Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Really Really Last Minute Knitting...

Every year I say to myself, "Oh there's plenty of time". I'm coming to realize- there's no time!!! You can whip up as many projects on size 15 needles, but there's always someone you want to knit for last minute, or a cousin that's going to make this year to dinner this year and therefore you need something you can knit in an hour or so! Yikes, well I have some ideas for you.... One of the gals here, found a fabulous pattern which happens to be a freebie on Ravelry called Marian designed by Jane Richmond, who by the way has a ton of really great designs...

... It calls for 2 skeins of super bulky, we've been using 2 skeins of Blue Sky bulky of course, and size 19 needles. I knit 2 of them for Scarlett's teachers and they took me an hour each, now that's what I'm talking about!!


Knitty just issued their latest collection of patterns, and being that Spud and Chloe just sent us their new colors of outer, we're loving the Shroom hat which calls for 2 skeins. Super quick and this yarn is amazing!!


Speaking of new colors from Spud and Chloe, they're all here, for Outer, Sweater, and Fine, along with their new patterns which are all fantastic. The new Cotton Multi from Blue Sky is amazing!!! I can't wait to work with this yarn- hmmm, maybe I'll crochet with it....


One more quickie that I love is Lisa's Beret from Through the Loops. Last week Ko dropped by with a some of her patterns, all of which I love and can't wait to knit... The Lorna's Bulky that I showed you last week would be perfect for this beret, one skein.

I've been getting a lot of phone calls regarding my holiday store hours, Wednesday 10:30-6, Thursday (Christmas Eve) 10:30-4
Friday (Christmas) closed
Saturday 26th 11-5
Sunday 27th 12-4. The week following will stay the same except for
Thursday 31st 10:3
Friday 1st- closed...
Saturday we resume normal business hours. Happy Holidays everybody!!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Around the corner...

With the holidays right around corner, we're all getting a little crazed with the last minute hustling and bustling. There are some really gorgeous yarns coming through the door, as well as some other goodies that I've been making...

What sock knitter wouldn't love a skein of delicious Madeline Tosh? We just received another shipment from her this week, and there's something really special about this yarn. The way it feels in your hands, instantly inspires you to get it wound and on your needles right away. I'm thinking maybe a pair of Through the Loop's Katinkas for each of my cousins...

Perhaps you want something quick to knit, the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky and Worsted that we got in this week, is amazing!!! With their new colors and lots of fabulous solids, you know I have these 2 colors balled and ready for me knit (or crochet-shhh) tonight... My next pattern is in the works!!!

I've also been working really hard to produce as many yarn bowls and bells as I possibly can, keeping them around is another story. They make such great gifts for the knitter you know, there's another batch in the kiln as we speak, check them out! If you're interested in buying one, stop over or drop me an email, I've been shipping them around the country, and they're going really fast!!


Happy knitting, and make sure to stop in for some last minute knitted gift ideas!!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

6th Street Scarf...

The 6th Street Scarf is lightweight, yet warm, and looks fabulous with whatever you have on... The pattern can be found here...

Skill level: Easy
Finished Measurements:
Approximately 9” wide by 90” long
Gauge:
16sts = 4” in stockinette
Yarn:
Fibre Company Organik- 4 skeins
Needles:
US 9/5.5mm, 24” circular needles to obtain gauge

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Noho Cowl.....

The Noho Cowl pattern is ready, you can find it here....


skill level: Easy
Finished Measurements:
Approximately 9” wide by 90” circumference
Gauge: 10sts = 4” in stockinette
Yarn:
Color A: Lima in Lima - 1 ball
Color B: Kidsilk Haze in 644 - 1 ball
Color C: Madil Kid Seta in 406 (cream) 1 ball
Color D: Fibre Company Terra in Shale - 1 Skein
Color E: Kidsilk Haze in 639 - 1 ball
Color F: Kidsilk Haze in 628 - 1 ball
(**Kidslik Haze & Kid Seta are held doubled throughout)
Needles: US 10.5/6.5mm, 24” circular needles to obtain gauge

Enjoy, it's a fabulous gift for the holidays, and you'll have enough Kidsilk Haze and Kid Seta for a second cowl....

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Whistle while you work...


I'm not so sure I've ever worked so hard in my entire life, the weeks are flying by... Before we know it, the bells will be ringing, and the holidays will be here... The shop has been bustling with customers stocking up on holidays knitting projects, and I've been knitting up a storm, and finishing up the first batch of bells. Here you go... Most have dibs on them already, so hurry. I'll be throwing another batch this Saturday though, I'll make as many as I can...


