Knitting for Fort McMurray

 

Photo credit to : CTV news

A few weeks ago a post came across my feed from @ramonafirehorse on Instagram!! She was getting together a Knitting Donation for the residents of Fort McMurray affected by the wildfires. I was intrigued and anxiously awaited an update! 

Today was the day but it was from a more an indirect avenue. On my Facebook feed it came up that they were looking for donations for winter for the residents that are unemployed, have lost everything and are homeless! This is an issue because some were minimally affected and could go back to work, still had a house and hadn't lost everything. There are others who have lost. They are all at varying degrees of loss but it's still a loss, regardless of the money value. So I contacted them to find out if the Northlife Fellowship Baptist Church would accept any knitted wool items to distribute to those in need at the distribution centre. They replied yes! I will be getting the details shortly and sharing so all knitters can donate hats, scarves or possibly more! More will be announced soon!

I've been in contact via email with one of the ladies from the largest distribution centre in Fort McMurray and she welcomes knitted items for the winter such as toques and scarves. I will be speaking to her directly via phone this weekend and will get more clarification of where they would like these knitted items sent for distribution to all residents in need in Fort McMurray!! Get your needles ready #AlbertaKnitters , #CanadianKnitters & #knittersoftheworld !! 

KNITTERS UNITE!! Sharing is totally encouraged!! :heart_eyes:

Etsy Yarn Update TODAY at 4pm MST!!

I've been utilizing all the nap time I could the last few days and dyed up 60 skeins of yarn!!

 1 was completing a custom production order. It is the last custom order I had pending and will not be doing any custom production orders in the future. 

I enjoy my dyeing time and if certain colorways are popular during updates I may do larger lots but I'll be dyeing what I want to dye during my dye sessions 😍 No need to worry bc I enjoy dyeing a lot of the favourite colorways as the transformation is so inspiring during the process ❤️❤️

Anyways here's a few colorways that will be available during the update today at 4pm!

Farm Fresh on Anna's Sock - 4 skeins available

 

Camping on Anna's Sock - 6 skeins available

 

My Old Black Powder on Anna's Sock - 6 skeins available

 

Okanagan Peach on Anna's Sock - 6 skeins available

 

Plus the BFL Sock skeins below! I haven't taken photos of them yet but it will be done in the next couple hours! If you want to see them before the update check my Instagram feed and the Prairie Dye Studio Facebook Page to see the photos before the update!

 

Clockwise from top left : Farm Fresh, Teal Me Blue, A River RunsThrough, Hydrangea and Prairie Sunset !

There are 6 skeins in each colorway 😍

Happy Shopping at 4pm!!

Winter Deer Project Bags in the Etsy Shop 😍

I was able to collect a bit of time yesterday and get some photos of the Winter Deer Project Bags 😍

There is 2 Medium Project Bags for $40 each!

 

1 Large Project Bag which is discounted to $50 as there's a small imperfection!

 

And 1 Extra Large Project Bag price at $80!

 

I'm also streamlining my stock a bit while I'm preparing for my fall shows and have decided that the next 3 orders that have a project bag in them get a BONUS Abstract Art Project Bag 😍 If your unsure of what the Abstract Art fabric is here's a photo of one of the project bags that will be offered 😄

 

 

Also, there a bit of an update regarding the Canada Post Strike!  

 

The union workers of Canada Post have issued an order that they will not be working Over Time during the start of the Strike Notice during Negotiations. So there is very minimal distribution of service now. 

I will be leaving my shop open until they actively strike and all service is disrupted. Please be aware of the estimated times for delivery below and be aware that these are estimates and there is a chance that it may get held up by the Canada Post Strike.

Shipping estimates within Canada Post:

Within Canada : 5-10 business days

To the USA : about 3-4 business days to clear Canada Post to Customs

International : about 3-4 business days to clear Canada Post to Customs

I'm hoping they can come to some kind of resolution so that customers and businesses alike can continue to run business as usual! But I'll be checking the status of the Canada Post Strike very closely and will be updating the status on my Etsy Shop Announcement page, Facebool Page, Instagram Page and here as it happens! 

