Upcoming Classes

Learn to knit socks class - 2 sessions - Feb. 21st & Feb. 28th, 11:00AM - 12:30PM. Must know how to knit on double point needles as there is homework to be done in advance. $30.00 plus supplies. You will attend both sessions to complete your sock and there is knitting to be done between classes.

Learn to knit a mobius scarf. Two sessions - Jan. 24th & Jan 31st - 3PM-4:30PM. $30.00 plus supplies. This is a fascinating concept made popular by Cat Bordhi. It entails a unique cast on method.

Oh how beautiful is this? In this 2 hour class you will learn to make a lovely necklace from pre-felted balls. You will string them on wire and use crimp beads to hold in place. Saturday, March 7th. $20.00 plus supplies.

Are these adorable or what? Using prefelted items, pewter charms and beads, you will create a one-of-a-kind wacky woman pin for your very own. The sky is the limit so be ready to have some fun. Date will be Sat, Feb. 14th. $20.00 plus supplies. What a cute valentine surprise.

You can register for any of these classes on the website, http://www.needlenookatlanta.com/ or come in and register in person. Supply lists will be available.

We will also be holding a "Blocking With Wire Blockers" class on Sat. March 14th. You can learn how to block with wires, a superior blocking method. We will block a scarf in class.

Come in to see us soon and check out our newest addition, Prism yarn.

Arlene

Scarf Exchange and Scarf Model

Above is a photo of our Wednesday Knit Nite bunch at our recent scarf exchange. In July we filled out a form, chose names and started working on our secret pals scarf. They were presented this week and all were outstanding, one prettier than the next. Everyone was pleased with the outcome and we will definately do some type of exchange next year. Won't you join us?

Speaking of scarves, this is one I just finished. Talk about easy, this was it. It is cast on sideways and done in garter stitch, changing yarns every few rows. This combination was angora and baby alpaca dk. It came out longer than anticipated, even though I did make a very large (50 stitch) swatch, so keep this in mind if you want to try it. The end word for this scarf is soft. It is a dream around the neck. It looks much harder than it actually is, so give it a try.

JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

Look what just arrived at Needle Nook. These are 100% silk scarves from Laurel Burch. You know she is famous for her cat images and no exception here, although we do have one with butterflies. Any cat lover will be delighted to receive one of these as a gift, including yourself. They are very colorful and some have beads in the design or as fringe. A very affordable price too - $25.00 each. So drop in to see all the different styles we have in stock.

Arlene

Jojoland Trunk Show

Join us for a special event being held from Nov. 21-Dec. 2. We will feature models, patterns and yarns from Jojoland. This designer has very innovative designs that you don't see every day, including socks, shawls, sweaters, vests, scarves and more. The look is fresh and clean and very unusual, as witnessed by her Swirl Shawl, pictured above. So drop by a take a look at what she has to offer, you won't be disappointed.

Our one time order of Claudia's Handpaint has arrived also. The wools are in stock and the cotton should arrive at the beginning of December. Check it out.

MALABRIGO SOCK YARN IS HERE!

Forgot to take any pictures but believe me, it is gorgeous. The yarn arrived yesterday and is going quickly, 4 out of 24 bags already sold. The colors are wonderful, different from previous Malabrigo offerings, a few you can recognize. But all of them are beautiful and soft, soft, soft. So come by to feel and fondle our new baby.

Malabrigo Sock Yarn On The Way!

After waiting more than 10 months for this yarn to arrive, I have been notified that it will be shipped on November 1st. It should arrive a few days after. All 24 available colors have been ordered so we will have the full color line to offer. The yarn is so soft and luxurious feeling, you will not be able to resist it. So come and see Malabrigo Sock Yarn.

Also note that we will be hosting a Jojoland Trunk Show from Nov. 21st to Dec. 2nd. We will have models of many of the Jojoland patterns available. So join us for a special treat.

