Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy N'ewe" Year!. and Sale!

HAPPY N"EWE" YEAR
 to all of you!

Socketta and her sheep friends having a party!
What could be better than starting a n"ewe" year
and
also starting a n"ewe" knitting or crocheting project!

I will be as excited as you to see all the wonderful n'ewe' yarns, patterns and books for 2011.

Guess what, I have already done some ordering for spring/summer!

Be sure to read our January 2011 newsletter for all our latest!

Check out the workshop schedule in the newletter- you will like it!.

Our WINTER SALE starts JAN. 3rd


Save 20% to 50% on selected yarns, patterns and books
Shop early for best selection!


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas to all of you!
from
Diane, Linda and Socketta




Thursday, December 16, 2010

New wool and notions!

Guess what - it is the week before Christmas and great new items are still arriving in the shop.


Liberty Wool

Liberty Wool by Classic Elite is a wonderfully soft 100% washable wool in stunning self-striping colours.
In the book you will find an adult sweater, a children's sweater, a hat and a great scarf. The scarf is called Molly and looks like it would be fun to knit. I hope to start one soon. If you are on Ravelry - you can check it out. 

Lantern Moon Items
Lantern Moon products are now available again in Canada. They come from Vietnam and are a trade fair company. Look closely at the picture and you will see interesting shawl pins called Wired Up. We all need a tape measure in our knitting/crocheting bag - so check out the cute sheep - tail is the tape measure and kitten  - ball of yarn is the tape measure. Wouldn't it be fun to find a Lantern Moon item in your stocking!

Next week we will have regular hours but will be closing 3:00 ish on Friday Dec. 24th.

Don't forget to fill out your Wish List and then be sure to give it to your favourite gift-giver! We would be happy to help them. Knitters and crocheters love to receive and to give knitting/crocheting related gifts.

** For those waiting for the ruffly scarf yarns - they are hopefully coming the first of the week. The yarn  went on an adventure, got lost, is now in Toronto and I am just waiting! It is a quick knit for before or after Christmas. **
Have fun knitting.
Diane


Monday, December 13, 2010

More new "things"!

I just had to share with you these exciting new "things"! 

Knitting/Tote Bags, Magnets, Key Rings, Note Cards

The cutest knitting/tote bags, key rings, magnets and note cards have just arrived. They have a knitting theme and just by chance the balls of yarn on the items are pink. In case you do not know - pink is my favourite colour. No, I did not design them but obviously the designers had me in mind when they did! They are called House Mouse Designs and are so adorable. The items have cute names such as Yarn Tales, Close Knit Friend and Knitting Family. It is strange, mice are so cute on totes, etc but I sure do not want to meet one personally! I am sure that you know someone who loves cute little mice on something!

Key Chains, Zipper Pulls, Sheep Pins, Stitch Markers, Necklaces


Wow, look at these - they are all beautiful, functional and have a knitting theme. Who could ask for more -   handmade gemstone, Swarovski, glass bead, pewter and sterling silver jewelry. Marietta and her daughter Julie - designed and created these one of a kind items. Their company is called MLC Designs. Some of you may recognize Marietta's name as she named Socketta - our sock monkey. You will only find these fashionable items at our shop. They would make a great gift for a knitting friend or for yourself - you deserve it.

By the time you receive this there will only be about 12 days left for Christmas shopping. I hope that you have filled out your Wish List so that you will be an extra happy knitter or crocheter on Christmas morning.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Pass On The Traditions!

The traditions that I am referring to are of course KNITTING and CROCHETING!! Take a moment to think about who taught you to knit or crochet, where you were when you learned, how old you were, etc. What great memories!

My Mother taught me to knit when I was a Brownie. Her Mother - my Grandmother - also knit, and I have taught my daughter Elizabeth the joy of knitting. She has taught many kids in her career to knit also.Through the shop, over the years, I am sure that I have taught hundreds of customers to knit.

Actually people have been knitting since Egyptian times. Likely the same for crocheting. Can't you picture Cleopatra, sitting on her throne with knitting needles in her hands! No, I did not teach her to knit!!

Pass on the traditions!
As you can see, we have knitting books and knitting needles geared for kids. There is also a kids crochet books arriving any day.

You will also notice corkers in the picture. Remember using a wooden spool with 4 nails in the top. Oops, I guess that is dating us! If you were like me, you likely made miles of corking! These fun corkers look like bumble bees or a crystal wand. There is also a book which gives you lots of ideas of what to do with your miles of corking.

