Charlene's new book is here!

Stop by the shop and check out Sock Club by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott. Packed full with 23 patterns, the focus of this book is how to change the size of any patterned sock to fit the foot for which it is being knit. You will learn six different techniques to deal with too-big or too-small sock patterns. As always, Charlene's help and guidance is very appreciated!

Holidays in July

Have you noticed that it's July? That means you have only 5 short months to get your holiday knitting and crocheting done! Today we received a few copies of Ann Budd's book Knitted Gifts from Interweave Press. It's chock full of great small knitting patterns. Think about picking a copy up if you have run out of ideas!

Creepy Cute Crochet

There is an absolutely fabulous book out right now called Creepy Cute Crochet (check out the patterns on Ravelry) and one of our talented customers (who is also teaching this class, by the way) whipped up a Spartan and a Trojan. I tell you what, I can not escape the gravitational pull of the cuteness of these guys!

It's all about the socks!

If you've never noticed our Wall o' Sock Yarn (And how could you not? Come on. It's right there!), you might not know how very much we love socks here at Hanks. In order to enable... ahem... pass this passion on to you, we've recently received a couple of books I'd like to tell you about.

The first is Charlene Schurch (Pronounced 'church'! Really!) and Beth Parrott's Little Box of Socks. Lorena squeeeed when she opened up this little gem! The 'book' is a, well, little box. Tucked inside are 20 laminated cards, each with its own sock pattern. Perfect for tossing in your knitting bag without worry! The patterns vary from simple and charming to more complicated colorwork. If you enjoy Charlene's other books, you should definitely add this one to your wish list.

The other book we now carry is Janet Rehfeldt and Mary Jane Wood's Crocheted Socks! Socks aren't just for knitting, you know! The patterns in this book look so comfy and cozy. Quite a few different stitch patterns are featured, and some of the socks even have those cute separated toes. This is a fun, bright book that will bring joy to many crocheters who haven't yet had a reason to purchase sock yarn.

Friday Five: The Alphabet of Hanks (part one)

A is for Addi Lace Turbos, pretty with the shiny gold pointy tips and red connectors.

B is for Books, which we are now carrying, and can special order for our customers.

C is for Champagne, which is always in the fridge (and goes well with store meetings, along with chocolate.).

C is also for Classes, which are always fun as well as informative.

D is for Duran Duran, which makes Sharon and Lorena bop around the store like Old Wave Night Lunatics when the 80's mix is on the iPod.