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 Let the Games Begin! This is now our 6th Olympic Games for which WOOL-TYME Kingston has helped customers choose projects to make their hours of armchair athletics be productive as well as exciting and enjoyable. Nothing will ever compare to the excitement of the first Knitting Olympics during the winter games of 2006, but we can still have the fun of challenging ourselves in some miniscule way, as the athletes do.
There is a group on Ravelry (that wonderful on-line community of knitters - join today if you haven't yet!) who are running their own version of the 2008 Knitting Olympics, to coincide with that other event taking place this month across several ponds from us.  Here are some of the Knitting events in which you can participate by choosing a project to complete during the Olympic period: Sock Put, Sweater Sprint, Mitten Medley, Baby Dressage, Afghan Marathon, Gift Knits Pentathlon.
As our contribution to Olympic Spirit, WOOL-TYME Kingston is proud to announce that Anne will have her own event which will consist of eating natchos and knitting at JAKK TUESDAY'S, (the sports bar next to the store - how convenient!) while watching the day's events in the back room on their 120" BIG screen T.V. on both Wednesdays of the Games from 5-8pm. Please feel free to join the fun.
Wouldn't it be cool to have a bunch of knitters gathered around, cheering on the weightlifters (Aug. 13th) or the wrestlers (Aug. 20th). Actually there are also other events scheduled for those days...cycling, swimming, gymnastics, archery, beach voleyball, table tennis, so come on out and KNIT! |
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Just arrived:
We have a good stock of Lang JAWOLL SILK sock yarn which is 55% wool/ 20% silk/ 25% nylon in gorgeous subtle stripes with the added bonus of a spool of matching nylon yarn to reinforce the heels and toes of your socks. Perfect for the more subdued among your sock recipients.
From Schoeller-Stahl comes HIT, a gorgeous all purpose DK acrylic that is just what you need for all of those great Astra patterns that we keep because their just too great to get rid of.   In the book world we have some great new ones from Patons. HOME FRONT (#867) is a collection of colourful afghans to knit and crochet. FALL IN LOVE (#864) is a creative blend of worsted weight sweaters - including a gorgeous swing cabled cardigan that I would love.
And for all of you felted bag fans out there, Ella rae, the queen of felting, has brought out BOOK 11, featuring some of the most creative design work in the field (but not too crazy either.) Come in and check out all of these and other new titles that we will be receiving throughout the month of August. |
Coming Soon!
Okay, so I don't know everything! After explaining last month that SILK GARDEN Lite from NORO was the greatest thing since the invention of the sock for keeping feet beautiful, I find out that there is in fact a new SILK GARDEN sock yarn of the same weight as their KUREYON sock yarn coming down the pipe, and it will be here soon...as will so many of our other new yarns.
This is such an exciting time of the year in a knitting store. Just when summer is reaching it's mid-point and we're not quite sure if we want time to march on and take us into the fall, we are blessed with the arrival of a whole batch of new yarns to remind us why we live in a country that needs to knit!
Other yarns on their way this month are a laceweight cashmere, a chunky baby camel yarn, lots of eco friendly wools and blends in gorgeous natural colours. So pop in a few times in the coming weeks and see what's been delivered. |
 NORO speaks out...
Despite their reputation for having the most glorious colours in the yarn universe, NORO yarn company of Japan has been coming under some criticism of late for the uneven thickness and "bits of stuff" that are sometimes found in their very high end yarns.
As a gentle way of explaining these oddities to their consumers, the company has included an interesting summary of their philosophy and practices on the back page of their newest magazine: NORO NUMBER 24.
Link here to my blog posting for July 10th to read more about the raw material that they use and the methods with which they create their yarns.
They appear to be a responsible company that is taking the time to educate their customers. |
 MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME, WHY DON'T YA!
David Palmer, 53, of Wales, describes the antics of his 135-kilogram sheep, Nick Boing, which he rescued as a newborn lamb three years ago: "He comes in every evening, head-butts the cushions off the settee and watches TV."
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Elizabeth Zimmerman in August
Recognizing that this picture was scanned from at 1974, pulp paper version of a photo, you'll excuse the lack of detail but will still enjoy the lively excuses that Elizabeth Zimmerman offers for why she had so much difficulty writing this August chapter of her "Knitter's Almanac".
"Exceedingly few old women of over sixty go water-camping in the Canadian north woods. ... When the weather is foul one cannot write because all waking hours are used up trying to keep warm, dry and fed. When the weather is perfect... one must naturally take advantage of it by going on extended trips in the canoe. In a travelling canoe one cannot write."
And about the subject of Christmas ornaments, she explains: "If one will employ time and wool to knit doorknob sweaters and cosies for extra rolls of johnpaper, why not include knitted Christmas-tree ornaments? Today I made a star and a tree on 2 needles..."
When I grow up, I want to be just like Elizabeth Zimmerman! (except for the camping in the rain bit; I prefer to do my camping in good weather, near a nice hotel in case the weather turns.)
Anne |
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CALLING ALL TURBO KNITTING NEEDLE FANS!!! (and those wanting to knit socks on circulars - see below)
Here's the chance that you've been waiting for to stock up on your favourite circular knitting needles.
SAVE $3. on every prepaid Addi TURBO circular needle ordered by Sat. Aug. 15th for delivery by Sept. 1st.
The regular nickel needles are available in sizes from 2mm to 10mm in most lengths. Lace needles in goldtone with fine points come in 2.5mmto 4mm and several lengths. The Natura Bamboo circulars from Turbo are available in 3mm to 12mm.
Don't delay, orders accepted by phone with credit card or in person. | |
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August's Featured Pattern!
WOULDN'T THIS BE THE PERFECT OLYMPIC KNITTING PROJECT?
Lots of easy stocking stitch, with just a touch of chart reading in the cable panel for the boring events on T.V.
Or just the thing for new knitters who are ready to break into the garment world of knitting, or for experienced knitters who just want a lovely pullover to make for the coming fall weather. This gorgeous sweater, made of quick knitting Aran weight CLOUD organic cotton, is a wear anywhere perfect style for everyone. (You can also make it in many of our other beautiful Aran weight yarns).
You save 15% when you buy this pattern and materials during the month of August!
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FALL SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS
It's hard to imagine that fall is just around the corner but there's lots to look forward to in your knitting life.
In response to suggestions from our customers, we're happy to offer lace knitting, bead knitting, drop-spindle, rug hooking, and colour knitting, all included in our list of fall events.
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KNITTING ON THE NET
And for those of you who are experienced lace knitters and want a chance to check out a great blog, link here to BadCatDesigns.blogspot.com for a real treat suggested to us by Cheryl, one of our customers. It's wonderful. 
By the way, if you have a favourite knitting site or book or resource that you'd like to share with your knitting friends from WOOL-TYME Kingston, just let me know and we'd be glad to pass it on here. |
During the reign of Elizabeth I of Britain, knitting had such a political standing that an act was passed
n 1571 to control the price of felt and knitted hats.
From "A Passion for Knitting"
(I wonder if that included this lovely chapeau that she is wearing)
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WOOL-TYME Kingston Newsletter
