Saturday, June 19, 2010

Best Picks: Warm Weather Knitting and Babies!

In addition to some of our most popular Customer Favorites in the past few weeks there are a number of other amazing things that are just the thing for this summer's warm weather knitting and those expected little ones. Here are some things you should think about indulging in...

Yarns:
Spud and Chloe Sweater... I love this yarn. It's a very soft plied blend of cotton and superwash wool. A warm weather, comfortable, lightweight yarn that is structured enough to keep its shape. Try it out on the Lovey Dovey pattern:And if you like it, check out Susan Anderson's new Dreamcatcher Baby Blanket. This is a great free pattern that's knit in smaller pieces. It's a gorgeous gift for anyone expecting a new little one this summer.


Berroco Weekend... Yummy, smooth, cool, summer knitting yarn. A blend of acrylic (don't gasp! I promise you won't believe it when you feel this yarn) and cotton, Weekend is another great pick for summer knitting and patterns. This yarn has a wonderful drape and the colors are bright without being loud. Varying shades in warm and cool colors really present a nice palette for project choices using multiple colors.

Patterns:
Roo Designs... We've got new patterns for those younger children on your list that sport fun and colorful intarsia images of a whale, sheep, owl and more. Knit one of these patterns a size up in woolly yarn for next fall or pick out one of our summer cotton blends for immediate gratification.

KPS Little Girl's Shrug... Jill knit us a sample of this little top-down shrug and added the optional lacey pattern to detail the bottom hem. Everyone who sees this sample immediately starts trying to think of who they might knit this for. Come by to see it in person - you'll want to knit one too!

Never Not Knitting Cedar Leaf Shawlette... Just three skeins of one of our new Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light colors and you are ready to cruise through this lovely little accessory. A perfect companion for those who want to ward off the summer air-conditioned chill at work or on a night out on the town.

Needles/Notions:
Hiya Hiya Sock Sets... Summer is sock season for some knitters and these sock needle sets have a number of options to fit any preferences. Available in either bamboo or steel, you can choose from 9" circular needles or sets of 6" double pointed needles. Each set offers US sizes 1, 2, and 3 needles and comes in an attractive and whimsical Laurel Burch painted canvas bag with a zipper to keep everything organized.

Projects:
Ann Norling Fruit Caps... 'Tis the season for fruit hats as small ones need a little something for their tiny heads even in warmer weather. Using this classic pattern, anyone can create an amazing array of different fruit or vegetable hats. With the wide range of yarn and fiber choices available, there are endless possibilities. I've knit several fruit hats this spring using Spud & Chloe Sweater or Elsebeth Lavold Cool Wool yarns. But these work up just as nicely in the Tahki Cotton Classic and I wouldn't hesitate to try the Jil Eaton Cottontail to get just the prefect shade for summer berry hats!

Irmo Tank... This is a great summer project that adds color to a classic tank.A quick and easy knit, it uses Berroco Weekend yarn. The pattern booklet for this tank (Berroco Book #296) has a great assortment of warm weather garment options for your wardrobe.

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