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String Quintet

January 8, 2016, 5:30 am
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Beth and I are about to board the plane for Las Vegas. I have a feeling there won't be much time to write when we land so I'm doing today's post early.

Sunday morning I'm flying to San Diego for TNNA. This is a trade show where shop owners go to see the new yarn, kits, needles and accessories for the next season. Here is a sneak peek of something new.

There will be new kits coming from Lorna's Laces.

5 mini skeins of Shepherd Sock (80% wool, 20% nylon) for a total of 489m (535yards)

The shawl is called Isn't it Romantic. I don't know if the pattern comes with the yarn or how it is being sold. I'll know more on Sunday.

Harp colourway
Clarinet colourway

12 colourways are being introduced - all of them are on order.

I'm guessing right now but I think the price for the kit will be around $50.
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Happy Saturday

January 9, 2016, 2:53 pm
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Our flight to Vegas was great. Normally there is turbulence but the captain had the seat belt light off the whole way.

There was some knitting on the plane.
I chose Blue Bird (pattern purchased on Ravelry) from Classic Elite. The pattern is easy to memorize making it great for plane knitting.

We were up early this morning (we're still on East Coast time) and had a great breakfast. Then a bit of playing here before heading to the Forum Shoppes. The plan was to work our way down to Aria. That changed when we got to Field of Dreams. There was a sign that Jerry Rice would be there from 2-3. If you don't know the name, he is one of the best wide receivers to ever play in the NFL. (You can read about him here)
 
Beth now has an autographed shirt. 


He was amazing. Very friendly. Talkative and he looked you in the eye. Beth is so happy. I hope your Saturday is going as well as hers is.
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Yarn Shopping

January 11, 2016, 5:25 pm
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Yesterday was a very long day. I was up at 4:30 to get ready to head to San Diego. It's a good thing I went to the airport early. A huge convention finished Saturday afternoon and there were hundreds of people in the security line. I made it in time but there wasn't a lot of sitting time before my flight.

I didn't have a lot of time at TNNA so I made quick decisions and I'm happy with them.

There are 4 new colours coming from Freia Fibers. I ordered them in fingering and super bulky.





This beautiful shawl is knit in Mrs. Crosby's new lace weight - Reticule (100% merino, 768m in a skein). I forgot to get the name of the pattern but will talk to Mrs. Crosby when I get home and get it. The colours look amazing in the lace.
Classic Elite has throw patterns for Liberty Wool. There will be 16 new colours coming this spring. We will receive two colours a month.



Inspira Cowls are dancing in my head.
I have some Lorna's Laces String Quartet kits so that we can make up some samples for the store. The colours are great!

New shawl pins and leather closures are coming from Jul.
 

Beth and I visited Aria today. There was a lot of commotion so we went to see. They are filming the next Bourne movie. We didn't get to see Matt Damon :(

The casino entrance was set to look like there was a convention - I guess that Bourne will be attending.
We're having a bit of rest before dinner. It's going to be an early evening because we are golfing tomorrow. It is a very special course that Beth has wanted to play for many, many years. I have a feeling there will be many pictures taken on the course.
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On the course

January 12, 2016, 6:21 pm
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There is no knitting today. Beth and I spent the day on the golf course.
We had a caddy which always makes for a fun day. He rakes the traps, marks our balls, finds the ball in the trees, cleans our clubs and tells us yardages and where to hit the ball. Kevin was great.
The course was beautiful and we had a great day. Now it's time for a rest - it's just after 6 in Vegas. We'll get up in a few hours and go for dinner. There could be a show if we wake up in time. If not then we'll play.
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Home Again

January 14, 2016, 4:33 pm
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It's been two long days. We visited different hotels yesterday including the Bellagio so that I could see the conservatory.
They are ready for the Chinese New Year which is a big event in Vegas.

