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Shawl of Destiny

June 6, 2016, 5:00 am
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For some reason I was up very early this morning (crazy because the store is closed today so I could have slept in) so I finished a newsletter and sent it out and then I started on today's post. All before 8am.

In the newsletter I mentioned my trip to Washington to see what is new for fall. We received a sneak peek from Freia and here are some new colours that Tina will be introducing at the show.
We are proud to introduce our new neons, comprised of four ombré colorways cleverly named after the elemental gases that produce these distinctive shades.

HELIUM comprises of a buttery yellow that delicately contrasts with an intense segment of "Lemondrop". KRYPTON begins and ends with a subtle pistachio shade and features a splash of "Grasshopper" green. XENON hues range from dusty lilac to bright "Thistle," and NEON moves from peach to orange-stunner "Tobiko" and back again.
I can't wait to see these in person.

Have you decided on which pattern from Ambah O'Brien to knit for the KAL? Here is another great shawl.
Do you have skeins of contrasting yarn that are destined to be together, the Shawl of destiny began with a colour combination that was haunting me - they were destined to become my new favourite shawl.
The triangular shape lends itself to many wearing options; scarf, shawl, kerchief style and more. The pattern is a combination of textures and colour, with satisfying garter stitch sections interspersed with geometric lace a fresh and modern combination.
The lace takes some concentration and is both written and charted. Worked from the top down.
Pattern: Shawl of Destiny (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 skeins of fingering weight

A couple of things about the KAL.
-We have asked you to post pictures in our Ravelry group. Some people don't have access to Ravelry, don't have the time or don't know how to post pictures. Email me your pictures and I will post them for you. Let's share as many great photos as we can.
-The prize is an ebook of patterns so we aren't mailing anything out. We don't have to limit the KAL to knitters from Canada this time.

Don't forget that you have until August 31 to finish your knitting. We've given you lots of time and you could surprise yourself at how fast you can finish a project.

Now it's time to get myself ready to head out. There are many chores to get ready for our trip. I would like to be home by noon because yesterday's Nascar race was rained out so I can watch and get my shawl finished.
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Quick Summer Scarf

June 7, 2016, 4:11 pm
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Today's Web-Letter from Classic Elite Yarns has a very interesting scarf.
You are holding two strands of yarn together on big needles. These are fun because both yarns change colours. You won't be bored making them. And you'll probably want to try another one with different colours. Knit up a bunch and give them as gifts.

Download the free pattern...


One ball each of two different multi-color yarns make this tapered end scarf extra quick to knit and will add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe. Almost any combination of Santorini and Sandpiper will work well together - it may take you longer to choose your colorway than to knit it!
And you are using 8mm needles. Talk about quick.
Each strand of Sandpiper has five space-dyed shades, giving it highlights and shadows that occur organically as the eight plies interact.
Santorini's colorways sing along the matte and shiny textures inherent in the yarn, adding vibrant color to warm-weather garments, wraps and scarves.
My hostas are getting ready to bloom and I'm very excited. Every morning I pull in the driveway and walk the garden to see how things are growing.

I need to sign off and finish my shawl. Hopefully I can finish the last seven rows tonight.
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It's a Master Evening

June 8, 2016, 5:56 pm
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I'm very close on my shawl. There are about 20 stitches left to cast off. And then my ends. I'll have pictures tomorrow. It's a Master evening. Master Chef and Masters of Flip. And the basketball game. That should give me lots of time to finish.

There are new colours of Liberty Wool from Classic Elite on the way to us.
78122 Wave
78123 Paradiso

What to make? How about Nahant - a free pattern from knitty.com

Of course an Inpsira Cowl is always in the back of my mind.

I've started to receive emails from vendors who are showing at TNNA this weekend with previews of what they are bringing.

The company that makes our yarn bowls is now making mugs. Of course I will be ordering these. We won't have them until the fall but it will be worth the wait.

