April 2009 Newsletter

Normally $19-$36.95
On Sale for $13.30-$31.25.
(That's a savings of 30%)

I love Noro Kureyon! I mean, how can you not? Ok, it's not the softest yarn in the world, but there's something about its rustic texture and entertaining color changes that i simply swoon over. In fact, out of all of the sweaters i have knit over the years, the one I knit out of Kureyon is still the one that i wear most often (as do a few of the girls in the shop - they all seem to grab for that sweater when the weather gets chilly).

So... i'm not surprised that i'm equally as giddy about the Kureyon Sock that we recently received. So giddy that i had to buy myself 1 ball of almost every color (you can see pictures here). After all, who knows when we'll get a deal on Noro again!!? Obviously, you don't have to use the sock pattern suggested on the left (you can order the kit w/o the book if you already have a pattern in mind)... and a recent look at Ravelry told me that people are also using this yarn for shawls and sweaters. As they say, "the possibilities are endless" (as are the color choices).

Tired of searching in your knitting bag or purse for all the items you need for knitting? Then The Knit Kit is your perfect solution! This kit includes a tape measure, stitch counter, thread cutter, scissors, crochet hook, stitch holders and tip protectors all on one compact device.... all for only $19.95!! No need to continually buy various accessories when you can have it all in one. Great for traveling by car or plane, this is our accessory pick of the season. Grab one for yourself and one for your favorite knitting buddy. What a great gift!! Please note that the kits are actually white and pink, not silver as shown (i guess the silver image they sent us was a CAD drawing).

della Q's Spring line is certainly beautiful (i love the new butter/mauve/yellow colorway, especially in her Rosemary bag) and full of its usual innovation (did you see the combo sock needle case? It holds small circulars AND double points. brilliant!), but i have to say that my favorite item from her this Spring is the Eden Cotton Pouch in the Red Flower colorway. (Of course, I love the Brown Dot as well.) I just love storing my smaller projects in them - and the are the perfect size for having around the house - or in your purse.

Looking for a new bag this spring?? With a new baby about to make an appearance, i'm certainly going to be in the market for one ... and i think this Audrey bag by Offhand Designs is what i'm going to end up choosing. However, I can't decide between the Aquavite and the Rumplestiltskin colorways. Since i'm having a boy (and he's kicking me as i type), i'm kinda drawn to the blues and browns of the Aquavite... yet I can't stop thinking about the fun shapes on the Rumplestiltskin (pictured here). I guess we'll just have to see, eh? (P.S. I like this bag because it's not too large, yet not too small. I.e., I can carry it around all day without making my shoulder sore. And it's a great price for a locally handmade bag!)

New for stitchers and knitters, Ashland Sky is pleased to introduce the Flat Sack. These zippered flat totes come sized 20" x 20" each with an over-the-shoulder strap. They can hold a large knitting project or a crochet project and are a fun way to take your projects with you when you are on the go. These totes are also ideal for storing projects at home (since i'm a little neurotic when it comes to organizing my yarn)!

My next door neighbor recently gave birth to her 2nd son, so i spent a few evenings knitting this fun hat. The original pattern called for using 2 different colors of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, but i decided to use 3 colors and to randomly space the stripes. I carried the colors up the side, so there were only the beginning and ending ends to sew in. How cute!!

Adrienne is one of JBW's customers and she did a fabulous job knitting up this sweater using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted (February Limited Edition) in color Simply the Blues. She reported to us that she knit up an XS using a US 10.5 and US 11 (and claims to be a tight knitter), the pattern calls for US 8 and US 10 needles, so a gauge swatch works! Great job Adrienne - the sweater is beautiful!

This scarf was knit up out of 2 balls of Noro Silk Garden. I think that texture patterns really show off this yarn and so I searched for a pattern that was not too difficult (given my many daily interruptions) but would result in an interesting effect (made with 16 st cables). I love this pattern and would definitely knit it again, maybe with more repeats to make a wrap or throw.

Can you guess who this is for? My mother loved the blanket that I gifted her with for Christmas so much that I have another request! I wouldn't do two blankets in a row for many people, but she is my Mother and I miss her so much (she is in the U.K.) so I am working away hoping to have it done by May in time for her birthday. I am knitting this in Lamb's Pride Worsted, but designers used Cascade 220 or alternatively you could use the superwash 220 - the colors are great in all of these yarns. I am making my own Victoria-version, some squares from the book and some standard stitches that I apply to the same format.

I love socks and am always in search of a pattern that is fun, yet simple enough to memorize and knit on even if i haven't knit for awhile...! In other words, i want to do something other than stockinette stitch, but i need something that doesn't require too much concentration or brain power. This pattern (and this yarn) have been perfect!

I'm done! The blanket is folded and ready for the baby (and so am I!). Here are the finished Intarsia Stoller Blanket Photos. :)