Heavenly Socks Yarns

Welcome to Heavenly Socks Yarns!

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Soft, Smooth and Strong: The Beauty of Silk

Silk has many wonderful qualities: it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, has beautiful luster and a wonderful drape (if desired), and is a strong fiber. While silk is not spun from animal hair, it is considered an animal fiber because it has a protein structure. Silk yarn is made from the thread-like filaments the silkworm spins around itself to form its cocoon. For more information about silk, you can start by reading Wikipedia's entry on silk.

During the month of February, we will be celebrating all yarns containing silk by offering them at 20% discount. We were surprised just how many we have, and if you haven't had the pleasure of yarn containing silk in between your fingers, we think you should experience it! We listed those yarns we could find in the shop below, but here are three new yarns to bring your attention to:
Lang's Seta Tweed -- This yarn is 75% silk and 25% cotton, and feels amazingly soft. We are thinking that at the very least, it calls to be around one's neck. Although it is a DK-weight yarn, the skein is only 25 grams and has 109 yards! This month, it will be on sale for $7.96.
< a href="http://cascadeyarns.com/cascade-VeneziaSport.asp">Cascade's Venezia Sport -- This is made of 70% merino wool/30% mulberry silk. It knits at 6 stitches per inch on US #4 needles. It is smooth and lustrous, and should have great stitch definition. At 307 yards per skein, it retails at $16.95, but is on sale this month for $13.56.
Shibui Knits' Heichi -- 100% raw silk tweed yarn, knits at 4-5 stitches per inch on US #6-#8 needles. We have a lovely booklet to support this yarn, and there are a few free patterns to download from their Web site. This yarn retails for $13.95; this month at the shop it's $11.16.

Yarns containing silk at 20% off this month include:
Acadia -- a DK/wool blend, new last fall, by the Fibre Company
Andrea -- 100% hand-dyed lace-weight silk by Schaefer Yarn
Artyarns' Silk Mohair Glitter and Silk Rhapsody Glitter -- one word: luxury
Baby Cashmere Merino Silk -- a fingering weight by Sublime that's machine washable!
Kid Silk Haze -- a lace-weight mohair by Rowan
Lacy -- a hand-dyed merino lace-weight, by Great Adirondack Yarn Company
Lenga -- a chunky summer blend by Araucania
Manos' Silk Blend -- a sport/DK hand-dyed merino
Misti Pima Silk -- a sport/DK pima cotton
Mulberry Silk -- a 100% DK mulberry silk by Louisa Harding
Noro's Silk Garden, Silk Garden Sock, Aya, Kochoran and Taiyo!
Seduce -- a worsted blend of summer fibers by Berroco
Silky Alpaca Lace -- with baby alpaca, by Classic Elite
Silky Wool -- a sport weight by Elsebeth Lavold
Tussah Silk DK -- with viscose, by Sublime

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In-Store Ravelry Pattern Sales

We are pleased to announce that we are now participating in Ravelry's in-store pattern sales program. A Ravelry account is no longer necessary for those of you who are computer-shy, or hesitant to make purchases online. We can purchase the pattern on your behalf and e-mail it to you, add it to your Ravelry library or print it out on the spot, while ringing your purchase through our register. Not all patterns are currently available for shop sales, but quite a few are, and more are being added each day. It's a great way to support independent designers and your LYS at the same time.

One quite popular pattern that caught Liz's eye is the Hitchhiker Scarf. She made this one for herself using one skein of String Theory Caper sock yarn (80% merino/10% cashmere/10% nylon), but any fingering-weight sock yarn would be equally nice. Maybe the next one she makes for the shop will be striped!

It's a new program that is still growing and we are just learning about, so we'll need your patience while we figure it out. We are confident that it will become an asset to our shop, allowing us to expand our pattern offerings beyond what is available in the binders, especially as more designers add their patterns for sale.

