Crazy Chaotic Days of Summer....make that Autumn.....

August (then September.....and now October) was/is crazy hectic for our family and thus the shop. Hopefully our crises are managed, the big looming life events successfully embraced and life at our shop can chug along (with the help of our lovely helpers!) One boon: Autumn arrived!  We left to take my son to college in triple digits and two days later it was 70 and cold! Then awesome rain. Even the weather was doing it's best to ease my transition into Empty Nest! 

New Stuff On The Shelves

Malabrigo Ultimate Sock! 

Exciting to get Malabrigo back into the shop! They've consistently chugged along all these years with lovely hand-dyed yarns with still affordable prices. The new Ultimate Sock here and a perfect blend of their hand-dye palette with a superwash wool sock yarn, now with touch of nylon! This adds great durability to items....especially toes and heels. Perfect for hats, garments too. Hanks are 100g (420yds) with gauge of 30-32 sts 4" on #1-3 needle. In our shop and online. 

Malabrigo Mohair!

Mohair projects such fun. Having classic malabrigo colorways a huge boon! Read details on website. Ready to preorder. Order due to arrive in the shop/ready to ship after Oct 18th. It's literally brand-spanking new so will probably still smell. 

TIP:We love double stranding mohair with another yarn to create unique blends. Plus it bumps up the gauge too. Great way to use up stash and/or cotton blends to make them cool weather friendly.

Doubling Rule of thumb:

Fingering + Fingering = Sport

Fingering + Sport = DK

Fingering + DK = worsted

Fingering + Worsted = Aran

and so on.....

Dream In Color Savvy

You'll probably recognize this company's name. Dream in Color is a well-known and beloved yarn line. Savvy is a new super bulky superwash extra fine merino hand-dyed (say that 5x fast!), It's SO SOFT AND SNUGGLY! Great for fast gifts as we move towards gift-giving season. And yes I said "superwash"! 

addi Ewenicorn Needles

Addi fans rejoice! The newest needle line, Ewenicorn has arrived. Designed with subtle ridges spiraling up to the lovely pointy lace needle tip. These ridges create subtle ergonomic effect (grip it less as needle doesn't slip in fingers). The special pink cords are the SOS lifeline style for an added feature. 

Similar to the Rocket Squared needles in performance but with the bonus SOS-style cord. Currently available 24" - 40" lengths at the moment. For 16" circulars we suggest the Rockets Squared. Gradually getting our products online so have a gander at what's up there. Don't see something? Just ask us to special order! 

On The Bookshelf

Latest Ruth Galloway in hardcover #14 Locked Rooms. New paperback of  #13 Night Hawks. I adore this series and Ruth...but confess a reluctance to crack open the hardcover of newest installment. It's set during the covid lockdown and just not ready to read about it....yet. 

  

In meantime I've nearly finished wither her Magic Men Mystery Series. Heartily endorse! Once again lovely characters, lots of murders, plenty of local color (post-war Brighton). Will be sad once last book finished. 

Beautiful New Miss Marples! 

Happy to stock these new gorgeous paperback editions of all the Miss Marple Mysteries by Agatha Christie.  Recently found this newly published version with stunning covers. Published to coincide with the release of this hardcover (hopefully sitting in a book delivery dropped by UPS today): 

Marple: 12 New Miss Marple Mysteries written by 12 contemporary mystery writers as their homage to Miss Marple's influence upon their careers. This should be a fun red! Elly Griffiths contributed too. It's how I discovered this new book and beautiful new editions of my hero Miss Marple!

• EVIL IN SMALL PLACES by Lucy Foley
• THE SECOND MURDER AT THE VICARAGE by Val McDermid
• MISS MARPLE TAKES MANHATTAN by Alyssa Cole
• THE UNRAVELLING by Natalie Haynes
• MISS MARPLE’S CHRISTMAS by Ruth Ware
• THE OPEN MIND by Naomi Alderman
• THE JADE EMPRESS by Jean Kwok
• A DEADLY WEDDING DAY by Dreda Say Mitchel
• MURDER AT THE VILLA ROSA by Elly Griffiths
• THE MURDERING SORT by Karen M. McManus
• THE MYSTERY OF THE ACID SOIL by Kate Mosse
• THE DISAPPEARANCE by Leigh Bardugo

Pssst...... I have a secret. I've watched all the various tv version multiple times (Joan Hickson my favorite!) but I've never read one! I know!! Maybe now there's pretty covers I'll get around to them! 

Meet Tilly - Maisie's cousin 

She finally arrived! Her fashion style tends to "eclectic" and "throw everything on".... But she loves to model and show off our shop samples. Nice to have an in-house model, even if she's a bit of a forgetful nudist sometimes! We had a serious chat when she was caught topless few weeks back. LOL 

Her current ensemble pictured on the Right. She's modeling Berroco Modern Cotton Skirt with a stylish cropped card in a new summer yarn Vivo. She accessorized with perfect warm weather scarf, Delphine in Modern Cotton DK. And we're happy she's put her top on today! Somedays she channels her inner Amazonian Queen..... 

