Caps for Soldiers

Here is a link to KTVB, which ran a story recently on Helmet Liners for local troops, that were also knit by locals! This program has been very successful and we would like to thank all those busy and dedicated knitters who participated. Good luck to our troops and thank you for your service. Unfortunately, the link is broken right now, so just copy and paste the below address to your browser...

http://www.ktvb.com/home/Knitted-caps-for-soldiers-a-huge-success-101840013.html

First 100 Helmet Liners!!!

Thanks to those you who have made knitted contributions to this cause!

Helmet Liners Update

So far, so good. Everyday there are more and more knitters joining in to knit helmet liners for our troops, but we still need more! Fifty-eight completed liners are in the shoppe right now, but that leaves another two thousand six hundred and forty-two to go!Thank you to all of the knitters who have completed and donated liners and to all of those who are just starting them. Remember, if you want to join in making helmet liners for ID, MT and OR National Guardsmen, just stop by the shoppe, pick up a pattern and a hank of Cascade 220 and get knitting! Any Cascade 220 yarn that is purchased for the making of these helmet liners will continue to be 20% off through August. Thank you!

Teaser

Come see the new Fiesta Flowers for June! The inspiration for the coloway is roses! This color is available in Ballet, Boomerang and La luz, but only until June 25th. More information to come shortly, and a review of the yarn...

Helmet Liners for the Soldiers of the 116th

In the coming months, the men and women of the 116th Brigade of Idaho, Oregon and Montana will be preparing for deployment to Iraq. The climate in many parts of the Middle East varies from extreme heat to exteme cold, and because of this, our soldiers need 100% wool helmet liners, used to prevent heat loss in the winter and overheating in the summer. The liners are simple and quick projects, perfect for summertime road trips. The Yarn Shoppe will be collecting completed helmet liners until the beginning of September. Come into the shoppe anytime to collect a free pattern. Also, any Cascade 220 yarn, used for this project is 20% off through the end of June. Please remember to use only 100% wool yarns for these liners, as wool contains a natural flame retardant. Thank you to all of the knitters out there who have already started their liners, and to the men and women of our armed services, for their continued dedication in protecting their people.

Cascade Eco-Wool Review

Sweaters always seem like such daunting projects. What gauge do I need to be knitting? How many yards do I need? It's how much per skein? And I need 20? Perhaps I'll go back to making those lovely scarves...

As an answer to budgetary, yardage, and aesthetic concerns, there is Cascade Yarns Eco-Wool and Eco-Wool Plus. It's Eco because it is economical and the Eco-Wool itself is ecological, having been minimally processed and remaining un-dyed. If the yarn is a dark chocolatey brown, then that is color of the sheep it came from. Eco-Wool Plus is just as economical and comes in a wide array of colors. Each skein has 478 yds of soft, woolly goodness, and Janet informs me that it only takes 2.5 skein to complete even the most intricate of aran sweaters (about a women's size medium), leaving enough leftovers for a hat, scarf, or mittens to match or give as gifts! Eco-Wool typically knits up at 3.5 stitches per inch on a size 10 needle however, for you tight knitters you may have to go up a needle size, and if you're loosey-goosey you may have to use a smaller needle size... remember always swatch! The sweaters pictured were both knit by Janet, and are prime examples of the colors that are available in this yarn. On the left is Eco-Wool, and the rich red on the right is Eco-Wool Plus.

This yarn has a wonderful hand and continues to soften as you work with it. It's perfect for any project that requires a heavy weight yarn (#5), a great deal of yardage and a good price. We have many colors available at the Shoppe, but if you're looking for one we don't have in stock, we would be happy to special order it for you!

This Week at the Shoppe...

Whew! What a busy week we have had! After receiving a new shipment of Noro yarns, our door was almost swung off its hinges. Janet is working on a lovely top from Noro's Catwalk Two book by Jenny Watson. See picture. The yarn used for this is Noro Taiyo (meaning sun in Japanese). This yarn is a silk, cotton and wool blend, very soft and wonderful to work with in the spring and summer. Can't wait to see the finished project!

Just an FYI: we are still accepting food and supplies for our local animal shelters... If you have a chance, please stop by and donate.

Classes beginning the week of 4/11: Toe up socks, April 12th, 6:30-8:30pm
Beginning Knitting I and II, April 15th, 6:30-8:30pm
Cuff Down Socks, April 16th, 6:30-8:30pm

Hope you're all having a great week out in fiberspace!