Let's Play Craft Jeopardy, Shall We?

  Do You Know This Place? 

1.  A  warm, friendly go-to spot for knitters, crocheters and needlepoint enthusiasts with personalized service and convenient help sessions. 

2.  Take a seat on a comfy couch in a setting that feels like your living room and join a knit-along,  crochet-along and even a spin-along surrounded by beautiful yarn only steps away.

3.  Everybody knows your name here.  Most definitely, if you're a regular, which many are.  It has a Cheers-like feel minus the musty bar and a bartender named Sam.

4.  Last but not least, our mystery place boasts the largest number of needle arts classes in the region.  Okay, what is it?  You've got five seconds, starting now.   Jeopardy's Theme Song Now Plays in Our Heads. (Do-do-do-do-do-do...)

Time's up!  What's your answer?

You answered:  Alex, What is The Tangled Web?
 

 (The Tangled Web 7709 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia)

 Ding! Ding! Ding!  You're correct.  It's where passionate knitters and crocheters love to hang out.  But don't take my word for it, read for yourself.

The Tangled Web is my favorite place for some "me time" indulgence.  I have been coming here since I began knitting 15 years ago... The shop is very bright and cheery.  The staff are all SUPER nice and helpful.  If you are looking for suggestions or need knitting advice or help, they are there for you. 
 

 ...And I don't know how they do it, but everyone there knows your name. It is the knitting equivalent of Cheers. I don't bother going anywhere else for my knitting supplies, they are simply the best. Now if I just had more time to knit!  Carrie—Oreland, PA

Are you ready for your prize?

Mary Spratt, owner of The Tangled Web, 7709 Germantown Avenue in historic Chestnut Hill,  took time out of her hectic schedule to chat with us and share what it's like to own a popular yarn and needlepoint store.   Many dream about it, but few actually make it happen.  She's one of the few... a diamond glittering in a basket of Alpaca. 

Inside The Tangled Web

CBS Philly named The Tangled Web--a top knitting shop in Philadelphia in 2014--and was also named a top spot to visit in       A Day in Chestnut Hill feature in 2013.  But it doesn't stop there.  The Tangled Web's You Tube videos reached 345,970 views and over 2,000 Facebook likes.

 A 1984 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, Spratt opened The Tangled Web ten years later,  in 1994, and celebrated the store's 20th anniversary this past fall. 

"The most favorite thing about owning the shop is the emotional bond I have with my customers," says Mary.  "We pride ourselves in developing classes customers want to take.  We develop two full course schedules and offer a fun summer class."  

Ride the Summer Waves with a
Cardi Knit-Along

Summer of 2015, The Tangled Web's offering a Summer Waves Cardi (left) Knit-Along on Saturday, June 6th to July 18th.

6 sessions: $40.00
Saturdays, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2015
July 11 and 18, 2015

Made with ultra pima cotton, it's light, and great to wear on a hot summer day, or warm up in an air conditioned office.  Worked seamless, from the top-down, the pretty lace panels are formed by picking up stitches from the front side seams.   This top down cardigan can easily be lengthened or shortened. 

Not sure what a knit-along is? 

"I pick the project, select the pattern and materials--the knitters are welcome to attend and follow the pattern and work a  number of stitches during each session.  It's a great way for beginners to learn.  They can work with more eyes on their project, and learn from experienced knitters who are willing to help."

A knit-along is not a formal class. Specific techniques may be used for each project and may need to be learned prior to the session. The moderator of the knit along will go over each project at the first session.

A Yarn Tasting?

Knit-alongs are just one way Mary reaches out to the Philadelphia needlework community, The Tangled Web also hosts yarn tastings.  I must admit, I was intrigued.  What's a yarn tasting, you ask?

A yarn tasting is when a specific rep comes by with yarn, patterns or needles, etc., so our customers can test them out, she explains.  

Okay, it's just like sampling wine at a taste testing, but more fun.  There's nothing better than trying out new yarn to take our knitting and crocheting up a notch.   Agree?

What are her biggest challenges? 

 There are many concerns about money, having the right inventory, selecting enticing projects so customers will get inspired.  Another big challenge is deciding on inventory that  will compete with the Internet.  We can't compete with the prices, and when we special order a product, it'll take two weeks not two days to arrive.  So we overcome this challenge by providing better customer service. 

