tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92192867015387924312024-03-05T12:39:32.216-08:00Shibui KnitsElegance with a touch of bitterness.Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-88954219488837344562010-09-16T14:23:00.000-07:002010-09-16T14:23:04.696-07:00Get this show on the road<span id="internal-source-marker_0.20887732048837448" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Here in Portland, Oregon, the weather has taken a decided turn to the autumnal mode. While we’d all love to take a road trip to sunnier climes, we’re also happy to stay here and pack up the beautiful boxes of Shibui that get to see other parts of the country...and the world.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBz3ASFFu44wMv-tvBjVmg9cHq7XTIFlHVnbI6UpUdBq-3-6FQAMpzf0ICQz6FNbZKF9UoyZ-LxMsL0yDdO_dgwu6K4BfiNbCbChMvqYrWHbfuKI-C8urjtoAbCQa_Rv7HG-P18IpQqGj/s1600/luxury-trunkshow-images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBz3ASFFu44wMv-tvBjVmg9cHq7XTIFlHVnbI6UpUdBq-3-6FQAMpzf0ICQz6FNbZKF9UoyZ-LxMsL0yDdO_dgwu6K4BfiNbCbChMvqYrWHbfuKI-C8urjtoAbCQa_Rv7HG-P18IpQqGj/s400/luxury-trunkshow-images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.20887732048837448" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After a very successful stint at <a href="http://www.knit-purl.com/store/pc/"><b>Knit Purl</b></a>, downtown Portland’s favorite LYS, our Luxury, Sock, Argyle, and Baby trunk shows are hitting the road. While at Knit Purl, the sumptuous samples helped book and yarn sales soar; over 50 <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Booklets&Pattern=Shibui+Socks">Socks booklets</a> left, usually accompanied by a few skeins of <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato"><b>Staccato</b></a> or <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Sock"><b>Sock</b></a>; and nearly 100 <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Booklets&Pattern=Shibui+Luxury">Luxury booklets</a> were sold. Needless to say, <b><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Silk+Cloud">Silk Cloud</a></b>, <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Baby+Alpaca+DK"><b>Baby Alpaca</b></a>, and Staccato sales were off the chart! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUCX3-eyZZn0BmrGi3iVEZfviqEhuArd_dVlu8maxwWOYB6NClphNA8u7yWHII33-Fvz52PQxJkZqpCiASlky8OB0YvXGppsG368CkOI9zdy-31Q355GNCrQV3fNrmlTHcjDuLwGiUEVu/s1600/socks-trunkshow-images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUCX3-eyZZn0BmrGi3iVEZfviqEhuArd_dVlu8maxwWOYB6NClphNA8u7yWHII33-Fvz52PQxJkZqpCiASlky8OB0YvXGppsG368CkOI9zdy-31Q355GNCrQV3fNrmlTHcjDuLwGiUEVu/s400/socks-trunkshow-images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To help avoid the dreaded same-as-sample-itis (you know what we mean; when everyone who comes in MUST make the pattern in the exact same colourway as the sample garment.....), we’ve had our army of knitting elves swatch a variety of combinations of fiber and colour. We’ve put these together in a neat little booklet that will accompany the Luxury trunk show, and will help customers visualize different opportunities to make a garment that is uniquely their own. Here are some of the many samples made blocking before they joined the show:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY4TSoaPJLdKx-5KeUbanMFvVUX1ID7FWEBqObQNK2hX4K5pFdPqBzyXBSl6iVvq48iqZAT9OaSwWl3hPqP7QoKAU7Qp_p4BYXE9jTzRjHUMesfljsYyethTrriO6nEJcdz0kvG_5MkdX/s1600/swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY4TSoaPJLdKx-5KeUbanMFvVUX1ID7FWEBqObQNK2hX4K5pFdPqBzyXBSl6iVvq48iqZAT9OaSwWl3hPqP7QoKAU7Qp_p4BYXE9jTzRjHUMesfljsYyethTrriO6nEJcdz0kvG_5MkdX/s400/swatches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">To schedule a trunk show for <i><b>your</b></i> shop, contact Lindsay at lindsay(at)shibuiknits(dot)com. She’ll let you know what slots are available for a two week showing. As the holidays approach, all three of these packages highlight items that make perfect holiday gifts or just provide a bit of a treat for the knitter during the cooler months to come. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">- Kristin F.<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-7358197696226056092010-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:002010-09-16T15:33:09.890-07:00Long, hot summer days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualdensity/309752957/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/122/309752957_49fadcd417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(c) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visualdensity/"><b>visualdensity (flickr)</b></a></span></div><br />
Nothing says summer to me like sunflowers. They're absolutely iconic of warmth, sunshine, and lazy days. Which is probably why I associate rich golden yellows and mellow oranges with the height of summer. In reflection of that, I pulled together my favorite August colors to share...<br />
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<center><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="5" style="clear: both;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Staccato&Color=Bohemian" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/ST102.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
Staccato Butter</a></span></td> <td align="center" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Staccato&Color=Bohemian" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/ST162.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
Staccato Bohemian</a></span></td><td align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Staccato&Color=Sprout" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/ST118.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Staccato Sprout</span></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Highland%20Wool%20Alpaca&Color=Pagoda" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/HW1675.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
Highland Wool Pagoda</a></span></td><td align="center" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Sock&Color=Finch" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/S1900.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
Sock Finch</a></span></td> <td align="center" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Detail.php?Yarn=Staccato&Color=Bohemian" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Y450/ST112.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 5px 5px 0pt; width: 100px;" /><br />
Staccato Redwood</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></center><br />
I'm sure plenty of people will argue with me and say these are fall colors, but I'm sticking to my choices. Think marigolds and lilies and bumblebees and, of course, sunflowers, and you might just agree.<br />
