It's back! The I Love Yarn Day Buy Back Event. Do you have yarn you really don’t know why you bought?
Do you have those one or two extra skeins you thought you needed for a project, but you didn’t need the
extra after all? Do you have yarn that doesn’t speak to you like it did when you bought it?

Don’t beat yourself up, we all have those balls of yarn that don’t make us want to find a project and
cast on! We just keep shoving them in the back of the cabinet or box or bin hoping one day…

OR you could come to our Annual I Love Yarn Buy Back Sale at A Piece of Ewe!

When is it you ask?

Saturday, October 8th from 10 am-2 pm

What is a “buyback sale”?

A Piece of Ewe yarn store will be giving you a $1 per pound (up to 25 lbs, and that’s a lot of yarn!) in the form of
store credit to use in the store THAT DAY! Not only will you get to the part with those nagging balls of yarn, 
but you can get new yarn that day that you really want to knit or crochet! 

We just ask that the yarn is free from smells (smoke, mustiness, lavender, mothballs). We will have a table
set up and scales so we can weigh your yarn right then! All yarns turned in for this promotion will be donated
to area charities so they will find a good home after all.

Bring your patterns and check out our website so we can help you find the perfect items to use your voucher
money on. The voucher is only good on Saturday, Oct 8th and is good on anything in the store.

We are so excited! 

A Piece of Ewe's Fall Retreat 2022 is just around the corner!

Sunday

• Check-in is at the Presidential Suite @ 5 pm EST on Sunday, Sept 25.

• We will be serving dinner Sunday at about 6:30 pm.

• After dinner, Lori, our Blue Sky Fibers rep, will be chatting with us about

  how she got into doing what she is doing and about the Blue Sky Fibers yarns!

Monday

• Breakfast will be around 8-10ish. It is really quiet up at Boyne Mountain so if you

  sleep in, we won’t tell.

• Lunch will be around noon and dinner around 6 pm.

We don’t have a specific schedule, but we do have some fun things going on and we will fit them in as we go.

• We will be focusing on Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light, and we will be knitting the Henrico Hat during the retreat.

• We will also be doing a fastest knitter contest (and don’t worry there will be a prize for the slowest too 😊) You will need your favorite US 7 needles for this!

• We will have a trunk show of all the fantastic patterns featuring Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light and we will bring other kits too so, of course, A Piece of Ewe will have shopping!

• If the weather is nice, this is a great place for a walk outside and we may even set up a table on the patio outside if the weather holds. Last year, many of us even took chair lift rides to check out the area!

• If you have any completed Blue Sky Fibers projects, bring them with you as we all would love to see them. Maybe we will even have a fashion show?

Tuesday

• Checkout is at 10 am. We will have breakfast items available until about 9:30.

Do I need to bring food?

We learned the last time that knitting can work up an appetite. Dinners will include a hot dish, a salad and, of course, yummy desserts (we’re on vacation and retreat food has no calories!) Lunch will be sandwiches and for breakfast I have baked blueberry muffins and I will have bread from Crust Bakery for toast. For those of you who need to eat healthier, there will also be quiches. It wouldn’t be a retreat without the snacks so I’m also bringing up popcorn, caramel corn, and pretzels. I will have coffee from Panera and water available. If you like to drink something different, please feel free to bring it with you (there is a fridge in both the main building and in each of your condos).

What supplies will I need?

Your condos have all the amenities of a hotel room so for that bring what you would normally bring on vacation. They do have hair dryers. 

As far as knitting supplies, you will have a few items in your swag bags, and we will have a swift and winder available. 

For the Hat Project, you will need US 5 circular 16” and US 5 double points, and a cable needle. A Piece of Ewe will be bringing Blue Sky Woolstok Light for purchase for the KAL and some additional yummy yarns and notions. Bring your Ravelry name with you in case you want to make one of the fabulous samples you see!

Accommodations:

We have reserved 2 types of condos: 1 bedroom (King plus pullout, sleeps 3 people max) or 2 bedrooms (King, Queen, pullout, sleeps 4 max). Prices include lodging, swag bag, dinners Sun/Mon, lunch Mon, continental breakfast Mon/Tues, and snacks.

We will fill these rooms as first come, first served. We will try to accommodate everyone as best we can.

Bring a friend or two or come yourself and meet new friends!

Call the store at (989) 892-6400 to sign up for the 2022 Fall Knitting Retreat!

Well now that the summer vacation season has officially started, what is your portable project?
What’s your favorite thing to knit or crochet when you are on the road or at the lake or sitting at a
sporting event?

When I recently traveled, I took top-down sweaters. I used the larger balls of yarn so not a lot of
yarn to pack. Of course, I had gotten past the short row parts on the sweater as you don’t have
much room on a plane these days to move things back and forth. I think planes are truly getting
smaller!

As you may know, I will be traveling on a trip that had been postponed from 2020. Yes, I will be
traveling to Ireland! I’m very excited! I took my dad there in 1999 and we had a wonderful trip.
But I wasn’t a knitter then! I will definitely see the trip in a whole new view this time! I will be taking
a couple of samples I want to knit for the store to keep me busy on the long plane flights.
One project will take a Zauberball Perlen and I’m knitting the Gradey Fadey Cowl. I Hope
mine looks like the picture! I’m thinking I’m doing this color, but you never know, I might
change my color choice. We have lots of colors to choose from! Which one will you choose?

And we had our exclusive Tall Ships 2019 fingering dyed on a new base, Tangofoot
from Mountain Colors, and I can’t wait to knit a new sample! I’ve chosen the Belle Cowl pattern. 
This cowl is knit flat on a circular needle and then sewn together after blocking.
Can’t wait to see it knit in our Tall Ships 2019!

