This is a season of giving.

Guest poster, Sarah, here with a very wonderful story of giving. This past month I was lucky enough to help my daughter's 4th grade class learn to knit. When her teacher, Mrs. Applequist asked me what compensation I would like I told her that I thought the class should put together a blanket for The Promise Blanket and KidsCan of MN.

So every day for a month these kids worked and worked on getting pieces large enough to make a blanket. There were some kids who were very good knitters by the end, and some that were...well, let's just say they tried and tried.

For those kids that were "triers" some fleece was donated and they made some tie blankets.

And for the kids that got some knitting done...

a blanket. A crazy, lovely, lopsided but full of love blanket.

I felt honored to be a part of this assignment with my daughters class. Watching the kids work so hard and then watching them (or rather, feeling them) knock me over as I brought the finished blanket (fresh from crocheting an edge). They were so excited to see the piece that they had worked on and how it fit into the whole. which is a lesson in itself. We all are little parts of a whole, aren't we?

I was very proud of them and I know Mrs. Applequist was as well.


And finally a quick thank you to all of the teachers (you know who you are), who came to give assistance every day.

So in this season of giving, please remember that we can all give a little. Because a lot of littles make a BIG!!

Wares from Jennie the Potter

As promised, a sampling of goods has arrived from Jennie the Potter. Just in time for last minute holiday shopping.

Jennie is a local sweetheart who hand-crafts knitting themed pottery. Each and every piece is hand thrown and hand painted!

She can frequently be found at local and national fiber festivals and craft fairs and was featured in Knitty.com this past summer. Read her story here.

We are thrilled to have bowls, both large and small,



mugs



and buttons, some round



and some square.



As the Yarn Harlot recently mentioned, 'anything from Jennie the Potter' is a good gift idea.

Finullgarn by Rauma

A new rainbow of color from Rauma arrived recently. This time in the shape of Finullgarn, a lighter weight wool knitting at 6.5 stitches to the inch.



There is Red, Orange, and Yellow



Green


Blue, Indigo and Violet


Along with 24 additional colors to sit on our shelves.

Another aspect of Finullgarn that captured us was it's ability to felt. It felts fast and beautifully with not a stitch left to be seen.

Woolly Acorn by Marie Mayhew

But the best part is the light and airy fabric that you get as an end result; unlike any other we have seen.

Of course, what's a yarn without patterns. Below are a few we have in stock.

Leafy Mittens,


Setesdal Pullover and Hat



and the Rosenlund Jacket

Update

A few updates worth mentioning

Our Mitten Fairy program has been extended through December 31st. As winter hit us in the face this week, we all know how important warm accessories are this time of year.

Also, we have added a page for our Wish/Want/Covet gift registry on our website. This will allow you to download and complete the registry page in the comforts of your home.

And remember as a BONUS, if your registry is successfully shopped by December 24th, you will
receive a one-time 10% off coupon for your next birthday as our gift to you!
(Not to be combined with other offers or on sale merchandise.)

Still don't have many gift ideas? Tune in next week when I announce the arrival of goods from Jennie the Potter!

Fair Isle class cancelled, Tuesday, December 8

Due to illness the Fair Isle class for tonight is cancelled. Class has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Gadgets

Over the past few months our best selling items haven't been skeins of yarn but handy dandy gadgets. Some have been so popular, it's been hard to keep them in stock. Since these little tools make great little presents, it's time to highlight a few for this gift giving season.

The first gadget of note is the Handi-tool from Bates.



This little gizmo was first brought to our attention by Ruthie Johnston, one of our beloved and regular customers. It's crochet hook end is great for picking up dropped stitches and it's other pointy end is helpful in knitting or unknitting in tight spots. In a pinch it can even double as a cable needle. It seems that Ruthie always has one in her pocket. As you never know when a knitting emergency may arise and you'll need to use it.

Another must-have item is the Perfect Notion Case. These little wonders open up to 6 individual compartments to hold all of your knitting accessories. Each one snapping shut to keep your notions organized and safe. Not in heaps at the bottom of your knitting bag or spilled out on the floor.


If you happen to have little girls in your life, you may want to consider one of these to hold all of Polly Pocket's accessories. Especially the sparkly pink version. Just saying.......

Now, on to these brilliant treasures, the mini clip light.


You can clip these bright lights to your pattern, your sweater or shirt, or even your seatbelt. With it's rotating light you're sure to cast a beam and enlighten your knitting in any darkened area such as a plane, car or movie theater.

Finally, this needle and hook gauge has become one of our favorites.


Not only does it cover a wide range, from 000 to 19, but it's accurate.

Now I can't go on about gifts without introducing our new Wish/Want/Covet gift registry.
This holiday season we will begin a gift registry as a courtesy to our customers. Stop in to fill out a registry form so your friends and family members will know exactly which skeins of fibery goodness (or tools or patterns or books or...) make your heart beat faster.

As a BONUS, if your registry is successfully shopped by December 24th, you will receive a one-time 10% off coupon for your next birthday as our gift to you!
(Not to be combined with other offers or on sale merchandise.)