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It'd be fun to share more, but we're just swamped (have you seen the Fall <b><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato">Staccato</a></b> multis?). Check back on Thursday for an update on the goings on in ShibuiLand. Oh, and keep a weather eye on the horizon for an action-packed Newsletter!<br />
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~ Sara M.Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-64116163915469323422010-07-23T16:41:00.000-07:002010-07-23T16:41:40.920-07:00Sock On ThisIt may seem arbitrary, looking in from the outside, but we do have a plan at work here. In fact, the release of our upcoming booklets <b><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Booklets&Pattern=Shibui+Luxury">Shibui Luxury</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Booklets&Pattern=Shibui+Socks">Shibui Socks</a></b> is <b><i>so</i></b> organized that we have spreadsheets with dates, locations, and all sorts of other serious information.<br />
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But that isn't half as interesting as a lot of other topics like, oh, pretty pictures and my own brand of introspective color theory. I was browsing ravelry (looking for new Shibui projects to admire) and found quite a few that are worth fav'ing:<br />
<ul><li>Murf's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Murf/tiny-tea-leaves-cardi">TINY Tea Leaves Cardi</a>, knit with Shibui Sock in 'Mulberry'</li>
<li>Knittimo's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittimo/wisp">Wisp</a>, knit with Shibui Silk Cloud in 'Mulberry'</li>
<li>Nonsie's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/nonsie/girasole">Girasole</a>, knit with Shibui Sock in 'Wasabi'</li>
<li>Erron's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Erron/swallowtail-shawl">Swallowtail Shawl</a>, knit with Shibui Silk Cloud in 'Mulberry'</li>
<li>Annika72's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Annika72/friedas-decke---friedas-blanket">Friedas Decke</a>, knit with Shibui Sock in 'Orchid', 'Peony', and 'Wasabi'</li>
</ul>Which tells me one of two things, either: a) 'Mulberry' and 'Wasabi' are the bestest colors ever as far as our loyal knitters on ravelry are concerned; or, b) I only noticed the projects knit in red-violet or green yarn. Let's hope it's (a).<br />
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But even if you're not tickled pink by 'Mulberry' and 'Wasabi', you should try browsing the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/shibuiknits/projects">Projects pages</a> (all 458 of them!) for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/brands/shibuiknits">Shibui yarns on ravelry</a>. It's amazing to see what people have been making with our yarns. And quite inspiring, too. I've found many new patterns to try that way.<br />
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Speaking of inspiring patterns on ravelry, did you know that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/shibui-luxury/patterns">Shibui Luxury</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/shibui-socks">Shibui Socks</a> are now in the ravelry database as sources? Not all the patterns have been added (see first paragraph re: schedule), but expect to see a new pattern every couple of days or so.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQRAflDtPKeIth8fJnuMnIwzfrV0h79Re6q7XQNSdRm1Srq_kze9n6DEmeQWDdch8LGaF5zm2u9Cd_zSzU6aWZbMDj9uai1-JQWnMdB1PIdqDtw0yx0yhOxF7YzufrHd0PXnaqwuyomsB/s1600/Shibui-Luxury-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQRAflDtPKeIth8fJnuMnIwzfrV0h79Re6q7XQNSdRm1Srq_kze9n6DEmeQWDdch8LGaF5zm2u9Cd_zSzU6aWZbMDj9uai1-JQWnMdB1PIdqDtw0yx0yhOxF7YzufrHd0PXnaqwuyomsB/s400/Shibui-Luxury-cover.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
You'd better believe I went and clicked that little heart button the moment <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eustacia">Eustacia</a> was up (shown above). I just love this pattern. It's so sensual looking. And the way the fabric feels? Oh... <i>my</i>. I helped Kristin block the sample shown in the booklet and that was an decadent experience I won't forget soon. <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato"><b>Staccato</b></a> and <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Silk+Cloud"><b>Silk Cloud</b></a> really do make for a dynamic duo.<br />
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And not just for enveloping wraps, either. See Isabella:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IoAhsvE0raBaALgkRvAH0_ff6AmIXWjUSsz5zIBwOA3AFiMseK3IAefjYM2VFnvi_dBXIiCmTiycvJZ8klZR9KK9LLqzU-uFqh5w2BrtqRGahrphSRitkvUuVHSNdsdhaBvMv0O7wPdk/s1600/Shibui-Luxury-Isabella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IoAhsvE0raBaALgkRvAH0_ff6AmIXWjUSsz5zIBwOA3AFiMseK3IAefjYM2VFnvi_dBXIiCmTiycvJZ8klZR9KK9LLqzU-uFqh5w2BrtqRGahrphSRitkvUuVHSNdsdhaBvMv0O7wPdk/s400/Shibui-Luxury-Isabella.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A pair of bedsocks worthy of the Medici. Silk? Check. Merino? Also check. And add the softest kid mohair available to give the pair a subtle halo and super-fuzzy feel. Now, Isabella isn't on ravelry... yet. But I have it on good authority (thank you, again, schedule) that the pattern will be up soon.<br />
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We do, however, have two more patterns from Shibui Socks that <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/shibui-socks/patterns">are on ravelry</a>. The first, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/willamette-2"><b>Willamette</b></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2wQuxNflA3_PSQRkz5bV5UMOPnJ8uZoLvN5tYVcknI5IT2Bu4H0EXfgxwHBYNRWKX9bSZwQec3QP8cEEr-FXXQZlEHKev01cDSIjGUK8bJhLpYiNxTwtb5SUnoNluwhSPDoA3tK64O-_/s1600/Shibui-Socks-Willamette-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2wQuxNflA3_PSQRkz5bV5UMOPnJ8uZoLvN5tYVcknI5IT2Bu4H0EXfgxwHBYNRWKX9bSZwQec3QP8cEEr-FXXQZlEHKev01cDSIjGUK8bJhLpYiNxTwtb5SUnoNluwhSPDoA3tK64O-_/s400/Shibui-Socks-Willamette-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Were knit with Sock in 'Marine' and they feature a modified half-linen stitch pattern that does really cool things with hand-painted yarn. The socks are mirrored because the designer is ever so slightly OCD. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Ahem.)</span></i> Then we have <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alameda"><b>Alameda</b></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpNg3XepEwywE6WQwAfXcnpFcxotRTs0hXBXVNufPooI870oHrXxE2JGt8ygZBdiPdN2yNBU5BqHhrvjOC498cvyB-yOrCwgch40NySpEf3u2keT6NKQ-FDtfaa6VVrAqTUHNP0Xm-R_S/s1600/Shibui-Socks-Alameda-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpNg3XepEwywE6WQwAfXcnpFcxotRTs0hXBXVNufPooI870oHrXxE2JGt8ygZBdiPdN2yNBU5BqHhrvjOC498cvyB-yOrCwgch40NySpEf3u2keT6NKQ-FDtfaa6VVrAqTUHNP0Xm-R_S/s400/Shibui-Socks-Alameda-3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Knit with Staccato in 'Green Apple'. This pattern has three sizes (Child, Woman's Man's) and is shown in both adult sizes in the booklet. You can see more pictures <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alameda">on ravelry</a>. The design features seed rib, making it perfect for almost anyone. Men, women, children, you name it. It's a great simple sock that won't bore you to tears while knitting it <i>and</i> that the recipient will actually wear when it's done.<br />
