More New Sock Yarns

If you're looking for a new spring project, check out these yummy sock yarns we just got in. The first is Cascade Heritage in solids and handpaints, 75% washable merino wool, 25% nylon, 437 yards per skein. Next we have the luscious Online Supersocke Silk in some of the sweetest spring colors. Imagine your favorite Easter basket stacked with spring-colored eggs. Then imagine those eggs turning into balls of yarn - that's what these silky yarns remind me of. They're perfect for knitting those intricate Cookie A socks from her new book that should be here this week. Supersocke Silk is 220 yards per ball, 55% merino, 20% silk and 25% nylon. Finally, you'll want to take a look at the new colors of Misti Hand Paint Sock. There's one with lots of purple and green that's calling my name!

And don't forget, sock yarns are not just for socks! Think of the beautiful lacy shoulder wraps you can make with these - summer's a-comin'!

Calling All February Ladies!

We started our February Lady KAL back in January and I hope some of you are finished with yours so we can hang a display of them soon. I know there are lots of them out there, because some of you have been in for some technical assistance since we started - and they were coming along nicely. I (Joni) have knitted two myself: one with sleeves and one without. I love this pattern! It's so easy to fit and looks good in so many yarns. If you have yours finished, please drop it off at the shop on or before our next Knit Nite (Fri, April 3). Make sure you put your name and phone number on it so we know how to contact with you when we're finished showing your works of art off. In the meantime, here are mine!

Mushishi

No, you don't have to say "bless you." Mushishi is the name of a new FANTASTIC yarn from Plymouth that we are freakin' out over! It is 95% Wool, 5% silk, and - are you ready - approximately 491 yds for $32! The gauge is 5 sts = 1" on US #7 needles AND each skein comes with two free patterns (crochet and knit) for a hat and scarf set that takes just the one skein. The colors are beautiful and it is very, very soft. (Faye is already planning on a new vest pattern for the gray.....) I'm pretty sure we'll have to reorder this one right away. :-)

Spring Classes

The Spring class schedule is available in the shop now and will soon be available on our website. Poor Deb suffered from a corrupted web file, but she is busily recreating it and will have it posted this week. For those of you who may still be toying with the idea of taking Carol Lansinger's Knitting a Skirt to Fit class, we'll hold sign-ups open until this Wed, March 11. Carol needs at least 2 more people for the class to go with throttle up!

Also, there has been a date change on Deb's Cable-knitted Pillow class. It was scheduled for Mon, March 30, 6-8pm, but has now been changed to Sat, March 21 from 10am-noon. For some reason, Deb thinks she needs a vacation to warmer parts the week of the 3oth. Okay, I guess she deserves it!

We have some fabulous classes for spring. Check out new employee Faye's Mobius scarf class. She showed me her very easy cast-on today and anyone can learn this in a matter of minutes. Voila, a new skill to be added to your repertoire just like that. Susan Dirk also has some fun classes scheduled, like her lace Ring Bearer's pillow, perfect for those summer weddings. And, she'll be starting a quarterly felted Tea Cozy class to pair with our regional teas. If you're a tea-drinker, you can never have too many cozies!

So check out the schedule and remember, sign up early so we don't have to even think about cancelling a class!

Classes coming up!

We're coming up on the end of our Winter Quarter classes and there are still some wonderful ones to be had. Sign up soon and build your knitting skill set! Spring class schedules will be out in a week or so.

Knit a Slipped-stitch Bag with Lisa Ellis

Sat, Mar 7 10am-noon, $30

Beginning Knitting with Joni

Sun, Mar 8, 15, 22, 29; Apr 5 - 4-6pm, $75

Drop Spinning 101 with Joni

Wed, Mar 11, 6-8pm, $20

Knit a Skirt that Fits with Carol Lansinger

Sat, Mar 14, 10am-5pm, $80

How to Read a Knitting Pattern with Deb

Sun, Mar 15, 2-4pm, $20

Beginning Wheel Spinning with Joni

Wed, Mar 25; Apr 1, 6-8pm, $30

Knit a Cabled Pillow with Deb

Mon, Mar 30, 6-8pm, $20

New teas!

Not only are some new yarns coming in, so are some new teas. Come in and have a cup with us!

Wild Orange Spice
CERTIFIED ORGANIC, CERTIFIED KOSHER: Black teas of origin: India and Sri Lanka. A lively blend of organic teas from the foothills of the Blue Mountain Range in South India and the mountainous peaks of Sri Lanka, this orange flavored tea is full of nuance provided by orange bits, cinnamon chips, cloves, ginger and a light addition of Tellicherry peppercorns. The resulting taste is on the wild side: a mild orange spice flavor that changes slightly as the orange bits infuse the liquor and a slight after-bounce of warmth from the peppercorns. Smooth taste with no astringency nor bite, it's orange spice with a twist.

Snow Berry
CERTIFIED KOSHER: Black teas of origin: India, Sri Lanka and China. When you imagine Snowberry Tea think of a flavor mixture between strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. The secret in this flavor combination is the vanilla and spice note in the background. One would overlook them if not aware that they are present. We think it makes a good iced tea in summer and is extra special at Christmas. If you like berry flavors, choose this one first - it's very special.

Earl Grey Lavender
CERTIFIED KOSHER: Black tea origin: China. We've taken the famous Earl Grey flavored tea and added organic lavender petals from Provence. Earl Grey with Lavender Tea is smooth and aromatic - an Earl Grey taste with light lavender overtone. If you almost like Earl Grey, organic lavender petals provides a subtle, uplifting difference. The special aroma and flavor is calming yet uplifting. Truly a self-drinker, sweetener may be added.

Czar Grey
CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Black tea from Sri Lanka and China. Ceylon and Keemun make a traditional combination with a citrus flavor and a light smoky over note. Czar Grey is delicately flavored and produces a medium-bodied, aromatic cup of tea. Will tolerate sweetener and lemon but no milk, please. It's best as a self-drinking tea.

Knit Nite This Friday

I know, it's February already and it's time for you all to treat yourselves to your own personal knitting mini-vacation at VYT. This Friday's Knit Nite will feature sweet treats, warming tea and yoga for knitters with Jessica Powers. If you need a little get-away, come away to the sea of yarn on Friday from 6-9pm.

While you're here, you can check out new colors of several yarns, including the subtle variegated Berroco Seduce, as well as sherbety shades of Sirdar BabyBamboo and Sublime Soya Cotton. Yummy!

See you Friday!