AT LOOSE ENDS
357 3rd Ave. SE • Perham, MN 56573
ph/fax 218-346-YARN (9276)
email: info AT atlooseends DOT com
www.atlooseends.com
(Hey! You're here!)

OPEN YEAR ROUND
HOURS:
M-F 9:30-5:30
W TIL 8
SA 9:30-3:30

BE SURE AND CHECK BACK OFTEN AS I AM CONSTANTLY ADDING ITEMS, CLASSES, ETC.
....WELL OK, NOT CONSTANTLY...BUT I'M TRYING!

YARN HARVEST SHOP HOP 08 INFO IS HERE!!

We're gearing up for YHSH3!! The Hop will be happening from September 13 - 20, and this year we've got some new places plus returning favorites for you to explore! Here's who's participating:

• Among the Pines, Baxter
• At Loose Ends, Perham
• Between Friends, Brainerd
• Bouclé Yarn Studio, Fargo, ND
• Crates of Yarn, Fergus Falls
• Gallery of Dreams, Alexandria
• Monika's Quilt & Yarn Shop, Park Rapids
• Prairie Needles, Battle Lake
• Prairie Yarns, Fargo, ND

We're all excited to see your smiling faces cross our thresholds.

Each day we'll each draw a name out of the drawing box and those lucky ducks will win a prize or gift certificate valued at $10.
Then there will be 2 BIG winners among those who are able to visit ALL the shops so DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED AT EACH SHOP. Grand Prize is $50 gift certificates from each participating shop! Second Prize is a dellaQ bag filled with yarn and pattern to complete a lovely project!
Of course, we'll all have goodie bags for you. Plus each shop will have their own special pattern to give you for some kind of hand covering...could be mitts, could be wristlets, could be knitted, could be crocheted, could be felted, could be needlefelted...it's a surprise!

Once again, we'll be open 8 straight days including Sunday the 14th to give you the best possible chance to visit us all. Store hours are Mon-Sat 9-5:30 and Sun 12-4:30. Some of us are open some evenings as well. Be sure to call ahead for hours or if you have questions.
Click here to see the route!

THE CALENDAR IS BACK!!
I think I've finally found a calendar that does just about everything I want it to, AND is easy to manage...it's the web-based Google Calendar. Check out the bottom of the CLASSES page and you'll see the new and improved calendar.

We had 15 turn out for WWKIP at the shop AND we even made the front page of the Perham Enterprise Bulletin. Please be patient while I get pix donwloaded from my camera, then uploaded to this web page. It was a great day...we even had some knitters drive from Alexandria and Ottertail to share in the fun (and the snacks!!) Thanks all for making it a success!

June 14 is World Wide Knit In Public Day!
And At Loose Ends is an official KIP site! Visit www.wwkipday.com for details.

Join us as we knit with hundreds of other knitters around the world on the same day! I have a great shaded lawn where you can relax and knit or crochet. Bring a chair, your fiber project(s), and lunch or a snack. I'll have coffee and water, plus there is a restroom available. In case of rain, I have a screen tent and a semi-cleared out garage for shelter. That's Saturday, June 14, 2008, from 10:30 - 2:30. Hope to see you then.

NEWS FLASH • NEWS FLASH

I am now a Glimakra dealer, so be sure to stop in and I can share information about their wonderful looms, weaving and winding tools, and accesories. Or just click on the logo to visit the GAV Glimakra website for detailed information.

Feb 29-Mar 2 At The Lake Spring Fiber Arts Retreat
Prairie Needles, Battle Lake and At Loose Ends , Perham ahosted this event. We had 7 overniters and one day camper. Be sure to visit my blog to read the details and see the pics. Next November 7-9 (opening Deer Hunting) will be the next retreat. Mark your calendars. We'd love to have you come.

