A Visit From Amy Hendrix!

Last weekend we had a special appearance from Amy Hendrix, creative mind behind all that fabulous Madelinetosh Yarns we all love. As you all know, Amy was here to give us her color theory class. Coming from me and the 30 eager students that showed saturday...... her class was just fantastic!! The first half of the class was spent learning a bit of color history, how it was created and used. Many colors were made using things from nature, like muds, plants, even certain little bugs. Did you know in the medieval times there was a particular little sea snail that was used to create that beautiful deep purple? This was used to dye the robes that were worn only by royalty! Intertesting! 

After that Amy more into detail about color values (shades of a color from lights to darks), color hue (warm vs cool), color harmony (balancing colors so they are pleasing to the eye), and how colors behave differently depending on what you put it next to. During the break everyone (being so inspired by color) rushed over to our Madelinetosh department! We had all the bins out too so everyone could play with colors.....

With all our new knowledge of color, the last part of the class was all about choosing colors to match our own (and others) complexions, hair color, eye color, etc. Even if your favorite color you want to wear is not quite right for you there are ways to make it work!

 I think one of the best ways to observe colors and how they behave together is being out in nature! Nature creates the most beautiful colors and are naturally harmonious, so get out there and get inspired! 

Thank you so much Amy for such a wonderful, inspiring class!! 

This week we got in a few new things too :) For you spinners we got some new fibers. We got some unique new fiber made from Sea Cell! Sea Cell fiber is a cellulose fiber that is made from seaweed. Seaweed is rich in various vitamins and minerals and has been well known for its use in Chinese Medicine. It’s proven to be great for your skin, and has anti-inflammatory properties! This particular fiber would make a very comfortable, soft, beathable fabric! 

There is one more unique fiber I haven’t heard of....Fake Cashmere! I know that doesn’t sound too appealing when you say it, but it’s a super soft nylon fiber that is as soft as cashmere! It also does not have the cashmere price....you get quite a bit of wonderful softness (1/2lb) for only $10!!! Now thats quite a deal I think! 

soft as a cloud!

Cascade yarns sent us quite a large box of new colors of 220 Superwash!! We now have a total of 32 colors to choose from! How bout those options.....

Good colors! It’s hard to pick your favorite! This yarn is great for just about any project in mind, and its all washable! 

Before I leave you this week I have a wee bit of show-n-tell. Joan made this super cute baby blanket....

Its so soft and perfect little size for a carseat or carrier! It only takes 2 balls Sirdar Snuggly DK and 1 ball Sirdar Baby Snowball, which makes it a less-than $20 project! This would be great as a last minute gift. It’s only takes a couple of days to make. It is also suitable for a beginner. Pattern is now available free with yarn purchase. 

Until next week yarn pals! Happy knitting :)

The Madelinetosh Has Landed.....

It’s here, it’s here.....our giant shipment of Madelinetosh has arrived!!! Just in time for Amy Hendrix’s arrival saturday! Now we are “stuffed to the gills” with Tosh DK, Merino DK, Tosh Sock, Tosh Merino Light, Tosh Lace, and Vintage!!!! Woohoo! Checking it in and putting it out was quite a chore, but one that I would never mind doing! Here I am surrounded in Tosh-y goodness...

Can’t get much better than that! It’s so funny, sometimes I think we don’t even need to display it ‘cause it sells just laying across the floor! haha! Nowone can resist Madelinetosh!  If anyone wants to get thier hands on some before the crowds on saturday - I’m sure there will be! - now will be the time, while the supply lasts! First come, first pick ;) 

I’m so excited to meet Amy, and to tell her if all I had to knit was her yarn.....that would be just fine with me! Can’t wait for that Color Theory Class! I’ll tell you all about it next week (with pics of course). Don’t forget, whoever is taking the class bring your set of colored pencils, some graph paper, and something to take notes with. It’s also won’t hurt to wear (and show off) something you knit out of anything Tosh! Let’s show Amy our Madelinetosh spirit!!  ;)

Remember last week I told you about our new Noro yarn Shiraito? Well, over the weekend Joan made up a scarf in this fab new yarn! I must share....

Isn’t that soooo pretty! It only takes one ball too, free pattern with purchase. I also didn’t realize that this particular Noro yarn is a limited addition!! Noro chose us as one of the few American yarn shops to carry this gorgeous yarn! Isn’t that so awesome! We are lucky little monarchs!

We got in a nice little shipment of books this week. There is one in particular I just had to add to my library. It’s called Betsy Beads by Betsy Hershberg. It’s a book all about making amazing knitted jewelry with beads, beads, and more beads!! This book goes into great detail about all kinds of knitting with beads and has so many creative ideas!! It has great pictures, diagrams, detailed instructions. There are all kinds of knitted (and beaded) necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts, etc. You have got to take a look at this one! It is a must have I think! 

Here are a few other new books we have added to our selection....

and a new issue of Spin Off magazine..

We also got in a small shipment from Manos Del Uruguay that contained a couple of new colors of Maxima...

Pretty aren’t they?! 

