Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts

Ebay Specials - French Jet Mourning Necklace Locket

2011-07-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Up for auction is this beautiful Victorian Black French Jet Mourning Pendant Necklace with golden leaf and seed pearls. Mourning Jewelry is very collectible and this piece is in outstanding condition. The back of the pendant locket has the original glass cover to the opening where the Victorians would place a lock of hair from their departed loved one in remembrance.

KAL on Ravelry Machine Knitting Group with Lynne

2011-06-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday Spinning Group - Sacramento Weaver's and Spinner's Guild

2011-05-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here is calendar for upcoming Saturday meetings for the Sacramento Weaver's and Spinner's Guild.

May 21 10 am-12pm
Jun 18 1pm-3pm
Jul 23 10 am-12pm
Aug 27 1 pm-3pm
Sep 24 1 pm-3pm
Oct 22 10 am-12pm
Nov 12 10 am-12pm
Dec 10 10 am-12pm

Jun, Aug, Sep time slot had to be moved because of conflicts with youth summer
reading program.

Location is Arcade Library, 2443 Marconi Ave

You can see some pictures from our last Saturday meeting at Franco Rios' blog

Find out more about the Sacramento Weaver's and Spinner's guild on their website at
SacWeaveSpin. Guild members can find out more information by joining the Guild's Yahoo Group at: SacWeaveSpinYahoo

S. F. State Art Department Textiles White Elephant Sale Sunday!

2011-05-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to some photo's of what will be available at the sale! Enjoy!!

If you end up going, please share some photo's with us! Have a great weekend!!

Julia

It's my Birthday today - Happy To Me!!

2011-05-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 50th to me, Happy 50th to me, La la la la la la la, Happy 50th to me. I am feeling very fortunate to have survived this long and still going strong! I guess I have to admit to being "middle aged" now - as I plan on living to at least 100!!! Now I am off to run errands and pick up some screens to dry all the soggy fleece I have in my bathtub! 1 more fleece to go and my "3 bags full" will be clean and pretty! So far has been a very nice birthday - even if Lisa can't sing to me in her annual birthday message. That's why I had to sing it myself - in her honor. And, of course, I was already serenaded twice so far from family. I feel blessed to be here. Have a great Mom's day tomorrow everyone!

Julia

On a personal note

2011-04-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

I usually try to keep my posts from being too personal, but I am making an exception here. This week I lost my best and dearest friend of over 20 years, Lisa Norlemann. Lisa passed away this week at the age of 49. She was truly a bright spot in my life and I will miss her so much. She and I had one of those rare friendships when you connect and have that deeper understanding with someone that is more than words can explain. She was there with me for the happy times and the sad. She was my shoulder to cry on, support when I felt alone and a cheery story when I was down. She understood my heart and I hers and that is a cherished quality you don't find everyday. I shall always treasure our friendship and your secrets are safe with me. Rest at peace Bugly, I will see you again in heaven.

HUGE STORAGE FACILITY SALE SATURDAY!

2011-03-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING THE 1ST ANNUAL
ARMOR MINI STORAGE "ON-SITE YARD SALE"!

Date: Saturday April 2nd, 2011
Time: 8 am - 2 pm
Place: 5714 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95841

Here's a GREAT chance for you to find some great treasures!
Due to the overwhelming response across the country to these "On-Site" type yard sales, I highly encourage you to arrive early! You just may find that special "Treasure" you’ve been looking for!

Participating Tenants will have tables set up with their for sale items in front of their storage units for this one day sale. I hope you will stop by and check out some of the great treasures me and my fellow tenants have to offer.

Examples of what you will find at my Unit I-22 include: Kitchenaid Micro/Convection Oven; Fine China; Frog dinnerware set, vintage books, linens, Women’s suits sizes 12 -14, yarn on cones $2 - $15, Knitting magazines, vintage knitting and machine knitting patterns, new and vintage knitting needles and supplies, etc. My unit is a mixture of personal items and store inventory.
If you need more information about this 1st annual On-Site sale, please call Armor Storage at (916) 332-6455.

Thanks and I hope to see you Saturday!!

Sincerely,

Julia Arnold, Owner
Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts

Laundry Lessons: washing woolens

2011-03-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

2011-03-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

SACRAMENTO WEAVER'S AND SPINNER'S GROUP - SATURDAY GUILD MEETINGS!

The Saturday Guild group from the Sacramento Weaver's and Spinner's Guild will continue to meet from 10:00a.m.-12 noon at the Arcade Sacramento Public Library, 2443 Marconi Ave., Sacramento.

The meeting dates for 2011 are as follows:
March 12, April 23, May 21, 2011

We hope you can join us and share your love of fiber, weaving and spinning with the group! See the guild website for more information on gatherings and classes and membership.

Two In One Sock Demo: Ribbing

2011-03-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

Liat's Limitless Cast-On for Two-at-a-Time ANYTHING!

2011-03-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

Stephen Ward Paintings Art Set to Bach Prelude 1 In C Piano

2011-03-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

Spinning Wheel Clemes and Clemes Traditional Auction

2011-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

eBay Auction item=180634866721 - brand new spinning wheel - this wheel retails for $835 - current bid is less than half price!! Hurry before it's gone!

Knit One, Crochet Too at the TNNA 2011 spring

2011-03-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

lk2g-080 Lily Chin Interview

2011-03-07T01:43:00.000-08:00

Cotton Fleece on sale

2011-03-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Check out Fig Tree Alley's newest sale yarn - Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep. We are offering all our in stock Cotton Fleece at a great price. Stock up now for your next project. Light and airy Cotton Fleece has other cotton yarns beat! Brown Sheep has blended 80% pima cotton and 20% wool to create a yarn that is both soft to touch and delightfully resilient. This unique plied cabled yarn provides a beautiful texture and drape for every knitted garment. Now you can have a little spring in your cotton knits with Cotton Fleece. Follow the link below to get yours while it's on sale! Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece - On Sale at Fig Tree Alley

Fig Tree Alley website is updated and ready for action

2011-02-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

"Bunny Love" Crochet baby blanket

I am excited to have time to update the website, Ravelry pages and our blog. I have been busy sorting out inventory, learning more about Ravelry postings and getting pictures onto the web. The website is a work in progress but it is getting better every day! Next step - finding the box that has my hand written patterns and getting them typed up for the website. I have been working on a new sweater design and hope to have that finished soon. There are 100's of items still left to list, so I still have some work to do!

For my machine knitting friends, I received a new price list today for all of the Silver Reed line of knitting machines and have updated the website. I still have many products to enter in the machine knitting category. I do have spare parts, sponge bars and patterns in stock. If you are looking for an item on the website and you can't find it, please email me and I can let you know if I have it or can get it. Until the next time we meet, Happy Crafting!

Julia @ Fig Tree Alley

2011-02-24T18:40:00.001-08:00

Our Last Goodbye

2011-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

FIG TREE ALLEY FIBER ARTS
HAS CLOSED IT'S DOORS!

ONE LAST SALE BEFORE WE EMBARK ON OUR NEXT ADVENTURE!

I am sad to announce that Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts retail space in Mid-Town is now closed. I will continuie to operate my webstore at www.FigTreeAlley.com,. I am liquidating our retail inventory and store fixtures before we move. Although our storefront is no longer open regular business, I will be opening up the store for this final sale. Our sale will be Saturday, January 15 and Sunday, January 16th at our storefront at 2419 J Street in Mid-Town.

I hope you will join us afor this last good-bye. I want to thank all of our loyal customers who have supported us during this last year. Your friendship and encouragement has been much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Julia Arnold, Owner

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts

Huge Estate Sale - Craft Supplies - Furniture - Tools - Antiques - Clothing | Carmichael, CA | gsalr.com

2011-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

Huge Estate Sale - Craft Supplies - Furniture - Tools - Antiques - Clothing | Carmichael, CA | gsalr.com

2010-12-21T14:32:00.001-08:00

2010-12-21T14:30:00.001-08:00

Are you in the Christmas Spirit?

2010-12-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

As Christmas creeps closer and closer, I find myself scrambling to finish those last minute gifts all hours of the night - sleep? That's for sissies! Down another coffee and sew that bunny for Cora and that puppy for Paisley....still trying to figure out what Elizabeth's special something will be - maybe an elephant like her grandma had when she was a girl...Let's see, got the fabric, got the pattern, now just to find a few more stolen moments to put them all together! Ain't it fun?? :0)

The shop will be open a few more weeks and then we close for the holidays. The webstore will remain open for orders, but shipping will be suspended from December 22nd to January 3rd. Feel free to place orders during that time period, just know they won't ship til the 3rd of January.

