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

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.

Weekend happenings

We got a strange phone call after everyone left last night. Someone offering to sell us pictures from Frank's cruise. Apparently Frank had quite an adventure that he has been hiding from us. Dudes, who knew Frank was such a party sheep. If we don't pay up then this mystery caller will be posting the pics. Better have Anna check our security.

So my favorite Dudettes, did you catch the Entralac class yesterday? Who knew yarn could do that? So totally cool dude!!!!

Today it is a class in keeping your tootsies warm. Come learn how to knit socks. Stripes and solids. They make gifts for birthdays (mine is coming up) and Christmas. Only 214 days left you have to get your shopping done. Time is ticking down Dudettes. Don't wait till the last minute and get knitter's elbow.

Wanna make a really cool gift for Christmas? We have a beginning Dye class next Saturday. Check it out.

Did you hear a certain little female sheep got in trouble for tying me up the other day? don't expect to see your little Frankie on here any time soon. Anna was not happy that she wasted the yarn. So my fave needle and hook users it us just us for a few days.

Percy

Girl time

Percy would not let me on the computer last night. He kept wanting to post instead of me. I told him it was my turn but he would not listen. So when Anna gets here she will find Percy in her office tied to a chair with Blue Heron. Strongest yarn around. She can untie him. Teach that alpaca to mess with a lady. HUMPH!!!!

So, like today is an awesome day to come in and see Anna. The Traveling Knit group will be here from 12-2. Debbie will be teaching her Baby Pancho and Hat from 11-1. That friendship table will be full to the max. They will be bringing in extra chairs. Better get there early.

I saw Anna working on the calendar for next month. It is like totally packed to the max with classes and fun. But there is still lots of fun for this month too. check out the calendar and see for your self.

Since Percy is otherwise, ummm, occupied time to go for a spin.

Frankie.

Hip hopping good time

Let me tell you - those ladies at Happy Hour can put my frat brothers to shame. I thought the guys knew how to have a good time. NO WAY DUDES!!!! Last night at the shoppe it was a knitting BONANZA! I didn't know they could party like that. Dudes it was a way out good time for every body. This 'paca included. Frank never lets me come up front to the table during happy hour. After last night that dude will not keep me away.

I heard that Anna the Fantabulous, has almost got the June calendar ready. There are like so many AWESOME classes and teacher - she almost had to put it on 2 sheet of paper. That is a lot of classes my wonderful DUDETTES!! Wonder if I can sit in on them? But how is a 'paca to use knitting needles? Maybe some sweet Llama will take pity on me and make stuff for me. COOOL idea isn't it?

Don't forget the Entralac class Saturday I know it is filling up fast. The price is great and what a way to get a start on Christmas. It is only 218 days left until Christmas. Better rev up those needles and hooks and get in here for some classes. Amaze your family and catch the Christmas stocking of the month class with Pam. if you start now you can have 6 done by Christmas. Or better yet - keep your mini Dudes warm this winter by catching the workshop class this Sunday and learn to make socks. Man, I am so full of great ideas I totally amaze myself.

Well, Frankie says she gets tomorrow night to post (not if I beat her to it) so till later my wonderful dudettes

PERCY

HEY DUDES!!!!

Hey Dudes (or should I say Dudettes). Percy here. Haven't been allowed to be on here since I got back from my totally AWESOME trip to Kansas. Those Frat guys know how to show a 'paca a good time. Kansas is totally the best place to vacation. Can't believe my Buddy Frank would ever want to leave that place. Awesome chicks, and cool bros. Just a totally bitchin' place to hang.

Anyway Dudettes (and dudes) Have you heard about what Anna has cooking for July. Yea, I know it is only May but she is such a fantabulous lady she is way ahead of the game and has a totally cool day planned for all you lovers of needle and hooks. Get it on your calendar now. July 18th is CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!!!

Anna and her gang of buds are planning a day of Christmas fun in the California sun. Classes, bingo, raffles, give a ways. You name it and Anna is so totally on it. The sun may be shining out side but inside we will be rocking around the Christmas Tree from 9-MIDNIGHT!!!!

Now for the rest of this AWESOME month there are some great classes. Saturday Anna is going to teach the Entralac Scarf. If you haven't seen that you are totally missing a great knit for a great gift. Then on Sunday, there is a sock workshop. Making socks is like such a AWESOME thing to do. Very in right now. The sorority chicks were commenting on how cool stripped socks would be. I offered to save my coat for them and they could knit me some.

Next Friday is the JUST FOR EWE class. Make a simple gift to have on hand or keep it for yourself. Don't know what she is planning but I bet it is a keeper.

Hey gotta dash - my turn to choose some tunes - getting tired of Frankie and her Material Girl. Need some Frat Boy RAP!!!

Later Dudettes

PErcy.

See ya Soon

What more is there to say?