Moving Right Along/Malabrigo Shipment

My knee is healing, I can feel the difference in it from 2 weeks ago. I'm sleeping better (mostly) and even doing a bunch of knitting. As promised, I am putting the Malabrigo squares together. I have 5 more to do, out of 30. Then I have to figure out some kind of border for it. It feels dreamy in my hands and I am really glad I did (am doing) it. We just got in a new shipment of Malabrigo, including 10 colors of Rasta for their beautiful cowl. We also got in 6 new spring yarns from Knitting Fever, Sirdar and Katia. So come see all that is new.



Arlene

Confined to Home-This Is a Good Thing!

So the Dr. came up with a space and I had my knee replacement surgery last Monday, Jan. 24th, and came home Thursday. I am improving each day but getting around is difficult. Can't stay up too long and then have to rest, nap, do exercise, get on the CPM machine (it moves your knee for you), etc. There is not much time to knit but I have been doing some because I hate to waste the time and we have a knitalong going on at the shop and I don't want to fall behind. I promised myself that I would stitch together the squares from our Malabrigo afghan knitalong (2 years ago) but haven't done it yet. I need some encouragement. At least I'm not the only one who hasn't done this. I think Iwill take it out now. Wish me luck.

Arlene

Just Rocking Along

By this date I had expected to have already been to the hospital, had knee replacement surgery, and been home. But Mother Nature had other ideas. My surgery was scheduled for Monday, January 10th and I knew I was in trouble when it started snowing the evening of the 9th. I live on a hill, my street is slightly up a hill and then to turn off it there are hills both ways. There was no way I could get there. So now I am waiting for a cancellation or other miracle to happen so that I can get on with it. The bad part is that I have had to stop taking my anti-inflammatory medications which I didn't think helped that much but since stopping them have found out that they do help. The worst part is that my hands ache but I keep on knitting. Won't stop this for any reason that I can think of. I'm afraid to give in. I am working on several projects at once, the main one being the Curlicue Shawl Knitalong. This is coming along nicely, 5 of 13 sections done so far. I also finished a hat and a Rasta cowl. This is the one they have been advertising in the knitting magazines. I managed to get a copy of the pattern in advance and worked up the cowl. It was very easy. The pattern books should arrive soon along with another order of the bulky Rasta. If you haven't seen this yarn you really should take a look at it. Talk about instant gratification!



New spring yarns have started to arrive. First to come in is Baby Milk, a sport weight that knits at 5.5 stitches per inch. It's composed of 70% merino and 30% milk. There are free patterns on the Knitting Fever website. I haven't used it yet but it feels very nice.

Additional new yarns should trickle in over the next month or so. Be sure to check it out.

Arlene

January is ME Month

After rushing to finish projects for holiday gifts, it's time to sit back and enjoy some ME time. We have officially declared this month to be knitting for yourself month. You can start that project you have been putting off because you had other obligations. It's time to celebrate yourself. So pull out that pattern, yarn and needles. Get going on ME time.

We have a new knitalong starting on Wed, Jan. 5th. It's called the Curlicue Coverlet, although most of us will make it into a shawl instead. You can join in (Wed. day from 1-2PM, or Wed. night from 5-8PM) and get going with us. There is no charge, only yarn and pattern to be purchased from us. Call us for more information and see photo above.

The other item that is big this year is cowls. They are easy to knit, quick and stylish. We have several models in the shop that you can check out. I have recently finished cowls in Malabrigo Rasta (super quick) and Colinette Art. This would be a great ME project.

Happy New Year to all of our fans.

Arlene

Rizos Ruffle Yarn Has Arrived

This is my Rizos scarf in progress. This tape yarn has loops on one edge and this is what you knit in to to form the stitches. It's really easy and works up quick. I have used a size 8 needle and 8 stitches but you can make it larger or smaller to suit your preference. I think 6 stitches would work just as well. The cost is $12.00 per hank and you don't even have to wind it up.

Pictured above is the bulky neckwarmer we have been knitting at warp speed this fall. It makes a great holiday gift, is inexpensive and quick to knit. What more could you ask for? To help you get started Needle Nook is holding a free workshop on Saturday, Nov. 20th from noon to 3 PM. Bring size 13 and 15 needles if you have them. We will help you choose appropriate yarn (please, no stash yarn today). You will most likely be able to leave with a finished neckwarmer. I knit 3 in one day. This is a fabulous gift for teachers, friends and family too. The buttons are available from Gail K. Fabrics on Cheshire Bridge Road. Join us to sit and knit for a while and have a fun time while you cross some names off your gift list. Our address is 2165 Briarcliff Road and the phone is (404) 325-0068. Hope to see you then.

Fall Happenings

Pictured above are some of the events going on and planned at Needle Nook. The top (not very good) photo is of the knitted beads we are doing in a class on Sat. Nov. 13th from 3-4:30 PM. You will learn how to knit with beads and place the knitting over a wooden bead. Class fee is $30.00 and that includes materials to make 3 beads. Registration is in progress.

The second photo is the Curlicue Blanket (turned into a shawl by Betty). We have had so much interest in this project that we are starting a knitalong on the first Wed. in January, 2011. There will be two options. Wednesday afternoon from 1-2PM or our regular Wednesday knit nite from 5-8PM. We will be working on this at both times. Registration is necessary for this KAL. More information later.

The third photo is the bulky neckwarmers that I knit in two hours. You won't believe how fast you can make this item. Need fast holiday gifts, this is the answer. It's knit on size 15 needles with bulky yarn so it goes quickly. Add a fabulous button and you are done. I'm making these for gifts this year for all the ladies. Purchase the yarn for this project and I'll give you the pattern free.

Also wanted to mention our spooky knit in on Saturday, Oct. 30th at Artuzzi's. We will meet on the patio from11AM - 2PM for some knitting time with friends. Bring a treat to share and Artuzzi's will provide free drinks. You can also order lunch there. Wear your favorite knit item OR a costume to be eligible for door prizes and Needle Nook specials. See you there.