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Guest Blogger

December 23, 2014, 5:18 pm
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Hi - It's Beth.  I am guest blogging because Julie is so filled with the Christmas spirit that she agreed to cast on my cowl for me - 240 stitches!! (This is Julie reading the post before hitting publish - she said 140, I agreed, then she changed it to 240 stitches.) Happy day for me!  I actually think that this is a really good deal for her since the new cowl is very easy knitting so the chances of me messing it up are very slim (let's hope).

Cathy came by with Christmas goodies today.  One of the treats she makes us all the time are Rice Krispie squares and on special occasions we get a Rice Krispie Bear.  When we were in Detroit in November we shopped at Williams-Sonoma and bought Cathy a Snowman cake pan.  (yes it was a selfish gift - we knew there was a Rice Krispie Snowman in our future).  Here he is:

He will not look like this for long.

Quick break for snacks:)

OK - I'm back - Don't worry Snowman is safe.  Cathy made us some really great sugar cookies too!

Sometimes I have this really strange (but nice) experience in Julie's store that while I am there - usually delivering a tea - someone will say "Hi Beth".  I say hello back and then spend the next few minutes trying to figure out how I know this person.  I end up asking Julie and she says "Oh, they know you from the blog".  So if you are a regular reader of the blog and see me lurking around the store, please say hi - it makes me fell like a celebrity.

Trying to talk to Julie - she is counting.  Should I let her know that it doesn't have to be exactly 240 stitches?

I want to wish you all a great Holiday Season.  Thanks for being such great friends and customers. All the best in 2015 - keep on knitting!
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Still

December 24, 2014, 11:45 am
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Twas the night before Christmas and Mr. UPS is busy delivering boxes. The latest Kim Hargreaves book has arrived.
So still. With an ease and a quiet confidence the collection has an aura that is hard to resist, hushed tones enhance the mood, while deep cables and subtle ribbing complete the story. The sensuality of sheer fabrics and the simplicity of clean lines have no desire to seek limelight but can't fail to command attention.









There was lots of Rowan Cocoon in the box as well. I remembered that Churchmouse Yarns has a free pattern for a cowl knit in double strand Cocoon.



I got out my 12mm needles and cast on.
This wonderful soft roving British yarn is a designer's dream. Made from a blend of merino wool and kid mohair, it creates beautiful textured and cable stitches and lovely striping and pattern effects.
I have big expectations for what I'm going to get knit over the next few days. I brought a friend home with me so that I can get some good pictures.

The Chateau cowl is growing as well.


What are we doing for Boxing Day in the store? That is still undecided. Check back on Friday for news.

Merry Christmas to you and your families. I hope that everyone has a great day!!
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Merry Christmas

December 25, 2014, 5:18 pm
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I hope everyone has a great day with family and friends. We'll be heading to Aunt Rene's later this afternoon and I'm sure the house will be very loud!

I finished the cowl last night.
Pattern: Last-Minute Cowl Project (free from Churchmouse Yarns)
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Cocoon
Needles: 12mm, 60cm circular

The pin is pewter and made in Canada.

I have a few skeins of bulky yarn in the house so I'm going to cast on another cowl after church.

We just got home from Christmas dinner. Awesome - thanks Aunt Rene. I was up early this morning. 6am. Are you kidding me? It was like I was 4 years old and wanted to see what Santa brought. I started my post thinking that I would finish after church. Then I went to have lunch with Beth. Since I was up so early, I needed a nap. Then it was time to leave for Burlington. Along the way I forgot to finish my post.

I hope everyone had a great day and now you can start working on some knitting for yourself!!
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Boxing Week 2014

December 26, 2014, 11:30 am
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The store will be open again tomorrow and the more you buy, the more you save.

Saturday, December 27
Monday, December 29
Tuesday, December 30
Wednesday, December 31

If your purchase is more than $100, your discount will be 10%.
If your purchase is more than $200, your discount will be 15%.
If your purchase is more than $300, your discount will be 20%.
If your purchase is more than $400, your discount will be 25%.

If you live out of town, please feel free to call in your order. We'll get your purchase in the mail next week.

All sales final. No returns. No exchanges.
In stock items only. No special orders.
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Last-Minute Cowl

December 27, 2014, 5:30 pm
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I finished another cowl yesterday afternoon. There is nothing like starting a cowl and finishing it less than 24 hours later.

Pattern: Last-Minute Cowl from Churchmouse (the pattern is free)
Yarn: 1 skein of tosh ASAP in the colour cathedral
Needles: 12mm, 60cm

I think that if I was to make another one in ASAP, I would use two skeins. Or maybe take off a few stitches to make it not as wide but a bit taller.


