Halcyon Yarn News, Notes, & etc.


Shipping Deadlines for Christmas Delivery

Christmas is less than a week away. Here’s an update on shipping and delivery for all of you who are just now finding the right present (we know that none of us are procrastinators).  In order to receive your package in time for Christmas you MUST request rush shipping.  This insures your package will receive the utmost attention and everything possible will be done to get your package to you within the designated time.  While we’ll do all that we can to speed things along, please be aware this is not a guaranteed service due to mother nature and the high volume of packages, both of which can create unexpected and nasty delays.

As we mentioned last week, we encourage you to call us at 1-800-341-0282 to place your order. When you speak with us directly we can verify stock and confirm details with you.

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Whimsical Sheep Mugs, Crocks, Clocks and More

Maine has long been known for its many independent artisans and the quality of their craftsmanship.  Halcyon Yarn supports these artisans by carrying locally Maine made products whenever possible.  So when we were approached by the folks from Union Pottery, just up the coast in Union Maine, about carrying their line of whimsical sheep stoneware products, we couldn’t resist.  We think you’ll agree they are 100% fun.

Whimsical Sheep Pottery Mug



Whimsical Sheep Pottery Mug


Whimsical Small Round Pottery Box

Whimsical Small Round Pottery Box

Whimsical Pottery Yarn Bowl



Whimsical Pottery Yarn Bowl


Whimsical Small Pottery Needle Crock

Whimsical Small Pottery Needle Crock

Whimsical Large Pottery Needle Crock



Whimsical Large Pottery Needle Crock


Whimsical Pottery 8" Clock

Whimsical Pottery 8" Clock

 

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Stocking Stuffers for Fiber Lovers

Halcyon Yarn can help you fill those stockings in no time at all. We’ll let the pictures do the talking, but if you should want more information just click for a full description. So here goes…

Micro Clip Light

Weaver’s Companion

Multi-colored Stork Scissors

Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

Arrowsic Accessory Case Navy

Pocket Rainbow Color Selector Wheel

Sweater Stone

Eucalan Wool Wash 16.9 oz bottle

McMorran Yarn Balance, Yards

Halcyon’s Engraved Brass Hook for threading and sleying

Magnifying Pick Glass with Rule

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister

Weaver’s Companion

4″ Spring Action Scissors

Debra’s Garden Needle Gauge Pendants

Debra’s Garden Socks and Lace Needle Gauge Pendants

SockDoctor

Ebony Cable Needle Set of 3

Knit Mate – Knitting Accessory Set

Knitter’s Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements

Spinner’s Companion

Felting Stone by Kick the Moon Farm

Halcyon Yarn Needle and Hook Gauge

Crocheter’s Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements

Peppermint Tape Measure

 

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Last Minute Gift Giving – With Special Savings

Time certainly does seem to fly by during the holidays!  All of us at Halcyon Yarn would like to help you with those last minute gifts.  So we’re offering some friendly advice that will help us serve you better.

Please be aware Friday the 16th is the last day for UPS ground shipping to make it to the west coast by Christmas. After that Rush Shipping will be your only option. For more details take a look at our post on shipping during the holidays.

We also still have 18 days left in our year-end countdown deals. Free shipping is available if you find the code on Mondays and Tuesdays, special item discounts on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Gift Certificates for big orders placed Friday – Sunday. Plus, if you use any of the codes, you are entered in our Grand Prizes Drawing with a chance to win a $150 Gift Certificate and much more!

As we get down to zero hour we encourage you to call us at 1-800-341-0282 and place your order. If you speak with us directly we can verify stock and confirm details with you. We’re fully staffed Monday thru Friday 8 am thru 6 pm EST, and you can leave a message on Saturday and Sunday and we’ll get back to you on Monday.

If you are in the Mid-Coast Maine area and can stop by, our retail store in Bath is open Monday thru Friday from 9 am thru 6 pm,  Saturday from 9 am until 4 pm. Through December 31st we’re open Sunday afternoon from noon thru 3:30 pm.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve we will be closing at 3:00 p m. We will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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Great Gift Books for Fiber Lovers

Books are always such fantastic gifts.  Imagine a gift that is appreciated over and over again. That’s what happens when a book is opened and its pages are turned. In my house a book that is given as a special gift is often inscribed with a note on the inside cover from the gift giver. Today I read books to my children that my grandparents gave to me as a child. You guessed it, there is often a note and we always take the time to read it. I love the memories and the connections it creates between generations. Fiber books seem perfect for this tradition.

Here at Halcyon Yarn we always have a wonderful selection of books. Pick your fiber craft and you’ll find a book on our shelves that would make a wonderful gift. Of course there are always those books that lend themselves to being an extra special gift. We thought we’d share a few of our top picks with you.



