We love colors.

All of them. A lot. Which is why we've set up our newest display:

And just might be planning some wicked Fair Isle treats over the next few weeks. Oh, yes, indeedy. Along those lines, Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting is BACK IN STOCK!


Get your copy while we still have them. I know I (and several other staff members) have. This is THE reference to have on the art of Fair Isle. Really, honestly, and truly. It has pages and pages of detailed diagrams, pictures and instructions on everything from technique to designing your own sweater. If you're a knitting tech-phile, this is the book for you.

Anyway, that's what I think.

Moving on... Frances kindly brought in her newly finished Girasole:

No, it hasn't been blocked. But it's still gorgeous! In fact, I had a hard time taking a photo that didn't have someone or another's hand on it, petting. The finished "cloth" is just sublime - due entirely to the high quality of Catherine Lowe's Silk Mohair 1. And Frances has promised to bring it in after she blocked it, so keep an eye out for that!

Lastly, we sent out the very first Sock Club 2010 packages this afternoon! Excitement abounds. We can't wait to see (and hear) your reactions, o loyal Sock Club members, so please let us know what you think. Until next time, blogfans, start planning those Fair Isle projects...

In which a request was granted.

You know, it's so nice to know that (out there, somewhere) people/ the Knitting Fates have been paying attention. Remember the last post, in which there was much lamentation over the lack of customer and staff projects?

Well, not today! Clearly, some of you lovely blog readers decided to take it upon yourselves and bring your beautiful handknits in. And, wow, beautiful is definitely the word today!

First, Gillian came in modeling her recently finished Silk French Vest (Habu Textiles Kit #68):

(and back)

Lovely. Can't find it on ravelry to fav it, though. We'll just have to admire from afar.

Then, Virginia came in to show off her Flutter Scarf:

Made with Isager's Alpaca 2 in color 100. Yumyumyum. I think Sandy Kay wanted to run off with this one, actually.

She also brought her French mystery shawl/ wrap/ thing:

and a close-up...

A mystery because Virginia bought the pattern in France but her husband was in such a hurry she didn't have time to get yarn or more information. Sooo... all we know is that it was made with Alpaca 2 (and only because she bought it from us)(colors: 16, 22, 19 & 2105). It's gorgeous, though, right? Personally, I would have run off with it, given the chance. I wish we knew what the pattern was.

Oh, well.

This morning Lindsay, Marjorie and I went 'round the corner to take some quick photos of a new store sample and two staff FO's. First, we have our sample Summer Shawl by Ruth Sorensen:

and back

and side

and a close-up

Sorry for the blurriness of the photos. I took the point-and-shoot and really regret it. Anyway. However blurry the photo, the shawl is still gorgeous. Knit by nonsie, this particular shop sample took almost four months to make. Talk about perseverance!

Made with Kauni Effektgarn in W-EG (the pinks and violets) and Kauni Solid in W-RR7.

Second was my own recently finished Girasole shawl, modeled by Lindsay:

...and folded in half (the way it probably will be worn!):

Quick specs... Yarn: Isager Hojlandsgarn. Pattern: brooklyntweed's Girasole shawl.

And, finally, we have Darcy's most adorable and funky Yves:

Playing the piano. Clearly. (big 'Thank You!' you Michelle's for lending us the baby grand)

Project specs? Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (3 colors). The pattern is from The Knitted Odd-bod Bunch, a book that will very soon be up on the web. Honest.

And that might just be everything. Whew! Keep it up, guys! We love seeing your finished projects. Keep your fingers crossed that the flood will continue into Thursday's post...

Bad blogger, no cookie.

We were doing so well for so long - a post every Tuesday and Thursday every week - and then I broke stride and it all went to h3ll in a handbasket. Well, no more!, we will have regular posting again even if Jenni has to follow me around and harass me all day. Hopefully that won't be a problem soon enough (we have a big surprise in store!), and we're also talking about broadening the blog to include posts by other staff members and customers. [fingers crossed]

Until then, however, we have some catching up to do. First things first, did you know that we have 33 members in our Girasole KAL on ravelry? Moreover, we had quite the group at our most recent Girasole Knit Night!

Very exciting. And because we enjoyed the last Knit Night so much we'll be meeting tomorrow night, July 22nd from 6 - 8pm. If you're participating in the knit-along and would like to come and knit with us (we have A/C and treats!), you'll be more than welcome.

Next, we have three projects to show off (actually, we have more than three, but I can't find the info on them...). First, Jane came by to grab some needles, but she was wearing her Everyday Wrap, so we made her pose because it looked so good:

We're sure you'll agree. For those of you wanting one of your own... Jane's wrap was made with two skeins of ShibuiKnits Silk Cloud and the pattern is free.

Second, we have Terri's in progress Longbourn Socks:

...which, I'm sorry to say, I have almost no information on. Terri, if you read this blog, please feel free to shoot me an email (info[at]knit-purl[dot]com) and I'll post additional details.

Finally, we have Jenni's in progress Advent Calendar:

Made with itty-bitty baby socks! Adorable, no? I think, as of yesterday, Jenni's onto sock number eleven. Only thirteen left (never fear, we'll get a shot of the finished collection).

And that's enough for today. Until Thursday, stay cool!

Girasole KAL!

Hey, have you heard? We're starting


on July 1st! Sandy Kay and I already have our yarn (Isager Højlandsgarn) and are gearing up (actually, Sandy Kay has cheated and started early). Sandy Bingham and Brook are talking about participating - both with be using ShibuiKnits Sock, I hear - so you'll have not one, not two, but four staff members available for help or support whenever you need it!

If you've ever wanted to try this pattern or a Shetland circular shawl, now's your chance. But the KAL ends on July 31st, so you'd better decide soon! We'll hope to see you at one of our KAL knit nights (TBA) or in with your wip or fo...