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ADVENTURE KNITTING 2009
At last we can let the cat out of the bag: Adventure Knitting with Lucy will be visiting the Galapagos Islands in May/June 2009! Bookings will open in late April. For info on the itinerary, which includes textile things ashore in Ecuador followed by an 8 day cruise around the islands on a 16 passenger boat, contact Judy.

Cat's Pajamas: a new luxury yarn

Fibre:Merino, Cashmere and Nylon (80/10/10%): ideal for decadent socks (a well-spun 3-ply with wool for elasticity and warmth, cashmere for softness and sufficient nylon for durability) and heavenly for almost anything else. One stroke of this yarn and all willpower is gone.
Length:300 meters per 100g skein
Gauge: similar to Merino Dream
Hand-dyed multi-colour (see Merino Dream colours): $35.00 Cdn per 100g skein

DVD News Update:

Watch excerpts from the DVDs*: video clips

*Note: The picture quality on the actual DVD's is much higher.

New to us and you: The 'Essentials' series now has some more exotic topics covered!.

For the most in knitting fun, add these to your collection. The filming quality is superb, and the information is jolly good, too. (And, we need the money to pay the bills.)

New Titles (more details on the DVD pages) released in 2008, again filmed by Colin M.
	Intarsia Untangled 1 (2 hours 27 mins), 978-0-9782898-3-6 K	Intarsia knitting, despite its (highly undeserved) poor reputation, can in fact be enjoyable and yield wonderful results. On this disc: we look at preparation for serene knitting, tackling the first few rows, reading charts, tangle reduction and resolution. Learn also how to maximize the number of ends that may be knitted in and to make the best use of those tails which do require darning. Also included are a number of cool rescue techniques.
	Intarsia Untangled 2 (2 hours 22 mins), 978-0-9782898-5-0 L	Now that you enjoy intarsia, here are some sophisticated skills to help you tackle special situations: long horizontal colour jumps without breaking the yarn or having to think ahead, as well as a selection of slick tricks to make life easier. Explore textured stitches within colour blocks, sculpted shapes and how to analyze patterns to see what lies ahead.
	Finesse Your Knitting 2 (2 hours 17 mins), 978-0-9782898-4-3 M	Expert shoulder shapings and various joins, setting-in fitted sleeve heads with ease. Experience the exquisite joys of double bands: knitting-up the stitches (right first time, every time), equalizing the two sides, adding shaping to the corners of the bands, and reversing for the inner layer, and how these principles may be applied to neck and armband situations.

New patterns: Ilga Leja's Beach collection for 2008
	Sea Urchin One of the most exotic, eye-catching finds on any beach is the sea urchin. The equally decorative and eye-catching Sea Urchin summer top is worked sideways in the Wave Stitch. As the final step, the lower border is picked up and knitted downward to the length which suits you best. Shown in Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino, 100% wool (280 m./310 yds. per 100 g. skein), colour: "Seathrift", size Small. Size: Extra Small to 3X Level: Advanced Intermediate Suggested Yarn: Fingering or sport weight yarn Needles: 4.0 mm. (US 6) circular needle Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square Pattern Retail Price: $12.00 CAD
	Tidal Streams As rivers make their way to the ocean, swirling, flowing, they create currents and eddies and eventually merge with the sea in tidal streams. This stole, worked on the bias in a Lace Garter Stitch Pattern, reflects the constant movement of tidal waters. The gently ruffled ends, streaming outwards, represent the melding of river and ocean. Shown in Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino, 100% wool (280 m./310 yds. per 100 g. skein), colour: "Aquarius", stole version. Size: Pattern includes two versions: as a stole and as a scarf Level: Easy Suggested Yarn: Fingering or sport weight yarn Needles: 4.5 mm. (US 7) Gauge: 20 sts and 20 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square Pattern Retail Price : $10.00 CAD
	Waves of Lace A cool, lacy shell, knit in a linen-silk yarn, is perfect beach wear. Over a bikini, over a tank top, or over a T-shirt. The frothy, wave-like stitch pattern echoes the gently rolling waves along the shore. The matching scarf can be worn on its own or as part of the ensemble. Knit in a satisfying, easy-to-memorize openwork pattern, the shell is self-finishing. After knitting and blocking, there is nothing more to do but to sew the side seams. And you are ready for the beach! Shown in Hand Maiden's Flaxen , 65% silk, 35% linen, (250 m./273 yds. per 100 g. skein), colour "Seashore", size Medium. Size: Extra Small to 3X Level: Intermediate Suggested Yarn: Sport or double knitting weight yarn Needles: 5.0 mm. (US 8) Gauge: 19.5 sts and 19 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square Pattern Retail Price: $12.00 CAD
	Mermaid At home on the beach, the Mermaid can be seen sporting among the waves. When a light cover-up is needed, she wears her beach poncho. The intriguing openwork stitch pattern reflects the fluid transparency of her watery home. Worked in two identical rectangles which are then sewn together to create the poncho, this is a satisfying and quick-to-accomplish knit. Shown in Fleece Artist Woolie Silk 3-Ply (65% wool, 35% silk), 230 m./252 yds. per 100 g. skein, colour: "Salt Spray", size Medium/Large. Size: Small, Medium/Large, Extra/Large Level: Intermediate Suggested Yarn: Double knitting or light worsted weight yarn Needles: 5.0 mm. (US 8) circular needle Gauge: 15 sts and 12 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square Pattern Retail Price: $12.00 CAD