Debbie has created a book that boasts one knitting pattern a week for 52 weeks- truly a Knitter’s Year.  Who wouldn’t love a small project to finish every week? I have so many unfinished objects sitting around that the idea of  only one week for a project seems miraculous.

The book is divided into four sections – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, with appropriate projects for each.  Some projects use more yarn, while others use only remnants.  I tried to pick one favorite project from each season.

Spring. Bunnies. Egg Cozies.  Need I say more?

A new chair cushion in a week, complete with gingham colorwork?  Yes, please! Debbie suggests knitting the cushion in hot pink for a bolder statement, but I’m pretty fond of blue decor.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins – if you didn’t stick pins in it, no one would know it was supposed to be a pincushion. I’m picturing a small Longaberger basket overflowing with pumpkins in different “heirloom pumpkin” shades (I’m from the Midwest – Longaberger baskets are ubiquitous, as are pumpkin displays in the autumn).

This cabled scarf looks impressive, especially with the bobbles, but using chunky Como yarn makes it a fast knit.  Since Autumn is on my mind, I think I’d make this in a burnt orange to pop against a navy peacoat…and then I ‘d make one in camel for my mom to wear with her black peacoat.  Every single one of these projects would make a great gift for a friend – tea cozies,  draft stoppers, lavender sachets, garden gloves, cabled beret … The list goes on – with 52 projects there is sure to be something for everyone on your knitting list in this book.

Look at the sheen on this skein! Schaefer Yarn’s Audrey just popped into the shop this week – and we’re having a special on it! We’re making it available to you, our dear readers and on-line public, at 15% off before we put it up on our store shelves.  At 700 yards per skein, one is enough for a lace shawl or scarf  in fingering weight.  Hand-painted in luxurious colors, Audrey has a gauge of 8 stitches/inch on US 1 needles. Coming in with 50% Merino wool and 50% cultivated silk, the feel of this yarn is soft enough for the most discerning texture connoisseur.

Created by an up-and-coming designer, Anna Wilkinson, these mittens are featured in the latest fall issue of the Debbie Bliss Knitting magazine (Issue #5).  The mittens are knit flat, then seamed up.  We immediately begged Debbie for a preview of the pattern and off we went to get the yarn – Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino and Rialto 4-ply.

Once we pulled the colors called for, Pam and I looked at each other and wondered the same thing, “What would these look like in different colors?” So we each compiled a set of colors that is more in line with our personal color preferences. Both of us happened to find all of the colors we wanted in the Baby Cashmerino line. When Jill and Clare saw what we were doing, they wanted in on the fun too.

One thing you may notice is that regardless of the color families, we each made sure to include both light and dark colors – the contrast provides bits of  “pop” which is essential in being able to see the colorwork pattern.

I’m very excited to see how our different choices turn out – we’ll be returning to these mittens in a few upcoming posts, so you’ll be able to follow along with our progress and see how the colors work up.

Don’t forget about our “All Things Debbie Bliss” group that will be meeting on Thursdays, beginning September 30th, from 10 AM until 12 PM (call to reserve a seat).  We’d love to see what you choose to knit from the fall collection!

Today, my friends, it is wonderful outside. It is a cool morning with a warm day ahead. Alas, there is a change in the weather. I awoke with a smile and thoughts of pumpkin butter, open windows with fresh air streaming through and my favorite holiday, Halloween. Oh, and I thought of one other thing: the Fall 2010 issue of Debbie Bliss’ magazine.

I have wanted to write about Debbie’s fall issue since Jenn and I saw the cover at the TNNA trade show in June. Oh, my gosh, this issue is scrumptiously delicious. From the cover to the very end I just can’t say enough good things. May I take you on a spin?

I always read magazines from the front to the back. I love the section called “Blissful Life” where Debbie shares the nooks and crannies of her home and her inspiration. After perusing some ads, the article, “Wilkinson’s Edge,” is a great interview with Anne Wilkinson, one of the new designers Debbie introduces in this issue. We fell in love with her colorwork mittens. You will too.

Then come the patterns, which led me right to my needles and stash.. “Scottish Eccentrics” is chock full of colorwork, and such beautiful colorwork there is. The time to take the plunge into a new technique is this season. There is no waiting. I’ve chosen my colors, aligned my needles; now is the time to dive in head first. Look for a posting on this later.

There are other sweater patterns – all equally fabulous – capelets, boyfriend sweaters, baby blanket and robe, and how-to articles. Debbie’s photography is fabulous.

A new introduction of a fall yarn has me mesmerized. In the article “Earthy Delights,” Debbie introduces us to her new yarn called “Glen.” This yarn is designed with multitonal shades in an alpaca blend. Debbie included a cowl pattern and a scarf pattern to jump start the introduction of this new yarn.

Included in this issue is an article on Nordic knitting for the holidays. Pillows, a duffel bag, baby bootees, a notebook cover – gifts for those you love to spoil.

This magazine was so well received at TNNA that Jenn and I couldn’t stop talking about it. We even emailed Debbie to see if we could receive a pattern or two right away. The awesome Debbie treated us to our two favorite projects, which we will be writing about next week. While planning our fall schedule, we decided it would be fun to begin a group called “All Things Debbie Bliss” – a themed knit-a-long where folks who would like to knit something from this fall issue meet and knit together. Thursdays, beginning September 30^th, from 10 AM until 12 PM, we will meet in the store. Please call us to reserve a seat for this FREE event so we will know how many are coming. Bring your needles and project and we’ll provide the space and refreshments. It is not a requirement that you attend every class, but we do need to be able to provide enough seating.

We look forward to celebrating All Things Debbie Bliss. See you soon.

It is 100% Cashmere and feels absolutely divine.  The colorways are quite intriguing too; the colors you see on the outside of the hank may not be the same colors on the inside. My favorite is the middle left – reds, greens and some navy (98773 – Gypsy).  The outside colors are muted versions of the  brighter colors on the inside.

I haven’t seen these hanks wound up yet, but I’ve been told that they have very long color repeats that will stripe.  At 625 yards, one hank would be just about the right yardage for a cropped short sleeve cardi or a dramatic wrap showcasing a gorgeous shawl pin.  Classic Elite’s website says one hank will make a 12″ x 55″ shawl at 19 sts/ 4 in on US7 needles.

Click here to find it on our website!

Fall is an excellent time for new beginnings: school years start, schedules change and best of all, fall yarns begin to arrive.  Yarn companies seem to be at their best with new colors and new yarns in the fall.  Pattern designs peak at this time of year and everyone becomes even more excited about fiber and working with it, be it crocheting, knitting or any other type of fiber-y craft. As we sell primarily yarn, our focus here will be on knitting and crocheting, but we don’t begrudge love for the other fiber arenas! Keep your eyes on this spot for reviews of new yarns, new books, project ideas and tips and tricks, among other things.

~The Woolie Ewe Crew