We have just received in the latest “special” issue from Interweave Knits. 

This year’s Holiday Gifts issue is HUGE!  It has nearly 60 patterns – twice as many as most issues.  There are lots of great gift ideas, as you would expect.  Many are quick knits others are more involved.   There are several that spoke to me that I’d like to highlight below:

First is the Ripple Cardigan designed by Coralie Meslin and knit in Rowan Kidsilk Haze.

 This is a gorgeous cardigan that has a simple style but very interesting construction.  It is knit in multi-directional pieces.  The pattern has 6 sizes and depending on your size, you’ll need 4-7 skeins of Kidsilk Haze.

Next is the Little Majolica by Kristin Nicholas.  Without even showing a picture of this pullover, you know it’s going to be a colorwork masterpiece.

Told you so!  This stranded piece utilizes two colors.  As if that weren’t enough, Kristin introduces a two additional colors by utilizing the duplicate stitch.  Duplicate stitch is one of those underrated embellishing techniques.  I think this garment gives the duplicate stitch instant credibility.  Little Majolica is knit using Kristin’s signature yarn Julia – named after her beautiful daughter. 

I’m also lovin’ Slip-Stitch Layers by Simona Merchant-Dest.  Knit in Mission Falls 136 Merino  Superwash, this simple but stylish pullover is absolutely a sweater I would wear.   

Unlike stranded work, slip stitch only uses one color per row and the knitter “carries” or “slips” stitches from row to row.  In addition to creating a beautiful result, the fabric is also warm.  Perfect for folks like me who freeze all winter!  Slip-Stitch Layers is generously offered in 7 sizes and requires 7-11 skeins of MC and 4-6 skeins of CC.  Just remember our yarn discounts apply!

The “story” in this issue that really spoke to me was “One, Two, Three” – beautiful projects that utilize 3 or fewer skeins.  Here are the ones that I particularly like.

The Quicksilver Bag by Norah Gaughan. 

Really, do I need to say more than that?  Probably not, but I will!  Adorable and functional with a simple construction.  The picture shows the bag as a casual accessory.  With the sheen and texture of Bonsai, I can imagine it sophisticated and dressy as well – change the handles and such and Poof!  A completely different bag.  It would also be beautiful knit in Bonsai Colors.  A great and easy gift too that is affordable!

As I’ve said previously, I freeze all winter.  When temps dip below 70 degrees I’m not happy.  Also well documented is my affection for cashmere.  Let me show you one of the ways I get through our long, cold New England Winters:

Cashmere.Fingerless.Mitts.  The delicate and feminine Wine and Roses Mitts were designed by Jolene Treace and were knit in Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 2-ply.   That would be One Skein of Cashmere.  I know, times are tight and even one skein of this lovely yarn is a bit pricey at $41.00.   Maybe this is your splurge, maybe it’s the project you find a nice substitution from your stash for.  I love the design and I think we all deserve a bit of luxury if possible.

Next up is a lovely project that features one of our Valley Yarns!  Building Block Scarves by Sarah Hoadley are knit in our Sugarloaf.  

Sugarloaf is 52% Merino and 48% Acrylic Microfiber.  It’s super soft, knits at 4 sts/inch and has a nice drape.  I’m tickled with the results!  The construction is pretty neat too.  If utilizes a long cast-on to form the perimeter and then knit in the round to the center and features mitred corners.  Also, if you scroll back up to the cover image, guess what you’ll see!  One of the scarves!  I knew the scarves would be in this issue but I was simply tickled to see one of them on the cover!  Woohoo!  Congratulations Sarah and thank you Interweave!

Last but not least are the Kumara Red Socks.  How could I not favorite a sock pattern?  I think it has unofficially been the year of the sock. 

The Kumara Red Socks are a quick knit and will wrap your feet in warmth and luxury.   Kumara is a merino/camel blend from Classic Elite which is super soft and lofty.   These socks only require 2 skeins and what a great gift they will make!  I’m just not sure I’d be giving them away.

I have just highlighted 7 of the 57 projects in this issue.  There are just over 60 days until Christmas (fewer if you are knitting for Hanukkah) and these are all possibilities in that time frame for most of you (some are beyond my reach at this point, but I’m slow and steady so don’t go by me).

I hope these ideas have inspired you!  What do you like in this issue?  Are one of my faves one of yours too?

