Congratulations and Thank You!

Thank you, everyone, for making the 2014 Shop Hop truly amazing! Stay tuned for donation totals but until then, here's what you've all been waiting for...the prize winners!

I'm a winner? Oh my!

Shop Hop 2014 Grand Prize Winner:
Kelly Moesler

Second Chance Drawing Winners:
Barbara Johnston
Dana Foy

Individual Shop Grand Prize Winners:
Mary Tkach
Judi Niemi
Diane Seguin
Michelle Hoff
Kate Daly
Julie Amana
Debbie McManus
Pat Turany
July Isberg
Sara Mattson
Diane Hagloff
Karen Loheit
Leah Paul
Mary Brown
Sue Campbell
Kelly Fasching
Cathryn Egolf-Jensen

VIP Grand Prize Winner:
Janis Rueters

VIP Runners Up:
Susan Steffen
Virginia Hreha

Congratulations to our prize winners!

Skeins in Minnetonka invites the unique knitter in you to their shop for the 2014 hop.

It's all about color.
We love color and have lots of it.  Hand dyed silk ribbon and buttons can embellish and make your knitting into something special.

It's been a long winter so we are all ready for spring flowers.

The First Rite of Spring: EMBRACE COLOR
This years shop hop project was inspired by the azalea gardens at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Last year we auctioned our yarn bombed chair for a local food shelf.  

This year we have done a chair and more…Stop by with your friends for a photo op.  

KNITTERS ROCK.

VIP Pass: Now With Extra Value!

The shops have reached a consensus--if you are a VIP Pass holder, you will have until April 28th to get to the shops you don't make it to during the hop and pick up your bead! Now every VIP will have a complete abacus bracelet!

Remember to drop in to your participating LYS by April 6th to get on the list!

“All About Yarn” is in its ninth year of business and located just off Hwy 10, taking the Foley Blvd exit.  www.allaboutyarn.biz My name is Roxanne, the proud owner of our Coon Rapids-based shoppe.,,most people call me Rox at the shop and when you visit and check us out as part of the 2014 Shop Hop or any other time, I think you’ll find an exceptionally friendly, warm and helpful environment. We have a beautiful fireplace setting in the center of the shop where classes are held daily and fiber enthusiasts like your self can sit and enjoy.

I am very much a “hands on owner” as I teach what I believe to be a unique type of class called “Pick your own Project” which take place each day (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) as well as Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon and I consider them to be a highlight of the shop. Each class is like a mini social group in which many long-term friendships have been developed...and whether you become a new member or have been coming for years, teaching help is provided on as many projects as you desire.
Not only does All About Yarn feature a huge selection of yarns, needles and accessories but we have lots of samples too. I also send out a “Weekly Update” full of  “Show & Tell” photos and pattern links that you can register for on my website or “like” All About Yarn on Facebook as I also post it there.

This year’s theme for the hop is a scenic landmark and local color. I chose a view from our family cabin, which represents Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. The fun will be to see how each shop’s selection is incorporated into a special yarn and pattern of their choosing.

I am very excited to be part of the 2014 Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop, April 10-13 for the second year and I look forward to meeting each of you! If you have never been to All About Yarn, I know you will enjoy your visit, as each shop has something new and different to offer our.

It is definitely “ALL ABOUT YARN” up here in Coon Rapids. I welcome you and hope you become a shop regular!

Unwind Yarn Shop

As a full service yarn shop in the South Metro, we encourage people to stop in and “unwind”. Our store has a full list of classes and an expert staff to help you with your yarn needs. We are also happy to help you “unwind” that ball of yarn.

Check out our website, http://unwindyarnshopmn.com/ or faster yet Like Us on Facebook to find out the latest on what’s happening.

 

As a proud knitter from the Twin Cities there are so many great festivals and outdoor cafes to go to (especially in the summer). To be able to view the river & the architecture is what makes the Cities great. After thinking about the Twins Cities architecture, we naturally thought of the Stone Arch Bridge. Just as the Stone Arch Bridge is a staple piece of architecture in the Twins Cities so is our store as a yarn shop in the South Metro.

Needlework Unlimited

Hi, my name is Amy. I am writing to you from the pulling table at Needlework Unlimited. This has been my “home” store for many years – when I lived in Uptown, when I lived in Northeast, and even when I moved to Robbinsdale a couple of years ago.

I participated in (and completed) my first yarn shop hop last year. It was incredible to see and experience all of the stores – I had no idea there were so many fantastic shops all over the Twin Cities.