Thanks so much 😄

A few additions to the Etsy Shop...

I've been busy doing smaller batches of project bags and it seems to be going well so far 😄 I'm able to get about 2 bags done a day during naptime. There's the occasional time that I do some sewing while my husband is home from work but I'm trying to do my work just when the kiddos are napping so we can have family time when he gets home 😄

I did my first small project bag update a few days ago and sold 2 right away! I have 2 left of this super cute Country Cowboy fabric! 1 medium and 1 Extra Large!

 

 

I also finished up these Winter Deer project bags but haven't added them to my Etsy Shop yet!

 

Here's a close up of the fabric!

 

It is so pretty! I'm hoping to have them added to my Etsy Shop this weekend as long as Canada Post doesn't go on strike. Speaking of that, that's the next order of business I need to touch base on.....

 

I am a little miffed that Canada Post might be going on strike on Aug 28........ I figured that they would be able to figure this out between the Union Workers and Canada Post but apparently it's been dragging on ...... FOREVER! I'm not going to do a whole rant on this BUT they need to get their shit together. This striking notice, lock out notice, threatening garbage is irritating to customers and businesses alike. If it was cost effective and fees able on my part, I would go a completely different shipping method but I don't want to have rediculous shipping rates. So I will

Be keeping my Etsy Shop open until they actually strike. Shipping within Canada may be held up. Shipping to the USA and International takes about 3-4 days to clear Canada post to get to customs so I believe all orders should already be clear of this. I am tossing around the idea of leaving my Etsy Shop open but shipping purchases as soon as the Strike is over. The last time they striked I believe it lasted a bit until they were legislated back to work. So it could be a couple days or a couple weeks. I'll keep everyone notified once I know more 😄

A Few Changes...

It's been about 2 years since I started Prairie Dye Studio and I wasn't sure what the response would be but I knew that it would take a couple years to establish a business. I had just become a stay at home mom with my first child and I wanted to follow that dream I've always had to dye yarn.

Fast forward a couple years and I now have 2 little girls. One 3.5 year old and a 8 month old. The response to my business has been fabulous since I did the Calgary Fibre Shindig in April and has continued to grow. I am beyond grateful for this growth and it has helped me fill my moments with a creative outlet 😍❤️

With all this growth I've been trying to balance my home life with my business and it's start to be come a little out of balance! Especially with my 8 month old crawling like a beast 😂 So I've decided to stream line my business a bit and do smaller updates. I'll still continue to stagger yarn updates and project bag updates but the only difference is that the project bags and yarn will be released in smaller batches. So as I finish up each batch of project bags in a certain fabric they will be added to my Etsy Shop. The changes will probally be very minimal for the yarn updates but there's a possibility that it may take a couple days to stagger out the different colorway to my Etsy Shop. 

Right now it's just prioritizing what comes first and I want to enjoy my time with my little ones. So hence the smaller updates 😄

I'll be doing my sewing / dyeing when they nap and I'll be doing smaller batches. The reason for this change is that I have such little time between nap times or when my husband gets home to work, that for the last little while I've been burning the candle at both ends to get everything done. So to maximize my creative time I'll just be dyeing up or sewing up what's creatively freeing for me 😍  It's why I started my small business and I've kinda detracted from it. . So I need to pull back a bit and just focus on the creative aspect of my job and business. So saying that, that's why I won't be able to do custom orders. I'll only have what's available in my Etsy Shop and some colorways I really enjoy dyeing. So no need to worry about My Old Black Powder never coming back 😂 Plus a lot of new colorways! 

Thanks so much for your love, support and understanding!! 

Melissa

PrairieDyeStudio

Silent Auction Donation for the Good Samaritan Senior Home!

I was contacted by Linda from the Good Samaratian Senior House in Rocky Mountain House, AB just over a week ago about possible donations for their Silent Auction. The funds provided from this Silent Auction to towards providing funding for things that the government doesn't supply and what the residents cannot afford. So of course I wanted to help!!

I got together a sweet package that's valued at $124!!

