End Of Year Reductions

I am ashamed of myself for going so long without an update. I am going to try to be more efficient in 2010.

Needle Nook will be holding an end of year reduction sale starting Saturday, Dec. 26th and ending Thursday, December 31st. Here are some of the items that will be included:

• All needlepoint kits, preworked and canvases.
• Gita Maria shawl pins and pendants
• All kids kits
• Knitting needle sets (no interchangeable)
• Namaste bags (2 left)
• All purse handles, leather and plastic
• All magazines dated before 2009
• Selected Laurel Burch items.

We will be adding additional items so check in with us for more specials. Drop by during this time and see what bargains you can go home with.

Let me take this time to thank all of you who have supported my shop over the past 33+ years. We have been through many changes but one constant has been the loyalty of our special customers. Thank you for helping us to grow and survive. I hope you have the happiest of holidays and good health in the coming year. Peace.

Arlene

Last Class of The Season, New Malabrigo Yarn, More

This is a photo of a new felted bag I just finished (minus the handles). The idea came from a new book we received called "Knit and Felt Bags". It has some of the most innovative and up to date felted patterns I have seen in a long time. My bag used 4 colors of Galway, one skein each and one skein of Dawn (bobble yarn). Total retail cost - $30.00 and it was knit in 2 days. It went very fast because it's done in the round on a size 15 needle. It was huge before felting and shrunk down to a very nice knitting tote size. This would be a great holiday gift and there is plenty of time to knit one.

Here is another idea for a holiday project. This scarf, done in seed stitch, used 2 skeins of Lumina and one skein of Kid Seta mohair (held together). Knit on a 7 or 8 needle, you can get this done quickly. Total project cost -$28.00. We have about 8 color combinations.

Here is the yarn we have been waiting for. It's from Malabrigo so you know it is soft. This beauty is called "Twist" because it is plied and twisted together, unlike their worsted. It contains 100% baby merino and 150 yards. It knits up as a heavy worsted or aran, about 4 stitches per inch, although you can go smaller or larger. There are 16 beautiful colors to choose from. You need to really feel this yarn to believe it.

Here is a photo of our last class for 2009. This scarf is knit with fine mohair in an original lace pattern and beads are attached in the center of each medallion. Class will be held on Saturday, November 21st from 3:00-4:30PM. Class fee is $39.00 which includes the yarn, pattern and beads. You would bring your own needles (size 7), steel crochet hook (size 10) and a magnet board. Also bring yarn and needles for practice. You can register online at http://www.needlenookatlanta.com/ or in person or by phone.

Stop by the see all the quick and easy gift projects have on display. Ideas include hats, purses, wrist warmers, scarves, shawls, shrugs and more. We have all your knitting needs in one convenient location.

Hope to see you soon.

Shop Hop Winners Announced

And the lucky winner is:

DIANE MELTON

Other winners of prizes donated by Needle Nook are:

• Christina Whitehead - Bag of Malabrigo Chunky yarn valued at $120.00
• Beth Horack - Afghan Kit valued at $110.00
• Marsha Sussman - 3 skeins of Ella Rae Merino Lace valued at $69.00

See www.shophopatlanta.blogspot.com for a complete list of winners from each shop.

Thank you for participating-we hope you enjoyed the hop.

Photos and Stuff

First photo is the entrelac shawl class we will be holding on Nov. 14th & 21st. Class time is 11AM-12:30PM and fee is $30.00 plus supplies which include pattern and Rhythm yarn.

Next come some new books and leaflets we have been waiting for including the Brooklyn Tweed, Noro, Alice Starmore and the beautiful Swing, Swagger and Drape by Jane Slicer Smith.

There are lots more books and new yarns also, so drop by to see all the new items. And don't forget the shop hop starts Sat. October 3rd.

Bits & Pieces

Thought I would just tell you about some of the new items we have received recently. Here they are:

• Noro book 26 - great new patterns including a fabulous coat and swingy skirt.
• Noro - The Man - Interesting tales of Mr. Noro and his company - including some new patterns and old patterns revisited - by Cornelia Hamilton.
• Noro Mini book - small items for quick knits.
• Jenny Watson Araucania book - new patterns for new yarns.
• More new colors of Toconao - this yarn is featured in Jenny Watson's book.
• Debbie Bliss Fall 2009 magazine.
• New shipment of Knit Witch sock yarn, including some Sock Summit colors.
• Shop Hop passports - get em while they're hot!
• Coffee mugs with knitterly sayings on them.
• Project bags from Hiya-Hiya and Lantern Moon.
  
  There is more but that is all that I can think of now. I am posting some random photos of new items in the shop. And one adorable baby, Sayde Elizabeth, granddaughter of former employee Cindy A. Come visit when you can.

