Techno-geddon

Readers may be perplexed by the fact that this post is dated to Feb. 9th, but only just appeared today, Feb. 11.  This is because we have been facing our very own Techno-geddon.  Hardware, software and even web hosting turned against us for a couple of days there, but we emerged victorious.  If you tried to visit the website yesterday and, well, couldn't, that was due to our (and our web server's) Techno-geddon.  We're back, though, and have a lot to show you!

First, is the collection of projects Sandra brought in to share.  On the top is a Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf, made with 3 skeins of KPPPM:

Below that, in the lower left corner, is her Annabella's Cowl.  Made with the yarns originally used by the designer in the color "Mighty Redwood".  At the very bottom of the pile is her in progress Wavy Scarf, using Schaefer Helene in the color "Renata Tibaldi".  Sandra is definitely going to have a warm and stylish neck this year.

Let's see, what else has been happening in the midst of Techno-geddon?  Well, have you seen that we now have FREE SHIPPING?! 

It's true.  Get free Priority Mail shipping with a domestic order over $75.  If you'd like to read all the specifics, see our Online Ordering FAQ's page.

Next, we have to admit to some excitement over the arrival of a special edition release from Interweave Press - Knitting Traditions magazine:

"Indulge your passion for knitting with Knitting Traditions! This 148-page special publication from PieceWork magazine presents more than 40 projects—socks, shawls and scarves, items for baby, a variety of hand coverings, hats,  squares and edgings, and finger puppets—each with a story that provides historical context." - Interweave Press

Admittedly, we are a little geeky here (hence our staff obsession with Knitting: 19th Century Sources).  But this magazine is absolutely packed with traditional and historic patterns from around the world.  We just received 15 copies (for all you other knitting geeks out there!) and, well, 3 have already been reserved by staff members and Marj is even talking about using one of the patterns within as her Knitting Olympics challenge.

And, while on the topic of the Knitting Olympics, are any of our blogfans participating?  I'm slowly managing to convince my co-conspirators coworkers to try it this year.  I'm thinking of making the attempt. What about you?  Are you interested?  If so, what're you going to make?

While you ponder that, you might want to check out our New Arrivals page - we've just put up EIGHT new yarns from Rowan, Noro, and Habu Textiles.  The Revive, IMHO, is absolutely scrumptious:

But we'll let you make that determination for yourself.  Until next time, barring another Techno-geddon, happy knitting!  And look out this afternoon for another edition of Fashionknitsta.

Drive-by blogging

Wow, what a week we've had!  Including (but not limited to) yarn crawlers (in crazy Classical hats, no less)...

E tu, Medusā?
(I tried to fit "Spartacus" in there, but it just doesn't decline right.)

Workshops like Kitchen-Safe Dyeing (lots of fun)...

Really. Honest.

Yarn Chop Suey, anyone?

And an amazing Sock Club kit that is getting rave reviews on ravelry.  (Say that three times fast)

Plus, we have a (small) Handknits for Tika progress report:

Yes, Penelope is looking a bit poorly right now (sans ears and arms and, uh, legs), but she should be finished by next week.  I'm making her out of Rowan All Seasons Cotton in colors #239 ("Jacuzzi" - I wouldn't make this up!) and #229 ("Wisteria").  And, yes, for those of you paying attention, Penelope is not Sammie, as previously discussed.  I lost my copy of the pattern and we're sold out.  Darn it. 

Also, Penelope is wearing Tika's "The Republic" chemo cap, knit with ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Peony".  The (completely awesome) buttons were found down the street at the Button Emporium.

Hopefully, by next Tuesday, we'll have a finished stuffie (plus ears and arms and, uh, legs), blankie square, hospital bed socks and hat to give Tika.  If you're interested in contributing (even a 6" x 6" square will help!), please let us know and we'll put you on the list.  There might even be prizes involved.

Next, we have an exciting stock update.  Remember those lovely and exotic shawl pins that literally sprinted out the door in November?  Well, they're BACK IN STOCK!

We're down to three of the Black Pearl Shawl Sticks, so I suggest that (should you have been coveting one of these beauties... like moi), run (don't walk) to the Accessories section of our web site and get yours before we have to wait another two months for the next shipment.

