We are happy to announce that SWAK will continue to stock Jo Sharp yarns!

There was a bit of confusion when Jo pulled out of her US distributorship, leading many to believe that she would only be offering yarns direct to consumers. Some consumers were even led to believe that she completely went out of business, which was never true. This broke my heart for her because I know the damage caused by such rumors. Even though it looked as if we would no longer be able to stock her yarns, something told me to hold off on clearing her yarns off the shelf just yet.

Turns out my instincts were right, and Jo’s distribution to yarn shops will continue. Her direct from Australia distribution actually offers us more flexibility than before, making it very easy for us to stock her yarns, and special order whatever you desire.

Jo’s new website also offers free and downloadable patterns. We love all of her designs and yarns, however the yarns that we love the most are her Silkroad Aran and DK Tweeds. They are superb!

We will be updating our website in the near future to add any missing yarns/shades, however in the interim if you’d like something that is not shown just give us a shout and we’ll be happy to get it for you.

In case you’ve missed my Ode to Jo story that I’ve told many times, we first met at a TKGA show outside of Chicago about 15 years ago. She was just getting her start, and I fell in love with her yarns and designs. SWAK was her first US account. At that time her yarns were sold through a company that simply distributed Australian made products, so they sold yarn and boomerangs, among other things. I am very fond of Jo and we keep in touch from time to time. Her yarns and designs have been an integral part of our lineup for years, and we are delighted that this long-standing relationship will continue.

The beaded ornament trunk show just arrived! We have samples of all available styles and a big assortment of kits in a wide array of colors. The kits are $15 and include metallic yarn, beads, pattern and a glass ornament. We also have limited edition kits featuring special beads that are $17.
Currently the trunk show is at our Guthrie location, but it will be traveling to SWAK in the City on November 7 and will be on display through November 14. If you can’t make it in to see the kits in person, check out all of the available styles on Ornamental Knits website then give us a shout and we can let you know what color combinations we have available.

A little surprise we found in the trunk show box are these adorable pewter stitch markers. Available in 6 different styles -
Ball of Yarn
Sheep
Sweater
I (heart) 2 Knit with dangling yarn ball charm
Not shown are -
Kitty holding ball of yarn
I (heart) Knitting with needles knitting scarf.

They are all very cute. I tried taking a picture of the kitty but yours truly is not a photographer and the pewter was not cooperating with my limited skills. You’ll have to take my word for it. These stitch charms are only $3.

Here’s the miraculous part of the beaded ornament story. The box arrived as I was leaving yesterday to pick up Mason from Mother’s Day Out so Catherine set it up for me. When we walked in this morning I put my stuff down, turned around and saw Mason standing on a chair at the front counter and the ornament tree nowhere in site. The little turkey spotted it w/in 30 seconds of arriving this morning and promptly managed to push it off the counter. Remember, these are GLASS ornaments that don’t belong to me. Incredibly the tree fell onto the lower part of the counter and not one ornament broke. So far my “look with your eyes, not with your hands” speech has worked, but we have 10 days before it relocates to OKC. So if you come in and we have it hiding in the closet, you’ll know why.

Don’t forget, we have a class on these cute ornaments at SWAK in the City on Saturday, November 14! There is also a pattern leaflet available from the same company too.

If you enjoy the finer side of knitting and crochet, you will be happy to hear that a big shipment of crochet cotton arrived! Cébélia is 100% mercerized cotton from France, available in sizes 10, 20 & 30.

Crochet cotton isn’t just for crochet! Mom is getting all geared up for some knitted lace classes using the Cébélia. Watch for knitted doilies on the schedule after the holidays. Speaking of the class schedule, the November/December schedule is in the works and will be available very soon!

Kary will be at SWAK in the City tomorrow with the Girasole class. If you haven’t had a chance to start this gorgeous project yet, come in tomorrow and let her help you get started. Sherry finished her Girasole and it is beautiful! She used Tempted’s Good Grrl in the Almost a Dream colorway.

Sherry will also be at SWAK in the City next Saturday with the Beginner Bunch. With dozens of fun projects to choose from, what a great way to expand your skills!