Spring Rowan Magazine 41

It's here! Full of patterns, over 60 this time! There are also interviews with Jennie Atkinson whose romantic designs have been incredibly popular (she's the one who did the Kidsilk Haze camisole/tunic/dress/whatever the heck on the cover of Rowan 37) and with kid's designer Catherine Tough. There is also a section on re-creating and recycling thrift store type thinga-ma-bobs with knitting and making them, y'know...cool, like.

Here are some previews:

Oh oh oh! Sale!!

Hey everybody!
We are clearing out some stuff to make room for Spring! Yes, I know it's -25 degrees outside, you're the ones who keep asking what we have new for spring! Seriously, yesterday someone asked and it was 4 degrees outside (not Celcius). There is still plenty of wool. There will always be wool. Fear not. There is even new wool arriving! But, we are putting out All Season's Cotton and Elsbeth Lavold's Hempathy and there is a new FABULOUS stranded raw silk from Autumn House Farms which is S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G. Oh, and the new Alchemy Silk called Pagoda which we had to have after we saw Toni knitting it up as a Clapotis.
And we are putting on sale:
Superyak from Karabella, 50/50 merino and yak
Fiora from Adrienne Vittadini, wool and mohair with tiny sequins (very pretty, and I'm not someone to go in for the glitz)
Di-ve from... someone or other (it's a feltable thick and thin pretty multi colored job at about 4-1")
Baby Cover and Baby Star (two multi wool baby yarns)
hmmm...
Oh! And All Season's Cotton Print which has been discontinued.
Photos of new stuff coming soon!!!

Just in: New Manos Cotton Stria colors

If you're looking for a burst of spring, check out the five new colors in Manos Cotton Stria. From left to right, Sea Foam; Orchid; Avocado; Coral; and Denim. [Because of monitor variations, and my lousy Photoshop skills, the colors are even more lovely in real life.] Supersoft, with great pattern support from Design Source.

Silent Poetry Reading

How could I pass up the opportunity?

O Taste and See

The world is
not with us enough.
O taste and see

the subway Bible poster said,
meaning The Lord, meaning
if anything all that lives
to the imagination's tongue,

grief, mercy, language,
tangerine, weather, to
breathe them, bite,
savor, chew, swallow, transform

into our flesh our
deaths, crossing the street, plum, quince,
living in the orchard and being

hungry, and plucking
the fruit.


-- Denise Levertov

Interweave Spring 2007

is here!

And all I have to say is:

Eunny Jang's Entrelac Koigu Knee-Socks!

Interweave Spring 2007

is here!

And all I have to say is:

Eunny Jang's Entrelac Koigu Knee-Socks!

February Newsletter

Hey!
Here's a link to our February Newletter:
http://www.rosiesyarncellar.com/news/febfinal/Feb07print.htm
And here it is live:

February 2007

Website news: we’ve revived the Knitting Circle gallery by letting you post. Visit http://rosiesknittingcircle.blogspot.com to see what everyone’s working on.

The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is coming! The RosieBus will be heading down and back on Saturday, May 5th – details soon!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE SHOP: Yarns
Aussi Wool Bulky: Nice solids, will wear well, great value. 100% wool, 128 yards, 3.5 to 4 sts/inch on US #9, $8
Baby Alpaca Chunky(Cascade): If you are a Blue Sky Alpaca fan, you’ll love this: bulky, buttery, great colors (we have just a short selection now), and super price. 100% baby alpaca, 108 yards, 3.5 sts/inch on US #10 needles, $12.50
Cashmere 5 (Artyarns): It looks like cobweb weight, but it’s a 5-ply stranded cashmere, so when you hold the plies together, you can make pretty quick work of it. Good value. 100% cashmere, 102 yards, 4.5 sts/inch on US #8 needles, $44
Creative Focus Superwash (Nashua): Another good product from former yarn store owner Linda Pratt’s Nashua. This merino superwash comes in a zillion in wonderful colors with excellent pattern support. 50% merino, 50% wool; 4.5 sts/inch on US #8 needles; 218 yards; $10
Esperanza (Schaefer Yarns): A big hunk of fantastic softness. 70% lambswool, 30% alpaca; 280 yards; 3 to 3.5 sts/inch; $38
Herdwick Fine (Autumn House Farm): If you don’t know this sock yarn, you’ll want to. We have 4 very pretty handpainted colorways, spun and done in Pennsylvania!** 100% superwash merino, 450 yards, $22
Jitterbug (Colinette): Colinette dips some very nice sock yarn into her vat – we just wish that the yardage were more sensible. For a pair of adult socks, think shortish and uncuffed. 100% superwash merino, 294 yards, $20.50
Silk Lace 20/2 (Claudia Hand Paints): 1100 yards of luminous threads of 100% Claudia Handpainted silk. Wow. $40
Silk Rhapsody Glitter (Artyarns): The glitter is lovely and subtle-enough for the flash-averse, and the luster of the silk with the halo of the mohair is delectable. 50% silk, 50% kid mohair; 260 yards; 4.5 sts/inch on US #7 needles; $44
Tofutsies (South West Trading Co.): A new entrant in the alternative fiber content universe – no, it’s not tofu sock yarn from Japan, but a happy mélange of cotton, wool, soy, and chitin (KAI-tin – obtained from recyling crustacean shells). 50% wool, 25% soysilk, 22.5% cotton, 2.5% chitin; 468 yards; 8 sts/inch on US #2 needles; $16

And, we have new stock of Black Bunny Fibers sock and laceweight.

