Friday, October 02, 2009

ArtFibers Yarn Tasting

Last Sunday, my local knitting group hosted the ArtFibers Yarn Tasting at Moe's, a bar in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Sarah and Zawadi were the ones that arranged the whole thing with ArtFibers, so a huge thanks goes out to them for their hard work.The limit was 25 people, so the spots were first opened to our knitting group, and then to the rest of NYC. Zawadi posted all over Ravelry in the Brooklyn Groups and NYC Groups to let people know about this event. It was a free and a great opportunity to try out the yarns from ArtFibers.So, for 4 hours, we got to knit or crochet swatches with the ArtFiber's yarns. Each card was labeled with how much yarn to unwind and how many stitches and needle size to make a swatch. After the event, we are given a discount code (15%) to buy the yarns that we like from the ArtFiber's website.The beautiful yarns were overwhelming. The colors, textures and combination of fibers were a delight to behold and to touch.Here is Wanett knitting away on her swatches.And this is Wanett's swatches in progress.
Someone even brought their Weavette Loom to make a woven swatch.
Lissa, who is a crocheter in our group, made crochet swatches. I loved the way they turned out.
This is Sarah's beautiful swatches. It looks like it could be a beautiful knitted wall hanging.
These are the swatches I knitted up while sipping on a Mango Martini. As soon as I find the pattern to go with the yarn I chose, I will be placing my order. I can't wait!!
I had a lot fun and would totally recommend other knitting groups to give this a try. The event was 4 hours, but I could have knitted for another few hours. I also thought it was a eye opening experience. There were some yarns that I didn't think I would like based on the texture or colors and I ended up loving it after I knitted a swatch. It also helped to see what others were knitting with because I was quite surprised at what the knitted fabric look liked as opposed to the yarn sitting on the card. Yes, the adage about "not judging a book by it's cover" definitely holds true to yarn also.

15 comments:

CelticCastOn said...

This looks like fun, can't wait to see what you choose.

knithound brooklyn said...

I have to say I am sorry I missed this! The saturated colors on some of these yarns is just wonderful.

rohanknitter said...

That would be so neat - another reason to be thankful for an LYS /knitting group. (still always wishing I had one) Sometimes you really need to knit with something before you really know if you like it, or how you want to use it.

Hannah said...

A yarn tasting? Now that's a new one to me! But what a great idea, I just love it... Wish there could be one in my area.

Pixiepurls said...

is that satori you are knitting with? I adore satori, there are two like it, same blend just different weights. Love it. I have a bunch in my closet lol.

Jeanne said...

That sounds amazing! I should look into this for my knitting group..

Anonymous said...

oh this looks like a lot of fun! i've been so distracted by cooking and crocheting lately...i haven't knit a stitch in ages. but now that the weather has started changing i'm feeling the itch to pick up those knitting needles again.

Rima said...

Definitely fun. I wish I could have made it. The colors are just stunning, and the yarn textures seem so interesting. Look forward to see what you end up buying and making!

Sue said...

What fun and I dont know how you would decide which ones to buy as they all look so nice.

kim said...

How fun! I would love to do something like that. I can't wait to see what you choose, the swatches look great.

Vicki Knitorious said...

This is such a wonderful idea! Way back in the olden days of knit blogging... remember Secret Pals? I had a SP once or twice and was always so happily surprised when I'd be sent a yarn that I'd never have bought myself and, almost always, I'd knit it up and fall in love. Some of those items are my favorites to this day -- from yarn I wouldn't have looked at twice on my own.

joyce said...

Don't you love their yarn!! It was ArtFibers that taught me how to knit! My cousin and I took a private lesson and from there I was hooked. I'm sad that Art Fibers isn't walking distance from my work now that they moved but at least they're only 40 minutes by car. I did stock up on yarn though before they moved =)

Rebekah said...

Wow! This yarn looks gorgeous! Looks like a fun evening. You'll have to let us know what you decided to buy.

Corrie said...

now that is so new york/sex in the city to be knitting and enjoying a martini!

sounds like a blast, that is the perfect way to spend an afternoon! Now if I only lived in your part of the world....


Corrie:)

claudine said...

What a great idea for an event! I wish there were anything like that near where I live.

Love the colours and textures!