Cotton Kisses is the name of this precious sweater kit from Plymouth Yarns.  Included with the ball of yarn is the pattern for either a pullover or a cardigan, and the buttons.  Great gift for a mom to be who knits or a baby gift if mom doesn't knit.

Pele is a beautiful lace shell designed by Elsbeth Lavold and knit in her new yarn, Bamboucle, a blend of cotton, bamboo, linen and nylon.  It has a very subtle boucle texture which gives it a springy quality.  The fiber blend makes it a perfect year round yarn for the Houston area.  Thanks to Brynne for another beautiful sweater!

The first Dinner & Movie night was a huge success and the next 2 have been scheduled.  We have decided to move it to Monday nights (works better for Bolli Bros. and keeps our Thursday night stitching group intact.)  The cost is $12.00 again and we will be watching Must Love Dogs starring Diane Lane and John Cusack.  Sign ups have begun - don't miss the fun!

Many of you have asked what we saw at market that was new and exciting. The truth is that what we noticed was subtle.

We noticed crochet being worn and crochet in yarn company booths; we noticed fine gauge yarns being used for a variety of projects; dresses, coats, Audrey Hepburn chic, and the kimono were the design ideas to watch. A report on the blog for Yarn Market News (our industry journal) placed crochet as the #1 thing to watch.

There are several new books coming out and they are taking crochet in exciting new directions. Robyn Chachula, a talented and prolific crochet designer, has 2 books coming out this fall. Blueprint Crochet is due out in September and features beautiful motif based crochet. Come by the shop to see a sneak preview.

Her other book is called Mission Falls Goes Crochet and includes patterns for Mission Falls new DK weight yarn. The cover sweater was on the fashion show runway at TNNA.

If you like what you see schedule a crochet class with Sheryl to brush up your crochet skills because Robyn will be visiting Yarntopia on October 25th as one of the stops on her book signing tour. Robyn will be signing books in the morning and then teaching a class in the afternoon!

Robyn has been published in Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today, Not Your Momma's Crochet, Crochet Me, and more. She has appeared on the TV show Knit and Crochet Today. Crochet is hot and the fashions being designed today are a far cry from the boxy acrylic sweaters of the 70's and 80's.

Put Saturday, October 25th on your calendar and plan on being at Yarntopia to get hooked on crochet.

Our first movie event is scheduled for Thursday, June 26th 6:30 p.m. at Bolli Bros. Pizza, and will feature "No Reservations"starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhardt. Mark Bollinger has designed a menu just for us.

Appetizer Trio

• Shrimp with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and basil wrapped in pancetta
• Stuffed mushroom with shredded parmesan
• Bruschetta

Salad

Mixed greens with tomatoes ("untainted") and carmelized shallots with fresh herb vinagrette

Entree

• Pork chop stuffed with feta, spinach, and bacon
• Green bean amandine
• Roasted new potato flowers

Cost is $12.00 per person this includes the meal, ice tea or water and gratuity.  You are free to bring additional beverages of choice.

Reservations must be made and the $12 paid no later than Monday, June 23rd so Mark will have an accurate head count for his preparations.

In addition to the wonderful meal and entertainment, those reserving a space will dine at a special table and be eligible for a drawing for the project of the month.  Each month we will choose a project that goes along with the theme of the movie.  This month we will feature the Noni felted oven mitts.  The kit will include yarn, pattern and all necessary materials; additional kits available for sale as well.

For those who don't wish to dine with us, you are welcome to come for the movie and knitting experience. 

Yarntopia will be open before and after the movie for your shopping pleasure!

Not only does she have a design next month in Interweave Crochet, but her freeform crochet is being shown at the International Freeform Fiberarts show.

Check it out by clicking here.

Amy

That is the question most often asked about this gorgeous, yet puzzling, yarn from Noro.  It is a cord wrapped in bright, shiny Noro colors.  Its primary use has been accessories such as purses, belts, and jewelry.  Amy whipped up a couple of cute bracelets over the weekend. 

Clever Ravelry folks have also crocheted bowls from it.  There is one on our table - check it out next time you are in. 

