New Books - New Baby Yarn

Knitting More Circles around Socks - Author Antje Gillingham shows you step-by-step how to knit two socks at a time on circular needles. Great pattern support too, with directions on making several designs in either the toe up or cuff down method, Retails for $31.95

The Easy "Learn to Knit" in Just One Day - Want a quick and easy way to learn to knit? This may just be the book for you. Great diagrams combined with easy to follow instructions make getting started a breze. It also includes several great patterns that any beginner knitter would enjoy as a first project. Retails for $20.25.

New from Filature di Crosa:

Zarine Baby Print - Filatura di Crosa recently revamped the popular DK version of this yarn, Zara, and we are now pleased to also carry this lighter sportweight version. Zarina is a 100% extra fine merino wool, with the added feature of being superwash, meaning it can be machine washed! Zarina Baby Print (click for shade card) comes in variegated shades, making it the perfect choice for baby and children's wear. It comes in 50g balls, for $9.95, and has 165 metres.

Inge's Prayer Shawl

I wrote about our Prayer Shawl experience in our last Newsletter:

Inge was inspired to knit this filigrane white prayer shawl, when our youngest son was heading off to his four month trip through South America and started a month ago in Venezuela, a place which would scare all parents. He made it safely through to Ecuador so far.

The pattern is from the book "The Prayer Shawl Companion" and Inge wanted to add that she used a mix of Drops Symphony, some Gedifra Amara, some white ribbon yarn leftover and white Funny yarn.

Affordable Baby yarn - great toddler patterns

I was so sure that I had already shared this great pattern book "just for tots" for our best buy baby yarn Comfort DK (from Berroco, just $3.95 for the 50g ball!) - but I couldn't find a posting. So here it is, with the front cover to the left and the same garment of the front cover in our store.

This is what Alison wrote: As always, baby and children's knits are a favourite at our store. Caleb is a toddler's pullover made from Berroco's Comfort DK. This great little design ranges in size from 9 months to 6 years. Side neck buttons make it easy to get over the little heads, and the easy-care blend of the yarn makes it washer friendly. Featured in Berroco book #274, it requires between 4 and 6 balls of yarn (that is only Canadian $16-$24).

Great new books, have a peek!

Together with our Spring/Summer yarns we ordered a large number of pattern bookletts for this season of the year, which you will all find in our book page now!

I would like to point out two very unique books here:

Knit One Below - by Elise Duvekot
The bright idea behind this book with 35 patterns for the entire family is to build an entire collection around one simple stitch that creates many intriguing effects. Shown in knitting instructions as "k1b" (knit 1 below), the technique involves knitting into the stitch one row below the stitch on the needle with either a knit or a purl stitch. The result is an easy-to-knit fabric with wonderful drape and flexibility that looks equally good on both sides. The color effects possible are also impressive. Use the technique for sweaters, cardigans, bags and even socks!

This book with 35 patterns for the entire family costs only $23.95.

Socks a la Carte - by Jonelle Raffino and Katherine Cade
This innovative book allows you to customize your sock pattern, using the cuff, body and heel/toe techniques of your choice. Over a dozen of choices (on split pages) for each part of your sock makes the design possibilities nearly unlimited!
Readers can flip these split pages to see how the individual elements work together and then mix and match these patterns to create unique sock styles that they can then knit according to their personal preferences. A bonus gallery will feature a number of finished sock styles in a variety of colors as inspiration for the reader. Price: $25.50.

Summer is coming closer!

Wonderful Summer yarns and "tons" of pattern books arrived. Check below and in our book page.

New from Berroco
Pure Pima - Pima cotton is one of the softest cottons around, making this new DK weight yarn a great choice for Summer projects. Pure Pima is 100% cotton, which means it breathes and wears well. Great for Summer tops, childrens wear and baby projects like sweaters, hats and blankets. Berroco sent us this lovely sample sweater done in Pure Pima - you have to check it out. It is the cover sweater from Norah Gaughan's Collection Volume 4. There are several other Summer projects in this volume as well, which you may order from us for $19.75.

Pure Pima retails for $6.25 for the 50g skein with 115 yards. Check the shade card!

Comfort Chunky - Due to overwhelming response to the Sock, DK and Worsted versions of this yarn, Berroco has come out with a chunky version of Comfort. A silky, smooth combination of nylon and acrylic makes this an easy-care choice for blankets, sweaters, kidswaer and accessories. Great colour choices, and an excellent buy at $7.75 for the 100g and 150yd skein. Here is the shade card.

New from Lana Grossa
Secondo - Secondo is a beautiful blend of silk, cotton and polyamide that knits up to a sports weight. It's slinky feel suggests that it would be perfect for a short sleeve top, wrap or a beautiful cardigan. The 50g ball has 125 metres and retails for $14.25. Check the beautiful Summer shades!

Biosoja - This wonderful worsted weight yarn is part of Lana Grossa's "Linea Pura" line. Biosoja is an organic blend of soy, cotton, and bamboo that subtly changes hues as you work with it. Perfect for a Summer top or twin set. The 50g ball has 110 metres and retails for $13.25 - check the shade card.

