Quantcast
Channel: A Really Good Yarn
Viewing all 4077 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

We're home

October 18, 2015, 7:44 am
$
0
0
We had a great day at the Woodstock Fleece Festival yesterday.

Thank you to Sarah, Lynn and Wannietta for all of their help. I couldn't do the shows without these three. Thank you to Cathy who worked in the store. And a huge thank you to Beth. She helped me pack, set up and take down.
Thank you to the Woodstock Fleece Festival and all of their volunteers for another fabulous day. Every year I'm dreading doing the show. We've had a very busy September with the Knitters' Fair and Camp. Then packing again for another show makes me want to cry. We arrive in Woodstock and their volunteers are waiting and help us unload our vehicles which is so helpful. Saturday morning before the show opens they feed us pancakes. Woodstock always feels more relaxed and then I realize why I keep signing up for the show.









Our neighbours were Sericin Silkworks. I should have blogged these pictures from their booth on Friday evening to make sure you stopped in to see Taby but I'm kind of glad that I didn't.



You might have found these four skeins of yarn that came home with me. I looked at them all day and somehow they made it into my bag - 50% silk and 50% yak. YUMMY!!

I planned on blogging last night but there were a few more important things. Beth informed me before leaving Woodstock that Roko had a mark on his side. She thought it might be a hot spot. We got home and I freaked. It looked awful. I made her take him to the emergency vets. Yes, it's a hot spot and he wants to lick it. This is what he looks like.
The awful cone. He isn't liking it but is also playing it up to get cookies and snuggles.

Today is a day for resting and knitting. The big decision - which project to work on.
↧
Search

Evening Shadow

October 19, 2015, 5:29 pm
$
0
0
It's Monday. It's cold. Here is something to cheer you up. Free patterns.
What a beautiful cabled jacket from Debbie Bliss.
Download the pattern...

And another pattern from Debbie knit in Noro Kureyon.
Download the pattern...

A new yarn has arrived from Mrs. Crosby - this is what she has to say about it.
One of the great joys of constant travel is discovery; the other is sharing what you discover with those at home.
 
I am simply over the moon to announce the first in what I intend to be an ongoing series of such discoveries: a limited edition of a fascinating yarn, available nowhere else and never to be repeated.
 
May I present, please: Ombra della Sera. Evening Shadow.
 
This intriguing, luxurious chain-ply was milled in Prato, Italy from 90% cashmere and 10% nylon for a dashing combination of softness and durability. On needles US 6-7 (4-5mm) it knits at a gauge of approximately 4.5-5 stitches to the inch. The put-up is 50 grams (approximately 110 yards) per hank.
The colours we received
-Fiore
-Hollywood cerise
-Zaffiro
-Mandarino
-Red king radish
-Roasted chestnut
-Wild huckleberry 

I am a few rows from finishing a cowl (Via Toscana Collar) in this amazing yarn. It is super soft and is a dream to knit with.

It was painting day at the store today. Our railings are shiny black and we have a purple door. 

It's sign off time - I need to get myself in the proper mind set for the baseball game tonight. Go Jays Go!! 
↧
↧

The Doodler

October 20, 2015, 8:12 am
$
0
0
There is a new Stephen West KAL starting in November.

My head is swimming. There are so many options for this. Dream in Color Jilly with Cashmere. Madelinetosh merino light. Mrs. Crosby Train Case. Tosh twist light.
Tosh sock.

From the KAL group on Ravelry...
Yarn: Fingering weight

Yardage: Color A - 355yds / 325m
Color B - 285yds / 261m
Color C - 395yds / 361m

CHOOSING YARN
This year’s mystery KAL uses 3 colors. I recommend using solid, semi-solid, or speckled yarn like the beautiful colors from Hedgehog Fibres.

Color A
Think about color A as the main color, the leading role in the shawl. This could be a speckled or multi-color yarn or a beautiful neutral. It has space to shine. If you want to use a self-striping yarn then I recommend using it as color A. Color A needs a buddy so along comes color B.

Color B
Color B is an accent color. It needs to offer some contrast to color A. Think about a pop of color or something brighter or darker than color A.

Color C
Color C joins the party fashionably late. It’s a color that demands to be featured. This could be a bold sassy color or something dark and dramatic.