 

It includes: a Medium Vintage Country Can Project Bag, a skein of Duchess on MCN Sock, 2 Snagless Stich Marker Sets (1 Medium, 1 Large), 2 sets of Progress Keepers ( 1 hook, 1 Locking) and a super cute sheep wrist key chain 😍

If you're interested in placing a bid I would contact Linda Galloway at 403-845-6033 extension 63224. She may be able to place a Silent Bid for you and arrange options for payment if you win. 

It's a fabulous package for a fabulous facility 😄

Happy Bidding 😄

I ❤️Love❤️ Big Bags and I Cannot lie 😂

 For the last Project Bag Update I focused on making some sweater bags and some larger bags. When I had a previous update before Olds Fibre Week the Sweater Bags sold super fast and were well received! So I decided to make up a few more as well as some Small and Medium project Bags 😄

I decided to reach for the stars (almost literally 😂) with this Project Bag! This is the Super Extra Large Abstract Art Project Bag. It'll easily hold an afghan or blanket WIP and the photo shows that it will easily hold 3 adult women's sweaters. 2 worsted sweaters and 1 fingering! It's super roomy! 

The base of the bag measures 7.25" wide x 13" length" x 29.25" tall. The top measures 20" and the opening is 18" wide.

 

I also made 2 tall and skinny Medium Abstract Art Project bags! They will fit an adult Womans worsted sweater with a bit of room left over!

The base of the striped Abstract Art project bag measures 4" wide x 6.75" length" x 15" tall. The top measures 11" and the opening is 10" wide.

 

The base of the standard Abstract Art project bag measures 4" wide x 6.75" length" x 17.5" tall. The top measures 10.5" and the opening is 9.75" wide.

 

This Hearts Aboriginal Girl Project Bag is super cute and was a favourite during the last update! 

The base of the bag measures 5.75" wide x 13.25" length" x 12" tall. The top measures 18.5" and the opening is 16.25" wide.

 

I also introduced the new Reuse Recyle Project Bags! They are made from very gently used or new condition shirts (all recycled never bought new).  I'll only use gently used shirts and they'll be fully washed before I reuse them! I use as much of the fabric as I can and there is very minimal scraps left over. I utalize as much of the fabric as I can so there is patchwork sections on the sides 😍  There will only be 1 project bag in each fabric and are completely One Of A Kind (OOAK)!! 

This Brown and White Reuse Recycle Shirt Project Bag is Sweater sized and is discounted as it has a very small blemish on the fabric, as shown in the photo 😄

The base of the bag measures 6.5" wide x 13" length" x 14" tall. The top measures 19.5" and the opening is 17"wide.

 

This Brown and Gold Reuse Recycle Shirt Project Bag is sweater sized and made from a Billabong Shirt! it has 2 functioning pockets in the front that you can use to store notions 😄

The base of the bag measures 6.25

" wide x 13" length" x 16.5" tall. The top measures 19" and the opening is 17.25" wide.

 

This Blue and White Cowgirl WorkShirt Reuse Recyle Project Bag is sweater sized!!

The base of the bag measures 6.25" wide x 11.25" length" x 15" tall. The top measures 17.25" and the opening is 15.5" wide.

 

This Large Tweed Reuse Recycle Project Bag is sweater sized and has a seam that is top stitched down. It's hardly noticeable because of the textured fabric but it was nessessary to make enough useable fabric for the project bag 😄

The base of the bag measures 6.25" wide x 8.5" length" x 14.25" tall. The top measures 14.25" and the opening is 12.75" wide.

 

This Floral Patch Work Project Bag is sweater sized.

The base of the bag measures 7.25" wide x 9.25" length" x 14" tall. The top measures 16.25" and the opening is 13.5" wide.

 

 Happy Shopping 😄

Some Fibre Added and Some Changes...

I finally was able to post the last of the Fibre that I 'be had in my stock to my Etsy Shop yesterday! They've been lingering in my show bins since Olds Fibre Week. The below braids are the kettle dyed braids and their weight vary as the rovings were different weights when I revived them.

