So many knits to choose from!
Amber by Quail Studios for Rowan is an updated cross between a poncho and sweatshirt. This season, Rowan came out with even more shades of their classic yarn; felted tweed. We decided to have Brenda, one of our customers and sample knitters, knit it up for us. To dress it up, we've added the Victoria scarf knit by one of our customers, Christy. This scarf uses two skeins of a limited edition luxury yarn from Rowan made of silk and cashmere. This yarn is truly a tactile experience, complete with either rabbit, or faux fur, pom poms! Also, a thank you to her for adjusting the gauge to make it work!
This newsletter is going to be a little different- it is featuring all the latest samples and trunk show pieces we have in the shop right now (but honestly, there were about 20 more we wanted to feature but didn't want to overwhelm you)! Customers are always impressed and amazed at the mountains of knitwear and the constantly changing samples in our store. We encourage customers to take photos of samples they like, because often, the sample will no longer be in the store the next time they visit; or, we won't know what they are trying to describe. Natalie usually changes the front mannequins weekly, and sweaters in the shop may have a different scarf on them daily!
If customers are not asking who knit all of the gorgeous samples, then they will ask if the items on display are for sale. This is usually asked by new or non-knitters and our response is, "they can be, but in general they are for inspirational purposes only since most enjoy the process of the making". If the sample is one of Natalie's, she is happy to figure out a price for you which will include the cost of the yarn and a price per yard of knitting. If the sample is older, or less complex, the price will be less than say a new Fair Isle sample.
Natalie had a great time knitting Odense, and Randers. Both used slip-stitch techniques for fun, yet easy, knitting that makes a cozy statement.
We also hear on a weekly basis, "I can never knit things that look as good as your samples". Our response is, "yes, you can!!" Number one: use the recommended yarn(s), We do not recommend using cheap yarn for practice. The bad thing with lesser quality or synthetic yarns,is that they will not block out (become more even and smooth once washed as the final step), and the process of knitting isn't as enjoyable, so you may never even finish, or when you do, it may not look it's best. Your time is limited, and good yarn can be ripped out several times without compromising the quality. Besides, knitting is all about enjoying how every stitch feels.
One of our regular customers, who loves Churchmouse patterns, knit this sweater as soon as she saw it. A few years later, we found the "perfect" yarn for it (QIng Melted Suri); now we have two of these pullovers on display. The Riverine Scarf has been so popular all year long, yet Donna knit hers several years ago. Sometimes things really need to sink in before we are ready to knit!
We provide knitting classes (both private and group), and all of our staff love to knit. They can answer quick questions, and help you select your next project. If you purchase your supplies from us, our motto is 5-10 minutes of help is free (time permitting), but if you need more than that, please schedule a private lesson for $15 per half hour. Most people improve by popping in and asking a few quick questions. The more you knit, the better you will become. It is like reading: challenging at first, but in a year or so, it will be so easy that you will hardly remember what it was like before. We also love "show and tell". Not only is this is a great way to spotcheck your knitting, but it really does inspire us. We can't knit everything, and it's fun and helpful to see what others are making. 
We are amazed at how well the Mistral wrap fits, and we love the over-sized pockets that hold modern day cell phones! Denise (a long time customer who recently has become a sample knitter) knit this for the shop in one of the newest colors of Shibui, in their newest yarn, Nest. If you are more inspired by wild knits, then the Jigshawl Brenda is letting us borrow is one for you to stop in and see!
The trend is for simpler projects with amazing yarns. Most people knit to relax! We encourage you to try one or two new techniques per project, and in no time, you will be a proficient knitter!
Sometimes Natalie just wants to knit up something new and fun, like the Ms. Royalty and Stardust hat. We have known Pam Powers for years, and we are thrilled with her new yarn line, Ikigai (Icky-guy). We are thrilled with our biggest selection ever of both real and faux fur pom poms which complete your project!