I made a couple of lunchtime excursions to visit some of the stores with coworkers of mine. During one of the quick shop tours, I brought them to Needlework Unlimited and pointed out all of my favorite things about the store: the colorful wall of yarn, the giant “SOCKS” sign (made out of socks), all of the luxury fibers (isn’t cashmere wonderful?) and the fantastic samples everywhere, of course.

The yarn shop hop was so much fun. I took photos at each shop, and tried to buy a little bit of something everywhere (souvenirs, of course). I’ll confess that I didn’t have the best stash at home, but the shop hop really opened my eyes to quality fibers and impressive patterns. It renewed my excitement to knit!

A few days later, I got a call from Laura telling me that I won the shop’s first place prize. (In fact, I still have the voicemail message.) I was SO THRILLED! I can’t even describe how
 overwhelmed with excitement I was. So even though it was the middle of the workday, I grabbed my coworkers again and drove as quickly as possible back to the shop.

Amazing – Wonderful – Spectacular! I love Needlework Unlimited and I love the yarn shop hop!

The other great part? While I was in the store picking up all of my wonderful prizes, I got to meet Laura and Paul (he took the photo) and Karen. I told them about how I daydream about working in a yarn store on super stressful days at work. And a few months later? Here I am: an employee! I am so proud to be a part of the Needlework Unlimited crew and I am looking forward to experiencing the yarn shop hop from a different perspective this year.

Enjoy the hop, and we can’t wait to see you!

Fudwick Pilwinkle invites you to visit his LYS, Linden Yarn & Textiles

For this year's shop hop theme of Minnesota Landmarks, we've decided to take you to a virtual outpost of a physical space located a giant's stone throw from downtown Minneapolis. 

Fudwick Pilwinkle's Garden

With web access, anyone in the world can visit any time they seek respite, humor, and/or the beauty of the natural and ethereal worlds alike by following the Urban Enchantment Blog. Here you will see more of his realm and travels. They say pictures are worth a thousand words. That's good because Fudwick has much to say with his iron lips. 

Fudwick Meets the Buddha in ChrisRKnits' Garden

We hope you visit us at Linden Yarn & Textiles,Inc. during the shop hop. We've been inspired by the colors of Fudwick's Garden and think you will be as well. Plus, Fudwick may stop by for a visit. You won't want to miss that.

StevenBe meets Rock'n'Roll in 2014 Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop!

Don’t be fooled by our urban gray exterior—inside StevenBe you will discover an inspiring riot of color and texture. No matter how many times you’ve been here, you’ll always discover something you’ve never seen before in our wild yarn treasure hunt. Settle in with a cup of our Shades of Earl Grey or Glitter Time tea or, if you’re a coffee lover, a hot mug of StevenBe blend coffee from our friends at Velasquez Family and try on some of our sample garments. Our knits are your knits, so shop them like you’re in your favorite boutique. Consult with our expert staff to get just the right yarn combination for your project.

Our favorite Minnesota landmark and the one we chose for this year’s Shop Hop is First Avenue. We’re drawn to the artistic exterior featuring musicians who have graced its stage, its long and storied history as a Minneapolis bus depot and music venue, and the way it has nurtured artists to success—something we love to do at StevenBe. Plus, our very own Steven Berg was in Prince’s “Purple Rain,” which was filmed there!

We can’t wait to show you our exclusive Shop Hop yarn and the fabulous pattern we have in store for you. Last year we featured Handmaiden’s Rumple/Angel super skein and the textural play in Don Waalen’s Balsam Lake shawl. Just know that we always take it one step farther every year!

Who doesn't want to be a VIP?

*Elvis yarn winding services not guaranteed by VIP Pass

At Shop Hop this year, we are proud to introduce the VIP Pass, a great way to plan ahead, give back to our communities, and feel like a rock star doing it. Rather than donating $5 at each shop, we're giving you the option to make a one-time donation of $50 to become a VIP.

By enrolling in the VIP program, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• With 17 shops on the hop, your $50 donation is a savings of $35 when you visit every shop.
• You are guaranteed this year's shop hop giveaway, a glass bead, at every shop, no matter when you arrive (quantities are limited for the general public). The beads will come with instructions for making a very cool abacus-style counting bracelet.
• A special prize drawing of premium merchandise will be held exclusively for our VIP Pass holders. Talk about great odds for an amazing array of yarn and accessories!

Between now and April 6th, visit a participating local yarn shop and ask to register for the VIP Pass for the Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop. Then, during the Hop, just give your name at the designated area at the shops and we'll have everything all ready for you. This year you have the opportunity to be "on the list!"

Here's to a great 2014 Shop Hop--the best one yet!

Amusement Park? What Amusement Park?

