What's New: 9.2.08

It’s almost 11:00 pm and the blast must go in just a short time and I can only think about the hustle and bustle in the shop today. We had both day and evening knit groups which were full (kids returned to school), as well as lots of customers, plus piles of boxes of new stock all over the newly remodeled shop. Tina, Lindsey and I felt like we just didn't get a thing organized today!

These days, we're hearing and worrying more and more about the economy. Maybe it's the election, maybe it's the cost of gas, maybe it's hype. But it doesn’t matter if it’s perception or reality, we are all feeling more pressure to watch how we spend our dollars. So, why is Amazing Threads and other great yarn stores in town continuing to thrive?

Well, firstly we are more than a yarn store. In the past 6 plus years, we have become a community. A knitting, stitching, and friendship community, several thousand strong, yet as intimate as a group of friends sitting around a table sharing a passion that is thousands of years old.

And secondly, and I have got to brag a little, the staff of Amazing Threads do an incredible job being helpful, of making everyone feel at home, knowing what yarns will make a pattern great, helping in color selection and fixing that dropped stitch or figuring out pattern errata.

But there is more. Yarn is a special kind of purchase. It's a little indulgence that returns to the buyer in multiple ways. First, there is the thrill of the search - touching, fondling, and dreaming of what it can become in your hands. You imagine what you can do with it – use a particular color, choose a particular stitch - that no one else might have ever done. Buying yarn is so tactile, so indulgent, that you may never really need to get to stage 2.

Stage 2 of the indulgence. That is why so many of us have stash. And that's OK! Really! Think about it...they say we only actively wear about 10 percent of the clothes in our closets. I'll bet you've knitted or crocheted waaaay more than 10% of your yarn.

OR OR OR OR YARN

Second, there is the indulgence of the stitching process itself. You don't just get to buy it - you get to do something with it. Something which is alternatively fun, relaxing, engaging, creative, and yes, even challenging. Of all the things you buy - gas, socks (not the hand knit kind), jewelry, even chocolate - what else can give you so many hours of pleasure for such a small investment? I always get my money’s worth because I inevitably knit my yarn at least one and one-half times before I am satisified.

Stage 3 is the best stage of ALL. The thrill of wearing or giving the finished work of art. Not all yarn purchases will get to this stage, but for those that do, what could be better? Only a knitter or crocheter knows the unmitigated joy of wearing something and having someone ask, in awe, "Did you make that?" Or the satisfaction of seeing a mom-to-be gasp with delight when she opens your handmade blanket at the baby shower. CHECK OUT NANCY'S GREAT BABY BLANKET BLOCK CLASS (starts September 10).

So, the next time someone tries to make you feel guilty for buying more yarn, just smile and say, "It's my one little indulgence." Then go have a piece of chocolate, a cup of tea and enjoy your knitting.

Como from Debbie Bliss arrived. Great pattern support and great merino super chunky. I think I also saw the new Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed in a box in back.

The new Noro and Weston books arrived today as well. We have already ordered a dozen more! The Premier Issue of the Debbie Bliss magazine arrived and I ordered 2 dozen more of this magazine as well.

The best I can tell you all is to stop in and get a fiber fix. The staff of Amazing Threads is eager to show you all “What’s New!”

All new patterns can be found in a book labeled “New Patterns” at the back of the shop. Go figure!

Classes:
Lacey Leaf Shawl begins September 8.

Einstein Jacket starts September 15 and meets Mondays ONLY. The dates have been corrected on the web.

Gwenevere Sweater begins on Sunday, Sept. 14

Thursday and Sunday “Knit with an Expert” are great when you can’t find one that works for you or your schedule on our class listing!

Trunk Shows: Inspired to Knit is here until September 8.

New Noni Trunk Show Bags: These are OH SO GREAT! Check out the large carpet bag and the CUTE kid’s backpack that will charm any elementary age child.

She Knits Trunk Show will be here on Thursday. We have had the Ali & Carri Lyn samples at the shop for a month or so and they are on the class schedule. Stop in to see all the bags September 4-21, 2008!

What's NEW! Where do I begin?

A couple of new releases from Martingale: Skein for Skein contains 16 knitted projects with interesting construction and use of solid and hand dyed yarns. Gigi Knits & Purls contains 8 patterns and knitting instructions for kids. (GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT)

New Serenghetti Step Sock Yarn with Aloe & Jojoba oil (Only received 12 skeins).

Knit Klips for finishing are restocked.

Omnigrid glow line transparent tape is here to help keep you on the right line in your pattern or chart.

In addition to all the Plymouth Alpaca Grande we received last week we also are getting the Expression *(Chunky Wool that knits quick) and Caracas (self striping similar to Knit Col).

Check out the free pattern for the Alpaca Lace scarf knit from one 50 Gram skein on the Plymouth Website.

Amazing Threads Olympic Knitting Challenge Winner: Carol Wilkerson! She created the sweater found on the cover of the new Kaffe Fassett ColourScape Collection Book! Carol even gave me a printed photo! It's up in the store! It is great and looks great on her! Go Carol! She used yarn from Amazing Threads so she will receive a gift certificate for $125.00. Watch the upcoming blast for the next Amazing Threads Knitting Event!