Luminous Threads Boutique Blog

Saturday Knit Fever!!

2009-05-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

is happening in my home on

May 30th from 7- 10pm
please email me for directions if you would like to come.

Co-op Update, Knit Group, Saturday Knit Fever, Sewing and Quilting Classes!

2009-05-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Luminous Threads

I know how patiently all of you have been in waiting to hear from me in regard to forming a co-op, and I really appreciate it. I wanted to let you know that I have decided not to be part owner.. This was a very hard decision to make, and I have spent a lot of time considering all the options that are available. I feel that due to the economic status, and my own personal financial position, I can't be part of the co-op at this time. I also must admit that being an integral and present part of my family is also very important to me, and I don't feel that I would be able to fulfill that part if I am working away from home. Please understand that I would love to see Luminous Threads continue under the co-op or even another owner, and I am happy to help make sure this happens. If you are interested in purchasing the business name, email list, website, and ect, you can contact me.

I am still hosting Knit Group in my home on Fridays from 10-1pm and Sewing (Clothing Construction) on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Susan is still our wonderful quilt instructor and you can join her classes by contacting her wordsmith2004@hotmail.com. And last, but not least, Saturday Knit Fever is happening in my home on May 30th from 7- 10pm. Please shoot me an email or give me call if you need directions. I am cancelling Thursday knit group due to lack of attendence, but I am still available for help, so don't hesitate to call. I am also available in the evenings and on weekends if you would like me to come to your house for help with your projects.

I still have a lot of fabric, knitting needles, and yarn available if you are looking for anything and don't want to go to a regular store. I also have my etsy shop up and running. You can find me at http://www.dahliamist.etsy.com. This is a really great place to find supplies at an excellent price.

I have included a letter below from Kristin and Susan.

Warmest regards,

~Amber Moore-Barcus

Dear Friends of Luminous Threads:
As you know, Susan R. and I have been trying to gather all of you together so we can form a co-op. Over the last couple of months, Susan R. and I have been waiting for the dust to settle and see how things are going both economically and personally.

Amber has needed time to rethink priorities and understand how her family life needs to reflect in the co-op. My family is figuring out how the job market is affecting us.

Amber made a heartfelt decision to be more available to her husband and children at this time in her life. She, along with me, have not given up the dream of Luminous Threads, and yet she feels that her family is not in the right stage of life to be ready for a full time partnership commitment to a co-op. I support and respect her decision.

Amber and I agree that we are a good team and wish to leave the option open to build a new shop in the future. This does not mean that a co-op is a bad idea. We both feel strongly about a co-op in our area. We will both support and help one thrive should another leader decide to take up the reins. We just cannot be "Team Duo" in charge at this time. If anyone is interested in such a venture, please contact Kristin Praly at horsegal@praly.com

We appreciate each and every one of you! We are glad that you have been a part of our lives and look forward to you continuing to be so!

Please look for Luminous Thread email updates. Many classes and fun ventures are still happening! Amber is going gang busters creating new lively wool blends, come check it out at Amber’s place. The LT connection!

Kind regards, from both,

Kristin and Susan R. (acting secretary) -Your LT team

Update

2009-03-15T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Just wanted to remind you that:

Thursday Knit Group Meets 3pm- 6pm.

Friday Knit Group Meets 10am- 1pm.

Sewing Class 5:30pm- 7:30pm (every Monday, $85/4 classes, contact jill@heartgallery.com)

All at my house!!
Just call me if you need directions.

I can come to you too if you need lessons!

Hope you are all happily crafting!

~Amber

2009-02-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!
So much has been going on. The store stuff has been taken care of, I am feeling better after a nasty cold/flu, and my craft lair is looking good! I have started meeting with people for knitting lessons and I am ready to have some groups meet at my house.

Soooo, starting on Thursday, Feb 26, I would like to invite you to join me for Knitting Group from 3pm to 6pm in my home. If you need help on anything, bring it. I will have a donation box to help compensate for my time.

Regular Friday group can also start meeting in my home on the 27th of February. I’ve increased the time from 10am to 1pm. I would love to see you there.

I also would like to start the Block of the Month Club again. If you are interested, please let me know. I have some great new patterns. I would like to change the format a little bit by using a new yarn and making the squares even bigger.

Thursday Knit Group 3pm- 6pm.
Friday Knit Group 10am- 1pm.
Sewing Class 5:30pm- 7:30pm (every Monday, $85/4 classes, contact jill@heartgallery.com)

As soon as I know when the next quilting class is, I will let you know. I have A LOT of fabric available for a great price (NEW stuff too!)
I am really looking forward to seeing you and continuing knitting and sewing. My two great loves!
Happy Crafting!
~Amber

50% OFF SALE!!

