Bakersfield Yarn Mavens

Road Trip!

2011-12-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

The suburban pulled out of the parking lot and hit the road this morning. The ladies had a mission and no one was keeping them from it. It was a nice drive with lively conversation.

First stop ~ Knit Together, A yarn and fiber boutique in Exeter.

The window showed beautiful hand knit scarves and shawls in addition to a spinning wheel and yarn hanks. Going inside the ladies were met by cubbies of yarn. They found a nice selection which included Madlinetosh; Artyarns; Handwerks; and Debbie Bliss, just to name a few. The color palette was wonderful.

Annie found a colorful hank of Handwerks. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Here Annie and Cookie are discussing a pattern with the owner.

And here Annie, Pat, Annie and Cookie are deciding if they really NEED that ball Annie is holding or if she needs a different color.

After spending a time with the yarn the ladies decided to whet their appetites at The Wildflower Cafe across the street. This is a cute little cafe that serves soup, sandwiches, salads and more. There is also a nice patio when the weather is nice.

Betsy, (the suburban) headed on down the road for a few miles and came upon another yarn shop.

Creekside Yarns, in Three Rivers

Oh my goodness, so much yarny goodness in one place is sometimes just a bit too much to take in at one time. The staff was very helpful when decisions had to be made.

Creekside carries a wide selection of yarn companies. Their stock is sorted and displayed according to color. In their back room there is a good selection of needles, notions and books.

The boxes on the top of the shelf are sock hand dyeing kits. Wow!

Little bags were secured and the suburban made the trek back home. Again lively conversation could be heard while pages turned. Ooooh's and aah's interjected as patterns turned up on the pages of magazines.

Change

2011-08-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Did you notice something different?

We (our local Ravelry group) decided to change our name.

We are the same group just a new name.

We are now BAKERSFIELD Yarn Mavens

A Day In The Mountains

2011-08-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Gail graciously opened her cabin in the woods to our group yesterday.

We enjoyed a potluck lunch (not everything was on the table at the time the photo was taken)

Chile Verde, Enchiladas, Salad, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad and Brownies

We took a bit of time to just breathe the fresh mountain air (elevation about 7200 ft)

Can you see what the thermometer says? 58 degrees!

We were joined by Gail's sons and border collie, Annie

And of course we spent time knitting!

Before yesterday I had never seen a Redwood tree...on our way back down the mountain we spotted this...

a cedar and a redwood...

they are sharing the same bit of earth...

World Wide Knit In Public Day

2011-06-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

If one was strolling around The Market Place in Bakersfield on Saturday they would have seen this: There were so many hand knitted socks in one place at the same time we just couldn't resist...

Some ladies, like Annie below, brought their spinning wheels

And Mollie accompanied Gail

and of course photos were being taken

We'd like to thank our local yarn stores for donating prizes for our drawings

Knit Happens donated a wonderful basket filled with lots of knitting goodies

ABC of Creative Pursuits donated a beautiful skein of hand dyed yarn
Classy Knits donated gift certificates (sorry we didn't a photo of the winners)

Members of the group also donated yarn, books, bags, notions for drawings also.

Knitters and spinners from Porterville, Lancaster, Palmdale, Alta Sierra, Lake Isabella, Bakersfield and Las Vegas all gathered for a few hours of enjoyment.

It was wonderful talking with everyone and admiring what each one was working on or had finished.

Socks, Socks and more Socks

2011-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today our group held our 'One Saturday A Month' meetup ~ Jen was a wonderful hostess and opened her home up for the meetup. Thanks Jen!

Everyone brought a dish ~ wonderful food!

After lunch we settled in the livingroom for a "Sock Class"...today's class was Cast On and Bind Off with a Short Row Heel thrown in. Amid laughs we all learned something

Thanks Suzanne...we loved being guinea pigs...

February Meetup

2011-02-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday out local group met at Lengthwise ~ it was nice, a bit loud at times, but then again think how loud we can get

Jennifer showed off Violet and the twins Vinnie and Val. They are her visiting monsters from Danger Crafts and the Traveling Monster board

New member, Shari, was welcomed ~ she's been knitting for about a year and was doing duplicate stitch on a hat

Jackie showed her baby blanket in progress

Pat shared yarn that she purchased on a recent road trip to Three Rivers

But I guess the highlight was Christy ~ she made a trip to Stitches West ~ her newest acquisitions

She's done it again!

2011-02-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received my copy of 'Cast On' (the official publication of The Knitting Guild Association)

Over the past months when members of our group would meet there was one person working very diligently on certain projects...we watched as the projects started with an idea, various knitting books of techniques, stitch patterns, etc; then out came the yarn and needles and before long a finished item.

In this issue of Cast On our very own Suzanne has two patterns published. (Does this woman ever stop?)

First, incorporating cables, bobbles and traveling stitches she designed a 'pill box' inspired Aran hat.
(I've put this on my neverending to knit list)

Second, an absolutely gorgeous (I've seen it in person so I do know what I'm talking about here) Mosaic Yoke Cardigan. This cardigan is knitted using fingering weight yarn!

