Australian Felt Maker and Teacher Martien VanZuilen Coming to Halcyon Yarn

Don’t miss an opportunity to learn from  Martien VanZuilen. We’re well acquainted with her remarkable teaching ability and the wonderful artistry of her work and with what a great time students have in her classes. Martien’s visits are always filled with great fun and phenomenal learning experiences. She seamlessly accommodates different levels of abilities and expertise, allowing both advanced or less experienced felters to benefit from her classes. You will be able to work at your own speed and hone your skills while getting Martien’s excellent guidance and suggestions to further develop your work. This year we’re thrilled to offer the following classes:

Multiple Resists & Repurposed Knitwear: Felt Adventures of the Irresistible Kind June 24-26, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM each day.

and

Advanced Techniques in Hand-Felted Jewelry June 28-30, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM each day.

Class fee for each class is $300.00, OR $250.00 if registered before May 1, 2012. To receive the discount use code MVZ2012. THAT’S A $50.00 DISCOUNT ON EACH CLASS! Class fee does not include a small materials fee to be paid directly to the instructor. A list of additional materials and equipment will be sent upon registration.

For more information call Halcyon Yarn (1-800-341-0282 or 207-442-7909) or email classes@halcyonyarn.com.

Don’t Miss FiberME 2012, A Guided Tour of Maine’s Fiber Arts Community

Imagine spending 5 fiber filled days in the beautiful state of Maine this summer. Join us, August 6-10 for FiberME 2012, as we visit artists’ studios, spinning mills, fiber producing farms, beautiful galleries and educational centers, as well as enjoy a few traditional Maine summer activities! The FiberME 2012 tour is a great opportunity to meet new fiber friends, relax in the natural beauty of Maine and to inspire your passion for fiber arts. More about this fantastic fiber adventure can be found by visiting www.halcyonyarn.com, FiberME 2012. For additional questions contact Jane at Halcyon Yarn by calling 1-800-341-0282 or e-mail her at classes@halcyonyarn.com.

Woven Treasures of Japan’s Tawaraya Work, New Exhibit at the Textile Museum

At Halcyon Yarn we love sharing our interests and passions for the fiber arts with our customers. As is common with people who share similar interests, there is always talk of new yarns, projects, books, classes, fiber fairs, exhibits and just about anything fiber related.

So here’s the most recent chatter …

The Textile Museum in Washington D C  is a real treasure and worthy of a visit anytime you’re visiting our nation’s capital. They recently opened a fantastic exhibit, Woven Treasures of Japan’s Tawaraya Work. Japanese culture and rich textile history come alive with this exhibit featuring the more than 500 year old Tawaraya workshop and its exquisite silk textiles. You’ll marvel at the 37 pieces, which include both fabric and garments. The exhibit ends August 12, 2012.

On a more local note, The 12th Annual Maine Fiber Frolic, will be held at the Windsor Fairgrounds, June 2 & 3, 2012. This fair celebrates the world of fiber, from its animals to its arts. If you visit you’ll find vendors, fiber workshops and demonstrations, a kids’ area, a fleece show and sale, a used equipment marketplace and fiber animals galore. It’s 100% fiber fun!

Save on Fantastic Felting Classes with Martien van Zuilen

At Halcyon Yarn we’re committed to bringing you a wide variety of fiber arts classes with quality teachers from near and far. We are pleased to welcome back Australian feltmaker, Martien van Zuilen. This year she will be joining us to teach two new three day classes, Repurposed Knitwear & Multiple  Resists – FELT Adventures of the Irresistible Kind Sunday-Tuesday, June 24-26, 9:30 am-4:00 pm and Advanced Techniques in Hand-Felted Jewelry Thursday-Saturday, June 28-30, 9:30-4:00 pm. Having taken her classes in previous years, I can attest to the quality of her work, as well as her extraordinary teaching ability. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the best.

Save $50 when you register before May 1st!

NETA Spa, Knit & Spin Weekend in Freeport, Maine

New England Textile Arts (NETA) Spa, Knit and Spin 2012

February 24 – 26, 2012 in Freeport, Maine at the Hilton Garden Inn and Harraseeket Inn.

TENTH annual gathering of fiber enthusiasts spanning New England and beyond. Join them for a few hours, a day or the entire weekend. Just be a part of the celebration!

New England Textile Arts (NETA) is a group of New England fiber artists and crafters who share two common passions: a love of fiber and a commitment to learn from and teach each other. Each year members and other fiber lovers gather together one weekend in February to enjoy each others company, spa treatments, shopping, great food & drink and general all around fiber fun. Attendees also enjoy taking the opportunity to visit fiber destinations in the local area such as Halcyon Yarn (we’re just a 20 minute drive up the coast).

Festival of Trees: Our Fibertastic Christmas Tree

The Festival of Trees is a local tradition, and one that we love here at Halcyon Yarn. Local businesses and groups are invited to decorate a Christmas tree which will be auctioned to benefit our local YMCA. Each year has a theme. This year’s theme, “A  Red Hot Christmas” was tailor made for Ruby Celebration Year.  Friends and staff have put together another fun and festive, fiber-filled Christmas tree.  If you happen through Bath, Maine, the trees are on display at the Winter Street Center, and well worth a visit. More information and a schedule is available as a pdf. If you can’t make it, here are some photos of the tree and adornments. Happy Holidays!

Collecting Hats, Mittens and Scarves for Needy Children

With the cold weather upon us and the holidays knocking at our doors, it’s only natural to think of those less fortunate than ourselves who may need help braving the cold. Every year, as part of the Caps for Kids campaign Halcyon Yarn collects hats, mittens and scarves for needy children in our area. Feel free to download the free hat pattern or include the printed version in your order, or use a favorite pattern of your own.