Try to avoid 3 colors that look very similar like 3 shades of light blue or 3 busy multi-colors. If the colors are very similar they will blend together. Instead, choose a light, medium, and dark color for your trio or 3 colors that offer different personalities.
I started to play with some colour combinations.

Jilly with Cashmere
-Cabaret
-Hot Pants
-Singing in the Rain

Malabrigo Mechita
-Lotus
-Pegaso
-Sheri

Tosh sock
-mandala
-plunge
-medieval

So while I was playing with tosh sock
-plunge
-medieval
-filigree

I could show more but I really need to get back to work. If you want to join but are afraid of picking colours, come in and see me in the store. I will find a combination that will inspire you.

Today I'm rehanging garments throughout the store. Wow. We took a lot of garments to Woodstock.

I will be announcing our next store KAL this week.

We have another huge shipment of madelinetosh arriving this week

Sock
-mill pond
-flycatcher blue
-neon red
-penumbra
-spicewood
-dustweaver
-cloud dweller
-coal seam
-court and spark
-prairie fire
-silver fix
-molly ringwald
-grasshopper
-celadon
-cousteau
-nassau blue
-seasalt
-button jar blue
-red phoenix
-log cabin brown
-black walnut
-raspberry cordial
-neon peach
-cosmic wonder dust
-dahlia
-charcoal
-worn denim
-night bloom
-coquette
-el greco
-blue nile
-holi festival
-well water
-norway spruce
-onyx
-dr zhivago's sky
-whiskey barrel
-paper
-great grey owl
-mica

twist light
-mill pond
-flycatcher blue
-neon red
-penumbra
-spicewood
-dustweaver
-cloud dweller
-coal seam
-court and spark
-prairie fire
-amber trinket
-dr zhivago's sky
-worn denim
-raspberry cordial
-cosmic wonderdust
-holi festival
-mandala
-charcoal
-coquette (new colour)
-spectrum
-tart
-fallen cloud
-leopard
-cousteau
-hosta blue

merino dk
-court and spark
-spicewood
-prairie fire
-neon red
-flycatcher blue
-silver fox
-well water
-coquette (new colour)
-chicory
-rain water
-whiskey barrel
-weathered frame
-button jar blue

silk/merino
-silver fox
-esoteric
-coquette (new colour)

vintage
-flashdance
-tart
-hosta blue
-flycatcher blue
-logwood

merino light
-odyessey
-moonstone
-kitten
-astrid grey
-fog
-chicory
-black walnut
-court and spark
-prairie fire
-clematis
-tern
-calligraphy
-robin red breast
-paper
-button jar blue
-mourning dove
-raspberry cordial
-molly ringwald

pashmina
-fallen cloud
-well water
-baltic
↧

Lots of New

October 21, 2015, 12:56 pm
$
0
0
Part of the tosh shipment is in the store. So far we have brought over some twist light, sock and merino light.
twist light
75% superwash merino wool / 25% nylon
fingering weight - 420 yrds / 384 meters
knit / 26 - 30 sts = 4in or 10cm / US 1 - 2 or 2.25 - 2.75mm
tosh sock
100% superwash merino wool
fingering weight - 395 yrds / 361 meters
knit / 26 - 30 sts = 4in or 10cm / US 1 - 2 or 2.25 - 2.75mm

Here are a few more colour combinations for the new Stephen West mystery KAL.
Mrs. Crosby Satchel in
-barn swallow
-vintage port
-boston fern
Tosh merino light in
-chicory
-court and spark
-well water

Last night I took a trip to Urban Barn in Oakville to see the dining table that we are thinking about. The Hamilton and Burlington stores don't have the table yet and I'm not the most patient person. I want it now :)
The Distillery collection is a juxtaposition of materials and textures. Constructed from solid wood and metal each piece has a raw beauty. This rugged collection with its variety of wood grains will add natural character to any dining room.
 

This is the matching chair. It is surprisingly comfortable. The last two pieces we need to see are the dining bench and the sideboard. Remember the not too patient person? We might be placing the order without seeing them.

One great thing (or it can be a bad thing) about blogging every day is that my parents know what is happening in Ancaster while they are in Myrtle Beach.