Kathy

This week on Ready, Set, Knit  Steve highlights the following yarns, magazines & patterns:

YARNS

Ecologico from Schachenmayr
Sierra Color from Regia
Silenzio from Schachenmayr

MAGAZINES

Knitters Magazine Fall 2009
Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2009

PATTERNS

Thermal from Knitty.com reknit in Valley Yarns Huntington
(NOTE:  The pattern must be downloaded from Knitty.com)

Kiyo from Knitting Matters knit in Valley Yarns Deerfield
(NOTE:  We are the exclusive on-line resource for Knitting Matters Patterns)

I get to catch up with one of my favorite guests, Lexie Barnes.  Her new collection is just hitting stores and features 3 new fabrics and several new styles.  My life is pretty hectic but I often feel like a slug compared to what Lexie is juggling!  Besides her bag line, she has just opened Twist Pop-Up  Store in Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton.  The store will feature several of the artisans that show at Twist Fair in addition to other indie crafsters.

The next Twist Fair is coming up as well in just a couple of weeks.  It will be held on November 13 & 14 at the Northampton Center for the Arts.  The show is a blast and features some of the best indie craftsters.

If that weren’t enough, she’s also working on her next book, due out in Spring 2011! 

Pixie & I finish up the 3-Button Jacket KAL!

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

Enjoy!

Kathy

Color me tickled!*  We are the featured shop in the Holiday 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting!

How cool is that!  (sorry the photo is a tad blurry)

Since I was interviewed for the article, I knew it was coming.  Still, that was several weeks ago and I had sort of forgotten about it and I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone on the staff.  They were so excited! 

What has been really cool has been the reaction by our customers.  They are all so pleased to see “their” LYS featured.  Want to know the true cherry on top moment?  When I started getting a few emails from our mail order customers expressing how excited they were to see us featured.   My thanks to Cheryl Krementz for taking my words and creating a beautiful article.

Although my favorite part of this isse is page 26, there are other great articles and of course some very nice designs.  In particular, you definitely should check out this issue’s KnitLife article about Veronik Avery and written by the lovely Carol Sulcoski.   It’s a great view into Veronik’s world and how she came to not only become a knitwear designer, but also how her new yarn line, St. Denis came to be.

Designs in the issue feature color techniques, chunky yarns, gift ideas as well as some glamorous designs in both pale-barely-there colors that are elegant and sophisticated, as well as some that are knit in powerful plum – a hot color for the fall/winter season.

Of course, there’s a lot more in the issue – be sure to pick up a copy!

One final note – I often talk here on the blog and on the podcast about our hockey playing boys and how that basically dominates our life from early fall through March.  Hockey parents are crazy and we try to keep the boys and ourselves grounded.  Somehow, I think Pixie would beg to differ with our level of success on that front:

Yup – there she is, in the store, stitching new velcro onto Jackson’s goalie pads.  We  have definitely gone over the edge.

Kathy

*I must credit our Berroco Rep, the lovely Andra, for use of one of her signature phrases.

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

Hi Everyone

Just a quick post today, but one that is jam-packed with important info, so please read on!

• This Tuesday, June 23rd, we are thrilled to welcome Debbie Bliss back to WEBS!  I realize this is short notice, but these are the kind of things that happen at TNNA.    Debbie will be at the store between 12-2pm on Tuesday previewing the fall issue of the Debbie Bliss Magazine.  She will be bringing with her many of the garments from the issue for you all to see, try on, etc.  We’ll be serving a light lunch.  Come on down to the store and enjoy an improptu but spectacular event.  As always, the event is free, we only ask that you register so we have a headcount for food and seating.   We’ll have plenty of copies of Debbie’s latest book, Design It, Knit It  on hand as well for you to purchase and have signed by Debbie.  Our gratitude to the folks at Soho Publishing and KFI for making this event happen.

• Thursday evening, 6/25 we will be welcoming Lexie Barnes to WEBS!  Lexie has just launched her Classic Collection which is exclusively available at WEBS for the next few weeks.  Lexie will be at the store from 6-7:30pm to launch the collection.  We are very excited to have the opportunity to debut this stunning collection of bags from one of our most fave designers.  The shop is open until 8pm and we’ll have plenty of bags on hand for you to purchase.

