What's New: 3.31.10

This weeks weather may just convince me that spring in Minnesota is almost here. I still have a sweater on the needles to finish up but am itching to try a few of the new yarns. I generally have more than one project on the needles as do most knitters. I finally edged my Retreat project, the Boxes Drape Vest and it is at the shop.

And, I am almost finished with the shawl knit in Prima on the cover of Vogue Magazine which will keep the spring chill at bay. Expect it at the shop after April 12.

I love knitting summer projects because they are often short sleeved or sleeveless so I feel a sense of accomplishment sooner.

New to the shop this week are yarns for spring and summer (Litoral & Tango) and a wonderful new super chunky merino, Rasta, from Malabrigo. If you have a great pattern that requires a super chunky yarn that has wonderful colors, this is the yarn to use. Check out these dynamite colors.

Litoral and Tango arrived from AslanTrends. Both of these yarns will provide great color and texture to any shell or summer top. Both yarns are very soft but have great hand and texture. I have a great summer scarf or two planned for the Litoral and Tango. Scarves always add a pick me up to a boring or well seasoned outfit. I am able to get great mileage from some of my tanks, tops, and jackets when I add a new scarf with color and texture. I am famous for monochromatic (BLACK) outfits. I need a burst of color. A scarf only takes one skein of either Litoral or Tango.

Scarves are practical wardrobe stretchers. They make an old look NEW. Scarves provide us with instant gratification and can be knit on the GO. I always keep a knitting bag in my car with a "quick-to-knit" mindless project for sitting in traffic or in the waiting room. My knitting often sparks a comment or two wherever I am. We have lots of portable project ideas at the shop. Stop in to be inspired. We have a special event planned for April which will focus on simple, quick to knit, yet portable projects to knit. Watch for Details.

Namaste Bags: I try to keep some of the gorgeous bags on hand from Namaste. I was given one of their new bags when I was in Seattle at the business conference. I am getting ready to place an order. If you want anything special, please call the shop and I will add it to my order. The Monroe is their newest release and it comes in great colors. Visit their website to check them out and then call the shop to place your order.

Upcoming Classes:

Knit Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Sweater starting April 8 with Thora Lee. Once you knit one of these great sweater with minimal finishing you will make this you "go to" baby pattern.

Skill Builders: Correcting Mistakes has 1 opening on March 31 @ 6:00 pm.

Convert it on Saturday, April 24 is a great class to learn about yarn substitutions and pattern adaptation. We often see a pattern but want to use a different yarn or gauge. This class will teach you how to "convert" your patterns to meet your knitting and yarn needs.

Our last Felted Clogs class for this spring starts on April 7. Clogs make the perfect gift and the felting process hides any knitting flaws. Start holiday knittng NOW.

Knit in Bamboo & Pearls from Sublime: Waterfall New Sweater Class Added: Join Joan to knit the new Sublime Waterfall Sweater. Saturdays, April 24, May 9 & 23, & June 6 - 12-2 pm $44 plus Book.

Learn to knit Garter Stitch Baby Booties is a 2 1/2 hour class that will get you started creating booties for all your baby gifts. Saturday, April 10; 12:30 - 3 pm

Join Nancy for Learn to Knit 2 on Saturday, April 10 from 10 am-12 pm. Knit with the Expert is available on Thursdays and every other Sunday for those of you needing help on your projects (2 hours with limited students @ $15 per session). Please register early as most classes fill early.

Freebies & Resources

Home Decor knitting seems big this spring. Lots of placemats, pillows, and table runners. Check out the MANY free patterns available from Punta yarns including these 2 great envelope pillows. Scroll down through the many garments and project patterns listed.

Here is cute and simple baby blanket that is knit with worsted weight yarn. Try one of our new cottons or blends. It would only take 4 skeins of Encore or Weekend cotton. This site has several cute baby blankets.