Both patterns can be seen on Ravelry

Suzanne ~ Congratulations ~ Job Well Done

Lots of Good Stuff...oops Knitting!

2011-01-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

Way too long since last post...lots of things going on...I'll see if I can get us to speed here so bear with me

I've got a lot of photos of members and their finished/in process projects and I'll try to get those on here also

Our group has been very very busy....

BUT

The most important, exciting thing happened to our group....

As of January 10th we started our FOURTH year together...most of those who had been at our first meeting can be seen clicking away every week with all the others

What a group...

Okay, now photos.....

A beautiful purse Jane knitted...this is from a kit purchased through Knit Picks
This is Annie modeling $5 in Paris sweater her mom, Pat, knitted for her ~ fits perfectly

And here is Gail modeling her 'Newsboy Hat'. She had just the band going across the top to do (that's what the yarn is hanging down on the sides)
At our December Saturday meetup ~ Gail is perusing a new pattern book she received...
And one of our newest members, Mimi, shows off her new Knitting mug...Mimi recently relocated to our area from New York...

and Jennifer is modeling a beautiful shawl she knitted...beautiful color too...Great Job Jenn

While Annie was here during Christmas break (she working on her Master's in New York City) she picked up knitting again. (perhaps she hung around us too much)... Anyway, while here she started and completed a pair of socks (I think it was her first socks she had ever knitted)...she also knitted an adorable huggable hedgehog ~ I'll try to post a picture later...it's just too too cute
Here's Christy showing off a couple of Christmas Ornaments...cute little Hooligans Christy

This blog is updated by Ruth (Grandy)

2010-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

Another Delightful Day

We've added two more to the group...Katelyn and Amanda

Katelyn is 11...she learned to knit in school last year. Jen has taken her 'under wing'...refreshed her memory and now she is knitting a colorful scarf. And wouldn't you know it...in the drawings today she won a beautiful skein of homespun yarn in her school colors. Her face lit up when she saw it...I for one, look forward to seeing what she knits with it.

Amanda has been knitting for quite awhile...check out her page on www.ravelry.com ...

Jennifer made great progress on a shawl...love the color...although I believe it's bluer than what is in the photo...

Suzanne worked on her mosaic sweater...looking good

Pat made progress on a beautiful shawl...

Christy...showing off her hat...

Jen brought a couple skeins of 'halloween' yarn to share...

Jen also modeled a cowl that Paige was working on...

Marlene arrived wearing a gorgeous shell she knitted...

MaryAnn worked on mosaic socks for the Scarfest Sock group on Ravelry....(sorry, didn't get a photo)...

Paige was also working on a shawl...as was Amanda...

I worked on my shawl...just a simple little one...pattern from Ravelry ~ Carol's Clever Little Shawl...I just love how it is progressing...

Drawings were held...we had enough donations that everyone went home with something...

A Big THANK YOU to everyone who donated...it is very much appreciated

This post is posted by Ruth (Grandy)

Chatter...

2010-08-22T03:10:00.001-07:00

...if you walked by the tables at the local Panera's this morning that's exactly what you would have heard...chatter

Headlines may have read: "Local Knitters Chat As The Needles And Yarn Flies"

We had a good time today...

...and to top it off...we had THREE Jennifers...and they sat together....

We saw one Jennifer bind off her shawl...gorgeous

One Jennifer supplied the group with cookies

Tiffany popped in from Barstow...and showed off her beautiful striped sweater

Pat was accompanied by her daughter, Annie, who has been visiting (she goes back to grad school in Brooklyn soon)...it's been wonderful watching Annie manipulate those tiny little beads into sparkly bracelets

Virginia was also accompanied by her daughter Devi. Devi crocheted a baby blanket, so soft and cuddly

Suzanne modeled a sweater...not just any sweater...this sweater was hand knit in Estonia and is a Riina Tomberg design...the sweater is a work of art...expert workmanship

Christy, MaryAnn and Ruth were all working on their latest projects

Stay tuned for more late breaking news...no one ever knows what this group is up to or where they are going...I did hear the phrase "road trip" mentioned....

(This post is by Ruth-Grandy)

W E L L D O N E !

2010-08-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

A few short weeks ago Suzanne received a message from a friend...a friend of hers from church is in Malawi and asked if it was possible to have little hats and booties for preemie babies sent to her through a relative who will be going to Malawi this month.
The Yarn Mavens jumped in and went to work...the items were delivered to Suzanne's friend yesterday.

Items being sent are...

Lori knitted booties and hats on a knitting loom and then wrapped them up with a nice ribbon...she also made fleece blankets to match;

Jo hand knitted a baby blanket and Jane also hand knitted a little hat;
Patty knitted the cutest little hats while her 14 year old daughter, Paige, sewed little blankets;

Ruth hand knitted teeny tiny booties/socks and included some knitted hats

I know those little preemie babies in Malawi will appreciate having a hat and booties to keep their heads and feet warm and of course a blankie to cuddle in
Our prayers go out to each and every little one and their families who will be touched by these items

I read somewhere that the mortality rate for these little babies is something like 85%

It just warms the cockles of my heart knowing that we helped a little one survive
(This post written by Ruth ~ Grandy on www.ravelry.com)

Tuesday Meetup at Panera's

2010-08-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

A group of us met up at the local Panera Bread Company this evening, as we usually do on Tuesdays....

