Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden

SALE

2010-04-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

SALE SALE SALE

Starting on Monday, April 26 - ( and ending on Saturday May 1st) Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden will be having a great sale. There is so much inventory on sale, that we have rented out another office space. Samples, yarn, bags and more are all 20-50% off, the only "kicker" - the sale is limited to what is in stock. So come early for the best selection.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jennifer and Mary

NEW CLASSES

2010-02-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have just set the first class of many, and already have a couple people signed up. It is for a Beginning Sock Class. We will begin class Tuesday, March 2 from 7 to 9 pm, and will go on for 3 sessions. We will learn basic sock anatomy/construction. We will focus on double pointed needles, but I am open to also teaching 2 circular knitting or the magic loop technique. You will leave this class fearless of making any more socks :)
Call Mary Lynn’s Yarn Garden for more details and to sign up for class.
(309) 820-0174
I have just added 4 more classes to Mary Lynn’s Yarn Garden Class Schedule.
Basic Finishing Techniques - this will be a two part class scheduled on Tuesdays in April. There will be homework prior to class. We will learn how to seam shoulders, side seams, sleeves and pick up stitches on knitting. We will also learn how to weave our ends in securely and cleanly.
Socks on 2 Circular Needles - You choose, knit one sock at a time on 2 Circular Needles, or knit two socks at a time. I will provide a completely customizable pattern for all attendees.
Beginning Knitting – Currently Scheduled for Thursday afternoons, this is a basic Beginning Knitting Class for those friends of ours that are true beginners. They will learn basic casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and how to bind off. LEFT HANDED KNITTERS welcome. Jennifer has also been knitting as a true left handed knitter for 5 years now - so what a perfect way to introduce the lefties to the world of knitting, WITHOUT making them by “righties”.
YOUR FIRST SWEATER CLASS - Jennifer is VERY excited about this class. There will be so many options - that you will surely be as excited. We will use any KNITTING PURE AND SIMPLE patterns in this class. You can knit at a fine gauge on up to a bulky gauge, for a child up to an adult. Sign up early to get your favorite yarn and color and knittng pattern. As a bonus, Jennifer will set up an individual appointment with each class member to get measured correctly. Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge on pattern writing and customizing that she will be able to help you make the most successful FIRST sweater.
I have already had a couple request for intarsia knitting and duplicate stitch. I have a project that will cover both technique.Ok- I am so excited about this…I have scheduled 2 different times - April 15 and 22, either 1-3pm or 6-8 pm. If you want to jump in…there can be homework - but it is not necessary.
Yippee - In addition to classes already scheduled (and I am listening/open to more suggestions) Mary Lynn’s Yarn Garden will also be hosting a ARTFELT Demonstraion on Saturday, March 20 from 1-3pm. These are great, affordable gifts, as well as another skill.
Welcome to Artfelt®! It’s not needle felting. It’s not wet felting. It’s not fulling. It’s artfelt® – and it is revolutionizing the way we felt. The artfelting technique utilizes artfelt® paper, a patented new paper specifically developed to ease and speed up the felting process. artfelt® is simple to learn, quick to do and requires no knitting or previous felting experience. artfelting can create felted material that is wafer thin as well as thick enough for a handbag all while allowing precision detail of design. The only thing that limits creativity with artfelt® is your imagination; any felted piece your imagination can conceive, artfelt® can achieve!
ArtFelt website
Toe Up Sock it is, on a Saturday starting sometime in June :)

Any other class suggestions...just let us know :)

So Many New Things

2009-09-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have last "blogged" and we have so many new and excited things happening at Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden.

Our store hours have expanded on Tuesday night until 8:30, and we host a knitting time all day on Tuesday - opened to everyone. We call it our Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden SSK - Sit, Sip and Knit. We have also expanded our knitting rooms to accomodate knitters that would like to drop by and knit with others (in addition to our already existing knitting room) - this is ongoing throughout our shop hours.

