Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Holy Harlow!

All the new Namaste products have arrived at the shop!  Now, I personally, have been anxiously waiting for the new Harlow bag.  After seeing Mama Christa's in Caribbean Blue, I just couldn't wait for our shipment.  My problem now is trying to decide whether to pick the Pumpkin Spice or the Caribbean Blue Harlow bag.  Ah,....decisions. 

We received the Harlow in Caribbean Blue, Pumpkin Spice, Espresso, and Eggplant.  It has many pockets on the outside and a large cloth interior.  I really like that it has two handle length options just like the Laguna.  Michelle is also very excited about the new bag.  We have been drooling over them together!

We also received the circular needle case in Caribbean Blue and Pumpkin Spice.  As you may know, this is THE only way to store and manage your circular needles.  It is a file cabinet for needles!  The new and improved Buddy also arrived in the new colors.  This is the compact container to store your notions.  It has a stronger magnet and new materials.  Get organized with Namaste, today!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Fun with blocking!

So this is what we do for fun around the Yarn Garage - we block new samples!  I know, we are just wild!  Our newest sample is the French Market Shawl from Don Waalen (MinnesotaSticks).  We made it in our new favorite yarn, Blue Heron Rayon Metallic.  We are using this for every version of the Mermaid Shawl, as well as, Knitty's Clapotis.  Steven is also creating a new Cropped Cardi using the Rayon Metallic.

Ok, let's get to the blocking!  First, Missy soaked the shawl in a tub of lukewarm water.  In the water she put a cap full of Soak (a rinse free wool wash) and vinegar.  The vinegar will set the color.  This is important if the yarn used is a hand-dyed, such as, Malabrigo or Madelinetosh.  She let the shawl soak for 5-10 minutes.  Then, she used a towel to wring out the excess water.

We spread the shawl out on our blocking mats.  These mats are great because they are interlocking so you can assemble them in whatever shape you need.  
Missy then took blocking wires and wove them through the edge of the shawl to create a nice straight line. 
Finally, she used T-pins to block out the points of the shawl. 
Once the piece has air-dried, we will have perfectly blocked shawl.  Never underestimate the effects of blocking.  It can transform an item!  Happy blocking!