Joseph Galler and Fresh Books

We received a whole box full of lovely from Joseph Galler.  We haven't carried many yarns from this company lately, but I'm glad these are back.  They don't seem to have a website, so I'll give you the details.

Young girl snuggling your Heather Prime Alpaca

These skeins of Heather Prime Alpaca are huge!  Seriously, 665 yards huge.  It knits up at 6 stitches per inch on a US5 (sport weight).  One skein would make a generous shawl, and two skeins are enough for an adult-sized sweater.  Imagine a simple, lightweight cardigan knit up with this pure alpaca...what a great layer for our unpredictable weather.  I'm thinking about one of the many options from Ravelry designer Heidi Kirrmaier (aka Pipibird), especially Vitamin D or Atelier.

And the Peruvian Tweed

Also on the table, we have Galler Peruvian Tweed (600 yards of marled alpaca, 5 to 5.5 stitches per inch on a US 7 or 8).  Generous yardage and a slightly larger gauge for those of you who prefer the bigger needles.  One skein would be the perfect thing for Stephen West's Boneyard Shawl, a free pattern just right for an adventurous beginning knitter.

The Peruvian Tweed is also a popular option for manly sweaters, scarves, and hats.  It's not too heavy, and the tweedy/marled look keeps it masculine.  Perhaps a little hat and scarf set for someone in your life?  Maybe this one from Churchmouse Classics?  It's a winner.

We also received a shipment of some of our favorite books, including some tried and true classics and a few new publications.  

Elizabeth Zimmermann's legacy continues with Knit One, Knit All.  I can't promise that there will be any copies left when you get to the shop, but I can promise there are more on the way.  Also new, My Grandmother's Knitting, full of classic designs inspired by some pretty amazing grandmothers.  You have likely heard of everyone who contributed to this book: Jared Flood, Cirilia Rose, Pam Allen, Leigh Radford, Ysolda Teauge, Larissa Brown, Chrissy Gardiner, Cookie A, Wendy Bernard...

And our return champions include: One Skein, Stitch n' Bitch, Happy Hooker, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Vintage Baby Knits, Vintage Knits for Modern Babies, Boutique Knits, Simply Baby, How to Knit, How to Crochet, Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders, Knit & Purl, and Getting Started Knitting Socks.  Whew!

The chill in the air has me wishing that I'd invested a little more time knitting for myself over the last few months.  This gorgeous alpaca and these inspiring books are putting me in a selfish mood.  Time to get knitting!