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NEW YARNS AT THE SHOP...
Frog Tree Alpacas - limited colors, but I'll be expanding the lines in '08
Claudia Handpaints - 100% Merino Fingering, Laceweight Mohair, and 100% Silk. The colors are delicious!!
Malabrigo 2-ply Chunky. You know the great color combos...now they're in chunky!
Berroco's Comfort and Comfort DK- a great easy-care acrylic-nylon blend! Great for afghans, kid's sweaters and more!
Berroco's Peruvia - a soft, soft bulky 100% wool in gorgeous heathers
Berroco's Ultra Alpaca - nicely plied and soft, of course, worsted weight

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COME SEE THE LAYBUG THAT FLEW INTO THE SHOP...
...THE NEW SCHACHT LADYBUG WHEEL THAT IS!
She's sassy, she's oh-so-sweet, she's a super spinner!

DON'T FORGET * DON'T FORGET * DON'T FORGET

Yarn Therapy on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:30 - 1:30. It's free and it's fun. Bring your projects, wheels, portable looms or just your curiosity and relax and enjoy the company! I'd also like to get an evening fiber group going. I'm open Wednesday evenings already, but not sure if that interferes with church activities for some of you. Let me know your preference for day and time. Would you feel more comfortable in a location other than the shop? Like the library or a coffee shop? I'm open for suggestions, because I just *know* there are knitters (especially local ones) out there that can't make it on days or weekends!

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Meet the new kid on the block! Ashford Kiwi. A great entry-level wheel with lots of expansion possibilities. And besides, it's kinda cute too!

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2ND ANNUAL YARN HARVEST SHOP HOP SEES VISITORS FROM ALL AROUND MINNESOTA, PLUS NORTH DAKOTA, IOWA, WISCONSIN AND EVEN FLORIDA AND TEXAS STOPPING AT AT LOOSE ENDS!
WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A "HOPPIN' GOOD TIME" ON THIS YEAR'S SHOP HOP. THE DISTANCE WAS DEFINITELY A CHALLENGE FOR MANY, AND I TALKED WITH MANY WHO WERE TAKING MULTIPLE DAYS TO COVER THE MILES. WE HOPE THE EXTENDED AND CONSISTENCE SHOP HOURS HELPED YOU PLAN YOUR ROUTES WITH SUCCESS.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING!

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PLEASE HELP! PLEASE HELP!
Sometime between September 18th and 22nd, I'm sad to say that some items disappeared from the shop.
On display on the stairs was a hat and mittens set handknit out of Mountain Colors Moguls and 4/8's Wool by my friend, Deb K. Deb, who had purchased the yarn and pattern before I carried Mountain Colors, had allowed me to display her work to help sell the Mountain Colors yarns that I had for sale in my shop.
If you are the one (or know the one), who took the hat and mittens from my shop, please, please return them. I don't want to know who you are, I just want to get my friend's items back to her- items that she spent her money and time on to make.
In almost four years of being in business, this is the first relatively large item that has gone missing from the shop. That, to me, speaks highly of my customers (all but the one, that is!). Thanks for your time.


COME SEE THE NEW BABY...BABY WOLF, THAT IS!!

I finally have a Wolf Loom here at the shop for you to see and touch. It's a 4-harness Baby Wolf in Maple with Stroller and Wolf Trap. Come on by and check it out!

NOW AT THE SHOP!!
LOUET SPINNING WHEELS AND MINI COMBS, LOUET YARNS SUCH AS EUROFLAX LINEN & KIDLIN...MORE TO COME!
I'm proud to announce that I'm now a dealer for Louet products.
This includes spinning wheels, looms, hand cards and combs, drum carders, all kinds of lovely fibers to spin (come touch the cashmere blends in the sample book!) Gaywool dyes, the full ine of Louet yarns and Fibermaster's Meadows Wool Wash. Stop in and check out the S15 Spinning Wheel with detachable Skeinwinder, plus I've got a few colors of Euroflax Sport weight Linen and Kidlin Lace weight yarns for you to see and touch. I'm planning to knit some linen washcloths from some patterns by Teresa Gaffey that I already have here at the shop, or check out "The Knitter's Stash" for more linen washcloth patterns by Teresa.

NORTHWOODS FIBER RETREAT - WELL WORTH THE DRIVE THROUGH A BLIZZARD!
What a great time we had!

