new books in the shop

Shelves are overflowing! Just finished unpacking a large order (well....more like huge...) of new books. All ages, all subjects and plenty of THE hot trend of the year: coloring books.

Still with wet ink from the printers..... a 2016 Secret Garden Calendar! The book, Secret Garden by Johanna Basford triggered the start of an adult coloring book craze earlier this year. Publishers are just now finally restocked and we hall all her titles including the newest, Lost Oceans.

Plenty of other coloring books to choose from. I'm loving the idea of coloring calendars...

Girly girl coloring books.....bright, shiny, sparkly and fun....

 Now this is cool.....cityscapes from all over and in different perspectives....

My favorite are the bird's eye views...

We've worked hard stocking up with lots of coloring pencils, pens, markers....you name it. 

My favorite: water color pencils!

Another of the hot coloring books this season..... Harry Potter! Yep. He's back. This is first of several due to release in upcoming months. Perfect for any fan regardless their age (I've seen grown women jump with joy on seeing this....).

Talking about Harry Potter...let's transition to the new kids books in the shop....

This is a fully colored illustrated version of Sorcerer's Stone. It can tide us over while we wait anxiously for the new Harry Potter plays (set to debut next year) and an entirely new kids series by JK expected soon.

Another new series for those who loved Rick Riordan and his Percy Jackson series: Magnus Chase is similar but set in far northern climes within the pantheon of Nordic Gods and Goddesses....

 One of the very popular series for middle school readers: Land of Stories by Chris Colfer. All four titles in the shop along with a brand new addition.... Two new tales....smaller fairy tales from the series given whole books to develop....

Younger early readers also have something new: Latest Adventures of Sophie Mouse! 

Adorable series perfect for those learning to read. 

Lemony Snicket has new addition too... And we have all of them in house!

For the young adult (and adult) mystery fans who enjoy historicals with touch of steam-punk; Sherlockian elements with touches of Bram Stoker.  Chess Queen Enigma is latest installment that began with Clockwork Scarab.

Now let's shift to titles for adults:
 

Hmmm...Kevin Costner co-writing a new adventure series. Okay....usually celebrities fancying themselves as authors not so good....except for this book. This one is very unusual and inventive. It's part graphic novel/adventure tale/historical fiction. Very old-world looking pages that feel wonderful too.

Don't ask me how they made the pages feel so soft and delicate! 

Perfect book for someone who loves unique books. A truly unique gift book.

We love mysteries series around here and some new installments have arrived:

 This time around Mr. Churchill's Secretary is now Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante...

 Sherlock Holmes is back.....this time from Moriarty's perspective. Recognize the the author? He is the creator of the BBC Foyle's War series. I'm missing Mr. Foyle....wish he didn't retire....

It's the only time the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate has sanctioned new Sherlock stories and they're excellent. 

As for interesting non-fiction....

Here are two of my favorites in the micro-history department. Lucy Worsley is a wonderfully witty British historian (her office is at the Hampton Court....you know....Henry VIII's old digs?). One looks at the history of the home.... the other is the historical genesis of English Murder. Starts with real life cases that inspired a new genre that evolves into classic British greats like Agatha Christie. Fun non-fiction at its best.

This lovely red one with funny name, SPQR is a little tongue in cheek. This year the "hefty, doorstop gift book" on all the "must-read" book lists has the same title. The doorstop is a new controversial history of Rome.  Since I couldn't nab a copy (out of stock until next year) I stumbled across this lovely, light-hearted fun-fact book (literally pounds lighter and inches thinner). Much better choice! Who has time to read a dry, dense, academic history book that will just gather dust on the night stand? Grab this one instead! It's a compendium of obscure, odd and hilarious factoids. And any book that has "miscellany" in the title always catches my eye.

Here's another hot title: a literary atlas....literally. It's full of maps inspired by classic books. Great gift - think illustrated picture book for fans of great literature!  

Final three highlighted novels in historical fiction.

 Story of the invention of printing press in novel form. I'm a sucker for anything Gutenberg.

Next is intrigue at the Tudor Court, post-Henry and pre-Elizabeth. Set during reign of Bloody Mary it's told by three women...all actual historical figures: The two younger Grey sisters (older sis Jane got the ax thanks to Mary), and a well-know court painter, Levina Teerlinc. If you like this period, women's history, art and court intrigue....you'll enjoy this

.

Finally, I've saved this spot for a dearly loved series of mine from years ago by Judith Merkle Riley.

,

Our heroine is a gifted, determined girl wanting to tell her life story. Not so easy for a 14th century illiterate woman...but she perseveres and in the process we glimpse medieval life at it's fullest. Merkle Riley always had a spot on my staff pics shelf at the bookstore. Now with new reissues, I'm highlighting this sentimental favorite deserving some love. Perfect for those loving medieval tales to read on rainy, stormy winter nights. 

Happy Reading! 

