The Countdown is On...

The end of the year is fast approaching and 2008 is only hours away! Where does the time go? We've just finished a long day at Knit Picky. As with any retail business, inventory is a necessary chore. But as tedious as it was, it was not a chore at all. The team worked hard but laughed a lot, too.

And in the end, we were tired, yarn drunk and silly.


Ann Marie walked by, "Be sure the Beadles are right". Sitting on the floor, Kim said, "I like the Beatles...some of their stuff". I thought, "what??". In the far corner, Laura replied, "I've never knit with the Beadles....... but I'd like to have them on my coffee table. Kim looked up....WHAT?? her confused look was priceless! I lost it as I pictured a tiny Ringo Starr in a vase on Laura's coffee table! It was our spaghetti junction of tired conversation! And no wine today, I promise.






As I entered numbers over and over, I daydreamed about the new yarn arriving in January. Imagine Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn....462 yds of sock yarn dyed in those amazing colorways we've all come to adore. Sublime has a new, soft organic cotton in beautiful, new colors (arriving in January). Silk Garden, one of our best sellers, is being delivered in "lite" weight version and has terrific pattern support just in time for cool spring days.


Now that Laura's back in town we'll soon be getting some new yummies from Unique Sheep. And, of course, Erin...Mama E....is busy dying some originals to bring with her on her visit to the shop. She'll reveal these new colorways dyed especially for Knit Picky customers!! And, she'll need your help naming the few that will become standards in her cEYEber Fiber Line!

Remember, each workshop participant gets first dibs on the new yarns & goodies that Mama E unveils during her visit!

So tonight I rest so I'll have enough energy to watch the ball drop tomorrow night. Family party at my house....margaritas first....wine as we wind down.....strong coffee around 9:30 to help us keep our eyes open to see the big event. Who says life in your 40's aren't rip, roarin' good times??!!

HNY,

Jo

New Opportunity to Dye with Mama E...

After considering that our workshop with Mama E might be too much time or money to invest during this time of year, Erin and I came up with an idea! You can now sign up for the Yarn Dyeing sessions only! Although you'll miss her terrific color theory and Fair Isle portion, you'll still have the chance to dye yarn, side by side, in the Knit Picky kitchen with Mama E.

Fee=$95.00 for a 3 hour yarn dying session and includes your supplies!!

Sessions: Sat, Jan 12, 2:30 - 5:30pm OR Sun, Jan 13, 9:30 - 12:30

We'll soon post this offering to our WHOLE email list but for now, it goes out to our bloggers. Erin wants only 6 people per session so spaces will fill up fast. A small, intimate group will give you'll get all the attention you need for a successful yarn dyeing session.

Call us to register...768-5599.

A Holiday KAL

Shanna stopped by yesterday with her Peppermint Bark sock. She is using the Jaywalking pattern and the sock is nothing short of gorgeous. So beautiful that I had to buy the yarn and start Jaywalking myself. So, I'd like to invite anyone who is interested in Jaywalking with us to stop by the shop and pick up some sKNITches and see how many people we can get going on the project. Maybe even have a Jaywalking night..

Thanks to Shanna for letting us use a photo of her sock!

Peppermint Bark

Do you like peppermint bark candy as much as we do? If so, you'll love this new sock yarn custom dyed for Knit Picky by sKNITches! We only have a limited amount of this one of a kind yarn and once its gone, its gone; so come get yours before its gone!

Felted Poinsettias

Just in time for the holidays we are offering a special felted poinsettia workshop. On Dec 13th learn the secrets to wet felting beautiful, one of a kind flowers. Jan promises us that its easy, even though the finished flowers look exquisite! Jan's felting classes always fill up, so reserve your space now. Click here for more information or give us a call at 768 5599.

Mango Moon Bag Kits

Mango Moon has come up with the neatest bag kits, perfect for those of us who love to knit bags...but hate to line them and find the perfect handles. These kits include a pattern, gorgeous Mango Moon yarn and all the suede parts of the bag already attached to a pre-sewn lining! It couldn't get any easier. We just got in a shipment containing the Hobo Bag, Scallop Bag and Backpack in an assortment of colors. Get yours soon, I anticipate that these are going to sell quickly!