Last, but definitely not least, be sure to tune in tomorrow for another fantastic edition of FashionknitstaThursday (trust me, I get to proof each article in advance) and check your inbox on Friday for a jam-packed Newsletter with new yarns, new books and the winner of our Cable Limerick Contest!

Itchy fingers?

My goodness, this is going to be a busy week.  We have a Sock Club package going out (which is awesome, I can't deny it) and a humongous yarn crawl hitting our fair city on Saturday and Sunday.  But, first, I have two worthy causes I want to bring to your attention:

• Handknits for Hard Knock Kids (deadline to donate: January 15, 2010). Last time I checked, we had 48lbs of clothing and it'd be simply fantastic if we could collect 50 lbs in total! We still have a couple of days left. That's totally enough time to whip up a child-sized hat or two (which is my goal for this week)... I'm afraid my attempt to knit mittens hasn't worked out too well, but I shall NOT be discouraged!  And neither should you.  If you've been working on a donation for our Hard Knock Kids and won't make the deadline, let us know and we'll run it over to the Oregon Foster Care office when you're ready!
• 
  
  
  Handknits for Tika (deadline: open-ended for now). Farrah (blogfans should know Farrah) is collecting handknit chemo caps and other "comfort" items for Martika, a 12-year-old girl she mentors. Tika has been diagnosed with cancer and will be spending the next four to six months undergoing chemotherapy treatments and lengthy hospital stays.  We'll also be collecting on Farrah's behalf, so feel free to send handknits to us and we'll make sure they get to Farrah. 
  
  (how can you say 'no' to this face, right?)
  
  
  
  If you're interested in donating, Tika's favorite colors are purple and pink (respectively) and she's not allergic to any fibers we know of. I would (humbly) suggest that all donations be machine-washable (just like for our Hard Knock Kids), because of the stressful situation the family is in. Also, it's important to know that Tika will be shaving her head soon and chemo caps made for her shouldn't measure above 18" in circumference.  I've done a quick survey on ravelry and found several suitable children's "chemo cap" patterns*:
  
  
  
  • "The Republic" Hat-Toddler Edition (and on ravelry) <-- I am making this cap for Tika with Merino Worsted in "Peony", so don't you copy me :P (please)
    
  • Floppy Brim Hat (on ravelry)
  • Rib-a-Roni (only available as a ravelry download)
  • Windy City Hat (on ravelry)
  • Pretty In Pink Ribbons (only available as a ravelry download)
  • Braid-Edged Cap (on ravelry)
  
  
  
• Or, for a change, you can make Tika a cute and cuddly handknit toy to hold while in the hospital!  (I foresee a run on Danger Crafts patterns...)
  
• Lastly, how about knitting a square for Tika's Patchwork Blanket? It has to measure 6" x 6", worked at 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in St st. (Purple and pink are preferred.)  This is a quick knit and can be done with stash yarn in an hour or less.
  

I'll definitely be making Tika a "The Republic" hat and a toy or two (Sammy the Sock Monster has caught my eye and heart...), plus a square (or two, they're quick!) for her blankie. Maybe I'll even have (some of) them done in time for next week's post (which will be next Wednesday, btw).  The yarn is bought and wound, too, so I have no excuse!

And now that I've twanged your heartstrings enough, onto the yarn crawliness.  If you should have a reason to visit us this weekend, please do not be surprised if you are met with the sight of dozens of knitters literally jammed into our tiny downtown store.  Seriously.  Last year was... wow.  As far as we've been told, there will be 150 knitters swarming in downtown PDX (expect to see lots of knitting on the MAX and Streetcar!), that will be visiting LYSes in smaller groups.  Just don't say we didn't warn you.  Right now, I have a short list of  upcoming Portland Yarn Crawls:

• Seattle-to-Portland Yarn Train (January 16th)
  
• Seattle-to-Portland Yarn Train Overnight Trip (January 16th & 17th)
  
• Portland Yarn Crawl (March 5th, 6th, 7th)
  

And we'll probably have a few more to add to that list in the coming weeks.  

Next, have you read the most recent Newsletter?  Do you know about our Cable Mania KAL & the Cable Limerick Challenge?  As of this afternoon, we have rather shockingly, actually, 14 entrants and 23 limericks so far!  Apparently quite a few of our Newsletter subcribers are poetry fans.  Or they just really want a Cabled Rib Wrap kit.  It could go either way, I'm sure.

