Ball & Skein & More

Saiun, Doodle Beanie Kits, and Uniquely Ball & Skein ~ January 27, 2025

January ended up being way more busy than I ever expected! So many new yarns arrived in the shop and I had weekend events planned in coordination with the Morro Bay Bird Festival and the Cambria Art and Wine Festival.

I managed to complete some beautiful knitting projects (featured in the newsletter). I also took out my sewing machine and had some fun with a new fabric featuring yarn balls making cushion covers for the shop.
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Lamb & Goat, Super Bulky Sweaters, Morro Bay Bird Show Popup ~ January 8, 2025

New Years Day in Cambria did not disappoint! I spent my day doing all of my favorite things...beach-combing with Beverly, casting on my Kelowna Sweater project, and eating leftover Christmas lasagne!

The shop has been bustling these past few days with visitors and locals ready to start their new projects. Drop in or message me if you're looking for some inspiration for 2025.

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Happy New Year, Post Holiday Sale ~ January 1, 2025

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. The end of 2024 marks a significant milestone in my life...my 1st calendar year as a local yarn shop owner. It's still a lot of fun and I'm excited for everything new that 2025 will bring!

You all are a huge part of what makes this fun for me! Thank you for your support and for being part of the Ball & Skein creative community!

The shop is closed today so my staff and I can enjoy the holiday. I'm excited to cast on my next sweater using Super Bulky yarn. Megan and I look forward to seeing you in the shop on January 2nd!

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Gift Card Sale and Merry Holidays ~ December 23, 2024

I want to wish everyone a merry holiday season full of joy and creativity! As a very special expression of my gratitude for all your orders and kind messages of support, I am offering my 1st ever GIFT CARD SALE! From now until Christmas Day at Midnight PST, all Gift Cards are 20% OFF. Gift cards make a generous last minute gift or a special treat for yourself!

The shop is open on Christmas Eve from 11AM - 2PM so you can come see me to pick one up. Use code GIFTCARD20 to purchase a Gift Card online. Limit of one order of Gift Cards per customer.

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Silk Garden, Stocking Stuffers, Sweet Georgia ~ December 20, 2024

This holiday season at Ball & Skein, we are excited to share our latest offerings and festive spirit! From unique gift ideas to FREE shipping on orders over $50, there’s something for everyone.

Explore our Holiday Gift Guide featuring new arrivals like the Noro Silk Garden and Sweet Georgia Mini-Skein Sets. Join us in-store until Christmas Eve for personalized assistance and gift card purchases. Discover the joy of crafting with us!

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Maika, Gnomes, Wool Addicts ~ December 10, 2024

I've been busy with the shop elves decorating and continuing to add wonderful new gift items and yarns! I hope you are enjoying the Holiday Gift Guide. Keep checking back for new gift ideas as items arrive in the shop!

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Small Business Saturday Sale ~ November 30, 2024

The holiday just for me is finally here! I am offering 15% off storewide from through Monday December 2nd to celebrate my small business! If you are shopping online, use code SMALLBIZ15 to receive 15% off your order.

And remember to check out the new Holiday Gift Guide for my gift suggestions!

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Holiday Gift Guide, Small Business Weekend Sale ~ November 26, 2024

This year I am particularly grateful to have had such a wonderful 1st year as a local yarn shop owner! It's been quite a learning experience and a ton of work. I am thankful for the awesome Ball & Skein & More community (both local and online) and for my skilled shop staff! Welcome back to Ariel who re-joined the shop staff last week.

Small Business Saturday is a favorite holiday of mine so I will be offering 15% off storewide from Friday November 29th - Monday December 2nd! If you are shopping online, use code SMALLBIZ15 to receive 15% off your order.

Read the entire newsletter.

Last Minute Anzula/Mod Trunk Show ~ November 8, 2024

Join us in the shop on Sunday November 10th from 1-3 PM for a trunk show featuring hand dyed yarns from Anzula and Mod Yarns! Kalliope, the owner and original dyer, will be onsite showcasing these stunning, sumptuous yarns!

Anzula is located in Downtown Fresno, California. They are passionate about good yarn and vibrant colors specializing in dyeing yarn made from the most luxurious fibers in the world like cashmere, camel, tussah silk, linen, merino, targhee, tencel, alpaca, yak, and milk protein. Mod Yarns is the fun and funky yarn company, dyed unapologetically by the same Anzula folks. Think of Mod as Anzula's punk rock younger sister!

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Free Yarn Dyeing Demo, Holiday Doodles ~ November 16, 2024

Tomorrow (Sunday November 17th) is the FREE hands-on yarn dyeing demonstration! Join me in the shop parking lot from 2 - 4 PM to have some dyeing fun!