Look who came out to play - my latest Color Play Mohair Wrap. My plan is to finish the shawl tomorrow while watching football. I've been trying to come up with a name. Since I don't know a lot about flowers, I went to the Elizabeth Bradley website to get some ideas. I'm still not set so I need to think some more. I hope it hits me soon. If you have a suggestion, please share. :)
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Color Play Mohair Wrap

December 28, 2014, 6:31 pm
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I've been working like crazy today to get the shawl finished. And I finally did it.
Pattern: Color Play Mohair Wrap from Churchmouse Yarns (we have the pattern in the store)
Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe - I used colours 364, 365, 366, 367

From Churchmouse Yarns
With their featherweight warmth and glowing colors, we think Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Kidsilk Haze Stripe are perfect yarns for this project, an easy-to-knit, easy-to-wear piece that's bang on trend. 
Notice that color blocks, or sections, are not equal in size. This is by design, so that the finished piece can be worn with colors falling where they may. Embrace the fact that each time you make this project, you will end up with a unique scarf or wrap! 
The yarn is held double strand on 4.5mm needles.

I keep saying that this is addictive and some of you are starting to believe me. :) This is my fifth wrap. I love watching how the colours mix together. As you are knitting you want to do 'just one more row' to see what is going to come next.
We could all knit the shawl using the same 4 colours and they would all look different. It will depend on the order that you do the colours in. Also, not every ball starts with the same colour. Let's say that the ball is purple, green and blue. My ball might start at purple. Someone elses could start with green and another knitters might start part way through the blue.

Since I finished a project, I get to start something new. We are leaving for TNNA in a week and a half. I need something new to wear. I'm thinking a summer weight infinity scarf. We'll see what I come up with tomorrow.
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Cathy to the rescue

December 29, 2014, 5:18 pm
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Actually, she rescued me twice today.

Number 1
I had no clue what I was going to blog about today. I didn't start a new project last night. I have no new knitting. My suppliers are closed this week so we aren't receiving any shipments. Help. How was I going to write a blog post?

Cathy opened her knitting bag and pulled out Alexandra. This is the December Dream Club yarn and pattern from Dream in Color. She's almost done and it looks great.
Number 2
We leave next Wednesday for Phoenix. When am I going to have my hair cut and coloured? That might sound trivial but it is quite important. I'm very grey again. If I was all over grey I wouldn't worry about it but the grey roots aren't a good look. Cathy is coming in on Monday morning so that I can visit Trish.

The trip. I think I'm ready for the work stuff. Now it's the personal stuff. What clothes am I going to take? What am I taking to knit on the plane? We are going to take the clubs and golf a few times. That means renting a car. I started to price a car that will take our luggage and clubs. Holy cow! The taxes and insurance are a killer. Then there is parking at the hotel. It'll probably be cheaper to take a cab wherever we want to go. Beth and I are going to play with this on Wednesday afternoon when I'm not quite as tired.

Speaking of tired - that's me. It's been crazy in the store. Thanks to all who have come in but I'm beat. 8:30 to bed for me tonight. :)
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Come Together

December 30, 2014, 5:53 pm
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I decided on my next project. A Come Together kit from Classic Elite. The colourway I chose is Peace.
I have been putting off starting the kit because I wasn't happy about winding the 6 individual balls into one big ball. Lynn was in today and she did it for me. It took 20 minutes at the most. I'm not sure what I was so worried about.

I'm going to make a cowl so I'm not too worried about tension. However, I wasn't sure how the 6 strands at once would knit up so I cast on 10 stitches and did a few rows. The decision - I'm going to go up half a size needle. I think that the strands will fill out and I will get a cowl that flows a bit more. We'll see after I cast on 200 stitches and do some rows.

Don't forget that the store is closing at 2pm tomorrow afternoon and then will reopen on Friday at noon.

Will the cowl get finished in that time? 
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New Cowl

December 31, 2014, 1:49 pm
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Mr. Canada Post just came in with a box from Lynda. I've wanted this cowl for a long time and it was worth the wait. It is beautiful.
Pattern: Pine Bough Cowl (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: Rowan Tweed
4 balls colour 592 Litton
3 balls colour 584 Buckden

You can make the cowl with any DK weight yarn
-Rowan Felted Tweed or Wool Cotton
-Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag
-Filatura di Crosa Zara or Sportwool
-tosh dk or merino dk