Weaving from Finland II

Have a weaver on your list?   Weaving from Finland II is a great choice. Projects use plain weave, twill, double weave, skeleton tie-up, inlay and pick-up techniques.

New and experienced weavers alike are always on the lookout for new weave-structure patterns. The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom  presents a wide variety of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom, accompanied by harness drafts for multishaft looms.



The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom


Coastal Knits

If you’re hunting for the perfect new knitting book, one of our just published favorite books is Coastal Knits .  It’s a collaborative effort between two independent knitwear designers (and friends), Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig, living on opposite coasts. These fresh and exciting designs are all accompanied by amazing photos and text describing the coastal landmarks that inspired them.

My Grandmother's Knitting is an ideal book to give during the holidays, a time filled with family traditions. Nearly half the book is devoted to family stories that have helped shape top knitwear designers, while the other half is designs influenced by those special people from previous generations.



My Grandmother's Knitting


Knit One Knit All

With 40 previously unpublished garter stitch patterns, Knit One Knit All is a must have for Elizabeth Zimmerman fans. You’ll also find original journal entries, watercolors and drawings by Elizabeth.  Great for all levels of knitters.

Noro fans can’t go wrong with either  Knit Noro - 30 Designs in Living Color or  Noro: Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn - Oct 2009 .



Knit Noro - 30 Designs in Living Color


Noro: Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn - Oct 2009


Diagonal Knitting

Maine’s own Katharine Cobey is a remarkable and innovative knitter, teacher and sculptor. Her work is amazing. In Diagonal Knitting she teaches you the techniques she uses to create her amazing designs.

Devoted sock lovers are always looking for new inspiration too. They’ll love Sock Knitting - Master Class . Includes a DVD with extra tips from author, Ann Budd.



Sock Knitting - Master Class


500 Felt Objects: Creative Explorations of a Remarkable Material

From traditional to new age funky, take a look at what’s going on in the world of felt today with 500 Felt Objects: Creative Explorations of a Remarkable Material .

Although it’s not a book, we had to mention Deanne Fitzpatrick 2012 Studio Calendar . What a great gift for any rug hooker on your list.



Deanne Fitzpatrick 2012 Studio Calendar


Seamless Crochet

Crocheters rejoice for Seamless Crochet . Designer, Kristin Omdahl, introduces crocheters of all levels to 18 motif-based patterns in one piece. Includes an instructional DVD.

 

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More Gifts for Knitters, Weavers, Felters …

Last week we presented our list of Top 10 Gifts for Fiber Lovers. It’s a great list, but there are so many other ideas we wanted to share with you. If you’re still looking for ideas read on and perhaps you’ll find the perfect gift or project.

The timeless Victorian Boucle Stole or Victorian Boucle Crochet Stole  pattern and yarn beautifully packaged in a silver organza drawstring bag makes a wonderful gift for the knitter or crocheter on your list.



Victorian Boucle Stole


Victorian Boucle Crochet Stole

Pattern is free when purchased with the yarn. Special holiday packaging only available with:

Color 117 Victorian Bouclé



Victorian Bouclé


Victorian Bouclé

Color 364  Victorian Bouclé

Color 313 Victorian Bouclé .



Victorian Bouclé

 

We’ve taken another one of our most popular patterns, the silky, elegant Silky Honeycomb Scarf , and added holiday packaging in a small silver organza drawstring bag. This pattern uses a strand of Gemstone Silk and Douceur et Soie knit together for a luxurious scarf that’s sure to please. Available in the following Honeycomb Scarf Kits .
Honeycomb Scarf Kit colors



Silky Honeycomb Scarf


Harrisville 4-Peg Cone Holder

No more fumbling, rolling cones while winding your warp with the  Harrisville 4-Peg Cone Holder . It’s so handy (and economical). Knitter’s, it’s a great tool for managing colors when fair isle knitting.

Knitter's Block Kit has everything you need to block all your knitted pieces. Best of all, the 9, 12″ squares interlock so you can customize the blocking surface to your project. Once you’re done, repack the squares in the reusable bag and it’s set to be neatly stored away until its next use.  Save on two kits for really big pieces!



Knitter's Block Kit


Sheep Needle Felting Kit


Gnome Needle Felting Kit


Santa and Elves Needle Felting Kit


Deluxe Songbird Needle Felting Kit


9" X 8" Needle Felting Pad

We love the Sheep Needle Felting Kit , the Gnome Needle Felting Kit , the  Santa and Elves Needle Felting Kit and  Deluxe Songbird Needle Felting Kit . The nice thing is you don’t need to be an experienced needle felter with these kits. They’re great for beginners with step by step instructions accompanied by clear photos and all the materials you need except a 9" X 8" Needle Felting Pad . Just add a string and instantly they become perfect for hanging. Wouldn’t they look cute on a Christmas tree?

