Special Collector's Issue: Vogue Knitting Crochet 2012!

Today started off like any normal Wednesday: a.m. knitting group (I started my Rocky Coast Cardi by the way, more on that later), helping customers, and doing BTS (behind the scenes) work in between time.  Not that this isn’t fun, OF COURSE it is!  Love knitting, love customers, love working; but, in all that routine, where’s the fire?!  Then Mr. FedEx arrived and completely made my day when he dropped off that little rectangular box.  That unmistakable size and shape that can only mean one thing…new magazines!  I was totally expecting Interweave Summer, but to my delight, I found a special edition Vogue Knitting Crochet instead!

As you all know, and for those who don’t, I’m nuts for knit/crochet books and periodicals.  I have enough of them to fuel a small developing country.  There’s no way a person can actually knit even a fraction of the patterns in all of these publications.  But, it doesn’t matter.  They’re beautiful to look at and dream of making.  Though I haven’t knit all of the projects in them, I’ve looked at most of them over and over again, loving them.

To be totally honest with you though, Vogue Knitting is one that, as of late, I haven’t loved so much.  It seems that of all of the patterns VK features each issue, I may like one or two.  From the sounds of it, I’m not alone in this.  I will say one thing, VK’s lack of appealing pattern has helped me feel better about my addiction.  That is of course, until this issue.  I AM IN LOVE!!!!

The patterns featured in this issue of VK are FABULOUS!  I love nearly all of them.  I’m not a super crocheter, as I’m still learning; but I think I’m going to have to dig into some of these, they are so wonderful.  My faith in VK has officially been restored!  Here’s a sneak peak at some of my faves:

Adorable Bobble Clutch-Love the purse frame...I WILL find these!

Lace Stockings, so pretty!

This Lace Tank is perfect for summer. I need it!

Shop hop brochure! Come into Purl for your punch card & yarn shop details

This is going to be a super fun event!  The Montana shop hop will take place May 1-31 at eight different MT yarn shops including: Back Porch Quilts, Pam’s Knit ‘n’ Stitch, Camas Creek Yarn, Creations Yarn & Fiber Station, Send it Home, Stix, Joseph’s Coat, Knit ‘n Needle, Wild Purls, Witty knitters, Loopy, Y’arnings, Mountain Spun, the Yarn Shop, and of course us, Purl Yarn Boutique!

So, How does the shop hop work?

1.  Stop into your local shop and pick up your shop hop brochure with punch card.

2. Thru the dates of May 1-31, travel to at least 6 of the 8 shops listed and have your card punched.

3.  Have your card complete by May 31 and hand it in at your LYS to be entered in a drawing which will take place Saturday June 16.

That’s it!  Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to explore the wonderful yarn shops we have right here in our beautiful Montana! We’ll be seeing you in to pick up your brochure!

Knitbot Essentials, gorgeous!

Along with most of you, I LOVE Hannah Fettig.  She is an inspirational designer-her ideas are so classy and timeless.  Not only are her deisgns fabulous, she is totally on fire.  Last fall Hannah came out with a new book, Coastal Knits, which is brilliant and features her ever popular Rocky Coast Cardi (our KAL starting May 2).  And now, the arrival of yet another new book, Knitbot Essentials, has me violently itchy to start one of her breezy and easy cardigans (my favorite things ever to knit).  I love Miss Fettig, I love her designs.  I cannot wait to get started!

Love these knits (from top left): Lightweight, Breezy, Trail Jacket, Wispy (can't wait to do this one!)

Knitscene Summer Cover...Ca-ute!

Knitscene is one of my very favorite magazines that I look forward to every season.  I just love the fresh designs, yarns and colors.  The only problem is that I don’t have time to knit them all!  The summer 2012 issue is no different. The shawls, tops, cardigans and skirts are so unique and just call for me to pick up my needles and start a new project.  I’ve got my eye on a few of the designs in this issue, particularly  the Ginkgo Camisole by Andrea Babb.  It’s just so carefree and airy.  I love it!  Plus, I’m a sucker for small gauge knits.  What’s a girl to do when faced with so many intriguing designs?!  I guess our only option is to get my knit on!

just some of the wonderful patterns featured in Knitscene Summer 2012

Beartooth Cowl

If you haven’t met Kim Haesemeyer, you are totally missing out!  Kim is an amazing designer and creator of Big Sky Yarn & Crafts.  We carry many of her fabulous pattern and just love them all.  As the one year anniversary (which was a big success by the way) of Purl approached, I started picking Kim’s brain as to wether or not she’d be willing to design a pattern for our anniversary celebration.  She was eager to do it, and the result is her Beartooth Cowl/Scarf pattern.  I just think it is perfect!  I love it because the well written pattern includes instructions for both the cowl (shown above) and a scarf, which is a great option for both women and men alike.  It takes just two skeins which will get you 2 cowls or one scarf.  In honor of our first year in business Kim is offering this pattern as a Free Download to Purl customer through April 8, 2012.  After April 8, this pattern will include instructions for a matching slouchy hat and will be available for purchase through Kim or at Purl.