2009-01-22T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
For those of you who may not know yet, Luminous Threads Boutique is closing it's doors on January 30th, 2009. This date is a Friday and we are still having knit group for those of you who would like to come. We will be taking the month of February off for our knit group, but we will resume on Friday, March 6th at 11am in my home in Ben Lomond. Please make sure to contact me if you plan on coming so I can give you directions.

All this week and next, everything in the store is
50% OFF
Needles, Yarn, Fabric, Purses/Bags, and Notions.

***Clothing Construction Classes ARE Happening!!***
The first class is Monday, Feb. 2 at 5:30 pm at my house. If you would like to sign up-- please contact me or Jill Sanders, our instructor. (Her email is jill@heartgallery.com)

***Quilting Classes ARE Happening!!***
Please contact Susan Raineri at wordsmith2004@hotmail.com.

My new business cards are ready and are available to pick up at the store.
Hope to see you soon!
~Amber
Luminous Treads
Mobile Needle Artist170 Figone Ln. • Ben Lomond • CA • 95005 • (831) 246-0258amber@luminoustreads.com

Awesome Sales and Other Info!

2009-01-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

Even though the store is closing, we are still having Knitting, Quilting and Sewing classes. They are just in a slightly different format. Beginning in March, I am available as a knitting instructor-- we can meet at your home or mine, or even at a coffee shop.

If you are interested in the clothing construction classes, Jill will be teaching them at my house in Ben Lomond.

Susan is available for quilting, crochet, and hand quilting classes too.

Beginning January 20th (Tuesday)

EVERYTHING in the store is 50% OFF!!

Furniture and knitted samples excluded.

Our last business day is January 30th, 2009.

Store Closing

2008-12-24T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hello My Dear Friends and Customers,
As you all know, the recession has hit businesses very hard across America. The importance of shopping locally has never been felt more. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who has spent your time and money in our little shop and it is with a heavy heart that I must let you know that we will be closing Luminous Threads. January will be the last month for the store under Kristin's and my ownership. I will be sending out emails to let you know when we will start having a sale on our current merchandise. If you are interested in purchasing the business, please contact me, Amber or if you are interested in forming a co-op, please contact Susan Raineri at wordsmith2004@hotmail.com.
It has been an absolute joy to be a part of the Felton Business Community and also as part of the local knitting and sewing community. It was my dream to be here and I feel blessed to have been a part of it for the last few years. Thank you so much!!
SIncerely,
Amber

On Sale This Month!!

2008-11-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

YARN

Araucania Quellon 30% Off

Araucania Atacama 30% Off

All Cotton and Cotton Blends 20% Off

All Ribbon and Novelty Yarns 20% Off

Pierrot 40% OFF Clearance

Araucania Ranco Sock Yarn 40% OFF Clearance

Pastaza 40% OFF Clearance

Cascade Bulky Leisure 40% OFF Clearance

FABRIC

All PRE-Cut Fat Quarters $2 each

All PRE-Cut Yards Rolls $7 each

Kaffe Fasset and Carla Miller Fabrics 30% Off

All Christmas Fabrics 40% OFF CLEARANCE (1 yard minimum)

Purses, Baskets, & Storage are 20% Off

(This includes purses made by Eva!)

All Jewelry is 15% Off.

Bias Tape and Ribbon are 20% Off too!

Saturday Knit Fever and Fall Fashion Show

2008-09-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

October 4th, 2008

7 pm to 10 pm

Please join us for a grown-ups show and tell

of anything you've made that has been

knit, crocheted or sewn!!

We really would love to see it!

If you would like, bring some yarn to swap and a snack to share!

There’s Sew much going on at Luminous Threads!

2008-09-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and summer doesn’t seem to want to give it up. Already the leaves are changing color on the Japanese maple in my yard. Kristin and I are so excited about the seasons changing in the store too. Especially since this means that our new fabric and yarn will soon be arriving and the store will be open on Sundays again! Beginning Sun., Sept. 7th, we will be open from 11-4pm. This means we will be open 6 days a week.
Tues. thru Fri. 11am- 6pm
Sat. and Sun. 11am- 4pm
The store will remain closed on Mondays.

There are a few things happening in Sept/Oct. One of them is the Peninsula to Pier Yarn Shop Hop. If you didn’t have a chance to be a part of it last year, you won’t want to miss it this time! It is a lot of fun. The Shop Hop begins on Thur., Sept. 18th and goes through Sunday, Sept. 21st. All the stores involved will have extended hours to make sure you’re able to make it. It’s a great chance to see new shops, visit with your knitty friends, and enter the drawing for a $500 gift certificate to the LYS of your choice. You can get more info from the store or visit it on the web at http://www.lysshophop.com/.