It began with a simple request to collect hand knits that local folks had knit or crocheted for random children, and didn’t know where to bring them. Halcyon Yarn devised a simple solution and a large community drop box was created at our local shop. In the later years since its beginning, hats and mittens have been sent from all over the country. Hand knits are received throughout the year and stored until the local call for, “Caps For Kids” is announced immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday.

So if you have left over yarn and a little compassion we’d like to encourage you to make at least one item this winter season and donate it to someone in need. Those of you in other parts of the country, please consider donating to a local charity in your area. We know your generosity will be greatly appreciated and you’ll feel great about helping others stay warm this winter season.

As for those of you in our local Bath/Brunswick Maine area, here is Halcyon Yarn’s official call… “Caps For Kids”

Now collecting hand knit or crocheted hats, mittens, cowls or scarves for ages 4-12, male and female colors. Please use machine washable yarns, or specify cleaning instructions on the garment.  Mail or drop items off at 12 School Street, Bath, ME 04530 during our regular business hours by December 17th. With the help of area non-profits the items will be distributed to local schools, Head Start programs, and the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program on December 19th, just in time for the holiday break.

Feel free to download the free hat pattern or include the printed version in your order, or use a favorite pattern of your own.

Halcyon Yarn 40 Day Advent Calendar Countdown

“40 days to the next 40 years!” Take advantage of our upcoming advent calendar. It’s packed with special deals and a finale of huge prizes to ring in the new year!

2011 has been a wonderful year for Halcyon Yarn. It has marked 40 years in business, our Ruby Anniversary. Throughout the year we have celebrated with special offerings, events and limited edition products. Help us wrap up our year long celebration in style and usher in 2012 by joining us for our 40 day advent calendar countdown.

Starting Tuesday November 22, Halcyon Yarn will begin counting down the last 40 days of 2011. Just as with traditional advent calendars, we’ll offer surprises each day in the form of discounts, deals and rewards on some of your favorite items. To take advantage of these specials offers you must know the advent code of the day. Simply visit our home page www.halcyonyarn.com and click on the 40 Day Advent Calendar Countdown icon to view the special that day and receive the advent code. The information will also be posted in the store for those of you fortunate enough to stop by in person. Each offer is good for a limited time. Once it’s gone, you’ll have to wait for the next surprise offer. It all culminates December 31 when we’ll have a huge grand prize drawing to celebrate the new year. Every purchase made using an advent code automatically qualifies you for the drawing. The more you shop the more you’ll save and the more chances you’ll have to win additional prizes!

Remember – each code is only good for purchases made on that day and cannot be applied to previous purchases. 

Here’s what you can look forward to with the 40 Day Advent Calendar…

Mondays and Tuesdays are a Super Scavenger Hunt!

Each week on these days you’ll have to search out a different item based on our clue… when you find the item you’ll get that day’s advent code. Enter the code at check-out and purchases over $40 ship for free*!

*Offer good toward US ground or equivalent credit toward international or expedited shipping. Excludes floor looms.

Advent code is good for orders placed between 7:00 am Monday and 7:00 am Wednesday (eastern standard time).

Wednesdays & Thursdays are Quick Kits & Perfect Presents Days!

Mid week we’ll be giving you the advent code right up front. Use the code and you’ll receive 20% off our featured kit or gift idea. These are presents and projects for every craft and style. Several of these items will only be available as part of our advent events – you don’t want to miss these goodies!

Advent code is good for orders placed between 7:00 am Wednesday and 7:00 am Friday (eastern standard time).

Friday, Saturday & Sunday it’s time for some BIG IDEAS!

When you shop with the advent code on BIG IDEA weekends you’ll be rewarded with a gift now and big savings later! These are the days to make that splurge or plan that big project of which you’ve been dreaming! Whether you buy that one big ticket item or you put together just the right yarns for that amazing sweater or blanket you’ve been wanting to create – these weekends offer just the reason to do it!

All purchases over $100 will receive a high quality Halcyon Yarn Ruby Anniversary ceramic travel mug while supplies last. That’s a $15.95 value. PLUS….

• Spend between $100 – $149 and receive a $15 Halcyon Yarn Gift Certificate to be used Feb thru April 2012.
• Spend between $150 – $299 and receive a $30 Halcyon Yarn Gift Certificate to be used Feb thru April 2012.
• Spend $300 or more and receive a $50 Halcyon Yarn Gift Certificate to be used Feb thru April 2012.

Advent code is good for orders placed between 7:00 am Friday and 7:00 am Monday (eastern standard time). Big Idea orders receive only one gift certificate from the above denominations per order; i.e. a maximum of one $50 gift certificate, regardless of order total.

Grand Prize Drawing

In addition to all the great deals and savings you’ll find along the way, there’s even more to look forward to at the end our Advent Calendar Countdown! Remember, each time you make a purchase using an advent code you will be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing to be held December 31st, 2011 and announced on Tuesday January 2nd, 2012. With each entry you have a chance to win one of ten great prizes!

We’ll be giving away…

• 3 Ruby Eco-Bags containing a collection of Halcyon Yarn Signature Patterns plus a $50 Gift Certificate.
• 2 Sets of 4 Halcyon Yarn Ruby Anniversary travel mugs in a Ruby Eco Bag
• 2 Ruby Long Reach Project Bags made by Maine’s own Port Canvas Company
• 2 Yarn Store In A Box including a binder and sleeves
• 1 $150 Gift Certificate

Please remember whether you’re making your purchases online, over the phone or in person, you must use the advent code to be eligible for the special that day and to be entered in the Grand Prize drawing.