Well things have finally started to slow down here at Wild & Woolly after an extremely busy winter, at time we felt as though every knitter in New Zealand had chosen the same day to call into the shop, and we are constantly amazed at how far some of you have travelled to visit our store.

Also around now we start to see the first of our overseas visitors, visiting NZ to escape the cold, miserable winters in the United States and Europe. Any day now we’ll welcome back Connie and her mother Norma (who is in her eighties). These keen knitters sail over from England every summer and head straight to WWY to buy copious amounts of wool to while away the hours whilst they are ‘bobbing in their boat’.

Many of our locals are now so addicted (something we feel partly responsible for) that they are refusing to put down their needles even as the weather starts to warm up. Knitting is no longer viewed as a winter-only hobby, something we do on cold wet winter evenings or whilst watching the rugby (Oops shouldn’t have mentioned the rugby). We don't know why but our pattern for an All Black baby jersey isn’t selling too well.

Now I know that cotton is the obvious choice for summer knitting (more of this later) however we have acquired some beautiful felted 12 ply (80% Merino / 20% Nylon) yarn which is truly stunning. These huge 100g balls are available in a great range of colours – soft raspberry, dusky pink, deep grass green, inky claret, teal, washed out blueberry and soft brown. The accompanying pattern book is crammed full of high-fashion knits, including two coats, a short trapeze jacket, stylish sweaters and sleeveless tunics. Knitted on 6mm needles we are talking instant knitting.

We have limited stock of this wool and are offering it to our newsletter subscribers at the promotional price of $6.90 a ball, RRP is $9.95. Call us in store to place your order.

Two new pattern books have arrived this month:

Patons – Big Book of Small Projects, $12.90, is crammed with over 70 patterns of interesting knits – tea cosies, socks, slippers, Christmas decorations etc – you get the picture? and that favourite of British seaside guest houses ‘the crocheted toilet roll cover’, just think of the fun you will have making all these, ideal gifts for family and friends.

Cleckheatons new book – Hand knits to Wrap and Adorn, has 51 projects for women and children. For those of you addicted to beanie knitting this is the book for you. All styles are featured, conical, lairise, rectangular, ribbed and pleated. And for no extra money they also include patterns for hot water bottle covers, slippers and gloves at $12.90 it’s a bargain.

I think it’s now safe to say that summer is here, and we are all stocked up with our best selection ever of cottons for some lovely summer knitting. Our newest yarn is Sirdar Luxury Soft 8 ply Cotton, which is supported by a fantastic range of modern patterns for cardigans, bolero wraps, sleeveless tops for ladies and girls and simple slouchy patterns for children and babies. The only problem is what colour to choose will it be the ever popular white, the stunning coral or the tranquil mint green. Sirdar’s soft pinks and blues are perfect for new babies, whilst stone, airforce blue or cherry red are ideal for active, rough and tumble kids.

We have knitted this yarn into some lovely display garments, which you’ll see in store – an understated cream baby’s sweater, with embroidered heart, and a ladies stylish, easy fit cardigan in an eye-catching, flattering coral.

Having just returned back from a month-long holiday to the UK I am re-inspired by the great wools we have in New Zealand, these are my current favourites:

Naturally NZ Me – 8 ply, Merino / 20% Cashmere, a machine washable luxury wool at $14.90 per 50g ball Ideal for baby knitting or as a special treat for yourself.

Treliske Organic Merino – 8 Ply. Spun from unbleached, un-dyed, organic fleece in soft natural colours for $9.50 per 50g ball.

Naturally NZ Harmony – 8 ply. Pure NZ felted merino wool, great for kids rough & tumble sweaters $6.80 per 50g ball.

Naturally NZ Haven – 4 ply, a high meterage Merino yarn which comes in unusual, not your normal boring 4 ply, shades – cherry red, sage green, dusky pink etc these are beautiful, and just $7.90 per 50g ball.

And finally our free pattern of the month. We will continue the NZ theme by knitting in hand-dyed possum / merino ($45 for a 200g / 420 Meter hank). This yarn is incredibly light yet knits into a lovely warm sweater, for all tots up to approximately one year old. Finished with your choice of beautiful buttons, what could be cuter?

Well that’s all for now, have a wonderful holiday and an indulgent month of knitting.