Brace yourself.

It's a New Year and the time for new opportunities and to make new resolutions. And, boy, have we got some resolutions this year. I took a little sampling of our staff's goals for 2010 and, I have to say, I'm not too surprised that we're really pushing ourselves:

• Lindsay: to cut wips by down 50%, and learn to knit Continental and to knit two socks at one time.
  
• Marjorie: to learn to knit two socks at one time and how to knit lace.
  
• Mine: to master Fair Isle.
  
• Darcy: to finish her Habu sweater and learn to knit Fair Isle holding both yarns in one hand.
  
• Eva: to make her first sweater.
• Jenny: to finish her boyfriend's Christmas present (gloves); which, incidentally, is her first knitting project.
  

Do you have a knitting New Year's resolution? We'd love to hear it!

On top of setting (slightly unreasonable) goals for ourselves, we've also got some great store updates to share:

1. We have collected 47lbs of clothing for Oregon Foster Care children! We'll continue collecting through the 18th, too. So keep on bringing those handknits and hand-me-downs in. Questions about what to donate? See our Handknits for Hard Knock Kids post.
   
2. We DID have Malabrigo Twist in stock... for about 5 minutes. I'm really sorry, blogfans, but it sold before I could get it on the web (or even photographed). And, before you complain, I swear we ordered two bags of every color. People just really like this yarn. But, don't worry!, we have some scheduled to arrive next week and I SWEAR it will go up on the web and be featured in the Newsletter.
3. We're looking for a new Gratis Knits pattern and have decided to increase the gratuity to $100 in store credit. That's right. Get your pattern up and in view of over 11,000 knitters and get a $100 gift card as an additional reward. See our updated Submission Guidelines (or the upcoming Newsletter) for more information!
   

Let's see what else we've got... A couple of weeks ago (while I was sick and not posting), Andrea sent us photos of two cushions she had finished for Christmas gifts:

The pattern is the Cable & Twist Pillow from Interweave's recently released Knitted Gifts. The yarn is (was) ShibuiKnits Merino Kid in Pagoda and Seaweed, held double to get the correct bulky gauge. Andrea also posted these lovelies on her ravelry journal, if you want more information about the project.

I, however, have not been that conscientious. Sorry. In lieu of other staff projects (my coworkers claim that they have none on their persons. I think they LIE.), I present my current traveling sock (and knitpod):

Which is currently traveling a lot back and forth between home and work. The yarn is Handmaiden's luscious Casbah (love, love, love) in the color "Fleur" which was a new release at Sock Summit (I think). We don't carry the color currently, but I think we have it on order. I also just finished a pair of mitts and a WhatsIt (see below for both), since we're so low on projects to share today (hint. hint. hint.*):

And, because it was a rainy day (like we really need an excuse), Lindsay and Eva and I might have gotten a little carried away taking photos for the blog this afternoon...

Sometimes seriousness is way overrated. See our how silly we can be set on flickr if you need a quick giggle.

That seems like everything, but I feel like I'm forgetting something. What could it be?

Oh, wait. It might just be our upcoming KAL, the details of which are still under wraps. Check your inbox this Friday for an awesome Newsletter that will include some breathtakingly beautiful yarn, a limerick contest and a lot more! Until then, stay dry**, blogfans!

*Don't make me pull out the pointy stick, guys.
**If you're not in the PNW, maybe that should be "stay warm"!

PSSST!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Lindsay is busy, busy, busy right now trying to ship out all of the many copies of The Haapsalu Shawl that arrived two weeks early, so there won't be a Fashionknitsta Thursday this week. We're all bummed. But at least it's New Year's Eve, so there's a reason to party!

I haven't been posting lately because I've been pathetically ill. Hardcore customers know that I was out of the store for two whole weeks. Imagine the yarn withdrawal I suffered on top of my flu symptoms. It really wasn't pretty.

But, in super-secret news that I will only be revealing to blogfans... be sure to check next week's Willamette Weekly for a coupon for a FREE Happy Hour class.

Seriously. Don't miss it.

Other news? We've been firming up the dates for a visit from our favorite tweedy blogger and putting together another awesome year of Sock Clubbyness that has a really cool Portland-centric theme. We think it's gonna be fantabulous.

Anyway. New Year's Eve is swiftly approaching and we'll be closing early... soon. Check back next week for a real blog post and another edition of Fashionknitsta Thursday. Until then, enjoy 2010!

