Needlework Monday - Our Little Big Adventure in Kansas! Part 1
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Happy #NeedleWorkMonday friends! It’s my favorite day to be on Steemit! Why? Because I get to share some of my life and a little of what I do with some of my favorite Steemicans!!! Whooo Hooo!! 😃😄 It’s the day us needleworkers can share and enjoy each other’s creations as we get inspired with new ideas and techniques!
I mentioned last week I would be posting about the fun weekend we had celebrating our son’s fifth birthday. Well this is Part 1 of that post. The part I am sharing today for #NeedleWorkMonday is about the fun I got to have at the Yarn Barn while we were out.
We visited my brother and his family in Kansas, home of the KU Jayhawks during their Final Four game weekend. The downtown streets were blocked off and tons of people were out shopping, eating and just having a good time. The bus rides were free up until the game started but I’ll share more of that in Part 2’s post.
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As we were walking along the busy streets downtown I spotted the Yarn Barn. I have always been interested in going into one but there are no local ones where we live. I walked in and was so excited to see a place full of colorful yarns and supplies. There were several different items on display like this shawl that you could get the pattern for. Some of the items were made by the ladies that worked there and others were made by different companies.
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I’m thinking to myself “my husband shouldn’t have let me step into this place. We’re going to be here for hours lol!” I had to remember we were celebrating my son’s birthday that day so I had to be mindful of the time and how long I had my little fun. I managed to only stay for an hour. It’s funny because the whole family was interested in the store and looking at all of the machines they had and how they worked. I’ll get to that part soon.
As I was looking at these yarns I was thinking of the ladies that spin and/or dye their own yarns. There were so many different color variations because they were hand spun and dyed. I understand even more now why these ladies like to do it themselves. You won’t find these types of colors at your local craft store. Look how bright and pretty they are!
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There was a whole section of ready to dye yarns including cotton, linen, nylon, wool etc.
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I hardly ever work with wool because it makes myself and most of my customers itch. However I always find the prettiest colors in wool. I thought this mixture of colors were so pretty because I love earthy tones.
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The women in this picture is one of the main workers that teaches the Winter/Spring classes. She shared with us that you can sign up to learn how to crochet, knit and needle felt. My SIL and I are going to take a class together next Spring. The hats and scarves you see on the displays and table are some of the projects they teach how to make. They also have some of the patterns laid out on the table for display. I know some of you know how to knit cables. I loved the hats with the cables on them. If I take more time to learn basic knitting this year, then next Spring I just might take up a cable class.
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This was one of the machines my kids were interested in learning about. I had mentioned to @luthvarian that someday I may just learn how to spin my own yarn. She makes it look so easy and fun. I have to admit that seeing a spin wheel up close and personal heightened my interest a little :D They also teach spinning classes here. I wouldn’t take this class unless I knew I had the tools to do it at home. So this might be a distant class for the future.
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I think we spent the most time in this section. Looking at these loom machines and the pieces they were creating was very intriguing. One of the workers took the time to explain the process of using the machine. Some of the workers here have created their own patterns. My brother asked if they ever write their patterns up and sell them. She told us that they are so busy with running the store and teaching classes they would never have the time for that. They just use what they create for display and to teach how to run the machines.
My husband surprised me by asking if I would want to own my own loom machine one day. I told him once we get the space for it I would love to have one and make my own area rugs. He really wants me to have one. They also offer loom classes here. I would definitely take a few of those classes before purchasing my own machine. They offer several different weaving classes such as tapestry, textured tapestry, clasp, and rigid heddle. I am very interested in taking some of these classes in the future.
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Of course there was a section just for you readers! All kinds of books and magazines on crocheting and knitting, patterns and projects, yarns and tools! I’m sure if one spends enough time just browsing through the collection while at the store, would probably come up with several project ideas.
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You didn’t think I would go home empty handed now did ya? Lol well actually I thought I was until my husband surprised me again. On the way out he noticed I stopped to admire the Prism Delicato yarn. I’ve been wanting to work with thinner lighter threads to make myself a Spring scarf I could wear on cooler nights. He looks at me and says “pick one!” I thought he was joking at first but turns out he really wanted me to take one of these precious yarns home...YAY!! 😆 I now own my first skein of Delicato yarn. I have never paid this much for yarn before but I know it will be worth it. It’s so soft and delicate and I love the colors! It was so hard to choose from all of the pretty choices.