We have also decided to EXPAND with so many new lines and existing lines that you will definately see a difference at the shop...I don't know that we have the space for all this new yarn.

Classes will be posted shortly, and we are anticipating so much fun with these. Many Christmas project ideas are in the works, and we are experiencing many new SWEATER knitters. Jennifer has lots of new samples in the shop (and shes been wearing quite a few) with more samples just a few stitches away from being done. Mary Lynn has a fair share of projects in the completion stages - so come look.

We also have some exciting new things in the works: Sit n Stitch 2010 with our local Corn Belters, Helping Hands Mentoring Organization meetings, and some other things still in the works. Jennifer has been helping national pattern designers perfect their patterns and knit samples and is in the process of knitting garments for a local art show. She hopes to take her skills and be available for more knitting help at the shop.

We can't wait to see you - come in and see our new goodies.

Mentoring Program, additional classes

2009-07-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

So much is going on at Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden.

As well as helping sponsor our local 2010 Stitch 'N Pitch event, Jennifer and Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden have been approached to help begin an area Helping Hands Foundation Needle Arts Mentor Program. Everything is still in the VERY early stages, but I will need to start compiling a list of interested mentors. Each week the mentors will spend approximately one hour helping teach the needle arts to 3rd thru 12th graders. Our first program will focus more on the 3rd thru 5th graders, with hopes of expanding upward and outward. There will be a very low student to teacher ratio, so any time will be much appreciated. This organizations motto is "Stitching Generations Together", and I am hoping this will be so successful we will have many "chapters" throughout the twin cities. So if you are interested, or know of a potential mentor, please contact me. I am so excited about these new ventures :)

We had our latest "it" sweater pattern and yarn come into the shop today. This pattern flatters so many different woman and body styles. This is something you will definately want to check out.

The entrelac class has been so popular, that we have filled both class times. So we will also offer additional classes next Tuesday and Wednesday night from 6-8 pm. Give us a call to sign up and get a supply list (very small) There are so many great projects to pick from for this addicting technique. Hope to see you soon

Tuesday Nights SSK

2009-06-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 30, Mary Lynn's will begin staying open late. During this time, we will be hosting a SSK - Sit, Sip and Knit. If you are needing a little bit of extra help on a project, this would be the perfect time to come get some undivided attention. Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday night.

Charity Knitting

2009-06-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by Forie to knit for Operations Helmet Liners. After talking with the lady who volunteers all her spare time to make this charity a huge hit, we not only have patterns for the helmet liners, but for scarves, slippers, dickies, etc. Most of the projects need a certain color approved by the military, as well as to be knit from 100% wool, as it is a naturally wicking fiber that does not burn (which will not melt to their faces :( )

We are also going to continue "Mary Lynn's Garden" of preemie and baby hats, to be donated to local charities. This was started by a dr.'s wife, whose daughter works with high risk newborns in the Chicago area. She has become quite the expert on these little hats.

We would also like to address the women in our lives. I have an excellent pattern for falsies, and a great story to help inspire you. They sound different, but they are truly important in the healing and recovery of many woman.

And for all of the people in our lives that have been touched by cancer, we are also continuing our chemo hats knit from Berroco's Chinchilla. Recently we were further inspired when a young woman came into the shop to share her favorite chemo hats. We all enjoyed her personal story.

Important - We have patterns for all of the projects at the shop, and while we ask you to purchase the yarn from the shop, when you return the finished item, Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden will give you full credit for your purchase with an in store gift certificate.

Entrelac Class

2009-05-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

In addition to the 8 + new techniques class coming up, Look for a new class on Entrelac. Our Boku yarn is due to arrive any day, and there will also be accompanying shop models of our Lady Eleanor Entrelac scarf (not the stole yet) as well as and Entrelac headband. These projects are sure to excite you and create a desire to knit even more entrelac projects.
This project is Quant, and is a headband for all the stylish people in your lives. It keeps the top of their head warm (and ears) while also keeping their hair stylish. Quant was knit out of Poems, 100% wool.
Jennifer is working hard on the shop sample of her new class - FREE - where she will teach over 8 new techniques, that are new to her, as well as many others. Stay tuned for a list of what each new technique is....and the class will meet two times and will be offered during the day and the night.

