Quantcast
Channel: A Really Good Yarn
Viewing all 4079 articles
Browse latest View live

Holiday Monday

$
0
0
It was me and the dogs today. Beth was golfing so we had a quiet day. I did some website updates and knit.
I'm on the last colour and hope to finish tonight. Then I can get onto my Building Blocks. I've barely started because Hitchhiker is going to be on display at the Fleece Festival.

A newsletter went out yesterday. If you don't receive our newsletter you can download it here...


The rest of the week is going to be busy. I haven't started packing yet which is out of the ordinary for me. Normally I would be ready to go. My lists are made and there will be boxes lining the store tomorrow afternoon.

Not Lace. Not Cables.

$
0
0
The Spin-Stitch Scarf is a great new pattern from Churchmouse Yarns. Our shipment hasn't arrived yet but if you need to get started you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.
Not lace, but so lace-like! Not cabled, but twisted by ‘spinning’ a cluster of stitches 180°!

Knit in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a lace-weight mohair with a strong silk core, the blocked fabric is gossamer fine between the twists. And the surface has such a lovely undulating texture and motion. Twists along the edges create deep, three-dimensional scallops. Smaller scarf fits easily inside a jacket, larger version is wider and longer, and can be wrapped round and round. Dressy or casual, in neutrals or jewel tones, this accessory is one you'll reach for again and again!

You need 2 balls of Kidsilk Haze for the small scarf and 4 balls for the large version. Both versions are knit on 5mm needles.

Lucy visited the vet today and got the go ahead to travel to Myrtle Beach. They're leaving early tomorrow morning. We took a before picture - she weighed 73lbs today. They'll be home in 7 weeks. She is going to be a lot bigger when we see her again.

Library Vest

$
0
0
Here is another of the great new patterns from Churchmouse Yarns.
With simple styling that lends itself to the classroom, workplace or weekend, this vest is so classic, so quintessential, it could become your uniform. Knit here in one of our all-time favorite yarns, Rowan Felted Tweed - a fiber we love so much it has graced our shelves since the day we opened! Why? The nubbly soft woolliness is so lovely to work with, and the resulting tweedy fabric with its characteristic flecks of color so pleasing. And the gauge is so reliable for all our favorite DK-weight garments, time and again.

Lightweight and perfect for layering, this hip-length vest is easily customized to just the right length for you!
Purchase the pattern on Ravelry...
“Schoolgirl chic.”

With simple styling that lends itself to the classroom, workplace or weekend, this vest is so classic, so quintessential, it could become your uniform. The jumper length has a certain schoolgirl chic. The abridged, hip-length version is a flattering layer without the bulk of a sweater. Either way, it’s a nice little primer of techniques you’ll use again and again.

Hitchhiker has finally been cast off. I'll block it tonight and then the ends will be sewn in on Friday night (or maybe Saturday morning)
We're just about packed for the Fleece Festival. Now the 'is it all going to fit in the van?' thoughts are running through my head. Thank goodness Beth likes puzzles and she's good at getting as much in the van as physically possible.

Cactus Flower

$
0
0
I have been looking at Cactus Flower pashmina for weeks wondering what I was going to make with it.
We thought we were packed for the Fleece Festival when I decided that we needed to take pashmina as well. The Cactus Flower was talking to me again. There are two pashmina samples in the store so we are set.
Pattern: Thendara (purchased on Ravelry)
You need two colours of pashmina - one skein each.

A Stephen West design from 2011 but still very current.
I don’t think anyone can have too many shawls so I returned to one of my favorite construction methods to whip up this graphic top-down design. Two colors are worked with increases to form a triangle and then two additional locations of increases are added, which transform the shape into a unique piece of architectural knitting. The extra fabric formed by the increases causes the shawl to drape beautifully whether it is resting across the shoulders or tossed around the neck.

Pattern: Shalimar (purchased on Ravelry)
This awesome wrap took 3 three skeins and was designed by another of my favourite designers - Laura Aylor.
Lace and cables combine to create beautiful curves in this lace stole. A luxury blend of yarn makes this a truly opulent knit.

