Jojoland Melody & Swirl Shawls and Scarves

I took a quick snapshot tonight of our newest yarn addition: Jojoland Melody Superwash. It's a lovely SOFT superwash, 100% merino, in colors that have looooonnng changes, so you get a truly wonderful effect when using just one color -- and on a Fair Isle pattern stranding two different colors is really cool!! It has 220 yards per 50 gram skein, so two skeins will make a great pair of socks. When doing my shop buying, I try to look for sock yarn that contains at least 400 yards per 100 grams, so that way you don't have to worry about having enough...there's nothing as frustrating as knitting a pair of socks and running short of yarn on the last one! That's one of the new Daisy Muir bags in the upper left corner. I have one on my Wish List for Christmas!

Notice the scarf that is draped over the top shelf. It's called the Swirl Scarf, and calls for two to three skeins. The pattern also includes instructions for a stunning shawl, which takes five skeins. We brought in all 12 colors, and I can't wait to get it on my needles! I took a close up shot of the scarf, but my camera skills don't even come close to doing it justice. This is a purple and green combo, which also happens to be one of my favorite colorways in ANY yarn!

Sorry I've been so sporadic about posting to the blog. Connie's promised to help, and if any of you have any tips, tricks or ideas to share I'd welcome guest bloggers with open arms... just send me an e-mail, and we'll talk.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I had a nice family dinner on Sunday with my husband, son and grandkids. It was nice to relax after two days of chaos during the annual After-Thanksgiving sale. Don't forget to stop by or call us with your Wish List for the holidays, and remember that we always offer FREE gift wrapping~

Becky

What makes YOU happy?

For some of us, it would be family, friends, money...or...


SOCK YARN!!!!!!!!

Kimberly stopped by and fell in the giant pile of Knot Just Sock Yarn last night. I think the picture pretty much tells the whole story (note the skein on her head!)

Next week, she'll need Therapi. Stay tuned.

Becky

Figheadh Trunk Show

The Figheadh Trunk show is in the shop, but will be going back home to Jen Hagan at Figheadh on Monday...so you still have time to see the actual garments if you stop by the shop between now and Saturday, August 2. Don't miss the Fabulousness that is Figheadh! I can't decide between the Sarah cardigan and the Sherrod pullover - can you help? Or maybe both will have to be in my future. Laura is eyeing the Iian hooded pullover, and there are a couple of darling baby items in the show, too. And did I mention the Aran Wiggles pullover? Or the great sock samples? Oh, and how about the felted bags (in two sizes - both are here to see). Here is
Sarah and Sherrod
What do you think?

Please note that we will be hosting workshops with Jen Hagan of Figheadh the last weekend of September. Details are in the newsletter class list - she's going to be teaching Cableology I and Cabology II on Saturday, September 27 - Cableology III and Finishing are on Sunday, September 28.

This Just In - FLEECE ARTIST & PERL GREY

As if the Handmaiden Sea Silk wasn't enough, along came the Fleece Artist (Handmaiden's sister company) order today!! Here's a peek at the Sea Wool, Blue Face Leicester and and Blue Face Aran kits. Each skein is unique and an absolute work of art - we purchased kits for felted totes and hats (Toto and Betsey), fingerless gloves (Hans), and an adorable baby set (Sea Baby). Here's a peek, brought to you by Fleece Artist and Perl Grey!

That darn squirrel!

He's going to have to go on the South Beach diet...right now he's evidently on the North Shore! Here's a pic of Filbert gorging himself on Calpholon Chocolate Cake last night at knitting group (he wasn't the only one, by the way). It was great --- Handmaiden Sea Silk and 4 ply Cashmere and chocolate, plus lots of good friends and knitting going on. A perfect evening, and a great way to celebrate the first day of Summer!

It's HERE!!!! Handmaiden Yarns -- Sea Silk and Cashmere!

The first order of Handmaiden Sea Silk has arrived, and YES, it was worth the wait!!! We also got a few hat kits in 100% cashmere from Handmaiden. We have a pending order with Fleece Artist, too. This just got entered into the computer, and is already going fast...before we can even get it on the shelf!!

We Won the Chocolate Drawing!!