A couple of weeks ago, I was in the city for dinner, and as I walked past Bergdorf's, I saw this beautiful lacy doubled cowl. It had thicks and thins of different colors, and it looked airy and warm all at the same time. I figured I better get started on this right away, so we can all have one asap!!! It's been a huge hit at the store, and the yarn is flying out the door for it. I'll have the pattern finished in a day or 2, let's say for sure by Saturday.... See you then!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Yarn bells...


The first batch of yarn bells have been fired, and awaiting their glaze. I'll be tending to that tomorrow, and throwing another batch as well. I'll keep you posted as to when they will be ready for purchase, along with the opening of my etsy shop. These are great holiday gifts for the knitters you know... I like them a lot so far......

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sundays...

You've been asking, and we're making it happen! The shop will be open on Sundays from 12-4 starting this Sunday... very exciting!!! I've been working on a few things that I'm dying to share, but this rain has put a "damper" on me being able to shoot a few pics...
On another note, the Madeline Tosh is gorgeous, and has been a real hit around here, I can hardly wait for our next shipment... I'll be adding pictures and more details soon, in the meantime, I have to knit my
Etole la Droguerie
out of Madeline Tosh sock, and Rowan Kidsilk Haze... Au revoir, happy knitting!!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wesley's scrap hat...


Lately, with all the teething going on, there have been many hours spent just walking the floors. I have to admit, with a face this cute, I hardly mind. With that being said, there's been little time or energy to post anything new on the blog, but I thought this was so adorable, so I had to share it... I noticed that I had these leftovers in a bowl at home, and of course, they just so happened to be the perfect colors, if put together, for a baby hat! I used a variety of different weights from Aspen to Unikat, just to give it some texture. I casted on 88 stitches on a us 7 16"circular, knit about 6.5 inches and then started my decreasing. I knit in st st, except for my color change rows, where I purled the new color. It's so sweet on him, and a great way to use some of your stash, you know, that thing that haunts us all?

It looks like some of my Madeline Tosh is on it's way as of today, now I can get ready to cast on for the Tempest cardigan, I've been waiting forever to find the right yarn, and this might be it!! The colors of Madeline Tosh sock are gorgeous, and with their permission I'm going to post a couple of pics from their website... Here is poprocks...


turquiose...
with which I may alternate with kale..

We'll see when the colors arrive in a few days- very exciting... We've also received fabulous new patterns from Coco knits and Mac and Me... I'm in love with Yvonne from Coco knits, I'm thinking Classy in Midnight Derby, or maybe Malabrigo worsted in Marron Oscuro.. Or maybe even one in both, what's not to love about this design... Check it out...



Ok, enough blogging, I have to put some yarn away and then get ready for tonight's class, then dinner reservations at 6:30, then get home and wrap birthday presents for Scarlett's 5th birthday (I can't believe that!), then make cupcakes for school tomorrow, and then........ maybe even knit a row or two!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Knitting and crochet schedule...


New yarns, patterns and books have been arriving daily at the shop, we are so happy to have finally received our Malabrigo sock! I have it on my needles already, working on my Ulmus Rectangle- so far- so fab... Now, we're trying to wait patiently for our Madeline Tosh... Very exciting!!! We posted some classes for the fall, take a look...

Tunisian Crochet: Quick Stitches for a Beautiful Woven Look What do you get when you cross a knitting needle with a crochet hook? You get the tool used for Tunisian crochet! Learn to do an old technique that is very "hot" today. Crocheting witha long hook works up very fast and creates a fabric that looks woven. It also uses less yarn than traditional crochet. Get started on an accent scarf, evening wrap or afghan. Tunisian crochet is versatile, giving you the freedom to create a wide variety of projects. Suitable for new and experienced crochet students. Knitters welcome! Cost: $50 plus materials Wednesday, Oct 14 & 21 7-9 PM

Knit or Crochet Thrum Mittens – These are the warmest mittens ever. Either knit or crochet a pair of mittens with fleece on the inside forming an extra layer of warmth. Lots of colors to choose from. You’ll make them for everyone in the family. Cost: $50 plus materials 2 classes –Monday, October 19 and 26, 7-9 PM

Speed Knitting – Continental Combination – Too much knitting, too little time…so why not knit faster. Learn to pick stitches rather than throw the yarn. You’ll be knitting faster in no time. Added bonus, purling is easier than knitting. No kidding. Cost: $30 plus materials 1 class – Tuesday, October 20, 7-9 PM

Socks using the Magic Loop Method – Learn to knit a sock or holiday stocking using one long circular needle rather than 4 double points or 2 circular needles. This method can be used for any circular project. Cost: $30 plus materials 1 class – Tuesday, October 27, 7-9 PM

