Temptations, temptations, temptations…

contributed by Emily

It is really unfair that whenever we get new stuff in the shop I am forced to unpack it, price it, and put it out for sale on the shelves. How on Earth am I supposed to exercise any self-restraint! The worst offender this summer has been, hands down, the new Jordana Paige knitting bags.

LJ Kaelms Knitting Bag

Rio Bag

There is so much to love with these new bags –

• The faux leather is super-supple and the colors are just gorgeous (I’m eyeing the green one!)
• The straps are the perfect length – long enough to throw over your shoulder, but short enough that you can carry the bag in your hand.
• The pockets – THE POCKETS!! – how do I describe the awesomeness of these pockets without sounding like a fawning sycophant? I can’t. I am a fawning sycophant! These pockets were obviously designed by a knitter.

Little pockets for your needles

Zip cases for your notions

Yarn sleeves with an elasticized top to keep your ball in place

 

And a sleeve for your iPad or knitting magazines!!

Have I mentioned my weak willpower? This bag is sorely testing me…

New Product Review: Berroco Remix Yarn

Our new fall Berroco yarns are now online but they won't be here until next week. There are 5 of them, and they're all awesome! You ask... how can we be excited about fall yarns when we've just finished a stretch of 90-degree days? Well, when the yarns are this great and the patterns are beyond fabulous, it makes it a lot easier to forget the weather and start thinking fall! I took a ball of Berroco Remix home last night (perhaps my favorite new yarn of the bunch!) and swatched it. I'm-in-love-I'm-in-love-I'm-in-love! It's made of 100% recycled fibers... nylon, cotton, acrylic, silk and linen. Plan to see a number of "re-cycled" yarns this fall- as just about every one of my sales reps has shown me one in their line.

This yarn is beyond soft. It's supposed to be 4.25 stitches to the inch on an 8 US, but I got just over 4.5 in my swatch. This means that in addition to all the beautiful patterns that were made specifically for this yarn (Berroco Book #303 Remix) I can use any of the patterns that were made for Blackstone Tweed, which includes Book #288 and several in the new Berroco Book #298!

I love Abi:and Rafik:from Book #303. And I've always wanted to make Nuss from Book #288, so I've got to narrow it down, for sure.

And the fact that it's soft, tweedy (another hot thing for fall) and works with so many great Berroco patterns isn't all... It's got wonderful yardage (216yards!!) for just $10.

Oh... and it's machine washable!

Tell us what you think!

We've been working hard over the past year to make some changes to our website and online store. One of the things that you may have noticed as you perused the site is that it is possible to read through reviews of the different products that we offer when reviews are available. This is a great way to share your personal experience with us and with other customers and access a wealth of information on products that you cannot always see first hand.

So we need your feedback! Your insightful reviews can help other knitters determine which yarns, needles, and patterns will work best for them.
The next time that you are browsing through the website take a minute or two to visit a yarn or pattern that you are familiar with or have had the opportunity to try out in person. Click on 'Review this Product' and let us know your thoughts.

AND your review could win you a prize! We randomly choose one product reviewer each month to receive a gift - it could be you!