Now I need to sign off and get ready for the baseball game. I hope that the Jays put in a much better effort than they did yesterday or they will be on the golf course this weekend.
↧

Blackbird Shawl

October 22, 2015, 9:28 am
$
0
0
Toby Roxane Barna has a new pattern out. The minute I saw it I sent her an email to ask permission to use her beautiful pictures.
Get out those mini skeins! The Blackbird shawl features easy shaping and a simple feather and fan lace pattern at the bottom edge. Use a vivid set of mini skeins to create contrasting bands of color. As subtle and elegant as a raven’s wing, Blackbird is a pleasure to knit and to wear.

You’ll need about 415 yds of the Main Color, and about 55 yds of each of the 5 Contrasting Colors.
Purchase the pattern on Ravelry...

 
A Party of Five kit from SweetGeorgia would work great for this shawl. And guess what, with our next set of kits, we will be bringing in Tough Love Sock. Can't wait, mix a kit with tosh sock (new colours just arrived) or Fave Sock from Fiberstory. 

Or how about a Perspectives Kit from Mountain Colors? 

Crazyfoot: 5 mini skeins, 90 yds each, 450 yds total 

 This is the Crazyfoot Black Cherry kit with a skein of tosh sock in opaline.
The Pale Sage/Moss Blue Perspectives kit with a skein of penumbra tosh sock.
Brights
 Blue/Turquoise
 Red/Pinks
Silver/Purple

The possibilities. Watch the blog because there will be a post later today or tomorrow about our next store KAL. This shawl would be an awesome choice.
↧
↧

It's Knit A Long Time

October 23, 2015, 10:07 am
$
0
0
It's time to talk about our store Knit A Longs (KAL). We are going to have two.

KAL # 1
The Doodler - pattern purchased on Ravelry

The schedule for clues is
Clue 1 - Friday, November 6
Clue 2 - Friday, November 13
Clue 3 - Friday, November 20
Clue 4 - Friday, November 27

If you are new to a mystery KAL, every week you will receive the next part of the pattern in your Ravelry library. It looks like there is no way that you will be able to keep up and knit a shawl in a month but you will surprise yourself.

The final day of our KAL will be December 31, 2015. That should give you lots of time.

Finish the shawl and send me a picture (or pictures) to share on the blog and we will give you one entry into the draw for prizes.

If the yarn is purchased from The Needle Emporium and you finish the shawl we will give you two entries.

We are going to have another KAL for the many people who
a) aren't in love with Stephen West patterns
b) aren't in love with a mystery

KAL #2
The shawl of your choice.  You have until December 31, 2015 to finish.

Here are a few of the shawls that are hanging in the store
Ley Lines
Exploration Station - this was the last mystery KAL from Stephen West
Auburn Wave
Quicksilver
Derecho
Follow Your Arrow
Lilli Pilli
Magmatic Boom

These are just a few of my favourites. You have many, many options. I looked at the hot right now shawls on Ravelry - take a look... 

Finish the shawl and send me a picture (or pictures) to share on the blog and we will give you one entry into the draw for prizes.

If the yarn is purchased from The Needle Emporium and you finish the shawl we will give you two entries.

Ravelry
We will start a thread in our Ravelry group. Please post pictures. I like lots of pictures :) Show off your yarn before you start and as you are progressing.

Prizes
Of course we will have prizes. Everyone can participate but we can only mail prizes within Canada.

Here are the first two and more will be added.
There are two knitting kits from Rowan. Each kit has two skeins of Rowan Fine Art and a pattern for a great looking scarf.
↧

Inspira Cowl

October 24, 2015, 2:42 pm
$
0
0
One of my favourite cowls to knit is the Inspira Cowl. It is knit with two colours of yarn and my yarn of choice is Liberty from Classic Elite. The yarn stripes so it looks like you're working with many colours but you are really only knitting with two colours in a row.
The pattern is free on Ravelry...
Inspira Cowl is worked in the round on circular needles. Corrugated ribbing is used, where two different coloured yarns are stranded across each round. The ribbing height varies throughout for each of the three cowl options. After two plain knit rows, the corrugated ribbing pattern shifts, or is staggered, i.e., previous knit columns become purl columns. This graphic shift of colour & texture is what gives Inspira it’s dynamic flow.
Our samples are the Steampunk version. We cast on 138 or 144 stitches and worked straight - no decreases to bring it in. You need 2 balls of the background colour (knits) and 1 ball of the contrast (purls).
I knew that I needed no concentration knitting for the baseball game last night so I started a new one.
The plan was to finish it during tonight's game. I guess I'll be working on it while watching something else.