Get that warm, fuzzy feeling.

We promised to blog weekly and we meant it. Last week was more than a little crazy and, well, Fashionknitsta Thursday fell on Thanksgiving, so that didn't happen. We are determined to get back on schedule, though, and stick to it... even if it takes me 'til closing to write all this up. Which it might, since a lot has been happening here!

Firstly, we have a blog subject that's long overdue and that you should expect to see a lot of over the next two weeks -

Handknits For Hard Knock Kids

It's the happiest time of the year... for some. For others, like children in foster care, it's the time where they can be the most lonely. But we can help make children in foster care more comfortable, in strange places with strange people, when they can't be with family.

From now through December 17th, we'll be accepting donations of handknit (and store-bought!) clothes and toys in good condition for Oregon children in foster care.

Drop off "New or used, hand-knit or store-bought [clothing]," at the store (or mail it to us, if you live out of state!) and you'll been entered into a prize drawing that includes several one-of-a-kind skeins of sock yarn from happiest girl! dyeworks, sock yarn from Abstract Fiber, many Knit Purl gift cards, and any other prizes we can rummage up.

We'll be collecting clothing from now through Thursday, December 17th, the night of our prize drawing. If there's continued interest, we'll continue to accept clothing after the holidays.

The Knit Purl clothing drive for children in the Oregon foster care system. Many foster care families can barely afford to feed and clothe their foster children, making the winter months particularly hard when the cold weather sets in. After reading an article in the Oregonian and Mim's blog post, we decided to do something.

Curious about what you can/ should donate?

"The only requirements the woman I spoke to noted were that items need to be clean and in good condition. They can use every size since they care for kids of all ages, from newborns to teenagers." (-Mims Copeland)

If you have any handknits, or hand-me-downs, sitting around the house, please consider donating them. Just think of the warm and fuzzy feeling you'll get and, quite possibly, the lovely prizes we've collected for generous knitters.

And now we can return to our regularly scheduled programming and sharing customer projects. Y'all know how much I love to share what our knitters have been doing. It brings me a little dose of vicarious joy every time.

Sarawan brought in her completed Seed Stitch Scarf a few days ago, and we all had to compliment her yarn choice:

ShibuiKnits Highland Wool Alpaca? Niiice (it's so sqooshy!). I think several staffers want to make their own version of this scarf now, because Sarawan was stylin' it. There aren't any notes on her project sheet, so we're just going to have to assume from her smile that she likes it, too.

Next, Tanuja wore in her Noro Silk Garden cardigan, from Noro Mini Knits (Design 26):

I just have to say that I looove her color choices. There are actually three different Silk Garden colorways in there, though I couldn't tell you where or when they start. But it definitely is lovely, and totally works for layering this winter and wearing into spring. Unfortunately, I couldn't find Tanuja (or her cardigan) on ravelry, so we can only admire from afar.

Yesterday, Martha brought in her finished Clara baby dress to show off:

We are so proud of her for sticking to this project - the pattern was translated (confusingly) into English from its original Scandahoovian language and can be really frustrating at times (trust me, I've helped a lot of perplexed customers with this 'un). Final verdict? It's totally worth the annoyance and confusion. Honestly. I've had several knitters tell me so, and just look at it. Isn't it adorable beyond words?

Martha's (getting back to the original topic) was made for a friend's daughter, and is on ravelry here. Go and fav it, you know you want to!

And that's all the customer projects I have for this week (and last week, too). If you have a project you'd like to share, please let us know or visit the store, because we'd love to feature it!

Lastly, we have some store updates to share. You may already know that Takako of Habu Textiles...
will be in Portland this Friday and Saturday, for the express purposes of teaching Knit Purl customers how to read Japanese patterns and to show off the Habu Textiles trunkshow. But, did you know that we're down to three spots left in the second session of Takako's Reading Japanese Patterns class?

It's true! But, don't worry, if it fills up and more knitters want to take this fun (and very useful) class, Takako has agreed to teach another session on Saturday. So, if you've been pining for a Japanese pattern book, you might want to clear your schedule this Friday!

And, ooh!, we have some new items in the store. My favorite are the two Danger Crafts patterns that just came in. Esther the Eccentric Elephant...

and Sammie the Sock Monster...