We are always signing up new beginning knitters, so give us a call if you know someone interested and we can let you know the day and times of future classes.

Jennifer is challenging herself to trying to complete a garmet a week...some may be for infants, but many will be for us hard to please ladies. So far she is 3 for 3.

New shop models, new yarn, new class

2009-05-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

YEAH - lots of new yarn, new shop models and an exciting 2 classes.
I have found a great hat pattern, using dk weight yarn, where you will learn at least 8 new techniques...not have to worry so much about gauge, and if your really adventurous, we will do our hat on one circular needle, 2 circular needles, 4 double points or 5 double point. I will be setting 2 different class times for this class this week. If you are at all interested in this fast and very insightful class, let me know what times would work for you in June. The second class will be another ongoing afghan/learning class. We will meet bi-monthly to learn a new stitch or technique. So stay tuned.

Cookie A

2009-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Cookie A patterns (individually) have been in the shop for a couple weeks. And today, the wonderfully informative book arrived. Guess we can all start using up the sock yarn :)

Knitting Nights, New Samples and New Yarn

2009-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Our knitting nights have been fabulous...Stay tuned for more dates.

We have several new samples in the shop lately... My Berroco Peruvia Quick, Nimbus project moved along so fast. I added 3 inches to the total length, now I cannot wait to find the perfect button...it also only took 5 skeins of yarn.

I also finished the wonderful "sock yarn" tshirt. It is actually the tofutsie tee, and it was also relatively quick (although ripping always adds a fair amount of time :)) This t-shirt is long and will look fabulous with jeans, shorts, white pants, khakis.... There are so many yarn options to choose from, come in for a quick peek. The pattern is available for free from Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden with yarn purchase.

There are so many new knitting pattern books...they are brimming with new ideas. They have been so popular that we have already had to reorder. Just in on Friday, 3 more new Lang pattern books.

Berroco has been sending a steady stream of yarn, the latest arrived on Friday. A lot of new sock yarn, Comfort Chunky, Comfort DK, Comfort, Touche, and Pure Pima. I currently have a new Touche and Pure Pima project on the needles, so stay tuned for their arrival at the shop.

Tahki Cotton Classic has also had a considerable number of new colors added to our collection. There is also the new Ambee Babies collection.

If you haven't been up to "The Garden" in awhile - things are starting to bloom.

Social Event and Classes

2009-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

Classes are filling fast - love that my love of knitting is expanding to even more knitters. We are now looking to add an entrelac class, a finishing technique class and an additional two - handed knitting class.

YEAH - for the SUPERBOWL. We will be hosting a Potluck Superbowl Knit in on Sunday from 2-6 (February 1st). We would also like to invite you to bring your yarn stash, as you might be able to trade away some of those extras. Additionally, I have a wonderful scarf pattern that will use up all your stash - and you will walk away with a fine looking product.

Can't wait to see everyone

Jennifer

Additional Class

2009-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

Our Two-handed Knitting Class has been so popular that we are going to add another class. If you are interested, please give us a call to find out more information. This class is an excellent skill builder for every knitter. You will be able to successfully knit fair isle items, as well as take away a technique to help your everyday knitting.

CLASSES CLASSES CLASSES

2009-01-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

It is never too late...

Next week we have 2 more people that will be joining the Great American Aran Afghan Class. This is an on going class, featuring 20 to 24 cable squares that we will finish into a wonderful afghan. It is never too late to join - and many are building wonderful afghans and wonderful friendships thru this class at the garden.

We still have a few openings for the Beginning Knitting class on Thursday, January 22, 2008 from 6 to 8.

We are also going to have a SUPERBOWL Party at the YARN GARDEN. Details are still being worked out, but stay tuned, or give us a call at the shop.