Of course, I’m also hoping to bring some yarn projects home with me! I’ve packed my
“I NEED A HUGe amount of yarn” bag with me!

And don’t worry, the store will be running smoothly with Angie, Joyce, Lorena, and Marilyn
there to help you find just the perfect things! And while I’m gone June 9-18, you can do
something fun too! In the store, we will be playing Pattern Palooza! 

For every $35 you spend, you will get to pick a pattern from one of the baskets. For
instance, if you buy $350, that means you get 10 free patterns! Personally, I would look
through the baskets first and then get the yarn for the pattern I picked! We have sweater
patterns, shawls, accessories, felted projects, and many more! Feel free to come in as
many times as you want and take advantage of this promotion!

Also, remember we will be celebrating Knit in Public Day right at the store on June 11
from 10 am-3 pm. Bring your knitting and your lawn chair and hang out with us!

We are going on a journey of hats, and we are so excited! This all started when I was trying to knit 6 pairs of socks in
less than two weeks before Christmas. The stress was unbelievable, and the projects were boring! I couldn’t do
anything fun as I had to just crank them out.  

Not everyone enjoys making socks so I thought I would try something different. Most people, even those who live in
warmer climates, will wear a hat. And hats are good for women, men, and children. You can wear them yourself
or give them as a gift. 

So, you don’t have to do what I did right before the holidays, we have decided to curate a different hat each month
of the year with our Mystery Hat of the Month. What does that mean? Each month, you will receive a box with
a dedicated project…yarn, pattern, notion, and a fun little gift. 

We have also decided to celebrate little-known holidays throughout the year and the hat patterns will reflect that holiday.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to knit a pizza hat for National Pizza Day! We didn’t go that crazy. I think you will have
fun, nonetheless. Some months we may even be celebrating one of our employee’s favorite picks. 

Each month will use a different weight of yarn, a fun pattern, and a different technique (i.e., you won’t have to make
12 cable hats). Some of the kits will have yarn we do not offer in the store, so they are even more exclusive. If it is a
yarn we sell in the store, we will not offer this particular pattern/project in a Facebook Live for a year. These kits will
be exclusive just to this group, “The Mystery Hat of the Month Club”. 

Take the stress out of gift knitting and join our “Mystery Hat of the Month Club”. We take the stress out of trying to
figure out what to knit as we pick it for you. 

You can sign up for 6 months or 12 months. There is a small registration fee ($25 billed at the time of sign up)
and then your credit card will be billed every month. We will bill on the 6th of the month and the boxes will be
ready for pickup or shipping on the 12th (or the next business day depending on the month). Sign up for the
plan that works for you. You can sign up for 6 months or 12 months (if you sign up for 12 months, you essentially
get one month free!) 

Note: Each month’s payment will be billed on the 6th of the month and your box will ship on the 12th or the next business day.

and Decreasing. You can find the Flicker and Flame kit here in our online yarn shop. 

Our next knitting kit need is the Empowering Beanie. This is such a beautiful mix of fingering,
mohair and cables. Each kit contains (1) skein of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light (100% fine
highland wool, 218 yards) and (1) skein of Katia 50 Shades of Mohair (67% superkid mohair,
30% nylon, 3% wool, 218 yards) and the pattern. The pattern uses a twisted stitch to
give you the look of cables. Find it in our online yarn shop here. 











Last but certainly not least is the Soundtrack Cowl. An easy-to-make cowl featuring 2
contrasting colors worked in a simple (yet entertaining!) slip stitch pattern. Like a catchy
melody, Soundtrack’s stitch pattern is a bit addictive - you’ll have a hard time putting it
down! Each kit contains (2) skeins of contrasting colors of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50%
alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool, 219 yards). Pattern available on Ravelry for $5. Be sure to 
find this knitting kit here in our online yarn shop. 

Have you been shopping in-store at A Piece of Ewe for a while?
Have you filled at least two of our Ewe Loyalty Cards? Do you have one of the bags (pictured here)? 

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then make sure you stop by A Piece of Ewe this Saturday,
January 29th from 10 AM to 3 PM with your bag and receive 20% OFF all the regular priced goodies
you can fit in your Just One More Row bag with the 5th Saturday tag! Don't miss out on this sale.
It doesn't come around very often. 

*The 20% discount is not valid on AProject Kits, clearance items, or shipping. In-store and in-stock items only. 
No cash value. One offer per household. 

tarting February 1st. 

Wildwood Sweater Knitting Class ($60)
The Wildwood Sweater Class is a great first color work sweater. It is worked from the top down so no
sewing! You will learn chart reading and colorwork. Using a dk weight yarn, we have lots of yarns and
colors to choose from! Yarn, needles and pattern are additional. 