Left: Berries on BFL Superwash

Right : both Deep Blue on BFL Superwash but different weights

 

I also did some Fine Shetland braids that were dyed in sections. I dyed these with gradients in mind! So they are dyed in 6 sections and you can spin them in continues sections or separate them to get a continuous repeat. Whatever floats your boat 😄

I spun a braid a few months back and it came out fabulous! I spun it in sections all on one bobbin then chain plied so it came out a gradient. You can see how it came out in the bottom right photo 😄

 

 

I have so much to catch up on on the blog but have been having a hard time putting a couple thoughts together lately! My baby is crawling like a monster and requires almost constant attention. So I've put a bit of my business stuff on the back burner for now. I'm still doing project bags, yarn and notions but there will be a limited supply for now until I figure out how to balance my home and work life. There will also be a bit of restructuring my business in the next couple months so I can streamline it. Then I can spend as much of my time with my baby and toddler and enjoy their special moments while still doing updates. 

How will this affect my customers? 

There will be smaller updates with yarn and project bags with certain fabrics. It will take the pressure off me so I don't have to stress out to finish 25 bags for an update 😉

For now I'm going to enjoy what's left of summer, knit a bit and get some stock base up 😍

Thanks so much 😄

Full Preview for the Aug 9 Update is on Facebook!!

It's that time again 😄 I've uploaded all the photos of all the project bags I'll be listing tomorrow for the update! The update is Tuesday, August 9 at 10am MST!! I have a limited amount of bags in each fabric and some fabrics I'm not able to get again. 

 

I'll have a very limited amount of OOAK Cowboy / Cowgirl Work Shirt Extra Large Project Bags!! There is only 1 available in each fabric since they are made from very gently used or new condition shirts (all recycled never bought new) 😄 There are 2 brand name project bags (like Billabong) and 2 Cowboy / Cowgirl Project Bags! 

 

It's part of my new Re-Use and Recycle Initiative where I can make these super cool bags! I'll only use gently used shirts and they'll be fully washed before I reuse them! There will only be 1 project bag in each fabric and are completely One Of A Kind (OOAK)!!

I decided to make more larger bags this time around since last time I only made 3 and they sold super fast! So I made larger bags in various sizes and fabrics! All the Large bags will easily hold an adult sweater WIP and the Extra Large size will easily hold a generous Sweater WIP or a blanket WIP!!

I've also made only 2 Super Extra Large Blanket bags!! These are the largest bags I've made so far and would easily fit a Queen size or King size blanket WIP in it!! They are huge and super sweet!! It would also work well if you wanted to store all your WIP's in it 😉

 

The photos are quite deceiving but this bag is just over 29" tall 😳!!

Check out the Prairie Dye Studio Facebook Page for a detailed listing of all the project bags!!

Happy Shopping 😄

Restock at The Knitting Room!!

 

I was quite the Ninja on Friday and popped into The Knitting Room to drop off some new colorways!! There is 2 skeins of each on Anna's Sock!! It's the best selling base there so far 😄

Clockwise From Top Left: Campfire, Camping, 80s Baby, Realgar, SlyFox, Rosebud

So pop in and snag a skein or 2 while you can if your in Calgary!!

Happy Shopping 😄

Etsy Update Preview!!

There will be an Etsy Uodate today at 10am MST!! I have been dyeing up a storm this last week and I Hope you love all the colorways being introduced 😄

 

There's a Full Preview of all the colorways on the bases on the Prairie Dye Studio Facebook Page HERE !! There are also a couple OOAK single skeins!! 

Happy Shopping!! 

The Knitting Room 😍😍

I've been wanting to pop into the NEW Knitting Room ever since I've started having chats with Helena about introducing my yarn there. I had never been to their new location and honestly it's been a while since I've been in a yarn store 😉 Being a stay at home mom on a slim budget it's not conducive to spend lots of time in a yarn store 😂 Anyway, my husband and I were looking at getting a Newer used vehicle and popped into Calgary on a whim to check out a few dealerships. It was the perfect time to stop in after all the frustration of car shopping. 