Who, incidentally, I have bought the pattern for and plan on casting on this weekend (squee!). He's so cute! He could even guard the sock yarn stash... Hmm, imagine.

And, lastly, we also have a new line from Punta Yarns. MeriTwist:


A delicious handpainted 100% Merino BULKY yarn that just begs to be knit up as a chunky scarf or hat. Yum. Knit at 3 sts/ inch, it's simply ideal for those last-minute holiday gifts you forgot to cast on a month ago (don't worry, we won't tell).

And last, but certainly not least, we finally received our shawl pin order from Lantern Moon and, thusly, have both the Textured Metal Shawl Pins and Classic Shawl Pins back in stock!





Yes, we are excited, too. One of those Classic Shawl Pins will be mine. If you've been coveting them (like myself), grab one (or two) soon, because even Lantern Moon admitted that they didn't know when we could get more.

That must be everything. If it isn't, we'll try again next time. Have a good week!

busy, busy, busy 'round here

But I thought I might mention Three Things:

1. Some lovely cashmere-y sock yarn arrived this afternoon for our lucky, lucky Sock Club members to enjoy sometime this year (not next month, though! we have something equally special planned for November...)
2. Eyebobs are on the website, including three new styles. Check out the Eyebobs page for more details.
3. Our "Ten Reasons To Love October" Sale is still going strong. If you missed our newsletter last Friday, check it out before all the yarn is go-o-one!
   

We love colors.

All of them. A lot. Which is why we've set up our newest display:

And just might be planning some wicked Fair Isle treats over the next few weeks. Oh, yes, indeedy. Along those lines, Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting is BACK IN STOCK!


Get your copy while we still have them. I know I (and several other staff members) have. This is THE reference to have on the art of Fair Isle. Really, honestly, and truly. It has pages and pages of detailed diagrams, pictures and instructions on everything from technique to designing your own sweater. If you're a knitting tech-phile, this is the book for you.

Anyway, that's what I think.

Moving on... Frances kindly brought in her newly finished Girasole:

No, it hasn't been blocked. But it's still gorgeous! In fact, I had a hard time taking a photo that didn't have someone or another's hand on it, petting. The finished "cloth" is just sublime - due entirely to the high quality of Catherine Lowe's Silk Mohair 1. And Frances has promised to bring it in after she blocked it, so keep an eye out for that!

Lastly, we sent out the very first Sock Club 2010 packages this afternoon! Excitement abounds. We can't wait to see (and hear) your reactions, o loyal Sock Club members, so please let us know what you think. Until next time, blogfans, start planning those Fair Isle projects...

Did that just happen?

The last week has been more than a little crazy. If you follow us on twitter, you'll know that we were bombarded at both our booth and in the store during the Sock Summit. Moreover, the website transition could have gone a lot smoother (a fact that we lament this ourselves, quite a bit). But it's done and mostly working, so we're grateful for our small victories.

If you were left wondering where the heck the promised Newsletter was, over the past weekend, well that's a good question. In fact, due to some of the wrinkles in the transition, we couldn't get it out until Wednesday. In the future, however, it looks like sending our Newsletters will be easier than ever (I may have just cursed us, oh... dear). Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Also, while on the topic of Newsletters (and eCards), it seems that the color PDX (in happiest girl! Sock) sold out within a half hour of the latest mailing (check your inbox). But we do have the KnitPods (some) and a few other treats.

Now, moving on to blog-worthiness, we have some really sweet goodies this time. First, Farrah brought in her finished Hidcote Shawl last night and I even managed to corner her into modeling it:

The pattern? Miriam Felton's Hidcote Garden Shawl. Knit with Suri Blue in "Smoke", by FarrahW (on ravelry). Isn't it just gorgeous? And the yarn is magnificent (we have it on order!). Yum, yum. Go on, go to ravelry and fav it. (You know you want to!)

And while I had Farrah cornered, I made her model the Cherry Blossom Shawl she knit for us as a store sample:

The one you can see on Anne Hanson's blog (knitspot). Made with 3 skeins of ShibuiKnits Silk Cloud, this thing is just plain dangerous. The sheer number of people I've seen petting it does not bode well for it's safety! Of course, if you want to participate in the Cherry Blossom KAL, we've been helping people out with their questions and getting started.