Another great event in October is our Fall Fashion Show and Saturday Knit Fever! Please join us on Sat., October 4th from 7 to 10pm for a fun filled evening of knitting, snacks, and showing off your amazing Creations!! If you would like to enter anything in the fashion show, please just give us a call or stop by the store to sign up. All we require is that it be made by you: knit, crochet, sewn, or woven! It’s free to enter—and who knows, you may win a goodie from our drawing!Something you don’t want to miss out on:

Bolts, Books, and Socks Sale!August 21st through September 14th.

Kick start your projects with these amazing sale prices!

All Books and Patterns 25-35% Off

All Sock Yarns 25% Off

All Bolts of Fabric 25-45% Off

AND Buy 5 yards of fabric, get a free goodie bag!
Pick Up Sticks Felting Kits 25% Off

Cascade Jazz Yarn 25% Off

Rio de la Plata Yarn 25% Off

Pierrot Yarn 25% Off

AND When you preregister for any class; you will receive 25% off any materials purchased for that class! This includes sewing and knitting notions, needles, ribbon and yarn.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you and your new projects.

Happy Crafting!
~Amber and the LT Girls

Sat. Knit Fever

2008-07-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 2, 7-10pm!

Please bring your knitting, a snack to share, and any yarn you want to swap!

Heather Ross Visits Our Store!

2008-07-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Kristin, Stacy, Michelle, and I had a really nice time visiting (and learning) with Heather. Not only did we get to hear about the dog and kitten she and her husband are adopting from Ecuador, she taught us how to make ourselves some very cute sundresses. The pattern was simple, included pockets, and I hid a little pink ribbon on the underside of the hem of mine.
Stacy made hers with the goldren rod tadpoles in jars by heather. It was so late when we finished that totally forgot to take a picture! I think we were there until 10:30 the second night, sewing away like a little Felton sweatshop......

The talk was fun, the beer was good, the extra goodies are awesome, and the dresses turned out Fabulous! Once again Heather, thank you for sharing with us! It's always a blast!

VACATION!!

2008-06-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to remind everyone that we are closed for vacation starting Sun., June 29 through Mon., July 7th. We re-open on Tues. the 8th, with our regular business hours at 11am.
Have a great week!
I know we will!!

Customer Creations

2008-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Catherine made this dress-- she used one of our 30's Reproduction Prints and some of our cute little goose buttons.

Cindi made this sweater for her husband she used Noro Iro and the Mens Sweater Pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple. It turned out simply amazing!

Janie made this blanket for her grandchild overseas. She used Cascade Cotton Rich-- it is so beautiful!

Susan made this sweater with Donegal Tweed by Debbie Bliss. It is totally amazing!

I made this quilt for Skye at Christmas-- it's taken me this long to post a silly picture. It is happily residing on our bed!

Summer Update

2008-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are still having our Pre-Vacation Super Sale and our entire store is 25% OFF! The last day is Sat. June 28th and we close at 5pm. Don’t forget to check out our BARGAIN BINS, where there are yarns for $2-3 a skein and bags of yarn for $5-10. We even have $2 fabric yard rolls! You don’t want to miss out—once this stuff is gone—we aren’t going to be ordering it again!

We have some really great classes being offered at Luminous Threads. In addition to our sewing, beading, and knitting, we have Hand Quilting, Log Cabin Quilt in a Day, and Fabric Purse making.

Susan Raineri is our teacher for the Log Cabin and Hand Quilting classes. She has 20 years of personal experience and more than 10 of teaching. She LOVES quilting and she and her cousins are called “The Quilting Cousins!”

Sun., June 22nd. from 11am- 1pm & June 29th. from 11am- 5pm
Log Cabin Quilt in a Day with Susan. This 2 part class is $80.00 plus materials.
You will learn a short history on log cabin quilts and their significance and then pick out your fabric in the first class. If you are a beginner—that’s OK! You will assemble your quilt top in the second class. It will amaze you how quickly it happens. You get to take home your completed top, and if there is time, add in the batting and backing.

Wed. & Thurs, July 9 & 10th from 6:15- 8:30pm
Summer Sundress with Heather Ross. This 2 part class is $80.00 plus materials
Come and make the perfect summer sundress with our favorite semi-local designer!! Heather will be here vacationing with family and has happily agreed to teach a class for us. You will make an adult sundress in this class.

