document.writeln("<p><b>06/07/2009 June 7 Newsletter</b><BR>It's June and summertime is in full swing here at Chez Fairy.  We have been busy restocking and adding new items over the last month.  I can't wait to show them to you!<br><br>More new stuff arrives all the time at Knitting Fairy, so check the website often or stay tuned to our newsletters for the latest.<br>May your summer be full of stitches,<br>Alissa<br>Ravelry ID: KnittingFairy<br>Twitter: @<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KnittingFairy\" target=\"_blank\">KnittingFairy</a><br><br><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/CatList.asp?cat=Yarn\" target=\"_blank\">Perfection Yarn</a><br><br><img src=\"http://knittingfairy.com/PerfectionAll.jpg\" border=0><br>First, we have a brand new yarn.  Just on the market is Perfection by Kraemer.  This worsted weight yarn is now available in 32 colors with plans by Kraemer to expand the color line to 100 colors!  Our first shipment is in the shop now with another on the way.  The first 21 colors are listed on the website and more will be added as they arrive.  This great worsted weight yarn has 225 yds/ 3.5 ounce (100 gram) skein and knits up at 5 sts to the inch on a US 8.  It is 30% domestic merino and 70% acrylic, machine washable and dryable and PERFECT for afghans and baby stuff.  We are busy knitting our fingers off to show you just what this yarn can do.  $5.95/skein<br><br><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=AF-05\" target=\"_blank\">Wrapped in Rainbows</a><br><br><img src=\"http://knittingfairy.com/RainbowsWorsted.jpg\" border=0><br>And with that, here is our ever popular Wrapped in Rainbows afghan, redone in a worsted weight gauge to take advantage of our new Perfection yarns.  7 balls, one of each in the rainbow, and a US #7 needle are used to make this wonderful baby afghan.  Finished size 38\" by 42\", great for cribs and toddler beds.  Cheerful and bright, what baby wouldn't love a rainbow afghan and what Mommy wouldn't appreciate machine washable?!  Just for our newsletter subscribers, order a kit and save!  Now through the end of June, <a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=AF-05KIT\" target=\"_blank\">Wrapped in Rainbows Worsted Afghan Kits</a> are on sale for $42.25 (regular price $47.65) - save more than 10% by ordering the kit but you must use this link to qualify for the special price.  The kit includes a printed pattern and 7 skeins of Perfection yarn.<br><br><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=HS-17\" target=\"_blank\">Delilah Sun Hat</a><br><br><img src=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/DelilahSunHat.jpg\" border=0><br>Lastly, I needed a new summer hat and couldn't find a thing I liked and then I thought \"Hey, I could knit one!\" and so Delilah was born. Knit from one skein of <a href=\"http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=41&osCsid=60474bcaedb38addec331978b889fe7e\" target=\"_blank\">Brooks Farm Yarn Acero</a> (420 yds) you can work this up in time to hit the beach or the backyard swing this summer. Delilah is worked from the top down, starting on double pointed needles and changing to circulars. What about that brim? How did I get it to stand out that way? The secret is weed wacker cord! Once it's all finished, you can fold Delilah up and stick her in your knit bag or beach bag and it will pop right back into shape.<br></p><hr><p><b>05/17/2009 May 17 Newsletter</b><BR>I know you haven't heard from us in a while, but we promise it will be worth the wait. We have been creating new patterns and adding new inventory since the beginning of the year and plan to share those new items in the online store starting with this newsletter.<br><br>You can now find Alissa on Ravelry and Twitter!<br>Ravelry ID: KnittingFairy<br>Twitter: @<a href=\"http://twitter.com/KnittingFairy\" target=\"_blank\">KnittingFairy</a><br>	<br><font size=5><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BABY-01\" target=\"_blank\">Iris Baby Dress</a></font id=size5><br><br><img src=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/IrisBabyDress.jpg\" border=0><br><br>This adorable dress is knitted from the top down, sized to fit Newborn (6, 12) month sizes. Use a monochrome selection of Acero, a fingering weight yarn from Brooks Farm Yarn, for an elegant dress or pick a more colorful combination for something fun. Either way, this dress is sure to be one of baby's favorites, our model was tickled with wearing a \"blankie\", we didn't think we were going to get it back!.<br><br><font size=5><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=HS-16\" target=\"_blank\">Sylvia's Hat and Scarf</a></font id=size5><br><br><img src=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/SylviaHatAndScarf.jpg\" border=0><br><br>This charming Ladies' beret and scarf set are knit from one skein of Duet from Brooks Farm Yarn, a DK weight yarn with 500yds/8oz skein. The slip stitch pattern on the scarf has been converted to be worked in the round for the band of the beret.<br><br><font size=5><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=AF-08\" target=\"_blank\">Entrelac Baby Blanket</a></font id=size5><br><br><img src=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/EntrelacBabyBlanket.jpg\" border=0><br><br>Entrelac is simple, fun and VERY impressive looking! Our fabulous baby blanket is made extra special by knitting it with Solana, a hand-dyed, worsted weight superwash wool by Brooks Farm Yarn. To work this afghan you need little more than basic skills. Cast on, knit, purl, decrease, and pick up stitches. Sure to become a favorite of your special baby!