While Farrah was been subjected to the Nikon, everyone at JoAnn's birthday party last night was shouting advice to her (how to stand, how to hold her arms, etc); so I returned the favor and took a couple of shots of the group:

Which they didn't much like, but fair's fair. Some of the quicker knitters managed to dash out of the frame before the shutter clicked (which is why you can see abandoned projects in chairs). I'll get them next time, mwahaha.

And, finally, just because, I managed to get a shot of the Birthday Girl:

Who tried (and almost succeeded) to hide behind her sock in progress. The sock, it should be mentioned, is being knit with our fantastically popular limited edition colorway "City of Roses" (which has sold out, sorry!). So pretty.

Let's see... Other news? We-ell, Franklin Habit of the Panopticon has agreed to visit the store and teach/ lecture in late September. Mark it in your calendars! We'll post registration information on the website/ blog/ calendar sometime in the next fortnight or so.

Also, the Fall 2008 issues of Marianne Isager and Amimono are back in stock. Grab 'em while you can!

And, last but not least, the Habu Trunkshow is up and will continue to be on display through the end of August. Drop by (or give us a call) to find out what unusual yarns and fibers we have in stock!

Can't blog.

Drowning it html.

Look in your inbox tomorrow for an awesome Newsletter using our brand-new, super-shiny template.

P.S. provided the html doesn't drive us all mad in the meantime.

P.P.S. I promise we'll do better than this next Thursday - lately the Newsletters have been more complicated than usual.

A promise kept.

I'm so proud of us - managing to blog on a day like today (in the midst of Sock Summit preparations, launching a new website and general day-to-day chaos) as promised. First, we have a lovely FO, knit by Leslie:

The "Amber" Vest from Amimono. Made with two strands of Isager Wool 1 and two strands of Alpaca 2 held together:

And knit on size 11 needles. It looks amazing when modeled (hint, hint, my coworkers!) in a very rustic Bohemian sort of way. Helga Isager has the most funky and earthy styling. Maybe someday, if we're lucky, we'll catch Leslie wearing it and I'll snap off a "live" shot.

Next, we have some silliness beauty to share. Katie (also known as nonsie) brought in the Summer Shawl she's working on:

And decided to pretend to be a mermaid. 'Kay. I missed this one, so I have no explanation. Moving on...

We've had several customers call about our ad in this issue of Interweave Knits (now available, btw), wanting to know what the yarn is - and what color. The yarn is ShibuiKnits Sock in their new-ish color Zinnia. Which is, err, out of stock - so... sorry!

Next on the list of updates, we received a HUJE shipment from Fleece Artist:

That included a new yarn (Silk Bamboo), several new colors of Great Big Sea and Sea Silk, as well as favorites that were backordered until, well, yesterday! So, if you're in need of some lovely Canadian hand-dyed goodies, we've got 'em. And be sure to check your inbox for a Newsletter on Friday that will have a special offer and information on the new yarn line and colors.

And last, but not least, you're invited to our upcoming Portland Designers Showcase:

See the original (full-sized) version here.

This Friday night, one of our Sock Summit Special Events, we'll be hosting a collection of designers not to be found elsewhere; including, but not limited to:

• Leigh Radford
• Kristin Spurkland
• Chrissy Gardiner
• Marnie MacLean
• Star Athena
• Judy Becker
• Lee Meredith
• Larissa Brown
• Sarah Pope
  
• and more!
  

The event in free. Take this rare opportunity to socialize with many of the designers who have appeared in Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, Twist Collective and Knitty over the years. We'll hope to see you here!

The blog has moved!

Look for a shiny new template on our new website.
If you are not automatically redirected from this page, click here.

A bit disappointed.

And I bet you will be, too. I'm afraid there are no pictures of the City of Roses sock sample, nor of last night's Girasole KAL. Mostly because we had to cancel when the A/C gave out. But, to make up for this deficit, we do have super-dooper Top Secret (can you keep a secret?) screen shots of our new website...

Let's start with the new Yarn page navigation:

Where knitters can browse yarns by weight, fiber content, and brand. Need something vegan? Now you can find the perfect animal-free yarn with just a click of the mouse. Or maybe you are a sock fanatic and want to see all the fingering weight (or Superwash Merino!) yarns we carry - this fabulous page will do all the work for you.

Then, when you narrow down your selection, the "pop-up" information feature will tell you all about the yarns in that category, without having to click on them!

