Happy New Year To All

It's the last day of 2007. This year has really flown by. I did not finish all the projects that I had started but started alot more than I finished. I'm a great starter. But I don't beat myself up about any of that. I have given myself permission to put aside those projects that don't interest me any more or that have become a burden. I only want to knit those that make me happy and that I enjoy. I hope you are enjoying knitting every day; if not knitting, then some form of crafting or creating. It brings inner peace and tranquility to the soul, something we all could use more of. My wish for you in 2008 is health and happiness and the time to work on that which makes you glad, lifts your spirits and that you enjoy. Happy New Year to you and all your families. Thanks for a great 2007.

Arlene

I Finished One Sock

I have completed one sock from the new Kureyon sock yarn and I must admit I wasn't too keen on this yarn at first. It seemed scratchy compared to most of our wonderful sock yarns. But I was determined to knit one so knit it I did. There were some interesting slubs of unspun yarn along the way but the colors were great and very Noro looking. When finished I washed the sock lightly and rinsed in hair conditioner. That really softened it up and made it wearable. So yes, I give it a thumbs up as far as knitting socks. Since I am only knitting one sock for a shop model I have decided to knit a multi-directional scarf with the rest. I think this will work out great as it is so colorful. And since I know it will get softer, I am not worried about it being next to my skin. So if you are a colorful person, this yarn may be just the right ticket for you. Come by to see the model and capture a skein of your own. Remember, it's on special until 12/31/07. Happy Holidays everyone.

Holiday Hours and After Xmas Sale!

The Needle Nook will close at 3:00PM on Monday, Dec. 24th, be closed on Tuesday and reopen on Wed. Dec. 26th with an end of year reduction sale. Many of our older yarns will be reduced at least 25% and some more. Anything in our sales bin will be an additional 15% off, any model garment will be an additional 15% off. Susan Zanni and Sweater Kits will be 25% off as well as slipper bottoms and shawl kits. And all Gita Maria shawl pins are less 20%. Same hours repeat for new years, close at 3:00PM on Dec. 31st, closed Jan. 1st and reopen on Jan 2nd. Please have a very safe and joyous holiday and we hope to see you soon.

Kureyon Sock Yarn Arrives

We've been waiting very patiently for our first shipment of the brand new Noro Kureyon sock yarn to arrive and today it did. This extra large skein will easily make a pair of socks for almost anyone except bigfoot. The colors are true Noro, blends of shades you don't expect together, but POW! there they are. The color mixes will enable anyone to enjoy wearing this new addition to our ever growing wall of sock yarn. I know we are up over 20 different brands by now. From now until the end of the year we will be offering a special price on this yarn at just $17.50. After Jan. 1, 2008 it returns to $19.00 per skein. So come in and take advantage of this special and see what else arrived today.

Malabrigo Silky Merino in Arlene's Purples

Here it is! I received two hanks of this gorgeous yarn yesterday. So far all I have done is fondle and stroke it, and wonder at the thought of having a yarn color named after me. I am having so much fun with this. Now I need your help in selecting a project to knit up with it. I have two hanks, 150 yards each, and it is a dk weight. What do you think? It can't be too large because I don't have much yardage. Let me know your ideas. Nothing too fancy for this. It has several shades of purple within. Thanks

Join Our Malabrigo Afghan Knit Along

Eve and I have been knitting Malabrigo squares for a while now. The intention is to put them together into an afghan. We are choosing patterns from the "365 Knit Stitches" calendar and making all the squares about the same size. We have had customers ask us for help in this area and decided to do a knit along (KAL) for this project. Knitting small squares is a great way to try out and learn new stitches. You can try cables, yarn over patterns, knit and purl patterns, lace patterns and many more. We will be meeting the first Wednesday and also the first Saturday of each month to work on the squares. January 2nd and 5th will be the first meetings, 1:00 - 2:00 PM each day. You can select the day that works best for you. During this first meeting we will be selecting colors and patterns to use for the first set of squares. Each hank of Malabrigo worsted will knit 3 squares. We have determined that 30 squares will make a nice size afghan but you can select the number that suits you, larger or smaller. You can make a bed size, lap robe size, baby size or other. I just wanted one large enough to cuddle up under while watching tv. There is no charge for the program except supplies: needles, Malabrigo yarn, pattern book, markers and row counter. You are required to purchase at least 2 hanks to start your program ($12.00 each). Additional yarn can be purchased monthly or as you need it.

