It’s that time again – time to be a camper at Camp Loopy this summer! This is our third year hosting you all for Camp, and we anticipate a great summer of knitting and fun.
How does it work? First of all, there is no travel involved. This is Virtual Camp! That also means no bugs, no musty tents to sleep in, no campfire smoke in your eyes, and no blisters from hiking up the mountain. Just lots of knitting, meeting new friends, contests, challenges, and fun!
We will be knitting a different challenge project each month, for the next 3 months. You can choose to knit for one month, two months, or all three months. There are prizes for completing your projects on time and an extra bonus for doing all three. I know quite a few of you have mentioned that your Camp Loopy knitting will be used for holiday gifts, which is a great way to get a jump-start on those projects.
Here is our schedule:
Project One: needs to be knit or crocheted between 6/1 and 6/30 (with a photo of the completed project uploaded to our Project One Photo Gallery by 7/1).
The Challenge for Project One – We’re starting out with a one-skein project, using a yarn that you have not used before. You can use a single skein of Lace weight or a single skein of Fingering weight yarn, and your project must use at least 375 yards of the skein, so make sure the skein you’re buying has at least 375 yards in it.
Project Two: needs to be knit or crocheted between 7/1 and 7/31 (photo uploaded by 8/1).
Challenge Two details coming in June!
Project Three: needs to be knit or crocheted between 8/1 and 8/31 (photo uploaded by 9/1).
Challenge Three details coming in July!
International knitters/crocheters: Since we started the Camp Loopy Store Week earlier this year, we don’t anticipate that you’ll need extra time on the deadlines. Hopefully your packages will get to you in plenty of time to start on the Project One dates with everyone else. But don’t delay in ordering – get it in as soon as you can.
The benefits:
1. If you need to purchase yarn for your project, we are offering a 20% Camp Loopy discount for the yarn during a designated “Camp Loopy Store Week” each month.The first discount, for Project One, is valid on one skein of fingering or lace weight yarn purchased during Camp Store Week One (May 13-19).To get the discount, you will need to leave us an order note on the order, telling us which skein of yarn will be used for your Camp Project. We’ll apply the discount when your order comes through to us. If you’re going for free shipping in the U.S., please make sure that your discount won’t take you below the $75 level, or the website will add the shipping charge back in after we do the discount.
2. If you have your photo uploaded to the Camp Loopy 2013 Project One Photo Gallery by the deadline, you’ll be eligible to win one of our Loopy Gift Certificates for that month. We’ll be having the blog readers vote for the Reader’s Choice Award each month, and we’ll also be using the random generator to pick a few more winners for Loopy Gift Certificates as well from each month’s gallery!
3. If you choose to do all three projects with us (photos uploaded by the deadlines and yarn for each project purchased during Camp Store Week for that project) we will also be awarding you a special skein of fingering weight yarn, in an exclusive Camp Loopy Colorway. (We will have 3 different exclusive Camp colors for you to choose from, so that you can pick your favorite.) This luscious skein will be perfect for socks, shawls, scarves, cowls, or mitts. We love this yarn base, and I know you will love it, too.
So if you participate in all three months of Camp and follow the guidelines, you’ll get 3 projects done at a discount, you’ll no doubt earn one or more Frequent Shopper Bonuses and maybe some extra things through our Loopy Rewards Program, and you’ll get a special skein of exclusively dyed fingering weight yarn for yet another project. Cool!
Now – here are the answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Loopy:
Q. You say this first project needs to be a yarn we’ve not used before. I’ve used Dream in Color Smooshy before but have never used Dream in Color’s Smooshy with Cashmere. Would that count?
A. Yes, that counts. It can be a company you’ve used before, as long as you’ll be using a base from that company that you’ve not used before.
Q. I’ve used a yarn that is 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere and 10% Nylon from Three Irish Girls before, but I haven’t used that same 80/10/10 base from Dragonfly Djinni. Can I use Djinni and have it count as “new to me”?
A. Yes, that counts. It can be a base (like 100% merino, or 80/10/10) that you’ve used before, but it needs to be a company/base combo that is new to you.
Q. I have picked out a fingering weight pattern that will take 700 yards, so I will need to purchase 2 skeins for this project. Is that ok?
A. You’ll want to pick a pattern that works with one skein of yarn, instead. Or find a laceweight project, since many of our laceweight skeins have higher yardage per skein.