Happy Holidays!!

Julia

Never Not Knitting Trunk Show Event this Saturday

2010-11-17T13:09:00.000-08:00

Join us Saturday, November 20th 11am - 3pm for our Never Not Knitting Trunk Show event.
Come see knitted samples of each pattern, enjoy some refreshments and browse our patterns.
In-Store specials are happening all week. We are pleased to have the Never Not Knitting patterns featured and on display until the end of the month!

Hope to see y’all Saturday!
Julia @ Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts
2419 J Street - upstairs in the Victorian

Need a Notary Public? Call (916) 342-5492 - A Note 2 Self Mobile Notary Services - Serving the Greater Sacramento Area

Update on what's happening at Fig Tree Alley

2010-11-09T23:36:00.000-08:00

I keep telling myself that I will write this blog more often, but then I get side tracked and next thing you know, it has been weeks since my last post! Well, I am trying to be better anyway!

Stop by this week and until November 30th to see the Trunk Show from Alana Dakos from Never Not Knitting. See samples of her great patterns and save 15% on your entire order when you buy one of Alana's patterns.

Unfortunately, I am saddened to report our sales at the store went way down in October and have not been enough to pay the basic costs of running the business. We are in dire need of an increase in sales to be able to keep our doors open.

Marian and I have been working diligently to bring in extra business and trying to reach out to customers in the hopes of increasing our sales. So many of our customers have expressed how much they appreciate our business and the services we provide. We get lots of positive feedback. Every week someone new comes by and tells us how much they have wanted a Yarn store in Mid-Town and they tell us they want us to succeed and love the shop and our products.

I am reaching out to you, in this venue, with hope that you will join us in our commitment to keep our doors open and make it through these tough times in our economy. I hope you will make a trip to visit us at the store soon and that you will help spread the word to your friends and family to come out and support us in our efforts.

Marian and I feel strongly about passing on the traditions of fiber arts and providing an outlet for the Community to get support in improving their skills and providing unique and quality products at a local business. We hope you will offer us your support during these trying times and that together we can keep our doors open and our hearts full.

On a personal note, I have started advertising my Notary business in Mid-town. For those of you who were not aware, I am also a Notary Public and Certified Notary Signing Agent. If you find yourself in need of a Notary Public, I hope you will consider using my business, A Note 2 Self Mobile Notary Services - you can reach me at 916 342-5492 for Notary business. I am available 24/7 for mobile services or during business hours for walk-in clients.

If you would like to offer your support, host an event or have suggestions, please let me know.

Thank you for your continued support and Happy Crafting!!

Julia

P.S. This last week, I have been busy dyeing up yarn and fibers and I have to admit, some of them turned out gorgeous. It was hard to put them on the shelves and not keep them to knit! I hope they will find a good home and turn into fantastic projects that we can all admire! Hope you can stop by and check them out! Thanks!!

I would like to announce some special savings being offered this week at the store.

Winter Store Hours and new classes

2010-10-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Knitted Lace Shawl Class at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!!
DATE: Saturday, October 16th
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: 2419 J Street
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Join Instructor Marian Parker as she shows us how easy it is to knit lace. Marian will be teaching students how to read a pattern chart and knit lace stitches to create a Lace shawl. Marian has created an easier to read charted pattern to help students keep on pattern while doing intricate lace patterns. Marian makes it easy to understand and keep track of your stitches! Hope you will join us for this great class!

ARAN MADE EASY! Knitting class at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!!
DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM
LOCATION: 2419 J STREET
Level: Intermediate/Advanced (Beginner's who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to expand their knitting skills are welcome to join us too!)
MORE: Join us as we explore Aran knitting while working on The Great American Aran Afghan! Each session we will focus on a new square of this great pattern with instructor Marian Parker. Sessions will be held every other week starting Sunday, October 17th and will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday. Order your pattern today!

Sign up on-line through our calendar on Meetup through this link Figtreealley Calender

Earn Stash Cash!
Register and attend one of our class events and earn STASH CASH! Use Stash Cash towards in-store purchases or class fees! Ask your instructor for details!

Technologically Challenged

2010-09-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like everything you touched went to "you know where" in a handbasket? Well, that has been my luck this last few weeks with technology. I have had a hard drive failure, my router went out and I had to re-network all my computers and printers.and then Quickbooks crashed from an automatic update and had to be re-installed....since when did I agree to be a computer repair person? Ugghh! Anyway, now that I have replaced my laptop and bought a new router - re-networked all our computers and peripherals, removed and re-installed Quickbooks, I am faced with re-loading our other fancy dancy computer programs on the new laptop - and guess what? I am pulling my hair out as we speak! Who are these people who keep re-designing the computers so that our current software is obsolete? What was that? Micro-who??? The evil empire at work again! I think I am going back to the good, old pencil and graph paper - could have been done with my design and knitting days ago!! I long for the simple life of tea parties and piggy banks. The pictures are of my two of my grand-daughters (Paisley Jane and Cora McKenna)- having a tea party and loving life - without technology! Ahh, to be two again!! Until next time, I am off to package up the new felting wool and roving that arrived today and work on my Crock O' Dye shawlette.

Happy Crafting!!

Julia

Alexandra's Crafts Yarns and Roving are Here!!

2010-09-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

Just arrived - Yarns from Alexandra's Crafts. Alexandra is a great Oregon Indie Dyer and she stopped by the shop while she was in town. She has the most fantastic (and consistent) colorways. It was hard to choose - I really wanted to buy them all! We have her GORGEOUS yarns in Merino/Tencil; Bamboo/Merino/Nylon and Superwash. We also have a few of her great hand-dyed roving in Superwash, Merino/Tussah Silk and Merino/Bamboo/Silk that she happened to have with her on her visit. Stop by the store and check them out - we think you will love them as much as we do!! Let us know what you think! Thanks Alexandra!!

Lavender and Lace - at America's Knitting

2010-09-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mary Neill from America's Knitting saw a picture of Marian's awesome class project and has issued us a challenge - to make the shawlette in purple yarn and participate in the Lavender and Lace knitting challenge going on at her website . I hope some of you will join in on the fun - and make your own Lavender masterpieces!
............and Marian??.....How about another sample shawlette in purple? If you have the time between your awesome entralac Giants game bag and your other knitting projects! Purple is my favorite color!! :0)

Sign up for Marian's class through this link: Simple Openwork Shawlette

Happy Crafting!

Julia

WWI Was Won by a Knitting Machine!

2010-09-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

The Wonderful Knitting Machine (Part 1)

And don't forget part 2 for the full story and the finished sock. Fascinating!

2010-09-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

I just love Patty Davis' new crochet pillow design! - I think these birdies are way too cute! I fell in love with Patty's designs when I first met her at TNNA conference last January. She is so talented and I just love her line of kid's clothing and now - Patty has a great pillow line too! I didn't even like pillows before - now I am hooked! (Pun intended!) We have more of Patty's great patterns at the store - so stop on by and check them out! I think you will love them as much as I do!

Happy Crocheting....I mean.... Crafting!!!

Julia

Sidewalk Sale in Mid-Town!!!

2010-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Visit Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts as we get ready for Midtown's twice-annual huge sidewalk sale! Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts and other Midtown boutiques and shops will be cleaning out their wares in preparation of the fall/winter seasons. Fig Tree Alley will be have sale items, demonstrations and goodies available for your shopping pleasure! Keep an eye out for helium balloons flying in front of all the participating Midtown shops. Hope you can join us!

Julia

Fig Tree Alley at Chalk-It-Up in Mid-Town Labor Day weekend - Sunday Afternoon

2010-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

A Work in Progress by Emi Adachi
With the deadline fast approaching - will she finish on time?

Here is what Emi calls her finished work.....

Maybe next year we will cut the grass so we can see the sheep!
Can you tell we are a store that sells yarn?
Submit your design ideas for next year's square!!!

Fig Tree Alley at Chalk-It-Up in Mid-Town Labor Day weekend!

2010-09-01T17:45:00.001-07:00

Begun twenty years ago as a simple celebration of chalk art, Midtown’s Chalk it Up Festival has grown to become one of the signature events of the Sacramento summer.

Held each year on Labor Day Weekend, the three-day gala raises money to benefit children's art education and draws tens of thousands of visitors to Fremont Park to listen to live music, mingle with friends and check out one of the largest Chalk Art Festivals anywhere in the world.

