For most knitters, knitting is such an ancient craft that it often feels like we've discovered everything that can be done with needles and yarn.

Lucky for us, Cat Bordhi is a knitting revolutionary who constantly tests the boundaries of modern knitting. Her latest revelation is an entirely new way to make socks that is, quite frankly, different from anything we've ever seen.

Her new book, Personal Footprints, is devoted to teaching knitters to make socks that are customized to fit a person's "footprint" exactly. The technique starts out innocuously enough; worked from the toe up, the sole is first made to match a tracing of the person's foot, then the heel is worked. Seems simple, right? Not quite. The foot is worked as a tube and then opened after decreasing the heel (another new technique), to start again at the ankle. Cat insists that this new method of sock knitting leads to better fitted socks that will hug your feet perfectly.

In addition to the in-depth instructions and diagrams that explain the process thoroughly (for both two circulars or DPNs), the book also includes twenty-five patterns that are all constructed using this new "Personal Footprint" method. If you're a technique-phile, or simply love knitting socks, this is the book that needs to be added to your library this Fall. Try your hand at making a pair of "Personal Footprint" socks, and revel in the fact that you're experiencing a knitting milestone!

If we expected anything when we posted a preview of Yvonne, one of CocoKnits' new patterns, in our last Newsletter, it wasn't the influx of excited calls, emails and store visits we'd get - all in search of "that orange wrap".

Well, Yvonne did arrive in the store last week and after filling all the pre-orders we had unexpectedly received, we still have several copies of this spectacular pattern on hand. If you're one of the many knitters who saw Yvonne and immediately fell in love, we're glad to announce that we do have the pattern in stock for your knitting (and wearing!) pleasure.

Made with sport weight alpaca, such as Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca (see Treat Yourself), this soft and drapey vest provides warmth without bulk. Moreover, the flattering design is constructed in a unique manner. The majority of the piece is worked in the round, in a giant circle. The back is picked up from the inside edge, knitted across the center, and then grafted to the other side. A fun and simple pattern, it's ideal for layering in cold weather, and should prove to be a quick knit.

And, while you're checking out the yarn and gauge requirements for Yvonne, be sure to pay the CocoKnits page a quick visit - we have several new patterns on the website, including Marina, Snap, and Zip!

Inspired by the many animals required to traverse the long and perilous Silk Road, new Road to China Light is a luxury yarn we challenge any knitter to resist. Knitting with this baby alpaca/ cashmere/ camel/ silk blend is, quite honestly, a purely decadent experience. Softer than down and dyed in intense jewel tones, it wouldn't have been out of place in a silk trader's collection.
Similar to the original Road to China, the new "Light" version offers a more exotic blend of fibers at an unbeatable value. With over 150 yards per 50g skein, this luscious sport weight yarn is already a staff favorite that we predict will be a customer favorite very, very soon.

Seduced by the fiber content, but don't know what to make? Well, two skeins will provide more than enough yardage for our Simple Lace Scarf. Whereas, five to seven skeins will make a sweater or shawl you'll never want to take off. See this issue's Treat Yourself (on the sidebar) for more information and suggestions. But do it soon, because we have a feeling this yarn is going to sell out fast!

It's always a pleasure to find patterns for fine gauge sweaters. While worsted weight and bulky sweaters are fun to knit and undeniably quick to finish, there's something so professional about light-weight knits. Which is why we were very pleased to find Hannah Fettig's Featherweight Cardigan available in print.

About as heavy as a handful of Eider down when finished, this sleek and flattering cardi will look great in any wardrobe and be sure to garner many "Where did you buy that sweater?" inquiries.

Knit with lace or fingering weight yarn, this gauzy cardigan features a moderate gauge on 4mm/ US 6 needles. Originally made with Malabrigo Lace Baby, we think it would be simply gorgeous made with Canopy or Road to China Light.

Get ready to expand your knitting and think outside the box during this spectacular class on designing colorwork hats.

Portlander Mary Scott Huff, author of The New Stranded Knitting (due for release this Fall), will have you testing your own creativity with this intensive workshop. Discover the many possibilities colorwork offers in both design and construction.

Because Mad Hatters: Stranded Colorwork was such a popular class at both TKGA and Stitches West, we recommend participants register early in order to not miss out!

We're perfectly willing to admit it: we love sparkly, beaded yarns as much as the next magpie knitter.

And we're fairly certain that you do, too, considering how quickly ArtYarns & Tilli Tomas yarns fly out the door! Which is why we didn't even hesitate when ArtYarns asked if we wanted to try out their latest glitzy creation, Beaded Mohair.

A delicious silk/ mohair blend (very similar to Silk Cloud or Kidsilk Haze), this soft and fuzzy worsted weight yarn has been stranded with clear, silver-lined beads that glitter like diamonds. The delicate halo and silk core gives the yarn a Film Noir-esque glow that only adds to its charisma.

Perfect for eye-catching accessories and simple garments (trust us, the yarn is decoration enough by itself!), we're sure Beaded Mohair will be a top pick this season - especially with holiday parties just around the corner...

There's something irresistable about baby knits. Even knitters who don't know anyone expecting a wee one are mysteriously drawn to the baby books and patterns.

It might be the fact that baby knits are so small and tend to offer instant gratification; but we think it's simply because most baby patterns are too cute for words.

The latter is definitely true of Debbie Bliss' more recent baby book, Booties, Blankets, and Bears. A brand-new collection of twenty designs, this book is a little different than what we've previously seen from Debbie. Centered around the theme of baby blankets, booties, and knit toys, we find a series of imaginative patterns that reinterpret traditional gifts with flair and style.

With so many adorable patterns in one place, knitters might just starting looking for pregnant women to befriend. Sounds crazy? Wait 'til you see the knited mouse and rabbit patterns!

No, this isn't a game of "Where's Waldo?", we're talking about the first sock in the 2010 Sock Club!

Designed by Kristin Spurkland, author of The Knitting Man(ual), this beautiful sock pattern was inspired by the Spurkland family homestead in Norway.

With rippling cables and twists, showcased in Chameleon Colorwork's shimmery Twinkle Toes, the design brings to mind the numerous winding fjords found across the Norwegian countryside.

Interested in learning more? Check out the Knit Purl Sock Club KAL Group on ravelry, or sign up for our Sock Club before registration closes for good!