Knifty Knitters  - are also a great way to get kids or adults interested in knitting. They come in 2 sizes and their name says it all.

It is now your turn to pass on the traditions to your daughters/sons. grand kids, neighborhood kids or even adults that you know. Go for it and share the joy of knitting and crocheting.

Passing on these traditions would be a super idea for "some one" on your Christmas list.

Have fun knitting and crocheting.
Diane

Thursday, December 2, 2010

More books and more....

As I promised, here are some more books that any knitter or crocheter would love to have in their collection.


Blossom Street Collection

 Many of you have read the knitting novels by Debbie Macomber. She know has a series of three knitting pattern books. In each book you will find an assortment of patterns for all ages and all knitting skills.


 I introduced you to Fay when I showed you her very warm hand knitted fingerless gloves knit with Cashmere Queen.

Well, Fay has finished knitting her lace scarf with Bamboo by Dye Version. Her scarf is lovely and she will look so elegant when she wears it.

You can definitely see what an amazing difference it makes to "block" your lace knitting.  Actually, it makes a huge difference to "block" all you finished projects.


Before Blocking

To "block" most projects, it is best to use a blocking board and blocking pins. To "block" lace, blocking wires are used to get a professional looking project.

We have all these items in stock. They would make great gift ideas!
After Blocking






















Keep posted for all that is new!! Hope you are telling others about our BLOG!

Diane

Friday, November 26, 2010

Knitting Accessory Jars

Our very talented local potter - Carolyn Filter - is at it again. I gave her an idea and she added her own special touch to it. As a result, we now have wonderful ceramic Knitting Tool Jars in the shop. Some are decorated with sheep and others with a ball of yarn. She has even made sets - a Knitting Tool Jar and a Knitting Yarn Bowl to match!


Take a look at the spot where you usually knit. I am pretty sure that most of you have your stitch holders, extra needles, hooks, pencil, etc - just lying about in a mess on the table. This is your chance to get organized. The Yarn Bowls and Knitting Accessory Jars look very attractive also.

Think before having a Knitting Accessory Jar and after having a Knitting Accessory Jar - isn't after just so much better? Doesn't being organized and being able to find your knitting tools make you feel good? Just think  - you can get more knitting and crocheting done because you are organized!

We also have Yarn Bowls in other colours and our customers love them. How many times have you chased your yarn across the floor?With your very own Yarn Bowl - you will never have to do that again!

Here are some more wonderful projects- fashionable scarves knit by Heather. We have such talented customers who love to use our interesting yarns.

Yang by SWTC
Yang comes in brown, black and mauve. If you look closely you will see little sequins in the yarn. How exciting is that.
Ondas and Rizos by Katia

















Ondas and Rizos are two of our fashion yarns that are "flying" out of the shop - actually they have all flown out of the shop!! Hope to have more in before too long - which will still give you lots of time for Christmas knitting. Remember - these are quick projects.
Give us a call if you would like us to be in touch when more arrives. Another new yarn -Triana -which is similar to Ondas will be arriving at the same time.

Have fun knitting and crocheting.
Diane

Monday, November 22, 2010

Books, books and more books....

I mentioned last week that I was going to send out a few extra blogs so that you can enjoy all that is happening at the shop.

Everyone loves new knitting and crocheting books and a super new selection has just arrived. Books with lots of patterns for babies, kids, adults, accessosries, socks - I think there is a pattern for "whatever" you would love to knit!


Everyone loves knitting for babies!
Cute crochet patterns and 1,2,3 skein projects

socks = warm toes, cowls = cozy necks and cardigans = warm body
Many of our customers bring in their finished projects to show us. We love it when they do.
Here is another shawl made from Kraemer Fountain Hill. This yarn is so cozy and knits up very quickly. Thanks for sharing with us, Edythe!


There will be more books and more customer projects to inspire you in upcoming blogs.

Diane

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sequins ruffles, frills & more

It is hard to believe all the "funky" fashion fibers and they just keep "finding their way"  through the shop door!! A new one arrived this week - read to the end of this blog to find out about it!!


Yang by SWTC
Sequins, wool, silk and bamboo all combine to make a wonderful yarn called Yang - love the name - by SWTC - South West Trading Company. The sequins are small but add that classic touch of glamour. One ball will make a statement scarf and knit up quickly.