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February Thaw Days

This is a weekend of sales in most of the downtown Belfast stores. About fifteen years ago, Brian Horne of Colburn Shoe Store began an annual event -- a half-priced shoe sale on the first weekend of February. Last year, we joined him and offered a sale; not a half-priced sale, but we offered what we could. However, this year, it seems that most downtown businesses want to join in the excitement.

One business' offering is noteworthy. Rollie's Bar and Grill is offering 10% off your bill with a receipt of a purchase from any downtown business on Saturday. We are happy to see a restaurant participating.

Now you have so many reasons to spend Saturday in Belfast! Here is a list of participating businesses. Some provided us with specifics.

Aina Moja

Belfast Bay Inn

Molly Amber Gifts, Saturday Sale, 50% off everything except Crabtree and Evelyn.

Belfast Bicycles

Belfast Co-op

15% sale on all books in the store.

Bella Books

At Bella Books, every day is a sale day! All new books 10% off. 25% off for members.

Beyond The Sea

The Chocolate Drop

20% off storewide on Saturday.

City Drawers

Colonial Theatre

Colonial Theatre's 100th anniversary is this Saturday, February 4. Matinee sale price $2.50 all seats.

Conklin's Maine Mercantile

10% off select Valentine items. Open Saturday and Sunday.

The Cool Spot

Ten pints of ice cream will be given away.

Coyote Moon

Fiddlehead Artisan Supply

20% off storewide on Saturday.

Galerie Dufour

40% off first item, 60% off second item. Almost everything in gallery on sale. Sale runs for three Saturdays: February 4, 11 and 18.

The Green Store

Heavenly Socks Yarns

20% off entire purchase on both Saturday, February 4, and Sunday, February 5, including already-discounted items.

Katwalk

Saturday and Sunday, 20% off storewide (excluding pottery). 30% off sally bags. Up to 50% off clearance rack. 40% off all winter coats and sweaters(excluding fx-dressed).

Macleod's Furniture Store

50% off in-stock furniture with coupon in local paper, cash and carry.

Out on a Whimsey

25% off kids' toys and clothing. 50% off everything else, including jewelry.

Rollie's Bar and Grill

10% off your bill with a receipt of a purchase from any downtown business on Saturday.

Yo Mamma's Home

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City Drawers -- Where It's Always Valentine's Day!

We always like to introduce any new downtown Belfast businesses in our newsletter. We apologize that we are late introducing this asset to our downtown community, located in the former Fertile Mind Bookstore building space.

Since June 2011, there's been an underwear boutique in your midst! With Valentine's Day being their favorite holiday, there are even more reasons to come in the shop this month including special promotions to customers in their Registry. If you haven't yet crossed the threshold of City Drawers, let's debunk some myths that might have kept you from venturing inside.

Busting Myth A:
Why an underwear store?
(Almost) everyone wears it! We try to stock your favorites, whether it's a brief, boyshort, bikini, thong or some kind of hybrid. Everybody's shaped differently and has a preference about fabric and silhouette. They wholeheartedly believe that if you feel good about what you're wearing underneath and are comfortable, it will make all the difference.

Busting Myth B:
It's a ladies' shop.
Come on in, boys! They carry Men's Jockey, 2(x)ist, PACT, Ex Officio, a line of bamboo boxers and boxer-briefs that men are really liking, and a great silk line from Mary Green. Some of their best customers are men who have discovered that there are times and places to be wearing micro-fiber, wool, bamboo and silk instead of just cotton (which they also supply). In addition to men's and women's departments, they carry children's underwear, socks and sleepwear.

Busting Myth C:
They only carry small bras.
On the contrary! Currently in stock they have sizes ranging from a training bra to a brand that offers sizes to 54M. You can find bras for sport, everyday, or evening activities, plus nursing bras and camisoles. It makes them very happy to help women find a well-fitting bra and they go out of our way to find styles that work for every body type and lifestyle. The popular brands have been Wacoal, Bali, Goddess, Spanx and Moving Comfort, but they also have bra lines you've never tried and are bringing in new lines all the time. Their newest is Le Mystere, which Oprah made famous.