Whew..... this newsletter took months to finally send! Quick heads up to mark calendars: 

Noro Night

Oct 27th 4-6pm 

More details in next week's newsletter....but wanted Noro Nuts to save the date for a fun night with our hilarious Noro Rep, Gilda. She's knows Noro inside and out, has tons of great pattern ideas and always makes us laugh way too much! We plan to raise a glass to the memory of the amazing Eisaku Noro, creator and visionary behind this favorite brand. Bring along your Noro stash, projects, wips and help us celebrate the uniquely wonderful Noro yarns. 

New Stuff: Lykke Cypra Sets & Lantern Moon Ebony Line

 Cypra Needles

This week discovered our little shop one of a few to get the Lykke Cypra Needles sets! (Don't judge me still using pumpkins and fall leaves for display....it looks awesome with the gorgeous chocolate suede cases! LOL) 

New from Lykke the long-awaited for metal option to their popular wood and bamboo interchangeable needle sets. Made from pure, unsealed copper so over time a beautiful patina emerges. Or you can do special cleaning regime to keep shiny, just like a brand new penny. Details from Lykke:

CYPRA COPPER NEEDLES are made from 100% copper and will acquire a lovely soft patina with continued use or if preferred, the copper needles will remain bright and shiny by using our specially-developed Copper Polishing Cloths. This add-on accessory product is a two-part system containing an inner cloth that is treated with a trade-secret formula to remove tarnish and to restore luster without scratching or removing the finish. The 100% cotton outer cloth provides a gleaming shiny finish. 

Last spring, my rep emailed, saying I needed to get in the queue for the next new Lykke needle. Here's a peek at our converstion about Cypra needles sets:

Rep: "You should order and get in the queue now for Cypra. Going to be hot and sell out fast. And they're copper!" 

Me: "Copper? Ick....will they make fingers smell like pennies?!" (I hate that smell.....)

Rep: "No! But there's awesome properties with using and wearing copper, so they're healthy too...." LOL 

Me: "Oh! I just read a new study out on how copper is a great virus-killer, it stops cold viruses on contact. So in therory can I use my new needles when I run out of Zicam swabs?" (I am addicted to Zicam....)

Rep: ROTHFLOL "Kim I can't suggest you stick needle up your nose to prevent covid or colds.....but..... we could tell Lykke there's a new selling point to add to the marketing sell sheet" (She falls off chair again, ROTHFLOL) 

Me: "Okay...sold...order me up some!" 

We love our Rep's great sense of humor and spend too much time laughing during our appointments. I promised not to use my needles for anything other than knitting.... 

Cypra includes a new, clear memory-free, swivel style cord and have both metric and US sizes etched onto needle. You get a generous ranges of sizes, cords and accessories compared to other brands:

3.5" tip set includes:

• 9 pairs IC  tips  (US 3 - 10.5)
• 4 x clear MEMORY-FREE Swivel Cables (2-12", 1-16", 1-20" lemgths)
• 2 connector
• 4 keys 
• 8 stoppers
• Vegan Suede handcrafted case
• Great for small circumference projects like socks, hats, and children's clothing.

5" tip set includes:

• 12 pairs of IC (US 4 - 17)
• 5 x clear MEMORY-FREE Swivel Cables (2-24", 2-32", 1-40" lengths)
• 2 connectors
• 4 keys
• 8 stoppers
• Vegan Suede handcrafted case!

LYKKE stands behind their products and guarantees your set for 5 years against manufacturer's defects. You can contact them for warranty issues at Lykke Crafts Warranty. Only few sets left and listed up online with all our Lykke Sets.

Useful Tips & Tricks

• Use the key to tighten when putting tips onto the cords. A non-negotiable step. You think you can hand-tighten enough.,...but trust us....you can't. We've tested it and the tips stay on when we use the key. Sometimes after a long session of knitting I notice one tip slightly unscrews a bit. Then I just get my key, tighten and back to work I go. If I don't use the key....then I'm seeing the tips unscrew right away. So hang onto those magical little keys! 

• Interchangeable cords make great stitch holders. With the stoppers you have a ready-made stitch holder. Nothing worse than a bunch of stitches on those straight, hard plastic and long stitich holders that just get in the way. Instead put a stopper on end and a needle tip on other. Transfer your stitches to this cord. Remove needle tip and replace with the stoppers. Bing bam boom! A much nicer stitch holder! 

Lantern Moon's Ebony Needles, Hooks & Fabric Cases

Just a quick blurb for now since hot off the delivery truck. Lantern Moon is back and launched these new needles and fabric cases. I'm using a pair to swatch and liking how they feel. The needle and hook storage cases are a lovely. Alas...no case for straight needles, but options for circulars, interchangeables and hooks.  

Next week I vow to talk books! Promise. Wanted to get word out we have the Cypra's because they're hard to come by right now. Glad I listen when told to get in the queue! LOL 

new arrivals: yarney goodies

 Upcoming Event Reminders
May 7  Maisieblue's 1st Homegrown Fashion Show  7-9pm  
May 17  Magic Ball Party
May 3&4 Cast on Cecelia Blanket for May KAL
No Knit Night May 14th (Happy Bday Mosey!)
 ---------
 
Lots of new arrivals these past months. Here's some highlights

(warning: it's a long one....grab a cup of tea or coffee.....) 

