Big News for 2011!

Hello, Yarnies!

After four wonderful years as “NH Knitting Mama”, I have decided to change the name of my yarn shop to “Sunflower Yarns.”

Why the change?
I’m excited to share with you a big reason which contributed to my decision to make the change. My family and I are in the process of looking to move to a different part of the country. When I picked “NH Knitting Mama” all those years ago, I never imagined the possibility of moving away from NH. I decided it was time to change to something that does not geographically link me to a part of the country.

Why Sunflower Yarns?
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved sunflowers. I wanted to pick something that I could identify with, and it seemed fitting to be linked with something that I love so much.

What about listing stash in Ravelry?
Ravelry will still allow you to enter your stash - it doesn’t matter if your yarn tag says “NH Knitting Mama” or “Sunflower Yarns” - seach by either name and my yarn categories will come up.

What about the NH Knitting Mama Yarn Shop?
This shop is still up and running until the migration is complete. This will be a few more days. After the inventory is removed, if you type in the web address for this site, it will automatically direct you to Sunflower Yarns. This will give my existing customers time to change their links and get used to the new name.

What Next?
Over the next several days, you’ll notice that things that once said “NH Knitting Mama” will be changed to “Sunflower Yarns.” If you check out the new website for Sunflower Yarns, there will be links to the new Facebook, Twitter, and mailing list sign up.  This blog is going to eventually go away as the new site will have a blog integrated into it.

Please take a second to add your email address to the new mailing list. I will not be migrating the existing mailing list over to my new mailing list service as I don’t want my customers to be confused if they are not yet aware of the name change.

I’d like to thank you all for your support over the past years. I’m so excited for this change, and I’m looking forward to bringing you some gorgeous yarns this year! Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2011…

Grab Bag Mania ~

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for a grab bag.  I love the surprise of it - the wonder - the excitement.  The last few weeks I have been getting ready for all that goes with "year end" for a store, and put some great grab bags together!  Each one contains at least one hank of yarn, and depending on how many "extras" you want, depends on which size you choose.

All yarn and items are first quality (no seconds!), and they are being sold at cost, so you get a stellar deal.  All grab bags purchased before Thursday 11/25 will get a free gift!  NH Knitting Mama Yarns...

November Newsletter

Yes, that's right - it's that time!  The November Simple Pleasures Packages are on sale in the shop.  They will be winter-themed (NOT any particular holiday), and include a hank of yarn from my Durham (DK) line in an exclusive colorway.  I've also teamed up with Alecia from MadBird to have an exclusive goodie as well!

I've started doing a weekly update to the shop, being mostly on Tuesdays.  I've had great feedback doing it this way, and it gives everyone the opportunity to head over and see what is new.  If you want a weekly reminder of the updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Ravelry, as I do the announcement there once the update is all loaded.

Are you looking for a cool way to get your hands on 19 colorways of my yarn?  Check out Blankie Mania on Ravelry!  My friend Heather is hosting the NHKM swap for the group, and it has proven to be a fun way to use up sock yarn and make a neat blanket!  Check it out!

Thank you for supporting NH Knitting Mama ~ I appreciate your business!

Amanda

October Newsletter

Hi, all!

I hope everyone is enjoying those last days of hot weather OR the first days of fall.  There are lots of exciting things going on here at NHKM HQ.

There have been a lot of new yarns added to the shop in the last couple weeks in all weights and colors.

I've added more of the "Freedom" line (bamboo/merino blend).  I was able to make a pair of socks with this base, and they are wearing like steel!  I'm really impressed with this base.  Also had a sample shawl knit up with it, and it has awesome stitch definition.

The "Farmington" line had some additions as well.  This is a true work-horse yarn, as it is a 3 ply superwash merino.  And, at approx. 490 yards per hank, the price can't be beat.

I also added a few hanks of the "Windham" line.  This worsted weight merino is strong, warm, and wears well.  There will be lots more added through the month of October.

Another addition for October is my "Treat Bags" which are available with or without yarn.  Certainly a fun way for you to enhance your stash!

The details of the KAL/CAL have been announced on my Ravelry group.  This month we will be doing a hat/mitten set, but with options for you!  Check out the details at this link - there is also a coupon for you to use as a thank you for participating!

And, from now until October 15th, I am offering a free gift on all orders over $100 (after discounts applied and before shipping charges added).

Thank you for your business, and Happy October!

Behind the 8 Ball

And by behind, and August being the 8th month of the year, I mean that I am behind.  I'm not ready.  The month has rolled in much too quickly.

Today my son started his first "official" year of homeschooling.  In NH, we have to declare that we are a homeschooling family the year that a child is 6 during the month of September.  So, this is the year.  This, my friends, I was not ready for.  Paperwork wise and all that jazz, yes... but emotionally?  No.  I mean, seven short years ago I was pregnant and already waddling around like an oversized penguin.  But now?  I have a SIX year old.  That started school.  Here he is in his "classroom" at my parent's house, where he does a majority of his work.

There are several other things that I have not been able to give my time to.  Watching the Red Sox is one of them.  And this pains me, especially since I have this:

I'm also behind on reading my favorite blogs, listening to podcasts, and updating my yarn shop.  But, with fall approaching quickly, I will catch up.  A couple nights of my insomnia kicking in and I'll be back in the saddle with all the things I am on top of.  But for now, I'm behind the 8 ball.

July in a Jiffy

This month has been flying by for me.  I've been knitting a lot, as it is a good thing to do in 100 degree weather when you're in the house with the A/C on.  Finished a shawl, socks, a stuffed toy, a wrap, and a baby bag.  Also a couple pairs of socks.

Other than that?  Nothing to report.  Here's a pic of the latest socks, which was a stash buster project:

You Say Ketchup, I Say Catch Up

There's so much going on, yet nothing going on.  I run in high gear all the time, and it is not often that I don't have many things going on at a time.  Here's an idea of the past couple weeks.

• I was elected to be the area 10 (Manchester area) representative for the New Hampshire Homeschool Coalition.
• I have read the first seven books of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series in the last two weeks.  I love to read, and this series is incredible.  The characters are amazing and the storyline is well thought out.  I haven't been able to put them down - obviously!  There is something about vampires...
• While I am doing my normal daily stuff, my iPod has been working overtime.  Between Muse and Death Cab for Cutie, my ears have been happy!
• Knitting.  Always knitting.  Right now I'm working on the Clapotis. Here's a pic of the progress:

While doing all that, my family is always all around - which I wouldn't have any other way.  We're big multi-taskers in our house, so we work hard so we can play hard! 

Summer has arrived in NH, so we're off to the backyard to swim.  What have you been up to so far this summer?