Big Big BIG News

The Twisted Purl finally has an online shop. It is very slowly stocking. All the yarns listed are a one time yarn, so if you see something you want, you better grab it. Also, be sure to sign up for The Twisted Purl Newsletter to stay up to date with special savings and discounts.

Go to THE TWISTED PURL SHOP!

In Dye News:

Today I painted a few batches of roving. It has been ages and ages since I have dyed roving. But today was the day. With a bit of poking and prodding from a friend. I actually got dying again.

Mostly Green with a touch of Orange and Yellow Roving:
Classic Twisted Purl Americana Roving:

This N That (a combination of a ton of different colors):
Pink, Magenta, and Soft Brown:

These will be spun up in the next few days and then added to the online store. So keep an eye out!

Trunk Show Pics and Conway Locally Grown is Open

Last week we went to Theodore Jones for a trunk show. I snapped a few pictures, but they really didn't turn out so well. Must be the school room lighting.

The Market at Conway Locally Grown is back open. It's that time of year where the market officially opens every Sunday at 8:00 PM and stays open until Tuesday at 8:00 PM. Here are two new yarns listed for this week:

"Marble Spun" Fiber: Blue Faced Leicester, Merino Wool,and Tencel Blend. Handspun & Hand Painted Approx. 65 yards of Bulky Weight Yarn "Marble Spun" is a three ply handspun yarn with very soft shades of tan, white, purple, and a touch of green. The over all look appears to be marbled. One of the plies is tencel which give the yarn a hint of shine. Handspun yarn is very unique. There are parts that are slightly thicker and thinner, giving your end project an amazing quality. Three ply yarn balances itself out quite nicely. This originated from hand painted roving and was carefully spun and then plied. $28

OLD FASHION LOLLYPOP 100% Blue Faced Leicester Wool Handspun & Hand Painted Approx. 80 yards of Bulky Weight Yarn "Old Fashion Lollypop" is a three ply handspun yarn with classic colors of red, yellow, and blue. Handspun yarn is very unique. There are parts that are slightly thicker and thinner, giving your end project an amazing quality. Three ply yarn balances itself out quite nicely. This originated from hand painted roving and was carefully spun and then plied. $30

Remember, if you are in the area these yarns are available. The purchases need to be picked up on Friday late afternoon.

On a personal note, I want to say Happy Birthday to the man behind The Twisted Purl. If it wasn't for him, life would not be the same. Happy Birthday to my darling. ♥

Kris Allen Comes Home!

Conway's own local hero comes home. Kris Allen from American Idol has made it to the final three. Our family has been huge fans of American Idol since season one. We were thrilled this year to see a worship leader from our church, New Life Church, in Conway, Arkansas making it on American Idol. Kris Allen made it to the final three and came home for a free concert.

When Conway gets behind something, they don't do it half way! Look at just a few of the signs from all around the town:Drew and Austin had the "Kris Allen Flu" and had to be pulled from school a bit early on Friday. I mean really, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that shows the kids they can do anything they set their minds to. Kris Allen is our local hero. He is an awesome role model. There was nothing in the last couple hours of school that could have taught them the lessons they learned just from seeing Kris Allen and his humility.

The kids sported their support signs. Before we were allowed close to the stage, we were informed no signs would be allowed in. The signs went back to the car. Oddly enough, moments before the concert started, the staff handed out printed signs, homemade signs, and flags for everyone to hold.

We arrived at Simon Park in downtown Conway at 1:30 PM. With our super early arrival, we secured a front row position.

When Kris Allen took the stage, he was very humble and adorable as ever. The news reported there was between 18,000 and 20, 000 people for the concert. CLICK HERE if you'd like to see more pictures from the concert.

Here are the two videos I shot from my camera of Kris Allen's Performance. First song was "Man in the Mirror":

After this performance, he sang "She Works Hard for the Money". Sorry, I did not record it, I just enjoyed it.