Shalimar is knit all in one piece from end to end with a knotted fringe that is added last.
I had to decide which colours to take but that was tough so we are taking quite a few.

Now we are packed and the printing is done. Once my tea is finished it's bed time. Tomorrow is a long day and Saturday is even longer.

The Night Before

$
0
0
The van was loaded quickly this morning and the drive to Woodstock took less time than expected. We set up, stopped by the store to pick up a few things and dinner was waiting when we got home.
Garments will be hung in the morning but here is a sneak peek of the booth.

The Jays game is about to start. It's too bad that it is starting so late. There is no way that I'll make it to the end. Hopefully the Jays will be winning by lots when my tea is finished and it's time to turn in.








Fleece Festival

$
0
0
We had a great day at the Woodstock Fleece Festival.
The girls in their Hitchhikers. Thanks ladies for your help!
Cathy's Hitchhiker. Another shipment will be arriving from Frabjous in a few weeks - the kits went well at the show.

We're heading to the store now to unload the grid from the van. Yarn, garments, shawl pins... are in  the store but after a full day we couldn't think of carrying grid. Then I'm getting going on my Building Blocks. The second clue is out and I'm not through the first row of the first clue.








Lynn set off to the barns in the afternoon and took some pictures of the animals.






Building Blocks

$
0
0
Yesterday was spent working on Building Blocks - the Stephen West Mystery Knit-a-Long. The second clue is out and I'm barely through the first clue. I don't think I'm ruining the mystery to anyone who is participating but just in case I've added the picture at the end of my post.


There is a new throw pattern from Kaffe Fassett. And it's a free download on Ravelry...

I think that the throw would look amazing knit in Rowan's Hemp Tweed.

Building Blocks - I'm using tosh merino light on 3.5mm needles. I normally would knit a shawl in merino light on a larger needle but Stephen suggested going with a slightly smaller needle for a tighter knit.

The pattern is very well written. If there is something Stephen thinks you might be tripped up on, he makes a video for you to watch.
I'm not sure how much knitting there will be tonight. It's going to be a bit tense. Hopefully the Jays find their bats.

Ashbury

$
0
0
There is a great scarf pattern on Ravelry from Rowan (and it's free). The pattern is calling for a yarn that I haven't met yet but you can knit the scarf with Kidsilk Haze.
This luxurious scarf, designed by Sarah Hatton, is great for adding a touch of elegance to an evening outfit during the cooler months.
Download the pattern...

It's never too early to start your Christmas shopping list. We have new accessories coming from Cocoknits. They should arrive at the end of the month.

Colored Ring Stitch Markers - Small
These are the mini version of our popular ring stitch markers. They are brightly colored and easily seen when marking rounds, increases, decreases, and stitch patterns. Stitch markers accommodate up to US 7 / 4.5mm needle.
Made of nylon coated steel, these markers attach to your Knitter's Keep or any magnet so that you can easily store and retrieve them. Included are 10 each of 6 colors.

Here is the size comparison between the new small markers and the original markers.

Claw Clips
These little toothed-clips grip your knitting during or before seaming. They are a discreet clear-matte so the emphasis stays on your yarn or project, not on the clip.


Large Stitch Stoppers
Colorful EVA foam plugs that slide all the way onto needles (not just on the tip) to secure your stitches. They also slip onto interchangeable needle cords to keep your stitches from sliding off while you try on your top-down garment or use your needles elsewhere.
Large Stitch Stoppers work for needles from US 9-15 / 5.5-10mm.

Small Stitch Stoppers
Colorful EVA foam plugs that slide all the way onto needles (not just on the tip) to secure your stitches. They also slip onto interchangeable needle cords to keep your stitches from sliding off while you try on your top-down garment or use your needles elsewhere.

Small Stitch Stoppers work for cords and needles up to size US 8 / 5mm.
Don't forget that we carry many other Cocoknits notions... 

The baseball game last night was very disappointing. Not a lot of knitting was accomplished. I hope they find their bats this afternoon.



