Happy New Year To All

It's the last day of 2007. This year has really flown by. I did not finish all the projects that I had started but started alot more than I finished. I'm a great starter. But I don't beat myself up about any of that. I have given myself permission to put aside those projects that don't interest me any more or that have become a burden. I only want to knit those that make me happy and that I enjoy. I hope you are enjoying knitting every day; if not knitting, then some form of crafting or creating. It brings inner peace and tranquility to the soul, something we all could use more of. My wish for you in 2008 is health and happiness and the time to work on that which makes you glad, lifts your spirits and that you enjoy. Happy New Year to you and all your families. Thanks for a great 2007.

Arlene

I Finished One Sock

I have completed one sock from the new Kureyon sock yarn and I must admit I wasn't too keen on this yarn at first. It seemed scratchy compared to most of our wonderful sock yarns. But I was determined to knit one so knit it I did. There were some interesting slubs of unspun yarn along the way but the colors were great and very Noro looking. When finished I washed the sock lightly and rinsed in hair conditioner. That really softened it up and made it wearable. So yes, I give it a thumbs up as far as knitting socks. Since I am only knitting one sock for a shop model I have decided to knit a multi-directional scarf with the rest. I think this will work out great as it is so colorful. And since I know it will get softer, I am not worried about it being next to my skin. So if you are a colorful person, this yarn may be just the right ticket for you. Come by to see the model and capture a skein of your own. Remember, it's on special until 12/31/07. Happy Holidays everyone.

Holiday Hours and After Xmas Sale!

The Needle Nook will close at 3:00PM on Monday, Dec. 24th, be closed on Tuesday and reopen on Wed. Dec. 26th with an end of year reduction sale. Many of our older yarns will be reduced at least 25% and some more. Anything in our sales bin will be an additional 15% off, any model garment will be an additional 15% off. Susan Zanni and Sweater Kits will be 25% off as well as slipper bottoms and shawl kits. And all Gita Maria shawl pins are less 20%. Same hours repeat for new years, close at 3:00PM on Dec. 31st, closed Jan. 1st and reopen on Jan 2nd. Please have a very safe and joyous holiday and we hope to see you soon.

Kureyon Sock Yarn Arrives

We've been waiting very patiently for our first shipment of the brand new Noro Kureyon sock yarn to arrive and today it did. This extra large skein will easily make a pair of socks for almost anyone except bigfoot. The colors are true Noro, blends of shades you don't expect together, but POW! there they are. The color mixes will enable anyone to enjoy wearing this new addition to our ever growing wall of sock yarn. I know we are up over 20 different brands by now. From now until the end of the year we will be offering a special price on this yarn at just $17.50. After Jan. 1, 2008 it returns to $19.00 per skein. So come in and take advantage of this special and see what else arrived today.

Malabrigo Silky Merino in Arlene's Purples

Here it is! I received two hanks of this gorgeous yarn yesterday. So far all I have done is fondle and stroke it, and wonder at the thought of having a yarn color named after me. I am having so much fun with this. Now I need your help in selecting a project to knit up with it. I have two hanks, 150 yards each, and it is a dk weight. What do you think? It can't be too large because I don't have much yardage. Let me know your ideas. Nothing too fancy for this. It has several shades of purple within. Thanks

Join Our Malabrigo Afghan Knit Along

Eve and I have been knitting Malabrigo squares for a while now. The intention is to put them together into an afghan. We are choosing patterns from the "365 Knit Stitches" calendar and making all the squares about the same size. We have had customers ask us for help in this area and decided to do a knit along (KAL) for this project. Knitting small squares is a great way to try out and learn new stitches. You can try cables, yarn over patterns, knit and purl patterns, lace patterns and many more. We will be meeting the first Wednesday and also the first Saturday of each month to work on the squares. January 2nd and 5th will be the first meetings, 1:00 - 2:00 PM each day. You can select the day that works best for you. During this first meeting we will be selecting colors and patterns to use for the first set of squares. Each hank of Malabrigo worsted will knit 3 squares. We have determined that 30 squares will make a nice size afghan but you can select the number that suits you, larger or smaller. You can make a bed size, lap robe size, baby size or other. I just wanted one large enough to cuddle up under while watching tv. There is no charge for the program except supplies: needles, Malabrigo yarn, pattern book, markers and row counter. You are required to purchase at least 2 hanks to start your program ($12.00 each). Additional yarn can be purchased monthly or as you need it.

If you are interested in joining us for this KAL, please let me know so I can order pattern books for you. I would also appreciate an RSVP so we know how many to expect for this first session. You can comment here, on Ravelry (needlenut), or send me an email at needlenut@comcast.net. Please leave your name, phone number and email address.

We have also started a yahoo group for this project. You will be able to post questions, read comments from other members and more. It should be fun. Hope to hear from you.

Arlene

New Malabrigo Color Named After Me!

Wow, the thrill of a lifetime. I love Malabrigo yarn and carry quite a few colors in my shop. About a year ago I asked the owner if he would name his next purple (of course, what did you expect, brown?) yarn after me. He said he would, but I never saw any new colors come out. The sales rep was in to see me yesterday and was showing me the new and very gorgeous Silky Merino yarn, 50% silk, 50% merino wool. As I was drooling over the stunning colors I came across a lovely variegated purple and its name was------Arlene's Purples-----. Wow, was I ever surprised as it had been so long since my request. I am now the proud owner of a yarn color name. This new yarn is going to be so fabulous. The sheen is pronounced because of the silk and the colors are accentuated because silk accepts dye so well. I don't know what else to say except you have to see them for yourself when they arrive (no delivery date yet). I did knit up a swatch for Stu and one smaller one for the shop so you can come in and see a tiny sample for now. But just wait until you see the real thing. I love yarn and some more than others, but this is going to be right up there among my favorites of all times. I cannot wait until it arrives. Should be late December or Early January. I will keep you posted.

This is the second yarn that will carry my name. Our beautiful Toasty has a purple color named All About Arlene. This color will only be available at Needle Nook. I am currently working a pair of socks in this colorway. The yarn is so soft, a dream to knit with. I am a lucky girl to have two heavenly yarns carry my name.

Oh yeah, the foot is getting better, the swelling is going down and the pain is reduced. I might even be able to wear something besides white sandals in a few days.