If you're feeling poetically inclined, we'll be accepting entries through January 18th (yes, MLK Jr Day), so go and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

Finally, don't forget that the Gratis Knits deadline is this Friday, peeps!  We've raised the honorarium to $100 in store credit (which can be used online, in the store, or over the phone - we're that easy) and are looking for a fun winter pattern.  Wristlets or a hat would be nice.  It doesn't have to be complicated.  Just a pattern that uses a yarn we carry (currently) and is something people will want to make.  (Like I said, we're easy)  If you have any questions, feel free to email us.

I'm afraid that's everything of note.  I have no new staff projects (well, one or two that are Top Secret, but that's something else entirely), though I swear we will have some by next week.  Come heck or high water!  Until then, why don't try your hand at writing a limerick or pattern?  Or knitting a chemo cap?  At least you won't be bored ;)

*It's so sad that if you search "child chemo cap" more than a dozen patterns pop up :(

Brace yourself.

It's a New Year and the time for new opportunities and to make new resolutions. And, boy, have we got some resolutions this year. I took a little sampling of our staff's goals for 2010 and, I have to say, I'm not too surprised that we're really pushing ourselves:

• Lindsay: to cut wips by down 50%, and learn to knit Continental and to knit two socks at one time.
  
• Marjorie: to learn to knit two socks at one time and how to knit lace.
  
• Mine: to master Fair Isle.
  
• Darcy: to finish her Habu sweater and learn to knit Fair Isle holding both yarns in one hand.
  
• Eva: to make her first sweater.
• Jenny: to finish her boyfriend's Christmas present (gloves); which, incidentally, is her first knitting project.
  

Do you have a knitting New Year's resolution? We'd love to hear it!

On top of setting (slightly unreasonable) goals for ourselves, we've also got some great store updates to share:

1. We have collected 47lbs of clothing for Oregon Foster Care children! We'll continue collecting through the 18th, too. So keep on bringing those handknits and hand-me-downs in. Questions about what to donate? See our Handknits for Hard Knock Kids post.
   
2. We DID have Malabrigo Twist in stock... for about 5 minutes. I'm really sorry, blogfans, but it sold before I could get it on the web (or even photographed). And, before you complain, I swear we ordered two bags of every color. People just really like this yarn. But, don't worry!, we have some scheduled to arrive next week and I SWEAR it will go up on the web and be featured in the Newsletter.
3. We're looking for a new Gratis Knits pattern and have decided to increase the gratuity to $100 in store credit. That's right. Get your pattern up and in view of over 11,000 knitters and get a $100 gift card as an additional reward. See our updated Submission Guidelines (or the upcoming Newsletter) for more information!
   

Let's see what else we've got... A couple of weeks ago (while I was sick and not posting), Andrea sent us photos of two cushions she had finished for Christmas gifts:

The pattern is the Cable & Twist Pillow from Interweave's recently released Knitted Gifts. The yarn is (was) ShibuiKnits Merino Kid in Pagoda and Seaweed, held double to get the correct bulky gauge. Andrea also posted these lovelies on her ravelry journal, if you want more information about the project.

I, however, have not been that conscientious. Sorry. In lieu of other staff projects (my coworkers claim that they have none on their persons. I think they LIE.), I present my current traveling sock (and knitpod):

Which is currently traveling a lot back and forth between home and work. The yarn is Handmaiden's luscious Casbah (love, love, love) in the color "Fleur" which was a new release at Sock Summit (I think). We don't carry the color currently, but I think we have it on order. I also just finished a pair of mitts and a WhatsIt (see below for both), since we're so low on projects to share today (hint. hint. hint.*):

And, because it was a rainy day (like we really need an excuse), Lindsay and Eva and I might have gotten a little carried away taking photos for the blog this afternoon...

Sometimes seriousness is way overrated. See our how silly we can be set on flickr if you need a quick giggle.

That seems like everything, but I feel like I'm forgetting something. What could it be?

Oh, wait. It might just be our upcoming KAL, the details of which are still under wraps. Check your inbox this Friday for an awesome Newsletter that will include some breathtakingly beautiful yarn, a limerick contest and a lot more! Until then, stay dry**, blogfans!

