January One -- Spin Out 2007
October 17, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: GRAND PRIZE WINNERS!
Please join me in congratulating
She's won the Lendrum Complete generously donated by Toni of The Fold.
She's won the Louet Victoria from Meg at Yarn Expressions. Sasha blogs at Free Wool.
She's won the Socks That Rock Rockin' Sock Club 2008 Membership.
Once again, THANK YOU everyone for your contributions and prize donations and all around fantastic support. The rest of the prizes will be awarded in the next couple of weeks. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
Posted by Cara at 03:59 PM
October 16, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
AND I haven't puked today!
THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH! I'm so pleased with the outcome, I can't tell you. I think Heifer International is a FANTASTIC organization and it warms my heart to see you all come out and support it. THANK YOU!
And a HUGE THANK YOU to all the PRIZE DONORS! The raffle would be NOTHING without you all! THANK YOU!
I've sent emails to the winners of the Lendrum, the Louet and the STR Sock Club and I hope to announce them publicly tomorrow. As I said before, the rest of the prize packages will be awarded sometime in the next two weeks - AFTER RHINEBECK. Thank you so much for your patience. My work life is in full swing and I can't get as much done as I need to during a day - so please bear with me. THANK YOU!
Posted by Cara at 04:09 PM
October 14, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: SO CLOSE!
Closer than close - we are SO FREAKING CLOSE to $30K I can TASTE IT! C'mon People!!! If you haven't donated to Spin Out yet, here's how:
For every $10.00 you spend on The Heifer International Gift Registry, your name will be placed in the proverbial hat for prize drawings in October. For instance, if you spend $50.00, your name will be put in the hat 5 times. You can win more than one prize if your name is in there more than once - we will not be pulling out names after a win.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Last year I realized that while I get registry data, I don't get exact donation amounts. To get your full raffle value, YOU MUST EMAIL ME THE AMOUNT OF YOUR DONATION! Please send an email, with RAFFLE in the subject line, to donations@spin-out.org. If you don't do this, your name will be placed in the raffle ONE TIME. THANK YOU!
And more good news: while I did throw up today - I WAS PUKE FREE YESTERDAY! Although it did make puking today kind of really really sad, I did have one day reprieve. Things ARE getting better. Here's hoping for a PUKE FREE RHINEBECK (at least on my end. I know how some of you fiber folk can put back the booze. COUGHVickiCOUGH.)
HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!
Posted by Cara at 12:57 PM
October 12, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: LAST CHANCE POWER DRIVE!
In the last two days, we went from $21210 to $26240! OH MY! I have to say, I set the bar high this year and I've been kind of doubtful that we'd make it. Not through any fault of all of you, but my own neglect. Last year I was on top of this thing like you wouldn't believe! Updates all the time, egging you all on to give give give! Lots more advertising on various blogs. This year? Not so much. I'm not going to give excuses, but I must tell you how completely appreciative I am of your support for this project. It warms my heart so much. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
So - this is the LAST WEEKEND to give! CAN WE GET TO $30,000?!? The registry will remain open through Monday, October 15, 2007 and then it will CLOSE. My goal is to list the remaining prizes I have here on Monday. It's a busy busy weekend, but I'm going to try my best! If you haven't given yet (or would like to give again!) here's how:
For every $10.00 you spend on The Heifer International Gift Registry, your name will be placed in the proverbial hat for prize drawings in October. For instance, if you spend $50.00, your name will be put in the hat 5 times. You can win more than one prize if your name is in there more than once - we will not be pulling out names after a win.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Last year I realized that while I get registry data, I don't get exact donation amounts. To get your full raffle value, YOU MUST EMAIL ME THE AMOUNT OF YOUR DONATION! Please send an email, with RAFFLE in the subject line, to donations@spin-out.org. If you don't do this, your name will be placed in the raffle ONE TIME. THANK YOU!
As I mentioned earlier in the week, I will be announcing the winners of BOTH WHEELS and the SOCKS THAT ROCK CLUB MEMBERSHIP on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week - after the registry has closed. I won't be awarding any other prizes until AFTER Rhinebeck. I'm so sorry, but I just can't get it all done.
HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!
Posted by Cara at 09:00 AM
October 10, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: UPDATE!
Dear Spin Out Rafflers! I have NOT forgotten you! Our total is now at $21210! YAY!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! And we still have FIVE days to go! The RAFFLE will remain open through October 15, 2007. Please consider giving if you haven't already. Here's how:
For every $10.00 you spend on The Heifer International Gift Registry, your name will be placed in the proverbial hat for prize drawings in October. For instance, if you spend $50.00, your name will be put in the hat 5 times. You can win more than one prize if your name is in there more than once - we will not be pulling out names after a win.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Last year I realized that while I get registry data, I don't get exact donation amounts. To get your full raffle value, YOU MUST EMAIL ME THE AMOUNT OF YOUR DONATION! Please send an email, with RAFFLE in the subject line, to donations@spin-out.org. If you don't do this, your name will be placed in the raffle ONE TIME. THANK YOU!