It is really cold and blowy today and my friends would not go outside to have pictures taken. Some days those ladies are real prima donnas.
I dropped my computer off after work and headed to the drug store and grocery store. The drug store because I had to drop off some parcels and Beth has a bad head cold and needed medicine. The grocery store because mom and dad are heading home from Myrtle Beach tomorrow. Normally Beth shops just before they get home but the store is closed tomorrow. I can't complain about the shopping because they are coming home to look after the dogs so that we can go away. I can complain about the hour and a half that the two stops took. People had no patience either. I had one heck of a migraine when I left the grocery store. Now I'm home with a tea and the knitting is going to come out. I totally forgot that Canada was playing the US in the World Juniors. And there are a couple of college football bowl games this afternoon.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you have a safe evening if you are out on the roads.
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January Dream Club

January 1, 2015, 6:11 am
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Salista by Andi Smith 
Andi Smith has designed a stunning pair of socks with Starry for this month’s Dream Club! The lace socks, knit on two circulars, highlight the silver sparkles and deep blues and purples of January’s yarn.
This month the yarn is Starry.
Starry’s silver Lurex® filament is plied right into the superwash merino base, giving this special yarn its subtle sparkle. The fiber content, combined with our unique dyeing process, gives Starry its deep and lushly-shaded tones, while the glimmer of silver brings an understated glamour to wear-anywhere (or everywhere) garments and accessories.
100 grams
410m (450 yards)

The kit (yarn and pattern) are $39.50

Available on the website now and in the store tomorrow.

Some of you might be saying that you don't want to/can't knit socks. The yarn is fingering weight. Here are some suggestions for shawls and cowls.

Auburn Wave
Artesian
Artemis Cowl
Garden Gate
Plank Stole
Spindleberry

Just ask, I'll help you find a pattern. The yarn is so pretty that I want everyone to knit with it :)
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New Year's Resolution

January 2, 2015, 5:34 pm
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Following Seas Cabled Scarf by Churchmouse Yarns
The expression “fair winds and following seas” got us thinking a little differently about cables. Our simple 9-stitch braid cable goes with the flow, working twists on alternating sides for complete reversibility.  
The scarf features wide columns of stockinette and reverse stockinette, which gain a softly braided texture by alternating the direction of the cable twist. Keeping the design simple and symmetrical means that the rows are easy to follow, whether you're reading the text or following the chart.
The scarf is knit in 2-3 balls of Rowan Felted Tweed. We have many, many colours in stock. It is $12.50 a ball - under $40 for a great scarf. You can start on gifts for next year.

The pattern is free from Churchmouse Yarns. Add the PDF to your basket and then check out.
Lynn and I did some rearranging today. We have many, many cowls in the store so I made a small display at the door. Over the next few days I need to find wall space to hang more.

Yes, it's the 'I'm going away so I want the store in perfect shape for Cathy' time. It happens before every trip. Are there signs on every garment? Does Cathy know how much yarn each sample takes? Does Cathy know what madelinetosh is in storage? Can Cathy find......? Are all the patterns printed out for the Dream Club? We are short on a some yarn and needles that were sold over the holidays so orders have been placed. I think we're ready.

We need to show off some new samples as well. Now you'll see them as you walk in the front door.

Here is my New Year's Resolution - if I write it down then I must follow it

-every month I will finish one project that has been started and put away
-I will knit 4 sweaters for myself during the year

Why/how did I come up with this? There are many projects almost finished in my house. This will get them done. The new sweaters is to motivate me to knit something bigger than a cowl. :) I'm in a sweater every day in the store so new sweaters are a must.

Now I need to pick up my needles. There is a resolution that has to be kept!
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Peace

January 3, 2015, 2:11 pm
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Thank you Churchmouse Yarns for helping me with my blog posts. Great pictures and awesome patterns.
Churchmouse Yarns has taken their Color Play Mohair Scarf (a smaller version of the wraps that I have been knitting) and worked it up in two colours of Kidsilk Haze Stripe. You need one ball of each colour and their scarf pattern (we have copies in the store.)
Because Kim Hargreaves is known for her subtle and beautiful sense of color, Rowan asked her to create six new, more tonal colorways of Kidsilk Haze Stripe.  
Using our Color Play Mohair Scarf & Wrap pattern and our free adaptation, we held two different colored strands (365 Nightfall and 367 Vivid) of Kidsilk Haze Stripe together throughout to make a richly toned scarf. Because each skein stripes differently, we think watching the colors evolve makes this a compulsively knittable piece. It also means that no two scarves will be alike! 
It's kind of a trial run before knitting the wrap. You will see that it is addictive watching the colours change.

Peace (the Come Together kit) is growing. The kit has 6 patterns in it but I chose something different. It's a take off of the Technicolor Cowl from Dream in Color. When finished, I will write it up for those who purchase the kit and want to make a bigger infinity scarf.