Scrolling over each yarn line brings up a short description of the yarn that includes it's brand and price. Then, once you've found the perfect yarn, the really cool thumbnail color cards come into play...

Just click on a thumbnail and watch the larger image appear above. It's a little like magic (especially to us). But that's not everything (not even close!) we have in store for you with this new website.

There are going to be some amazing surprises in the new site, but we don't want to ruin it. So, please be patient, as the new site will be up soon for your viewing (and surfing) pleasure. Maybe we'll even have a contest. See how many of the new options people can find... Hmm, doesn't that sound promising?

Losing track

Two weeks since the last post. Too much has been going on around here to keep track of. So, I'm just going to cover what I have photos of. Unfortunately, I can't find the notes I took to correspond with certain photos. In particular, I've given up on finding the information I had written down on this little cutie:

Too adorable for words, eh?

A couple weeks ago a very nice young lady came in to show off her recently finished sheep. I believe she had made it for a theatrical production. Dear knitter, if you read this blog, I'm really really sorry I lost your info! Please feel free to send it to me again and I'll post a correction ASAP.

Next on the list of worthwhile blogginess (I think I just made that word up), we received a gianormous shipment of Malabrigo this week:

NINE boxes in total, all crammed full of yarn in colors we haven't seen in months. Drop by the store or website to grab some for yourself before it's gone. But, before you do that, check your inbox tomorrow for a special offer!

Such a lot.

I'd apologize for the tardiness of this post, but it was rather unavoidable. The past week has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the store what with a series of enormous shipments, some slight technical difficulties and a long-awaited visit from Catherine Lowe. But, before we get to all of that, we have a Boy-O-Boy cardigan knit by Elizabeth:

The pattern is from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders and is here on ravelry. Elizabeth used ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Wasabi" for her project, though I have no information on how much she used or who the finished cardigan might be for (blame Sandy Kay, not me).

Next, we have another knitnotwar1,0o0 Crane Count and a little blurb from the creator. First, the update: 12 more cranes! Which brings our total up to 129 cranes and puts us at 43% towards our goal (and, yes, you can see all this information on the sidebar, but I wanted to mention it anyway). A couple of weeks ago, I emailed Seann about the origins of the name "knitnotwar 1,0o0" because we've received many an email with that question in some form or another. Here's Seann's reply:

It's a silly reason why it is 1,0o0 and not just 1,000...when I first started the project a dear friend of mine and I were talking and she thought that the project sounded very serious while knitting is generally so fun and relaxing. I certainly didn't want folks to only regard it as a super serious project (it really is fun to knit the cranes and the spirit of it is supposed to be happy and hopeful!) I started adding a "o" in the title to just visually trip up the weight of it so it was a bit more lighthearted looking. I don't know if it did the trick, but my friend noticed and it made her happy!

So there you go. It makes sense, considering the bittersweet aspects of the story of Sadako Sasaki and the new connotations attached to origami cranes after the second World War.

Now, moving on to more lighthearted topics, we have some new products that are so very awesome I can't but mention them.

Firstly, we have three new patterns:

• Skif June/ September/ February
• Skif Buttonback/ Swing
• CoCoKnits Pleated Ballet Flats

The new Skif patterns in particular are super exciting for a Skif freak like me. Sandy Kay and I are already talking about resurrecting the Skif KAL for this summer. How's about it, our devoted readers - yay or nay? We could meet monthly and have a yarn sampling party and who-know's-what else. Just a thought.

Second, we have a (small) library's worth of new books. Most of which are from Japan; our favorites include: Favorite Aran Knits (the cables in here are fabulous), Easy Knit & Crochet (check out those legwarmes on the cover!) and several new Amigurumi/ toy books.

Then, of course (you'll have seen this in the most recent Newsletter), we have Cookie A's highly coveted Sock Innovation.


Can I just say how much I love this book? I already have my own copy and am planning to knit at least half the patterns within. And, since we have "No Mean Feet!" tonight, maybe discussion of a store KAL isn't out of order. Anyone interested?

And, maybe, that's everything for today's belated post. Check back tomorrow (we should have some post-worthy stuff then), for a really cool FO Wendy just finished for a friend. Hint, it involves some amazing Fair Isle creativity.

BIG News

We have good news, Great News, in fact. And LOTS of it. So much, in fact, that it's going to be divided into two posts (sorry, it had to be done).

