What's New: 6.4.08

New this week

Three new sock yarns arrived: Rio de La Plata (right) Sock Yarn. This is the yarn they said they would never spin again because it is so difficult to spin multiply hand dyed yarn. It is beautiful and we only got 4 bags. New Aracaunia (left) hand dyed sock yarn in variegated and semi solid colors.

For those who dress for the 4th of July-Check out this new yarn Skacel or try our Minnesota sock yarn from Lorna's Laces.

Limited quantities. More on order. Call to hold your skein!

Aussie Wool has arrived in a huge color range. This chunky yarn knits at 3 to 3.5 stitches per inch on a size 10 needle.

New Books

Inspired to Knit: Creating Exquisite Handknit garments for every season: Fall includes a great color work jacket and a Fair Isle capelet and gauntlets. Winter shines with a snow drift cardigan with an exquisite collar and cuffs as well as a winter wonderland coat, both with a few cables to make it special. Spring includes an elegant Victorian lace blouse. Summer shines with a wedding ensemble knit in layers. While I would not wear the skirt, I love the capped sleeve top with lace trim.

A reminder that Knit in Public Day is June 14th. Check our website for details regarding the group that is going to the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes.

The Piecework second annual Knitting Issue is coming to the shop beginning June 16. Watch the web for details.

Tina and I will board the plane for market very early Thursday morning (plane departs at 6:00 am). We are taking a connecting flight to save $$ to buy more yarn. Notice that the airplane has no logo on it. We are taking the cheap seats-if any airline has a cheap seat these days!

We will take classes on Thursday and Friday and be ready to hit the show floor on Saturday. We have met with many of the big yarn companies but will scope out everything new and fun while trying to stay within budget. You can tell by all the yarn in the shop how good I am at keeping to the budget. We are taking calculators!

The fall season for yarn is our biggest seems to produce the greatest number of new yarns, patterns, and notions. We are already receiving many new yarns that are currently available. Why wait I say. Tina just shakes her head and tries to keep finding space for each new shipment. I will provide a detailed report on market next week.

I know we haven't even had summer yet. But the way things are going with all the wind, rain and hail, fall may be early.

Yarn of the Week: NORO KUREYON SOCK YARN

Now through Saturday, June 7, 2008, purchase 2 skeins of Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn at a 20% Discount. No limits on in-stock quantities. Check out the cute summer top made from this brightly colored, easy to knit sock yarn. The Noro sock yarn has very long color repeats. Our sock knitting staff says you can get through one average sized sock without repeating a color! WOW! Check out this yarn's review at Knitters Review!

Summer is a great time to knit, especially when our state bird, the mosquito, hatches in full force. I love that most of the sweaters I knit are either sleeveless short sleeved. Faster instant gratification! With all the rain we are getting (along with hail), I thought I might offer some summer knitting ideas.

Yes, I know all of you are going to run right out and get yarn to make that itty bitty bikini!

Beach Bum Skirt: A free pattern designed by Anna Peck. Knits up quick in any worsted weight yarn.

Wisp Shawl on Knitty. This is perfect out of Kid Silk Haze or Kid Seta: The garment can be worn as a ponchette, a hooded cowl, or as a neck warmer. Check out the full scope of the project at knitty.com.

Check out this quick to knit Saturday Market Bag: Take it to the store or the beach. This bag was originally published as a free PDF on MagsKnits which is no longer a viable site. This bag is available on Ravelry as a free PDF. Log onto Ravelry and type in Saturday Market Bag. It is supposed to be available at http://www.violinjodie.com/blog/saturday-market-bag/ but I could not get the link to work.

A cute & sexy top published at Knitty.com. The model on the right was done in suede but I would recommend cotton.

Ravelry Tip of the Week: I have asked Yvonne, one of our great teachers at the shop to share with me something new each week that she finds on Ravelry. This is our first installment of many to come.

Every week an edition of “what’s New in Ravelry” is available on the page after you sign in (www.ravelry.com). Regular features include Happenings Around Ravelry, Groups in the Spotlight, Forum Funnies and the Tip Jar. This week “The Tip Jar” links to discussion forums. “What to do when you stop feeling the love? (when you no long like a project you are making.”), a resource for good sizing information and some ideas of what to do with all your swatches. Sign on to Ravelry account and check it out.

Don’t forget our charity knitting project: Project Little Lambs Blankets. We have collect 9 and have only 61 to go until we reach our goal. If you bring in a blanket knit on yarn from Amazing Threads, you will receive a coupon good for 20% Off a single purchase of in-stock merchandise.