Keep it Light and Simple

In this season of long, hot days and weekends filled with social opportunities galore, you may have lost track of the yarny work that keeps you in balance. I know I have. The weeds in my flower beds insisted on having my full attention and then cherries needed picking. They're so charming until you have to spend hours pitting them.

As soon as the last cherry is in the freezer, I'm determined to get back in some sort of fiber groove. But I may not be ready for a sweater on my lap quite yet. I may jump into something smaller...with a bit more instant gratification.

In fact, the project of the summer seems to be socks. Several of the Yarnologists have a sock or two on their needles and our favorite serial sock knitters keep stopping in for more fun yarn.  Could this be what you need right now?

Our current favorite sock pattern is For the Love of Powell Socks by our very own team member, Susan Scanlon. Everyone is raving about how well-written and thoughtful this pattern is---with just enough interesting detail to keep a knitter from getting bored.

If you're just starting out on your sock knitting adventure, you might like something a even simpler like Everyday Socks by Andrea Mowry.

In either case, you'll have an ideal project for a busy July: small enough to fit in your bag and just complex enough to keep your brain engaged. Like a "beach read" for your hands.

What could be more enticing than a hand-dyed sock set from Palmer Yarn Company? This dynamic duo is called Wish---use the specially coordinated mini-skein for heels, toes, cuffs, or whatever appeals to you.

Of course, we have standard skeins of Palmer Soft Sock Yarn as well. Choose the one that makes you happy.

What's that, you say? You've never knit socks and aren't sure where to begin? We've got an upcoming class for that. The two-part Learn to Knit Socks course promises to be wonderful...and there's a fabulous skills-based class you might be interested in before you learn sock knitting: Choosing Needles for Knitting Small Circumferences.

May this week bring you small happinesses around every corner. And I hope that some of those happy moments include having great yarn in your hands. Also popsicles. Followed by sparklers.

Please note that we are CLOSED JULY 4 so our entire staff can enjoy the holiday...and we will be open regular hours (Noon to 4 pm) on July 5.

Gaby