Jan's Cute Creations!!

On this sunny, first day of December, the shop was full of needle felters working on projects!

Jan Bullins shared her precious design and taught lots of ladies the tricks of the trade.

Here's a hat and a head....the chubby little body is in the making! This sold out class made several cute little snow people!!

If you missed the class you can still create a snowman. Kits for the Snow People, created by The Unique Sheep, are available at Knit Picky for $10/kit and include instructions & pattern. Create one of your own!

Knit Picky Holiday Party

I want to do something special for my customers. This is my way to thank you for your support of the shop. I hope you can join us for what should be a fun event!

December 9^th, Sunday from 5-8pm at Foothills Brewery in downtown Winston-Salem

Click HERE for more information. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Mama E is Coming to Knit Picky!

In January, well known independent yarn dyer Erin Taylor Bell of "Mama E's C-EYE-ber Fiber" will visit the shop to lead a color class and yarn dying workshop the weekend of Jan 11, 12, 13. This action packed two part workshop includes two sessions for one price! You will explore the world of color and then roll up your sleeves, prepare your dye pots, and create your very own hand dyed yarn! Only 12 students will have an opportunity to work side by side with Mama E. This class is appropriate for all levels of knitters!

Holiday Garland

Looking for a fast, easy and FUN holiday project? This knit garland is all three! The pattern is free from Crystal Palace and we have kits in the shop containing all the yarn you need for about 18ft of garland. Stop by the shop to see our sample and snatch a kit before they are all gone!

Charity Knit Night

We have decided not to hold the December Charity Knit night since its only a week before Christmas and it sounds like everyone is going to be busy, busy, busy. We will resume in January on the 3rd Monday of every month, 6-8pm. If you would like more information about Charity Knit Night click here.

We just finished our blankets and chemo caps, now its time for a new group project for the new year. Do you have an idea? Leave a comment below!

Yummy Silk Gelato

I have resisted for a LONG time. And since I'm at the shop on a regular basis, it makes it even harder to resist. On Saturday, I was there with Jo and Silk Gelato at 25% off! 1 ball of Silk Gelato and 1 set of size 35 needles (yes, 35) and 1 Honeycomb Scarf pattern. Here is what I ended up with:




I am in love with it. I might have to make another... Next time, I'll have someone take my picture instead of the weird self-portrait!

Hair Pin Lace

Hairpin Lace Demonstration:

Saturday, Nov 24th,

11am, 1pm, 3pm

Many of you have seen our lovely Boa on display in the shop. We're eager to share this technique with you.

Hairpin lace is a beautiful and easy crochet technique that was popular in the Victorian times. Hairpin lace is worked quickly and produces very unique results.

Choose a time and join us on Saturday. We will teach you what you need to get started on your BOA....just in time for holiday parties! Demo is FREE with purchase of your Hairpin Lace Loom and Ribbon Yarn.

Signing up isn't required, but will help us to make sure we have enough materials on hand. To sign up please visit the website here.

Sew and Celebrate!

Tomorrow is our monthly charity knitting night meeting, and its also Laura's birthday!

We have a bunch of Warm up America blocks that we knit that still need to be joined together to make afghans so bring your tapestry needles. And if you don't know how to seam blocks together, don't worry. We will teach you. And don't be afraid, this isn't like sewing a sweater together-- the yarn is fluffy and forgiving and the seams are all straight! Its getting quite cold out there and there are many people in our community who could benefit from a warm blanket knit with love.

So come on over to Knit Picky from 6-8pm on Monday, Nov 19th to celebrate Laura's birthday and sew some blocks together. Otherwise Laura is going to spend her birthday sewing blocks together alone, and we can't have that!

