I think I can officially say that this week is unofficially Kristin Nicholas week at WEBS!  With the clocks turning back this past weekend, what a bright and colorful way to face the shorter days!  We have several exciting things going on that I want to share with all of you!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had the opportunity to talk with Kristin on this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit!  Her latest book, Color By Kristin has just been released and it is a spectacular book.  I spoke with Kristin about several of the projects and wanted to share pictures with you.

The Over-the-Top-Shawl is perfectly named:

Until you read the fine print (or have a conversation with Kristin) you don’t truly understand how this shawl is constructed.  It is knit in the round.   This not only makes the colorwork easier (I use that term very loosely) to do, but it’s also how the fringe is created.  Yes – once you have finished knitting this drop-dead piece in the round, you steek it and then unravel the steek stitches up to the start of the pattern.  It’s brilliant and terrifying all at the same time.  The finished piece measures approximately 25″x72″ long.  It uses 7 different colors of Nashua Handknits Julia.

The On-the-Go-Knitter’s Tote is a beautiful, functional bag which measures approximately 16″w x 14″ high x 4″ deep when finished:

The base is worked back and forth in garter stitch and then the sides are picked up and knit in the round. Eight beautiful colors are used for a total of 14 skeins.

I love the Best Friends Pullovers because the models are true best friends.  Kristin’s daughter Julia on the left and her buddy Bridget is on the right. 

I also just love this photo.  In both cases, the sweaters are worked in the round to the shoulders with steeks used to create the armholes.  The arms themselves are knit in the round and then stitched into the openings created by the steeks.  Both sweaters use 7 different colors.  Both sweaters also feature simple embroidery stitches that really add that extra bit of WOW!

Kristin and I didn’t get to talk about this pattern on the show, but I wanted to highlight it anyway.  I’m rather smitten with the Lazy Daisy Teapot Cozy:

I know, knit or crocheted “cozies” are somewhat cliche.  I think this teapot cozy has a tone of attitude.  I also like that although it’s colorful, it’s not knit using any sort of charted pattern.  Once again, Kristin takes this project to the next level with not only the colors she chose, but with the embroidery details she adds at the end.  As we always say at WEBS – it’s all in the finishing – be it blocking, seaming or embroidery.  The final steps of any project are usually what make great projects stand out from the rest of the crowd.

I could easily go on about the other 18 projects in the book (that’s a total of 22), but I’ll let you discover them for yourself.  The first three chapters are dedicated to a discussion by Kristin about using color, the fair isle technique and how to design with it.  There is a ton of valuable information packed into the first 32 pages of this book.

Now, I have a question for you.  How many of you actually clicked on the links I provided for each of the projects?  If you didn’t click, scroll back up, pick one and click through, then come back.  I’ll wait.

Well?  Do you like our new Kit function?  I am over-the-moon tickled with this new feature!   Each project in Kristin’s book can now be “purchased” all at once.  You don’t need to zip around and select the quantity for each of the yarns, then go find the book and then navigate around to the needles.  The kit page features the yarn in each colorway, pre-populated with the quantity for the smallest size or in the case of the shawl, the only size.  The book is listed as are suggested needles.  You can easily “un-select” any item you don’t need, you can change your quanities on the fly or if you want different colors, you can click through and do that as well!  The page will show the total FOR ALL ITEMS SELECTED.  If you change quantities or un-select something, the price will change.  NOTE:  The price is the full price BEFORE OUR YARN AND BOOK DISCOUNT IS APPLIED.  This will happen in the shopping cart.  Remember – everything starts out SELECTED.   You have to buy the book once so you have the patterns.  Once you buy it or if you already have purchased it, you can unselect that option.  Same witht the needles if you don’t need them.

To see what other kits we have already put together you can simply click here or if you start on our homepage, click on “Books, Patterns & Kits” on the top navigation, click on “Knitting” on the left navigation and you’ll see a list of Kits right in the center of the page.  We plan to create these kits for all of our best selling patterns and books.  It’s a lot of work so check back frequently to see what is new. 

We also announced on the podcast we are now carrying Kristin’s yarn Julia.  It is distributed by Nashua Handknits, a division of Westminster Fibers (same folks who distribute Rowan and Gedifra and Kertzer).  Julia is a unique blend of 50% wool/25% mohair/25% alpaca.  Each skein has 93 yards and it’s a classic worsted weight yarn at 5 sts= 1″ on #7 needles.  I realize the fiber content doesn’t sound that special, but it is.  The properties of each of the fibers and how they are blended together are what creates the feel, the drape, the look of the finished fabric in Kristin’s garments.  Plus, she has honed her palette over years.  There are lots of yarns out there with large color ranges, several of our own Valley Yarns included.  But the way her palette works together just simply can’t be found in another yarn.  I am thrilled to be carrying Kristin’s Julia yarn.

