After stuffing the turkey, popping it in the oven and waiting for the wonderful aroma to permeate the air, you might enjoy a bit of holiday inspired knitting – also appropriate for Halloween!  I found a few adorable free patterns that you might want to check out: Pumpkin Spice Hat by Alyssa McCain (see photo), Pumpkin Spice Cup Cozy by Evan Middleton,  Autumn Pumpkins by Jan Lewis & Luscious Little Pumpkin by Marie Greene.  As usual, there is no Knit Night on this holiday Monday.

Rowan Fine Tweed is a lovely Yorkshire 100% 4 ply wool which comes in cute 25g (90m) balls which are perfect for fairisle & colour work projects, such as Kate Davies new pattern “Peerie Flooers“.  This hat has a cheerful collection of flower sprigs which are a delight to knit in the 7 shades of Rowan Fine Tweed called for in the pattern. Then try the matching “Peerie Flooer Mittens” with or wothout their angora lining.

New stock of Pashmina, Merino Light, Sock, Silk Lace and Sport are available. Soon to arrive is Vintage and Merino Lace. We have also started to carry Classic Elite yarns and our first shipment of Fresco is on the shelves. There are also some scrumptious new Aslan Trends yarns such as Royal Alpaca which are perfect for luxurious cowls.

Many thanks to the organizers of Yarn Harvest and all the “Harvesters” who participated. There was a great turnout and it couldn’t have been a nicer day to drive around the Fraser Valley and Vancouver.  I had a lot of help getting ready for the event. Of course Judy, Lynn & Dotty worked hard, as usual, to tidy, keep the shelves stocked with yarn and contribute to the new samples on display. I also had some other special assistants. Cat was kind enough to let me use her pattern for “Framed” for our gift bags. Kiana & I had an awesome time preparing the kits together. Then they both pitched in to get the Madelinetosh shipment out when it arrived at the last minute. By that time I was recruiting anyone who walked through the door and looked remotely willing – thus Angela was put to work! We hope everyone enjoyed the day and particularly their visit to Black Sheep Yarns. Lastly, we are happy to announce that one of our regular customers was the winner of the raffle for the Off Hand Designs Zhivago bag. Congratulations Kathy Burnie!

The Fall/Winter 2011 Debbie Bliss Magazine includes patterns for sumptious wraps & scarves, black & white colouurwork and pretty party pieces.

This event, taking place next Sat. Sept 24th, promises to be even more fun than last year, with more participants, discounts and in store promotions. $5 pins are still available at Black Sheep Yarns.  As well as a 15% discount on selected yarn, customers may chose a kit for Cat Wong’s “Framed” – this cute bracelet is worked in linen stitch and decorated with a  button.  Also, every $50 spent entitles you to an entry into a draw for a beautiful Off Hand Designs Zhivago bag, which retails for $250!

Time to gear up for fall knitting, so we are back to our regular store hours (Tues thru Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4, Closed Mon). Also Knit Night starts tomorrow and will be held every Monday from 7-9 pm, except on holiday Mondays. For those of you who have not attended in the past, this is a free drop-in social evening – just bring along a project.  Don’t forget to check out our fall classes – a great way to learn new skills and have fun.

With this beautiful warm weather, the last thing on my mind was Christmas. Then the Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2011 Special Edition magazine arrived and I found inspiration for fall projects & Christmas gifts. This issue has a huge number of projects for all your family, friends and some whimsical  home decorating ideas.

As many of you may have noticed, the website has been down for the past week. Unfortunately, current information such as classes and news posts were lost. Thank you for your patience while I endeavour to get the site up to date.

Have you admired our store samples but just haven’t found the time to knit them yourself? Here is the chance to purchase some of our beautifully knitted items. Starting Sat Dec 11th (& just in time for Christmas!) we will be offering a selection of samples for sale.