Q. Can we participate with weaving instead of knitting or crochet?
A. For Camp Loopy, we’re sticking with knitting or crochet.
Q. I didn’t get to order during Camp Store Week, but if I order my project yarn later in that same month and complete the project by the deadline, does that still count, even though I know I don’t get the Camp Loopy discount?
A. Yes! Make sure that you add a “Camp Loopy” note to your order, so that we know you’re participating. You’ll still be eligible for the project drawings and prizes for that month, and if you finish all three projects by the deadlines, you’ll still get the bonus – a free skein of that luscious yarn, exclusively dyed.
Q. I want to participate using yarn from my stash. Does that still count?
A. You are welcome to participate and knit from stash and upload it to the gallery, as long as it’s yarn that we carry at The Loopy Ewe. (We always require projects in our Photo Galleries to be from yarn that we carry at TLE.) You will still be eligible for drawings and prizes for the month, but you won’t be eligible for the free yarn at the end.
Q. When you say to knit the project between 6/1 and 6/30, when EXACTLY does the timing start?
A. You can start at 12:01 am your time on 6/1 if you’d like, although a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast might be a better idea. The project needs to be done by 11:59 pm on 6/30, your time. The photos need to be uploaded by 11:59 pm OUR time (Mountain Time) on 7/1.
Q. Should we be starting a new Camp Loopy Group on Ravelry?
A. No. Since it’s an activity through The Loopy Ewe, I’d like to keep it as a part of our regular Loopy Groupies group. However, you’ll see Camp Loopy threads popping up on the Loopy Groupie board, based on different activities each month. For the first month, we’ll be splitting you up by Hiking Groups, and each group will be hiking a different mountain. Look for the starred mountain on the drawing on your Camp Loopy order sheet to see which group you’re in. (Note – this is totally for fun, and for those of you who want to chat in Camp Groups on the Loopy Groupie board. If that’s not your thing, you can stay out of the hiking groups and just knit! But … I’ll bet you will meet a new friend or two if you participate in the chats!)
Q. When you specify yardage in a project, can I use up the yardage by knitting double stranded? So if you say we must use 375 yards, can I do a 187.5 yard project, holding the yarn double? That would use 375 yards.
A. No. No doubling the yarn to get the yardage. If you’d like to knit something double stranded, you’ll need to use 750 yards so that you end up with a 375 yard project when it’s done.
Q. How do I know if I’m on track for the free yarn bonus, and when will I get it?
A. If you purchased your project yarn during Camp Store Week (or later that same project month) and uploaded your photo by the deadline, then you are on track. Once Camp is over and the yarn is ready, we’ll send you a notice to let you choose your camp colorway. You will have the option of having your bonus yarn added in the box with your next order from us, or you can choose to have it sent to you right away on its own and we’ll just add a shipping charge to that.
Q. Why do we have to purchase the yarn during Camp Store Week each month, if we want the bonus?
A. Two reasons. One – it costs us money to fund this (the contests, the extras, the free yarn at the end) and your purchases help us to be able to afford to do this. Two – it helps us to guarantee that everyone is knitting for the project during the designated time and not simply pulling a finished (or half finished) project out of their pile and saying they did it “for camp”. It keeps an even playing field for all of the people earning the bonuses.
Q. Will we have the chance to buy t-shirts with the Camp Loopy logo, like we did last year?
A. Yes! They’re on order and we’ll put them up on the website as soon as they arrive. And maybe a couple of other fun campy things, too. The first Camp Loopy extra is up on the website now – a drawstring project bag that’s a real hoot. 
In addition to getting projects done along with discounts and free yarn rewards, another part of the fun is talking to fellow campers on the Loopy Groupie Board on Ravelry. We will set up chat groups each month during Camp, based on a different criteria each time. For this first month, we’re dividing you into Hiking Groups, based on which mountain you will be climbing. (Mt. Loopious, Mt. Fiberopolis, Mt. Knitsalot, Mt. Tinknomore, and Mt. Kaytwopeatwo.) Look for the starred mountain on your Camp Loopy order form. If you’re knitting your camp project from stash, feel free to choose one of the groups on your own. Jump into the discussion and share which project you’re going to make and what yarn you’re using, then report on your progress during the month. You’ll make new friends each month, because we’ll have another way to group you for the next month! (Not on Ravelry? No worries. Participating in the groups is not required. We just add those in for extra fun.)
We’re so looking forward to camping with you again this summer, and we have lots of fun things planned. Grab your hiking boots and your project bag, and get ready to roll! (Need a new project bag? We had some special owl bags done up for Camp Loopy!)
