For those who missed the incredible "knit, Swirl!" trunk show from December 15th to the 26th, it was a rare treat. Since Sandra McIver published her book November 2010, knitters have been drooling and wanting to make one for themselves. This past June at TNNA Columbus, I was lucky not only to have met Sandra in person, but also see all of her Swirls. While there, I met up for breakfast with Jenny Raymond of zzJonquil Designs and Deborah Robson of "Fleece & Fiber Source Book" by Storey Publishing. Deb's Swirl is made with two different colorways of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. To see her twirl in her swirl, click on the below photo. I love the way it moves!

There are many Swirls made by prominent folks in the fiber world. A second one by JC Briar of the award-winning "Charts Made Simple" book is in WIP status. I have seen hers up close during TNNA also, and it is utterly elegant. During Thanksgiving, when I showed my Swirl-in-progress to a friend of Christopher and I, she was smitten by the alternating welts of reverse stockinette and stockinette stitches. Inspired, she offered to trade a substantial amount of String Theory for my hardcopy book (purchased here at The Yarn Club). Unable to refuse, I accepted her offer and handed it over. By the way, the yarn is a luxurious amount (weighing close to 7 ounces) of silk/merino sport-weight blend at $30 per 4 ounces. I think I hit a nice jackpot, don't you agree?


For those curious about what yarns to use besides the ones listed in the book, here are a few to help. *Note: You must have access to Ravelry to see the details on these projects.*

The Coat of Many Colors swirl above was made in Berroco Vintage by adixonmahatoo

ChezShea's Forest Fiesta swirl above was made in MadelineTosh DK with the Tart colorway
Jill's above Sheer Beauty was made in Malabrigo and Louet
ltlknits' Winter Waves swirl above was made in Malabrigo
knittingalways' Shades of Grey swirl above was made in Cascade Rustic
So before I digress further, here are some of the latest trunk show photos. Again I apologize if you missed seeing these beauties up close and personal because they are simply GORGEOUS.
Ann in a couple of poses:


Andrea grinning in her Sheer Beauty:
Myself unable to resist trying on a swirl in black and red:
Amanda cozying up in a swirl of Mountain Colors:
Our favorite swirl in a beautiful burgundy wine color:
Now if you still want to make your very own Swirl, do not fear because we can help you! Now that I have my first Swirl under my belt, I have figured out not only to make the very long sleeves shorter, but I also figured out how to make the pattern fit larger sizes. Feel free to drop by the shop to get twirling in a swirl!! See you soon! Kimberly =:8

Going 'Round with Alisha

While hanging out in the evenings with my friends this past June during TNNA at the Hyatt lobby area, I met a wonderful woman who was determined to finish knitting a polar bear for her booth. She was using yarn doubled on large needles, and one could not help watch her in fascination as she furiously knitted while still chatting with everyone around her. At some point, I found myself helping her by holding whatever spot she directed me to in order to sew and seam whatever needed to be done. It turned out that the woman was Alisha, and her fabulous polar bear was a cool asset to her fabulous Alisha Goes Around yarns at her booth!

Because TNNA does not allow photography on the showroom floor, the bad news is that I could only Kinnear* a shot of the finished bear in the booth. However, the good news I have is that Alisha's yarns have arrived at The Yarn Club, and they are nothing short of delicious!
To begin the list of what is still available, I must brag about my favorite - Tracks of Bison Fingering yarn. If you click on the yarn's link, you will be able to Add it to your Stash, Favorites, or Queue it on Ravelry. Why tell you now? Because you will want to after seeing this gorgeous yarn in person. Here is one of many projects that are a perfect match: the Mezquita Shawl by Roxanne Yeun. The pattern is a free download on Ravelry, and beads can be added by way of a crochet hook. Pictured below is katecknits' Bison Mezquita. Isn't it gorgeous?
The next yarns to mention are sparkly and shiny. Both "Tiding of Magpies" and the "Tittering of Magpies" are fingering weight yarns at 400-420 yards that contain just a hint of shine to catch the light. The difference between the two yarns is that one contains silk while the other contains metallic thread. Both are amazingly soft and will make your projects stunning.

My favorite project out of these yarns would be hands down HelenJ's Deep in the Forest Mittens. I am in complete agreement with HelenJ when she wrote that the glitter in the yarn made the scene look "c-c-c-c-cold."
As for going by the way of worsted, Alisha created "Stable of Horses Worsted" and the merino combined with her dyepots are truly magic. The semi-tonal colors are deep and vibrant. Our selection at the shop? Well, you will have to see for yourself, but here's a peek...
With 200 yards of machine washable 100% merino in each 100 gram skein, the possibilities of projects are endless. I see blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves (with and without fingers), even boot socks being made. A great idea came from Sjanova on Ravelry, who made an octopus with hers. I really love it!

"Marmalade of Ponies Aran" may be the last yarn I write about, but it is definitely not a least favorite one. In fact if I could, I would get every colorway that Alisha offered in this "soft and sproingy" 2-ply yarn. We do have sweater quantities, but they are limited. Shown below are the skeins "Ashes" I am eyeing. I hope you can grab them before I do!

By the looks of the projects on Ravelry, I see quickly knit garments and accessories in my future, especially for gift-giving time. Clara Parkes' "Hill Country Hat" and Purl Soho's "Bandana Cowl" are two such items. Both of patterns are knit using size US 10-1/2 needles, both only take one skein, and best of all, both patterns are free. Here is killerdaisy's "Bandit" Cowl. Can you believe that she knit it in about 24 hours tops?


I had mentioned earlier that if I could I would snag those skeins of Ashes for myself. What would I make with it? Knitty's latest Winter Issue has the Sky Isle cardigan that I think would be a perfect match. Then again, I seem to have a penchant for grey colorways...

See you soon!

Kimberly =:8