Stay warm and keep knitting :)

NEW CLASS

2008-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Next Tuesday, Dec 9, we will have a new technique class. During class we will be working on two sample squares (dish cloths, face cloths, or afghan squares) and learning about cables, increasing and decreasing. We had such fun at the last technique class...dont miss another chance to improve on your knitting. Class beginss a 6 pm and goes until 8 pm. Please call the shop to reserve your spots, as class is limited.

Dates and Times for Classes

2008-10-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Whew -- I have added a few more classes to the schedule so I will include that description, but see post previous to see the descriptions on all the other classes :)

Beginning Knitting $ 30 Wednesday Oct 8 and 22 from 5:15 to 7:15 pm

Monday Oct 27 and Nov 3 from 10 to 12pm

Tuesday Nov 18 and 25 from 6 to 8 pm

Thursday Jan 22 and Feb 5 from 6 to 8 pm

Monday Feb 9 and 16 from 10 to 12pm

Holiday Cards, Ornaments and Bookmark $20

Saturday Oct 25 from 1 to 4pm

The Great American Aran Afghan Squares $15

Every Wednesday from Oct 8 thru Dec 10 1 to 3pm

** This class is a come as you can class, and you will have the opportunity to complete every square

The Knitting Technique to Change your Knitting Forever $30

**Fee includes a pattern for 1 of 3 projects

Wednesday Nov 19 and Dec 3 from 6 to 8 pm

Thursday Nov 13 and 20 from 1 to 3 pm

February Sweater $45

This is a swingy lace cardigan sweater that flatters all body types. It is a perfect sweater for newborn to a womens XXL. Based on Elizabeth Zimmerman's classic sweater. We will have a great time making this classic, as I have some great insight as to how we can custom tailor this sweater to fit you.

Tuesday Oct 21, 28 and Nov 11 from 1 to 3 pm

Tuesday Feb 10, 17 and Mar 3 from 6 to 8 pm

Wristwarmer $21

Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps a portable or quick project. We will custom design wristwarmers around your yarn and finished measurements.

Saturday Nov 1 from 1 to 4pm

Beginning Sock Class $45

Thursday Oct 16, 30 and Nov 6 from 6 to 8 pm

2 Socks at One Time $45

Tuesday Oct 21, Nov 4 and 11 from 6 to 8 pm

Tuesday Feb 24, Mar 10 and 17 from 6 to 8 pm

The Wonderful Wallaby Class $45

Thursday Jan 8, 15 and 29 from 6 to 8 pm

Friday Feb 13, 20 and Mar 6 from 1 to 3 pm

Clogs $45

Friday Oct 24, Nov 7 and 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Technique Class $15

Tuesday Oct 28 from 6 to 8 pm -- Simple seaming and weaving in ends

Thursday Nov 20 from 6 to 8 pm -- gauge and reading instructions

Claudia's Mitten $45

**kits will arrive in the shop anyday now

Friday Nov 14, 21 and Dec 5 from 1 to 3 pm

Tuesday Jan 13, 20 and Feb 3 from 6 to 8 pm

The Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole or Scarf Class $30

Have you been too nervous to wade into the wonderful waters of entrelac? Come make this gorgeous entrelac stole or scarf with us out of the Scarf Style book

Friday Jan 23 and 30 from 1 to 3 pm

Saartje's Baby Booties $30

** includes baby Bootie pattern

Saturday Feb 21 from noon to 4pm

Baby Garter Stitch Cardigan $30

A perfect beginning knitter project. While making a small cardigan, you will learn to read a pattern, weave-in ends, blocking and other techniques that will prove invaluable in future projects. Oh, and you will make the cutest baby cardigan !

Wednesay Feb 25 and March 4 from 6 to 8 pm

Beginning Crochet with Terri $30

Tuesday Nov 4 and 11 from 6 to 8 pm

Thursday Jan 22 and 29 from 6 to 8 pm

classes

2008-10-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Please stay with me...I am still working on the class schedule. I have already had a couple requests for a few more classes, but I will put the dates up by Saturday afternoon - I am so excited to start classes - and see all the wonderful friends we have made over these past 3 years.