I love Maxima! It’s so soft and wonderful to knit! I made my hubby a hat out of this quite awhile ago, and he’s worn it to death. He’s a mechanic and so rough on knitted things. They don’t last very long for him. He sure does love knitted beanies though, so I’ll need to make another! 

Speaking of hats...I almost forgot! Joan made this really cute slouchy hat out of Lousa Harding Grace Hand-Beaded and Hand-Dyed. The main reason she made this one (besides its cuteness) we have our Silk Ribbon Embroidery Class coming up on March 31st taught by June McKnight. Joan knit the hat, and June took it home and did a little silk embroidery to show how easy and how just a litte embroidery with silk and beads can make your knits look like this....

A little close up shot 

Wow! Just stunning! June says there are only a few very simple embroidery stitches used in this technique and anyone can learn! Silk Ribbon Embroidery can be applied to any knits, needlepoint, crochet, or even used to jazz up most store bought clothing! I just might hafto eves drop alittle while she teaches! June dropped the hat by today while I was taking pictures for this blog. I just had to share! In fact, customers in the shop at that time were so impressed 2 of them signed up right then! Now the class is full! Don’t worry though.. these classes with June have been so successful, we will be offering this class again in the near future!

That’s it for this week everyone! There is quite alot new to look at here this week....if you get a chance you gotta come see for yourself. 

Some New Noro & Show 'n Tell

Hello there fellow yarnies ;) Just wanted to give you all a quick little update on a fab new Noro yarn that came in today! It’s called “Shiraito”. This new yarn is has a blend of Cashmere (oh yea!), Anogra, and wool.

So soft & fuzzy! The colors are irrisitable! Check it out.....

Shiraito is about a DK weight and has just under 200 yards. I’m very tempted to start a scarf! I was thinking maybe a chevron stitch of some sort would look stunning :) Still too many projects! First, I must finish that Kinetik Shawl! Almost done!! Joan’s came out sooooo pretty! Here are some pics of hers...

A customer of ours, Katherine, came in today to show her’s off. She did the “some bead” option which I haven’t seen finished yet. It’s gorgeous!!

I love the color choice and the contrast of beads! Very nice Katherine! Thanks for letting me share. I’ll just keep plugging away at mine! What a stunning pattern! It was quite fun to partisipate in the KAL. I admit, I am very ready to be done though!

 Today we finally got in some sought after new books. Westknits Book 3 and Ysolda Teague’s Whimsical Little Knits 3!!!! We have been waiting, and waiting! Both books are a must have! Come get your hands on one before they go ‘cause they’re so popular it might be hard to get more!

That’s all I have to share this week. We have our Color Theory Class with Amy Hendrix coming up very soon! So exciting! We are expecting a very large Madelinetosh order in by next week (pretty much any day now) so keep checking back!! Lots of Tosh DK, Merino DK, Vintage, Tosh Sock, and Tosh Lace!!! There will be some brand new colorways to feast your eyes on too! Can’t wait......

Happy Camping

Hiya everyone! Now that the weather is starting to get better, it’s time for another Big Sur Betty Camp!! May 4th - 6th Betty will be hosting another “creative retreat” on her breath-takingly beautiful property! What a inspiring place to be!! If you feel like you need to just get out of town for a weekend and do nothing but relax in the sunshine and knit, crochet, or spin this is exactly the place to do so! I have been to 2 of Betty’s retreats it is quite relaxing and very fun! While you are there you can just be lazy and relax in the sun or, go for a stroll in the woods and enjoy the beauty nature! There is also a large private pond where you can cool off form the heat, if you so choose. It even has a rope swing! In the eveings it’s so peaceful and serene, you can’t hear a sound! You can see every star in the sky!! I highly reccomend this retreat! Give us a call for more details. Here are a few pics from past retreats...

Entrance to Betty's

Rope swing!!

Camp

Betty's backyard view! 

You deserve a relaxing weekend away from it all.....mark the date and come camp with us! Just think, one weekend of uninterrupted knitting or crocheting!! Yes please! :)

I wonder how everyone is doing with their Kinetik KAL?! Well all the clues have been revealed, and our mystery turned out to be a gorgeous beaded shawlette! I must admit, I am behind....too many projects! It’s not a knit where you can visit with a friend or watch TV. It takes most of your attention, but worth it in the end. Diane finished hers check out how stunning it is.....

Wow! That has inspired me to finish mine! Even with all those beads, it’s not that heavy either. I’m working really hard to finish this one up. I’ll post it once I’m done. Joan is very close to finishing hers as well. Can’t wait to see others come in finished!!

I really have grown to love beaded knits! It is not as difficult as you think. We have these great beaded jewelry kits that would be a perfect start to beaded knitting. I just finished a “Ribband Kit” which can be worn as a bracelet or a necklace.

This one is not difficult! It’s only 4 stitches wide! You can handle that....I know you can! Just look at those pretty czech crystals knitted in! Sparkley! These Ribband Kits come in 5 different colors and inculde the yarn, beads, clasp, and instructions. The instructions also include a web address link to videos on how to string on your beads! 