Over 250 sidewalk squares – each sponsored by a local business, person, or civic organization – will be decorated with chalk drawings created by area artists who donate their time and talent. Ranging from virtuoso realist portraits, to cartoons, to simple geometric designs, the illustrated squares shine like jewels from the pavement. The drawings take anywhere from one to three days to create, and many squares feature drawings that would be equally at home in most Sacramento galleries.

During the 3-day weekend, local bands and other performers, all donating their time, will entertain the crowds of spectators. Music, food and drink, laughter and joie de vivre will be the order of the day.

Children's Activities
Since the aim of Chalk-It-Up! is to encourage children's art programs, all children's activities at the festival are free. These include chalk drawing and a variety of other art activities

Check out Fig Tree Alley's square with artwork created by artist Emi Adachi! We can't wait to see what Emi has up her artistic sleeve!

Enjoy Music? Music coordinator Jerry Perry brings many of Sacramento’s best acts to the Festival each year, and for the 20th Anniversary he’s pulled out all the stops. Live music runs from 10AM to 6PM each day of the Festival. Here’s the lineup for this year:

SAT SEPT 4, starting at 10AM: Waldorf Taiko Drummers, Stout Rebellion, Life in 24 Frames, Ricky Berger, Walking Spanish, Exquisite Corps, Sea Of Bees, Maren Parusel (San Diego), The Kelps, Pets

SUN SEPT 5 starting at 10AM: Exhale, The Shruggs, The Four Eyes, The Foxtails, Autumn Sky, Simpl3jack, Dog Party, Majesty, Silent Comedy (San Diego), Prieta

MON SEPT 6, starting at 10AM: The Trees, The Hungry, Bright Faces, The Generals, Goodness Gracious Me, Smooot Valley High, [Awards presentation], Signal The Red, Verbalistic, One Eyed Rhyno, I Scream On Sundae

Fremont Park is located at 16th & Q Streets - just a few minutes from Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, 2419 J Street in Mid-Town! Hope to see you at the event and the shop!

Julia

Cedar Leaf Shawlette by Never Not Knitting & K1C2 Rasta Hat

2010-08-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Drop by to see the Cedar Leaf Shawlette knit by our very own Marian Parker using Kraemer Yarns Little LeHigh (AKA: "Tataumy" - they changed the name but same great yarn!) in a gorgeous light spring green. An awesome pattern that works up quickly and can be knit in a variety of yarns for quite different looks.

Also on display is Knit One Crochet Too's Rasta Hat pattern knitted up in there new yarn Wrapunzel and one of our favorite yarns from K1C2 Tartelette. This unique and fast hat pattern comes with instructions for knitting or crocheting, which makes it a nice addition to anyone pattern stash. The pattern uses one skein of each yarn, so it makes a great gift to give to your favorite knitter or crocheter.

Stop by the shop to see our other new pattern leaflets from these makers:

Never Not Knitting by Alana Dakos
Patty Davis Designs by Patty Davis
Kollage Yarns by Barb Kervin, Sandi Rosner, Kathy Zimmerman
Knit One Crochet Too by Helene Rush
Heartstrings by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer
Dolce Handknits
Oat Couture by Annie Dempsey

And more to come!

Happy Crafting!

Julia & staff

Mother Bear Project Night

2010-08-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

What: Mother Bear Project Night
When: Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 6pm
Where: Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, 2419 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Contact the store for more information at (877) 484-YARN (9276)

Calling all Crocheters and Knitters! - The Mother Bear Project needs your skills to make teddy bears for needy children!!

Join us for an evening of knitting and crochet and help us bring a smile to a needy child. We have teddy bear patterns in both knit and crochet from the Mother Bear Project that you can customize to make your donation a unique and cherished gift. You can purchase a pattern from us (patterns are $5) or you can get your pattern directly from the Mother Bear Project website at www.motherbearproject.org and they will mail them to you.

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts is a Mother Bear Drop Off site and we actively support this great cause. Learn more about what Mother Bear Project is all about on their website or drop by the store for a brochure!

A new beginning

2010-07-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

Many changes come unexpectedly and bring new avenues for growth. My business has been evolving and as such some changes have surprised us all. With change comes a chance for new beginnings and I am happy to welcome our two new employees to the mix!

Marian Parker joined us a few short weeks ago and has quickly become our go to gal for knitting and crochet questions. Marian brings a wealth of knowledge and has stepped in to teach new knitters and crocheters and assist customers with pattern help and yarn selection. Marian's newest love is needle felting, so ask her about her latest project or just talk felt next time you are in! Marian is a welcome addition to our team and brings with her an expertise in accounting as well as a life long love of crafts! I am excited to have her assisting with the paperwork side of the business and helping with pattern testing (she volunteered for that!). Marian will be teaching for us - check out our calendar of events on our website www.figtreealley.com for more of Marian!!!

Melani (aka: Emmy) is our other new employee and she started last week. She has quickly warmed our hearts and hands with her generous nature and extremely talented, crafty self. Emmy has a broad range of talents and has volunteered to write a jingle for the shop. Stay tuned (no pun intended) for more musically inspired fiber projects as Emmy and the rest of us brainstorm fun ideas for your amusement and pleasure!

I hope you will stop by and welcome Emmy and Marian to the fold. Tosca will also be there throughout the summer wowing us with her social networking expertise. Tosca has been an inspiration with all her ideas and skills when it comes to networking! If you haven't met her, you will!!

P.S. Look for our continuing work on our installation art piece inspired by the Yellow Submarine of Beatles fame. And listen for the Beatles playing in the background! (More on that later!)

Wishing you all the best! Happy Crafting!

Julia

Getting the hang of it!!

2010-07-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all!!

Tosca and I unpacked the rest of our great new yarns from Kollage yarns and Knit 1 Crochet Too today! So much lovely color and some great textures - makes me want to swatch the whole store!! Awe, but time doesn't permit - but maybe I will get to a few swatches before I call it a day and head home!

Things have been so crazy around here the last few days, and I wanted to make sure I posted some of the new goodies that we have in the shop. First and foremost, we are pleased to have Cindy Unmack's "Left-Coast" yarns on our shelves. Cindy makes fabulous hand-dyed sock yarns in beautiful colorways! She really does wonderful work and her yarns are in par with the pro's in every aspect. With a great color range, "Left Coast" yarns are sure to be a shop favorite!! Thanks Cindy!!

I did have time yesterday to swatch up our new Wrapunzel yarn from K1C2. I think I am in love!! Wrapunzel is a multi-hued superwash wool spun thick and thin which gives it built in texture and a lovely twisted color variation. Wrapunzel works up really fast - my swatch came out 5st=1" where the label lists 19st=4" with size 8's - but maybe I knit a little tight. Either way it was a quick knit and the resulting fabric is luscious! I feel a sweater coming on sometime soon!! I think this one deserves a yarn tasting!! Ask about it at the store!

One of the other new yarns I just love is "Milky Whey" by Kollage - it is a yarn made from - you guessed it - MILK!! It is the softest yarn you can imagine and with it's 50% Milk/50% Soy composition, it is both environmentally friendly and a great conversation topic! "Milky Whey" is the perfect summer yarn! Softer than cotton and with a great stitch definition, this is one of my new favorites!! I want to "pet" it all day as it is just so cuddly soft!!

Among our other new arrivals is the yarn that started all this - "Temptation" by Kollage. I was tempted by this yarn when the nice people at Kollage gave me a skein to sample. "Temptation" is a Bamboo / Cotton blend that I fell in love with working with the sample skein and just had to get the yarn for the store! I really love the feel of this yarn while I am knitting it - I feel like my hands are getting moisturized when I work with this gem!! The cool thing about this yarn is the structure - it is not a traditional plied yarn, it has a spiderweb like structure that rolls onto itself to create a round yarn - very amazing to look at and beautiful to see. There are great colors available in "Temptation" and all have just a hint of sparkle woven in the mix, making this yarn stand out with a subtle sparkle that doesn't overwhelm, but does add a touch of class! I am working on a baby sweater for my new grandbaby in "Temptation" in a great yellow color called "Lemon Drop" and I can't wait to finish it and take pictures!! (In my spare time!!LOL!)

There are more new yarns along with a new shipment from the folks at Hiya Hiya that includes some 9 inch circulars and more Puppy Snips! And last but not least - we have buttons! I have a great supply of vintage buttons from a local collector. Great prices and some real treasures - available in single editions and in some sets - a must see if you are a button lover!!

