We’re back! It’s warm in California. Seems so strange that one part of the country can be -20 degrees with the wind chill and a few hours away (ok, by plane) it’s in the upper 80’s. We were walking around outside, enjoying the sunshine and I was trying to imagine the Midwest cold. It didn’t work very well! We did do a lot of walking (here’s the shot from our hotel room, with the convention center a few blocks down) and a lot of eating out (including one of my favorite parts of TNNA – dinner with the Veronica and Nancy from Dream in Color.) This time, Web Guy went with me. I’m pretty sure that it was the lure of a sunny weekend in CA and not the lure of a yarn market weekend with his mom, that got him to hop a plane from Indiana to San Diego. But that’s ok – I’ll take time with him whenever I can get it. It was fun to have him there!
I have to say, I didn’t see a whole lot of NEW at TNNA this time. There were a few things. But I also added in some additional lines from some of our already-well-loved companies, that will be fun. I found myself picking up the yarns that would make warm and wonderful scarves and shawls, or cowls and mitts, as I walked along. (Many would also make great socks.) So, coming soon, we have:
– Ballet from Fiesta. It’s a 50% Superfine Alpaca, 50% Tencel yarn with 350 yds. per skein. I have had a skein of it in my stash for 2 years and have loved how wonderful it feels. Now I am going to pull it out and knit past the sample that I did and make something fun! We’ll have it in 28 choices of colors for you.
– Bonnie’s Bamboo from Farmhouse Yarns. I picked up two skeins of this last spring at one of the shops here in town, planning to knit a shawl or something equally drapey and wonderful. 100% bamboo, 3.5 oz, 200 yds. It would make a gorgeous Clapotis, if one was so inclined. The colors are semi-solids, so patterns show up beautifully. We’ll have it in 10 colors. (We also put in another order for Fannie’s Fingering while we were there.)
– Lorna’s Laces new Pearl line. Remember Amy’s Vintage Office in the special silk/bamboo blend? It has been such a popular yarn base that they have added it in many colors and expanded the line. We picked out 13 colors to add to the Amy’s Vintage Office colorway we already have in stock. (They had a Clapotis done up out of Amy’s colorway, which was fun to see. I have had some of that yarn tucked away to make that very pattern out of that colorway. It’s just as beautiful done up as I suspected.)
– Crystal Palace’s Mini Mochi was one of the brand new fun yarns that I picked up. It comes in 8 colors and does subtle color changes (similar to Noro, JoJoland, etc). Pictured here is Autumn Rainbow and I’m most anxious to knit it into a sock. This is 80% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, 195 yds. per ball. Extremely soft. They had scarves done up in all of the different colors, too. Beautiful. Also from Crystal Palace – new colors in Panda Cotton, which we ordered.
– Skacel’s newest sock yarn was another in the line of “subtle color changes” and we all 9 colors that they had to offer in that, too. It would be nice if I could tell you the name of it, but it’s not written on my order form (only numbers) and I can’t remember! (And I saw too many yarns and names all weekend for it to have stuck in my brain, apparently.) You’ll love it for socks and scarves. I think these subtle color-changing yarns are also fun to knit up into mittens and gloves and hats as well.
– We re-stocked and added all of the new colors of Colinette Jitterbug, which I know many of you have been waiting on. I love their vibrant colors and the way that the tight-springy yarn knits up. (The only thing I don’t like about it is that they send it all in big loops – like the way you’d put it on a swift to ball it – and we have to twist it all up into skeins ourselves. By the time we’re done doing that with all of those cases of yarn, our wrists are about ready to give out…)
– New colors of Jade Sapphire Cashmere Lace, as well as a re-stock of all of the other colors. I could spend all day picking up and setting down the different cashmere skeins in their booth. Eventually I’m going to add in their heavier worsted cashmere line, too, because I SO want to knit some sweaters out of it.
– A new superwash/silk/bamboo blend from Araucania called Itata Multy, that is going to make beautiful socks, scarves and shawls. I have always loved the way that the Araucania colors knit up, and this new blend is amazing. That’s color 1007 and 1010 in the photo. We’ll have it in all 20 colors (some multi’s and some solids).
– Alpaca With a Twist Socrates in new colors. We’ve had this line in for awhile (and I used it to make this scarf). It’s soft and wonderful to knit with and the price is great. Now I need to make myself a pair of socks out of it. They’d be so warm and toasty.
– New patterns from Claudia Hand Painted and Gardiner Yarn Works (including the cutest crocheted/felted bags. I need to find someone to make one for me, since I don’t crochet!)
– An intriguing little product called a “Knit Kit” that has all of the accessories you need for your knitting, and happens to be safe to take on planes as well. The gal who owns the company has spent 2 years developing it.
And … I think that’s most everything. 🙂 I placed lots of orders with our regular companies before I left, so we do have a HUGE influx of products arriving over the next few weeks. Whee!! I hope you’re ready!
I know many of you already caught the Sneak Up this week, but just in case you didn’t, we added in: Numma Numma BabyBoo, new colors from Lorna’s Laces and Claudia Hand Painted, Schaefer Nichole, new Shibui patterns and yarn, and more Loopy Ewe clear totebags.
I have picked a new name for our mannequin! I’ll have to blog it on Friday (along with the winners) because I’m out of time and space here. And yes, I did read every single one of the 1124 suggestions. They were wonderful!
Sheri nowheadinghometocatchtheseasonopenerofLOST
Goodthingmyhouseisjust5minutesfromLoopyCentral!
