A Really Good Yarn

Tough Love Sock from SweetGeorgia is making it's way across Canada to us. Right now the scheduled delivery date is Tuesday (December 1).

A perfect blend of warmth and strength to make a hardwearing sock yarn that can stand up to your affection and abuse. Tough Love Sock is our best-selling yarn and knits up beautifully into fine-gauge sweaters, small shawls, as well as socks! Spun from 80% superwash and super soft merino and 20% nylon, this 3-ply yarn is so versatile — knit it firmly for hard wearing socks, knit it loosely for drapey shawls, or knit it doubled for a great worsted weight substitute. Suggested gauge for sock knitting: US 0-1 (2-2.25mm) | 8 sts/1″

390m (425 yards) on a 100gram skein

$30 a skein

Choosing colours was very hard. Felicia has many, many beautiful colours. I chose a few colours and then I went with SweetGeorgia's best selling colours.

We love the Party of Five Tough Love Sock kits and there will be many colourways in the shipment.
From SweetGeorgia

We’ve been indulging in colour since 2005 and in celebration of our 10-year anniversary, we’ve made these very special gradient mini-skein kits! These five-colour gradient sets are currently available in Tough Love Sock. Each set contains five 105-yard mini-skeins for a total of 525 yards.

One kit will make Soft Twilight - a new pattern than you can purchase on Ravelry

Delicate slipped stitches and beginner cables meander across the fabric of this asymmetrical shawl, creating a beautiful, airy effect. The subtle shift of colours from our Party of Five set captivates our attention, reminding us of the soft hues that dance the snow at twilight.

The kits aren't here yet but you can be prepared. SweetGeorgia is offering a discount on their patterns (including Sweet Twilight) for a few days.

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL — 40% OFF PATTERNS
We want to give thanks to all of YOU who have allowed us at SweetGeorgia to spend our days creating colours for you to enjoy and express your creativity.

Starting this Friday, November 27 until Monday, November 30 (Pacific Standard Time!), we are offering 40% off all patterns purchased through our website and on Ravelry:

enter the coupon code "BLACK2015" at checkout

Find the perfect pattern to kick off your holiday making, or start something just for yourself once all the holiday festivities are cleared away.

I just tried the code and it's working. Enjoy.

There are three free patterns from Louisa Harding using her new Amitola Grande.

I have designed three quick holiday projects to knit, each using just one 100g ball of Amitola Grande, perfect to gift or knit for yourself! Just follow this link to download the patterns and get knitting.
http://www.louisaharding.co.uk/justgiving.html

The patterns are free, however if you would like to make a donation to Cancer Research please follow this link:
https://www.justgiving.com/Louisa-Harding/

Amitola Grande is a luxurious silk and wool blend self-striping yarn.

80% merino wool
20% silk

250m on a 100gram ball

$29.95 a ball.

Blogging is a bit frustrating right now. In a very good way. I have lots to tell you but I need to divide the posts up or I would have a really long post with too many pictures. Right now I have posts written for Sunday and Monday. Things could change though if something new comes up like free patterns or a finished project.

Last week I took home a skein of Malabrigo Rasta and was going to knit a cowl. The colour has been calling my name. I was working on Thursday afternoon when the phone rang. "I'm home from work and my scarf is finished. There is a skein of Rasta on the counter. What is it for? Can I use it? I left my iPad at mom and dad's so I'm using yours. And I'm logged into your Ravelry account. You have a cowl in your favourites called the Textured Cowl. Can I use the skein and make that?" There went my skein. Beth made the cowl and I love the colours even more.

I took it outside for pictures along with a few other things. I didn't want to throw it on the ground when I was done so I put it on. It is so warm.

Lynn brought in her Ombre Cowl Hood this morning. It looks great.

Pattern: Ombre Cowl Hood (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze in 605, 664 and 659

Here is mine so far. It has a totally different look in the Kidsilk Haze Stripe.

I unpacked a box yesterday afternoon that was full of Knitter's Pride needles and accessories. This pattern holder (available in two sizes) will make your life much easier.

