It is Noro, with all that implies.  And it’s wonderful for things other than socks.  Like lace.  I’ve been working on the Flower Basket Shawl with the sample skein I received ages ago, and I’m going to be able to get a nice sized scarf out of one ball.  I also think it would be spectacular for fair isle work.  Or crocheted into this (keep going to make it a scarf).  The possibilities are really endless.

As if that’s not enough, we learned that the next kit in the series of collaborations between Lorna’s Laces and Mountain Colors will be ready in a few weeks.  No pictures yet, but I understand that it’s a very colorful sock designed by Cat Bordhi, using a skein of Lorna’s Shepherd Sock and Mountain Colors’ Bearfoot.  I’ve ordered what I hope will be an adequate supply, and hope to have them here some time in May.  As soon as the picture is released, I’ll share it here.

Introducing Chausettes de Mer — 70% merino 30% seacell fiber. Second and third from the right are favorite colors What’s Cookin’ and Tastes Like Grape Jelly. The others have no names yet — want to help name them? All suggestions are welcome.  They aren’t in the online shop yet, but will be soon.

We had a blast! Fourteen people crammed in to the east end of Yarn Expressions last Saturday, to learn all about spinning colorful yarn from Lynne Vogel. We had spindle spinners …

and wheel spinners. People who’d been spinning for a few days …

and people who’ve spun much of their lives. It was a lively, colorful group and everyone left with a better idea of what to do with that bundle of hand-dyed fiber. Just look at these samples Lynne brought to inspire us.

I know, you’re saying “enough with the spinning, already! I want laceweight!” Okay, here it is.

This is Evolution Laceweight from Chameleon Colorworks. It’s 300 yards of Optim merino that you have to feel to believe. Nancy has this description for her Evolution yarns:

Evolution(tm) is made from 100% merino that has been mechanically stretched to enhance the softness, shine and drape. Evolution(tm) is lofty and warm like wool, yet sleek and buttery soft. Evolution(tm) is also machine washable (gentle cycle) making it ideal for baby garments, socks and other knit washables.

We have six colors in hand now, some solid some variegated, all simply spectacular. Come feel this yarn — you’ll swear it’s silk.

Remember this beauty? It’s the Duet Shrug, the inaugural design in the collaboration between Mountain Colors and Lorna’s Laces. Our kits have finally arrived, and they’re even up on the website. Donna’s already started on the shop model.

Remember that this is a limited edition item; it’s run ends in April, when a new kit comes out, using different yarn from our two favorite hand dye companies.

As if that weren’t exciting enough… I’ve also been in conversation with Franklin Habit, who wants to come to Yarn Expressions to shoot photos for his 1,000 Knitters project. We don’t have an absolute date set yet, but we’re looking at the end of September right now, most likely the 21st. I’ll post updates here whenever they’re available.

Happy weekend everyone!

Come back Friday for big news times two.

The new Rowan book, number 43, is here in limited supply, along with Nashua’s Natural Focus and Blossom Baby books (which feature their summer yarns) and The Organic Cotton Collection from Rowan, written exclusively for Purelife Organic Cotton.

Liz and I spent much of the weekend getting the new shades of Koigu up on the website. The learning curve on new technology is always steep for me, but I think I have the hang of managing this system now, which means I’ll be able to get more products up on a regular basis.

This week we’re anticipating our shipment of sock yarn from Pagewood Farms, and what an array that will be! Robin’s colors are unique (I think) in the hand dye world, and I’m pleased to be able to offer them to you. She said she was shipping today, so they should arrive by the end of the week, I would think.

Also due in this week is the shipment of shrug kits from Mountain Colors. If you want one of these, I’d recommend getting one as soon as they arrive. I only ordered a small number, and they’re only in production until April. Then the collaborative efforts of Mountain Colors and Lorna’s Laces will be focused on another kit, and the shrug will become a collector’s item.

This box was waiting for me, from our good friends at Koigu. Good and silly friends. (The Hamburgerlur thing is in reference to a black and white striped shirt I like to wear, which my son thinks makes me look like the Hamburglar of fast food fame. I guess Rhichard thought that was pretty funny.)

Then there were the e-mails from concerned suppliers, worried we’d been affected by last night’s bad weather. And the pot of blackberry jam from a customer as thanks for helping her out of a different kind of jam yesterday. And the new shop owner who commented on Ravelry that she wants to be just like me when she grows up. And the sun is shining.

This is what was in the box.

Thirty new shades of Koigu. Some old favorites, some we’ve never seen before. All of them gorgeous. I’m going to go take pictures now. Hope your day is as good as mine has been.