** Pennsylvania yarn is another way to get more local in your craft, not just in your fruits and vegetables. On http://100-milesuit.blogspot.com/ read about an installation in Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art to use locally-sourced materials to make a suit – from underpants to jacket!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE SHOP: Books & Mags
Knits from a Painter’s Palette: Modular Masterpieces in Handpainted Yarns (Maie Landra). You might have a few of the color-xeroxed leaflets—you’ll go berserk for a professionally photographed book. Her first! (How is this possible?) Lots about their process, the farm – and terrific patterns. $24.95

Artic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska’s Native Knitters (Donna Drachunas). If all the gorgeous laceweight in the shop doesn’t make you reach for this book….$26.95

….& Penny Straker Patterns! These classics are written for weights of yarn, rather than brands, so you can choose what’s right for you (or use up some stash). Must make: Child’s Owl cardigan!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE SHOP: Stuff
Needle Felting tools. Because we’re tight on display space in the Cellar, if you don’t see what you need, just ask! Also, wonderful felted buttons.
SPINNERS: Louet drop spindles have arrived (just $16!), and wrist distaffs from Lacis are en route. (Expect more roving in the Cellar this spring, too.)

FEBRUARY’S PROJECT OF THE MONTH: Seeing (RED) Kit from Design Source
It’s a hat – or scarf – or pillow, in two hanks of red Manos Cotton, along with patterns for the aforementioned items, plus bits of green and red Manos so that you can make the apple hat on the blog. Rosie’s will donate $9 from every kit to the Global Fund for AIDS, and Design Source – who bring us all things Manos – are donating a portion of profits as well. For more on Project (RED). $18

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Call 215 977 YARN to reserve a place. For detailed descriptions, what you will learn, and materials you may need to bring, call the shop, or visit the web.

Beginners’ Knitting: 6 weeks, $125, materials included.
This is the class for anyone who has never held a knitting needle or for someone who “kind of learned a long time ago” and would like to have a thorough grounding.
Starts: February 15th (6 Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.)


Workshops are Sundays from 1 – 5 pm at Rosie’s. Check the website for materials included/required to bring with you.

2/4: Cables and Arans $40
2/11: Fair Isle Knitting $30
2/18: Basic Socks $45
2/25: Spinning with a drop spindle $40

ROSIE’S WILL BUY OUT OF PRINT KNITTING BOOK CLASSICS ON CONSIGNMENT
Time to de-stash the knitting library? Take your saleable condition books to Rosie’s to sell on consignment. Questions? see/email Lisa.

& REMEMBER ….
Every Tuesday there’s a new yarn on sale online...Rosie’s Yarn Cellar is open 24 hours online and in 3D seven days a week: M, T, Th, Sat: 10 - 6, Weds: 10 – 8, Fri: 10 – 7, Sun: 12 – 5.


Lisa R. Myers
2017 Locust Street
Philadelphia
215 977 YARN
E: rosie@rosiesyarncellar.com

www.rosiesyarncellar.com
http://rosieblogs.blogspot.com

A New Yarn of the Week

I'm getting better at this, the yarn of the week is only 4 days late as opposed to the usual week or more late.
And the yarn of the week is Alchemy Alpaca Pure!
Regular Price is $14 per skein, sale price is $10.
144 yds/50g.
Can't beat it with a stick.

A New Project of the Month (or so)

I know, I know. The project of the month never lasts just a month, sometimes it's 2, or 6 weeks, or 3 weeks. Who knows? We just like to keep you guessing! (ha!)
But seriously, we have a new project of the month and it is really, really cute! This Apple hat is designed by Andrea and knit in Manos Cotton.
The project of the month is technically a kit called Seeing RED Kit from Design Source--
and it's a fundraiser as well. We will be donating $9 of every purchase to the Global Fund For AIDS. Design Source will also be making donations for each of the kits they sell to us. The kit comes with 2 skeins of red Manos Cotton, the bits of green and brown Manos Cotton you need for the leaves, and a pattern for this hat, a scarf and a pillow. Lots of options (but I don't have pics of the scarf or the pillow). If you like, please consider sending a donation directly to:
United Nations Foundation
Attn: Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB adn Malaria
Dept. 344
Washington, D.C. 20055-0344
or go to www.joinred.com to learn more about Project RED.
And I hope there will be a new yarn of the week today too!
Ack!

Stop Insulting My Grandmother

There must be 500 new knitting books being published this Spring. And 475 of them have the word "young," "cool," "hip," or "easy" in the title.

I don't know about you, but Courtney and I are sick of it. We're sick of people claiming that what they do is "not your grandmother's knitting," as if there was something wrong with our grandmother's knitting.

(Hey, publishers--stop insulting my grandmother. I know that's not what you're trying to do, but I've had it. Eve Plotnick and Dorothy Myers were women of skill, patience, resourcefulness, and creativity. And if you think I'll ever think better of anything you're showing me because you tell me it's unlike what they did or would do, you're way wrong.)

And we're sick of all the books that promise to deliver nothing but easy projects. Guess what? Knitting isn't difficult. In other parts of the world, 4-year-olds do it. Every person reading this--everyone capable of learning to use a computer to read a blog--is smart enough to do any kind of knitting we want.