This indispensable pattern holder is a handy way to keep and display patterns and charts while working on a project. Useful for all knitters, but a “must-have” for lace knitters, especially
Convenient tool for keeping patterns close and easy to read
Easy to fold and unfold for storage; Lays flat when folded
Can stand upright when folded open, vertically or horizontally
Snap closure insures that materials inside stay neat and put
Extremely strong magnets keep patterns and/or charts in place
One extra long magnet strip also works as an indicator guide
Handy pocket holds patterns and charts
Pen pocket keeps marker close at hand
Black poly-jacquard fabric is sturdy and easy to keep clean
Small Size:
Dimensions (in open position): 35cm x 26.25cm (14" x 10½")
Dimensions (in folded position): 17.5cm x 26.25cm (7" x 10½")
Large Size:
Dimensions (in open position): 50cm x 30cm (20" x 12")
Dimensions (in folded position): 25cm x 30cm (10" x 12")

Now back to work. The store is open - we have customers to help and shelves to straighten.

Lately we've been talking a lot about scarves and shawls. Maybe you've finished your gift knitting and are ready to move onto a sweater or cardigan. There is a new book from Marie Wallin that we should have in the store late Monday afternoon. The designs are amazing!

Autumn is a collection of 10 beautiful designs for women from Marie Wallin. Inspired by the autumnal hues of the British countryside it featured stunning fairisles and intricate cables, making it suitable for the knitter with more experience.

The designs are knit in Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran, Rowan Fine Tweed and Cocoon.

Talk about WOW sweaters. True works of art.

This was The Doodler at 4pm yesterday afternoon. Clue 2 is finally finished.

Then I went crazy. The first wedge of the third clue is finished. I'm back on track and on a mission to finish. My hands were very sore when I went to bed last night.

They are better today and when I'm finished my post I am going back to it.

Beth came home tonight with a new Christmas tree. We gave away our tree when we moved and thought we would get a new one that is pre lit. Oh my goodness. We haven't had fun this evening. There is one part of the tree that won't light. We've been undoing lights and replacing them and can't find the bad bulb. I finally convinced her to stop and the tree is going back tomorrow. We thought that tree lights had improved and that if a light went out the rest would work. Not so. We are going to get one that doesn't have lights and we'll string our own (as long as they will work if one bulb goes out). We can't spend hours every year trying to find a bad bulb. That will only lead to fights. I might be able to decorate later this week. I can't wait. My good decorations haven't been out for a few years.

There is a new Kim Hargreaves book in the store.

With a 70’s twist the look is relaxed yet confident, comfortable yet elegant. The Collection makes the effortless transition between seasons, the designs move seamlessly from the fading glow of late summer into the welcoming arms of autumn, and all it holds!

The yarns used in the book are

Alpaca Merino DK, Lima, Cotton Lustre, Super Fine Merino DK, Big Wool Silk, Super Fine Merino Aran, Kidsilk Haze, Brushed Fleece, Kid Classic, Mohair Haze

Tough Love Sock from SweetGeorgia arrived today as well. The colours are awesome! I looked on Ravelry and there are over 7200 projects using this yarn. Sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, shawls and of course socks.

Thank you to everyone who commented on Debbie's new book. A customer was in on Saturday and we asked her to choose a number. Comments 12 and 13 were from the same person (and I didn't catch it) so we counted them together as number 12. Nadine picked 18 which means that the winner of the book is Sarah H. from Hamilton. Congratulations Sarah. I will be contacting you on Ravelry for your mailing address and the book will be shipped to you.

The December Dream Club should be in the store late Monday afternoon.

The Deadwood Cowl is designed by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark.

Two-color brioche ribbing creates a lush, textural, colorful, and reversible fabric in this cozy cowl. Centered increases shape bold stripes from a traditional tubular shape into a stylish bandana-style point. Simple shaping makes this project a fabulous introduction to two-color brioche knitting.

So velvety soft and lofty that you won’t want to put it down! Canyon is the perfect yarn for light but warm garments. Our first aran weight, Canyon is spun from very fine wool grown here in the US. Canyon’s colorways were inspired by Arizona’s beautiful desert landscape, with colors reflecting the moods and scenes of this region.

100% extra fine U.S. grown wool
100 g. = 175 yds.
3.5 – 4 stitches per inch
U.S. 9 to 10 needles

I'm excited to see the yarn in person. I keep looking at it on Dream in Color's website but didn't want to order it until I have knit with it.