Thanks for hanging with me

Jennifer

Classes

2008-09-30T07:16:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year...I love seeing new and familiar faces and helping them dive into a new project. I am posting this falls class schedule classes, and updating dates and times tomorrow. If you are interested in a class, Please call the shop at (309) 820-0174, and we will get you set up. If there isn't a class listed that you are interested in, give Jennifer a call and she will be open to adding some more classes as needed.

Beginning Knitting This is a class for true beginners. Learn to knit, purl, cast-on and bind off. After finishing these two sessions, you will be ready for your first project.

Beginning Sock Class Socks remain the perfect project for new knitters. They're easy and portable. This class will focus on starting our sock at the cuff, as well as teach you sock anatomy and many sock tips.

2 Socks at a Time Why 2 socks at once? Well, why not? Two socks started and finished at the same time. Their still portable, still fun, but no "second-sock syndrome."

Beginning Crochet This is another class for true beginners. Learn the basics of crochet in this one 2 hour session. Taught by Terri.

The Knitting Technique to Change your Knitting Forever This class is perfect for beginners to intermediate. Take your knitting to the next level when we learn to knit with two hands. This technique is perfect for fair isle, but also in all of your future knitting projects. There will be 3 projects to choose from for this class.

The Wonderful Wallaby with Improvements A classic sweater from Cottage Creations. This is a unisex hoodie (or collared) sweater with a hand warming pouch knit from the top down, eliminating seams. Sized for the whole family & tweaked to perfection for any level of knitter.

The Great American Aran Afghan You will receive assistance in the squares from this fabulous, timeless book. Designs feature a wide variety of techniques from basic cable to more innovative stitch configurations. Join this class at any time.

Claudia Mitten Featured in Vogue Knitting 2008 Fall issue, you will keep your hands toasty in these adorable mittens. The popular "Potpourri Mittens" by Tania Gray will be our featured project. A must have for your winter wardrobe.

Fiber Trends Improved Felted Clog Still one our most popular projects, it continues to be the perfect, quick project for beginner to advance. you will find yourself making a pair for everyone in your home and on your Holiday Gift List.

Project Class Are you stuck on one project, perhaps two -- maybe even three. Maybe you're ready to start your first knitting project. Come join Jennifer and use her expertise to get your questions answered, problems solved and projects finished. Great for every level of knitter.

Beginning Tatting Join the fun of learning this Victorian Art. It has a variety of uses; edging of pockets and collars, crazy quilts, Christmas ornaments, etc. Tatting is very portable and uses fine thread.

Saartje's Bootees Are you looking for that perfect gift for a new mother or for a bootee that will stay on. We will learn different increases and decreases, and even a few cast ons in this class. This will be the project for every grandmother's hope chest and every new mother's baby.

Happy Holidays Knitted Cards and Ornaments From an I-Cord candy cane to an eyelet-patterned tree (and many more, including a book mark) we will explore many patterns and techniques to impress your recipient. Easy and fun new projects.

Learn New Skills Jennifer is so excited about the addition of this class. We will make dishcloths/facecloths/ or afghan squares in each class. While doing so we will learn new skills from pattern reading and charts, to learning about gauges, increases, decreases, cables, picking up stitches, seaming and so many more. Barbara Walker, Elizabeth Zimmerman and many other great teachers are foundational people for many of these techniques.

Yarn and finished projects

2007-08-23T06:34:00.001-07:00

More arrivals....Pure, SWTC, has arrived at Mary Lynn's. It is truly beautiful. Due to arrive shortly behind this new yarn, more TOFUtsie colors are due out. Always more yarn to look forward to seeing and buying :)

There are some new customers here at Mary Lynn's...They did a wonderful job, and I expect to see some amazing creations come from their little hands

R has finished her 3rd Einstein coat. This one is for another lucky granddaughter. I can just see the child so excited to wear the coat in this 90 degree heat, bring on the cold weather.