• Wedged between these two rock star events, WEBS will have the distinct pleasure of recognizing some of our very own rock stars.  We’ll be holding our first “graduation” from our Expert Knitter Program.  The five ladies have completed an extensive educational program as well as a final  Capstone project.  Let me tell you, their designs are absolutely breathtaking.  I’ll be blogging more about this later this week, so stay tuned!  Congratulations to our graduates!  We are so excited to celebrate your amazing accomplishment with you on Wednesday!

• Finally – and this is an important one folks – WEBS RETAIL STORE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY JUNE 29TH!  That’s right!  We are closing on a regular business day.  We will be replacing all of the carpeting in the store next weekend and we know we’ll need Monday to put everything back together.  Please be sure to pass this on via your own blog, Twitter, Facebook – whatever means you have.  You will still be able to shop on-line or call into Customer Service.  It’s just the retail store itself will not be open.  If you are interested in helping us put everything back together on Monday, please email Steve.

• Oh – and just in case anyone is wondering – we will also be closed on Saturday, July 4th.

Kathy

P.S.  We’ll be announcing the Berroco contest winner tomorrow!

P.P.S.  Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads with an extra special wish for Jackson & Jonathan’s amazing Dad

The newest issue of Knitters Magazine is out and it’s a great edition! 

I sometimes find Knitters a hit or miss for me personally.  As I flipped through the summer issue there were a number of projects that jumped out at me.

First is Kathy Zimmerman’s designed Point Set Match is a beautifully feminine cardigan.

I love the stitch pattern and the point detail along the collar, cuff and hemline.  Knit in Nashua Handknits Creative focus Silk the cardi is offered in five sizes up to a 2X and requires anywhere from 14 to 20 balls.  Not a small project by any means, but fabulous just the same.

Next up is Vanilla Leaves is knit in Rowan’s Lenpur Linen.  a cotton/rayon blend that was introduced in Spring 2009, the yarn is the perfect choice for the it’s great stitch definition and cool feel.  It also provides the right amount of drape for this stylish tunic – knit using a different blend or 100% cotton, the look and fit would not be the same.

I love the leaf motif that forms the bands around the bottom of the garment hem and sleeves.  Also designed by Kathy Zimmerman, Vanilla Leaves is offered in 6 sizes and requires 10 to 17 balls (though if you are knitting the largest size I’d buy one extra as the yardage is too close for comfort in my opinion).

Now, to my absolute fave – Sine-cosine.  This is one of those designs that I would buy in every color if I saw it in a store. 

Designed by Ginger Smith, this breezy, sophisticated tee has more to it than you might think at first glance.  According to the magazine, this garter stitch top is brilliant in that “Diagonal knitting merges traingles into miters that then grow into a lovely play of texture and color”.  Berroco Latitude is the yarn of choice for this project.  A stunning yarn that was introduced in Spring 2009, Latitude has a slight tonal color variation and just a hint of texture.  Sine-cosine is designed in 4 sizes and requires 7 to 11 balls.

Last, but not least is the darling Party in Pink.  I don’t have any little girls to knit for, but if I did, this one would definitely be on my list.

Designed by the Knitters Design Team, this adorable jacket utilizes simple slip-stitch stripes to achieve the smock-like top.  I love the colors they used.  Party in Pink is knit in Palma from Tahki/Stacy Charles which is their 100% Organic Cotton.  Offered in children’s sizes 2(4, 6) you will need between 7 and 10 skeins.  

There’s plenty more packed into the summer issue – these are just a few highlights.  I hope one of these projects makes it onto your summer knitting list and I’d love to see pictures when you’re done.  I’d also love to know which patterns you like best from this issue – let me know in the comments!

Kathy

This week I had the chance to talk with Eunny Jang Editor of Interweave Knits.  She was in Cleveland recording the third season of Knitting Daily TV.  We had the chance to talk about the spring issue of Interweave Knits, her Blooming Cotton Scarf (kits available on our site) and a sneak peek of the summer issue.  We also had the chance to catch up with former Interweave Crochet Editor Kim Werker. 

Steve had some new yarns to talk about as usual and even slipped in some info on our upcoming 35th Anniversary Sale.

Finally, Pixie and I are winding down the Chicken KAL.  We’ll finish that up next week!

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

Enjoy!

Kathy

In Knitscene that is!  Have you checked out the latest issue yet?  The winter 2008/spring 2009 issue has been out for a couple of weeks now and this is the first chance I’ve had to blog about it.