I'm writing but I can barely see right now because I saw my optometrist this afternoon. I had those awful drops. My eyes haven't really changed but that didn't stop me from ordering a new pair of glasses. The staff at Hanley's Eyewear were great. I walked in and they handed me frames to try on. I picked a few myself and every frame I picked looked awful. It's better to let them pick - they do it every day and are really good at it. If you need new glasses, Hanley's is having a sale on some frames during the month of December. There are frames for $49, $99 and $149. Unfortunately mine weren't on sale but it was better to pick frames that look good on me.

I'm very excited about Survivor tonight. It's a crazy season and hopefully we have another wild night. I hope to get through the second wedge of clue #3. I wish I could knit faster. I also wish that I could get away with less sleep - that would give me more knitting hours.

If you've been in the store lately you know that we're a bit full. Okay, bursting at the seams. I walked through the store this morning and decided that we needed to clear out some things. We could wait until Boxing Week but I'm marking down the Colinette Throw Kits now. These will make a great gift - for you to make for someone or for yourself. These kits contain Colinette's amazing hand dyed yarns - mohair, boucle, ribbon and chenille. We have samples in the store and they are beautiful when knit up.

There are two kits available.

Here at Colinette we believe that colours, like us, are social. In the right company they truly come alive and become something greater than they were alone. It's not just our vivid hand dyed shades that make the Arizona Dream kit so stunning, but the way those hues dance with our lush offerings of yarn and texture; elevating the entire experience. We have picked sumptuous fibers like our mohair, wool and viscose and combined them so that with just a little effort you can make a masterpiece. Colour becomes so much more with our blends of texture, luster and tone.

The Arizona Dream kits are on sale for $172.50. You can purchase in the store or online.

The Ab Fab kits are on sale for $180.

The Ab Fab Kit includes instructions for all four styles of knitted throws, 1 crocheted throw, and 1 knitted shawl. Kit also includes enough yarn to knit your choice of one of those styles. Fibers used are a mixture of wool, cotton, viscose, and mohair.

See all the kits...

Cathy couldn't help it. This is her Ombre Cowl Hood. She almost ripped it out because she wasn't sure about the colours. I'm glad that I talked her out of it - I really like how it came out.

Yarn bowls arrived today.

If you are looking for a yarn bowl, please don't wait. We have 20 in stock and can't get anymore before Christmas.

We have yarn bowls, mugs and knitting plates from a new supplier as well. These are great. The mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. The knitting plates are small and would be great for holding your knitting notions, tea bags or jewelry.

Now it's time to knit. The Amazing Race is taping and I'm ready to watch. Will anyone beat the green team? They are on a roll.

It's time to start thinking about winter accessories. The cold is going to be coming. I'd like it to stay as warm as it has been for the last week but I'm dreaming.

Cathy knit these amazing wrist warmers in tosh pashmina. They are supersoft and super warm. The pattern is called Heart of the Lotus (purchased on Ravelry)

The Lotus is a symbol of chaitanya (sanskrit for consciousness). One’s awareness rises from its mundane beginnings in the mud and grows heavenward through the water, rising into the light first as a bud and then as a spendiferous flower opening to the sun. It has long been used as the symbol of the chakras (wheels), the crown chakra being the thousand petaled lotus. These luxurious armwarmers symbolize the stem of the flower, reaching out from the heart to the hand, opening layer upon layer to embrace the light.

Heart of the Lotus includes three versions, Ornate, Delicate and Sleek. Knit it in either fingering and sport weight yarn: instructions are included for both. Sleek and Delicate versions are reasonably quick to knit. Pattern sizes are formfitting. For looser armwarmers, especially if you like to scrunch or wear over a long-sleeve T, knit a larger size than usual.

There is a new mitten pattern from Classic Elite using Liberty Wool. I think I'm going to take yarn home for Beth to make these. She loves Liberty and it might be time for her to learn something new.

Purchase on Ravelry...

These garter stitch mittens are worked flat in two directions. The thumb side is worked from cuff to fingertips, and the pinky side is worked sideways from the center of the hand outward.

Sizes
Adult S (M, L). Both versions shown in size L.

Yarn
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns
(100% washable wool; 50 g = approx 122 yards)
Two color version shown in:
A – 1 (1, 2) balls 7879 Midnight Blue
B – 1 (1, 2) balls 7805 Magenta

Mutli-color version shown in:
2 (2, 3) balls 78102 Magic Carpet

Needles
Knitting needles in size US 6 (4 mm) or size to obtain gauge.

