What's New: 8.2.11

I know the weather does not scream FALL, but the store is making a fantastic metamorphisis into the fall knitting season. There are so many beautiful new yarns and great patterns and books at the store I don't know where to begin.

We have priced all the new Berroco Yarns and they are on the shelves.  I knit a scarf in Link last night in less than 45 minutes on VERY big needles. Other new yarns include Boboli, the worsted weight version of Borealis that is a wonderful knit and creates a stellar garment or accessory.  Love the cowl/mobius in Book  312.

Soufle is an airy but warm chainette construction that knits up quick in a range of self-striping colorways.  Voyage, another chainette yarn is a lofty alpaca available in heather tones.  New colors in Flicker have arrived as well.  Another chainette with a bit of glitz.  I continue to sing the praises of the chain construction yarns for a number of reasons.  This construction reduces pilling, stabilizes the fibers (especially in alpaca), and limits shedding.  Again, especially in alpaca and llama fibers.

Also new this week and makings its way to our shelves are a number of new yarns and great new colors in a few of my favorites from Plymouth.  DeAire is a super bulky, chian construction, merino wool that boats 16 wonderful sold colors.  Juli is a chunky alpaca blend, chain construction with a bit of glitz.  Perfect for any hat, cowl, scarf, or mitten accessory.  Malizia is another super bulky, wool/acrylic blend with a bit of glitz as well.

Bazinga is here and it is the yarn everyone has been clammering for because of the WONDERFUL bag pattern that has appeared in all the knit magazines. Bazinga is a wool/acrylic blend that self stripes. Baby Alpaca Ultimo is the softest , super bulky alpaca boucle I have knit in years. Ultimo comes in naturals and brights, too. 

Holiday Lights is a new Encore-like addition for the holidays.  Holiday colors with a bit of silver glitz.  New sock yarn includes Stileto a superwash merino wool blend perfect for sock gift giving.  
New this season is DK Merino Superwash in 24 wonderful colors.  We have new colors in Plymouth Select Worsted Merino Superwash as well. We now stock ALL 56 colors.

56 Colors and the wall of yarn looks inviting.  This is now one of our base yarns. This merino superwash has been so well received by our customers who brag about the knit and the fabric that this yarn creates.

EXTRA 10% OFF Clearance in the Loft Tuesday - Sunday; August 2-7, 2011

Maggi Knits Kits & model garments are in the shop.  We have Windsor & Trellis Shawl kits and more from Maggi Jackson and will special order colors we don't have in stock.  Stop in to try on a sample. The samples are gorgeous.

Freebies & Resources

I often revisit websites to see what is new, especially in patterns.  Check out the latest on the Elann web site.

Here are a few of my picks BUT none are as exciting as the new patterns and books from Berroco & Plymouth...

Coin Lace and Cable Wrap     

Moonlight Scarf

DK Weight Bolero

What's New

Interweave Knits Magazine & Knitted Lace

New Block & Roll blocking board from BagSmith are constructed with teflon coated cotton to make blocking your garments a breeze.  When you are done just roll it up to store in a closet or on a shelf.  Very light weight.

We are getting ready for the Knit & Crochet Show that starts at the Hyatt downtown this week.  It should be quite exciting. There will be 39 vendors including Amazing Threads at the market. Shopping Preview starts Thursday evening, plus Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will have one-of-a-kind hand dyes from Three Irish Girls at the show and a gift with every purchase.  We will have garments in the Exhibitor Fashion Show on Friday.  Check the web for updates.

Stop BOOTH #304 for BOOK SIGNINGS by 3 great designers.

Margaret Hubert will sign books on Friday at 12:30 pm    Margaret has authored 17 books, most on crochet including best sellers:  The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet; The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting, Plus Size Crochet & More. 

Lilly Chin will autograph books and CDs at the booth on Saturday at 12:30 pm. 

Carri Hammett, author of Mittens & Hats for Yarn Lovers, Ready Set Cable & Scarves & Shawls for Yarn Lovers will be at our booth Saturday, starting at 1:00 pm.

Classes with Openings:

Knit along with Bobbi CONTINUES-Finish your Retreat Project and/or Nicky Epsteins's Poncho/Wrap Saturday, July 23, 10 am-12 pm & Sunday, August 14, 12-2 pm

Lindsey's Mittens Your Way and Yvonne's Socks on the Magic Loop both start next Monday, August 8 from 6-8 pm

Baby/CHILD Cutest HAT Contest - All entries welcome.  We are extending dates.  We will take submissions through Sunday, August 7.  Check out these new samples at the store.