Could it be that an entire week has passed since my yarn market trip? Yes, and it has nearly taken me that long to recover from the frenzy!
In fact, things are beginning to show up at the door that i ordered and i just want to give you a heads up on what’s to come. Great yarn!
You all loved the Crystal Palace Mini Mochi so much that you almost gobbled it all up just days after it’s arrival. I ordered more last weekend and some of that order is scheduled to arrive later in the week. Sadly, some of the new colors are on back order. Not to worry, i will stay on top of this situation and will attempt to keep some of this wonderful yarn on the shelves. For those of you who haven’t seen it, go to www.straw.com and check it out.
Watch for a special announcement about the Conjoined Creations Flat Feet Sock Club! Only 50 yarn shops qualify to offer this unique and exclusive yarns…and i am happy to inform you that Cottage Knits is included in the 50. Here’s the thing, each shop will receive only 8 flats of the yarn of the month. Our challenge is a fair way to distribute. I have a couple of ideas that i will share when i know more details and how soon we should expect the first shipment. I did see the June 2009 colorway and it was awesome!
I have also added a new line to Cottage Knits. Kraemer Yarn will be arriving any day. I am so impressed with this company. Kraemer is located in a small town in Nazareth, Pennsylvania where they have been spinning yarn for over a 100 years. It is a small mill, domestically owned and operated. They offer a wide variety of yarn, including a line of Natural Skeins of all weights…perfect for those of you who are interested in hand dyeing your own colors.
I have to tell you that my very favorite thing i saw knitted at the show was a fairly simple white sweater knitted in their newest yarn…Sterling Silk and Silver. Yep, that’s right…a silk blend with 2% real silver. You really have to see it to appreciate it’s beauty.
There’s so much more…and i have been summoned to update the class list for July…so i will close for now…stay tuned! Lots more to tell!
Archive for June, 2009
New Yarns Arriving at the Cottage!
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009Blogging Around
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 It’s been busy at the cottage this week…and no wonder! Brand new Mini Mochi and Flat Feet (sock yarn) is here too. Trust me, these are both fun yarns and you will want to get some of this stuff on your needles. Don’t knit socks? No problem, knit a scarf! I even have a great scarf pattern to share with you, for the asking.
I am headed to TNNA yarn market Saturday afternoon to see what’s out there that we all can’t live without. It’s going to be a fast trip, but enough time for me to make some contacts, see what’s hot, and order some too.
I have to confess, last year it was a complete disaster, literally. After spending the afternoon checking out only a handful of vendors and with a game plan for the following day, Mark and I headed for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants…The Mohawk Grill, located in the Germantown district of Columbus, OH. We had a great meal and were looking forward to reviewing my notes and coming up with a plan for the next morning. We left the restaurant and my phone rang..it was my daughter Jamie telling me of the flood, the evacuation of the hospital, the possibility that the 17th St bridge had collapsed and of the chaos in Columbus. It was like someone punched me in the stomach. Cottage Knits is located only 4 blocks west of the hospital and most likely was in danger of being flooded as well. The irony of it…here i was on a buying trip and possibly there was no longer a shop. After a couple of attempts my parents got to the shop to try to save what they could. I was talking with them on the phone when i heard my dad say “Barbara, we have to leave. Water is coming down 17th Street.”
Phone lines were busy…communication was nearly impossible. We were miles and miles from our family and there was absolutely not a thing we could do. So we headed home and arrived the next day to find the yarn shop was completely dry…we could see the water line about 2 ft from the front door. Amazing.
We trust this year will be a more upbeat experience…and look forward to networking with others in the industry. I should have lots to tell you when i get back!
Keep an eye on the website for dates for some of the Knit Clinics coming this summer. These will be offered at no cost to you other than the supplies you need. The instructors will teach you to knit some of the many charity projects we have done here at Cottage Knits. Hopefully you will want to not only knit these items for your friends and family, but will consider donating an item sometime for the causes we support. You must call to reserve your spot ASAP. Space requires that seats be limited.
I know that’s alot of info…so i will close for now. Have a wonderful day and check in often. There is always lots to tell!
Happy Knitting~cathi
Summer Days
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009No matter our age, we all remember the excitement we felt the last day of the school year. Teachers find it the longest 8 hours of the year, and for kids…dreams of summer days spent with friends, sleeping in late and maybe a paycheck from that perfect summer job. It’s here…and they do seem to roll around faster and faster at my age. Summer vacation…bring on the lemonade!
Plans to help you find a perfect project for the summer months have been the focus at the shop. The June class schedule has been posted, with a glimpse into July…Before your calendar fills you might want to take a peek and reserve your seat. I like it that some of the classes are repeated continously, so that we can offer flexibility in your sessions.
The goal for summer 2009 is to help you along with your skills and to give something back to you all who have supported Cottage Knits for the past 4 years (!)…watch for special sessions to teach you how to knit items for the various charities that we support. These sessions will be of no charge to you other than your purchase of materials.
With the help of our instructors you can learn to knit slippers, baby hats, blankets and bears this summer. These sessions tend to fill quickly so when you see them posted in the shop or on the website you will want to call ASAP to reserve your seat.
June is the month i go to market to see what is new in Fiber World and order in fall/winter inventory….always fun for me to see what the industry is up to …and figure out what to bring to Columbus. I do know that we will add two new lines this year. In order to introduce them to you, plans for a evening of Yarn Tasting is underway. If you have never attended a Yarn Tasting Event, you might find it a great way to socialize with fellow fiber artists in a whole new way. Tickets will be available at the end of the month, when i am certain of ship dates for new product.
If you are looking for a little project to keep your hands busy while traveling, sitting at the pool, or just enjoying a lazy summer day…you will want to see the project kits that are assembled and all wrapped up for you. Priced anywhere from $5-30, you will find your yarn and pattern ready for your needles.
Mini Mochi has been back ordered since Feb and it is on it’s way and due anytime! You are going to love this yarn ….check it out at www.straw.com.
Flat Feet…(a hand painted fingering weight yarn that is knitted from a flat, machine knitted piece instead of a ball) is coming too! You can see a sample of that here at the cottage…What a fun idea! It’s always a delight to share new things with you.
So for now i thank you for sharing a few minutes with me and wish you a wonderful day…and many days ahead of Happy Knitting!
~cathi
