Wow! The great thing about returning from London is that we were up at 4 AM because of the time change, so we got to the store REALLY EARLY today!!! A good thing, too, since eight ENORMOUS boxes awaited our return. As we unpacked, we were greeted with old favorites, new and fabulous yarns and books, and gorgeous items we had totally forgotten ordering!
So, here is the list. Returning favorites include Debbie Bliss' signature Cashmerino Aran and Baby Cashmerino (in new colors, however!), Noro Kureyon, Blossom, Iro, Cash Iroha, and Silk Garden (again, new colors!), and popular design books from Debbie Bliss, Jane Ellison, and Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton.
We also decided to carry Tahki Yarns ZARA again, a personal staff favorite. Two things weighed in its favor, the first being the requests of several customers, and second, that the yarn is a washable 100% merino! We were delighted to see that Zara now comes in a worsted weight to expand its gauges. So those of you who steered clear of the yarn because of those size 6 needles, get those 8s ready!
And the new yarns? First from Debbie Bliss an amazing boucle ASTRAKHAN. The color palette is gorgeous (we have already picked out a light teal that corresponds to a Cashmerino Aran color!) and the hand delicate. And best of all? Like most of her yarns, it is machine washable. Suffice to say we have been selling the yarn before it is even priced, it is that good! (And the price is a reasonable $8.99/skein.)
Next, from our friends at Skacel a luxurious tweed, SCHULANA CASHMERINO, that blends pure merino with cashmere. Sorry, it is NOT machine washable (though we are certain Lynne will try) but it is the ultimate luxury. It knits at a quick 4.5 stitches/inch so the patterns for this yarn abound in many of our books. And we also purchased their pure merino tweed that knits at a DK weight. These yarns are just yummy!
Finally, along with ZARA and BIG ZARA, we received a patterned sport weight yarn, ZARINA. This is in response to those customers who love the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino but wanted to work with variegated yarn at that weight!
New books include offerings from Jane Ellison and Debbie Bliss. We have already picked out four projects that should take us through the winter months. Hey, we know it is unbearably hot right now, but what better way to spend an evening than cranking up the AC and "tucking in" to those fabulous fall yarns.
And a word about the store in our absence. Not only did it perk along, but it thrived under the watchful eyes of Pat, Lynne, Adrian, Martha, Marietta, and Karina. In fact, it has never looked better! Many thanks to our fabulous and loyal staff.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
