Is Fall Here Already?!?

August is almost here and we've already received the Fall 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting!

The Fall issue always inspires and excites people to get back to heavy-duty knitting, especially if they've taken a break during the warmer months. Sweaters upon sweaters are worked up in varying shades of red & gold. Whether it's rust, maize, or something in between, be sure to see more of it in the coming months.

This issue also boasts not one, not two, but ten knit hat patterns! Which pattern is my favorite, you ask? I have to admit that I'm rather partial to Kate Gagnon Osborn's crowning glory. (rav link). (Get it? "Crowning" glory? Ha! I slay me.)

The modified Japanese butterfly lace pattern, with its undulating ribs, give a detailed finish that Kate has proven to have mastered. The slightly slouchy fit guarantees it to be a staple in your wardrobe that can work for both daytime/nighttime atmospheres. The yarn is The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering in Acai, that berry whose health benefits you probably hear about more and more. The small size (shown) takes just one skein! Stop in, snag a copy, and pick out a color for your beret.

Another Canopy Fingering creation is the July Project of the Month, the Twisted Diamond socks. You'll only need two skeins and you've quite the pair of socks to wear or to give to someone as a gift. In celebration of the new Vogue, Kate's design and the POTM, we've extended our Christmas In July sale into the weekend. If you haven't gotten the chance to make some gift purchases, here's your chance to pick from the jar!

~*Jen*~

Sock N Bowl!

In the July newsletter, we posted a notice about Sock n Bowl, a time of knitting & bowling. A few helpful Ravelers alerted us to the fact that there were a few details missing, so we figured an informative blog post would be a good thing to do lol!

This Thursday, July 16th at 6pm, we will be heading to Lucky Strike Lanes at 1336 Chestnut Street a door or two down from Olive Garden and across the street from Borders. Come bowl with us! It's $4.95 per game, so if you wanted to bowl a game or two and knit for the rest of the night, you'd get your money's worth. There is also a dress code which can be found here. It's not very restricting unless you were dying to break out that dirty, baggy athletic chainmail sleeveless tank top in the back of your closet, but I'd still give it a glance just to be safe.

There's food, wonderful food. You've got your bar staple of hot wings and burgers along with some things I've never heard of like tuna lollipops and chicken pillows. Can I sleep on said pillow? How can chicken be that soft? I guess I'll find out. Bring a friend or two for some fun in the city and you could order a pizza together to save some dough. You can check out the menu here to get an idea of what you might be in the mood for that night.

I think it'll be a great time to be had. Bowling, food, friends, knitting....how can you go wrong? We hope to see you there!

Also, for some more exciting news, the new Fall 2009 issue of Knitscene arrived in the shop today!

I'm getting tingly all over thinking of all of the sweaters to be knit! Knitscene always has sweaters/accessories that are sure to get ooh and aahs from admirers. Another reason why I definitely want to buy this magazine is because our Kate has a new sweater pattern inside!

The Hollywood Herringbone Pullover looks amazing! It's worked in Organik by the Fibre Company, a yarn you can find right here at Rosie's. Kate describes the sweater as "a nice balance between quirky and classic". I couldn't agree more and am already thinking of colors with which to make my own! Congrats Kate!

This Just In!

We received a new book, one that looks to be a gift knitting book to have in your library.

Knitted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make & Give

Another lovely work from Ann Budd & friends, this book features projects that are perfect for gift-giving. With 30+ patterns ranging from a beautifully simple heirloom baby blanket, catnip toys, quick-to-knit socks, texter gloves and a hobby horse (yes, a hobby horse), I'm pretty sure you'll find something to knit for even the pickiest recipient.

Speaking of gifts, stop in for our Christmas In July sale. Save anywhere from 15%-75% when you make a purchase with gift knitting in mind. You can get an early jump on your list of people to knit for, and save a little money, in addition to saving some nerves, by not knitting down to the wire.


We've got an entire section of yarn on sale for you to choose from, as well as books that need a new shelf to hang out on (maybe at your place???). Stop by and pick up a few skeins before they fly outta here!


~*Jen*~

Summer Spinning

Now that summer is actually here, and cloudy skies seem to be going away, I've been focusing on other projects to work during the warmer months. One of the ways I keep interest in wools/various animal fibers, without watching it felt in my hands as I knit, is by spinning. I still enjoy yarn as well as the few previous steps required to achieve what's seen on the shelves at the shop. I treasure my copy of Spin To Knit, and Start Spinning is another amazing book. One of the newest kids on the block is Spin Control.
I am in love.



Spin Control is a book that I wish I had when I started to spin for specific projects. At first, I learned to use a drop spindle, and after acquiring 5 or 6 of them, I received a wheel for a birthday present (a Kromski Prelude if you were wondering). I'd had enough experience with spindles to know what my hands were supposed to do. However, I didn't have a lot of control over the speed & tension to make the yarn I envisioned.

This is definitely the book for the spinner with goals and plans. Do you want to spin for a single-ply laceweight? It's in there. Do you want to make a 3-ply worsted weight from space-dyed roving, keeping the color repeats intact? It's in there. How about trying your hand at putting flowers, beads, and/or sequins into your yarn? There's also a section showing you how to do just that. From the sound of it, this could be a Prego spaghetti sauce ad.



We also have the latest issue of Spin Off magazine featuring Quant by Star Athena. You may remember it from the Winter 2007 issue of Knitty. It's a really cute entrelac headband, requiring only 2 oz./200 yards of yarn. That makes it perfect for the new roving that arrives today from Mountain Colors.


Come down to the shop and check it out!

--Jen

P.S.: We will be closed this Saturday, July 4th and will resume normal shop hours on Sunday, July 5th. Have a happy 4th everyone!