MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL..WHO'S THE CUTEST BEAST OF ALL???

Wel-l-l-ll, depends on when you're talking about. Saturday, March 28th, the honors will probably go to Debbie McLeish's alpacas. Big doin's at her place close to Meadowview VA. Check the website at www.Dreamlandalpacas.com for directions.

THEN, the following week, sheep (mostly nekkid) take center stage at Thistle Cove Farm's Annual Shearing Day. This time the action's close to Tazewell and includes crafts demonstrations by Lost Art Guild members, spinning, weaving, baskets, woodworking, etc. Check Sandra's website at www.thistlecovefarm.com for directions, times, etc.

We're happy to spread the fame of these lovely fiber women and hope you'll enjoy the time you spend there. Tell 'em we said "hey".

BE IT EVER SO.....

Well, yes it is pretty "humble" but just ahead it's a castle, a palace, a treasure house of yarnish things. Our new home is at 213 Pecan St., Abingdon...a quaint Victorian cottage built in 1900 with later additions. Big shade trees and triple the retail space with lots of work space for staff and inventory. Sounds like heaven, huh??!

We're right at the RR tracks, between the VA Creeper Trail parking lot and bike shop. Just 2 blocks one way to galleries and shopping, a Hollywood museum and even a shop for afternoon tea. And 2 blocks another direction up the hill to Barter Stage II's theater and parking lot.

Mark your calendar for Monday, June 1 and come see us! We'll be open through Memorial Day, then close the rest of the week to pack and move. Same zip, phone, etc. just waaaaaay more room. (And not the least bit humble!)

Calling All Knitters

Join us for World-Wide Knit in Public Day, Saturday, June 13. We will be knitting in small groups around the Abingdon area from 10am to 4pm, ending with a get-together at our new home...213 Pecan St. Bring your knitting buddies....relatives, groups, neighbors, etc. You need not be affiliated with Abingdon or A Likely Yarn but we do need to know you're coming.

We hope to have 3 or 4 knitters (2 or 3 hour shifts) at the various sites, so we encourage all ages, all skill levels to sign up. Knitters will be responsible for their own needs....chairs, coolers, umbrellas, etc. Please call the shop at 276-628-2143 to sign up and let us know your preference, if any, for time and place. Final placement will be made in late May.

TOTES AND CASES

I looked for some obscure needle size the other day and realized what a blessing an "all-purpose, once and for all" tote would be. Needles in the drawer? Stuck in the seat cushion? Cat knocked 'em under the couch? Maybe you're like our friend who sold her car and the clean-up guys found 27 "thingies" under the seats..whatever the complication, a well-designed system will make your life ever so much easier.

Lantern Moon baskets will be in soon, as decorative as they are effective. We'll be carrying several sizes, both lined and the basic "rice basket" design as well as gorgeous silk combo packs for DPN/circular storage. The Yarn Tote is somewhat more of a workhorse and comes with zippered plastic sleeves for holding DPN and/or circular needles of the same size...all the 8s, all the 2s, etc...with a mesh pocket on the side and extra "pages" available. Just think....all your tools together.

SILK TIME AT OUR HOUSE

Gosh! Where to start? We have recycled silk from sari mills in Nepal, Mermaid (silk, linen and wool), Eden Silk (bright spring colors made half and half silk and wool), Elsabeth Lavold's Silk Wool (again, half and half, this time with a soft tweedy look) and knock-your-socks-off shades from Blue Ridge (Shimmery Silk that lives up to its name) and the always dazzling Colinette. Looks beautiful, feels wonderful...and knits like a dream!

MORE 'GANIC COTTON

Our Kollage family is growing by leaps and bounds. We began stocking their milk yarns (Creamy is 80% milk and 20% cotton; 1/2 and 1/2 is equal parts milk and wool) and a fun, sturdy yarn called CORNtastic last fall. Along with this, their HOPE is a 100% organic, undyed cotton that comes in both DK and worsted weights. Lots more cotton to come, so hunt up your favorite spring and summer projects and patterns so you'll be ready.

SQUARE NEEDLES?? WHO KNEW??

That's right, square needles from Kollage Yarns. The needles are a lovely bronze metal and have pointed ends and square barrels. Easy to hold and they absolutely won't roll when they're dropped. As a bonus, both the size AND the length are engraved on the barrel so you don't have to guess or measure.

We got several sets of double points in 2s and 3s and some circulars in the larger size. We want to know what you think.....if you purchase the needles and find they're not for you, we're happy to refund your money. So far, we've heard nothing but raves for their performance in any project with any yarn. Come see what you think....

WHAT A WEEKEND..

Did you ever see prettier weather over the weekend...and an "extra hour' to enjoy it! Abingdon's full of visitors here to enjoy the recreation, history, arts and theatre we're famous for.

Here at A Likely Yarn, pretty weather means GET OUT THERE ON THE PORCH!! Our Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions will meet outside as weather permits and there's always a chair and a latte just waiting for a few yarnistas. Daytime classes (both beginner and more advanced) will be outside as much as possible.
To celebrate the new beginnings, there's a whole garden of gorgeous colors in new, lighter fibers just waiting for you. Come on by and see us soon.