Now, onto the festivities of the week ahead.

1.  We will be featuring a trunk show all week of several of the projects from her book.  Be sure to stop in an check them out in person.

2. Kristin will be at WEBS this Thursday night, 11/5 from 6:00-7:30pm for an impromptu Book Launch Party!  She’ll be signing copies of her book, talking about her yarn and will be bringing more garments from the book as well.  We’ll have light refreshments as always.

3.  We’re also having a contest!  What fun would it be if we weren’t giving something away?  Starting today, leave a comment here on my blog and on Kristin’s Getting Stitched on the Farm blog.  Tell us what you think of her book, the projects, how has Kristin inspired your knitting, etc.   The contest starts today and ends on Friday.  We’ll select a random winner who will receive a signed copy of Color byKristin, the yarn for a project of their choice in the quantity for their size (if applicable) and the necessary needles, notions, etc.  Pretty cool, huh?

So, let the commenting begin!  I’d also LOVE your feedback on the new kit function.

Cheers!

Kathy

P.S.  Remember Kristin’s book and Julia yarn are discountable!

On this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit I had the chance to catch up with the fabulous Kristin Nicholas.  Not only is she among the top echelon of the knitterati, she lives right here in our lovely valley.

She has a brand spankin’ new book out called Color By Kristin. 

It’s amazing.  If you’ve been scared of color work, scared of steeks (that would be me) this is the book for you.    Kristin promises to ease my fears and if she can do that – the rest of you are golden because I am SURE I am the biggest scaredy cat among us!

What I am most excited about is that we are now carrying Kristin’s JULIA YARN!  Yes – the rumors are true!  There is no substitute and it’s what she uses exclusively in her designs.  We are stocking every color featured in her new book.   We are thrilled to be partnered with Kristin, her book and her yarn!

Steve also talked about a bunch of yarns! 

Swirl DK from Lorna’s Laces - $6.99 – this is a great new closeout!
Angora Merino from Gedifra - $5.49
Ego Tweed from Schachenmayr - $4.99
Akona from Gedifra - $3.99
Cotton Java Color 4-ply from Regia -  $7.99

Folks – listen to the podcast there are a lot of exciting announcements and I will be blogging about those as soon!

You can listen to Ready, Set, Knit! via our website or you can download the podcast on iTunes.

Enjoy!

Kathy

On this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit! I have the pleasure of talking with Knitter’s Review Founder Clara Parkes.  Clara’s sophomore book, The  Knitter’s Book of Wool hits stores next week. 

I have to say, after the success of her first book, The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, I wasn’t sure how she was going to top it.

I should never have doubted Clara for a moment.  Shame on me!  The Knitter’s Book of Wool is an in depth adventure into all things wool.  It is informative, interesting and a must have in your library.

You’ll also want to check out this week’s Knitter’s Review in which Clara discusses nine of her favorite woolly yarns.

Before we talked with Clara, Steve & I got pretty silly with this week’s line-up of new yarns.  You’ll have to listen in to truly understand, but here are the yarns we discussed:

New Yarns

Yummy from Fibranatura
Cocoon & Cocoon Multi from Rozetti
North Pole from Wisdom Yarns

Closeouts

Classic Wool from Shepherd
Pastaza from Cascade
Colour 4 Me 8-Ply from Shepherd
Baby  Alpaca Chunky from Cascade
Dolce from Cascade

In the second half, I was tickled to welcome Pixie back to the show after a much deserved vacation.  She was raring to go and we launched right into our next KAL!

Project:  3 Button Jacket from Classic Elite’s Weekend Pattern Booklet 9102

Yarn:  Classic Elite Chesapeake - 50% organic cotton/50% merino wool

Amounts:  9(10, 11, 13, 14) depending on size 34½ (38, 42, 46½, 50½)”

Needles:  Recommend #7 or whatever size you need to attain a gauge of 21 sts and 30 rows over 4″.  Also one 24″ circular needle 2 sizes smaller than the body needle.

Other:  Size G crochet Hook, cotton waste yarn for stitch holders, 3 buttons, tapestry needle, locking ring markers.

This is a truly great jacket. 