SHOP HOP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The second annual shop hop is history and here are the winners of prizes that were donated by Needle Nook:

AMY DRYMAN - won a bag of Malabrigo worsted in a "unique color", one not in the normal line

MARIAN ROSE - won a bag of Sari ribbon yarn

JANICE HOPPER - won a bolero sweater kit

The grand prize winner was Saundry Berry. Congratulations to all of you who won prizes and everyone who visited our shop during this event. We hope to see you back soon.

For a complete list of winners go to www.shophopatlanta.blogspot.com.

New Models/Patterns/Yarn

This is the cutest Kureyon jacket - we have had it hidden in the back for about 6 weeks because we didn't have the pattern for it. Well it arrived yesterday and so everything is in stock now. The swing shape is flattering to all and the garter and stockinette pattern is simple. This is a very stylish sweater and destined to become one of your favorites. Come by to see the sample soon.
Sweater #2 is an incredible cropped jacket. I say incredible because so far it has looked great on everyone who has tried it on. It is knit from Aysen, a very soft wool blend and only takes 4 hanks for a medium size. It has a simple lace border at the bottom, sleeves and front bands. A great substitute would be Malabrigo worsted. This cropped look is a must-have for the fall and winter. I knit the whole back in one afternoon, so it is a quick project on a size 10 needle.

Both of these jackets will scream style when you wear them. Drop in for a looky and see what all the fuss is about.

Don't forget, we are now open every Sunday, 1-4PM.

Head Shots!

That's our handsome Lou modeling 3 of our new hat models. The top blue is from a new line of patterns we just received, Chic Knits, and is done in Malabrigo worsted.

The orange is also done in malabrigo worsted (can you tell we love this yarn?) and is a free download on Ravelry.

The cabled gem is the pattern we will be teaching in our cabled hat class on Saturday, Nov. 1st. It is knit in Baby Alpaca Grande Tweed, a new offering this fall.

All of these only took less than one ball and are quick to knit. They would make great holiday gifts for those on your list.

Speaking of lists, I am going to list our fall class schedule here. If you wish to see the samples and for more details, please visit our website at www.needlenookatlanta.com. You can also register for classes on this site. Further information and class supply list is available at the shop.

Sept. 28 - Knit A Market Bag.
Oct. 4 & 11 - Learn to Knit Socks.
Oct. 18 - Knit a Lace Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf.
Oct. 20, 27 & Nov. 3 - Learn Basic Crochet.
Oct. 26 - Learn Intarsia.
Nov. 1 - Learn To Make A Cabled Hat.
Nov. 8 - Learn To Knit A Beaded Ornament.
Nov. 15- Learn Entrelac.

Please note we are having a SAFF with Needle Nook knit in on Saturday, Oct. 25th, from 2-5 PM for those of us not attending SAFF in Asheville. Bring a snack and your knitting and we can all commiserate about not going while knitting and noshing. Can't let them have all the fun!

Hope to see you at one of our classes or in the shop.

Arlene

SUNDAY HOURS RESUME

The Needle Nook will once again be open on Sundays from 1-4PM. Starting on Sunday, Sept. 7, we will be open EVERY Sunday from 1-4PM. Lou will be manning the shop with occasional stints by Eve and Arlene. So come by and see Lou, knit with him, visit with him and keep him company. Shop hop Sundays will be 1-5PM for these two Sundays only. Hope this will make it more convenient to shop with us. Thanks.

New "Exclusive" Toasty for Needle Nook Colors

Well the big day has arrived. Allen delivered these beautiful new colors on Monday. In the top photo you see all 6 of the new colors. They are: top row left to right, Elderberry Jam and Catherine's Red Gooseberry Jam. The bottom row is: A Dawg's Breakfast, Needle Nook Nosh, Shirley's Breakfast Blues and Lou's Brew. These are the four exclusive colors that no one else will be selling except Needle Nook. Allen has outdone herself again by putting together colors to honor her friends and customers. They are just beautiful. Each hank is 460 yards of 75% merino and 25% nylon. They retail for $28.00. Come by to take a look at this newest addition to our Toasty for Needle Nook family.

