Monday

Spin-Off Fall 2012 Cover Shawl and Giveaway

by Joanna

Last fall I began learning how to spin. Inspired by our daughter, and enabled encouraged by some of my very talented fiber-y friends (Amy, Karen, Anne... you know who you are) I started playing with wool on an entirely different level. My newest pattern, A Gift From Laurel, was published in the Fall 2012 issue of Spin-Off. As if that wasn't enough of a self-pinching-surprise on its own, it also made the cover. It has been a delightful journey into the world of spinning. I hope it is just the beginning for me, I am already planning more and more... and more.

A Gift from Laurel, Spin-Off Fall 2012



Lambkin superwash merino, from Enchanted Knoll Farm

The fun part! I have an extra copy of the Fall 2012 Spin-Off to give away. Even if you aren't a spinner (yet), there is a lot to love about the newest issue. 

This drawing is now closed. Congratulations to our winner~ Scarlet at Huckleberry Knits!
Rules are simple and sweet, leave a comment to enter. Share on facebook, twitter, or your blog, and come back to leave more comments to enter multiple times. Comments will close on Tuesday, October 2, at noon. 

Scotts Bluff Valley Fiber Arts Fair, a photo diary

a colorful wooly lovebug greeted us at the entrance

signing books for friendly knitters

a young reader, enjoying the details

this sweet girl loved Phoebe Mermouse

her sisters each brought their Phoebe's Sweater to show me, beautiful!

the perfect place to learn a new skill, spool knitting for this young lady

bringing home the wool
(note: this is *not* all mine, three good friends joined me for the adventure)

this should keep me spinning for a while, right?


Thursday

Artist Exhibit and Book Signing at Fancy Tiger, a photo diary


Eric's first Art Exhibit at Fancy Tiger

We released signed prints from the new book
(more on these soon!)

Original artwork, trunk show, books, prints, and stationery on display

Eric chatting with a fellow illustrator

Hanging out with Jessica and Amber

A good time was had by all. Art, cookies, and general crafty happiness. We hope to do it again some day!





Wednesday

Freddie's Blanket Rumors...


This summer while on our book tour we heard a rumor that our second book, Freddie's Blanket, is out of print. Say it isn't so! This little stack is all we have left... but I am happy to announce that the second printing is shipping out to us today! Thank you all so very much for your encouragement, notes, and kind words. We are honored to create something together that has brought us so much joy and happiness. We are deeply grateful to each one of you for being a part of this creative adventure. Happy reading, happy stitching!

Thursday

New hat and scarf from Grandma!


Yesterday after school the mailman delivered an unexpected package. It was from my mother to my daughter, and contained a beautiful hand knit hat and scarf set. It fits her perfectly, and looks great with her new fall jacket. She bundled up, posed for a photo, and asked me to send the photo to Grandma right away. Thanks to Instagram, we did just that. 
Fall, we are ready for you!

Friday

Hometown Book Signing, The Wool Basket

The Wool Basket is a wonderful shop in our Old Town neighborhood here in Loveland. Although Karen specializes in wool for rug hooking, punch needle and penny rugs, and wool applique, she recently added a knitting department as well. I have been a customer here since she opened... in fact, Eric hand lettered her store window over seven years ago!

This is my favorite photo from the book signing... nothing like having a real model to sample the knitted dress from our new book! You probably know of the online knitting magazine, Petite Purls. The co-editor, Allegra, and her daughter joined us for the event, and Satya looked adorable in Phoebe's Party Dress.

My dear friend and crafty companion Karen, the shipowner Karen, and knitter Dawn hanging out at the counter checking out some patterns.

The Saturday afternoon knitting club gals are working on sampler blocks for a gorgeous blanket.

It is always a pleasure to visit with the knitters! Thanks to everyone who came out to the event, we had a great time!