Lucy and her friends

$
0
0
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran Tonals have arrived.
An addition to the ever popular Cashmerino range in subtle, dusky shades
55% Wool
33% Acrylic
12% Cashmere
 90m on a 50gram ball
The yarn is available in the store and on the website.
The yarn is aran weight (18 stitches = 4" on 5mm needles) so there are many, many pattern options. There is a new pattern from Churchmouse that would be perfect.

Saddle Shoulder Men's Pullover
This timeless sweater combines the relaxed ease of a modified drop shoulder with a slightly shaped shoulder line and gently sloped sleeve cap—the saddle tab squares it all up. The classic crew neck has a relaxed fit so it looks handsome over a collared shirt or a tee. And she’ll love its slouchy weekend comfort, too.


Lucy is loving Myrtle Beach. There is a full house right now. She has nine people to cuddle with.
She tried to cuddle with Uncle Bob yesterday afternoon. She kept trying but he wasn't in a Lucy mood. He thought he was being smart and said 'Lucy, do you want to go for a walk?' He thought she would go away and sit at the front door. Nope. Lucy went and got her leash and brought it back to him. Everyone laughed really hard and dad took Lucy for her walk.

Antlers

$
0
0
Cathy just finished a great pair of mittens from Tin Can Knits. I love them and think that I need to make a pair.
You can purchase the pattern for the Antler Mittens on Ravelry... 

The yarn is tosh chunky. One skein will make up to an adult medium. A pair of adult large mittens will take two skeins.
These mittens are squishy and warm to keep out the cold! A bold antler cable travels from generous cuffs to fingertips. They are perfect for a winter’s night stroll or a rousing snowball fight.
When you are finished the mittens, there is a matching hat (pattern free on Ravelry)
The last few evenings I've been working on Outline. It's mindless knitting that was perfect for baseball. I've quickly counted rows and I'm almost to the halfway point. I want/need to hurry because the next shipment from Hedgehog is at Heathrow and we should have it next week. 

It's raining today and it feels like fall. Tress have lost their leaves and the temperature is dropping. It's time to start getting my sweaters out. Can you believe that Halloween is just over a week away??

Last Halloween we had a group of young men come to the door collecting non-perishable food items. If you live in Hamilton/Ancaster/Dundas, please be prepared to help. The food banks are in need.

If you live outside of this area, please consider collecting some items and dropping them off at your local food bank.

We Scare Hunger
On October 31st, Catholic secondary students will take a bite out of hunger when they go trick or treating for non-perishable food items in support of local food banks. We Scare Hunger is an initiative of Free the Children that inspires students to become active citizens and make a difference in their communities. In Hamilton, nearly 90,000 people live in poverty. Of those, one-quarter are children. Food banks provide support to families who have exhausted their resources and need help to make it through the week.

Student volunteers have already canvassed Hamilton homes with flyers heralding their Halloween night visit. On October 31st, the students will return in Halloween costumes to collect much-needed food supplies and donations for the following food banks:

Bishop Ryan: Neighbour to Neighbour
Bishop Tonnos: Neighbour to Neighbour, Ancaster Community Services
Cardinal Newman: St. Patrick breakfast program, Neighbour to Neighbour
Cathedral: Cathedral Annex
St. Jean de Brébeuf: SJB Outreach Programs
St. Mary: Salvation Army (Dundas), Flamborough Food Bank, Wilma’s Place
St. Thomas More: Neighbour to Neighbour

Together, we can take a bite out of hunger.

This Halloween, please give generously.

Knitting fills...

$
0
0
She's done it again. Ambah O'Brien has a new pattern and it is beautiful.
 The pattern for the Tarni Shawl can be purchased on Ravelry
Take 3 delicious skeins of yarn and whip up Tarni, a shallow triangular shawl, with a fun bobble design to show off your favourite statement colour. Work the main body of the shawl in stripes, with a semi solid contrasting against a speckled skein, or use a gradient to contrast instead. Or keep it simple with one colour for the body and add another dimension with the bobble short rows.
So many ways to put your creative stamp on this design, with an easy to wear result that will have you reaching for it often.
The shawl is knit with 3 different colours of fingering weight yarn.
Main Colour - 420 yards
Contrasting Colour 1 - 420 yards
Contrasting Colour 2 - 400 yards



Malabrigo posted this on Twitter this morning. It's perfect!!

