Needlework Monday - Our Little Big Adventure in Kansas! Part 1

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.

Samples Displayed For Pattern Purchase

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.

Colorful Yarn and Thread Displays

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!

There was a whole section of ready to dye yarns including cotton, linen, nylon, wool etc.

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.

Classes

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.

Spinning

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.

The Loom

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.

The Wall of Literature

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.

My Take Home Treat

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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