*Don't make me pull out the pointy stick, guys.
**If you're not in the PNW, maybe that should be "stay warm"!

PSSST!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Lindsay is busy, busy, busy right now trying to ship out all of the many copies of The Haapsalu Shawl that arrived two weeks early, so there won't be a Fashionknitsta Thursday this week. We're all bummed. But at least it's New Year's Eve, so there's a reason to party!

I haven't been posting lately because I've been pathetically ill. Hardcore customers know that I was out of the store for two whole weeks. Imagine the yarn withdrawal I suffered on top of my flu symptoms. It really wasn't pretty.

But, in super-secret news that I will only be revealing to blogfans... be sure to check next week's Willamette Weekly for a coupon for a FREE Happy Hour class.

Seriously. Don't miss it.

Other news? We've been firming up the dates for a visit from our favorite tweedy blogger and putting together another awesome year of Sock Clubbyness that has a really cool Portland-centric theme. We think it's gonna be fantabulous.

Anyway. New Year's Eve is swiftly approaching and we'll be closing early... soon. Check back next week for a real blog post and another edition of Fashionknitsta Thursday. Until then, enjoy 2010!

How we overcome the chill

At this exact moment, iGoogle claims that the temperature outside is 32F (or 0C for you metric knitters), making Portland quite frosty right now. Working in a building that dates to the Shanghai Tunnels (seriously, we're connected via our basement) means that our heating system is older than most grandparents and not the most efficient machinery on the planet. But that's not a problem for knitters!

In the past week we've seen some creative (and often elaborate) ways Portlanders have developed to keep warm when the wind chill causes the temperature to drop into the negatives. One of which was an awesome Chain Link Scarf (pattern by Teva Durham); but, alas, I have no knitter to credit. Blame Kristin, she forgot to get the now Anonymous knitter's info.

Our knitter (I am told) was also wearing handknit mittens and multiple layers. Notice the sweater over a shirt over another shirt. The scarf, if you're into that sort of thing (chances are that, as a knitter, you might be), was made with the new Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed Chunky. Soft, thick and quick. Ideal for sudden forecast changes.

My 0wn coping method involves layering multiple handknits. Right now I'm madly in love with my recently finished Sapphire Sabine:

At 65% baby alpaca, this light little cardigan is surprisingly warm (okay, maybe not that surprising if you know that alpaca is 3 - 7x warmer than wool!). But, darns, people, it is nice and toasty in a frigidly cold basement. All I need are wrist warmers and I'm set. I thought my coworkers were going to strangle me when I said that.

And, before the questions pour in, the pattern is Sabine, by CoCo Knits. The yarn was Road To China Light, in the color "Sapphire". The pattern said I'd need 7 skeins, but I think it could have been done with 6. If you're making the XL size, you probably can get away with a little less yarn than suggested. But don't quote me on that. The Knitting Fates will strike me down.

Next on the list of toasty ideas is our Handknits For Hard Knock Kids clothing drive. Knitters across the PDX area are getting the warm fuzzies after donating their handknit and store bought clothing:

Knit a hat, or buy some mittens, or clear out your closet and you'll stay toasty all winter long!

Our donations box is almost full after a week, which means we'll have to get another box because we're not stopping anytime soon. We have a week and a half left for donors to qualify for one (or more!) of our fantabulous prizes, but will continue to collect donations through the New Year. So, if you want to earn an inner glow and possibly win a skein of handpainted yarn, bring in some clothing to donate!

In less toasty news, we do have some fun events coming up in the next few days:

1. The Holiday Happy Hour #5: Danger Crafts Toy! is scheduled for tomorrow night. I'll be helping Sandy Kay teach students how to create jogless stripes as well as join two in-the-round projects (such as legs) into one. It's gonna be great, and I'm going to endeavor to bring my IP Sammie the Sock Monster with me.
2. a very cool eCard (with preview!) that features one of CoCo Knits' new patterns! Perfect for layering, Tessa is one of those garments that can be worn year-round.
   

Of course, right now I'm thinking I want one made out of Madelinetosh Merino. Just think how warm and soft it'd beee... And it'd only take, like, 4 - 7 skeins. Now there's an idea. A dangerous one, I'll admit, but it does have the potential for greatness.