Virginia showed us her recent yarn acquisitions that just sort of followed her home...beautiful yarn...and she knows what she is going to knit with each one.

Jo modeled her shrug...she knitted it out of Peaches and Cream cotton yarn...it is nice and soft...

Jo also showed us a teddy bear she made for Jane...she had gotten the kit from Annie's Attic...cute little thing...even has his own knitted scarf

Pat made us a bit jealous (well maybe just me)...she was in the right place at the right time...when she put in an order at "The Loopy Ewe" it just happened to be their anniversary...she showed off her 'ewe' cup, Smooshy sock yarn (wool and cashmere) and a sock pattern...

Jane showed us a little jumper dress that she knitted for her 2 year old granddaughter, just add some white tights, mary janes and a white shirt...lucky little girl!

Paige brought her boyfriend along with her tonight...he didn't take up knitting but he evidently enjoyed the company (or maybe it was the food) as he was there quite a while before heading for Target.

Gail has made great progress on her hat...looks great girl...I look forward to seeing it on your head.

Pat's daughter is visiting from New York (she attends graduate school in NYC)...

Two new ladies joined us tonight also, Diane and Jennifer...welcome ladies...your company was enjoyed and we hope you'll be able to make more gatherings...

Lori stopped by to drop off a big bag with receiving blankets, hats and booties....some of our group has been making hats and booties and blankies over the last month...they'll be taken to Malawi for the little ones...it always makes me feel good all over when I've done some form of charity work...I have a bag of little preemie hats and booties ready for delivery...(sorry Lori, the picture came out all cattywhompus)

Suzanne couldn't make it tonight...she is being kept extra busy at work this month...you are missed.

Our next meetup will be on Thursday morning at Borders on Stockdale...we'd love to have you join us!

This post is by Ruth (Grandy on Ravelry)

WWKIP Day ~ June 12, 2010

2010-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Today our local Ravelry group celebrated World Wide Knit In Public Day

We gathered around the fountain at The MarketPlace in Bakersfield, California

Oh my goodness where do I start...when we decided to celebrate ~ participate in WWKIPD it was posted and we immediately had responses from knitters and crocheters who wanted to come and join us...so I decided that perhaps we should have a drawing. I went through my stash and pulled out a few things and then I posted it on our forum that we would have a drawing.

Well, let me tell you, the donations started flying in. We had donations from some of the members of our group ~ Suzanne, Patty, Virginia, Christy, Gail, Joyce and myself. With just these items gift bags were made up ~ enough for 13 drawings! Now as if that wasn't enough, Kerry (from Visalia) arrives and donates yarns, dvd, stitch markers...and then Janet from Ridgecrest donates yarn...okay...wonderful...but then here comes April, from San Luis Obispo...with armloads of donations. Thank you Nordic Mart in San Luis Obispo...yarn, pattern books...

With all the donations we had 35-40 drawings....everyone who was entered in the drawing who was present received at least one prize and then I think we had another 10 items to give.

It Was A Blast!
And if that wasn't enough...Bakersfield Channel 23 ABC showed up to do an interview! (Thank you Carl)

Participants came from San Luis Obispo; Tehachapi, Visalia, Ridgecrest, Porterville, Palmdale, Lancaster and Las Vegas, Nevada...Angie came to our first one three years ago from Las Vegas, she made it last year and now again, this year...WWKIPD wouldn't be the same without her.

Now, if I miss a name or mess up a name and city...please let me know and I'll post a correction...because you all know how crazy it was today.
Participants included....

Christy - Bakersfield
Betsy - Wasco
Katie - Wasco
Caroline - Ridgecrest
Carol - Ridgecrest
Janet - Ridgecrest
Jackie - Bakersfield
Marlene - Bakersfield
Jennifer - Bakersfield
Della - Bakersfield
Mary Ann - Bakersfield
Victoria - Bakersfield
Angie - Las Vegas
April - San Luis Obispo
Cindy - Bakersfield
Kerry - Visalia
Shannon - Lancaster
Susan - Bakersfield
Michelle - Bakersfield
Hannah - Bakersfield
Patty - Bakersfield
Virginia - Bakersfield
Devi - Bakersfield
Sandra - Bakersfield
Nicole - Palmdale (her boyfriend drove her over and he stayed!)
Dolores - Tehachapi
Jackie - Tehachapi
Dawn - Lancaster
Angie - Lancaster
Nancy - Lancaster
Suzanne - Bakersfield
Joyce - Bakersfield
Junie - Bakersfield
Jo - Bakersfield
Jane - Bakersfield (accompanied by daughter Cassie)
Marsha - Bakersfield
Gail - Bakersfield
Ruth - Bakersfield

This is Kerry showing us his Aeolian Shawl ~ absolutely gorgeous

More photos are posted to flickr (for some reason I'm having difficulty posting photos)

(This post by Ruth) (edited to correct city for Betsy and Katie; add Marsha)
(edited again to include link to flickr photos)

CONGRATULATIONS!