Do you hear me, publishers? Stop calling us stupid. Every time you tell us that it's all so easy, we hear what you're really saying: "Knitting is so hard. Numbers are so scary. Let us hold your hand." Remember the uproar over the talking Barbie that said "Math is hard"? Same thing.

So here's the new policy at Rosie's: We're not going to order any more books that have "Easy" in the title. We've told our book distributor to take us off the "automatic" program that guarantees that we get every new title that comes down the line. There's too much out there, and too little of it is good. We'll still have books--lots and lots of books--but they're going to be the best of the new (like Knitting Nature) and all the old titles that you may not know if you haven't been knitting for 15 years. (There's a reissue of Sarah Don's The Art of Shetland Lace coming soon. That's a book we'll carry.) We'll choose a few beginner books--some people learn visually, some people prefer verbal explanation, etc.--and keep them, but we won't get all the "Everything you need to know to start knitting!" titles.

I'm not saying everything you knit has to be an epic project. Sometimes you need a quick baby hat for a gift, or you knit the same simple sock pattern again and again because it fits well and you can do it on autopilot. The first mitten you knit probably won't be some 10-color Latvian tour de force. There's nothing wrong with that.

But there is something wrong with letting a new knitter knit one superbulky garter-stitch scarf after another, until she thinks she can't do anything else. We've never done much of that at Rosie's. (All you folks who've taken our Beginners Knitting class: do you have any idea how unusual it is to be knitting a hat in the round, using double-pointed needles, in your first knitting class? Call a friend who learned to knit in Kalamazoo or Los Angeles [Celebrity Scarves, anyone?] and ask her what her second project was.) So you guys are already ahead of the curve.

But now we're going to challenge you to take it a step further. We're going to challenge you, in fact, to challenge yourselves. We're going to give you every opportunity to do something new: to explore a traditional form like Fair Isle in depth, or to try something entirely unfamiliar like crochet.

I'm not saying we know everything there is to know about every single technique. For some stuff, we'll be learning right along with you (needle-felting, anyone?). But there's so much great stuff out there--you've seen it in books, you've seen it on blogs. And there are books about how to do things, and people to call for advice.

And you know what? We're smart people. We can figure it out.

My View (rough and quick)

I'm going to add a little to what Courtney said, and then start drafting another post that'll take a little longer 'cause it's going to be some kind of rant or manifesto or something. But before I forget the details, here's a little about what we've seen:

Well, first, Courtney's right about how crazy the landscape is here. It's also really entertaining to listen to all of the locals complaining about how freezing cold it is right now--high yesterday felt like about 55. The hostess in the restaurant where we had dinner said to Courtney (enviously, I thought), "You look warm." And Courtney very politely refrained from saying, "This is called a 'coat'; this is a 'scarf'; you can buy them without a license! You should try it!"

And, second, Courtney's still asleep somewhere upstairs--yeah, right, she was going to get up at 5:30 a.m. Uh-huh. Sure.

But as for the yarn: I really came here hoping to sort out in my mind all the new crazy fibers--ingeo (the corn derivative), soy, bamboo, ones I haven't heard of yet. I wanted to see how they draped, how well the fabrics hold their shape, whether they seem likely to pill--the works. I haven't had any luck with that. Too many different blends, too much distraction from luscious wools and alpacas. Too many salespeople hovering at the booths waiting to pounce. Once you let them start a conversation, they won't let you go. And often I get the feeling that they don't really know all that much about fiber performance or knitting structure. Sometimes I get the feeling they might answer my questions honestly even if they knew.

It's a dog-eat-dog world here.

BUT. How about a spring Rowan booklet entirely dedicated to Summer Tweed? How about 6 new colors of Shokay yak fiber? How about a few MORE kinds of laceweight yarn? If that doesn't prove that we're total, hopeless yarn sluts, I don't know what will. I mean, all you laceknitters back home--any of you feeling bored with the selection of laceweight we've got now? Anyone thinking, "Gee, I'd really like to make that latest Gonzo Crazy Shawl from Smith Island, but I'm just so sick of Anne/Zephyr/Alpaca Lace"? And those of you who haven't knit anything big and lacy yet, is it because you just haven't been able to find a yarn/color you like?

Yeah, I thought so.

That'll be it for now. Like I said, I've got some bigger things to say, but they're going to take a little more time and consideration.