Imagine my surprise when the phone rang this afternoon and a customer said "Are you listening to the radio?? Knot Just Yarn won the weekly KAFE Chocolate drawing!" WooHoo!! As the radio station advertises, a 25 pound basket full of chocolate is certain to brighten up the afternoon doldrums!! We love you, KAFE!!! (104.3 on your FM dial, in case you were wondering...or wanting to enter. And by the way, if you win we expect an invitation to share!)

Here's a photo of the Basket o' Chocolate -- under all this chocolate goodness were a couple of dozen cartons of chocolate milk! They aren't fooling around when they say it's 25 pounds, by the way. The fridge is stuffed with chocolate milk AND the biggest chocolate cake I've seen in a very long time, and the back table is loaded with boxes and bags of yummy chocolate! So get your chocolate appetites ready for Thursday night and come join the group between 6 and 7:30!!! Happy Dance!!

Anniversary Sale June 6 & 7

Announcing the Annual Anniversary Sale at Knot Just Yarn! We're celebrating our 11th year in business, and as a thank you to our customers we are offering 20% off storewide! The discount applies to yarn, fiber, needles, tools, single leaflet patterns, baskets and totes, gift items, and much more!! There are a few exclusions - details are in our newsletter. Please come by this Friday and Saturday and help us celebrate our Anniversary!

Becky

Ravelry Group

I almost forgot to mention that Knot Just Yarn recently started a group on Ravelry - everyone is welcome to come and join us in our discussions about yarn, projects, techniques...heck, we even have some martini recipes and the topics seem to swerve from fiber to food and beverages on a regular basis! So if you are a Raveler, please join in. If you haven't joined yet, it's quite simple. Just go to http://www.ravelry.com/ and sign up as a new user. There is a waiting list, but it really doesn't take very long to receive an invitation (I think when I first signed on there were about 4ooo people waiting, and it only took a few days). So come and join in the fun! There are sections to organize your yarn, needles, books and patterns, and we'd love to see and share your works in progress, as well as those finished projects! 'Til then,
Knit..knit some more,
Becky (a.k.a. Pointedstix)

After the Tour

Wow! What a wild four days!!! We had a great time meeting new people, greeting old friends, and just generally dashing around the shop stamping passports, making sure visitors knew where the daily drawing entry blanks were, refilling the pitcher of iced tea, restocking the chocolate truffle plate, and helping locate certain needles, patterns or yarn. We had a great time, and it sure seemed like all the "Tourists" did as well! Just like last year, I had the best of intentions to take photos during each day. But just like last year, there wasn't any TIME!! We did get a shot of our local group, who had four completed passports among 'em. They got a rousing cheer when they walked through the door grinning and waving their passports showing they'd actually made it to all 24 stores! Congratulations, and we'll cross our fingers that one of you wins the Grand Prize!



After the photo shoot in front of the shop, the ladies had brought in a bunch of munchies for a little "After Party" - here's a shot of those festivities. Thanks for the snack, by the way - by Sunday night Laura and I were getting sort of addled, and the food really helped...


Once again, the Tour was a resounding success! Many thanks to all the shops that participated, as well as all the great people who trekked from Kent to Bellingham, with stops all along the way. I especially want to thank my core group of "regulars" who do so much to support the shop, both during special events such as this, but also in their day to day lives. It's much appreciated!

Knit...knit some more,
Becky

LYS Tour 2008

It's almost here!! Thursday is the start of the 2008 LYS Tour, with 24 shops in the Pacific NW participating this year. Stop in for your passport and get ready to start your engines!! For those energetic participants who make it to all 24 shops, there is the chance of winning the Grand Prize, which is a gift certificate of $500 to the shop of your choice. And each shop is holding daily drawings, as well as offering every "tourist" a free pattern featuring a one skein project in a yarn that they are featuring for the tour.

We are using Malabrigo Worsted, and during the tour it will be 10% off! So stop in to fill out an entry for the daily drawing and get your passport stamped to be eligible for the Grand Prize (remember you have to make it to all 24 stores to be eligible to win the Grand Prize).

We will have tea and truffles plus lots of great fiber and yarn to tempt you, and there will be some unadvertised specials, too! The shop will be open from 10-9 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from 10-6...we're looking forward to seeing you all during this whirlwind event!

Becky

Knot Just Sock Yarn

Shhh. We're teasing you.

