The latest installment of Rowan Magazine, issue 48, has landed and with it comes a wealth of delicious alpaca yarns straight from the Andes.

As always, the meticulous British knitwear magazine offers a glimpse into faraway cultures with breathtaking photography and unparalleled design.

The first 'story', Nomad, is a collection of garments for both men and women knit with chunky yarn. Complex cables and textured stitches adorn cushy knits that are reminiscent of Aran fishermen's sweaters.

Russian Doll, the second 'story', is a collection of rich and vibrant colorwork pieces. The patterns, inspired by Eastern European folk design, are an enchanting look into a different time and place.

Lastly, Timeless, is a collection of understated feminine designs. Evocative of the voluptuous garments from the 1940s, these simple patterns are elegant and sophisticated without being overbearing.

Also included in this issue are two interviews, one with the legendary Martin Storey, and a look into the Rowan Jewelry Design Award. A stunning photo journal, this is one magazine you won't want to take off your coffee table.

	Alpaca Cotton Just in, the newly-milled Alpaca Cotton is a indulgence not to be missed. Superfine alpaca fiber has been spun around a central cotton core thread, creating a yarn that is so soft and weightless that it feels like down. Knit at a worsted weight gauge, with over 140 yards per ball, this lush yarn is also practical for those warm winter knits we'll be needing soon enough.
Felted Tweed An annual favorite, Felted Tweed is the go-to yarn for many when it comes to autumn knits. A bouncy blend of alpaca, wool, and rayon, this yarn is soft, warm, and simply gorgeous to knit. Now available in a collection of earthy autumn colors, Felted Tweed is definitely going to hold its own when the leaves change this fall.
	Lima The only word for this new favorite is 'decadent'. Spun from the finest baby alpaca and Merino, Lima is, quite simply, a sinful experience. Released last fall, it sold out in record time and continued to garner adoration around the globe. Determined to stay ahead of the competition, Lima has also released a collection of new fall colors that will make knitters drool.

Rare and exotic treats from the mountains of Peru and Chile aren't the only new releases from Rowan for the fall season. Be sure to check out Rowan Yarns for new colors of Wool Cotton and a brand new British Sheep Breeds yarn!

It's been hard to keep this to ourselves, but now that the colors have been determined, we can let you in on the 'secret', too!

For the past three months, we've been coordinating with Madelinetosh, Handmaiden, Abstract Fiber, Koigu, happiest girl! Dyeworks, and Shibui Knits to bring our Sock Club members a year they'll never forget.

Inspired by four seasons in Portland, the colorways for the 2010 Club are going to be anything but drab or ordinary. With colorways named Oregon Mist, Blossom Storm, and Rose Festival, we think you'll agree that the yarns this year will be as unique and unusual as the city that created them.

With less than 50 memberships left, we hope you'll consider joining our 2010 Sock Club, because this will truly be a year to remember!

The Fibre Company has been devoted to creating beautiful, all-natural yarns for years. Sourced from around the world, their uncommon line of luxury yarns is something of a lesson in world geography, with names inspired by their native habitats.

Savannah A toothy blend of wool, cotton, linen, and soy, Savannah is a delicious summery yarn. Strands of the four fibers twist into a heathered yarn with a slight shimmer and a simply fascinating texture. 50% wool, Savannah will offer substantial 'memory', while the cellulose fibers release heat. Perfect for tropical climes, this is a great go-to yarn for sweaters, accessories, and day-to-day knitting.

Canopy An old favorite from the popular domestic mill, Canopy is a luscious fingering weight yarn that has no end of uses. Baby alpaca, Merino, and bamboo make for an unlikely (and amazing) blend that is simply magnificent to work with. Now available in even more colors, Canopy is ideal for colorwork and other fine-gauge projects.

Looking for another favorite by The Fibre Company? Don't miss out on the new colors of Road To China Light and Road To China Worsted (with more coming soon!).

You know what you want. You can even see it in your mind's eye. But finding that perfect bag in the real world? No such luck.

Suffer frustration no longer! LeBrie Rich, the Portland queen of felt, has room for two more students in her upcoming Felted Handbag Of Your Dreams workshop on Sunday, August 1st.

A full-day introduction into wet-felting with wool, this workshop will cover designing and felting a completely unique handbag that you will design and take home at the end of class.

But register soon, because space is limited and August 1st is fast approaching.

We've been listening to your requests, reading your emails and letters, and brainstorming for months now.

After a slight restructuring, we've developed a method of shipping orders at a lower rate in order to save our favorite people in the world (guess who?) money on shipping costs.

Now available for all domestic orders weighing under 13 oz, we're offering First Class & Media Mail shipping. Due to changes in the USPS regulations, we regret that we cannot offer this option to international orders or on domestic orders weighing in excess of 13 oz (*including packaging).

Don't worry; Priorty Mail will remain as an option for customers who want it need it gotta have it now. Simply choose your preferred shipping method during checkout when First Class Mail is available for your order.

We always love to get feedback from you, and would like to encourage you to continue contacting us with suggestions, comments, and even praise. Look forward to more changes this fall that were suggested by some of the smartest people we know... you!

It's not exactly a secret that we're big fans of Helga Isager, the chic designer behind Amimono. Our latest Helga infatuation is due to her new book, Strikketoj, a full-length book focused on the fashion of the 20th century.

Inspired by pop icons, period trends, and important figures of the time, each design is dated to a specific decade. A costumer's dream, the collection ranges from the sensuous clothes of the Belle Epoque to the sharp and Mod clothing of the 60s and 70s.

Written with a wide variety of sizes (from child to adult unisex), this book is a marvelous resource for Isager knitters looking for something new. A special project, this publication was printed in limited quantities. If you want to knit a blast from the past, grab the book now because soon it'll be history, too!

One of the most encouraging things we've heard again and again is how much knitters enjoy our Newsletter. A fact that we find heartening, because we endeavor to bring our subscribers all the news on what's happening in the industry as well as tips and tricks and fun facts.

After so much acclaim, we've decided to include an article every week on something we think you'll find interesting, amusing, or simply educational. Topics will range from news, tutorials, recommendations, to quirky factoids about Knit Purl and Portland. This week, we wanted to highlight the information-packed Malabrigo Sheep Week.

Malabrigo Yarns, an Uruguayan company devoted to sustainable and affordable yarns, has devoted themselves to encouraging local shepherds. Their student intern, Hannah, is an American knitter who has been documenting her experiences there on her blog and on the Malabrigo Yarns blog. Recent posts have included a look into the Malabrigo herds that produce the yarns we all love so much. If you've ever wondered about where Malabrigo yarn comes from, these are a series of posts not to be missed!

And before you go to read about micron counts and sheep in Paysandu, remember to look for a scintillating article on the Shanghai Tunnels of Portland in the next Newsletter.