Just a quick reminder.  Our annual Big Game Event is happening this Sunday, February 7th from 12-4pm.  Both WEBS Yarn and WEBS Beads will be open!  Come join us for a relaxing afternoon of crafting.  Work on your latest project, check out our new yarns and beads and catch up with friends.  We’ll have snacks and giveaways to add to the festivities.  Plus, you will be home in time to see the Big Game  or at least all of the cool commercials!

Enjoy!

Kathy

I know my post from earlier today was a bit on the dry side, but it was a necessity.  Fortunately before I left the office this afternoon, I wandered by Mary’s desk and discovered these:

Can you say adorable?  At first they just struck me as pretty colorwork mittens. 

Then I focused a bit more on them and THAT’s when the ah-hah moment happened.  That isn’t just any ordinary colorwork – that is colorwork cupcakes:

I was so smitten with these mittens.  (Sorry ’bout that – I just couldn’t resist).   I tried them on and I have to tell you – they felt magical.  It had nothing to do with the yarn and everything to do with the motif.

Supposedly this is Mary’s first colorwork project that she has seen through to the end.  That may be true but her work is exquisite.    I flipped the mittens inside out to see how things looked on the dark side and it was equally exquisite – that is the true sign of beautiful colorwork, imho.

The pattern is the aptly named Cupcake Mitten and it was designed by SpillyJane Knits and can be found on Ravelry for $6.00.  Mary used Brown Sheep Nature Spun because it had the exact colors she wanted.  Madeline Tosh Sock is also a good option as is our Valley Yarns Huntington.

Another option is to dye your yarn.  You don’t need a ton of yardage and this is a great little project to test out the process of dyeing. 

Unfortunately that darn groundhog says we have 6 more weeks of winter.  These mittens will defintely make that time much more cheerful!

Enjoy!

Kathy

The Federal Trade Commission recently revised their “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials” to encourage bloggers who review products to discolose if they received the products for free when making a favorable review.    Breaking these new rules could result in fines or other liability.  These guidelines were developed specifically for bloggers who participate in pay-per-review programs.  Given these new guidelines, I feel it’s important to clarify my stance on this topic.

It is rare that I review or discuss a product that we don’t carry.  I define “carry” as product that we have purchased at wholesale to sell at retail.  Occasionally I may reference a yarn that is used in a project in a magazine or book that we don’t carry, but that is about the extent of it.

We often receive advance samples of yarns – some that we buy, some that we don’t.   Again, it’s rare that I would reference a yarn on the blog that I was sent for free, as a sample to consider for purchase.  It’s not out of the realm, just not common.

As for books, I receive a lot of advance copies of books.  We are on what is called “autoship” for pretty much every new book that is published meaning we have a standing order for X copies of each new book.  They are automatically sent to us and we are charged for them.  The advance copies I receive are free but ultimately our autoship arrives and we then sell the purchased copies at retail.  I may review or discuss a book in advance of our autoship, based on the advance copy I received.

Going forward I will notate in my posts if any products I am talking about are products I received for free or as an advance sample and whether we will be carrying the product for resale, if it’s not in stock already.

I have never reviewed or discussed any products on this blog for payment nor can I imagine a time when I would do that.  If that ever were to happen, I would disclose that information.  

I do not view the sending of advance copies or samples as compensation.  There is no expectation by any of our partners that I will discuss or review their products here on the blog nor do I feel any obligation to do so.  If I do discuss a product, I do not feel any obligation to write positively about the product unless I genuinely feel that way.

This policy is less applicable to this blog as it’s associated with our retail business.  Still, I wanted to state my position so that you were all clear.  This blog is a very positive place – I like to talk about yarns and books and products that I like, if not love.

Now, back to our regular programming.  Wait until you see the new Malabrigo yarn that came in today!  It will be up on the website tomorrow!  More then!  Plus I’m going to be announcing a great new contest!

Kathy

Hi Everyone

The latest issue of Knitscene magazine is out. 

I am pretty tickled with the projects in this issue.  Of the 27 projects that are featured in this issue – we carry the yarn for just about half of them (13 actually). 

A few of my faves you ask?  Well, sure, I can give you my personal highlights. 