Knot Just Totes - Recycled & Canvas

You asked us to bring in some Knot Just Yarn bags, and we've done just that. We now have a great little inexpensive 100% recycled bag in a pretty pink, complete with the Knot Just Yarn logo that sell for $1.99 each. Pick up one or two and do your part to save 1) plastic bag use and 2) the planet. We also have a heavier duty canvas bag that has two interior pockets and one outside pocket that are $12.95 each.

Here are photos of both - take your choice, or how about one of each?

Becky

WOO-HOO!! MALABRIGO!!

Wowsa! I got to the shop this morning to be met by the DHL delivery guy and three big boxes of Malabrigo Worsted. What a great way to start the week!! Here's a small sample (and I did confirm that a second order is shipping this week, scheduled to arrive next week...so there's MORE ON THE WAY!

Gotta go, Malabrigo needs to be put out. I'll snap a photo next week when the next order arrives. Til then,

Becky

LYS Tour

The Local Yarn Shop Tour is coming up quickly - dates for this year are May 15-18. Knot Just Yarn will be open extended hours during the tour - Thursday through Saturday we'll be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are a total of 24 shops on the Tour this year, and each and every one will have a FREE one skein pattern along with daily prize drawings and a chance to win the Grand Prize Drawing of a $500 gift certificate!

We can't share too many details of our pattern until the tour dates, but I can tell you that it uses one skein of Malabrigo Worsted, and we've designed a project for BOTH knit and crochet! We have the shop samples, and they've been getting rave reviews as a project that is quick, easy, and something that is fashionable as well as functional.

We will have coffee, tea and SPECIAL treats every day, so stop in and pick up your LYS Tour Passport today!

I have to share a pic of my baby girls - they were born in February and are such sweethearts. On the right is Rega, the left is Dira. They are definitely keeping me busy!!

Becky

Think Outside the Sox!

That's the name of the new sock design contest from XRX/Knitter's Magazine. It will run through the entire year, ending January 1, 2009 so you all have plenty of time to come up with a design (or two, or three!).

Knot Just Yarn has joined Mountain Colors as our "official" yarn company for the Think Outside the Sox contest. Here's a photo of part of the latest order of Bearfoot that came in just last week. I call that inspiration!! You can't see the great fall colors in reds and oranges in this photo, but I promise they are there. There is a palette to please everyone in this order. You can get contest rules, entry forms and more details here. There are all sorts of categories, and socks can be knitted or crocheted.


We just started a new Sox and Blox Saturday this weekend - every Saturday from 10 until noon we invite you all to come in and work on your Hot Sox or Cool Blox! The Cool Blox refers to our latest "Of The Month" project, which beginning in January are the blocks from the Great American Afghan. We are doing the shop model in Dolce, which is an alpaca/merino/silk blend new from Cascade. Come and join us any Saturday morning. We're knitting at least two blocks each month, and have the shop models available for inspiration! We will be glad to help you with your design questions for the Hot Sox contest, too. See you then,



Becky

You Know You're Doing Something Right...

...when your customers send YOU flowers! This was on the front counter this morning when I arrived at the shop, as a thank you from Maria and Dee for the Knot Just A Weekend (a.k.a. "Knitmas") at Rosario Resort. Thank YOU, Maria and Dee!! What a nice thing to do - we appreciate it!

I haven't gotten the Malabrigo Worsted entered in the online store yet, but it has arrived. It came in last week, and it is wonderful! This photo doesn't show all the colors in stock, but it's a way to tempt you into coming in to see the rest. There is a purple/green colorway that I swear whispers my name every time I walk by the display. You might be able to spot it in the lower right hand corner. Can you hear it? "Becky. Psst. Becky. Knit. Knit some more."

Candace stopped by this afternoon with her new baby, Heisey. Isn't she a doll? And such a fashionable collar, too. Winky now wants a kitten to take home. She is mostly white, with black spots (including one on her hind leg that looks exactly like a ghost). And no, please don't drop any cats off at the shop. Winky can't have one. I mean it.

Becky

Snow Day & Size 10.5 Arrows

Sunday morning comin' down. Literally. When we woke up on Sunday morning, the sky was grey and the snow was falling. Hmm. Guess we might have switched on the television for a weather report. Oh, well. None of us could think of a BETTER place to get snowed in!! After all, we had great company, plenty to eat and drink, lots of yarn, a fireplace and soft places to sit. Heavenly!