Lila and Claudine’s sits right across Mahtomedi Avenue from the site of the Old Wildwood Amusement Park, begun by the Minneapolis & St. Paul Suburban Railroad Company in 1892. For many years, thousands of people paid 10 cents to take the train from the Twin Cities to Mahtomedi to spend the day riding the roller coaster, Ferris wheel and swimming in White Bear Lake. 

In 1927, it was the first park ever to feature the Tilt-a-Whirl.  The building that Lila and Claudine’s is in today was built in 1926 to store the various vehicles that were used to bring vacationers out to the park.  Then, in 1932, the golden era of the Wildwood Amusement Park came to an end and the park closed.

Although the actual Landmark no longer exists, the Amusement Park was important in shaping the Mahtomedi community.  Fiber and conversation is paramount at Lila and Claudine’s and woven into conversations is the history of the Mahtomedi/White Bear Lake community.  It becomes a springboard for stories and opportunities to get to know other fiber maniacs while knitting at Lila and Claudine’s.  

2014 marks the 4th year we have participated in the Shop Hop.  We can’t wait to see all of you this year!  We will have the usuals; patterns, yarn, prizes and trinkets, but we also promise the unsuspected….

Polly Hart and Kirsten Skoglund
Aka Lila and Claudine
Lilaandclaudines.com

Sheepy Yarn Shoppe

Our local color for this year's shop hop is the famous local landmark, The Fillebrown House located 2 blocks for our shop. This lovely old house on the National Historic Register is 134 years old. Each year over 1500 people visit the house for tours, parties and special events.  Most of these visits are during the holiday season. Nicknamed the victorian "Red Chalet", it was donated to the White Bear Lake Area Historical society in 1977 by Arthur and Helen Fillebrown.

As knitters or crocheters, we enjoy a very portable, stress relieving hobby. Creating items from favorite fibers and colors is so rewarding!. When you visit us be sure to check out the huge selection of yarns, patterns, accessories and books. All of our employees are very knowledgeable and are happy to help with any project or answer any questions. Direct access to Ravelry is available at the front desk. Classes are scheduled every day of the week except Monday, although we are always open on Monday. Drop in any Monday or Friday afternoon for the free "help table", staffed by an instructor who can answer any questions or help with any pattern problem.

My passion for knitting and crocheting began when I decided to buy the Shoppe in 1991. I was able to dedicate full time to it when I retired from the corporate world the same year. Living in Argentina, South America for 11 years exposed me to the world of Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco and Vicuna as well as great wools and pima cottons. Everyone seemed to use their space time to crochet or knit.

Sheepy Yarn Shoppe will be celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year on May 13. We invite you to celebrate with us, check us out and do plan to visit the lovely old victorian "Red Chalet" Fillebrown House.  Downtown WBL has many speciality shops, restaurants and most of all, we are located next to a large municipal free parking lot.

We look forward to seeing you.

Crafty Planet of Minneapolis is back for a third year!

When you think of Northeast (or, more familiarly, Nordeast) Minneapolis, what do you think of? Historically and now, that seems increasingly to be… BEER. From Grain Belt on up to today's modern microbreweries like Indeed, Fulton, Dangerous Man, 612 Brew, NorthGate, Sociable Cider Werks, Fair State Brewing Of course, we hope some people will also think of Crafty Planet as being a vital and exciting part of Nordeast. In any case, knitting and beer go together like … well … any two fantastic things that are even more awesome together!

So, it's no secret that we in Nordeast love our drinks made with fermented grains, but what might not be so obvious is our deep and abiding love for crafts and the arts. Crafty Planet is the go-to place locally for DIY supplies, but there are tons of opportunities to shop handmade locally, too -- from retailers like I Like You and the Gumball Collective, to the many and varied artists' lofts and studios found all over Northeast (concentrated in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District).

We're certainly not going to tell you how to plan your shop hop, but if it were up to us, we'd suggest you'd save us for late afternoon or evening, when you can top off your whirlwind day with a stop at any of the nearby amazing taprooms and sample their wares. Most host food trucks, or encourage you to bring in food from neighboring restaurants, all with amazing and unique foods to offer.

The Yarn Garage is wild for fiber!

Nestled into historic downtown Rosemount, you’ll feel right at home in the Yarn Garage. Our cozy interior invites you to slow down and luxuriate in the delicious fibers we feature. Browse our garment racks and be inspired to create your own perfect fiber combination. Our color and fiber experts will be on hand to help you find just what you need—and probably more that you didn’t realize you needed!