Hope you will stop by during this holiday weekend and see what specials we have going on in the store! Happy 4th of July and Happy Crafting!!!

Julia

Oakland Textile Festival

2010-06-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

The First Annual Oakland Fiber and Textile Festival was a great success. Representing the Machine Knitting Guild of the San Francisco Bay Area, myself along with other Guild members volunteered their time to staff the booth and educate the public about the great art of Machine Knitting.

My friend Lynne Miles and I carpooled to Oakland and spent the day talking about one of our favorite past times - Machine knitting! There were so many great vendors and exhibits. There were make-and-take projects from several booth vendors and we recruited to add new members to our Guild.

In addition, I was able to meet and talk with several local Alpaca owners and I hope to get some of their great fibers into the store soon. I also met several authors who were promoting their knitting books and DVD's and we should be able to get those into the store later this summer!

All in all it was a great day and although a little on the warm side for me, it did not seem to deter the locals from shopping and participating in support of local business and fiber artists.

A Yarn Shop Hop of our own!

2010-06-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

Oakland Fiber and Textile Festival
Sunday June 27, 2010 10AM to 4PM
Splash Pad Park, Oakland
This park is located between Grand & Lakeshore Avenues by Grand Lake Theater.
Admission is free to the public

Well, today Lynne and I ventured down to Oakland for the Volunteer's meeting for the upcoming Oakland Fiber Festival and decided to do a little Yarn Shop Hopping of our own on the way. I drove and Lynne navigated. Lynne is a great person to have navigate and she didn't let me down! She arrived on time, mapped us a course to hit several Bay area yarn shops before arriving at our final destination and brought all the necessary directions. All I had to do is sit back and drive. It was a lovely afternoon and traffic was not bad as we made our way down the highway. I was excited as this was a good research trip for me!! It always helps to see what other yarn store owner's are doing in their shops to inspire new ideas and to check out a variety of yarn brands - gotta touch and feel those fibers!!! I find most shop owner's are very supportive of one another and this trip was no exception!

Our first stop on the itinerary - Berkley's own "Stash" yarn shop. We arrived at the address we had found on the website - but there was no "Stash" to be found! With so many businesses going under these days, we both got a little nervous! We decided to ask for directions (cuz we's is girls!) and we wandered into the Doggy shop located in the building where Stash was supposed to be and asked if they knew where the yarn shop was. The nice lady at the Doggy store (sorry I didn't catch her name or her business name!) pointed us just down the street, across from the original location and around the corner. If we threw a stone we could have hit it! We walked on over and then almost missed it! It looked as if there were only 3 stores on the street and there was an empty storefront with a large sign. We almost turned around but then just after the empty space we say "Stash" which is the last store on the little side street. "Stash" personnel advised us they had moved in November, 2009. Their signage consisted of paper signs printed out on a regular printer. They were very friendly and very nice to us - their yarns were lovely and I actually bought some beautiful yarns for a coat for my new granddaughter! So you know the price was reasonable or I wouldn't have succumbed to the temptation! I may have to look into carrying the brand (Manos del Uruguay), but I am going to knit up my project before I decide!! I do hope the nice folks at "Stash" get a sign up on their building soon though, as we could have easily missed their lovely shop!! Definitely worth a stop by if you are in the area!! Unfortunately, they won't be at the fiber festival this year as they are out of town, but maybe next year they can join in the fun!!

With our parking meter almost expired, Lynne and I rushed off to get to our next destination which she didn't tell me until we pulled into the parking lot!! It was the infamous "Lacis Lace Museum"! Oh what a treasure trove of wonderful things both old and new! I love that Lynne and I enjoy the same types of shops! It was a great surprise and the shop did not disappoint!! From the gorgeous antique dresses hanging in the front of the store and the antique laces and accouterments displayed on the walls to the elaborate book collection and gadgets, Lynne and I were both in craft heaven!!

Although we had very little time left to peruse all the wonderful items they had, I was able to pick up a few goodies before we left - a great instruction book on felting hats (yes, that is on my agenda for later in the year!) and some tiny beading latch hooks - the kind my older friends said they used to use for repairing nylon's back in the day. I thought they weren't making them anymore, or at least I didn't know what to call them, but leave it to Lacis to have them! I just love that company!! Anyway, they will eventually have to be added to our inventory at Fig Tree Alley - just waiting for enough dough to add Lacis to our Vendor list! I have beads just screaming to be put into my knitting, and I so want to start teaching the techniques! So now I have the tools to make adding beads easier! Now I just have to perfect my techniques so I can start teaching this at the shop! I can't wait to try my new tools and I will have to work on getting them in for all of you!! In the meantime, if you haven't been to the Lacis Lace Museum, it is definitely worth the drive and is much more than a Museum, so don't let the name fool you! This is a great shopping destination and you can always make a day of it and check out the other local shops while you are there too!

Lynne and I both wished we had more time to spend there, but we were on a deadline.
Lynne and I were off again to get to our destination - dinner and then the Volunteer Meeting for the Oakland Fiber and Textile Festival. We made our way to Oakland and found a tiny place to nosh at a local Greek cafe which, of course made me quite happy! (and grateful that I have such an accommodating friend!) Lynne tried and loved the Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves) I shared with her - I am sure I made a new convert!! After our Gyro's and grape leaves we were off to our final destination - Oakland's own Piedmont Yarn & Apparel Store.

The meeting was held at Piedmont Yarn & Apparel Store 4171 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. The owner,Bente, has done a lot of work to make the Fiber Festival a reality in Oakland. Her ideas and commitment to the Fiber community was inspiring and her support of local businesses and volunteer's and her attitude of "Win - Win" for all involved seemed truly genuine and coming from a place of selflessness.

I always enjoy meeting people who can look beyond their own needs to give to others and Bente surely fits that bill. I hope that this event will be a big success for her and the fiber community in Northern California.

Lynne and I will be volunteering at the Machine Knitting Guild of the San Francisco Bay Area booth during the June 27th event.

I hope you all can join us - it should be an interesting day and admission is FREE!!

2010 Shop Hop Happenings

2010-06-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Annual Shop Hop is well underway and here at Fig Tree Alley we have seen many new faces and happy hoppers since Thursday!! It's Sunday now and the hop is winding down with many of the participants already finished with their route and turning in their passports! There is still time to hop on over to Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts to get your Shop Hop Passport stamped and fill out an entry for our version of the Shop Hop Raffle Basket! Our Shop Hop Raffle Basket is filled with wonderful yarns and accessories from some of our favorite vendors! Here's what our Raffle Basket has to offer - many of the items have been added to the basket during the Shop Hop, so check it out!!:

Kraemer Yarns was very generous in donating 50 skeins of Fountain Hill Brushed Mohair Blend and Perfection yarns and there are 4 (four) full skeins of Fountain Hill - a magnificent and economical Mohair in stunning colors! Kraemer also donated skeins of Perfection, a Merino wool/acrylic blend for this year's Shop Hop and Perfection promises to change your mind about what acrylic can do for natural fibers! The shop threw in another of Kraemer's yarn offerings - Saucon Socks! The lucky winner will be able to experience this cotton blend sock weight yarn that is often overlooked, but definitely a great spring/summer garment choice!!

Another of our vendors, Brown Sheep, was no slouch either! They contributed many skeins of their great yarn favorites, Cotton Fleece and Serendipity Tweed and we included some of these in our Shop Hop raffle basket - both yarns are cotton/wool blends that bring out the best of both fibers! A joy to knit with, our raffle basket includes 6 (six) skeins of these great Brown Sheep softies!!

Hiya Hiya is another of our favorite vendors and they generously donated some of their great needles and accessories for the Shop Hop event and we have included some of these treasures tucked away between the skeins of our Shop Hop Raffle Basket for this year's lucky raffle winner!! Hiya Hiya continues to be one of those companies that just always adds that extra something that puts them ahead of their competitors. Look for those cute puppy snips tucked into this year's prize!

Our shop has tucked in other goodies and accessories from our store shelves to make this Raffle Basket worth well over $100! A great opportunity to win for all of this year's Fig Tree Alley Shop Hoppers!

I hope all of you who have participated in this year's Shop Hope event have had a great time visiting your LYS's and will come back to visit us here at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts very soon!!!

Happy Hopping!!!

