This top was just featured in Interweave Knits . . . . . it is a top down classy design that is terribly comfortable . . . . . you won't believe how soft the yarn can be and how beautifully it drapes. Join us at the table for this class on Sun. the 15th at Noon to 2 pm.

Join Cyndee at the table for this project. Her class starts on Sat. the 14th at 11-1 pm. This top is sooooo comfortable and is perfect for layering this time of year.

Excuses for Non-Knitters

last night was another great time, so good to see everyone, got a call from Monica about an event we'll try to work, flyer will be at Anna's . . . . . several new friends, Melissa dropped by after work, Mona stopped by before having to leave for a social work event, which started the discussion, making excuses to Non-Knitters about not showing up . . . . . . . like, "I'm having a Yarn Over Headache" . . . . "I'd like to come but my cable cord twisted" . . . . . and Mona pops the best . . . "I'm sorry but I'm having an Intarsia episode" . . . .

so let's what's your excuse, . . . . . . I'll add, "I'd be there but my Entralac is jammed and the locksmith has been called."

WooHoo, new stuff!

As if there wasn't enough going on at the shoppe...

We have received tons of new books,... more Artyarn, Kraemer, Needles & Notions.
Due in this week...Blue Heron, more Artyarn, and Misti Alpaca. Peggy has been so busy inputting everything in the system.

We have SO MUCH TO TELL YOU. BUT I CAN'T YET!!
It's driving me nuts...I am the worst at keeping fun secrets. My family always knows they can count on me giving them at least 1 present early,whether its Birthday or Christmas!

Okay, I can't stand it...here is something I CAN tell you.

As of November 1st we will be open late Thursday Night as well! We will now have 2 late nights! What a great opportunity for those of you that are working on gift projects that shouldn't be worked on at home for fear of being discovered! We will continue the late hours through the Holiday Season and maybe even longer. We are so excited to be increasing hours and creating a place for you to refresh, unwind, be inspired and encouraged with help if needed. Extended hours begin Thursday, November 5th.

Okay my friends, it's Tuesday Night which means bring a snack, (if ya want) and come play with us. Required items...knitting and a smile.
Come on...we're waitin for you...and drive careful...it's WINDY.

Check out the the November Calender...remember...any class sign up before the 1st of November will save you 10% off both CLASS & INSTRUCTOR FEES. Woohoo!

Anna Starr
Serving the Crafting Community since 2005

The Yarn Shoppe

New Yarn - Big Sale

Hello to all,

Well, there is a lot going on at the shop this week.

We have brought in a whole new yarn line that will most definitely rival Malibrigo. There are beautiful color ways with solids, kettle-dyed as well as hand paints to choose from. We are offering

Loopers first chance to see these new yarns is Tuesday evening, October 6th from 6-8 PM.


They will be available for purchase with your 10% discount. Wednesday morning staff will be begin putting them away on the shelves for those of you anxious to see them.

We also have had to make room for 2 more new lines due to hit the shop in the next few weeks. So,...you know what that means right? A HUGE blow it out sale. There is sooo much to go that we can't limit to one day. Beginning tomorrow, October 6th we offer the back of the shop (red carpet area) at 40% off! There are some really great yarns back there but they truly need to go. There will also be grab bags. BIG grab bags...LITTLE grab bags...all at a 50% or more discount.
Stop by and enjoy the savings...and don't forget that all sales will be final on sale related items.

Don't forget...there are some really great classes available to you that will teach you some new skills. Check out the front window for all those projects.
See you at the table.

Anna Starr
Serving the Crafting Community since 2005

The Yarn Shoppe
Our Blog - Where's Frank

8238 Laguna Blvd
Elk Grove, Ca 95758
phone (916) 691-3979
fax (916) 691-3981

ALL ABOARD!!!!!!

Finally the heat is gone. I thought for sure Anna was gonna win. She thought for sure I would give in and get sheared. Not on your knitting needles is that gonna happen.