I was tickled to open it up, get all the way to page 7 and see this profile:

We *heart* Courtney and Kate and were so excited to see this article about them.  In case you don’t know they are the owners of Kelbourne Woolens, the exclusive distributor of The Fibre Company Yarns.  These ladies are not only smart, but the kind of people you just want to be around.  Check out the article to learn a bit more about them but also be sure to check out the yummy yarns from The Fibre Company.

Get to page 42 and there’s a book excerpt from the upcoming simpleStyle by Ann Budd.  Now, I’m going to be honest, page 16 and 22 had me pretty smitten when I first went through this issue so I really didn’t pay much heed to the excerpt.  Until today.  Today I received my advance copy of simpleStyle.  Trust me, I’ll be talking much more about this book.  It’s a keeper!

But I digress, back to page 16:

Not only is this a design featuring our very own Berkshire Bulky, but it’s the amazing work of Carol Sulcoski.  Yes!  THAT Carol! She did that gorgeous design with one of our yarns!  I feel like one of my kids just won some sort of competition! 

Not only that, the cardigan is featured as part of a story on buttonholes:

The beautiful shaping and the stitch pattern makes it seem that this cardigan was NOT knit in a bulky yarn!  We’re going to be reknitting it ourselves in a different color (just to mix things up and give options) and it will be featured in our next catalog!

My heartfelt thanks to Carol for choosing Berkshire Bulky.  We’re far from the only game in town when it comes to yarn and we love how she made one of our babies shine! 

One last tidbit.  For those of you who listen to our Ready, Set, Knit! podcast, you know that last week Jonathan celebrated his 8th birthday.  The boys had a couple of days off from school so we headed to Boston for some birthday festivities.  Here’s one of Jonathan’s best buddies shopping at Copley Plaza:

And a few others admiring the view:

Then, it was off to the Bruins game (the first for the boys):

Other than the Bruins losing, it was a great time!

One last picture.  Jonathan requrested that I post this.  His finished Lego Taj Mahal:

I’d love to know what you think of this issue of Knitscene and especially the Stacked Rib Cardigan!

I’m hoping to have a fun surprise for you all tomorrow.  Be sure to check in!

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

In the mayhem that is holiday/year-end sale at the shop, the Winter issue of Interweave Crochet showed up on the scene.  I always get excited when the new issue arrives – you all know I *heart* crochet and can’t wait to see the projects. 

I know, there’s always the sneak peek on the Interweave site, but there’s just something about seeing the actual magazine all together that is magical.  Plus, this is issue is the second to last one under the direction of editor Kim Werker, whom I also *heart*.

We are often asked for yarn for various projects and usually given the lead time, I’m surprised to see a publication that has a project featuring our yarn.  Time goes fast, I forget. . . . This issue of IC provided just that kind of surprise!  Here are the Instant Decor Pillows designed by Janette Higgins:

Yeah, I *heart* these too.  I’m not sure I would include the glitz (I know, I can barely believe I’m saying this myself) but I love the concept.  It is pretty crazy crocheting – up on a size U hook, but I did a felted mat a few New Year Eve’s ago and was on a Q and was done in just a couple of hours.  I love the instant gratification.

As much as I love the pillows, I’ve got to say, this issue is PACKED with great projects:

This is the Dragonfly Shawl designed by Lisa Naskrent.  Isn’t it lovely?  I can totally see adding some gorgeous beads to the edging.

This is the Elinor Cardigan designed by Robin Chachula and knit in one of my favorite yarns, Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk.  This is such a classic design and could easily be dressed up or down.

*Gasp*  I’m not a fan of working with fine yarns, but this might just be the design that pushes me over the edge.  Amy O’Neill Houck designed this Frostbite Scarf and it truly took my breath away (thus the gasp at the beginning). 

Author and designer Kristin Omdahl created the Golightly Tunic.  I love the length and treatment at the top.  Very innovative and proves once again that crochet can be extremely versatile.

Lastly, I was simply tickled when I saw the designer on this darling Peppermint Hat & Scarf set!  The amazing Marilyn Murphy!  Former shop owner, current President of Interweave and one of the smartest people in our industry.  Where does she find the time??

Besides these designs, here’s a little something that paraded through the office before the holidays that just made me smile:

What do you think of this issue?  What projects are you adding to your queue?  Tell me what’s inspiring you in the world of crochet these days.

Kathy