I have been thinking a lot lately about what knitting means to me and it has been a flood of emotions. I think the true meaning of knitting in my life is the soothing repetition of each stitch as it flows from one needle to the next. I love the challenge of learning a new stitch, or technique, but am continually reminded that there are only 2 stitches in knitting and everything else is a variation on those 2 simple stitches.

Shevawn's Never Ending Story Cowl

**I am including a couple basic projects from our project log that may inspire you with links at the bottom of this post :)

Leanne's Annabella's Cowl

There has been a lot going on  in my life lately and knitting has been my constant companion through it all. I meet so many wonderful knitters daily and  even though some are new and some have been knitting for many years, we all have an immediate connection. It doesn't matter what we do for a living, where we are from, what language we speak, as we all speak knitting, it's magic! I have watched so many of my customers come from those beginning (frustrating) stitches to socks, sweaters, lace and much more.

I am so proud of each and everyone of them and proud of the knitters who only want to knit scarves, hats, or dish cloths...why not I say? Knitting should be fun!! As far as I know there are no knitting police, so knit on!!

We love to share our projects with all of you, but one of the most fun things is seeing what you are working on!! Share your projects with us and we will post them on our project log and you can also find us on Ravelry where we share lots of fun too!  We would love to hear your knitting stories and why you knit, so feel free to share with us! Who knows? You may give another knitter some much needed confidence.

Leanne's Annabella's Cowl from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas

Shevawn's Never Ending Story Cowl from Cowl Girls

As always happy knitting and crocheting!


Jeanne


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We've got quite a bit of new items here at the shop (don't we always?), and while I can't help but love everything, I've picked a few of my favorites to share with you :)

The Holiday Gifts issue from Interweave Knits is something I look forward to every year because it always has such spectacular gift ideas that are quick and easy -a requirement for anything I knit after Thanksgiving. This year's issue has something for everyone and definitely keeps the tradition of gift-tasticness going! There are so many wonderful projects including scarf, hat and mitten patterns, not to mention lace shawls, home decor and baby items. With this magazine you'll be set for next holiday season too!

Another longtime favorite of mine is the Knit Kit, and the color for 2011 just makes me love it more! A bright bold shade of cherry red, the Knit Kit is a small compact case that includes all the handy necessities you might need while knitting: stitch markers, crochet hook, row counter, scissors that meet TSA regulations (so you can fly with them!) and so much more!

For those who have recently transitioned from knitting as a pastime to knitting as an obsession, the Addi Lace Click is one of the newest must-haves. These interchangeable circular needles come with tips sizes US 4 through 11 and cables lengths 16, 20, 24, 32, and 40 inches. The lace tips have a fine tapered point (good for working on intricate projects) and are slightly shorter in overall length so they can be used comfortably with the shorter cables. Perfect for lace artist and sock knitters alike!

I saved the best for last, as my latest obsession has been the very subject of this book: Cowl Girls. New from Cathy Carron -also the author of Hattitude and truly a master of hip, funky fashion- Cowl Girl features 35 spectacular cowl patterns. With so many styles from glamorous to gaudy and everything in between, you could potentially knit a cowl for every day of the week... or month! I know I'm working on it ;)

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

Leanne