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

Recently on our podcast Ready, Set, Knit, Pixie and I finished up our latest project.  It was the Summer Pedals Cardigan from Interweave Crochet Summer 2009.  Before we started the project, we spent a couple of episodes reviewing the crochet books that we love and cherish.   I realize not everyone listens to the podcast, so I thought I would take our notes and give all of you that read the blog the information.  I’m thinking I’ll do this over two posts, but it may turn into three.  We’ll see.

Let’s start with crochet reference books & stich dictionaries.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have at least on solid reference book in your collection.  What will work for you will probably be different than what works for me or Pixie, so we’ve compiled a healthy list.  Everyone learns differently and some books have different strengths and teaching methods than others. 

In terms of reference books, one should be small enough to carry in your crochet bag so you’ll have it with you at all times.  Two books that fill the bill are Edie Eckman’s The Crochet Answer Book

and Nancy Brown’s The Crocheter’s Companion, which is spiral bound – a definite plus when you are using it on the go!

They both have good illustrations and cover a wide variety of techniques.  Another good reference book that is spiral bound is Nancie Wiseman’s The Essentioal Book of Crochet Techniques.

It has excellent illustrations in color as well as all of the requisite information.

A larger book that we really love but can’t easily carry around is Crocheting School:  A Complete Course, puslished by Sterling. 

It has the best, large color illustrations of any crochet book and it’s one Pixie depends on and that I have in my own personal library.

Crocheting in Plain Englishby Maggie Righetti is another very good reference book, particularly for beginners. 

Be sure to read Chapter 1,  ”A Living History”.   It is a charming short story about the author’s experiences with crochet from the age of 7.  What’s lovely about this book is that the author writes as if she’s talking directly to you and shares many of her experiences as a struggling crocheter and as a crochet teacher. 

A new book out by Jane Davis, Crochet:  The Complete Guide (spiral bound as well = love) is a lovely little book with lots of great information – however, in this instance the title maybe a tad bit on the ambitious side.

Rowan also has a new book out called Crochet Workshop:  The Complete Course for the Beginner to Intermdiate Crocheterby Emma Seddon and Sharon Brant (spiral bound too) that is quite interesting, has wonderful color illustrations and covers pretty much everything a crocheter needs to know. 

In addition, there are some great patterns and a lot of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

One last book to mention is by Pauline Turner and is titled Finishing Techniques for Crochet. 

This is the first book we’ve seen that is dedicated to finishing techniques for crochet and it certainly has some great information.

Next, you need at least one good stitch dictionary – but Pixie and I both agree you can never have enough of them.  Some personal choices we like are as follows.

The Crochet Stitch Bible by Betty Barnden (spiral bound):

The Harmony Guides 300 Crochet Stitches vol. 6 and 220 More Crochet Stitches, vol 7. 

I own both of these books and refer to them frequently when I’m itching to crochet.  They give charted as well as worded directions (which is why Pixie & I both love them – she’s a chart lady and I need words) along with some of the most wonderful stitches you’ll ever see.

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs by Linda Schapper has 500 classic and original patterns, a wonderful pictorial index so you can find what you need very quickly and an overall nice format. 

Finally, another little book (spiral bound) by Helen Jordan is called Textured Crochet and contains some very beautiful and unusual stitches. 

This would not be my first choice if I was looking to purchase my first stitch dictionary, but that’s just me. 

I hope you find this list helpful and not too overwhelming.  Like any tool or yarn choices, mileage may vary based on your own taste and learning style.

What crochet book do you love and turn to again and again?

Kathy (and Pixie too!)

Note – Edited on 10/12/09 to correct a couple of typos!

Just before leaving for Sock Sumiit, a pretty new book landed on my desk.  Given my intense focus on all things socks related it immediately caught my eye.  The beautiful cover didn’t hurt either.  I’m grateful to Melissa for getting this review done so quickly!

