Yarn--Real, Live Yarn!

I've taken a good bit of heat lately, from locals and distance folks, about the lack of posts AND about the lack of fiber-based inspiration around these parts over the past few weeks. Then I go and post spinning stuff yesterday, and BOY HOWDY did I catch some flack from my yarnies. HOORAY! You really DO still love me.....(blush)

First off, I start by showing you a brand-new (to us) bag that's currently available at the shop


That's the beautiful "Plane Bag" by Skacel. It's a lovely shape, made of silk fabric, and is just crammed with pockets all around the inside. See


They're well priced, too, at just $49.50 each for a beautiful silk bag. And if you're feeling like Nana from Peter Pan, it makes excellent head gear


I'm not quite as hairy as a Newfie, but the hat works. Thanks to Sabrina, our store manager, for snapping the pic. You never know what you're gonna see around the shop, as I wore one of these for a few minutes today, while helping folks with a couple knitting questions and yarn selection, and I think I may have scared one lady. Yes, the insane really do work at ThreadBear (or at least own the place).

Yarn---it's all about the yarn

We received a partial shipment from J Knits today--partial because it's only about 40% of our total order (which I must have misunderstood Julie, as she told me she shipped about 60% last week....darn).


That's her Superwash Me Light Sock, her sock-weight yarn that comes in 4-ounce, 55-yard hanks for a reasonable price of $23.90. What is currently in stock, you might ask? I'm glad you did


and even more!
Wow, that's some pretty stuff. If only the remaining 60% of the order would arrive soon, I'd be a happy man. I think I may nab a skein of New Mexico for a pair for myself, as it's GORGEOUS (and out of my traditional color palette, too!).

Other deliveries today included a trio of summer magazines for your inspiration and needles.


That's the latest Piecework, which is all about lace, including designs for a Russian Lace Scarf, Knitted Fans (yes, fans), and a really sharp pair of socks by Ann Budd.

Also in the stack, you'll see the BRAND-SPANKIN' NEW Interweave Knits, hot off the presses (and 45 copies in my shop). We have two models for the shop already on the needles (yes, they're that compelling). Just wait and see (or call us and get your own copy--866-939-BEAR, toll free).

Last on the stack would be Verena, a European knitting magazine that's now available in the US. This is the premiere issue for North American distribution and it's JAMMED with over 50 different projects. WOW--50 projects for $6.99, so even if you like just one, it's basically the cost of a sheet pattern (and you'll like more than one, between the fashionable garments, nautical-inspired knits, and kid's things). Want one? We've got'em!

With that, I'm out of here for now.....and yes, eventually I'll post some knitting (actual knitting) content, as I'm close to having something finished. Need anything you see above? E-mail us or be in touch at 866-939-BEAR and anyone here can help. BE WELL!

Who Wants Another Blog Post? I DO!

Coming shortly--I'm formatting pix and ideas....be back soon!

Who Wants Another Blog Post? I DO!

Coming shortly--I'm formatting pix and ideas....be back soon!

Quick, But Hopefully Meaty

Oh, the possibilities in that headline...but I digress

Well, I did promise a certain someone in Virginia I'd post pix of some new spinning fiber on Friday (of last week). So here goes, for Jody

These are three-ounce bundles of hand-dyed Blueface Leicester love, created by a local artist.


But wait, there's more


and still more


Carol and a partner market fiber and travel around doing shows/festivals as River's Edge Studios, but they're located in the next town to the west of Lansing. Their stuff is beautiful and priced fairly. The BFL is $15 a hank and is soft as you can imagine (no wait--it's even SOFTER!). But wait....there's even more to tempt you with


These are novelty batts, which are 4.5 ounces of 65% hand-dyed Blueface Leicester and 35% silk, angora, bamboo, Tencel, and "other fun fibers" (their words). That's "The Berries 1" on the left and "Calypso 1" on the right, and they're $30 each.

It's all lovingly blended into a ready-to-spin batt that's even layered with paper and rolled/trapped in cling wrap for protection. Matt spun up a little bit on Saturday, when Carol came by, and the result is rather cool


He's taken to spinning again, so watch out over at his blog for updates and the like. He also completed a total revamp of our shop website recently that has been getting big praise from folks. He has quite the talent for that sort of thing.

In a related note, there's also a new page for the TOFU Tee project. a short-sleeved top for warmer weather (it's here! it was 82F on Friday, but we might have flurries overnight tonight....go figure!) that is made by knitting with Southwest Trading Company's TOFUtsies, held doubled, and blending five shades across the project (much like a Charlotte's Web shawl). We have kits available (from the page) and since it's a featured item, it's 10% off right now, and the pattern is free with purchase of the TOFUtsies yarn to make it. How cool is that! Of course, I've got one on the needles that I'll share with you in the next post.

In the mean time, it's definitely Spring in these parts, so check out these great tulips


that were a gift from Matt's mother when she was here early this month (that's part of the reason for the lack of blogging--it was GREAT to have her here for a week at the start of the month, as a part of Matt's birthday celebration).

With that, I'm outta here...have a great start of the week and I'll be back shortly with more goodies, progress checks on projects (so much to share), and lots of other shenanigans. And if you need anything you see above, give us a call (toll free) at 866-939-BEAR or slip us an e-mail and we'll be sure to help you out!