A tape measure is oh so practical, but in the case of the  Sheep Tape Measure , the Peppermint Tape Measure , the Ruby Flower Tape Measure  and the  Chicken Tape Measure  it’s oh so whimsical too.



Sheep Tape Measure


Peppermint Tape Measure


Ruby Flower Tape Measure


Chicken Tape Measure


Debra's Garden Needle Gauge Pendants


Debra's Garden Needle Gauge Pendants


Debra's Garden Row Counter/Cutter

We’re a big fan of  Debra's Garden Needle Gauge Pendants Debra's Garden Needle Gauge Pendants and  Debra's Garden Row Counter/Cutter .

Felted Soap Stones Fiber Pack is the perfect project for young and old. Did we mention it’s easy and super fun? Best of all we have a video tutorial to walk you through the process.



Felted Soap Stones Fiber Pack


Multi-colored Stork Scissors

Any crafter on your list would enjoy  Multi-colored Stork Scissors – traditional embroidery scissors, just vibrant and fun.

DVD Dyeing in the Kitchen with Deb Menz is one of our newest dvds and a great addition to our collection. Check out the other dvds we offer.



DVD Dyeing in the Kitchen
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$5 Rebate Coupon from Interweave

Interweave Press produces some of the most popular books, magazines and dvd’s in the fiber world today. To show their support for independent retailers, from now until December 31,2011 they are offering you a $5 rebate on products with the Interweave logo. That’s right, receive $5 for buying that book or dvd you’ve wanted or an issue of your favorite magazine like Handwoven, Spin-Off, Interweave Knits or Interweave Crochet. Good thing the offer is limited to 1 coupon per product and per person or else you might find yourself going a little crazy.

To receive the rebate, simply print and complete the rebate coupon, and send it along with the original store receipt (or photocopy) to Interweave Rebate Program, 201 E Fourth Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537. For more details, see the press release from Interweave.

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Get It On Time-Version 2011

Barb in shipping

It’s time to begin the yearly holiday pep talk about shipping packages so you and your loved ones get your packages on time.

We ship our packages using two dependable carriers, The United States Post Office (USPS) and United Parcel Service (UPS). Each has key facts and dates to start thinking about in order to ensure a successful holiday shipping season. We will keep reminding you of these points as the countdown to the holidays begins and the shipping time gets shorter.

THE FACTS
1. During the “Holiday Shipping Season” (Dec. 13-25), shipping carriers will not guarantee delivery dates, expedited or otherwise. The volume of packages and unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather make it impossible to guarantee deliveries but all carriers do everything possible to meet their deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute!

2. When calculating shipping times, count business days only-Monday thru Friday.

3. December 24th is a Saturday and a regular delivery date for USPS but not for UPS. Saturday delivery is an expedited service with additional fees of at least $15.

4. Not all areas have Saturday delivery available from UPS. Please call us, 1-800-341-0282, to check if you have any questions.

5. For shipments outside the US, USPS date calculations do not take into account time needed for customs clearance.  You should allocate extra transit day(s) for delivery outside major international cities.

6.  3 Day Select Service from UPS is not considered an air parcel and is NOT a guaranteed delivery anytime of year.

7.  Most expedited services, USPS and UPS need signatures for delivery! If you expedite a package, please make sure that someone will be available to receive it.

Let’s talk about key dates for USPS (according to USPS.com):

December 9, 2011-Last day for most international shipping for Christmas arrival. There are expedited options available but please consider fact #5 above.

December 17, 2011-Last day to ship to military for Christmas arrival.

December 20, 2011-Last day to ship domestic mail for Christmas arrival.

December 22, 2011-Last day to ship expedited mail for Christmas arrival. Additional fees apply.

Now for UPS:

December 16, 2011- Last day for UPS Ground to make it to the West Coast by December 23. After that you will need expedited shipping.

December 20 is the last day to order expedited service with 3 Day Select and have it arrive December 23. Please refer to fact #6 above.

December 21 is the last day to order expedited service with Second Day Air and have it arrive December 23. Please refer to fact #3 above.

December 22 is the last day to order expedited service with Next Day Air and have it arrive December 23. Please refer to facts #4 and 5 above.

December 23 is the last delivery day for most areas. Please refer to facts #3 and 4 above.

As always, we strive to process your orders and get the packages out in a timely fashion. If you have any questions, please call, 1-800-341-0282.  We are here to help!

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