I mentioned last time that it's been super-busy here at the shop, and it just hasn't stopped! 

We have two trunk shows in the shop, and one of them is for Artfelt by Skacel, which you see at the right.

To define it very simply, Artfelt is an easier way to needlefelt.  What you do is tack down roving onto this special paper that Skacel makes with a barbed needlefelting needle.  You can make any sort of design or pattern that you want, using the paper as your "blank canvas."  When you're done, you spritz the roving with water, wrap the whole piece up in plastic, and throw it into the dryer to felt.  When your piece comes out of the dryer, all you have to do is pour boiling water over the paper to make it dissolve, then leave the piece out to dry. Artfelt gives you more freedom than just regular felting, and doesn't take quite as long as needlefelting.  The end result is soft but sturdy, so this a great method to make purses, scarves, pillows, wall hangings, you name it!

The second trunk show that we have in the shop is from Prism. 

If you've ever found yourself looking at the Prism yarns and wondering what you could do with them, then you should definitely come by the shop and take a look at some of these samples. 

Laura Bryant designs most of the patterns for her company herself, and because she also handpaints her different colorways, she really knows how to show of these yarns to their full capacity.  She employs short rows, miters, and knitting on the bias to make these beautiful yarns really pop.

This is a close-up of one of the most popular pieces in the show, a wrap created by using short rows.  The colors in this silk/wool/mohair/nylon blend are really lustrous and deep, and this wrap is definitely a eye-catcher.  Be sure to come by the shop before we send this trunk show back to see everything in person!

As I promised last time, here's a look at our new bags from Namaste.

We've received several of their styles, some new, some old, in a variety of colors.  I myself have already purchased two of them and couldn't be happier.

What I like about these bags is that they're really designed with functionality in mind, but they're pretty fashionable on the outside, too.  Most of these bags come with a large pocket on the inside that divides the bag into two compartments.  This is perfect for knitters - throw your purse things in one side, and your knitting in the other and you're ready to go, without worrying that your keys will get tangled up in your yarn, or that you might knock some stitches off your needles as you dig around looking for your wallet.  And there are several smaller pockets, perfect for holding all of those necessities that have a way of disappearing when you need them the most.

The bags are made from high quality vinyl, which is not only easy to clean, but it's also animal friendly.  So come get yours soon, before I buy them all!

Also new to the shop is Ultra Alpaca Fine by Berroco.  It's a variation on their Ultra Alapaca yarn, with a little bit of nylon thrown in, so it's perfect for socks, but I would definitely use it for lace, as well.

The colors are rich and textured; even the solid colors have a little bit of nuance to them.   

Happy Knitting!