While this sweater looks very difficult, it is actually much easier than you think as the "floats" are very
short (that's a good thing). This class will meet every week for 5 weeks so Joyce will guide you through
your sweater at your pace. This is an intermediate skill level class. You will learn how to read a chart
and how to do colorwork. You must have completed the Beginner Knitting Class. You should be
comfortable with using circular knitting needles. Joyce is our Instructor for the class. 
This class is 1 PM - 3 PM Tuesdays, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15

Beginner Knitting Class ($70)
Want to learn to knit? Know how to do the knit stitch but don't know how to purl? The Beginner Knitting
Class will teach you: knit, purl, basketweave, seed stitch, yarn overs, and a basic cable. You will
learn to cast on/off, what "stitch to gauge" means and how to read a written pattern, as well as a
chart. By the end of the class, you will learn basic finishing. The class will meet twice a week
for 3 weeks. If the class is sold out, please use the waitlist. We will contact you if an opening arises.
This is a beginner skill level class. You will learn to cast on/off, basic knitting stitches and how to
read a pattern. Materials are included with added supplies available for purchase. There are no
skills needed or this can be a refresher class. Susan is our instructor for this class. 
This class is 6 - 7:30 PM Tuesday's and Thursday's, 1/25, 1/27, 2/1, 2/3, 2/8, 2/10

Beginner Sweater ($60)This Beginner Sweater Class is a great class if you have never knit a sweater or if it's been a while. These sweaters are knit from the top down and there is no seaming. We are doing this class as a
lunchtime event. Bring your sack lunch and come knit your sweater with us! You can pick either
the Knitting Pure & Simple 9724 Neck Down Pullover for Women (worsted weight yarn) or the
Knitting Pure & Simple 993 Neck Down Vneck Tshirt for Women (dk weight yarn). Patterns
available on Ravelry or in the store. This is a beginner skill level class. You must have
completed the Beginner Knitting Class. Joyce is our instructor for this class. 
This class is 11:30 - 1 pm every Tuesday, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22

How fun are knitting patterns for cozy cowls and shawls in Michigan? Great fun! Knitting them is so rewarding because they end up useful and pretty. Cowls are so versatile and can be so snug around your neck to keep you warm. The shawls also provide both warmth and style for those of us that have made it back to working in the office and those areas might be chilly.

The Soundtrack is an easy-to-make cowl featuring 2 contrasting colors worked in a simple (yet entertaining!) slip stitch pattern. Like a catchy melody, Soundtrack’s stitch pattern is a bit addictive - you’ll have a hard time putting it down! Each kit contains (2) skeins of contrasting colors of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool, 219 yards). Pattern available on Ravelry for $5. You can find this knitting kit here in our online 
yarn store.

The Pick A Pop Cowl is designed for color play. This pattern combines color and texture to create a fun, fast knit. As you switch from eyelet to broken ribbing to faux cables (that’s right, they’re aren’t any actual cables in this pattern), you will be shocked at how quickly this cowl flies off the needles. Worked from the top down, it knits up quickly (like any good cowl should), but wears like a hassle-free shawl. Unlike traditional tube cowls that rumple into a pile of knitting around your neck, this shawl-shaped construction lets your knitting shine by creating a triangular front and shortened back. The shape is wonderful, wearable, and just plain fun to knit. You can shop the kit here in our online yarn shop. This kit contains (4) color coordinated mini skeins of fingering weight yarn (each ball is approximately 25gms/approximately 90-100 yards). The pattern is available on Ravelry for $7. Pattern has both written and charted instructions.

The last kit in our blog for this week showcases shawls. The Felicitous is a triangular, asymmetrical shawl that
fades gradually from one dominant color into another. It is knit on the bias and features bobbles, eyelet lace, 
and garter stitch stripes of varying widths. Each kit contains two coordinating fingering weight skeins and the
pattern. No charts. Shop it here in our online yarn shop. 

Both Cowl and Shawl knitting patterns often just take 1-2 skein of yarn and are great stashbusters. Have you
joined us on a Stashbuster Thursday Facebook Live? Every Thursday Susan goes live at 9:30 am on 
Facebook to talk about the many different items you can make with your leftover stash.
Join us on Facebook this Thursday.

We have some new yarn that I’m dying to use, Juniper Moon Blue Faced Leicester for my main color.
Because you don’t need a lot of yardage for the contrast colors, I’m going to use Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok

But “Houston I think I have a problem…”

I also have eight projects in limbo. I think I’m going to try finish at least a couple of those in the next couple of months. I have one customer who likes to knit a little on each of her projects each day and she has several projects going. I have other customers who won’t start a project until they finish their current one. Which one are you? As a yarn shop owner, the latter would be near impossible. We are always trying to knit up a sample for a new yarn or to have a sample for a Facebook Live. 

I also have a bad case of “oh, it’s bright and shiny and new!” It is hard to not touch new yarns and/or try a new pattern. Here is what is waiting for me in my “to do” shelf…

For the Sian pullover I’m using two colors of Kelbourne Woolens Scout. 

This is the Bainbridge Tam & Cowl from Blue Sky Fibers. I am using their new Woolstok Light.  

Buy One, Get a Similar One for 50% Off! * Am I crazy, yes so just take advantage of it! 
How does it work? Come into the store Thursday, Dec 16 - Thursday, Dec 23. Purchase two skeins
of yarn or two needles or two books (you get the idea) & the second one of equal or lesser value
will be 50% OFF! Unfortunately, our register will not let us do this as an online event so just call
the store at 989-892-6400 and we will be happy to help you out. I know a lot of you wait until the week
between Christmas and New Year’s to spend your extra holiday shopping money but don’t wait. This
sale is only good while we are preparing for the construction and while they are here. 
You can pick up your items after the holidays if that is easier for you since we know everyone is crazy
busy this time of year. And we are always willing to ship them to you. 

* Every sale needs a disclaimer. If the item is already on sale or AProject Kits, it doesn’t qualify for this sale

We are so excited for this Sunday’s Facebook Live. We will have Mid Mitten Designs with all of their
fun and functional project bags and accessories along with a Sample Sale and a few new
AProject Kits. YAY! 

