In This Edition: Announcing our "Get Measured" event What's New Yvonne reviews Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague Class Spotlight: Heirloom Baby Bonnet We're sharing some Summer of Socks and Lace photos

Get Measured Event by Yvonne Since the arrival of, and excitement over, Little Red in the City, we've been discussing sweater fit, and thought that there are likely people out there who don't know their true measurements, because they've either taken their own (not advisable) or they don't have a trusted friend to take them. Personally, I'm in denial about what my measurements truly are and, depending on the day, I think I'm larger or smaller than I really am. This results in a lot of sweaters that are ill-fitting and therefore not wearable. Enter the GET MEASURED EVENT at Natural Stitches. On Saturday, August 6, we will be setting up a screened area in the back of the store and a staff member will gladly take your measurements. We promise not to discuss your measurements with anybody else...what gets written down on your little card is for you and your measurement-taker alone (and trust me...we won't remember what we've written!). If you're planning to attend, we ask that you wear snug-fitting clothes (such as a tank top) so that it's easy to get accurate measurements. Measuring will commence at 10:30 a.m., and will conclude at 6. Customers having measurements taken on August 6 will get a special gift! We look forward to seeing you and setting you on course for great fitting sweaters!

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What's New New buttons and colored pedestal buttons from Jul. Read more about them in our blog post! New patterns from Kollage, Universal Yarns and Franklin Habit's newest offering, "Giovannina." From Kollage, we now carry Milky Whey, a milk protein and soy blend; Temptation, a bamboo, cotton and nylon blend; and Riveting Worsted, which is made from recycled denim. New from Universal Yarns: Petals Socks, a superwash merino and angora sock yarn, and if you love to create ruffly scarves, stop in and take a look at the Marina yarn. Interweave Knits has published Crochet Traditions, with more than 39 classic projects, including a beaded miser's purse.

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Book Review: Little Red in the City, Ysolda Teague by Yvonne Last year at the TNNA Market in Columbus, I had the chance to talk to Ysolda Teague about her then-upcoming book Little Red in the City. I will admit, I went in with attitude. I'd seen friends struggle through Whimsical Little Knits 1 and 2 (Peaks Island Hood still gives me nightmares) and was not ready to be plunged into more agony. Martha said "let's stop and see if it's something we're interested in," and I acquiesced -- and I am very glad I did. Ysolda showed us the cut sheets from the books, explained how she had been working with a technical writer, and told us that she wanted this book to be a guide and have patterns available for more than just someone with a 36C bust. At that time, she had planned the book to be released in October. Once she started adding information, refining the math, and doing the sweaters, the release date was pushed back...and back again. This year, when Martha and I found ourselves at Ysolda's booth at the TNNA market in Columbus, we were given a signed, pre-release copy, which I couldn't wait to dig into. This book is a worthwhile purchase for the information alone -- the seven patterns are just a bonus! From explaining the difference and desirable qualities in a worsted spun yarn vs. a woolen spun yarn, to swatching (including notes on swatching in the round), to taking appropriate measurements, to short row shaping, tubular cast-ons and how to make modifications to allow for a better fit, this book has it all -- including a code for a complimentary downloadable e-book. Our initial order for the book was 15 copies...and it sold out in 3 days! We reordered and now have several copies in stock. If you haven't seen our display at the shop, stop by and have a look at the Angostura vests (knit by Nora and Jenn) and Lauriel sweaters (knit by Zelda and me) to get some inspiration! Plus don't forget to join us for our Get Measured event on August 6!

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Class Spotlight: Heirloom Cable and Lace Baby Bonnet by Connie Have you been looking for that perfect special but quick knit for a new baby? I’ve always enjoyed the look of heirloom lace made from fine crochet cotton thread. Recently, I’ve decided to experiment with some new patterns and started with something small. Most heirloom baby bonnets are much too feminine for boys, and I wanted to try to design one that can work either for a boy or a girl. The result is the heirloom cable and lace baby bonnet. The name says it all: the bonnet contains both cables and lace (but not too much lace). I’ll be teaching a class on August 23 using this pattern. You will have an opportunity to knit with crochet thread, learn to read a chart, and experiment with making pintucks (another prominent feature in vintage baby clothing). Add the appropriate colored ribbon and you will be ready with a gift for the newest addition to your family. Knit up one for that special someone, or knit up several and save them for future gifting.

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Summer of Socks and Lace Update: What Have You Been Knitting? There are just about 40 days left in our Summer of Socks and Lace contest. We love to see what all of you have brought to enter! Colleen knit "Bridgewater" by Jared Flood. It's absolutely stunning! Sam knit this gorgeous Chuppah for her friend's wedding: Darcy knit a Hemlock Ring blanket for a friend's wedding. Can you believe this is her second knitting project? Sarah created this gorgeous shawl using lace patterns found in the book Knitting Lace Triangles by Evelyn Clark.

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From the entire staff of Natural Stitches, we wish you happy knits, creative crochets and splendid spinnings. And, as always, if there's anything we can do to help, just let us know!

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