The Knitting Room is located in the Mall attached to the Safeway on 3630 Brentwood Road NW in Calgary, Alberta. As soon as I saw it in the mall I thought it was a beautiful yarn shop 😍

 

Like how gorgeous is this shop!

 

Inside there's lots of cubbies filled with yarn and my Prairie heart is warmed just looking at the home feel you get from her shop!

 

There's a couple comfy chairs visitors can knit in and there is a Starbuck's just a little ways down in the mall. So you could pick up your favourite latte and pop in for a few rows and a chat 😉 There's also a larger table behind the chairs if you wanted to work larger projects or visit with a larger group!

 

 

My OCD heart is singing just looking at this immaculate wall of yarn 😍 She carries many mainstream sock yarns from the major yarn companies and what I consider Workhorse yarns 😍 I use workhorse yarns for all my normal projects that I knit everyday. She also carries Handmaiden and Fleece Artist for that special project!

And of course Prairie Dye Studio yarns!!

 

I can tell it's been picked over ALOT from the first stocking! There are a few skeins left and I'm hoping to restock in about 2-3 weeks, unless stock gets VERY SLIM in the next little while. Then I'll be there sooner! Helena currently carries some MCN Lace, SW Lace, BFL Silk Fingering, BFL Sock and Anna's Sock! So if you would like to check out my yarns in person head over to The Knitting Room and have a look and a feel 😄

 

Check out all the Fleece Artist on that rack 😍

Helena has gorgeous samples displayed throughout the store!

 

 

I love these mittens 😍

 

A beyond inspiring color work shawl!!

 

Some super cute knit plushies!!

 

I loved this display!! If I could steal that wooden case, I would!! With no remorse 😂

 

And how gorgeous is this yarn bowl? I have a deep love for orange and I kept telling myself, "you don't need another yarn bowl!" But really does need have anything to do with it? 😂 Someone save my wallet and buy it before the next time I get there 😉❤️

I was super good and ONLY bought 1 skein of yarn. Now to everyone that's not sure what I consider workhorse yarn:

 

This is a skein of Cascade Heritage Wave. It's a 75/25 wool nylon mix and I have knit this brand of yarn many times and it's soft and super durable. It's a good example of mainstream yarn that is esthetic ally beautiful yet budget conscious! This is what Helena specializes in. Having budgetconscious yarns for everyday projects AND that special yarn for that special project 😍

I had a fabulous time visiting and taking photos! I had an awesome little helper while I was taking photos 😄 There was a darling little girl that had to be about 4-5 that was showing me the best angles to take photos and I have to admit, she was right 😉 

Pop into The Knitting Room and have a wonderful chat with Helena 😄 I wish I had a yarn store like this a little closer to home😍

Happy Shopping!!

Etsy Update Friday July 15!!

I am so happy that Canada Post has decided to continue bargaining and when I say this I mean that Canada Post and the Union, together! Because both have consessions they need to make. My to make this political or anything but it's important for both sides to make consessions and work together for the benefit of the business, the employees and the customers! That's all I have to say about that.....

Anyways! I hit the dye pots yesterday and dyed up 31 skeins of yarn! I'm super excited about how these came out! Here's a quick preview:

 

I have posted a complete preview on the Prairie Dye Studio Facebook page HERE !! You can see how each base looks in the colorway! 

I have 30 more skeins to dye and a custom dye job so there will be more colorways to show off in the next couple days 😄 Tomorrow is dye day 😍

Happy Soon To Be Shopping 😄

New things are in the works 😄

I've enjoyed my little time off after Olds Fibre Week and have had some much needed time for myself and with my kiddos 😄 I've been tossing around some ideas of what direction I want my small business to go. I have a couple new products that I'm working on and I'm really excited to see what the response is for my first update and sequential updates after the Canada Post Strike / Lock Out is resolved! So there are very positive things on the horizon!

