Competition ...
What's Up With These Guys?

We know you like our competitions, and we've always got cool prizes.  So go make your entry for our latest on our blog.  What was happening here at our neighbors at the Meeting Place on Third Street this morning? ... give us your best shot, be it factual, scintillating, smart, sparkling, or witty  ... or any combination thereof.  We'll judge the best answers (our decision is final) and announce the prizewinners in the store on Mother's Day, May 11th.  Enter here.

New Publications

Knit So Fine	Knit So Fine. Put down those chunky yarns and fat needles and discover the creative possibilities of thin yarns. Think thin yarns are slow and boring to knit with? Think again! This information-packed book features more than twenty stylish and contemporary projects knit with lightweight yarns. Thin is in! Buy now.
Verena Knitting Summer 2008	Verena Knitting Summer 2008. A new magazine from Europe.  Every issue is packed with more patterns than any other magazine (50+). Stunning photos, exotic locations, high fashion styles and luxurious knitwear created by the top European designers.  $6.99.  Buy now.
Simple Gifts for Dog Lovers	Simple Gifts for Dog Lovers by Catherine Tough.  This little book is for anyone who loves dogs or knows someone who does. You won't be able to resist these 10 easy projects that pamper your pooch. Projects include striped dog coats, a felt dog bed, a patchwork dog blanket, and matching scarves for pooch and owner Novice crafters can make adorable bone-shaped key rings, paw-print slippers, or a picture frame for Fido's portrait in an evening or two Techniques include knitting, crochet, and simple sewing. $18.95.  Buy now.
Things I Learned From Knitting	Things I Learned From Knitting ... Whether I Wanted To or Not by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Age-old aphorisms are seen in a fresh, new light when the best-selling Yarn Harlot examines their meaning from behind her knitting needles. Considered from a knitter's point of view, “He who hesitates is lost” clearly refers to missed opportunities at a fantastic yarn sale. On every page Stephanie Pearl-McPhee finds the abundant humor in the ways knitting reflects life and life reflects knitting.  $10.95.  Buy now.
knitspeak	Like a 24-hour help hotline, Knitspeak demystifies pattern language for knitters and gives them confidence to take on new projects The only book of its kind Designed for quick reference and sized to fit in every knitting bag Knitting can be a challenging craft, but even more challenging than knitting itself is the cryptic language—a mix of abbreviations, numbers, jargon, punctuation marks, and other symbols—in which patterns are usually written. It’s no wonder so many beginners (and even some whose skills are quite advanced) are intimidated by the bewildering code—or that so many yarn-shop owners grow frustrated by the amount of time they must spend deciphering patterns for the uninitiated. Enter Knitspeak, a knitter’s dictionary that disentangles the mysteries of pattern language and translates it into plain English, helping knitters to easily transition from confused to confident. Andrea Berman Price’s essential guide—written in a friendly, reassuring tone and formatted for quick reference—begins with an overview of how knitting patterns are organized. It then offers a comprehensive alphabetical listing of all the abbreviations, words, phrases, and symbols typically encountered in patterns. Knitspeak’s many easy-to-understand drawings clarify basic and not-so-basic needle techniques, and a series of sidebars deals with issues ranging from keeping track of simultaneous shaping to substituting yarns and reading a yarn label. The book’s appendix is filled with valuable tips, charts, and worksheets.  Buy now.
knitalong	Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together. The immensely popular knitalong—an organized event where people knit together for a common goal—has only grown with the explosion of the Internet. Yesterday’s wartime Red Cross sock drives have evolved into today’s meet-ups at locales as diverse as cafes, state fairs, and major league ballparks, as well as international online gatherings; in fact, at any given time tens of thousands of people worldwide are involved in knitalongs, organized around a particular yarn, a favorite social cause, an intriguing project, a special event, or myriad other themes. Buy now.

Classes Coming

We've got some great classes coming up in the next couple of weeks.  Follow the links below to sign up online or give the store a call at 630-232-2305.