Julia Arnold, Owner
Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts
2419 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

2010 Yarn Shop Hop!

2010-05-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

2010 Yarn Shop Hop June 3-6. $750 grand prize basket to winner who visits all 15 shops in the 4 days of the event. Click the title of this post to see who's in. All shops paticipating will have the same Hop hours of Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-1

Cotton Fleece is on the shelves!!

2010-05-26T22:58:00.001-07:00

Our shipment of Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep has arrived and is on the shelves. Gorgeous colors and what a great blend they have invented. Cotton with just enough wool to make the yarn bounce and feel yummy while you are making up your latest project. If you haven't given Cotton Fleece a try - stop on by and get a feel for this great year-round fiber dream!!

Julia

Shelly Shintaku Winner of Store Raffle

2010-05-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't she glad she stopped in on a whim a couple months ago? Congratulations to Ms Shintaku for winning the grand prize of 6 Spa treatments at Salon Cuvee right here in Miid-Town!(a $600 value!) From facials to massages to a brand new hairdoo, she will be getting the royal treatment and pampered from head to toe -as a Thank You from us! She even gets to treat a man in her life to the spa experience with a haircut and additional spa treatments. The spa therapies are sure to relax her from the work on the alpaca farm! And she gets to spiffy up the man in her life as well! Enjoy Shelley and Congratulations from your Fiber Friends at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!!!

Julia,Lani and Jessica

Cherokee Looping Class June 15 & 16!

2010-05-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

The interest list grew, and now Hugh is coming back to the classroom here in Midtown Sacramento to share Cherokee Looping method from 6-8pm Tuesday, June 15 and June 16. Registration now open for this two day class. Check the website, www.figtreealley.com for contact info and the online sign-up through the calender on meetup. We look forward to seeing you!

Classes in May and June!

2010-05-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Click on the title of this post to view the calender of classes and events.

AnneLena is coming to Fig Tree Alley this month to teach Knitting "No Floats" Fairisle Fingerless Mittens and they are gorgeous! Many color combinations are possible for the pattern. She is on Ravelry.

Jennifer Tan will teach Drop Spindling, Tunisian Crochet, and Freeform Crochet in June! Be sure to check your calender and attend one or all three of the workshops. She is an excellent instructor and can be found at her blog - syrendell.blogspot.com/

Click the title on this post for class times and sign up info!

Customer Pics

2010-05-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

Finished objects(FOs) have come back to show themselves! This child's sweater is made with Nature Spun Sport 100% wool in Ash and Babyboo bamboo/nylon blend in Olive. Anne did multi-strand knitting to make this beautifully constructed garment that will withstand wear for many children to come! (Not to mention the grandson she made it for :))

The gloves are a pattern found in Knitting Traditions, an excellent magazine for traditional garments and some interesting historical info. We still have a few copies left in the store if you are interested in this.

Yarns

2010-05-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

These yarns are a small sample of what's in stock at Fig Tree Alley. We are always happy to assist you in finding a particular yarn, pattern, or just to help brainstorm ideas in your design! The yarn tree contains mostly wool and sock yarns in cone form, and there's the corn yarn display in the background as well as the 100% Lanaloft wool in a variety of colors. The Babyboo bamboo yarn has been popular this season, as well as the soysilk behind the skeins of handspun Rainbow Fairy, Ricky's Elementals, and kid mohair spun with metallic blue elements and beads.

Featured Items in the store

2010-05-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

There are many wonderful items in the store right now, so we want to share what's happening over here!

New items on consignment include Hand Painted Warp Scarves from Therese Grusza using a Loom Controlled Shibori technique, and they are beautiful!

There are also hand-dyed Bombyx Silk Bell and Superwash merino rovings in berry delicious colors from local artist Lori Rase Hall, a fantastic assortment of buttons, and handspun yarns. Come see all the special things in this precious space! We miss you!

MIDTOWN SIDEWALK SALE

2010-04-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

We will be open for this weekend's Big Sidewalk sale at 10am on Friday,Saturday and Sunday!! We will be demonstrating techniques and showing off some of our spinning wheels, knitting machines, and other great equipment. Class specials and raffles, so stop on by and see what Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts has to offer! Our Big Cone Yarn sale continues - lots of beautiful Purple yarn and a few other goodies to boot!!

Hope to see you here!!!

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: Is this Latvian knitting?? "Philosopher's Wool" at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!

2010-04-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: Is this Latvian knitting?? "Philosopher's Wool" at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!

Is this Latvian knitting?? "Philosopher's Wool" at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!

2010-04-17T02:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of the "Philosopher's Wool" method of knitting multiple colors with "no Floats" ? This wonderful technique is easy to learn and will allow you to knit Fairisle patterns with no floats! No more fingers caught in yarn floats!! Is that the same thing as Latvian knitting? I will have to ask AnneLena!!!

Join instructor AnneLena Mattison as she shows us how to hide those pesky floats and make beautiful multi-color patterns with ease the "Philosopher's Wool" way!!

Check out the details on our website's calendar and take a look at the fantastic mittens AnneLena made - what a great class sample! Thanks AnneLena!!!

We have scheduled four opportunities (daytime, evening and a weekend day!)for you to learn this great technique! (And here's a tip - sign up for a second session and pay just $20 and you get double the learning time to master this outstanding technique at a huge discount - and no additional materials fee either! Get extra support and show off your progress too! Hope you can make it to at least one of the four sessions we have scheduled in May!!!! Space is limited so sign up today!!!

Happy Crafting!!

Julia

Cherokee Style Looping with Hugh Hall

2010-04-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to have Hugh Hall joining us to teach the little known American Indian fiberart known in English as "Looping". The Cherokee word for this craft is difficult to pronounce, but Hugh will show us how this dying art form has been done by Native peoples for generations.

Hugh grew up in a tribal setting on Cherokee land where he learned this craft from his Cherokee grandmother.

"Looping" is different than knitting and crochet, and is done with a special "needle" or "pin". Native people would carve a point into a stick and make a hole in it. Plant and animal fibers were used to make netting and clothing. The origins of this craft have been lost in history, but the art form continues. Hugh travels as far as Scotland to teach this craft to new generations of fiber artists. Join us as we welcome Hugh Hall to our instructor line up!
FREE DEMO Second Saturday from 4-7pm.

Join Hugh when he teaches a 2 part class April 20 AND 21 to learn how to do it too!

Click the Title link above to connect with the meetup site to register now, go to www.figtreealley.com, or sign up in person at the store.

La Mer Scarf, As Seen on Knitting Daily TV Episode 211 - Knitting Daily

2010-04-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

La Mer Scarf, As Seen on Knitting Daily TV Episode 211 - Knitting Daily

Spring is here!

2010-04-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

The rain has finally stopped (I think - don't jinx it!) and the weather is beautiful today! New products are coming in every week and our shelves look cheerful and ready for some great spring fashions! Purple Yarn sale is still going on - $5 a cone (and they are over 1lb.!) We need to make room for more fiber goodies, so hurry on down and get your purple cone!

Other news in the shop: DAK is up and running on the knitting machine, so now I can knit that sweater I've been putting off! My hand knitting has greatly improved and I am just finishing up a cabled rib stitch in some of my hand-dyed sock yarns. I will be doing more acid dyeing after CNCH and our Natural Dye workshop is scheduled for May 15th with Anni Redding!

Now playing on the video screen is the Fashion Show video from January's TNNA tradeshow in Long Beach. For those of you saying, "What is TNNA?" - I will say that TNNA which stands for "The National Needlearts Association" is a fiber junkies heaven! Every yarn manufacturer and accessory vendor you could think of was there! Sort of a "Stitches" event, but for business owners and buyers. The fashion show really highlights some of the great designers out there working with the major yarn companies - great inspiration!

Last, but not least...We have new Prism yarns just in today with another order on the way! Our Key Dots, Stitch Dots and Fiber sphere's wonderful Measuring tape Pen in a variety of colors - too cute and very handy!

On order now are a variety of yarns ready to dye, they should be here in time for our dye workshop. You won't be disappointed!

Ask us about our locally grown fibers - Shetland, Corriedale-cross, Ramboullet, Mohair locks and Cashmere! Beautiful fibers at great prices!

That's all for now, hope to see you at the store soon!

Julia

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: New spinning Fibers at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts in Mid-Town!!

2010-03-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: New spinning Fibers at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts in Mid-Town!!

New spinning Fibers at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts in Mid-Town!!

2010-03-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts - Jacob pin-drafted roving in a beautiful gray color for just $2.50 an ounce! Long staple, soft, great for outerwear!