First up is this bee-u-tiful cowl from the “Berroco Design Team” (hey Norah, hey Cirilia – great cowl!):

The Ninebark Cowl is knit in Berroco Lustra.  I opted to add the second photo as I think it’s truly the one that really shows how spectacular the colorwork in the cowl is:

Next – Helleborus Yoke.  I have not read what the significance behind the name is and I’m hopeful it’s included in the magazine. 

I love the stitch detail in this piece, I love the sleeve length and I love Tahki’s Tweedy Alpaca.  This is a winner all the way around.

Now I have to be honest.  I do not love the styling of this next garment, but then again, it’s not styled to appeal to my particular demographic.  This is an important point because this is the type of garment many knitters would look at,  judge it on the picture and move on.  I can wear this garment and would wear it – heck, I buy ready-to-wear like this but I would never wear it like this.  There’s not a right or wrong in this – just remember to really look at garments you see in magazines and pattern books and try to see the garment for what it is – you may pass over a few gems otherwise.

The Panbe Dress is adorable, fun and casual.  Knit in Classic Elite Sprout it makes a great spring/summer garment.  I envision it in jeans, maybe even capris, though being only 5′2″ I have to be careful not to chop my lines up too much.  The one thing I can guarantee – I will not be sporting these boots anytime soon.

Lastly, is my self-indulgence -  Boulevard Zip.  Let me just put it out there – it’s knit in our own Valley Yarns Springfield.

Adorable.

That is just a few of the many knittable, wearable garments in this issue of Knitscene.  I hope you find something(s) you like as well!

Kathy

Nine years ago I was hanging out at Hartford Hospital, having just given birth to our second son Jonathan.  He was nearly two weeks late and nearly 9 lbs.  Although he took his time deciding to be born, once he made up his mind, he made quick work of things to the point my epidural really didn’t get a chance to kick in. 

Funny – it’s a trait he still carries with him.  To this day, until he has worked out whatever it is that he works out in his head, he will literally not do things.  Then, out of the blue, he’s on it, learning it, doing it, done.

Walking.  Giving up his thumb.  Riding a bike, just to give a few examples.  He made up his mind to do or in the instance of his thumb give up, these things on a moment’s notice and that was that.

Today he is nine.  I’m not sure how but as they say, it is what it is.  He’s a magical kid who managed to corral the best of Steve & I’s DNA.  He rocks this world everyday and all I can say is that we all better be on watch – he’s not going to take this life lying down for a second.

Happy Birthday Jonathan!   We love you!

Mom

Hi Everyone

I’m sure most of you are like me and have been stunned by the devastation in Haiti.  It’s almost too much to bear when watching the news coverage.

There are many efforts underway, both within the fiber community and beyond to raise money for the victims.  I am not going to make a hard pitch or emotional plea.  Just know that if you have some items on your wishlist or have been thinking about yarn for your next project, now is the time to place your order. 

From 1/25 through 2/1 we will contribute 5% of sales to Doctors Without Borders.  Doesn’t matter if you shop in the store, on-line, over the phone.  If you make a purchase in this time frame, 5% will be donated.

Steve & I thank you all in advance for supporting this effort. 

Kathy

This week on Ready, Set, Knit, Steve shared some new yarns and new closeouts that have recently arrived at the shop.  It’s a very busy time with all of the new spring yarns

New Yarn

Cotton Spring from Artyarns
Picaboo from Frog Tree Alpacas
Sari from S. Charles Collezione
Lace Ball from Schoppel Wolle
Cotton Classic Lite from Tahki Yarns
Mia from Tahki Yarns

New Closeouts

Alpalite from Filatura Di Crosa
Duchess from Classic Elite Yarns
Classic One Fifty from Classic Elite Yarns

I had the immense pleasure of talking with our own Gail Callahan, a.k.a. The Kangaroo Dyer.  Gail’s first book is about to be released and to say that we’re excited would be the understatement of the year!  Hand Dyeing Yarn and Fleece will be available in just a few short weeks.  I know I am biased when I say this, but the book is fabulous.  It’s chock full of great information that is organized in a very logical and readable way.  The pictures are glorious and to top it off – it’s spiral bound!

We are currently taking pre-orders for Gail’s book so be sure to order yours!  The cost is $18.95 and remember it’s part of our WEBS discount!

