Dear Knitters and Crocheters,

If there is a baby in your life now or in the near future, you might be interested in browsing our new Berroco Baby collection, book #227 "Kid's Stuff." This season we are introducing 2 new softer than soft baby yarns, Hush and Lullaby. Like our popular Plush yarn, these are perfect for kids and babies. 21st century technology brings us yarns made from the softest and smartest Tactel tm and microfiber nylon that is perfect for baby's delicate skin and for those knitters allergic to woolen and natural fibers. We can finally make knit dressing that is soft and washable and suitable for the most sensitive skin. This week we are offering a free pattern for Boo Boo Cap and Mittens knit in furry, soft Hush and trimmed in Softwist Bulky. This cute fuzzy cap has ears and a tail. With its matching mittens, it's sure to get plenty of oohs and aahs at any baby shower.

I am happy to report that our entire Berroco office staff is knitting now and it appears that ponchos are running neck and neck with scarves for the title of Berroco's favorite "must knits." Kathie and Kris are making Bailey scarves in Lavish. Kathie has discovered that she likes to fringe. Cindy is making a black Belle Starr poncho for her daughter to wear with her Frye Boots and Marie just began one for her granddaughter. This is Marie's first garment. She has only dared to attempt making Sizzle scarves up until now. Merri finished a blue Belle Starr poncho for her daughter Heather and has begun the challenge of knitting Romila from Book #228 for herself. I would love to make one for myself, too, but I am busy making samples for our Spring '05 Collection. Linda, our new girl, is knitting our Suede Pamela Throw throw and Bailey at the same time. Bev is cranking out gorgeous scarves using a strand each of Sizzle Bright and Quest. Jinny is plugging along on a complex Aran knit cardigan that she started a while ago and she is dreaming about knitting a stress free little handbag that she saw me working on for our Spring '05 line. My assistant and knitting protégé Deana knit Dipsy in the Wild Bill Hickock color for a baby shower gift and was inspired to complete the ensemble with a pair of Suede baby moccasins. She has offered to share her recipe for these adorable Bethany Booties, so we are posting it as a Web Exclusive Free Pattern in this issue of Knitbits.

Ariel from Oberlin, Ohio writes:
"I want to knit the Pastiche throw from Book #225 but I can't afford to purchase all 24 skeins of yarn at one time. Would it be okay if I just buy 1 skein of each to begin with and then purchase more as I need it? This way I will only have to buy 8 skeins at a time."

Yes, Ariel, because the throw is knit in multi-colored waves, you will be able to use different dye lots and still achieve a beautiful finished piece. However, if you plan to take many months to knit the throw, then I would advise that you purchase the entire quantity. This will ensure that you can finish your project even if a color or a yarn is discontinued. I knit the original Pastiche in a couple of weeks and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the knitting. Now it has a place of honor in my living room and it continues to bring me lots of pleasure. I love looking at it.

Enjoy yours.


Margery Winter
Creative Director

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