Fair Isle Knitting – Learn stranded knitting and knit with 2 colors…one in each hand. If you already know how to knit Continental and American, this is a great way to combine skills into a single project, a tam. You’ll also learn to read a chart, increase and decrease. Cost: $50 plus materials 2 classes – Wednesday, October 28 and November 4, 7-9 PM

Crochet Throw – Have you seen the funky afghan throws in Anthropology? Learn to make the shapes and designs to create a special piece of your own and put it all together. Basic crochet stitching knowledge is all that’s needed. Learn to select and combine colors to match any room. Cost: $80 plus materials 3 classes – Monday, November 2, 9 and 23, 7-9 PM

Felted Clogs – These are fantastic slippers! Made on circular needles with a double strand of thick wool, you learn short rows, circular knitting, changing colors and felting. Make them for the entire family. Leather soles are available. These are the only slippers I wear. Skill Level: Intermediate 3 2 hour sessions Cost: $60 plus the cost of materials. 2 classes – Wednesday, November 18 and December 2, 6-9 PM

Crochet Lace Sampler – If you love crochet and want to explore several techniques, this is the class for you. Learn crochet lace techniques, hairpin lace and broomstick lace. Each uses different tools to achieve beautiful results. We’ll explore all 3 during the first session and during the second session you can start a project of your choice. Cost: $50 plus materials. 2 classes,Tuesday, Nov 3 and 10, 7-9 PM

Monday, September 21, 2009

sikkim...


The first time I laid eyes on this hat, I knew I had to have one. Of course with a bajillion things going on needles and a million on my list, this took some time to get to. Until, last week or so, Ko came in with her girls, and they picked out colors for a second Sikkim, and then that was it! I couldn't wait any longer! Once we started mixing color combinations, the inspirations and temptations were all that I could handle. I went home to think about what I wanted and I'm so happy with the end result. I used 2 skeins of KPPPM, one a peach multi and the other a dark olive multi. The natural is a Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight. I love the way the colors play off of one another, and the hat knits up rather quickly. Scarlett loved it, and put it on immediately, hopefully I'll get to wear it one day. In the meantime, staring at her wearing "our" hat brings me much joy... I'll have the pattern for Sikkim in the shop, along with Kirsten's new and fabulous Ulmus Rectangle pattern. You'll love this one too! I can hardly wait to cast on....


Monday, September 14, 2009

Quail...


Lately, without warning it seems, my eyes have just been welling up with tears... My baby is going to kindergarten!!! To think she started coming with me to work since she was just a little over a month old... All of my customers have watched her flourish over the past (almost) 5 years, and it has really been a beautiful journey to say the least. I guess when I look back over the years, I feel so very grateful that I've worked this hard at creating an establishment that would allow me to do what I love so much and spend each and every day with my children in the process. To all of my customers who have supported me, and allowed me to grow as well, thank you.

So enough with my mushiness, my favorite gal pal needed a new special cardi for kindergarten! I think my favorite book of all time for the kids is The Rowan Story Book of Little Knits. We browsed through the patterns together a few weeks ago in the shop, and Scarlett picked Quail, by Marie Wallin.. It's a cozy cardigan, which is perfect- just what we wanted. We loved the stripes, and of course my favorite detail is the crocheted scalloped edging, the ideal touch for a girly girl. We chose Cashmerino aran, because she loved the colors, and there you have it.. Check her out- I think she loves it!!


Friday, August 28, 2009

oooh baby...

What a week! There have been so many yummy yarns coming in every day. From new colors of Terra and Worsted Hand Dyes from Blue Sky, to Dream in Color's lace weight, Baby (pictured above). 700 yards of a slightly thinner Smooshy- hmm what to do what to do.... I don't know where to start. I've got a cardigan for Scarlett on my needles, and I just finished my Springtime Bandit in Terra. I love this shawl, it took only 4 skeins, and the pattern is free...

Last week, I knit a shawl that I found on ravelry out of Noro silk garden and a couple of skeins of Manos. It was a colorful twist on a basic shawl pattern that took only 2 days to knit and was totally mindless.. The author of Knitalong, Larissa Brown, has a gorgeous blog if you haven't seen it already, it's so worth the visit. Her blog, is one that I find myself marveling through whenever I need to quench my creative thirst.

I'm off to knit until my hands quit tonight, I'm dying to cast on for High Line, Through the Loop's latest shawl pattern- out of Blue Sky's worsted hand dyes of course... I'm balled and ready to roll!!!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

the Claudette Hat...