Also just in is some luxurious Snow-White Rambouillet (which spell-check wants to call Ratatouille! Funny!)also just $2.50 per ounce!

Today was a fruitful day at the Fig with dyed Mohair locks in great colors - great for spinning or needle felting! Packaged in 1 and 2 ounce containers, these long stapled curly locks are just fantastic. I love the shine this silky stuff has! $5 - $10 per container - While supplies last!

Did you say Cashmere? Yes I did!! We have locally raised Cashmere yarn and fiber from one of the few Cashmere goat herds outside the Gobi desert! This fiber is not mass-produced from starving desert goats or shipped across the seas - it is from locally raised and well-cared for fiber animals. I have been out to the farm and have seen the loving care these animals receive from their owners. They are happy goats to say the least (and very cute!!!) The fiber is hand-combed from the tummy of each goat and collected over several years to have enough to process into spinning fiber and yarn. We are lucky to have 3 1lb. cones of this great lace-weight yarn for sale in beautiful natural shades. This is the stuff Orenburg lace was made for!! At 3600ypp, just think how many shawls you could make? We can also take orders on skeins of this great fiber as the supplier has a dozen or so available with each skein having enough to finish a project or two! We don't get this quality of Cashmere very often, so reserve yours now while it's still available!! This fiber won't go up on the website until later in the week, so hurry in to the store to get yours before it is all gone!!

Happy crafting!!

Julia

Learn to Spin on the Spinning Wheel - Wednesday, March 24th 5:30p in Mid-Town - Classified Ad

2010-03-23T23:45:00.001-07:00

Learn to Spin on the Spinning Wheel - Wednesday, March 24th 5:30p in Mid-Town - Classified Ad

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Good Day Sacramento will be filming at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts!!

2010-03-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Good Day Sacramento will be at the store around 7:30am tomorrow (Tues) to film another segment with us! Yeah!! If you would like to be on camera performing a craft (spinning, knitting, felting, tatting, weaving, etc.) come on down to the store tomorrow morning before 7:30a and help us get the word out about our crafts and the store! Thanks so much and I hope to see you in the morning!!

P.S. Please don;t park in front of our store as the news truck needs to park there! Happy crafting!!

Julia Arnold, Owner
Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts
2419 J Street
877 484 YARN

Hand Dyed French Lace Cocktail Dress

2010-03-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

I am selling a beautiful hand dyed french lace women's cocktail dress. The lace is over gold lame and is dyed with pinks, teals, lavenders and more. Spaghetti straps and matching fabric belt make this a great spring or summer party dress! This dress has a designer label, "Moonlight Glo" and will fit woman's size10 or 12. The design of the dress would allow a range of size by adjusting the belt and further adjustments could be done by altering the spaghetti strap length to fit the wearer. The scalloped neckline adds just the right amount of detail and is very flattering.

The French lace is hand dyed in multi-colors and interwoven around each dyed lace floral motif is a golden thread that glimmers in the moonlight. The gold lame underlining adds to the sparkle of this gorgeous party dress. There is a light crinoline underskirt that gives the dress a soft fullness that keeps the pleats The skirt gathers at the natural waist to allow for a flair of approximately 36"when measured side to side at hem . This is a show stopper and will surely be a treasured addition to any party wardrobe. Dry clean only - this dress is in excellent shape and has been lovingly cared for and stored in dry-cleaning plastic hanging.

On sale now for $150.00

If you would like to try this dress on before you buy, please visit our store at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, 2419 J Street, Mid-town Sacramento, 95816. Please call the store with any questions. (877) 484-yarn.

Julia at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts

Learn to Spin with Jean Franklin!!

2010-03-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wanted to learn to spin, this is a great opportunity to learn from a well respected, outstanding teacher. Starting with her store in Glen Ellen called, "Spinner's Web" (Sonoma County), Jean Franklin has taught hundreds of students over the years. Next class starts Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 5:30pm!

Join Jean while she teaches us the basics of making yarn on the spinning wheel! Jean's class syllabus includes how to use hand cards and the drum carder, how to prepare fibers for spinning and much more!
Class fee: $40 for each 2 hour lesson. We still have room in next week's class - this is a great opportunity!! No experience needed - and we have rental wheels! Making your own yarn is fun (and addicting!) What are you waiting for??
:0)

Julia

Jean's Annual Shearing - Fiber Fantastic!!

2010-03-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at Jean Franklin's annual sheep shearing at Spin Web Ranch in El Dorado Hills. I picked up some great Shetland fleece (Jean's flock is all Shetland - a heritage breed!). Jean also turned me on to some great Cotton/Nylon roving that is gorgeous. The nylon makes this cotton a bit easier to spin and the finished project should be fantastic - I can't wait to sample it!! I was able to purchase a small quantity of fork combed handwashed Shetland locks that are fantastic! Jean has painstakingly washed and combed each lock to maintain their lock formation and has them laid tip to cut, ready to spin from the lock! You don't see these very often and at $15 per 2 ounce bundle, it is a great buy - hurry before it is gone!! I must go finish knitting sock blanks now, getting ready for a dye class in the near future - contact the store if you are interested in attending!!

Happy Crafting!!

Julia

New yarns and EZ's DVD and books arrived today!!

2010-03-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Just in from Kraemer Yarns - Fountain Hill Mohair in Black, Creamy White and Turquoise! Just gorgeous!!
Summit Hill Worsted yarn in Blue Quartz and in Natural - this is soft and creamy 100% Merino Superwash. In worsted weight it knits up so fast, I love it!!

Also in today Un-spun Icelandic— Extraordinary long-fibered fleece unique to Icelandic sheep produce the warmest wool we know. Work from a single wheel for 1- or 2-ply; or from 2 wheels for 3- or 4-ply. 3 1/2-oz. wheel, 300 yards, single strand: 6 to 7 to 8 sts to 1 inch; 2- ply—3-1/2 to 4 sts to 1 inch, Five colors in stock. $8.25 per wheel!

New DVD's in - get yours before they are gone! Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Glossary. This is the DVD we have been previewing in the store - it is jam packed with stitch techniques - did you know there are 15 I-cord variations? EZ and her daughter Meg Swansen present 13 ways to cast on, 7 ways to cast off and a myriad of techniques such as Entrelac, Bavarian Twisted Stitch, Steeks (crocheted or machine stitched!) and so much more. We also have several other titles from these amazing knitters and some have books to go along with the DVD's. They will be on the shelves tomorrow!

Last but not least, we have a great bargain on 1lb. cones of Nomis 3/15 100% Acrylic yarn in a beautiful purple color. This yarn is great for children's clothing as it is washable and durable. This yarn knits up beautifully - this yarn will not disappoint priced at just $5 per cone, and economical way!

That's all for now! I hope to see y'all tomorrow at our Second Saturday event featuring artists Joel Allen, Brianne Tengwall and local weaver Sandi LaMain..........:0)

Bear Patterns arrived today!

2010-03-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be a part of the Mother Bear Project. Our shop is an official Bear Drop Off site and we are ready and waiting for your finished bears to arrive! I just received our first two bear patterns - one for knitting and one for crochet. I can't wait to knit my first bear!!! If you haven't heard about the Mother Bear Project, you can read more about them at their website www.motherbearproject.org. I hope you will join us on Saturday evening (2nd Saturday Art event too!) for our charity knitting and you can see the bear pattern up close - who knows, maybe I will be done with a bear by then? Hmmm.....first the corn yarn baby sweater, then the collar and button band for Paisley's sweater, then the bear?? Okay, maybe finishing the bear is a little ambitious - how about starting the bear by then? That's a little more realistic!!! As for 2nd Saturday, I hope you will stop by and check out our art - this month we are featuring three local artists...to find out more you will have to visit the store or post a comment and we will respond!!! Here is a hint - there are prizes involved! And that is all I am saying for now! Happy crafting!

Julia Arnold, Owner
Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts
2419 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

Second Saturday - Featured Artists

2010-03-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

Our featured Artists this month include an up and coming young artist named Joel Allen. Joel will be on hand from 5p - 7 p to greet the public and talk about his artwork. We are currently showing several canvases including, "Break Time" and "Sunday Stroll". Joel's pieces are currently available for purchase at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, 2419 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 877 484-YARN. Please contact the store for price details.