I'm off to knit!
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Ready to Go

June 9, 2016, 1:50 pm
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The ends are sewn in and it's ready to make the road trip to Washington.

Pattern: Greyhound Shawl (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: Mrs. Crosby Hat Box

The colour was scaring me while I was knitting the shawl. It is very bright. But now that it's finished I'm loving it.

Ambah's latest pattern, Annisa, was released today.
Fun to knit and wonderful to wear, Annisa is an assymetrical wrap that will let your creative side out to play. Team a solid with a gradient, speckles or bright yarn for playful stripes, add a bold or subtle pop for the eyelets and let Annisa be a perfect reflection of your colour passions.
I think that this will be the shawl I knit for the KAL. Now the colours. I have two sets laid out. Bright and fun for one set. The other is kind of boring - shades of denim. Beth is stopping in after work to help me decide.

Don't forget that this Saturday is Heritage Days in Ancaster and Wilson Street will be closed from 9:30am-3pm. Here are a few suggestions on how to get to the store.

I'm writing early today because there are a few chores to do when I get home like laundry and packing. My mom called earlier and asked if I was ready to go. I laughed and she laughed. There is lots of time until we leave.

And a pretty hosta picture. I can't wait to see what the flowers will look like on Wednesday morning when I'm back.
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We're in Washington

June 10, 2016, 5:02 pm
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The drive was long but very uneventful. The weather was great. Not too hot. The sun was never really in my eyes (I drove the whole way). The worst part was the last hour. It should have taken 20 minutes but we got caught in traffic. Here are a few pictures from the last few miles into downtown.
The trees were beautiful.
Beth will get better pictures of the Washington Monument tomorrow.
She might do a bus tour or she might walk. 
Our room is very nice and the convention center is across the street. We had a sandwich from Panera Bread for dinner and it's almost bed time. Tomorrow is going to be busy. YARN!!!
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Yarn Day One

June 11, 2016, 3:34 pm
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I'm back in the room dropping off some purchases so I started my post. I'll finish later but I'm writing while these are still fresh in my mind.
Before you get into the show there is an area for vendors to display new items. Here are new colours coming from Freia.
Mrs. Crosby above and Lorna's Laces below.
 
 
Here are some pictures for inside the show.
This shawl is called Peony and the pattern is by Hayley Tsang Sather. It is shown in Reticule from Mrs. Crosby in the new colour Pansy. We've ordered this colour and should have it in early July.
 
It's all about the colour!!
I'm back in the room for a few minutes before heading out to dinner. Here are pictures that Beth took in her travels today.
 
As I'm writing she is in the American Art Museum - portraits gallery.
We are both seeing lots of interesting things on the trip. I'm pretty sure there will be some more pictures tomorrow :) 
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Yarn Shopping Day Two

June 12, 2016, 2:50 pm
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There is a new baby pattern coming from Frabjous Fibers called Colorburst Blanket. It is knit with a So Fond of Rainbows worsted weight kit (I ordered a few).
A new shawl pattern is coming out called Which Way. It is knit with Mad Hatter (a sport weight yarn). I ordered kits that have a large skein and a mini skein pack.
Bonnie Bishoff has designed a new shawl pin. I have a few of each colour that will be in the store on Wednesday.
One of the great new colours coming from Lorna's Laces. This is Solemate.
 
 
Yes, I'm jealous. Beth went to the Air and Space Museum today.
This is the second most visited museum in the US.
I have more pictures to share but it's time to get ready for dinner. I'll share more tomorrow.
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We're having fun in Washington

June 13, 2016, 6:07 am
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Beth has put a few miles on her shoes seeing the sights. We're quickly eating breakfast and she's off to the Natural History Museum. I'm off to see more yarn.
 
A new cotton is coming very soon from Erika Knight.
100% cotton
100m
20-22 stitches = 4"
$5.50 a ball
Eight colours will be in the shipment.
There are cute baby patterns coming with the yarn. 
 