And I'm using new needles. The newest limited edition needle set from Knitter's Pride has arrived.
I'm not the biggest fan of wooden needles (ok, I'm an addi snob) but I really like these with the brass tips. I'm actually using two different sizes (there is another new project but I'm saving that for tomorrow) and both are working well. The yarn is not catching on the join or on the tip on either size.

The set is $148.50. We have one set left in stock and more should arrive during the week.

Now it's time to rest. It was a late night last night and then a crazy busy day in the store - there isn't a complaint there. We like it crazy busy. Rainy and cool makes people think about knitting. Beth is picking up pizza so I have an easy evening in front of me. Hopefully I get the cowl finished and then I can get more rows done on my secret project to show tomorrow.
↧

Elbow River

October 25, 2015, 4:07 pm
$
0
0
Heidi Kirrmaier has a new shawl pattern - Elbow River. I emailed her the minute I saw it to ask permission to use her pictures. The shawl is beautiful!

I've knit one of her patterns and own many more. This pattern is 6 pages long - of course it's in my Ravelry library. Heidi writes out every row making it very easy to follow. I cross out each row as I do it and then I always know where I am. Especially if I set it aside for a while.
The design lends itself to being worked either in one yarn - ideally, one that is heavily variegated or self striping - or in a few different colours, perhaps using remnants of sock yarns you have at hand. You can use 4 colours and change them as provided in the pattern, or use as many colours as you like and make stripes any way your heart desires. No matter which you choose, the 3D “stepped” (or “elbow”?) effect will shine through! The pattern includes a few blank diagrams which can be printed and coloured in, if you would like to test your colour choices.

For the blue sample shown, I chose colours that remind me of the different seasons that fall upon the Elbow River. The water is always clean, clear and cold, whether it’s being fed by melting glaciers in the spring, flowing more slowly in the arid summer months, reflecting low autumn sunlight, or frozen over during the depths of winter.
Make sure you take a spin around Heidi's Ravelry shop before you purchase...
If you purchase 4 or more patterns from my Ravelry Shop at the same time (add them all to your cart before you check out), you automatically receive a 20% discount.
The pattern is purchased, I've chosen my yarn and I've started.

Yesterday I talked about the new Knitter's Pride needles. I'm liking the needles more and more as I work with them. They are quite pointy which is helpful when I am making 1 left and making 1 right. 

I'm about 60 rows into the shawl but there won't be any pictures tonight. I waited too long to go outside and the colours aren't right. Then I tried inside and the colours aren't right. I'll get one in day light tomorrow. What yarn did I chose? Fiberstory Fave Sock. 

You don't need to be an advance knitter to make this. As long as you can cast on, knit, purl and make a stitch then you are good to go.

Now I'm heading back to the River. Another football game tonight and Homeland. This season is getting good. I don't want to talk about it and spoil it if you haven't started watching yet but the last episode ended in a nail biter.
↧
Search

My Elbow River

October 26, 2015, 4:33 pm
$
0
0
Here is my Elbow River so far. I love the yarn. I love the pattern. I'm just not sure that the yarn is right for the pattern. However, as someone who doesn't like to quit or rip out, I'm going to keep going for a bit and see if I change my mind. I think the problem is that I haven't knit enough for the pattern to jump out at me. I guess that means signing off soon and picking up my needles.

When I was at TNNA in June, I ordered some cool mugs from Charan at Creative with Clay.
All my work is made from Stoneware. After the pieces are made, they get fired once in a bisque fire and then high fired with durable glazes that will not fade.

