All About Socks

A GREAT NEW BATCH OF OPAL HAS ARRIVED

including some of the glitter ones, and a good selection of their beautiful solid colours as well.
Grab it while you can as it is the last big order that we'll be receiving until mid summer.

And for you saddened fans of Cascade FIXATION cotton sock yarn with elastic which hasn't been easily available for some time, we're thrilled to offer you a great selection of colours on Special Purchase for just $3.50/ball.
It really is a unique sock yarn that works beautifully for other projects as well that require the firmness of the cotton and elastic blend. Link to the Cascade site for their free patterns for FIXATION

And for those of you who are not yet part of the ranks of the confident (and sometimes addicted) sock knitters, don't miss your last chance before the summer. If you can knit and purl with confidence, you can learn all the skills that you need to make socks during this 5 hour class.
There are still a few spots left for the ever popular Sock In A Day class at KnitTraders  on Saturday, May 23rd.  And if you're a sock knitter who would like to increase your confidence and skill level, there is much for you to gain from this intensive learning experience.

Link to our class Page for further details on registration.

Amigurumi has Arrived!

AMIGURUMI LUNCH ANYONE!

From Katia we are so pleased to offer these multi packs of beautiful mercerized cotton in brilliant colours, to create all of your favourite amigurumi toys.  They come in 4 colour ranges and are soft and easy to work with.

Link here to the free pattern for lunch above.

Lakeland Chunky is one of our favourites.

 James C. Brett has done it again!

 

The first day we received Lakeland Chunky in the store I brought some home to do a swatch and was amazed at the beautiful look and texture of this chained, self-striping chunky blend. I was so impressed that I immediately packed some off to one of the store knitters to create this gorgeous Chunky Shrug Bolero.

Didn't it turn out great?

You can find the pattern on our Free Pattern Website and the beauty is that although I personally love how the self striping yarns work with this particular pattern, you can use any Chunky weight yarn with great success. 

3 Cozy New Samples to get you through the winter

  This beautiful Borgo di Pazzi's NATURALIA pure wool Sofa Throw Kit is a way to add a touch of warmth while sprucing up your home decor with an up to the minute fashion trend: The Big Stitch in natural woolen hues. The kit includes 3 luxurious hanks of NATURALIA in one of the 6 natural shades, BIG size 15mm wooden needles and the pattern: everything you need to create this layer of luxury in no time at all.

I've also just finished a sample scarf in the ever popular Feather and Fan pattern using this season's new MULBERRY LINEN from the Diamond Luxury Collection. A classic look and feel.

 The newest yarn that we have brought in from Cascade is the SWADDLE and it's been selling like hotcakes since displaying this quick and cozy diamond shaped baby blanket made from just 2 balls. Simple enough for beginners,

The Proper Way to Receive a Knitted Gift

The following was sent to us on Facebook and it seemed absolutely perfect in a delightfully tongue in cheek way.
It's a list of Dos and Don'ts that should be shared with all friends and family members of knitters. Knitters can be emotionally fragile when giving handcrafted gifts. Recipients should make the effort to learn how to receive the gift well so that they can be assured of remaining part of our cherished entourage.

Thanks to Sheri for passing this our way. 

The Proper Way To Receive A Knitted Gift.

1. Open the gift, and immediately say something positive. (Suggestions are things like "Oh wow!" or "Oh my goodness!")

2. Hold up the item and smile broadly.

3. If you do not know what the item is, DO NOT SAY SO. We understand that knitting can produce some unusual items, and that the nature of handmade objects can further complicate things. If, after admiring the item for some time you are still not sure what it is, say something like "This is beautiful. Oh my gosh. Can you show me how I would wear it? I want to do it justice."

4. After admiring and identifying the item, RUB IT ON YOUR FACE, or at the very least, cuddle it against your neck while saying something positive like "Mmmmmm". Knitters love this. It's because we've been worried that you wouldn't like it, and knitting is a tactile thing. Lots of non-knitters find some textiles scratchy or uncomfortable, and we're worried that will be you. Making immediate physical contact with the item reassures us. 

5. Pronounce the item the best gift you have ever gotten. Kiss or hug the knitter and show the item off to at least one other person over the course of the day. 

6. Place the item in a place of honour and continue to admire it at intervals, remarking (see gift re: Respect above) that you can't believe that a knitter thought you were worth that much time. 

DO NOT: 

-Comment that it doesn't fit. This is not something you discuss today. Maybe tomorrow. Or the day after. Or in a week. Not today. Your knitter has been busting a more for weeks or months for you. They probably finished a hat at 2am and are a little fragile. Save it. 

-Similarly, do not say it is scratchy, or uncomfortable or not what you wanted. Despite what some other non-knitters may have you think, knitting is a super expensive gift - and if someone gave you a Ferrari, you wouldn't pout and tell them you wanted it in blue.

Now go forth and love your knitter. They're amazing.

New and Returning Treasures

How long have we waited and searched for this illusive sock paint that keeps  you from sliding on slippery floors? It has finally found its way to KnitTraders. SOCK STOP is an easy to apply latex solution that dries overnight.

POMPOMS are all the rage this season and Rico's gorgeous faux fur ones are absolutely beautiful.
Available in 5 different colours. They will add a professional touch to hats and scarves.

I had been under the impression that the day of JEWEL METALLIC yarn was over. Imagine my delight and surprise when I came across a good selection on a recent warehouse buying trip.  A gorgeous variety of colours await. And don't forget to ask for your FREE cowl pattern. A must have accessory for the holiday season!

 

Another delightful surprise to come from the warehouse trip was the return of LIBERTY, the lovely fabric frill yarn that was the hit of last spring's season. Quantities are limited to check it out soon.