First, I want to thank Susan Wells of the The Grove for hosting me in her lovely home and introducing me to her shop and community. I can't think of a nicer way to do a business trip and I look forward to building bonds between our stores. Her shop is beautiful and includes a book and gift store, as well. If you're in San Diego, its a must see.
Okay, I finally sat with the Adrienne Vittadini rep and ordered her pattern books. If you're not familiar with her finely detailed stylish work you might want to get acquainted here.
It was a joy to go to a trade show that did not focus on novelty yarns. The yarn manufacturers really highlighted luxury fibers. Silk was the fiber that caught my attention. Remember, this show was for spring and summer knitting. There was also a lot of nylon, but frankly, the samples and swatches of those yarns felt rather stiff and scratchy.
We have a local entry in the luxury yarn category. Jamaica Plain based Tilli Tomas offers silk yarns with beads, sequins, crystals and more. We'll be launching her line at Circles with a trunk show/reception. Keep checking for the date.
Last year, I fell in love with Artyarns' Regal Silk. Now there is some wonderful pattern support, too. We're getting plenty in for those Annie Modesitt "Corset" tanks.Speaking of Annie Modesitt. She's the one that designed the Twisted Float Shrug which we're doing as a knit along soon. (Ordering deadline is this weekend!) I sat in on a workshop that she taught in San Diego and had a wonderful time. i learned some combination knitting and her method of cabling without a cable needle. She has a delightful presence and, though, it was at the end of a long day, I and everyone else in the workshop were smiling the whole time. It turns out that the shrug was designed with Artyarns yarns, but Vogue insisted that the sample in the magazine be made with Lorna's Laces. I think either yarns would be spectacular.
The surprise yarn find was Orchid from Harrisville. I've always thought of Harrisville as the Land's End of yarn. Solid, traditional shetland yarns that aren't at all stylish. The yarn is designed to be rugged and the colors are very simple. Then comes Orchid. They have redesigned Orchid. The description currently on their site is not updated. Orchid is now a blend of mohair, fine wool and cashmere. And the colors are rich. I'll be meeting with the sales rep from Harrisville soon and we'll get some of this yarn in. We'll all be so pleasantly surpised. Especially since this lovely yarn is reasonably priced.
I think that's enough for now. A little teaser. Check in at the Circles message board to hear more about patterns and accessories. (Accessories were the highlight of the show....)