<br><br>Stay tuned for more!</p><hr><p><b>11/30/2008 December Newsletter</b><BR><font size=4>Happy Holidays from Knitting Fairy!</font id=size4><br><br>We have lots of news to share with you, a new pattern, a new web application, and retreat information.<br><br><font size=4>Ladies' Swinging Summer Shell</font id=size4><br><br><a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=SW-02\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/LadiesSummerShell.jpg\" border=0></a> As requested, I have been working hard at copying our popular Swinging Summer Shell into adult sizes.  You might have seen the sweater at the Kid N Ewe in Boerne in November, but the pattern was not quite ready.  Until today, that is!  Voila! We give you the <a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=SW-02\" target=\"_blank\">Ladies' Swinging Summer Shell</a> in Ladies sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52).  This version is knit in <a href=\"http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com\" target=\"_blank\">Brooks Farm Yarn's</a> Mas Acero, a worsted weight wool, silk, viscose blend that is yummy to wear.  It is perfect for summer wear, or under a suit jacket year 'round. We have used basic stitches to great effect in this garment, simple crochet edges give the finishing touch.<br><br><font size=4>KnitAble.net is Live!</font id=size4><br><br>We are thrilled to announce that <a href=\"http://knitable.net\" target=\"_blank\">KnitAble.net</a> is now live! Some of you may have used our <a href=\"http://handable.com/KnitAble.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Palm and Windows applications</a> in the past, and this is a new direction for that software. At <a href=\"http://knitable.net\" target=\"_blank\">KnitAble.net</a>, you will find the various calculators that were available in the previous software.. Yardage Estimates, Buttonhole Calculators, and more. All of the calculators are Mobile Phone (especially the Apple iPhone!) friendly so you can use them from anywhere -- and best of all, they're free!<br><br>We have future plans for <a href=\"http://knitable.net\" target=\"_blank\">KnitAble.net</a> as well, sign up for the newsletter there to be kept up to date.<br><br><font size=4>Retreat Information</font id=size4><br><br>We are off this weekend on our December KnittingFairy Retreat. We always have a great time and hope to see you at one of our <a href=\"http://knittingfairy.com/retreats.asp\" target=\"_blank\">2009 Retreats</a>.<br></p><hr><p><b>11/05/2008 November Newsletter</b><BR>Fall finds me knitting as fast as I can.  I hope you are taking advantage of the cooler weather and getting a start on your holiday knitting.  This coming weekend (November 7-9) will find me at the <a href=\"http://www.kidnewe.com\" target=\"_blank\">Kid N Ewe</a> in Exhibition Hall 2, booth 12.  Please stop by and say Hi, I love to put names with faces.  You can also find my patterns this coming weekend at Stitches East in the <a href=\"http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com\" target=\"_blank\">Brooks Farm Yarn</a> booth.  Stop in and see the latest Knitting Fairy patterns in person, the Brooks Farm Yarns are a joy to work with and a pleasure to wear!<br><br>Not able to attend either event?  You can find my latest patterns listed on our newly <a href=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com\" target=\"_blank\">updated website</a>. <a href=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BFY-12\" target=\"_blank\">The Triple S Shawl</a> has finally gotten it's polish, some beautiful new photography (thanks, Honey!) shows the shawl in a new light.  <br><br><img src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3004700810_2d5f1cd726_m.jpg\" border=0><br>Soon to be added, adult sized version of the popular <a href=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BFY-09\" target=\"_blank\">Swinging Summer Shell</a> and a surprise so secret that I haven't even told Sherry Brooks about it yet.<br><br>Looking to get away before the end-rush of the Holiday crazies?  We have a couple of spots still open in our <a href=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/Retreats.asp\" target=\"_blank\">December Knitting Fairy Retreat</a>.  There is no specific topic at this retreat, just \"Come as you are\" and get help with any project you care to bring along.<br><br>Alissa<br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>10/20/2008 It's Finished!  The latest sample of the Triple S</b><BR>The <a href=\"http://www.knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BFY-12\" target=\"_blank\">Triple S Shawl</a> was designed for <a href=\"http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com\" target=\"_blank\">Brooks Farm Yarn</a>in <a href=\"http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=46&osCsid=9245ca7d3d2e8845f59a25587824ca6a\" target=\"_blank\">Solo</a>.  Sherry asked me to reknit it in their new yarn, <a href=\"http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=50&osCsid=9245ca7d3d2e8845f59a25587824ca6a\" target=\"_blank\">Solo Silk</a>.  Both have the same yardage and weight and the transition is flawless!  