Manos del Uruguay Alegria Sock Yarn

Alegria means 'Joy' in Spanish, which summed up my mood when I ripped open my latest delivery from Artesano Yarns!  I have bought two different colourways of Manos del Uruguay Alegria yarn to test the water and see what everyone thinks about it.  I think it will be a best seller. 

Initially it seems expensive (£17.50 for a 100g skein) but there is 425m of knitting pleasure to be had from a single skein, and no project in the pattern collection uses more than one skein.

I have never felt sock yarn so soft!  It is utterly gorgeous and in my mind worth every penny.  I will be using a skein to knit myself a Hitchhiker scarf (see Ravelry.com for the pattern).  I have to have this draped around my shoulders.  Too good for socks that no one will see!

Change to Cafe Knit's Opening Times

If you are planning to visit us in Lavenham soon, please note that from Monday 17th June we will be CLOSED on Mondays, but OPEN on Wednesdays instead from 10am to 4.30pm.

What's on my needles now?

One of the best things about working in a yarn shop (aside from being surrounded by beautiful fibres all day) is finding out what everyone else is knitting, so for a change I thought I'd share with you what I have on the go at the moment.  

Firstly, the Hitchhiker. Hitchhiker is a wonderful pattern by Martina Behm, available to purchase on www.ravelry.com.  It is so named, as when it is complete the scarf/shawlette has 42 teeth and 42 is, of course, the answer to the ultimate question about life, the universe and everything!

I am knitting it in Noro Silk Garden Sock shade 87, which seems to have every colour under the sun in it, from blues and greens to pinks and  yellow - the bonus being it will go with everything! I have completed 16 teeth so far, 26 to go!  It is a brilliant no-concentration-required, take anywhere knit.

And finally, my jelly green jumper.  Here it is:

I have completed the back, front and one sleeve, just the final sleeve to go.  I am hoping to finish by next weekend at the latest.   Knitted in Debbie Bliss Angel, hopefully just 4 balls, it is perfect for this climate, and it matches my Converse too!!

So that is it.  You didn't think I was seriously going  to admit, at this almost mid-year mark, just how many UFO's I have on the go do you???

Woolcraft Desire

New in stock; Woolcraft Desire,  a unique concept in knitting scarves.

This idea originated in Brazil but has now spread to Europe! Desire creates a unique scarf using just 1 skein of yarn. It is so easy it is also suitable for beginners! And at £10.95 per ball, the finished scarf makes an ideal last minute gift.

DY Choice Baby Joy DK

New and in stock now!  Baby Joy DK by DY Choice only £2.95 a ball!

Designer Yarns have introduced a new range of yarns for knitters and crocheters who are seeking quality but don't want to break the bank. Baby Joy DK Prints has been created specifically for baby knits; it comes in a lovely range of colours and is supersoft and all importantly - machine washable.  I think it will be new yarn of choice for knitting those last minute baby gifts!

Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace

Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace is perfect for the Great British Summer.  It's official; I decided today!

It's lightweight, yet warm, since it is 100% merino.  It's machine washable, comes in a range of beautiful shades, knits on 3.75 - 4mm needles (so not too small!), has gorgeous supporting patterns (make a cardigan with just 2 balls!!) plus it's only £5.50 per ball.

What more could we ask for? A little bit of sun perhaps... :-)

Knitting Courses in Suffolk

As a result of popular demand, we are pleased to introduce our summer programme of knitting courses. 

All the courses last for two hours and take place in our lovely wool shop and cafe.  Places are limited to 6 people per course, so you can be assured of plenty of attention and tuition.

Each course costs £25 and includes materials and refreshments.

Why not make a day of it?  Bring a friend, enjoy a course in the morning and spend the afternoon in the beautiful medieval village of Lavenham, taking in the sights and discovering the gorgeous independent shops and galleries the village has to offer.

Bookings can be made online, or by calling the shop on 01787 249865

Louisa Harding Jesse Yarn

Louisa Harding Jesse yarn is new for Spring Summer 2013. It is a beautiful 100% cotton in a range of subtle shades that gives great stitch definition. Supported with 13 fabulous patterns in the Jesse pattern book, the only problem is deciding what to knit first!

I think I am going to have to go for the gorgeous lacy top on the cover, in my favourite shade of green; just need to finish my green (oops!) jumper that I am currently knitting in Debbie Bliss Angel yarn!!

2013 Suffolk Walking Festival 11th May to 2nd June

This year for the first time, the 6th Annual Suffolk Walking Festival includes the whole of the county from Lowestoft, England's most easterly point, to Lakenheath in the west, Bungay in the north and Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the South.

There is a wonderful choice of walks; rambles through Suffolk's pretty, gently undulating countryside; strolls through many of Suffolk's medieval villages (Lavenham!!) and a five day challenge walk for the brave of heart and sturdy of leg, that stretches along the fabulous Suffolk coast from Landguard Fort near Felixstowe all the way up to Lowestoft.

The festival commences on Saturday 11th May with the Lavenham I SPY walk for children aged 4 to 14.  The walk includes photographs and quiz questions for children to spy locations and buildings in our wonderful mediavel villade.  Prize included!  Tickets cost £3 and are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Lavenham.

To celebrate the festival we are running a buy-one-drink, get-one-free on production of the Walking Festival brochure on Saturday 11th May.  Offer limited to one free drink per brochure.