Natalie's Vest

Natalie is making a wonderful vest out of Noro Kureyon. I had to take a picture of the vest because it is working up so pretty. The bottom of the vest is done in entrelac. I just love how Noro knits up in entrelac. The colors are just so yummy!!!

If you like the entrelac look and want to learn how to do it, Sandy is teaching the following Entrelac Hat class. The class is on Saturday, September 22nd (10:30am-12:30pm) and 29th (10am-11am) ($35). The hats make the perfect gift.

Please call the shop at 704.373.7442 to register.

New Books Are Here!

We received a shipment of new books yesterday. We all love the book, The Best of Interweave Knits. It is such a pretty book.

We were very lucky to get more of the new Cat Bordhi book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters. We sold out of the book 2 weeks ago and are very happy to get more in.

Below is a brief synopsis of each book.

THE BEST OF INTERWEAVE KNITS Our Favorite Designs From the First Ten Years by Ann Bud

Celebrating 10 years of innovative and appealing garment designs from Interweave Knits, this must-have pattern collection is comprised of 30 scarves, stoles, cardigans, pullovers, vests, jackets, tops, and totes that have stood the test of time. Representing the creative work of 26 notable designers, it includes gorgeous photography, a dozen favorite "Beyond the Basics" columns that provide in-depth information on essential techniques, and step-by-step instructions through every aspect of knitting and finishing. Even relatively inexperienced knitters will find this archive of classic design to be an indispensable reference tool for years to come.

WRAPPED IN COMFORT Knitted Lace Shawls by Alison Jeppson Hyde

Create these romantic shawls and scarves with luxury fibers, and then wrap yourself up in the inspiring stories behind each design. Gorgeous, lacy projects will provide the comfort, while real-life tales will heal the heart. Create 14 beautiful shawls in half-circle or full-circle shapes, plus four scarves. Break free from fitting hassles with simple instructions for Large and Small sizes, as well as one-size-fits-all projects. Choose from leaves, clovers, flowers, and other classic lace motifs.

KNITTING CIRCLES AROUND SOCKS Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles by Antje Gillingham

Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks at the same time on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.

ROMANTIC HANDKNITS 26 Flirtatious Designs that Flatter Your Figure by Annie Modesitt

Romance is alive and well in the sweet and sexy clothing and accessory designs you’ll find in Romantic Hand Knits. Exquisite drape married with figure-hugging silhouettes show off a woman’s curves in a most ladylike manner, creating flirtatious and flattering fits to please any knitter. Loosely based on ultra-feminine styles from fashion history, the designs in Romantic Hand Knits have an undeniably modern appeal. A lace camisole is lengthened and reinvented as a lovely summer slip dress A late-eighteenth-century corset cover inspires the design for a lacy fitted top with elbow-length sleeves. Silk stockings favored by Elizabethan ladies of the royal court return in a sexy and fresh incarnation with the new fibers available today.Knitting guru Annie Modesitt knits up fabrics that cling delicately to a woman’s body, creating an elegant hand-tailored look. Now every woman will be able to create fitted garments that make her look as pretty, desirable, and sexy as she feels. For knitters who want to heat things up in a whole new way, the alluring designs in Romantic Hand Knits will help them light the fires.

New Pathways for Sock Knitters Book One by Cat Bordhi

8 new kinds of sock architecture, 26 individual patterns and 8 master patterns (which can be made in any size, any gauge, with infinite variations)

Where Is All The New Stuff Going To Go?

Friday and today has been really busy at the shop. We received new shipments of Sublime, Malabrigo, Debbie Bliss, and Louet yarns. We had boxes upon boxes of yarn. It was like Christmas as we tore open the boxes, so excited to see the new yarns. We were really excited about the Sublime yarn. We have never carried it before and couldn't wait to see and feel it. It is so soft and yummy!!!! To get more information on Sublime, click here. We got in the following Sublime yarns:

• Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK
• Cashmere Merino Silk Aran
• Cashmere Merino Silk DK
• Sublime Kid Mohair

We were very happy to get in more Malabrigo in worsted weight. It is truly our favorite. The colors are so beautiful. We also got in some of the Malabrigo lace weight. For more information about Malabrigo, click here.