Our Minnesota landmark for this year’s Shop Hop is very near and dear to us, quite literally. The Minnesota Zoo represents us perfectly with its variety of animals (like the assortment of fibers we carry), the wild spectrum of colors (like the handpainted yarns we love to stock), and the fact that sometimes it can be a real zoo around here!

Last year our exclusive yarn was a pair of incredible gradients from Freia showcased in Steven’s drop-stitch Drop It Like It’s Hot cabled cowl. Brace yourselves for the handpainted fabulousness to come this year…we always need to outdo ourselves!

Get Inspired at 3 Kittens Needle Arts

Visit 3 Kittens Needle Arts during the Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop and get inspired! From yarn to expert sales staff to patterns and tools, we strive to provide a “happy place” for our customers.

3 Kittens is one of the oldest yarn stores in the Twin Cities – 44 years and counting. But we never rest on our laurels. We are always looking for new products, new techniques and new events to inspire you. Our yarn selection ranges from traditional yarns such as Dale Heilo and Jamieson Shetland DK, to handpainted yarns from Fleece Artist, Alchemy Yarns of Transformation, Prism Yarn, Sun Valley Fibers, to fashion yarns like Rowan, Berroco and Classic Elite. We’re excited to be the only store in the state to carry the fabulous Hazel Knits yarns.

Our chosen Local Color icon for this year’s Shop Hop is… The Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji.

Did you know that this is one of the Top 50 Roadside Attractions in the country (according to Time)? We’re going to have fun with the yarn and the patterns, plus who knows, you might even get to take your picture with Paul and Babe – without having to drive to Bemidji!

If you need a break from the frantic pace of the Shop Hop, visit the rest of the shops and restaurants in The Village at Mendota Heights, including Caribou Coffee, Mendoberri Café, Mainstream Boutique, Apricot Lane, Tommy Chicago’s Pizza, Nature of Beauty, the Olive Grove, and Coldstone Creamery.

We look forward to seeing you during the Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop!

Get Inspired!

Hello from Darn Knit Anyway!

Hello from Darn Knit Anyway!  

Last year our yarn and pattern were based on one of our local landmarks, the St. Croix River.  

We designed these fun fingerless mitts.  We call them A River Runs Through Mitt!

 We are just as excited about this year’s theme!  

In keeping with the 2014 Shop Hop theme of “Scenic Landmarks – Local Color”, the obvious answer for our little town of Stillwater, MN would be the Historic Lift Bridge.  But if you know us, and we think you do, we like to go a bit off the beaten path.

Our inspiration for this year’s yarn and pattern is the Minnesota State Prison.  Yep, the first prison in Minnesota was built right here in Stillwater. 

The prison was operated from 1853 to 1914.  This prison famously housed members of notorious outlaw Jessie James’ gang. 

The prison burnt down in 2002 and only the warden’s house remains.  It is just down the street from our shop, right on Main Street! 
Oh boy…what do we have up our sleeves with a prison theme?  

Bet you can’t wait to find out!

Lakeside Yarn

LAKESIDE YARN
If you are trolling the waters of Lake Minnetonka (or cross country skiing your way over from Big Island),  pull up to the docks of Excelsior and take a walk down Water Street. Enjoy the charm of our big small town until you see our brand new sign that says, yes, there is a yarn shop in Excelsior! 

We’ve spent a lot of time these last four years focusing on making Lakeside Yarn the shop where you will be inspired by dozens of beautiful  model garments  and where you can always find the perfect yarn for the perfect project to suit your taste and your budget.   It’s a place you will want to spend some time and a place where you can get the help you need.

It is a place we hope you will return to again and again for quality merchandise, service, ambience and expertise, but also . . . . . ..
  

Things are Hopping here at Knit’n from the Heart

The coldest Minnesota winter in 20 years has left us all shivering here at Knit’n from the Heart – but our hands and hearts are warm as we eagerly prepare for our first year in the Minnesota Yarn Shop Hop, April, 10th through the 13th! We can’t wait to meet all of you in April, and we know we will be fast friends as we have the common love of all things fiber! Our fiber friends are enjoying the community we call home here at Knit’n from the Heart, and we have many wonderful classes to offer these cold winter months ahead. Check out our class list and keep warm with furry lined mittens, moebius scarves, and other favorite patterns and techniques that keep us smiling and our needles clicking! Grab a cup of hot coffee at Panera across the lot from us here in City Centre right off of Radio Drive, grab your latest project and join our close “knit” Wednesday Morning Divas from 10am to noon and/or our Thursday Evening Divas from 6pm to 8pm – there’s nothing like sharing time and talent with people that love the same things you do!

