I am working on the "Eliza" sweater featured on the cover of Ella Rae's Studio Collection, Book 13. I'm doing it in Malabrigo worsted, but it would also work really well in other yarns we carry such as Mission Falls 1824 merino, or Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL (a lovely wool/alpaca blend), Cascade Sierra (for those who prefer cotton) and of course Ella Rae yarns.

I chose the Malabrigo worsted (which we also stock) because it had been waiting patiently in my stash for just the right project, and this is the project!

Those of you who know me, know that I'm great at starting a project and then another great new yarn, or pattern comes in the shop and I've just got to try out that too. So I have my fair share of works in progress! But hey...I'm not the only person who does this, right?!??

I am proud to say that over the past few days I've finished the back and the left front and am surging forth with the front right. It's such a fun pattern (Ella Rae is a wonderful designer), and a great yarn that is buttery smooth to knit with, that I really can't put it down. And, pretty soon I'll be sporting a new sweater...yay!

We just got new shipments in of Malabrigo Silky Merino (left) and Manos Silk Blend (below).....yum on both accounts!

The Malabrigo is a new addition for us, but many of our knitters have been working with the Manos Silk Blend over the past year and loving it! So much so, that we keep brining in more...and this time we have lots of new colours in both solids and varigated.

Both of these yarns have an incredible handfeel, a nice sheen and beautiful stitch definition due to the silk component. Both also knit up at a DK gauge of roughly 22-24 stitches per 10 centimetres (4").

The main difference is in colourways .... beautiful but different, in that the Malabrigo has deep colour saturation with hits of contrasting colours, where the Manos is more subtle and earthy.

Either way, you can't lose with these fantastic yarns! Come in and check them out.

This is a hat pattern we put together to show Rozetti's "Always Surprise" self-patterning yarn can be used to great affect.

It is soooooooo easy and it looks like you've done all the fairaisle work, when in actuality, the yarn (like self-patterning sock yarns) does all the work for you. This pattern is available free with yarn purchase!

The Enrelac class is a definite go this weekend and there are still some available spots if you are interested in learning this intriguing technique. Call or drop by the shop to sign up.

There are lots of other knit and crochet classes running though to April...be sure to check out our Classes page.