If you haven’t heard of Mid Mitten Designs yet, they are a small business that makes project bags with
vinyl windows. They are known for project bags that come in different sizes to accommodate projects from
sweaters & afghans to socks and one skein shawls along with a few other items. Each bag is
designed to provide for more efficiency and better organization. We can’t wait to have you join
us on Sunday at 7 PM for our Facebook Live. If you can't join us on Sunday, you can always shop 
our online yarn store here. 

Give the gift of creativity this holiday season. Those knitters you love would be thrilled to get a gift card from 
A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop. You can find them by shopping our online store here
or stop in-store between 10 am and 3 pm Monday - Saturday and see us in Bay City, MI. We will then
email the gift certificate for you to give and then the receiver can use it to shop our store. 

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time for us to hit pause on all the upcoming
holiday madness to reflect on and acknowledge what we’re thankful for. 

Despite all the ups and downs many of us have experienced in the last two years, thinking through
all things that gave us a positive outlook is a great way to uplift and plan for the upcoming year ahead. 

We are incredibly thankful for our customers and staff because without both we wouldn’t be here. We
watched during the pandemic so many great businesses suffer and close due to labor shortages and
supply chain issues. It’s these times that make us take a look back and appreciate our customers and
our staff that stuck with us and are still here today.

We always love this time of year! For 2021 we will start Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at 9 am EST
with a Facebook Live. We are doing it this way, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your couch to join in the
festivities and get some great deals too!

This year we are doing another fun blanket kit for Black Friday, the Fern Lake Blanket from Berroco!

The Bermuda Shawl is a 2-day knitting class at the store Wednesdays, Nov 10 and 17 from 6-8 pm. 

This Handsome cable pumpkin pattern is available on Ravelry (https://ravel.me/handsome-cable-pumpkin).
It's perfect for Fall and has both decor and cozy cables. The final size is roughly 12-14 inches but may vary
depending on the stuffing. You can find yarn to go with this pattern here in our online yarn store.

This popcorn pumpkin (https://ravel.me/popcorn-pumpkin) is a super easy fall decor item for your home
or a great gift for a friend. Either way, it screams Fall vibes. With its popcorn cuteness and texture, it's
the perfect pattern to add to your collection. It works up super fast, with easy size customization, and
can be made with any yarn/hook. We have lots of yarn for this project in our online yarn store here.











Looking for a cute little pumpkin patch (https://ravel.me/cute-little-pumpkin-patch)? Look no further.
These come complete with leaves and vines. Perfect for Halloween or other autumn-inspired
table decorations. You can either knit a pumpkin with just a little stem at the top or create
vines and leaves for a full patch. There is barely any sewing involved in shaping these
pumpkins and it’s mostly simple decreases and increases that make them look that way. 
Find the perfect yarn for your pumpkins here in our online yarn store. 

It's time for The Party Bones...mittens (https://ravel.me/party-bones). They are made by knitting
in the round and using stranded colorwork with a fingering weight yarn. They are worked from
the bottom up in the round. You will work with 2 strands of yarn throughout this pattern.
You will never have to use more than 2 strands. This pattern provides instructions for knitting
an unlined or lined version. They are so cute and so worth it. Find yarn to make this pattern
with here in our online yarn store. 








We all need something to use our scrap yarn on and these easy scrap yarn pumpkins 
(https://ravel.me/easy-scrap-yarn-pumpkins) fit the bill. They are not only a great way to make
use of leftover yarn, but they're also addictive to knit! This Scrap Yarn Pumpkin Knitting Pattern
uses double point needles to knit a ribbed tube. Once you are finished knitting, both ends are gathered. The
pumpkin is stuffed with Polyfill in the ends and closed. Running the yarn on the inside of the pumpkin, from
one end to another creates the shape. Insert some twigs as the stem and you're finished! We have so many
festive colors of yarn for you to use with this pattern here in our online yarn shop or use up some of that scrap
yarn you haven't found another project for. 

Let the colors of Topaz work their magic in this entrelac shawl (The Marit Shawl). Made from the bottom
up, we love the Marit Shawl for that extra statement look.

According to Wikipedia, “Entrelac is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern. 
While the result resembles basket-woven strips of knitted fabric, the actual material comprises
interconnected squares in two different orientations. Unlike many textured knitting techniques, 
Entrelac allows for colorwork as well.” Although this technique requires a lot of steps, each step is
small and easy to learn.

The Marit Shawl is approximately 68” across the top x 27” down the center (not including the fringe). 
And guess what? We still have kits available here!

If you live close to our local yarn store, we have a class at the store. It is a 2-day class meeting from
1-3 pm or 6-8 pm on Mondays, Oct 18/Nov 1. Sign up here as spots are going fast!

If short rows are more your thing, you will love the Bermuda Shawl! The short rows act like waves
of water (hence the name Bermuda). This shawl is best done with a long repeat yarn and we prefer
Noro Silk Garden Sock for this project. Two skeins are all you need. Check out the colors we have
in stock at our local yarn store here! The pattern is available on Ravelry as “Bermuda Scarf” by Ilga Leja.

The Bermuda Shawl is also a 2-day knitting class at the store Wednesdays, Nov 10 and 17 from 6-8 pm.
We still have spots left but sign up soon as this class will fill up fast!

Do you have yarn you really don’t know why you bought? Do you have those one or two extra skeins you thought you needed for a project, but you didn’t need the extra after all? Do you have yarn that doesn’t
speak to you like it did when you bought it?

Don’t beat yourself up, we all have those balls of yarn that don’t make us want to find a project and cast on! We just keep shoving them in the back of the cabinet or box or bin hoping one day…

OR you could come to the “1st Annual I Love Yarn Buy Back Sale” at A Piece of Ewe!