 
Yesterday I showed a picture of the new Which Way shawl. I have two kits so that we can get store samples knit up.
Last fall Knitter's Pride brought out a special interchangeable kit for Royale needles. We will have open stock of these needles this fall. 
 
There are three colours of Party of Five kits coming in August.
 
L
There are many great patterns coming from Sirdar for babies and children.
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Last Day in Washington

June 14, 2016, 2:48 am
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We've had a great time seeing the new yarns at the show and the sights of Washington. I'm trying to get an extra post written today because there probably won't be one tomorrow - it's a travel day. I'm going to publish this early in the morning when we get on the road.
Beth visited the Natural History Museum today.
She also visited the National Archives but photography isn't allowed.
There is a great new yarn coming from Blue Sky Fibers. 
The skeins of yarn will be 50grams. 100m (120 yards)
There will be patterns as well - both printed in the store and on Ravelry.
We love Chateau and Chalet from Classic Elite and we have a new version coming this fall. Palace has a donegal tweed. The yarn is still super soft.
 
The madelinetosh booth had many new colours. We are seeing a lot of the splatter dying this fall.
 
 
 
 
Beth was very diligent in planning things for our trip including a baseball game at PNC Park. The Cubs were in town to play the Nationals.
Our seats were very good.
Beth made friends with the beer man. It was really hot mom, she needed to keep hydrated.
 
 
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Home Again

June 14, 2016, 7:08 pm
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We made it home safely but a bit tired. More on that later. When I was posting at 5 this morning I thought some pictures were missing but couldn't start messing around. Here they are.

Classic Elite Palace

Madelinetosh

We're unpacking the car and doing laundry while I'm quickly writing.
On our trip to Washington on Friday we stopped at a rest stop just outside of Pittsburgh. Oakmont. Yup. The site of this year's US Open. We stopped on our way home today to watch some of the practice rounds.



Beth's favourite golfer is Jason Day and we watched him on the second hole.

The day is very relaxed. You are allowed to take pictures. No one is yelling at you to be quiet. The golfers hit many putts on the green. They go from different angles to see how the greens slope. It was really cool. I can't wait to see it on TV. You wouldn't believe the elevation changes from tees to green.

Now it's bed time. Getting up at 5 makes for a very long day.
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Annisa

June 15, 2016, 6:21 pm
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These awesome socks were on display in the Lorna's Laces booth.
Pattern: Amanda's Favorite Funky Socks (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: one String Quintet kit
This is a pattern for a pair of mix and match socks. They are a very quick knit and fun to wear. They make the perfect gift for either yourself of a favorite friend or relative. You can make them the way that they’re shown and/or reverse the “bars” and “checks”, so that one sock has the “bars” on the top and “checks” on the foot. The instructions, with the charts and line by line shows you how to make the socks to your own liking.

I didn't have any time for knitting while I was away which could have been a good thing. My colours have changed for my KAL shawl - the Annisa Wrap. I'm using Mrs. Crosby Train Case. This is take two and I should be to the first set of stripes tomorrow.

Woolstok from Blue Sky Fibers should be arriving at the beginning of July. I can't wait to try this yarn. It is going to be amazing for cables.
Rich in character with excellent stitch definition and easy to work with, this yarn is available in lots of colors. You’ll quickly cozy up to it, no doubt!
The Trimont Snood can be worn three ways; as a cowl, a capelet or a hood. Knit in the round from the bottom up in lustrous Woolstok, with decreases providing a touch of shaping, so it’s wider aat the shoulders and narrower at the top. The seed stitch panel adds visual interest.
You might have noticed that Blue Sky Alpacas is now Blue Sky Fibers.
Take a look at their new website...
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Yarn Bowls are back

June 16, 2016, 6:32 pm
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We brought a box of yarn bowls home from the show. These bowls are made in Kentucky and shipping to Canada is prohibitive. Normally I have them shipped to Myrtle Beach for mom and dad to bring them home. We had enough room in the car to bring a bunch with us.