I called the resort office, and was told that they weren't able to drive the shuttle up to our building. They advised that we not try and drive any vehicles down the hill...so carrot cake and cappucinos for breakfast. It could have been worse. Here's a shot of Rosario's Moran Mansion from our deck. Pretty!!

We did have some time on our hands, so I fiddled about with the digital camera and got this with the delayed shutter control to get everyone in the photo:

Here's another shot of Saturday night after dinner, port and truffles. Pure contentment. I almost forgot to tell you all about the arrows. Yes, the arrows. When bedtime rolled around we discovered not one, but two plastic containers filled with arrows tucked neatly inside the sofabed. What is a knitter to do, but attempt to use said arrows as knitting needles?! Of course, we had to put them on a needle gauge to check the size. They were 10.5 U.S. Out came a skein of the flourescent pink GGH Esprit, and a scarf was born! Everyone got a chance to knit a few rows - we're deciding on whether to finish the scarf, or mount the arrows and scarf on the wall of the shop ala "crossed saber" style. Check it out, you most certainly CAN knit with arrows:

And in case anyone is wondering about the pink hats, here's the story. Kirsten Muench very generously donated a whole bunch of BRIGHT pink GGH Esprit, which is an ultra soft and light bulky weight yarn. Kirsten asked that we use at least some of the yarn in the Knot Just Yarn totes for chemo hats to give to patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer (a cause near and dear to both Kirsten and myself). Laura whipped up a quick and easy pattern, and the plan is to knit up some hats and mail them back to Kirsten. Anyone else interested in participating? We'd be glad to give you a skein of Esprit and a pattern, and just ask that you make up a hat and bring it back to the shop. Let's see how many we can make! (The pattern calls for a U.S. 10.5, in case you have any extra arrows in the sofa).

Around mid-morning, the snow slowed and finally stopped, so we made up a caravan of slow moving vehicles and headed for the ferry. We did arrive in time for the noon boat, but it had already filled. We turned this into an opportunity for more stitching and lunch at a little grill right next to the ferry landing. When we all descended at once into the little lunch spot, a few of us brushed up on our restaurant skills and pitched in to help refill coffees and serve lunch - it was actually kind of fun, and the food was quite tasty! Love those curly fries, Mamie! And that sun room was a lovely place to do even more stitching!! We'll be back... same time, next year?

Becky

p.s. There's a photo of Filbert looking quite hung over on Sunday morning that I will post when it's located. Poor squirrel. No worries, though. He seems to be fully recovered, and feeling his chipper self.

Any Old PORT in a Storm

Saturday morning came bright and late, after a night of visiting and needlework. And yes, for the crocheters among us, there was Knot Just Knitting! I had packed along the Saeco espresso machine, so cappucinos were the order of the morning (and the middle of the day, and the afternoon, and we had decaf for the evening....yummy!) Laura had made carrot cake(s) to bring along, and Melanie had whipped up a superb tiramisu. Do you notice a theme developing? What could be better than beverages (both alcoholic, and non; caffienated and non)with baked goods and munchines, I ask??? Just wait for the Saturday night report, and I'll tell you (though you might have caught a hint off the title of this blog entry)! There was a bit of mystery involved in the purpose of the little shotglasses that were wrapped in tissue and part of the Knot Just Yarn tote bag schwag. That mystery would be solved on Saturday night.
On Friday evening, we had started drawing names and awarding Door Prizes. There were just enough for every participant (funny, isn't it...how things work out). Many many thanks to the companies and individuals who helped to make this weekend a success: Skacel Knitting, Bryson Distributing, Dale of Norway, Joanne Ellis, Louet, Harrisville Yarns, Cascade Yarns, Muench Yarns, Pagewood Farms, and Brown Sheep Co. Our own Laura Kelley had generously wrapped up a skein of her new Knot Just Sock Yarn. We thought that Knot Just A Weekend would be the perfect place for its debut. Stay tuned.

The drawings continued on Saturday morning, with much ooh-ing and aah-ing. Kimberly decided it was "Knitmas" and the name may stick! I mean, after all. Picture it. Good friends, sitting by the fire in their jammies, beverages at hand and gooey goodies lining the countertops. Top that off with packages to open and what, I ask, do you have? Why, you have "Knitmas," of course!! (Check out that view from the glass doors). This is Bev on Saturday morning, opening her door prize of 10 skeins of Cotton Fleece while Pat, Maria, Dee and Claudia watch.