PRIZE UPDATE!
I still have a bunch of prizes to photograph and post. I hope to have that done by the weekend. Things have really kicked up a notch over here - I'm in the full throws of the busy season at work which doesn't leave much time for anything else. I will be announcing the winners of BOTH WHEELS and the SOCKS THAT ROCK CLUB MEMBERSHIP on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week - after the registry has closed. I won't be awarding any other prizes until AFTER Rhinebeck. I'm so sorry, but I just can't get it all done.
Posted by Cara at 12:01 PM
October 01, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: LIVING THE DREAM!
First things first - I didn't take a SINGLE picture on Saturday! I'm SO SORRY! It was a wonderful, crazy, emotional, exhausting, triumphant, surreal day and you'll forgive me for slacking off!
The best part of the day for me was Ann, sitting next to me, spinning the most beautiful fiber, saying over and over again how fantastic it was to be spinning in Central Park, the sun on her bare toes. See - this was the dream. Two years ago we were sitting in her den talking about how great it would be to spin outside - to have a whole bunch of spinners outside, in the sun, spinning our little hearts out. We had a nice test run last year in the torrential rains, but this year? This year we were most definitely LIVING THE DREAM!
Thank you all so much for coming out and spending the day with us - spinners, knitters, people interested in the fiber arts. It was a great day for me. I was with some of my favorite people, got to meet new people, helped people learn a new craft.
Thanks to Jenny and Peggie and Regina and Martha and everyone else giving lessons to new spinners for teaching their hearts out! Thanks to all my guild friends, the Long Island gals, who made the trek into the big city! Thanks to Kay and Regina for watching out for me and making sure I ate! (You SAVED me!) Thanks to the spinners and knitters who came far and wide! Thanks to all the tourists who stopped and gawked! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Even though I didn't take pictures, I know everyone else did. Please leave me a comment and let me know where I can look! I really appreciate it! In the meantime - try here and here. I know there are LOTS of pictures to see.
OH MY GOD! I was EXHAUSTED! It was all I could Sunday to climb out of bed and throw up. ;-) Anyway, the FUN IS NOT OVER! THE RAFFLE CONTINUES ON UNTIL OCTOBER 15! I'm thrilled to announce that our total as of this morning is $17300! THANK YOU!!! The goal is in reach. If you'd like to donate, here's how:
For every $10.00 you spend on The Heifer International Gift Registry, your name will be placed in the proverbial hat for prize drawings in October. For instance, if you spend $50.00, your name will be put in the hat 5 times. You can win more than one prize if your name is in there more than once - we will not be pulling out names after a win.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Last year I realized that while I get registry data, I don't get exact donation amounts. To get your full raffle value, YOU MUST EMAIL ME THE AMOUNT OF YOUR DONATION! Please send an email, with RAFFLE in the subject line, to donations@spin-out.org. If you don't do this, your name will be placed in the raffle ONE TIME. THANK YOU!
Posted by Cara at 09:31 AM | Comments (3)
September 27, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: WE'RE ON!!!
Look what came in the mail the other day?
That can only mean one thing - SPIN OUT 2007 IS ON!! Apparently the weather gods intend to SHINE on me this year - although I should probably keep my mouth shut and not tempt fate. If you'd like to obsess along with me - click here!
I dragged Kay to scope out the sight yesterday and here's the lowdown:
Saturday, September 29, 2007 - 11 AM until 5 PM
Central Park, Cherry Hill Fountain
-- Cherry Hill Fountain is best reached by the WEST 72nd St. Park Entrance. Go past Strawberry Fields (Forever) and keep walking on the path - as straight as you can go. You should come to a Daniel Webster statue and an information kiosk. Ask at the kiosk, but Cherry Hill Fountain is straight passed that - you go a bit to the left and you'll see a big clearing of concrete with the fountain in the middle. HERE is a map of Central Park. Cherry Hill Fountain is located in the South End of the Park.
-- SEATING. There is a very limited number of bench seats available around the fountain. Wheels are NOT PERMITTED on any of the grassy areas around the fountain, but there's plenty of concrete available. (That's why they gave us this site.) If you absolutely MUST have a seat, I'd suggest you bring your own, as SEATING IS LIMITED.
-- PARKING. This event takes place in NEW YORK CITY. Parking is pretty much non-existent, unless you don't mind paying exorbitant parking garage fees. (Like $40 per 3 hours in this neighborhood.) If you can, I'd suggest you take public transportation whenever possible. ABSOLUTELY NO CARS IN THE PARK.