Note
Both mittens are worked the same and can be worn on either hand.

Classic Elite has a free pattern for boot cuffs...
These would be a great project to learn how to knit on double pointed needles. Or maybe you want to try learning magic loop.

These are an easy way to change the look of your boots or give some color to an outfit. Wear them inside the boot, over the boot, or try them with rain boots. These also work beautifully as legwarmers to keep you toasty during a dance or a workout. The stirrups help keep them in place.

Skill Level
Intermediate

Finished Measurements
13¾ (14½, 15¼)” circumference at widest part of calf and 8 (13, 15½)” shaft length option. Shown in 13¾” circumference and 15½” shaft length.

Yarn
Camelot by Classic Elite Yarns
(100% wool; 50 g = approx 98 yards)
4 balls 2835 Merlin

Needles
Set of 4 double pointed needles (dpn) in sizes US 5 and 7 (3.75 and 4.5 mm) or size to obtain gauge

I don't think there will be knitting in my evening. The new tree should be at home when I get there. It's decorating night. And we just found out that we are hosting Christmas dinner so I need to get the whole house decorated. I would be a lot happier doing it if I knew someone would put it all away for me after Christmas. :)

We have new patterns from Churchmouse Yarns. The first box that arrived was rejected by me. There was a bit of an accounting error at Churchmouse and they valued the box at $56,000 US. This meant that I was required to pay a lot to Canada Post for HST and delivery.

I said NO and the box is heading back to the US. Everyone had a good laugh over it (what else could we do?) and another box was shipped. It just arrived.

Alexandra's Airplane Scarf

Our models at the Bainbridge Island ferry dock are warm and stylish in an Alexandra's Airplane Scarf.

Alexandra Dane, a Boston-based author and long-time Churchmouse friend, stopped by one day wearing a scarf that turned our heads. We just had to make it a pattern to share! Thanks, Alex! We also added instructions for placing beads and made a web page for the Beaded version.

You'll find that it's a perfect airplane project -- both to knit and to wear en route! It's just the kind of thing we love -- simple, simple, simple, and all about the color!

You can also knit the scarf in Kidsilk Haze Stripe.

You need four balls of Kidsilk Haze (for the solid coloured scarf) or two balls of Kidsilk Haze Stripe.

The Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho Pattern

Our new Poncho design is truly 'twice reversible': both the fabric and the shape can be flipped. This stitch pattern has two 'right sides' -- versatile! We also added instructions for a nifty hybrid graft/seam for true reversibility. Wear your poncho point-in-front for relaxed 'boho' style or point-in-back for a little more polish. Options upon options!

This poncho shape doesn’t follow the usual conventions of sizing (bust/waist/hips)—it’s more about scale. We designed this poncho in two sizes so your result will be comfortable and flattering. The two keys to the fit are the neckline and the back/arm length. The width of the rectangle determines where it hits—we like just at the bent elbow, which is also just above the waist.

This pattern can be knit in worsted weight or chunky weight yarn.

The Over and Over Cowl and Infinity Loop Pattern. There are two versions - fingering weight shown here in Tough Love Sock from SweetGeorgia. There is also a chunky version (below) knit in Rowan Cocoon.

We discovered this stitch pattern in a vintage French knitting compendium. Reminiscent of tiny crocheted granny-square clusters, it's full of 'yarn overs' and 'lift overs,' so we dubbed it 'Over & Over'. Plus, it's so fun you'll want to knit it over and over again!

And now you have two gauges to choose from - fingering or chunky weight - as well as two sizes of loop: a 28"/70cm cowl or a generous 48"/122cm loop, long enough to wear doubled around your neck.

I wrote what was supposed to be today's post and this post was started for tomorrow. A box from Dream in Color was scheduled to be delivered this afternoon but UPS put it on the wrong truck. It should be in the store late tomorrow afternoon. I switched the posts and will show you pretty yarn tomorrow.

