Tradewinds Report

July 2010

My dearest, dearest fellow Yarn-Lovers,  

I hope July is finding you all well and enjoying the lovely weather.  As you know, my family and I are moving back to California in August after 15 lovely years in Chorleywood.  I will be closing the shop at the end of July.  It has been my absolute pleasure running the business, meeting you and sharing our yarny creations.  I wish you all the very best and hope to bump into you in the virtual knitting/crocheting world.  

Warmest regards,

Julie

Our Biggest (and Last) Sale Ever!

Shipping stuff across oceans and continents is expensive, so help me out here!  Get 40% off everything on your next order!  Hurry while supplies last!

Banyan Tree Yarns - A History

As I flatten large cardboard boxes that used to hold skeins and skeins of lovely yarn, I reflect on the journey that's been Banyan Tree Yarns . . . 

It was the December of 2005.  I was just an average knitter when I came across Knit.1 magazine at my local Borders (alas, both gone from the UK).  Never have I seen so many patterns I wanted to knit in one publication!  However, there was one particular pattern I had to make immediately!  At the time, all the patterns suggested Lion Brand Yarn, which had very limited availablility in the UK.  I had no yarn loyalties, so I tried to find a substitute.  No such luck.  I contacted Lion Brand, but they didn't ship internationally (yet).  Maybe they would let me buy a carton of it.  I'd take the 8 balls I needed and sell on the rest on eBay or something.  They told me the wholesale order would be $3,500.  After a bit of poll-taking in knitting chat rooms and a bit of pitching to my husband for startup capital, in Febuary 2006, Banyan Tree Yarns was born!

the Magazine	the Pattern	the Yarn

Now why "Banyan Tree"?  My family and I luuurrrrv Hawaii.  I'm half Pilippino.  Banyan trees grow in both countries.  

a Banyan Tree in Hilo, Hawaii	"Hawaiianised" knitting projects

Some highlights . . . 

  I Knit London 2007

  Stitch London Lion Scarf in Trafalgar Square, 2007

    CHA 2008 show in Anaheim, California

  Another I Knit London 2008 show

  Ally Pally 2009

  The Pattern, again

Thanks for the memories!  Best wishes to you all!  Lots and lots of love, Julie