TNNA San Diego

So here we are at TNNA in San Diego. I brought my bathing suit thinking that this morning I would get up at 5:30 am and put myself in a cab, go to Ocean Beach and watch the sun come up while in the Pacific Ocean on my birthday.
But it is colder here than it is in Philly. And it's my BIRTHDAY!
Aside from the cold, San Diego is great. We are staying in what is called the Gas Lamp District, which is sort of done to be like the French Quarter or something. Lots of restaurants, lots of bars, lots of people... and there are palm trees and birds of paradise that grow in the medians of busy roads. Begonias are blooming in window boxes all around us. It doesn't seem real somehow. I have never been to Southern Californina and it is really totally different from any landscape I know.
Although I think the cold is distracting us from our mission, which is after all to buy yarn for spring, we seem to be getting a fair amount done. Most of what seems to be moving us is wool and wool like things that we are mostly filing away for NEXT fall/winter except for the few instances where we are buying it anyways because it is just too great.
Things to look forward to?
An Optim roving. WTF is Optim you may ask? It's merino, but it's "stretched." We have no idea how they do this but we do know that a longer staple fiber makes a softer fiber and this is exactly what has happened. For something that is 100% merino, I have never felt anything so soft in my life. Regardless of it's being merino or not. AND the great thing about this particular roving is that I, oh yes I, can customize the colors. And for real. Not, "oh you can pick a red or a blue or a green..." There is a palette of over 250 colors and I can say, "I want one with this electric purple, the shocking mustard and a little of this forest green (not to be confused with the other 4 things you could also call forest green)." So, spinners-- any requests? Get them in now, 'cause there's a time difference we're working with here but I will check the comments in the morning (and we are so totally making this available online). I can also do this with the 100% soy silk roving. The color takes as good as your silk. It's vibrant, it's shiny, it's soft, it's great.
We went to the Interweave meet and greet and it was great. All of the people were there and I got into a great conversation with Veronik Avery about owning an old house and the challenges therein which I think was a highlight of my trip. She is great and one of the yarns that she is responsible for at JCA, Soft Sea Wool, is truly stunning. It's thin, it's basic, it's sturdy, it's soft, the colors are great and she will do great designs for it and we will all want to make the thing. I am about to fall out from the amount of tired I am and numerous times during the day I wished I was also left handed so I could give my left arm a break from holding the stack of crap while taking copious notes. But good dinner was had by all and so to bed.

This just in....

If the unnaturally warm weather has you thinking of lighter options, why not try a pair of socks in new Tofutsies?



Just two of the many colorways we now have in stock. Tofutsies is a blend of 50% wool, 25% soysilk, 22.5% cotton, and 2.5% chiton (which is a substance made from shrimp and crab shells). Lots of bright colors to check out....

And these hand-made felted buttons



will put the crowning touch on your projects. (I'm thinking of, say, an envelope purse with a one-button closure...) Vibrant colors, and each one is unique!

P.S. It's definitely worth it to stop by and see the Knitting Nature trunk show. Unusual construction, luxurious fibers, beautiful stitch patterns.

Knitting Nature Trunk Show

Live and in person, lots and lots of knitted models from Norah Gaughan's Knitting Nature! Including:


The Basalt Tank,


the Sand Dollar Pullover,


the Spiral Scarf,

and lots of other things that have fascinated people, like the Roundabout Leaf Tank and the Moire Skirt. Plus, as always with trunk shows, some things that are much more appealing in person that might have been overlooked in the book: the Cable Spiral Pullover, for instance, and the Pentagon Aran Pullover.

They're all here through next week, so come take a look!

Eat your heart out Marc Jacobs!

We are now carrying Penny Straker Patterns.
My personal favorite is the classic owl cable sweater for a baby or toddler. Originally not Marc Jacobs (although he has an owl cable sweater this season for adults, not babies), nor Penny Straker. The owl cable is as old as cute knitting is. The oldest version I have seen was in a Columbia pattern leaflet circa 1942 or so. But, no one knows who designed it originally. All I know is that it is adorable!

More Artyarns (see post below!)

So I ran out of room for all the pictures, but it didn't do these guys justice to just take one picture of all the colors together. The final color of the Silk Rhapsody is:
Yummy!!!

Mmm...Art Yarns

Two new additions arrived today!
The first is Art Yarns Cashmere 5, which is a hand dyed five ply worsted weight 100% cashmere (say that 5 times fast!) and the second is Art Yarns Silk Rhapsody Glitter, which I am suprisingly mad for. I am not usually the shiny fuzzy yarn kinda gal, but this is sooo soft and lovely I don't think I can resist. I think I am going to re-design Geyl as a stole using it--not that the original Geyl Shawl wouldn't exist! There would just be a new spin on it, in addition.

Okay, so anyways, the Cashmere 5 is 120yds per skein for $44. One skein makes these lovely fingerless mittens: The Art Yarns website says the pattern for these is available for free with purchase but I can't seem to find the right link. Hopefully we'll have some tomorrow!
However, with two skeins you can make this keyhole scarf:

Mmmm...warm...cashmere...drool...

And the Silk Rhapsody:

Grrr...it's doing that thing where it won't let me load more photos!! I'll see if I can do a second blog with the other pics.

The last minute is getting closer!

So here are some more clever ideas for you frantic shoppers!

They'll never know it wasn't your knitting. Rosie's Sample Sale is in full swing down here in the Cellar. There's kids stuff and baby stuff, scarves, hats and sweaters! All made by hand by someone, just not you!

Need something nice for your knitting friend or for yourself (you can always put your child's name on it in the "from:" section before you stick it under the tree!)
We just got in Colinette's new sock yarn, Jitterbug! They retail for $20.50 and you can order by calling 215-977-YARN or just pop on in!

Castagna

Bright Charcoal

Toscana

Fruit Coulis

Fire

You can make 'em in a night

How about this teeny mitten, now ensconced on our Christmas tree?



Finished in a night, from small amounts of Koigu, using a pattern from Interweave's Christmas Stockings book.

Quick Gift Ideas!

Here are some quick gift ideas for last minute shopping!!