This week we got in one new yarn. Its by a swedish yarn company beautiful yarns at great prices, plus we just love to support them. It’s called “Moa” by Jarbo Garn. Its a wool, mohair, and polyamid blend with a “loopy texture”. This yarn is perfect for edges of hats, gloves, sweaters, or carry it along with another yarn and make a fun textured scarf! This one might be fun to use in felting projects too. We had a yarn similar to it years ago that was very popular, and then discontinued :P Don’t you hate that! We are very happy to finally find this fun yarn again!

Knitter’s Pride has come out with some new needle sets! The Rose Cubics are finally available in an interchangable set! There is a deluxe set that comes with needle tips in sizes 6 - 11, 1 24” cord, 2 32” cords, 1 40” cord, a set of size markers, 8 end caps, 4 cord keys, and a case! All for only $84! Whatta great deal! There is also a special Cubic set that comes with shorter tips in sizes 6 - 10, 2 16” cords, 4 end caps, 2 cord keys, and a case for only $57.50. The special set with the shorter tips are great for those of you who love to make hats that require shorter length needles. The Dreams also have a special interchangable set available with the shorter tips. This set comes with the shorter tips sizes 4 - 10, 2 16” cords, 1 set size markers, 4 end caps, 2 cord keys, and case - $62.99! These are selling these super fast! In fact, too fast for me to take pictures for this blog! We will get more shortly. Give us a call or come on down and check them out! We will gladly order a set special for you!

That’s about all for this week. Just a quick update before I leave you....Amy Hendrix’s Color Theory Class is now SOLD OUT! I hope everyone who wanted a ticket has got their excited little hands on one :) It’s going to be a very fun class! We are all looking forward to it!

Super Superwash & More...

Hi there! I hope everyone got my update on The Color Theory Workshop schedule change. I’m pretty sure you all did ‘cause as of today there are only 11 tickets left! If you have not signed up yet and want to I would do it asap! I can’t tell you how excited we all are to meet Amy :) 

This week guess what we got.....yes you got it, MORE YARN! I love it when spring comes around! That’s when all the new goodies come flying in. It sometimes feels like Chirstmas morning to me opening all the boxes that come in, so exciting when you are a yarnaholic. It’s very hard not wanting to cast on with evey new yarn that comes through! We all manage tho haha! So anywhoo, on to the new yarns....

We all decided we needed a good superwash worsted weight wool that was affordable but still very high quality. With lots of customer recommendations, we decided to go with Cascade 220 Superwash. Cascade Superwash comes in a HUGE array of colors! It was really hard to pick but we narrowed it down to 36 colors for you all to choose from! Unfortunately, they have so far only sent us 16 of the 36 (errrr annoying!) but the rest will come soon!! Cascade 220 Superwash is great for just about anything! Knit for someone you love with the confidence that they won’t accientally felt all your hours of work ;) This yarn is wonderful to knit or crochet and shows stitch patterns and cables very nicely. A superwash wool at only $10.95 per ball and a generous 220 yards! How can we go wrong?!

From Brown Sheep we got in some new colors of Lamb’s Pride Superwash Sport! This is another great superwash wool in a sport weight and now we have lots, and lots of color choices! Check out the great selection....

With all the new superwash yarns in, we decided to make a little “superwash department” for your shopping convenience! 

Lots of good choices now all in one spot. 

There was a really fun shipment that came in yesterday from Manos Del Uruguay. It was full of 11 colors of  Manos “Serena”. Serena is a sport weight, kettle dyed baby alpaca and pima cotton blend! So, so yummy! No...I didn’t chew on it (crossed my mind for a second hahaha!) but oh man I wanna knit with it!! It’s so soft and the colors are beautiful.....

There are some really cute patterns that go along with the Serena too...

and a couple of new colors in Maxima (a few more coming)

I just need to restrain myself....gotta finish that Mystery KAL first! By the way, how is everyone doing on thier KAL? I’m somewhat behind :/ Just about to start clue 4. This project, although very fun, takes quite a bit of attention! I don’t know about you, but after about 10-10:30 at night my attention span is ALOT shorter. What’s that rule Joan always tells me...don’t rip out after 9pm?! Might be some good advice! Well, onward I go. Here’s mine, so far so good....

I love the dye job! The beads sure do punch you in the face! I like it tho, it looks like lightening to me. I think when everyone is done I’ll take pics and share. I’ll make a little gallery of finished Kinetiks for everyone to see! If anyone would like me to share theirs on our blog, come by when it done I’ll do a little photoshoot with ya! It is something to be proud of, quite a little challenge. If you are having a hard time...don’t give up! We will help you!

Last, but not least, we have a brand new organic cotton by Joseph Galler. It’s called “Inca-Eco”. It’s much like the Organic Inca Cotton we have and done so well with, but now in colors! Inca-Eco comes in 14 colors. The dyes used to make these gorgeous colors are eco-friendly, low-impact dyes. These skeins are smaller than the regular Inca Cotton (140 yds) but still the same wonderful 100% organic cotton and the same softness and texture. 

This yarn is just perfect for little ones! From blankets, to little sweaters and hats! New moms really appreciate the all organic cotton! So soft and so natural.

That’s about it for this week fellow yarnies! Always more to come....