2010-05-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order

Our very own Knitting Suzanne (Suzanne Bryan) accomplished the following in just the last few months:

Suzanne passed (with flying colors) Level III of the TKGA (The Knitting Guild of America) Master Knitter Program

(Contact Suzanne and she can tell you how you can do the same!)

Suzanne designed a raglan sweater and wrote an article for the TKGA magazine Cast On (available at select yarn stores or through TKGA website www.tkga.com)

As a reward for passing Level III Suzanne acquired a beautiful Spinning Wheel on a recent trip to Solvang

Wonder what is next for Suzanne (is there a master spinning program?)

Congratulations Suzanne! Job Well Done!

Update

2010-05-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

A few important dates for the Yarn Mavens

May Saturday Meetup

May 15th (this coming Saturday)
11ish to ?
Panera Bread Company (west Stockdale Hwy ~ just west of Calloway Dr)

WWKIP (World Wide Knit In Public) Day

Saturday, June 12th

10:00 to whenever everyone leaves

Market Place (around the fountain in front of the theater)
west Ming Ave

(the first year we met the temperature was around 104 degrees ~ there were cool breezes coming from the fountain and we had a wonderful day)

Bring a drink, snack, chair and of course your knitting and/or crocheting

If you spin please feel free to bring your spindle and/or wheel and fiber

There are eating places located throughout the Market Place if you wish to purchase lunch/drink

WEEKLY MEETUPS

In addition to a once-a-month meetup there are members who get together throughout the week:

Monday and Thursday mornings

10 ~ noon at Borders Bookstore on Stockdale Hwy directly behind the In-N-Out

Tuesday evenings

6 p.m. ~ 8 p.m. at Panera's on west Stockdale Hwy

Everyone is welcome to come to any meetup that fits in their schedules

If anyone needs or wants any further information please contact us

(the above is posted by Ruth (Grandy on Ravelry))

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T16:00:00.001-08:00

The Kings-Tulare-Kern Yarn Mavens wish everyone a very Merry Christmas...

May we all have a wonderful fiber filled New Year!

Kerry said...

2009-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

"Size doesn't matter"*

Saturday turned out to be an outstanding day...Suzanne, MaryAnn, Virginia, Gail, Kerry (from Visalia), Sabrina (of Anzula from Fresno), Joyce, Jane, Darcy, Vicky and Ruth gathered at the local California Pizza Kitchen for our once a month meet up.

We gathered and ate and then retired to the porch for some yarny goodness. I didn't hear any complaints about the food...Waldorf Salad was wonderful and so was the lemonade (that's what I had).

Sabrina, of Anzula in Fresno, brought a load of her hand dyed yarns for us to pet, smell (yes, I said smell) and fondle...and that's just what we did. She has socks knitted up in her yarns so that we could see how it knitted up, smart idea!

Sabrina showed us yarns with camel, yak, mohair, merino, cashmere, alpaca...

Most of us went home with at least one beautiful skein while others were followed by more...

Kerry showed us his new drop spindle and what a beauty it is. You'll have to contact him for more information there. On Ravelry he is 'gnewgnitter'.

Here are a few photos...

Joyce and Jane petting yarn...

Virginia, Sabrina and MaryAnn ~ looking at the knitted socks

Mary Ann and Suzanne looking over Roving with Sabrina

Suzanne, Vicky and MaryAnn ~ commenting on the colors (Sabrina does a wonderful dye job)

* Get your mind out of the gutter...we were discussing drop spindles!

Chatting, Sharing and Learning

2009-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

This morning four of our group got together at the local Borders Bookstore cafe for a weekly get together.

Virginia brought to share two pairs of socks that she knitted for her husband in the mid-50's. Both argyle and both outstanding ~ the workmanship! The stitches are so small and even...if only

Suzanne shared a wallaby (hooded sweatshirt type of sweater) that she is knitting for her granddaughter...gorgeous yarn in additon to putting her own stamp on the pattern with cableing...another heirloom.

Patty showed us her monkeys...sock pattern by Cookie A. (one I will definitely have to try)...

And me, Ruth (in case no one knows me), I worked on the toe of the hat heel socks (a pattern from www.knitty.com)...I just need to kitchener the toe and then work on the legs...

EXCITING ~

This Saturday the KTK Yarn Mavens will be getting together for their 'one Saturday a month get together' at California Pizza Kitchen on Stockdale Hwy in Bakersfield. It looks like we will have a pretty good turnout which is always nice. Sabrina, of Anzula in Fresno, will be our guest. Sabrina spins, dyes and knits (and probably a few other crafty things to that we'll find out Saturday).

STAY TUNED ~

January 2010 will mark the 2nd Anniversary of our group. Pretty good for a bunch who met online through www.ravelry.com don't you think! We need to have a party! Any suggestions?

