Washable, kid-friendly yarns

In our "after the fire" re-examination of our yarn brands and products, we went for the big Berroco add, and picked up many of their kid- and machine-washer-friendly yarns. I'm tempted (as always) to buy projects to try out all the new yarns. My nephews' first birthday is coming up in June, so this funky doggie sweater in the "Just for Tots" Comfort DK book might be a good excuse to try that line.

 

"Comfort" also comes in worsted weight, for even quicker sweaters. It's super soft, 50/50 acrylic/nylon, and I'm very curious as to how it knits up.

 

We also have a wider range of one of my most-tempting baby yarns, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, plus Plymouth's Dreambaby DK (more traditional baby colors, 50/50 nylon/acrylic--super soft and very sweet) and Jelli Beenz (bright colors twisted with a strand of shiny, rainbowy acrylic--75/25 acrylic/wool)

 

 

And then there's good old Cotton-Ease and Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, in lots of colors.

We have a bunch more new yarns and colors (Blue Sky Skinny anyone?), but I'm going to stop typing to save my hands for knitting later. Feel free to e-mail or call us if you want to know more, check colors before you swing by, etc.

PS All the above links go to (Ravelry.com. If you're not a member, I strongly suggest you enter your e-mail address and sign up when you get your invite. This invaluable web site has grown in leaps and bounds and is a fantastic resource for knitters and crocheters.

Jane Crossover Sweater

We have kits in to knit this beautiful sweater from Perl Grey in lovely Ottawa yarn from Fleece Artist.

I knit this sample for the store in a very short time, as the pattern is primarily stockinette with very little seaming.



I think it looks very good on, if I do say so myself! Easy to dress up or down. Comfortable and a quick knit.

Brand new cabled fingerless gloves!

Hi this is Robin (not Shannon)
I am pretty new here at Hilltop and I've been keeping myself busy with new yarns and new patterns for holiday gifts this winter. My favorite gift so far is these fingerless gloves with a pretty cable and a nice, fitted thumb. I've been perfecting the pattern (with Jenny's help) to get it ready for distribution. I know that I have been running across a lot of requests for fingerless gloves this year, and people love what easy fun gifts they are. So check these pictures out and get ready to knit and sell the heck out of them!


These lovelies are made using a single skein of Blue Sky Suri Merino and size 4 needles. nice, huh?

Q: What are you doing this Saturday?

A: Attending Prairie Girl's Guide to the Holidays at Hilltop Yarn!
The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life author (and avid knitter) Jennifer Worick will demonstrate quick & customized gifts for the holidays, rustic ways to decorate your home, and most importantly, frustrating activities to let go and new meaningful traditions to create in their place (yes, you CAN knit instead of doing those Christmas cards!).


Saturday, December 8, 1:oo-3:00 PM. Give us a call to sign up. This workshop is FREE!

All copies of Jennifer's book, purchased during our event, will be 10% off. Channel your inner-Laura Ingalls Wilder!

See you there!

Ornaments

ornaments
Originally uploaded by dinahsaurus

I don't know how many other people out there wait until the last minute to knit gifts, but I always do. I start making holiday knitting plans months ahead of time, and then start knitting somewhere around the time I notice it's past Thanksgiving.
This year, I've made up a bunch of these quick little ornaments from Handknit Holidays, designed by Leigh Radford. I can use up my scraps from the year's projects and, in only an hour, still have something handcrafted for my friends and relatives.

Calling all charitable souls

As some of you may know, when I am not shaking a tail feather at Hilltop Yarn, I am a service learning tutor for the University of Washington's Psychobiology of Women class. I am fortunate to be working with three students who are currently voluneering at the Pike Place Senior Center. One of them posed a question to a client of the center. She asked him if he could have one thing, what would it be?
He responed that he wanted to be warm and was tired of being cold. This touched her immensly and she decided that the three of them should organize a drive of sorts. They are collecting new and gently used winter accessories for the seniors at the center. If you have anything that you have intended to wear for the last few winter seasons, but never have this would be a good time to donate. Or if you are out and about and feeling especially generous, knock yourself out. To give you an idea, this center services over 1,000 people. The students know they probably won't get enough for everyone, but that doesn't mean they are not going to hope they do.
I will be using Hilltop as a vehicle for collecting these things. If you are in the neighborhood, or if you're not, drop by and give the gift of warmth this year.
I will be picking up the donation box at the close of Wed, Dec. 5th.
If you have any questions email me at: Garcis@u.Washington.edu

Thank you,
Shannon Garcia

Queen Anne Artists Trunk Show

Our own Jenny Chase-Rappaport is participating in the Queen Anne Artists Trunk Show this Saturday November 10th from 11-4pm with her unique hand crafted toys and accessories for all ages. Her booth will be "Rocket Boy and Danger Dog Knits."

Come by and check out her wares!