What's New: 4.21.10

One thing is for sure. If it is this warm in April, what will May, June and July be like in Minnesota. I keep hearing that it is too early to plant anything but root vegetables, but the nice weather makes for a great walk outside and no bugs, YET.

In the summer most of us go "lighter" with our knitting projects. The staff have come up with some great patterns to provide inspiration for your spring and summer knitting. Join us for our Spring Summer Knitting on the Go Event Sunday, April 25 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to be inspired.

Join us for FABULOUS FOOD, GREAT PROJECTS, WONDERFUL DOOR PRIZES AND FUN.

Grab your favorite knitting buddy or come and meet someone new. The staff are eager to see if our customers love their ideas for knitting on the go as much as we do.

I have to share that I was at a loss for my next knitting project last night. Not that I don't have a huge stack in my "WANT TO KNIT" folder. There is always too much yarn and so little time. I finished the shawl from the cover of Vogue in Prima, blocked it, wore it and it is at the store for inspiration. It is gorgeous and was FUN to knit.

I had started a new summer top with cap sleeves knit in Taiyo but was not liking the stripe pattern because I was knitting it in the round. Also, our supply of Taiyo for a multiple sweaters was seriously depleted this weekend at the shop and at YarnOver because everyone is LOVING the 3 skein bag project for a quick and fun knit. We even have a connection at the shop so that the finished bag can be lined. It is a perfect spring summer knit project.

The other hot project at the shop has been Soc Mocs. We have a sample knit in the new Plymouth Superwash Merino and Frog Tree Sport Alpaca. Great knit for give giving but make sure to save a pair for yourself.

My personal knitting dilemma has been short lived. I went through my stack of patterns and headed for some of my new favorite spring/summer yarns and Voila, there is a new project on the needles licity split. The staff and the models at the shop always provide great inspiration even for us who live among the yarn daily.

Class Update: A couple of openings remain for the Waterfall Sweater that starts on Sunday. Join Lindsey to knit the Fiorista Cardigan starting May 3 and Yvonne on May 5 to knit Lillie's Sweater for that wonderful infant or toddler in your life.

Lilies Sweater is a great 'first-time' sweater experience and promises to teach a number of new skills. Sizes range from newborn to size 36 months plus one for your dolly. Carol Anderson's patterns are seamless, and this one is no different! Start with the catlike hood, continue with a yoke featuring raglan shaping. Techniques include a simple buttonhole, short rows, picking up stitches, and use of double-point needles. The sweater has minimal finishing.

FREEBIES & RESOURCES

I love this new top featured in the Spring Summer issue of Knitty.com. It is knit in one of my favorite summer yarns, Sprout. I used sprout in a wrap last summer and knit beautifully. It's a bumpy chunky weight yarn that knits very smoothly. Great hand and a reasonable price make this a wonderful spring or summer knit project.

I have had a couple of customers seeking baby blankets for gifts and grandchildren alike. Requests have come specifically for a crochet blanket. Check out this simple, yet lovely Tiramisu Blanket. The original Bobby Bear published by Blue Sky Alpaca is now a free pattern on their website. Great gift for that new baby or big brother or sister of the new arrival.

For that special child, consider this wonderful reversible cable blanket knit with approximately 800 yards of wonderful worsted weight yarn. In this case it was Malabrigo. I might suggest the Shepherds Worsted or any of our wonderful washables such as Classy Dream In Color.

For those of you looking for a great resource for knitting a basic sock for varied sizes, check out the free pattern from Knitting Fever and On-line. Great resource for those of you who make socks for others as gifts.