Halloween Road Trip to Exeter

2009-10-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today, Halloween 2009, some members of our group made a road trip to Exeter which is about an hour and half north of Bakersfield.

Why? The Handweavers of the Valley were celebrating 30 years of Fiber Fantasies with a Show and Sale at the Exeter Veteran's Memorial Building in Exeter, California.

Gail, Jane and Cassie got there a bit earlier than Suzanne, Mary Ann, Christy and Ruth.

It's been said that Cassie walked out of the sale with an alpaca bear...we'll hav,e to see if we can get a photo of her and the bear...sounds absolutely delicious.

Most of us made purchases of yarn and fiber of one sort or another.

There were demonstrations throughout the day and it was interesting to see wool go from a roving to yarn. Makes one contemplate taking up spinning...hmmm

I saw shawls, jackets, mug rugs, placemats and throw rugs among the items that were on display and for sale that some guild members had made with a weaving loom. Lovely workmanship!

Gail, Jane and Cassie enjoyed lunch at the local A&W before heading back to Bakersfield.

Before Suzanne, Christy, Mary Ann and Ruth headed for home they decided to try a local cafe, The Wildflower Cafe on E Street. We lunched on the outdoor patio. While heading for the road home they noticed several murals painted on the sides of buildings...outstanding and beautiful work.

It was nice seeing our "old friends" Carole and Brenda of Dulitz Christmas Tree Farm and of course Ann who demonstrated her new little spinning wheel. The wheel is so small it could be put in a car..."Okay honey, I'll just sit here and spin while you drive."

Dyeing Day at Dulitz

2009-10-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Fruits of Our Labor

Yesterday 15 knitters and spinners converged on Carol, the owner of Dulitz Christmas Tree Farm in Springville, California.

Why? Yarn Dyeing! Potluck lunch! Spinning! Camaraderie!

Carol runs a yarn shop out of her log cabin most of the year and a gift shop during the Christmas Tree season. She and Bren graciously gave of their time to teach our group how to dye and overdye yarn.

Dyeing is a messy job but boy was it fun...just watching the white yarn take the different colors was amazing.

While some of us were dyeing Sabrina, Darin and Ann were spinning their hearts away.

We enjoyed a potluck lunch in the shade with a nice cool breeze. Potlucks are always great ~ you never know what you're going to have.

Carol ~ a big thank you for opening your shop and allowing us to bombard you.

Bren ~ a big thank you for helping us choose colors and going over the process with us (Carol was busy running from one place to another).

Here are a few photos of our day.

Carol going over the process with Suzanne and Shirley

Jane and her daughter Cassie ~ Cassie dyed a sock blank to her liking with her colors.

Christy having some fun!

Ruth overdyed some beautiful gold yarnGail getting a tip from Carol

Jen's dyeing was accidently done solarly...while waiting for the microwave it was heated in the sun and turned out beautifully. With the temperatures in Bakersfield in the triple digits this part should be easy during the summer!

Sabrina spinning on her wheel while Darin showed us buttons that he made from different sources (antlers and different woods). Darin's lovely wife, Wendy was beaming. Darin also spins some lovely yarn that we all got to pet.

Kern County (California) Fair 2009

2009-10-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Seven members of the KTK Yarn Mavens submitted knitted items to the local county fair. And guess what? We each came home with a ribbon!

19 Ribbons in all!

Wow!

We submitted knitted toys, knitted socks, knitted sweaters, knitted bags.

Let's see if I can get this straight (of course if I don't I'll hear about it real fast).

Suzanne ~ Knitted Wallaby ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon
Knitted Cashmere Shawl ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon
Knitted Peace Flower Sweater ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon (not only did Suzanne knit this sweater but she designed it also)
Knitted Scarf ~ 3rd Place White Ribbon
Knitted Blanket ~ 2nd Place Red Ribbon
Knitted Bunny and Sweater ~ 2nd Place Red Ribbon
Crocheted Baby Dress ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon

Christy ~ Knitted Penelope (toy) ~ 3rd Place White Ribbon
Knitted Baby Booties ~ 3rd Place White Ribbon
Knitted Tam ~ 3rd Place White Ribbon

Patty ~ Knitted Bear Sweater ~ 2nd Place Red Ribbon
Knitted Pink Sweater ~ 3rd Place White Ribbon

Mary Ann ~ Knitted Stacking Puppies ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon
Knitted Tam ~ Honorable Mention Pink Ribbon
Knitted Bat ~ Honorable Mention Pink Ribbon

Virginia ~ Knitted Sweater ~ 2nd Place Red Ribbon

Gail ~ Knitted Sweater ~ Honorable Mention Pink Ribbon

Ruth ~ Knitted Socks ~ 1st Place Blue Ribbon

I'm sorry if I've messed up...stay tuned for a retraction...

I think we all had a great time knitting our items, submitted them to the fair to be judged (although we've heard that sweaters, shawls, etc., were not even opened during the judging), and then we all arranged to pick them up at the same time and have a photo op!

Okay people ~ are you ready for the 2010 fair?

Don't we look like a happy group of winners! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Almost There

2009-10-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Well we're almost there.

