Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Inspiration
We're finding inspiration everywhere now. Both of us are in project-starting mode again: for ourselves personally, for Christmas presents, and for samples and class ideas for the shop.

Part of this is due to the time of year. It's dark early now after turning the clocks back. The warmth from our glorious Indian summer is dissipating and winter's chill is beckoning. Migrating flocks of birds are winging their way to warmer climes. These seasonal signals send us indoors to create comfort for ourselves, our families, and our friends.

And part is due to the subtle changes in color and design that we're seeing this year. Simple and stylish lines define current fashion with clever twists on classic designs. We're seeing a new color palette for both yarns and fabrics that is softer, more neutral, and inspired by nature. As always, rich metallics accent this glorious new direction.

It's hard not to be inspired when we look at the beautiful soft color and texture of Ultra Alpaca.
Or the rich, variegated texture of Nature Wool.

And we can't stop petting Makower's Zen collection of fabrics. Subtle colors and prints combine in this restful fabric grouping inspired by Japanese quilting. We plan to use the collection to make Snapshots from Atkinson Design's Happy Hour pattern, which is an simple pattern that takes 12 fat quarters. We have packs cut and ready for you.

New batiks from Hoffman, new colors of Fairy Frost, and a variety of other new fabrics have arrived to inspire. Within the last month, we have received over 50 new bolts of fabric!



We've discovered new sweater designs that flatter a woman's body, curves and all. Beautiful new books such as Fitted Knits and Romantic Hand Knits emphasize designs that combine good fit and fabulous drape for all different levels of knitters.


And we're working on Christmas presents, having been inspired by One Skein and Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Cynthia could not resist a simple cabled scarf from One Skein out of our new Yak yarn. It's the ultimate luxury fiber in natural cream, rich brown, soft purple, or classic burgundy.

And we've renewed our appreciation for Elizabeth Zimmerman and her clever ideas. A new shipment of her Knitting Workshop and Knitter's Almanac has arrived. Classic patterns such as the Baby Surprise Jacket and the Rib Warmer are still fun to knit and look great.

We're loving the shop right now. There is no better time to knit and quilt.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

psssst! A class on the baby surprise jacket would be wonderful. So would another fair isle class after the holidays :-D

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

All so gorgeous, can't wait to see you guys soon!