From now on my orders need to be smaller. Lucy is going to take up a bit more room in my parents car than Tui did.
This is just a sample of the great colours.



Lynda just finished another great shawl for us.

Pattern: Warrior Shawl (pattern purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 5 balls of Rowan Revive
Needles: 4mm

I love Revive. A blend of cotton, silk and viscose with a tweed. The yarn is perfect for all seasons.


I'm working away on my shawl. There isn't enough of the stripes to warrant another picture. And there is another problem. I'm not sold on the colours. I need to get a bit further. The US Open starts on TV at 8am so I'll get some knitting done before heading to work.
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Annisa Take Three

June 17, 2016, 5:25 pm
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In yesterday's post (which is now correct) I gave the wrong name to our new shawl. It is the Elder Tree (pattern purchased on Ravelry).

The Warrior Shawl is beautiful and would work well with the Revive as well.

I've been working away on my shawl and came to the decision that I don't like my colours. My stripes are two splatter colours but you can't differentiate them. I've taken it back to the solid purple and am using a solid with a splatter for the stripes.

I'm much happier with how the colours are working now.

One of the purple splatters is out and green is in. I like this much better. No more ripping out.


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Splattershot

June 18, 2016, 6:09 pm
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It's hard to believe but there are still pictures from TNNA that I haven't shared yet.
There will be new yarn bowls and mugs coming later this fall. I've ordered them in green, denim blue, purple and grey.
 

This shawl is knit out of the new Woolstok. The yarn and pattern should be here in a few weeks.
An awesome child's sweater knit in Spud & Chloe Outer.

This picture came from Lorna's Laces yesterday. It beautifully shows the new colours for fall. We have ordered them in Shepherd Sock and Solemate.
We have created a new dye technique that we're calling Splattershot! We launched the line with ten colors named after places we yearn for. Sometimes that  yearning is for somewhere we've never been other times it is to return to a well loved spot.
I've finished a few more rows since the store closed.

It's 9pm on a Saturday night and I'm ready for bed. I can barely keep my eyes open. And the US Open starts at 7am so I'll be up early.
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There's still time

June 19, 2016, 6:23 pm
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Maybe you've missed it - we're running a KAL until the end of August. All we ask is that you use a pattern from Ambah O'Brien. There are a lot to choose from.

This shawl is interesting.
Pattern: Alinta Wrap (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: Fingering weight
Whether travelling cross continent, or nestling into the comforts of home, the Alinta Wrap is a perfect companion. Starting with a provisional cast on, you can see the depth of the color contrasts beginning almost immediately. Garter stitch rows and simple eyelets add to the textural story, while the rhythm of the knitting keeps progress in motion.
The striking color contours of The Songlines Collection are inspired by songlines that the Aboriginal peoples of Australia used as maps. These melodies, also called dream tracks, sang the lay of the land and guided them on their journeys. As you choose colorways that make your heart sing and then begin to knit, you’ll be composing very personal songlines that tell your own individual story.

Please post pictures (as you are working along and when you are finished) in our Ravelry group. On September 1 we will draw for prizes. Your project needs to be finished to qualify. Blocking isn't required if you are tight on time.

Ambah is donating 2 copies of her Chroma Collection 2016 ebook. Because this is a Ravelry download anyone from anywhere can join us for the KAL. We don't need to ship anything.

I have a small secret for you. By the middle of July we should have our first shipment of Hedgehog Fibers. There will be 20 colours of Skinny Singles in the box including
Boombox
100g hand dyed 1 ply fingering weight yarn, approx. 366m/100g. Squishy and soft, with just the right amount of twist! Absolutely non-scratchy yarn. Will work for any lace pattern, especially Stephen West designs for fingering weight yarns.
Crybaby
Monarch
Villian
Dragonfly
Genie

I'm going to rush to get my Ambah shawl finished quickly so that I can start another one with the new yarn.
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Halfway There

June 20, 2016, 6:10 pm
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I thought that I was finished my first stripe section but I'm only half way there. The pattern says 80 stripes not 80 rows.

