Happy February! While it may be the shortest month of the year, this February will be plenty busy! We've got lots of fun planned such as a guest blogger and the kick-off for our second annual Beans For Brains Scholarship (check out Jeanne's post below or click here to learn more!)... not to mention all the new products we'll be receiving in the weeks to come! But enough about the future and on to the present! We've got plenty of new products already here that are worth mentioning!

Trend-tastic T!

Let's start with a current favorite here are the shop -Rowan #49. One of the most artistically designed fiber arts publications and an indicator of the latest trends in the fashion world, Rowan Knitting Magazine is as beautiful to look at as the gorgeous patterns on its glossy pages. I've actually considered using one as a coffee table book because every issue is full of such exquisite hand-knit eye candy. Yes, I am just that knitting obsessed :) The new Rowan Magazine, Issue #49 has proved to be widely popular in its short time on the shelves, and with such a wide array of breezy, romantic knits, it is easy to see why. This collection features simple silhouettes, muted and natural hues and understated lacy stitch patterns that achieve an effortless, carefree elegance. I'm partial to the relaxed short-sleeved blouses in classic solids as well as the drapelicious and easy-to-wear styles of the summery knit and crochet tops.

If lightning bugs knit, they'd use Flicker!

As demonstrated in Rowan #49, you can easily dress up your favorite plain or rustic fibers with sophisticated design elements, but you can also add some spice to a simple scarf or provincial pullover with a stylish yarn choice! Enter Flicker, another new yarn from Berroco! This deliciously soft alpaca blend comes in natural, earthy hues and has a subtle glimmer of metallic tinsel nestled in the woven threads of its chain-like construction. The worsted weight Flicker is an excellent medium for a wide range of projects from the Cap Sleeve Cardigan from Knitting Pure And Simple to Fairhope by Dolce Handknits or the Basketweave Watch Cap from knittinIt Patterns -just to name a few!

Classy Kaw Valley Wrap

Prefer the lustrous sheen of alpaca and silk? Check out the Kaw Valley Wrap, one of the latest patterns from Blue Sky Alpacas! This luxuriously long wrap featuring a timeless lace pattern is knit in the sumptuous BSA Alpaca Silk. The beautiful drape and graceful scalloped edging makes Kaw Valley the ideal accessory for an evening out or the perfect compliment to your little black dress!

C? D-B-S-A-Q-T!

For those of you who enjoy lacy projects and complicated stitch patterns, you're probably always on the lookout for fun stitch markers to add to your collection... I know I am! Lucky for us Lantern Moon has two new stitch marker styles available: cuter than a button Bees and adorable Lady Bugs! These crocheted critters come in sets of six and are the perfect way to mark you knitting no matter what the project!

Until next week, happy knitting and crocheting!
Leanne