On (and off) The Needles...

Owls Sweater, in a teal merino/bamboo blend.

Using bulky yarn, this is a really fast knit, and because it's bottom-up, there is barely any seaming at the end!


Coffee Tunic, in a wine colored mixture of bamboo, wool, and nylon.

This one's slow-going, as it's knit on size 3 needles...but the trade-off is amazing stitch definition in the cables! Thankfully the fact that it's sleeveless means that it has the potential to be finished in time for summer...

Reminder: Special Closure This Week

Just a reminder to all of you who are planning stopping by the shop this week -- Yarnia will be CLOSED on Friday, May 22, for a special family event, but we will be open regular hours the rest of the weekend -- that's 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Thanks for your understanding!

Our Crafty Neighbor

Yarnia's not the only crafty kid on the block. Our nearly-next-door neighbor, Take It Outside! Fitness, has got some cool new workshops going on that fuse her DIY fitness ethic with fun and functional craft projects, such as...

DIY! Craft Your Own Fitness Toys

Owner Kristin Jackson may be a fitness trainer by day, but by night she's Eco Crafty Kristin, crafting functional items from recycled/repurposed materials. And now she's blending her two passions, with workshops on:

* make your own medicine ball

* crochet your own slider discs...or pot holders, or rag rug

* craft your own bamboo jump rope

* mosaic stepping stones

(OK, not really a fitness toy, but crafty just the same!)

* used tire = amazing workout

Each workshop will cover making the fitness toy plus just how to use it. Educational, fun and sure to keep every crafter a bit more fit!

Contact owner Kristin Jackson for more details (kristin@takeitoutsidefitness.com), or stop by her studio and check it out during your next visit to Yarnia (she's just two doors down from us, on your right as you're coming down the stairs)!

The Knit & Crochet Show Returns To Portland!

That's right, May 14-17, the Knit & Crochet Show will be returning to Portland! They've got a great class lineup, cool events, and even swag bags at the door!

This year instead of having a booth at the show we're going to keep the shop open all weekend so all you out-of-towners can come check it out in person! We've got coupons in the store for $2 off admission to the show, so you can stop by and pick one up on your way!

And...here's what's being cast on the needles this week:

Casting on last night for a new project: a merino/bamboo blend for my second Girasole
ETA September '09 for a good friend's wedding!