So much to celebrate! This week famed knitwear designer, author and teacher, Melissa Leapman is teaching and we turn two! When I first learned to knit I was so happy to crank out garter stitch scarves–still am really. Now I’m ready for whatever challenge comes my way. To celebrate our anniversary, I thought why not bring in someone who can really help us stretch our wings and fly? No matter what your level of knitting or crochet expertise you are going to love getting to know this member of the kniterati! A widely-published designer, she has had patterns featured in every premier needlecrafts publication in the country. 

Melissa will be celebrating the release of her new book Stashbuster Knits, released from Potter Craft this week! Many of our favorite yarn companies have commissioned Melissa to create designs to promote their new and existing yarns. Her workshops are wildly popular as are her numerous books on knitting and crochet such as Hot Knits, Cool Crochet, Knitting Beyond Scarves, Cables Untangled, and Mastering Color Knitting.

You do not want to miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best. There is still room in her workshops. On Friday, she is teaching a class on crocheted shawls. Sunday she is giving us the inside scoop on a number of fun cables. Give us a call to sign up, (941) 487-7914

On Saturday, we are having a special anniversary celebration, too! Please join us as we do a happy dance to celebrate our anniversary. There will be trunk shows from well-known designers such as Madeline Tosh and Dull Roor and spinning demonstrations. There will be plenty of Melissa’s books and treats for all! This weekend is packed with yarn-centric fun.

Handspun Yarn

It is so much fun to show off our new spinning wheels! We carry three wheels from Schacht, the cute Ladybug, the foldable Sidekick, and the matchless Matchless. The idea of making yarn from this glorious stash of fibers we have in our shop is irresistible. The fact that I get the opportunity to pick the exact fiber content I want—even down to the breed of sheep—in an enticing colorway and let it run though my hands is thrilling.  I love designing knits, so why not design my yarn? Some of you have asked, why spin?  Here are the reasons why we wanted to bring spinning into the shop:

• Your yarn is unique—no one else’s will look like yours.
• You have control—color, texture, thickness, content, yardage, design, etc. . .
• You get a new toy—a spinning wheel is such a joy and a conversation starter.  You think two needles attract attention!
• Your knitting becomes even more satisfying—knitting with your own handspun is such a treat.
• Most of all, you get to feel incredibly clever!

Don’t worry if your handspun isn’t perfect at first.  Lots of knitters want their handspun to look exactly like the yarn they have in their knitting basket—mine sure doesn’t.  Pretty soon you are going to try and make that first lumpy, bumpy yarn.  Think of Pagewood Farms Handspun Bouquet or even Manos—you can do that!

Wondering what to do with that first bit of beginners yarn?  Here is a free pattern from Schacht for a lace collar.  Lace is a wonderful way to use that yarn as it really shows it off.
-Submitted by Heidi Lawrence

Give us a call (941.487.7914) to see when Heidi will be around next time or just pop on in and take a look at our new spinning area.  We can’t wait to see what you knit with your first handspun.

You can also sign up for A Sheep is a Sheep, Heidi’s upcoming class about various sheep breeds, by clicking here.

This third colorway in our Purl Diver Collection is based on a picture I took while diving with my son Michael in the Solomon Islands, of a pair of Dusky Nembrotha Nudibranchs. Nudibranchs are mollusks which in the course of evolution have lost their shell because they have developed other defense mechanisms. They include some of the most colorful creatures on earth. Some species evolved an external anatomy with textures and colors that mimicked surrounding plants to avoid predators. Others use their colors to warn predators of their bad taste or poisonous nature. The word “nudibranch” comes from the Latin nudus, naked, and the Greek brankhia, gills. On the head of the Nudibranch are sensitive tentacles that can register touch, smell and taste. As mentioned above, the Nudibranch has naked gills. The Nudibranch breathes via bushy extremities that are found on the back of the body. Nudibranchs are hermaphroditic and contain both male and female sex organs. If you look closely, you will see these two are mating!

One of most exciting things about diving is seeing so many unusual and colorful creatures, both large and small. The majority of Nudibranchs are no bigger than a quarter. Some are so small you don’t really know what they look like until the picture is enlarged. They are usually well camouflaged and well hidden. I’m always excited to find a new species, and Susan and I agreed it would be a great inspiration for a new colorway. So did Sharon McMahon from Three Irish Girls. She has again done an awesome job.