For now I'm super excited that my yarn order came in yesterday! MCN will be hitting the dye pots in the next couple weeks and a restock of Anna's Sock, which will soon be called 80/20 Sock. I know it's unimaginative BUT it makes it easier for people to see what it is when I'm doing shows. So there will be a transitional period while my Labels with Anna's Sock are slowly phased out. Thanks so much for your patience 😄

Now some awesome news! If your follow my Instagram feed or follow me on Facebook you would have seen that just recently The Knitting Room in Calgary, Alberta has started selling my yarn and featuring my yarn! I'm super excited to be working with Helena of The Knitting Room for this expansion of my small home run business! I love that she's rebranding an existing business that she's purchased and introducing more modern yarns and is supporting local fibre artists 😄 If you haven't been to the NEW The Knitting Room it's definitely worth the trip! I'll be visiting it on Saturday to check it out again in person!! They just recently had s fabulous review by The Yellow Pages by a fibre lover! Check it out HERE !!

 

Helena has about 20-30 skeins in stock at The Knitting Room right now! I will be replenishing the stock and rotating the stock there for the next couple months as a trial to see what the response is and if it can be balanced with my online business. I am super excited that it gives local customers in Calgary to have a place to go and buy my yarn. Possibly buy more yarn as well since they are saving the shipping 😉 

I'll still be doing regular updates and I can't guarantee that all colorways will be available at both my Etsy Shop and  the Knitting Room. I'll do my best but it's inevitable that it might not be available through both avenues. I will only be stocking The Knitting Room once a month and possibly more if my stock is selling more. If you are looking for a custom order and order it through The Knitting Room it will have a 4 week layover time. 

I will do my best to maintain favourite colorways in stock in both my Etsy Shop and at The Knitting Room but I also don't want to stifle my creative outlet so I'll also be doing lots of free flowing creative dyeing. Which basically means that I have no set plan when I start dyeing and just let the creativity take ahold and see what happens. I find that the most gorgeous colorways are created when I do this 😍 The last thing I would want creatively would be that I have a set dye list every time I go to dye. That's no fun 😂 

For now I'll only have my yarn at The Knitting Room until I figure out if it's cost effective, on my part, to sell my project bags there! I need to stream line my project bag process to get it at a price point I'm comfortable with. Thanks so much for your patience 🙏 

I'll keep posting new items to my Instagram feed, in my Facebook group and my blog as they are completed! So keep checking back! A you can find my Instagram feed or link on the right side of this page in the tool bar. You can find PrairieDyeStudio on Facebook HERE and Prairie Dye Studio has a Ravelry Group as well HERE !! Feel free to share any progress pics or what your working on in the Prairie Dye Studio Ravelry Group!  

Thanks so much for all your support and hopefully I can branch out to the Edmonton area next 😄

Happy Knitting AND Shopping !!

Indie Dyer ❤️Love❤️...

Before I went to Olds Fibre Week I was obsessed with getting prepared for the market. I didn't have too much time to think about potential purchases. When I wasn't working on increasing my stock or my display I was spending time with my husband and 2 daughters. So after I had my booth set up I got a chance to check out some booths and had a mental checklist of what purchases I wanted to make. Flock Fibre Studio was definitely one of them! I picked up a couple things, did a massive amount of Instagram photos of all the vendors. Then I got home and was looking through my acquisitions and realized that I didn't get something from their booth! Palm.... In..... Face.....!!! 

Like how does that even happen? I was super exited that they did an Etsy Update a few days later. I promptly bought a skein of yarn and a braid of fibre. Shipping was super quick since they are located in Calgary and I'm located just north of Red Deer! 

 

I fell in love with this skein!! It looked so fabulous when I received it and when I un-skeined it to take this photo o could see all the flecks of color and the depth of the dye job was really fabulous! I can't wait to cast on this skein and see how it knits up!! It might be a little bit but it's on my short list!

 

Next up was this fabulous 65/35 Merino Silk braid. I had taken this "traditional" photo that everyone uses for braids:

 

But you couldn't see the depth and the marbling of each color in the braid. The colorway is call Thunder and Lightening and each color in the braid has a wonderful semi solid appearance so I know it's going to spin up magically 😍

They still have some gorgeous colorways available in their etsy shop and they are still shipping via courier! They are located in Calgary so if your local they may be able to meet up with you 😄

Happy Knitting 😄