She's growing. Mom says that she's been good with everyone in the house. And she loves Myrtle Beach. They have a huge back yard for her to run around in.

Between Oceans

$
0
0
Laura Aylor's new pattern is called Between Oceans. You can purchase it on Ravelry...
Inspired by the chunky crocheted lace and generous fringe of a shawl shown in the film The Light Between Oceans, this is the perfect companion for a walk along a chilly shore. Between Oceans is simple and quick to knit, and the pattern includes instructions for figuring the cast-on and estimating yardage for any size/weight/gauge. (You will need a scale to get a yardage estimate if you are not knitting the same size and gauge as the sample and have a limited quantity of yarn.) The sample used 740 yards of chunky yarn and measures 88” across excluding fringe.


Laura knit the shawl in ASAP from madelinetosh. 4 skeins and 9mm needles. I'm looking at the colours to see which one I want to use.
Two colours that are speaking to me...
Cactus Flower
Court and Spark

OK. Let's be honest. I would be happy to knit with any colour of ASAP.

Snowflakes

$
0
0
Cathy brought in her latest FO - a very pretty scarf.
Pattern: Snowflake Party (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: One skein of Yarn and Soul
Tiny snowflakes are my favorite things in nature: They are fascinating geometric little creatures, delicate and short- lived. When I take a walk in winter and the wind blows some of them on the sleeve of my coat, I look at them with my kids, and they make all of us smile. The shape of the water molecules forming them is such that snowflakes will always have six arms and a hexagonal outline, which makes them hard to incorporate into knitting. So when I found a little six-armed lace snowflake motif, I thought they would look lovely having a ball on a cute shawlette. It is knit on the bias and is mostly garter stitch, so it is a relaxing knit with a little snow-flakey twist.
One 400m skein of fingering weight yarn will work for the scarf - I have a feeling that we all have one of those in our stash. If you want a new skein, our next shipment from Hedgehog Fibres should be arriving this week. It is in customs right now.

This colour is Medusa. I can't wait to see it dyed on the Skinny Singles.

The colour I really need is Pistachio. I ordered extra of this colour just to make sure there are skeins for me.
Today was spent working on Building Blocks. I'm on the last section of the first clue. I hope to finish this section tonight and start on the second clue tomorrow.

Wrap Jacket

$
0
0
Sally Melville wore this amazing jacket/wrap at Camp. It's her newest design and the pattern just went live on Ravelry. 

Campers tried it on and it looked great on everyone.
I called this a wrap jacket, not because it overlaps or ties in front … but because it is a cross between a wrap (a rectangular shawl) and a jacket—and functions beautifully as both!

It is a one-size-fits-all piece that is both easy to knit and to wear. For two weeks after I made it, I wore it every day—over a dress, a shirt, a sweater, even my pajamas! I am now thinking I need to knit a second version, in an alternate colour, but am finding the chartreuse surprisingly versatile!

What makes it easy to knit is that it has absolutely no shaping and only 2 tiny, near-invisible seams.

What makes it easy to wear is that it is spacious enough to slip over most anything!

There are notes in the pattern for how to add circumference or how to choose an appropriate substitute yarn. And there is a photo for the two tiny seams you will execute!
Purchase the pattern on Ravelry...
You can use any Aran weight yarn
-Cascade 220 Superwash Aran
-tosh merino
-tosh vintage
-tosh chunky
-Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran Tonals
-Rowan Hemp Tweed


The closure is made by JUL. It screws in, so can be used for any number of projects.
I stopped at Home Depot this afternoon to pick up paint swatches. We're painting the shed. My original plan was pale grey with a dark grey/purple trim. But then we decided that might be boring so now I'm looking at colour. How wild is yet to be decided.

Big Wool

$
0
0
Rowan Big Wool just went on sale for 25% off. Now is the time to stock up. 
Big wool is a very popular yarn with designers and knitters alike. Made from soft 100% wool, Big Wool is easy to knit and produces designs with amazing cabling and stitch structure effects.
Here are some pattern suggestions. The Traveller Scarf is a free download on Ravelry.