We have new kits for kids scarves. Easy knitting! Meet Monty, he's an adorable monkey scarf knitting kit. Gift boxed and perfect for giving, Monty arrives with the head, legs, and tail already knitted. All you do is knit the scarf for the middle and attach the knitted pieces on each end. The yarn itself is fun and vibrant colors that stripe as you knit. This kit is ideal for a beginner knitter or makes a great gift for the monkey lover in your life. Yarn in the kit is 100% acrylic.

Mr. UPS just delivered the box from Dream in Color. It was supposed to be here yesterday and somehow ended up on the wrong truck. I've been trying to track it this morning but it was still missing. Then out of the blue it was here.

We have more mini skeins of Classy to make up kits for the Technicolor Cowl. I'll be busy tonight.

I would like to take credit for putting together this colour combination but I can't. Cathy knit the original cowl and everyone loves the blues and greens. Lynda knit a sample for the store in these colours and it is awesome.

The December Dream Club is here as well. I love the yarn and the colours are amazing.

I was looking on Ravelry to see what else can be made with Canyon when I found this free pattern.

Jimmy Martinez works for Dream in Color and used the December Dream Club kit to make this cowl.

Lorenzo’s Leisure is part of our simple series. A wonderfully easy knit, you are sure to have completed in no time. It features purl welts, is worked in one piece and an attractive striping pattern that will make this cowl a wardrobe stable. You’ll wear it every day in the winter!

Download the pattern...

This was part of the post from yesterday that was delayed until today because the Dream in Color went missing. This will explain that yesterday was actually Sunday.

The tale of our tree is a long one. Beth and I went to Canadian Tire on Saturday afternoon to get an unlit tree. They were sold out but the Center Mall store had them. We bought lights just in case they didn't them when Beth bought the tree. Beth got the tree yesterday and it was a good thing we bought lights because the Center Mall store was out. We set the tree up and starting doing the lights - from the bottom (mistake #1). We underestimated how many lights it takes for a tree (mistake #2). Rookies. We haven't had a lit tree since we were very little. My parents look us away every Christmas so we didn't have decorations at home. Then we lived in the apartment above the store for many years and didn't do a tree. In the townhouse we had a tree with no lights. This tree thing is harder than you think. Beth ran back to the Upper James Canadian Tire and bought more lights. Then we hauled out all my decorations which isn't enough for the tree. I need to go shopping tonight for more and a tree skirt because ours went missing.

I couldn't stop myself. I cast on Lorenzo's Leisure (a free pattern on Ravelry) last night with the December Dream Club yarn. My reasoning - I needed to try Canyon from Dream in Color. The yarn is yummy to knit with. I will need to do a sweater in the new year.

I chose the shorter cowl - I wanted to get as much knit last night as possible so that I could show pictures today.

I learned something new from this as well. My mom taught me to knit when I was young and I have never had a knitting lesson. Most of what I know is from trial and error. I have knit in the round forever and here is a great new way to join.

Being careful that the sts are not twisted, pass the first CO (cast on) st to the left needle, then bring the working yarn to the back between the needles and pass the first CO st back to the right hand needle. You have now joined in the round.

There is one thing that I added to the designers instructions. After I cast on the stitches I turned the work. Then I was ready to join. This is the only way you can pass the first cast on stitch to the left needle. I described the instructions to Lynn this morning and she commented that it is like a wrap and turn.

Thanks Jimmy for teaching me something new. There is no gap at the join. Normally I use my cast on tail to make the join look neat. I don't need to do that now.

I spent the afternoon visiting my dentist. 45 minutes for a cleaning and then I had to have fillings replaced. I wish there was some way that I could knit while sitting in the chair. A real waste of time.

Watch an episode of Survivor and you can get a lot of knitting accomplished.

I have a fresh cup of tea and will get a few rows knit before bed. I love a quick project.

Mr. Canpar dropped off boxes today and we have a new lace weight yarn.

Marina from Manos Del Uruguay.

100% merino superwash wool
Approx 874 yds / 800 mts
per 100 grs skein
Gauge: 32 stitches per 4"/10cm
Needle: US #2 / 2.75 mm
Hand dyed

$29.95 a skein

The yarn has a nice shine to it. Of course I went on Ravelry to see what people were making with Marina. I saw a beautiful Brickless knit on 3mm needles.

I think everyone loves getting a free pattern - here are a few for today.

A free pattern on Rowan's website...