Food/dishwasher/microwave Safe!
Charan emailed me tonight and my order should be shipping to South Carolina next week. Mom and dad will bring them home at the beginning of December. Right now I have their vehicle very full.
There are new yarn bowls coming as well. Lots of new in time for Christmas.
↧
↧

I'm Inspired

October 27, 2015, 1:34 pm
$
0
0
My Inspira Cowl is finished and blocked. I really, really want to start another one. It was quick to knit and you get to see so many colours.
Pattern: Inspira Cowl (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: Classic Elite Liberty Wool
Sample: 2 balls of 78109 and 1 ball of 78107
Needles: 5mm, 60cm
Version: Steampunk

How was the cowl blocked? After I finished knitting it, I put it in a bucket of cold water with a squirt of Soak. I let is sit for 15 minutes and then I dumped out the water. I gently squeezed the cowl to get out excessive water and then laid it out to dry. I didn't use pins and don't usually use them unless it's a lacy shawl. Twice a day I would rotate the cowl so that it wasn't folded in the same spot to dry. This can cause creases on the side.

I borrowed this from the Soak website about washing (blocking) your knits
cleaning your knits with soak
  • Check if it’s colour fast. Rub some Soak on a hidden part of your item and rinse after two minutes. If there’s no bleeding, you’re good to go.
  • Prepare yourself for some dirt. When you hand wash, you get a whole new perspective on the dirt and oil in your clothes – you’ll probably see it in the water, especially if you haven’t washed your piece in a while. If the water is really dirty, pour it out and soak a second time.
  • Don’t worry about colour. Gentle cleansers like Soak can pull excess dye out of knitted items. So if you see dye in the water, it’s okay. It won’t harm your item. It comes out of your clothes in the machine too, you just don’t see it there.
  • Get the water out. Squeeze out as much as you can, but be gentle. Don’t wring or twist it and don’t lift it up and let the weight of the water stretch it out. Roll it up in a clean towel to absorb water, or if your machine has a gentle spin cycle, just spin it away.
  • Lay it flat. Place the item on a towel, reshaping as you go (for the knitting-uninitiated, this process is called blocking). Lay it flat in a spot with good air circulation on all sides. Flip it over so it has a chance to dry on both sides.
  • Knitters, Soak your swatches. Measure your stitch count when the swatch has dried; the stitches will relax and the block will likely grow in size.
I was looking through pictures on my computer and found an Inspira Cowl that Beth knit. I just emailed her and asked if she knew where it was. I want it in the store :)

One last cowl. This sample that is hanging in the store.

Do I take balls home to start another one while watching the World Series tonight??
↧

Coors Cowl

October 28, 2015, 5:44 pm
$
0
0
It's cold out. It's rainy out. What a yucky day. It has me thinking that snow will be coming soon and I want some warm cowls. We live in the country now and the wind howls.
 
The Coors Cowl is a soft, squishy infinity scarf knit in Classic Elite Chalet. You can download the pattern for free...
The cowl is knit with 5 skeins of Chalet on 8mm needles.
Chainette yarns are well-deserving of their popularity...the construction simultaneously provides strength and lightness. Add a luxury fiber blend of baby alpaca and bamboo to that inherent lightness and you have Chalet, a decadently soft yarn with a lovely drape in a chunky weight from our MountainTop Collection of yarns spun from natural, undyed fibers
 Then Classic Elite brought out Chateau.
MountainTop Chalet's colorful cousin, Chateau is the same super-soft baby alpaca/bamboo blend with a chainette construction. It knits up quickly, which is perfect for last-minute holiday gifts. Any pattern written for Chalet will knit-up just as beautifully in Chateau.
These are the colours that I chose for my cowl. No, I'm not starting another project. Yarn is being shipped to Lynda today. She is very good at starting and finishing a project - unlike myself.

I was dragging a bit today. The baseball game went 14 innings last night. The good thing about a long game - a lot of knitting. After doing a touch of work, Survivor is waiting for us. And another baseball game. Please, no extra innings tonight. I need some sleep because tomorrow morning is all about accounting. UGH! Talk about putting someone in a bad mood. I'll be happy by the time I get to the store in the afternoon though. Our table and sideboard come tomorrow.
↧

Amitola Grande

October 29, 2015, 7:51 am
$
0
0
We have a new yarn from Louisa Harding.


Amitola Grande is a luxurious silk and wool blend self-striping yarn. Beautiful gradating shades are presented in Aberfeldy, a dedicated publication of fourteen hand knitting patterns for garments and accessories, designs to inspire, create, wear.
80% wool
20% silk
100gram ball with 250m
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" on 6mm needles
 
Here are the patterns in Louisa's book, Aberfeldy. 
Aberfeldy supports Louisa Harding's yarn subtle self-striping Amitola Grande with 14 timeless and romantic hand knitting projects. 
Suitable for all abilities of knitter. 
This stunning collections contains both garments and quick accessories. 