The pattern begins at the toe and includes instruction for a short row heel. The cuff of the sock is the pattern namesake since it appears to be folded in multiple paces when it is not on the foot.

Ikebana is the ancient art of floral arrangement. Judy utilizes a light fingering weight yarn includes bamboo and silk which reflects the light for superior stitch definition. The pattern introduces the pkok technique that is easily learned and absolutely beautiful when mastered.

Judy describes this pattern as one of the more complex presentations since it requires that two patterns be knit simultaneously, though the end result is well worth the concentration. These knee socks feature beautiful bobbles and flowing vines that seem to climb up the leg; a true example of timeless fiber art.

The Japanese Garden pattern uses worsted weight yarn knit into a symmetrical lace pattern invoking both serenity and beauty.

These socks are knit cuff down and include an amazing ribbed triangle decrease on the calf of the sock. These are a must knit for those in cool climates!

The Fuji Pedicure socks (as seen on the cover) are fun, fresh and perfect for a spa day since they are toe-less! These socks are knit with fingering weight washable yarn, perfect for the washing machine after your day of relaxation. Judy’s pattern features a zig-zag lace pattern that almost appears to be cable knit. The socks are constructed from the cuff down and stop about one inch from the toes, leaving them free to be pampered while your feet are kept warm. Once your polish is dry just slide on your flip-flops and be on your way!

The Bonsai pattern is a true work of art. Mirroring the ancient art of tree sculpting, Judy has successfully mastered the art of sculpting fiber.

The progressive lace and cable pattern is knit cuff down, however Judy artfully chose not to include a traditional ribbed cuff. This allows the sock and leg to appear decorative and elegant as the pattern continues to climb the leg.

As Judy explains in her book tsunamis are both powerful and destructive, however the socks she designed are quite the opposite.

The Tsunami socks are very traditional in that they include both cables and argyle diamonds, however the interwoven placement of the two geometric patterns create a fresh and tranquil yet unexpected effect. Knit in a light fingering weight from the cuff down and presented in a trouser length makes these socks suitable for both men and woman.

The Karatsu socks feature a beautiful intermediate lace pattern complete with wrapped stitches and bobbles.

If you are interested in dyeing be sure to stop by WEBS tomorrow for a FREE Dyeing Demo with author and owner of Foxfire Fibers Barb Parry.  She will be outside under the tent at 11am for the demo and will be signing copies of her new (and first, but certainly not last) book Teach Yourself Visually Hand-Dyeing.

Tomorrow is suppose to be a beautiful day here in the PIoneer Valley.  Plus it’s August 1st.  Do you know what that means?  It means it’s the first day of the August Sale!  So come on out to WEBS, take in Barb’s FREE Dyeine Demo and shop all of the amazing deals Steve has put together for the sale!

Cheers!

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

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

Thanks to all of the thoughtful comments we received on our inaugural book review.  We hope you enjoy this one even more.  I have to say, when I received my advance copy of this book I was smitten from the start.  I was thrilled to find Melissa felt the same way.  I know – it’s Ann Budd how could we not love it?  On to Melissa’s latest review! – Kathy

Pattern designer Ann Budd is known for her beautiful designs and lovely pattern collections. Her new book Simple Style is a compilation of patterns and instruction that is well suited for the intermediate knitter. This is a good first garment book, filled with patterns to suit everyone’s tastes and ability level, Ann includes both trendy and classic patterns.

The nineteen patterns feature more than just sweaters. The designers Anne has assembled introduce two skirt patterns, a dress, three vests and sweaters of all shapes and sizes. Two of my favorite sweaters are very innovative, but with classic touches.

The Stay-Put Wrap, designed by Mags Kandis, is a cardigan style sweater with seed-stitched bell sleeves and a beautifully cabled border.

One front panel is lengthened so that it can be draped across the opposite shoulder in a shawl style, perfect for chilly summer nights. This garment can be paired with both a cocktail dress or worn comfortably with jeans. The style of the cardigan is fresh, and the stitch selection is traditional and clean, allowing the garment years of wearability.