Now, before I go back to data entry, I have a couple of updates:

1. Have you seen our facebook page? We'd love it if you became a fan or friended us!
2. Our limited edition Super Sock in "Opal Creek Winter" is going to be back in stock shortly. If you read the most recent Newsletter and just missed out on a skein of your own, now is the time to place a preorder before these next 25 skeins are gone for good.
   

With that, we've covered everything. So, until next week, stay warm and keep knitting (or crocheting)!

More than 3 things.

Normally, on a Friday, I'd be frantically writing & coding a Newsletter. But, because of the impeding holiday (Thanksgiving) and some interesting staffing schedules, we decided to send it out a day early (i.e. last night). So now I have the time to catch up the blog (which is sorely behind due to a second influenza mishap). The way I see it, we have 3 things to cover today:

1. Customer Projects
2. New In The Store
3. What We've Been Doing

Except, there are more than three things to talk about, but it sounded good. Because there's so much to catch up, I'd better get started now.

1. Customer Projects

A little over a week ago, Catherine wore in the loveliest shell:

Which, it turned out, she had knit herself! And designed, too, incidentally. She knit it with ShibuiKnits Sock and Silk Cloud held together, both in the color "Dragonfly". The pattern was inspired by a stitch pattern in one of the books in Barbara Walker's fabulous Treasury of Knitting Patterns series. She insisted, though, that I not picture her face. But I'm sure knitters will be able to identify her from the awesome handknit garment(s) she's wearing.

The second customer project we have is Sarah's Koolhaas scarf. She took the stitch pattern from Jared Flood's Koolhaas Hat and used it to make a truly scrumptious scarf:

and a closeup:

Made with Catherine Lowe Couture Yarns Merino 5 in the color "Moss". And, OMG, this thing felt amazing. It was sooo soft and sqooshy and lofty and amazing. We passed it around so everyone could touch it. It really made me want to make something with the Merino 5. A lot. I wish I could remember how many balls she needed...

Oh, well. Moving on.

2. New In The Store.

we have the coolest tool from M.W. Woodworks - darning eggs.

Based off of traditional (read: antique) darning eggs, each is hand-turned and has a handle for easier maneuverability. They're currently available in Maple and Black Walnut/ Ash, and are just gorgeous. They feel really nice in your hand, too. M.W. always does the most beautiful work.

And, while he was visiting this week, he dropped off a new shipment of KnitPods (in Black Walnut, Maple, and Cherry), one of which I am desperately coveting. Which is ridiculous, since I own two. Well, three now. M.W. also brought in the prototype for the 7-8" KnitPod (for longer DPNs), that I am currently test driving. So far, I'm loving it and think it's going to be a great for a variety of projects.

3. What We've Been Up To.

Oh, so much. If you've visited the store lately, you might have seen droves of us running around like madwomen. Well, it's all for a purpose. One of our biggest success stories this week was our Holiday Happy Hour class #3 -

We had eight students (which is a high number for a weekday class). Students either started a Challah Infinity Scarf:

Or a pair of Malabrigo Loafers/ Prairie Boots:

It was really exciting for Sandy Kay and I to see so many students making progress in a single hour, too.

One of my students had finished the sole of one slipper, and two others were nearly ready to braid their first section of the Challah Scarf.

And, lastly, I've been working on a What'sIt (so we'll have a sample for the pattern!):

Please pardon the desk photo. The yarn is Handmaiden's glorious Cashmere & Silk in the color "Pansy". It's just blissful to work on. In fact, I'm already designing another one skein project, just for this yarn! Oo0h, decadent.

And that's everything of note. Sandy Kay and I are still working out the details of the Handknits For Hard Knock Kids clothing drive, so expect to see that next Tuesday. We already have a collection of amazing prizes for donors and are working our a rewards system for knitters who knit their donations. But that's for later. Until then, have a happy weekend!

The things we do for yarn.

To most knitters there's nothing more glamorous than working at a knitting store (except, perhaps, owning a knitting store) and, most of the time, LYS employees will agree.

Most of the time. Last Friday, however, all I heard from my coworkers were complaints as we did a quick photoshoot for the weekend's eCard.

You may remember it?