 

Rowan's Spring and Summer 2008 Magazine

We have also just received all eight shades of Rowan's Organic Cotton Purelife as well as the new organic cotton collection pattern book.  This organically grown naturally dyed yarn is colored with plant dyes.

Purelife organic cotton is fully certified by Biore. Biore was founded 25 years ago with a company ethos that everyone has the right to work and live with dignity. Through its foundation, Biore supports the whole organic farming community. It funds mobile health units, malaria prevention, schooling for children and hand pumps for drinking water. Biore also outlaws child labor, regulates working hours and sets a minimum wage. Biore guarantees to buy the farmers cotton for 5 consecutive years at 20% above the standard price paid for conventional cotton.

Noro Joy

Noro Joy is Jane Ellison's first Spring Summer book and uses the lovely cotton mix yarns, Taiyo and Matsuri from Noro.

Jane says, "I've thought about how the garments could work with the Summer wardrobe and designed short sleeved jumpers and cardigans.

"Because I live in the UK and don't have the luxury of living in a warm climate most of the year (I do dream that one day I can spend the winter months in Italy or the South of France, designing on the terrace over looking the countryside or Mediterranean, anyway in the meantime...!) I've shown the a couple of garments on the pattern pages with jumpers underneath as they also make perfect garments for the autumn months.

"The photoshoot was inspired by the brilliant blue of a summer sky and the reflections of the sea. The reflections also highlight the beautiful Noro colors.

"I hope everyone has Joy when knitting with Noro!"

Shibori Knitted Felt 20 Plus Designs to Knit, Bead, and Felt by Alison Crowther-Smith $24.95

Interweave Crochet Spring 2008

Woodsland Tunic Jill Hanratty Colorful motifs form the neckline and Empire waist of this seamless tunic.   Troubador Socks: Chrétien de Troyes Danielle Kassner Color-work socks keep feet warm on cool spring days.   Arachne's Tears Scarf Debra Lea This beginner scarf uses a simple pattern to create a cutwork design.     Ripple-Lace V-neck Top Christine L. Walter A V-neck tank is edged with simple ripple lace.   Floral Lace Belt Christina Marie Potter Lace edges surround a string of flower motifs in an ultrafeminine corset belt.

Start Spinning

Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn
by Maggie Casey
The art of spinning is growing in popularity as knitters, new and experienced, want to make their own yarn. All it takes is some fluff, a spindle or wheel, and a little practice! Maggie Casey, co-owner of Shuttles, Spindles, and Skeins yarn shop in Boulder, Colorado, and veteran spinning teacher, takes complete novices to competent spinners in Start Spinning: Everything You Need to Know to Make Great Yarn.

Amy Butler Bags

Lovely new bags from Amy Butler – some new ones called craft bags, they are in the same designs but different shapes and in slightly less expensive fabrics so are more affordable than some of her others and are great for all kinds of crafting, not just the old knitting and crochet. Plus some more of the originals which I just love and covet deeply.

A huuuuge box of Koigu, fa la la la la ... in some repeats of colors we have already had and ten brand spanking new ones. Whole bags of those deep yummy colors begging to be made into sweaters, shawls, throws, mitts, you just name it.

If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber you will love the new line of accessories she has out ... we have some of the needle cases, journals and knit kits all in a lovely fabric which matches so you can co-ordinate with your books. If you haven’t read The Shop on Blossom Street, or any of her other books make sure you do soon.

Those fabulous bobble makers which we get from Clover that make it so easy now come in two new sizes, extra small and extra large and we have plenty in stock so you can accessorize your accessories!

Love the look of felted jewelry but not sure how to do it? We just got some really cool packs of felted and sequined balls in all sizes that would make super easy bracelets and necklaces, key chains or buttons.

Ravelry

I don't know how many of you have registered at Ravelry, but take a look at it online and you will soon become totally hooked.  It is a wonderful way to see some of the things you may be thinking about making ... and to get inspired to finish some of the others that may be lurking in the UFO pile.  While you're there make sure that you join the Wool and Company Ravelry Group - you'll be in good company, and then search for "Wool and Company".