I can’t say I will get the scarf done this Spring because you all know what I’m working on. I don’t plan on starting any more projects until after our baby girl’s items are finished. Soooooo looks like this will be a project I can look forward to starting later on for next Spring.
Well that concludes Part 1 of our weekend adventure. Stay tuned for Part 2 to see how the Birthday boy had a blast along with his siblings and cousins. Trust me I didn’t expect to have this much fun for myself but when you have a Yarn Barn in sight it’s meant to go in!! 😄😉 Everyday is Mother’s Day! 😂😂😂
All pictures are my own and were taken with my iPhone 7.
Thanks for tuning in!!! Looking forward to reading your posts for today’s #NeedleWorkMonday! 😘
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A thought- don't turn into my Mother! She bought a spinning Wheel, used it for maybe a year. Didn't really enjoy it. And has been trying to sell it on and off for years and years now. Then she bought a loom. It was too big so she bought a second Loom... she used them once each. My dad still trying to sell the large one I think. If you can borrow or rent or test drive in any way shape or form, before you actually invest in these I highly recommend it.
Try drop spinning instead of using a spinning wheel first. See if you even enjoy the process. Before buying either a new spinning wheel or a loom, check and see if you can find one on Craigslist or listed for sale locally on a board at a local yarn shop. Or even ask some of the older ladies who used to do those things if they have spinning wheels are looms they might be interested in selling. I know that one of the weaving groups here in Western Montana has a few older ladies who can't do their weaving anymore and probably are going to be looking to sell their looms soon.
ha ha sound advice there @jamethiel ... totally agreed with the 'try first'... I really liked the idea of spinning too but I was a bit allergic unfortunately...
If you're desperate to try spinning, I hear you can spin flax and cotton with a lot of work!
I used to help my mom with spinning wool, it wasn't as fun as she thought it would be. :)
This is very good and sound advice! I wouldn’t buy a big expensive one unless I know for “sure” I’d be using it on a weekly or monthly basis. My plan is to take a few classes first and then if I enjoy it I would buy a smaller version. Then later on if I’m really feeling it I’d buy the big ones like in this store. It would definitely be a process lol!
Good idea on buying used ones and not brand new ones. I’m sure it’s been a pain for your parents trying to sell her machines. Thanks again for the great advice! 😉
I used to have a loom like one of these - I still have my first tabletop loom, but decided to sell the multi-treadle loom since it takes up so much space and time to use and I don't see myself working on projects like that for a long, long time. It's much easier for me to do knitting and crocheting for the projects and if I want to make runners or placemats we still have the little loom and the warping board to make the warp.
I stay out of yarn store these days because I usually want to just buy the store. It's addicting!!!!!! The colors and textures and potential projects...wow.
Someday. When kids are big. I'll do projects with neat wool and make watercolor quilts. That'll be fun.
So cool! I could see myself getting a tabletop loom before ever investing in a larger machine. Did you enjoy using it when you did? What items did you make?
Lol smart lady you are! It is so addicting being in those stores. When I walk in I feel like kicking off my shoes and grabbing a cup of coffee lol! Watercolor quilts sound pretty fun!
I enjoyed the tabletop loom more than the bigger loom. The big one was a serious job to warp and my back got really tired while working at it. And I was a teenager at the time - I suspect I'd get a lot sorer now. I've made various runners and placemats with it, including one that's currently on my sideboard. I should wash it and take a picture for a Needlework Monday sometime. ;)
Watercolor quilts are seriously fun! You have to collect all kinds of great material first and when it comes to laying it out I can get totally absorbed for hours, to the point where I can't hear anything else that's going on. Which is why I won't make another until the kids are older. Too much potential for catastrophe...
Thank you so much for that review, it was really helpful. My back is definitely not the strongest these days and from what you described I would definitely get tired too. This confirms what I thought, I would buy the table loom first.
Lol that is very smart of you to wait till the kids are older to take up watercolor quilts! I can imagine how you could get totally absorbed in such a project.
The next time I go to Kansas... gonna be so expensive... :) I logged onto google maps, found The Yarn Barn, and favorited it on there so I can find it on my next trip. I actually may have a chance to go out to that area later in the summer. I usually end up in Kansas City about once every other year.
It sounds like you had a great trip! I bet it was crazy busy there! Looking forward to your next post about the birthday.
