A While back I decided to begin featuring more than fibre supplies on our front page mini-Etsy gadget (everything is still local though).  I didn't really announce the change...so I hope it isn't confusing.  What has stayed the same is that we only list Etsy shops which sell supplies in our shop online section of the community page. 

Eeek.  Sometimes I feel like maybe I treat this site too much like a personal space, like a room in my house that I like to re-arrange every once and a while.  It actually did start that way, as a yarn store list for my own personal use. 

So, since this site is NOT just for me, not by a long shot, I invite you to offer any input you have, like if you want to see anything on the site or see something that doesn't quite feel right let me know!

Every once and while I'll do a local search on Etsy to add to my growing collection of Vancouver shops which I use as a sort of grab bag for picking front page items.  I spot new local treasures each time.  These are what I found today, magnets of animal torsos and butts.  They crack me up.  They're by Vancouverite Chantelle Agbayani at Original Animal Magnets.

Janna

I've added a new section to our Community page called Places to Learn and People to Learn From.  For a while now I've wanted to have a feature like this, preferably where visitors can navigate a list of classes.  A couple of years ago I tried to facilitate a shared community calendar, which in hindsight I see was a little ambitious seeing as I don't have super close ties with every single yarn shop in and around Vancouver, so it was hard to get people to participate, or probably more like it was a pain in the butt and I didn't know it ;)  BUT I still really want everyone to know where and who they can learn fibery things from in the Greater Vancouver area (and slightly beyond).  So now there is a growing list of shops that offer classes as well as instructors who consistently offer workshops in their studio, privately or at various venues.

Click here to see it!  And please tell me what you think.  I'm totally dyslexic so I sometimes have different ways of presenting things;  I decided to organize the list by technique, which I hope serves everyone well.  Also I'm wondering if maybe the community page is getting a little full, perhaps I should create a new page for this list?  I dunno.

Now go out and expand your knowledge of all things fibre!

xJanna

PS. this list paired with Baaad Anna's new equipment rental system assures no excuses not to learn about techniques you've been eyeing ;)

PPS.  If you are a venue or instructor who offers textile classes and would like to be added to the list just email us and we'll put you on there, info@vancouveryarn.com

This is a longer post than normal, but it will be worth the read if your at all interested in the happenings of VY.  I will be as concise as I possibly can.  There are three main happenings; 1) The new website (isn't it pretty?) 2) Our new blog location (right on the website now) and 3) My upcoming move to Montreal


1)  The new website:

I've been meaning to clean up the website for quite awhile.  When I built VY in 2008 I had no design experience nor any web building experience, so as we received more and more visitors I was continually inspired to make it even better for you, and I've learned a lot.  For that reason it has been perpetually changing (in small ways): I've added and removed pages based on what gets visited.  This time around I have removed the 'free patterns' page (boo) since it was not in the top 50 most visited pages as well as the 'lessons' page.  The lessons page was kind of high maintenance and not very user friendly (users had to create their own calendar first) and therefore not many people used it.  Buh-bye pages!

The new website is definitely better with its cleaner look and organized pages. I've cut down on pictures which will allow the pages to upload quicker, have added a navigation system that is more intuitive, and have also given the 'links' page an overhaul.  I was beginning to refer to it as my virtual junk drawer, avoiding de-cluttering it at all costs.  But alas I finally did it; eliminating links that weren't being updated and adding more exciting links, and there are more to come (any suggestions?)

Other new features:  

-Discussion forum:  This is one of the things I wanted to add back in 2008 but wasn't sure how.  Now that I know, here it is.  The best part is that you can sign up using Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo and the list goes on.  Check it out and start a topic! (update May 2012 - this feature has since been removed due to lack of interest)

- Favicon:  That cute little yarn icon to the left of the url address. I've always wanted one of those.

- 'Stores with Yarn' page.  I thought it would be a good idea to make a distinction between the stores that specialize in yarn, and the ones that just happen to carry some yarn.  This change came about after the Dressew fiasco ensued, where Dressew began to carry some of the same yarn brands (like Rowan) as our local yarn shops.  To be honest I've avoided creating discussion about it for fear I would inadvertently promote them.  But the gist is Dressew has been selling yarn for $2 a ball for quite some time but did not directly compete with our local yarn shops since they did not carry the same yarn.  Recently they began carrying some of the same yarn brands (as a few local yarn shops) for a fraction of the price.  This caused somewhat of a uproar as many people believe it is unjust and unethical to do so since you lys' are struggling small businesses too.  I asked a cashier at Dressew if she thought it was unethical and she responded by saying that it is only fair since Dressew buys yarn by the truck load.   Others have responded with the argument that 'some people can't afford yarn at actual yarn shops in the first place, shouldn't they have the opportunity to knit and crochet too?'

I wonder if the supplier (Westminster Fibres) is at fault, as they undercut long-time loyal clients.

What do you think?


okay, back to business......
2) The new blog location:

So I've moved the blog for a couple of reasons.  Firstly it is now completely incorporated into the website which looks nicer and is faster and easier to access.  Secondly,  having your blog hosted on your own website, not separately, is just a smart thing to do.  I feel safer knowing it won't get deleted, blocked or spammed as so many free blogs have.

For those of you who have faithful followed us through Reader and such, just click the RSS button on the top right and you can re-subscribe.  Thanks.

P.S.  Sorry for skipping the June Blog Feature.  I got all caught up in things and totally forgot.  July is a duesy though, check back in the first week of the month for it.  

3) My big move to Montreal

It is possible that all of these new improvements might be over-compensation for the pre-guilt I feel for the fact that I will probably be a little neglectful (blogfully and otherwise) for the next while as I finish my fine art degree in the Fibres Program at Concordia University in Montreal.  Danny and I (and our Cat Lily too) are moving at the end of July to Montreal (a few blocks away from the famous Jean Talon Market and a 15 min Metro to school).  We are uber prepared; I'm all registered for classes, Danny flew in to be interviewed and got a job teaching for the Montreal English School Board, and our rent is paid for July! 

Going to Concordia is a continuation of my education in the Textile Art Program at Capilano University.  Cap gave me an extremely strong technical foundation that I think will serve me well at Concordia.  I love sharing my new projects, processes and such, so feel free to check me out on my website and blog here, www.jannamaria.com