New Spring Yarn: Noro Furin

Pattern above is "Amy" from Jane Ellison Noro #9 (Noro for Kids)

Noro Furin $10.50
Yay! A new Noro yarn for spring & summer! Furin is kind of like Noro Silk garden, except it's a summer yarn with a base of cotton. There is a binding thread wrapped around the strand to keep the single ply of cotton in place but never fear, it's pretty my dear! The yarn knits up fast and easily and looks great in a variety of stitches (stockingette, moss, garter, etc). I just started working on something for the store in it this weekend, more on that to follow.

• 52% Cotton, 17% silk, 17% wool, 9% rayon, 5% nylon
  
• 50g/110m
• 16 sts & 22rows = 4"/10cm
• 5mm to 6mm needles

Color #4 - Lime, Coral, Lilac

Color #1 - Greens, Grey, Brown

Color #10 - Purples, Blues, Greens

Color #11 - Coral, Greens, Turquoise

New Book: Tea Cozies 2 (electric boogaloo)

Tea Cozies 2  $19.50
The first tea Cozies was snapped up quickly, so I know this one will interest you too! My faves include:

• Simple cozy in a msitake rib in Noro Silk Garden
• School Tweed cozy
• Washday cozy (on book cover)
• Fondant bon-bon candy cozy
• Cat & Mouse cozy

Publisher's Description

The first Tea Cozies book (a charming introduction to knitted, crocheted, or sewn covers that keep a teapot warm) was so popular that we needed to create another! This new collection features a fantastic range of motifs, including a cheerful Sunflower Garden with tiny bees, classic blue-and-white Cornish Ware pattern, and adorable Little Black Dress for the well-dressed teapot to wear. A techniques section explains the basic skills, and the original designs—all created by readers of Knitting magazine—are as easy to make as they are colorful and imaginative.

New Book: Knitwear Design Workshop by...

 Knitwear Design Workshop: A Comprehensive Gide to Handknits,  by Shirley Paden $47.95
WOW! This is the book knitters interested in design have been waiting for. They say that this book is a comprehensive guide, and they aren't kidding! It's a text book on how to design knitwear for hand-knitting and it goes into every detail!

• how to choose the right yarn
• how to make sleeves and sleeve caps that fit, how to design single tapered, double tapered and reverse tapered garments
• how to best use a stitch pattern
• how to modify commercial pattern instructions for your perfect garment
• how to improve your attention to detail with a swatch
• body and garment measurements

The  book is broken down into chapter on planning your design, selecting the yarn, making a classic pullover, alternate pullovers, cardigans, skirts & dresses, alternate armhole shaping, sleeves & cuffs, necklines, neckbands, collars and lapels, finishing techniques, and a final chapter with 4 projects by the author.  The appendix includes a design process checklist, CYCA measurement charts, shaping formula variations, and a bibliography. 

All of the math you need to know is outlined clearly and easily, techniques are illustrated clearly, tips are highlighted. The instructions are clear and are broken down into easy to follow steps that are illustrated (where appropriate) with charts, tables, and any other form of guidance you could possibly need. The only thing missing is the author standing over your shoulder, observing your progress!