Their customers agree.   

I LOVE The Tangled Web. Not only is there a nice selection of yarns and a helpful staff, but the ambiance of the shop really makes the experience something special. The shop is well-laid out, boasting an impressive inventory without being cluttered.        Bethany—Google User

Great shop. Great selection of yarns. Friendly talented staff. There is always something fun happening at this shop. Make it a point to stop by. Sandy—Google User

Upcoming Classes

• Crochet Beaded Bracelet
  • Saturday, April 18, 2015 -- A simple chain stitch and a handful of gemstones is all it takes to make this gorgeous wrap bracelet. Learn all the basics and you’ll be on your way to making bracelets for everyone on your gift list.  All materials included. Level 3: Must know basic crochet.
    1 session: $50.00
    Saturday, 10:00 – 12:00 pm
    April 18, 2015
  • 
    
• Spin-Along
  
  • Saturday, April 18, 2015Bring your spindle or wheel and hang out with fellow spinners. No instruction, just some nice dedicated spinning time and the opportunity to meet other spinners from the area. Space is limited, so call the store to reserve your spot!
    1 Session: $10.00
    Saturday, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
    April 18, 2015
    
    
• Intro to Brioche
  • Saturday, April 25, 2015
  •  
    

    Intro to Brioch

    Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Master the art of reading your stitches and incorporate yarn overs to create this beautiful brioche cowl. This class is a basic introduction to the technique and will prepare you to take on two color brioche. We’ll teach you everything you need to know! Level 3: must know how to knit and purl in the round.
    1 session: $30.00
    Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    April 25, 2015

    Check out more classes on their website.  
    Call 215-242-1271 to register for any of the above classes.

 

First Tuesday-Third Wednesday 

Knitting & Crocheting Club

Yaaay!  Spring is finally here, but we haven't missed a step since we bit into our first library biscoti 18 months ago.  Now that we've thawed out from old man winter, it's time to start our spring and summer projects.  Hmm... I sound like a Home Depot commercial.

But first let's re-cap.  

Shriner's Hospital for Children --Headbands & Hats
I sent our children's headbands and hats to a very appreciative Shriner's Hospital. Thank you everyone for your kind efforts.  Below are Linda's contributions below to both projects.  Well done!

 
 Compassion Afghan

Thanks everyone for submitting your blocks.  Elise graciously offered to weave together the blocks for our Compassion Afghan, hopefully we didn't miss that window.  I'll keep you updated.  It may be all hands on deck, but we'll get it done.

Looking Ahead  

We've already planned our next charity projects for those who would like to participate.

1.  The Women's Project (I Am My Sister's Keeper) -  
We're knitting/crocheting small change purses that will hold I.D., Transit Passes... and will include a wash cloth, wrapped around small travel size toiletries.  The purse, wash cloth and toiletries will be tied with a yarn ribbon.  

We'll donate them to a women in transition program, where women are trying to regain control of their lives due to challenging circumstances.   Inside the purses will have an inspiring message that will encourage them to keep moving forward.   Click on the links for the free patterns.  As the summer holidays, barbeques and vacation plans beckon, these are great projects to do on a lounge chair.

 (Ravelry Crocheted Waffle Wash Cloth - free pattern)

(Ravelry Knitted Sugar Cube Spa Wash Cloth - Free Pattern)

)

(Ravelry Seed Stitch Spa Wash Cloth - free pattern)

Karen found two (knit and crochet) patterns for small purses that will work just fine.  They're pretty easy to do.   We can each whip up several or more.  

Red Heart Knitted Change Purse-Pattern

Red Heart Crocheted Small Purse Pattern

 Deadline for the Women's Project is 9-30-15.

2. Homeless Hat Project -- 
 Our second project is knitting and crocheting hats for homeless men and women.  Deadline 10-31-15.

Yarn Bombing at Elkins Park Library -- we're taking our knitted and crocheted unfinished pieces and creating a beautiful art project on Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m.

 

REMINDER:   
Don't forget the Crafters Swap at Glenside Library from 10 a.m. to noon.

First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club's Member Spotlight

Our talented Karen modeled her latest creation, 

a beautiful cabled sweater. 

Stay Tuned!  Happy Knitting and Crocheting!