Here are some more colours coming from Hedgehog.

Concrete
Crystal
Ghost
Naive
Pilgrim
Secret
Velvet

Did you know that the free patterns from the blog Spud Says (Spud & Chloe) are now available to download on Ravelry?
These Baby Mitts in Sweater are way too cute.
Wouldn't Ribbit make a great gift?
Ribbit is knit up in the fabulous Spud & Chloë Sweater in the Grass #7502 colorway and you only need one skein. The added twist is that inside of the body is a tennis ball! This means that Ribbit bounces when tossed! How fun is that? The bounce is softened because of the knitted enclosure but this makes it even better for indoor play.
I'm putting the needles away and heading to bed. I'm not sure why my Mondays off are so tiring. And I didn't do anything today.
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New Shawl Pins

June 21, 2016, 1:16 pm
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We have two new colours of Liberty from Classic Elite
78122 Wave
78123 Paradiso

Many of you know that Liberty is one of my favourite yarns. A self-striping yarn always makes you knit faster :) You need to see what the next colour is going to be.
Liberty Wool is a super-soft, washable wool available in solid and printed colors. This yarn's balanced twist will make all stitch combinations pop.
With all the great qualities of wool and the ease of machine washability, Liberty Wool knits at a gauge that suits many designs and is ideal for children's pieces as well as those for adults.
It's not too early to start your fall knitting. Here are two of our favourite sweaters knit in Liberty.

Simple Sweater with Pockets (purchase on Ravelry)
One sweater concept designed with two simple options: cardigan or pullover. Each raglan sweater has garter stitch trim, front pockets and ¾ length sleeves, and is worked from the bottom up.
The Magic Carpet Pullover (pattern purchased on Ravelry)
A relaxed fit pullover with buttons closing the garter stitch side panels and cuffs.
More JUL shawl pins arrived this morning.

The Marrakech Shawl pin exploits a new one-piece concept that eliminates parts that can get lost.  The ornamental tail underneath goes down through the layers of knitwear / crochetwear and back up, capturing fabric and fiber, which is then held in place by the snug relationship between the ornamental fan on top and the end of the gorgeous tail.  This amazing piece has ornament on every side and from every angle, inspired by the fabulous architecture of Marrakech.

White bronze is a warm white metal, with just the barest blush of gold.  Over time it will patina like silver will but may be kept bright with a polishing cloth.  String of Silver Beads was meant to evoke cascades of water droplets created by waves breaking, as you see in Japanese seascape paintings.

The last few colours of Hedgehog.
Zephyr
Salty Tales
Bramble
Graphite
Shiver
Oracle
Typewriter

The weather is beautiful today - there could be some knitting on the back deck tonight. 
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Harmony

June 22, 2016, 11:03 am
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Last night Aunt Rene sent an email with a very interesting picture.
Meet Harmony. My mom gave her to my dad as a wedding gift. Yup, that's me. My dad said that Harmony would put her head on this table when I was eating and would try to take my food. I would swat her in the face to get her to move away. She was an awesome dog and we're hoping Lucy has the same temperament. We'll know soon - she's coming home on Saturday.

Want to play with a gradient kit?
Pattern: Allira from Ambah O'Brien (purchased on Ravelry)



You need one, 100gram skein of fingering weight yarn for the body of the shawl and there are so many options for the gradient edging.

A String Quintet kit from Lorna's Laces
A Cheshire Cat kit from Frabjous Fibers

I need to learn to knit faster. There are so many amazing patterns available now and I can't get to them all.
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The Caledonia Cowl

June 23, 2016, 5:45 pm
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Blue Sky Fibers is running a KAL on Ravelry.
Our summer KAL begins today!
Join us as we knit the Caledonia Cowl in our Organic Cotton Worsted. Made of 100% Organic Cotton, this environmentally friendly yarn is naturally soft and makes for a great summer knit. Quick to knit and beginner friendly, you simply cast on with two strands and join the fun in this KAL. Easy color changes give Calendonia a modern marled look.

