ANNE'S BUTTERFLY COWL

Our own talented Miss Anne has inspired us once again with her original design, the Butterfly Cowl, made up in Malabrigo's new fingering weight, hand-dyed merino called Finito. We love the feminine delicacy of this timeless design--Vintage Anne! This design is one of our new project-based classes for spring, along with entrelac, the Baby Surprise Jacket and more. Just a quick word about Finito...this amazingly soft yarn comes to us from Uruguay only once a year. We have it in all color ranges so if you're interested in it, snap some up today before it's all gone!

NEW CLASSES FOR WINTER!

Now that the holidays are behind us and the Giants claimed the Super Bowl trophy, we can finally concentrate on creating a fun new lineup of knitting and crochet classes for winter/spring. If you get a chance, print out a pdf of our class calendars from the store of your choice on our Classes Page. Our fantastic staff down in Aventura always offers cool, innovative classes. Led by our number one educator Lena, you will find many intricate designs that may be intimidating, but trust me, she de-mystifies if for you and you'll be amazed at what you can create! All our stores offer many beginning classes in both knitting and crochet. So, if you've ever dreamed of becoming a knitter or crochet artist, now's your chance! Choose from a plethora of new project-based classes like the Baby Surprise Jacket pictured here in pink, or try intro to entrelac which yields this interesting woven fabric above. We've added Japanese crocheted flowers and baby booties to our roster this season...among other new classes. Just a note that we also have private classes which are a great alternative if you have a tight schedule, because we plan them around you!! Learn something new and expand your knowledge!

JOIN US FOR A BOOK SIGNING NEXT SATURDAY IN OUR STUART STORE!

We're bathing in luxury this weekend up in our Stuart store on Florida's Treasure Coast! Join us for a book signing with Robin Turner, owner of Great Balls of Yarn and author of the beautiful brand new book, Recipes from the Gourmet Knitter. We'll showcase all the desgins from the book at the store this week so you can see first hand their construction and design. With over 27 proven and popular knitting patterns as well as 18 culinary recipes, there's something inside that will tempt most everyone's tastebuds. Robin will be up in Stuart from noon to 2 and better yet, all the yarns in the Robin Turner Gourmet Fibers collection will be on sale in the Stuart store through January 28th to celebrate our book!!

NEW COLOR-DRENCHED PRISM KITS!

This could very well be the funnest knit I've ever made! Modeled by our beautiful NYC based babe, the lovely Miss Barbara, this colorful little number looks very complicated but I'm here to say it was a snap! I couldn't put down the needles once I started it. Called Silver Plumes and designed by Rick Mondragon from XRX, the shrug fits every body size. Really! You begin the base with five mitered squares, then the rest of the shrug is a simple 2 row repeat. We will be holding workshops in our stores to get you started and get you through, but I think you'll find the project just as easy as I did. The ever-changing colors and textures of the Prism Wild Stuff keeps the shrug interesting and imaginative. Pair it with dressy slacks or casual jeans and it will guarantee to turn heads. You'll love wearing it as much as you did knitting it!

MISSONI MANIA! FREE PATTERN!

Looking for a pattern that looks fabulous, blasts your stash and can be adaptable for other creative uses? Then today's your lucky day! This Missoni-esque pattern lends itself to many uses. The key to a successful outcome is to make sure you use yarns that are all the same weight and a needle that corresponds with it. Hand-dyes and multis give the pattern even more interest! Cast on with an even number of stitches and change the yarn color every row. My next application for this easy and wonderful pattern is a blanket. While in Lake Como this summer I visited a Missoni boutique in Bellagio and found a lovely throw using this type of woven stitch. Missoni priced theirs upwards of $900 Euros. Mine will be made from a closet full of stash. Love it!
SCARF PATTERN
Sock Weight 1800 yards-Size 5 circular-CO 450 sts
Worsted Weight 1600 yards-Size 8 circular-CO 294 sts
Heavy Worsted/Chunky Weight 1200 yards-Size 11 circular-CO 196 sts
Abbreviations:
YFWD= Bring Yarn Forward to Front of Work
YB= Bring Yarn to Back of Work

Row 1 (RS): *K1, YFWD, Sl1, YB; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, YB, Sl1, YFWD; rep from * to end.
Continue in pattern, whilst changing yarns every row. When scarf is desired width, BO with WS facing then weave in ends.
Choose to self fringe or pick up sts on each end with solid color and work a fold over hem in stockinette. Looks great on both sides. Bella!!

ALASKA KNITTING CRUISE WITH BARRY KLEIN and GREAT BALLS OF YARN THIS SUMMER!

Great Balls of Yarn presents our 9th cruise...and this one will be like no other! If you've ever dreamed of visiting one of nature's most spectacular playgrounds, you will find it on our knitting cruise to Alaska. Fabulous fjords, glorious glaciers and picturesque ports await as you beat the heat of summer. Joining us is our very favorite host, the innovative Barry Klein from Trendsetter Yarns. We will depart Seattle on August 24th and begin our journey up to Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway all whilst passing through the Tracy Arm Fjord and Alaska Inside Passage. If you've never seen this part of America, you're in for a thrill! We'll also make an evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia, another amazing destination on the left coast. Barry will teach for two full days and as always will tempt you with the latest in his fall/winter line. A prolific author and designer, Barry is a patient, fun-spirited and super cool instructor. Non knitters, spouses, and significant others are always welcome! For deets, call our fantastic cruise agent Mara Hargarther at CruiseOne--1-800-2-LUV-SEA. PS We will be on the Celebrity Infinity, which right now is in dry-dock getting a complete overhaul. They call is a Solstice-izing, which means they are re-doing everything aboard the ship, including expanding the spa, adding more specialty restaurants, and renovating all the staterooms and amenities. We will be some of the first to see this ship as she debuts this summer! Dates, rates and the reservation form are downloadable on our cruise page.Rates are based on double occupancy and include all taxes and port charges for knitters. Non-knitters who join us pay a lesser rate and Mara can give you that info if you call her :)

SPARKLES, SEQUINS, AND GLITZ!

Check out Miss Francesca in our new LucaTape Chanel jacket with corresponding accent purse. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties! LucaTape is a multi stranded, sequined yarn from Lucci NYC. LucaTape works up quickly on a size 8 or 9 needle and comes in a glittering array of colors. We have it in stores now with many other outstanding pattern ideas.

Also new from Lucci NYC is a bulky weight, multi-stranded mixture of glitz called Melange. One skein makes a fabulous ribbed caplet which was a popular pattern in out Stitches East booth. If you like to sparkle and shine, then stop in and see these gorgeous new yarns--they will dazzle you!