If you are interested in joining us for this KAL, please let me know so I can order pattern books for you. I would also appreciate an RSVP so we know how many to expect for this first session. You can comment here, on Ravelry (needlenut), or send me an email at needlenut@comcast.net. Please leave your name, phone number and email address.

We have also started a yahoo group for this project. You will be able to post questions, read comments from other members and more. It should be fun. Hope to hear from you.

Arlene

New Malabrigo Color Named After Me!

Wow, the thrill of a lifetime. I love Malabrigo yarn and carry quite a few colors in my shop. About a year ago I asked the owner if he would name his next purple (of course, what did you expect, brown?) yarn after me. He said he would, but I never saw any new colors come out. The sales rep was in to see me yesterday and was showing me the new and very gorgeous Silky Merino yarn, 50% silk, 50% merino wool. As I was drooling over the stunning colors I came across a lovely variegated purple and its name was------Arlene's Purples-----. Wow, was I ever surprised as it had been so long since my request. I am now the proud owner of a yarn color name. This new yarn is going to be so fabulous. The sheen is pronounced because of the silk and the colors are accentuated because silk accepts dye so well. I don't know what else to say except you have to see them for yourself when they arrive (no delivery date yet). I did knit up a swatch for Stu and one smaller one for the shop so you can come in and see a tiny sample for now. But just wait until you see the real thing. I love yarn and some more than others, but this is going to be right up there among my favorites of all times. I cannot wait until it arrives. Should be late December or Early January. I will keep you posted.

This is the second yarn that will carry my name. Our beautiful Toasty has a purple color named All About Arlene. This color will only be available at Needle Nook. I am currently working a pair of socks in this colorway. The yarn is so soft, a dream to knit with. I am a lucky girl to have two heavenly yarns carry my name.

Oh yeah, the foot is getting better, the swelling is going down and the pain is reduced. I might even be able to wear something besides white sandals in a few days.

Oh What Fun It Is To Have Gout!

I am truly in the holiday spirit. Had big plans to shop for gifts last week but Mother Nature had other plans. My left big toe area started hurting about 10 days ago, on a Friday. By Monday I could hardly walk and was able to get a doctors appt. that afternoon. Imagine my surprise when the diagnosis was gout, a build up of uric acid in a joint. Due to circumstances beyond my control I had to wait until Wed. to get proper medication. I started taking it, had a fairly decent Thanksgiving (feast was delicious), but had to stop taking it on Friday due to very bad GI upset, a common side effect. Since it is a holiday weekend, of course there is no one to call to get advice. I have to wait until Monday AM. But in the meantime I have been very productive sitting on my couch.

I have finished the following: second handwarmer, scarf for grandson, original shawl which was about 2/3 done, two Malabrigo squares for afghan project and am working on a second Toasty sock. At least sitting at home was not in vain. But I am going back to work on Tuesday because I have an appointment with Plymouth sales rep and then another appointment on Wednesday. This is also the season for purchasing spring yarns. I hope they will have some nice new items for me to see.

This year the relatives may have to do their own gift shopping since I don't think I will get to it before Hanukkah unless my foot feels much better. I think I'd better learn to internet shop although I really prefer to buy locally. Sometimes you just can't help it. Oh, I forgot, another thing I learned while at home is that I will never become a baker. I tried to make some chocolate thumbprint cookies and after slinging the dough all around the kitchen with my small hand-held mixer, I decided to let the bakeries have my business. There are some things that are best left to the professionals, like baking and yarn dyeing. I tried that once too and after just one episode decided the hand dyers deserved every dime they charged. Why bother when there are so many to choose from already? I'm sure there are those who enjoy this craft but I am not one of them. So I'll just stick to knitting their fabulous yarns and being amazed at what they can create. I'm just not cut out for it. I have more fabulous hand dyed yarn on order. I just can't stop myself. I need a support group. Help!!!