In addition, we received Louet mohair in lace and worsted weight.

FINALLY we found places for all the new yarns. It was tough, but we were happy to get it all out for you to see!!!

How Cute Is This Sophie Bag

A customer came in the other day and brought in the cute Sophie bag that she made. She also made the Noni Flower, "Spider Chrysanthemums". She also lined her bag with the perfect fabric.

The Sophie bag is a free pattern on Magknits.com. To get to the pattern, click here. It is perfect for the advanced beginner or for a fun felted project.

For more information on the Noni "Spider Chrysanthemums" or Noni patterns, click here.

Welcome Home Piper and Family!!!!

Piper is finally back!!!! We missed her so much and couldn't wait for her to get back. For those who don't know why we couldn't wait for her to get back, it is because we knew she was bringing back a beautiful daughter named Hazel. Piper and her husband Chris adopted Hazel a few weeks ago and we are so happy for the blessed family. I was very lucky to see Hazel yesterday and she is such a doll. Since many people have been asking about Hazel and can't wait to see her, we have posted a picture of the family.

Here are a few stats on Hazel. She was born on August 6, 2007 at 10:31am. She was 7lbs 9oz and 20 1/2.

We are very excited that Hazel is here and I know that she will be knitting before she can walk.

David Saves the Day!

David stopped by today to show us the Harry Potter scarf was making. It looked really good. David learned to knit about 4 weeks ago and is having a blast. It is amazing how quickly he has picked knitting up.

It was great seeing David today. While he was in the shop, he picked up some Cascade 220 to make another scarf for a friend. He also fixed our wireless Internet connection!!!!! I was so happy. Many of you know that we rely on the Internet at the shop to look up yarns and patterns. The wireless Internet connection has been not working for at least a week and no one could figure out why. The cable guy couldn't even fix it. Thank goodness David stopped by and was so nice to look at it. Many times our customers thank us for our help, but in this case, Charlotte Yarn owes a HUGE thanks to a wonderful customer.

Cabaret Bag Class a Big Hit

Jane Prater had another fun Cabaret Bag class. There were 5 people in the class. So what is a Cabaret Bag you ask? A Cabaret Bag is a very cute drawstring bag. Most of the bag can be knit on a 16" circular if you wish for speed. It makes a wonderful gift or a quick knit. It is also a great project to use up your scrap yarns and learn about mixing yarns. Jane has taught this class four times. So don't worry if you have missed a past class. We will have many more to come.

If you are a beginner knitter, this class would be perfect for you to learn some new things. It teaches the following:

• Cast on and join yarn on a circular needle
• Create eyelets for a drawstring strap
• Attach new yarns, carry unused yarns, and weave in ends
• Use double pointed needles
• Close the bottom of any tube to create a bag or hat
• Create a twisted cord purse strap

(Please Note: The Cabaret Bag is a Merely a Suggestion pattern and is included with the class. It is not available for sale.)

What Kind of Yarn Are You?

I usually do not take online quizzes. However, I thought this one was very cute. It tells you what kind of yarn you are. It told me I was a Shetland Wool. The Shetland Wool description was, "You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered. " I am not sure I agree with the quiz. I was hoping to be a warm fuzzy mohair or luxurious cashmere. Oh well. To see what yarn you are, click here.

Tuesday Night Sit and Knit/Crochet Help Sessions

This past Tuesday, Sandy had her Tuesday Night Sit and Knit/Crochet session. There was three participants. Sandy helped Heather get started on a hat. Heather never worked on double pointed needles before, but was knitting on them like a pro before she left. Katie was getting help on finishing her first vest. Shelia made the cutiest baby socks, but needed help with the kirchner stitch to finish the toes.

For more information on Sandy Tuesday Night Sit and Knit/Crochet sessions, below read below.