First, get ready to squee!, as the KnitPod is officially, well and truly, available for sale.

Isn't that just beautiful?

Shown above in Maple, the only reason these are actually in stock is that I/we've forbidden staffers to buy the first few made. Get one (or two) before the next lot comes in. These things are so special, you'll probably want several. Made with locally-grown hardwood by M.W., a Portland-area woodworker, each KnitPod is one-of-a-kind and truly is a work of art. Now, since there are only four KnitPods in existence at the moment, after the first four are sold, they will be sold on pre-order basis. M.W. has promised that it will take no longer than 2-weeks for order turnaround, so get ready to carry your socks in style and with an easy mind - never drop stitches, break yarn or bend/ dull your DPNs again!

Second, Kauni is BACK IN STOCK. Grab some while you can.

Third. We have 90 cranes!

Melissa dropped off 13 today.

But, since we still need more (and a reason to party), we're hosting a Crane Knit Night this Thursday during our regular Sip n' Stitch. Drop by the store to knit (a crane!), earn store credit ($1 for every crane knit that night), drink champagne and feast on chocolate and strawberries. We'll also have door prizes and giveaways... just because we can. Come by on Thursday night, it's going to be awesome!

Now I must hasten away, as my Intermediate Handspinning Techniques class starts in 5* minutes. Check back for more exciting news!

*Make that 3.

A flurry of activity

I'm sorry we haven't updated you and the InterWebs in so very long... I went to Stitches West and planned to blog from there but got sick. It didn't work out in quite a number of ways. Luckily, my intrepid coworkers took photos for your visual enjoyment.

First, we have a shot of the Cool Socks! workshop with Lucy Neatby (she's the one with hot pink hair):

...which I understand was a smash hit. It certainly looks interesting (Lucy always includes video/ projector demonstrations, which you can see on the wall in the background).

Next, we have Sue's absolutely glorious Habu 110 pullover:

So named because she used the pattern from Habu Textiles' Kit 110 and substituted Handmaiden's Sea Silk in "Periwinkle" for the body and Habu Textiles' Gear Linen in "Black" for the hems. The finished effect was just amazing, and the photo hardly does it justice.

And, finally, we have Sarah's IP (in progress) Garter Stitch Aran Pullover, from the Japanese book Men's Knit:

Which is looking mighty impressive, if I do say so. Sarah mentioned that she had worried about the sizing of the pattern (as it is Japanese), but the sweater seems to be coming out perfectly roomy and (honestly) delicious. She's knitting it with Debbie Bliss' Rialto Aran in "Dusty Blue", which is not on the website yet I'm afraid.

Lastly, today, I took a picture of all the lovely cranes we've been sent (or given in person) for the knitnotwar 1,0o0 kal. Amazingly, three arrived from Boston just yesterday! And four from California a week or two ago. These cranes are just flocking in from all over the place...

Of which many are noticeably red. Interesting phenomenon.

Now, it's admittedly still a small flock of cranes (we have 22 at count). But I am told by our many hardcore customers, volunteers, and several staffers that there are many more cranes OTN or unfelted at home. Sandy Kay and I are also talking about hosting another KAL night or two in the next couple of weeks. We'd really love to make our goal.

But we shall see what happens over the next month. Check the sidebar for updates over the next week or so!

no longer down, and definitely not out

You may have noticed some interesting glitches in the website over the past week, but hopefully they have been rectified permanently. The site has been moved over to a new, more reliable, server that promises to be less flaky. So, if you sent us an email over the weekend (that bounced back) or tried to check the site for info on an upcoming class and saw this:

From the knitting community at knit purl

We very sorry if it caused you any inconvenience. But, the good news is that the site should be faster and more accessible than ever.

In other (more knitterly) news, we have just been positively overwhelmed (in a good way) by knitters at recent Sip'n'Stitch and "No Mean Feet!" nights. Last Thursday I took an extremely blurry shot of the group:

I think we ran out chairs, actually (which is always a wonderful phenomenon).

This is a very positive (and encouraging) trend all around, considering the state of the world/ economy.

But, moving on to everyone's favorite part of each post* - our customers' projects. First, we have Evon, who came in on Saturday with her first finished knitting project:

The Rasperry Liqour bag (#125) by Noni, knit with Cascade 220 in "Lavender". Did I mention that Evon is 8? She's also in the Beginning Knitting Class! The bag just looks perfect, she did an amazing job on it. It's awe-inspiring how many young knitters visit us with their FOs these days. Just fabulous.

