'Nida Kay Designs

07/27/2026

Our latest news

It's gonna be toasty in Big Bear this week, but hey! the shop has a/c! Yarn / craft shopping in cool comfort!

I've been dyeing LOTS of mini skeins, mostly fi*****ng weight. The colorwork you share with me, from socks to sweaters (my goodness, you're so talented!!!) I figured you'd want quite a selection to choose from. Worsted weight mini skeins are next in queue, probably ready mid-August.

Terri of Tangled & True will be teaching a beginning Tunisian crochet class August 15th (a Saturday) from 10am - noon. One needs to know basic crochet for the class, so I'm offering a beginning crochet class August 8, from 10 am - noon. Terri has designed a lovely open-work scarf using Cascade's Hampton yarn (cotton & linen), perfect for Southern California's moderate climate. I haven't figured out how to get the pictures she emailed to me onto this newsletter. Once again, technology + my brain = ??? ( I'm feeling pretty impressed (amazed!) with myself for remembering how to navigate a newsletter!) But I digress. Terri is a very patient instructor, and the stitches she'll teach will serve you well as you begin your Tunisian crochet journey!

Held a wet felting class for a lovely group of friends the beginning of July. I hand dyed the Targhee sheep wool for the class cuz, well, that's just me! Still have plenty of it, and felting is pretty easy once one knows the basics: it's just wool, soap, water, and a little agitation! Class is how to make a vessel. Next class is August 22, 10 am - 2 pm. (The pictures are from my phone, I know how to download those!! LOL)

To register and pay for a class, go to BigBearYarnCo.com (http://www.BigBearYarnCo.com) , click on events / classes, then find the class you want. If I don't have the class you want on a day you're available, send me a message, and I'll see what we can work out!

I look forward to seeing your faces and projects, whether in person or photos you send. You make my heart so happy when you tell me Big Bear Yarn Co is on your list of must visits when in Big Bear. Thank you!

Happy summer,

Anita

04/12/2026

New Yarn

for spring and summer!

Knitters, crocheters, weavers! Cascade Yarn's Hampton has arrived!! Yup, I finally got brave enough to place a BIG order, 20 different colors! (a lot of exclamation marks, I know, but it's exciting news!!! lol

Experience the soft touch of Pima Cotton blended with the durability and breathability of Linen in Hampton. This DK weight yarn maintains its shape beautifully, making it an ideal choice for summer garments, market bags, accessories, and more. Hampton is also a superb option for weaving projects.

I have two (free from Cascade) knit patterns for summer tops in the shop, and found a darling crochet pattern on Ravelry. ravelry.com/patterns/library/spiral-seashell-top

I dyed a bunch of fi*****ng weight mini skeins last week. I had sweet spring flowers on my mind. (see header photo) Then I dyed some DK weight yarn (with Donegal Tweed bits) in lake blues, forest greens, and sweet potato. Maybe yam? Varying soft orange, let's say!

I rediscovered a dip dye technique I used to use all the time. I'd forgotten how its self striping wanders in a diagonal when working in the round, specifically socks. I have ten 100 gram skeins soaking in prep for dip dyeing today, so that will be five different colorways. Colorways I already have in the shop: black, blue, gray / tan, browns / vibrant light greens, peach / aqua, teal.

Local Yarn Shop (LYS) day this year is April 25! Weather / wind permitting, the ez-up will be up in front of the shop, where Britni of Sprouted thru Threads will display her crocheted hats and bags for purchase. I'll have the spinning wheel out for demonstrations (I can hardly wait!!). There will be goodie bags (while supplies last), and crazy good sales on select yarns. Be thinking about your next project so you can come prepared to find the necessary yarn, or be that wild thing you are and let the yarn choose you!

As always, thank you for keeping our LYS going. I can't do it without you!

Anita

Click here for an update from Big Bear Yarn Co by 'Nida Kay Designs!

04/01/2026

No foolin'! All Kraemer Yarns are 50% off this week, April 1 - 4! And we're back to regular hours, Weds - Sat, noon to 5 pm. See you soon!

03/28/2026

Dip dyeing some mini skeins!

03/22/2026

Thanks for your support!

I hope you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. Without you, this little LYS (local yarn shop) would cease to be, and that would be so sad. Many of you hadn't ever been in a dedicated yarn shop before, and it warms my heart to see eyes light up, creative juices start flowing, as we speak the language of yarn, color and projects! A joy and privilege for me. Thank you!

