I forgot to show you this shot of South Mountain which overlooks Edgewood, NM. Yes, it is true that the yarn stores there look quite modest from the outside but check out what I noticed in looking closely at this photo from the needlepoint section of Edgewood Yarns and Fibers.
Those bagged kits are from the wonderful Ehrman Tapestry!! I even had one in my hand and didn't inspect it closely enough!
Laurie asked me what books I bought through Knit Picks' 40% off sale. I don't even think I'm done as I just got Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Knitted Socks from the library and I need to get my own copy. It is full of technique goodness. Anyway, my newest purchases are: the new Mette N. Handberg Norwegian book (will review it here), Elizabeth Lovick's ebook on Fair Isle knitting (will review it here), Respect the Spindle, Knitting More Circles Around Socks, Bev Galeska's Magic Loop book and the book co-authored by Stephanie Van Der Linden, The Sock Knitter's Workshop.
I've been remiss on posting the colorwork links so go grab a cup of tea and check some of these out.
COLOR KNITTING LINKS
HERE is a link to an upcoming Martin Storey Nordic Knits book available in October. Amazon says not until November.
Fleegle has posted a review of the inexpensive charting software, Intwined Studio. I plan to get a copy for myself to check it out soon. It sounds more handy than my current software, Stitch and Motif Maker.
The FREE pattern for Mitaines Danseuses is in English and French and perfect if you have a little ballerina in your life.
I just love the stranded gloves by designer Alexis Winslow especially the Red Bud Gloves. I plan to purchase some of her patterns as soon as I am up to knitting more gloves.
This link goes straight to the FREE Sandnesgarn PDF for the spectacular and ornate Viking Ship sweater (they call it the Dragon Boat.)
It looks like all 13 intarsia sweater patterns from Borealis Sweaterscapes are now FREE for downloading. I like the the Moon Garden Cardigan and Northern Forest sweater myself.
Check out the Chuncho colorwork socks complete with llamas and bugs and all sorts of stuff. If your taste runs to Peruvian designs, this pattern is for you.
While you're at it, check out the Peruvian-inspired Oslo Cairo hat pattern. It is FREE and available in Spanish, English, or French.
Ixtab has a great video showing a two-color cast on for toe-up socks. Plus I love her accent! :)
If you are not reading Mary Ann Stephen's Two Strands blog, HERE is a link to the Ravelry page for her newest beautiful design the Amaryllis hat. It matches her Amaryllis mittens - you can buy the patterns alone or the kits using Baby Ull.
Just found this pattern today and I love it! A child's Merry-Go-Round hat that uses one solid and one multi-colored yarn.
The Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry is working on a toe-up colorwork Mystery Sock (called a Mock) designed by Chrissy Gardiner. The first clue has already been posted and you have until the end of July to sign up and until the end of August to finish to qualify for all sorts of prizes.
I'm considering this kit for a Sandnesgarn man's sweater from Allegro Yarns. It looks like there is very little boring solid color knitting. I'd have to sub the Peer Gynt for the superwash.
Have you always wanted to knit some Kaffe Fassett's intarsia sweaters with a zillion colors? HERE is a web site where you can purchase the older kits with rare yarns.
OTHER KNITTING LINKS
Knit Your Own Donuts! High in fiber but low in fat?
I may make this FREE Nancy Bush Estonian pattern for the Fox Faces Socks the next time I do some solid color knitting.
Here is a mitten tree you can buy to dry off your handknit mittens by the fire. I love it!
Here is a FREE pattern for some adorable knitted baby alligators.
HERE is a good blog post on needle gauges - did you know the plastic ones can stretch out over time? Personally I always break them or lose them before that happens.