I'm home. The roads weren't nice for the drive. Very icy. Thanks dad for letting me drive your pick up truck. The mustang would not have been happy. Football is on and I'm going to knit.
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The Resolution - January

January 4, 2015, 6:22 pm
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It's only the 4th of the month and I have completed my required 'finish a project that was already started' for the month of January.

My CustomFit cardigan in Classic Elite Bella Lino. I double stranded the yarn to make it go faster. It was fast and then it sat for a year needing to be finished. Now I can wear it at TNNA next week. I'll have Beth take a picture of me wearing it at the show.
Bella Lino is a lightweight yarn that creates an airy fabric with long, harmonious stripes. The palette of summery shades each have a linen-hued base. 
58% linen
26% viscose
16% cotton

I really liked knitting with the yarn. It is lightweight, even knit double strand.

Want an easy summer scarf?
Diagonal Summer Scarf (the pattern is free from Classic Elite)
4 different colours and 3.25mm needles

Cathy made this scarf and the sample is in the store right now.

There will be new colours coming for spring as well as new patterns from Classic Elite.

It's been a busy day trying to get everything ready for Wednesday morning. There are a few things left  to do (what shoes am I taking?, what am I taking to knit?...) but I think I'm pretty much ready to go. Now it's bed time. I'm seeing Trish early to wash the grey out of my hair and then errands before going to the store.
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January/February KAL

January 5, 2015, 6:07 pm
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This patten came up on Ravelry last night and I love it. I emailed the designer and she gave permission to share pictures with you.

Quicksilver by Melanie Berg
The pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry...

The shawl is knit in fingering weight on 4mm needles.
Colour A - 366m
Colour B - 293m
Colour C - 271m

The possibilities are endless
-tosh merino light and tosh sock
-Mrs. Crosby Train Case and Satchel
-Prism Saki
-Manos Alegria
-Malabrigo Sock

When working the wedges, you don't need to use any short row technique. Just turn your work and knit on from that position. There'll be a small hole in your knitting at that point, but as the wedge is worked in a mesh pattern anyway, that will fit in perfectly.


The January/February KAL

There are 3 different ways to enter the KAL. You have until February 28 to finish to be entered for the prizes.

1. Knit Quicksilver
Purchase the yarn at The Needle Emporium, finish your shawl by February 28 and get three entries into the draw. If your yarn is purchased elsewhere then you will get one entry into the draw if you finish in time.

2. Knit the January Dream Club from Dream in Color 
Purchase the Dream Club yarn from us and make the socks by February 28 and you will get your name entered into the KAL draw three times.

3. Purchase the January Dream Club yarn and knit something else - a shawl, cowl, mittens
If you purchase the Dream Club yarn from us, knit or crochet with it and finish by February 28 we'll give you three entries into the draw.

Live out of town? We'll ship the yarn to you.
What are the prizes?

The first name drawn will win a Boardwalk Bag from Namaste.
Hands free is the way to be with the backpack! Fiber-friendly drawstring closure with protective flap for added security. Secret side pocket for easy access while on the move. Features include 2 exterior pockets as well as open top and zipper pocket on interior. The interior material is a faux microsuede (PET) which is made of recycled plastic bottles.
Choose from Black, Espresso, Eggplant or Red.

More will be added when I get home from the trade show next week. You never know what I will bring home with me.

Prizes are limited to residents of Canada. Shipping out of country is cost prohibitive.

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Packing

January 6, 2015, 3:36 pm
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After I finished my post last night I started to pack. I'm making a list and checking it twice. Boy do I have a lot of clothes packed. Two days of golf. Four days of trade show. Two days of flying. Fashion show on Friday evening. My biggest problem - what shoes do I take? I really need about 6 pairs for the clothes I'm taking but I'm trying to cut that number down. But I don't really want to :)

I started a new project this afternoon - my plane knitting. And it's a cardigan. One of the four garments that I have to knit this year.
Another CustomFit pattern. The yarn - tosh vintage double strand on 8mm needles. This was a bit of a cheater. I have already knit a sweater in vintage double strand. Therefore I have already swatched with vintage double strand. I didn't have to swatch before starting my cardigan. Cast on and go!