All the new stuff looks great-I like the subtle color changes. I am looking forward to the mannequin’s name-just out of curiosity-what is the largest number of responses you have ever gotten on a blog? Enjoy the show!
I’m glad you are expanding some of the lines you carry. I have been curious about the Bonnie’s Bamboo from Farmhouse – every picture I see looks divine! I am also excited about the subtle color change yarns – you convinced me to keep going on the Noro Kureyon Sock to the bitter end and you were right. I reach for them more than any other pair. The softer ones might be just the ticket.
Thanks for all you do, Sheri. I appreciate it.
My husband the Laundry Hunk has been counting the days until Lost!
I can’t wait to try the Mini Mochi – I have a friend/designer who has and says it’s wonderful. And the Lornas and….
Looking forward to seeing some of the new stuff coming in. Esp the Jade Sapphire in the heavier weight. Enjoy Lost, I did not get into that episode.
Yum! How funny to read that you’re bringing in Mini Mochi – I just found it today online, and thought I’d love to try it out. Great timing! 🙂 Can’t wait to see the other yummies as well.
Welome back to the blog, Sheri. I missed you! I’m excited about the addition of Fiesta Ballet to your inventory, as I have been dying to get some. I think alpaca is my favorite knitting fiber, and in Fiesta’s colorways! Also looking forward to the new Jitterbug, another of my favs. I, too, am settling in for an evening of LOST. I own all the past DVDs and have been awaiting the new season with great anticipation.
It sounds like you had a great time with Web Guy. I am curious has there been any spinning in your life????
I can’t wait for the cashmere lace! I SO love knitting with the stuff! I have a pattern that I’m holding off on, waiting for just the right color.
Just wanted to you to know that I received my very first order from you: Tuscan Grove “yummy” superwash merino in Tiramisu, and some CP Panda Cotton. It came pretty fast and I’m very pleased.
and I’m reading your post during commercials while watching Lost. Glad you had a good trip. Looks like we’ve got some good things down the line.
The ‘Knit Kit’
Actually was written about in USA Today, indirectly through a press reporter that followed Obama in his campaign trail.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-01-15-knitting-obama_N.htm
This is the article. It shares about the reporter and how she enjoyed knitting through the campaign, especially during the busy long travel schedules. It even has photos as she progresses through the scarf. It also mentions the history of this kit and how this reporter got a hold of one.
Oh, I’m so happy you’re getting a lot of bamboo. I’m starting to fall in love with bamboo and you of course are my provider of choice.
All the new yarn looks and sounds so nice. I love the look of the mini mochi
Glad you had a nice weekend in CA with the Web Guy, I bet he enjoyed it too.
Enjoy Lost
oooh it’s going to be so good tonight!
The new yarns look great! I’m interested in seeing the “knit kit” since I’ll be flying in April. 😀
Wow – new yarn AND warm sunshine! Sounds like it was a great couple of days and I look forward to checking out the new yarn choices 🙂
Sheri, I crochet, and I’d love to make one of those bags for you, if you’re looking for a volunteer! It was just too much fun reading about all the new yarns (and re-stocks of old favorites) coming in—every single one sounds wonderful. Can’t wait! Glad to hear you and Web Guy had a good time in San Diego, it’s one of my favorite towns.
Ahhhh what a yarny life you have… all the pretty colors… squishy yarns… fun patterns….
What Bliss!!!!
I’d be interested to know the top 5 names for the mannequin, if that is not too much trouble…
Wow! Sounds like you picked up some interesting yarns. Ahhhhhhh – 80 degree California sounds soooooooooo nice right now!
Sheri,
Sounds like your weekend was a huge success. I wanted to volunteer my crochet skillz as well. If you need someone to “hook” you up, let me know!!
Can’t wait to see the new stuff!! I think my bank account might have just groaned a little 🙂
I’m looking forward to all the new stuff! I think I’ll try the Mini Mocha first!
Luv all the new incoming yarns! The new Knit Kit sounds intriguing. I am always looking for something when I travel! Can hardly wait for it all to arrive!! Glad you are home safely.
Squee! Glad I made myself hold off on Mini Mochi just in case you were getting some! It looks so fun!
That Araucania is to die for, and I didn’t know Jitterbug had new colors! *sigh* Well, no one can say that I’m not doing my part for the economy….
The subtle color changes are why I love the Dream in Color so much. I’ll have to check out some of these others too! It’s a lot easier to make a patterened item when I don’t have to worry about the color variations getting in the way!
Glad you had a good time in Cali, Sheri!
I’ve loved looking through all of the mannequin names!! It’s such a neat thing to see the mix of cultures and the “popular” names throughout the past century!!! I don’t have any children yet, but was definitely getting some name ideas from this list!! FUN!
Ok, I just changed my mind. I need the Knit Kit first!! I just googled it, and it is not a little box full of cute notions, like I thought it would be. It is like a swiss army knife for knitters! I LOVE it – I hope you bought lots of them!
I want to hear more about this Knit Kit!!! I tried to Google it but without success…..Sheri, don’t keep us in suspense. When will these be available????
If plane tickets/gas were free, I’d definitely volunteer to help skein the Jitterbug. As it is, unemployment has given me the sudden urge to knit through my stash, thereby giving me lots of room for new yarn when I have a paycheck coming in again. I guess having no money isn’t always bad, huh? =)
It feels like Christmas to read all about the new stuff.
i can not wait to buy the mini mochi!! any idea when ya’ll will get it? it looks sooooooooooooo gorgeous!