I'll be showing off the Wool Tincture Dyes. They are pre-measured acid dyes in a tea bag, so there’s no mixing or measuring involved, and no mess!

If you purchase your own supplies, you can try out your yarn dyeing skills with me! As an extra bonus, All Wool Tincture Dye products will be 10% OFF during the event!

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New Smirligans Hand Dyed, Yarn Dyeing Demo, Doodle Knit Directory ~ November 4, 2024

Beverly and I are heading to Big Sur for a couple nights this week so the shop is closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday this week (Nov 5 & 6). I'm looking forward to relaxing with my latest projects, the Aurea Sweater from Noro Magazine Issue 25 and a new California Poppies beanie using the new Smirligans DK yarn.

I finished my Carina Cowl this weekend and am excited to teach the colorwork class for this cowl next Monday Nov 11th. There's still room in the class and time to sign up. I even have enough yarn left to start doodling!

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Holiday Gift Ideas Workshop, New Noro ~ October 25, 2024

The Simi Valley & Central Coast Yarn Shop Hop weekend was a lot of fun! I met so many fiber fanatics from all over the coast. We've already set a date for 2025...mark your calendar for March 6-9!

Join us in the shop on Saturday October 26th (tomorrow) from 10AM - 12PM for the Holiday Gift Ideas Workshop. Stephanie has gathered some fabulous patterns for holiday gifts and decorating. We're here to help to plan your projects and select your materials. The workshop costs $30 and includes lots of free patterns PLUS a 20% discount on your purchases for the day!

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Shop Hop Weekend is Here ~ October 17, 2024

Special Hours for the Shop Hop: Friday through Sunday - 10am - 5pm!

The Simi Valley & Central Coast Yarn Shop Hop is finally here!!! Have you made your plans yet?

Visit all 7 shops to get a chance to win the grand prize, worth $500. Don't forget to pick up your passport at the first store you visit and drop it off at the last store you go to. Each store will provide a small gift just for showing up along with raffles throughout the day. I'll be holding hourly prize drawings!

Check out the Simi Valley & Central Coast Yarn Shop Hop website for all the information.

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Trendsetter Kits, Sparkle and Emma Ball ~ October 11, 2024

At the start of October, I rolled out a Shopper Rewards program. It's really simple...every time you spend $200, you will receive a coupon for $15 off that never expires! If you've shopped with us in the past, you are already signed up and your rewards have started accruing automatically. If you are a 1st time shopper, provide your name and email address at checkout to enroll!

Next week/weekend will be a busy one at the shop. Sign up to Learn Mosaic Colorwork Knitting with me on Monday October 14th from 4:15 - 6:15PM. And we'll be Shop Hopping on Friday October 18th - Sunday October 20th.

Read the entire newsletter to discover new yarns, kits, bags, accessories and books!

One Year Anniversary Sale ~ October 2, 2024

The Ball & Skein & More shop may be 46 years old, but I'm just turning 1! Wow, how the year has flown by.

I've definitely regretted a few of my smaller decisions along the way, but I have never regretted the big decision to blow up my life and move to Cambria and buy a yarn shop!

Thank you all for your continued support of my local yarn shop! Enjoy 15% OFF Storewide today thru Sunday October 6th. Online shoppers can also enjoy 15% OFF Everything by entering the code: ONEYEAR15 at checkout!

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Labor Day Sale, Mod Yarns, Back in Stock ~ September 2, 2024

I seem to be developing a new holiday habit...storewide sales! Along with a new holiday celebration catch phrase...buy some yarn. But seriously, what could be a better way of celebrating all of your labors, than relaxing with a new stitching project!

The shop is open today from 11AM - 4PM and Everything is 15% OFF!

Online shoppers can also enjoy 15% OFF Everything by entering the code: LABOR15 at checkout!

The sale is TODAY only in-store and thru Tuesday September 3rd online!

And remember to sign up for the September Weekend Stitching Retreat...before it's too late!

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Desire, Kakigori, New Lemonwood, Patty Lyons book ~ August 28, 2024

I've been keeping myself busy this past week working on the Gigante Hoodie that I highlighted in the last newsletter. And I dedicated some time to making finding yarn on the website simpler. I've added filtering options by yarn weight, fiber, and care instructions.

Keep on reading to find out about new and exciting products available both online and in-store as well as the Nancy Bates Book Signing & Meet & Greet event.

Remember to sign up for Beginner Yarn Dyeing Workshop on this coming Wednesday August 28th and the Weekend Stitching Retreat happening September 13th - 16th!