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As of 4:30pm PDT, six of the ten patterns from Shibui Socks are on ravelry. But you can only get a sneak peek at what's coming next <i>here</i>...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n7ddO05WxFhlB7hfHAh6nHva9EnvuGbdXfb6W05zSrsJ06NK0wT1XenTUomPu_AV9_MHpFP2riwyfSiDRIkGaBTKsF2TbHPPXBQQyL1DM5qlHiOLvOfW2FzIl-dhFcWa6HdDAI5K6owo/s1600/Shibui-Socks-Waterfront-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n7ddO05WxFhlB7hfHAh6nHva9EnvuGbdXfb6W05zSrsJ06NK0wT1XenTUomPu_AV9_MHpFP2riwyfSiDRIkGaBTKsF2TbHPPXBQQyL1DM5qlHiOLvOfW2FzIl-dhFcWa6HdDAI5K6owo/s400/Shibui-Socks-Waterfront-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Waterfront. Just don't tell anyone I told you. And be sure to act surprised when it pops up.<br />
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But now I must away. Until next time, stay cool!<br />
~ Sara M.Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-49308705034558675272010-07-15T12:52:00.000-07:002010-07-15T12:52:41.251-07:00Eye candyMarj is still drowning in orders, especially since the new Staccato <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato"><b>solids</b></a> came in, and can't come up for air yet. But that doesn't mean we aren't thinking of the blog. In all honesty, we often say "We should blog about that!" and then have to go do something else (like fill or ship orders) instead. You understand. Real yarn is much more important than virtual yarn.<br />
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We've had a lot going on behind the scenes here at Shibuiland. Two new booklets, Shibui SOCKS and Shibui LUXURY go to print next week, and we're already working on another booklet for our newest yarn, Heichi. I can't say much (it's all very hush-hush) but the goal of this book it to create a collection of beautiful and wearable garments for year-round use.<br />
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So, before I divulge any more, how about some visual loveliness? Jenny (our very G&T photographer/ graphic artist) took our <a href="http://yarnsonstage.com/yarns-on-stage.htm"><b>Yarns On Stage</b></a> sock and yarn for a spin yesterday:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Images/Tika-Sock-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://shibuiknits.com/Images/Tika-Sock-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's kind of overwhelming the response we've had to this color. People are going nuts for it. Which makes me a little sad that it's a limited edition, one-time-only thing. I know that I'll be at the front of the line on October 16th, to get a couple (or four or five) skeins of Dahlia when it hits the shelves.<br />
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The sock pattern shown, for those of you who are interested, is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tika-sock"><b>Tika</b></a>. By Sara Morris*, author of the upcoming Shibui SOCKS. Personally, I just love this color. It's so rich and vibrant. And the way it flashes? Fabulous. It makes me think of a gypsy dancer... or something colorful and captivating.<br />
<br />
Anyway. If you <strike>like it</strike> <strike>want it</strike> gotta have it, you'd better contact <b><a href="http://yarnsonstage.com/contact-us.htm">Bruce at Yarns On Stage</a></b>, because a little bird told us that our special color is outselling it's cohorts at a rather remarkable rate.<br />
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But back to the topic at hand - pretty pictures. First, guess what I found on ravelry? Kristin Spurkland, author of Shibui LUXURY, has begun adding the patterns from the book to the ravelry database. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elinor-3"><b>Elinor</b></a>, shown below in Pagoda, is a luscious scarf that was inspired by our beloved <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Detail.php?Category=Accessories&Pattern=Cabled+Rib+Wrap"><b>Cabled Rib Wrap</b></a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Elinor-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Elinor-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Knit with <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Baby+Alpaca+DK"><b>Baby Alpaca DK</b></a> and <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Silk+Cloud"><b>Silk Cloud</b></a> held together, <b><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/elinor-3">Elinor</a></b> is, in a word, decadent. And really quite elegant...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Elinor-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Elinor-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know I'm contemplating making one for myself. In the new Baby Alpaca DK and Silk Cloud color, Cranberry. Can you imagine? Yumm.<br />
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Lest I drool all over my keyboard, let's move on. To Jane, in fact:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Luxury_Jane.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A pair of enchanting fingerless mitts. These are knit with Silk Cloud and <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato"><b>Staccato</b></a> held together. The finished pair is just unbelievable. The high silk content gives the fabric this luminous glow that's almost otherworldly. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eustacia"><b>Eustacia</b></a>, the out-and-out favorite from Shibui LUXURY, is also made with Silk Cloud and Staccato held together. This is <i>definitely</i> a winning combination. I hope more designers experiment with the two in the future.<br />
