Thursday, September 02, 2010

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Are you one of the lucky folks who gets to take off early on Friday to start your Labor Day weekend.

Perhaps you plan on enjoying some of the outdoor Arizona activities.


Hiking those miles and miles into the outback.


Building a camp fire to cook that fish you just caught and cleaned.



Sleeping on the ground.

Interacting with the wild animals.

Sounds like lots of fun!

But if you have any time between all the outdoor activities, come spend part of the long weekend with us at Tempe Yarn.

We'll be open Friday, Saturday and Monday for your Crochet, Spinning, Weaving and Knitting needs and fun. It's forecast to be in the 70s at Tempe Yarn all weekend.


Also remember that there is a heat advisory all weekend - drink lots and lots of water and stay in the shade as much as you can.

Let's Dye Yarn Class on Saturday

Have you ever wanted to get in touch with your creative side and dye your own yarns. It's time. This Saturday (9/4) from 1-5pm Tempe Yarn is offering a yarn dyeing class with Barbara. You'll learn to use Jacquard Acid dyes and vinegar to dye animal fiber yarns. All tools, dyes, and chemicals will be supplied. Call Tempe Yarn (480 557 9166) for pricing and to schedule a space.







Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Tempe Yarn Open on Labor Day


What do you have planned for Labor Day Monday? Come join us for some real fun. Tempe Yarn & Fiber will be open on Monday September 6th from 10am till 8pm.

Universal Yarn Arrives



Hocus Crocus Shrug by Lisa M Barnes
Inspired by the first flower of spring, the crocus, this shrug is a colorful antidote to a harsh winter. The lace pattern provides breathable warmth.


Entwined pattern by Deby Lake is designed for and shown with Universal Classic Shades (6 balls)

Everyone loves to snuggle under a soft warm blanket! We’ve taken soft and warm one step further and have created a collection of beautiful afghan and throw projects that are beautiful as well as functional.

Created exclusively in yarns from the Classic and Deluxe families, these functional pieces are classic and timeless. We’ve included designs that will appeal to knitters at different skill levels – there are challenging pieces as well as those that are just right for knitting keeping your hands busy while you’re watching television or waiting for your child to finish soccer practice.



Garden Metallic mixes the same top quality Size 10 100% Egyptian Giza Cotton Thread found in Garden with a strand of metallic thread. Colors range from rich tone on tone color to more traditional combinations --- turning every heirloom thread project into a one-of-a-kind piece!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tara Tweed by Tahki Yarns



Tara Tweed Yarn - NEW! This supersoft wool-blend tweed is a lofty worsted weight yarn that's lightweight enough to wear indoors. Great stitch definition and an unexpected palette of colors make this yarn stand out from the crowd..
80% Wool, 20% Nylon





Custom Drop Spindles from KCL Woods


What do you get when you combine a love of rocks and wood, plus a lot of talent. Custom drop spindles with rock inlays of course!

Ken Ledbetter has been working with wood for years, but when he moved to Arizona in 1999, he started making drop spindles among other things. We are most lucky to have his product in our shop as another local artist.





You will have a unique opportunity to see Ken at work on October 16th as he demos at Tempe Yarn. He will also be holding a huge trunk show of his drop spindles and other items.

Monday, August 30, 2010

JC Briar Class Sign Up

Please check out the classes and pass the word on to others.
Some of the classes are almost full, so if you are interested don't wait to sign up only to find out that the one you wanted is full.

Tempe Yarn & Fiber is pleased to announce that JC Briar will be offering classes at our shop from September 23rd to 25th.

JC Briar is a nationally known instructor having taught at various venues including Sock Summit, Black Sheep Gathering, Stitches and numerous Craft Cruses. A self-confessed “technique freak” and “skill junkie,” JC dabbles in all kinds of knitting, but has a special fondness for textured knitting and novel construction techniques. If it involves lace, cables, or seamless construction, it’s sure to catch her eye. She shares her enthusiasm by teaching at shops and fiber festivals, and online through Needlecraft University. Regardless of the topic, she aims to build confidence by expressing concepts clearly and concisely, and by presenting skills and ideas in a digestible progression. When not teaching, JC brings clarity to knitting patterns as a freelance technical editor.


Here's the class schedule:

Thursday September 23rd Classes:

All Thumbs (5:00 - 8:00p)

All Thumbs

Mittens are great portable projects. Since they don’t require much yarn, they’re also great stash-busters. The only tricky part is the thumbs. Learn a handful of thumb options in this class, from the simple to the anatomically correct.

3 hours; experience working in the round required; no pre-class homework; class fee $60


Friday September 24th

Bind Off Bonanza (10:30a to 1:30p)

Bind-off Bonanza

Creating a firm and sturdy bind-off edge is child’s play: you just keep a secure grip on the yarn as you bind off. But what if you need some other kind of bind-off edge? Take this class and learn about supple and seamless bind-offs for sock tops, bind-offs that blend into ribbing, and decorative bind-offs.

3 hours; basic knitting experience required; some pre-class homework; class fee $60


Get Twisted (3:30 to 6:30p)



Get Twisted!

Cables and other twisted knitting stitches make for some of the most captivating knitting patterns. Though they look intricate, they are surprisingly easy to create. Learn how while knitting samplers that you can later turn into a drawstring tote bag. Along the way, you’ll pick up tips for reading charts, reading your knitting, and fixing mistakes.

3 hours; basic knitting experience required; no pre-class homework; class fee $60

Saturday September 25th

Chart Reading (10:30a to 1:30p)

Chart Reading
The symbols of a chart take the place of written instructions, telling you what stitches to work. But a good chart does so much more, showing you what the knitted fabric should look like. In this class, you’ll learn to read charts, making sense of their symbols and using them to keep your knitting on track and to minimize mistakes.
3 hours; basic knitting experience required; no pre-class homework; class fee $60


Chart Writing (3:30-6:30)




Chart Writing

Being able to read charts is only half the story. Take this class and learn to write charts: to visualize written instructions, to convert between flat and in-the-round knitting, and to plan shaping. Use charts to demystify phrases like “at the same time,” “reverse shaping,” and “shape in pattern.”

3 hours; ability to read charts required; no pre-class homework; class fee $60

To sign up for any or all of these classes call Tempe Yarn & Fiber at 480-557-9166.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Sam's Artwork

Sam's commitment to knitting is as amazing as the skills her husband, "Dub", has as a tattoo artist.


Friday, August 27, 2010

Yumiko Alexander (Dan Doh)
New Patterns

Yumiko Alexander has just released two new patterns.


"Ripples and Waves" is a intermediate knitting pattern. Her attention to detail can be seen in this lovely pattern.
"Circle Around" is a crochet purse pattern for intermediate to experienced.

These two new patterns add to her ongoing collection of wonderful patterns.



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Thursday, August 26, 2010

25,000th Transaction

When we first opened Tempe Yarn & Fiber, we were excited to have ten people in the shop during a day.

Now fast forward a few short years and today we had our 25,000th transaction. The 25,000th transaction was a first time customer from Washington. She was surprised when Aaron presented her with a $25.00 gift card to celebrate the event.

We want to thank each and everyone who has continued to shop and tell others about Tempe Yarn & Fiber.

See if you can find yourself in the picture!