disappearing act

Normally I make weekly updates about what has come into the shop. I say "normally" because i have obviously not been doing that for a bit now. Why is that, you may ask? Well. I will tell you.

We cannot keep our new shipments on the shelves. Everything we are order this time of year is to restock bare shelves, and you fantastic folks keep buying us out right after we open the boxes!

I'm not complaining. Really. Please, take our Baby Alpaca Grande. Take our Baby Alpaca Brush. Be gone with the Ultra Alpaca and Pure Merino! Manos del Uruguay, adieu! And Cashmere. Ahh, Karabella Cashmere Elite.... fair thee well.

The good news is that I can safely say that we ordered 6 boxes of the French Blue Cashmere Elite, and we still have it in stock. Knit the Pure Bliss Scarf! You know you want to. Still finishing your holiday knitting and don't have the "time" to knit yourself a cashmere delight?

We'll still be here after January 1st... you know... when you buy yourself what you really wanted.

little luxuries

First, let me apologize for a lack of posts recently. I had some technical difficulties on my home computer, and when I am at the shop, we are simply too busy for tomfoolery like blog posts! But all is well now.

We have had an exciting few weeks in the shop. Every day knitters visit us with holiday gifts in hand.... or with holiday gifts on the brain and ready to shop! We have been fixing errors and leading people to the perfect scarf or hat so that we can all be finished by our deadlines!

One of those deadlines comes this week. If you are celebrating... Happy Hanukkah! If your deadline is Christmas, this is your gentle reminder that it is three weeks from today. Don't cut it too close now--we close early on Christmas Eve.

Still haven't picked all your gifts? How about trying the Staggered Ribs Scarf in Plymouth Royal Llama Silk? That is it pictured above in a beautiful shade of grey called "Agate". This is a wonderful project because the pattern is simple and very easy to memorize.

The yarn is also delicious.
I know how lovely the yarn is because I knit the sample. I am also experienced with how delightful it is to wear because... well, someone had to model it, right?

What makes this very straightforward pattern special is the yarn. It is a blend of 60% llama and 40% silk. It is light weight feeling but very warm. It also has zero itch, and llama is a great fiber for people who cannot wear wool. The tweed look is fantastic in the more feminine teal or purple we carry, but it can look very masculine in the grey I knit with or our brick red and forest green

Quiet possibly the best thing about this scarf is the affordability. The pattern in free with purchase of yarn, and the three skeins it takes to knit this darling will only set you back about $30. Affordable luxury fibers for those not quiet ready to dive into the cashmere end of the pool.

Oh, you want to knit a cashmere scarf you say?
You are in luck because we have just expanded our color selection in our DK weight Karabella Cashmere Elite. In addition to the red, french blue, tan, cream, soft pink and soft blue we have carried since August, we have added black, dark grey, chocolate brown, and purple. We would also be happy to special order you any color featured on the Karabella color card. Now that you are tempted, why don't you come in and knit the Pure Bliss Scarf?

Also for those with a taste for luxury, I am pleased to report that we received a shipment from Artyarns of their hand painted silks and cashmere. We ordered some new colors this time, and they are worth checking out.

ready, set, knit!

If you missed our Holiday Open House, then you missed two lovely evenings of great snacks, good yarn, and fun people. But you have not totally missed out because I have a recap of the event plus continuing gift inspiration!

What party doesn't have great food? Our wonderful snacks were provided by the lovely Anne who proves herself both a talented knitter and excellent cook!

A delicious spread of ginger snaps, shortbread buttons, curry "knitting needles", nuts, fruit, and sparking water.

Anne is also the mastermind behind some great gift kits for the others knitters on your holiday list! Here we see kits for Sox in a Box, Learn to Knit Kit, Ultimate Notions Gift, and Scarf To Go. We are selling these kits through the holiday season. Come pick one up for your favourite knitting pal!

Pretty Gifts all in a row.

One of my favouites is the Scarf To Go. This is a great gift for knitters of all skill levels. It comes with a variety of yarn choices and everything you need to knit a lovely scarf.

Scarf To Go, complete with fortune cookie!

In addition to gifts for the other knitters in your life, we have suggestions for quick and simple holidays gifts that anyone can finish on time. Come in to buy the yarn, and the pattern is yours!

The Ideal Hat

I have discussed at length the joys of hat making. This simple pattern is as elegant as it is easy to make. Let you imagination go! Makes the perfect gift for the last minute people on your list.

Pure Bliss Scarf

The crown jewel of scarves--cashmere. This is the perfect gift for the most special people on your holiday list, and we have beautiful colors for both ladies and gentlemen. Make one for your husband, but be careful, you may just forget to give it to him and keep if for yourself!

Sue's Seed Stitch Wash Cloths

Washcloths (for face or dishes) are a good gift for the person who has everything. Match to their kitchen or bath colors, and you will be remembered fondly every time they take the cloth out to use. They are great for all ages. Sue has knit them for her nieces and nephews, and I made a set for my grandmother. They also make an excellent hostess gift when you attend holiday get togethers.

Simple Children's Hat

Finally, we have a hat for the smaller folks in your life. This sweet and simple child's hat will surely delight new parents and keep the little ones warm and cute!

We at Knit+Stitch have kicked off our holiday season! Have you?

the old favorite

Now after last week's post, I bet some of you think I have been a little too hard on the humble scarf in favor of its faster and nearly-as-easy to create cousin--the hat. To set the record straight, scarves do have a special place in my heart. They can be as simple or complex as you desire, and they are very portable projects. If there is one project that can be completely customized to your personal taste and skill level, it is the scarf.

And they make great gifts (albeit, ones that take a little longer and more yarn to make) for just about everyone. With that thought in mind, we have rearranged the shop a bit to give you some scarf ideas. May i present--The Scarf Wall.

We set up the wall as a way to give you inspiration for your scarf projects. We have gathered some store models, books, and a selection of fun yarns that will hopefully help you find the perfect project to match the people on your gift list.

We have displayed some of our more whimsical, funky, and dressy yarns that you may not have considered knitting with before. If you are looking for something more classic, have no fear. We can help you to the old stand-bys that will yield lovely colors and textures. No matter the recipient's taste from fun and funky to classic or conservative, we can help you pick the perfect scarf.