Sit and Knit/Crochet Sessions
Need extra help on a project? This is the time for you! Every Tuesday from 6pm-7:30pm, Sandy is offering "Sit and Knit/Crochet" sessions . If you need extra help on a project, these sessions are perfect. Sandy will help you with your problem and answer any questions that you have. Each session is $15 per 1 1/2 hours. To attend a session, you must register by 3pm the day of. To register for a session, please give us a call at 704.373.7742 or come by. Payment is due at the time of registration. (Please note: All sessions need a minimum of 2 participates to run).

$10 GRAB BAGS ARE BACK!

Many customers have asked when would our $10 Grab Bags be available again. Natalie was able to make a lot of grab bags yesterday. For those who do not know about our grab bags, they are 3 to 4 yarns put together in a bag. The bags are a GREAT deal. The yarns in the bag are always enough to make a scarf. Many customers get the bags because they are such a good deal and can always find a use for the yarn. Come by and get a grab bag today before they are all gone!

Beginner Knitter Takes Off

Annie took Jane's beginner knitting class last month. WOW, does she learn fast!!!! Annie showed us a beautiful cabled scarf that she making. She went from learning to knit and purl, to doing cables. She is going to be such a GREAT knitter. She is making the scarf out of Cascade 220.

New Socks Books Have Arrived!!!

In honor of sock month, we received the following sock books.

New Pathways for Sock Knitters Book One by Cat Bordhi

8 new kinds of sock architecture, 26 individual patterns and 8 master patterns (which can be made in any size, any gauge, with infinite variations).

Jane stopped by and got the first copy!

GETTING STARTED KNITTING SOCKS by Ann Budd

From cast-on stitches to binding off, this handbook details the simple steps needed to turn seemingly complicated sock knitting projects into easy and enjoyable activities. Helpful photographs and instructional drawings ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks and handle more complicated techniques, such as the Kitchener stitch at the toe. Using instructions for five different sizes—from child through adult large—at five different gauges, knitters can produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. More adventurous knitters can add variety and flair by following one of 16 unique designs or trying one of the dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided. With plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary, this guide unleashes the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

FAVORITE SOCKS 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave by Ann Budd & Anne

Portable, quick to knit, and universally wearable, new knitters have recently been discovering socks in droves, while Interweave Knits magazine has been providing original, beautiful patterns for a decade. Featuring 25 beautiful and timeless sock patterns for every occasion in a range of techniques, traditions, and designs, many of these patterns have become unavailable as original issues of Interweave Knits went out of print, but are available once again in this inspired collection. Highlights include a tutorial for knitting socks on two circular needles, instructions for making resoleable socks, and six completely new designs for those avid knitters who may have every issue of Interweave Knits magazine.

MORE SENSATIONAL KNITTED SOCKS by Charlene Schurch

Discover more patterns, more stitches, and more styles-this follow-up to the award-winning bestseller Sensational Knitted Socks presents new possibilities for knitting great socks! Combine the yarn, gauge, stitch pattern, and size of your choice to knit more than 1,000 variations of adult- and kid-sized socks Start with 11 basic designs; then try loads of different looks with an all-new stitch-pattern library. Choose your favorite technique-use four or five double-pointed needles or two circular needles.

Sock Month Has Begun with a Bang

August is sock month at Charlotte Yarn. Today we had our beginners sock class. We had 5 lovely ladies in the class. They all did wonderful!!!! Class was taught by our sock queen, Natalie.

Donna stopped by to ask when the beginners sock class was. When I told her it was taking place now, she was disappointed that she missed it. However, Donna did not stay disappointed for long. She said that she wanted to learn, so I got her started. She never knitted on double pointed needles before, but you would have never known it. She did so good. By the time she left, she turned the heel and did the gusset on a miniature sock.

To help celebrate sock month, we just got in new colors of the Austermann Step sock yarn. Each ball has Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil making this a fabulously soft sock yarn. This yarn is 75% Virgin Wool and 25% Nylon for both durability and softness. It is a fingering weight yarn with a gauge of 30 stitches per inch when knit on 2.5 to 3mm (U.S. size 1 or 2) needles. It is a Superwash Wool yarn so yarn care is simply machine wash, cool and dry flat.