Just a reminder that Clara Parkes will be teaching at WEBS on November 7th.  We have a few spots left.  You can read about the class and register here.  She’ll also be signing books after her class so be sure to join us!

Kathy

Note:  Edited to add links to new yarns.

Our Fall Catalog started mailing last week.  The launch of a new catalog is always an exciting time for us. 

If yours hasn’t arrived yet, don’t worry, it’s working it’s way through the mail stream to you. In the meantime, let’s look at a few of the highlights, shall we?

The stunning cover image is courtesy of our dear friends at Berroco.  The Nuss Cardigan from booklet #288 Blackstone Tweed is a garment we’ve talked about previously.  Knit in Berroco’s new Blackstone Tweed, Nuss has an interesting construction and nice fit.

One of my favorites that I insisted be in the catalog is Potter from Norah Gaughan Vol. 5: 

Knit in Berroco Pure Merino, I fell in love with this jacket the moment I saw pictures of it last spring.  I’m not a huge yellow fan, although I’ve been told I can pull off the color, but there is something about this jacket, yellow or otherwise that really speaks to me. 

Another design that I’ve reference previously here on the blog and on our podcast is the Riding Jacket from The Big Easy booklet knit in Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky from Debbie Bliss. 

The simplicity of the silhouette immediately grabbed my attention – you know I love classic styles that look like you put a ton of work into them but in the end weren’t so difficult. 

The Lace & Bobble Cardigan from Classic Elite Booklet #9102 – Weekend - didn’t really impress me until Betsy came to the shop to give the store staff an overview of new fall yarns & designs. 

It looked great on everyone that tried it on and it’s knit in Classic Elite’s new yarn Chesapeake.

When Diane & Stacy from Tahki/Stacy Charles came to visit, they both knew I’d be head over heels for this next garment.

Score a point for them.  I love Eileen from the S. Charles Collezione Modern Living booklet – simple, clean lines, feminine.   Knit in Tivoli, a new yarn from the sophisticated S. Charles Collezione, the design and the yarn are both homeruns in my knitting book.

One quick yarn shout-out to  Centolavaggi (prononounced Chento-la-va-ggi) which could also be known as Zara laceweight.  Diane & Stacy had a random skein of this with them many, many months ago and asked what we thought of it.  At 1531 yards of gorgeous Italian Extra Fine Merino that is superwash no less and priced at only $19.95 I asked them how soon we could have it.  Had to wait a little longer than we would have liked, but it’s here now!

There is a never ending parade of new sock yarns coming into WEBS that it’s almost hard to keep track of them all.  One fun addition for fall is Flusi 4-Ply Color from Regia.  Flusi has a fun little story that is actually supported by a story book. 

The balls are 50 grams so two are needed for a pair of socks.  The colors are bright and whimsical, just like Flusi himself.  I love a good story and good marketing always catches my attention.

On the Valley Yarns front, I posted several weeks ago about our fall shoot which was held at Pioneer Valley Vineyards.  The pictures in the catalog are just stunning.  Here are a few of our own highlights.

First up, is our NEW Northampton Bulky, knit up in Zephyr Style pattern Juliet.  This was the perfect choice for this yarn. 

Again, this is one of those great designs that just looks great on everyone and that’s saying something for a garment that has a gauge of 3 stitches/inch.

We’re also excited to debut our new Valley Superwash DK.  Twenty hardworking colors are presented in this 5.5 stitches/inch sister to our worsted weight Valley Superwash.  We have lots of design ideas for this yarn, as I’m sure do as well!  For a quick project (or early holiday gift) Mary in Marketing whipped up these adorable amigurumi critters from teh book Super-Cute Crochet by Nicki Trench.

The Hawthorne Textured Cardi has been a favorite of mine since I saw the finished design. 

Knit using our gorgeous tweed Valley Yarns Williamstown, this cardi has a bit more attitude and although tweeds can often be seen in more casual looks, Williamstown simply shines.

Our wildly popular Gallery Jacket was reknit in our rich brown and now has a completely new look! 

Valley Yarns Sheffield was used in both the original design and this remake, but the change of color is really stunning.  It’s shiney and new all over again!

My last favorite is the Point & Line Cardigan. 

Knit in our 100% merino Amherst, this cardigan is the perfect fall wardrobe addition.  It’s functional in that it will keep you toasty, but has a nice feminine look.

We have one other new product for the fall.  It is so big and we’re so excited that it deserves it’s own blog post.  So, until tomorrow!