Mary has finished her beautiful shawl for the upcoming wedding of her 4th child...make that 5th child. She was even able to find a dress to match her beautiful creation. She has told the shop her next project will be another lace creation...I didn't think she would, but it just tells you how easy lace is if you learn to "read" your stitches. Beautiful job Mary! Her yarn was Buckingham by Plymouth, and the pattern is from one of Plymouths latest pattern books, Bristol Yarns.

I hope to have more customer's work up within the next few days -- keep them coming!

Beautiful Yarns

2007-08-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

There are some beautiful new yarns in at Mary Lynn's.

Schaefer's lace yarn, Andrea, arrived in 6 colors. Each unique skein has almost 1100 yards, so there is enough to make many scarves, or a beautiful shawl.

The folks at Fiesta have done it again! Ballet is a beautiful alpaca/tencel blend in their dreamy color combinations. The alpaca provides warmth while the tencel lends a lovely sheen. This yarn would make stunning wraps, sweaters, and even socks!Content: 50% Superfine Alpaca, 50% Tencel

We also have Frog Tree's worsted weight alpaca in 3 colors. I was able to make a pair of ladies mittens that are will be a wonderful treat to wear this winter with one skeins of this yarn.

Classes are continuing to fill... We have several people about to finish their first toe-up sock, children knitting, and even a few people who are thinking of the cold weather ahead and have begun making hats for themselves and for gifts. Several people have learned how to crochet and we have others making baby booties for gifts as well as for upcoming arrivals. Upcoming September Classes include:

Felted Purses/Bags
Mezza Luna Purse
Beginning Sock Class
Beginning Crochet
Beginning Lace
Christmas Stockings
Market Square Bag
Basic Sweater
Kids Lessons
Portuguese Knitting

August Classes

2007-07-29T20:53:00.001-07:00

Classes are in full swing...Here is a listing of upcoming classes for the month of August.

Sock Class (Toe - Up)
Beginning Crochet
Baby Booties
Kids Lessons

While there are many classes starting, and many more in September, we are also busy helping customers finish projects from the month of July.

I happened to remember to catch Jessica's and Julie's socks in progress. Both Jessica and Julie are new to knitting, but each are churning out truly wonderful projects. The receiptiants of these socks will truly love them and be asking for another pair.

Marcia's dragon scale scarf is spectacular in Stacy Charles Ritratto yarn. When she finishes and blocks this scarf it will gather many compliments from jealous friends. The camera didn't seem to capture the unique quality of this yarn...it has brilliant color with a touch of sparkle woven throughout.

Baby Chick Hat

2007-07-21T14:53:00.001-07:00

Sarah was able wear her Broken Egg hat out to the ballpark today. The hat was quite the "belle of the ball" at the field. This hat was recently knit out of Cascade's new yarn, Cash Vero DK in white. The chicks were added after the hat was completed using Tahki's Cotton Classic yarn. This Itty Bitty Hat Book is becoming almost a bible for me. I am able to whip up hats quite quickly, and each are so unique (and so easy to customize). Our Cotton Classic yarn, and the Cascades Cash Vero line make these hats so versatile. Can't wait to show you the next one...look for it in the next few days.

Customers Creations, New yarn

2007-07-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

Gay recently brought her turquoise Cascade 220 felted purse into the shop to show us how cute it turned out. The colors really compliment each other, and the young lady who is to receive it will feel quite lucky to have such a fabulous purse.

Julie finished her Pick up Sticks Vertical Stripe Tote in 2 colors of Cascade 220. This is going to be a great summer tote for her. Julie and a couple other of Mary Lynn's customers have been great in letting me teach them how to knit left handed.