At 6pm Beth asked what our plans were until going to the airport at 9:30 (we flew home on the red eye last night). I didn't have any so we went to see Cirque du Soliel's Zarkana.
Zarkana is a spirited journey through an abandoned theater where an extraordinary circus comes back to life. Populated by a motley collection of off-the-wall characters and acrobats, Zarkana is a visual vortex set in a twisted acrobatic fantasy, where, little by little, chaos and craziness give way to celebration.
While people are taking their seats, we had characters going through the audience.

Beth really enjoyed the show which made me happy. I saw it a few years ago and recommended that we see it. You never want to be wrong on a recommendation.

Unfortunately I didn't get any sleep on the flight home so I slept most of the morning and into the afternoon. I saw Cathy in the store and she was unpacking many, many boxes of new spring/summer and baby from Sirdar. I'll share pictures over the next week.

There is a new cotton from Sublime.
Sublime Evie is made for Sublime in Italy using the finest Mako cotton. We have selected a palette of fresh, punchy shades and classic neutrals that work wonderfully on their own as well as in the most stunning colourwork pieces. The lightweight nature of Sublime Evie means that it is perfect for layering on those cooler Summer days.
• 94% Cotton, 6% Nylon
• Yardage: 115metres (126 yards) per 50g ball
• 5mm/6UK/8US / 18 sts x 24 rows
• Cold Hand Wash May be dry cleaned, Do not iron, Reshape whilst wet, Do not tumble dry, Dry flat.

There is a pattern book for Evie
Our design team have created a collection of pretty, feminine pieces, as well as casual pieces that are easy to wear and leave you feeling wonderful. The lightweight nature of Sublime Evie means that it is perfect for layering, we have created a collection of scarves and snoods that look simply stunning worn both on their own or together.




I'm going to sit and knit for an hour and then it's back to bed. I need to get myself back on Ontario time.
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Unpacking

January 15, 2016, 5:38 pm
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Not my suitcase.

This morning 11 huge boxes of madelinetosh arrived at the storage unit. Lynn inventoried the yarn and brought some to the store this afternoon.

Here is twist light showing off a few of the new colours.
There are a total of 15 new colours. We have all of them in merino light. I had to pick and choose in the other thicknesses. I ordered the colours from an email and wasn't sure how the colours would look in real life. They are gorgeous.

This is undergrowth and electric rainbow in home.
100% superwash merino wool
bulky weight - 105 yards / 96 meters
knit / 10 - 14 sts = 4in or 10cm / US 10 - 13 or 6 - 9mm
crochet / 8 - 11 sts = 4in or 10cm / US K10.5 - M13 or 6.5 - 9mm

New colours in tosh sock - found pottery, rocky mountain high and electric rainbow.
 

merino light

The website hasn't been updated yet. I will do it as soon as possible but I'm afraid if I start now I will be up for hours in front of the computer. I'm trying to get to bed early so that I can get back on Ontario time as soon as possible.
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Spring

January 16, 2016, 5:32 pm
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I didn't do much knitting while away. Not that I really thought I was going to knit in Vegas. I'm happy with how the colour looks. There is a football game and many hockey games on right now so hopefully I can get a few rows knit.

Most of the tosh shipment has been added to the website. The colour chips for the new shades aren't there yet but hopefully this week.


Here are the new spring yarns from Sirdar.

Amalfi DK has been inspired by the gorgeous Amalfi coast in Italy and has a beautiful cotton blend making it wonderfully soft. Amalfi DK comes in a palette of 8 shades, each with a colourful nep running through them. It is a machine washable, standard double knitting yarn and will knit to all Sirdar double knitting patterns.

75% Cotton 25% Viscose
50g
110m / 120y
4mm
22 stitches, 28 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm on 4mm needles
Jolly DK is a scrumptiously textured yarn that is great for babies and children alike. It comes in a range of vibrant colour effect shades that kids are sure to love! It is a fantastic all season yarn and has plenty of stylish designs for children aged between 2 to 13 years. Jolly DK is machine washable on a wool cycle.