Kathy

The amount of yarn that has come into WEBS over the past few weeks is simply mind-numbing.  I haven’t done as nearly as good of a job highlighting things here on the blog as I should have.  In some ways, it’s not the end of the world.  Now that we’re past the half-way point in August, I think we’re all starting to think about September and fall and back to school (although I’m sure some of you folks have already crossed “back to school” off of your list).  It’s also time to start thinking about our fall knitting projects and holiday projects too!

One new line that has arrived here at WEBS is this summer is Aslan Trends.  Aslan Trends focuses primarily on luxury natural blends and just this season has also introduced kettle dyed combinations to their line-up.  We are currently carrying six of their yarns from sock weight up to chunky.  Aslan Trends offers something for every knitter.

Santa Fe is their gorgeous sock yarn.  It is 85% merino wool/15% polyamide.  Each 50 gram hank has 180 yards, so you will need two hanks for a pair of socks.  Santa Fe knits at 6 1/2 to 7 sts per inch on a #3 needle and retails for $9.00/hank.  Here are three of the 11 colors we carry:

Invernal is pure luxury made with 50% rabbit angora/25% merino wool/25% polyamide.  It is put up in 100 gram hanks that feature 295 yards each.  Invernal knits at 4-5 sts per inch on a #6-#8 needle and retails for $16.50.  We are stocking 13 colors and here are three of my faves:

My personal favorite yarn from Aslan Trends is Bariloche.  It is made up of 85% merino wool/15% polyamide.  It has a very loose twist and the colors are just stunning.  This classic worsted weight yarn knits at 4-4.5 sts per in on a #7-#8 needle.  Each 100 gram hank has 175 yards and retails for $14.00.  Look at these colors:

Guanaco is as beautiful as it is versatile.  This 60% alpaca/40% merino wool blend features 145 yards in each 100 gram hank.  It knits at 3-4 st per inch on a #10-#11 needle.  Each hank is $14.50:

Del Sur is Aslan Trends’ 100% merino wool, thick and thin chunky yarn.  It knits at 2-3 st per inch on a #13-#15 needle so it’s perfect for accessories.  Each 100 gram hank has 87 yards and a lovely array of solid colors to choose from.  Del Sur costs $12.75/hank.

Last but certainly not least is Los Andes.  Similar to Del Sur, this kettled dyed yarn comes in 100 gram hanks with 87 yards each.  It’s made of90% merino wool/10% polyamide.  Like Del Sur, it knits at 2-3 st per inch on a #13-#15 needle and retails for $13.50. 

There are currently two pattern books available.  Volume 1:

and Volume 2:

Volume 2 features the stunning Cabled Mock Capelet knit in Guanaco:

For those of you who like the look of the kettle dyed yarns, you could easily substitute Bariloche for this project.

I’d love to know what you all think of this new line, especially if you’ve had a chance to try it.

Kathy

I always go into vacations with the best of intentions.  Not only will I relax and rejuvenate and spend quality family time together, but I always plan on “catching up”.  I had blog posts planned, porjects to work on and even (dare I say it) knitting!  The week prior to heading to the Cape was a blur of interviews, missing Jackson while he was at his first sleepaway camp and tournament baseball with Jonathan. 

(Notice what Jonathan is holding?  That’s an MVP award.  Yes, I am bragging – can’t help myself.)  Plus the usual “things to get done before I leave so I can go on vacation, relax, rejuvenate, spend time w/family and catch up”.  That week feels like months ago now.

We had a great vacation – they keep getting better as the boys get bigger.  We enjoyed the beach, we golfed, hung out, ate lots of fried clams and ice cream.  For me, there is nothing better than having my toes in the sand, sun on my face, salt air sticking to my skin and the sound of the ocean.

I didn’t gain any ground and in all honesty lost some ground.  I know – it’s vacation, that’s how it’s suppose to be.  I always like to get a few nagging things that aren’t necessarily at the top of the to do list done and crossed off.  I’m a big list maker and crossing things off a list once completed is a BIG deal for me.  It’s like a mini celebration for me – my own little victory party.  Despite the lack of productivity, it was a great time and now, back to our regularly scheduled blogging, etc.