Last song Kris Allen shared with the crowd was "Falling Slowly"...enjoy:

All in all, the concert was phenomenal. We had a blast. At one point Austin waved at Kris Allen and he waved back. Austin squealed!

The judges choice for Kris Allen to sing on next Tuesday is "Apologize". Kris was very quiet about what his song choice will be. Watch and vote help Kris Allen's dream come true. Your votes determine who will be the next American Idol...let's make sure it's our humble, hometown hero, Kris Allen. ♥

Want to read more about Kris Allen and his Hometown Visit? Go to: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1730780/american_idol_kris_allen_performs_for.html

Austin the Bully?

On May 6th, 2009 I will be at Theodore Jones Elementary School for a trunk show. The elementary school is located at 1800 Freyaldenhoven Ln in Conway, Arkansas.

Along with my yarn, there will be handmade items from Jeanetta of Splendid Design, Laurie from IsInGlass, and Chris Massingal.

Here is my very latest creation. Three semi-solid painted Blue Face Leicester Fiber spun up:
Then plied together. Normally, I only do two ply yarn, but this was too cool:

It's pictured still on the wheel, but as soon as it finishes drying from being set I will put up another picture.

~*~

On a personal note, this is just way too funny not to share. My middle son is a rock star when it comes to school. He doesn't ever get in trouble at school. Every week, his teacher sends home a
behavior report. This entire school year there has been nothing but giant smiley faces on each report.
This week, this is what I got:
Yes, that does say "Gave a boy a wedgie". After laughing really hard, wiping away the tears, and putting on my most serious face, I asked Austin what happened. He explained he gave his best friend, Ethan, a wedgie, but only because he asked for one. Otherwise he would have never done it. He swears. I explained that even if someone asks for a wedgie, it's probably best to say no.

Oh the joys of motherhood! ♥

Conway Locally Grown Market is Open

The Twisted Purl has been approved to sell handmade yarn through Conway Locally Grown. The market is now open for this week and will be until 8PM on Tuesday. I have listed a few skeins of yarn including:

BLUEBERRY SURPRISE
PASSION

RAZZLEBERRY


Please check out The Twisted Purl's handmade yarn listed on Conway's Locally Grown by Clicking Here.

Conway Locally Grown will be open every other week. I will try my very best to keep the blog updated as to when the market is open. You can also register by clicking here to sign up with Conway Locally Grown. When the market is open, you will receive an email. Be sure to check out all the other locally grown goodies and remember to support your local growers, crafters, and artists. You do need to be somewhat local to use this program as well. You pick up your purchases on the Friday that the market is open.♥

It's ALIVE!

The Twisted Purl has been asleep for too long. It's time to get things back into gear and wake up!

Things have been happening. Really! First off, a new Yarn-A-Holic Group was started in Conway, Arkansas. The group meets every Tuesday at The Faulkner County Library. Click Here to go to the facebook page for the group.

Here's the lowdown on the group:
"Are you crazy for crochet? Needing to knit? Spastic for spinning? Or just freaky for fiber? Have we got the support group for you. Beginning March 31, join fellow fiber addicts at the Faulkner County Library on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All skill levels are welcomed. We want to offer a community-learning environment where those just starting out can learn from others with more experience. Bring your projects, grab a cup of our free coffee and make some new friends."

I take my spinning wheel, when we are in the larger room. If you spin, please bring some of your yarn to show off! The first night of the group I took the roving pictured below and spun it while chatting with all the great ladies.

The second night of the group, I plied the yarn and this is the final product:
I want to give a shout out to an amazing local program. It's called Conway Locally Grown. The flyer for the program can be seen here: http://conway.locallygrown.net/files/document/document/106/FLYER-1.pdf
If all goes ok, I may be selling my handmade yarn through this amazing program. If not, I will be buying some local, super fresh produce. It's always best to support your local markets and producers. More details to follow on this program and The Twisted Purl's involvement.

I have teamed up with a few other AREtsy members to do some local trunk shows. The next date will be on May the 6th. I will share more details about this in my next post.