2012 The Year in Stitches, and new thread too.

Dionne    What's New     2012 The Year in Stitches, Danish Design 2012 calendar, Haandarbejdets Fremme, Marianne Thornberg

Haandarbejdets Fremme, the Danish Handcrafts Guild, 2012 calendar is now available, with lovely designs by Marianne Thornberg.  For a William Morris fiend like myself, this calendar is heavenly with so many of the designs reminiscent of his crisp wallpapers.  There are also an additional 28 colours to the range of Flower Threads for those who love the smooth fibres but lamented the limited palatte of the range.  Both the Calendar and new threads are available online and in store now.

ooo new thread!

Dionne    What's New    

“May you live in interesting times”, Mark Twain.

I could do with things being a little less interesting and being far more predictable at the moment.  It is a tough time in retail and hobbies and crafts have been especially hard hit as people appear to have less disposable income with rising costs of fuel, energy and food.   As a consequence of this, many small craft manufacturers have stopped producing and are shutting their doors.

As an Australian business we are looking at what we can do to help ensure there is a healthy industry for our customers to enjoy, now and when things improve.  Part of that plan is a conscious choice to stock more Australian products amongst our ranges.  Regulars in store visitors would be aware of the increase in Fiona Jude’s Country Threads, Stewart Merrett, Danico and our range of Australian themed canvases.

We are now looking at Australian thread ranges.  First to be added to our stock thread range is Mogear Embroidery Yarn in the Gossamer 100% mohair and Silky 70% mohair and 30% wool.  The Gossamer is a 2 ply yarn, hand-dyed in solid and varigated colours.  Gossamer solid colors are available in 10 metre skeins.  Gossamer varigated and all Silky threads are available in 8 metre skeins.  Silky is a 3-4ply thread.  Both Gossamer and Silky thread weights are also available in fun multipacks of related colours in half lengths.  The full palatte of 90 colours is available now online and in store.

Lilac: Elaine’s Botanicals

Dionne    Embroidery and Crewel, What's New     double running stitch, Elaine's botanicals, embroidery, french knots, stem stitch

These heady scented flowers are almost past their best at this time of year.  Their rich aroma fills the night air and the colours are those of romance and passion with soft pinks through to purples with a few lovely blues thrown in.  Stitching this little design means you can enjoy it all year round instead of just in early spring, or mid spring in the highlands.

With mostly stem stitch, double running stitch and a few french knots, Lilac is one of the easier embroidery designs amongst the range from Elaine’s Botanicals.

The 8th Little Sublime book is here

Dionne    Knitting and Crochet, What's New     649, 8th little sublime book, baby cashmere merino silk dk, hand knit, sublime

Bright, cheery and irresistible!

649 The 8th Little Sublime Hand Knit Book has arrived in store, along with Sublime’s usual accompanying new palatte.  This bright cheery little book features pretty purples and trendy retro blues and browns for boys.  There are textures, cables and fair isle patterns for your precious little bundles.  If book 7 is anything to go by this will be incredibly popular.

Cheery new colours, Little Miss Plum, Ragdoll, Caterpillar and Puffin are mixed into the existing Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk dk palatte with these patterns to create lovely fair isle designs.

Calling all knitters, Viva La Gong would love your help

Dionne    What's New    

Viva La Gong has created a project to bring knitters together, recognising artisans, to create a sense of community and the biggest blanket knitted in one day.  All you need to do is show up at McCabe Park, Wollongong, with 5mm and or 6mm and knit a 20cm square, … maybe 2 for you quickies.

Want to get involved in Viva La Gong and have a fun day out with other knitters, here is your chance on November 12th, 2011

Click here for more information.