Arlene

Shop News and Classes

We will be holding classes and events during September, October and November. Here is a listing of what is on the schedule for now:

• Sept. 12 - Slip Stitch class - learn color knitting the easy way. 11AM-12:30 PM. $15.
• Sept. 12 - Fast and Fun Holiday Gifts - Fee of $10.00 allows you to choose up to 12 free patterns with yarn suggestions. These include hats, scarves, mittens, dishcloths, wraps, wrist warmers, golf club covers, felted child's purse and more. Spend $25.00 on yarn for these projects and receive a $10.00 store credit for future purchases. 2-4 PM.
• Oct. 17 & 24 - Learn to make socks. Two week session with homework. $30 + supplies. 11AM-12:30PM.
• Oct. 31 & Nov. 14- Learn to make a Tam. In this class you will learn provisional cast on, shorts rows, three needle bind off and picking up stitches. $30 + supplies. 3-4:30 PM.
• Nov. 14 & 21 - Learn Entrelac. This popular technique is easy to learn and will bring a new dimension to your knitting. Add it to shawls, scarves, hats and more. 11AM-12:30 PM. $30 + supplies.
• Sept 21-Oct 12 - Knitting 101 Monday evening sessions-7-8:30PM. Get help with your projects from Linda. $60.
• Sept 22-Oct 27 - Beginners Knitting with Linda. 5 weeks and you will be knitting. $125.
• Morning Knitting 101 is ongoing. Call for dates and availability. Wed, Thurs, Sat. AM.

All classes require pre-registration so call us if you have an interest in any of these. Fall is a great time to learn a new technique or get help with that new stitch. Many of the patterns for our Fast and Fun Holiday Gifts can be done in a evening or two and use 1 or 2 balls of yarn. We have models at the shop for many of the class projects. Come join us for some fun.

Shop Hop - October 3-11, 2009

The 2009 Atlanta Shop Hop is approaching fast. This year the event will be held from Saturday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 11th. Passports ($1.00) go on sale September 3rd. Visit each of the 10 participating shops and you could be eligible for the grand prize of $1,000.00 in gift certificates. If you don't win the grand prize, you could still win one of 30 other prizes donated by the 10 shops. You can find all the information you need at www.shophopatlanta.blogspot.com. Hope to see you then.

New Yarns Are Being Shelved

Our blowout sale was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who came and purchased and helped us make room for the new stuff. We have started to put out what has already arrived and here is a list of some of them:

• Bariloche, Los Andes and Santa Fe from Aslan Trends. These 3 yarns are all dyed in the same colors so you can coordinate your project. The yarn comes in bulky, worsted and sock weights and the colors are gorgeous.
• Coliumo and Toconao from Knitting Fever. Beautiful semi solid wools for winter knitting.
• Lustra and Blackstone Tweed from Berroco as well as the new pattern books.
• New colors in Mini Mochi and Mochi Plus.

Today we will be stocking more new yarns as space permits. We have also added more sale yarns to our empty playpen ($3.00 per ball), so bargains are still available.

Come see all that is new for fall.

Arlene

Upcoming Classes

Hello Everyone:

This post will let you know about some classes being held at the Needle Nook. First up is our Mohair Lace Scarf with beads. There is alot of interest right now in beaded lace so this is a good introduction to it. We will start on a simple lace scarf. No lace experience is needed, just basic knitting skills. The class will be held on Saturday, August 15th or Sat. August 29th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM and the fee is $35.00 which includes your pattern, beads and class fee. It does not include knitting needles or crochet hook (which is used to attach the beads). See photo above.

Next up is Knitting 101 with Linda. This class is for those who need help with their projects. Linda can help solve them for you. This 3 week session meets on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 and runs from Aug. 17-Aug. 31st. Fee is $45.00.

After that comes Beginning Knitting with Linda. Starting on Aug. 18th and ending on Sept. 15th, this 5 week session will teach you all the basics of knitting. We meet from 7 - 8:30 PM and the fee is $125.00 which includes basic supplies. Come learn to knit!

Sept. 12th is the date for our slip stitch class with Shirley. Slip stitch is a color technique and a good one to learn. It is easier than intarsia or fair isle with great results. Class will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12th from 11-12:30 PM and class fee is $15.00. Try it, you'll like it.

That's all the dates we have positively scheduled for now. Also on the horizon is a beginning entrelac class and learn to knit socks, so check with us if you are interested in these.

Watch this space and our newsletter and website (http://www.needlenookatlanta.com/) for more upcoming information and classes.

Hope to see you soon.

Arlene

This And That

Our very first time hosting a Knit In Public day was a success, even with a wrench in the plans. Our event was scheduled to be held at Artuzzi's restaurant but 3 days before they suddenly closed with no warning. Undaunted, Marian and Lou arranged to set up tables in front of the shop and carry on. When they went down to Artuzzi's on Sat. morning to hang a sign directing everyone to come to N. Nook, the new manager was there and invited us to come down and use the patio and help themselves to free drinks. They knit for a while at Needle Nook and then moved down to Artuzzi's patio for the rest of the afternoon. Everyone received a free needle card and a discount on yarn. Thanks to all who attended and we will try it again in the fall, when it is cooler.

I did not attend the TNNA show this year due to difficulty with my knees. Since I have seen all of the major reps, I hope I did not miss anything important. I am constantly on the lookout for new products to stock the shop. If you see anything I need to know about, please contact me or bring it in. I love new stuff.

