Knit Happens

That’s right, something new has arrived… something I’ve been waiting for since I saw it at TNNA and knew we had to have it – if only because I know that you all love the Misti Alpaca!

When Steph and I sat down with the ladies at Misti (who are all wonderful and so sweet) we weren’t looking for anything new, we were just planning on replenishing our current stock and add new colors… well, we were until they asked if either of us knit socks. To which we both answered “of course!” (Steph had just completed her second pair of socks ever on the plane out there and wanted to knit more – I love making sock knitters.) They showed us the most luscious sock yarn – and, of course, I immediately ordered a bag in each color.

Misti’s sock yarn is a 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino, 10% Silk, and 10% Nylon yarn in 15 different hand-painted colorways. It retails for $21.50, but with 437 yds on each hank, it’s well worth it – you’ll have plenty to knit socks, even for the biggest feet. It is a handwash (sorry!), but that’s to be expected with alpaca. They only come 5 to a bag, so I don’t expect these to be around for long!

I’m off to put this out on the shelves. (I blogged even before I put it out!) You may see another post from me today, as I see two boxes from Classic Elite that I must go through…

Thanks to all you who attended the first Knit Happens Yarn Tasting last Friday. From one who was mostly observing, I would say it was a big hit. We had a great geoup of people, lots and lots of yarn, some snacks and because it is us, definitely some wine! Thanks to all of you who contributed to our food and beverage largess. It was great to see everyone chatting about favorite yarns, different patterns, gauge, first experience knitting, their growing stash, etc.

Holly and I would love to hear from those of you who attended this inaugural avent. What are your thoughts? Did you enjoy yourselves? Do ou yhave suggestions for our next yarn tasting (because given the response, we will schedule the next one soon)? Did the time frame work for you? Any feedback you want to provide would be wonderful–afterall, these types of events are for you, our amazing customers.

I also want to acknowledge Kel for sharing her love of fiber history with us.

Thanks again for making this a wonderful evening.

For those of you wondering when the next Yarn Tasting will be, check the blog and be on the look out for an email announcement from Holly!

Just a reminder, we’ll be closed on Sunday for the Easter holiday.

We’ll reopen on Tuesday, March 25th at 10:30 AM.

Hope the Angora Easter Bunny brings you something nice!

The spring yarns and patterns just keep on coming!

This week we’ve got a great new yarn to tell you about, and an equally great pattern to go with it!

Lorna’s Laces has just launched their Green Line, spun from 100% certified organic merino wool and hand-painted in a beautiful palette of solid colors.

We have all 9 colors in the DK weight – and several new patterns written for the yarn. So naturally, we had to make one of them a Pattern of the Week! (“Naturally,” get it?)

Flutter has a pretty lace center front panel insert and a herringbone stitch empire waistline. A knitted-in hem and a picot neckline add lovely finishing touches. The pattern goes up to a 48″ bust.

Difficulty: Intermediate – provisional cast-on, knitting in the round, shaping, intarsia, lace, seaming

Recommended Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Green Line DK

We just got in some of the fabulous Stitch Diva patterns! It was really hard to pick just one to feature this week, but we decided the crocheters should get something first for once!

Cecilia is a delicate lace camisole that you can make either cropped or in a longer length. The body is worked all in one piece with a seamed-on edging, so it makes a great first crocheted lace garment.

Layer over a tank top and jeans or over your favorite strappy spring dress to add a touch of vintage romance! The pattern goes up to a 52″ bust.

Difficulty: Intermediate – repetitive stitch patterns, simple shaping, seaming

Recommended Yarns: Alchemy Silk Purse, Classic Elite Premiere, Debbie Bliss Cathay

(photo credits: Lorna’s Laces, Stitch Diva Studios)

Lately, I have gotten some questions on class availability, so I have decided to post weekly which classes (if any) still have room in them. If you are interested in any of these classes, give me a call at the shop and I will get you enrolled!

We still have room in the following classes for next week:

Wednesday, 12-2: Russian Continental – $45

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and new patterns are coming in.
This time of year makes us want to knit lacy little things…

Come in this week, buy the pattern and materials to make it… and we’ll give you 10% OFF!!! (But hurry, you only have a week to get the discount for these patterns!)

Our first pattern this week is the Anne Sweet & Simple Infant Sweater from Schaefer Yarn.

This cute little cardigan would make a great baby gift!

It knits up to a 6-9 month size and only takes one skein of the recommended yarn (and it’s machine washable!)

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner – shaping, picking up stitches, grafting

Recommended Yarn: Schaefer Anne (If you haven’t seen the gorgeous colors Schaefer Anne comes in, you’re missing a treat!)