New Malabrigo Book On Order

I heard back from Tobias at Malabrigo and their new book is ready. I have ordered a dozen copies so there should be enough for everyone. I don't know what is in it but the cover photo looks wonderful. The book is by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton so it should be filled with fabulous designs with fabulous Malabrigo yarn. It should arrive within the next week or so. Be on the lookout.

Arlene

New Items / Shop Hop 2008

Have a look at the new Silk Garden Sock and Shawl yarn. It consists of 40% lambs wool, 25% silk, 25% nylon and 10% kid mohair. It is slightly heavier than regular sock yarn and would work perfectly for a lovely shawl as well as socks and other items. There are 330 yards per ball and can be ordered through the website or purchased in the shop. $19.99 per skein.
































This item is unusual. It is called a sock blank and is meant to be unraveled and knit into a pair of socks. Different, huh? It comes with a pattern for the socks and also suggests you can use it for a hat, fingerless gloves, mittens and more. My idea is just to add a fringe to both ends and have an instant scarf. The cost is $24.00 each and is only available in this color for now. We have more colors on back order.

It is time to announce the second annual Atlanta area shop hop. The dates are September 13-21, 2008. There are eight shops participating this year. If you were a hopper last year you know the drill. If not, this is how it works. Purchase a passport for $1.00. These go on sale August 7th. Visit each of the 8 shops and make a minimum $10.00 purchase. You will then have your passport stamped. If you complete the passport with all eight stamps, you will be entered into the grand prize drawing, a $100.00 gift certificate from each of the 8 shops. Of course there will be other prizes as well, depending upon your level of completion. In addition, each shop you visit will be handing out an original knit or crochet pattern with your purchase. With the gas crunch you might want to carpool with friends and make a day of it. Some of the shops will have late hours during the week and be open on Sundays to make it more convenient for you. Here is a list of the shops for SHOP HOP 2008.

• Cast on Cottage & Needlepoint Garden
• Knitch
• Knitting Emporium
• Main Street Yarns & Fibers
• Needle Nook
• Only Ewe & Cotton Too
• Strings & Strands
• The Whole Nine Yarns

Please mark your calendars now for a fun time in September. Visit http://www.shophopatlanta.blogspot.com/ for continuing information and updates.

Flowing In - The New Items

So I've been to the TNNA show and seen all my reps and the new items have started to flow in. Don't have any photos to show right now but I will tell you about some of them. The most unusual item is a new needle gauge in the shape of a chambered nautilus sea shell. It is small and compact and can be worn on a chain around your neck to keep it handy. It is a different version than the long plastic gauges we are used to. This is made out of metal and comes in different colors. Retail $16.00.

Next is some glorious sock yarn from Claudia's Handpainted Yarns. This is the first time I have purchased her yarns and I don't know what took me so long. We have added about 12 colors in the fingering weight, beautiful colorways. The hank is 175 yards so it would take two to make a pair of socks. Retail $13.00.

Just arrived from Plymouth Yarn: Alpaca Lace, about 400 yards for only $7.50 -incredible! Also, Alpaca Prima, slightly heavier and the new colors in Baby Alpaca Grande including new Tweeds and Hand Paints. Just gorgeous! They also sent new patterns to complement these yarns.

We received a new plate by Laurel Burch. That's right, a plate in the shape of a cat head. How cute this is. Also coming from LB are new designs in totes, luggage and flip flops. I was so worried that her line would not continue when she passed away but someone there has obviously taken over where she left off and we are very grateful. Come see all her happy faces.

There is much more on the horizon and I will report as they arrive. Don't forget to turn in your Toasty for Needle Nook socks by July 5th for the contest. Hope to see some great new designs.

Arlene

UPCOMING CLASS SCHEDULE

Here is a list of our summer classes. Look it over and come join us for some summer fun and learning. There is something for every skill level and interest, so pick one out and sign up now. If you can't make it in to sign up our website will handle this for you. Go to http://www.needlenookatlanta.com/ to see the class project photos too.