Since we have no classes scheduled for July, I would like to invite our customers to drop by on Saturdays, July 11th, 18th or 25th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM to sit and knit or get help with a minor problem. We cannot help with major problems on these days. Please limit your questions to yarn you have purchased here and knitting only. Thank you.

Please note, we will be closed July 4th. We have not changed our Sunday hours for the summer. We will remain open every Sunday from 1PM - 4PM for your convenience. Hope to see you soon.

Arlene

World Wide Knit In Public Day

Isn't this great? We have our very own knitting day! This is the second or third year for this event and it's just a way to bring knitters together to show off our addiction to everyone. Needle Nook will participate this year by gathering down the way from us at Artuzzi's restaurant. They have a patio and have graciously agreed to be our meeting place on June 13th, from 11AM - 3PM. They are also providing a special buy one lunch, get the second lunch free. So come join the bunch as we KIP (knit in public) for a few hours. Needle Nook will also be offering some specials this day so stay tuned.

Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser Photos - Last Set

As you can see by these wonderful items, we will have many, many unusual and varied objects for sale. Look at the hand-knotted stitch markers above, the beautiful quilted wallhanging and the great hand made earrings. Our fundraiser is just one week away and we are all very excited. The silent auction has about 16 items that you can bid on. We will be selling tickets for our shawl and knit bowl raffle and have a bake sale as well. Please join us on April 18th from 2-6 PM and help support this community service project. Hope to see you there.

New arrivals at Needle Nook include the following books: Mother and Daughter Knits by Sally and Caddy Melville, Reversible Knits by Iris Schreir and Japanese Inspired Knits. By Wednesday we should receive our shipment of Cookie A's "Sock Innovations". Be sure to take a glance at these new offerings by prominent designers.

Check out the website for the latest classes, dates and times. You can register online for these. Go to www.needlenookatlanta.com.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all of our friends.

Arlene

The Photos Keep Coming

Here are the latest photos sent to me of items that will be for sale at our Ovarian Cancer fundraiser, now only 3.5 weeks away. There are many other items that I do not have photos of so be sure to check them all out on April 18th.

Arlene

More Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser Photos

Here are some more items being offered for sale or auction at our fundraiser. To date we have 21 vendors and are shooting for 25. Something new this year, a Tarot Card reader. What fun. Stay tuned for more photos as the arrive. Join us on April 18th for this great event.

Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser Photos

Here are only a few of the items that will be up for sale or auction at our April 18th fundraising event. Take a look and pick out your favorite. I will be adding more in the very near future. It's not too late to sign up for a table to participate. We look forward to seeing you on the 18th and all the wonderful products we have for sale.

Customer Spotlight Sale - Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser

Our second ovarian cancer fundraising event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 2PM-6PM. We are inviting anyone who crafts to come and set up a table outside on our sidewalk to sell their wares to the public. In return you would donate 15% of your sales to the "Ovarian Cycle" event being held on April 25th. We are looking for those who make beaded jewelry and wearables, weaving, quilting, knit, crochet, sewing, polymer clay, felting and more. The only restrictions we have are yarn and original patterns. Please register with us by 4/11 so we can have a variety of goods.

Be sure to come by and purchase a raffle ticket for our hand knit shawl, donated by Shirley Robb. Tickets are tax deductible when a check is made out to "Ovarian Cycle". We will also be holding a bake sale and possibly a silent auction - so if you have anything you would like to donate to this, please let us know ASAP. Last year we had silver jewelry, weaving, beaded jewelry, hand knit hats, felted purses, quilts and much more for sale. This is a great opportunity to select gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, birthdays and more. So even if you can't set up a table, you can still support the effort by shopping our event. Call (404) 325-0068 for more information.

Arlene

New Yarns Arriving At Needle Nook

This isn't a very good photo but I wanted to show our latest import from Peru. Trabajos del Peru is imported by Plymouth Yarn and is a thick and thin 100% wool. It contains 147 yards and knits at 4 stitches per inch on a 9 needle. Lou described it as a cross between Malabrigo and Manos. It's a lovely yarn. $14.00 per hank.

Here is something unusual. It's made of 100% sugar cane viscose, something we have never seen before. The colors are very subtle, blending easily from one to another. Ruca Multy is the name and it has 263 yards per hank. The gauge is 5.5 stitches per inch on a 4-5 needle. It would make a lovely summer top.

Take a look at these colors. Bombay is 100% mercerized cotton and has 251 yards per skein. It knits at 6 stitches per inch on a size 4 needle. I have been touching it every time I walk by it and last night at Knit Nite someone finally succommed to it. Marne started a pair of baby legwarmers and we all got to touch it in progress. The yarn is surprisingly soft and knits up nicely. It's $14.00 each and perfect for light weight projects. I can see a summer cardigan or shawl using this lovely yarn.

Don't forget to check previous blog for class schedule. Our next class will be the "Wacky Women Pin" where you can make a one-of-a-kind bauble for yourself or someone else. It's on Valentines Day so you can spread the love. Join us for this or other classes. Check out our website to see what Eve has added lately. All of our classes are listed there, including beginning crochet. Hope to see you soon.

Arlene