Have you been getting Anna's emails with her new weekly specials. She has been having some great deals. If you haven't then go to the shop website sign the guestbook with a request to be added to the store email list. Then you will find out what the weekly sale is. Don't forget IN THE LOOP members get an extra 10% any sale items (except classes)

Now for info on the title of this blog post. Anna is planning the annual train trip to San Francisco for September 20. Last year was the 1st trip and everyone had a blast. Picture this...going to San Francisco and not having to drive. You get to knit. Then, you get to see if your raffle ticket will win one of many prizes given away. By the time you get to the Bay, your face is sore from so much laughing and smiling. After a great day roaming and shopping, there are snacks on linen table cloths with champagne and wine or soda to refresh with. Then you get another chance to win even more prizes as we head back home. All this for less than a tank of gas! Flyers areavailable in the shoppe. We are limited to the number of tickets at this special price and will be distributed as a first come first serve only. We will not be able to hold any on reserve. Be sure to join Anna and the gang and they will guarantee you a wonderful day with fellow knitters.

Doesn't that sound like fun. Wonder if Anna will let me go and be tour guide. I promise not to get anyone lost. If you have questions, get ahold of the gals.

Also the August Calendar is up. Anna has added a new feature to the calendar. If you want to know what a project looks like click on the title of the class and a picture will pop up. I know September classes are being talked about and planned. So be on the lookout for that.

Tonight is Happy Hour. It was crazy last week. Can't believe how popular that has become.

Till next time
Frank.

my pictures

Hello my dudettes!!!

Wanted to show you my pics from the trip to Kansas. The ones where Frank doesn't know I am there.

In the first one I am blowing bubbles, then hiding in the tree while Frank gets his picture taken. He was totally oblivious. In the last one I am hanging out in a plant while Frank pics his bubble wand.

Here today gone.....

First let me say Percy did tag along - the pictures will attest to the moocher coming along.

Kansas has not changed much. Humid and tornado dodging was the majority of the trip. I did get to see my relatives briefly. Sorry MAAAAA that it couldn't have been longer but the sirens going off in the background caused my traveling companions to want to get to low ground.

I did go to a marble factory, all the marbles are hand blown. I sway a confectionery, wait till you see the pics of the chocolate. I blew bubbles, ate at one of 2 dinosaur restaurants in the country, had coffee a couple times with Cathy's knitting friends. It was a crazy week.

I am glad to be home but I am off again this weekend with Peggy. We are headed to Fresno to see her mom and friends. Anna is sure keeping me busy with travel.

Percy assures Anna he has no desire to go to Fresno so he will be covering while I am gone this next time. But you are stuck with me for a couple days.

Have you seen the Christmas in July flyer? It is going to be crazy. I feel gypped though. I thought Santa was coming and I was going to get presents. Christmas in July really should be renamed: A CHANCE FOR TYPE A PERSONALITIES TO GET A JUMP START ON GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS BY LEARNING NEW KNITTING TECHNIQUES TO AMAZE FRIENDS AND FAMILY. What is that just a little too long? What would you suggest? I would be interested to know.

Have you heard about the raffles and Knitting bingo? Anna is really going all out. The front window looks amazing. Class sign ups are already going on. Make sure you sign up early so you get the best choices. If you sign up for 5 classes you get the 6th free. What a deal. If I know Anna there will be food, fun, unlimited laughter, and some great deals along the way.

Well, need to get unpacked so I can pack again.
Frank.

Memo From Anna

I hope that you are having a wonderful start to your summer. We have been working very hard at getting new yarns out and preparing for Christmas in July.

Let me tell you all about this great event! We are going having an all day all night crafting event.

That's 11 instructors, 18 CLASSES in 1 DAY. Can you believe it?

Sign up starts Sat. June 20...sign up for 5 and the 6th class will be FREE.

The more classes you sign up and take, the better your chance for the raffles...plus you get FREEBIES with EACH class!!! Think raffles, prizes, freebies and Knitting Bingo!

I don't need to mention laughing, eating and knitting cause you know we do that every chance we get!

This is a great opportunity for you to jump start your Christmas projects and have a ton of fun doing it!

The Christmas in July schedule is on the website.

All the projects are on display in the front window and on the flickr to the right.

The rest of July calendar is full of learn to classes. Now would be a great chance for you to try & gain a new skill for those summer vacations and road trips.

