Last Call for Halcyon Yarn Annual Open House

Halcyon Yarn’s Annual Open House will be upon in just a few short days! Come celebrate with us and take advantage of great savings. It comes just once a year, so you don’t want to miss it. Here’s everything you need to know…

When?

This Saturday, October 8th from 9am-4pm.

Where?

It’s held right here at Halcyon Yarn, 12 School St. Bath Maine.

What’s Happening?

We’ll have on-going demonstrations in weaving, spinning, felting, rug hooking, knitting and crocheting. Come see it all. Ask questions. Engage in conversations. Sign-up for a class.

Savings! All purchases that day will receive an additional discount of 10%-25% off. One lucky customer will actually receive 40% off in honor of Halcyon Yarn’s 40th Anniversary. How does it work? At check out we will have a collection of little red bags. Each bag will contain a piece of paper with a specific discount. You choose a bag and open it to reveal your discount. Want an opportunity to choose a second bag and take the bigger of the two discounts? Well, visit all our demonstrators and we’ll let you do just that!

Even Deeper Discounts on special yarns and discontinued books.

Knitter’s and weaver’s “stash bags” filled with an array of different yarns and sold at an extremely low price. A great value. Come early because they sell out fast.

Door Prizes! You could be a winner just by simply coming to Halcyon Yarn’s Open House. We’ll be giving away yarn, books and products. Our giveaways feature names like Noro, Swan’s Island, Cascade and Skacel. Come on in and see what it’s all about. When you arrive we’ll greet you and hand you a card. This special card could be your ticket to savings. Hold on to it and present it when checking out. If your card has the special code – YOU WIN A PRIZE!

Book signing. Maine’s own Robin Hansen will join us from 11am-1pm to sign copies of her new book Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Patterns to Keep You Warm. Be the first to own this great new book. Although not yet released to the public, Halcyon Yarn is lucky enough to have several copies for our special event.

As always, we’ll have seasonal refreshments on hand. So eat, drink and be merry.

Halcyon Yarn’s Open House is sure to be a great event.  So stop by for a quick hello or stay for the whole day. We hope to see you Saturday.

*Offer only applies to items purchased in store. Not valid on internet or mail order purchases. Bulk price 3, floor looms and special orders are not eligible.

Book Signing for Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Patterns to Keep You Warm

Maine’s own Robin Hansen will be joining us at Halcyon Yarn’s annual Open House, Saturday October 8th from 11am-1pm to sign copies of her latest book, Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Knitting Patterns to Keep You Warm. If you’d like a signed copy, but aren’t fortunate enough to be able to attend Halcyon Yarn’s Open House, don’t worry. All copies ordered during October will be signed, including online orders.

Having already written several knitting books, including Knit Mittens and Favorite Mittens, as well as the children’s books Sunny’s Mittens and Ice Harbor Mittens, it’s safe to say Robin is a mitten expert. It’s a distinction further reinforced by her latest work, Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Patterns to Keep You Warm. I must say it is a beautiful book filled with great mitten patterns.

The collection of mitten patterns featured in Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Patterns to Keep You Warm vary in style, technique and degree of difficulty. Whether it’s the place of origin or the traditions surrounding it, each mitten in this book has a story to tell and Robin tells it well. She combines a wonderful story with the technical information needed to knit each mitten. You’ll find traditional patterns with origins in places like Scandinavia, Poland, Lithuania and the Canadian Maritimes. Different knitting techniques include stranded, twined, stuffed and fleece lined mittens. It really is the “ultimate” collections of mitten patterns.

So stop by the shop this Saturday to meet Robin Hansen and get a first hand look at her new book, Ultimate Mittens 28 Classic Patterns to Keep You Warm.

For those of you unfamiliar with Halcyon Yarn’s location, we are at 12 School St in Bath Maine.

Ashford Day – Monday, October 10. Don’t Miss it!

Come to our classroom at our store in Bath, Maine, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm to meet the Ashfords.

What’s all the excitement? Demos of Ashford products. Try them yourself! Ask questions. Engage in informal discussions. And of course, take advantage of special in-store savings.

Bring your own wheel if you want – any make. If needed we will give your wheel a quick tune-up and make minor repairs to Ashford wheels*. We’d also like to make it clear that you needn’t be proficient at any particular fiber craft to enjoy this event. Feed your curiosity about any of the fiber crafts for which Ashford makes equipment- spinning, weaving, felting.