↧

Free pattern

October 29, 2015, 3:17 pm
$
0
0
We all love free patterns. And especially free patterns from Rowan.
Knit this  relaxed fit ladies cardigan, available as a free download. Designed by Sarah Hatton using Brushed Fleece its simplicity make it a quick knit project suitable for a beginner.
Download the pattern...
Brushed Fleece is a super soft blend of extra fine merino wool and baby alpaca. The yarn has a soft marl colour effect and is quick to knit making it very wearable, warm and lightweight.
I have a poncho in Brushed Fleece. The yarn isn't heavy but it will keep you warm.

There are 4 new colours of Brushed Fleece that haven't made it onto the website yet. These would all look great in the cardigan.
263 Cairn
264 Loch
265 Moss
266 Heather

It's going to be a two post day. I spent the morning at home waiting for a special delivery. While waiting I wrote about the new yarn from Louisa Harding. Then I found the free pattern on Rowan's website.

Now I'm back in the store doing mail orders and while I'm waiting for the printer to finish I'm adding pictures of our new furniture. Thank you Urban Barn. It looks great. This is another reason for two posts. Mom and dad are in Myrtle Beach and they won't be home for a bit to see our furniture. This way my mom can see pictures.
The side board was ordered from a black and white computer print out so I'm very happy with how it looks in real life.

This was the first distillery table that the delivery men had set up and they had no clue how it went together. Thankfully I had pictures of the table in the store so they could see how the legs and extra pieces joined.
We are waiting for a bench for this side of the table and there will be a third chair for the other side. For the ends we want to get different, kind of funky chairs. We've watched way too many episodes of Property Brothers and are picking up some of their ideas.

Now Beth and I are off to Mississauga. Our friend Bev is skydiving tonight at iFly. I can't wait to see this.
↧
↧

Happy Halloween

October 31, 2015, 4:54 pm
$
0
0
Beth is very excited about the prospect of seeing lots of kids tonight. We didn't see many at the townhouse so we're hoping it's different at the new house.

There is a new yarn from Classic Elite coming next week.
Camelot
100% wool
90m (98 yards) on a ball
4.5-5 stitches = 4" on 4.5mm - 5mm needles
Brights and darker shades combine beautifully in this pure wool self striping aran weight yarn.




 

 


The patterns will be available in a book or you can purchase them individually on Ravelry.

Beth was able to get some sample balls from Classic Elite and has been busy. 
The yarn works great in an Inspira Cowl. She did the Steampunk Version, 5mm needles and 108 stitches. She has more balls and is making a scarf. Self striping yarn makes her happy.
↧

Chocolate Overload

November 1, 2015, 4:37 pm
$
0
0
We survived Halloween last night. The evening started out slow and Beth was very pouty. The kids eventually came but not as many as we had hoped (or bought candy for). We were very generous and still have enough left to cover any chocolate cravings until Christmas.

There is a new book coming from Classic Elite called Warm Woolies with a pattern for Chateau. This is a great yarn. It knits on big needles but doesn't feel heavy. We have a cardigan, a poncho and cowls knit up in the store and customers are always commenting on how soft the yarn is.
Walker - you can purchase the individual pattern on Ravelry
A relaxed-fitting dolman pullover with short sleeves and center cable panel.
Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Shown in size S.

Finished Measurements
Bust: 32 (36, 39½, 43, 48, 52)”
Length: 23½ (24, 24½, 25, 25½, 26)”

Yarn
Chateau by Classic Elite Yarns
(70% baby alpaca, 30% bamboo;
50 g = approx 98 yards)
7 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10) hanks
1447 Stormy Sky

Needles
Knitting needles in size US 11 (8 mm) or size to obtain gauge.
Circular knitting needle (24”) in size US 9 (5.5 mm)

Beth has more balls of Camelot and asked me to find a pattern. I suggested the Multi Directional Scarf (pattern free on Ravelry)
She says that it is her new 'favourite' pattern and when this one is finished she's going to knit another.