We’ll also be hosting the official launch party for Gail and her book on Sunday, February 21st from 12-4.  Yes – a rare Sunday opening!  It’s going to be a great party so be sure to plan to join us.  To help us be sure we have enough food, etc., please register for this free event by calling Customer Service at 1.800.367.9327.

Enjoy!

Kathy

Hi Everyone

I’m sure some of you might remember the crocheted flower I did back in December:

At the time, I mentioned we were all working on flowers for a long-time team member who is battling a very difficult illness.  We thought rather than send her flowers that would only last a week or so, we would create a boquet for her that could go with her as she transitioned from the hospital to rehab and eventually (hopefully) home.  Here is our finished creation:

Didn’t it turn out beautifully?  I know Miss Barbara was very touched and it makes all of us happy to know that at least a little part of all of us and WEBS is with her each day.

Kathy

Hi Everyone

Thanks for your patience while I took my sabbatical from the blog.  It’s good to be getting back into the swing of things.

Shortly after New Year’s Steve & I headed out to Long Beach for the spring TNNA Show.  The show itself is only 3 days but between events and the fact that I’m actively involved in the organization itself unable to say “no” to my colleagues when it comes to projects and committees, I was in lovely LB for a total of 8 days.

The trip was great – enjoyed some of the most spectacular SoCal weather you can hope for in January, connected with many of the amazing people in our industry AND shopped.  I shopped for fiber-y things, but also go to do a little non-fiber shopping as well.  More on that in a minute.

The spring show is the smaller of the two.  Our suppliers introduce fewer yarns as the spring season is just that much shorter.  I often think we take the “seasonality” of knitting a bit too far – it’s not as if when the calendar hits March 21st everyone packs up their wool and alpaca yarns and only knit with cottons.

We do most of our major buying ahead of the show but there are always new and exciting products to be discovered.  One accessory that stopped me in my tracks was this beauty:

This is the Monroe bag from Namaste.  I.Love.It.  We’ve carried the Namaste line for awhile – they make a great product that looks good and is functional.  Bags are a very personal thing and although I’ve liked their bags in the past, they haven’t necessarily been my style.  This one is.  Why?  I love the lines, I love that it doesn’t have reversse-stitching as many of their bags do, I love the size, room with out being too big.  It has great compartments. 

It has symmetry and I love symmetry.  We’ll have this bag in stock shortly in all of the colors.  I was personally torn between black and the lime – you can see which won out.  Any guesses what that skein of yarn is in my bag???

Another find that tickles me to no end is Iris:

Iris is the result of a collaboration between Rebecca Danger of Danger Crafts and Lorna’s Laces.  Iris isn’t just your average monster, she’s a Gourmet Monster.  She has an entire bio on the back of the package.

She loves food – everything from the preparation to, of course, the eating.  Her favorite food?  Cheese – good cheese, gourmet cheese.  Iris and I have the potential to be VERY good friends.

Iris comes several sizes based on the yarn used and in the six new cool colorways that Beth introduced at the show.  Here’s the smaller Iris:

We have something very special in the works for this adorable monster so stay tuned!  The kits themselves will be up on the site and available shortly.

Lantern Moon wins the prize for the coolest display at the show.  Look at how they arranged all of their faboo accessories:

I only wish my camera/photography skills could have captured the real beauty of this display.  Kudos to the Lantern Moon team!

As Steve & I were walking the show, this caught our eye:

Gail’s (a.k.a. the Kangaroo Dyer) soon-to-be-released book was there!  We saw her book in the wild – all grown-up and out on it’s own!  It stopped Steve & I in our tracks and I think even Steve let out a little *squee*.  The lady manning the distributor booth mentioned it was not out yet and I explained “I know – the author works with us!”  Gail is our guest on this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit so be sure to tune in on Saturday or download the podcast to hear all about the book!  You can also pre-order it on our site or in the store!

There were some other great new yarns that we purchased that we’ll be talking about in the coming days and weeks so be sure to check back.

I was able to take an afternoon to myself before heading home.  Ironically, I opted for some retail therapy here:

I love to shop and I don’t have a lot of options in Western Mass.   Shopping in an A or probably an A+ mall is a treat – getting to see trends in style & color, checking out displays and merchandising  is such a treat.  Then there were the shoes. . . . . . .

But the true exclamation point at the end of this trip was this:

A gorgeous California sunset over Bloomies

Kathy