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Gigante, Sami XL, Dumpling Bags ~ August 21, 2024

I've been so happy to have received photos of your finished projects. Special thanks to Martha and Susan for sharing your completed Butterly Shawls to the Gallery of Finished Projects!

Sign up now for the hand dying workshop at my home in Cambria to enjoy some hand dying fun next Wednesday afternoon.

The Stitching Help Desk is new so I'll plug it here as a great way to get help every Friday and Sunday from 12 - 1PM in the shop.

Remember to sign up for the September Weekend Stitching Retreat...before it's too late!

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September Weekend Stitching Workshops Announced ~ August 15, 2024

Only 4 weeks until the Weekend Stitching Retreat in Cambria on September 13 - 16!

If you're on the fence about whether to sign up for the weekend retreat @ the Squibb House in Cambria, read the latest newsletter for details about the workshops happening during the event.

Poema, Madrona, Bestie and New Galleries ~ August 7, 2024

It's my favorite Wednesday of the month...the 1st one. I so enjoy connecting with my community, chatting about new projects and new yarns and summer travels, and sipping some wine at Sip & Stitch!

I've been keeping my needles busy working on new pieces to display in the shop with some of the newest and softest yarns. Read the latest newsletter to find out more!

Round Mountain Fibers, Hand Dying Supplies, Stitching Help Desk ~ July 30, 2024

I took a week off from writing the newsletter and now there's so much news to share! I've added yarns from another female-owned indie dyer: Round Mountain Fibers. I hope you love their yarns as much as I do. I successfully dyed a handful of skeins using the new Wool Tincture Dyes. It was so much fun and so easy that I'm hosting a workshop in August so you can also have some fun hand dying.

August marks the launch of the new Stitching Help Desk. Help Desk sessions take place every Friday and Sunday from 12 - 1PM in the shop. (More info in the newsletter) And I've added a few new classes and workshops happening in September and October. Learn more about those below!

Remember to sign up for the September Weekend Stitching Retreat...before it's too late!

Read the complete newsletter.

Fixing Mistakes and So Many New Yarns ~ July 16, 2024

I hope you have been enjoying the new website as much as I have! Like I said before, it's a work in progress and improvements are happening daily!

This week I want to highlight the Fixing Mistakes in Knitting class that is happening this coming Saturday July 20th from 9AM - 12PM in the shop. We are all so fortunate to have the legendary Kris Gregson sharing her vast knowledge on how to fix our boo-boos! You don't want to miss this opportunity, so sign up NOW!

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Announcing the September Weekend Stitching Retreat ~ July 9, 2024

Join us September 13 - 16, 2024 for an exciting weekend of stitching in Cambria!

Weekend retreat planning has been in the works for ~2 months and I'm delighted to finally share the details so you can finally sign up! It's gonna be so epic that it's the only feature of this newsletter.

The weekend is an event that you do not want to miss! Both Barry Klein from Trendsetter Yarns and Nancy Bates will be leading workshops on Saturday and Sunday. There will be trunk shows and discounted shopping in the store all weekend! Additionally, there will be catered meals from Cambria's favorites and wine from our local knitting inspired wine maker, Course and Wales!

Celebrate Independence Day...Buy Some Yarn! ~ July 4, 2024

Celebrate Independence Day...Buy Some Yarn! Everything in the shop and online is 15% off thru Sunday July 7th! Online shoppers can also enjoy 15% OFF Everything by entering the code: INDEPENDENCE15 at checkout!

Read the latest newsletter.

Celebrate Moms, Moonstone, Yarn Bowls ~ May 7, 2024

I'm back in beautiful Cambria after spending an amazing 2 days in Chicago at the annual H&H Americas trade show.

While I was flying home, I had a moment of panic where I was worried that I had bought too much yarn...but then I realized you can never have too much yarn! New yarns will start arriving later this week and there will be a continuous flow of new goodies until September! I love owning a yarn shop!

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New Yarns and Memorial Day ~ May 27, 2024

It's been a few weeks since my last newsletter because I've been busy stocking new yarns from many of your favorites: Manos del Uruguay, Trendsetter, Berroco, and Lana Grossa.

When the new yarns arrive, I MUST make something with them so I've also kept busy by creating new display pieces in the shop. I hope everyone is enjoying the Memorial holiday weekend. The shop is open today from 11AM - 4PM. Please drop by!

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Events, classes, and Cotonella ~ June 5, 2024

Today marks 8 months since I opened the doors as the new owner of Ball & Skein & More. Time has really flown by!

This newsletter is primarily focused on sharing upcoming events and new classes. I'm still working on adding so many new yarns to the website while also building a new website.

