La Mercerie Cowbridge

We all know the knitting community is a very supportive one, and I hope you'll join with me to wish that Debbie Bliss will soon be on the mend.

A wonderful gesture, and a walk down memory lane for me, if weather permitted I used to take my books to the Botanic Gardens when I was a student, many, many moons ago!

Nicola from Adriafil is coming on Tuesday, and I will be looking to expand the colour range in Bucaneve (merino DK), Filobello (acrylic/wool DK) and Azzurra (70% wool 4ply). I thought I'd throw that one out to you, the customers. They all have a wide range, so broad suggestions of preferred colours are fine!

Two new colours in Rico Creative Melange Lace (the one on the left has more blue in it than the photo suggests). Perfect for lightweight stoles and shawls, or if you're allergic to wool (95% cotton 5% polyester).

Right, I've been thinking about it for a while, but I'm going to have a go at the Scheepjes Shawl of Secrets in their Secret Garden DK. This wonderful piece uses six different colours (7 balls) of the yarn. These are the colours in the pattern, but you don't need to stick to them, or use them on that order. The photo of a finished shawl has kindly been provided by Jane from the evening knitting group. The pattern is just £1 (really), and the yarn is £4.79 per 50 g ball.

Here is an example of why I'm not really a fan of toy knitting - it's taken most of today to put Bella Bunkins (from this month's Simply Knitting) together, and she still looks nothing like the illustration! I did have a go, but gave up at trying to make 1.5cm diameter pompoms, hence the sparklies. I'm not very good with a sewing needle either, so just as well she's for decoration, as she has my DNA upon her! And no, I won't be tackling Mummy.
As I neither have the time nor the inclination for knitting up the free kits that come with magazines, I occasionally put some of them in a basket to take for a 50p donation to Ty Hafan.

Some of you will know Sarah in her other role as a crochet tutor. I've been along, well worth a visit.

And this yarn is coming soon to La Mercerie!

As most of you know, I carry a range of Old Piggery yarns, and will be visiting Wonderwool Wales next month to see her even wider range. Wishing Sue well in her recovery.

I've had these books on display for a few days now and they've gone down really well, so I've ordered some in. Crochet Unravelled is particularly suited to beginners and will cost £6.99 and Adaptable Crochet will be £13.99

Toy knitters - for added feel good factor, recycled toy stuffing. Still the same price, £3.95 for a 250g bag.

I thought this was rather lovely, and it's free to download on Ravelry till 17 March. One point to note, the pattern just says "needle size 3.25 mm", but it's definitely circular.

Always exciting to announce new yarns, even if they are cotton based and the weather is awful. However, they are so colourful they'll cheer you up!
Presenting Scheepjes Stone Washed and River Washed, both cotton rich 4plys. Stone Washed is 80% cotton 20% acrylic in tonal shades. River Washed is a little different, 78% cotton 22% acrylic, with a coloured core surrounded by a different coloured thread to give a two tone effect. The really good news is they are only £2.95 each for a 50g ball. And, as a little extra, anyone spending £10 or more on any Scheepjes yarn will receive a Scheepjes foldaway shopper free (available to buy at £1.25 each)!

What a simple but effective idea!

Some company outside the shop today. The river is flowing very fast, think they're having a rest.

Just been sent some flyers for Wonderwool Wales 2019, how quickly it comes round! It's a great day out for yarn enthusiasts.

I'm off for a few days, but the shop will be in the capable hands of Sue Mayo of the Old Piggery. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday the shop will close at 4pm, back to usual hours from Tuesday (26th).

A favourite of mine, wooly, warm and lovely colour blends. (Chunky, only £3.95 per 50g)

Love this, and the pattern is free!

heaven in a shop ...lol

Really friendly, love going to knit groups. Jean stocks a good range ofBergere de France which is hard to get elsewhere.

I adore this shop and Jean is always so helpful and chatty

heaven in a shop ...lol

Really friendly, love going to knit groups. Jean stocks a good range ofBergere de France which is hard to get elsewhere.

I adore this shop and Jean is always so helpful and chatty