Stitch Poet Trunkshow and Visit

November has been all about celebrities at Knit Picky. First we were visited by Chris Bylsma and the next day we spent the afternoon hanging out with Champagne Maker, the designer behind Stitch Poet patterns. Champagne left her trunkshow with us until Nov 15, which is great because you have really got to see her bags, wraps and ponchos to appreciate the detail. From simple felted bags to clutches covered in ornate colorwork and beading, you are sure to find something that is just your style and skill level among Champagne's patterns.

What a Weekend!!

Chris Bylsma and the gang at Knit Picky ate, played and were merry all weekend!! So many fun participants joined us for our first workshop led by this nationally know instructor. Thanks for your support! We'll post all our pictures on the website soon....here are a few to see now.

And yes, Chris eats grits (lots of grits)!!

Crayon Box knitters busily designing their unique squares and color themes...

We learned new techniques: designing buttons and closures for sweaters; the famous Crayon Box pattern and fiber selection; and numerous professional finishing tips and tricks. Have we started some new projects? You betcha'!!

Look at that spread!!! Yummm....

Thanks, Belva and Susan, for the delicious meals, snacks, and punch!

And thanks, Chris, for a terrific workshop!! Hurry back to see us!

Jo

H-A-Double L- O-W- Double E-N Spells HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween on Open Knit Night!!

If you are too old to trick or treat, or the streets are just too cold, join us for a Witches Brew, homebaked treats, knitting and a campfire. We'll be outside, so bring a warm coat & hat and your favorite treat to share. Lets celebrate the changing season and all it brings with it!

Join the gang at Knit Picky!

Fall Festival Ponchette

So many of you have asked for the pattern for the autumn colored ponchette hanging in the shop and now its available! Jo designed the ponchette herself and has created kits containing everything you need, right down to the matching silk ribbon.

Knit Picky T-shirts!

Show your support with these cute Knit Picky T-Shirts! They are available in brown w/ pink writing or pink with brown writing, in short sleeve regular cut, short sleeve fitted or long sleeve fitted. They are selling fast so come by soon to pick yours up!

Knitting for a Cause

Thanks so much to Vicki and to all those who knitted chemo caps as part of our recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Vicki, an oncology nurse and breast cancer survivor, spoke with us about her experience with breast cancer and educated us about what we need to know about the disease. If you would like a copy of the handouts she gave us we have a stack in the shop.

Have you ever wanted to wear a llama?

I got to today. We received a sample, knit out of the luscious Miski Baby Llama yarn. We actually have all these colors and the pattern in stock, if it calls to you. This sweater is so cuddly and soft and warm, perfect for fall and winter, if they ever arrive. Be sure to pet this one the next time you stop by. (forgive the squint, the trouble with well light photos is all that sun in your eyes. )

Congratulations to Gena for winning our "County Fair" competition at Open Knit Night last night! Several customers brought beautiful projects to show off, but the majority vote went to Gena for her Tangled Yoke Cardigan. Isn't it beautiful??

Look what you made!

Our customers are so talented! Look what was created in just a two hour workshop this morning. Jan, our needle felting instructor, will be offering another workshop on needle felting in November-- she promises us a Snowman design next time!

12 Days of Christmas Classes

More Information Here!!

Belva's Masterpiece

For those who haven't stopped by the shop lately, you need to swing by to see Belva's Equinox Sweater. It is absolutely gorgeous! She will be teaching a class on this sweater beginning October 6th. The class will move at an easy pace, and it would be a great introduction to Fair Isle.

The word of the day...Berroco

Murphy's Law strikes again. Just as I was starting to wind down my day at Knit Picky, the UPS man shows up with 2 BIG boxes. I saw a brief preview and the Berroco yarns are beautiful. I got to try on a sample:






I made it outside with the sweater on, it was hard to go back in and take the sweater off. It is knit with Jasper which comes in many more beautiful colorways. If you haven't been to the store lately, there are some fantastic new bags, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, and a couple new smiling faces.

Finished Project Alert!

For those who have seen the pieces and parts of the Debbie Bliss Baby Bobble Jacket, I thought that I would show you the finished product. I gave it to the Mom last week.

