Perl Grey is a design branch of the Fleece Artist/Handmaiden family and we love their designs. They're sold as kits that include the pattern and the Fleece Artist or Handmaiden yarn required for the project. Pictured above is Sabine, a cute little shrug that's knit sideways in one piece. It's knit with Fleece Artist Kid Silk, 50% silk, 50% wool on 5mm needles. Check out some of the other Perl Grey and Fleece Artist kits we've recently received right here. We've also added some sumptious new yarns from Handmaiden, the luxurious Swiss Mountain Cashmere & Silk and the coveted Mini Maiden. And from Fleece Artist, the Merino 2/6 and the super soft Peter Rabbit, that's 70% angora. Use the Swiss Mountain, Mini Maiden or Merino 2/6 to knit a beautiful scarf or shawl designed by one of our talented Canadian designers, Sivia Harding or Ilga Leja. We have lots of their patterns.
If you've always wanted to learn to knit a pair of socks, we have one last Sock Boot Camp scheduled for 2007, in Edgemont Village on Tuesday, December 10, from 6-9 p.m.
If you need help with pattern reading, complicated stitches or finishing, sign up for Astor Tsang's Q & A sessions on Sundays from 11:00 - 12:00 noon. It's a semi-private class with a minimum of 2, maximum 3 students and registration is required by the preceding Thursday.
Go to our class schedule for more information about our upcoming classes. We'll soon have lots of classes scheduled for the New Year.
Be sure to have a look at our blog for regular updates about our new products and specials. Our stores are bursting at the seams with gorgeous yarns that need a new home! We've unpacked tons of boxes over the last few weeks, with loads of beautiful yarn, books, bags and needles from many different lines including Addis, Blue Sky Alpacas, Colinette, Crystal Palace, Debbie Bliss, Filatura, Interweave, Lantern Moon, Lorna's Laces, Louisa Harding, Namaste, Online, Pick Up Sticks and Rowan.
Some new Be Sweet Magic Balls will arrive any day, they're great for a quick-knit holiday scarf or shawl project. We'll also have some of the cool Needle Dude t-shirts, as well as some of their great patterns, including the popular Boucle Hat.
We have a Christmas Gift registry. Tell us what you'd like to see under the tree, then send your family and friends our way. Here are a few ideas:
Bags We have many options. I can't tell you how many men wander into our stores a few days before Christmas, looking very confused and vaguely try to describe a particular knitting bag that's been asked for. Be sure to get what you want by using our gift registry.
Ball Winder With your own ball winder you can transform your skeins into neat little balls in no time.
Books We have many, many great books to choose from and we'd be happy to make a recommendation. Look here and here for some of our new titles.
Calendar The 2008 Knitting Calendar has 365 patterns, one for each day of the year. And it's only $18.95.
Gift Certificates These are always a popular choice for those who'd like to keep their options open.
Kids It's fun to teach a child to knit or crochet. We have the wonderful Klutz Knitting and Crochet kits which include an instruction book, hooks or needles and yarn. They're great all-inclusive gifts that come in an easy-to-wrap box. We also have a good selection of kids' knitting and crochet books with excellent instructions and lots of fun, easy patterns that are perfect for beginners.
Kits Grab a kit and go - it's a super easy choice. The Perl Grey Hans fingerless glove kit is brand new and only $18.95. Or check out the Fleece Artist Soft Mitts kit or the Handmaiden Devin's Toque and Cashmere Cloche kits. We also have many gorgeous kits for scarves, socks, sweaters, vests, shawls and blankets. Or try the Pick Up Sticks Coin Purse or Sushi felting kits. Take your pick.
Needles The Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set has an assortment of needle sizes, all contained in a compact 7" x 8.5" case. Or try the luxurious Lantern Moon rosewood and ebony needles. Once you try these you'll want a complete set!
Shawl Pins We have some beautiful shawl pins that are handcrafted by local artists. Kathleen lovingly picked out a wonderful assortment of shapes and colours. We also have the Perl Grey pewter ring and stick pins. And for something completely different, check out the popular handcrafted stitch marker necklaces.
Sock Knitters We have loads of great sock books and sock kits. Check out the Lorna's Laces "Little Can of Paint", with 2 skeins of handpainted Shepherd Sock yarn and a Basic Sock pattern inside a clear plastic paint can. Very cute.
Stocking Stuffers We have lots of great little things to stuff into stockings including animal tape measures, beaded stitch markers, button cards, darning needle sets, knitters hand cream, needle gauges, Soak cleanser, thread cutter pendants and yarn requirement guides, all for under $10.
T-Shirts Our signature t-shirt, "She Was Quite a Nice Girl..." is a popular gift. Or check out the new Be Sweet Needle Dude shirts that will arrive any day.
Yarn This is the time of year to splurge on some luxurious yarn. Try knitting with some luscious angora, alpaca, cashmere or silk. We'll happily make some recommendations.
Hopefully one or more of these suggestions will help with your gift list this season. If not, there's always chocolate...
Our holiday gift to you - our popular double weekly specials will continue until Christmas! Our recent and upcoming specials are listed below. Order the specials in person, by email or by phone. The sale price applies until we're sold out - quantities are usually limited:
Tuesday, November 27
Estelle Dazzle and Malizia at 50% off
Dazzle - standard price: $10.95; sale price: $5.48
Malizia - standard price: $14.95; sale price: $7.48
Tuesday, December 4
A couple of bobbly yarns at 30% off
Grignasco Karma - standard price: $7.95; sale price: $5.57
Plassard Bibop - standard price: $9.95; sale price: $6.97
Tuesday, December 11
Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere and Cashmerino Superchunky at 30% off
Cotton Cashmere - standard price: $9.95; sale price: $6.97
Cashmerino Superchunky - standard price: $19.95; sale price: $13.97
Be sure to check out the complete list of our current and upcoming specials. We've recently reduced the prices of some of our specials including Berroco Candy FX and Jewel FX, Gedifra Big Point and Rowan Linen Drape.
Advent Calendar Garnstudios has created a clever advent calendar with a featured pattern for each day from December 1 - 25. You can't see the upcoming patterns until the day arrives. It's got us hooked. You should also check out the Drops new designs for Fall/Winter 2007/2008.
Yarn Harlot Read the Harlot's hilarious reports on her busy Christmas knitting schedule. This is a woman with tremendous fortitude!