These lovlies are new sock yarn from Autumn House Farms. They come in 4 colors, from left to right you have Bracken, Barn Swallow, Colius and Hattie's Zinnias. The coffee mugs are optional, but a cute gift idea unto themselves. The sock yarn is $22 and the mugs are $9.00 each.

We also have new fancy ring markers called Baaubles, and they really are beautiful! They come in four colorways; Garden Wind, Earth, Fire and Water. Your choice of gold or silver rings.

We also just got in more Denise Interchangable Needles, in the original blue case for $50 or in the pink for $55. The extra five dollars goes to breast cancer research.
We also have the add-ons for the #17 and #19 needles (both $6) and the 40" cables ($6.50).

These little sheep are tape measures from Lantern Moon which retail at a reasonable $9.00. The perfect little stocking stuffer for a knitter, spinner, sheep farmer or whoever! They're so cute!

As always, we are here 7 days a week or you can email us at rosie@rosiesyarncellar.com!

You know what you need?

A hat.
It is the answer.
No, really, a hat.
You no longer have time to knit him a sweater. You must know this.
A scarf is pushing it--but it can be done.
You really do want a hat.
This hat is fast, easy, takes one skein of Shokay and is the Rosie's project of the month.

These are the colors that the Shokay comes in.
It's 100% yak down, and totally fair trade and sustainable economically for the herders, spinners and dyers in Tibet. Wonderful stuff! Soft as cashmere, but won't pill!!
Gotta love it.
It's $35 for the yarn and pattern, you can get it off our website or call us direct at 215-977-9276!
Don't like that hat? How about this one?
Baby Alpaca.
Pretty colors!
It's a brand spankin' new Rosies Knits pattern!
You know you want it.
I confess, this one is a little more time and labor intensive but it is really nice and I have to push it because I designed it!
It's done from the top down in a stitch called "swag stitch" which according to the text in the big book o' stitches was popular during WW2. I can always be convinced that old is good.

Alpacita Colors:
From left to right is Barn Swallow, Hattie's Zinnias, Bracken & Gorse and Coulis.
The kit for this hat is $25.
This is all too new to be on the website but you can call 215-977-9276 or email us at rosie@rosiesyarncellar.com!

In memoriam

In memory of our friend and fellow knitter/spinner/weaver, Charles.

Do You Really Have to Ask?

Yes, there's Knitting Circle tonight. It's not too late to equip yourself with some sanity-preserving knitting before you go off to see the family.

No, we're not open on Thursday.

Yes, we're open Friday -- regular hours, 10 - 7.

Yes, we're open Saturday -- regular hours, 10 - 6.

Yes, we're open Sunday -- regular hours, 12 - 5.

Yes, we'll listen to your stories of cooking crises; no, we won't help you eat the leftovers!

Don't forget to knit with balls tonight!

This evening, Michael del Vecchio (known in the blog world as Tricky Tricot) will be signing copies of his book, Knitting with Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for the Modern Man.



He'll be starting around 6 ish and staying until 8. Sadly, we do not believe he will be accompanied by any of the studly models featured inside his book, but having met Michael at Stitches, I can assure you that he is loaded with charm and plenty studly himself.

Diarufran

Hey! For all you Diakeito freaks (and I mean that in the most loving way) we just got three new colors in! More later...

We're Baaa-aack!

And we have all kinds of new goodies!
The Smith Island Pattern Factory patterns were a HUGE success, so much so that I ran out of Parthenope and Beatrix on Saturday. I have hard copies of Maude in the shop though.
We had all manner of new and luscious Black Bunny in the booth and came home with more! Get your behinds in here and check it out! Ed has knit up a cute baby hoodie in the black bunny bulky that is super cute. Everyone loved it! But, how couldn't you love anything that came from Ed's needles? Oh oh! and we have some new shelves! I love it.

And 55 POUNDS OR NEW KOIGU! Oh yeah, baby. And it's damn good.

We came back with so much new stuff that I don't have photos of it all, but if you come to knitting circle you will see it all, live and in person. Here's a rundown:

Nature's Palette, a vegetable dyed organic wool, similar weight and spin to the koigu but with a softer, more lofty feel.

NEW BLACK BUNNY! But of course. We have a bunch of the DK weight, which is 100% merino and perfect for babies (machine washable and hand dyed, the woman is mad!) and is great for a heavier weight sock. And you need more sock yarn, oh yes you do! There are too many feet in the world not wearing hand knit socks. Get knitting! We also have new colors of the Black Bunny Bulky and a great new Rosie Knits pattern written just for it for a easy cabled hat and mittens. There is also the ridiculously cute top down sweater that Ed made. It's construction is similar to the Elaine Hooded Baby Jacket but the gauge different here and the knit side is the right side, among some other ingenious changes.

Shokay, the Tibetan word for "yak down" is just that, yarn spun from yak down. It's worsted weight, as soft but stronger than cashmere (codeword: not as much pilling on your pricey sweater) and from a fair trade company. The money for this yarn actually is making it into the pockets of the workers, herders and village folks. Take that Nike!

Victorian Lace, the new book from XRX (those wacky folks who brought you A Gathering of Lace) by Jane Sowerby (who is a lovely person, by the way) is to die for. For real. This book is so right up my alley that I am pissed that I didn't write it. She took actual Victorian era lace knitting patterns and reproduced them with charts and updated instructions we can all understand. The woman is truly a mad genius and I wish I could do her grunt work.