Well, here are our very own ruffles - Rizos - knit by Diane and frills - Ondas - knit by Linda. These two yarns are selling very quickly - think a gift for Christmas or for yourself - because you are special also. Once they are gone will not have any more Rizos until the new year but hopefully more Ondas early in December. Hope you can drop by to see our samples.

Think very soft, Santa's beard, cute kitten - have you guessed what the yarn is yet? It is Angora! We have it in white as that is the colour our customers have been asking for.

Can you find the 2 scarves?
Glad you read this far - here is the new yarn!
Just imagine - it is the last week before Christmas and you still wish to make some wonderful gifts for your friends, neighbours, school teacher or whoever.  We have the quickest project ever. It is Ci Piace (the smaller version) and Solo 1 Minuto (the larger version). Soft, quick, fun and very cozy - all at the same time! You "just" finger knit the yarn and it is done!!

As we have so many wonderful new items arriving all the time - I hope to send out a few extra blogs so that I can keep you up to date with all that is new.

Don't forget to tell the gift givers that you know - that we have gift certificates - or you can come in and fill out a wish list and present it your gift giver.

Diane


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Think "Fleecy"!

Yes, think "fleecy" - warm, cuddly and all those super words. Well, we now have in stock a "yarn" that you can use all those "feel good"words to describe.













PolarKnit "yarn" looks like you cut up your favourite fleece top in to long pieces and wound them in to a ball. We have this fun "yarn" in kits for delightful animal slippers - ladybugs, frogs and pigs, hat kits and sock kits. It is easy and quick to knit with and the end result is really neat.





Elegant copper bracelet knit by Linda
 I know you have all knit with yarns made of many different fibers. I bet that you have never knit with WIRE! Now is your chance! I am serious, as we now have wonderful Wired to Knit kits by Sweaterkits. Each kits makes a stunning necklace and bracelet. The kits include all you need - fine wire - copper or silver, small Czech glass beads, a large Czech bead to highlight the necklace, findings for both the necklace and bracelet and of course the pattern. Each kit is has slightly different beads and findings. All you need to add is needles and your time to knit up this beautiful set. Hopefully you would love to make a set for yourself for a special occasion, or make a set for a special friend or give a kit to a knitter and she can make her own. Have fun - try something new - you will amaze yourself and others! The kits have just come in and  are selling quickly.


 You know those fancy yarns that I sent you pictures of in our newsletter the other day
- well they are going, going and will be gone soon.
I talked to my supplier today and will not likely be able to have more in for about 3 weeks.
 I have sold over half of what I got in on Monday!!
 Everyone loves the scarves and they do look wonderful!
******

Thursday, November 4, 2010

NEW is still arriving!

Do you believe it! 2 more new yarns found their way to the shop recently.


These are yarns with a sparkle - Sterling Silk and Silver has real silver in it!! I am not kidding - it really does! It is a very soft wool/silk blend in a fingering/sock weight. Use it to make a lovely shawl, scarf or even treat your toes to special luxury. More colours just arrived - rose/pink and mauve.

Fountain Hill Wrap knit by Ann
The other yarn is called Fountain Hill - not sure why - no fountains and no hills! but this yarn is a mohair blend with a bit a glitter. It is light weight and would make a very lovely shawl or scarf. Ann is a fast knitter and is letting us "borrow" her lovely wrap for awhile. Thanks so much! Be sure to come in and check it out before she decides she just has to wear it!

Cashmere Queen Fingerless (tweeting) gloves by Fay and Linda
 Time to brag on behave of another one of our customers and also Linda. Fingerless gloves are extremely popular because they are a small project and a super opportunity to use a luxury yarn such as Cashmere Queen. The green gloves were knit by Fay and the brown pair knit by Linda. This yarn comes in 6 classic colours which with go with "everything"! Fay liked the yarn and pattern (Cabin Fever) so much that she is now knitting her third pair.

These gloves would make a great gift for anyone - especially your "texting" friends.

Here are a few excellent reasons to knit/crochet -
#1 - Christmas is less than 2 months away
#2 - Cool weather and knitting/crocheting go together
#3 - Passes the time in a useful and fun way
#4 - Helps relieve stress
#5 - Fun to do
#6 - Instant entertainment
#7 - No calories are involved
#8 - Just because you love to knit/crochet - the best reason of all!