And, really, what a bunch of whiners. It couldn't have been more than five minutes (ten on the outside) that we were, ah, posing...

(From left to right: Me, Jaia, Marjorie, Lindsay, and Sandy Kay)

... against a brick wall, and they started kvetching about how cold it was or that their fingers were going numb or how their shoulders had frozen in place. Sheesh. Consider the importance of the project, my coworkers! If we don't stop to illuminate the world about exciting new mitten and wristlet patterns, who will? It is our duty, nay, privilege, to model shop samples in strange and interesting ways!

Let this be a lesson to current/ future/ hopeful LYS employees - working at a knitting shop isn't all knitting cashmere.

Anyway. Thought I'd share the latest behind-the-scenes look at Knit Purl.

Moving on. We have some fantastic new accessories in. My favorite are the Classic Shawl Pins, distributed by Lantern Moon. Sleek and simple, these polished metal pretties are just what I want in a shawl pin:



Well made, beautiful and modest enough not to detract from the shawl it's pinning closed. Since I mostly wear handknit shawls (or would like to), I'd rather the shawl be the focus and not the pin. But, if you're into the bling (and there's nothing wrong with that!), Lantern Moon has also released these Textured Metal Shawl Pins:




Which, I have to say, are quite lovely. They make me think of Moroccan jewelry - with all the granulation in different sizes and concentric circles. It's very pretty and quite attractive and would probably work really well with a sweeping shawl or cloak. Can't you just imagine it?

Both shawl pins were designed by Jim Knopf, who seems to have an awesome collection of buttons and other accents across the pond, in Germany. Interestingly enough, knopf means "button" in German. Isn't that a fun fact?

We're still waiting on some of his newest button collections and some more shawl pins - all distributed by Lantern Moon. Be sure to watch the website for updates.

And, last but certainly not least, we just received several copies of the eagerly anticipated book, Itty-Bitty Toys:

Written by Susan B. Anderson, the same author of Itty-Bitty Nursery and Itty-Bitty Hats, this collection is so much more than you'd expect. With toys that range from traditional Sock Monkeys and Teddy Bears, there are also Koalas and a Giraffe and a ducky family!

I grabbed some sample photos from Susan's ravelry journal, just so you can see how unbelievably cute this book is:

Koala Mama & Baby	Mama Duck & Ducklings
Giraffe	Christmas Set

Sweet, right? We just love it. I think my favorite is the Mama Duck & Ducklings, followed closely by the Giraffe. Check out the book on ravelry, it's too cute to resist! Be sure to look at least one of the reversibles - toys that can change from one animal into another! Like the Lion & Elephant. If you saw them in a toy box, you'd never guess they were handknit, would you?

And I think that's quite enough awesomeness to share this week. Check back next week for a book full of wool, the joys of shipping out a Sock Club installment (don't worry, I'll get photos!), and proof of my incurable Start-itis (you may want to read this from a distance, it may just be contagious).

Until then, enjoy the liquid sunshine out there!

And we're back!

I apologize for my/ our absence these past two weeks, we've been taking turns getting sick out here at the LYS, which has thrown everything off-schedule and out-of-whack. But we're all back (and all well, never fear!) and rearing to get back to our old schedule. So, without further adieu, let's start with a customer project that just has to be shared. Prepare yourself for the "Wow" factor...

Susan came in wearing her recently finished Wisteria sweater (pattern by Kate Gilbert), and we had to get a photo:

Do you want to hazard a guess at what yarn she used?

Handmaiden's Sea Silk (in "Straw"), held double, making this the most delectable Wisteria on the planet (unless, maybe someone's made one out of cashmere...). Just... wow! I didn't get to see it in person (see the intro paragraph), but Lindsay and Kristin couldn't stopped sighing over it when they told me about it later.

Alas, I couldn't find Susan's project on ravelry, so we'll just have to love it from afar.

Next, we have a vampire that's cuter than Edward Cullen (sorry, couldn't resist), because Sandy Kay has finished Victor the Vampire!

(he even has a handknit cape!)

And he's on display in our side window. The next time you drop by the store, be sure to check out the creepy/ cute Halloween display we've set up. I'll take a picture of the finished display (we're missing a pumpkin and some handknit bats), and post it in next week's post for all of our lovely out-of-town blogfans.