Sheri goingtoneedsomeenergybarsforthehikeupthemountain
P.S. We do have new things up for you on the website today, too. Just up: Blue Q Bags, Skein Top Draw Sock, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Lorna’s Laces Haymarket, Dragonfly Fiber Djinni Sock, and a few backordered colors of Malabrigo Sock. Check them out!
I just placed my Camp Loopy order, and I am so excited! I’ve been shopping from TLE for a long time, but this is my first Camp Loopy. I know it will be great fun!
Let the stampede begin!
Wahootie! Let the camping commence!!! Oh, and the shopping!!! Thanks Sheri! 🙂
Huzzah! Thanks! Order placed and I can’t wait to see what everyone else does.
So excited for Camp!
So NOT excited about the new website, though. The search engine is practically useless! I can’t sort by price, I can’t select multiple weights, and the grid view only gives the color way name. This is going to make picking yarn obnoxious.
Hi Alice – I’m sorry you’re having problems with the search. Since this is a challenge to use a yarn that you’ve not used before, it’s probably easier to search through the yarn companies. When you click on a yarn company from the yarn tab, it brings up all the bases from that company and also lists the weight for each base. That way, you can pick a company and then a base that you haven’t tried before.
Can you use the yarn doubled, or only single strand?
Hi Christine – if you hold the yarn doubled, then you’d need to be sure to get 750 yards (like in a single laceweight skein) so that when the project is finished, it’s 375 yards knit up.
So excited that it is Camp Loopy time again. Yarn ordered and now must finish several UFO’s before June 1. Thanks Sheri for another fun knitting summer.
This is my first year in camp. Would you consider Loopy Ewe Seasonings Series yarn as one skein?
Thanks! 🙂
Sheri just ordered will you add me to camp please.
Hi! Sheri,
Looking forward to Camp Loopy! Let the summer begin!
Placed my order. Can’t wait to start!!
My second year at Camp. 🙂
Perhaps a stupid question, but are socks OK for a one-skein project?
Ashley – yes, Loopy Ewe Seasonings would count as one skein. Good choice. 🙂
Kristen – a pair of socks (or a pair of gloves/mittens/mitts) would all be ok for a one-skein project.
My third year at Camp! Looking forward to the projects!
My third year with Camp. Love it. Real nice folks on the Ravelry site too. Can’t wait to see what mountain I will climb and who all will be climbing up with me.
Um. What if we have the yarn in our stash but haven’t used it? For example I have a couple of skeins of Skein Top Draw sock that is marinating, if I buy a skein of it does that work or does it need to be something you haven’t used and don’t own?
That counts, Barb! As long as you haven’t worked with it yet, it’s still counted as a yarn you haven’t used.
Thanks so much for the nice surprise today! I look forward to Camp Loopy all year! Also I really like the new site; it’s much easier to use on my phone than the old site.
SWEET!
Now to just figure out what I want!
Ahhhh…. it is finally time to go to Camp!!!!
Where do I order? I know it is here but can’t seem to find it. Help please and thank you.
I am excited to “go to” Camp Loopy this summer. I really need to knit some socks, so that makes the first project easy to choose. Pass the marshmallows please 8-P
Order placed and I’m ready for Camp! This is my second year 🙂
Yes, it’s off to Camp Loopy for me! I so need it this year. I just placed my order, and I can’t wait for my order and June 1 to arrive. I hope I don’t fall out of the canoes as I did last summer. I came close but never made it to the finish line. The new website is fabulous – so much easier to shop and buy way more than intended. Oh, well. Cheers to Camp Loopy!
Thank you so much, Sheri!
I, too, look forward to Camp Loopy all year and will be in to choose yarn tomorrow or Wednesday. So excited!
Thank you for all of the hard work you and your whole staff do, to make this such a fun time.
Wah-hoo, it’s camp time!
I’m so excited about Camp!! Last year was my first Camp Loopy, and it was a total blast! I’ve been waiting impatiently for this year’s camp to start. Ordered my yarn and my nifty owl bag last night! Woo hoo!!!
Yay! And thanks for helping me fix my order!
Thanks, Barb. My question, exactly. Now I am able to shop with abandon. 🙂
Thanks, Sheri, for another challenging summer camp. And we get to sleep in our own beds.