Busting Myth D:
Boutiques are expensive.
City Drawers does not inflate prices because it is a boutique. Inexpensive brands such as Hanes are inexpensive in their shop, too. Wouldn't you rather spend your shopping time in a nice environment and receive personal assistance? Ask about the Baker's Dozen club which benefits frequent undie purchases.

Busting Myth E:
They just have underwear.
Underwear is their focus, but they complement the offerings with great products in these categories as well: Long Underwear, Hosiery, Shapewear, Socks, Sleepwear, Lingerie, Bridal Undergarments, Yogawear, Swimwear and Bra Accessories, plus related Cards, Perfumes, Lotions, Candles, Jewelry and a fabulous Jean.

Find them at 105 Main St., Belfast; 207-338-9980; and City Drawers; and Like them on Facebook. Current hours are 10 am-6 pm, Monday-Saturday. They'll add Sundays again when the snowbirds return.

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St. Valentine's Dinner at First Church

The First Church in Belfast, UCC will be hosting their annual St. Valentine's Dinner on February 11 in the upstairs Fellowship Hall of the church. This year's proceeds will again go to the Waldo County chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The menu will consist of three types of lasagne: meatless, with meat and gluten-free; salad, coleslaw, breads, beverages and homemade hot fudge brownie sundaes. Serving will be offered from 5-6:30 pm, and local, live entertainment will be from 5-9 pm. The cost for all this fun is $10.00 per person. There will also be a raffle of a Valentine-themed basket, with those proceeds also benefiting the Habitat Chapter. First Church is located on the corner of Spring and Court streets, and is handicapped-accessible using either the Court or Spring Street entrance. First Church is an ONA church where all are welcomed! For more information, phone 207-338-2282.

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Restorative Justice Project Offers Mentor Training

The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast is offering free training for volunteer mentors to work with programs that serve youth and adults who are involved with the criminal justice system. RJP works to bring about a cultural shift in the way law enforcement, the community and the justice system work together to address crime and punishment. The success of these programs depends in large part on the dedicated work of volunteers who receive ongoing training and support. Click Upcoming Volunteer Mentor Training for the mentor training schedule in Waldo and Knox counties. For further information, visit The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast or call 207-338-2742.

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Aarhus Gallery is Looking Blue in February

Aarhus Gallery and friends will be invested with the color blue in a show titled "Blue," from February 2-26 with an opening reception on Friday, February 3, 5-8 pm.

Blue was not recognized as a color in its own right in antiquity. It was thought of as related to black, as a kind of gray. For a time there was even a blurring of the distinction between blue and, of all things, yellow. How odd, then, that in the late Middle Ages the celebrated and precious ultramarine had become so venerated it was considered emblematic of divine purity -- perhaps because only nobles and the well-connected were able to afford such luxury at the time.

Yves Klein says, "Blue is the invisible becoming visible," and Kandinsky explains, "The power of profound meaning is found in blue."

Featured artists that will be exploring the pigments and profundities of blue include: Daniel Anselmi, Bernice Arthur, Maryjean Crowe, Heidi Daub, Ingrid Ellison, Annadeene Fowler, Terry Hire, Charlton Hudson, Kevin Johnson, Mark Kelly, Marc Leavitt, Eric Leppanen, Richard Mann, Cathy Melio, Dina Petrillo, Ben Potter, Abbie Read, Wesley Reddick, Willy Reddick, Rebecca Rivers, Aviva Shaw, and Matt Wheeler.

Aarhus Gallery, 50 Main St, Belfast, operating under winter hours, is open February-May, Thursday-Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm. For more information, call 207-338-0001, or visit Aarhus Gallery, where a slide show of the current works is available.