Download Eveline...

One of my all time favourite scarves. You can purchase the pattern for the Tangle Scarf on Ravelry...

I'd take the Celtic Cable Scarf as well. Another Martin Storey design that you can purchase on Ravelry.

We have a great selection of colours right now.

Check out the other Rowan yarns that are on sale.

Game 1 of the World Series is on and I've been knitting on Building Blocks. I finally finished the first clue and am about to start Clue 2.

If the tracking online is correct, the shipment from Hedgehog Fibres should be coming in the morning. The minute it arrives Lynn will start unpacking and I will update the website. I can't wait to see what's in the box.

Hedgehog

$
0
0
We greeted Mr. Canada Post this morning with a cheer. He brought our box from Hedgehog Fibres. What a great way to start the day.

Skinny Singles still in the bag. We have 55 colours in stock.

It's been hard trying to do work. I just want to play with the yarn.

While we were putting the yarn away, Alex came in with her latest project. She is knitting Warm-Hearted (pattern free on Knitty.com) in Skinny Singles.

Outline is growing - it's the perfect World Series project because I have the pattern memorized.

Twist sock was in the box as well.
80% Blue Faced Leicester wool and 20% nylon, superwash. Hard-wearing fingering weight yarn with a high twist in the ply. Great stitch definition, best suited for sock knitting. That tight twist will keep precious hand knit socks in shape wash after wash after wash. Soft, yet durable and machine washable. Best of both worlds!
Lynn is working on Embossed Leaves (pattern purchased on Ravelry) with one skein of Twist Sock in Glacier.

It's time to put together some colour combinations for Shock Waves.

Winds

$
0
0
Churchmouse Yarns knit their new pattern, Fair Winds Beanie and Scarf (purchase the pattern on Ravelry) in Woolstok from Blue Sky Alpacas. The wind was howling at our house this morning and the scarf and beanie would have been great.
This nautical blessing describes that happy confluence of good fortune and the good sense to go with the flow. The simple braid pattern on the scarf has cable twists on alternating sides for complete reversibility. The cables on the cap converge neatly at the crest. Both promise smooth sailing!

Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok is strong and sturdy and gently plied. Shows off pattern and texture in crisp relief, making it an ideal yarn for these warm cabled accessories. Surprisingly soft, lofty and light - you can almost feel the lanolin in this select 100% Peruvian Fine Highland Wool. A wonderfully expansive palette of twenty-one colors inspired by the craggy, unspoiled terrain of Peru.

Beanie is knit in the round; scarf is knit flat. Instructions for both are given in text format, with charts for following cable patterns.
You'll need 2 skeins for the hat and 6 skeins for the scarf (8 skeins for a set).
We have a good selection of Woolstok with more arriving next week.

A customer was in earlier today looking for a knitting bag. I suggested that she take a look at ZigZag Stitches. Catherine has an Etsy store with many great designs and fabrics. These bags are made in Canada so the shipping time is quick. And you are paying in Canadian dollars.
Formerly known as my "sock project size", the generous dimensions of this bag will hold a project such as socks, mittens, a hat, a scarf, or a baby sweater. Knitting needles up to 11 inches long (28 cm) will fit. It's also great for carrying toiletries, small toys, or baby items. The handle/strap is long enough to carry over the arm as a wristlet.
 Lynn has a few different bags and is very happy with the quality.
A Boxy Bag is great for storing and transporting small knitting or craft projects, cosmetics, small toys, or baby items. Knitting needles or crochet hooks up to 8 inches long (20 cm) will fit. Enough yarn for a pair of socks, and double pointed or circular needles fit perfectly. The handle/strap is long enough to carry over the arm as a wristlet.
Take your small knitting or crochet project out in style in this handy drawstring bag. It's a lot cuter than a plastic bag! Socks, mittens, or any one-skein project will fit. My drawstring bags have a padded lining to protect your knitting needles and help prevent them from poking through the fabric. The bag will stand on its own, even when empty.
You can keep the yarn in the bag and hang the bag on your wrist while knitting. This is perfect for commuter knitting, for showing off at your knit night, or for keeping your knitting projects organized at home. The drawstring with a cord-lock holds the bag closed.
Clue 2 was started last night. Beth had to pause Survivor while I was picking up stitches along the I-Cord but we're on track and ready to go. I don't want to complain but the rows are getting very long :)