We fly very early in the morning so I need to sign off now to finish packing, clean the house and get some sleep. I hope to post tomorrow night from Phoenix but it could be Thursday.
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Hello from Phoenix

January 8, 2015, 7:34 am
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It was cold when we got up at 3:30 yesterday morning to get ready. The ride to the airport was slow and snowy but we made it okay. Thanks dad.
Our ride to Phoenix.
We got here around noon, picked up our car and headed to the hotel. Our room wasn't ready so we started on errands for the Yarn Group Lounge on the trade show floor. Beth and I are in charge of the Lounge - furniture, posters, decorations, banners... All errands are now complete! This was in front of one of the businesses that we had to stop at. The cacti are so cool
Our ride for the week. Long story but we got this BMW at the same price as a Ford Edge. There really wasn't much thinking involved to make that decision. It's been a learning curve. We finally have the navigation system figured out.
 Our hotel room has a small balcony that overlooks the convention centre.
My knitting. I accomplished quite a bit on the flight. I'm 2/3 of the way to the armhole shaping on one front.

Now I need to get myself ready. We're golfing soon. It's nice here today. OK, nice by Canadian standards. The people working valet are in hats and coats. 61 and a bit of a breeze is cold to them.
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Friday at TNNA

January 9, 2015, 8:38 pm
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We had an amazing day golfing yesterday. The course, Troon North, is about half an hour from our hotel.
You think it's warm in Arizona, but out in the desert, with the wind blowing, it wasn't that warm. I had on a turtle neck and long sleeve shirt. I took the turtle neck off around noon but it wasn't warm enough for shorts - even though many were wearing them on the course.


The houses on the course are amazing.


I didn't get a picture of this house but did get the real estate agent's name to look up the house online. It was only $2,795,000. The house was so beautiful. If I could only come up with $2,700,000 then I could have it :)
After golf we went to an area called CityScape for dinner. They have a real ice rink there and people were skating. Some of them not very well but they were trying.

We set up the Yarn Group Lounge today and after dinner we went to the Fashion Show. I can't wait to go shopping in the morning. Lorna's Laces has a new yarn. Prism has fabulous new colours. There are new shawl pins and yarn bowls. I have to hit Publish and get some sleep. If I can :) Tomorrow is going to be fun!!!
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Saturday at TNNA

January 10, 2015, 7:58 pm
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Great news! There is a new yarn coming from madelinetosh.
Meet twist light. A true sock yarn. 75% merino wool and 25% nylon. I will be ordering this tomorrow and hopefully we will have it in time for the Knitters' Frolic.

There are lots of new colours of tosh as well.







We are out of yarn bowls in the store but should have more in a few months.







Choosing which to buy is always hard. They all look great!

It's almost bed time. We're watching the end of the football game and then lights out. I have a busy day planned tomorrow. There is yarn to be ordered :)
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Sunday at TNNA

January 11, 2015, 9:24 pm
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The Classic Elite booth is always eye candy. Lots of colour and texture. 

There are new Liberty Print colours coming this spring. I love this yarn. More Inspira Cowls :)
All the patterns in the Come Together kit were knit up at the show.





This is Santorini. Way too cool. A striping summer yarn with different textures. Unfortunately Classic Elite didn't have enough at the show for me to start on the shawl.
The colours are so much fun. Bring on summer!

There was more eye candy in the Prism booth.
New colours of Plume are coming. This cowl is so soft and cushy!! I made Beth put it on to get a picture. If Laura would have turned her back it would have come home with us. I'm in lust.


This shawl is from the front of the fall Vogue Knitting and is a special dying technique from Laura Bryant called Ikat. You must swatch before you start to get the correct needle size, but once you get it the colours will come out in squares. Beth is in love with this. Laura did a demonstration and then Beth picked out lots of colours. We have skeins coming in a few weeks. One skein will make a cowl and you can try the technique. Once you figure out your 'magic number' you will be hooked too. Laura has a Craftsy class teaching this technique if you want to work on it before I can try and schedule a workshop.

We're home from dinner and packed. Packed?? Where are we going?? I'll give you a couple of seconds to think about it. I'm on the west coast in the desert. What is near here? Friday morning we decided to change up our plans. We are flying to Vegas tomorrow afternoon. Then we will fly home from Vegas on Wednesday. Yes, a bit crazy but that's how we like to roll.
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We're in Vegas

January 12, 2015, 9:32 pm
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Freia Fibers debuted a new yarn at the show. I don't know how long it will be until it arrives in the store (the yarn is hand dyed) but I'm hoping soon.

100% wool
150 gram ball
79m / 87 yards
2 stitches to 4" on 12mm needles

Yes, very thick and quick to knit. I have a few sample balls to play with and will work out a pattern for a one ball cowl. Tina at Freia Fibers will have patterns available soon as well.

We're in Vegas and just finished dinner. I came upstairs for a few minutes to post and then we're going for a walk. With some very good planning on my part we ended up in Vegas almost two hours early. I got Beth moving and we caught the 1:55 flight instead of the 3:45 flight. It was like coming home. The Mirage opened it's arms to us and we're having a great time.
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