Now it's back to knitting time. You'd think that I could get a lot accomplished while watching football but you need to pay a bit of attention to the TV. Baseball, football and Homeland tonight. There goes any thoughts of an earlier night.

↧
Search

Happy Monday

November 2, 2015, 4:41 pm
$
0
0
Today was a special day. A trip to see Trish at the hair salon. No more grey. And my hair is shorter. It makes for a happy morning and I even got a few rows knit.
My Auburn Wave in Dream in Color Jilly with Cashmere is growing. The yarn is amazing to knit with. Supersoft!

Looking for a project to work on for our store KAL? This pattern is great. Don't know about the store KAL? Take a look at my blog post from last week...

A parcel went to Ann this afternoon for her to knit me the Guernsey Wrap in Rowan's Hemp Tweed. (The wrap only needs 6 balls but I sent 10 so that Ann can make it longer for me) Of course I picked purple. The decision was hard though. The colours are awesome.



A newsletter went out this morning. In case it didn't arrive in your inbox, you can download it here...

Beth and I just had dinner out and saw this really cool can.
No dad, Beth did not have a beer with dinner. It was on the table beside us :)
↧

What month is it?

November 3, 2015, 4:18 pm
$
0
0
What an amazing day. Is it November or June? It didn't start off well (more about that later) but it's great now. Well, it would be better if I was on the golf course with Beth.

I ended up knitting another Inspira Cowl. I couldn't help myself.
I went away from the brights this time and really like it.

Beth has been busy with Camelot. This is a Classic Elite pattern - Two Direction Scarf (purchased on Ravelry).
The pattern was originally knit in Liberty but Beth wanted something mindless for Camelot. She used three balls for her scarf. You start with the garter stitch section (she used 2 balls and when they were finished she cast off) and then you pick up along the edge for the ribbed section. She used one ball for that. You can make the garter stitch section as long as you want. You can also make the scarf wider by doing more rows of the ribbed section.

This morning was about dealing with frustration. We took possession of our house 7 months ago. At the time I asked for a new front door because ours was marked and dented. I was told no but that they would fix the door and repaint it. This is my door today. Still not repainted. We have been calling and today was the day. I stayed home to meet the painter and he didn't show. His boss had no clue where he was. They say tomorrow. So Beth has to stay home to meet the guy.
Hopefully I get home tomorrow night to a pretty purple door. Yes, there is a theme to the doors. The store has a purple door. Myrtle Beach has a purple door too. What can I say? I have a purple problem.

↧
↧

Wacky Wednesday

November 4, 2015, 4:36 pm
$
0
0
I was taking a look on Rowan's website and noticed that they were offering the pattern for Stockport for free (you can download it on Ravelry or on Rowan's website)
The pattern was originally featured in Rowan Magazine 46 and is knit out of Cocoon.
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.
We have been going through the store straightening up the shelves and garments. It's been a long time since I've talked about The Honey Cowl. Maybe you've forgotten about this pattern. Maybe you haven't heard of it.
A simple slip stitch pattern cowl creates a dense waffle-like fabric for warmth and supple drape. This flexible pattern can be worked in four different sizes using just one or two skeins of yarn. The short and longer versions are lovely viewed on both sides.
Knit in light worsted yarn, this cowl is perfect for a bright pop of color and a warm hug around your neck.
The pattern is suitable for beginners and it's also fun for advanced knitters. And you get to knit with madelinetosh.

Download the pattern for free on Ravelry...

I was just looking in our Ravelry group and we have some takers on the Stephen West MKAL - The Doodler. Lorraine asked if we had seen the video that Stephen made. I hadn't, but I just did and here it is. It will put a smile on your face. (And remember, Stephen is wacky - in a good way - but wacky)

↧

Getting ready for winter

November 5, 2015, 5:13 pm
$
0
0
Classic Elite had the cutest mittens in their Web-Letter last week.
From the designer, Rachel Henry:

Last spring, a friend of mine brought me some knitwear in distress. I was a little afraid Val would ask me to mend her beloved, but very felted and holey, sheep mittens. Thankfully, she had a more intriguing request...could I design something similar? Val bought the original pair as a souvenir from a trip overseas, and had literally worn them to pieces. She was already missing them, and hoped I would be able to make her new mittens that would be loved just as much.

