HRYC

Writing these posts is ace. Why? It means the best excuse EVER to have a nosey around Ravelry and drool over patterns.

Despite the warmer weather, I'm already thinking about next winter. Currently on the floor of the laundry, waiting to be washed, is my Owls jersey. It was finished about this time last year, and was worn for all of five minutes as it was way too warm for late Spring. Over the past 6 months shop customers have probably grown a bit sick of seeing me wear it - it is now an absolute staple and wardrobe favourite.

Trouble is, this is first year I've really knit a lot of garments. Next winter, i'd quite like some more variety.

Already in the queue is this and this - but it never hurts to look, right?

OMG I MUST KNIT THIS: if only because of the blurb

'So, you’ve got two boyfriends. It’s ok. Really, it happens to the best of us. The problem? It’s hard to keep them straight. Who like sushi and who likes Thia? Which one is the Packers fan? Who did you make the date with on Friday?

A) Get a notebook, and B) Knit this sweater! One of them likes blue and one of them likes green? With this sweater you can make them both happy!

Only have one boyfriend? Ryan Reynold’s favorite color is yellow, James McAvoy’s favorite color is green, George Clooney’s favorite color is red, Nathan Fillion’s favorite color is brown, Lee Pace’s favorite color is navy, and Ron Weasley’s favorite color is black. Wait. What?! Ron Weasley? Haha. How did he sneak in here?'

Sold.

Also, i'm a sucker for a good shawl collar (not that I've ever knit one):

Larch by Amy Christoffers

Another Amy Christoffers - which goes to show we REALLY need to make sport weight our yarn of the year in 2012.

Have you already started planning your 2012 knits yet? Or is it just me that is slightcrazyobsessive?

(as per ususal, click on the image to go through to the Ravelry page)

xx tash

In the age of the internets, it is a glorious thing to be able to peek into shops on the other side of the world, and be inspired.

One day, hopefully soon, I SHALL go to Purl Soho.

In the meantime, I'm going to share some of their really fantastic projects from the shop blog, the Purl Bee. I love how much they share on their blog - lots and lots of patterns (many free), great sewing projects, hints and tips.

Clicking on an image will take you to the project on the Purl Bee site, and below I've added the Ravelry link if it's available.

Baby Girl Fair Isle Cardigan

Big Snowy Owl! SO AWESOME!

Colorblock Hand Warmers (i'd love to knit these in Knitsch Sock)

Granny Stripe Blanket (need to improve my crochet skills so I can make this...)

Ahem. My queue may have just got substantially longer.

xx tash

Over the past two years I’ve run a Knitsch Sock Yarn Club, which has been loads of fun. But, it’s time for something different.

As You Wish Yarn Club

We all love nice yarn, right? How great would it be if nice yarn turned up on your doorstep each month and it was - exactly what you want!

This yarn club is aimed at our long-distance customers - those outside the Wellington region or who find it tricky to make it to the physical store.

The deal:

$35 per month - via A/P so it doesn’t kill your yarn budget
We send you a questionnaire - favourite yarns, weights, colours, specific items you are after
Each month you will receive a parcel containing yarn hand-picked to your tastes.

Some months the parcel value may be a little less, which means another month you get an extra special yarn worth a little more, or extra treats.

You can sign up for 3, 6 or 12 months.

This is strictly limited to 20 places ONLY.

SORRY, NO PICK UPS - the cost of postage is built into the price.

First round will go out in the first week of December.

Payments need to be set up to transfer in the first 10 days of each month.

Hooray! I’m so excited about doing something REALLY different, and enabling yarn joy. And trying something new. Just think of me as your personal shopper (the best kind).

Sign ups will go live on Wednesday, 16 November. Or, join our mailing list (to the left of this post) and we'll send you an email.

x Tash

A little bit of Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra for your listening pleasure. Before I left for London this song was the perfect theme song - I was so sad to be leaving Wellington. Happy to be back now, of course.

x tash

Yesterday saw so many new books arrive it was better than Christmas!

Pip Lincolne books - SEW excited to have these in stock!

The Shetland Trader Book by Gudrun Johnston (these are being snapped up, only 1 left!)

At long last, some copies of Little Red in City to put on the shelves. All our other shipments sold out before they even arrived!

Coastal Knits by Hannah Fettig and Alana Dakos (also selling quick smart)

Plenty of reasons to drop by, sit on the couch and browse! xx