Pillow of the Month Series

It's time to start our Pillow of the Month, a new  technique-based series. It's a fun variation on the block of the month idea but with more variety.

Each month it's a different pattern that helps build skills and let's you experiment with a variety of yarns. At the end you'll have a lovely new pillow or several pillows. We have the first 6 months selected with at least another potential batch of patterns in the wings for the next series. I hyperventilate at the thought of planning a whole year in advance so the other 6 are quietly waiting their turn to debut from Apr-Sep! 

Sign up for the whole series (6 pillows) or just individual classes.*  Price is reasonable: 6 class series $75 (bonus: a 15% discount on your supplies). Or just pick single class for $15 each (Jan Entrelac $20).Call, email, buy online or pop into the shop to sign up for one or all classes.

#1: Honeycomb Mini Pillow

Oct 17th (Sat)  2-4pm

 

The Honeycomb Mini is an easy to follow slip-stitch pattern using two different yarns. It looks impressive and people think you're a genius at blending all those colors! But it's a secret trick: Use a Noro yarn! This sample uses one ball each of Juniper Moon Moonshine and Noro Taiyo. It fits a 12" pillow form (which seems more like a 10" size). You'll learn a provisional cast-on, the pattern stitch, and practice your seaming skills. During the class we'll talk various finishing techniques. If you find you want help with the actual seaming we can tackle it together during a drop-in Sun or Mon session. Enroll here Or call/email us to save a spot for you.

Here's peek at the other 5 classes:

#2 Falling Leaves 

Nov 21  2-4pm

This pillow is a Ladyship Designs pattern. I'm using worsted-weight Berroco Ultra Alpaca. It's larger - more like an 18" size pillow form. Another impressive-yet-easy to follow lace pattern. Technique is straightforward once you set-up stitch markers etc....

#3 Tweedy Cables

Dec 12  2-4pm

December is about easy, chunky and fast cables. This Agnes cushion uses a new yarn called Brisbane. But you can use any chunky yarn. I'm casting on first with Berroco's Inca Tweed....or Ultra Alpaca Chunky.....can't decide. Really craving tweed at the moment though. This is a good way to learn cables. Another knitters trick: People think cables are impressive....but they are one of easiest things to knit! Impress friends and family with your mad knitting skills once you venture into the land of cables. And cables are easy enough for binge watching all those holiday movies on the Hallmark channel!

#4 Noro Entrelac

Jan TBD: mid month probably

 

We'll put our thinking caps on and concentrate next year for this pillow!  This pattern is probably the trickiest in terms of techniques...hence scheduling this in Jan after the busy holiday season. Entrelac is perfect for Noro colorways. This #16 Entrelac pattern calls for Silk Garden but Kureyon or Kureopatora....any worsted-striping yarn works....and makes about an 18" pillow.

#5 Big Intarsia Heart 

Feb

Found this pattern by Satsuma Street Knits on Ravelry and just love it. A perfect intro to intarsia, another slightly tricky technique but with practice not so hard. It's all in how you twist the different yarns in the row. Here we'll play with using bobbins! Yes....more special tools!

6# Aran Sampler  

Mar

In the spirit of all things Irish this month we'll tackle more complicated cables for this Aran-sweater-style Fisherman's Dream pattern. Here we'll work with multiple cable charts, but it's an intuitive pattern that flows once you get going. At end you'll not be intimidated by charts ever again! 

There you have it! A fun series with plenty of variety, new skills and fast, easy to manage projects. I think pillows are my new favorite thing to make!

Holiday Blankets-of-Love KAL

We're busy brainstorming a big community knit/crochet along. Our Goal: Make as many beautiful handmade blankets for families who lost so much in the devastating Butte Fire by Dec 21. Patterns are queued up, discounts for yarns purchased and prizes to be had for fastest fingers who whips up the most blankets.

 

It's holiday deadline since families will need some extra-special comfort and joy. We know at least 21 families just at Calaveras High. Figured this is a good goal to start with: Enough blankets to wrap them up with handmade hugs for the holidays. But by no means do we have to stop at 20+! Let's see just how many we can create.

Feel free to come in and we'll help you pick out yarns. We'll give 15% discount on yarn purchases for this KAL to boot . Prefer to go stash-busting? See guides on yardage and yarn sizes below. If you plan to join in the KAL let us know so we can keep you in the loop: call, email or stop by the shop. Don't forget to drop in on Sun or Mon 2-4pm to knit-along with us.

Suggested Pattern

  
I've highlighted a perfect basic pattern below. But by all means it's not limited to this one pattern. Scroll down for other pattern ideas, guides on yardage and stash-busting tips.

Purl Soho has several easy garter stripe blankets that are perfect. Because it's now mid-Oct and holidays looming.... I suggest using the Super Easy Lap Blanket patterns:

It's takes about 1000-1200 yards of aran/chunky yarn (4 st = 1" gauge) on a #10 or #11 needle. Makes up apx. 35" x 44" which is nice lap blanket size. Garter stitch is very stretchy so it will grow bigger than you think. Aim for a fluid drape so not too tight a gauge-go up a needle size if it feels too dense. Pattern calls for 7 colors-but easy to use more/less colors.