1) Each person of our group who entered knitted items in the local Kern County Fair received at least one ribbon. (watch for photos)

2) Our October Meetup will be at Mimi's Cafe on California Ave in Bakersfield. We're hoping for a great turnout this month. The day is Halloween, the 31st. Remember members, we'll be done in plenty of time for you to get home and get your little kidlets ready to go trick or treating. Please don't forget to go to the events page and let us know that you are going to attend.

Kern County Fair

2009-09-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23rd, is the first day of the 2009 Kern County Fair.

Quite a few of our members have entered knitted items this year.

Next Tuesday evening, September 29th, a group of us will be in the Fine Arts Building from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. knitting. If you'd like to join us we'd love to see you, after all, the more the merrier.

I, for one, am waiting patiently to see who won ribbons!

New Blogger

2009-09-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Ruth/Grandy has volunteered to be the new blogger! Thank you Ruth!

September 19th Meetup/SIPDay

2009-09-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Saturday, September 19th, is our monthly Yarn Mavens meetup. We'll be at Harrington Park on Rio Bravo from 12 noon until about 4pm. Bring a potluck dish to contribute, your latest projects for show and tell, and if you spin, bring your work. Saturday is also Spin in Public Day. We'll sit below the leafy trees to talk and knit/crochet/spin all afternoon. There are picnic tables, but a folding chair is definitely recommended. Suzanne said she'll provide all the paper goods and some drinks.
Saturday will be my last event with this wonderful group, since next weekend the moving truck arrives. But I'll be around on Ravelry to chat. plus, I'll get my camera fixed so you can see my work too. I've learned so much from you all.

This Blogger is Moving

2009-09-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm moving to Temecula in two weeks. So I'm looking for a new blogger to take my place. Anyone interested? pm me on Rav or email me here if you're interested.

More Local Yarn Stores

2009-09-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

So I found a way to acquire photos from our other lovely local yarn stores and have posted their links today.
I noticed that the Bead and Yarn studio has some spiffy new yarns and we all know that's the place to go for Cascade 220.
ABC's of Creative Pursuits is featuring some beautiful Giant Skeins from Hand Painted and lots of organic Lana Grossa Linea Pura.
If any of that interests you, you know how to find it. I'm so glad to include our LYS here on our blog. I know so many of us do our best to support our community and its businesses. Plus, being able to feel and squish the yarns has always been the best way to decide which yarns to use for our latest projects.

Local Yarn Stores

2009-08-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

So I added a section on the right hand edge for links to our Local Yarn Stores. Judy at Classy Knits and Yarns was the first one to send me a photo. Thank you Judy!
So if you click on her icon, you'll go straight to her store's website. The fall line of yarns and all those books you've been waiting for have arrived. so go check it out.

Dear ABC's of Creative Pursuits, and Bead and Yarn,
If you'd like your link on our page, please send me a picture of your store logo. I'll post it right away.
Sincerely, Stephanie

Shady Leafy Day

2009-08-07T01:23:00.000-07:00

Our meetup at the park on Rio Bravo on July 25th was a great success, despite the blistering heat. The park had great shade trees, a covered patio and a playground for the kidlets. We had 11 people attend, including newcomers Bee and her friend (oh, I hope I don't have this wrong.) Emma? Tiffany joined us from Barstow along with us regulars, Suzanne, Jane, Jo, Christy, Ari, Myself, Joan and Ruth. I brought my family to play at the playground.
The potluck was delicious. Jane brought us cheese enchiladas. There were several yummy salads. Ari made stuffed eggs (deviled eggs are spiced, we learned.). Ruth brought brownies! ohhh yummy. and Bee brought strawberry cake. yum!
ok. I like food. :) hehehe.....
Jane showed us her blue and yellow fair-isle socks. Ari brought a bunch of baby sweaters, including a Baby Surprise. beautiful, but wow, how does that fold up? Tiffany was working on her triangular baby blanket. I had crocheted socks. yep. you can crochet socks.
Suzanne showed us her green sweater, with the fair-isle design that she designed herself. It was wonderful. She also brought her creamy cashmere shawl. I felt its lovely softness. The shawl was unusual because of it's construction. Not done in the usual top down row by row fashion, it was done in panels with tons of picked up stitch sections.
The August meetup location hasn't been settled on, but we're thinking about meeting by chat room. September and October will be held at the park.

Tuesday Knit Night Moved!

2009-07-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Knit Night that usually meets in the Southwest Library at 6pm has been moved to Suzanne Bryan's house for tonight. The library has reconsidered our use of their space, but Knitting Suzanne has graciously opened her home at this last minute. Please PM her on Ravelry for her address and phone number if you'd like to attend or email ktkyarnmavens@gmail.com and I'll see you get in contact with her.
Check the Ravelry thread or back here as a more permanent location is settled upon in the coming weeks.

July 25th Meet up Changes!!!

2009-06-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

We're moving!
The next Yarn Mavens meet up on July 25th will have a new location.

