Kristin Omdahl is one of our favorite crochet designers and we’ve recently started carrying her two yarns, Be So Fine and Be So Sporty.  Both yarns are 100% bamboo, in bright, saturated colors inspired by tropical flowers and the sea. There’s great pattern support for these yarns including the FREE Beachy One eBook which contains six fantastic patterns including the Sunny Isles Soft Yellow Crochet Shawl.

One of our store staffers, Mary, recently crocheted a sample of this shawl in the Lilac Memories colorway of Be So Fine and at  a whopping 650 yards per skein you only need one! This is one of the most beautiful shawl samples we’ve ever, if you’re near our retail store in Northampton MA stop by and check it out!

The second quarter of our Anniversary year is coming to a close and we have more wonderful people and companies to thank.

To Tanis Gray, Kristin Omdahl, and Franklin Habit
Thank you for unique and beautiful designs that showcase our yarn!

To Lorna’s Laces,
Thank you for making our yarn shine with your incredible colorways. There are still some skeins left, get some while you can!

To Schacht Spindle Company, della Q, and Marcy Vandale,
Thank you for the adding your special products to our celebration.

To Dena Gartenstein Moses, Virginia West, and Scott Norris,
Thank you for weaving textiles that bring out the best in our fibers.

To The Fine Arts Center on the Campus of UMass Amherst,
Thank you for opening your doors and letting us shoot in some gorgeous spaces.

Next Monday, July 7th, we’ll have all new yarn and patterns to share, don’t miss out!

At the beginning of April we introduced you to our 3 new designs with Valley Yarns Huntington Hand Dyed by Lorna’s Laces. Our featured crochet design, the Sermilik Shawl, is from the wonderfully talented Kristin Omdahl.

It’s time for the second round of specialty products to celebrate our Anniversary! We’re so excited to share our Valley Yarns Huntington hand dyed by Lorna’s Laces.

We’ve chosen 9 of Lorna’s Laces’ richest colors and they’ve dyed a special Ruby Slippers colorway for our Anniversary.

Three more designers have joined us to bring you stunning designs made with our specialty yarn.

Tanis Gray has designed The Nikiya Cowl, a swirling and delicate lace cowl, the ideal accessory for Spring.

Kristin Omdahl drew on her Viking heritage to bring us the Sermilik Shawl.

Franklin Habit has worked his magic again and found an historical counterpane pattern to translate into the modern Centuria Tam.

Della-Q has another limited edition bag for us with a print that is the perfect burst of color for Spring.

We’ll also have three more weaving drafts from long-time friends of WEBS, and don’t miss out on your chance to enter the Weaving Contest! Full details and contest rules are available on our website.

And we’ve still got so much more for you this year. Be sure to check out our 40th Anniversary Sale, going on now, and if you’re in the area join us for our Annual Tent Sale and Fleece Market in May. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, Instagram, or on Ravelry for all the latest.

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

This week on Ready, Set, Knit! Steve fills everyone in on the latest yarns which include four new (and exclusive) closeout colors of Noro Silk Mountain, three new closeouts from Filatura Di Crosa – Brilliante, Porto Cervo Spray and Zarella/Zarella Baby.  We’ve also received Classic Elite Bazic as a closeout which is a great superwash wool with super pattern support.

Steve also gives you his top 5 picks for gift ideas under $20:

• Daisy Folio by Lantern Moon
• Whimsical Tape Measures from Made by Humans
• Never Not Knitting 2009 Page-a-Day Calendar by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
• Brass Sheep Gauge by Goosepond
• Pretty Cheep Project Bags by Blue Sky Alpacas

This week, we had the pleasure to interview designer Kristin Omdahl who’s first book has just been published – Wrapped in Crochet.  This book is a wonderful collection of crocheted scarves, wraps and shawls for every skill level.

Finally, Pixie & I finish the Inside Outside Scarf!  The pattern is from the book Knit One Below by Elise Duvekot.  The publisher’s, XRX, are offering the scarf pattern as a free download from their website.   

Listen to this week’s episode or via iTunes!

Enjoy!

Kathy

Just posted is the preview for the Fall ’08 issue! Check it out here http://interweavecrochet.com/issue/2008/materials_fall08.asp#ridgeswing.

The designs are really beautiful and I have to admit to being partial to the Stepping Stones Cardigan by Kristin Omdahl. She used our Valley Yarns Deerfield and the finished cardi is really stunning! Can’t wait for the issue to arrive.

More updates from Twist are coming too!

Kathy