Sun., July 6th. 13th, & 20th from 1- 3 pm
The Art of Hand Quilting with Susan. This 3 part class is $60.00 and includes all materials.
Hand quilting is NOT that difficult-WE promise! All you need to master this wonderful art some guidance and some practice. Come take the class and leave with a small quilted item you will create. You may bring an old project you have been meaning to finish, and I will help you accomplish that. Or, you can use the materials supplied in class and note book (free with the class). We will cover the hand quilting stitch, needles, threads, batting types, quilt patterns, notions and hints to help you become an expert hand quilter.

Wed., July 16 from 3- 6pm
Aunt Grace Bag with Eva. $40.00 plus materials
You will learn to make an adorable purse using the “Aunt Grace Scrap Pack.” Eva, who is amazingly talented, will be showing you how. Make sure to stop by and see our sample!

July 21st-24 from 10am-1pm or August 11th- 14th from 10am- 1pm
Kids Sewing Camp with Jill Sanders $180 plus materials
This four day sewing extravaganza will teach your child sewing how to sew. They will be making a garment for themselves, start to finish! This class is limited in size and can only accommodate up to four children, ages 9 and up. Make sure to call us at the store or email Jill at jill@heartgallery.com if you want a space.

Store Vacation
Luminous Threads will be closed for vacation starting Sun., June 29th through Mon., July 7th. We will reopen on Tuesday, July 8th, for our regular business hours. Any classes scheduled with Susan or Jill are still going to be held at their assigned times and dates.

When we return from our vacation, we will be introducing our fall yarns, fabrics, and notions. We have been slowly collecting them and they are tucked away in the back. Everything will be coming out upon our return, so don’t forget to come and have a look- see!

We hope that you have a wonderful summer and we look forward to sharing it with you!

Happy Crafting!
Amber and the LT Girls

Our Sewing Classes with Jill!!

2008-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

We are having SEW much FUN

here at the shop!

Jill is teaching young and never too old the good ol' "how to's" of sewing.

My daughter Katelyn is 10 and I am impressed!
She is well under way sewing her first dress.

Its really fun to hear her talk "sewing" using all the terms and watch her confidently creating her masterpiece.

Stay tuned for the update on her dress!

The best part: where's mom?

Blissfully at the coffee shop.

See Susie in the backgroud? She's sewing away making her polka dotty tank.

She is doing SEWrrific!

Portland International Quilt Market

2008-05-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

Sandi is so nice. She designs for a fabric company called "Michael Miller." Her two lines are called Ginger Blossom and Farmers Market. We will definately be getting them for the store at the end of the summer.

We found this great company called In the Beginning. They have a really great line of fabric called Urban Farm by Keri Beyer. We will be getting it in the early fall. They also have another amazing line called Floragraphix II by Jason Yenter, I really want to get it too!
Ahhhh, Kaffe Fassett. The man is amazing. He knits, quilts, designs fabrics, paints, does mosaic tile work, and has a wicked sense of humor. I have to say, I am glad I got to solve the name pronunciation dispute. His name is pronounced "Kayphe."

Kaffe and Susy look like brother and sister...
I really like Tanya Whelan's designs. They are very sweet and perfect for little girls. They are called Ava Rose and Grand Revival. OH MY GOODNESS!! Tina Givens has quickly become one of my favorite desingers...She rates up there with Anna Maria and heather Ross. Her Lines are awesome, she has kids patterns, and stationary. We have her Annabella and ZaZu lines and will be getting more down the road.

WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! What more can be said....

We love Eleanor! She is an amazing business woamn and her new book Victory Quilts is awesome. We'll have here at the store in 2 weeks.
Kristin enjoying herself in the Moda "Fresh Squeezed " Booth. (We have this fabric by the way.)
Heather Bailey and Heather Ross

Anna Maria Horner. Awesome.

And what a perfect end to our perfect day. While waiting at the airport, we had a delicious dinner and Pomegranite Margaritas.

I had an absolutely fabulous time and I know that Susy, Lyn (Susy daughter lives in Portland and she joined us), Kristin, and Alison did too.

Maggie Pace Visit

2008-05-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

Maggie Pace, owner of Pick Up Sticks! and author of Felt Forward came to our store in April and hosted a class on felted boots. We had so much fun and really enjoyed meeting/hanging out with Maggie.....

Stacy and Alison getting some help from Maggie. Maggie and Alison.
Maggie and Amber.