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Then, from Shibui SOCKS, we have a design inspired by Elizabethan stockings. Belmont, a modern sock with a classic twist, features a clock down the outside leg:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Socks_Belmont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Socks_Belmont.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The pair shown was knit with Staccato in Ivory. Unfortunately, the designer is a bit of a deadbeat* and hasn't added any of the Shibui SOCKS patterns to the ravelry database... yet. I have a feeling that she will <i>soon</i>.<br />
<br />
And, after several requests, a stocking version of Belmont was also written for the book. But you'll have to wait for a peek at that photo - I seem to have <strike>lost</strike> mislaid it. Check back next week, we'll definitely have it by then.<br />
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But, before you go, have a gander at Hawthorne:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Socks_Hawthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Images/Shibui_Socks_Hawthorne.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A classic sock with a sleek cable and slip stitch pattern (also from Shibui SOCKS). I quite like this design and think I shall have to make a pair for myself. The sample pair, shown in Mulberry, really caught my fancy.<br />
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But now I must away, because yarn is "slowly killing" a coworker. That'll be an interesting rescue. Until next week, enjoy the pretty!<br />
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~Sara M.<br />
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<i>*It's so </i>weird<i> to write about oneself in the third person! </i>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-6495035909214140762010-06-09T18:19:00.000-07:002010-06-09T18:19:26.416-07:00And the winner is...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Roving Knitter!</b></span></div><br />
On both photos, actually - so, congratulations! Please <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Contact/"><b>contact us</b></a> to collect your prizes. (For those of you just tuning in, this is the announcement in regards to our May <a href="http://shibuiknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/step-gingerly.html"><b>Caption This Photo Contest</b></a>.)<br />
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Now, today's post is being brought to you by Sara M. because Marjorie is swamped with TNNA preparations like, you know, packing her luggage and making arrangements and preparing to wake up at 4:30 am (shudder) to catch a flight. If you're going to TNNA, you can see her, Darcy, and Sandy at our fabulous booth - designed by our talented graphic/ industrial designer Jenny - #'s 1057 & 1156, located across from the concessions.<br />
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Since I don't have any staff projects to share (we're all working on super-secret knits right now, sorry), I have some more gorgeous sneak peeks from our upcoming NEW pattern booklets:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmetFpAbmQmFXaGrZqhyphenhyphenLPk92ViDUnlxuqfAnYg7Yzfgn7nedKyvvQ3qqZ01bKwekdtOZ4pH9ZtuCCJ3PPYbfjSs6REZxyGMNI_Y_BPyQRLhh5fDIE_FS0aiaQPXD1FzeGnfnvIrALy1g/s1600/DSC_6533_2-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmetFpAbmQmFXaGrZqhyphenhyphenLPk92ViDUnlxuqfAnYg7Yzfgn7nedKyvvQ3qqZ01bKwekdtOZ4pH9ZtuCCJ3PPYbfjSs6REZxyGMNI_Y_BPyQRLhh5fDIE_FS0aiaQPXD1FzeGnfnvIrALy1g/s400/DSC_6533_2-copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shibui LUXURY</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPOm571nQpxII7TslLNyYc8FuOhfeCSg1AJOEDGtNT9UXXfO1Wm4yjqiwFBtALkd4-0hZQDZ_lHh9lnMzy6-qWGQn6_U2__k-UoMa4wgASHNbUAbdWRSzDvLQCWpysfS1msmmE5nBUWb8/s1600/DSC_6998_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPOm571nQpxII7TslLNyYc8FuOhfeCSg1AJOEDGtNT9UXXfO1Wm4yjqiwFBtALkd4-0hZQDZ_lHh9lnMzy6-qWGQn6_U2__k-UoMa4wgASHNbUAbdWRSzDvLQCWpysfS1msmmE5nBUWb8/s400/DSC_6998_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shibui SOCKS</div><br />
Which will be released in early July (SOCKS) and early August (LUXURY). If you're going to the show, don't miss out on the beautiful samples and photos taken from the booklets on display in our booth. There will also be kits available, too, at Sample It.<br />
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Next, we have your daily dose of cuteness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKXjrTgEYJU2VwZ_6ATQvVbSnA0Xg1GHcVrQGdq78eGY3fJPP3PHw-FzKh9QzzZ8ezTWzRqoRlG9oAM-r-S8wB92WAQUFMNopVwf13y76aEeBzOhfseqMIsSFII45ItqDpdgLUsG5NNUs/s1600/IMG_20100609_135702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKXjrTgEYJU2VwZ_6ATQvVbSnA0Xg1GHcVrQGdq78eGY3fJPP3PHw-FzKh9QzzZ8ezTWzRqoRlG9oAM-r-S8wB92WAQUFMNopVwf13y76aEeBzOhfseqMIsSFII45ItqDpdgLUsG5NNUs/s400/IMG_20100609_135702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Bagheera, the 6-week-old kitten, climbing around a Shibui Bag. You just can't beat that. Note: kitten doesn't come with purchase of bag ;)<br />
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Lastly, we have another sneak peek (wow, we have a lot of projects in the works here!) of our newest yarn, Heichi:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGcS3EiqHn-Ltzg_p3-bigHhJ_EJR9YfliD977dHOSKmF7xmytKSj7Lf6LhNxEiUODB7OWX7VLhLSgCBs7qSIRttqQZjvt2IcjSrJKLfDq_J9o8CRSzZN6QeLwohQa79NzdURmjrUmQiD/s1600/thumb-heichi-preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGcS3EiqHn-Ltzg_p3-bigHhJ_EJR9YfliD977dHOSKmF7xmytKSj7Lf6LhNxEiUODB7OWX7VLhLSgCBs7qSIRttqQZjvt2IcjSrJKLfDq_J9o8CRSzZN6QeLwohQa79NzdURmjrUmQiD/s400/thumb-heichi-preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A 100% silk tweed yarn. It's listed as DK, by might be better at a light worsted gauge. We're currently experimenting with the first lot. This lovely new yarn will be available in store in January (2011) and will feature some <i>excellent</i> pattern support. But I can say no more. Prepare to be amazed.<br />
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Heichi, incidentally, means "juxtaposition" in Japanese.<br />