When is it you ask?

Saturday, October 9th from 10 am-1 pm

What is a “buyback sale”?

A Piece of Ewe yarn store will be giving you a $1 per pound (up to 25 lbs, and that’s a lot of yarn!) in the form of
store credit to use in the store THAT DAY! Not only will you get to the part with those nagging balls of yarn,
but you can get new yarn that day that you really want to knit or crochet! 

We just ask that the yarn is free from smells (smoke, mustiness, lavender, mothballs). We will have a table
set up and scales so we can weigh your yarn right then! All yarns turned in for this promotion will be donated
to area charities so they will find a good home after all.

Bring your patterns and check out our website so we can help you find the perfect items to use your voucher
money on. The voucher is only good on Saturday, Oct 9th and is good on anything in the store.

National Scarf Day is September 27th. It's getting chilly here in Michigan. We will soon need more scarves for
those cooler days ahead. Whether it's bright and bold or muted and tonal, a scarf makes your look your own.
Celebrate by wearing and sharing your favorite scarves. 

Our yarn store is giving away a scarf kit on National Scarf Day (September 27th, 2021). All you have to do to
enter and win is watch our Facebook Page and find the post for that day (September 27th). Then, post in the
comments your favorite scarf pattern with the link to that pattern and you will be added to the drawing. 

As lovers of all things fiber, we tend to have a lot of “stash”. 

Stash | Definition by Merriam-Webster

To store in a usually secret place for future use.

While our significant others, and those who are not afflicted with yarn stashing like we are, don’t really
understand this need to have lots of fiber and accessories around us, we KNOW it is all very necessary.
I equate it to be like a person who likes to golf and has 3 putters and 5 drivers. You just need it!

Why We Have Yarn Stash

Some of our stash is to:

• remind us of a place we have been, 

• a local yarn shop we visited, 

• a project we will never make but just had to have, 

• or just because. 

Don’t you agree?! It is also nice to have those one or two skeins that are nice to just hold in your hand
to destress and bring calm to your life.

I know I tend to have hundreds of skeins, full skeins down to little bits, of fingering weight yarn.
Fingering weight/sock yarn is not just for socks anymore. For me, it started as a penchant for knitting
socks. I could make a pair in a weekend. Everyone I knew received a pair for Christmas year after year.
Then I found out you could knit sweaters with sock yarn! My entire yarn world changed overnight! 

Some of my favorite yarn stash patterns include:  

• Quality in a Square (no longer a digital pattern on Ravelry but on her blog), 

• Navelli was my first colorwork project, 

• Gracious 

I knit with my leftovers and scraps. And you don’t have to do just fingering weight! I made the
Easy Relaxed Pullover using a strand of fingering and two strands of mohair held together.
One of my favorite sweaters!  

I’m currently working on a new pattern from Andrea Mowry with yarn that didn’t work for the shawl
I had picked out. You don’t have to buy the yarn specifically for the pattern, although that is easier.
Sometimes the yarn says “I’m not working in the pattern you picked out” and you need to find a
different idea. Never limit yourself like that! It may be the yarn needs to take a break, be rewound,
and start out as something fresh. 

Stash Buster Thursdays On Facebook Live

My stash is primarily fingering weight as you probably guessed, what is your stash comprised of?
If you are looking for new ideas, I do a weekly “Stash Buster Thursday” live on our Facebook page
every Thursday at 9:30 am EST. I don’t limit myself to fingering or sweaters! Check out my previous
ones on Facebook. You don’t have to watch live either. Hope to see you soon on Facebook Live or in
the store! If you have something in your stash that needs guidance, send me a message or stop in and
I would love to help you out!

While it happens every year, I’m always surprised when my birthday comes around! Anyone else feel this way? 

Well, my birthday is here again. This Saturday, I will turn @%$ years old! To celebrate, I’m having a SALE!
(I love people to give me money on my birthday!)

When: July 3rd, 2021
Where: In-Store & Online
Use code “25wasagoodyear” online or stop in-store and get 25% OFF all regular-priced knitting or
crochet merchandise. 

We are happy to put a yarn project together for you so you can take advantage of the sale. Is there a yarn
project you have always wanted to knit or crochet but need help with choosing the right yarns? Now is your
chance! Have you been coveting that interchangeable needle set? Now is the time!

The store is open 10 am-1 pm Saturday, July 3rd. We will be closed on Sunday, July 4th but we will be open
Monday, July 5th, 10 am-1 pm for your shopping needs. Due to Monday being a federal holiday, any items
purchased during this sale will be shipped on Tuesday.

Join your fellow knitters to enjoy the fall colors and knitting activities in Boyne Mountain, Michigan,
just a 2-hour drive North of Bay City, right off I-75.

Knitting Fun

The fun begins when you check-in with Susan at the Bluegreen Presidential Suite at 5 pm and receive your room assignments and swag bags. The Presidential Suite looks like a European ski chalet and will be our main building for dining and activities. We have several Bluegreen condos for sleeping. These 1-2 bedroom condos include living rooms and kitchens and are a short walk or drive to the main building.

Special Guest: Jill Zielinski, Knitterella

After settling into our rooms on Saturday, we will gather together at the Presidential Suite for dinner
and introductions. Jill Zielinski, better known as Knitterella, will be joining us during our retreat this year.

Jill is a freelance graphic designer by day and knitwear designer by night. In 2000, while earning her
BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University, she found herself spending so much time
in front of a computer that she missed her desire to create with her hands. After picking up a book
on knitting, she quickly learned the craft and hasn’t put her needles down since!