51% Bamboo sourced viscose 37% Acrylic 12% Nylon
50g
165m / 180y
4mm
22 stitches, 30 rows to 4 inches/10cm on 4mm needles
Sirdar Cotton Prints DK is from the same stable as our much-loved Cotton 4 Ply and Cotton DK yarns. It is made using 100% mercerised cotton, this creates a yarn with a subtle sheen and the most incredible stitch definition, perfect for both knit and crochet designs. Cotton Prints DK comes in a range of tonal shades, including both modern brights and softer hues too. It is a machine washable, standard double knitting yarn and will knit to all Sirdar double knitting patterns.
100% Cotton
100g
212m / 232y
4mm
22 stitches, 28 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm on 4mm needles
Now to my needles. I've spent way too much time in front of a computer today.
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Mark your calendar

January 18, 2016, 4:39 pm
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The planning has started for our booth. Knitters are busy making samples and orders have been placed to make sure that we have enough yarn. We'll share more information as the show approaches but I wanted to make sure you marked your calendar.

Great news - Rowan Magazine #59 is on the way to us.




This shawl is called Mora. It was designed by Miriam Felton for Mrs. Crosby's new laceweight yarn Reticule. 100% superwash merino wool. 770m (840 yards) on a 100gram skein.

The pattern hasn't been released yet but should be available on Ravelry at the end of the month.

Mrs. Crosby has dyed our Reticule and it should arrive in the store very soon. Maybe on Wednesday.

Now to watch the second episode of Billionaire. After watching last night I would recommend the series. We'll see how the next one goes. We're watching on CraveTV. I think it's also on Showtime.
The 12-episode series "is a complex and contemporary drama about power politics in the New York world of high finance."
The series stars Damian Lewis, who plays a hedge fund titan Bobby "Axe"Axelrod, and Paul Giamatti, who plays US Attorney Chuck Rhoades.
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Hush

January 19, 2016, 3:34 pm
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Kim Hargreaves' latest magazine, Hush, arrived today.
The Hush collection is the latest from Kim Hargreaves. It features 21 designs from tunic length cosy sweaters, fashionable mini skirts and fringes, neat cardigans and intricate cables it offers something for all knitters.
The yarns used in the magazine are Brushed Fleece, Kidsilk Haze, Big Wool Silk, Cotton Lustre, Cocoon, Felted Tweed Aran, Kid Classic, Lima, Alpaca Merino DK and Fur.










In yesterday's post I mentioned a TV show that we are watching. I wrote the wrong name. It should be Billions. The second episode didn't disappoint. It's too bad we have to wait for Sunday to see the next episode.

My day wasn't very good - I had to visit my dentist again. The freezing is coming out of my mouth and I'm not happy. I'm moving to the knitting chair for the evening. Maybe if I sit quietly and knit I'll feel better.
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New Store Sample

January 20, 2016, 8:57 am
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There is a new sample in the store.

Pattern: Kaersta Shawl (pattern purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: Mountain Colors Twizzlefoot - the sample is two skeins of Summerdale and one skein of Poppy Trail.
Needles: 4.5mm
Worked from the small tip to the wide fan the Kaersta shawl makes use of the wonderful colors of Twizzlefoot yarn from Mountain Colors.
This shawl can be knit in 1-3 colors.
You may use a single color with 2 skeins of the same color of Twizzlefoot, or the pictured 2 color version with 2 skeins of 1 color and 1 skein of a contrasting color, or 3 different colors using 1 skein of each color.
Twizzlefoot is 53% superwash merino, 17% domestic wool, 17% silk and 13% nylon. There are 410m (450 yards) on a skein.

We are out of the Summerdale but more has been ordered and should be here by the end of the month. We have skeins of pretty colours in the store right now.
The yarn is great for socks too. 


The String Quintet kits are arriving late this afternoon.
The kit contains 5 mini skeins of Shepherd Sock with a total of 489m (535 yards) in the package. The kits will sell for $52.50.


We have copies of the pattern for Isn't It Romantic. These patterns are not available online, only with the purchase of the yarn.