I took some reference shots, noting that the lack of thumb gusset probably led directly to the holes in the palm. I would definitely add thumb gussets to my design! I asked her what she loved about them...in order: sheep on the backs, fully lined, and stripes. This I could do!

After much hemming and hawing I selected CEY Fresco for its softness, warm, and an array of gorgeous colors. I elected to copy (mostly) the original mittens, but added a fourth color of yarn, rather than risk running out of any given color. (Hint hint: I would love to see a pair of technicolor sheep mittens!)

My design has four sizes, thumb gussets, and slightly longer cuffs, but I think they capture everything Val loved about the originals. They are adorable, soft, and cozy – all a mitten should be.

The mittens are black, grey and cream. The lining is a light grey but you could use a funky colour.
Fresco is a smooth and even 3-ply sport weight yarn. The plies are twisted together tightly enough to make a firm, springy yarn, but not so tightly that the yarn loses its lofty, soft hand. The fiber blend—wool (for warmth and strength), alpaca (for loft and sheen), and a bit of angora (to provide a soft halo)—makes a yarn that’s warm, soft, and slightly fuzzy.
Fresco is available in an expansive palette, which makes it great for colorwork projects. However, because of the ply, the yarn is also great for textured stitches and lace.
Cathy brought in the cutest little girl's cardigan that she knit.
I took the pictures late in the day when the sun was going down and the wind was blowing. They don't do the cardigan justice - take a look at it when you come in the store.

Pattern: Entrechat (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: One skein of Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk
Adorable seamless shrug that knits up in no time and uses very little yarn… Features a fun and easy textured pattern.
Both the heartwarmer style and the textured stitch made me think of the “entrechat,” a ballet jump where the legs cross each other mid-air in a flutter.
This shrug is knit seamlessly from the top down to the armpits. The raglan cap sleeves are then bound off and the back stitches are worked together with stitches picked up along each front raglans to form the body in one piece.
I had a visit this morning with one of my sales reps and there are some awesome kits coming in the next few weeks.
Super cute scarf kits. The bear is knit for you. All you need to do is whip up the scarf and sew on his head, feet and arms.
I thought that the dog and cat kits we have in the store are cute but these are incredible! I want a little kid who can wear one :)

Beth and I ran out after work to buy two chairs for our dining table. We wanted funkier chairs for either end of the table. We ended up ordering chairs that are from the same company as our bar stools. They will have metal legs and fabric seats. That was the good part of my story. Another good part is that the first clue is available for The Doodler. The really sad part happens now. I forgot to bring my yarn home. It is sitting on the counter in the store. It hasn't been rolled into balls yet - that was my job tonight. I guess I'll be starting tomorrow when I get to work. It will motivate me to get to work early :)
↧

Fall Cleaning

November 6, 2015, 7:33 pm
$
0
0
I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a quick trip to Myrtle Beach. Mom and dad are there right now and they like it when we visit. And the ticket was very, very cheap. Now I'm trying to get the store in order for Cathy and Lynn. I know where everything is but they can't always get inside my head to figure out my filing system. While tidying, I found a box from Namaste with the Bigga' Buddy.

The Bigga' Buddy case is an oversized version of our Better Buddy case; it features hidden magnetized interior walls to keep your metal items in place, a removable interior divider, and is made of vegan animal-friendly faux leather. Perfect for quilters, crocheters, knitters, and general Namasterians alike! Contrast stitching, solid construction, and snap button closure; when size matters- you need a Bigga' Buddy!

COLORS:
Caribbean Blue, Pumpkin Spice, Raspberry, Red, Eggplant

MATERIALS:
Animal-friendly faux leather

SIZE:
9" L x 4" W x 2" H
PRICE: $45
I think this will make a great Christmas present for Beth. She has her knitting stuff everywhere.

Yesterday I showed the new scarf kits that are coming. There will also be a baby throw kit coming very soon.






Now I need to figure out my knitting. I have the first clue to The Doodler. I think I will get that finished so I need something else. I have an Auburn Wave on the needles but it is almost finished. That will take up too much room in my carry on bag. Maybe I need to start something else?

↧
Viewing all 4077 articles
Browse latest View live
Search