The Garter Lace Jacket is my favorite design of the collection. Designed by Ann Budd, the Chanel-inspired cardigan has classic lines with beautiful lace edging on the two front panels.

The garment is knit from the bottom up for the back and sleeve pieces and then, in a more modern fashion, Ann chose to knit the front panels sideways. The fabric is worked using a looser gauge, which allows the sweater to drape and flow with ease complimenting any physique.  The patterns utilize multiple construction styles including pieced work, seam-less designs, top down and bottom up construction, inset sleeves, seemed shoulders, and more. There are even designs that include lace charts, cables and embroidery.

The Drawstring Bateau is a beautiful summer piece designed by Deborah Newton. Labeled as a vest pattern this piece could easily pass as a tunic or cap-sleeved sweater. Deborah incorporated many elements in her design including a ribbed boat-neck and trim with lace, mini cables and an empire waist drawstring.

 The piece boasts minimal seaming on the sides and at the edges of the shoulders. The silhouette on this vest is sleek and shapely while maintaining modesty.

The Four-Quarters Pullover, designed by Pam Allen, gives the classic worsted weight sweater pattern a make-over. Designed to be knit in four panels and then seamed together, this is a wonderfully portable summer knit.

Each panel consists of a quarter of the garment. If one were to slice a sweater in half from front to back and then in half again from left to right, you have the designer’s concept. Pam gives this sweater a relaxed and rustic look, with an exterior front and back center seam and the use of multiple needle sizes and gauge. This sweater reminds me of cool fall days and I would love to spin yarn for this pattern.

This collection appeals to all body types and knitters of all ability levels. While every knitter may not find every item to appeal to their personal style, the pattern elements and techniques can be easily learned and applied to future garments.

Ann’s compilation features two skirt patterns and a jumper dress, two being knit in the round and one knit in two panels and easily seamed. While I am not personally drawn to knit skirts, these designers offer three patterns with lovely detail and classic lines, perfect for summer wear.

As always Interweave Press includes a technique chapter at the end of the collection. This chapter focuses on design elements, gauge, seeming, finishing and the importance of blocking finished objects. Simple Style is another fine collection by Ann Budd.

Simple Style 19 innovative to traditional designs with simple knitting techniques $24.95. Patterns written by a multitude of authors, collected and edited by Ann Budd, published by Interweave Press LLC 2009.

Melissa works a day job in higher education at a local university. She is a mother to one toddler and writes both for her blog (www.keeganlaneyarns.com/blog) and part-time for WEBS in Northampton, MA. Melissa currently has aspirations to finish a hand spun lace scarf and a cardigan for Massachusetts Sheep and Wool. She’s lost her mind.

Thanks everyone – we hope you enjoyed this review.  As for me, I love many of the designs that Melissa highlighted in her review.  My fave???  Kazumi Pullover.  Check out the book to see this

beauty!   We’d love to hear your thoughts on this review, your personal thoughts on the book, any projects you are working on from the book, etc.  Look forward to hearing from many of you! -  Kathy 

That’s right folks!  It’s the third weekend in May and it can only mean one thing - it’s time for our 7th Annual Tent Sale and Fleece Market! 

This is one of the craziest sales of the year and it’s what we call an “all hands on deck” weekend.  Tomorrow – everyone is required to work (unless they are graduating from college, getting married, etc.) 

Oh – don’t worry, there will be yarn under the tent in the morning – it’s all being staged and prepped:

Saturday is super special because (a) we broadcast our weekly radio show live from the tent and (b) the Fleece Market will be in full swing – more on that in a minute.

I know you are all dying to know about yarns – what’s on sale, what’s under the tent.  Let me give you a few highlights.  Sorry, no linkage because the tent sale prices are only available at the tent!