Now it's time to work on a newsletter. It's been a while.
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Finally Starting

January 21, 2016, 4:55 pm
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We received a shipment of Malabrigo Rasta today with some colours that we haven't carried before.
-Coronilla
-Stitch Red
-Oxido

One skein will make a great cowl.


I'm finally ready to start knitting with my String Quintet kits. I'm using two kits (Marimba and Trumpet) to make a large shawl. It will be striped and knit on the bias - the stripes will go diagonally by increasing at the beginning and decreasing at the end of every right side row.
I cast on for a different shawl in the pink that is rolled into a ball but after a few rows and rereading the pattern I realized that it was going to be hard to make sure that all colours were used or that I didn't run out of yarn. This way I can knit until I run out of yarn. Top Chef is on tonight - hopefully I can get through a lot of the purple ball.
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Swatching

January 22, 2016, 11:24 am
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Mr. Canada Post brought in a box from Lynda this afternoon. Two new samples for the store.
Pattern: Scaflock (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 skeins of tosh dk (we used Aura)
Scaflock was inspired by one of my favorite literary adventures: Robin Hood. The fetching lace pattern is reminiscent of arrowheads, while the slipped stitches and textures emulate arrow shafts and fletching. A picked-up lace edging detail represents the leaves of the Greenwood Tree that sheltered the outlaws. Perfect for your inner rogue!
We have a new poncho. I dressed my friend with the point to the side here.

Pattern: Twice Reversible Ribbed Poncho from Churchmouse (you can purchase in the store or on Ravelry)
Yarn: 6 skeins of Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk - we used Squid Ink

This time I have the point to the front. Churchmouse has other options on how to wear the poncho.
We’ve finessed the details of this longtime favorite style to make it ‘twice reversible’: both the fabric and the shape can be flipped. We chose a stitch pattern that has two ‘right sides’ and added a nifty hybrid graft/seam for true reversibility. You can 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.
Swatching is a 4 letter word. We all hate doing it but it is important.
I started my shawl last night. I didn't swatch and I didn't have a pattern. I just cast on stitches and started knitting. WRONG! It is way too wide. If I continue on with this number of stitches I will need four String Quintet kits. I'm going to take it out and start again with half as many stitches.

If I had cast on 20 stitches and knit some rows I could have figured out the right number of stitches to cast on. A bit of work ahead of time saves agony later.

Rowan Magazine #59 should arrive late this afternoon. I can't wait to see it.

Magazine 59 is here and there are two stories for the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, 'Coastal' and 'Kyoto'. Coastal is a collection of wearable designs for both men and women, whereas Kyoto is an elegant collection of womenswear, inspired by all things Japanese.

The Coastal collection features simple pieces as well as cables and textures inspired by Coastal knitting such as fishermens ganseys but with a modern twist.

Kyoto offers stunning lace and colourwork in bright shades as well as crochet pieces.

My shawl has been ripped out and I'm ready to cast on again. The TV is on CNN and I'm watching the weather in the US. Charlotte, NC has more snow on the ground than we do in Ancaster.
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Sock Yarn

January 23, 2016, 3:29 pm
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We have two new sock yarns from Regia. Both are self-patterning.
The third edition of the popular Design Line by Arne & Carlos for Regia is now available. The two designers were inspired by colorful "Beltestakk"–Traditional Waistbands from southern Norway for the new unique effect in 6 different color combinations. A colorful highlight for your feet that will make even the darkest winter days bright!
These are Regia's Colorito Color. 75% wool and 25% nylon. You can machine wash and dry socks made with Regia.

Jilly with Cashmere (from Dream in Color) is one of Beth's favourite yarns. Every time she knits with it she comments on how soft it is and how well is slides on her needles. There are 5 new colours coming on Monday.
These are a limited edition - when they are gone we won't be able to get anymore. The colours from left to right are Blues Highway, Windy City, Big Easy, Graceland, and Deep Delta.
Jilly with Cashmere is luxuriously sumptuous and soft! The colors come to life. Every stitch knitted with Jilly with Cashmere is a dream, making only the most magnificent of accessories and garments.
70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon
440 yds.
7- 8 sts. per inch
U.S. 1 to 2 needles
What can you make with the yarn? One skein will make the That Nice Stitch cowl. We suggest adding on 6-10 stitches. You have lots of yarn.

