Yarntopia

This is today's evolution of this scarf.  I have deliberately done the two side differently.  The part on the left is the base and it can be made from a pattern.  I then took this base and embellished it (I'm not done yet) for a freeform, artistic accessory.  I plan on beading along with further embellishment with yarn.

I will have the finished piece in the store if you want to touch and feel for yourself.

March is National Crochet Month and to celebrate we are offering many crochet classes along with special displays that focus on crochet.  The calendar is updated, head on over.

To show our support for crochet designers, it was suggested that folks "adopt" a designer for the month and promote them and their work.  We have chosen to adopt Doris Chan.  Doris is extremely talented along with being funny, kind and humble.  She is a prolific designer and works with several different yarn companies.  We are now carrying Tahki Stacy Charles and are excited to have their new Cotton Classic Lite in stock along with the pattern book that features Doris' designs.

This is a sport weight version of Cotton Classic, a staple in the Tahki line for many years.  It has a wonderful hand and I can hardly wait to get started on my project.  I am making the Tokyo Vest which is tunisian and traditional crochet.  The color palette for this yarn is amazing.  We have a sample of the available colors.

The colors are rich and vibrant.  This will be a joy to use for either knit or crochet.

Amy is moving right along with the big flip, so be sure to drop in soon to see what's new.

I have put some new classes on the calendar for March.  In the months to come we will feature one or two project classes that will be taught in that month only.  After that the project will be taught as private classes or we will schedule at a specific time with you and a friend.

Here are the highlights:

• Mimi's Knitting Club - this is a drop in knitting group for grandmothers, grandmothers to be, mothers or anyone who just loves knitting for babies.  In March we will just work on our own projects but I will have several things to choose from for a knit-a-long.  The knit-a-long is optional but also should be fun.
• Citron - head on over to knitty.com to see this adorable shoulder warming shawlette.  I knit mine with Sekku, a new lace yarn from Noro, but you can use any lace weight or even sock yarn for a slightly larger shawl.
• Crazy Lace - is the name Myra Wood gave to this type of lace knitting.  I will teach you Myra's "Lace Logic" and then guide you through knitting lace creatively and without charts or written rules.  The good news is that because this is a creative endeavor - nothing is a mistake only a design element.  Myra's book will be available for purchase.
• Knitting 911 - Amy will be teaching you how to correct the most common knitting mistakes.  Every knitter should take this class!
• Block of the Month - Go to the KAL page of our website for more information on this.  We will start the new block on the first Thursday evening of every month.  This is a great way to build skills.
• Saturday the 6th is Sock Saturday - If you want to learn to make socks (and you know how to use dpns) then come in at 10:00 and Sheryl will get you going.  Stay as long as is necessary to knit a small sock.

Check the calendar and find something new and fun to do this month.

Save The Date

Thursday, March 25th 6-9

Spring Yarn Tasting

This is just a teaser - more information to come.

Here is the project for the Mitered Square classes this month.  The link for the free pattern can be found on the Links page.

The great thing about this pattern is that not only will you learn how to make mitered squares, but you will be an expert in picking up stitches by the time you are finished.

I started the Illusion Knitting project today.  I hope to have pictures by Wednesday for that one.

Our first "Because You Asked" workshop was a huge success.  It was literally standing room only.  We all learned new things about fibers and how best select yarn for a chosen project.  It was great fun and I am looking forward to February 9th!  If you would like to attend the evening session that night, just give us a call or send an email.

We received 4 new colors of Louisa Harding Merletto in the store today.  Her new spring books and the new yarns should be here in a couple of weeks.  Many of the designs have an Asian influence and are beautiful in their simplicity.  We'll let you know as soon as they arrive.

Meet the Monroe, the newest bag from Namaste.  We bought one in every color.  It has great zippered storage pockets and plenty of room for projects as well as purse stuff.

Here is an interior view of the 3 sections.  There is also an outside pocket for patterns or magazines.

Also new in the store this week (and nearly sold out so we will reorder Monday) is Mochi Plus from Crystal Palace.  This is the big sister to the Mini Mochi you have loved.  There are many projects for which this would be a great choice:  Clapotis, Multidirectional Scarf, Entrelac projects and anything that would benefit from long color runs.

This is new colorway of Mini Mochi.  It is beautiful  Amy said it is so pretty it makes her want to knit a pair of socks.  Since socks aren't her fav knit, you know that is saying something!

I have updated the links page and that is where you'll find our personal blogs.  I recently blogged about my finished items and now I am off to write about my current project as well what I have planned for this year.  I also updated my Ravelry queue to reflect my plans.

Check out our personal blogs then come see us to find your next project.

Happy Stitching!

I updated my Ravelry queue.  For those of you who don't know about Ravelry, it is an awesome website where you can do everything from keep track of projects, needles and stash to researching patterns and yarn.

I have not done a good job of using the queue feature.  The reason is primarily because I so often just make (or start) whatever catches my eye without regard for things I have marked as future projects.

I am finishing another free pattern, Mr. Greenjeans from Knitty.com, which I am knitting in Malabrigo.  This is going to be another favorite cardigan.  I am also working on a vest in Colorscape from Rowan.  The pattern is simple and I am using a size 11 needle so it is going quite fast.

Solstice, by Classic Elite , is the first item up for 2010.  I am going to use Chesapeake from CE to make this great pullover.  Chesapeake is a cotton/wool blend and is a great year round choice for Houston.  We are running low so as soon as the new order comes in I will get started.

Anyone want to join me in knitting this cutie?  The pattern is free at Classic Elite's website, so go check it out then come choose your yarn.

As a reminder Yarntopia will be closed on 12/31 & 1/1 for inventory.  Sheryl will reopen at 9 on Saturday,

January 2nd.

We are open 10-8 today for day 2 of our end of year sale.

All yarn is 20% off with additional yarns marked down 40% or 50%. 

Books, needles and accessories not included.

Sale continues tomorrow 10-8 then we will close Thursday the 31st and Friday the 1st for inventory.

We will reopen Saturday with regular hours of 9-4.

Amy's sweater looks smashing in the window with our Christmas stuff.  This tunic length hoodie is knit with Kid Classic from Rowan and the pattern is in "Precious" by Kim Hargreaves.

Mini is festive in her Christmas T, Yummy Scarf and is admiring the new colors of Malabrigo.  Many of the new colors have already sold out, but there are still some beautiful hanks left.  Come check it out.

I am finally (and slowly) moving the Christmas decorations from my garage to the shop.  This is as far as I have gotten.

We have 3 yarn bowls from Sony Hartley - they are adorable and would make a great gift for yourself or a yarn friend.  I made up a fun little scarf pattern that now comes free with a hank of Yummy, Yarntopia's fun fashion yarn.  It only takes one hank and knits up quickly for great last minute gifts.

We still have plenty of patterns and time to knit for soldiers or veterans.  Come on in and look through the patterns and find something to make for our deserving service members.

This interesting group of yarn is destined to be an interesting wrap.

I am inspired by some beautiful, nearly freeform type wraps I have seen and plan on making this and then writing up the pattern for you.  I am using large needles for an open and lacy look, and fast knitting!  I hope to have this finished this week.  I'll keep you posted.

We are working on class projects and ideas for the first part of next year.  We will have a few new project classes, will continue offering private classes for skills and whatever you want to learn, and will do a knit-a-long and a crochet-a-long this year.  We will have another open house in January to reveal everything and give you a chance to sign up.  Hope to see you soon.