My 2014 in review and a giveaway

Posted on January 1, 2015 | 19 comments

My 2014 in review and a giveaway

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that this upcoming year is a happy and properous one for you and yours with lots of yarny goodness in it.

2014 was another good year for Yvieknits Yarns. I exceeded my sales from the previous year again and I am especially happy that my biggest gain this year was in my retail sales (direct to my customers) at the various events that I attended or hosted throughout the year.
colourways for retreat's workshop
I added a new product to my line last January: handpainted silk hankies which has sold well for me throughout the year. My friend and vendor partner, Francine taught “Knitting with Silk Hankies” workshops at the Eastern Ontario Needlers’ Retreat last November and at Yarn Forward in Kanata, ON in the fall. I happily supplied the silk hankies for all her workshops. She has more workshops scheduled at both locations of Yarn Forward in the new year.

I held two successful open house in February and August again this year. Both were well attended and everyone seemed to be having a good time. My open house in February was my most successful event so far. I plan to hold open houses in February and August again this year (details available on the Events page).

booth at gathering I attended several events as a vendor this year usually sharing a table/booth with Francine of Fancy That including a few new ones. I was a vendor at the Chesterville Spin-In (new event), The Gathering in Port Hope, St. Distaff Day (new event), trunk show at The Loop in Halifax, NS, Twist Fibre Festival, Ottawa Knitting Guild vendors’ night and the Eastern Ontario Needlers’ Retreat vendors’ night (new event). 2014-07-12 12.53.37-2

There were 2 new patterns released this year that suggest using one of my yarns. Robin Hunter released her Martine Dubois Crescent Scarf using 1 skein of my Merino Single Ply Fingering yarn in the Raspberry Mocha colourway in September. Natalie Servant released her Cormier Grille Shawl using 1.5 skeins of my sock yarn in the Pewter colourway for the fingering weight option. This is the first pattern from her new Canadian Art Deco Knits e-book.

On the retailers front, I sent a shipment of my yarn to Ram Wools Co-op in Winnipeg, MB in September and Yarn Forward in Kanata, ON started carrying my silk hankies in August. I continue to send regular shipments of my yarn to The Loop in Halifax, NS.

I would like to start this new year off with another yarn giveaway like I have for the past two years. This year I’m giving away a skein of my Merino/Silk DK yarn in either the Pewter or Berry Twist colourway (winner’s choice).
merino-silk dk - pewtermerino-silk dk - berry twist
These two skeins are still listed on the Merino/Silk DK page so you can see the details but I have temporarily removed the “add to cart” buttons.

Contest Details
For a chance to win your choice of the Merino/Silk DK skeins shown:

  • add a comment to this blog post stating what you would make with this skein if you won
  • one entry per person please
  • contest closes at midnight on January 3th, 2015 EST

I will use a random generator to pick a winner on January 4th.

Note: Do not worry if your comment is not displayed immediately. I manually review all comments that my anti-spam filter flags as spam every day and I will restore your comment.

19 Comments

  1. What a great year! I love your silk hankies and I’m sure this merino / silk dk would be lovely to knit up in: Flirty Merino-Silk Neck Warmer by Tonia Barry or something very similar. :)
    Wishing you much success in 2015 Yvie! :)

  2. Happy New Year Yvonne! I am a big fan of your yarns and look forward to seeing what you have in store for us this year.
    I’d definitely make a cowl with this yarn!

  3. Happy New Year! What pretty yarn – I’d use the Berry Twist to make a Riverton Cowl. So lovely!

  4. Oh, a chance to win free yarn! I would make a pair of fingerless mitts and headband for myself. I’ve knit so many for others already, it’s time for something for me.

  5. Love the colours and would definatley become a cowl !!!

  6. I would love a chance to win the Berry Twist. I would make The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief for my mother-in-law, who is the sweetest woman on the earth. I am extraordinarily lucky to have such selfless, caring, and giving in-laws. It would be my pleasure to give back in this way!

  7. That lovely grey skein is crying out to become a snuggly cowl. Perhaps another Zen Lattice by Susan Ashcroft. I’m sure it would look stunning.

  8. Hi Yvonne – sounds like you had a great year – all the best in 2015!! Either of those skeins would make a smashing Plessis Cowl (L’Atelier des Glenettes) to be worn with Madison’s white jacket, keeping her warm and cozy all winter!! Gabrielle has adopted her purple Alpaca Honey Cowl, so she needs a new one…

  9. You know I love your yarns Yvonne .Am so happy for your success this year once again.Have made a hat already from your Berry Twist so would definitely make a cowl to match–probably from a Natalie Servant pattern.

  10. Hi Yvonne!

    I would choose the pewter skein and make a pair of Suzy’s Reading Mitts to help keep my hands warm while typing at work :)

    Happy New Year!

  11. I’d like to try the Greenwillow cowl–see how it would work up in the slightly heavier yarn.

  12. Yvie, I so love your colours! It is eye candy every time I see what you have and I have no resistance when it comes to taking some home with me… I would make a pair of fingerless mitts for my sister is I won the Berry Twist skein.

    Happy New Year!

  13. I’d make myself a modified Cuppa Java cowl, with a button and buttonhole to keep it fastened the way I like. (In the Berry Twist, I think. :) )

  14. i would make a scarf. My most valuable winter accessory!

  15. I can’t decide!
    I think I’d choose the pewter and match it up with some brights.
    They’re both so yummy, of course.
    Happy new Year – much success to you in 2015!

  16. Happy New Year! So exciting to hear of your growing business, you are incredibly talented it is well deserved. Wishing you continued success in 2015.
    I would make a noble cowl with either of these, “yummy”‘ skeins!

  17. These yarns are so gorgeous!

    • Thank you!

  18. Yvonne! This is so wonderful to see and you are such an inspiration. I can’t wait to see you!

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