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Maybe we should have a contest to win some Heichi to play with, huh? What do you think? Or would you prefer something different? Leave your opinion in as a comment and we'll tally the votes!Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-38527996726439647632010-06-02T17:59:00.000-07:002010-06-02T17:59:50.032-07:00Incoming!Wow, a very large shipment of yarn surprised us today (we weren't expecting it until Friday or later...) and so we (mostly Marj) have been scurrying around, trying to get it unloaded and divvied up for our customers with back orders. But, rest assured, that we now have quite a back stock of <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Merino+Worsted"><b>Merino Worsted</b></a> (our 2nd most popular yarn, after Sock):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwdtcLDBnXJR0tYSQ_T2jNp-5ny7kw27sGzKUO1lt_yz0rOeMlJP9UCIq2W1ufaVUz-A-iybb10j6QDfBhGBq_M4oI3m2SqnXuKqw4oHkdJ_o-oHtu0timRiMfpsejoWNCgx_mGJ35cqx/s1600/mw6210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwdtcLDBnXJR0tYSQ_T2jNp-5ny7kw27sGzKUO1lt_yz0rOeMlJP9UCIq2W1ufaVUz-A-iybb10j6QDfBhGBq_M4oI3m2SqnXuKqw4oHkdJ_o-oHtu0timRiMfpsejoWNCgx_mGJ35cqx/s400/mw6210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As well as EVERY SINGLE COLOR of <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=Staccato"><b>Staccato</b></a>. For you knitters who, like myself, have been mourning the recent paucity of Staccato, rejoice in our new <i>overstock!</i></div><br />
And since we're kind of overwhelmed by so much yarn, so very early, we're going to distract you from our lack of content today with some more beautiful sneak peeks from our upcoming booklets, Shibui LUXURY and Shibui SOCKS:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdncgUBbfBUvQ657cemS9-81_-k8EDmU0OSUEeLLWKGvoB54S0KI4gVYyqYZGBrzhfdSm0QSKAVMnidMWxdUTzzaP186caJ873fdsLHiDUDZ5dxupT_77hBB4lu6v5Wf-aB6KYg6FIREl/s1600/Elizabeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdncgUBbfBUvQ657cemS9-81_-k8EDmU0OSUEeLLWKGvoB54S0KI4gVYyqYZGBrzhfdSm0QSKAVMnidMWxdUTzzaP186caJ873fdsLHiDUDZ5dxupT_77hBB4lu6v5Wf-aB6KYg6FIREl/s400/Elizabeth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Shown above is Elizabeth (the pattern, not the model) from Shibui LUXURY.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which, incidentally, will be available at Sample It (TNNA Columbus) in THREE colors! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrq2dpGZX9PFEH2OOxPyUz4V765-eC68WPkiFS9eVo4jp9TzBi_SMHFGC74nnjIeGCCqCBZZcHajHuDlSEJtjbpdyZiCGJZQX4y9ao8nu4ieVLTwKMTocPuNMsQ3UwfQP8TaF0x7nhAA/s1600/Ainsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrq2dpGZX9PFEH2OOxPyUz4V765-eC68WPkiFS9eVo4jp9TzBi_SMHFGC74nnjIeGCCqCBZZcHajHuDlSEJtjbpdyZiCGJZQX4y9ao8nu4ieVLTwKMTocPuNMsQ3UwfQP8TaF0x7nhAA/s400/Ainsworth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Shown above are the Ainsworth Socks from Shibui SOCKS</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which also will be available at Sample It (in three colors, as well)!</div><br />
Both photos were taken last week at our super-secret photoshoot location, which we mentioned <a href="http://shibuiknits.blogspot.com/2010/04/step-gingerly.html#comments"><b>in April</b></a>. Coming next week, we'll post the winners of the Caption This Image contest we posted, again, in April. Look for it (and some more sneak peeks!) next Wednesday. Until then, stay <i>shibui</i>!<br />
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~ Sara M.Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-69313461187077594892010-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:002010-05-27T17:01:53.790-07:00Yarn on our shelves!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwuUfKC7jm1BJAPM4c08zhdEjbN0qZ6tL84qEEN3aRhDRnIp7vSwbiIpPTEbJiHRPfTsf7tsK603852dznT-n_LLiSm-Bj4ZL-AC8ptn3hyphenhyphen0sRb5nf6oe8ysPZijLcaLzOiT58SLGQOei/s1600/cakm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwuUfKC7jm1BJAPM4c08zhdEjbN0qZ6tL84qEEN3aRhDRnIp7vSwbiIpPTEbJiHRPfTsf7tsK603852dznT-n_LLiSm-Bj4ZL-AC8ptn3hyphenhyphen0sRb5nf6oe8ysPZijLcaLzOiT58SLGQOei/s320/cakm.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><br />
Sara here. Marj can't come to the blog today because we just received a big, beautiful shipment of Staccato and Sock from our mill. If you are one of our very many vendors with a back order, rest assured that Marj is working tirelessly to fill your order(s). For a complete list of all the colors that came in, see below. Also, check out the amazing eye candy from our latest photoshoot...<br />
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Staccato:<br />
<ul><li>Cotton Candy</li>
<li>Tide</li>
<li>Rasberry</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Apple</li>
<li>Ivory</li>
<li>Butter</li>
</ul>Sock:<br />
<ul><li>Cranberry</li>
<li>Seaweed</li>
<li>Mulberry</li>
<li>Peony</li>
<li>Jonquil</li>
<li>Lily</li>
<li>Kiwi</li>
<li>Peacock</li>
</ul>We also have more luscious yarn due to arrive in a week (or so). Check back then for another status update. Then, lastly, for your viewing pleasure, eye candy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Y2LoKWU2vLeOL6dMSPc_QEtMt4zvFs35XYJQHGMLiZFkak1aGbDvO4GEMafkIZ_qj7qwry-em5jbJ2bwSELSMJQu2_xPXD-IxpOyCLB75dyMjdQz7F5gGgRhYiGHo4oi8J1FdUbh-ET/s1600/Desktop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Y2LoKWU2vLeOL6dMSPc_QEtMt4zvFs35XYJQHGMLiZFkak1aGbDvO4GEMafkIZ_qj7qwry-em5jbJ2bwSELSMJQu2_xPXD-IxpOyCLB75dyMjdQz7F5gGgRhYiGHo4oi8J1FdUbh-ET/s400/Desktop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-4261684841727129912010-05-07T11:46:00.000-07:002010-05-17T12:33:56.276-07:00OMG MarylandI am not a fiber festival novice; I have been to <a href="http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/">Black Sheep Gathering</a>, <a href="http://www.flockandfiberfestival.com/">Oregon Flock and Fiber </a>and <a href="http://www.socksummit.com/">Sock Summit</a> but nothing prepared me for <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.org/">Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival</a>. Jolene, from <a href="http://www.cloverhillyarn.com/">Cloverhill Yarn</a> in Catonsville and Bob, from <a href="http://www.skeins.com/">Hunt Country Yarns</a>, tried to warn me but nothing prepares you for 60,000 yarn crazed knitters in one place. Add a 45 min to 2 hour traffic jam depending on when you arrived and 90 degree heat. It was a day for only the true believers. My sister came along on this trip, and I'm afraid that she now believes I am certifiable because I thought it was a “fun” day ….!<div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLx-CLZpD2zw7x_zwU3LAEyglhwsK3xSw-mLkT5JaWlQa-dn8nrUevzVBGZ74Dmm4vYu5hpPkPuxG2aRme1hcuStzsUllR_bEJH9BALrlU19mLBKL22ks8wJRHMS2ApDkYWgonHkMTyo/s1600/Maryland+fiber"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto; text-align:center; margin-top:-50px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLx-CLZpD2zw7x_zwU3LAEyglhwsK3xSw-mLkT5JaWlQa-dn8nrUevzVBGZ74Dmm4vYu5hpPkPuxG2aRme1hcuStzsUllR_bEJH9BALrlU19mLBKL22ks8wJRHMS2ApDkYWgonHkMTyo/s200/Maryland+fiber" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468610474265551634" /></a><br /><br />Cloverhill had the Shibuiknits franchise at the show, and I tried three times to get a picture of the booth by holding my I phone up above my head and shooting. Every time I tried this maneuver I was slammed by another wave of knitters on a mission, and every picture was a blur of humanity. The good news is that they were heading for Shibui yarn.