Fall Book Sale

We have some great "classic" books on sale for 30% off from now until October 4th. This is the good stuff! Here are the titles:

• Boho Baby
• Knitting Classic Style
• Couture Crochet (Lily Chin)
• Shibori Knitted Felt
• Knit 2 Together (Tracy Ulman)
• 25 Cushions to Knit (Debbie Abrahams)
• Modern Classic (Louisa Harding)
• Handknit or Crochet Designs for Kids (Lucinda Guy)
• Andrean Knits
• Kristin Knits (Kristin Nicholas)
• Kaffe Knits Again (Kaffe Fassett)

Think early holiday shopping........ ;-)

Lots-o-Fiber

It's that time of year again - the time of year when our UPS delivery guy gives us the evil eye and starts wearing his truss to work every day. It's the time of year that our employees wish they had desk jobs or at least had the knees of a 10-year-old. It's Fall fiber delivery time!!!!

We have new Debbie Bliss, new Noro, new natural fibers from Plymouth, new cashmere, new patterns (woo hoo), new silks, new Polar Fleece yarn, etc.... You'll just have to come in and see all that's new!

Debbie Abrahams Workshop Redux

What a FABULOUS time we had with Debbie. I was fortunate enough to be able to take the day to do the workshop. I really like the method she uses to place beads. (I'm going to teach her workshop so, stay tuned for dates.) I managed to finish the project once I got home - I just need to sew on the buttons!

Debbie won't be back in the area for at least 2 years but we'll be sure to get her back when she is here again. She is such a joy to work with.

Spinning Night Fun

Last Thursday was Spinning Night and we had a record-breaking turnout! Doug Dodd was here with his nifty little Pocket Wheel to show off and everyone brought their own wheels to work on.

 

Doug demonstrates his wheel

Ellen gives the Pocket Wheel a spin

Brad gets help from Betty

September Spinning Knit

This month's spinning night is Thursday, September 11th and we will be hosting special guest Doug Dodd - creator of the Pocket Wheel. Doug will be here from 6 to 7:30 pm.

The Pocket Wheel is just over 18 inches and 6 1/2 pounds and easily disassembles, fitting flat in a shopping bag. Despite its small size, it is an attractive, full-featured wheel with a large bobbin that holds 3-4 ounces of yarn and a unique belt-less drive system, giving continuous ratios from 3.5 through 10 standard and to 15 high speed. Individually hand crafted in Bellingham.

And don't forget that this Friday night (the 5th) is Knit Nite! The demo this month is the Kitchner Stitch.

Sleeper Yarns

Like a good Indie film, sometimes a yarn doesn't get the exposure it deserves because of all the blockbusters that are around at the same time. I have some favorite "sleepers" that I'd like to highlight today.

Noro Niji (what a shocker - a Noro yarn)

Niji is 45% wool, 25% Kid Mohair, 25% silk, and 5% Nylon boucle-ish yarn. We have a

 sample in the shop that some people love to hate because it's a garment that is hard to wear but I really like this yarn. It's perfect for a warm wrap or a simple bulky sweater.

Noro Silk Mountain

Another sleeper from Noro, this boucle is gorgeous and the colors are more subtle and uniform than most Noro yarns. I started a wrap last year (mixed with some other yarns) and really liked the yarn but I got sidetracked somehow....you know how that is. Anyway, I think it's very pretty.

O-Wool - 100% Certified Organic Merino, worsted 

This is a beautiful merino; perfect for that cable cardigan you've always wanted to make. The colors are a little muted because of the organic nature of the yarn but it should not be overlooked. Several people are making the February Lady sweater with it. (Pssst - that will be our KAL for January!)

Cilantro by Nashua - 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester, worsted

This single twist yarn feels like merino - kind of springy - and we have a lovely shop model but it came in a color that isn't too flattering for most people. This is a shame because the yarn is great and its perfect for all kinds of garments. The colors are mostly bright but they would work for Fall.

Louisa Harding Cinnabar - cotton, silk and linen blend with a touch a sparkle

I'm not a sparkle yarn kinda woman but I love this yarn. Victoria made the most beautiful skirt using this yarn and I've seen a few other tops made out of it and it's beautiful! I think the color blends are very sophisticated and elegant. Her Jasmine cotton/bamboo blend is also very nice but we don't have a garment yet. That's a common problem in the shop - so many yarns, too few samples made up - so some yarns don't get the attention they should. 

I hope you take a few minutes the next time you are in the shop to look at these "neglected" yarns.  

It's getting to be that time....

....when all the new things for Fall start arriving. But let us NOT forget all the fabulous yarn that we already have in the shop! It's time to make those transitional garments or those great tanks that will be all ready to wear when you take them out next Spring on the first warm day. Ask not what your wardrobe can do for you but what you can do for your wardrobe! (Too dramatic?)

For those of you who must live on the edge, the newest arrival in the shop is the Tilli Thomas Voile del la Mer -  70% Silk, 30% Seacell, 18 sts/4" on Us #7, 250 yds of luscious wonderfulness.