Happy Friday everyone!  I hope everyone is hanging in there as the end of summer fast approaches!  It's been a whirlwind season that is ending in some new and fun changes for JBW - like the fact that we are moving next Wednesday!! Due to all of the excitement (and packing, packing, packing) around here, our video Vlog will unfortunately not be available this week. However, I still have plenty of awesome new products to rave about for the week so let's see if I can capture them in 'text' form. :)

Hook It Up!

First up is the lovely Interweave Crochet Collection - a "best of" compilation of designs found throughout the past issues of Interweave Crochet Magazine. No more thumbing through old issues of this magazine (especially if you never had a subscription) to find that perfect design - the editor of the magazine has gone ahead and chosen the most popular, dare I say most epic, crocheted masterpieces and delivers them right to your fingertips! I'm just starting to up my crochet skills and this book has definitely given me that extra push to learn just so I can make these designs! There's an incredible "Infinity Wrap" by the one and only Kristin Omdahl, a geometric modern blanket composed of asymmetrical granny squares, and of course the Bow Cardigan on the cover is to die for! A design that really blew my mind was the Solos Caomh blanket - who knew you could do cables with crochet?! I certainly didn't!

Not a crocheter? Don't worry, these brand new fall colors from the already gorgeous Lantern Moon Silk Needle Cases will certainly appeal to your kniterest. :) When you open these nifty cases up, you'll find that you'll have more than enough room to store your circular needles in the middle slots, straights to the right, and a huge notions pocket on the left! This is the perfect mid-range case for new knitters looking to store their needles but is also a thoughtful gift for knitting friends and family and, of course, a luxurious yet affordable treat for yourself.

This next brand new item will appeal to knitters and crocheters alike! Katia's Triana Lux yarn has already delighted the ruffle fans out there, while sending its siren song out there to those not yet taken in by the 'ruffle mania' (speaking from personal experience)! I admit I was hesitant to dive into the ruffle craze but as soon as I saw Triana Lux, I had to cast on immediately! This is the same Triana yarn that opens up into a net-like fabric that you knit (or crochet!) along the edge with, which of course creates that 'ruffle' that everyone has been all a twitter for. The "Lux" part of this brand new yarn is the subtle glitter-like filament that runs along the sides of this fiber, adding that extra oomph to your ruffly fabric! Make scarves, pillows, dresses - let your imagination run wild!

The last stop on our featured products tour is not 'brand new' per say but now available in a wide range of new color blends for the next year! Misti Alpaca has just released a fantabulous array of Baby Me Boo colors, resulting in new color arrangements from variegated multi-hues like Jardin to more tone-on-tone variations like Wolf Grey! If you have as of yet to try this ultra-luscious blend from Misti, perhaps these colors will give you that extra push to go ahead and cast on! Your hands will thank you as soon as it dives into the super soft Baby Alpaca, Merino Wool, and Bamboo blend that is Baby Me Boo. Plus, 174 yards gives you plenty of options for one-skein projects such as cowls, hats, and gloves! Or, add a few more skeins for cozy wraps, sweater goodness, and extra-long scarves.

Well, that's all folks! I also wanted to let you all know that I'll be taking a break from Featured Products Vlogs for the next couple of weeks, but don't worry, we'll be providing you with some alternative blog entertainment. Upcoming, we have a couple of guest blogs, a giveaway, and some fun insider JBW stuff. See you back here in a few weeks and enjoy these last fleeting days of summer!

Happy knitting and crocheting!
Kristen