Gunta Stolzl

I was just reading about textile designer Gunta Stolzl. Gunta is probably best known as being the weaving/textile master at the Bauhaus. It was there that as a student she turned around the weaving workshop at the Bauhaus, in her first year she was helping teach other students weaving and fabric dyeing. (Apparently the head of the weaving workshop at the time viewed it as women's work and wanted little to do with it. nice.)

One of the things Gunta did was experiment with fabric dyeing and synthetic materials, also in the spirit of using the workshop as a place for experimentation and improvisation she transformed the weaving department into one of the most successful faculties of the Bauhaus.

There is a great website where you can see hundred's of images of her work as well ready about her life, it is definitely worth a look.

Kelly Wearstler blog

I love Kelly Wearstler's work. I mean, I know everyone loves Kelly Wearstler but I have spent many a Saturday night flipping through her books. She has such a way with design, and that is why I'm so happy that she has a new blog. Shazam! And on her new blog she hints at an upcoming jewelry and fashion line which will be exciting to see.

Anyway, you should keep an eye on it, I'm sure it will inspire.

Roving around

We are lucky today to have E actually blog for us! Along with the pigeon roof yarn I showed you the other day we also received some roving and I thought it was best for her to explain it to you. Thanks E!



Roving adj

1a : not restricted as to location or area of concern

2 : inclined to ramble or stray roving fancy>

Roving noun

: a slightly twisted roll or strand of usually textile fibers

(Thanks http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roving)

Ah, roving....I am fond you both as a noun and an adjective! Most people coming in will delight in our delicious new hand dyed Pigeonroof Studio Sock and DK yarns but might be puzzled at the adorable braided cinnamon rolls o' fiber that we also received. These are super soft Merino roving - long strips of wool that are braided and beautifully dyed so you can make your own yarn - yes, make your own yarn!
Some people who love fiber in all it's amazing forms decide that although knitting a scarf is amazing, knitting it with your own handspun yarn is incredible! No, you don't have to bust out a giant Sleeping Beauty spinning wheel, it's easy to start with a handspindle and a book such as "Respect the Spindle". Handspindles have been around since the beginning of time and are simple to use, amazingly versatile (can spin super fine to super chunky), and fun! Even a little time spent making your own yarn is a fascinating education about how the fiber you knit with everyday is prepared, spun, plyed and dyed. Interested? Come in on a Mon, Fri or Sat and I'll show you!

Yellow Owl Workshop

I feel like as a store we have reached the height of coolness. Why? Because we are officially the only store in KC right now carrying Yellow Owl Workshop. Shazam! You may recognize the goods from Yellow Owl Workshop, as you've drooled over them all over the blog world.

I especially drool over the pendants and I'm happy to say they are just as gorgeous in person. And I may be stamping every future piece of correspondence with a badminton stamp. Or Big Ben, I can't decide.

So one fun tidbit about Yellow Owl Workshop is that one of the founders, Christine, grew up just a bit away in Brookside. How cool is that? Kudos to KC natives making awesome product! Maybe she will come visit next time she comes home. That would be like a celebrity coming into the store, we will have to roll out the red carpet!

KC Modern Quilt Guild

Some of you may know that I am a member of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. Yes, despite my personal lack of quilting I love to look at others and dream of the day that I'll attack my own. Anyway, the other day the Kansas City Star did a feature on modern quilting and our lovely friends Jacquie and Lauren were the big features! Because they are awesome! It was a great article and both ladies looked gorgeous, as did their quilts.

I had to steal this pictures from Lauren, hoping that she won't hold it against me. If you are totally offended Lauren, I promise I'll make it up to you!

Read the article here.

Anna Maria Horner trunk show

We are Anna Maria Horner crazy right now in the store. Why? Because we just received her trunk show! It is like Spring just exploded in the store and it is amazing. Now don't get too excited because of course I don't have everything out yet, but it will be by Saturday. Why?

Because Saturday is officially Anna Maria Horner Day here at the store! Not only will you be able to see and touch all the lovely samples we have, but you'll get 10% off any AMH fabrics and patterns. And if you are really good we will let you pick a free pattern. I would probably go with the Flirting the Issue skirt, but the Love Emblem pillow and Love letter quilt are gorgeous too (see below)

So will we see you Saturday? You should bring things you've made from AMH too that way we can really be excited all day. Tell you what, if you do we'll make sure you get a special something.

bon bon on Pintucks!

Hey everyone, did you seen the awesome post mention we got over on Pintucks? Check it out, the Naturewalk Cloud 9 fabric we told you about last week is highlighted. Thanks so much Jennifer!

Pigeon Roof Studios Yarn

Oooh, aaahh. Look at the delicious new yarn from Pigeon Roof Studios. I know you want to touch it, roll in it and knit with it. But just wait until you see the roving. Then you can go crazy.

Uptown Coat

Here is my finished Uptown coat! The original pattern calls for a double breasted coat, but I wanted to use these ceramic buttons that a friend of ours made. Of course I didn't want to put them to the wear and tear that every day buttons get, so I put in large snaps on the inside of the coat as the official closers.

No word yet on why my hair is veering into Prince territory. I don't remember leaving home with a poofy faux-mullet but who knows.

Takashi Iwasaki

Embroidered pieces by Takashi Iwasaki, an multi-media artist and the owner of the Semai Gallery in Winnipeg.

His says that his essential philosophy is that life is too short to take gravely, therefore you should delight in what you can. Well I delight in this work.

Doesn't it make you feel like you are at a carnival?

Colette Workshop

You know you want to. I've seen you eyeing the Colette patterns, wanting to make one, but feeling insecure about it. Well, here is your chance! We have a Colette workshop next weekend on the 26th and 27th. You can choose your favorite pattern and we will help you make it. So no need to worry, we will help you out.

Sign up here..or call us with questions 816.756.0855