Red Lotus Henna at ReBelle

Saturday, May 30 from 12-3pm Jamie McAlpin of Red Lotus Henna will be doing henna tattoos in the shop. Henna is a plant-based dye that when applied to the skin as a paste will create a red design on the skin that will last up to four weeks. Jamie can use your design or one of the hundreds of designs in her idea books. Tattoos start at just $5 so there is something for every budget.

Summer lace knit-a-long

Lace projects are really popular right now, but they can seem a little scary to a first-time lace knitter. Robyn will be in the shop offering lace assistance from 4-6pm every Tuesday during the month of June so come by and discover the joy of lace knitting.

Need inspiration? Here are some of our favorite lace patterns, many available for free.

Shawls
Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark
Flower Basket Shawl from Fiber Trends
Fountain Pen Shawl from Spring 2009 Interweave Knits
*Aeolian Shawl from Knitty, Spring 2009
Gail (AKA Nightsongs)

Socks
Monkey Socks by Cookie A from Knitty, Winter 2006
Embossed Leaves from Favorite Socks

Other
Hemlock Ring Blanket from Brooklyn Tweed
Meret (mystery beret) by Woolly Wormhead
February Lady Sweater

*Robyn will be knitting the Aeolian shawl for the knit-a-long if you want to knit the same project.

Feminine Knits

New in the shop this week is Lene Holme Samsoe's Feminine Knits.

Description from Interweave Press:

Fall in love with knitting again! This intriguing pattern collection blends captivating designs with flattering, feminine silhouettes that you'll be eager to start and delighted to finish. With skirts, jackets, tanks, pullovers, and accessories, Feminine Knits showcases texture, lace, and unusual pattern construction. Inspired by current and vintage fashion and the mathematical aspect of design, Danish knitwear designer Lene Holme Samsoe features projects for every season, skill level, time commitment, and occasion. Samsoe's pattern collection is full of elegant finishing and the kind of impeccable detail that makes a piece a classic, such as crocheted edgings, flattering shaping, and tailored sleeves.

Although the book has previously been available only in Danish and Norwegian, the lovely lacy Circular Jacket caught the eye of American and British knitters, who struggled to follow the pattern with translation software. In addition to the complete translated patterns, you will now be able to use the book's additional resources, including yarn substitution and sizing guides. The romantic design details and feminine silhouettes featured throughout the patterns in this book are showcased with beautiful photography and detailed knitting instructions. With 22 projects, Feminine Knits is packed to the brim with timeless yet fashionable patterns that are very wearable and interesting to knit.

New issue of Handknit Heroes and more

Issue number 2 of Handknit Heroes is in!! This issue goes a little further into the newfound discovery and use of the girls' super powers and in the back there is a pattern for a sweet little shopping bag. In addition to the comic books we also have some fun knitting themed postcards featuring Ana and Sue Ho from the series and a kit for knitting Alex's superhero mask. If you love comic books and you love knitting you definitely have to check these out.

New Lorna's Laces Color Commentary Color

The latest in the Lorna's Laces Color Commentary series is Wendy Knits' Sunrise. As you can see here, it does indeed look like a sunrise; the colors are somehow both bold and soft. Wendy Knits has even posted a free pattern designed specially for this yarn! We only have 8 skeins and we'll be putting them out tomorrow morning.

Mighty Wallets

We now have Mighty Wallets. These wallets are made from 25% post consumer recycled material and are themselves 100% recyclable. They look like paper, but are incredibly strong, tear resistant and water resistant. Their unique design allows them to easily expand to hold however much you may need to store inside them! For more details check out their website.