<br /><br />Shibui has a line of yarn called RAW that we market to independent dyers and we will also help you develop your own line of yarn. Finding the dyers can be a little difficult because they work out of homes, barns and studios and only come out at festivals like Maryland. So. I went to Maryland, and I found many great dyers. I left info where I could (sometimes the booths were so packed you couldn't get in) and others I will follow up on later. In a few places ,I bought a skein or two so I could get to the register and give my 20 second intro to Shibui. I shipped a box of yarn home and I have been petting my purchases as I write.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OztPDsbRLyqPqhuXupKyomXJB27JMAfnc1q2paaGcC-dObxOZD33d92DZvFlYiO1Q7lL_Lp3kR_6v0jxAjF7N7-tqrqfhvvcbd9P8hrC6Jg9Mo3JvoOtwUj5m1UNSDzwqXjY569hPH8/s1600/yarn+stash"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OztPDsbRLyqPqhuXupKyomXJB27JMAfnc1q2paaGcC-dObxOZD33d92DZvFlYiO1Q7lL_Lp3kR_6v0jxAjF7N7-tqrqfhvvcbd9P8hrC6Jg9Mo3JvoOtwUj5m1UNSDzwqXjY569hPH8/s200/yarn+stash" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468608770004817282" /></a><br /><br />Growing up, I was a 4-Her and still love going out to the barns. If you are like me and enjoy the animals, then Maryland is a must do. They have all sorts of rare breeds including the flocks from <a href="http://www.mountvernon.org/visit/plan/index.cfm/pid/468/">Mount Vernon</a> and <a href="http://www.history.org/foundation/journal/summer07/sheep.cfm">Williamsburg</a>. There is nothing cuter than Jacob lambs, except there was this little brown and cream merino that was so gorgeous that I almost bid for the fleece and I don't spin. My sister provided the voice of sanity on this point. The rock stars were the rams, which had long locks to rival Fabio's, and as you can see from the picture, they didn't like the paparazzi either. They placed 1 and 2 in there breed and they knew it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIrVzO5cfdpUbnsnqrDsvF60xYfFkg6uDPas1ycYX2s_95fB-YPMn40YoCKo4nuG8px0EdGaF6B4KNdsOSlqx_QmhZOb069zxH9EdAkkZdDLaPtrEPyAr1GNiboZGOrMQKDEA78E7smA/s1600/jacob+lamb"><img style="float:left; margin:10px 10px; margin-top:40px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIrVzO5cfdpUbnsnqrDsvF60xYfFkg6uDPas1ycYX2s_95fB-YPMn40YoCKo4nuG8px0EdGaF6B4KNdsOSlqx_QmhZOb069zxH9EdAkkZdDLaPtrEPyAr1GNiboZGOrMQKDEA78E7smA/s200/jacob+lamb" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468609519479024258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJexBhM-CV0PgJZdxZGNU6cSqqcpNhpgAJJ7Gg9JwutqnEbPVDhqTZCREFKoa5WbBphOVx2Q1eE4ssH3PaKVrnX073V-HcaEs4_NuCYvApwXT5QjQc07rMbiIgjHrpmMDRQAy49Ppsiw/s1600/rock+stars"><img style="display:block; margin-bottom:10px; margin-right:20px; margin-top:22px; float:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJexBhM-CV0PgJZdxZGNU6cSqqcpNhpgAJJ7Gg9JwutqnEbPVDhqTZCREFKoa5WbBphOVx2Q1eE4ssH3PaKVrnX073V-HcaEs4_NuCYvApwXT5QjQc07rMbiIgjHrpmMDRQAy49Ppsiw/s200/rock+stars" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468612467232236242" /></a><br />I tried to capture some of the unique and interesting sights but the orange knitted shorts were moving to fast through the crowd. I did get some cute lamb photos. I am a country girl at heart so I keep a few lambies on my I phone to make the commute less tiresome. The photo my sister wanted me to get was of the Navy guy on his day off waiting at parade rest for his wife to get over her case of yarn hysteria. I wanted to ask if he had a brother in Oregon I could date.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-47170302757001560962010-04-28T17:46:00.000-07:002010-04-28T17:46:51.231-07:00Baby Knits<div style="text-align: justify;">My nephew, Tim, and his wife, Michelle, are expecting their first child in October. When Michelle emailed me that they were expecting, I was thrilled. This is the first child in the family that lives somewhere where hand-knits are needed for more than a couple days a year, i.e. when you throw the kids in the car for a day in the snow. The rest of the family lives in the central valley of California, where <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tule_fog">Tule fog</a></b> can settle in for months of cat-paw gray, not with the bone chilling cold that rain and snow bring to Maryland and Oregon. For years I have had pent-up baby knitting energy (especially little girl baby knitting) so, even though we don't know if a girl or boy is coming, I am defiantly leaning my knitting choices towards a baby girl.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The joys of baby knitting are many... small projects, fast knitting, fun colors and, as long as you don't make something too tiny, projects guaranteed to fit the child eventually. First on the list is a <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Pattern.php?Pattern=20">Vintage Baby Cardigan</a></b> in <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Yarn.php?Yarn=9&Color=S51305">Zinnia Sock</a></b>. With just a touch of pink in the midst of yellow, orange, green and red, it will work for either a boy or a girl as long as you choose your buttons carefully.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MBRWIhJNyr7Ca7E6qu79uYIeAtJAtt-pBQ_paogqd311p4Bo-_t8Mc2XFQSY5NurWOih677gS_va_38Ye8Gpe_5gkvpniCWMQ8mAbGjIBo8bEz0y5xugaXu0IKalN4p45BHLh2tltu0/s1600/vintagebabycardi_marjorie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465351847426331554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MBRWIhJNyr7Ca7E6qu79uYIeAtJAtt-pBQ_paogqd311p4Bo-_t8Mc2XFQSY5NurWOih677gS_va_38Ye8Gpe_5gkvpniCWMQ8mAbGjIBo8bEz0y5xugaXu0IKalN4p45BHLh2tltu0/s400/vintagebabycardi_marjorie.jpg" style="display: block; height: 213px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; width: 320px;" width="400" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add frogs, not flowers, or maybe an i-cord inchworm crawling along the bottom edge, and you have a boy-friendly knit. You can make it simple, or even embellish it with all sorts of ribbons and buttons. Since I am closing in on finishing my Vintage Baby Cardigan before I see Michelle and Tim on Sunday, it time to run over to the <b><a href="http://www.buttonemporium.com/">Button Emporium</a></b> for a treasure hunt. I will be sewing in the ends on my red-eye flight tonight. (You might just see me at the <b><a href="http://www.sheepandwool.org/">Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival</a></b>!