I also would like to let you know that we will be closed for Father's Day. We are looking forward to spending the day with family & friends.

The Yarn Shoppe Staff & I would like to thank you for all your continued support and for the opportunity to serve you the best that we can.

humidity

The humidity here is wrecking havoc with my coat. I am so fluffy I can't fit thru a door. It really is embarassing.

If the weather holds I get to see my mom today. And my cousins, and all the other relatives on teh farm. Only problem is we have had 70 mile per hour winds over night and hail and 3 inches of rain since midnight. But i will perservere. Everyone needs to see what a "Californian" sheep looks like.

Oh and Anna - yes Percy did join us. You can deal with him when we get back. Got any Blue Heron?

Frank

missing alpaca

So I called the shop yesterday to check in and see if there was anything i needed to blog about. Anna tells me Percy has gong AWOL. I know I saw a message that he was in Kansas but I haven't seen hide nor wool of him since I got here. I assured her that he was probably hiding in the yarn but I would keep a look out. I know I would know if he was here.

She said that Tuesday night Happy Hour and Show it off night were once again a great success. Dena has posted pictures on the right side of this page. Just click on the FLIKER pics.

What have I been up to? I have been to have coffee, played Star Wars and blew bubbles. Ate at some awesome restaurants. I have afew pics I will get up in the morning. It is late here and I need to get some sleep.

Please if you hear from Percy let Anna know.

We made it!!!

First, ignore that last post. I can assure you Percy IS NOT HERE. There is no way he could have stowed away. I would have known.

I am surprised we made it. The it was not flying weather and someone ( I won't name names) forgot to pack my medicine. Anna is off the hook this time. The flight from Sacramento to Denver was just fine. Nice, smooth as glass. BUT then from Denver to KC was simply a nightmare. I thought for sure we would all DIE!!!! I was to the point of going to the cockpit and asking if there was anyway they could please quit making it so bumpy. But Drew told me it was just the way the air was and to sit down and watch my TV. He held my hoof thru the flight. Unlike Cathy, who couldn't or wouldn't take her hands off the arm rests. I never saw anyone so white. They had the nerve to close the airport with me up in the air. What were they thinking? This poor little sheep thought it was a horrid joke. But on the up side I did get to see St. Louis on the diversion.

Now, have you gotten Anna's email? I heard she sent a flyer about Christmas in July. Are we going to make our lists together? I bet we can brain storm some great things for Santa to bring us. I know you alla want yarn, yarn and more yarn - with maybe a few needles thrown in. Better get it on our list. We can email them to Santa together.

Today is a busy day. Better get my wool fluffed.

Frank

Stowed Away

Hey Dudettes!!!!

Guess what? Frank doesn't know it but I stowed away in a back pack again and then jumped in a suitcase right before it was zipped closed and I like totally stowed away. I am in Kansas TOOO!!!

Let me tell you about our flight.The flight to Denver was totally boring and like nothing exciting happened. But the flight in to Kansas City now there was some excitement. It was storming in KC and they shut the airport with us in the air. We had to circle for 45 minutes. We found out later it was because of the lightening that the airport was closed. Can you believe it? Us in the air and the airport shut? And thr landing!!! It was the best. Bumpy the whole way. Better than any roller coaster (Frank looked a little green around the wool if you want to know the truth)

But hey, I am out of here. I hear there is a meeting of new sorority girls today and I am pusing for them to open member ship up to 'pacas.

See ya
Percy.

HOME

I am on my way home today. Back to Kansas, Back to see my mom. That alarm went off very early. But the plane leaves at 630. Percy was not happy that we left him at the shoppe. But someone has to look after Seamus and Frankie.

Don't forget SHOW IT OFF tonight. If last month is any indication it will a party to be at. Who knows your items could end up being featured here or on Ravelry.

Anna says that things are going along great planning for Christmas in July. She started laughing when I asked her to mail my list to Santa. I just didn't want to miss out on my second Christmas of the year. She was laughing so hard. Not sure what was so funny Guess I better do it my self.