And I'm looking forward to seeing what you make with that yarn!
You would love YarnCon, it is held in Chicago every April. I really want to go someday. Lots of classes, and stuff on display.
Oh you would Love it there! I hope you get the chance to make it! You know what, there were only 3 other customers in the store when we were in there! I didn’t mind at all because we got to ask all the questions we wanted lol! There weren’t too many crafty KU fans out that day I guess.
Oooh that YarnCon sounds like an event I NEED to be at!! 😃 Thanks for the info, I’ll be looking that up as I’m not too far from Chicago! That would be a nice little trip for
methe family. 😄Check out the links in the comments below my post today. There are so many fun fiber festivals and events to possibly attend...
I sure will do that! Thanks~
That is such a colorful way to shop lol! My roommate is a weaver, had a loom. She tried to teach me, I just don't have the patience for that kind of stuff. Knitting, crochet, all that... I am too twitchy lol! I can sit an write for hours on end because my brain is fully engaged too. To just have my hands busy while the rest has to sit still... and my brain is supposed to be entertained by things like counting stitches?! I just can't do it! I surely do admire the work of those that can though!
Lol!! It was very colorful shopping! I do understand that. These types of arts and crafts do take some concentration. The good thing about crocheting for so long is I can have conversations and watch television while working on a project...especially when I don’t have to count stitches lol!
If I go into a yarn shop I need a watchdog, or someone who hides my money or... I am helpless when confronted with all these beautiful colours, patterns and finished projects - I always want to buy something.
I love that your shop caters to so many different crafts, here it is mostly knitting with a little bit crochet or embroidery. Weaving and spinning are very seldom. I especially love the idea of weaving, but my attempt so long was more exhausting than fun. I worked with a Japanese book which had projects for simple woven fabrics made with handmade cardboard looms. The idea sounds nice, but the actual weaving was a little bit tiring. So, I am looking forward to you working on one of these big professional looms!
I would have loved to accompany you to this beautiful store and I am looking forward to see what you will do with the stunning yarn you bought (I love the teal and pink) <3
Haa! I think my husband was glad to be with me so I wouldn’t go into a spending frenzy!! I was just glad to look around (and mentally mark down what I would buy on the next visit lol) and be there.
I appreciated the many crafts they displayed and supported too. The way they described the weaving process seems very tiring and you really have to be focused and into it.
Lol we’ll see if I ever get one. I will definitely take a few classes first and start with smaller machines “if” it really interests me. I would love for you to have accompanied me too, that would have been a blast!!! I’m so looking forward to playing with my new yarn!! 😁😘
Those colorful yarns are very eye-catching. ^^ I'd love to try that spin wheel too. I saw one in my travels but wasn't able to touch it because it was in a museum.
They were very eye catching! Oh wow it must have been an antique one to be in a museum! Pretty cool~
It is quite old. I'd love to touch one of those.
I bet! 😀
Love it! It was like I was there with you taking a tour! :) I love the yarn you picked. It's a lovely color and will make a nice scarf! That is a lot of yarn there. I've never heard of Yarn Barn. Yarn here is really cheaply made...everyone complains about it. Perhaps there aren't enough Panamanian knitters and crocheters. Ha! The looms and other machines look really cool as well! Nice that they offer classes too!
Yay I was hoping you all felt like you were in the store with me!!! Mission accomplished! ✔️😁
Thank you! It was so hard to choose! I was wondering how many people have heard of it. It was so amazing being surrounded with all that beautiful yarn!! 😍
Yea the craft stores near me sell pretty nice yarns but nothing like the ones they had here.
Fabulous place @crosheille 😵
I was just wondering whether they also stocked knitting machines - I did spot yarn cones in your photos...
Oh my friend it was sooo FAB!! You know it’s funny you asked about the knitting machines because I asked about them with YOU in mind!! 😃 I wanted to take a picture of one for you so bad but unfortunately they didn’t have any!!! 😧 I just knew they would have some but the loom machines took up 1/3 of the store lol.
Yes there were quite a few yarn cones.
Oh, that yarn, so much! Lovely present to take home, and to look forward to when you have some quiet time to yourself in the future.
Yes it was a really nice treat to bring home! I’m
Looking forward to having time to play with it! 😁😄
Oh my gosh! That place is amazing! 😍❤❤
Yes it truly is!!!! 😄😁😆