Noni Bag Knitalong - select your favorite and let Lou guide you through the process. Lou has knit many samples for Nora and knows all about her patterns. Tuesdays, 11AM to 12:30PM, June 24th to July 15th. $60.00 plus supplies.

Lace Shawl Knitalong - New dates - Join Shirley, lace knitter extraordinaire, to learn how to knit your very own lace shawl. We will be using the "Knitting Lace Triangles" book for this class. Thursdays, July 31st, August 28th and Sept. 25th, 11AM - 12:30PM. This gives you time between sessions for knitting on your shawl. $45.00 plus supplies.

Baby Surprise Jacket Knitalong - New dates - Once again Shirley will guide you through the process of knitting Elizabeth Zimmerman's very inventive baby jacket. Saturdays, July 19th, August 9th and August 30th, 11AM-12:30PM. $45.00 plus supplies.

Knit A Market Bag - Everyone is going green these days so we have a knit market bag you can take along with you when you shop for groceries. Saturday, June 28th, 3:00-4:30PM. $15.00 plus supplies.

Learn To Cast On For Toe Up Socks - OK- you know how to knit a sock from the top down but how about from the toe up. The trickiest part of it is the cast on and toe shaping. Eve will show you how to do this using Judy's Magic Cast On. Saturday, July 12th, 3:00-4:30PM or Wednesday, July 16th, 11AM-12:30PM. $15.00 plus supplies.

Helpful Hints For Happy Knitters - This class is for those who have just begun to knit or those who already knit and would like to learn some tips that make your knitting more efficient and pleasant. We will discuss items such as how to read a yarn label, how to convert meters to yards and much more. You won't be disappointed when you leave this class. Sunday, July 13th, 2:00-4:30PM. $25.00 plus supplies.

Swirl Shawl - Another innovative design from Jojoland, this shawl forms delicate swirls which connect together to form a lovely shawl. You must know how to knit on double point needles to take this class. Please come in and see our model of this beautiful piece. Saturday, July 26th, 3:00-4:30PM. $15.00 plus supplies.

Heel For Toe Up Socks - OK - you've taken the cast on class and have knit your sock up to the heel- now what? Since you are knitting the sock in reverse, the heel construction is different than from cuff down socks. Eve will walk you through this process. Saturday, August 9th, 3:00-4:30 PM or Wednesday, August 13th, 11AM-12:30PM. $15.00 plus supplies.

Please register in advance for all classes. We request that you purchase your class supplies at the Needle Nook. Some classes have homework prior to the class. Supply list available at the shop. We hope to see you at one of our summer sessions.

Auction Quilt - Report on Ovarian Cycle Fundraiser

Last winter Mrs. Wright's 4th grade class from the Children's School paid us a visit and selected yarn for their afghan project. Each student knit a square and Mrs. Wright put the quilt together and knitted the border. Last year the quilt brought $1,000 at auction but this year it brought a whopping $2,600 for their scholarship fund. Here's to a job well done and we are already looking forward to next year.

Now for our report on the ovarian cycle fundraiser. On May 3rd we had 15 vendors set up outside the shop on the sidewalk and sell some of their beautiful hand made items. There was everything from sterling silver to glass to knit and crochet items and more. We also had a bake sale and a raffle. All of these events combined brought in $1,700.00 for cancer research. Thank you to everyone who contributed by selling, purchasing, baking or buying tickets. We will try to do this again next year and have an even bigger turnout. It's part of our community service projects and a very worthy cause.

A Basket Full Of Bliss!

Look at this basket filled with Schaefer Anne sock yarn. We snagged about two dozen hanks last week and this is what they look like. All colors, many combinations, all beautiful. I am working my first toe up sock in a lovely purple (what else) and blue combination and it is a dream to work with. The fiber content is 60% merino wool, 25% mohair and 15% nylon. The generous hank contains 560 yards, which is enough even for a mans size. The gauge is 7-8 stitches per inch and I am working mine on a 1.5 needle. Care is hand or machine wash. This hank is sold for $27.00 and is a worthy addition to your stash. Drop by to see the colors and select one for yourself.

