You don’t just have to knit with it! Add more to your fiber arts knowledge with our two upcoming classes: Needle Felting and Spinning. The only problem is, you will have to choose between the two, since they’re both happening at the same time. So check the classes section for more information, then do your coin toss and call the store to sign up.

Sustainability takes multiple paths, not just in the soil, but also with the people who work that soil and the crops they produce. In their new line of yarn, Purelife, Rowan has taken eco-friendly to the next level of “eco-responsible” with the idea that the yarns are not just good for the environment, with their organically produced cotton, but good for the people growing the cotton. In a move seen in food crops, such as coffee, chocolate and bananas, the cotton farmers in India are paid more for their cotton, changing subsistence farming into a viable way of supporting a family.

The D.K. weight yarn also uses natural dyes in a beautiful palette of soft pinks, cream and yellows as well as a beautiful smoky blue. It’s multi-ply construction, makes it stand out among other organic cotton yarns and adds to its strength and ability to stand wear. There is a pattern book full of ideas, though I can just imagine the possibilities of an organic layette for baby. Thanks to Rowan for creating a yarn you can feel good about knitting.

Presenting, Buffalo Gals Bison Merino. Earlier this year Clara Parkes wrote Yarn Profile in Knitter’s Review and the back story of this yarn is fascinating. Here is an animal who is native to the Americas, but unlike llama or alpaca, not a fiber that is commonly used. This yarn is a worsted weight blend of buffalo down and merino wool. The rich, jewel tones combine with the warmth, softness and loft to make this a truly unique yarn. To knit a pair of buffalo wrist warmers would be perfection.

Donna brought in her fabulous felted flower tote. Those colors are so vibrant and it is sure to be a conversation-starter! If you can’t fight the urge to make one for yourself, the pattern is from the Ella Rae book 8, Felted Bags.

Karalee looks stunning in this lipstick red rendition of Mr. Greenjeans from Knitty Fall 2007, knit using Cascade 220.

June shows off what the Noro Kureyon sock yarn can do with another Knitty pattern, rpm from Summer 2006, by local Bay Area sock superstar Aija Goto.

The afghan that started it all. The Great American Afghan book features the original patterns from the Knitter’s Magazine series, circulated twelve years ago. The blanket received a revamp, and now knits up with that go-to yarn of utility, Cascade 220. This book is chock-full of patterns, from the standard to whimsical.

Afghans are a wonderful way to test the waters and broaden your knitting skill set, whether you knit every pattern or simply mix and match your favorites. Don’t forget that working on individual squares makes for perfect project portability!

So come into the store, admire the blanket and pick out colors to make your own!