I am ridiculously excited about our announcement of the Zephyr needles. This time last year I was traveling in Ireland happily knitting on my Aran Cardigan using the first samples. The light weight, sharp points and slight flexibility made working the cables an absolute joy! The hard part was taking care not to show the “sample” needle tips in my photos.
I’ve been using the “second draft” samples for my Moderne Baby Blanket knitting.
Finally, we have been able to share them with you. I know we have had many orders but I don’t think any needles have actually arrived at their new homes. Once you receive your Zephyr needles, could you do me a favor? Add a comment to this post and let me know your first impressions. That would help ease my anxiety quite a bit. 🙂
Thanks! …

Seriously, I have great hopes for Classic Lines Cardigan Tuesdays but there are going to be legitimate distractions that cannot be ignored. Sock Summit begins on Thursday and I am so excited! I also need to finish prepping for my classes. I don’t actually have homework but I do need to gather up my supplies.
Here is my schedule for Sock Summit
Wednesday Afternoon
Drop by the Convention Center and pick up my Registration Packet
Thursday
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm — Hizsocks Class
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm — Student Only Marketplace
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm — Opening Reception
Friday
9:00 am – 2:00 pm — Wander Marketplace
2:00 pm – 6:30 — Restorative Nap at home
7:00 pm – 11:00 — Sock Hop Party in Portland
Saturday
9:00 am – 4:30 pm — Bavarian Stockings class
Sunday
9:00 am – 1:30 pm — Marketplace Wandering
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm — Luminary Panel

Whew!!! I’ll be on a high for weeks!! …

Last week, OPB gave me a call to ask if Knit Picks would be willing to participate in a live conversation on the radio about the knitting industry, and Bob was more than happy to comply.
The show aired this morning, and our whole staff camped out in the conference room to hear what Bob had to say. Cat Bordhi and Jo Hartman, the owner of a local Portland yarn shop- the Yarn Garden, were also guests on the show. Bob did a great job (of course!).
You can download an MP3 of the show and take part in a discussion about the current state of the knitting industry here on OPB’s site– http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/joy-knitting/. <

I snuck out of the office for a couple of hours this morning to go check out the Sock Summit marketplace with Alison and Kate. It was very educational. At the sock museum I learned the difference between a gusset and a short row heel. This is a gusset.

Who knew!?
I also touched A LOT of yarn. It was kind of like a petting zoo without any animals. I petted llama, baby camel, bison, yak, buffalo, angora bunny, mohair and cashmere goats, silk (and silk cocoons!), and a bunch of different kinds of sheep fiber. I thought the bison was especially pretty. I learned I like the long color repeats and transitions in Malabrigo and Mini Mochi. And I was especially attracted to blue yarn today. I saw the Yarn Harlot in person, but I didn’t kinnear her.
We also ran into Stephanie Bryant from Handknit …

I am in a swoon from my exhausting weekend at Sock Summit. Well, with the exception of my fingers which are twitching in anticipation of all the incredible socks I will be knitting. I’ ve taken down all my Barbara Walker and Nancy Bush books as resources for my new sock plans.
Yes, I did take photos and I have a lot to say but I’m going to combine my photos and this week’s blogpost. That’s going to take a couple of days. Rest today, work tomorrow and share on Wednesday.
Let me just say that Sock Summit was absolutely fantastic!! <

The fall online catalog is about to be released, and we have created three new knit alongs (abbreviated as KALs) to support our new kits and yarns. The Learn to Knit KAL is for new knitters, people working on our Learn to Knit a Sweater kit or Learn to Knit a Hat and Scarf kit, or knitters attempting new techniques. We have posted video tutorials, a glossary of knitting terms, and there is a discussion board to ask about patterns or techniques. Also, there are experienced knitters who moderate that group and will help to answer your questions.
I know it’s early to start thinking about the holidays, but we’ve also created a Holiday Gift KAL. This will be a great place to figure out potential gift ideas and share your finished projects (as long as the recipient isn’t also in this KAL)! Also, if you start holiday knitting now, you …