Customer Spotlight Sale

Needle Nook has been involved in community service projects for many years. Currently we are helping to raise funds for ovarian cancer research. Scientists are trying to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer. We are now supporting "Ovarian Cycle", an indoor cycling event. Participants solicit sponsors for their 6 hour endurance ride. While we are not riding the bikes, we are sponsoring our first ever "Customer Spotlight Sale" on Saturday, May 3rd. Any of our customers can sign up and bring a table to sell their fiber-related wares from 2:00-6:00 this day. Many of our customers do other crafts including beading, polymer clay, quilting, sewing, weaving, knit and crochet and more. You are invited to bring your items and sell them to the public with the understanding that at the end of the day you will donate 15% of your sales to Ovarian Cycle. The only restriction is your hand spun yarn or original patterns. If you can't sell your goodies, you can still come by and support the effort by purchasing items from our customer vendors. In addition, Shirley Robb has donated this beautiful shawl to be raffled off at 6:00PM, after the sale ends. Tickets are $5.00 each and contributions are tax deductible if made out to Ovarian Cycle. Won't you help us to raise the funds they so desperately need for this research? Please sign up to sell or come by to purchase. You will be supporting an important effort. Thank you.

More News On The Website

Well things are moving along. I am not a pro yet but I am learning how to navigate and add items to the website. It is very involved and technical to me. Since the last post I have added the list of Needle Nook's current classes, some web specials and now you can click on a yarn to see all the colors available. Hopefully I will continue to grow in this endeavour. Please be patient. Happy Easter to all of our friends and customers. Since we are closed on Easter Sunday the Amigurumi group will meet next Sunday, March 30th, at the regular time. We just got in a new book on this subject. Hope to see you soon.

Arlene

ANNOUNCEMENT-NEW WEBSITE

The Needle Nook is proud to announce it has joined the rest of the world and started a website, complete with a shopping cart to order yarn and accessories. To start we have listed Malabrigo, Toasty for Needle Nook and our stitch markers. Hopefully I will be adding items as I can figure it out. But for now, please check out our new site and let me know what I need to do next. Happy knitting and crocheting. Speaking of crocheting, did you know we have started a crochet group which meets the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 4:00-6:00PM, after our regular shop hours. Right now we are concentrating on the new amigurumi crochet animals that have become so popular. All skill levels are welcome to join this group. Hope to see you there.

Toasty for Needle Nook Sock Contest

We are proud to announce our Toasty for Needle Nook sock contest which is being sponsored by numma numma yarns and Needle Nook. All you need to do is purchase a hank of Toasty for NN (since 1-1-08), design and knit an original pair of adult socks, and wait for the prizes. All entrants receive a copy of the patterns of all contestants socks and a goody bag. Rules are available at the shop. The contest began on Feb. 1st and ends on July 4, 2008. You will be required to sign a waiver giving numma numma yarns and Needle Nook the right to publish or sell your pattern. Designs must be original and not previously published.

Check out the photo of the mitered square sampler of all 24 Toasty for NN colors. You can choose your favorite. As an added bonus, anyone who needs help designing your socks can attend one of our sock clinics. The first will be held on Sunday, March 9th at 1:00PM and the second on Sunday, April 13th, also at 1:00PM. Attendance is limited to those who have purchased their yarn and plan to enter the contest. You will need to bring supplies (needles, practice yarn, etc) for your help. You can cast on and knit some ribbing in advance. Registration for any of the clinics is required as seating is limited to eight. Call (404) 325-0068 for more information or to register.

Malabrigo Silky Merino, Part 2

Guess what? Malabrigo double shipped our order and added in the 12 back orders so we now have a full 25 colors in this incredible yarn. Good thing too because we were out of several colors anyway. Here are two photos I took today of the bounty. Come check it out.