Last week, Lindsay came rushing in, on a mission to whip up the Claudette Hat- she needed Koigu in a hurry! When it was finished (the next day), she tried it on- and it was no wonder why it was a must have emergency! It's so fab!!! This sassy little number took 3 skeins of Koigu, held double (woo hoo- quick)... For all of you ravelers, you can find the pattern here, if not- it can be purchased on Etsy. It's a clever yet very simple pattern, basically a basket weave strip that is wrapped and tucked- I love it!!

It's been a little crazy over here, we received a beautiful, as always, shipment from the Fibre Company. New colors of Terra, and a replenishment of Road to China Light, which has been flying out the door since I posted my Ulmus last week. I think I'm going to grab 4 skeins of Terra in Acorn, to knit me the Springtime Bandit by Kate Gagnon Osborn... Terra feels so luscious in a skein, knitting it must be amazing... I can't wait. This is another fabulous accessory, perfect for fall and the pattern is FREE!!!

ooooh! ps! The new fall colors of Worsted Hand dyes came from Blue Sky Alpacas, and it just so happened that a fantastic, gorgeous, to die for shawl pattern is on it's way from our dear friend at Through the Loops, sneak a peak, and then- we'll be seeing you over here for some worsted, I'm soooo knitting this in Blue Sky's new colorway Petunia (or maybe Mulberry)!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

My Ulmus.....

Although I haven't blogged much this summer, I have been knitting and crocheting like mad. I started my Ulmus back in June, and I LOVED every minute and every row. I love the colors I chose, and I fell in love with the Fibre Company's Road to China Light (in Citrine). The lavender multi is a Koigu kpppm, I'll have to post the color way next time I blog! The combination of these two yarns created the most amazing drape. This is an simple pattern, a fabulous beginner lace project, and the result is gorgeous. I encourage you to try it, we have some hard copies of the pattern for sale in the shop, or you can purchase and download it straight from the Through the Loops pattern store... Stop over and get inspired- once you see it, you'll fall in love too! No worries, I'll help you choose your colors...

Monday, July 6, 2009

A summer tee for my honey...


This June, Scarlett graduated from Nursery school, where does the time go? I feel like I blinked, and all of a sudden my baby girl has collected her "diploma" and is off to kindergarten (a big sigh). Going to work in your mama's yarn shop every day means, hmmm, what can my mom knit for me now? Well, she certainly needed something new and fabulous for all of her hard-earned achievements. After browsing through few patterns together on ravelry, we settled on this yoke top, by Knitterific.com. I figured this would be fantastic out of Blue Sky skinny cotton, with skinny stripes of course. I couldn't be happier with the fit, and Scarlett loves her new top!! Check it out...



This pattern was super easy and I loved that unlike most top down sweaters, there were only 2 rows on increases done in the ribbing around the neck, very cool. The skinny cotton is so nice to knit on a size 6 needle, it almost feels stretchy, and it's cool enough to knit with in this beautiful sunshine that has finally found it's way!! Hope you're enjoying your summer so far!!!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Baby Stella...

Our neighbors, whom we love very much welcomed their second child this past week, for them- it meant paint the nursery, stock pile the diapers, and buy lots of clothes with ribbons and lace. For me of course, it meant stand in front of the KPPPM for 3 hours until I decide on a color, and then contemplate on which pattern for another 3 hours... I was spoiled a bit, I must say, with this last shipment of Koigu, the colors were insanely gorgeous, each and every one. I chose the Dress with Eyelets, from Debbie Bliss, and I could hardy resist this magenta multi. I crocheted a shell stitch on the botton of the dress out of a solid Koigu, it was perfect. It was received extremely well, and it's safe to say, there was even a tear or two. That completed the gift...

This week has been crazy at the shop, with the arrival of Spud and Chloe, we officially have half of the shop dedicated entirely to Blue Sky, Spud and Chloe, and all of it's yummy goodness... The patterns are incredible, the yarn? It speaks for itself, I'm casting on tomorrow night- you didn't expect me to decide on a color in one whole work day, now did you? I don't know what more you really need, Blue sky has covered all bases, the yarn defines perfection, you must come to look and feel!! I'm so excited to go to work tomorrow!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Pembroke!

I woke up this morning to Pamie's email "Did you see him? Did you see the new site?" I was so excited to find it, I feel like I've been waiting forever for Petite Purls to debut their first issue! I was so tickled when Kirsten had asked if she could borrow baby Wes to model her AMAZING cabled vest- "Pembroke". Take a look, and check out the website. The patterns are free (I know, I can't believe it either, it's too good to be true)! The sweater will be in my shop soon for all to see and admire, along with plenty of Dream in Color to around!!