Saturday June 8th is Worldwide Knit in Public Day and another opportunity to socialize with fellow stitchers. Bring your project and stitch outside with your local stitching community.

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Meet Smirligans and New Website ~ June 30, 2024

It's a busy week in the shop with 2 events today, Meet Smirligans and Cambria Pride by the Sea, and Sip and Stitch on Wednesday.

And there's still time to sign up for some classes!

Read the entire newsletter!

Celebrate Local Yarn Store day on April 27th @ Ball & Skein & More ~ April 21, 2024

I am excited to have a special day each year to recognize and appreciate Local Yarn Stores!

If you're able to, please join us in the shop between 11AM & 5PM on Saturday April 27th to celebrate.

Here's what to expect:

Product Discounts!
Gifts with Purchase!
Raffles!
Pattern Giveaways!
Moonstone Beach Beanie Kits!

Read the latest newsletter.

LYS Day Online Discounts, New Noro Mag ~ April 29, 2024

Local Yarn Store Day 2024 was a lot of fun in the shop. We celebrated with hourly raffles for free yarn and there were some wonderful discounts on Warm & Wooly Throw Kits and Atenti and Fibres of Life bags. Those Discounts are now available online until the end of day on Wednesday May 1st (no code required).

I'm heading out of town this week to Chicago for the annual H&H Americas trade show, and I'm so excited to scope out new yarns and fiber crafts gadgets. I'll report back next week. The shop will be closed Tuesday & Wednesday this week, but back open Thursday with Katie & Rae running things. The online shop is always open!

Read the latest newsletter.

New Marla and Sami yarn from Manos del Uruguay! ~ July 29, 2023

Our latest newsletter introduces us all to the two new yarns from Manos del Uruguay - Marla and Sami!

All that, a new holiday project, and more in our latest newsletter.

https://conta.cc/452aRhQ

Assigned Pooling and more ~ August 5, 2023

New Assigned Pooling yarn and something for the pups! Check out our latest newsletter!

https://conta.cc/3KrAQYe

Cashmere and a Party! ~ August 12, 2024

How fun is a newsletter that features both cashmere and a party? Very fun!

Click the link to learn about these cashmere kits as well as the Party we're throwing here in Cambria in October!

https://conta.cc/3qqZe5l

Bags and more ~ August 19, 2023

Our latest newsletter features a new shipment of bags, a fun pattern, and a reminder about our party!

All that and more at the link!

https://conta.cc/45cUijP

Baby Sweaters, Blankets and more ~ August 26, 2023

The latest newsletter features knit and crocheted baby sweaters and the return of the Warm & Wooly throw kits, while they last.

All that and more at the link!

https://conta.cc/47JI3wN

Meet Jody Long ~ September 2, 2023

Our latest newsletter features an opportunity to meet UK Designor Jody Long. It also features some fabulous recycled and renewable yarns.

All that and more at the link!

https://conta.cc/45Fn9O4

Jody Long this Wednesday and more ~ September 9, 2023

Fun Projects and Jody Long this Wednesday!

All that and more in our latest newsletter:

https://conta.cc/45FXViw

Kris and Oz say Thank you ~ September 23, 2023

As many of you know, after 14 years at the shop we're officially retiring as of Monday, October 2.

We're beyond excited the shop will continue under new ownership. We know Annie will do a great job and you'll all love her. Yes, the shop will change, but it's also changed a lot over the last 14 years, so that won't be anything new!

As we move into this new chapter of our lives, we want to take a moment and thank you all for your support and allowing us the great privilege of running the little shop in Cambria. We also can't forget to thank our amazing vendor partners. Being able to work with and learn from Trendsetter, Manos, Berroco, Prism, Skacel, Bryson, KFI, and so many others has been such a joy and without their support the shop would never be what it is today.

Yes, the shop is a job, but it's been a great job full of amazing experiences, unique adventures, and wonderful people. We're looking forward to our next adventures and to see the wonderful things Annie has in store for you all.

Also, please be kind and patient during this time. It's not easy to take over a long time shop. Kris and Oz had 14 years to learn from their many mistakes. Be sure and give Annie and her staff, some of whom are brand new, the benefit of your kindness as they bring you many more years of the Ball & Skein.

Thanks again for 14 wonderful years.

With Gratitude,
Kris and Oz

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Other Notes:The Web Site will be unavailable for a few days starting on Thursday, September 28. The Shop will be closed from Saturday, September 30 through Wednesday October 4. It will re-open on Thursday October 5 at 11 AM

Hospitality Night, Zauber, Friendly Loom ~ December 4, 2023

What a fun Cambria Hospitality Night at Ball & Skein & More! Beverly was a friendly shop ambassador!

