The Knitting Experience Café

The holiday knitting rush is done. Now we can settle back into knitting whatever strikes our fancy - guilt free. Perhaps it's even time to indulge in knitting something special just for you. 

One of my favorite samples in the shop is a scarf/wrap that Becka knit up out of 5 skeins of Noro Silk Garden. She used color # 269. Knit on large needles, it works up quickly and has the most amazing drape, making it a very versatile piece. You can bundle it up like a scarf, or wrap it loosely around your shoulders as an elegant accessory. 

The pattern is from Jenny Watson's Mini Knits Too collection. 

Just like the first collection, it is packed with a remarkable number of patterns including sweaters, throws, hats, mittens, etc... . So once you've made the wrap, you can whip up a pair of mittens to match!

Quick reminder on shop hours this week: we'll be closed on New Year's day, but open for regular hours the rest of the week. Stop by and visit us! We'll be keeping busy with inventory counting, and ordering some really fabulous stuffs for the new year. 

Did you see the big announcement yesterday? We're going to be open on Sundays! From 11am to 4pm. 

We're going to kick off our new weekend hours with a special SALE on our most popular gift items.  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Dec 18, 19, and 20, all in-stock books, patterns, bags, and accessories will be 15% off. It's a great time to stock up on all those necessities - project bags, cable hooks, markers, counters, etc... . Or maybe it's the time to snag that Namaste Bag you've been eyeing.  Don't forget the gorgeous pattern books!

To make it a little more fun and interesting, we'll be drawing names for some sweet prizes - 2 fun project kits from Blue Sky Alpacas and Spud & Chloë (including pattern, luscious yarn, and a pretty cheep project bag!),

 and 1 bottle of Sweater Wash. 

Everyone who places an order online during the sale will be automatically entered to win, and anyone who comes into the shop during the sale days can enter.

Happy Knitting and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season!

I am so ashamed.

As a yarn shop owner, I sometimes feel like there are certain expectations of me. For example, my stash should be outstanding. That one is easy, since the idea of being without yarn that I would want to knit if the world were to shut down tomorrow sends me into a blinding panic. I have thoroughly prepared for such eventualities. There is yarn and fiber hidden away in neat little corners all over our house. 

But my needles? Shameful. Just shameful.

Not the collection itself, rather the organization.

I kinda think there is the expectation that I will have a very slick needle organization system. 

Alas, the truth is an embarrassment, which I am now prepared to admit. Here you go. Here is my current needle storage system:

That would be a Crabtree and Evelyn gift set bag from many Christmases ago. 

Not only does it not contain all my needles anymore, it is impossible to find anything. Since opening the shop, I've been in search of something that could tame this insanity. While I have loved and craved the beautiful silk cases from Lantern Moon, I knew they would not be sufficient to contain this situation. I needed a system. A complete needle organization system that can put up with my haphazard way of storing things. 

Introducing my newest love: the Namaste Needle Binders!

It has the same sturdy construction as the Namaste bags. The 3 ring binder comes with "pages" for all our needles and notions. My favorite are the mesh pockets for circular needles. Because they are so roomy and strong, you can put multiple circs in each pouch.  If I am good, this means I can actually put all my US 6, 8, 9s together!  

The purple one in front is mine and only at the shop now as a display item. After the holidays, it comes home and goes to work. The rest are up for grabs.

Another cool organization tool? Our new lace blocking wires and plastic case. (I actually think the case is the part I like best.)

The strong plastic tube with neat little endey bits is perfect for the wires!

In the knitting realm, I finished the Mini Mochi hat! Look at the crown. Isn't it lovely? (Don't look too close, because the decreases got a little wonky.) 

David whipped up some gorgeous Christmas stockings from one of the new Knitting Pure and Simple patterns. He used Cascade 220. Perfect for their beautiful apartment.

I leave you with a thought as we all plan out our holiday shopping. I have noticed a trend in our house lately. Regardless of what cool new gadget has arrived, the most popular toy at our house is always the largest box I can find. 

When exactly do we lose the love of a good cardboard box? I don't find them that appealing anymore, and that is sad. Although, if I packed it with some yarn and my new needle case, I could call it my vacation home and might never come out!