The new Spring/ Summer collection, Collage, by Tahki just hit our shelves. Along with the book we carry some of the yarns featured in the book, Rosa, Ripple and Cotton Classic Lite to name a few.

A collection of 21 stylish classic knit designs the Collage collection features both summery tops and tanks, as well as vests, cardigans and pullovers that transcend the seasons, making them great year-round layering pieces. Featured yarns are all-natural fibers guaranteeing you comfort as well as style. Check out some of the patterns.

What do you like to knit during the Summer months?

Pictured above: Lacy Cable Socks by Veronik Avery from Knitting 24/7 in Tosh Sock Silver Fox

Need to replenish your stash? We just received a new shipment of Madelinetosh Vintage and Sock, including some of her latest new colors!

What is a silk Hankie?
“A hankie (also known as a mawata) is shaped over a frame (think of a small picture frame) with nails at each corner to create a square shape. A single silk cocoon is pulled into a square sheet and held in place by putting the corners of the sheet over the nails. Multiple sheets are built up to create a stack of hankies.” –Tactile Fiber Arts Studio

These silk Hankies were dyed by Maia Discoe of Tactile Fiber Arts Studio. Tactile is based in the East Bay and dyes their fibers naturally using plants and bugs to create their beautiful colors. Some pretty cool yarn can be made from these without even knowing how to spin. Instructions for knitting from these silk sheets come with the purchase of a hankie.

If silk isn’t  really your thing we are also carrying two different sock weight wools (already spun) from Tactile both naturally dyed. One is Bolinas Sock, a Blue Faced Leicester Wool and the other, Sierra Sock, a Merino Wool. You can check them out in our online store, or stop by for a visit.

From top left clockwise: Many different Project bags hanging in the shop; Pretty Cheap Project Bag; Spring Butterflies tote; French Market bag

Where do you store your current projects? Project bags come in many shapes and sizes. Pretty Cheap bags (pictured above) are great for small projects and are light enough to stuff into another bag which makes them ideal for projects on the go.  Tote sized bags are great for larger projects and look lovely sitting next to the couch full of yarn.

If making your own bag is more your style, and you’ve been looking for a felting project. I recommend the French Market Bag by Polly Outhwaite. The pattern is available for free over on Knitty.com. This was a great first felting project for me because it was hard to screw up. Cascade 220 is what I used, but any 100% animal fiber will work for felting. It comes in many great colors and large quantities, which you will need for this felting project. The original pattern uses only 2 colors, but  I wanted something fancier so I added some stripes. There are many variations on this bag out there. Check them out!

Have you been wanting to knit a throw but haven’t found quite the right pattern and yarn combo? Look no further! Colinette has put it all together for you in one convenient Absolutely Fabulous kit. Each kit contains patterns for 4 different knitted throws, 1 crochet pattern, 1 knitted shawl pattern, and enough yarn to create one of the patterns.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller check out the Colinette Perugino Throw kits. The pattern is similar, but the blanket is a smidge smaller.

Now you just have to decide which color scheme to go with.

Stop by and check them out at the shop, or online.