-- SUNSCREEN. The area where the event takes place has very limited shade. I'd make sure you bring sunscreen. Rumor has it's going to be a very sunny day. ;-)
-- FACILITIES. I have no idea if there are bathrooms around. There are definitely places OUTSIDE the park where you can find bathrooms, so be prepared. (And by that I don't mean bring your own port-a-potty, just know that you might have to leave the event for a bit to use a bathroom.)
-- CONCESSIONS. When I was there yesterday, there were a few drink/ice cream vendors around pretty close by. I'm assuming they'll be there on Saturday. They'll be a rip off, but if you're really really thirsty.... Again, outside the park (not a far walk) is the Upper West Side with lots of places to eat. You might want to bring some snacks though.
-- ABSOLUTELY NO BUYING OR SELLING. My permit states that I cannot sell anything. So there won't be any vendors at the event. And I won't be collecting monies for the Heifer Registry. If you'd like to donate to the raffle, please do so here.
-- GENERAL BEHAVIOR. This sort of goes without saying, but my permit states we should act like human beings. No loud music, no destroying the area. No drugs. Etc. I had to pay a $200 bond to insure clean-up of the area - which I should get back if the area is clean after the event. So please, leave your area better than when you found it.
-- IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF RAIN. I'm pretty much counting on this being a non-issue. If it turns out that the weather people really do hate me, and we have HORRIBLE rain like we did last year, I'm basically canceling the OUTDOOR event. (The raffle goes on as planned.) Unfortunately, I do not have the energy this year to kill myself looking for a place inside. Last year's place sort of fell into my lap at literally the LAST second. If that should happen again - great. If someone has a place in NYC they'd like to offer up in case of rain - great. But as of right now - if it really, really rains - it's off. If it's overcast and a bit drizzly? I'll be out there. Thanks for understanding. (Also note that the Parks Department DOES NOT offer rain dates. So this is it for the permit.)
-- ALL ARE WELCOME! Please! COME! It doesn't matter if you spin or not. There will be plenty of knitters there happily knitting along. And if you'd like to LEARN to spin, there will be many many people to help you learn. Always wanted to try a wheel but never got the chance? I guarantee that you will be able to try a wheel. Not sure what to do with a spindle? I can guarantee you will learn how to spindle spin. I so hope to see you there!
JUST A REMINDER: The SPIN OUT 2007 Central Park event and the SPIN OUT 2007 Raffle are actually two separate simultaneous events. There will be NO PRIZES awarded at the event on Saturday. Prize awards won't happen until AFTER the registry closes on October 15. So there's still plenty of time to donate! Here's how:
For every $10.00 you spend on The Heifer International Gift Registry, your name will be placed in the proverbial hat for prize drawings in October. For instance, if you spend $50.00, your name will be put in the hat 5 times. You can win more than one prize if your name is in there more than once - we will not be pulling out names after a win.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Last year I realized that while I get registry data, I don't get exact donation amounts. To get your full raffle value, YOU MUST EMAIL ME THE AMOUNT OF YOUR DONATION! Please send an email, with RAFFLE in the subject line, to donations@spin-out.org. If you don't do this, your name will be placed in the raffle ONE TIME. THANK YOU!
I think that covers pretty much everything. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments. I hope to see many of you there on Saturday. I'll be the one sitting next to the bucket. ;-)
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Posted by Cara at 11:09 AM | Comments (3)
July 31, 2007
SPIN OUT 2007: CALL FOR PRIZE DONATIONS!
Hey you! YES YOU! Are you a burgeoning fiber artist trying to get your product out there? What about an established designer that just loves charity? A large famous LYS wanting to get in touch with the online community? Maybe a brand new online store hoping for some free publicity?
Whoever you are - WE WANT YOU!
Summoning my considerable chutzpah, I'm soliciting prizes for SPIN OUT 2007. Last year we gave away 25 prize packages, including a Majacraft Spinning Wheel as our GRAND PRIZE! When I put together the prize packages, I tried to put a little bit of everything into the package - so if an individual vendor gave me a bunch of stuff, I split it up among the prizes so as to maximize exposure.
We raised just shy of $19,000 last year, and had over 300 participants in the raffle. Raffle "chances" are $10.00 per entry, and participants can enter as many times as they like.
The charity we raise money for is Heifer International, an organization dedicated to helping people help themselves.
This year's PHYSICAL event will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2007 in New York City's Central Park. The Heifer Registry (how we collect money for the raffle) will open on August 15, 2007 and stay open until October 15, 2007. Prizes will be awarded the following week.
All vendors donating will have their business name and online link posted on JANUARYONE.COM (which gets, on average, 2000 unique visitors a day) and SPIN-OUT.ORG for at least 60 days.
Prize donations will be accepted until September 30. All prizes should be sent to me so I can group them together, unless otherwise specified. If you would like to donate, or have any questions, please contact me at prizes@spin-out.org .
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Cara
Posted by Cara at 11:05 AM