SILKY MERINO-A DREAM YARN

The long wait is finally over, well at least half over. We received only half of the order we placed in November. This is the Malabrigo Silky Merino that is 50% silk and 50% merino and 100% heavenly. The colors are very vibrant because of the silk and the feel is very soft because of the merino. It says dk but you can knit this yarn easily to worsted weight. I knit a swatch on 6 needles and got almost 5 to an inch. The hank is 150 yards and it takes about 2 to make a scarf. Price is $12.00 each.
This lovely piece is knit in Arlene's Purples on a size 8 needle. I am doing the fishtail lace pattern from "365 Knit Stitch Calendar". I have finished one half and knitting the second half separately, then will kitchener the two pieces together. This is so the pattern is facing the same direction on both ends. Very interesting.

The yarn is a delight to knit with, no splitting or other problems. Haven't found any knots in it so far. The brilliance of the colors is due to the silk content. It is just as wonderful as the original worsted weight Malabrigo. Our afghan knit along is progressing and the members are having fun selecting new patterns and stitches to try out. The photos I have seen on our yahoo group are wonderfully inventive. Combinations not seen before. We are having a good time posting to each other and admiring others squares.

Please come by to see this elegant and sensual addition to our yarn mix.

Teddy Bears Need Clothes!

The Needle Nook has always been committed to charity projects. Some of our past projects include chemo hats for Egleston and ovarian cancer scarves, the Red Scarf Project and currently we are knitting chemo hats for the Chemoflage Program. But we see a need in Atlanta for additional help for the Atlanta Knitting Guild's trauma bear project. The guild has been dressing bears for years and donating them to various organizations. They currently support the Georgia Center for Children which services children who have been abused in any number of ways. The counselors give a bear to the child while they are questioning them about unpleasant events that have occurred. The children find it soothing and relax more and will open up to the counselor. We have decided to support this project and are asking you to help us by knitting a sweater, hat, pants, dress or other items for a 12" - 18" bear. You do not need to provide the bear, only the clothing. You can find many free patterns on the web (http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/) or http://www.atlantaknittingguild.org/. A search will bring you many, many sites to check out. You can drop off your finished items at Needle Nook or mail them to us. This is a great way to use up scraps of yarn, half balls, etc. and reduce your stash. You will receive a warm glow from knowing the person you helped is an innocent child. If you are on Ravelry there is a brand new group you can join called "Charity Bear Knitters" and don't forget "Needle Nook Knitters". Thanks for your help.

New Arrival - Berroco Linen Jeans

Our first spring yarn has made an appearance. It's a 70% linen, 30% rayon tape called Linen Jeans. The 7 colors are very muted with the appearance of stone washed jeans. Berroco has designed 12 patterns for this yarn. It knits to a gauge of 4.75 stitches per inch on a 9 needle and is hand wash, lay flat to dry. I usually purchase yarns that have clear colors but this was so appealing to me because of the muted palette. I think it is destined to become one of your favorite sweaters, the one you turn to most often. Come by and check out the 7 new pattern books from Berroco. This is one of the most "wearable" collections they have put out in a long time. I think you will like it too.

Check Out These Leather Purse Handles

New to the shop - all leather purse handles you just sew on to your finished project. They are very stylish and come in about 10 colors and 3 styles. They attach easily to your purse and add a dimension to your knitted or crocheted bags. Add on such as flowers, pins, needle felting and more will enhance even more. See if we have the color you need for your fabulous bag.

Mrs. Wright's 4th Grade Class Visits.

The 4th grade class from the Children's School paid a visit to the Needle Nook in mid-December. Their teacher, Mrs. Wright, is teaching them to knit. Some of them already know how to knit. Last year's class knit squares which were then turned into an afghan. The afghan was auctioned off as a school fundraiser and brought in over $1,000.00. All 18 students (9 girls, 9 boys) will contribute a square to this year's afghan which will once again be used as a school fundraiser. You rock Mrs. Wright for teaching an important skill to both the girls and boys. I am looking forward to seeing the finished project so I can show it to all on this blog.