One Stitch at a Time

If you are in Oregon this month, don’t miss this opportunity to check out fiber artist Jae McDonald’s collection “One Stitch at a Time” at the Springfield Museum. The artwork will be on display from April 6th- April 28th.

McDonald has a variety of fiber interests from art quilting, needlework, weaving, basketry and many more. With a great deal of experience and show history, McDonald’s exhibit will include wonderful pieces that may even inspire you to get out your needles or hooks and start on your own new projects!

Read Full Post »

Portland’s First Sock Summit is a Hit

Last Friday 935 avid knitters, who gathered at the Oregon Convention Center, had the satisfaction of setting a world knitting record.  The enthused crowd knitted and purled nonstop for 15 minutes.  It was a moment that will go down in knitting history.

Why socks? Devoted knitters believe socks are great for trying new patterns and techniques, easy to transport around, offer a variety of patterns, and are necessary;therefore, always serving as the perfect gift.

Those who visited the Sock Summit marketplace toured an overwhelming amount of booths, and had the chance to knit on the world’s largest sock.  The Sock Museum was also a highlight, which showcased socks from each decade.

Laurel Hill would like to personally thank the knitters and crocheters at Sock Summit who test drove our new products.  This was very beneficial and inspiring as it gave us a better understanding of how to meet your knitting and crochet needs.

We would also like to thank you in advance for introducing us to your local yarn shop. 

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

Sock Summit 2009 Casts On

Sock Summit 2009 is celebrating the diversity of sock knitting in Portland, Oregon from Aug. 6 – 9.   

Close to 40 of the finest sock specialists will gather at the Oregon Convention Center to teach knitting enthusiasts how to knit odd socks, historically accurate socks, boot socks, warm socks, lacy socks, and even elegant socks.

You can learn how to make argyle socks, Bavarian stockings, Toe-up Socks for the Stubborn, or Turkish stitches.

While taking a break from classes you can browse the marketplace, which has more than 150 venders, selling everything from yarn, needles, bags, patterns, jewelry, and art.  You can also attend an old-fashioned sock hop or a lecture on the history of socks.

Laurel Hill will be selling our exotic, handmade and sustainable needles and hooks at the Sock Summit marketplace.

To learn more about the Sock Summit 2009 visit the Sock Summit website.

Read Full Post »

Laurel Hill Yarns Up to Portland

Laurel Hill is cruising up to Portland this weekend for the Spring Knit & Crochet Show at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, Oregon.  The show runs from May 14-17.

Friday’s festivities include a fashion parade highlighting the latest knitting and crocheting fashions, as well as hundreds of booths selling yarn and patterns.

On Saturday, enjoy dinner, a fashion show and a silent auction benefiting National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

To visit your Laurel Hill friends and see all that the Spring Knit & Crochet Show has to offer, purchase tickets here.  More detailed information about ticket prices and hours of operation are also available by clicking the link.

Tickets are available for just the show floor (shopping at the booths only), Friday events, Saturday events, or a combination of both.  You decide how to enjoy the weekend!

We’d love to see you!

Read Full Post »

Free gift with purchase!

Laurel Hill is now providing a complementary cedar sachet with every purchase!    The Aromatic Red Cedar sachets naturally helps to protect wool and fine fabrics from moths and other insects. Gently squeeze the sachet to refresh the wonderful cedar scent.  The unique sachets are made by Disabled American Veterans. 

(Gift is similar to photo, but does not include metal piece -  Assorted colors available).

Read Full Post »

Ravelympians Knit & Crochet to Victory

The Olympics in Beijing were exciting, but we’re not sure they can hold a giant torch to the 2008 Ravelympics (need to be a member). Thousands of members of Ravelry, a social network for fiber artists, participated in the Ravelympics. Some stats from Ravelry:

The 2008 Ravelympics were a huge hit! Thousands of Ravelers from around the world participated and had a fantastic time. It was a great way to end the summer. Some stats:

• Total FOs (not stash/yarn): 6764
• Countries participating: 56
• Total frogged projects (hey, it happens to all of us): 104
• Yarn used: 1,996,255 meters (over 2 million yards)

Laurel HIll is thrilled to be a prize sponsor for the Ravelympics. Of all the finished objects, 41 people were drawn randomly to receive a Laurel Hill crochet hook. The prizes are in the mail and we’re excited about being part of the winning team.

A few of the winning finished objects:

From AnnInNC: Anthropolgie Inspired Shrug

From bekala: Traveling Eyelet Sweater

From Must-Stash: Dog Sweater for Bella

From RiaAnn: Baby Matinee Jacket

Read Full Post »

A Visit to Silk Creek Alpacas

September 27 & 28th are National Alpaca Farm Days. Luckily, my friend Bil and his wife, Julia, just opened their Alpaca farm in Cottage Grove, Oregon – Silk Creek Alpacas. They hosted an open house today. They had kettle corn (yum!), trivia for the kids, coloring pages, bushels of fiber (very soft!) and, of course, two very friendly Alpaca farmers to answer questions.

I met my best friend and her husband and with our combined three adorable kids in tow, we made the drive to Cottage Grove to check out the farm.We had a great time. The kids loved the “llamas” (yes, I know they aren’t the same thing, but you try to get a 2 year old to say Alpaca!). Bil and Julia have a beautiful home and great property. I’m thrilled for them.

Another friend, Kim, was there, too, giving a spinning demonstration. Kim is a master knitter. I bow to her knitting greatness.

Read Full Post »

Stitch ‘N Pitch This Summer With Your Favorite Team

The National NeedleArts Association is partnering with local yarn shops and needlework groups to bring you Stitch N’ Pitch 2008.

Stitch N’ Pitch brings together two wonderful traditions — Baseball and the NeedleArts. Come to a ball game and knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch and needlepoint. Sit among friends, family and colleagues and cheer on your favorite Baseball Team. Beginners, intermediate and experts are all welcome.

These games are a perfect opportunity to play with your needles in public.

Read Full Post »