Addi Rockets Needles

Addi Fans Rejoice.  The Rockets have landed. A perfect blend of the Addi Turbo speedy metal finish with the sharper Lace needle tips attached the signature flexible cables. Sharper tips and no metal smell as you knit. Love them!

New Yarn Company: Classic Elite Yarns

Liberty Wool: workhorse self-striping colorful superwash wool. Worsted weight and perfect for kid-friendly projects. Lovely, sprongy feel that makes me want to keep knitting. We set up a monthly subscription so 2 new colorways each month!

Chateau & Chalet: ooh la la so soft and scrunchy! A chainette constructed bulky in an absolutely soft to the skin yarn. Perfect for bulky accessories that are super soft next to skin. Super fast to knit so perfect for getting jump on gift-knitting.

Berroco Spring/Summer 2015

What a stunning collection this season! Huge amount of new patterns and new fantastic warm-weather yarns. It's the largest pattern release they've had - 8 booklets!.

 

All the patterns here, most of the new yarns with few more arriving in May. We also can easily do special orders for any Berroco stuff. Just let us know what you'll need.

New Berroco Yarns

Mixer
Mixer. This is a thick/very thin, shiny/matt, smooth/rough type of yarn. Definitely more like a novelty just for the wide range of textures/size. But end result stunning. Check here for colors and patterns. Has potential for fun accessories or when you want a bit o' bling-bling!

Our Diana shop sample just arrived today! And it's just like this one:

 Indigo

Indigo just arrived-still sitting in the box! Pulled a few out to take a beauty shot to show it off. I'm showing restraint from casting on that cover cardigan....but it's taking a huge effort......

A fantastic yarn from recycled denim! Rustic but soft hand and durable....washable! It's similar to Remix but stronger and thinner - more of a DK gauge. Perfect for garments and kids items. A Homerun Berroco! Have a feeling we'll be seeing this in their line for many many seasons. Our shop sample of Prickly Poppy just arrived yesterday and it's in a color we actually ordered (which doesn't always happen....)!

Shop sample: Prickly Poppy in #6452 Monroe (deeper raspberry in person than this pic

Returning Favorites  

Modern Cotton Soft, washable pima cotton/rayon blend, an extensive palette. Cool to the touch with a hint of sheen = fantastic summer yarn. You know it's a favorite yarn when I order up 20+ colors....including black (because that doesn't happen often because frankly black isn't easy to knit or crochet)!  Pattern inspiration

 

 

 

 

Berroco has this lovely free pattern Carioca which looks like a perfect summer cardi

Carioca: Love the lace details!

Another massive favorite: Folio. I can not express just how much I love this yarn! Adore it. Super soft, amazingly versatile and just yummy. Wide range of colors (again pretty much all colors they make so you know I love it). Right now I'm making a bias stole in all the purples. It's stockinette and I totally don't care! That's how much I love this yarn. The #344 Folio is the best-selling Berroco booklet for us. This season there's even more new patterns so I'm happy as a clam.

Noro

I'm a Noro nut. I love it, I hoard it and always excitedly await arrival of new stuff each season. This year I'm thrilled they're introducing more solids to co-ordinate with signature yarns. Last fall it was Silk Garden Solo, which we've got in shop. Just arrived! Tokonatsu My absolute favorite new yarn of the summer from Noro: super soft blend cotton, silk, rayon in lovely tweedy solids! Perfect for non-

Tokonatsu

Coming this May: Next entry in Noro's new tweedy-solid lines: Silk Garden Solo Sock.

Kureopatora 

Intense, saturated color + a softer 100% merino wool in a dk/light worsted weight with great yardage....just shy of 300 yds. Yummo!

Hot off the press is Noro Lace book.

 

 Love love love so many patterns. Here's few of my favorites:

 

 

   

 The current Noro Magazine issue which is one of best yet. Great patterns throughout.

We have two samples of #27 Rectangular Poncho! Large in Silk Garden Sock and a small in Taiyo Sock.  (Thanks to Cathy for her speedy fingers that churn out samples!) Errata exists so check Ravelry or ask us for our notes.

Amost at the end....

I promise......

Just few more new things.....

KFI Luxury: Indulgence Cashmere Sock. A sport  weight sock yarn with touch of cashmere. Will also be perfect for kids garments and baby blankets.Selling well. Sadly it's not something we can order up so when gone it's gone.

Whole bunch of Juniper Moon's Moonshine and  Moonshine Trios. Loads of solids and the multicolors. Nice to work with as temps get warmer. Has such a lovely soft hand. New book too with great patterns for their whole range of  yarns.

New shades of  Mirasol Nuna, a luxurious merino/silk/bamboo. Immediately cast on for a Vivid Blanket, one of my bucket-list projects. It's bit tricky to start but ea block is same pattern so after a few you'll be finding them easy-peasy. Hoping to make this a class later in the summer too.Love how this feels when I knit it.

Whew...... done! That's it for this new stuff preview!