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Aarhus Gallery's As If Stories on WERU

As If Stories, a broadcast series of readings of short stories by Maine writers performed by Maine actors, will feature two stories on its February program: Taughannock Falls by Bill Roorbach, from his collection of stories entitled Big Bend, read by Derek DeJoy; and Instructor, Composition Skills by John Manderino, from his novel in stories, Reason For Leaving: Job Stories, read by Peter Conant. The broadcast can be heard on Thursday, February 2, at 10 am on WERU radio (89.9 FM in the midcoast area, 99.9 FM in Bangor). Those outside of WERU's broadcast area can listen online at WERU.

The As If series of stories, originally performed live at Aarhus Gallery in Belfast, are being broadcast at 10 am on the first Thursday of every month on WERU. For those who miss the first-Thursday broadcasts, most of the programs will be available in the WERU archives on the station's Web site. For more Information about the broadcasts, contact info@weru.org with "As If Stories" in the subject line.

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Call for Art: 44N 69W: Radius Belfast 2012

Aarhus Gallery once again toasts our vast creative community by opening its walls to Maine residents of any age or training, from potters, painters and welders to musicians, knitters and mobile makers who live within a thirty-mile radius of Belfast, to show their artwork in their all-encompassing 4th Annual 44N 69W: Radius Belfast show. The show, scheduled for March 1-April 1, benefits local food pantries.

Dropoff of artwork is at Aarhus Gallery, 50 Main St., Belfast, during open hours 11 am-5:30 pm, Thursday, February 23, through Sunday, February 26.

For more information. visit Aarhus Gallery's Calendar of Artists and Events.

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High Street Studio and Gallery/Susan Tobey White News

The gallery may look closed, but there is a lot of activity going on at the studio. Please stop by if you see a light on! Susan is painting, painting and more painting! Two weeks ago she taught an all-day Beginning Acrylic Workshop attended by eleven people. It was so much fun! More two-hour classes are scheduled for both Watercolor and Acrylic students on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10 am to noon. Each class will be focused on one concept. Attend as many as you are able. $20.00 per class. Susan is also working on a summer two-day Acrylic Workshop at the studio of Searsport Shores as part of their Artist in Residency program in July. This will be aimed for the beginner and for those with some experience.

For more information, visit High Street Studio and Gallery, or contact Susan Tobey White at High Street Studio and Gallery, 149 High St., Belfast, phone 207-338-8990.

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Open Call for Cardboard Art Exhibit at Waterfall Arts

Waterfall Arts invites artists of all ages to contribute artwork for an upcoming show titled Corrugation Nation. The show will run from April 6 until May 18, with a closing party on Friday, May 18 that will include a raffle of several of the pieces from the show.

The predominant material in the artwork must be cardboard (at least 60%), the kind that has corrugation as a structural basis, as opposed to paperboard (cereal-box-type board). Other media may be included in the piece, such as paint, wood, wire, fiber, glue, etc. Works may be 2D, relief, 3D, video, kinetic or performance-based, and will be displayed in all parts of the Waterfall Arts facility in Belfast: the Clifford Gallery, the corridors and the Fallout Shelter. While there is no size limitation, works absolutely must be display-ready with appropriate hanging devices already attached (if not, they will not be hung). All works must be appropriate for all audiences.

Corrugation Nation work should be dropped off at Waterfall Arts, 256 High St. in Belfast, from noon to 7 pm Thursday, March 29 and from noon to 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31. All art must be for sale; during dropoff, artists will be asked if they are willing to donate their piece to a fundraising raffle. The raffle will take place at the closing party on May 18 with ticket sales benefiting Waterfall Arts programs. Some of the donated works will be featured on the Waterfall Arts Web site and tickets may be purchased when the exhibit opens until the winning tickets are drawn. Pickup of unsold work will be Saturday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 22 from 10 am to 5 pm. Any works not claimed by that date will be recycled or discarded.

Waterfall Arts, now in its thirteenth year, is dedicated to creating community in harmony with nature through the transformative power of the arts. For more information on classes, artist residencies, studio rentals and events, visit Waterfall Arts or call 207-338-2222.