Then, this afternoon, Haven dropped by to show up her in-progress Swallowtail Shawl:

Being knit with Catherine Lowe Merino 1 in "Smoke". I am told (since I didn't get to see it in person) that the shawl was bloody amazing in the Merino 1. And, ha!, I managed to find Haven's ravelry notebook and the shawl information. Just in case you're interested...

And that is everything pertinent at the moment. We have a super-gianormous Newsletter going out on Friday (look for it, there're going to be some interesting articles!), so that project is looming large in everyone's minds. Until next time, in which we will discuss Cool Socks, enjoy the sun while it's out!

*I think it is, anyway. It's the section we get the most feedback on...

The Post That Never Ends

Not exactly. But since the blog hasn't been updated in almost two weeks, this is going to be one of those super-mondo-huje posts to catch everyone up to date. A slightly crazy idea, yes, but it should work. Now, since there is so much to cover, we're going to do blurbs instead of biographies. But, if you want to see more pix from this post, see our flickr account.

First, we have Farrah's magnificent Seraphim Shawl:

Which she brought to the Sip'n'Stitch on the 15th. I'm afraid that the camera involved does not enjoy after-dark photography, so the image is rather blurry. Sorry, Farrah! But, for readers interested in her shawl, here it is in her ravelry notebook.

The very next day, Ellen of Seattle stopped by to show us two of her favorite FO's:

Her Litla Dimun lace shawl, and the back:

She decided to add a purple border to her project (love it!) in order to give the finished shawl a little more pop. The entire effect was quite stunning. Then, of course, she had to make us feel inadequate when she pulled out her Pheonix Mitts, based off of a pattern in Selbuvotter:

Made with Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift.

At some point last week (I don't have a info sheet, sorry!), Bobbie dropped by to show off her adorable collection of baby hats:

All made for newborns at the maternity ward of her local hospital (no, we didn't get the name).

Rachel came in last Thursday with her finished 'Rob's Socks':

Made with happiest girl! sock yarn in 1970's Rec Room. Personally, I love the pooling and flashing. I couldn't find her info on ravelry, but maybe they will show up soon? She made up the pattern, and it looks like it would be fun to try...

On Friday, Liz forced poor Jessica to show off her Gretel hat:

About which I can find no information. It's red. That's about all I know.

Moving on to a project I do have information about... Joan's New Kauni Cardigan:

Yes, that is the Joan Schrouder. After we admired her cardigan for awhile, Lindsay finally inquired about the pattern. It turns out that Joan did design the pattern herself, but told us that she wouldn't be writing it up as it was too difficult to convert into multiple sizes. Sad. It looked fantastic and also resulted in a stampede to the Kauni wall by all who were present.

Right after Joan left with her cadre of Seattle-Portland Yarn Crawlers, Tami came by with the cutest little FO's ever. She used the yarn we provided at a "Sample It" to make a collection of teeny tiny mittens, sweaters, hats and socks/ stockings:

I hope she'll forgive me for cropping the picture. The camera was misbehaving again. There's also the Worsted Bambino Hat in the group, but methinks the teeny tiny mittens will the 'awww' contest. If you want specs on each of the individual projects, see Tami's ravelry notebook.

Then, finally, the last of the FO's - two hats. Which Liz and Lindsay modeled, albeit grudgingly. Here we have some silly hat-ness:

Liz has an Ana Bandana made with Silk Maiden in "Peridot" and Lindsay chose the Road To China/ Flurries hat, which is a sneak-peak of an upcoming pattern. But, before the camera was put away, we made a pile of staff WIPs:

One cashmere/silk Qiviut Smoke Ring, an Esperanza scarf and Linday's earwarmer that is currently just an i-cord (that statement should make sense in a week or two). There are several other WIPs around, but many are Top Secret at the moment. So, to distract you from considering the implications of all that, here's the latest issue of Vogue Knitting:

Now available in the store, and featuring a pattern and profile of our favoritest photographer/ blogger Jared. Grab one while you can.

And, whoosh, I think that's everything. Until, well, tomorrow (in which we shall attempt to resume our regular blogging schedule) stay warm!