We also have had a few new yarns appear at the shop this week... Frog Trees fingering weight alpaca yarn came in in 3 luscious colors. Madil's Eden arrived in a few new colors, and we even have a sample of Elizabeth Zimmerman's February baby sweater made from Eden. Lastly, new colors of DiVi's Teseo are on the shelf. These new colors of Teseo have me anxious to start knitting for winter 2007-2008

Finished projects

2007-07-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Classes are off to a great start this session. I look forward to sharing some of our customers new creations as they finish.

In the meantime I wanted to share some of the new shop samples with everyone.

Our shop's resident "Jacob" or aka "Jake" is finished and on display. He really is so much cuter in person. The joy of this project was not only obtaining a new "project bag"(and everyone knows I always need/want a new one of those) but the fact that EVERYTHING you need to complete this project came in the bag. I literally was able to finish knitting and then finish little Jake the bunny all in one sitting. (Jake's real information is Schaefer yarns Lola Bunny Love)

The fish have turned out to be quite addicting. 2 fishes were felted, and the kool-aid dyed yarn is so cute (as well as the fish pattern) that I had to make a simply knitted fish. The pattern was modified just a smidgin to make the knitted version look as professional as the felted. As for the embellishment, my mind is really racing for ideas on future fish. Perhaps Mary Lynn and I will even have to make miniature "Jennifer" and "Mary Lynn" fish (ie fish that we think look like us)

Stocking 1 (Our fun July stocking) is blocked and in the shop, and our true Christmas stocking has hopes of being hung with care on Thursday. It is hard to believe that I will need to fill these beautiful stockings in just 159 days, 2 hours and 19 minutes (whose counting?)

Our Garden of Hats continues to grow with this unisex paper bag hat. I must say it turned out quite nice in the color scheme we choose of Tahki Cotton Classic yarn.

Schaefer's Cute as Button Bunny

2007-07-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Oh-me, oh-my. The shop has beautiful new bunny kits...Schaefer's Yarn has put together a kit that includes everything you need to make this cute project. Their yarn is absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to share our bunny with my cutie and everyone at the shop.

Bus Trip

2007-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is official...Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden will be taking a bus trip to Stitches Midwest on August 12, 2007. The bus will be leaving Mary Lynn's parking lot (all bus goers can leave the cars in any of the building's parking spots for the entire day) at 8am sharp. So all attendees need to be on the bus by 7:45. That means we will get the the market shortly after the doors open. Cost for the trip is $40 and includes your ticket to attend the event. How exciting to enjoy a day with ladies that enjoy knitting...I may even have to come up with a special bus project. Anyone interested in attending with Mary Lynn and I will need to come up to the shop and book their spot -- look forward to spending the day with everyone.

I also wanted to share this photo with everyone. This is a blanket that many of our customer's helped create for Sarah. I just love it so...We have been able to use it often, even in the middle of summer. It was knit out of Tahki's cotton classic yarn, so it washes and dries beautifully, but it also breathes - so it has been a great nursing blanket. I giggle whenever little Sarah is able to get a few fingers or toes to pop thru...just love our blanket of love.

Customer's Creations and Shop Samples

2007-07-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Customers at the shop have been very busy...Our resident Guru, Mary has knit this beautiful vest in no time. She found the patterns in Knitter's Issue 86, Spring 2007 and it was pattern Laced Latte knit out of Berroco's Nostalgia. Mary successfully changed the yarn to a beautiful 100% black silk, Berger du Nord Yarn's Belle. Mary's finished piece is stunning.

Carol has been quite busy too. She knit one of our new felted purse patterns using buttons and beads. She choose wonderful colors -- and has even brought a friend up to choose colors for the purse she will knit the friend.

As for myself, I have finished the Cat Bordhi moebius sample. I met Cat at market (as did Sarah and Lauren) and have enjoyed some nice conversations with her at TNNA market and since. What a truly remarkable woman she is. I used one skein of the wonderful Jade Sapphire's 2-ply Cashmere. I really love how it turned out, and it was so much fun to knit. I cast on 5 or 6 times, not because of mistakes, rather that it was so enjoyable.