I'm using two skeins to make Auburn Wave.

Dinner was ready when I got home and now it's time to knit. I think there might be an NCIS marathon this evening.
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Bristol Ivy

January 24, 2016, 4:50 pm
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The instructors for the Knitters Frolic have been announced. Bristol Ivy is the guest instructor this year. How exciting. Unfortunately I won't be able to take a class but I suggest that you do. See her awesome designs on Ravelry...

We have her shawl, Gyre, knit up in the store.

The workshop list isn't on the Frolic website yet - it will be there Monday morning.

 


Don't wait too long to register, the classes will fill quickly.

Today has been about football and knitting. Well not a lot of knitting because the first game was so exciting. And now it's time to get back to the game. Arizona needs my help.
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Dreaming Colour

January 25, 2016, 6:40 pm
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Ms. UPS just brought in a big box from Dream in Color. The new Jilly with Cashmere is awesome. There were also many mini-skeins of Classy. That means new colourways for the Technicolor Cowl. I don't know if there will be kits made tonight but definitely tomorrow night.


I just got home from work. Okay. I just got home. After work Beth and I had dinner out with our mom, Aunt Clyde and our friend Nick. My dad is in Honduras right now with Uncle Dick (so Aunt Clyde moved in to keep mom company-we refer to them as Thelma and Louise), Nick's wife Alice and ten others. We had a good dinner and then Aunt Clyde came to see our house. After the tour it was time to start making kits. I couldn't wait.

I ordered many different shades of brown this time. The new kits are totally different than others we have done in the past.


It's time to sign off and make the rest of tonight's kits. I'll make more tomorrow night because a different day gives inspiration to different colour combinations.
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Food Drive

January 26, 2016, 8:34 am
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It's rearranging day in the store. We needed to find somewhere for the Technicolor Cowl kits. This snowballed into moving this and moving that. That lead me to marking down some kits.
These awesome scarf kits are easy to make. You knit the scarf and attach the already knit arms, legs, tails and faces. And they are so cute.

We are marking the kits down to $20 while supplies last.
 You can knit them up and put them away for next year's Christmas presents.


It's also time to start thinking about the Ancaster Community Food Drive. The food drive serves all of the major Food Serving Agencies in the city such as: Neighbour to Neighbour; Greater Hamilton Food Share, Mission Services of Hamilton, Good Shepherd Centre, The Salvation Army, St. Matthew’s House, Wesley Urban Ministries and Ancaster Community Services.

We will be collecting food and cash. These need to be in the store by Wednesday, February 17. One food item will give you one entry. What will that entry get you? The first name drawn will win a wonderful gift basket of yarn and accessories donated by our suppliers. The next three names drawn will win $50 gift certificates to the store. Cash is also welcome. We will give you 10 tickets for a $10 donation and 25 tickets for a $20 donation.

The most needed food items are
  • hot cereals of any kind
  • canned meats and fish
  • peanut butter
  • meat soups
  • canned or powder milk
  • baby food and formula (needs to have at least 8 weeks until expiry left on it)
  • canned fruits and vegetables
  • canned pasta
  • dry pasta
  • pasta sauce
  • toiletries
Thanks to all who have donated in the past and I hope that you can help us out again.

You can read more about the day on the Ancaster Community Food Drive Facebook Page.
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My Favourite Sweater

January 27, 2016, 11:38 am
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It's been put away for awhile because the yarn was discontinued. I'd wear the sweater to work and customers kept asking for the yarn. I couldn't help them so the sweater has been resting. Well, that favourite sweater can come out again. It's my 'it's cold out and I want a sweater to snuggle up in' sweater. I love it so much that I have another one started. It wasn't finished because I couldn't wear it to work. Now I can.
 
The yarn is Noro Transitions and we have it in stock.