Kristin, Caitlin, Naomi, Lisa, and Stacy all working hard on their boots.... Jill is making the felted Sunflower, Tencha is working on the booties from the Felt Forward book, and Lindsey is working on the booties for the class.
Krsitin and Maggie.
Stacy and Alison working on their boots....
It was so great to meet Maggie Pace. There were 11 people total for the class and we all had a really nice time. The class got us strated on a pair of boots to knit and then felt at a later time. I didn't realize that this was a class for more experienced knitters and we all learned a lot!I know Stacy and Alison are almost finished with their boots.... anyone else? I would love to see them!

OUR ANNIVERSARY!!

2008-04-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

Maggie Pace

2008-04-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

Maggie Pace is coming!!!!

Maggie wrote this wonderful book and will be doing a booksigning and Meet-n-Greet at our store on Friday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m.

A little bit about Maggie: (borrowed from her website)
Maggie Pace started Pick Up Sticks! in 2003, when she was five months pregnant with her second child. After working as an editor for 10 years, Maggie was ready for something new. She had just discovered felting, and she found herself madly knitting gigantic, grocery-sized bags and shrinking them down into exciting smaller shapes. What she loved most was the transformation of the fibers: she could take a standard-looking wool handknit and turn it into a brand new textile, stiff, yet soft to the touch, with all the colors blending as if they had always been a single material. She was hooked, and literally felted everything that wasn't pinned down.

Join us after the meet and greet for a fabulous class on felting. We will be making boots!! The class is $25 and materials can be purchased at the store. (Materials are $24- $48 depending on the size you make)

Horse Quilt for Lorraine

2008-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

I made this quilt for my friend Lorraine's Boyfriend. He grew up in Wyoming and she wanted to surprise him with something special to keep him warm and loved at night!

All of fabrics are cotton and came from the shop. I had a great time making it. I love how it has the large panel in the middle to break up the diagonal lines.

Martine Zaun did the quilting on her long arm machine. She drew the horseshoe pattern herself and entered it into the computer. She even made sure that all the shoes are facing the right direction so luck doesn't pour out!

Customer Creations

2008-03-27T22:15:00.001-07:00

This is the beautiful Mystery Shawl knit up the Beautiful Marina! She used a hand dyed sock yarn from Pagewood Farm. The intricacy of this pattern is amazing and Marina did an incredible job!

This is Cindi's first sweater and she did an amazing job!! The pattern is from the Donegal Tweed Book by Debbie Bliss and the yarn is Cascade Yarns Chunky Baby Alpaca and Debbie Bliss' Donegal Tweed. I am so proud of Cindi, her determination to tackle almost any project is so inspiring!

This is lovely Miss Susan modeling the sweater vest she made with Schaefer Yarns "Miss Priss" with the pattern from Fitted Knits. As always, Susan has several wonderful projects going at a time and she always seems to be able to get them done! Oh, I do envy her a little bit......

Year End Sale & Meet Heather Ross

2007-12-28T00:16:00.000-08:00

Heather Ross is coming to our store!
In September we were lucky enough to meet Heather and have her hang out with us for a few hours at the shop. She talked to us about her new book, fabric line, and how she got into the fabric design business. She has agreed to come back for another visit and SHOW us her new fabric line that is getting ready to go into print. Please join Heather and the rest of us at our shop on Thurs., Jan. 3rd at 4 p.m.

This week we are having a storewide year end sale......

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the entire store is 25% Off!!!
AND
Buy 1 Yard Vintage Reproduction Fabric, Get A Second Yard Free!
And, AND!......You still get it at 50% Off!

We are open at 11 a.m. every morning, closing at 6 p.m. on Friday,

Sat./Sun. at 5 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Monday.

Sale excludes: Carol Milich Buttons & Clearance Yarn

The best part is, you don't even have to print out a coupon.

Can you believe it!!

December 28- 31, 2007

REMINDER!!!: We will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 in observance of New Years.

To Our Luminous Customers...

2007-12-19T22:41:00.001-08:00

Customer Creations

2007-11-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

Stacy Campana made this wonderful quilt for her friend's baby. The bright colors and softness of the cotton are a great combo. Stacy has been creating quilts and knit goodies like crazy-- It seems like every week she brings in something amazing that she's made.

Susan Fair made this quilt in our "Log Cabin Quilt in a Day" Class. Her color and pattern combination really shows beautifully.

Jill Sanders made this incredible felted hat and entered it in the fair earlier this fall. She won first place. I love how it is inspred by 20's Fashion.

Jill also made this incredibly cute doggy blanket for her grandson. What a lucky boy!

Can you imagine how soft and cuddly this is?!

Thank you for bringing all of your wonderful creations! We are always glad to see them.