What's New: 6.25.08

We have been back from the national needlework show for about 2 weeks now and the boxes are beginning to arrive.

The needlework industry follows the same style, color and trends that we see in the textile and clothing industry. As always, we can look to the forecasts from Pantone for what we can expect this fall. The following is a quote from their web page on what we can expect for Fall 2008.

"Best described as a season of change, fall ’08 is defined by rich, elegant hues that offer a vibrant selection. New York's fashion designers emphasize cooler blues, greens and purples in the top five tones used in their collections, followed by variations of warm red, orange and yellow.

"Fall is traditionally a time for subdued, quiet colors, but this season we are seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright, exciting undertones," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Conventional tones such as warm autumn hues, chocolate browns and steel grays are also among the fall color choices. Blue and purple tones have become staples, as illustrated by Blue Iris, one of the top 10 colors chosen by designers this season, and Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2008."

Visit the Pantone Website for details.

Focus on Classes: As of tomorrow we are officially halfway to the 2008 holiday season! Have you started your holiday knitting yet?

Do you want to share your craft by making a gift for those you love? Have you considered declaring this holiday season the hand-made gift season? There is nothing more heartfelt to me than giving or receiving a hand made gift. We have geared many of our summer and lots of fall classes (schedule is being drafted NOW) to help YOU with your holiday gift giving.

Here are a few ideas!

Sublime Shell, knit in cotton, has been moved to start July 9 along with the Scoop Neck Tank. Knit this one for yourself!

SOCKS: Learn to make Socks on Two Circular Needles. There are many date options on the schedule which include weekends, week days and evenings!

FELTED BAGS: The Basic Tote class starts July 24 & Susan Rainey’s fantastic Market Squares Bag If you want to continue your “Go Green” lifestyle, consider making the Go Green Bag starts July 19. which is perfect for grocery shopping.

Felted Clogs class starts on August 11. WE have lots of customers that have had so much fun knitting and giving clogs as gifts. One creative customer knit all the clogs and then had the recipients over for a celebration where the clogs were all felted and shaped for drying!. She said it was sooo much fun!

Fair Isle Hat: Learn the technique of Fair Isle stranding on this great looking hat which is sure to be a well received gift.

For that special someone consider the Lacy Leaf Shawl. I wore mine to market last week and was stopped more than once and asked for the pattern as fellow yarn shop owners commented on its beauty. It was knit in Koigu, of course!

Paradise City Pillow: This 3 session class begins July 30 and teaches mitered knitting using hand dyed yarn. What a great gift! Throw pillows to coordinate any home décor.

For that new baby, make a Baby Half Circle Cardigan. This quick to knit sweater makes a great baby gift.

RAVELRY TIP: Are you ever concerned over how large your stash is? I was, but I sure feel better after reading the thread, "Who as the biggest stash on Ravelry" on the "For the love of Ravelery" forum. Especially, follow the link on post 59 for some awsome pictures. Yvonne E.

We have received new patterns, lots of buttons, purse handles, and yarn, too. We loaded the SALE LOFT last week and this week we purged some of the books (select titles 30% off) to make room for all the new titles that will be coming to the shop.

New this WEEK:

Interweave Crochet Summer 2008 and Elizabeth Zimmerman DVD’s Baby Surprise

New patterns from Knitting Pure & Simple

Rowan Studio 10

Berocco Comfort & Comfort DK restocked and new colors. Our worsted weight Frog Tree alpaca arrived in a huge array of colors. Tina is now rearranging to add it to our alpaca section. We have carried their sport and chunky weight alpaca and the merino mélange in the past and will add two more lines this summer in addition to the worsted weight. We love Chet & Trish who operate Frog Tree Alpaca. This adorable couple and their son import yarn to supply meaningful and continuous work to various artisans and a non-profit cooperative in. Trisha and Chet do this as volunteers. Read more at their web site. This is a great company to support!

30% OFF SELECT BOOKS: Araucania Winter Jewels, Barbie & Me, Big Needle Knits, Color Works, Crochet Barbie, Drops Magazines, Elizabeth Lavold Books, Family Album of Knits, Fast Knits, Fast Needles, FFF-Jane Ellison, Quick Knits to Wear, Funky Knits, Hand Dyed Yarn Craft Projects, Hand Felted Jewelry, Hand Knits for the Home, Hollywood Knits, Knit Knit, Knit Noel, Knitting in the Round, Laines du Nord Books,

Little Box Series, Louisa Harding Books, Maggi Knits Coffee Table Book & Smaller Pattern Books, All Queensland Books, Two Sweater for My Father, Yarn Girls Guide Books.

Tina and I saw lots of asymmetrical jackets, vests and capes at market. We ordered a few, too. There were several trends including LOTS of super bulky yarns and over-sized sweaters and coats. We saw some great patterns for long vests and coats that can be worn both belted or open. We also noted a number of unusual fiber combinations including linen mixed with wool, merino and camel, and the list extends. We bought some of those, too. Tweeds will be big this year and the ones we purchased came in multiple weights and were not scratchy! Ok, enough of the hints..You will just have to stop in the shop each week to find out what has arrived!