There is no charge for this special day.

To read more about Ashford Handicrafts pick up the latest issue of Spin•Off,   Spin Off Fall 2011 , in which you’ll find a wonderful article titled “Behind the Scenes:  At Ashford Handicrafts”.

Spin Off Fall 2011

*repairs taking more than 15 minutes will need to be scheduled for another time.

A Day with Richard Ashford of Ashford Handicrafts

On Monday, October 10th, Halcyon Yarn will be hosting a “don’t miss” event for all fiber enthusiasts. Richard Ashford of Ashford Handicrafts of New Zealand will be with us for a day long event. He’ll be joined by his wife Elizabeth and Cindy Howard-Gibbon, head of US distributions for Ashford products. So come to our classroom from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm to meet them, see demos of Ashford products, try them yourself , ask questions, engage in informal discussions and take advantage of special in-store savings.

Try out a wide range of Ashford spinning wheels, looms, carders, and other fiber equipment. Bring your own wheel if you want – any make. If needed we will give your wheel a quick tune-up and will make minor repairs to Ashford wheels*. We’d also like to make it clear that you needn’t be proficient at any particular fiber craft to attend. This is a great time to simply feed your curiosity about any of the fiber crafts for which Ashford makes equipment- spinning, weaving, felting.

Founded by Richard’s father, Walter, in 1934, Ashford Handicrafts is a world leader in the manufacturing of textile craft equipment. They have been recognized by the New Zealand government with awards for excellence in design and exporting. For over 75 years they have taken pride in creating affordable quality fiber equipment that is easy to use. Ashford’s range of products includes spinning wheels, weaving looms, carders, fibers, dyes, yarns and books. And who should know more about the business and its products than Richard Ashford. After all he grew up in the business and now runs it together with his wife, Elizabeth. We’re so pleased to have him join us here at Halcyon Yarn and hope many of you will be able to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Although there is no charge for this special event, we respectfully request you call to register, 1-800-341-0282 so we can appropriately handle all who have an interest in attending.

If you’d like to read more about Ashford Handicrafts pick up the latest issue of Spin•Off,   Spin Off Fall 2011 , in which you’ll find a wonderful article titled “Behind the Scenes:  At Ashford Handicrafts”. Those of us who have taken a peak at this issue think it’s a great. There are articles on troubleshooting your spinning, scotch tension, the future of custom wheels, spinning silk carrier rods, the Stansborough Grey sheep, making a wine-cork orfice hook, as well as some beautiful knitting projects for scarves, a shawl and a snood.

Spin Off Fall 2011

*repairs taking more than 15 minutes will need to be scheduled for another time. 

Maine Fiberarts Showcase at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

We recently told you all about Halcyon Yarn’s Annual Open House on Saturday October 8th from 9am-4pm. It’s a great event that is certainly worthy of a special trip (we’re not biased). Nevertheless, we wanted to make sure you knew about other great events in the area in case you wanted to make it an extra special trip. We mentioned our Annual Open House coincides with our great city of Bath’s annual Autumnfest, in which the glorious season of autumn is celebrated in style. Well, now we have another special event to tell you about.

Just a little further up the coast in Boothbay the Coastal Maine Botancial Gardens will be hosting the Maine Fiberarts Showcase on Oct 1 & 2 from 10am-4pm. The showcase features demonstrators, displays, exhibitions and art/craft sales. Although the main event will be held the weekend before our Open House, the Fiber Art Exhibit will run Oct 1-10. So for a completely fantastic fiber weekend, plan a visit to Halcyon Yarn’s Annual Open House, then venture just a bit further up the coast to view the Fiber Art Exhibit at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on Sunday, then back to Bath on Monday for our Day with Richard Ashford.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bath let us recommend one of our many wonderful Bed & Breakfasts. Both the Inn at Bath and The Benjamin F. Packard House offer a 10% discount to anyone coming to Bath for a Halcyon Yarn event.

Save October 8th…Halcyon Yarn’s Annual Open House

(See a slideshow of last years open house!)

When

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time for Halcyon Yarn’s Annual Open House. Each year on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend we open our doors and welcome you all to a grand celebration. This year our Open House will be on Saturday October 8th from 9am-4pm. It’s a day many of our customers look forward to all year long. Why wouldn’t they? After all it’s our biggest day of the year.

