Abigail

We just got in 6 new c2knits patterns which are all topdown. The advantage of topdown patterns is that they are seamless, avoiding the dreaded task of finishing! I am particularly fond of this pattern which is actually a pullover...so you don't even need to make a button hole!
As soon as we get our Spring yarns in (starting next week), I'll be cranking out a shop sample. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Chubby Chirp

I stumbled across this darling pattern by Rebecca Danger on Ravelry yesterday and immediately cast on Chubby Chirps (despite the fact that I had a gazillion things to do in preparation for last night's Spring Walkabout). I finished the little guy this morning so I could bring him to work to keep me company. I so wish I could have captured the gorgeous yarn he is knit in...it's Chic Sheep by Done Roving and the colors are crisp and deep and luscious! You'll just have to stop by and see him at the shop where he will be living.

We Carry K. Bell Socks!

We were feeling rather sorry for non-knitters who can't whip up their own pair of deliciously soft and warm socks so when we saw the K. Bell line at a recent gift show, we decided to do something about it! Judipatuti nearly cringed when I got all excited over these fish socks. Despite her negative reaction, I bought them anyway and guess what we sold out of week #1? The fish! The reorder arrived just in time for tonight's Spring Walkabout. Aside from this very popular design, we have socks with bicycles, ninjas, owls, martini glasses, kitties, and a whole bunch of others. We have "elimination" problems when it comes to K. Bell's designs...the collection is so extensive and they are all so wonderful that we have trouble narrowing down the choices. This, of course, results in us having a wide selection! While most of them are cotton blends, we do have a pair of remarkably soft bamboo socks with a single elegant crane printed on the side. So if you are a K. Bell groupie (we understand there are such people!), you can score some at the Grove!

P.S. Hope to see you at the Walkabout tonight! For more information, check out South Park Scene.

Knitter's Humor!

By Dave Coverly, www.speedbump.com.

Knitting by the Beach Closing

I was so sad to read that Knitting by the Beach is closing their fine knitting shop in Solana Beach. The owner, Tanya Alpert (pictured), who is also the author of Haiku Knits, is an incredibly talented designer. I visited her shop when it first opened and was so impressed with her selection of yarns and accessories. All I can say is, please support your LYS despite the temptation of purchasing yarns on the internet. Soon there will be no where to go to fondle the yarns in person, get expert advice, and knit in a community of like-minded people. I try not to think that way, but we have lost 3 LYS' in the past few years. With the Grove only a few miles from downtown San Diego, we are the only yarn shop in San Diego proper. I just can't imagine life without yarn and I'm hoping you share the same feeling.

I read on Ravelry that there is still time to get some wonderful deals at Knitting by the Beach before the March 31st closure. While this is against our interest at the Grove, I urge you to stop by there if you can. You will get some beautiful product for 40% off and it will be very helpful to Tanya.

Augusta Knit in Skinny Dyed Cotton

How darling is this? "Augusta" is Kim Dolce's new pattern knit in Blue Sky's Skinny Dyed Cotton. White is a big color this summer (isn't it usually"!#) and Vogue's Knitting Spring/Summer 2011 issue devotes a whole series of patterns in it. There is nothing as crisp and fresh looking as white cotton...especially Blue Sky's Skinny Dyed that has a blueish tint to it. Gorgeous in an understated way! Check out Blue Sky's new website starting with Augusta and the other "Staff Picks". As usual, it is tasteful and alluring!

Vogue Spring/Summer 2011 Knitting

A peek at Vogue Magazine's Spring/Summer 2011 issue is available on their website and it looks like this one is a must have. I don't say that for every issue, honestly, but this particular one is filled with patterns you can see yourself wearing. One that I am itching to get started on is the Diagonal Front Vest (pictured above) which is knit in our beloved Worsted Cotton by Blue Sky Alpaca. And this is but one of many wearable pieces. So do check it out...especially the video!