If it's possible, I think I like it even more than the original.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/knittingfairy01/2960611820/\" title=\"fruitotheloomshawlpic by knittingfairy01, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2960611820_7af62ebe9d.jpg\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" alt=\"fruitotheloomshawlpic\" /></a><br>(faces hidden to protect the innocent model from my photography)<br><br>You will need one skein each of 4 different colors and size 8 needles to make this shawl.<br><br>Alissa<br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>12/19/2007 A new job title?</b><BR>In a grand effort to avoid work of any kind, I was reading through blogs this evening and came across <a href=\"http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com/wordpress/\" target=\"_blank\">Sherry</a>'s latest entry.  I guess I am now the \"Guru of All Things Knitted\".<br><br>I kind of like it! hehe<br><br>What else have I been up to?  Not much, just tidying up loose ends, sewing bits together and generally trying to get all of my finishing work done for the holidays.  I wove in the ends on the last scarf tonight and I am a very happy camper.<br><br>My darling hubby has been wanting a picture of me for some time now, and since it is his forte' I finally let him take one.  He reminded me that the last portrait I had done was when I was 19.  By my reckoning, he won't get another until I am almost 60 years old! lol<br><br>Here I am today:<br><img src=\"http://www.jti.net/alissa/blog/5935.jpg\" border=0><br><br>And, here I was 20 years ago:<br><img src=\"http://www.jti.net/alissa/alissa.jpg\" border=0><br><br>Scary, no?  Thank GOD, Brad is a photo wizard! lol  (The picture from 1988 was taken by a friend and NOT Brad.)<br><br><br><br>Alissa<br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>11/26/2007 For the Joy of it all</b><BR>Do you remember when you used to knit because it brought you joy?  Because it was relaxing and fed a part of your soul that was yearning for something?<br><br>This time of year it is very easy to be caught up in THE RACE.  The race to the holidays, the race to gifts, the race to finish.  How much can you do?  How fast do you work?  How long did it take you to make that?<br><br>Stop the insanity!  Take a deep breath and look at the work in your hands.  See the beauty of the yarn, the rhythm of the stitches and the interplay of colors.  Nice, huh?  Remember why you learned to knit way back when... the yarns were all so enticing and every project was a new adventure.<br><br>It's kind of like recapturing the magic of your childhood, your knitterhood.  Find a happy place and play with your yarn and needles.  Relish each stitch, enjoy some YOU time.  Afterall, Target sells gift cards<br><br>Alissa<br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>10/08/2007 There is still time!</b><BR>Dios de los Muertos is coming... Nov 1&2!  Have you started your holiday knitting?  Good little ghosties and skellies?  Get with it!<br><br><a href=\"http://needlenoodles.com/home/?q=node/12\" target=\"_blank\">This is a good start</a><br><br>Or, for the dramatically minded, <a href=\"http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/70464A.html\" target=\"_blank\">this would make a good Yorick</a><br><br>Want to <a href=\"http://www.domiknitrix.com/knittingpatterns/skullpattern.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">wear your dead proudly</a>?  This chart is GREAT!  Some day, my purse will be finished and I will show you a picture.  In the meantime, this will have to suffice.<br><br><a href=\"http://www.helloyarn.com/bigskulltote.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Skull Knitting bag?</a><br><br>My girlie would love <a href=\"http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/08/knit_skull_wrist_warmers_patte.html\" target=\"_blank\">these</a><br><br>I can hear the needles clicking already.<br><br>Alissa <img src=\"http://www.jti.net/alissa/blog/icon_smile_knit.gif\" border=0><br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>10/03/2007 Lest my son say again that *I* am wierd...</b><BR>Ms. Violet (of Lime N Violet) had Kaffe Fassett SIGN HER BOOB!!!  <br><br>The whole story is on her <a href=\"http://moderngypsy.livejournal.com/\" target=\"_blank\">blog</a>.<br><br>That woman has more chutzpah than anyone I have ever known.  Seriously.<br><br>I just love her.  I want to be her.  Well, ok, probably not... but I do admire her.<br><br>And, I want to know when we are getting another podcast.  Because, much as I enjoy the others I listen to (especially <a href=\"http://www.purldiving.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Purl Diving</a> ), well - they just don't have the same je ne sais quoi.<br><br>Alissa<br>www.KnittingFairy.com</p><hr><p><b>10/01/2007 October 2007</b><BR>October Calendar<br><br><img src=\"http://jti.smugmug.com/photos/202721962-M.jpg\" border=0><br><br>If you want to set it as your background (or see the full sized image), <a href=\"http://jti.smugmug.com/photos/202721962-O.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">click here</a> to load the image. Once loaded, you should be able to right click (or option-click on a Mac) and choose to set the image as your background. Its formatted for 1500x1200, so you will probably want to set it to Stretch to the background.<br></p><hr>");