Knit this beautiful mitred square scarf, a free download designed by Nancy Kleiber using the divine Kidsilk Haze Stripe (mohair and silk). With a simple yet effective stitch pattern, showing the stunning colours through the yarn perfectly, this knitting pattern is for the intermediate knitter.

This is a great pattern from Rowan. As most of you know, I have a small Kidsilk Haze Stripe problem. I can't get enough of it. This scarf is great. I might need Lynda to make it for me.

This is a cowl that Beth designed and knit.

You need:
1 skein Misti Handpaint Chunky
8mm 60cm needles

Cast on 79 stitches. If you would like a tighter (meaning smaller around and closer to your neck), taller cowl then cast on less stitches making sure that it is an odd number.

Join in the round making sure not to twist stitches. Place marker. Make sure that you check after the first round to make sure that your stitches aren't twisted.

Row 1 – *Knit 1, take the yarn to the front, slip the next stitch like a purl, take the yarn to the back* Repeat from * to * all the way around ending with a K1

Row 2 – Knit all stitches

Row 3 – *Take the yarn to the front, slip 1 like a purl, take the yarn to the back, knit 1* Repeat from * to * ending with a slip 1, take the yarn to the back.

Row 4 – Knit all stitches

Repeat these 4 rows until you are almost out of yarn. You can end on any row. Cast off loosely.

This morning I spent some time adding knitting needles to the website. We now have the Dreamz circular and double points along with the Karbonz circular and double pointsavailable for mail order.

After work we are running to Urban Barn to pick up the bench for our kitchen table. It arrived a few weeks ago and we were not happy with the colours. I sent pictures to the store and they agreed so a new one was shipped from BC. The new one should be close to the colours of this bench from the website. Then we need to find a microwave. Most are over the range and we need a counter top. I want a Samsung that matches our appliances but it is back ordered. It's getting down to crunch time - we're hosting Christmas dinner and the microwave will be needed. Then some knitting and TV. We have a new season of Top Chef.

It's time to think about starting a new project. There will be some time on a plane in January - we're heading to TNNA (a trade show for yarn shops to see the new yarns, patterns, accessories....).

One of my favourite shawls to knit is Laura Aylor's All the Shades of Truth (pattern purchased on Ravelry)

A color-block stole inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. There is no intarsia, just picking up stitches from slipped stitch edges. A coloring page is included :)

The day after I finished the sample shown, I read this passage in Game of Thrones: “Black and white and grey, all the shades of truth” and knew what the name needed to be. You’ll have to excuse the mash-up of Frank Lloyd Wright and George R. R. Martin.

This is the first one that I knit in tosh merino light. All you need to know is cast on, cast off, knit and picking up stitches. It was a fun knit (I've made two) and am thinking of another one. I was also inspired to look at colours for another one because we found a box of tosh merino light in storage. It had many colours that weren't in the store. The merino light section is looking full right now.

Speaking of more colours, we received three new colours of Manos Del Uruguay Alegria yesterday. This is a supersoft, fingering weight yarn.

Sock yarn from Manos! Alegria is an easy-care blend of ultra-soft superwash merino with durable polyamide. Its “hand” is remarkably soft and resilient, and the bright, playful colorways would make exciting baby projects as well as socks.
Fiber Content
75% superwash merino, 25% polyamide
Yardage
approx. 445 yds / 425 mts per 3.5 oz / 100g
Gauge
28 - 30 sts = 4" / 10cm
Needle Size
US 1 - 3 / 2.25 - 3mm
Care Instructions
Machine wash or hand wash in cool water. Dry flat.

Alegría means "joy" in Spanish, and that's just what this hand-painted yarn is, a true color celebration!
Easy-care with a rich, cushy hand, Alegria is perfect for socks, baby gear, or fun accessories.

The tree is finished. We have a star on top, a skirt and presents. Now I need to get out the rest of my Christmas decorations.

We have new samples in the store. I've been busy!

Pattern: Ombre Cowl Hood (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe - I used colour 361

Pattern: Lorenzo's Leisure (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: Canyon from Dream in Color - this is the December Dream Club

Two finished products means I get to start something new.

My pictures are smaller today and I couldn't figure out why. When I got home I took out my phone to get a picture and I had it on the wrong setting. It was bothering me all afternoon - I thought that blogger had changed it's settings but it was me.