We have the pleasure of featuring Sandi La Matain's woven wraps during this month's Second Saturday event. Sandi is a local weaver and her pieces are always brilliant! Sandi is currently displaying six pieces at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts. Sandi is an excellent weaver and her loom work is always stunning! Sandi's handwoven wraps are currently available for purchase at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, 2419 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 - 877 484-YARN. Please contact the store for price details.

We continue to display pieces from local artists - currently showing are: Rick Tan, Brianne Tengwall
We also have our signature piece from Australian artist Igor Fastovksi entitled, "Fig Tree Alley".

On Second Saturday, along with our featured artists, we will be knitting for charity and offering help to local crocheters and knitters. We hope you can stop by and join in the fun and have some refreshments with us!

Sincerely,

Julia, Lani and Jessica
Your fiber friends at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts

Knitting Clinic Sunday 1:30pm

2010-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Join us for our first Knitting Clinic on Sunday, March 7th, 2010! Learn Long tail cast-on and variations of this great cast-on!!

Thanks!!

Hand Woven wraps in specialty fibers

2010-03-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

We have on display new beautiful hand woven wraps by a talented local weaver and friend Sandi LaMantain. Feel the luxurious fabric Sandi has created on her loom - you will be amazed! Sandi's wraps will keep you warm on a chilly spring day and yet are light enough to wear as a unique neck accessory without causing you to overheat.

Mother Bear Project - We are an official Bear drop off location!

2010-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was so excited when I found out about the Mother Bear Project while attending Stitches West last week. We are now an official bear drop off location. I was on their website today and have requested patterns and information so we can start Bear making events. I will let you all know as soon as we confirm some dates. Thanks!!

Julia (aka: Grandma Goo)

Prism Yarns are in the House!!

2010-03-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Our shipment of Prism yarns has started arriving - they are gorgeous and will be on the shelves later this evening!! I can't wait to knit something fabulous with them!!

Julia

New colors of Lanaloft Rock!

2010-03-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

I just finished stocking the shelves with new colors from Lanaloft! There are two beautiful handpainted versions that are to dye for! (tee hee - a little pun there, get it.....DYE for?) Anyway, all the colors pop and seem to be calling my needles- can you hear it?? Have a great night and happy crafting!!!

Julia

Spinning class starts tonight!!

2010-03-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

If you have ever wanted to learn to spin, this is a great opportunity to learn from a well respected, outstanding teacher. Starting with her store in Glen Ellen called, "Spinner's Web" (Sonoma County), Jean Franklin has taught hundreds of students over the years.Classes starting March 3, 2010!

Join Jean while she teaches us the basics of making yarn on the spinning wheel! Jean's class syllabus includes how to use hand cards and the drum carder, how to prepare fibers for spinning and much more!
Class fee: $40 for each 2 hour lesson. We still have room in tonight's class - this is a great opportunity!! No experience needed - and we have rental wheels! What are you waiting for?? Tee Hee!!

Julia

Lanaloft Yarns just arrived!!

2010-03-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

Brown Sheep Lanaloft in more amazing colors! I love this worsted weight yarn - works up fast and is soft and beautiful! Stop on by and check it out!!! We also have other new goodies....will post in a bit!!

Julia

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: Hiya Hiya Needles have arrived!

2010-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts: Hiya Hiya Needles have arrived!

Hiya Hiya Needles have arrived!

2010-01-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I am finally able to post to this blog after several days of laptop issues that kept me offline and frustrated! I think I have it back in working order now, thank goodness! Just in time to announce that our shipment of Hiya Hiya needles (stainless steel and bamboo) has arrived. DPN's and Circs in a variety of lengths and sizes. Stop on by the store and check out our latest yarn offerings too! Alpaca boucle in several beautiful colorways - just $5.99 per 50 gm ball. Really beautiful and super soft! Also on the shelves now, Kraemer Mohair blends in 3 colors on large hanks - a whopping 560 yards / 100 gm's priced at just $10.99! Need it wound? Free winding service available upon request! More info to come - hope to see you soon! Happy Crafting!!

Julia

New Products have Arrived!!!

2010-01-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

I hope. Everyone is staying dry today! I wanted To let you all know that our order Of ChiaoGoo Products are in! Included are the new Premium Stainless steel. "Knit Red" circulars -- if you haven't tried them, you are missing out. Stop on by the store and try our sample needles -- we think you will become a big fan of this. Outstanding and affordable option!!

Just in from ChiaoGoo Is. New Breast Cancer Awareness "find a cure" edition of. Bamboo straight needles. These beauties sport a. Pink Pearl topped with a silver jewel cap and imprinted. On the shaft is. The traditional pink ribbon and "find a cure". ChiaoGoo donates a. Portion of. The proceeds to help fight breast cancer. What A great statenent to make. While you knitting in public! Spread the word and help find a cure! Available in 9. Inch. Size US8 and US9.

Other goodies in today are new videos fRom InTerweave Press including "drafting the. Long and short of it" and Kathy ZimmermAn"s "Knit Cables"-

ToNight; Fiber FelTing At 6P-

Train Travel Discount Available to Stitches West for 2010

2010-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Stitches West Returns!

Capitol Corridor changes our annual Stitch 'n Ride event for 2010

With all the work planned for the train tracks this February, I was sure we would have to drive to Santa Clara - but.....Here is the latest on available Trains to Stitches West from the Capital Corridor Website:

Stitches West is fast approaching, and with four full days of valuable classes and shows, you won't want to miss it. Taking the train to Stitches West, happening at the Santa Clara Convention Center February 25th - 28th, is a fantastic, traffic-free way to travel. You can relax, showcase your latest finished projects to other knitters and crocheters, and share ideas.
At Capitol Corridor we always strive to improve your rider experience and many of you continue to help us in providing input and participating in our ridership surveys. Based on your feedback over the past few years the Capitol Corridor is making adjustments in our travel offerings to Stitches West. This year, we will not have a special, dedicated train to Stitches West with onboard activities. Instead, we plan to provide great deals on all trains for each of the four days of the convention to accommodate guests who would like to attend more than one day and who don't want to be restricted by predetermined departure times.
This year, Capitol Corridor is offering our Stitch 'n Ride passengers an exclusive 50% discount off train travel to the Santa Clara/Great America station from February 24 - March 2, 2010 for travel to Stitches West and After West, etc.
How to book your trip:

View the Fares & Tickets section
Click on the "One Way / Round-Trip Buy Now" button
Be sure that you select Great America / Santa Clara (station code GAC) as your destination
To get the full 50% discount, enter the discount code "V169" and select "Adult" under "Passenger Type"
This offer is valid for online purchase only*

For more information about Stitches West please visit: www.knittinguniverse.com
Enjoy Stitches

My first day at TNNA

2010-01-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I arrived safely in Long Beach today for The National Needle Arts Convention and already this place is buzzing with fiber fanatics! I am staying just a few blocks from the Convention Center and I am so excited to be here! Lani, Jessica and Tosca are manning the store and will be there hosting the 2nd Saturday event throughout the day and evening tomorrow - hope you can stop by and say hello! I will continue to update my adventures here at the convention and hopefully will find some great fiber funstuff to bring back with me! On my agenda tomorrow is to track down the company who makes wrist braces. The other thing is to search out some new and exciting accessories for the shop. But my main focus this weekend (other than meeting all kinds of great folks!) is to track down novelty yarns....not those boring ones we all see everywhere, but some really unique, well made ones. I also will be sourcing more knitting needles and crochet hooks....I feel a sock class coming on Tosca! Anyway, I am back to work on the website now and then off to bed for me - I have an early day in the morning! Yippee Skippy! More blogoriginals coming soon!

Sincerely,

Julia Arnold, Owner
Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts
(877) 484-YARN

We're back! Happy New Year Everyone!

2010-01-05T01:02:00.000-08:00

I am back from my trip to Virginia for the birth of my second grand baby. Cora McKenna was born December 17th and is a healthy happy baby girl! Big sister Paisley Jane was excited to meet her new sister. Paisley and "Gamma Goo" as she calls me, were best buddies and we had a wonderful time together singing, stomping our feet, learning to jump and stand on tip toes and getting to know each other. Cora loves to snuggle as much as her big sister and I spent a good deal of time snuggling with both of my dear girls! It was so hard to leave Katie and Alex and the two girls - I am going to have to visit again very soon!

Now, on to business. Jessica opened the shop today to find our new painting "Fig Tree Alley" crashed to the floor! Guess I need a lesson in picture hanging! I thought the 50 lb. hook would be enough! Luckily no one was hurt and the glass topped cabinet under the picture did not break. Unfortunately, the glass in the picture frame did break - and Jessica was greeted with a fine mess to clean up! So sorry Jessica! Thanks for cleaning it up though! I will be back at the framers to get it fixed - wish I had asked for something unbreakable the first time around! We shall see what they suggest this time!

