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