Sparkles!

What might these sparkly jewel colors be?

Why, it's the lovely luscious LaBoheme Starburst from Fiesta yarns, of course! It is constructed of 2 strands of yarn. One is a fluffy mohair blend that gives the yarn a wonderful body and depth. The other strand is a rayon boucle wrapped with mylar to give it sheen and sparkle. Lots of sparkle! This order just in, a full range of colors in stock right now.

Think about this yarn in an open and airy scarf, maybe combined with a solid base yarn in a hairpin lace scarf. Want to learn Hairpin lace? Drop by on Friday evening's Sit 'n' Knit for a quick lesson. Then you are on your way!

Note to shoppers: Be aware that the weekend of July 23-25, 2010 is Bele Chere, Asheville big summer street party. So while the festival is great fun with amazing music, crafts, food, vendors and lots of people, it makes driving and parking tricky. Please come down, but wear your walking shoes!

New Yarns!

In June Marie and Judy took a trip to The National NeedleArts Association trade show in Columbus, Ohio and did they bring back some goodies! Just strolling around the shop, I found any number of yummy yarns. It will take more than one blog post to tell you all about what's happening.

Two new yarns from U-Knitted Nations are Handspun Bouquet and Giant Purls. Both yarns are big fun - Quick knits on size 19 needles. Handspun Bouquet is spun thick and thin with yarn flowers and leaves built right into the yarn. There is a free pattern for a cowl available at the store with a lovely sample made up for you to try on. You know you'll want to knit one!

Giant Purls has, well, big balls of fiber tied into the yarn. Perfect for a dramatic and cozy scarf - there is a free pattern for that too.

Thanks to U-Knitted Nations for the photo of their exciting Handspun Bouquet.

Also new and fun is the 'Ripley' hat kit from Knit Whits. This cap should look good on men or women of all ages - just pick the color combination that you like the best. Although a bit more exacting knit in a smaller gauge - about a size 5 needle - this is a classic style that you'll want to knit and wear.

The packaging is lovely too - perfect for a gift to a knitter as well as from a knitter. Think of the possibilities!

I'll be back soon to tell you about the new yarns and new colors from Ironstone. Trust me - drool-worthy!

New Yarns and Colors from Ironstone

When last we met, I told you about new yarns still arriving from the fabulous TNNA show in Columbus. We can't all go, but Judy and Marie did and did they order some fun yarns. If you are an Ironstone fan, don't go away!

Well- named Ironstone Pizzaz is a multi-strand novelty yarn made up of a cotton boucle, an eyelash, and a glittery metallic. It's perfect for scarves knit or crochet in a big gauge. Super easy and quick - and - dare I say it - lots of pizzaz! Another amazing Ironstone yarn is 'Sun.' They've again taken 3 strands to make this yarn. This time it's a rayon ribbon yarn, a boucle and a metallic. Both yarns come in lovely jewel colors and generous yardages.

If it's wool you need, the shop also has 2 new Ironstone bulky wool yarns. Sherpa Wool is a big booucle wool - another fast knit on about a #15 needle. The colors are intense - lime green, magenta, red violet and a variegated that should work with either of the warm colors. Very cozy! Ironstone's New Wool is another bulky, this time a thick & thin yarn in more great colors.

Last but not least, one of this writer's favorite yarns: Sunset! Asheville HomeCrafts has been carrying it for the last few seasons, and I love it for hats and scarves. Marie & Judy have always carried a nice range of colors, but the new season's colors are even prettier. I won't try to describe them - you have to see them and pet them. Mostly mohair and metallic with a bit of wool and acrylic, this yarn adds texture and sparkle. These quick photos can't even come close to doing it justice - it's so much better in person!

What else is new? Lots! Check back to this blog as there are still even more yarns to tempt you with. Better yet, drop by the store where there's always something new.