There are several designs for Biosoja in the new Linea Pura book Vol.1, which we have in stock - check our book page!

New from Classic Elite Yarns

Solstice - is part of Classic Elite's Verde Collection, which was designed with nature in mind. Solstice is a beautiful blend of 70% organic cotton and 30% wool. Very soft and subtle, Solstice knits up to a worsted weight, and would be gorgeous as a sweater, hat, shawl, even for fingerless gloves for the cool Spring nights ahead.

We also received several copies of the Johns Bay pattern book, which features 10 designs for Solstice and other CE Yarns. Check our book list. Solstice retails for $8.25 for the 50g skein with 100 yds. Here is the shade card.

New from Tahki Yarns

Sierra - An aran weight silk and linen blend that has a wonderful flecked tweed look. Great for Summer tops, jackets, even a skirt. The 50g skein has 135 yds and retails for $10.25, here are the shades. We also received a pattern book with several designs for Sierra, see under "Sierra" in our book list.

New from Stylecraft
Life Aran - Part of Stylecraft's Life series, Aran combines the beauty of wool with the easy care of acrylic in soft and sumptuous yarn. As the name suggests, this yarn works up to a classic aran gauge of 18 sts/4inches, and is a great choice for sweaters, blankets, accessories and kidswear. It's very economical too, at $6.95 for the 100gram, 198 metre skein. We have it in a range of solid and tweed colors.


New from Schachenmayr/Kertzer
Catania - A lovely new Summer yarn, Catania is a sports weight mercerized cotton that comes in a wide range of stunning colours. 100% cotton for comfort and easycare, mercerization for a light sheen. Kertzer has published two great books with patterns for fantastic baby and children's wear done in Catania. It retails for $4.95 for the 50g/125m skein, see shade card.

The great little Kertzer books #420 and 421 with four patterns each sell for $4.25 each (see below).

The Spring & Summer Yarns are coming!

Nearly every day now we receive a shipment and enjoy the new colours.

From Classic Elite Yarns:

Classic Silk - a yummy blend of cotton, silk and nylon, that knits up to a worsted weight. What a great hand! This silk/cotton combination has a great nubby look with a little sheen and a great natural silk feel. Used in fair isle, for stripes or as just a single color, it's a spring/summer weight that looks perfect for a Summer cardigan or sweater. The 50g ball has 135 yards and retails for $11.25. Check out the shade card.

Patterns are available in these Classic Elite books: "Round Pond" and "Curvy Knits Vol.1". Check out our books page and order them from us.

Shadow Knitting and Domino Knitting Classes

All those who receive our newsletters (sign up at http://www.needlenart.com/) knew about the two weekend classes with Miriam Leth-Espensen which we had 2 weeks ago.

This is what Pam summarized:

January 10th and 11th saw customers and some members of staff enjoying an interesting and informative weekend with Miriam Leth-Espensen from Santa Fe. January 10th saw us learning the art of Shadow Knitting as defined by the Danish needle artist, Vivian Hoxbro (http://www.viv.dk/). January 11th was spent on Domino Knittting, the art of knitting mitred squares with no sewn seams. Both these skills could be defined as "advanced" techniques, but Miriams's down-to-earth teaching manner and friendly personality made the whole experience very enjoyable.

The Needle & Arts Centre carries Vivian Hoxbro knitting kits as well as her books on Shadow Knitting and Domino Knitting - you may order them online. Arriving shortly will be the Harrisville Shetland Wool that is recommended in the books and which form the kits. We also carry wool and cotton yarns that can be substituted.

About Miriam:
Miriam Leth-Espensen visited us all the way from Santa Fé, New Mexico! She is a renowned and inspirational weaver and knitting teacher. Read more about Miriam here!

About Shadow Knitting:
Add magic to your knitting projects! Read about this clever technique in Wikipedia or even better about Vivian Høxbro's book "Shadow Knitting" in this review. Miriam's class is based on this book and the Vivian Høxbro patterns. Complete shadow knitting kits are available in our store or can be ordered, as well as the book.

About Domino Knitting:
Miriam's class is based on Vivian Høxbro's book "Knit to Be Square", Vivian's second book on Domino Knitting. The beauty of this technique is that you can create any colour pattern you want. Read more about the book and this detailed review.

NEW Alpaca Yarn from SandnesGarn

Mini Alpakka - This is a lighter weight version of our popular Alpakka yarn which knits up to a light sports weight (about 27 sts to 10cm on 3mm needles). 100% alpaca yarns such as this are a great choice for almost any person, even those who have trouble with other natural fibers like wool and mohair. As a result it's a wonderful yarn for sweaters, accessories and children's knits. Each 50g skein has 150 m and retails for $7.50. Here you see the shade card.

Look in our store for SandnesGarn book #0806, which offers 15 patterns for this yarn!

Bestseller!

We sold Sally Melville's knitting books for quite a while but only after Pam knit the Einstein Coat for herself and the Baby Albert Coat for her grand child, and displayed them in our store, we had to reorder the books a couple of times!