FRANK

Francie

Can you believe that is what I would be called if I lived in Ireland. We were at Guinness, and Pam was learning to draw the perfect pint of ale. She was talking to a couple of barmaids who were explaining to Pam that Frank is not a nickname in Ireland. At first I thought they were talking about Frankie but NOOOOOOO they were talking about me. I DON"T THINK SO!!!!! Do I look like a FRANCIE to you. I think they had sampled a few to many of their pints that day.

Pam is currently teaching the Noro Sweater class. This morning there were people here and she was teaching the Debbie Bliss bag. The ladies looked like they were having a grand old time.

Tomorrow is a jam packed day. Classes all afternoon. Pam'sChristmas Stocking class, the Custom Knit gals will be in as well as Cindy teaching her eyelet polo.

Have you seen the front window? There are some wonderful projects that will be taught at Christmas in July. The stocking caps, the wine cozy, the knitted Christmas lights. I know more projects are in the works. Since we are celebrating Christmas twice this year (still haven't figured out why) I have been working on my list. I have been relatively good - Ok I snuck that 100% off coupon in the St. Patrick's day pot, and I hid Anna's copy of Do It Your self Shearing (that was out of self defence). At least I wasn't the one who tied up Percy or took off with a couple college boys and went to Kansas and left Frankie in charge. I have been the good one. Relatively speaking. I wonder if Santa has really been watching. HMMMM guess I will see what shows up in my stocking July 18th.

Bad Sheep

I have been a bad sheep. I haven't been here everyday like I am supposed to. I have been busy helping Seamus get acquainted with American customs - you know like only one pint of clover beer a day. I am a little worried about leaving him when I go to Kansas next week. But I am sure Percy will take care of him.

Tuesday night - were you here or did you miss the most crazy Happy Hour ever. Those ladies, what can I say. I think Percy would agree they can put a bunch of Frat boys to shame with their "wild" partying.

I think Anna mentioned there were only a couple spots left in the Debbie Bliss Bag class. MAke sure you sign up for it. Julie is teaching a beautiful summer lace wrap next Saturday June 13. I have seen the sign up sheet for it and it is filling up fast. Don't miss that class either.

The instructors have been bringing the projects for display for Christmas in July. I thought Christmas was in December but I guess it is OK to have it twice a year. Better find my stocking and get my list ready for Santa. Wonder if he would read my wish list on Ravelry?

Frank

it was not jetlag

You may think the reason I didn't post yesterday was because of jetlag. Well you would be WRONG!!!! I am still in shock over what happened in here on Sunday. You heard about the Grab Bag sale. Well those ladies went NUTS!!!!! You would have thought it was a free yarn giveaway.

Everyone bought their bags in a semi orderly fashion. I didn't witness any pushing or shoving but I heard a few tales. Then the strangest thing happened. All the ladies went in to the back of the shop and opened their bags and started swapping yarn. It was crazy. Everyone went away happy and there are about 6 bags left up on the counter. I heard Anna say everyone had such a great time she would do it again. So be on the lookout for the update.

In other news, tonight is Happy Hour - but around here that meand 3 hours so get here early so you get a chair. I understand it is hard to knit standing up. The afghan sampler class is also going on tonight. I am hoping Pam doesn't spill all details of our trip.

Thursday is a class on the BEAD and LACE Shawl. It is an impressive shawl. Saturday there is another class in the ever so popular Debbie Bliss Bag. This purse is more popular than a Coach bag right now. Don't be left out. Pam says it is a simple afternoon knit. Also the Noro Sweater class will be taking place. Make sure you catch one if not both of these classes.

I will be headed out on another adventure next week.

Frank

Sale

Hi everyone,

I am back from my most current travels. Ireland was fantastic. I will tell you all about it and my new friend Seamus (in Ireland SE makes the SH sound so it is pronounced SHAMUS) he is a long lost relative of mine. He is adjusting to life in the shoppe pretty well. Well if Frankie would quit taking him for rides on the yarn baller and if Percy would quit calling him DUDE all the time it might be a little easier.

I understand Frankie was a handful while I was gone and as punishment Anna decided to have Frankie put together a sale for today.

Frankie has put together grab bags. These are surprise bags of yarn, patterns, needles etc. You just grab a bag - hence the name and pay for it. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!!!!