Read the latest newsletter.

Happy 2024! ~ January 6, 2024

2023 was such an exciting year for me and I expect the same out of 2024 now that I'm living my dream! Rather than resolve to lose weight or exercise more each new year, I challenge myself to learn new skills and have new experiences and to continue working on being a better person.

Stay tuned for new classes and workshops in 2024!

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New Kits, Spring Classes and Yarns ~ March 5, 2024

I can't believe how quickly 2024 is passing by! It's been a busy two months for me in the shop...full of new yarns, kits, and extras. Drop by to see for yourself...perhaps tomorrow night (Wednesday March 6th) for Sip & Stitch or during one of the In-store knit and crochet classes that are starting this week!

Read the entire newsletter.

Ball & Skein Featured in SLO Visitor's Guide Summer Edition ~ June 28, 2024

Ball & Skein & More, everything you want in yarn and accessories

I was so delighted that the shop was featured in the summer edition of the San Luis Obispo Visitor's Guide.

I hope you enjoy reading the article!

Ball & Skein & More

Saiun, Doodle Beanie Kits, and Uniquely Ball & Skein ~ January 27, 2025

Lamb & Goat, Super Bulky Sweaters, Morro Bay Bird Show Popup ~ January 8, 2025

Happy New Year, Post Holiday Sale ~ January 1, 2025

Gift Card Sale and Merry Holidays ~ December 23, 2024

Silk Garden, Stocking Stuffers, Sweet Georgia ~ December 20, 2024

Maika, Gnomes, Wool Addicts ~ December 10, 2024

Small Business Saturday Sale ~ November 30, 2024

Holiday Gift Guide, Small Business Weekend Sale ~ November 26, 2024

Last Minute Anzula/Mod Trunk Show ~ November 8, 2024

Free Yarn Dyeing Demo, Holiday Doodles ~ November 16, 2024

New Smirligans Hand Dyed, Yarn Dyeing Demo, Doodle Knit Directory ~ November 4, 2024

Holiday Gift Ideas Workshop, New Noro ~ October 25, 2024

Shop Hop Weekend is Here ~ October 17, 2024

Trendsetter Kits, Sparkle and Emma Ball ~ October 11, 2024

One Year Anniversary Sale ~ October 2, 2024

Labor Day Sale, Mod Yarns, Back in Stock ~ September 2, 2024

Desire, Kakigori, New Lemonwood, Patty Lyons book ~ August 28, 2024

Gigante, Sami XL, Dumpling Bags ~ August 21, 2024

September Weekend Stitching Workshops Announced ~ August 15, 2024

Poema, Madrona, Bestie and New Galleries ~ August 7, 2024

Round Mountain Fibers, Hand Dying Supplies, Stitching Help Desk ~ July 30, 2024

Fixing Mistakes and So Many New Yarns ~ July 16, 2024

Announcing the September Weekend Stitching Retreat ~ July 9, 2024

Celebrate Independence Day...Buy Some Yarn! ~ July 4, 2024

Celebrate Moms, Moonstone, Yarn Bowls ~ May 7, 2024

New Yarns and Memorial Day ~ May 27, 2024

Events, classes, and Cotonella ~ June 5, 2024

Meet Smirligans and New Website ~ June 30, 2024

Celebrate Local Yarn Store day on April 27th @ Ball & Skein & More ~ April 21, 2024

LYS Day Online Discounts, New Noro Mag ~ April 29, 2024

New Marla and Sami yarn from Manos del Uruguay! ~ July 29, 2023

Assigned Pooling and more ~ August 5, 2023

Cashmere and a Party! ~ August 12, 2024

Bags and more ~ August 19, 2023

Baby Sweaters, Blankets and more ~ August 26, 2023

Meet Jody Long ~ September 2, 2023

Jody Long this Wednesday and more ~ September 9, 2023

Kris and Oz say Thank you ~ September 23, 2023

Hospitality Night, Zauber, Friendly Loom ~ December 4, 2023

Happy 2024! ~ January 6, 2024

New Kits, Spring Classes and Yarns ~ March 5, 2024

Ball & Skein Featured in SLO Visitor's Guide Summer Edition ~ June 28, 2024

Ball & Skein & More, everything you want in yarn and accessoriesI was so delighted that the shop was featured in the summer edition of the San Luis Obispo Visitor's Guide.I hope you enjoy reading the article!

Ball & Skein & More, everything you want in yarn and accessories

I was so delighted that the shop was featured in the summer edition of the San Luis Obispo Visitor's Guide.

I hope you enjoy reading the article!