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After all these years of admiring baby patterns wistfully, I have a whole list of projects for TMB (Tim+Michelle= Baby). Jared Flood's <b><a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/More/Patterns.php?More=110">Girasole</a></b> in <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Yarn.php?Yarn=123&Color=ST102">Butter Staccato</a></b> for a Christening blanket, our <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Pattern.php?Pattern=52">Baby Leggings</a></b>, the pullover from <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Pattern.php?Pattern=126">Shibui Baby</a></b>, and maybe even the <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Patterns/Pattern.php?Pattern=126">Shibui Baby Romper</a></b> in <b><a href="http://shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Yarn.php?Yarn=9&Color=S440">Cranberry Sock</a></b> for Christmas. I shall leave booties to other knitters, since they drive me to distraction, and wait to see about the little girl dresses until we have confirmation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But that must wait until later. I have to run and catch my flight now, in order to see all y'all at the <b><a href="http://www.buttonemporium.com/">MS&WF</a></b> this weekend! Until next time, ponder those baby knits.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-52634369844544196462010-04-22T17:57:00.000-07:002010-04-22T18:19:23.663-07:00Dancing in BrooklynMany of you know that we distribute Jared Flood's patterns and those of you that don't should check out the “&more “ page on the website. Are there knitters that don't know of Jared or Brooklyntweed? It is hard to imagine considering the legions of fans that follow his blog and swamp store websites when his classes are annouced. His knitting insights are refreshing, his patterns are well written classics with elegant reinterpretation and his wit is entertaining. If you don't follow his blog yet check it out at <a href="http://www.brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/">brooklyntweed.blogspot.com</a><br /> .<br />I have to confess I have had a thing Brooklyn boys since I dated Mike that went to Erasmus High and lived off Flatbush. He taught me to make the best egg creme on the West Coast and, yes, I use Fox's Ubet. I was three steps shy of infatuation before Jared and I started our email exchanges, and now his new patterns have me a little weak in the knees.<br /><br />A few things happened this week that just got me doing a little happy Brooklyn dance. One Jared announced last week on his blog that he was wholesaling his patterns to LYSes through Shibuiknits and 5 LYSs had left me emails by Monday morning. The LYS in the Shetland Islands (yes those Shetlands) had sent me three.<br /><br />Two Jared has just added a elegant cabled scarf called Dryad to the Brooklyntweed line. This scarf will knit up beautifully in Shibuiknits <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=49">Merino Alpaca</a> or, for a more easy care version, use <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=88">Merino Worsted</a>. It would be ruggedly handsome in Bark or Seaweed, classic in Ivory and cozy in Mulberry. Merino Alpaca needed the love and it is a great yarn to knit cables. Rumor has it that there are a couple of mitten patterns and a wrap on it's way too in the next few weeks.<div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4481407241_494e41a929.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2691/4481407241_494e41a929.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The last thing that put the spring in my step was that Jared agreed to rephotograph all of the patterns knit in Shibuiknits yarns. Here is a little preview of what will be coming by fall. Habitat in Bark Merino Alpaca, Dryad in Ivory Merino Alpaca, Porom in <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=37">Baby Alpaca</a> Mist,( yes, it is a new color for BA) Girasole in Mulberry <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=9">Sock</a> and the Tweed Baby Blanket in Bark Merino Worsted with Mulberry edging. We will also be knitting second samples, too, in other colors to use for Shibui Trunk Shows. If any of you are considering having Jared come and teach a class or two, let me know and we can arrange to have a trunk show there at the same time.<br /><br />It's been a good week so far and it is only Wednesday. This Friday I'll be the Lindy Hop down Avenue J in Brooklyntweed.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-8732791782853488672010-04-14T12:36:00.000-07:002010-04-14T13:03:43.222-07:00Step GingerlyThe big boy yarn companies have whole departments that figure out what each new book is going to look like and what patterns are going into it but here at Shibui we have a much more organic approach to creating. Every Tuesday we have our “Shibui Meeting” at our IKEA table with tea and lattes. It is a very small we: Darcy,(the owner), myself, Kristin,(our designer editor), Jenny,(our graphic/design anything person) and Sara, (web and marketing). We start out civilized by taking turns around the table, each telling what we are working on, but we soon errupt into “what about this idea”.<br /><br />A few weeks ago we were talking about locations for the photo shoot for our to new pattern books, Shibui Luxury and Shibui Sock, that will be released at TNNA in June. Throwing out ideas like Jamison Park, Downtown, Park Blocks etc and each was greeted with some kind of “that won't work,” “thats been done”or “can we do that” when finally the clouds parted as Kristin's farm was suggested. Juxapostion is a big idea here at Shibui, and Kristin's farm sits right next to the Colombia and across the channel from Portland's industial port area. We wanted to move away from the sometimes sterile feel of studio shoots, so this was perfect. We have several Kristin's in the Shibui universe and Kristin of the farm works upstairs at Shibui's retail cousin, Knit Purl. In her spare time, she grows cider apples and raises gorgous long-curly haired cattle on Sauvie's Island about 30 min from Portland on the Columbia. No papers to sign, no cost and green rolling hills too.