easy way to create the fringe as you go along so that each fringe is totally unique and you are sure to not run out of yarn before adding the fringe!!

Here are a couple photos of the new Isosceles Scarf in Tapestry.








I hope you like this new design as much as I do. I have four of these in various YARN STASHIO color ways and I wear them all the time.

Happy knitting always,
God Bless
Kristine/YARN STASHIO
yarnstashio@aol.com

Due to the overwhelming response on the Designer Collection sale, there are only two sets remaining, both in Purple Mist. So, please do not delay if you have had this set in your sights.

Wondering what you might do with all that purple? I just had to share a photo of two versions of the Runway Scarf Pattern which was a collaboration of a YARN STASHIO customer and friend (who wishes to remain anonymous) and myself. She knit the one on the left in the Rustic colorway (recently retired) and I knit the other in the Purple Mist colorway. Both scarves are pure luxury and decadence at nearly 10" wide and over 100" long! The Purple Mist Designer Collection is enough yarn to make this scarf as well as have plenty left over for another fun project! The new Tapestry colorway would make an awesome Runway Scarf and look a lot like the one in Rustic. The Runway Scarf requires two YARN STASHIO Classic Hanks as well as several additional ribbons and yarns. More details later. The models below are Thea Doss (left) and Kaylyn Strange (my daughter, right), both age 11.





Here is a close up of the Runway Scarf in Purple Mist.



Happy knitting always,
God Bless
Kristine at YARN STASHIO
yanrstashio@aol.com

 

From now until January 15th, 2007, all YARN STASHIO Designer Collections will be 20% off. 

 

Each Collection includes the YARN STASHIO Pattern CD with over 20 original designs. The Designer Collection has enough yarn to make several items off the CD! Each Designer Collection includes hanks of multi-stranded yarns that are perfectly coordinated and ready to knit to the gauge specified. There are even coordinating beads that you can use to embellish your final design or make some coodinating earrings, if you like.



The YARN STASHIO Designer Collection will make 3-4 hanks of YARN STASHIO Classic Hank yarn. Which means for the sale price of $140 you will get about $240 of Classic Hank yarn, coodinating beads, and the YARN STASHIO Pattern CD which sells for $30, all gift wrapped up in beautiful gold organza! All total over $280! Now, THAT is hard beat!

There are directions on how to make both Signature and Classic yarn from these sets, if you prefer to do that instead of placing the colors where you want them in your design. These sets are perfect for most of the Jane Thornley Designs. Please write if you have any specific questions or need any design assistance.

When these sets are gone, they will be gone forever.
So, if you have been waiting for a sale, this is it!
God Bless
Kristine/YARN STASHIO
yarnstashio@aol.com