CK News, October 19, 2009
This week’s Cast On Special is a bit of a treasure hunt. We are offering 10% off any purchase of yarn that has alpaca in its content. Now for the treasure hunt part – find the yarn on the shelves! We have given a little help by marking some cubbies with a pink triangle stickie but who knows we could have missed a few. Alpaca is a South American animal that resembles a small llama. They have been bred specifically for their lovely silky fiber that is warmer and less scratchy than sheep’s wool. This fiber does not contain lanolin so it won’t repel water like wool. Many yarn companies are adding alpaca to wool creating a wonderful yarn to work with. Good luck hunting, and check our displays for project ideas!
Our book sale created so much interest that we thought we would offer another 40% off sale this week. This time it will be purse accessories and patterns. Yarn is not included in this sale but straps, snaps, suede bottoms and all of our patterns will be 40% off through Saturday the 24th.
Berroco Vintage Wool (100g/217y, 5sts/inch, $6.00/skein) has been restocked. This is versatile superwash wool from Berroco that comes in a wide variety of colors.
We are awaiting a shipment of Cascade 220 (100g/220y, 4.5- 5 sts/inch, $6.65/skein). It should be in today or tomorrow. Come in soon to pick out yarn for your holiday projects. This yarn always goes fast. [edit: arrived and stocked onto the shelves today by Kim.]
New books arrived last week and there is something for everyone! The Enchanted Sole – Legendary Socks for Adventurous Knitters (Janel Laidman, $25.95) offers “recipes” for whimsical socks. Another new sock book is Toe-Up! (Chrissy Gardiner, $24.95) is a collection of “patterns and worksheets to whip your sock knitting into shape.”
In preparation for the cold winter months we have available Hat Heads (Trond Anfinnsen, aka Knitkid, $22.95). This is a compilation of 50 hats for 50 heads with lots of design tips.
New Twists of Twined Knitting (Laura Farson, $26.99) offers a fresh look at the Swedish technique of twined knitting. Beautiful hats and mittens are featured in this book. Lorilee got to chat with Laura in Portland as she took Lorilee’s Seismic Socks Class at Sock Summit. The designs work up quickly in worsted weight wool and make such a stable, sturdy fabric. Try your hand at this technique, and, when you do, pick up the variety of bobbins Laura prefers. City Knitting carries them.
Back on the shelves is Twisted-Stitch Knitting (Erlbacher, $28.00). This book sold out immediately so stop by soon if you are interested in picking up this fabulous stitch dictionary.
Amigurumi Knits (Singh, $19.99) is a delightful collection of cute mini knits. From underwater creatures to miniature vegetables this book has it all.
Are you tired of knitting socks and sweaters? Would you like to give another garment a try? Handknit Skirts (Ward and Hiatt, $27.95) has everything from beaded skirts to skirts with a bit of flare at the hem. A great way to round out your knitted wardrobe this fall.
Don’t forget when you have a knitting question and it’s after hours our website has links to great help videos. Just look for the “Knitting Nuggets” tab on the right side of this page. If you can’t find the answer to your particular question there try Google-ing for helpful videos.