After opening a few of the gifts, we headed off for Eastsound and a late breakfast and early afternoon of shopping and gallery hopping. We came back to the resort to freshen up, and then in the evening went back to Eastsound for a great pizza and pasta dinner at Portofino's.

SATURDAY NIGHT & THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED...

Back to the resort for a fun evening of working on projects topped off with a tasting of three different kinds of Port and a sampler of two dozen truffles from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Pat was the first to sneak off to bed at a fairly early midnight...I managed to slip away a little after 1, and I heard there was still stitching and conversation until well past 3 a.m.!! Here's Filbert, with a glass of the tawny port. He would have given it a thumbs up, if he only had thumbs.

Had we ever turned on a television or radio, we would have heard that a snow storm was headed for the San Juan Islands. The Sunday report will have the photos of what we saw when morning dawned and we looked outside.

'til then,

Becky

Orcas or Bust!!

On Friday, we all set off on our journey to the Anacortes ferry terminal to begin the Knot Just A Weekend. It was soon to be dubbed "Knitmas" - but that's another story that shall come later in the weekend update. Here's a shot of Filbert all buckled in and ready to go (You really didn't think we'd leave him BEHIND, did you???)

We caught the ferry without incident, though we were worried a bit about Dee and Maria. Dee had flown out from her home in Michigan to spend the fiber weekend with her daughter, Maria. I called Maria on the cell phone and she was still a couple of miles away as we were settling in on the ferry, but they made it!! Here's another shot of Filbert, with his friend Melanie on board the ferry. Mel is sporting a Muench hat to be donated to charity, and her fabulous new Knot Just Yarn tote bag...that Just Happened to be filled with all sorts of wonderfulness! The bright pink bags gave us a great point of reference over the weekend - during our shopping excursion the islanders gave us updates on where the "pink bag ladies" had been spotted. When we arrived on Orcas we drove over to the resort and checked in, got settled and headed to the Rosario lounge for a quick bite to eat. Filbert was a hit with our server, who at first seemed overwhelmed when our group settled in at several tables and asked for dinner menus. He managed to keep the orders sorted out (well, kinda) but was a good sport. Then it was back to the suite for a bit o' needlework and a Very Berry Martini (or two!)

There are lots more photos and much more to report, but I'm going to close for now. There will be another report on the weekend coming soon...and wait until you see the pics of the snow that we woke up to on Sunday.

'til then,

Becky

Knitter's Retreat at Rosario Resort

The Knot Just Yarn Knitter's Retreat is coming up very soon! We still have space available - price is $175 per person (double occupancy) and the dates are January 25, 26 and 27, 2008. The deadline for registration is a week from today, so if you're interested hurry and call the shop! Phone is 360-755-7086 or toll free 1-888-477-KNIT(5648). We have some cool door prizes and surprises for attendees, so this is a weekend you won't want to miss! I'm so looking forward to a weekend of knitting and relaxing with friends in the San Juans!

Rosario has a world class spa with facials, massages, and treatments galore. There is also a huge indoor pool and sauna available...here's a photo of the pool area which is downstairs in the mansion. If you are interested, please give us a call during shop hours, or send an email to orders@knotjustyarn.com for more details or to reserve your spot. Don't forget the deadline of January 17, and mark your calendars for a relaxing weekend on Orcas Island!

I have fallen way behind on blogging, but promise to get back up to speed with lots of new knitting projects soon. We've had lots on the needles, and have many new samples and projects finished so there's no lack of stuff to blog about. New yarns are coming in, including a new order of Jade Sapphire Cashmere, new Dream in Color Classy and Smooshy, and expected to arrive mid January is a huge order of brand new Malabrigo! I'm currently working on a 2008 "Block of the Month" (or maybe two a month for the speedier among us!) using the Great American Afghan book. This project is suitable for any smooth yarn, but I'm using the new Cascade Dolce (alpaca, silk and wool). We have several colors, and will be adding more each Cascade order. I'm absolutely LOVING this yarn, and have three blocks blocked and finished in the shop. I'll try and get some photos uploaded to share, and really need to get this yarn in the online store. It's a good one!!!

'til then,

Becky