New issues of Piecework and Spin-off are in, just in time for our drop spindle spinning class this sunday (because maybe you, like me, bought some beautiful roving and have no freakin' clue what to do with it, although I have looked at it every morning since I bought it on Friday).

Nature Babies by Tara Jon Manning, one of our favorite gals. This book uses all organic and naturally dyed yarns. There are cute knitted projects and a lot of cool felt projects for dolls and toys, also some sewing projects for those of you who are venturing out into the world of *gasp* fabric!

Oh oh oh!! New sock yarn (as if we didn't already have enough, but when is enough, really?) We have some new luscious jewel-toned colors of Silky Sox and Soxie from Great Adirondack.

I know I am forgetting fifteen other things...

Oh and again, it's Wednesday, so there's new Anne. Okay, in all fairness it got here last wednesday, but we were all packing the truck like mad so no one got to see it.

grrr... and i keep trying to load more pictures and it won't let me! Curses!

Knitty D and the City at Stitches

Hey! We're at Stitches!
We saw a lot of you over the weekend and hope to see some more familiar faces today because our favorites, Knitty D and the City
will be in our booth meeting and greeting at 11:00 today!
We have had so many great folks at our booth this weekend, Michael Del Vecchio author of the fabulous new book Knitting with Balls was visiting us and signing books yesterday ( he is sooo NICE!) and he'll also be at Rosies on...the 11th? I don't have my calender with me. More on that later. Anyways, I'm running late to the convention center! See you there!

Stitches is here....

Don't forget: if you're at Stitches, please stop by the Rosie's booth and say hi. We'll have lots of handpainted goodies, including Anne and Andrea and Koigu and some Black Bunny stuff, too! Not to mention a great selection of Manos and some Nashua Handknits yarn. This year, Stitches is being held at Baltimore's Convention Center. Bring the family and drop 'em off at the Aquarium so you can have some uninterrupted market time...

Y'all wanna learn some stuff?

We teach stuff! How convenient.
New classes for November and December are as follows:

Fear Not the Circular Needle (or, Free Yourself From the Straights! my suggestion, which got vetoed)
Thursday the 16th of November from 5-6 pm, $40 includes materials
Learn how to use circular needles to either knit in the round (i.e., make a tube) or back and forth, just like you do on those pesky straight needles. What's the point of a circular, you may ask? Well, the top five reasons to use circular needles are:
1. You will never lose one
2. You will not injure your neighbor on public transportation
3. You can knit in a lazy boy recliner more comfortably
4. It keeps the knitting more centered with your body, putting less strain on your wrists.
5. Your knitting will immediately look more complex and therefore more impressive.
What else could you ask for?
In the one-hour workshop you will be given yarn and needles to make either a scarf or a pair of legwarmers. No real knowledge or expertise required; just know how to cast on and knit.


Fixing Mistakes (or, What to do Now I've F-ed it All Up, also vetoed)
November 19th from 10am-noon, $40
Learn what to do when your knitting looks crazy. How to pick up dropped stitches, un-knit, avoid making holes, cover up your mistakes when it's totally too late and avoid it all in the first place without resorting to not knitting at all. We can make it better, I promise. And would I lie to you?

Baby Sweater Workshop (or, My Friends and Relatives Won't Stop, How About Yours? also, Surprise Surprise, vetoed)
I don't know about you but I can't make baby gifts fast enough this year and frankly, I am sick of making simple boring baby blankets. A sweater is cuter, more appreciated, and FASTER to knit!! Especially for a newborn -- I mean, they are TINY! This class will meet for three consecutive weeks:
December 1, 8 and 15th from 5-7 pm, $60 plus cost of yarn.
We will all make a simple baby cardigan out of lovely soft yarn of your choice. You will love it, you will make it over and over again and it will be great. Really.

Top Ten Reasons Why the Saturday Crew Will Miss Tina Dreadfully

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with Tina's Saturday shifts at the shop. We always knew she would move on some day, and it is with great regret that I tell you that last Saturday was Tina's last day.

Here are the top ten reasons why the Saturday Crew will miss Tina dreadfully:

10. Because her energy and enthusiasm make even the grayest rainy day fun.
9. For introducing us to the wonders of Borat.
8. Her always funky and creative sense of style.
7. For managing to look unbelievably great no matter what knitted item she models.



6. For telling us humorous stories of her encounters with the famous and near-famous (Adrian Brody, anyone?).
5. For teaching us how to yell "DOG!" in Vietnamese.
4. Because she's always ready to order lunch, thus saving us from Wawa food.
3. Because no one can take ten bucks' worth of crap from Target and turn it into a spectacular window display like she can.
2. For knowing exactly where any particular skein of yarn is at any given time. ("Have you seen the apple green Naturewool?" "Bottom shelf, A section, right under the Cascade 220.")
1. Her lessons in urban street slang gave these wannabe crackas mad street cred.

I know, right?

Unclaimed Freight

Somewhere in the last two weeks, the shop acquired a navy or black London Fog windbreaker. It doesn't belong to any of us. If you think it might be yours, please call or stop by to identify it!

And will the person who called me last week (or possibly the week before) to ask if we'd found a bag with brand-new shoes in it, please call again? I was mistaken when I said we had not. (All those of you who didn't leave a new pair of shoes behind, don't get excited: we'll be asking callers to identify the shoes in question, and besides, they're probably not your size anyway.)