New Needles = New Project

$
0
0
They're here. The new special edition interchangeable needle set from Knitter's Pride.
Each limited edition set includes:

Nine pairs of vibrant color-coded Zing needles in US 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, and 11 (3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 & 8.0mm) that carry laser-marked sizes. 

Four color coded cables: one 24"(60cm - green), two 32" (80cm - orange), and one 40" (100cm - red).  
An assortment of knitting accessories: set of cord connectors, wool needles, and stitch holders, all packed in a coordinated monogrammed fabric pouch.
Everything is beautifully packaged in a box that is perfect for gifting. The Melodies of Life gift set is sure to top every knitter's wish list this holiday season!
I wanted to try the needles but it had to be a quick and easy project. The Inspira Cowl was the perfect choice. The pattern is free on Ravelry. I do the Steampunk Version with no shaping.

I'm using Liberty - 78119 for the main colour and 78126 for the contrast.
Yes, I love making the Inspira Cowl. These are cowls that I have made in the past.

The needles are very nice to knit with. The join is good - the yarn doesn't catch. The yarn slides nicely on the needles. I will say that they aren't as slippery as Addis. There is a touch of a drag. This isn't a bad thing - not everyone likes using Addis because they are afraid that their stitches will slide off.

Now the best news. The interchangeable set is $116. What an amazing gift for someone.

I'm going to join some tips and cast on stitches in the store so that you can try the needles.

If you live out of town, we'll ship. See the set on the website...

I was up early and got my day going. There has been a bit of accounting. Then the procrastinator in me said 'Why not write today's blog post - you can do the accounting tomorrow' so I did.

Derecho

$
0
0
This morning I put on a shawl that has been hanging in the store but I've never worn.
Pattern: Derecho by Laura Aylor (purchase on Ravelry)
The shawl above is knit in Mrs. Crosby Satchel and below in tosh sock.

I've loved this shawl from the first time I saw the pattern. Since I can't knit fast enough Lynda knit our store samples. I own the pattern and one day soon I'm going to make it.
Derecho - Spanish for ‘direct or straight ahead’. A derecho is a widespread, long-lived wind storm that is associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. One of these storms hit here in the eastern United States while I was working on my second knit of this pattern.

A triangular shawl knit modularly in two directions to produce a pattern of interconnected stripes. Two circular needles are used to knit on one side at a time while keeping the other side’s stitches live.

Techniques: garter stitch, knit in front and back increase, picking up stitches
Lucy is loving Myrtle Beach. Mom sent this picture to Beth but Beth didn't really look at where Lucy was lying. The hardwood and patterned carpet are the living room and the grey carpet is the sun room. There is a step down between the rooms. Lucy's body is in the living room and her ears are touching the sun room floor. She is a weird dog :)

Merinda

$
0
0
Yesterday afternoon I took a few minutes on Ravelry to see what people have knit with Skinny Singles. I came across this pattern from Ambah O'Brien. How come I haven't noticed this before?
Pattern: Merinda (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of fingering weight yarn
Eye-popping neons, speckled hand-dyes, elegant neutrals…
Merinda is an opportunity to let your colour style shine.
Written for three colours, it is easily adapted to suit any combination. Plus, Merinda’s rhythmic increases pair with asymmetrical triangular shaping to create a shawl that is terrific to knit and easy to wear. Sublime!

Suitable for an advanced beginner knitter.

Speaking of Skinny Singles, I've been working away on Outline today.

They're not here yet but I've been tracking the package. The US Post website says that they should be delivered early this week.
Mom and dad have another group of visitors this week. Lucy is loving all the attention. She is looking HUGE. Dad says that she can rest her head on the kitchen table now.
Viewing all 4079 articles
Browse latest View live