Here are four new books that have come in recently that are worth checking out:

For new Knitters: Tips for Knitters by Debbie Bliss is a good go-to book for beginning and advanced beginning knitters. There is enough information to solve your problems, but it doesn't go into so much detail that you become confused. Great photos, excellent illustrations, and many time-saving tips make this book worth its price of $19.95.

For the crocheter: Easy to Crochet Potholders by Cornelia Dobiasch mingles a touch of holiday kitsch, grandma's kitchen, and utility. The instructions are clear and, if you've never worked with crochet charts, the potholders are a great place to begin. Use our Algarve cotton or 3/2 coned cottons to create quick and functional gifts.

For Weavers: Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave by Tina Ignell. Markedly Scandinavian, these designs for the "modern home" are simple, yet beautiful. I lust after the hammock worked in a striking rep weave (of course, I'd also like to buy some time so I could lounge in it and read!). Included are projects in plain weave, huckaback, twill, overshot, inlay, waffleweave, color and weave, M's and O's. Beautiful photography makes this a nice coffee table book. There's surely something in here to inspire your weaving.

For experienced knitters: Norwegian Patterns for Knitting by Mette Handberg. This book includes both traditional sweaters and accessories as well as modern interpretations. The beauty is in the details: buttons, sewn on fabric bands, and patterned epaulettes, to list a few. These designs had me imagining a sweater for my son (page 72), and a hat (page 47) for my dad. Then there's the cotton top on page 103 that I can see Mariah wearing. If you are looking for a book that has more than one pattern in it that interests you, then check this one out.

  

The start of Focus on Fair Isle was pushed back a month and switched to Sundays so more people could take part in the class. Check your schedule and find the time to make room for play-disguised-as-learning in your life! Check the website for complete info.

Knitting Boot Camp Lite is your opportunity to get much of the same info given in the 8 month long version. After 12 hours in class, we guarantee that you'll be a better, more thoughtful knitter. This class is perfect for those who go away for the winter and cannot commit to the 8 month long class. The next class is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend.

The Fiber Explorer class has begun. We've decided to make it available on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it possible for you to take a class when it works for your schedule. The next class will be Saturday, November 6. This was a really good start to this series of classes. They are designed to tickle your brain and your fingers. It was more than fun, it felt good to feel like I was in college again. To me, the class reminds me of a basic skills art class at Art School -- with one exception: we aren't being graded!

JUST ADDED: Tatting for the Holidays. Let Dorothy guide you through making a snowman, tree or cross. Come for one or for two weeks - you choose. Scheduled for December 2 and 9.

In the interest of shortening the newsletter a bit, I have started posting finished project photos to the Heritage Facebook page and to the gallery on our website. Do pop over the the gallery for inspiration before you start your next project.