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Happy Hallowe'en!


Happy Hallowe'en to all  of you.

I thought that you would enjoy these pictures of our yarns and lots of other items that we have in the shop with a  Hallowe'en colour theme. It was fun walking around the shop collecting them. Actually, I could have collected a lot more, but only had so much room on the table to display them. If you look closely at the pictures you will find

//
knit kits
sheep mugs
yarn and more yarn
colourful note books
 see through water bottles
knit happy thermos bottles
 black & green scarf
knitters' granola
shawl pins
//////////////////////////////////////

Use you imagination - this is supposed to be a pumpkin sitting on the grass!

 Remember -  keep you hands busy knitting and crocheting so you do not eat too many candy treats!





Thursday, October 21, 2010

My FO!

If you remember from my last post - FO means finished object. Well my WIP became my FO before I knew it and even before I took a picture of it as a WIP. Truth be told - I forgot to take a picture of it as a WIP.

Well, here it is my FO. It is the the lightest, most wonderful feeling shawl ever. It only took one skein of Sweaterkits 100% silk. The pattern - which is free when you purchase the yarn - is easy enough for a beginner. This is an  instant gratification project as it works up extremely quickly on 7 mm needles. In real life you can see more clearly the cute little picot edge which is done at the end with 4.5 mm needles. If shawls are not your "thing", it can be used to make a lovely dressy scarf.

I hope you notice the attractive shawl pin fastened to the shawl. This copper pin (and silver ones) are made by Sweaterkits. It is great that they are a Canadian company - actually from Ontario.

Why not treat yourself to a skein (or two) of this lovely hand dyed silk yarn to make a shawl for yourself or for "whoever". If you go back o to our October 14th post, you will see the "must have" colours. I will be ordering more colours soon, as I am sure this yarn is going to be very popular.

Have fun knitting and crocheting.
Diane

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Linda's WIP!

In case you are not familiar with the term WIP - it means "work in progress", the incomplete knitting projects that take up precious space in a knitter's bag, curl up in baskets, mushroom on the top of kitchen counters, rest beside the bed and colonize any horizontal surface where a knitter can safely store them until they become "FOs" (finished objects!). This description is from a book called Brave New Knits.

I wonder how many WIPs you have - can you count that high!? Just kidding!

Both sides look really nice!

Anyway, Linda started this beautiful scarf last week. It is made out of  Dye Version 100 % bamboo. According to Linda - the yarn feels heavenly to knit with - lovely and soft with great stitch definition. The pattern is free with the yarn purchase. The pattern in this scarf is an easy 6 row repeat. When finished the scarf/shawl will be 9" wide and 50" long.There is also another pattern that you can choose from to use with this yarn

Lucky sheep!

Our sheep seems to be enjoying wearing Linda"s WIP!

To see the other wonderful colours Dye Version Bamboo comes in you can check our Sept. 23rd blog.

Now, go and work on your WIPs!

Diane

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

   Hi to all our favourite knitters and crocheters.

Thank you for your support.

Thank you for your patronage.

Thank you for your friendship.

 Thank you for your laughter.

Thank you for your good advice.

Thank you for your encouragement and compliments.

Thank you  for being YOU.


Happy Thanksgiving to YOU and your families.

             Happy Knitting & Crocheting from Diane
 

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Books, books and more books!

I mentioned in my last blog that there are quite a few new books on the shelves at the shop. Here is a sneak preview of some of them. The covers of the books are always interesting but to find out what is inside - you will have to drop by for a visit.


For Sock Lovers

Slippers make great gifts!

Wow, this book has it all!

                                                           
A "must have" book!


For those who love to knit for kids!

It is hard to believe it is the end of September already. I hope that you have your knitting needles and crochet hooks ready for a busy but fun knitting and crocheting season.

Don't forget we offer a wide range of knitting workshops. Be sure to come in and check them out. You deserve and evening (or two) to explore and learn some new knitting techniques. There is always so much new to learn.

Hope you have a great weekend.
Diane

Friday, September 24, 2010

Oooooops!!!!

If you are thinking of heading out on a road trip to see the knitted bridge  - please continue reading!

The last day is Sept. 26th and they are taking it down on Sept. 27th. It is worth the drive to Cambridge!

Guess I was just rushing the fall season in giving you the incorrect date. Sorry about that.

Happy knitting from Diane

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Have you ever seen.....?