Finally, on the project front, we have Lindsay's in-progress alpaca blanket:

That she's making with Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca. It's soooo soft, you (okay, we) just want to roll in it. Mmm, alpaca.

Anyway, lest I start to drool, we also have some announcements this week...

First and foremost, we still have a couple of spots left in our upcoming Mad Hatters workshop. If you've ever been interested in learning to knit colorwork or design your own colorwork projects, this is the class for you!

Second, did you know that Julie Weisenberger of CoCo Knits is coming to Knit Purl?? It's true, she is! And she's going to be teaching three awesome classes: What Not To Knit, Finishing/ Design Techniques, and CoCo Knits Cornucopia. If you're a CoCo Knits fan be sure to register early (this news is going out in the Newsletter tomorrow!), because we expect these classes to fill up fast.

Last, but not least, be sure to check back tomorrow for another installment of Gratis Knits! Yes, that's right, we're bringing back our popular quarterly free pattern series.

But, until then, keep knitting!

We like the fuscia here.

Which has nothing to do with Franklin's talk (see further below), but it certainly makes sense in terms of current staff projects. Like, oh, Marjorie's Skif Heart (IP):

Currently being knit with over a dozen different yarns that are nearly all in the hot pink to purple-pink range. Even the marigold and orange you see there comes from a painted yarn that has, you guessed it, pink and purple as well.

Next, we have Kristin's Mystery Sweater (also IP), that I cannot find on ravelry (and it's Kristin's weekend right now...), but clearly it's a shade of purpley-pink:

And, finally, we have the Children's Bolero I am making for my niece, Tegan, (IP):

Using ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Peony".

Are you sensing a strange trend here? It's a bit weird, actually. All of a sudden, our projects match. It must be something in the water.

But at least I also have this, my natural white cashmere lace:

(Evelyn Clark's Cocoon Lace Scarf or Wrap and Cashmere 1)

Which I somehow convinced Franklin (yes, that Franklin) to hold in lieu of a traveling sock :

He's such a good sport. And hilariously funny. If you missed his lecture last night, well... I don't have to words to describe such a side-splitting experience. I did manage to snap a shot before the event really started...

But completely forgot to take any photos during or after. Yes, I know. Bad blogger, no cookie.

If you did miss it, I suppose I shouldn't mention the trivia and prizes (knitting cartoon totes!), or silly photos, or Victorian patterns or... never mind. It would be cruel to go on. In the end, we had two seats left (not bad with 35 chairs squeezed in the room with a projector and screen), which you can see right there. Next time (yes, Franklin's promised to visit us again, apparently we aren't that odd), we're thinking a bigger venue would be quite lovely.

And, lastly, to prove we like all the colors of the rainbow* (not just the purpley-pink ones):

I have a basket of samples for my upcoming Kitchen-Safe Dyeing workshop. I wouldn't have mentioned it at all, but I've been nagged by several coworkers. So, there, I've mentioned it and even put out samples on the coffee table. Make what you will of it.

Until next time, stay colorful!

*Although, it may be fair to say we like some colors more than others.

We love colors.

All of them. A lot. Which is why we've set up our newest display:

And just might be planning some wicked Fair Isle treats over the next few weeks. Oh, yes, indeedy. Along those lines, Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting is BACK IN STOCK!


Get your copy while we still have them. I know I (and several other staff members) have. This is THE reference to have on the art of Fair Isle. Really, honestly, and truly. It has pages and pages of detailed diagrams, pictures and instructions on everything from technique to designing your own sweater. If you're a knitting tech-phile, this is the book for you.

Anyway, that's what I think.

Moving on... Frances kindly brought in her newly finished Girasole:

No, it hasn't been blocked. But it's still gorgeous! In fact, I had a hard time taking a photo that didn't have someone or another's hand on it, petting. The finished "cloth" is just sublime - due entirely to the high quality of Catherine Lowe's Silk Mohair 1. And Frances has promised to bring it in after she blocked it, so keep an eye out for that!

Lastly, we sent out the very first Sock Club 2010 packages this afternoon! Excitement abounds. We can't wait to see (and hear) your reactions, o loyal Sock Club members, so please let us know what you think. Until next time, blogfans, start planning those Fair Isle projects...