Need a lacy shell to wear under a spring jacket? Maybe you’re planning a trip to the islands? Our next pattern is for you!

The Flirty Tank from Y2Knit is perfect for spring and summer – the easy fit and not-too-skinny shoulder straps flatter a range of figures, and the lace patterns make for an interesting knit.

Difficulty: Intermediate – lace, knitting in the round

Recommended Yarns: Debbie Bliss Cathay, Rowan Luxury Cotton DK, Classic Elite Premiere, Rowan Denim, Rowan Handknit DK

(photo credits: Schaefer Yarn, Y2Knit)

… Happy Birthday to us! Four years ago we opened our doors and have been going strong ever since!

This weekend, stop in for some treats, do a little yarn shopping, and draw for a discount off your purchases – anywhere from 5 to 20% off! Yes, I know it’s beautiful out, but really, do you need to be outside all the time? Really, it’s perfect weather for KIPing, so you’ll need some new yarn, of course. And while you’re here, check out some of the new items we’ve gotten in this week! (Don’t forget to check out the FAB window Kel designed this year – it totally outshines last year’s…)

We’re getting our spring orders in and they’re inspiring us all to start new projects! This week’s patterns feature more beautiful new yarn arrivals from Alchemy and Claudia Hand Painted Yarns.

Come in this week, buy the pattern and materials to make it… and we’ll give you 10% OFF!!! (But hurry, you only have a week to get the discount for these patterns!)

The first pattern we’ve chosen for you this week is the Naturalist cardigan from Alchemy – this seemingly simple pattern uses two of Alchemy’s unique yarns to create a truly stunning garment.

The Naturalist is knitted from the top down – you can try it on as you go to ensure a perfect fit!

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner – shaping

Recommended Yarns: Alchemy Yarns Silk Purse and Alchemy Yarns Haiku held together

Next we’ve got the Lace Rib Sock from Y2Knit – this pattern highlights the colors of your favorite handpainted sock yarn and the lace makes it the perfect spring sock!

Difficulty: Intermediate – lace, sock

Recommended Yarns: Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Fingering Weight, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Fleece Artist Merino 2/6, Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock, Neighborhood Fiber Co. Watershed, MamaE C*EYE*BER Fiber Merino Tencel, Schaefer Yarn Anne

We just got in an order from Claudia Hand Painted Yarns – the amazing colors of this yarn must seen to be believed! Stop by and see for yourself, but hurry, this yarn is flying off the shelves! (I think a few colors need to come home with me…)

(photo credits: Alchemy Yarns,Y2Knit)

Our mannequins are already thinking of spring… Yes, I know that it’s supposed to be freezing again by Saturday, but I can’t resist as we’ve gotten some of the new models in (and dusted some of the older ones off) for Spring from Rowan and Knitting Fever.

With the flu/sinus infections going around hitting everyone, here’s hoping that thinking of the sun and warmth – and all of our spring and summer knitting, natch – will help us all get better really soon.

Another way to instantly feel better on a cold day? Starting to play with put out the new lines of yarn! To the right is the Rowan purelife cotton. Isn’t it scrumptious? And that’s not even the entire color palette! purelife is Rowan’s entrée into the Organic yarn scene. Available in 8 naturally dyed shades, it’s a wonderfully soft feeling dk weight cotton. The cotton is grown in India – without pesticides or chemical fertilizers – and dyed in Italy with organic plant dyes. Each ball is fully traceable to the farms the cotton was harvested. The best part (aside from its lusciousness)? Fair prices are paid to the farmers. On the inside of each ball band Rowan has printed information about the purelife program. What a great way to think, act and knit globally and locally!

We have even more organic yarns on their way to us – we know how many of you are asking for more “green” options and we’re only too happy to show you as many as we can!

Wow! When we tell you we’re having a sale, you don’t disappoint! We were fairly slammed all three days – a good thing – and had the best customers around. Thank you to everyone who came down. Rest assured, I think I now have some room for my Spring yarns. Possibly.

As anyone could tell who came down this weekend, Aimée and I were sick (and still are) all weekend. Special thanks go out to our fabulous staff this weekend: Rossana, Michelle, Stephanie, Kelly (and Danielle, in a special appearance). We could not have pulled this off without you all.

Starting tomorrow, I’ll start putting out some of our Spring Rowan… and hopefully later this week, we’ll be putting out an order from Claudia’s and an order from Frog Tree Yarns!

If you have not signed up for classes yet, why not? Click here and scroll down to our class listings – there are plenty of spaces… and keep an eye on the blog as well. Danielle, Olga, Kelly, Aimée and I are coming up with some great idea for one-off and pick-up classes, and we’ll be posting them here. (So, if we’re not in an RSS reader for you, we should be! )