Painted Sheep Scarf Kits

Knit Picky now carries kits containing all the yarn you need to make one of the gorgeous ripple scarves designed by Laura. These scarves make the perfect treat for yourself or to make as Christmas presents. To see the colors available, visit Laura's website at www.paintedsheepyarn.com.

Charity Knit Night and Book Club TONIGHT!

Don't forget that tonight is the planning meeting for the NEW Knit Picky Book Club as well as the monthly meeting of the Charity Knitting group. Even if you haven't been before, you are welcome to attend either meeting. If you are a crocheter, bring a size K hook to Charity Knitting tonight and we will crochet some of our blocks together for our Warm Up America afghan. Knitters- we will be looking at yarns and patterns for Chemo Caps for our Breast Cancer/ Chemo Cap drive this fall. If you have a pattern or yarn that you think would make a great hat for a cancer patient please bring it tonight! Or you could browse these FREE patterns and pick one out to start on tonight. As always we will have bags full of donated yarn if you don't have anything in your stash. For chemo caps, its best to use soft, machine washable yarn that doesn't contain any wool.

Mirasol: Sweet Baby Llama!

Peru is having some dark days following the earthquake. On a brighter note, Peru' s heritage and culture of textile artistry is among the richest worldwide.

The Mirasol Project supports a school for local children of the shepherds who tend to the many animals in this region. Your purchase of this yarn helps support this valuable project. And the shepherds bring us yummy new yarns like these we've just received in the shop.

Miski ~ 100% Baby Llama (and feels like a dream)

Knits to a gauge of 4.5 sts/inch on US 8 and comes in colors of the Andes Mountains!!

Sulka ~ 60% Merino wool, 20%Alpaca, 20% Silk (sweet!)

Knits to a gauge of 4 sts/inch in US 10. Lovely colors and fast knitting...just my style.

Mirasol patterns have been designed by well know Noro designer, Jane Ellison. Her patterns are beautiful and offer a variety of garments for various skill levels. We have yarn for any size project-full bags available.

We'd be glad to have you stop by to see the yarn. Petting allowed.

Jo

This Wednesday, August 15th, is our Yarn Tasting Event (no Open Knit Night)

Please join us for our first ever Yarn Tasting event this coming Wednesday, August 15th. We have 2 seating options available and both have a few openings. We will not hold Open Knit Night this week due to our special event.

The Yarn Tasting will give you the opportunity to "taste" some new yarns and get a feel for those you like or don't like without having to purchase the whole skein. You'll also receive a discount of 20% off any of the yarns we are serving!

For more information, click here...

Open Knit Night will resume next Wednesday, August 22nd, full speed ahead!
See you soon!
Jo

Free Pattern for Lace Washcloth

Laura's Euroflax washcloth turned out so cute, shes decided to offer the pattern to you for free! Though she designed it for use with Euroflax, it could easily be adapted to work with other cotton or linen yarns. Click here for the pattern.

Crochet Today!

The September/October issue of Crochet Today arrived today! All of the patterns can be viewed here - Crochet Today.

The shipment I have been waiting for has arrived!

We received our Louet boxes on Friday with lots of new yarn and patterns!!

We received both the fingering weight and the sport weight in Louet's Gems yarn which a machine washable and dryable merino wool yarn. The yarn is spun with a tight twist, which makes it great for textured work. The fingering weight would be perfect for those beautiful cabled sock patterns.

And, I will show you what I have planned for the sport weight ....

(Here's a clue - it is the Kathryn Hepburn cardigan from Lace Style.
I am knitting the red one of course)

We also received Kidlin, a combination of Linen and Mohair, which is unbelievable. Here's a beautiful pattern we saw at TNNA. I wore the sample garment for a while, and might have walked off with it if it wouldn't have gotten Jo thrown out of the show:)

We also received Euroflax - an unbelievable linen yarn that is MACHINE WASHABLE and DRYABLE, and does not require ironing. Laura has already made a washcloth out of it and says its heavenly!

And, last, but not least, we received wool fiber and drop spindle kits.

Stop by soon!!!