Have you ever seen a knitted bridge? Yes, I said a bridge - you know the "thing" that allows you to travel across a body of water without getting your feet wet. Bob and I went to see a knitted bridge this week.




This bridge is in Cambridge Ontario and is decorated with knitting (and some crocheting) until Sunday October 27th. The history of Cambridge is based on fiber and fabric mills. The Cambridge Centre for the Arts wanted the community be aware of  its' past, so they came up with this project. They asked knitters/crocheters to make "something" to decorate the bridge. Isn't is amazing! After the "work of art" comes down, the pieces will be all cleaned and the blankets are being donated locally for those in need. The scarves are going to be sold at a special event with proceeds going to the Centre. For more info go to - knitcambridge.com. I have more pictures on my computer at the shop if you wish to see them.

Wow, more new yarns are here and they are as colourful as the bridge but you will definitely want to wrap your body in these fibres - not a bridge.

Dye Version Bamboo

The first one is by a local independent yarn dyer - Dye Version. The yarn is 100% bamboo in absolutely fabulous colours. You will receive a free fashionable scarf pattern for this yarn when you purchase this yarn.


Sweaterkits Silk
I could give almost the same description for this new yarn also. It is dyed by an almost local dyer (the other side of Toronto) - Sweaterkits but this yarn is 100% silk. Of course you have to see the colours to really appreciate them. You also receive a free fashionable scarf or shawl pattern when you purchase this yarn.

Also, lots of new books - will send pictures next week - OK? If you cannot wait - be sure to come by for a visit to say Hi and to see the books.

Oh, yes - Happy Fall - It is now officially KNITTING SEASON!

Diane

Thursday, September 16, 2010

K-W`Knitters' Fair

We survived the Fair last Saturday in Kitchener-Waterloo. Thank you to all of you who stopped by and said Hi. It was great to see you. Doing a booth is a big commitment - lots of planning, loading the van, setting up, standing up all day, etc. - but it was great and we have booked for next year - hopefully the same booth location and also the booth next to it! We are being brave - aren't we! Have fun checking out some pictures of our adventure.

This is just some of what we took!
A very full van - I think it had expandable sides!

Our booth with lots in it!
The other side of our booth - it was very full and everyone loved it!

Linda was the cashier, Edwina was our friendly helper and myself - I guess that I was just me - doing a bit of everything!
Everything has been unpacked and the shop is pretty well back to normal.
Hope to see you soon.

Diane

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Finished Cardi & K-W Knitters' Fair

Linda recently finished knitting this fabulous cardigan that is on display in the shop. Some of you may already have seen it. She kind of wishes that it would turn cool - guess it has- so that she can wear it!

Linda used another one of Berroco's super yarns - Blackstone Tweed KW. This yarn is a combination of soft wool, superkid mohair and angora rabbit hair. With that combination of fibres - it just has to be extremely soft and luxurious and it is!. Interestingly enough it also has a slightly rustic look which is very appealing. Linda had a hard time deciding what colour to use but ended up  choosing charcoal grey which is very versitile. Admire it and feehopefully  willinspired to make  this cardigan using BlackstoneTweed KW for yourself or some one special. There is a Berroco book dedicated to this particular yarn or you can use any pattern that calls for KW yarn. Blackstone Tweed KW would also be great for hats, mitts, scarves, etc.


Busy, busy busy!!! - that is what we are at the shop. We have spent a lot of time getting ready for the Kitchener Waterloo Knitters' Fair being held this Sat.- Sept.11th. First of all deciding to put a booth in the fair was a huge decision. Then deciding "what" to take and how much to take! Suppliers did not always co-operate - so some changes had to made at the last minute. By the time you receive this post - we will be very busy packing Linda's van - sure hope it is big enough - maybe it has expandable sides like suitcases do!  We will be setting up the booth Friday evening, driving back to town, then back up to K-W for 8:00 am Sat. morning. When the show closes at 4:30, we have to pack up everything - unless we sell it all!- and head back to Georgetown. Then unload Linda's van, so she can head home to Brampton. Sure sounds like a busy but fun time. If you are attending the show - be sure to come by and say Hi! We are in the ballroom - booth #24!

Remember we are closed Sat. September 11th - for the show! But we will be open on Mondays again starting on Sept. 13th. If you drop by on the 13th , I  might put you "to work" helping to put every thing back where it belongs!