Whether you knit gifts for everyone you know or just for yourself, surviving the winter holidays is always an accomplishment. This year, we've decided to reward ourselves (and you!) with a KAL that every knitter can participate in - beginning or advanced, young or mature, male or female - Cable Mania 2010.

Widely ranging in styles and skill levels, cables are the great equalizer among knitters. Formed simply by manipulating the placement of stitches, with a cable needle or dpn (or nothing!), cables can look like braids, all-over patterns, or even Celtic knots.

Over the next six weeks (through February 28, 2010), expect to receive newsletters with cabling tips and tricks, coupons for specials on cable patterns, and a variety of cable-centric contests. See below for our first Cable Mania KAL contest for a chance to win a Cabled Rib Wrap kit.

And, because it wouldn't be fair to throw you in the deep end of the cabling pool alone, we've all selected our favorite cable stitch patterns, books, or garment patterns to inspire and encourage you. So, get ready to pull out your cable needle and cast on!

	Knitting Ganseys Selected by Darcy Ganseys are a unique family of fishermen's sweaters that developed in the 19th century, densely-knit with thick wool on small needles to make them water- and wind-proof on the open sea. Richly patterned with cables, knit-and-purl patterns, and even lace, these often one-of-a-kind Ganseys are beautiful works of art.
Amber Vest Selected by Sandy Kay Slimming seed stitch is edged with a giant cable border for an eye-catching effect. One of the many chic patterns in the Spring/ Summer 2009 issue of Amimono, the Amber Vest is a fun and quick knit that can be whipped up in a matter of days on size 13 needles.
	Cable Fashion Drama Selected by Sara Who says cables have to go up-and-down or that "fishermen's" sweaters have to look old-fashioned? Prepare yourself for a collection of modern cable patterns that will make you rethink garment construction and inserting cables into designs. (Please note: this book is written in Japanese).
Interlocking Balloons Selected by Lindsay Finding a suitably masculine scarf pattern (that isn't garter or ribbed!) can seem like an impossible task. Unless, of course, you know where to look; which is why the Interlocking Balloons scarf pattern, from the best-selling Scarf Style, is a little-known gem of a pattern that every knitter should have, especially since it can be made with a single skein of Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca!
	Eva: Honeycomb Cable Selected by Eva One of the most famous all-over cable patterns, the Honeycomb Cable was made famous by the rise of the Aran sweater industry. Now a staple in thick'n'cushy knits, this plush cable stitch is perfect for warm garments and throws. Find instructions for this cable pattern (and many more!) in the Vogue Stitchionary II.
Cable Rib Shawl Selected by Kristin Not all cables have to be bulky or dense. Lily Chin's popular Cable Rib Shawl pattern proves this with aplomb and style while providing knitters with a flattering wrap that they won't want to take off!

No need to learn iambic pentameter! Our first Cable Mania 2010 KAL contest is sure for be fun and easy without the stress of counting syllables.

Try your wit at coming up with an amusing ditty in our Cable Limerick Contest and you might just win a Cabled Rib Wrap kit (in your choice of color!). Submit your entry to us by January 18, 2010, and we'll announce the winner of the contest in our January 22 Newsletter. Just send an email to info(at)knit-purl(dot) with your name, contact info and entry, and we'll do the rest.

Need help putting pen to paper? See Wikipedia's article on Limericks for more information on their structure and history.

One of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Henri Matisse was known for his brilliant use of color and fluid style of representation. What could be better, than, to name a hand-dyed yarn line after such a master painter?

New from Abstract Fiber, Matisse is a light-weight fingering yarn that is tightly spun from 100% Superwash Blue-faced Leicester. The combination of the superwash process on a fine longwool creates a yarn that literally soaks up dye and glows with color.

Finer than most of our fingering yarns, we recommend that knitters use Matisse in patterns that call for 10 to 11 stitches per inch, or as an exceptional lace yarn for vibrant, modern lace.

Replacing Flipper as our favorite marine mammal, Napoleon is a sweet and nervous Narwhal who is looking for a good home (or aquarium!).

The latest creative brainchild from designer Rebecca Danger of Danger Crafts!, this little whale suffers from extreme anxiety but makes a wonderful companion for secure and friendly knitters.

Americans are kind of infamous for their love of mutts. This love of cross-breeding doesn't just include dogs, but sheep as well. For years, many American ranchers have been experimenting with creating new and unique sheep herds that possess traits from sheep around the world.

One of the most successful attempts at cross-breeding was the American Targhee. A mix of Rambouillet, Lincoln, and Corriedale flocks, the Targhee produces a fleece that has no parallel.

Deliciously fine in diameter (ranging from 22 - 24 microns), highly crimpy, and quite lofty, Targhee is perfect for beginning and advanced spinners alike, making it a joy to spin and knit.

Now available in a collection of intense hand-dyed colorways, Abstract Fiber's Targhee Roving is what every handspinner wants. Try a hank on your spindle or wheel and you won't be disappointed.

We have some very important deadlines coming up that we wouldn't want you to miss! Pull out your Day Planner or BlackBerry and jot these down before it's too late:

• Handknits for Hard Knock Kids ends on January 15, 2010. If you've been knitting your fingers to the bone for these underpriviledged children, don't forget to send us (or drop off) your donations before the 15th.
• Gratis Knits submissions must be in by January 15, 2010. And, because you deserve it, we've raised the honorarium to a $100 Knit Purl gift card. Simply send us a pattern you've designed (that hasn't been published) and your next purchase could be on us!
• Our first winter Happy Hour class will be on January 20, 2010. Learn how to knit on DPNs and work a thumb gusset while we work on Churchmouse's popular Welted Fingerless Gloves, in this friendly and relaxed teaching environment. Curious about our other class offerings? See our updated class list!