Friday, January 21, 2011

Gotta have it.

We've all gotta have it. Whether or not we have time to knit it all, we've just gotta have it all.

Yarn, yarn, yarn!

I've gotta have it so bad, I'll conquer my fears to climb on an airplane and fly all the way to market in Long Beach, CA for it.

This apropos ad greeted us when we arrived:


And of course, it was all worth it when we saw old friends and fabulous new designs, like Gina Wilde from Alchemy with new projects that had us simultaneously drooling and begging, "I have to cast it on NOW!"


A full day of market shopping completely exhausts the average woman...but then there is Gina, Supershopper, Superwoman, and Vampire knitter extraordinaire. So naturally, she quickly located the closest and most expensive mall:




And Cali was not without her other perks. Such as the view from our room:


And sunrise on the beach:



Also I got tons of knitting done, including this Anthropologie Inspired Wrap in Three Irish Girls Springvale Worsted. One of my favorite pieces in quite some time. By the way, I did not go all California on you all and lose a lot of weight. We just employed Gina's favorite photographer-on-a-ladder trick for this shot. Instantly shaves off 15 pounds haha!

Now, I need to share with you a couple more examples of people who've just gotta have their yarn.

First, there is Becky, who had to have eye surgery and was told she would have to sit in this torture chair, looking down, for 5 days straight. Was Becky concerned? NO! She had her knitting!

Here is what Becky looks like on a non-torture-chair day. She is modeling a cowl she just made from new "Dare" yarn. And now she can see better to knit. Hooray!


And then there is Miss Cassidy, who delivered her third baby 6 weeks early. Most moms would be a bit stressed when they are sent to the hospital that early with complications. Not Cassidy! She had her knitting! And beautiful little Cora was born gorgeous and perfect as can be. It's the magic of yarn!


So, since we're all in a celebratory baby mood, I have a little giveaway contest for you. Post a comment about how or why you've gotta have your yarn. We'll draw a winner at random to receive the yarn and pattern for superfast, supercute "New in Town" from Spud & Chloe. The smallest size calls for just two skeins of washable, natural fiber Outer yarn. Ruth is teaching this class at Loops in February. And if you can't wait, you can buy the yarn in our online store - we'll include the pattern free with purchase!


Happy commenting!

- Shelley
shop online at loopsknitting.com

48 Comments:

Anonymous Tracie said...

Because I can't just sit! Need something to do with my hands :)

January 21, 2011 at 6:53 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I started classes at your store just last week and I love it! Thank you for creating such a great environment to learn to knit.

January 21, 2011 at 7:04 AM  
Blogger AngieDSimplyMe said...

Why I gotta have yarn?

I am a SAH, home educating mom of three girls.

Yarn helps me work out frustrations, and helps my patience!

:)

Love the wrap. It is in my Ravelry faves!

January 21, 2011 at 7:05 AM  
Blogger Kristin said...

I love yarn! The colors and textures are so beautiful! I have some yarn at home, but always want new yarn before I'm finished knitting up what I already have! I mean, I need certain kinds and colors for special projects, so I need more! :)

January 21, 2011 at 7:16 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

I gotta have my yarn so that I can be creative just about everywhere I go: soccer games, playdates, car trips....

January 21, 2011 at 7:17 AM  
Blogger KatJobson said...

I'm obsessed with yarn, trying to be on a yarn diet at least for a few month but if I win yarn, well that's a horse of a different color.

I love the colors, the feel, just bought the book "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" by Clara Parkes because I want to know everything about yarn and fiber. I think I need to own a yarn store to satisfy my jones to buy yarn.

Oh and I love Spud & Chloe too!

Kathi Jobson

January 21, 2011 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger Vickie HOPPENSTEADT said...

I just learned to knit in July. Harriet was my teacher!! I just finished the "Wool Leaves" baby blanket and presented it to my friend for her new baby boy! I am working on my second "Cedarleaf Shawlette" and I can't wait to cast on the "Baby Kia" for my great-neice! I definitely "Gotta Have Yarn"!!

January 21, 2011 at 7:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I almost always have at least two projects on the needles and with me. Usually, a small, easy, no-brainer-type project, and another larger, thinker-type one. I don't know why, but just knowing I've got the knitting bag within reach is an anchor that makes my day go better. I think I'd even carry it in to church with me if I thought I could get away with it!

January 21, 2011 at 7:32 AM  
Anonymous Michelle Hotchkies said...

I'll have it any way! Why? Because I'm addicted to yarn! Great pics ladies...looks like you had a fun trip!

January 21, 2011 at 7:34 AM  
Blogger Lindsey Taylor said...

My brother is expecting his 2nd baby girl in March. I would love to be able to knit something like this for them :)

January 21, 2011 at 7:39 AM  
Anonymous Miranda said...

Shelley,

Thanks for the fun post with all the pretty pictures from CA. :)

I especially like the picture of the puffy sheep. LOL.

And I like Spud & Chloe. Fingers crossed. :)

January 21, 2011 at 7:42 AM  
Anonymous Karla W. said...