Publishing her first pattern in 2009, (the Smocked Slouch), Jill continues to add to her growing line
of knitting patterns. Mostly self-published but also for books, magazines, and yarn companies.

Jill’s graphic design background is evident in her unique designs and bold colorwork. Her designs
range from simple accessories to uniquely constructed garments. Not limited to one design
aesthetic; Jill designs patterns that are both simple and classic, as well as designs that are bold
and colorful with a modern flair.

What she loves most about knitwear design, is seeing her vision come to life. And what she thinks
is even better than that, is seeing others knit her patterns! We will work on one of her favorite hats,
Northern Peak, during the retreat. How appropriate since we will be up north! The pattern uses one
of her favorite knit stitches, the Twisted Stitch and she will give us a little tutorial on the best way to
do the stitch and why she loves working it into many of her patterns. 

Pop Up Yarn Shop

New this year, we will have a popup shop in the main building in case you need yarn or needles or anything else. Jill will also be bringing a trunk show with samples for us to see in person. We can’t wait to see them! We might even have kits available for you to make your own versions!

Yarn Side Trips

If you get up north early, feel free to stop by Stonehedge Fiber Mill in East Jordan, MI. They are the home of the famous “Crazy” yarn and other wonderful yarns. Open until 3 pm on Saturdays and open again on Monday at 10 am when the processing machines will be in operation. Also, Wool & Honey yarn shop is a 30-minute drive northwest, located in Cedar, MI. 

The property where the retreat is taking place is set in the wooded beauty of northern Michigan. We may even get to see some fall colors while we are there. 

Spots are limited so sign up early! Call the store at (989) 892 - 6400 or stop in to sign up! 

Two Condo Options:

1 Bedroom: King bedroom plus pullout in the living room, sleeps 3 people max 

 
or 

2 bedrooms: King bedroom, Queen bedroom, plus pullout in the living room, sleeps 4 people max

Michigan Knitting Retreat Pricing Options

King Room by yourself $386

King Room with a roommate $275/person

Queen Room single $350

Pullout $275

1 bedroom by yourself $400

Prices include lodging, swag bag, dinners Saturday and Sunday, lunch Saturday, and
continental breakfast Sunday and Monday, and snacks. 

Note: Full payment is required at the time of sign-up. 

There will be a $100 non-refundable deposit for those canceling after August 20th.

While it has been sweltering hot the last few weeks across the country, it is not technically “summer”
yet. The first “real” day of summer is June 20th this year, the official Summer Solstice in the Northern
Hemisphere, which means it is the longest day of the year. 

While the Mayans and the Aztecs used this longest day to celebrate summer and how to plant or
harvest crops, we as knitters and crocheters are more interested in the “Sale” part of the Summer Solstice. 

To celebrate, A Piece of Ewe Yarn store is offering you an online discount on June 20th and in-store
on Monday, June 21st. Now is your chance to stock up on those knitting items Susan hasn’t put in
a kit during a Facebook Live event! 😊 

Beginning at 12:01 AM on Sunday, June 20th EST, use the code “summersolstice2021” and receive
20% off all regular-priced merchandise in our online yarn store. You can choose shipping or curbside
pickup. You can also stop in the store during our open hours (Monday, June 21st from 10 AM -1 PM) and we
can help you pick something out! The code will expire at 11:59 PM EST Monday, June 21st so
get all of that yarn and yarn accessories your knitter’s heart desires. 

Our shelves are stocked to the brim with fun yarn and knitting accessories that you are sure to like.
The sale also covers all regular-priced needles, notions, yarn, and pattern books. 

We have also added some items to our clearance area that you are not going to want to miss either
(remember the code doesn’t work on these items, they have already been greatly discounted)!

We checked the weather in our local Bay City town and it’s going to be sunny and nice (not scorching)
this Saturday, June 12. Why? It is WWKIP Day (WorldWide Knit In Public Day!) 

What is WWKIPD?  

“World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005. It began as a way for knitters to come together and
enjoy each other’s company. Knitting is such a solitary act that it’s easy to knit alone somewhere and sink
into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there. Neighbors could spend all their lives
never knowing that the other knits. This is a specific day to get out of your house and go to a local event
(with your knitting in tow) just for you and people like you. Who knows you might even bump into your neighbor!”

We at A Piece of Ewe decided to stay close to the store (as there is a/c, bathrooms, and of course yarn
readily available inside) so we will be putting up our pop-up canopy and we have some snacks from
American Gourmet (Pretzels and Caramel Corn). Bring your knitting (or crocheting), a chair, a beverage,
and let’s get together at our Michigan yarn store! Feel free to bring any finished projects you want to show
off to! It’s been so long since we have seen you and your projects we can’t wait. 

If you can’t be there in person, post a picture of where you are “knitting in public” on our Facebook or
Instagram pages. Show your love for your yarn and A Piece of Ewe. (Please let us know what pattern you
are working on as we know others will want to know!)

Order this mitt kit in our online yarn shop here.

Well, the weather may or may not be cooperating in your area, but A Piece of Ewe is looking forward to spring!
So many fun new yarns are coming in! Let’s start with Berroco’s new summer yarns…

I think Berroco Zinnia is going to be a superstar! This yarn is a cotton/nylon blend so it will keep its shape. A
two-tone strand of yarn with flecks of color woven throughout the yarn gives this knitted fabric a fun texture.
Featuring a soft color palette, this DK weight yarn is perfect for all your spring and summer pieces. We are
carrying all nine colors of Zinnia in our online yarn store. We have a sample of the Perrin top in our store in
Bay City Michigan. It's a fun knit that will look good on a variety of body shapes (sizes range from 32-68” chest).
Check out our selection of Berroco Zinnia here in our online yarn shop.