While we didn't have a harsh winter this year, spring and the coming color is still very welcome. Week before last I dyed the most yarn in seven days ever! Lots of brights (mohair and silk mini skeins in jelly bean colors!), and a dk weight superwash with neon neps! Included in the marathon were favorite colorways that seem to sell out quickly. The more you take home, the more I get to dye! I love how we help one another continue in our happy yarn world!

I've recently started stocking some Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Handpaints. Oh my gosh, the colors paired with 220 Superwash solids, the possibilities, the color joy meltdowns!! LOL A little later in the spring I'll order Hampton, a cotton and linen yarn perfect for warmer weather projects. The Thursday Table Day ladies chose it unanimously (it was my choice, too!) to add to the shop. Here's a sample free pattern from Cascade Yarns using Hampton yarn. cascadeyarns.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DK760_Hampton_BeachFrontTop.pdf (https://www.cascadeyarns.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DK760_Hampton_BeachFrontTop.pdf)

We'll be returning to the noon to 5pm schedule in April. On nice days, the round table out front is available for knit and crochet after you've checked in with me. Towards the end of June, the table can be reserved (for a fee yet to be determined) that will include table side snacks and beverages.

I'm so looking forward to a spring and summer season filled with creativity and camaraderie. Crafter's Alley is still in development, I'll keep you posted!

With a grateful heart,

Anita

02/18/2026

Took one look at the berm this morning, figured it'd be a two hour dig out, and decided to take a snow day. Will chip away at it today so I can get to the shop tomorrow. A bottle of Aleve is at hand!

02/02/2026

Our latest news

Hi All!

Anyone who's been into the shop knows my tech challenged woes. I write a newsletter that somehow manages to disappear, and for me, it's gone forever. But wait, is it really??? No! No, it's not! Imagine my chagrin when I discovered how to find saved drafts, and there they were, the "lost" newsletters, all huddled together, waiting to be found. I will join you in an eye roll, because, honest to Pete! At least I keep trying. It's a good parallel to learning crochet, or anything new; you think you'll never catch on, you keep practicing, and one day you've made, or done, a thing! Success!

On to yarn news. A few cubbies were looking bare, so I knew it was time to place yarn orders, especially Cascade yarn. They've been so good at holding prices, but this year they need to make increases. I ordered before the increases took place to keep prices as low as I can for you. All their new 220 Superwash Hand Paints colors have arrived! Mix and match yarn colors galore!

You've been wonderfully responsive to the yarns I hand dye. Thank you so much! You're keeping me in my happy place! An order of undyed yarn in different weights and textures has arrived, all between 19.5 and 21.5 microns. We do love our super soft yarns, don't we!! Can hardly wait to start dyeing!

I'm sad Kraemer Yarns has gone out of business. I appreciated working with a company that sourced its products from within the US. Since I can no longer order from them, I need to clear the cubbies for new yarn. All Kraemer Yarns in stock are now 30% off. Tatamy Tweed and Perfection Lights were $7.49, now $5.24 each. Bear Creek was $19.99, now $13.99. Belfast was $7.99, now $5.59. Come and get 'em while they last!

AND meditative paint kits have come in! Some use acrylic paints, some watercolors. If joining a group here at the shop for a paint evening interests you, let me know, and I'll see what the schedule allows. Premium booze-free "cocktails" are available for evening get togethers.

I appreciate you! Check out upcoming classes! Together we'll keep the creative fun flowing.

Anita

Click here for an update from Big Bear Yarn Co by 'Nida Kay Designs!

12/29/2025

The shop will be CLOSED January 1 - 20, 2026. Having cataract surgery, then taking a little breather. I want to organize my thoughts, cuz I have *so many* ideas for classes and crafting get togethers in 2026!! Oh the creative, crafty, yarnie, fiberliciousness fun we will have!! Happy New Year, indeed!

12/11/2025

I love show and tell, especially when it's made with yarn I hand dyed. I rarely get to see it made up, so today was a treat when Philia stopped by with the hooded scarf she's knitting. Isn't her work beautiful??

12/09/2025

The shop will be CLOSED this Saturday, December 13th.
If you need yarn etc, c'mon over Wednesday - Friday! My sister is graduating with her master's degree, and I want to be there to celebrate her achievement!