New Products For New Projects!

You may have noticed I missed posting last week's latest products, but I assure you it was not due to a lack of new stuff... quite the opposite in fact! And now that you're (hopefully) done with your holiday knitting and crocheting, it is time to find new, exciting projects to keep those digits busy!

Tosh Merino DK in Oxblood

Toshaholics beware, we have added two new Madelinetosh yarns to the website: Pashmina and Tosh Merino DK. If you haven't had a chance to feel Pashmina, an ultra silky soft merino, silk and cashmere blend, indulge in a hank (or two!) -you won't be disappointed! On top of its luxurious hand, Pashmina comes in over 40 gorgeous hand dyed colorways that work up all-to-easily into elegant scarves and shawls. Of course the Toshmania continues with Tosh Merino DK! This sumptuous machine washable single ply yarn is new to Madelinetosh and scheduled to be released in 2011... but you can get it right now exclusively from Jimmy Beans! This super-soft yarn comes with over 200 yards per 100g hank and is available in dozens of your favorite Tosh colorways.

Need something to knit with Tosh Merino DK or Pashmina? Consider the Autumn Vines Beret, Never Not Knitting's latest design. Just one hank of either Tosh-tastic yarn is enough to knit this charming cap that is sure to become a staple in your winter wardrobe. The cabled stitch pattern is engaging to knit and creates an intricate intertwining vine detail that looks stunning in any hand dyed colorway.

Speaking of patterns, I am in love with the Midnight Sun Legwarmers from Ilga Leja! Extra-long and lightweight, these legwarmers can be worn over the knee or scrunched down without creating unnecessary bulk. My favorite part of this pattern is the multi-color polka dots which can be created using a variegated yarn that contrasts the background color, or by using up those leftover yarn bits that have been sitting in a plastic bag for years. Midnight Sun is great way to fullfil your resolution to slim down your stash with stylish results!

Of course Madelinetosh isn't the only one introducing new yarns for the new year and we've also got a smashing new fiber from Trendsetter! Flamenco, the latest in ruffle-rific knitting, features a unique, net-like construction. Knitting along the edge, Flamenco works up into flouncy, open ruffles that make for a stunning scarf or wrap. Check out the Flamenco Pattern Booklet for some fabulous fashion-forward designs!

If you're looking for post-holidy project inspiration we've got plenty of new books covering the latest styles, yarns and techniques! Be sure to take a peek at Knit Kimono Too from best-selling author Vicki Square, especially if you're hoping to work on your mad knitting skills in 2011! Brimming with classic and modern knits inspired by traditional Asian elements, this book also includes a helpful instructional DVD covering many advanced techniques. For all those knitting fashionistas out there we have two new Kim Hargreaves books hot off the presses! Both Cherished and Touching Elegance are stunning collections of chic, wearable knits featuring your favorite Rowan yarns.

With all this delicious new yarn and must-knit patterns comes the potential for clutter. Stay organized with the Travel Case from della Q! Compact and functional with plenty of pockets and sleeves for keeping essential needles, hooks and notions close at hand, I love the Travel Case for its versatility and portability. Whether you're traveling from the living room to the bedroom, home to work, or Chicago to Seattle, this case makes it easy to bring your knitting with you no matter where you are!

Enjoy the holidays and happy knitting and crocheting!
Leanne :)