Beth assembled our kitchen bench this afternoon.

Now we're ready for Christmas dinner. Eight people can sit here and we will set up a folding table for the rest. I'm sitting at the bench to write and it's surprisingly comfortable. I'm not sure I want to sit on it for hours on end but it will be good for dinner.

The cast off has been started on The Doodler. It's an I-Cord bind off which isn't hard but it isn't quick. Plus I have over 600 stitches on the needle. This could take a while. You might be asking "What is an I-Cord bind off?"Take a look at this explanation on Knitty.com.

Today was spent knitting and watching football. We're in the first week of playoffs for our Fantasy Football. It's a nail biter - very close.

We found a surprise box yesterday morning. The yarn was put away a while ago because we didn't have anywhere to put it. Mini Mochi from Crystal Palace Yarns. There is a basket full of pretty colours including

A Slow Striping fingering weight, single ply yarn for any fine knit projects: baby, socks, lace, scarves and more.

195 yards (178 meters)

50 grams (1.76 ounces)

6.0 to 8.0 sts = 1 inch

US 1 - 4 or 2.25 - 3.5mm

80% Merino
20% Nylon (Polyamide)

The Topsy Turvy Cowl takes one ball and is free..

This design is called "Topsy Turvy" as you can wear it with either side up at the top, effectively giving your self two cowls in one knit. It makes a lovely sampler project since it has 3 different stitch pattern areas.

The Fair Isle Hat pattern is free...

This beautiful matching set of hat and mittens was designed by Sandi Rosner for Crystal Palace Yarns. The fair isle pattern is a simple one and only ONE color of Mini Mochi is used, but due to the long, slow stripes the pattern looks much more complex than it is.

Here are a few other pattern ideas
Cowl Fantastic
Pleasing Reversibility in Lace
Conyonette

Back to my knitting. I don't think I can finish tonight but I'm going to give it a good effort.

Mr. Canada Post surprised me with a box from Freia Fibers this morning. It left California last week and I didn't expect to see it until after Christmas.

I ordered in three colours of fingering weight Flux colours. These colours come in 50gram balls.

This colour is Ultraviolet.

Each 50 gram ball begins and ends with the same color, making for easy transitions from one ball to the next and leading to less waste. Flux Handpaints will have a base of 8 colors per ball, though the dyes blend together and form additional colors. Each ball is unique but we dye in batches of at least 24, ensuring overall continuity through sweater quantities within a single dye lot.

Bird of Paradise

Tapestry

I looked on Ravelry and a pattern that looks great in this yarn is Wingspan. 2 balls will make the scarf.

We received more Lace as well. These are Ombre colours.

Smooth, slow gradations are the signature of the Ombré color range. Ombré yarns come in 75 gram balls in super bulky, worsted, sport, fingering and lace weight wool and wool blends. We carefully transition five or more colors/shades per ball making for very long, yet still dramatic color changes. We suggest working from alternate ends of each ball as you go for smooth color transitions since every ball will begin and end with different colors.

The Sonoma Scarf (we have patterns in the store or you can purchase on Ravelry) takes one ball of Lace.

Diamond shaped panels of trellis and leaves surrounded by a slim garter stitch border travel the length of this single ball project. Pattern is charted and easy to memorize after the first few repeats

See our stock of Lace colours...

We are stocked on Super Bulky again too.

Dirty Hippie is my favourite colour - I think I need to knit a cowl in it.

That Big Hat (free pattern on Ravelry) knit with one ball of Bulky. The cowls are a free pattern in the store when you purchase the yarn. One ball and 15mm needles.

See the stock of Super Bulky...

I was so close to finishing last night. I had 15 stitches to go but I was so tired that I couldn't see. I finished this morning. The Doodler needs a good soak in Soak - maybe tonight.

That is three finished projects in the last week. I'm scaring myself :)

For today's post you are going to need to use your imagination a bit.

Unicorn Stripes (pattern purchased on Ravelry) is knit using 30 skeins of madelinetosh unicorn tails. We have the scarf version in the store. You start with one colour and knit until it runs out and then join in the next colour. You get approximately 16 rows with each skein.

You can join the ends to make a beautiful cowl.

Here is where your imagination needs to kick in. Deirdre came in the other day wearing a cool cowl. She took 10 skeins (not 30) and used this pattern. Before she joined it into a cowl she flipped one end to create a twist.