A few loose ends to tie up today.  First, even though we were away, we pre-recorded two podcasts. On our July 28th episode of Ready, Set, Knit I had the chance to catch up with Berroco Designer Cirilia Rose.  Many of you know Cirilia previously worked with us at WEBS and has been on the podcast at least a couple of times.  Talking with her was catching up with an old friend – all we were missing was nice glass of wine.  Cirilia talked about Sock Summit which is coming at us in a screaming fast sort of way.  She’ll be in Portland representing Berroco so be sure to stop by her booth and say “hi”.  We also talked about Berroco’s latest contest and this one is a keeper!  Berroco’s Sock Star Competition not only has a cash prize, but if your design is chosen it will be published in a Spring 2010 pattern book!  How cool would that be?  Check out all of the information on the Berroco website for complete details and be sure to listen to my interview with Cirilia!

This past Saturday’s Ready, Set, Knit episode feature a great conversation I had with the lovely Susan B. Anderson.  Susan is an author, blogger, designer AND is working with the fine folks at Blue Sky Alpacas on their new Spud & Chloe line.  I had a blast talking with Susan and getting the behind the scenes scoop on this line which is taking the knitting world by storm.  Be sure to check it out!

Before I left on vacation, I Twittered about the newest addition to our Valley Yarns collection – Northampton Bulky!  Isn’t it loverly?

Same gorgeous yarn as our wildly popular Northampton but this time we’ve bumped it up to knit at 3 stitches = 1″ on a #10 1/2 needle.  It has 109 yards, which isn’t bad for a bulky weight yarn.  At $4.99 – it’s (as we say in Boston) a true bah-gan.  It comes in 25 yummy colors.  This one of the yarns that came with me on vacation.  I am going to recreate the Heirloom Baby Hat I did for the One-Skein-Wonders Luxury book.  In addition to reknitting it in a different yarn, I want to size it up and introduce a second color.  I picked light grey and burgundy.  Light grey will be the main color and the burgundy will serve as the accent once I figure out how I want to incorporate the second color.  I’m going to work out the pattern for baby to adult – what size would you like me to see my sample knit in?  Should I do it for one of the boys or for Steve?  You vote – I’ll start knitting!

You know, going on vacation is simply the best, but coming home is also the best.  Missed you all – glad to be home.

Kathy

A big huge thanks to everyone who came out to our Debbie Bliss event and also to our staff who continues to rock the free world with their awesome-ness.  I know, “awesome-ness” is not a word but it is in my vocabulary and sometimes you just need a created word to express yourself.  At least I do.

The day was not as full-of-Bliss as we had hoped.  Debbie and Trisha from Soho Publishing encountered more than their fair share of traffic jams, accidents, irreverent police and the like that slowed their journey to WEBS.  Nobody likes to be late and I think we all have our 15 minute window of tolerance.  Yes, that was truly tested.  For those who couldn’t stay my deepest apologies and I know Debbie and Trisha join me in just feeling awful.  For those of you who had the opportunity to stick it out – what a great time we had!

Debbie truly gave a dynamic talk encompassing all aspects of her design process and experiences.

We tried on garments:

That red coat is a new design from Debbie’s Fall ‘09 Collection.  It’s knit in a new yarn – Luxury Tweed Chunky and I am so in love with it. 

Debbie fielded questions:

And signed copies of her latest book Design It, Knit It:

Don’t forget that books are now part of our discount program!

A grand time was had by all.  I’ve received several lovely emails today from customers – some who stayed until Debbie arrived and others who had to leave.  I cannot tell you how appreciative I am of our very understanding customers.

Next up is our Lexie Barnes Classic Collection Launch Event tomorrow night (Thurs 6/25) from 6:00-7:30pm.  Lexie lives locally so I am confident we want experience any delays in her arrival   Plus, we are the exclusive retailer for these bags for the next few weeks so if you want to be seen with one of the coolest bags of the season, you better make your way to the event or get shopping on-line!

Kathy

Hey Everyone

This week’s podcast features two amazing guests!  First up is Margaret Radcliffe.  We discuss her new book Essential Guide to Color Techniques and her upcoming classes at WEBS. 

If that weren’t enough we follow-up in the second segment with Teva Durham.  Teva introduced a new yarn to her Loop-D-Loop line this spring called Quartz plus has a gorgeous new pattern book . 

Pixie and I get to do a little work on our chickens – with two Rock Stars like Margaret and Teva, it was hard to fit much else in!  Steve didn’t even talk about any yarn!!

I am running into difficulties uploading our video demonstrating picking up stitches.  I’m working on it and will continue to do so from vacation.

We are off to Disney but I will be blogging – may be poolside, but that’s okay, isn’t it?

Our chicken KAL will be wrapping up shortly and Pixie and I already have our next project picked out.  After that though – we have no plans.  I’d love to hear what you would all like to be knitting in June – interested in a summer project?  Home Dec?  Kids?  Let’s get the conversation started and see what we can come up with – please comment with your input!