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We booked the picnic area in Harrington Park on Rio Bravo for the July 25th meeting. The area has park tables with benches under a patio roof. It is surrounded by tall trees and about fifty or more from the parking lot. There is an area with swings and slides also under the shade trees. The kid section is fenced in with its own picnic table. We have an key card for the restrooms, as well.

We decided to bring lunch potluck style. so bring your favorite dish/lunch item to share with the group.
If we like it, we booked it for Sept and Oct too.

Thank you Joann/Elpsso for booking these plans for our group!
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Karen from ABC’s of Creative Pursuits is going to give a talk about the upcoming trends and new stuff in the yarn world. It really should be quite good.

Our format is going to be a little different - from 12-1:00 we will have lunch for those who want to eat, then we can clear away the dishes and have knitting and talking starting at 1:00. Karen will start her presentation at 1:30, and then we can visit some more after the presentation.

So - Saturday July 25th - lunch at 12:00 - knitting starting at 1:00 - presentation at 1:30.

Stay tuned for the location.

WWKIPDay!

2009-06-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 13th, we celebrated World Wide Knit In Public Day at the Marketplace in Bakersfield, Ca.

We had over 20 knitters sitting in the shade working on various projects.
I had a great time knitting on the group blanket.
We got a couple more inches completed.
I also got a few rounds of my doily completed.

Suzanne was re-working her previously completed sweater.
There were plenty of socks being knit and a few pretty scarves.
Tiffany had a beautiful angular baby blanket in green tones.

Christy showed off her new knitting shirt, "I knit, so I don't kill people."
hehehe.... I think we all relate.
Suzanne covered the rest so very well, why try to re-write it. From Suzanne's Ravelry post:

"We got to visit with some old friends, meet some Ravelers who finally decided to join us in person, and meet several new people who have not had a chance to join Ravelry yet.

We met Brittany who teaches classes at Beverly’s, June and Stephanie who attend the monthly Wednesday Barnes and Noble class that Linda Phillips teaches. We met Linda/CardiSmarti too. We also met Virginia6915, Lunatone, BordeauxBeth, and Coollinda who are all on Ravelry, but new to one of our functions, and Coollinda’s friend Eileen from San Diego.

The person who came the furthest was Sybina, coming all the way from Las Vegas. Also coming from out of town were Mojaveknitter - from Barstow and KnottyKnitter40 from Edwards.

Then there were the old friends - jabezprayer, Dragonyady, Elpsso, Grandy, 661momof5, redpixisticks, morgaine1, and finally Ariliss who we hadn’t seen since our last WWKIP in 2008."

Dee Dee's Woven Life

2009-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

At our May 16 meet up at the Double Tree Inn Cafe, Dee Dee King/weaverlyone spoke to our little group of ten about her lifelong study of weaving. Dee Dee, who travelled from Squaw Valley for our get together, has been weaving for 36 years and spinning for 15 years. She is a member of the Handweavers of the Valley in Exeter, Ca.

Which came first weaving or knitting? Weaving! The first weaving was in 5,000 BC in Egypt, but the first knitting wasn't till the 5th century AD when people started knitting socks.

Because weaving is such a structured art form, weavers are constantly in search of fibers with drape, and Dee Dee prefers natural fibers like rayon(a wood fiber), cotton and wool. She acquires her supplies from several sources. "Use the best materials you can afford," Dee Dee encouraged. Every January, she buys about 100 pounds from Webs, Woodland Woolworks and/or Yarn Barn because they sell the large cones of fine weight thread that she uses mostly.

Libraries have the best weaving books for beginning weavers. She brought two books to show us, The Weaving, Spinning, Dyeing Book by Rachel Brown and The New Key to Weaving by Mary Black. Dee Dee also recommends a monthly magazine called "Handwoven" by Interweave Press.

Her hard work is both enjoyable and profitable. She earns about $3,000/yr beyond just supplies selling her weavings at the Hand Weavers of the Valley Show and Sale in every year on the last Saturday in October at the Veteran's Memorial. Carole Dulitz will have a booth again this year too. (Thank you Dee Dee for the correct day of the sale!)

Perhaps you're like me wondering what will the public buy? like knitting, weaving is difficult to price. Dee Dee sells lots of woven dishtowels and other linens. A woven dishtowel will last forever if you're careful. Her dishtowels and place mats are four for $40. A baby blanket will run you about $45.

She also said that how you display your work counts for a lot; you can't simply pile things on a table top. Also, "I encourage you when you're doing your handwork to finish it beautifully. There's no sense in doing the work and having it fall apart," Dee Dee said. She recommends having small giveaway pieces to attract additional interest. She likes earth balls, which are felted little balls for cat toys, and mug rugs, a square coaster made from Pearle cotton. She was super nice and brought one for each of us and a set of four for Suzanne to enjoy.

Sometimes she sells custom order horse blankets, but her favorite weavings are wool rugs. She brought a beautiful one to show us.

Did you know the word shoddy is a weaving term? It describes a piece of weaving before it has been wet finished. Or I suppose like in knitting or crochet before blocking. So don't do shoddy work, always block your pieces.