I tried to recreate the cowl with my scarf and I'm close. I asked her why she added the twist and her answer made a lot of sense. If you don't add the twist you get a cowl that sits up high on your chin. Sort of like this.

Add the twist and it lies flat - almost like a necklace.

I really liked the look of it so I cast on last night. I didn't use unicorn tails but pulled out my bag of leftover tosh merino light. You can use any fingering weight yarn. You can use any number of colours. For a uniform look you can do 16 rows of each colour. I'm not very uniform so my cowl will be random. You need approximately 160 rows for the cowl. The great thing is that you are knitting a scarf and sewing it so you can try it on as you go.

The scarf is actually a tube - you are knitting on a circular needle. It's a double sided cowl so no worrying if you have the right or wrong side showing . All your ends are on the inside. And there is no purling. All you need to know is knit, knit into the front and back of a stitch to increase, knit 2 together and ssk. The pattern calls for a provisional cast on but I didn't do that. When I graft the ends together I will have a small seam on the inside but I'm okay with that. Can you say obsessed? I'm only 30 rows in and I'm thinking about the next one. A Party of Five kit from SweetGeorgia would look awesome!

I'm leaning towards English Bay but that can change tomorrow.

A box arrived from Lynda this morning with new samples. Just like Christmas morning.

Pattern: Entrelac Scarf (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 balls of Silk Garden
We used colour 413

Entrelac is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern. While the result resembles basket-woven strips of knitted fabric, the actual material comprises interconnected squares on two different orientations.

You can easily make the scarf longer and/or wider. You can also adapt the pattern to any thickness of yarn.

We took the October 2015 Dream Club yarn and used it to knit The Honey Cowl (free pattern on Ravelry). The yarn is super soft and the colours look great in this stitch.

Beth is asking (in a kind of loud and demanding way) that I hurry up because the finale of Survivor is taping. I'm going to sign off because I really want to get to my knitting. The colours are working up nicely and I want to see how the next one plays out.

I'm finished. Blocked. Ends sew in.

Pattern: The Doodler (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of tosh merino light
Colours: Court and spark, chicory and wellwater
Needles: 3.5mm

Another fun knit from Stephen West.

We received good news last night from madelinetosh. Our next shipment should be leaving Texas by the middle of January and we will have it by the end of the month. There are new colours coming.

All 16 colours are coming in tosh merino light. Then I had to pick and choose for the other yarn bases. We can't order every colour of every yarn although I would really like too. I was ordering colours from the computer screen and until I see them in real life I'm guessing what you and I will like. Here are the bases and the new colours coming. If you see a colour you are interested in but I didn't order it, I can on our next order which should be arriving in April. There will also be lots and lots of existing colours coming.

ASAP
Electric Rainbow
Geyser Pool
Rocky Mountain High
Pelican

Home
Undergrowth
Electric Rainbow

Tosh DK
Electric Rainbow
Pelican

Merino
Electric Rainbow

Pashmina Worsted
Undergrowth
Pelican

Prairie
Undergrowth

Silk/Merino
Undergrowth
Pelican

Merino DK
Electric Rainbow
Pelican

Twist Light
Rocky Mountain High
Arctic
Brick Dust
Cactus Flower
Electric Rainbow
Found Pottery
Geyser Pool
Glass Bottom Boat
Pelican
Undergrowth
The Radness

Pashmina
Undergrowth
Pelican

Sock
Electric Rainbow
Undergrowth
Geyser Pool
Pelican
Found Pottery
Rocky Mountain High
Coquette-Deux

Sport
Undergrowth
Pelican

Vintage
Electric Rainbow
Undergrowth
Pelican

Football is going to start soon which means it's time to stop working and time to knit. We won our first playoff game in Fantasy Football and need to win this week to make it to the finals. Pressure!

SweetGeorgia

Yummy wool and silk

Marie Wallin Autumn

The Doodler

Embrace

We have a winner

Colinette Throw Kits

Yarn Bowls

Getting ready for the cold

New patterns from Churchmouse Yarns

Meet Monty

December Dream Club

Marina

All the Shades of Truth

New Cowls

Lazy Sunday

Big Box of Freia

Stripes

Entrelac

The Doodler