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Hello!
With the first subtle hints of Winter loosening its grip, like
all of you, we are looking forward to Spring. We have had great
response to our new variegated hand painted colorways of Plum and
Tangerine. We are now building inventory of the skeins, hand painted
Tencel warps and Rayon Chenille scarf kits for the Spring season.
Our Tencel restocking shipments have arrived so we have a good
inventory of all colors to fill orders quickly.
Don and Marie
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From the Distillery |
Hard to believe but Marie and Josette recently celebrated the first
anniversary of their move to the Historic Distillery District. The
District today is a far cry from the spring mud and construction
chaos that was everyday life in the Case Goods Warehouse a year
ago.
“Lileo” - is the latest Distillery District arrival
taking a 7000 square foot space in building 35 right at Mill and
Trinity. This unique neighbor offers a lifestyle environment that
includes yoga, active wear clothing and a juice bar. An outdoor
patio is to come.
“New Gallery” - in the Case Goods Warehouse changes
its exhibits monthly or on occasion semi-monthly. They often feature
textile based works by innovative artists using experimental techniques.
Worth a look see for fibre folks.
When you visit the Distillery District be sure to drop in and say
hello to Marie in Studio 105, Case Goods Warehouse, 55 Mill Street,
Toronto. Wednesday—Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
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What's New &
Coming!
Change to Forest Colorway
As a running change Marie plans to replace the gold shade in the
Forest combination with Rust. The new Forest will be Rust, Dark
Green and Chino. This change will be gradually made to both Rayon
Chenille and Tencel hand painted skeins as well as Tencel scarf
warps and Rayon Chenille scarf kits.
Hand Painted Tencel Warps to be 2/8
We plan to convert the line of ten hand painted Tencel scarf warps
from 2/10 to 2/8 Tencel. This is in response to your suggestion
that 2/8 is preferable. 2/10 Warps will continue to be available
on a special order basis. Both sizes permit the selection of weft
from any of the 45 colors we offer in 2/8 and 2/10 mill-dyed.
2/5 Tencel on the way…
Textiva have announced availability of their new Tencel 2/5 yarn.
We expect to have it shortly and will have details in the next Yarns
Plus News.
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may just have it?
When we buy mill end lots of rayon chenille we often end up
with smaller quantities of some colors. When the quantity
of a color on a shade card gets low we may drop it from the
card but still have stock. One of these colors may be just
what you need for a project. Just call, we’ll be glad
to send a reeling for you to check. |
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Compendium
of Finishing Techniques:
Crochet Embroidery Knitting Knotting Weaving |
A great collection of finishing techniques presented in a single
book! To quote the author,
“Finishes are what make textiles so interesting and beautiful.
Whether simple or complex, it is the attention to detail that can
make the mundane sublime.” This invaluable collection of hand
finishing techniques offers both commonplace and obscure ideas for
weavers, knitters, sewers, quilters, embroiderers, crocheters and
anyone interested in the textile arts. From simple to elegant, plain
to highly decorative, these finishes can be applied to most any
fabric—woven, knitted, crocheted, handmade or even purchased.
Each technique is clearly presented with text, illustrations and
photos. The author, Naomi McEneely, has worked in all the various
textile media and has had her work appear on the cover of Woman’s
Wear Daily, in the pages of Vogue and also on Good Morning America.
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The book is hardcover and spiral bound to allow
for easy access and reference, as it will lay absolutely flat
or stand, whatever suits your purposes. I personally appreciate
spiral bound reference books.
Each page ( sample right ) includes a definition, step by
step directions and also clear photos or diagrams or both.
The topics are divided under the categories of edges (which
is extensive, about 1/3 of the entire book); seams and joins;
braids, cords and trimmings; embroidery and the ever so popular
and always interesting miscellaneous. |
I’ll try to highlight briefly a few of
the multitude of techniques found in this super reference
book.
Mitered corners are explained with very
clear diagrams. Making your own piping and
inserting it into a seam finish is another technique that
is described and illustrated.
For weavers especially, the idea of wrapping a
length of a group of warp ends, while still
on the loom, to form a fringe and using contrasting colours
of wrapping yarns to form ‘pony tails’, is a bit
of a twist on the usual fringe finish. (at right) An attractive
joining stitch that you may want to try is the buttonhole
stitch, it would still leave your garment soft and flexible
at the seam line.
The Bolivian pom-pom (below ) is another
wee twist on the more traditional pom-pom detail. And so it
goes----on and on. |
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| Left: Bolivian pom-pom
Right: Corkscrew fringe
Below: Handmade closures |
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Be sure to have a look at this book as a treasured addition to
your reference library.
Naomi McEneely Interweave Press -
ISBN 1-931499-19-5
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Here are the shows
Shows we will be attending in the Spring of 2004….
- May 7,8,9 , 2004
Wasoon 2004, Cambrian College, Sudbury, ON
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March/April Specials
Annual Dyers Super Special—20% off all undyed yarn
If you dye your own yarn you can stock up and save during our Annual
Dyer’s Super Special. Every undyed yarn in stock is on sale
at 20% off during March and April. All Rayon Chenille in four weights,
550, 1300, 1450 and 2000 yd/lb, Tencel in 2/8, 2/10, 2/20 and 2/30
on lb cones and 2/16 4 ply on lb. tubes.
| Yarn |
Sale—lb tube/cone |
| Rayon Chenille 1300, 1450, 2000 |
$22.40 |
| Rayon Chenille 550 |
$16.00 |
| Tencel 2/8 |
$16.00 |
| Tencel 2/10 |
$18.40 |
| Tencel 2/20 |
$20.00 |
| Tencel 2/30 |
$21.60 |
| Tencel 2/16 4 ply |
$16.00 |
| Tencel/Cotton 2/10 |
$17.60 |
Here is the perfect addition to the Dyers Special the
G&S Procion MX Starter Kit containing:
- 25 gm dye: Yellow, Turquoise, Fuchsia and Black
- 250 gm Sodium Carbonate
- 200 gm Urea
- 60 ml TNA Soap
- 500 gm Sodium Sulphate
- 60 ml Raycafix
- Basic Mask—Gloves
- Instructions for Batik, Immersion and Direct Application Dyeing
Complete Kit only $30.00.
Postal Rates Have Changed, again...
Canada Post announced a price increase when we were all busy with
Christmas. It took effect in January impacting the cost of parcel
post. On top of that they have added a 2.2% “fuel surcharge”
similar to couriers and transport companies. Most parcels now cost
the best part of a dollar more to mail. We will continue to bill
postage at cost without handling fees.
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Customer Satisfaction
Guarantee
As mail order specialists we fully understand the apprehension
to purchase yarn sight unseen. If you are planning a project and
feel our yarn may be suitable we’ll be glad to send a reeling
of any yarns you may want to order so you can be sure they are right
for you. Just call toll free 1-877-448-4544.
If you buy yarn from us and discover it is not exactly what you
wanted for your project we’ll take it back. We want you to
be happy with your Yarns Plus purchase. To make it absolutely risk
free we are happy to exchange an item or give a refund. We'll even
pay the return postage. Just call!
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A Little Pearl…..
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill
of creative effort.”
Franklin Roosevelt
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