I know the bags have at least the value of the price of the bag. Many bags are half the cost of the yarn in the bag so in some cases you may 30.00 for the bag but get 60-70 worth of yarn.

Stop by and grab a bag or 2 or 3. It is getting to hot to be out doors so might as well have some fun inside.

Frank

Pleasant Valley Sunday

Hey my wonderful Dudes and Dudettes!!!

It is going to be a Pleasant Valley Sunday in the shoppe on Sunday. Anna wants to show all of her customers how much you mean to her. She is having a great sale. There are gong to be big discounts on many things and don't forget her GRAB BAGS!!! Frankie has been busy stuffing her little hoofs off. Last time she ties me up. HUMPH!!!! Not sure which has Anna more upset, seeing a poor little innocent pink alpaca tied to a chair OR Frankie using a skein of the much coveted Blue Heron yarn to do it. (you know I could have chewed thru it but it was more fun to get Frankie in trouble)

Anna has the June Calendar up on the site. Check it out here . The brilliance of Anna has added a new feature to the calendar this month. If you click on a particular class you can see a picture of the project. That is totally awesome, if you ask this 'paca.

Frank is due back in a day or two with his long lost relative. Stop in and see him next week.

Percy.

NEWS NEWS NEWS

Man oh Man where do I being. Those creative ladies are on a roll. The Traveling Knit group was in today. Not sure they got much knitting done. They were talking up a storm. This Pink'Paca was having a hard time listen to Anna lecture Frankie on the rules of not tying up employees. But wait till you hear the punishment.

ANNA IS HAVING ANOTHER SALE!!!!! Yes you read right - the righteous Miss Anna is going to teach Miss Frankie a lesson by having a sale this Sunday. You may wonder how having a sale is punishment to Frankie. Well, Dudettes, this is the best part. This is a grab bag sale. Frankie has to fill bags with yarn, or patterns or needles. Then on Sunday, Anna is going to put the bags on sale. The bag will be worth at least what you pay for it. I haven't heard the prices but if you pay $10.00 for a bag what is in teh bag will be worth at least that much if not more. You can't look in the bag before you buy it and there are NO returns. But if I know Anna it will be worth your while to GRAB YOUR BAGS WHILE YOU CAN!!!!

Plus I heard something about Knit in Public Day. It is a day in June when all knitters are invited to pull out their yarn and knit in public. Yeah, I know most of you do that anyway. But I think Anna has a plan for that day. I will let you know what I hear.

Frank has been in touch. Seems he found a long lost relative while he was in Ireland. He actually is bringing this relative back with him. Some sheep named Seamus. This shop is already full of sheep. Why didn't he bring back another llama or 'paca? Maybe he will have to stay here and I will get to go to Kansas. Someone will have to translate for this new sheep and it won't be me.

Percy

New calendar

Hello Dudettes,

Have you seen the June Calendar. It is SO TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!! There are so many classes that Anna had to put it on 2 sheets of paper. Not only that she color coded it so everyone can see what classes are in their skill level. How is that for BRILLIANT??????

There are classes for crochet hats, afghan squares, a bead and lace scarf, a goregous NORO GARDEN knit along Sweater. If you haven't see it, be sure to check out the front window. Pam is teaching the Debbie Bliss bag again. Another must have. It can be knocked out in a day. Cindy is teaching her eyelet stitch polo. Another awesome sweater that is in the front window. Can you beleive that is ONLY THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE. If it is that busy can you imagine what the rest of the month looks like. Simply spectacular. From this 'paca there is something for everyone and everyone for something next month.

Dudettes, I am hearing rumors about Christmas in July. The classes are going to be Fantabulous. Keep an eye here for all the details.

Check out the right side of the blog. There is a scrolling picture blog of things people have made. A lot of those pictures were taken during last months SHOW IT OFF!!! That will be happening again June 9th. Make sure you don't miss it. Your finished items could be featured here.

Frank will be back soon. But then off again. He is such a busy sheep. What do you think - should Anna put me in charge of the blog and let Frank travel? I am sure my writings are much more interesting than that boring old sheep. After all how many FRAT 'PACAS do you know.
Maybe I should start a poll and take the results to Anna. Something to totally think about

Percy.