Didn't Freud say that leaving things behind was the sign of an unconscious desire to return to that place?

HOLY CRAP!

I love it when these things happen on Wednesday.
Brace yourselves!
We have Anne--in matching lots of 10 skeins!!
Oh yes, you heard me right. Not two or even three the same. 10.
Get your butts down here.

STITCHES!!

Well, things are gearing up around here for Stitches, which is at the Baltimore Convention Center this year. It'll be interesting to see which of our Philly die-hards will make the trek now that it's not a quick train ride away! It's always insane trying to figure out what to take and what to leave here and all that is compounded by the fact that once we're in B'more that's it. Odds were that at least once, if not five times during Stitches someone would leave the floor that night with a list of things to pick up at the shop and bring with them the next day. No such luxury this year. Many lists are being made in preparation for the mass forgetting of important things. The saying goes something like:

People who want to appear clever rely on memory, people who get things done make lists.

Emphasis on the word appear. I don't know who said that but I always liked it.
OH! and we have those $2 off Stitches coupons so get yourselves in here and pick up a stack. We've had the most redeemed coupons for a few years running, I think, and I don't want to loose my title. I never played sports so I have to get my dose of healthy (or absurd) competitve spirit somewhere.

Also, don't miss some of the great sites that Baltimore has to offer. I grew up in Maryland and spent many a teenage evening running the streets of Baltimore. Do try and squeeze in some of the more cultured sites like these.
See ya there, hon.

Don't forget today's booksigning!

Shannon Okey and Kim Werker will be at the Cellar today from 4 to 6 to sign.... um, whatever books they feel like signing. See you there!

What Would You Do?

Suppose you had reason to believe that a yarn from a reputable manufacturer was mis-labelled as to fiber content. Suppose the inaccuracy was in a direction that would likely diminish the perceived value of the yarn. Suppose it was, no matter what the fiber content, a good-quality yarn: soft, easy-care, good stitch definition, good pattern support. A yarn that sold fairly well--not your best-selling yarn, but not your worst. (Oh, by the way--in this dream, you own a yarn shop.)

Now imagine that someone brings it to your attention that it's illegal to sell inaccurately-labelled yarn. Not just illegal like someone could sue you because they felt they'd overpaid since the yarn isn't "really" cashmere, but illegal like the government could fine you $5,000 for each skein sold.

What would you do? Sell it without labels, as "mystery yarn"? (Not strictly legal: yarn must be labelled for fiber content, weight, etc.)

Throw it in the dumpster out back? (Seems an awful waste: it's still good yarn.)

Donate it to the next worthy charity that comes knocking? (It's not suitable for all purposes.)

Take it home and add it to your private stash? (There's a space issue. We're talking about a significant amount of inventory. And do you want to knit at the same gauge for five years after you retire?)

Leave it on the shelves, on the grounds that experts are still debating whose fiber-content tests are more accurate? (Strictly speaking, it seems that you're liable even if nothing's been "proven" in court, as long as you had reasonable cause to suspect.)

Require each customer who purchases the yarn to sign a waiver of their right to sue, should the yarn prove not to be the stuff they thought it was? (Again, we're not just talking about civil suits; the long arm of the law could still come after you.)

In case you're wondering: yes, there are two ways in which the supplier could have assumed the responsibility for the situation: by providing a very specific legal warranty that the yarn is in fact accurately labelled, or by acknowledging that the yarn is not accurately labelled and providing replacement labels indicating the true fiber content. Let's assume for the moment that neither of these bail-outs from the supplier is forthcoming.

The really unfortunate thing* about this is that it's still good yarn no matter what its contents. But there doesn't seem any way to continue to make it available to customers without exposing the seller to potentially disastrous consequences.

So what would you do?

[*Note: I'd almost written "The tragedy about this is . . . " But then I thought better of it: this isn't a tragedy in any way, this is just some combination of greed, dishonesty, and pettiness. And one reason it's all going to go so badly--and stay tuned; believe me, it's going to go badly--is because so many people are going to behave as if 3% or 5% or 7% cashmere in a yarn, or not, is the equivalent of the Watergate coverup.]

Good Knitting Weather

I find it harder sometimes to follow up on finished objects than to show works in progress. Here, for instance, is the completed hat made of unspun Black Bunny roving:



If you want to make one like it, come to the workshop tomorrow at 1:00. Bring a set of dpn in some large size (anything from 10.5 to 15 should be fine).

Carol gave me a whole bag of new rovings yesterday so everyone would have plenty to choose from, and they're gorgeous. (Big surprise.)

Let me be the devil on your shoulder

Trying to decide what to do with your evening? It's knitting circle tonight and we have new Anne.
'Nuf said.

We got workshops...

We still have a few spaces left in Brandon Mably's workshop, so call Rosie's ASAP if you want in. Bring scraps of miscellaneous yarn and medium-sized needles to swatch with. We also have a preview copy of Brandon's new book, which will arrive for sale in a few weeks. Cost is $125, for a 9 to 5 workshop (with lunchbreak, natch).

Please note: the shop will be CLOSED for most of the day Thursday to allow the workshop participants uninterrupted teaching time, EXCEPT for 12 to 2 and 5 to 6 p.m. Please plan accordingly!