NEEDLEFELTING WORKSHOP WAS A BLAST!!
St. Paul fiber artist Shawn Glidden did a fantastic job teaching 14 of us how to needlefelt on a cloche style hat.
We had a great time! Shawn will be back next fall to show us some more great ideas and projects for needlefelting. Mark September 8 on your calendars!

THANKS FOR MAKING AT LOOSE ENDS YEAR END INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE A GREAT SUCCESS!
I hope that 2007 is a great year for all of us. Thanks for all your support and encouragement this past year. I couldn't have done it without you all!
See you at the shop!

FLIP IS HERE!!!
Schacht's new folding rigid heddle loom is at the shop. I've almost got my first project done on it-a scarf made from a skein of Mountain Colours Mountain Goat and a skein of Naturespun Sport. You can't beat Schacht's quality workmanship and attention to detail. Come and see it!

NOW WE ARE 3!!!
Thanks so much to all of you who helped me celebrate my third anniversary this past Oct 25-28! I've deemed it a wonderful success and consider myself very lucky to have such great customers! Winner of the $25 gift certificate is Sara G. of Oakdale, MN. Congrats Sara!

NEW AT THE SHOP!
Yarn ball antenna toppers from Needle Noggins! New yarns, expanded colors colors from Cascade. Kits for counting bracelets and beaded bags from My Bagatelle. Latest issues of all your favorite fiber arts magazines. Books, books, and more of the latest books! Somebody stop me!!
The della Q bags have arrived! Made in Vietnam with excellent workmanship, silks and tweeds, beautiful colors! Carry your knitting and knitting tools in style. I especially love the circular needle cases. I also have another style of circular needle case made exclusively for Skacel/Addi by della Q. Come and see!
New yarns have arrived from Classic Elite. Desert is a Noro-style DK weight wool. I've also got a Merino-tencel blend that has a lovely sheen.

THE CLASS LIST/CALENDAR IS UP!
Be sure to check out the CLASSES page to see the list of classes that you can take. It's "Classes ala Carte" !! Pick your topic, then pick your time. We're here to make learning convenient as well as fun!
And if you scroll to the bottom of the CLASSES page, you'll find CALENDAR PAGES of the current and next months to help you see what class times are open and what awesome events I have scheduled for your fibery enjoyment!

Did you know that
"Weekends begin on Wednesdays in Perham"?
Well, they do. And to help you see how in the world that can be possible, many retailers, including yours truly, will continue to be open Wednesday nights til 8 through the end of the year. I've scheduled a class time from 6 - 8 p.m. for all of you with day jobs, so if there's a class you'd like to take, check out the list and give me a call. I'd be happy to help you get started on the road to fibery happiness.

NOW THERE'S A TUB O' SAVINGS!
Lots of clearance items ready and waiting for you on the clawfoot tub. Come and see!

NEW YARNS ARRIVE!
Kraemer Yarns are here - Mauch Chunky, Tatamy Tweed and Lehigh Pebbles-quality yarns at a reasonable price.
PLUS Mango Moon Recycled Silk &
Ironstone Flake Cotton and Novelties are here!

THEY'RE HERE!
Yarn Art Yarns - Yarns for the Cost Conscious Knitter/Crocheter - Baby DK, Alaska Chunky, Rainbow & Crazy Colour

NOW AT THE SHOP...

Ashland Sky Knit Stick Sacks. I've found these great new, portable, translucent plastic storage systems for your circular needles, double points, straights, corchet hooks, and gadgets. American made and well made. Check them out at the shop!

Show your knitting pride with the Knitter's Car Magnet! And show that "in your face" knittin' attatood with the Knitter's License Plate Holder.

Cute, cute Tape Measures - Pigs, Cats, Lady Bugs, Pinocchio, Butterflies!

Ashford's Knitter's Loom
What a great introduction to weaving! Fast and easy to warp with all your favoite novelty yarns! Very portable! Weave a scarf in under two hours! A new look for your scarf accessories! Let's talk rent before you buy!

Great times at the 1st Annual
Fiber Arts Festival
July 26 & 27, 2008
Bonanzaville
1351 West Main
West Fargo, ND 58078

There were two days full of fun with fiber for the whole family!
Demonstrations both days!
Vendors both days!
Mark your clendars for next year -
JULY 25 & 26, 2009
Visit the Bonanzaville website for more info!

