Sorry about the lack of newsletters. How did a whole MONTH go by so fast?? We've gotten so many new yarns, patterns, and goodies in I can't begin to list them all. So please do stop by the shop and see what all is new. -Martha

It’s been an exciting month here at Natural Stitches. We’ve had a lot of big events at the shop (welcome Charissa’s new son, Levi! He was born on August 17th.), and we’re looking forward to a restful and quiet fall of sitting in our rockers, knitting away. No, really. No, I mean it. Stop laughing! I see you! Actually, we’re pretty excited about our first full “knitting season” at the shop. It’s coming up on us before you know it. The holidays are only about 120 days away. The kids are back at school soon, so what are you going to do with your spare time? I told you! Stop laughing! I’m trying to keep this image going of you (or me) curled up in front of a nice fire, leaves falling outside, cat on lap, cup of tea or cocoa steaming nearby, eagerly but calmly knitting up that comfy cardigan, that warm wooly hat, or perhaps that first sock (although we have several Sarahs who are sick of socks). Sounds nice, doesn’t it? In any event, may all your yarn dreams come true. And if there’s anything we can do to facilitate that, stop in, give us a call, or drop us an email. We love to hear from you.

EVENTS

Our Summer of Socks and Lace is winding down. We’ve been overwhelmed by its success these past few months. We knitters and crocheters really have competitive hackles, don’t we? We’d like to continue doing a contest every summer, and it’s never too late for you to submit your ideas for next year. Should we keep the same one? Add another element like “most sweaters over the summer”? Don’t forget, while the deadline has past to register for a door prize, if you’ve been knitting lace or socks all summer, you can still try for the big prize. Just bring in that huge pile of everything you’ve finished since Memorial Day(in those 2 categories, of course) by the end of business on Labor Day. We’ll add you to the board and see where you shake down in the standings. If you’ve been busy and haven’t told us, you could be the winner of a $50 Natural Stitches Gift Card! Although, I have to warn you, the competition is pretty fierce. {Yes, will be open our regular hours on Labor Day so stop on in! -Martha}

NEWS

In other exciting news, we felt that we needed to hire another staff member to help keep our customer service impeccable. We’d like to welcome Monica, who joined us at the beginning of August. You’ll see her a lot at the shop during the week.

We’ve got a lot of exciting new yarns coming in this fall, some new Kaffe Fassett colors in a bulky weight, Kidsilk Haze, some great new hand-dyed sock yarn from The Neighborhood Co., new fiber from the Chameleon Company, and much MUCH MORE!

Interested in our Summer of Lace contest but don’t know where to begin? {ed. note: Sorry this article is so late. remember, it's never too late to knit lace!!!}Lace doesn’t have to be a traditional complex shawl knit with laceweight yarn. We here at Natural Stitches raided our Ravelry projects and queues to give you some ideas to get started.

Lace Ribbon Scarf: Knitty Spring 2008
This portable project has a pattern repeat that is surprisingly easy to memorize. It uses 400-800 yards of fingering weight yarn depending on how long and wide you make your scarf, so it’s a great stash-buster for all your sock yarn, or a terrific excuse to come check out our semisolids like Dream in Color Smooshy or Arucania Ranco.

Branching Out: Knitty Spring 2005
A terrific introduction to lace project calling for approximately 200 yards of DK weight yarn.

Cozy: Knitty Fall 2004
Described as a “simple lace wrap,” this shawl uses 800 yards of light worsted weight yarn. Knit it for yourself to guard against the chill of your air-conditioned office this summer, or maybe keep it in mind for a new mom looking for a nursing shawl.

Raspberry Rhapsody Scarf: The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
Looking for an excuse to indulge in our Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace? You can make at least two, possibly three of these beautifully textured raspberry scarves with just one skein. Get a jump start on your holiday knitting with this fun project.

February Baby Sweater on Two Needles: Elizabeth Zimmermann’s The Knitter’s Almanac
Need to make a baby gift? This adorable little number featuring the gull lace stitch knits up in a hurry using DK or worsted weight yarn. Or treat yourself to the grown-up version, The February Lady Sweater that several of us are making with our Dream in Color Classy.

Easy Flame Lace Scarf: Wendy Bernard’s Knit and Tonic blog
Do you gaze longingly at the Malabrigo Lace when you come in the door of the shop but aren’t sure what to do with it? This pattern calls for one skein and the key word here is “easy.”

Remember, it’s not too late to enter the contest! We’re accepting entries through Labor Day and hope to see you soon in the shop with your entries.

Reviews by the fabulous Rachel A.
Want to write your own review? Submit it to: newsletter@naturalstitches.com

Aktion by JaWool, $13.00, 455 yds/100g, 75% SW Wool, 25% Nylon - If you’re a sock knitter, you know that no matter how soft or scrumptious the yarn, socks have got to be wearable as well as beautiful.  And unless you are knitting socks as art, they will eventually wear out.  While most sock yarns include nylon and are spun and plied in such a way as to encourage durability, I’ve found JaWoll Aktion to be the leader of the pack.  Overall, Aktion is a standard wool/nylon sock yarn, but there is a small percentage of acrylic that may or may not be the secret ingredient.  Over repeated washing and wearing, not only are the socks holding up, but they have pristine stitch definition on the leg and nearly so on the foot and heel.  Almost defying the durability of these socks, they are also quite comfortable, every bit as much as the rest of my sock collection.  The colorways are a bit wild, but if you’re a sock knitter who likes them loud, you’ll find Aktion to be a great addition to your stash. 

TyDy by Knit One Crochet Too, $14.20, 196 yds / 100 g, 100% Cotton - I love to knit with cotton. Yup, there it is, more proof that I've completely turned the bend into yarn-crazyville. And being that I also, like many people who don't live in a perpetual state of cold and wet, enjoy wearing cotton; my love of knitting it is well justified. All cotton yarn is not created equal, however. Yes, kitchen cotton serves a purpose. And yes, I have some, but I wouldn't say I love to knit with it. TyDy from Knit One Crochet Too, however, is my desert island cotton. This yarn seems to glide through my hands as I knit with it, and the fabric it produces is soft and slinky. The wide irregular striping may not be for those who prefer a more predictable coloration, but it does mean you don’t have to knit with two balls at once, which for me is another of TyDy’s many benefits. And of course, being called TyDy, the colorways are absolutely striking. From the striking, “Not for wallflowers” Magenta Moss to the demure Blueberry Field you’re sure to find one colorway you can’t live without. Give it a try, TyDy might become your desert island cotton!

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