The Tay sweater is a two-tone sweater with a free pattern from Berroco. There are five more patterns
designed by Berroco for Zinnia yarn so there is something for everyone. You can call the store (989) 892-6400 or
come in-store to 506 Columbus Avenue Bay City, Michigan and we can help you find the perfect summer knit!

Are you a linen lover? You will love Berroco Chai! This silk/linen blend becomes more lovely as you work
with it. It is light and airy and perfect for summer! Whether it is an accessory or a summer top, you will love this yarn.

Everyone loves Berroco’s Sesame yarn and now there is a summer version…Summer Sesame! This DK
weight yarn has fun color striping and it is just fun and so are the patterns! We should have
all of the colors in stock in our online yarn shop shortly. We can’t wait to see what you decide to knit or crochet!

Want to check out the yarns before you get started? You can order a Berroco Spring/Summer Yarn Tasting Kit!
Margaux from Berroco gives you all the info on each of the yarns in this video. We are happy to order a kit for
you and Berroco will ship it right to your home! You can call the store at (989) 892-6400 and mention the Berroco
Spring/Summer yarn tasting kit and we can get that shipped out to you from our yarn store in Bay City, Michigan. 

March 24th, 2021   

A Piece Of Ewe is one of the only yarn stores in the upper Michigan area. We only carry the best quality
yarns and yarn brands. Usually, twice a month we have a knitting project kit Facebook live where we have
knitting projects that we have put together from our online yarn shop for you. This week we have a couple
of new kits from one of those lives. There are only a few left so you may want to grab them up while you can. 

Our first kit comes from our Bay City shop and the colors will have you pacing until your kit gets to you so
you can grab your needles and get started. The Maryland Road Trip kit is 

Each leg of the trip contains two options (one designed by Cynthia, the other by Valerie), setting every
knitter up for a grand choose-your-own knitting adventure. Each option is a creative tribute to a landmark,
or historical event, or region that can be encountered on a Road Trip around the great state of Maryland.
Knitting Notes

Our second kit this week (also from our Bay City shop) is the Building In Color Blanket kit. 
You can learn to expertly manage multiple colors while creating a gorgeous sampler afghan.
If you loved Building Blocks then this follow-up book is for you! Many of the designs are timeless favorites,
some are original creations, and ALL of them are deliciously fun! There are 10 colorwork panels that combine
to make this blanket. As an added bonus, all of the techniques featured in this book are supported with
FREE online video instruction available at www.KnitPurlHunter.com

Each kit contains (4) skeins each of three coordinating colors of Ella Rae Cozy Soft (75% acrylic, 25%
superwash wool, 213 yards), the Building in Color book, and a new logo bag from A Piece of Ewe.

Yarn: dk
Needle: US 6
Gauge: 22 sts = 4" in stockinette
Care: machine wash in cold water, gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.
Approximate size: 40" x 54"

Right about now we would be in the midst of a heavy class schedule. But you know, COVID.
With so many things changing it's hard, but thank goodness our love for knitting hasn't changed!

You’ve all seen me try to work my tripod during Facebook Lives, I have no idea how I would finagle a camera for my hands and watch everyone on a Zoom call. But fear not I have found a fantastic source for us to all have classes safely again!

Pam Grushkin will be partnering with us! She offers a fantastic selection of classes from beginner to
more advanced. You can find and sign up for her classes here on her website! When you click on a class you will get all of
the details for that class, the type of skills needed, and the dates/times it is available. 

When signing up for the classes, please use our unique coupon code! This is really important!
Our Coupon Code is: apieceofewe-mi-10 (note, it is case sensitive with no spaces!) After you have signed up, 
show us your class registration receipt, and you will receive 10% off your materials needed for your class. 
You can always shop our online yarn store here.

I hope you enjoy these classes!  There will be a day when we can have in-store classes again, but for now, this is
a great way to learn something new! Happy knitting!

December 2nd, 2020

When COVID hit, I knew we had to change the way we did business at A Piece of Ewe. Many of you were there for our first Facebook Live event when we had no idea what a shutdown would mean. We scrambled and you were patient. Thank YOU! 

You were so supportive of A Piece of Ewe, then and now, and I felt we had to pay it forward. So for every sale, in the store, online, or from a Facebook Live event, we donate towards an organization in need within our local community.   

We have fed many first responders both at the hospitals and rehabilitation centers. We have fed more than 200 flood victims. A Piece of Ewe is located very near the town hit by the famous “100-year flood” and I used to live there for a time when I first moved to this area of Michigan.

“Tech Support Marcy” is also a first-grade teacher in Bay City and your purchases made it possible for us to not only provide each student in her class a Scholastic book each month but supply them with school supplies. I always loved getting a new Scholastic book each month as a kid and thought that this help was a no brainer. 

A portion of each sale in September gave us the money to partner with the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission and that donation provided a meal for 158 people. We hope to partner with them again in January to assist with their Hope & Care totes filled with new hygiene products for those in need.

From our October and November sales, we are donating to Toys for Tots. I had a few Christmas holidays in my life where resources were scarce so it felt right to provide a toy or two for a child who might go without. We are taking donations (monetary and new unwrapped gifts) until 1 pm on Thursday, December 3rd here.

YOU made this happen! By supporting A Piece of Ewe through gift card purchases, Facebook Live events, online orders and stopping in the store to shop. Every purchase you made helps those around us. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You have kept us going through these unprecedented times. A Piece of Ewe hopes to continue being your “Local Yarn Store” no matter where you live and we hope to continue to help those in need.