Ella Rae Felted Bag Trunk Show

Needle Nook will be hosting a trunk show of Ella Rae felted bags. They have a book which contains all of these patterns. Felting is very popular right now and this is a good way to try it. The show begins on Friday, Nov. 23rd and ends on Saturday, Nov. 30th. Come by to take a look at the samples and the book and see if it is something that interests you. We are fully stocked for holiday knitting, gift certificates and more. Visit us soon.

I'll be the one hobbling about with a sore foot. I have Gout, off all things. It attacked my toe on Friday and has gotten progressively worse since then. I have been to the doctor and am awaiting a prescription for a miracle drug that will knock it out. After all, I need both feet to eat my Thanksgiving meal. Speaking of thanks, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very special holiday with family and friends. I hope you are surrounded by your loved ones on this day of blessings. And please remembers our soldiers in your prayers. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Coming Soon - Kureyon Sock Yarn

I wanted everyone to be on the lookout for a fabulous addition to our ever-growing sock inventory. Kureyon, that famous Noro yarn, is coming out with a sock weight in 12 luscious colors. They are scheduled to arrive in December. Each 100 gram skein will contain approximately 460 yards. Although this yarn is not superwash, I thought it important enough to break my own rule and add it. The colors are sensational and it will stripe up on its own, just as the regular Kureyon does. I will sing out when it arrives, hopefully early December and not late.

Archie's Kilt

One of our regulars at Knit Nite is Archie Gunn of Scottish descent. He showed up last time wearing his casual kilt, a very spiffy PURPLE plaid. This is the second time he has appeared in his full regailia and I thought you too should be treated to this handsome Scotsman. Archie is an expert sock knitter and just loves to knit a pair for family and friends. Besides that, he is a wonderful baker, often treating us to his delights. He is a welcome addition to our group. I will show you more of the group during upcoming posts.

On the yarn front, we have received a second order of Dream In Color Smooshy sock yarn. Oh what a beautiful display I have made from the fabulous hanks of this glorious yarn. Our first order sold out fairly quickly but I ordered triple the amount of each color so this should last a bit longer. If you have not seen this great addition to our stock, stop in soon to see what you have been missing.

The Shop Hop continues and we have been amazed at the number of hoppers who have been to our shop. It all ends on Sunday so be sure to turn in your passport to any of the shops by close of business Sunday. We will be open Sunday from 1-4 PM for the last of the shop hoppers. Thanks to all who participated.

Arlene

The Shoppers Keep Hopping - Day 2

The first day of the shop hop was wild but the second day was even wilder. Folks were out to get their passports finished in two or three days. Here's Patricia with 7 stamps already! Most had a geographical plan. Few stuck to it. The UGA game in Athens thwarted many from making Main Street Yarns their first stop. So they worked around it and devised a new plan. Since this is our first hop, the shopowners really didn't know what to expect, but we are very pleased with the turnout. We all hope everyone is having a good time and will win great prizes. Good luck.

Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf

Our shop has always been involved in community service projects - from hats for Egleston to Ovarian cancer scarves to chemo hats for Chemoflage. We have adopted the Chemoflage program to help and support. We are supplying hats to be distributed to the program attendees and could use any you could donate. We have also made up a kit to knit a lovely pink breast cancer scarf. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to this program. The kit consists of two balls of pink Wool Bamboo yarn, two straight bamboo needles with pink bead toppers (size 6 and 9) and a free pattern. The kit sells for $31.50. A thoughtful gift or knit one yourself to show your support.

New Cashmere Scarf Model

Ever since we had the Jojoland Trunk Show I have been coveting the cashmere scarf and shawl models they loaned us. Well, good news, I have my own now. I broke down and purchased a scarf in the loveliest lilac and a shawl in blue. They are both so soft and luxurious to feel, I can't help but do that every time I am near them. I forgot to snap a photo of the shawl but here is the scarf to drool over. It only takes one ball to complete and the shawl takes two. Treat yourself to some downright decadent cashmere soon.

New Interchangeable Bamboo Circular Set

We have just received a brand new set of interchangeable needles from KA. The only other bamboo set we have had only contained 5 needle sizes. This one has ten, 5-15. It comes with ample cables, all tucked into an invisible pocket on the side. The cables screw on to the needles and it is a very smooth join. I brought one home and tried it out and had no trouble sliding yarn over the join. It's small and compact and would travel very easily. Sells in the $99.00 range. This would be great to add to your Santa list!

