New book from Chrissy Gardiner

The Internet is good for so many things, yet, it doesn't replace books.  Yes, you can get patterns galore off of Ravelry and other web sites, but it doesn't give you the same feeling as owning a book, looking at the pictures and being able to go back to the book time and time again.  Usually if you've downloaded it off the Internet, then it's a bunch of paper, apt to get lost.
At Main Street Yarn I have continued to buy books that I feel would be a good addition to my own library, therefore, I will assume that they will be good in your library also. 
We just received  5 wonderful books you might want to add to your knitting/crocheting library.
Over the next few weeks I will be reviewing these 5 books.  The first book is:



"Love hand-dyed yarns but don't always know what to do with them?  This book takes you behind the scenes with profiles of 25 talented indie dyers written by Donna Avery, accompanied by designs from sock master Chrissy Gardiner featuring a yarn from each dyer.  Along the way, learn Chrissy's tips and tricks for working with challenging colorways and selecting the best pattern to go with your chosen yarn."

 



There are numerous things I like about this book.  It not only has very cute sock patterns, the sock patterns are all a little different.  Some start toe up, some cuff down, some with DPN some with 2 circs and some with Judy's Magic Cast On.  Whatever your favorite way of making socks is, you can use any method to make these socks.  She has included charts, along with written instructions.  A little something for everyone, no matter how you knit your socks or how you read your patterns.

Hope to see you soon!

Lavender!

Pelindaba Lavender farm is a premier grower of Lavender plants and a handcrafter of Lavender-based products.  Best of all, they are located on San Juan Island!  This local Farm is organically certified and has created employment for Washington residents.  We are so proud to now carry their products!  We have very cute Lavender Sachet Lambs, lotions, lip balm, small sachets, and organic Lavender Hydrosol.  Check out these wonderful products for yourself!

MALABRIGO!!!

It is always an exciting day for us when we get a Malabrigo shipment.  Our most recent shipment included a lot of new Worsted colors!  Look at all the terrific colors!!  We also have a number of beautiful patterns to support this yarn.  See you soon!

Fun, New Sock Yarn is Here!

We just received a shipment of Frolicking Feet by Done Roving Yarns.  This Handpainted 100% Superwash Merino is gorgeous and comes in a number of great colors!  We were so excited when we unpacked this yarn!  You have to check it out for yourself!

Inspiration!

My new favorite book is...  The Crafter's Devotional: 365 Days of tips, tricks, and techniques for unlocking your creative spirit.  This is a terrific rainy day book and let's face it, here in the Puget Sound area, we have A LOT of those days!  Each day has a different project to try.  These projects include keepsake items, crafting techniques, and all-together thought-provoking ideas.  Check it out for yourself and be inspired!

Speaking of Ravelry

I have recently been posting all the items I have knit on my page ofnRavelry.  After I post them on Ravelry, I then post them to Main Street Yarn's Group.  The group name is Ewe Knit at Main Street.  You only have to have a Ravelry account to sign up to our group and see all the different projects  our customers have knit.  Krista will often check to see if there are any comments or questions.  We'd just like to be your friend on Ravelry.  Don't have an account?  Don't think you can maneuver around Ravelry?  I have the answer for you.  Krista is having a Ravelry class on March 24th to teach you how to use Ravelry and all the ins and outs.  I've spent hours on Ravelry trying to figure everything out, it would have been much easier if I had just had someone teach me.  Now that I am familiar with Ravelry, I am fairly proficient at it.  In fact, I recently posted 3 of my patterns.  I have one for free, "The Box Stitch Scarf", I have two other patterns for sale, the "Main Street Yarn Headband" and Main Street Yarn Pouf."  They are the same price if you come into the store to buy them, but if you don't feel like making a trip out, you can now buy them through Ravelry!

Main Street Yarn Pouf

Main Street Yarn Headband

 

Hope to see you on Ravelry!

More colors! More patterns

Check out these beautiful, vintage inspired patterns!  We have more of them in stock as well as great colors of the yarn that supports them.  Come in and give the yarn a feel!

An elegant, quick gift!

This weekend was marked by multiple Birthday parties to attend and I found myself searching for a quick knit that would please anyone.  Here it is.  Tutu by Crystal Palace Yarns makes this easy, quick little scarf and you only need one skein!  These are my two favorite colors but we carry many more colors, you can make one for each of your girlfriends!

My latest obsession!

Hello again!  Krista here!  Its been a while since Ive last posted.  Ive been on a little vacation back in the cold Midwest with the family.  We had a great time playing in the snow and managed to stay quite warm.  Although its hard to leave after family visits, it was nice to get to the warmer Northwest.  

So Im back and I HAVE to share with you my latest obsession!  I can't believe how excited I am about this Lace-Link Cowl written by Jo Strong!  Here here!  Look!  When I first saw this sweet project I knew immediately I needed to have it!  What is so special about it you ask?  Well, heres why I like it...  First of all, its FREE!  I mean, how can you go wrong there?  Second, it looks lightweight yet warm and cozy.  I think its the mix of thick and thin and yet its not made with a 'novelty' yarn.  It requires about 220 yds of worsted or aran weight and 440 yds of lace weight.  And speaking of, Ive been wanting to get more experience working with lighter weight yarn and heres the perfect project with out being a complicated 'true lace' pattern!  Next is the color opportunity!  How many great combinations could you make?!  Its endless!  Oh, I get all jittery just thinking about it!  

So, today I decided I couldn't wait to plan this project.  (It also didn't help that I was at work... in a knit shop... where its hard to resist shopping!)  So here is what I came up with!  I am going to use Cascade Yarn's Alpaca Lace in #1419 or otherwise known as Lake Chelan Heather.  As my worsted I am using Mirasol Miski in color #104.  Don't they look great?!  There is a mix of bright blue-green that runs through both, almost like they were made to go together.  AND on top of all that excitement, I picked up some Kollage Square Needles to knit it on.  I mean seriously, its like I hit the jackpot!  Just look at the points on these!  

Aside from being super pointy (which I prefer) Ive been told the square shape allows for a better grip which makes it easier for arthritic hands or for those whose hands start to hurt after a while.  They are also great for anyone who goes up and down in gauge.  We carry all these fabulous yarns and needles at Main Street Yarn.  Stop in and plan yours today!   

Crochet Seafarer's Cap

This Seafarer's Hat Cap is crocheted from our Rowan Lima yarn.  This may be the softest hat you will ever wear.  The hat pattern can be found on Ravelry.  You would use 2 skeins of the Rowan Lima and a size H hook.  It's a fun and fast project!  This unique construction is crochet in rows from top to bottom.
 

Caaaashmere! Yummmmmmy!

We have Cashmere!!!!  Our worsted weight Cashmere feels so good!  It comes in 135 yard hanks so two would make a great scarf or pair of soft gloves.  Come in and check it out!

Caring for your masterpiece

Now that you have finished that project you have spent hundreds of hours, you need to take care of it so it can last for generations to come!  Eucalan is a line of wash for your delicate handiwork.  You can use it when you are doing the initial blocking for your piece and then any time you wish to clean or re-shape it.  Eucalan comes in a variety of lovely scents...  Lavendar, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, and Unscented.  Also, when you are giving a gift of an hand-knitted or crocheted item, you can include a small bottle of Eucalan.  It makes a great looking package and also helps remind our loved-ones to take good care of all of our hard work!