You can never have enough sock yarn! Whether you knit socks or not, this is a yarn that should be a staple of your stash. You can knit socks, shawls and even garments. Sock yarn is another name for 4ply and so can be used in any pattern that calls for it.

Last week we took delivery of a gorgeous new sock yarn, Socks Yeah! by CoopKnits. I’ve long been a fan of Rachel’s sock designs and when I heard she was doing a yarn, I couldn’t resist getting some in for you all. There are 10 subtly marled colours named after the minerals the colours are inspired by.

Socks Yeah comes in 50g skeins with a generous 212m per skein which means you’ll need 2 for an average pair of adult socks and is priced at £5.45. The small skein size means it is also perfect for colourwork or perhaps a stunning stripey shawl. All the colours go together perfectly so whatever combination you choose, it’s bound to look great.

I think my favourites are Ammolite and Sphene. I’ve always been a pink girl and who can resist a bit of sunshine yellow on a grey autumn day? Which are your favourites?

We also have both volumes of Rachel’s sock knitting book. These feature an array of cleverly constructed and beautifully designed socks all of which would look great in Socks Yeah. Plus during November we will have 15% off all books! This will make Volume 1 £12.75 (normally £15) and Volume 2 £15.30 (normally £18).

A book and a couple of skeins of yarn would make a great present for the knitter in your life. I know they’ll be on my Christmas wish list.

As October is drawing to an end already, I thought I’d take a minute to talk you through our Festive fabric offerings while there is still plenty of time to get your makes stitched up. Plus, all our fabric has 10% off during October so there’s still time to grab a bargain. All our Christmas fabrics are £12/m with panels priced at £8. This means that you can currently pick up a Festive Fat Quarter for just £2.70!

From Makower’s Scandi inspired Christmas range we have a selection of stylish prints plus a 60cm panel which ties them together. There is a free quilt and table runner pattern available to download from the Makower website. I have also designed a mini quilt which can be used as a table runner or a wall hanging which I will be teaching as an all day workshop.

The workshop costs £45 which includes all materials and you will learn a variety of patchwork and appliqué techniques. You can find more details and book a place via our online shop.

Sticking with the Scandi style, we have a new range of linen look cottons.

I am in love with the look and feel of these, the linen effect perfectly suits the colour and style of the designs. They would be perfect for a coordinated table service or we have a customer using some for a tree skirt which I think is a great idea.

If your prefer your Christmas a bit brighter, we can help with that too.

These bright, eye catching fabrics include a 60cm panel to make large stockings. Why not make one for each of your children or grandchildren and start a new family tradition?

On the subject of stockings, how about making some festive advent bunting with each day represented by a mini stocking with enough room for sweets or a small gift?

We have two styles in this, the Scandi pictured above and a more traditional red and green design both priced at £8. To make up the stockings you also need 0.5m of backing fabric and 1m of lining fabric plus ribbon for hanging. If you would like to make this but don’t feel confident enough to tackle it on your own, I am also running a workshop to make these. The class costs £45 but includes materials worth over £20! You can book online or give us a call on 0121 314 6888.