Dream Club: December 2013

Here's the latest offering from Dream in Color's Dream Club. Yes, it's another gorgeous one! (We know we say that every month--but it's always true.)

This month's yarn is a special base created just for the Dream Club. It's 100% domestic fine merino wool, which knits up at about 4.5 sts/in on a US 7 needle (210 yds/100g for $30). It's wonderfully squishy and, of course, the hand-dyed colors make these skeins really special.

The pattern that comes free with purchase of this month's yarn is actually two patterns. This set is called Poinsettia, designed by Jessica Correa. There is enough yardage in one skein to make both the headband and the fingerless mitts. As always, we only have ten skeins of this month's yarn, so be sure to get one soon!

Did you know that Dream in Color has a monthly contest in their Dream Club Ravelry group? They host a knit-along each month, and at the end of the month they award a high-end skein of yarn (retail value $30+) to two randomly chosen participants. They also award a bag of Smooshy to the LYS where the winners purchased the yarn. Visit the group for full details.

Sew an evening clutch with us

We had a great time at our first-ever Evening Sew last week. Big thanks to instructor Chrissy Weeks and everyone who participated in the workshop! In case you missed it, here are some photos.

This was such a success that we'll be doing it again! Chrissy will be back for another Evening Sew on December 10. This time, the project will be an elegant clutch purse.

Pretty, huh? Wouldn't that be a nice little something to carry to a party this holiday season?

The cost for this workshop will be $20. That includes pre-cut fabric, interfacing, and embellishments. You'll need to bring your own machine, scissors, pins, and thread. If you have your own fabric that would like to use, please feel free to bring it. To sign up, call us at 404-377-6875 or email Chrissy at c@chrissyweeks.com. Class size is limited to eight people, so be sure to reserve your spot ASAP.

Like last time, this workshop is happening on a Tuesday at 6:00 pm. Our usual Knit Night festivities won't be happening that night. Instead, please join us on Thursday, Dec. 12, for our holiday party/potluck/gift exchange!

We look forward to seeing you all on Dec. 10.

Couldn't help ourselves

The day after our previous post about Smudgy, guess what--HE GOT ADOPTED! He went to live with some friends of Stacy's, and will have two other cats and two dogs to play with. Lucky boy!

Smudgy (now known as Jasper) and his new mom.

So, we were without foster kittens for only two days and then Dekalb County Animal Services asked us if we could help two more homeless cuties in need. Well, how could we possibly say no?

Turn down these faces? No way!

Meet Bernie and Betty. They're brother and sister, about three months old. They've already been "fixed," microchipped, and are up-to-date on their shots.

Just look at that profile.

Bernie has just a tiny bit of a tuxedo--he's almost all black except for a little patch of white on his chest and a few white toes. He's a funny little guy, playful and frisky.

Pretty girl!

Betty was a bit more timid at first, but now that she's getting to know us better, she's a real purr machine. Her tabby markings are so lovely--both stripey and swirly.

To apply to adopt Bernie or Betty (or both!), contact DCAS at adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or 404-294-2165, or stop by their office at 845 Camp Rd. The adoption fee for these babies is $75 per kitten.

New: Hand Paint Sock

Ooooh, it's so exciting when a new-to-us yarn arrives. We're very happy to introduce you to our latest addition, Hand Paint Sock from Misti Alpaca.

Colors currently in stock, clockwise from far left: Tilt-A-Whirl, Reggaeton, Northern Lights, Manu, Eiffel.

We're crazy about this yarn. The colors are great, obviously, and it's also wonderfully soft. The fiber blend is 50% alpaca, 30% merino wool, 10% silk, and 10% nylon. Hand Paint Sock comes in a 437-yard skein for $23.00. The label recommends hand-washing.

While Misti Alpaca calls this a sock yarn, don't limit yourself by thinking of it only in terms of socks. A quick browse through its Ravelry project pages will give you plenty of inspiration for scarves, shawls, mitts, and other great items to make with this wonderful yarn. Let your imagination run wild, and have fun!

And then there was one

For those of you who haven't been in to the shop for a while, we wanted to give you an update about our latest batch of foster kittens, who joined us on September 27.

Saboo (formerly Isaac): ADOPTED 10/10/13!

Twilight (formerly Rachel): ADOPTED 10/17/13!

Lucy (formerly Stella): ADOPTED 11/15/13!

Which just leaves Smudgy. We can't believe no one has adopted this little guy yet. He's obviously adorable, and he has such a great personality--the perfect mix of playful and cuddly. He was purring up a storm while this photo was taken.

It looked like he was going to get adopted today. Someone came in with her paperwork all done, kitty carrier in hand, but...she wanted a girl. When she found out our boy Smudgy was the only one left, she went away kitten-less. So disappointing for everyone. :(

The good news is that because Smudgy has been in foster care for a while now, he's eligible for Dekalb County Animal Services' "shelter classics" program. That means you can adopt this sweetie pie for only $20. You read that right! And remember, he's up-to-date on shots, and has already been neutered, microchipped, and de-wormed. So you don't have to pay for any of that.

To apply to adopt Smudgy, contact DCAS at adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or 404-294-2165, or stop by their office at 845 Camp Rd. to fill out the application in person.

Come sew with us

If you're like us, your interest in crafts isn't limited to just knitting or crocheting. With that in mind, we're excited to be teaming up with Decatur sewing instructor Chrissy Weeks to add a fun little twist to an upcoming Tuesday night.

On November 19, 6 - 9 pm, please join us for our first Evening Sew! The project will be a shopping tote. Cost for the workshop is $18.00, which includes materials.

There will be various options for fabrics, strap lengths, and pockets.

• Chrissy will provide the pattern, fabric and as much help as you need.
• Sheepish will provide the space.
• You bring your sewing machine, scissors & thread.
• You help us decide which project to do next.
• Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks.

Maybe you've bought or inherited a sewing machine but haven't had the confidence to try your first project yet. Maybe you've sewn in the past but would like a refresher so you can get back into it. Maybe you're already fairly competent at sewing but would like to do it in a social setting instead of at home by yourself. If any of that sounds familiar, this workshop is for you!

To register for this workshop, give us a call at 404-377-6875. Class size is limited to eight students, so be sure to reserve your spot soon.

Please note that this Evening Sew takes place on a Tuesday night during our usual Knit Night festivities. If you're not participating in the sewing workshop, of course you can still bring your knitting/crocheting and hang out!