Kureyon Discontinued Colors – $47.50/bag of 10.  Folks – that works out to $4.75 per skein and it normally retails for $8.95!  Steve has obviously lost his mind.

Adrienne Vittadini – $27.50/bag of 10 (you can do the math) – normally $8.95.

Dive Zenith (great worsted wt superwash yarn) – $25.00/bag

Rowan Bamboo Tape – $35.00/bag

Fiesta Kokopelli – $7.49/skein – that’s crazy!

Oh – here’s something super special.  Steve bought a HUGE lot of closeouts from Universal.  All 100% wool, all 100 GRAM BALLS – $30.00/bag.

We have an amazing selection of accessories and bags at an ADDITIONAL 25% off (now’s the time to be thinking about gifts for teachers, holiday gifts, birthdays, etc).

We have a great selection of larger size Colonial Rosewood needles at $9.99 – savings of 75%!!

Now, this last tidbit is what really makes me think Steve has gone off the deep end.  He’s GIVING AWAY YARN.  That’s right folks – we’ll have free yarn.  It is not junk, it’s not leftovers, it’s not a big tangled mess you need to deal with.  It’s some really decent yarn from a yarn company YOU KNOW AND LOVE.  Please – don’t let your eyes be bigger than your belly as my mom used to say.  Share the free yarn love.

Okay – onto the Fleece Market.  Fleece Market only runs on Saturday.  This is one of our favorite aspects of this weekend.  We invite local shepherds to bring their fleeces, handspun and hand-dyed yarns and it’s like our own mini-festival.  We are so privileged to be here in Western Mass among an incredibly rich fiber community.  We love being able to give these folks yet another opportunity to share their passion.  We’ve been told there  will be Llamas and we are also confident about Alpacas (I’m really hoping they bring them this year).  Buddy the herding dog will be with us again – we love Buddy.

You can check out a complete list of the vendors here.  Also, Barb Parry of Foxfire Fiber will be vending again this year an in addition to her beautiful yarns, she will also be selling and signing copies of her new book Teach Yourself Visually Hand-Dyeing.

Finally – don’t forget WEBS – America’s Bead Store!  They are participating in the festivities and will have their own tent full of great bargains and specials throughout the store!  Our Store Manager Barbara is just back from a show and we have tons of new pearls!

Now – a few tips:

We will have someone directing traffic and we have access to a large amount of parking.  Do not get discouraged.

We will have SIX registers running – 4 in the store and 2 in the tent.  Our strongest ringers are on register (including Steve & I) and every register has a dedicated bagger.  Trust me – no matter how long the lines, we will move them along.

Pictures are welcome.

Bring your coffe and be sure to eat breakfast.  I suggest bringing a snack too   If nothing else, we’ll appreciate it

Play nicely and if you have questions we have PLENTY of staff on to help.  Everyone has an assigned area/job.  Even if you think the nice young man in the warehouse can’t answer your question -ask.  Even if he can’t, he’ll get you to the right person.

Spinning Wheels, equipment and fiber are on sale at 20% off throughout the weekend.  In stock items only, no special orders.

Saturday and Sunday 10-5:30.  Come early either day and we’re unlikely to turn you away – show up at 5:15 on Saturday, well, as much as we love you, we’ll be dead on our feet.  We’re going to do our best to bring the lights down at 5:30.  Sunday – we tend to wrap up between 4 and 5pm. 

Smith parents of graduating seniors – if we think you are going to miss graduation, we will send you on your merry way and hold your purchase.  Trust me – we know who you are – you’re the best dressed customers we have all weekend   Congratulations to you and your graduate!

Speaking of graduates – a special CONGRATULATIONS to our own Elisabeth who works in the store! Yay Elisabeth!  She’s graduating and coming on board full-time!

Steve will be running one of the registers in the store, I’ll be on a register in the tent so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Okay folks – here we go!  Tent Sale & Fleece Market 2009 is almost here!!

Kathy