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Vacation Art Camp at Waterfall Arts: Chinese Ink Drawing and Calligraphy

During February break, popular instructor Lesia Sochor will be teaching a Chinese Ink Drawing and Calligraphy course at Waterfall Arts in Belfast. Students ages 8 to 12 will learn about the ancient art of Chinese painting and character making. The characters in Chinese calligraphy are over four thousand years old and believed to be the oldest writing system in the world. Students will practice this ancient and beautiful art form while painting plum blossoms, pandas, mountains and more. Students will paint on rice paper and traditional long scrolls with bamboo brushes, and will learn to grind ink on a suzuri with an ink stick.

Lesia Sochor began her art studies as a teenager with Ukrainian watercolorist Peter Mehik. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Art, Lesia has taught art and exhibited her watercolors for thirty years in Maine and beyond. She has given several workshops at Waterfall Arts.

The Chinese Ink Drawing and Calligraphy Art Camp is a four-day course that will run daily from Tuesday, February 21 to Friday, February 24 from 9 am to noon. The cost of the course is $95.00. Partial scholarships are available.

Waterfall Arts, now in its thirteenth year, is dedicated to creating community in harmony with nature through the transformative power of the arts. For more information on classes, artist residencies, studio rentals and events, visit Waterfall Arts or call 207-338-2222.

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Waterfall Arts' Pastabilities 4.0

On Monday, February 27, Waterfall Arts will hold its 4th annual Pastabilities, its Wintertime Family Fun(d)raiser.

This is not your ordinary plate of spaghetti but your chance to sample ravishingly sumptuous, olfactory-stimulating, mouth-watering, divinely appealing gourmet pasta dishes made by caterers, chefs and talented gourmands. They have planned for two separate seating times this year to comfortably accommodate everyone in Waterfall Arts' Fallout Shelter. You can choose from 5 pm or 6:30 pm to enjoy your meal.

Your meal also includes salad, bread, beverage and dessert. Wine and beer are available by donation. For those with special dietary needs, they will have meatless and gluten-free choices, and traditional sauce for youngsters. The cost is $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12.

Additionally, as this fundraiser is always more than just a meal, there will be a Silent Auction happening in the Clifford Gallery. From everyday necessities to pamper-yourself services, it will be worth your while to place a bid or two or three. Come have fun, help Waterfall Arts continue to thrive and flourish, and satisfy your hunger all in one great evening.

Waterfall Arts, now in its thirteenth year, is dedicated to creating community in harmony with nature through the transformative power of the arts. For more information on classes, artist residencies, studio rentals and events, visit Waterfall Arts or phone 207-338-2222.

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Belfast Flying Shoes' February First Friday

First Friday, February 3:

6:30 pm: Community Dance with Chrissy Fowler and The All-Comers Band

(If you play an instrument, bring it and play along!) $2.00 adults & teens/$1.00 children.

8 pm: Contradance

Adina Gordon and The Daub Schubeck Band: Caller Adina Gordon (Vermont) with The Daub Schubeck Band. Bill Schubeck -- fiddle; Fiona Schubeck -- fiddle; Heidi Daub -- banjo, whistle; Mesa Schubeck -- piano, ukelele.

$10.00 for age 21+, $7.00 for ages 13-20 as well as adult All-Comers, $4.00 for kids. $1.00 off for anyone who brings a box fan for the window!

Join the fun at the American Legion Post #43, 143 Church St., Belfast. For more information, visit Belfast Flying Shoes.

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Our Shipping Policy

Even though our Web site is not designed with a shopping cart, we will happily ship anything to you.

At this time, we only ask for the exact cost of the shipping; there is no handling charge.

By the way, the man in the photo is our well-loved UPS deliveryman. He is always smiling and happy, even when hauling heavy boxes down the stairs. (He must be a secret wannabe knitter.)

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