Friday, March 26, 2010

26 March 2010

Don't forget about selvages. They're very important when it comes to finishing your garments. Sewing your garment up will be made much easier with a selvage.

Some patterns account for selvages some don't. If they don't it is up to you. There are many different types of selvages but one of the most common is a slip-stitch selvage.

If you have the book The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie Wiseman you're all set. If not, we have the book here at the shop. It is a valuable resource if you're having trouble finishing (or avoiding finishing) your projects.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

26 March 2010

Oh boy! We just got a new shipment of antique buttons. So if all button collectors want a good selection you should get down to the shop pronto.

Remember we enable...... proudly.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for April 10. We will be having our Spring Porch Party and first ever Shop Model Sale!

In answer to your questions, no you can't reserve a sweater because I don't know what I am going to sell. You'll just have to show up.

Friday, March 19, 2010

19 March 2010

Hooray! I've been waiting for the color book from Wagtail Yarns of Australia. It has finally arrived. If you want to see beautiful colors of smooth spun mohair this yarn is for you. Not fuzzy and not itchy.

The yarn comes in several combinations: 100% mohair, 80% mohair and 20% wool, and 60% mohair and 40% wool.

In the 100% there are three weights: lace, sock (fingering) and double knitting (DK). In the 80%/20% there are two weights: sock, and DK. In the 60%/40% there are three weights: sport, worsted and heavy worsted. Of course Australia uses plys instead of weight of yarn so these are approximate but close. You do have a bit of leeway to knit up or down a stitch or two.

Stop by and have a look. This weekend will be beautiful for a day out and a trip to the yarn shop.

Friday, March 12, 2010

12 March 2010

The rainy day blahs. Well, it doesn't have to be like that. Come down to the shop and sit and knit. It's pleasant here and there is great conversation – as always.

The water-based fabric glue has arrived. I have been waiting awhile for the distributor to get it in. Took long enough!

Now the problem of woven ends isn't a problem anymore. Just a small drop of the glue and the end is permanently locked. This glue does not create a hard spot and is clear. Mistakes can be removed with water before it dries. And, once dry it is machine washable.

This is the answer knitters have been looking for, especially with slippery yarn. No more woven ends coming out or loose! Hooray!

Friday, March 5, 2010

5 March 2010

I was getting desperate! I had not been able to get my shipment of Paternayan Persian needlepoint wool that I ordered in October of 2009.

Well, yesterday a pleasant surprise. My order finally arrived! I am told that the distributor is now attempting to fill back orders and orders. The problem was caused by the supplier of the raw material (the three-ply yarn). The distributor needed 3000 pounds per shipment and were only getting 100 pounds at a time.

The yarn is dyed here in the US so dyeing wasn't the problem. The distributor said that they are working overtime to dye colors to complete their back orders and should be up to speed with regular shipments very soon.

Those of you that have orders with me should be getting a phone call as soon as my other back orders are filled.

Sorry for the delay but it was beyond my control. Thank you for being so patient.

Good news – I may have a solution for needle storage. Needle Pockets!

The pages fit into standard three-ring binders. You can organize your needles and have quick access at the same time. Have colorful binders to indicate the needle type stored!

The pages are made of a heavy vinyl. There is a fold-over flap to keep the needles in and you can mark the pocket with the needle size (and length in the case of circulars).

For those of you who have been searching for a way to organize you needles – this just might be your solution. No more digging for needles!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

4 March 2010

I am glad to announce upcoming Phillipa Turnbull workshops. Phillipa is well known for her historical British crewel work. The workshops will be held on June 9, 2010 in The Plains Community Center.

The store carries Phillipa's crewel kits and has several models in the store for you to see. If you ever wondered about crewelwork this will be a workshop for you. You can view some of Phillipa's work on her website The Crewel Work Company.

Phillipa also has designed a seat frame to make stitching easier. The frame has three different hoop sizes and the turn screw is made of polymer, not wood, so it does not strip-out. I carry the Elbesee frame.

We are taking advance registration (seating is limited). Please call the shop to place your name on the workshop list.

I will post more information about the types of workshops soon.