The website is finally ready to publish and Go Daddy assured me that I can link the shopping cart to the website without a problem - contradicting their previous stance. Every time a different answer - doesn't make me feel too secure, but we shall give it a go and see what happens. Wish me luck!

Sincerely,

Julia

Looking Like A Real Store

2009-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

Julia and her staff have worked so hard this month to get Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts up and running. It's starting to look and feel like what Julia has always dreamed of. Julia's new sign is up done by an artist she found while interviewing.

On the back of the sign is a nice touch letting everyone know about the website.

The shelves are full of great items to help you with a project or ready made for a gift.

Starting with the new year will be classes teaching you pretty much anything you'd like to learn in the fiber arts world. Let Julia know what you're interested in.

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Art is NOW OPEN!

2009-12-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

I went down to visit Julia on her first day and found out several people in the knitting/crotcheting/Machine Knitting world came by for a visit. Julia was very greatful for the visit and the support.

Julia made her first sale to me! She is selling some adorable Machine Knit Santa caps. Thought my daughter would have fun with it this holiday season.

Front of the store... quite a change from the other day. I knew Julia and her crew could get it whipped into shape in time.

She has some beautiful yarn, interesting books and wonderful premade items for those who need a quick gift this season. Premade items are Santa pins, Santa caps, scarves, shawls, ponchos just to name a few. Stop and visit Julia and maybe you'll find some yarn for a project or something for a beautiful gift.

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts is on it's way!

2009-11-29T22:14:00.001-08:00

Things are moving along quickly with Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts, at 2419 J Street, Sacramento, CA. Julia, her friends and her staff are working hard to get the shop set up and ready for a December 1st opening.

The shop is located on the 2nd floor of an adorable Victorian house. Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts is on the left hand side of the top floor. The shop is closer to J & 25th, but 24th is walking distance also. There is free 2 hour parking on 24th and 25th streets. Metered parking on J street and a public parking lot at 28th & J.

As you can see the tools and the cleaning products are out and being used to the get shop ready.

Lots of shelves being assembled to hold lots of yummy yarn and other fiber art tools.

Tables being assembled to use for classes, which will be held at Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts. Please contact Julia if you have a fiber related class you'd be interested in taking or if you have a class you'd like to teach. (916) 671-0144 or email figtreealley@gmail.com

Busy day today!!

2009-11-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, today started out okay, but I knew it would be hectic! Luckily, I was able to move my dental appt. to the afternoon and amazingly, my dermatologist appt. went very fast (last time it was over 2 hours!). I left the derm. with only 6 minutes to get to my Machine Knitting Luncheon in Elk Grove. I had printed out the directions from - you guessed it -Mapquest. And AGAIN, Mapquest failed me. The directions got me lost and tried as I might, I couldn't raise my friend Lynne (who was already at the meeting) on her cell! I ended up stopping and getting directions from a gas station attendant and a nice male customer and I was back on the road. I finally arrived - 45 minutes late, but at least I made it before everyone was done eating! We had a great time and I was able to share with everyone the plans for the new store and solicit them all for classes and handmade goodies for the opening. Such a great group of ladies and so many talented machine knitters! I hope they will be able to come down to the store and share their knowledge with a new generation of machine knitters!!

After the luncheon, I was off again to another appointment, this time it was the dentist. Luckily it was a quick appointment - just a check of the crown I had put on last week and now I am free for another 6 months!! I was able to get back in time to talk to my neighbor about helping install the shelving units at the store when the parts arrive. I am so glad to have that detail out of the way and I can concentrate on the rest of the planning and purchasing to get the store up and running on December 1st!! Next chore, find some employee's! I have several interested and will be setting up interviews - so cross your fingers ladies and gentlemen - I hope the fiber fairies are smiling on me and I will be able to find some great people to help out in the store! Wish me luck!! Now I am off to finalize my book and pattern order! Have a great night and I will keep you posted!

Julia (aka: Grandma Goo!)

I have the keys! Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts is in the house!!

2009-11-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

The planning and ordering for the new store are well under way! Today, I got the keys and tomorrow we should have fixtures ordered and on the way. Lots of new yarn goodies and supplies have been ordered and will soon be arriving to fill our shelves! I hope everything will fit! I am comprising a list of potential employee's and interviews will be set up soon. And then the data entry into the new POS system will begin in earnest. Anyone want to help type? Yeah, I didn't think so,.....Anyway, the consignment list is growing and I am so pleased with the response! We should have some really great hand made goodies for you all. I will keep you all posted as things progress! Thanks to all who have shown their support and enthusiasm!! I really appreciate it and it is helping keeping me going when I am about ready to fall over with exhaustion!! I am tired but having a blast doing it and I can't wait for you all to see the store all fixed up! See you all soon!!

Julia

Lots of good changes going on!!!

2009-11-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Fiber Friends, This last year, and especially the last few months have been a whirlwind of change and self-reflection for me. With a lot of thought, and prayer about my business future, I have decided to take the plunge and open up a storefront in Mid-Town Sacramento. I hope that all of you will send your well wishes and come on down and check it out when the doors open for business!

Right now the target date is December 1st, which is not too far off, so I will be busy making those arrangements over the next few weeks! Yeah!!!

On the business side, I am looking for handmade items for the store's inventory on consignment for the holiday season, so if you have some great things to sell for that extra Christmas cash, or original patterns you would like to sell, please let me know. I would like to put together some gift kits that would include some of the yarns and tools I carry with great original patterns from my fiber friends!

Can I do all this myself? Well, no. Therefore, I am looking for part time sales staff during December and January, and hopefully can turn some of those into permanent positions as the business grows. So, if you have ever dreamed of working in a yarn, fiberarts and gift shop, and enjoy creative anarchy and fiberarts!, please give me a jingle!

I will be lining up workshops and classes in the near future, so any of you talented teachers out there (and know you are out there!!!), please let me know if you are available to teach a workshop or class at the store. I believe in passing on the knowledge and skills of all the ancient fiber arts as well as more modern versions and equipment. So, I hope you will join me in passing on our great crafts to new generations. Hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks everyone!

Julia Arnold. Owner
Fig Tree Alley - coming soon to Mid-Town Sac!!
(916) 671-0144
figtreealley@gmail.com

August Happenings

2009-08-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, Julie and I attended the Willits Ren Faire and our booth was well received. We are now preparing for our next selling event - the 50th Annual International Camel Races in Virginia City, NV the weekend of September 11th, 2009. If you have never been to the Camel Races in Virginia City, I urge you to make this year your first! Not only is it the 50th Anniversary of the Camel Races, but it is also the 100th year Anniversary of Virginia City. Riders come from all over the world to attend this annual event. Should be a great party!! And there will be Ostrich races too!

Theraaglove - Wrist Supports I can work in!

2009-05-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

Many people with arthritis and carpal tunnel ask me about the support gloves I have been wearing. I got them at Stitches West Knitting Convention and they are fantastic. Unlike my other bulky wrist braces, these great support gloves can get wet, dry quickly and give me support while still allowing me to move my hands. I crochet, do woodturning and ceramics. I have been able to all these tasks now with the added support I needed. I purchased two of the Thera-glove wrist wrap models as I have problems with both wrists and needed the extra thumb support this model provides. Check them out at www.theraglove.com.

Scottish Games - Here I come!!

2009-04-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy these last few weeks preparing for the 133rd Annual Scottish Games and Festival, April 25th & 26th in Woodland at the Yolo County Fairgrounds.

More details about this great event are at the following links:
Scottish Games and Festival
and
InsideWoodland

A great family event! Hope you can join us for the Games, food & fun!

I am very excited that my friend Jean Franklin is letting me "walk" one of her sheep in the parade. (Now that is something I never thought I would say!! I will also be helping out in her booth and I will have some of my creations and clearance items for sale.

The Scottish Highland games is a great family fun event and if you are in the area, you should try to check it out. If you are into Celtic or Scottish history, or more importantly - Men in Skirts, you will not be disappointed!

There will be lots of games for the kids and demonstrations of old time crafts. There is always great food and of course a wide variety of vendors for your shopping pleasure. Hope you will stop by and say, "Hi"!!

2009-04-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this Extreme Knitting - makes my hands hurt!!