Our team considered many wonderful muses here in Woodbury, MN as inspiration for our first Shop Hop project. After much discussion and creative concepts, we decided Central Park had all of the elements of a beautiful hand-knit work of art! We have to admit – all of this preparation has been more fun than work. It’s hard to call it work at all when you love what you do - and the best part of all is we get to share it with you! Equally as beautiful is the hand crafted yarn we have specially created for our Shop Hop project. You aren’t going to want to miss getting your hands on this one come April! Our staff and friends are a closely wound group here at Knit’n from the Heart and we look forward to new friends and new inspiration in the year ahead! We’re counting down the days to the Shop Hop with needle clicks and stitch counters….. we’ll see all of you Shop Hoppers in a few months when the sun is (hopefully) warm and our lightweight knits have re-entered our wardrobes! Until then – stay warm and happy yarning!

Knit’n from the Heart.  1785 Radio Drive.  Woodbury, MN 55125.  651-702-0880

The Yarnery

The Yarnery—located in the heart of St. Paul's most exciting shopping district, historic Grand Avenue—is a lively, busy place. Like all the great shops on the hop, we have a full array of classes and events, gorgeous yarn, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The Twin Cities' metro area is so fortunate to have such an array of great yarn shops, and we're proud to join together for this event.

It's been a huge year since the last shop hop! The Kreisman family—founders of The Yarnery over forty years ago—decided it was time to retire. Shelly Sheehan and Scott Rohr, longtime employees of the shop, became The Yarnery's new owners last summer. That transition has gone well and we're excited about the direction The Yarnery is heading.

What makes The Yarnery unique? It's the only shop in the Midwest to be a stockist of Brooklyn Tweed's American-made yarn, Shelter and Loft. And we recently become a flagship retailer of Neighborhood Fiber Co., a brilliant hand-dyer from Baltimore. This gorgeous yarn is popular after only a few weeks in the shop, and The Yarnery will become Minnesota's exclusive retailer for NFC. Our Malabrigo Linen Stitch Scarf kits are now available in four colorways, and continue to fly off the shelves, and the success of our own book, Wearwithall, led us to introduce an e-book, and we'll soon introduce a line of patterns continuing the Wearwithall aesthetic.

Lots happening at The Yarnery, but we're never too busy to greet our fabulous customers, and we can't wait to see all of you, new and returning friends, at The Yarnery in April. In the meantime, stop by anytime, or visit us online!

The Yarnery
840 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
651.222.5793
yarnery.com

Amazing Threads

Make sure to include Amazing Threads in your 2014 Shop Hop Experience, You won’t be disappointed.

 

Amazing Threads is located in Maple Grove, the Mecca of shopping and restaurants along with lakes and parks galore.  We are glad to be part of this ever growing and beautiful suburb. We take our Color Inspiration from the many lakes and gardens located in Maple Grove. 

We are located just north of the Arbor Lakes shopping area.  We offer the largest selection of yarns in the Midwest.  Our library of books is second to none, AND we have a spectacular classroom that allows us to offer a fabulous class schedule each season and host local and international designers

Amazing Threads was launched in 2002 and was the first new yarn shop to open in the Twin Cities since the 1980’s.  We have grown considerably during the past 12 years.  We say we have “the perfect shop” full of yarn, needles, books, notions, patterns, bags and more.  We are a hand dyers heaven.

In 2000, Amazing Threads was designated as a “SHOP WITHIN A SHOP” for Rowan, SMC Select, & Schachenmayr Yarns.  We are one of 5 such stores in the US the only one in the Twin Cities.  We love these yarns and our wall of fibers tells their own stories each season.

Yarn, knitting, crochet, friendships, shared passions…”So much yarn, so little time” we often lament.  We only do yarn and fiber while specializing in yarn and color coordination for any project.

 In addition to a shop filled with fibers and a classroom for our community of knitters, crocheters and social fiber groups, we provide LOTS OF INSPIRATION for every knitter or crocheter, regardless of your skill level.  The staff love to create of samples and it shows.  Our goal is a sample in every yarn with carry.  We love when our customers drop in with show and tell projects as well.    It’s amazing when we see yarns come alive in a variety of accessories or garments. 

Stop in and become a member of our community of knitters.  Join one of our social knitting groups or register for one of the 30+ classes we offer every quarter.  Visit us on the web to find out
“What’s New” each week and catch one of my weekly blasts that include free patterns and knitting resources.  Share the passion for your craft.

Bobbi, Lindsey, Angel, Carole, Michelle, Judy, Debbie H., Cynthia, Fey, June, Yvonne, Sandy, & Deb C.