I think it would make a great accessory bag for your makeup or knitting stuff...just knit or crochet a rectangle; sew up the sides leaving a flap and attach a button.  Very unique and cute!

This will be a photoless entry because I really want to tell you some things, I have no camera, and I'm not waiting until I remember to bring it with me.  So, instead of pictures I will include links to projects.

The brochures are done, the schedule is made and soon our teachers will be busy knitting on their samples for the upcoming classes.  Amy and I are very excited about the plans for the summer!

The classes are very project oriented and many chosen with the begining knitter in mind.  There are so many of you who have taken Knitting 101 and are ready for something other than a scarf or washcloth.  Look for classes on the calendar with a (B) next to them - this indicates a beginner appropriate class.  The great thing about these classes is that by choosing a fabulous yarn, or opting for embellishments, these simple projects are great for any skill level.  Part of the fun of classes is the fun and bonding that develops when knitters create together.

We are also offering 3 special summer class packages.  Sign up and pay for the classes in the package and you will receive a $10.00 discount on the cost of the classes.  Note:  This must be done in person or over the phone.  The packages are: Beginner and Beyond, First Projects, and Socks, Socks, Socks.

Color work - fair isle or intarsia - is popping up everywhere from books, to magazines and designer patterns.  We are offering a Colorworks class which is a 2 part class in which you will learn the basics of color knitting.  If you really just want to knit something like the Noni Medallion Bag, then take one of our fair isle classes, and the Just Pockets class, then you'll be ready to tackle this gorgeous tote.

I am hoping to figure out how to put the brochure PDF on the blog so you can download it and read all the class details for yourself.  In the meantime, just shoot us an email and we'll be happy to send it along.

Happy knitting and crocheting - come see us this summer!

The new Jordana Paige bags are in - these are the only 2 we have left!  I (Sheryl) have one of each and am thrilled with both.  The Knitter's Satchel (left) is a roomy knitting bag capable of handling several small projects or garment without any problems.  There is enough room left over for regular purse things.  The Bella is a great, stylish purse with knitting bag extras - pockets for accessories and little guides to feed yarn through so it doesn't end up a jumbled mess in the bottom of the bag.  I carry this one as a purse and always have a small project close at hand.

The Namaste bags we ordered last week should arrive before the end of the month and we will email everyone who ordered one when they get here.

Have a great weekend!

We have our very own shopping bags! 

These bags were given to our guests at the retreat, and now you can have one for only $5.00.  Keep it in your car and use it for your Yarntopia purchases.  When you use your bag we will give you back 1% for every $50.00 you spend.  It is our little way of saying thank you and also keeps us from buying lots of plastic bags; a win-win for everyone. 

Speaking of Earth Day and all things green - check out our 2nd anniversary Yarntopia T Shirt.  The shirts are 100% cotton and are a must have for all Yarntopians.  The shirts are $25.00 and we have XL and 2XL left in stock.

New yarn and shop samples coming on the next post...check back soon. 

The theme for April is "Shower yourself and those you love with handmade gifts."  The end of the school year is almost here, and a handknit washcloth or soap sack makes a lovely gift.  The new Ella Rae Baby Cotton is a great choice and comes in an array of beautiful colors.

How about knit something special for yourself?  Noro's two new summer yarns, Taiyo and Matsuri are cotton based yarns with the famous Noro colors. 

We are also featuring Louisa Harding's new Mulberry Silk yarn - a luxurious sport weight yarn that will add elegance to whatever you choose to knit.

The sock focus this month is the beautiful new colors of Online cotton sock yarn that arrived this week.  The other sock excitement is Patti's Toe Up Magic Loop sock class.  This technique has even converted a hard core dpn lover to the world of magic loop.

The new classes are up on the site.  Stay dry during these April showers and look forward to May Flowers.

We had a great day on Saturday.  This year's t-shirt is a must have for all Yarntopians near and far.  It is hard to see from the picture, but above the yarn gal are the words "Serving up yarn dreams since 2006."  They are $25.00 and we have 1 medium, 1 large, 8 XL, and 6 XXL.  They will be on the website later today or tomorrow.  Remember, these shirts are collector items; when they are gone, they are gone.