Our cowl is made using 3 hanks of No. 614 Drift, 1 hank of No. 625 Graphite, 1 hank of No. 626 Stone and 1 hank of No. 639 Wasabi. With 40 amazing colors available, your options are endless.

Once you finish your cowl, post a photo here in this thread to be entered in our grand prize drawing for a project kit to make the Endless Wrap. This kit includes the pattern and 9 hanks of our new 50 gram Woolstok yarn (or 3 hanks of 150 gram Woolstok). Shown below in color No.1302 Gravel Road, the lucky winner can select any one of our 21 great color options.

Win this prize!
This KAL runs from June 21 through August 31st, 2016. Knit as many cowls as you wish in our Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Worsted yarns because the more finished projects you post in this thread, the better your chances of winning this fabulous prize!
We are also offering a 50% discount on your Ravelry PDF purchase of the Calendonia Cowl pattern through August 31st, 2016. Just enter “COWL” in the coupon code section at checkout.
Purchase the pattern on Ravelry (don't forget the coupon code)...

Contest details:
• Must be a member of Friends of Blue Sky Fibers (formerly Blue Sky Alpacas) group to be eligible.
• Must post a photo of your finished Caledonia Cowl project using Blue Sky Fibers yarns in this thread by midnight CST on August 31, 2016.
• We will randomly select our winner to be announced on Thursday, September 1, 2016.
I just spoke with Blue Sky and Canadians can enter.

Head over to Ravelry to post pictures when your cowl is finished.

I saw the finished cowl at TNNA.
The colours for this version are 80, 643, 635 and 628.

I really like it and think that I need to cast one on. I'm waiting a week or so because new colours are on the way.
 645 Iceburg
 646 Buttermint
 647 Blue Fin
 648 Plum Dusk
 649 Spiceberry
650 Bay Leaf

I might try it with Blue Fin as the main colour. Everyone needs a denim coloured cowl. But I really like Buttermint too. Plum Dusk, Spiceberry and Bay Leaf will play well together. Oh no. This is going to be a problem. :)

A little note about Caledonia. I live not far from Caledonia Ontario (my dad's office is in Caledonia) and one of my favourite golf courses in Myrtle Beach is the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club. I guess I need a Caledonia Cowl.
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Starting the Lace

June 24, 2016, 6:22 pm
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It might be hot outside but when you are sitting in an office or in a restaurant it can be cold with the air conditioning. Classic Elite has a solution for that. A simple to knit and simple to wear poncho.
Simple stockinette stitch is elegant and drapey in Bella Lino's sophisticated colorways. Easy to knit and to wear, this is the perfect project for mindless summer knitting.
Knit in pieces and sewn together, you’ll want wear this light as air poncho all summer long.
Pattern: Summer Poncho (free from Classic Elite)
Yarn: Bella Lino

We have new Color Sticks from Bonnie Bishoff.

Why does this stick pin look so short ? A tricky new design creates an extra snug to your simple stick pin. The top curls around to hook onto the layer of fabric that you have held together with the stick pin.
The Shawl Pins and Stick Pins are designed and handmade by Bonnie Bishoff and her husband J.M. Syron. They feature colorful inlays of polymer clay in white bronze and lead free pewter settings. Some of the polymer based pins encase metal armatures in their structures. The hooks are made in the USA, of nickel silver, exclusively for her designs.

The pin is perfect for my new shawl. I guess one is coming home with me :)

I've been working away on my Annisa Wrap. I thought that I had made it to the end of stripes and was ready for the lace section. Not.

I had the correct number of stitches on my needle but I needed to do 8 more rows. You are supposed to have a certain number of stitches before and after the vein that is running up the shawl. I had too few stitches before and too many after. By doing the 8 extra rows I am correct and have started working on the lace section.

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