What’s Happening

The shop will be filled with demonstrators showcasing different fiber arts such as weaving, spinning, knitting and felting. There will be the ever popular “stash bags”. All sale yarns and books will be further reduced for extra savings. *Plus, all purchases that day will receive an additional discount of 10%-25% off (to celebrate our 40th Open House one lucky customer will receive 40% off their purchase). Which discount will you receive? When you check out you’ll choose a red bag. Simply open your bag to reveal your discount. If you visit all our demonstrators that day you’ll get an opportunity to choose a second bag and use the larger of the two discounts.

Giveaways

Plus, in honor of Halcyon Yarn’s 40th Ruby Anniversary we’ll be adding an extra perk. Giveaways! Those of you who joined us for our Ruby Homecoming Party in July will know all about these great prizes. Once again we’ll have Noro books and yarn, special Ruby edition products and more. Here’s how it works, as you enter the store you’ll be greeted and handed a card. Hold on to this special card and present it to us when checking out. If your card has the special code – YOU WIN!

Fun in Bath

So make sure your Columbus Day weekend includes a trip to Halcyon Yarn on Saturday  October 8th. As luck would have it, our Annual Open House coincides with our great city of Bath’s annual Autumnfest, in which the glorious season of autumn is celebrated in style. The downtown will come alive with live music, artisan and food demonstrations, and  ”shop locally” rewards. You’ll find a Made in Maine Craftshow, scarecrow making, face painting and other seasonal fun activities. Make this a great family fun day in Bath!

*Offer only applies to items purchased in store. Not valid on internet or mail order purchases. Bulk price 3, floor looms and special orders are not eligible.

Rug Hooking Exhibit at the Farnsworth Art Museum to Include Work of Susie Stephenson

This fall the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland Maine will host its second textile show entitled Beyond Rugs! The show, which runs September  24, 2011 – February 5, 2012, will examine the contemporary world of rug hooking. The pieces featured will represent rug hooking artists from throughout the country. See how these innovative artists are changing the face of rug hooking today. Remember that Rockland is only an hour up the coast from Halcyon Yarn! So you’ll easily be able to fit in a visit to both in the same day.

Among the featured pieces will be the work of Susie Stephenson, Maine artist and author of Designing and Hooking Primitive Rugs. Susie, who describes herself as a primitive folk artist, is anything but ordinary. In fact, we would describe both Susie and her work as extraordinary. She is an inventive artist who creates all her own designs. Never being one to be influenced by convention, Susie is not afraid to break rules or try non-traditional techniques or materials in her work. The results are unique, one-of-a-kind, works of art.

Halcyon Yarn is pleased to have Susie Stephenson joining us this fall to teach Beginner Rug Hooking. This is a fabulous opportunity to take a class with a master rug hooker. Not only will you learn the basics, Susie will expand and challenge your viewpoint of rug hooking. Keep an eye out over the next few weeks as we add some video clips of Susie showcasing her rugs and introducing the basics of rug hooking with yarn.

Don’t forget to check out the complete list of classes being offered this fall at Halcyon Yarn.

Fall Classes at Halcyon Yarn

It’s amazing how one’s perspective changes with time. As a child and young adult I remember never wanting summer to end. The thought of going back to school and beginning new classes left me somewhat deflated. Now as an adult with the craziness life seems to hold, I long for the opportunity to step away for a few hours, a day or even a weekend to take a class, especially a fiber class. It’s a real treat. So although the children in your lives might not be excited at the thought of going back to school, I hope the announcement of Halcyon Yarn’s fall classes elicits a different response from you. Our newest class offerings are posted on the web for all to view and those of you who receive the class schedule in the mail can look forward to seeing it in the next week or two.

Jane Weir, our class coordinator, has been busily working behind the scenes to put together a great array of classes. We have quality instructors from near and far joining this fall. There are classes for felting, crochet, knitting, weaving, spinning and rug hooking. As always, if there is a specific topic of interest for which you do not see a class, remember Halcyon Yarn will create individual or group classes at your convenience.

In our newest class offerings we’re pleased to welcome a new instructor, Diane Christian, who will be teaching Landscape Felting on Oct 29th & 30th. Diane is an amazing artist. She employs both needle and wet felting techniques to create her inspirational works of art. To see samples of her work visit her blog at http://feltinspiration.blogspot.com/. If you’re inspired, don’t delay. Her class is sure to fill quickly. Sign-up for Diane’s class or any of our other classes on the web or by calling 1-800-341-0282.