The Shop Hop - First Day

Well the first day of the shop hop has come and gone and it was a busy one. We had about 40 hoppers and some were very serious about it. One gal started her day at 8:30, left to drive to Main Street in Watkinsville, swung back by All That Yarn, visited two more shops and came by our shop at about 3:00PM. Said she thought she was finished for the day. Had a few with one or two stamps and another late in the day with 5 stamps, so I guess people are really participating. That's a good turnout for the first day. We have decided to remain open next Sunday for the convenience of the hoppers. Will see what the week brings.

It's Shop Hop Day!

Today starts the first ever Atlanta Shop Hop. Ten shops will be included and it will be interesting to see how many hoppers we get. I am hoping for a ton. The prizes are so fantastic that I would hop if I could. Needle Nook is giving away (1) a full bag of Malabrigo merino wool (2) a sweater kit from Berroco (3) a huge hank of novelty yarn from Trendsetter and (4) a hank of Toasty (All About Arlene colorway). This adds up to over $200.00 in prizes just from my shop and there are 9 others to add to it. So the prize distribution should be terrific. I am so bummed out because I ordered special markers that said "Shop Hop 2007" on them to give away to the hoppers but they didn't make it here in time. Had to cancel the order yesterday because they hadn't even gotten them in yet. Oh well, next year there will be more time to plan. Needle Nook decided to stay open both Sundays of the hop to make it easier. I look forward to it. Will report on the first day.

Look What I Brought Home Today!

I ran into the shop to deliver some new wire bins which we have to add on to our sock display - and look what arrived! Spinning Bunny 50% superwash merino and 50% tencel in the Tropical Sea colorway. Last time this came in it got sold before I could snare any but not this time. This photo doesn't show the subtle color changes which make it Tropical Sea. It has some green, blue and purple nestled in a bed of turquoise - yum! I plan to knit a stole for ME out of it, I hope soon. There is one more skein for a lucky soul, along with a dozen other delicious colors (can you tell I think about food a lot (yummy, delicious)? I can't help it - the words describe the incredible shades of hand dyers so perfectly. So I will keep using them. Anyone have some new words for me? The larger shot shows the same yarn, hopefully you can see the other colors too. Eve is halfway through a sock in this yarn and it is just beautiful (see, I didn't use a food term).

Beth just called me at home to say that Dream In Color phoned and they are shipping our next order of Smooshy on Monday. Yippee! I thought I was going to have to wait much longer for this to come in so I was pleasantly surprised. Oh you just don't know the pain of it with all this glorious yarn available and not enough time to knit it all (and not enough money to buy it all). So we have to pick and choose what we think you will like. Sometimes it is a crap shoot, but sometimes we pick a winner. These two yarns fall into the latter category.

I'm also waiting for samples of 3 new hand dyed yarns from an individual dyer. I have found this to be very rewarding, working with small individual companies, rather than with so many of the big guys. That is not to say that we won't buy from them too, but we like to have lots of variety to offer. I already have appointments to see sales reps for ordering spring yarns. Don't think I will be too heavy into that area, but we will see.

Please send me your comments, pro and con and any photo you would like to post on these pages (please limit to yarn purchased at Needle Nook). I will put them up here for all the world to see. Stay tuned.

I'm New At This

Everyone has a blog so now I've got one too. My Ravelry friends say I need a blog. So what should I blog about? Let's see. I guess I will talk about yarn and being a yarn shop owner since that is what I am and what I do.



I am the owner of Needle Nook, located in Atlanta, Ga. and have been for over 31 years. The shop has evolved from latch hook, crewel, needlepoint and cross stitch to knitting and a bit of needlepoint. I must say I enjoy the knitting aspect much more than the others although I did a tiny bit of latch hook early on, no crewel and a lot of cross stitch, mostly counted thread. That was back in the days when I could see better. Now I confine myself to knitting and the occasional needlepoint.



So I'll be talking more over the next few days. The big event going on shortly will be the Shop Hop which Needle Nook will be participating in, along with 9 other Atlanta knit shops. Call your favorite shop for full details