What's New: 6.11.08

Tina & I returned from market late last night, with at least one resolve-take a direct flight next year, regardless of the cost. We spent way too many hours in the O'Hare airport yesterday. We were tired from 2 days of classes and 3 days on the show floor, but have returned home with lots of ideas and completely energized by our knitting and the wonderful projects we foresee for our customers enjoying. Stop in the shop to check out new yarn samples we have purchased or are considering. We love your input!

We both took classes from Valentina Devine. She is a hip 75 year old designer with great ideas for creative knitting without boundaries. Check out the pictures Tina got for the shop filled with her art to wear. Valentina taught us to be creative with simple knit and crochet stitches as we created samples that could be used in one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork to wear. I have noted a few of her classic patterns above. Valentina created many patterns for Ironstone Yarns during the past decade or so. We will have patterns in the store in July. Tina or I, will be doing a mini-class sometime this summer or early fall. We are booking the Valentina when she has an opening next year, too.

Tina and I also had a great dinner with Sally Melville (Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Color & More books, too) and got to hear about the designs for her upcoming book that features patterns by her daughter and her. Sounds great and we can't wait until next March!

We enjoyed the annual TNNA fashion show and are awaiting our DVD so that we can get that playing continuously at the shop for all to see. There were more than 100 garments strutted down the runway. The garments came from designers and yarn companies. Fashion is quite good looking this fall with shapes and styles to flatter every figure type. Trends include the continuing CHUNKY garment look in everything from capes to vests and bags, too. We found some new patterns for felted bags that should be here in a month or so. Great detail in garments was noted to include cables and bobbles. Our fall merchandise will continue to arrive all throughout the summer and into early fall.

Tina is happy to report that I didn't stay under budget. Go Figure! I have never been able to stay under budget!

New This WEEK: We received a giant stock of Fixation from Cascade, Encore and Heaven Lite from Plymouth. The new Aussie Chunky wool (3.5 sts on a 10) has been added to the shelf. New patterns from Black Purl arrived (cute baby sets).

We got a limited supply of some wonderful new LEATHER bags & needles cases from Stirling which are very reasonable priced. Let us know what you think of! these bags and cases.

Yarn of the Week-20% Off (in-stock only) Misti Alpaca Pima Cotton Silk.
This yarn is a great buy at $7.80 per skein (191 yards) with the discount. I have seen this great yarn in bathrobes, blankets, shawls and more. Several of our customers knit the Mac & Me summer wrap in this yarn and it was a great success!

World Wide Knit in Public (KIP) Day—Saturday, June 14, 2008
10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Bring knitting and a comfortable chair.
Shoppes of Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, MN