My beginning lace sample is also now in the shop. This was actually a very therapeutic piece to knit. I do so enjoy lace. This piece accompanied me allover Bloomington-Normal as I was able to visually knit the scarf. So it did not require a lot of room to take with me. I also knit this piece out of Jade Sapphires 2-ply Cashmere.

Exciting new yarn and yarn companies

2007-06-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought it was going to be a quiet day in the shop....Mom has now added Art Yarns hand painted yarns to the shop. I fell in love with every color the yarn rep kept pulling out. We have ordered 10 colors in Silk Rhapsody, Regal Silk and Ultramerino. All of which are due into the shop in the Fall. There are many also many great patterns by Art Yarns that will be coming with the yarn.

As if that was not enough. Berroco has come out with a fabulous new yarn. This yarn in nylon and acrylic, which doesn't sound too pretty...But boy is this yarn a great buy, in great colors, at a great feel. I cannot remember the yarns name, as the yarn is not due to even ship until the end of July. It is machine washable and machine dryable which is even further appealing. And of course, Berroco would not be introducing this great yarn without great pattern support. All of the new Berroco pattern booklets are also on order, and we look forward to opening that box.

We also found out that are EVERY Lang/Jawoll sock yarn skein comes with reinforcing yarn. We like to say our Jawoll skeins are expecting babies...as the reinforcing yarn is tucked tight into the bellies of each skein. This yarn company has been around since the 1800's, and they sure know how to make a great, affordable, durable sock. Come by and let our Jawoll skeins birth their "babies" for you.

And just when I was walking out the door, in came a new yarn from Plymouth/Cleckheaton, Cocoon. It is a pretty worsted weight wool and nylon. It too, came with a new pattern booklet with some beautiful garments.

Children's Classes

2007-06-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention that we are now featuring Children's Classes at Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden. There are two children's classes in the next schedule. I am so excited to get this new generation learning handarts, and I hope to do this by customizing projects to each child's needs/personality. We have also started scheduling children's birthday parties for children ages 8-12. The parties include one-on-one consultations with the birthday girl to make sure the project for the party is something that excites her and her guests. The parties will run for 90 minutes and we have enough space to accommodate cake and ice cream after we finish our project.

It's Final Here

2007-06-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's finally here... The 2007 Fall Class Schedule is in the mail, and should be in your mailbox anyday. Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden still has many favorites on the calender - such as the Beginning Knitting, Einstein Coat, Felting and socks, but we also have many other great classes just beginning: Entrelac, more toe-up socks, children's articles of clothing, moebuis knitting - as well as Beginning crochet and a great new felted bag, Mezza Luna. There are many new display items coming into the shop daily, so take some time and come in to check them out, and get inspired.

Last week the Opal Sock Representative was in, and mom couldn't let her leave with an order. We have so much new coming, Schaefers Yarn and Claudia's yarn, more Tilli Tomas and Jade Sapphire. New Black Purl patterns, as well as Cabin Fever and Chris Bylsma patterns. Tofutsies is here -- as well as Mountain Colors and Jowell, and Friday Sisu patterns and sock kits arrived. Fabulous silk and alpaca yarn (King George)came in on Thursday from Plymouth, as well as a beautiful new lace yarn, Buckingham. There is much more new on the way.

Finally, Lantern Moon bags are now on sale...these are definately Must Have Bags for the knitter and non-knitters alike. Stop in and pick out a favorite before they are gone.

Happy Knitting
Jennifer

New Blog for Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden; Bloomington, Illinois

2007-06-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

She has been anxious to start her own blog for her store - so I am anxious to give mom (Mary Lynn) a call and let her know that she can officially start blogging shop news. How exciting this will be...Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden has been open for just over a year now in Central Illinois - we are a full service yarn and needlepoint store located in downtown Bloomington. The shop has a beautiful view from the 4th floor of the CII East Building. Mom and I have made so many new friends since the shop open, and we can now let all of our friends know about different going-ons at the shop. Love to all - Jennifer