We were curious about how Dee Dee made so many different size weavings. They are all different widths, so we thought she had to restring her looms for each time. But Dee Dee told us she has 11 floor looms at her home, in the garage and in the barn. "I don't sit and watch t.v." she said.

As you can imagine the start up cost for weaving is high, but Dee Dee shares her love of weaving by having weaving meetings at her home and enjoys teaching weaving to her students. Dee is a continuation school teacher for low-functioning special ed. students. "They love weaving," she said smiling; "My grandmother taught it as therapy to the guys after World War I." She has also taught potholder weaving at the Boy Scout Jamboree.

Fan of the Mavens

2009-05-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I added the Followers widget to our page. Become a follower and be notified of new blog posts!

Our May Meeting

2009-04-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

The next Yarn Mavens meet up will be on May 16th from 1 to 4pm at the Doubletree Inn Coffeeshop in Bakersfield. Food service shuts down from 2 until 4, so plan accordingly.

Suzanne has promised a surprise of some sort for us. Hmmm..... it's certainly got me curious! I can hardly wait to find out what's up. See you then!
***
Update! Dee Dee King/weaverlyone from Squaw Valley will give us a presentation on her experiences weaving, spinning and knitting. She has worked with fiber her whole life, and especially loves weaving. Dee Dee and Sandy/sandyspinslace both came from Squaw Valley to the Dulitz Tree Farm event this month. Her presentation is sure to be interesting. See you then!

Dulitz Tree Farm

2009-04-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

So it seems I missed a fabulous time on Saturday out at the Dulitz Tree Farm in Springville. Did you? I certainly hope not.
I spot knitters.

I spot spinners.

I see shopping goodness. ooo... pet the yarn.

Someone will have to explain the horse. :) Because I'm sure there's a story involved.

Remember Christy promised brownie points if you could name everyone!

All in all, a wonderful afternoon was had by all, and I hear the food was drool-worthy with recipes floating around too.
The Yarn Mavens have one more monthly lunch meeting at the Bakersfield Doubletree or is it two more meetings? until our huge meet up on June 13 for World Wide Knit in Public Day. Mark your calendar.

Sit and Knit Saturday

2009-04-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

The scent of Christmas trees and wildflowers wafts through the air. Comfy chairs set up in the warm spring sunshine. Fellow knitters are working nearby. What lovely ideas!

The Yarn Mavens will be travelling up to Springville on Saturday, April 4 to visit the Dulitz Tree Farm. We plan to meet at the farm at 11 am, and carpools are being arranged departing from Bakersfield, Hanford, Visalia and Porterville.

Carole Dulitz and her husband raise Christmas trees. In her downtime, she runs a yarn store that she opens for groups like ours. Carole’s is 5 miles after you turn off hwy 190 onto Balch Park Rd at the white barn.

If you want to attend, please bring a simple potluck dish to share with the group. Suzanne will supply the plates and such, and Carole will contribute the drinks.

The picture is from last summer's visit to the tree farm. Thank you to Ruth/Grandy for its use.

New Blog Mistress

2009-03-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hello. I'm Stephanie, the new blog mistress. I'm going to be making changes and additions to this blog over the next couple weeks. If you need to reach me concerning the blog, email ktkyarnmavens@gmail.com. Thank you.

Yarn Mavens Meet Up July 12th

2008-06-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Our next meet up will be on July 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the DoubleTree Inn Coffee Shop in Bakersfield, CA. All knitters and crocheters or anyone who loves yarn is welcome to join us.

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WWKIP Day Yarn Maven Style

2008-06-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

20 knitters turned out for the first Annual World Wide Knit in Public Day in Bakersfield, CA, even thought the weather was HOT. The nearby fountain helped with a little cooling and a little mist once in awhile.

There were knitters of all ages (and crocheters too) and from as far away as Las Vegas and San Francisco.

A good time was had by all.

WWKIP Day - Yarn Mavens Style!

2008-06-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Location: The Market Place fountain area
Time: 10am until last man standing
Date: June 14, 2008

We will be sitting around the fountain area at the main entrance. There are built-in chairs, but you may want to bring a folding chair, hat and water, etc.

This KIP is not knitting exclusive! Everyone is welcome to hang out and have fun.

You can email us at KTKYarnMavens@gmail.com if you have any questions. If you are on ravelry, you can find us by clicking here.

Click here to learn about World Wide Knit In Public Day.

one of the many many projects that will be worked on

May 17th Meet Up DoubleTree Inn

2008-05-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Announcing our May Meet Up to be held on May 17th from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at the DoubleTree Inn Coffee Shop. The DoubleTree Inn is on Rosedale Hwy, just off Hwy 99 to the east, across from Costco.

Some of us will be there a little early to have some lunch before we start.

April has again kindly agreed to bring her ball winder and swift for anyone who needs to wind a skein. We will also be working on our group blanket that will be our focal point at the WWKIP Day Event on June 14 at the Market Place.

For those people who use Ravelry, you can find more information at http://www.ravelry.com/groups/kings---tulare---kern-counties

Welcome!

2008-04-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

This is the first official blog entry for the group!