Dolce Handknits, Beans for Brains, Happy Valentine's Day and More...

February 4th was 'Wear Red Day' to remind everyone that February is "American Heart Month". Of course, we all wanted to participate and it turned out to be a super fun day. Here are some pictures of the gang all decked out in red:

Here's our lovely Terry-looking bright with her red shirt on!

Sara has taken things to a whole new level-her hair matches her great outfit!

While that Friday is now gone, it's certainly not forgotten. It was a good reminder for us to be aware of how we can all incorporate healthy habits in our daily lives. We've all been thinking about our health in various ways around the shop...Victoria and I have both been on a raw food diet, Shevawn has taken to juicing veggies in the morning, and Kristin is looking over a pamphlet about "Knitting and Pain Control" that she borrowed from Sandy. It's been really nice to share all of our tips and techniques with each other so we can all stay healthy and energized, an important balancing tool to keep knitting away!

We would love to hear how you include your knitting and crocheting into your daily work-out and routine...anything from standing up and stretching every so often to bench pressing that bag of Felted Tweed you just bought for your next project.

Of course, it's Valentine's Day today and we are absolutely in love with Dolce Handknits! Their trunk show to showcase Kim Dolce's latest designs has arrived and is currently on display in our retail shop...woo hoo!! These pieces are so beautiful that we wanted to share them with our online friends, as well. So, here is a 'virtual' trunk show for those of you who can't stop by and see them in person:






We are so lucky to have these six lovely pieces on loan and I will do my very best to give them justice in picture and text form.




















Here we have the soft and luxurious Chelsea with its lovely lines that you can't help but want to snuggle into!

This design has a simple but elegant symmetry to it that will make it perfect for any occasion!


















Newport has to be one of our best selling designs with its great everyday feel. It's the perfect casual sweater for jeans but can be just as easily transformed into your go-to formal accessory for that little black dress you take out on those special evenings! What's not to love?















I absolutely love picots and fluid fabrics which is why Dolce's Sausalito particularly strikes my fancy. It features all of these fantastic elements, right down to its asymmetrical and unique shaping. This is truly a one-of-a-kind design that will make heads turn wherever you wear it!




















I absolutely swooned when I opened the box and pulled out Victoria...sigh!

I can see this beautiful design quickly becoming a sweater to live in. I am in love with every aspect of this piece, from its distinctive square neckline to the comfy hip pockets...so when can I cast on?















Romance anyone? That's just what Charlotte offers with its high waist-down sizing to its lovely lace details on the sleeves and bottom edge of the sweater.




















Last, but by no means least, we have Savannah. This piece really speaks for itself! The lovely empire waist will flatter almost any figure and it just calls out to be worn on a daily basis!



Whichever new Dolce Handknit design you choose to knit up, you'll be sure to love it! Be sure to share pictures with us-we love seeing these great designs knit up in every yarn and color imaginable!

Now on to another exciting feature of February! We are now accepting applications for our Beans for Brains scholarship!

Beans for Brains is now up to almost $20,000 for 2011 and I wish my son (who can knit) could apply for a scholarship. He is about to embark on the higher education train but, alas, since I work for JBW, he is automatically disqualified. SO you all need to spread the word because this is HUGE!!!

So without further adieu , here is some important information regarding our scholarship:

Calling all creative and academic geniuses out there: put those knitting or crocheting skills to work and apply for the Beans For Brains Scholarship! Brought to you by Jimmy Beans Wool and many fabulous folks in the fiber arts industry, this merit-based award consists of six $3,000 scholarships.

Beans For Brains is available to any student who can knit or crochet (or both!) and will be attending an accredited institution in the Fall of 2011 (one scholarship will be reserved for an international student). The deadline for submissions is April 1st, so visit the Beans For Brains Scholarship page today to get started on your application! For those of you with children or grandchildren in college, be sure to spread the word! You can share Beans For Brains on Ravelry or print out a flyer for your high school or LYS (flyers available at the Beans For Brains scholarship page).

Help us help the next generation of fiber artists achieve their dreams of higher education!

I hope you have a Valentine's day filled with love, romance, and knitting & crocheting!!

Jeanne