These patterns are both in Book 1: The Knitting Stitch. You find all three books (newly adjusted prices!) in our web site/book page. As Pam says: even a very experienced knitter finds interesting knitting tips in these excellent books.

The Einstein Coat was knit in Alafoss Lopi and the Baby Albert Coat (which actually can be more colourful as well) in Smart Superwash. There is also a pattern for the very colourful Baby Albert Bunting in this book, which Inge knit for our new born baby girl.

NEW from Schulana

Merino Superlight - A soft merino blend yarn with a unique cable construction, a featherlight icord wool. This beautiful yarn will knit up with the speed of a chunky weight without the bulk. Perfect for sweaters, hats, scarves and accessories. It retails for $12.95 for a 50g ball (90m). Here is the shade card.

Schulana's latest magazine, Créalana No.23 features several designs for this and other Schulana yarns we carry.

It's Stella!

A couple of months ago we were all hype about our first grand child to arrive, and believe me, Inge and our staff and friends were knitting A LOT. Especially after Stella was born mid of August and the colours were easier to decide on. Here is our precious little addition to our family.

Inge is going to visit her in Edmonton this week and the last two projects she will have in her suitcase are these soft little somethings. The purple "ribbed jacket" is taken from Special Knits by Debbie Bliss, see our book list. The pattern for the white/pink combination is available on request. Both are knit in Drops Silke Alpaca, Funny yarn added to the latter.

Put a little sparkle in your life..

Put a little sparkle in your life - with Lumina, the lovely new DK weight yarn from renowned Australian designer Jo Sharp.

Jo Sharp's new glamorous slinky 'Lumina' yarn is a luxurious blend of cotton and viscose, with an explosion of lustrous sequins, like stars in the night, stranded into the yarn. It's perfect for bags, scarves, shawls or evening wear. Check the shade card!

We also have in stock Jo Sharp's magazine, "knit" Issue 4, which includes several designs for Lumina.

More exciting new books!

You find all books and prices at www.needlenart.com/id53.html. Buy them online or in our store!

From the publishers of Knitter's Magazine, in the "Knitter's Dozen" series: Ponchos and Wraps - twenty-two favorites from past issues of Knitter's, including an adaptation of Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Pi" shawl. If you have a knitter on your gift list, here's a great book to "wrap up" your shopping early!

Kids - another "Knitter's Dozen"; this one with nineteen great designs for children. Many of the sweaters go up to size twelve, so you are sure to find something for your favorite kids, whether they be toddlers or tweenies.

Arans and Celtics - Classic cabled sweater, vest and accessories patterns from past issues. This one is sure to become a favorite of intermediate and advanced knitters who enjoy the challenge of arans and guernseys.

The Great American Aran Afghan - This is the fourth afghan in the magazine's popular series of afghans published in past issues. It includes twenty-four cabled square designs, so you can create your own, one-of-a-bird heirloom afghan.

Last, but certainly not least, popular designer Cat Bordhi has a new book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One. With her innovative techniques and patterns, Cat is guaranteed to catch the attention of new and experienced sock knitters alike. We also have in stock copies of two of her other books, A Treasury of Magical Knitting, and A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting.

Check www.needlenart.com/id53.html for more!

New Books for new Projects

Here comes the first "batch" of interesting new books in store. See details and prices at www.needlenart.com/id53.html!

New books from the "Vogue Knitting On the Go" series: Chunky Scarves and Hats and Svarves Two. Lots of great projects for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons.

Two books from renowned British designer Debbie Bliss: Junior Knits features fun and functional patterns for kids aged 3 to 10 years. Baby Knits for Beginners features simple yet sensational designs for the little ones in our life.

Colours, Colours, Sunshine!

Spring here shows only glimpses of what it could be, but Summer is close and we will eventually see the sunny days and enjoy the beaches as these kids do.

Looking through the new pattern books and new yarns of this season, these photos just make me feel good about what we have to offer. The boy's red/blue sweater is done with Loft Classic, the other two colourful bulky sweaters are knit with Unikat. All yarns are from Zitron and all patterns in the newest Zitron kids pattern book - a feast for the eyes!

Great New Books just arrived!

I just posted 9 new books in our web site, which adds nicely to the ones which were already listed there. We carry more in our store, of course!

This is Inge's favourite new book:
Amy R. Singer: No Sheep For You - your guide to the wonders of knitting without wool. Get cozy with some of the most luxurious (not most expensive) fibres on the planet. Learn all about nonwool yarns, including cotton, silk, linen, soy, bamboo, hemp, Tencel, rayon, and their characteristics. Delight in the 21 knockout patterns. "No Sheep For You is full of wit, wisdom, and answers to questions I never even thought to ask about my favorite fibers. And it's a wonderful pattern book."

If you cannot wear wool, this is the perfect guide. We are glad to offer the beautiful and affordable Bamboo yarn Eden from Madil (see my earlier posting) - amazing colours and sheen! See our web site.