Website content ©2007 E. L. McRae & At Loose Ends

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AREA GUILDS & ORGANIZATIONS

Tangled Knotters Guild: Meets the second Saturday 10 a.m. November thru May at Prairie Needles, Battle Lake and other locations. For those of you around the Henning area and south. Contact Sharon Marquardt 218-583-2297

Northern Prairie Fiber Artists Guild: Meets the second Saturday 10:30 a.m. Septmber thru June at Moorhead Public Library and other locations. For those in the FM area and outwards. Very active group. Good learning sessions. Visit npfa-guild.org

Minnesota Knitters Guild: Meets the third Thursday 7-9 p.m. at the Textile Center of MN. Yearly dues $30 1/1-12/31. Visit their website for more info.

UPCOMING TRUNK SHOWS

There's two great trunk shows coming to At Loose Ends this fall and winter.

First, from September 26 - October 6 you'll be able to see some of America's best local yarn shop favorites in the Shawl Trunk Show...and, yes, I've got a shawl in it! The Misti Alpaca Lacy Leaf Shawl from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. Be sure to check it out! It's getting rave reviews from the shops where it's been displayed so far.

Second, from November 20 - December 1 you'll be able to fondle some of the great projects that are in Deb Stoller's book, Son of Stitch N' Bitch. Lots of great ideas for things to make for your favorite guy.

Don't miss either one!!

At The Lake Fall Fiber Retreat Flyer & Registration form
COMING SOON!!

Here's all our pumpkins. All in serious need of dental work!! What a fun day we had! Thanks to Julie Slaby for her expert instruction. Hey other area guilds, give her a call!

SHEILA'S SHAWLS

The Silent Witness National Initiative and At Loose Ends invites you to remember Sheila Wellstone (activist and wife of Senator Paul Wellstone) and her tireless crusade on domestic violence issues by knitting, weaving or crocheting for a mother or sister of a woman who was murdered in domestic violence, or for a survivor of domestic violence.
I have started a shawl here at the shop where you are welcome to come and knit a few rows. Or bring your completed shawls in whatever technique you prefer to At Loose Ends and I will mail them to the Minnesota State Coordinator for Sheila's Shawls. She will, in turn, see that they are given to a person who is in need of the comfort.
I hope you'll join me in honoring Sheila Wellstone, a dedicated advocate to ending domestic violence. Check out the Silent Witness website at www.silentwitness.net and Sheila's Shawls at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SheilasShawls/

Guild meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.at the shop. We learn so much from each other.

Come and join us. Dues are only $10 a year. Here's a sample of one year's meetings:

The April meeting was on Mosaic Knitting - a technique that looks like two color knitting without having to carry both colors in the same row.

May's meeting - Someone help me remember!!

June's meeting we learned short-row heels. And using a wire coat hanger, we made sock blockers.

July's meeting Lynette A. led us in another dyeing adventure-this time with wool. Lots of fun and VERY interesting...see the pix below.

August's meeting - Assembling a Warm Up America afghan or knit squares for the Shop Hop Shawl.

September - We shared our best knitting tips.

October - We'll be watching Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Glossary. Talk about tips!!

November - Start kniting now for the Mitten Tree. Watching more tips from EZ's Knitting Glossary.

December - Partaay!! It's Christmas pot luck, bring a gift to exchange (Optional) or just bring yourself...and a friend.

Now we are 2! ...years old that is. Thanks for all your support and business these past two years. I couldn't have done it without you all!!

Celebrating 3 years of business with coconut cream pie followed by two forms of chocolate...my hips are well padded!

Thursdays and Saturdays from 11:30 to 1:30 come and enjoy Yarn Therapy. There's a group of like-minded friends waiting to welcome you. Spinners bring your wheels, weavers bring your portable looms, crocheters bring your hooks. Or just bring your interest.

Scenes from a summertime Yarn Therapy (formerly known as Sit and Knit) I've renamed it so all you crocheters, weavers, spinners, and any fiberbending person will come. It's FREE and it's fun.

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