When you shop small with us on Saturday, November 28th you will receive a very special FREE surprise with every purchase of $50 or more. (Valid in-store or online. Curbside pickup available.) Just a small thank you for supporting my small business!

Here's a hint: It has a great squishy feeling. 

(While supplies last, valid on November 28th, 2020 only) 

It's a must-have for any knitter. Check it out here in our online yarn shop.

Noro is known for its creative use of color and fiber in its yarns. 

Their patterns reflect this creativity and are written to show off the best details of these yarns. Many result in wearable pieces of art!

Noro produces both bi-annual magazines and books. Of the 17 magazines published, A Piece of Ewe has 15 of them in stock in our online yarn store
and we just restocked the fall/winter 2020 magazine. 

We also have their beautiful books. Among the 13 Noro books we have in stock, we are highlighting a few of our favorites…

While we don’t currently carry Noro Kureyon, we still love the “Noro Kureyon: The 30^th Anniversary Collection”. 
For these patterns, we replace Kureyon with
Noro Silk Garden (similar yardage, but we like it better as it is softer). This yarn really shows off the patterns with its unique colors.

If blankets are your thing, “Knit Blankets” gives you a fantastic collection of 25 unique blankets. They have gathered together
some of the most popular patterns from their magazines and books, along with some brand new and exclusive designs.
You will refer to this book over and over!

Noro Silk Garden is one of our favorite Noro Yarns! As a result, we love “Silk Garden: The 20^th Anniversary Collection” book
filled with sweaters, hats, scarves, and shawls that showcase this yarn’s hand-dyed, vibrant colors, and luxurious texture
(45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lamb’s wool).  

Artful Colors Mindful Knits helps you work with hand-dyed yarns to get the look you want to achieve. This book will teach you how to analyze the colors and intentionally pattern your finished garment from scarf to sweater and everything in between.

Cast On, Bind Off shows you 50 ways to start and end your knitting project. It is a great reference guide and a book you will refer to over and over again.

How To Knit is a how-to book that covers the basic techniques used in knitting. Filled with easy-to-follow diagrams, this booklet is clearly written and illustrated for the beginning needle artist.

Are you really into knitting hats? Knit Beanies is a great book filled with step-by-step instructions to knit 20 beautiful hats.

Knit In New Directions shows you how to free your inner knitter and introduces the pure fun of knitting in strips and modules, creative short rows, crazy quilt pieces, and free form shapes.

Do you have a lot of stripey sock yarn and you are tired of just making socks?  Not Just More Socks uses basic stitches and features patterns that take advantage of the complex techniques and construction methods to exploit the color changes in self-striping yarns.

If you’re into cables, Power Cables is the book for you! From simple to sculptural, the original cable patterns explored in this must-have resource create a foundation of techniques for designing signature knitwear. Basic twisted stitches, complex interpretations of cables, reversible cables, adding texture and color, turning stitches around, constructing cables with I-cord, and wrapping stitches to create the illusion of cables are some of the integrated techniques detailed in this guide. Contained within are more than 15 original cable patterns for pullovers, jackets, bags, socks, and accessories. Also included is information on a new charting system for predicting cable behavior as well as tips on cabling without a cable needle, choosing the best yarns for specific cable effects, and designing original cable patterns.

Get ready to spice up your knitting! Every knitter needs a good stitch dictionary, and this volume is perfect for new and experienced knitters alike. Knit Stitch Dictionary offers 250 knit stitches, from simple knit-purl combos to fancy textured, color, and lace stitch patterns. Knowing that not every knitter works in the same way, this indispensable guide has both written and charted instructions that clearly explain how to knit each stitch. Knit Stitch Dictionary is divided into sections including basic knit and purl stitches; eyelets and lace; cables; traveling and twisted stitches; bobbles, puffs, and clusters; slip stitches; chevrons, ripples and waves; tucks and ruffles; and colorwork patterns.

Sally Melville Book 3: Color is the closest thing to a knitting coach, this primer on knitting describes simple approaches to choosing, using, and wearing color. Knitters move from being intimidated by the choices of being excited by the possibilities as the skill-building chapters put color into practice. Clear, step-by-step photographs lead knitters through a progression of new methods punctuated by fabulous and fun projects to knit. The 36 designs range from simple to classic to unexpected and are presented multiple times showcasing different techniques, mixing and matching to yield more than 80 total projects. With advice, tips, and techniques, this tutorial inspires learners to take their craft to the next level.

Sally Melville Knitting Pattern Essentials will bring your vision to life with pattern drafting essentials.
What’s the number one mistake that knitters make? They follow a pattern exactly! In this comprehensive guide to sweater construction, acclaimed knitting instructor Sally Melville reveals the secrets to creating or modifying a pattern so the finished project looks and fits exactly how you want it to. 

Sally Melville Styles began with a problem that all knitter's share: What to do with a growing collection of yet-to-be-knit yarns? Too little to do anything with, too much to toss. How to put a bit of this and a little of that with more of something else and make it all beautiful? Many knitters just give up: the stash (and the guilt) grows while storage space shrinks. Sally Melville found creative solutions and her ideas will help you organize, use, and replenish your collection. Learn why the key to finding what you need, when you need it, is color. And why sometimes to use the yarn you have, you need to buy more! For Styles, Sally developed stitch patterns that are enhanced by a combination of colors, textures, even weights, of yarn. Grab one of these books at the links above to buy them at our online yarn shop. 

Lopi Blankets