7% Kid Mohair, 7% Cashmere, 7% Angora, 7% Camel, 7% Alpaca, 55% Wool, 10% Silk
#21
#22
#24
#29

The sweater is called Holly and it's from the book Naturally Noro by Jane Ellison.

If you have little ones to knit for, we received some great buttons today.





 

I need to hit Publish and get on to today's other chores. I've been emailing with Sally Melville about her classes for Knitting Camp. I'm excited about the classes that I've chosen.

Fiona's classes should be finalized early next week which means the Camp brochure is just over a week away from being ready.
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Linen

January 28, 2016, 5:45 pm
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I started my morning at home doing the dreaded A word. Accounting. All was going well until I couldn't find some very important pieces of paper. I rummaged and rummaged and finally found them in a very safe place. That was a huge relief. Gave me a headache but all is good now.

Now for some happier thoughts. This stole from Rowan Magazine #59 has been catching customer's eyes.

Niigata
Knit this elegant stole by Lisa Richardson from Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 59. Worked in Pure Linen is features an unusual pleated diamond effect and beading making it suitable for the knitter with some experience.
Made with 100% natural linen, our Pure Linen has a soft sheen and a relaxed drape. This yarn is ideal for light weight and elegant summer knits, that are easy and cooling to wear.
This cute top is also knit in Pure Linen.
 Heacham
Knit this light, airy summer top from Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 59. Designed by Cirilia Rose it is worked in Pure Linen and features an unusual construction, lace panel and open shoulder seams. Suitable for the knitter with some experience.
 There are two new colours of Pure Linen for summer. I love them both.
401
402

These are the colours that we have in stock. 391 should be in the store on Friday afternoon. Want to knit the shawl or sweater in a different colour? Let us know, we can special order colours.
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Self-Striping

January 29, 2016, 3:28 pm
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There will be new colours of Santorini coming from Classic Elite next week. We used 2 balls to make this easy to knit, easy to wear cowl. And the pattern is free in a Classic Elite Web-Letter.
The vibrant colors of Classic Elite's Santorini, a cotton-viscose blend featuring a combination of matte and shiny texture, are sure to catch the eye this summer season, and its lightweight, chainette construction will produce garments and accessories that are cool and comfortable next to the skin.
This shawl is called Naushon and takes 9 balls of Santorini. You can use 3 balls to make a scarf.
 

I'm excited. I get to knit another cowl and a new scarf next week. There is justification for starting something new - I need to have the new colours knit up in the store. :)


There will be two new colours of Liberty in the same box.

I might need to start knitting with these as well. This spring, Classic Elite is introducing afghan patterns for Liberty. I love mitred squares.
There will be 12 new colours, 2 coming every month. A perfect project. Kind of like the Log Cabin Afghan. You are finished with a colour before you are tired of it. And there is no pressure to knit quickly. You can only go so far until the next colours come out. Don't worry, if you aren't a patient person, we have many colours of Liberty on the shelf and you can put together your own colour combination.
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Rowan Loves....

January 30, 2016, 11:29 am
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We received more new magazines from Rowan yesterday including Rowan Loves....cotton lustre and all seasons cotton.
Here at Rowan we are really proud of our beautiful yarns and in this brochure series we aim to show these yarns some love.
The forth in this series supports Cotton Lustre & All Seasons Cotton.
Featuring 9 designs, which can be knit in either yarn, giving you plenty of options for these transeasonal classics.
Several designs offer design options making the design your own.
We hope this brochure makes you fall in love with these two great yarns too.






Cotton Lustre is an interesting blend of cotton, linen and modal which gives it a wonderful drape with a soft handle. This yarn incorporates the essential summer shades and knits on 6mm needles making it perfect for a quick summer knits. The colour palette incorporates the essential summer shades.
I'm dragging a bit today. My dad arrived home from Honduras last night. Late last night. We arrived at the airport at midnight but by the time they got out of the terminal it was after 1 - unfortunately the airline misplaced someones bag and it is still in Atlanta. We got him home safely and I'm here today but there will definitely be a nap when the store closes. 
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