Kathy

This week on Ready, Set, Knit! Steve has already made his way to California for Stitches West! We’ll talk about some of the yarns we’re featuring plus there are new yarns on-line and in the store too! Madeline Tosh Worsted is one you definitely want to check out!

Pixie and I begin knitting our Chickens and I’ll be posting the video for picking up stitches later today!

Listen to this week’s episode or download from iTunes!

Enjoy!

Kathy

Despite the disgusting weather here today, we are continuing to receive new spring yarns at an incredible rate which is about the only thing keeping all of us from having a complete breakdown.  We keep it together because we are all knitters and we’d never forgive ourselves if we missed anything new that arrived while we were off in a padded room somewhere.  Although, if this winter continues the way it has been, I’m not sure there’s enough yarn to appease us until spring.

With that said, he arrival of Rowan’s new line each season is always a treat.  Not only is it about the yarn, it’s about the new magazine and let me tell you, #45 will not disappoint!

Rowan Magazine #45 is among the best values out there – 47 designs plus amazing content and stunning photography for $23.95.  Worth every penny.

I’m not including a bunch of shots – I don’t want to have so many photographs in this post that it becomes overwhelming and I do want to talk about the yarn.

First Rowan is introducing Lenpur Linen for spring.  This yarn is a blend of 75″% Lenpur/25% Linen.  What is Lenpur you ask?   Lenpur is a cellulose fiber created from trees. Lenpur is different because it is extremely soft, very absorbent, releases dampness, and has deodorant properties.  The blend is interesting, the yarn is very soft and I think would be very comfy during warm months.  It knits at 5.5 sts/inch on #6 needles and has 126 yards.  It retails at $8.95/ball and has a dedicated pattern book.

Last Spring, Rowan introduced Pure Life Cotton DK.  Although we saw many organic cottons on the market, what made this one standout was not only the cotton organic, the dyes organic, the packaging from recycled materials, but each ball is marked with a code that makes the yarn traceable back to the farm where the cotton was grown.  Based on the success of Pure Life Cotton, Rowan has introduced the yarn in a 4-ply with a dedicated book:

 (Sorry for the price tags – I was in a rush taking these shots yesterday before I left, knowing today was going to be a snow day).

I love the knitted animals, but please know the book is full of adorable children’s garments.

The pattern booklet has 15 designs for children aged 0-3 and 4-8 using both the 4-ply and DK weight.  The book is $17.95.  (Inside scoop – this shot was nearly the cover of our Spring catalog).

Pure Life Organic Cotton 4-ply knits at 7 sts/inch on #3 needles and has 180 yards.  There are 10 lovely colors and the yarn is $9.95/ball. 

The last new product is not completely new.  If you remember and enjoyed working with Jaeger Siena, you will equally adore and enjoy using Rowan Classic Siena.  Same yarn, updated color range.  For those of you not familiar with Siena, it’s a 100% mercerized cotton that knits at 7 sts/inch on a #2-#3 needle.  Each ball has 153 yards and it is machine washable, which often makes it a choice for baby/children’s garments.  A ball is $8.95 and I think that’s what it was when it was a Jaeger yarn.

The Rowan Classic Pattern Book – Romance - features 14 designs using Siena.  They are all adult garments and as the title implies, they are very flirty, feminine designs.  The book retails for $18.95 and is really lovely.

Rowan’s Milk Cotton is not new, but has a lovely pattern booklet for Spring ‘09:

I’m not sure how well you’ll be able to see this, but I particularly like this pattern:

The booklet has 15 designs and is $17.95.

Before I wrap up, you may remember at the first of the year, I made a committment that I would work to finish my UFO’s and not just get wrapped up with starting new projects.  I had one small project that I had to complete before attacking any of my UFO’s.  I was able to accomplish that on my trip to TNNA (yay me!) and I’ve picked up and been working on my top down sweater.  I’m quite pleased with it:

I figure I’ve got about 4″ to go and then I can bind off.  I’ve always planned to add a bit of crochet trim to the cuffs and bottom.  Kirsten, our design coordinator thinks I may also want to consider doing something along the neckline.  Not sure about that but we’ll see.  I have some car time over the next few days plus a hockey practice so I am cautiously optimistic I might actually be able to bind off this weekend!

How are all of you doing on your projects?  Working on any UFO’s or have you jumped into something new?  I’d love to know what you’re working on!

Kathy