This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I  just made the new Noni Anouk felted bag for the store. I used 3 skeins of Valley Yarns Northampton. The kit comes with the pattern and all of the hardware you need to make the bag. It does not include the yarn, so you get to pick what you want! The hardware is quite nice, and the fact that it comes with all the components including feet, handle that also has a chain, a lovely magnetic closure, Noni Designs decal and a nice sturdy canvas to cut out for the inside of the bottom of the bag make it so you don’t have to hunt down each part for this bag. One stop shopping, that’s what I like! The pattern was easy to follow and fun to make. I will definitely be making one of these adorable bags for myself. > Karen M.

Kerry is knitting the Nemi Lace Cowl in Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed in color Oak Grove – This is the first project where I’ve had the opportunity to knit with yarn dyed by the Kangaroo Dyer, and I couldn’t be happier. Not only is Charlemont a pleasure to work with, but the colors are just gorgeous! > Kerry T.

I’ve been wanting to make some crochet rag rugs and was a little put off at the thought of spending my time cutting up old sheets into strips when I remembered that we carry Poppana which is essentially the same thing! I swatched on a couple larger hooks, K and N, and I’m really happy with the results. This may turn into some pretty terrific holiday gifts. > Sara D.

I absolutely love the new crochet book, Unexpected Afghans by Robyn Chacula. Her premise of using veteran crochet designers to use their specialty in crochet to design something that they would use as a piece in their homes has worked beautifully! I have begun two for wedding presents and am thrilled to be able to have so many to chose from in one book!! > Lise G.

When the “Gleener: The Ultimate Fuzz Remover” came across my desk, I was pretty skeptical. One pilly old sweater later, I’m a convert. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold, which counts for a lot because de-pilling a sweater can take a while. What I really like is the Gleener’s three different blades: one is coarse, for heavier gauges and aggressive de-fuzzing; one is in the middle; and one is really fine, for cashmeres and fine knits. The blades are easy to take on and off.  And after I get rid of the pills, I turn the Gleener around and brush my sweater down with the “velvet lint brush.” The lint brush gets all the little bits left over, and the sweater looks great. I plan to try the Gleener on other fabrics–fleece, boiled wool blazers, whatever needs a little sprucing up. Watch the video below to see the Gleener in action! > Kendra C.

This week the staff is buzzing about…

1. Valley Yarns Silver Lining Hat – I just knit this hat for my Dad’s birthday, and it’s perfect! I used Valley Yarns Huntington in black and grey and I love how the hat is reversible. He can wear it as a grey hat with black brim, or black hat with grey brim. It’s a great summer knit but a nice warm and cozy hat. > Grace H.

2. Atenti Betty – These purses are fabulous and I got one as soon as they came in! They are colorful, roomy, and stylish. > Stephanie G.

3. Freia Fine Handpaints yarns – With the flood of new yarns coming in for fall, sometimes it’s all just a blur. But this new yarn stood out immediately as something unique. Freia’s sport and lace weight yarns come in an Ombré color range that is hand painted to create a really long color run. I can’t wait to see what folks make with these yarns. > Dena C.

4. Milk and Honey Lotion Bar – Wonderful fragrance, would be a great foot lotion too! Amazing packaging. I love the “employee of the month”. > Gail C.

5. Shetland Lace Knitting from Charts by Hazel Carter – Even though it looks humble, this is one of my favorite lace books. It lists a large number of traditional garter-stitch based Shetland lace patterns, along with giving you the tools to rearrange those elements into fans, diamonds and chevrons, and it has some very interesting construction methods for shawls and other objects. > Kirsten H.