Was of two minds about doing Camp Loopy again. I don’t have a huge amount of time for my knitting and tend to be rather slow. I had real challenges finishing the 800 yard projects the last 2 years. However when the blog came out I found a pattern that caught my eye which would be a perfect one skein project. Sheri had some nice yarn up that I have not knit with yet (I admit to some being in my stash however) so I am in for the first session anyway. Order went in this morning. We will see what the summer brings. I am pumped that I finished my 2nd quarter challenge today. Made me start thinking about knitting new things! (not that I not am always seeing patterns and yarn I want to try!)
My first year at Camp Loopy. Found by way of Judy Laquidara 🙂 Just ordered my yarn and have my pattern all picked out.
Yay! Camp Loopy!! But wouldn’t you know it…I just placed an order last night (had to get the owly project bag) but hadn’t read this post yet! Off to place another order!
Yay! Just bought my yarn, found pattern last night. This is my first Camp. I am a new and very slow knitter..hopefully I can keep up. Cant wait for my project bag to arrive. I am glad I live close, my stuff may arrive tomorrow…
Sherri,
This is a stupid question but here goes. Do I pick out my own pattern or do you send it to us? Thanks!!
Penny – you can pick any pattern that uses 375+ yds. of fingering or lace weight yarn.
🙂
I’m contemplating camp for the first time this year. Would a pair of Spud and Chloe Fine skeins count as a single skein?
I went to place my order but didn’t see where I could leave a note stating which skein should get the Camp Loopy discount. How do I do that? Thanks!!
Do I need to sign up for all three months initially, or can I sign up for one month at a time and still qualify for the extras.
Thanks
Oh no! I placed an order for yarn in order to participate in my first CAmp Loopy and forgot to write that this yarn will be used for Camp Loopy. Will you be able to find that order and apply the 20% discount?
Dorothy
WHAT ABOUT THE LOVELY FINGERING WEIGHT YARNS YOU SELL THAT DO NOT HAVE 375 YARDS? COULD WE ORDER THE EQUVALENT YARDAGE? SORRY IF THIS QUESTION HAD BEEN ASKED/ANSWERED BEFORE.
So excited about participating in my first Camp Loopy!! Going to check out the yarn right now (so much for the yarn moratorium!)
Donna and Cindy – for this challenge, we’re asking that you use a single skein with 375 or more yards. Fortunately, most of our fingering weight yarns fall into that category!
Joan – no signups necessary. Just jump in and knit the first month’s project and if you like it, keep going for the second and third month with us!
On the site I expected to see suggested yarns on the ideas page, but Camp 2013 isn’t up yet. I’d like some suggestions of Loopy Ewe fingering yarns that have 375 yds or more per skein. Unfortunately I don’t have all day to look at every single yarn on the site and figure out if it would fit the criteria for the challenge!
Hi Faye – I’m glad you’re joining us for Camp! Most of the fingering weight (and all but KidSilk Glamour in laceweight) yarns have 375+ yards in it. Since part of the challenge is to use a yarn that you haven’t used before, it is probably easiest if you click on a company that you haven’t tried and investigate the base yarn choices. Yardage-wise, you’ll want to avoid The Loopy Ewe Solid Series, Shibui Sock, Alchemy, and Spud and Chloe Fine.
Fingering weight yarns you might investigate: Alisha Goes Around, Baah!, Austermann Set, Biscotte & Cie, Cascade Heritage, Desert Vista Dyeworks, Done Roving, Dragonfly Fibers, Dream in Color Smooshy, Fibernymph Dye Works, Fiberphile, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock or Solemate, Madelinetosh Sock or Merino Light, Malabrigo Sock, Mountain Colors Bearfoot or Crazy, etc. Lots of choices, depending on which companies you’ve already tried before.
Thanks, Sheri. I still think it’s a good idea to add suggestions to the site. Might help with yarn sales!
THe pattern I chose uses 350 yds. – If I do another repeat of the pattern and use more than 375 yds. will that br ok?
Hi Linda – yes, that works!
Been waiting anxiously for this post! Didn’t make it through last year, but the year before I really had to push and felt great when I completed the whole camp (and got that great skein of yarn at the end!) So here I go again! Now to decide on the project and, of course, shop – which is never a difficult task!
Thanks Sheri!
Hi: I purchased my wool Dragonfly Fibers, Djinni Sock Fingering Weight, and I didn’t notice until later that I was suppose to place a note on the order stating that this yarn for The Loopy Ewe Camp 2013. I really would like to join your Camp 2013 this year, it really sounds like fun. I’m planning on making a pair of Wendy Johnson socks. I’m not sure which pair at the moment. I haven’t been knitting for long, but I like knitting socks…Thank you Shirley40…