Noro, Luana, & a UFO-Busting Secret

First, the sneak peek we promised of some new Noro yarns. We don't expect them in until March. By that time, everyone will have completely forgotten this post.

Next spring's Noro yarns

In the middle of this photo is a nubbly yarn called Tanabata. We loved it for its riotous color and texture both. It's what they call a "hot mess" and we adored it!
On the lower edge of the photo, you see the new Taiyo sock yarn! Oh boy! We love Taiyo because of its cotton content -- in fact no one we know has been too sensitive to wear Taiyo! So it's perfect for a sock yarn. This will replace Kureyon Sock (but Silk Garden Sock will still be available). Many people had problems with Kureyon sock being too harsh for footwear, but I say it was a fantastic yarn for other things, like shawls, weaving, and even very lightweight felting. Oh well! Apparently my paltry purchasing can't keep the whole line afloat!
Finally, on the upper left you see an incredible yarn -- oh no! I forgot the name! -- which is so unique!! It is this multi-colored thick yarn on one side and there's a white tape yarn glued to the back! No kidding! What will Mr. Noro think of next??!! Here it is knitted:

Remember, none of this arrives until March at the earliest. But the Kogarashi (far upper right in top photo) is still expected real soon. That is, if they haven't lied to me again.
Now on to a cool new yarn that just arrived today! And it's going to be fantastic for your holiday gift projects.

From Austermann (distributed by our friends at Skacel) is Luana. This yarn is another unique construction, like a big soft net. It's honestly cloud-soft. I'm going to make a cowl on size US 15 needles a la a picture we have from the style section of the New York Times. Wait til you see.

Finally, your UFO-busting tip. Now, you may have guessed that out of the oodles of models we begin to knit at the shop, we might not get them all completed before either the yarn is going away, or we've run out of steam. In the following case, I lost my momentum on a sweater after the fun lacy bottom part was over and the miles of stockinette stitch started. Sound familiar?? This was about 2/3 of a back. I was probably right about at the armhole shaping, if I know me, which I do, quite well.
So I took it home (the yarn's about gone), stared at it for a month, then yesterday I knit a few rows of garter st at the top, bound off, and sewed the stockinette st part up, leaving the (fortunately reversible) lace part un-seamed.

Wa-la, a cowl. And a nice warm yet fashionable one at that. Go ahead, check your UFO's. You can have my tip for free.
We're expecting rain, so happy, cozy knitting!