It's super easy-peasy: cast on, knit until time to join next color, bind off when you're out of colors. Perfect mindless knitting that yields spectacular results.There are several versions of this easy stripe blanket: dk, bulky. And a crochet version too.

 

Other free blanket pattern ideas

KNIT

Squishy Log Cabin

Thick & Think Stripes: Hudson Bay

Bias Square Blanket

Half-Log Cabin Ombre

CROCHET

Vicki Howell's Chevy Ripple

Bear's Rainbow Blanket

Crochet Super Easy Blanket

Here's quick yardage-at-glance guide

 

This gives you ballpark idea of how much you'll need. If worried about running out add a 10%  cushion. Beauty of using the Purl Soho pattern: Just knit up whole skein/hank/ball. Then switch to next color.

Stash busting Tips

Want to go through your stash? Pick same weight yarns. Want to really use up the stash? Consider holding multiple strands together. It yields a super squishy blanket and gets rid of yarn like crazy! Here's rough guide:

Pick needle size  to match your size yarn. Don't make it too tight. Garter stitch is best on loose side for a cushy, cuddly style blanket.

Maisie's Mystery Mailings: A seasonal subscription

 

Welcome to the debut of the Maisie's Mystery Mailings! 

After years of rumination, discussion, and planning. . . it's finally happening. Our new seasonal subscription series is a reality. In a nutshell: We hand pick great stuff and ship it out 4x a year.

Ooooooohhhh! Pretty things automatically arrive on  my doorstep! How exciting!!

We love a good mystery so of course its a surprise. If you like our shop and what we stock you'll enjoy our mystery parcels.

Yes, a bit of trust is involved but that's part of the fun. Hints will undoubtedly surface because Kim frankly has hard time keeping secrets!

Love getting mail? Enjoy surprises and mysteries? You trust us? Then sign on up!

The debut mailing is a knit theme....but future mailings will expand to include options (books, gifts, kids). This first mailing we want to test the waters, get the kinks out. Never fear....there's future plans with something for everyone. Someone (ahem....Kim) is chomping at the bit to go crazy and have a gazillion options....but practicality means success hence this first mailing is knit-centric.

Nitty-gritty Details

Choose 1 box (once) or 4 box (whole shebang)**
We ship seasonally: Autumn (Oct) Midwinter (Jan) Spring (Apr) and Summer (Jul).
Price: $49.99 + tax & shipping each box.

Subscribe:  Purchase before Sep 25th for Oct 1 shipment. 

online
 
**Special Promo: Subscribe to all 4 mailings & your final box receives a $20 discount as our thank you for joining in the fun.  We bill as we go. Subscribing now pops you into queue for future mailings-which are first come first serve re: color choice. A week prior to shipping we email an invoice. You can pay it online, or call us with your cc#. Once paid, your box is prepped, packed and then shipped out.

Autumn 2015 Mailing Hints

This inaugural Autumn box will make a nice dent in your holiday gift-making list. Could be an early holiday present special treat just for you. Maybe you have a knitterly loved one or friend....well "bob's your uncle" and you're holiday shopping is done!

It's not super-duper hard to make and you'll learn a few new techniques and play with variety of  yarns. If you live nearby, pop into our free drop-in sessions Sun & Mon 2-4pm for help and enthusiastic encouragement. 

Colors are first come and we could run out so don't delay. At checkout pick a color option: neutral, cools, warm or...."surprise me" to let us choose for the full-on mystery experience. Need needles or notions? Select to add to your cart what's needed. Hit buy then sit back and eagerly await for Oct mailings to arrive. *include a note at checkout if prefer in-store pickup. we'll credit you the shipping instead*

"What's specifically in the mailing?" you ask. Can't tell you that....it's a surprise!!

 Well.....okay....just a few hints.....to tempt you.....

Yarns (notice plural...) for 2 projects and a pattern booklet (with a 7  total patterns)...maybe some extra pattern freebies throw in for good measure. It comes with a write up (tips, tricks, links or other useful bits to make things go smoothly).

Kim's dying to show sneak peeks of the colors but is bound by a Confidentiality Agreement of Surprise .... penalties are stiff: she must focus to finish a project before casting on a new one. But.....secrets are not her forte.....so future spoilers may appear....just sayin'.....


Deadline: Sep 25th cut off date to be in Oct 1st  Mystery Mailing

Watch the blog to see the Box Reveal post sometime in mid-Oct. You'll see details and FO's (well....that's the plan if Kim can focus long enough to finish the shop samples....) We'll have a buy option post-reveal for those regretting missing out of the fun (or those who prefer a procrastination route.....just like one Sister who shall remain nameless.... but first name starts with a K).