2015 will be great...or something like that.

Well, I wrote this whole long post with some exciting news and a shop announcement. Apparently I hit something wrong because *poof* it's gone! I'll give the Cliff's Notes version:

-My husband has been in the Army for 14 years and got promoted!

-Starting tomorrow he will be a SFC (Sergeant First Class/E-7)

-I am VERY proud of him!!

How does this affect you and the knitting community

-A neighbor at our last post taught me to knit. 

-I was introduced to the wonderful world of fiber at that post, went to my first LYS, and have met some AMAZING people that will be my dear friends forever!

-I will be offering a military discount in my shop. More details on this later, but if you serve or have serve  or are the spouse or child of a service member (current or previous) you will receive FREE SHIPPING if delivered in the U.S. APO addresses apply as well! Outside the U.S. and not on a military installation? No problem! You too will receive a discount, equal to the price of U.S. shipping. Like I said, the exact details of this will be announced at a later date. (Not military? No worries! I will be offering various coupon codes and promotions for all to enjoy throughout the year). 

I feel like a small business move has had a snowball effect of goodness, and 2015 hasn't even begun (for us anyway in the Central Time Zone). Now matter how 2014 was for you, each of those moments has lead you to where you are today. Make 2015 YOUR year. I certainly am! Every stitch counts! Remember to tell your tale! Peace and love to you all in the new year. 

Ahhhhhh!!!! *WARNING: Minor freak-out ahead*

Soooooo I *may* have opened my Etsy shop today. *insert slight panic attack here*

Now, I am not up and running by any means, but I have a shop....with a name....and it's all set up, ready to go. All I need is yarn to sell. (I'm not too worried about this part as I have a very generous and supportive family that spoiled me with several items on my "indie dyer wish list" for Christmas).

I will be dyeing, and selling, yarn MUCH sooner than anticipated. I will of course keep everyone updated about this process and announce a grand opening. It's still going to be a while, but not nearly as long as I originally thought.

Go big, or go home. :)

#15pairsin2015

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen my posts about knitting 15 pairs of socks in 2015. If you don't follow me, you can find me as wittyknittingyarn.

This is my only knitting goal for 2015. With my shop opening soon, and featuring mostly sock weight yarn, I figured it makes sense to have a sock knitting goal.

Come join me! Not sure what to do? It's simple; gather 15 skeins of yarn and 15 bags you cannot see through. I used brown lunch bags and found they work great for this. If you're really organized (which you will soon find that I am not), you can add a pattern and/or needles to each bag as well.

I numbered my bags 1-15. I'm not sure if I'll go in order or draw one at random.

Then, post your progress on Instagram using #15pairsin2015. ANNOUNCEMENT: I will randomly award prizes throughout the year!

Does 15 pairs in one year scare you?! No problem!! Join in on the fun anyway and do what you can. The thing I love most about the knitting/crocheting community is the support of one another. You never know what ideas you'll get or who you'll inspire.

Can't wait to see what you knit (or crochet) up in 2015!

A yarn tale...chapter one

For a while now I have wanted to make my hobby into something more. To be honest, I wasn't really sure where to start. Even with this bright and shiny, brand new blog I'm not sure where to start. There are going to be some major life changes happening for me (and my family) and I cannot wait to get started. Sometime in 2015 I will be opening an Etsy shop, Tale. Tale will feature my very own yarn, dyed with my very own hands in my very own kitchen. The ultimate plan is to quit my current job, move into a large home, and create a studio space in that house so I may work from home. 

Why "Tale"? I wanted a name that was different and unique, yet easy to remember. I wanted something related to yarn, but not specifically to just knitting. I'm a crocheter too. So I looked up the definition of "yarn". Obviously we all know it's a spun thread used in knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc...but did you know it also means "a long or rambling story"? So, I got to thinking about word play.  All projects have a yarn tail...but they each tell a tale too. Maybe the pattern was gifted. Maybe the yarn is from a vacation. Maybe the finished object is something to treasure forever; or throw in the back of the closet never to be thought of again. The point is, each stitch tells a story. Every bit of yarn tells a tale. What's your tale?

I hope you'll join me on my tale, and be patient while my story unfolds. I can still be found on Instagram and Ravelry as wittyknittingyarn.