Today we were endowed with four new Lucy Neatby patterns appearing in PDF format for the first time, all vintage pieces: the Camelot Socks, the Zig Zag Socks, the Ophelia sweater, and the Carnival Cap. We're awfully excited, and while we usually try to space things out a bit, we'll be trying to get these up faster than usual. Any suggestions on how to prioritize them? And for those who like stats, Lucy's Sea Lettuce Scarf is her all-time best-seller with us, and her Paradoxical Mittens is our best-selling pattern in very knowledgeable Norway.

We've been trying to catch up with the slew of independents who bless us with their work. If you still haven't heard back after submitting something, by all means email us at infoATpatternfishDOTcom and remind us of our commitments (sometimes emails get lost).

Also, we're holding our breaths for a couple of lovely new bigger publishers about whom, naturally, we can't say much yet. Except that they have both sworn to list with us, are new to PDF downloads, and are very different stylistically-- but each is very accomplished and beautiful in designs and approach. A few days to a couple of weeks, we think. You'll be happy.

Many years ago, non-knitter Chancellor Shannon was making a trip to the Canadian Maritimes (which includes Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia). She asked what I would want brought back as a present. I said I had no clue, please don't bother thinking about me while on your trip, and to wing it.

On Shannon's return, to quote Lucy Maud Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables, among many other Canadian treasures), she hit the middle wicket with her first ball. She had visited the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and came back with six artisanal buttons.

Buttons are a perfect present for a knitter or crocheter. They're typically very small, don't usually cost a vast deal,weigh almost nothing, and pack almost invisibly. And if you get them from a local artist, you're supporting them and providing the knitter/crocheter with something utterly exotic, unique, and useful.

I have bought at least three lots of yarn to match Shannon's buttons. I have a tremendous time planning projects around them. As we enter the vacation season, I just wanted to remind everyone that locally-produced buttons are a terrific souvenir.