Finished Olympic Challenge

This is the Citron Shawl from the current issue of Knitty.com. It is our knitalong project and I decided to do it as an Olympics challenge. I cast on during the opening ceremonies and finished this morning. I set a goal of a certain number of rows to do each day. At the beginning it was easy to maintain my pace but as the rows got longer and longer and longer it was tough but I perservered and completed it this morning. I even added 3 repeats of the pattern to make it larger for me. It came out great. I used a lace yarn called "Ballerina" which is smaller than the Malabrigo lace it calls for. If you enlarge this pattern, be sure to double the yardage needed. I ended up with a tiny, tiny little ball left over. All in all it was fun and I have a great spring shawl to wear.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

My 65th birthday is around the corner (2/22) and I need you to help me celebrate. Bring me a birthday card on Saturday, Feb. 20th and I will give you a piece of cake and a 10% discount on all your purchases. Class fees and special events are not included in this offer. I'll be there from 10 AM to 5 PM so drop in during those hours for some goodies (both kinds). There's lots of new shop goodies to tempt you as much of our spring yarn has been coming in over the past few weeks. So come by and wish me luck.

Arlene

Needle Nook Winter Olympics Knitting Competition

Hi Everyone:



First of all, thank you to all who have contributed to the Haiti Relief Fund. We have collected around $2800.00 as of today with a few more days left. This money was matched by Knitting Fever and sent to the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Your generosity was sorely needed by the residents of Haiti. Thanks again.



On to a new venture. The Needle Nook has always supported community service projects. We have done chemo hats, preemie hats, childrens chemo hats, ovarian cancer scarves and more. We thought it would be fun to have a Winter Games competition. Here's how it works:



Knit or crochet the following items for donation to charitible organizations:



Chemo Hats

Preemie Hats

Preemie Blankets

Teddy Bear Outfits

Stoma Covers *



The person who turns in the most items wins a $25.00 gift certificate to the shop. Competition starts with the opening ceremony and ends with the closing ceremony (Feb. 12-Feb. 28). Honor system, no combining with your buddies. Must be received at the Needle Nook by 5PM on March 6th.



You can find free patterns on the web for most of these items. * The stoma covers (for tracheotomy patients) MUST BE MADE OF 100% COTTON smooth yarns with no fuzz. You can make a 6" x 6" or 7" x 7" square or something of that shape and size. This is a great way to try out some new stitch patterns. It's just like doing a dishcloth except you add about 14" ties to the top, to go around the neck. Teddy bear sweaters should fit about a 8" - 16" bear. These are given to children in trauma. The rest of the items speak for themselves.



So get those needles fired up and help your community. You will be glad you did. Call us at (404) 325-0068 if you have questions.

Help Haiti Victims

One of our yarn suppliers, Knitting Fever, has generously offered to match any amount sent to them for Haiti earthquake relief. If you wish to donate you can make out a check to The Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders and write Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund on the bottom. Bring in your check or mail it in to Needle Nook, 2165 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30329. Please don't delay, we will only collect for a few more weeks. We sent off the first group of checks for over $1,300.00 just yesterday so that will go a long way when doubled. Thank you to all who have donated so far. We have taken donations from $5.00 to $500.00 so no amount is too small or too large. Thank you for being such caring and concerned knitters and crocheters.

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.