<br /><br />So last week our meeting moved from the IKEA table to the cow pasture, because we had to see the new baby calf, check out the barn for location, and admire the espalier apples that were just starting to bud. I'm happy to say that everyone remained standing in the juicy cow pasture that is de riguer during spring in the northwest. Most of us are city girls or our farm days are a distant memory from our youth so we were all a little out of our element as we gingerly stepped around the cows and their deposits. I know I was giggling to myself about our rag-tag group and the cows though we were very interesting to look at too. I can hardly wait to see their curiosity piqued when we start shooting in early May. I'm sure there will be some great behind-the-scene shots to be shared that day too.<br /><br />We would like to invite you to caption the photo of our little outing and the winnes will receive a gift of<br />Shibui yarn in one of our new colors arriving in June. Self deprecation is an art, so make us laugh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d8yRqZ2PYTTjuJqXgrCQDDKNiBa0Hjq5WUlnmct_sQKKbxjDWwlLUCQ8uRuPeI3KngT3G4baI82xEfZmBE2E-q_okuiR3Q7618lUfo3SIwZWS19o_3_uSEAwgwdOrYKYDjCK-4jnwl8/s1600/DSC01472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9d8yRqZ2PYTTjuJqXgrCQDDKNiBa0Hjq5WUlnmct_sQKKbxjDWwlLUCQ8uRuPeI3KngT3G4baI82xEfZmBE2E-q_okuiR3Q7618lUfo3SIwZWS19o_3_uSEAwgwdOrYKYDjCK-4jnwl8/s320/DSC01472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460085446746417602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWghOaWycZla2mYRp3BAfQ25_cI5NexOEL_fh8dMGLPTwoxqDeWxq4bInNQDOI-VQRC_hAq-7xdmbiAUVn9k5_9HY-EqiSkJ9zrrrVFCBYKslPlHVJmKi5vPMGA4-gSVy-FvihS0CYGA/s1600/DSC01474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWghOaWycZla2mYRp3BAfQ25_cI5NexOEL_fh8dMGLPTwoxqDeWxq4bInNQDOI-VQRC_hAq-7xdmbiAUVn9k5_9HY-EqiSkJ9zrrrVFCBYKslPlHVJmKi5vPMGA4-gSVy-FvihS0CYGA/s320/DSC01474.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460085994804042002" /></a><br />MarjorieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-75799687883079263822010-04-13T14:58:00.001-07:002010-04-13T14:59:02.322-07:00This blog has moved<br /> This blog is now located at http://shibuiknits.blogspot.com/.<br /> You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click <a href='http://shibuiknits.blogspot.com/'>here</a>.<br /><br /> For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to<br /> http://shibuiknits.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.<br /> Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-15210856111623745522010-01-09T15:09:00.000-08:002010-04-13T15:10:32.727-07:00TNNA, No Way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQjvhPlaIZAC3wRBXaAWHJ2P81AbNas5giM4vbAIIJk2Knc3R3OzYrr-SmuK75nfH3EK1LIWbLKC5OYxoKbwphSEMHOmziD974SLgzvBiGwaLWzMj55tzm1X90g2buq3dwwGvZzUarX6/s1600/tnna.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQjvhPlaIZAC3wRBXaAWHJ2P81AbNas5giM4vbAIIJk2Knc3R3OzYrr-SmuK75nfH3EK1LIWbLKC5OYxoKbwphSEMHOmziD974SLgzvBiGwaLWzMj55tzm1X90g2buq3dwwGvZzUarX6/s320/tnna.png" /></a></div>It's official, our booth at The National NeedleArts Association is up, and we have the pictures to prove it. Click on the image to the right to get up to the minute images straight from Marjorie's iPhone.<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Better yet, just come visit us in person at TNNA in Long Beach, California. The picture quality is better that way anyway. We snagged booth number 747, like the airplane you should be boarding right now so as not to miss a minute of National NeedArts madness.</div>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-88329904049381101232010-01-08T15:08:00.000-08:002010-04-13T15:09:27.063-07:00Dog Day Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRPPug5scPSWvhwfI0O_fHML889toQjGhs9mrPHkdT8vXqcsCAx9nekRrJAv8ZfBSNJ4ohsQGus5iHlXPpdjQk0s_3TJpklD4g7dpDhWL6pAQsPdxWoWjdTl5BLzI_r1qzUbW9en95XM6/s1600/jake.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRPPug5scPSWvhwfI0O_fHML889toQjGhs9mrPHkdT8vXqcsCAx9nekRrJAv8ZfBSNJ4ohsQGus5iHlXPpdjQk0s_3TJpklD4g7dpDhWL6pAQsPdxWoWjdTl5BLzI_r1qzUbW9en95XM6/s320/jake.png" /></a></div>We promised posts on yarn trends, sharing our small-business experiences, and Shibui Shenanigans. This post is decidedly the latter...<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">because the adults are on vacation! That is, if you consider toiling to configure, construct, and captain the finest booth TNNA has ever seen to be a vacation (we certainly do).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of our employees has thus seen fit to partake in the annual "Bring Your Dog to the Office of a Yarn Wholesaler Day". Not just any dog either: Jake will steal your heart and come back for your sanity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a freak power outage yesterday, we can all use a little puppy love. The effect of cuteness and licks-to-the-face on productivity remaines to be seen.</div>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9219286701538792431.post-30306166979130748382010-01-07T02:14:00.000-08:002010-04-13T15:08:03.480-07:00Hello World!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-xq9EuV35b3cGRW5BD0QMOlU8Qg098dX5tDqqexXXMrF-US-oMI4JB6o1Im-YvcE6ZaSEbgdtkMO15ze5kMoWaLMvbkHSojSMFn3jubBvHTpCec8Tiz8YNm_IOQRvsauHZ2PYq_Ogeuv/s1600/globe-yarn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-xq9EuV35b3cGRW5BD0QMOlU8Qg098dX5tDqqexXXMrF-US-oMI4JB6o1Im-YvcE6ZaSEbgdtkMO15ze5kMoWaLMvbkHSojSMFn3jubBvHTpCec8Tiz8YNm_IOQRvsauHZ2PYq_Ogeuv/s320/globe-yarn.png" /></a></div><div class="posttext cloud"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><h4 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">ShibuiBlog becomes self-aware at 2:14 AM. Pacific Time, January 7th, 2010. </h4><div></div><h4><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">But what does this mean for you? We'll be crunching numbers to determine the hottest new yarns from Shibui and our partners. From trade shows to inter-office shenanigans, you'll never miss a beat in the exciting world of yarn distribution. </div><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div></h4><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><h4 style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We hope this 'blog will also become a resource for other small-businesses, as we share the triumphs and tribulations of running our own. Shibuiknits owes much of its success to the hard-working (and fashionable!) staff here, and this site will give them a forum to share their secrets as well. </div></h4><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><h4><div style="font-weight: normal;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;">If you have any questions for us, any suggestions for things you'd like to see on ShibuiBlog, or are just feeling lonely on a Friday night, please give us a shout at blog@shibuiknits.com. </div></h4></div>Sara Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08010588228565095954noreply@blogger.com0