I have a 16 hour plane ride to Europe in March. But, I'm not worried because i have 5 projects I am taking to keep me from loosing my mind on the plane. I have also told my friend I'm visiting to scope out where yarn shops are in Slovenia so I can check them out while there.

January 21, 2011 at 7:49 AM  
Blogger Kat said...

What fun pictures!

I've gotta have my yarn because yarn feeds my soul--the colors, the texture, and the ability to take something in one long piece and make it into just about anything is still miraculous to me.

January 21, 2011 at 7:55 AM  
Blogger Linda L said...

I HAVE to have yarn because I love making things for people as well as myself. I love seeing the progress and symmetry of whatever I'm working on at the moment. Plus, it relaxes me and takes my focus off of whatever is stressing me out in my life. One of my favorite moments, is when I give a completed piece to someone who wasn't expecting it. I love to do that! So keep showing all those beautiful patterns/pieces to knit and I'll keep knitting!

January 21, 2011 at 7:57 AM  
Blogger Lista said...

I've gotta have my yarn because I'm twitchy! i can't sit still anyway, so why not knit and turn not sitting still into something productive? :o)

January 21, 2011 at 8:06 AM  
Blogger bschlot said...

I gotta have.....yarn! The kind of yarn changes week to week, sometimes day to day. Since finding Loops, I've definitely become a yarn snob. I cannot buy my yarn at the chain stores any longer. "Real Yarn" is such a pleasure to work with. This week my choice is Spud & Chloe's sweater yarn. I'm going to try to make a "Camp Hoodie" for my oldest granddaughter. She's only 10, but I want this to last more than one season. Susan B. Anderson is presently hosting a KAL in the S&C ravelry group. She's going to give us the recipe for adding sleeves to the hoodie with short rows, and has been encouraging us to experiment with the fair isle portion of the sweater, to make it our own. Beginging the KAL is a free hat pattern to try out our designs & hone our fair isle skills. So, this week, I gotta have my Spud & Chloe sweater yarns.

January 21, 2011 at 8:07 AM  
Anonymous Pam Edwards said...

I gotta have my yarn because it is absolutely necessary to have many projects going at the same time. Finishing is optional but starting is a definite must.

January 21, 2011 at 8:19 AM  
Blogger ann I am said...

Like most knitters, I had to have a selection if yarn for our looooong road trip(to Montana, including Glacier and Yellowstone) last summer, I was especially glad I was knitting wool socks I was able to cast off and wear in the cold tent.

January 21, 2011 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Becky's Bees said...

Ohhhh...I gotta have some of the yummy yarns you mentioned, and I also gotta have one of those "photographer-on-a-ladder" things...that sounds like the best weight lost program yet!! LOL Thanks for the great postings...

January 21, 2011 at 8:33 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I gotta have my yarn so I don't drive my husband completely nuts with my hyperness.

January 21, 2011 at 8:34 AM  
Blogger Laura T said...

Need Yarn!! I love to knit in the evenings watching tv or on long car trips with my hubby. Gotta have something to knit. I also have several grand babies and I would love that new pattern!
Laura T

January 21, 2011 at 8:59 AM  
Blogger Ali said...

Gotta have pink yarn! I am prego with a girl due May 28th. I am casting on a dress now :-) This is going to stretch my basic knitting skills, but I am ready for the challenge! I love making baby gifts, and this time it's for one of my own.

January 21, 2011 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger K. Michele said...

I am posting for my sister, she needs that special yarn for her Great new niece, She is a Great Aunt for the first time and she has been knitting non stop for her new niece Scarlett. Blankets, hats, a bear, booties and endless. She is always having me search for new yarn, so she loves yarn.

January 21, 2011 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Jessie Case said...

Gotta have yarn b/c I have a baby coming in May and I need to make him cute cute things!

January 21, 2011 at 9:56 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

gotta have it because if I'm not diddling with yarn I'm diddling with something else, usually something that makes noise (eg clicking the battery cover on the remote control open and closed, or making with the drumming of the fingers)... I knit so people don't kill me LOL

January 21, 2011 at 10:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh wow, that Anthropologie Inspired Wrap is super gorgeous!

January 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

It helps me think....believe it or not. Like others, I need something to do with my hands and while they are busy, it allows my mind to focus on thoughts. and unlike some other things I do in my job, there is gratification - I can see my progress!

January 21, 2011 at 11:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I "gotta have it" to keep my sanity. My mom told my husband that if they could keep yarn in my hands when I was on bed rest w/my 1 yo, then they could keep me down. Then, when people asked me what to get him for his b'day last mo. I told them to get a gift card to Loops & I would make him something since he prefers to play w/big brother's toys & he didn't really need anything...

Ali C.

January 21, 2011 at 11:15 AM  
Blogger jennkeehn said...

As a stay at home mom of two small kiddos I will take it anyway and anywhere I can get it.....my yarn that is! :) I am a mom by day and a knitter by night. As soon as the kid's eyes close...the needles come out! I let my hair down, pour a glass of wine, turn on something fun on the DVR and KNIT! It is a nightly ritual for me. Life couldn't be better....wine, DVR, & knitting....the perfect TRIFECTA!

January 21, 2011 at 11:50 AM  
Blogger jennkeehn said...