If you can't make it on a weekday, consider taking our Knitting with Unspun Roving class, this Sunday, October 8th, from 1 to 5 p.m. You'll learn how to knit with all that yummy roving that has not technically been spun into yarn yet -- enabler alert: once you know how to do this, you can indulge in some of the gorgeous fibers you'll see at Rhinebeck and Stitches. Bring size 10 to 13 needles, double-pointed (or two sets of circulars). Skills needed are casting on, binding off and knitting in the round, so this is a great class even for inexperienced knitters. Roving from Black Bunny Fibers, too. $40. Call the shop to reserve a place.

Erm.....

A few entries ago, we posted about a booksigning at Rosie's. Due to less-than-ideal wording, we will try once again:

Shannon Okey and Kim Werker will be at Rosie's Yarn Cellar to promote their books:

Shannon and Kim wrote Knitggrl;
Shannon wrote Knitgrrl 2;
Kim wrote Get Hooked; and
Shannon has a forthcoming book from Interweave Press, Spin to Knit. (Holy moly, these women are prolific. They're also lots of fun, not to mention pretty darn talented.)

So stop by for booksignings and general merriment, pick up a copy of some of these titles and/or show off your projects.

October 12th, tentatively scheduled for 4 to 6 (look here or call the shop closer to the date for a definitive time).

We apologize for any confusion.

More temptations: sinfully soft baby alpaca in luscious colors

Look what I found when I came into work this morning:



Four gorgeous shades of 100% baby alpaca, called Alpacita Fine, by Autumn House Farms, unbelievably soft....

Finished Objects of a Different Sort

Awhile back, I mentioned a new project: The Noshi Knitting Monograph Series. Well, only two months later than we thought we'd be ready, it's here. The first two monographs are available for purchase, as PDFs or hard copy.

(Let me be perfectly clear: my partner in crime was completely punctual, and her article was proofread and as-near-perfect-as-humanly-possible well before our self-set deadline. I was the one who thought a week and a half would be adequate time for what turned out to take more than a month.)

But we're now officially launched, and feeling very good about the whole idea: a forum for impassioned writing about knitting where the writing is as important as the knitting and the knitting doesn't have anything to do with what's "hot" or "hip" or "now".

Ta-da!

Just in.....Alchemy Haiku

Isn't it gorgeous? We just got a shipment of Alchemy Yarns Haiku. It's 40 percent silk, 60 percent mohair, and each hank is 25g/325 yds. Recommended gauge/needle size is 5 sts to an inch on US 7s but this yarn's going to have a lot of versatility. $18 per skein, in several multi and nearly solid colors. Yum!

Philadelphia Knit Out this Sunday -- and expanded hours on Sunday here

The Philadelphia Knit Out (Crochet too) is tomorrow, Sunday Sept. 10th, from noon to five, at the Convention Center. You'll find beginning knitting and crochet lessons, a fashion show, lessons in a variety of knit and crochet techniques, door prizes and you can donate handmade items to two charities: the District Attorney's Urban Genesis program is looking for small stuffed animals and blankies to give to small children who are in chaotic circumstances (like witnessing a domestic dispute); and City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s Warmth In Winter Holiday Drive is looking for handmade hats, mittens and scarves to distribute to homeless children this winter. Even better: the event is free.

Just in case you discover a burning need to purchase yarn afterward, Rosie's will stay open an extra hour on Sunday (until 6) to give you one more chance to pick up yarn, needles, whatever.

Save the Date!

Several lucky knitters among you will be needing a sick day for Thursday, October 5. That's when Brandon Mably--author of Brilliant Knits and the forthcoming Knitting Color, and studio manager of the Kaffe Fassett Studio--will be teaching a workshop on multi-color knitting.



Brandon's class focuses on the process of putting colors together for projects that have lots of colors (like 20 or more) and on translating sources of inspiration (photographs, paintings, a pile of seashells) into knitted fabric. He's taught a similar class here before, and he's an energetic and supportive teacher.

We don't have exact info about times or cost, but the class will run all day (with a lunchbreak). To reserve a place, phone up, or backchannel me (lisa at rosiesyarncellar dot youknowwhat). It's going to be a great day!

Fresh from the dyepot....a Rosie's exclusive

Just in: 5 skeins of miniloop boucle, from Black Bunny Fibers.



This is a new yarn, not sold on my Etsy shop, so pop in and take a look. We're open regular hours all weekend.

What are you doing for a rainy holiday?

The only thing better than having a long weekend off of work is having a chilly and rainy long weekend off of work. What better excuse do you need to curl up with a good black and white movie and knit? All your non-knitting friends and family members will be soooo sad about their cancelled trip to the shore or how they can't barbeque and while you are outwardly commiserating with them you will secretly be jumping for joy. So when you do get out that project and realize that you are suddenly short one double pointed needle or ball of yarn what will you do? It's labor day weekend, no one will be open! Oh-ho! Not quite! Rosie's will be open all weekend and Monday with regular shop hours. Bully for you! We also have in loads of new fall-y and winter-y things to make you feel cashmere level happy. We just got in two new kinds of Handmaiden Cashmere. One is the 12-ply super bulky lustrous lovely wonderfulness and the other is a 4-ply to die for! Each comes with a pattern for a one skein hat.








Imagine getting a jumpstart on Winter Holiday knitting so early in the game!