As a stay-at-home mom of two small kiddos I will take it anywhere and anytime I can get it.....my yarn that is! :) I am a mommy by day and a knitter by night. As soon as the kid's eyes close....my needles come out. I let my hair down, pour a glass of wine, turn on the DVR's shows awaiting me, & KNIT! It is a nightly ritual for me. Life couldn't be better.....wine, DVR, & knitting...the perfect TRIFECTA!

January 21, 2011 at 11:56 AM  
Blogger Kitten With a Whiplash said...

Because when I'm out Thrift Shopping and a baog 21 balls of Adrienne Vittadini Trini yarn is only $7.98 or 7 skeins of Noro Iro is only 4.98... I gotstahasit!

January 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM  
Anonymous M Beach said...

Why do I have to have yarn? Because I love trying new yarn with new patterns!! At Christmas, I bought Mochi Plus, Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Painted and Tweed for cowls and they turned out gorgeous. The yarn was sooo wonderful to knit with. On Thursday I stopped at Loops for a new circular needle and fell in love with and purchased 2 skeins of self-patterning jacquard yarn called Adriafil Knitcol. I can't wait to knit my first pair of socks with it. Keep the yarn coming!!

January 21, 2011 at 12:40 PM  
Blogger Alaina said...

Just for the record, I'm so glad Loops has a blog! Love reading it! =)

Yarn. I need it to look at. I need it to touch. I need it to create. Mostly I just need it to remind me of possibilities.

January 21, 2011 at 12:49 PM  
Anonymous Mary said...

Why do I have to have yarn? Because I love to try new yarns with new patterns! At Christmas I knitted cowls with Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Painted and Tweed, Mochi Plus, and Trendsetter Venus. I used the Malabrigo Twist for cabled fingerless gloves. And I knitted a baby hat and socks with the Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino which turned our darling. Just today I bought the Adriafil Knitcol and can't wait to start my first pair of socks. Keep the yarn coming!

January 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM  
Blogger sarah said...

It's fun reading other knitter's comments here because I can so relate! I would knit upside down if I had to too! Knitting is my calm, my quiet, a happy place where I can make pretty things.

January 21, 2011 at 1:20 PM  
Blogger Nancy said...

I have got to have yarn to knit with! My life would be so incomplete without it :-)

January 21, 2011 at 2:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I gotta have yarn because I multi-task all the time. I can not have idle hands or mind so I have something to knit with me at all times. I would love it if my work would see this habit of mine as helpful and let me knit and take care of my patients.

January 21, 2011 at 3:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oooooooo, I gotta have my yarn, I can't live without my yarn, I can't breathe without it. It's what keeps me sane, it's what keeps me from flipping out on people at work! Each stitch I work sends a tiny bit of stress right out the door.

January 21, 2011 at 3:58 PM  
Blogger gilded raspberry said...

I feel less guilty watching TV if I'm knitting too - like I'm not wasting time. :)

January 21, 2011 at 4:46 PM  
Anonymous Stephenia said...

enjoying a beautiful yarn and focusing on knitting takes me away from the troubles of the day!

January 21, 2011 at 6:09 PM  
Anonymous sara said...

I am all about the Patterns! Gotta have patterns the more the better! I got to have my yarn but only after i sort through and search for that perfect project.

January 22, 2011 at 6:07 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

I gotta have my yarn to help maintain some semblance of sanity parenting three special needs kids and a toddler while tripping over two crazy dogs. Knitting is my zen. And there is nothing better than giving a hand-knitted hug to one of my beautiful little ones.

I just printed out the wrap pattern and am going to cast on for it this week - PERFECT for this freezing Chicago weather!

January 22, 2011 at 7:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have the t-shirt that says "I knit so I don't kill people". If I didn't have yarn, I'd probably be in jail!!!

January 22, 2011 at 11:47 AM  
Blogger Janet said...

I re-started knitting in August and it has turned out to be a tonic - a nice dose of serenity in my life. It switches off the complexities. As for why I have to buy yarn - I simply have to turn to my all-male household who are begging me to make them socks, hats, scarves and know that they cannot wait for me to finish whatever project I have for them. They are appreciative of my efforts.

January 22, 2011 at 8:47 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm glad you made it to South Coast Plaza while you were out here. its my favorite mall. They say that the Nordstrom there is the highest volume shoe store in the US. A dangerous place!

January 23, 2011 at 3:36 PM  
Blogger Shelley Brander said...

Thanks to everyone for your great comments! They had us smiling, laughing, and most of all, relating! The randomly-drawn winner is comment #19, Becky Nichols! Congrats Becky. Let us know which Loops location you would like to get your prize - or we can mail it to you :)

January 26, 2011 at 4:19 AM  
Blogger JaneyJ said...

I just stocked up today in preparation for the storm! Can't wait to be snowed in with my new finds ;)

January 31, 2011 at 1:03 PM  
Blogger Ms Blondie Knits said...

Great post and photos! (Except for that poor woman in her torture chamber! Aghh!) I love the Anthro-inspired wrap -- can't believe I haven't seen that before!

February 4, 2011 at 8:50 AM  

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