A Really Good Yarn

Little Rowan

2012-01-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

It has been an interesting morning in the store. When I was at TNNA I met with Amy, the owner of madelinetosh. We had a great talk. On Tuesday afternoon I received an email from madelinetosh that they had an order ready for me. Great. Usually it is 4 boxes. Not this time. They have 35 (yes, you are reading that correctly) boxes of yarn ready to ship to me. This includes brand new colours for spring. The challenge this morning was figuring out how to get 35 boxes from Texas to Ancaster. UPS is not an option. DHL was going to charge $6,000. Beth and I have been working on this and contacted a friend with a trucking company. The boxes are being picked up in Texas on Tuesday. Sometime in the next two weeks we will be very well stocked with tosh yarns.

In between phone calls, Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Lorna's Laces with 11 colours of Shepherd Sock.

Happy Valley
Tahoe
Andersonville
Tuscany
Pullman
Zombie BBQ
Hermosa
Beverly
Bucks Bar
Vera
Camouflage

It's time to make up more Linen Stitch Scarf kits

Now to show you some seriously cute garments.

17 babies and toddlers designs with accessories by Martin Storey. The cover sweater is called Miss Muffet.

Tweedledum. I want this!!

Daffodil

Georgie Porgie

Lullaby

These garments are awesome.

Last night was TV night. The DVR is almost full and we need to get through shows we taped while away. We are caught up on American Idol, Revenge and Grey's Anatomy. I like it that American Idol has started showing more of the good singers. There was lots of revenge on Revenge. Beth bought a magazine at the airport and it had a story on Revenge. It didn't tell us what was going to happen but February 8th and 15th are going to be big nights. Owen was not happy with Christina at the end of Grey's. It's about time he stood up to her. Tonight will be more catching up. I have lots of paperwork to do but I'm saying that I worked all day and need to relax. :)

Lots of new patterns

2012-01-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

We made it home safely last night but I was way too tired to sit down and write a blog post. It was good to get back into my own bed.

While I was away Cathy received a box of new patterns. The pictures have been taken from the suppliers website. I asked for permission to use them and they said no problem. Why am I telling you this? There is a lot of talk online about using pictures without permission. I always ask before putting someones pictures on my blog.

Koyo designed by Indigirl. From Amy's website

Autumn is, without question, my favorite season here in Ontario. The landscape is painted brilliantly in shades of pine, flame orange, and maple red. And even a simple drive in the country has me gasping a little from all the beauty.
Koyo, the Japanese word for “autumn leaves” is inspired in part by my new home here in Ontario, and in part by my first trip to Japan in late November 2000. So late in the year, I was shocked and surprised that the maples around Kyoto were in full, peak, color. I spent a day climbing to the top of one of the temple complexes that overlook the modern city, marveling at the reds and oranges, and golds.

Shown in Helen's Lace from Lorna's Laces

Seamless Katarina from Cocoknits

The fronts and back are knitted together from the bottom up to the armholes then set aside. The sleeves are also knitted up to the armholes, then everything is joined, and the set-in sleeves are worked seamless up to the English Tailored shoulders. There are small seams to join the top of the fronts and sleeves to the shoulders.

5-8 skeins of tosh dk

Mishke-another design from Cocoknits

From Julie Weisenberger, the designer

I love working cables but I don’t love wearing them, so then it became a challenge to design a cabled sweater that I would wear. Mishke is the result: cables done cocoknits’ style, completely askew and seamless

Knit in 5-10 skeins of tosh dk

Darling Emma from Joji

A delicate cardigan, with lace front panels, cozy collar and ties. This pattern is very simple, but looks complicated. You'll receive lots of compliments on your work! The cardigan is worked from the bottom up. It is absolutely seamless. The sleeves are worked from the top down in the round.

Since the poor ladies head was cut off on the above picture.

There are many sizes available in this pattern. 30/32-58/60". Knit in 4-7 skeins of tosh merino light

Another Joji design called Ecuador.

This is a very light and drapey cardigan, worked with fingering yarn at a fairly loose gauge. It features an A-line shape, with draped fronts and a very simple lace pattern in the body. This pattern is absolutely seamless and it includes directions for a short-sleeved and a long-sleeved version.

Again, a huge size range, 30/32-58/60"

Knit in Malabrigo Sock
Short sleeves 3-7 skeins
Long sleeves 4-7 skeins

I've been looking at this pattern on Ravelry for quite some time. I love the way it hangs.

There were more patterns lying on the front table when I arrived at work this morning.

Rowan magazine #51 is here!!

Seascapes from Martin Storey.

A windswept and beautifully fragile collection, Seascapes is inspired by the rugged coast and it's ever changing light. Simple to work styles feature together with crunchy cables, lace and fashionable geometric patterning in the collection for men and women.

Her sweater is called Athena and his is called Olympian. Both are knit in Savannah.

Odyssey knit in Savannah. Why is this picture so big? I want you to be able to see the cable work. Fabulous!!!

Hermes in Summer Tweed.

Orion in Summer Tweed.

Summer Tweed is a great yarn. 30% Cotton. 70% Silk. The label says to hand wash the yarn but I throw it in the washing machine and dryer with no problems.

Naxos in Savannah.

Martin Storey sure knows cables.

There will be more pretty pictures of new books tomorrow. It's time for dinner.

Golfing Day Two

2012-01-24T21:26:00.001-05:00

It was another early start to the day. When I originally booked our hotel for the show we were flying home on Tuesday. Then we changed our flight to Wednesday but the hotel was full for tonight. Beth and I packed up our room this morning and loaded the car. We were out of the hotel by 7:30 and at the course, ready to tee off at 8:15.

The weather today was amazing. Bright, shining sun.

The course today was beautiful.

The houses were impressive.

I don't know if I should be bragging about this but I beat Beth today. She did play from the senior mens tees and I played ladies but still, my number was smaller than her number. That doesn't happen very often.

If you know a golfer who is going to Phoenix or Scottsdale, please suggest that they try Troon North. The staff was amazing. The courses are beautiful and challenging. We can't say enough about the great time we had.

Luckily our flight for tomorrow has been changed. Originally we were flying at 7:25am but now we are flying at 1pm. Thank you Air Canada.

Now it's time to put up my feet and relax. Vacations are tiring. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Golfing

2012-01-23T18:14:00.001-05:00

We had a great day golfing-except for the fact that Beth killed me on the score card. I'm a bit tired though. We were up at 5:30 and in the car by 6:30. We didn't know how long the drive would take so we thought it was better to be safe. 45 minutes later we were at the course. A bit early for our 8:30 tee time. Then there was a frost delay. Didn't think that happened in Arizona. We sat for another hour before we hit the first ball.

The golf course was amazing.

We had a caddie with us, Mike. He is going to caddie for us again tomorrow. His job was to give us yardages, watch our balls, tend the flag and rake traps for us. What a great way to golf.

You see cactus on TV and it looks fake when it is really tall. There was lots of it on the course.

The houses on the course were impressive.

Tomorrow we are playing the sister course. I can't wait!

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Lorna's Laces

2012-01-23T08:06:00.001-05:00

Their tag line is "We make pretty string". When you walk through the Lorna's Laces booth it is hard to disagree.

Remember the great sock kits we received before Christmas? There are four new colours coming.

I didn't get the name of this beautiful sweater but I will find out. It is a pattern that you can buy on Ravelry.

The ladies were busy and I didn't get the name of this cardigan either. Another thing added to my to do list for when I get home.

There are new colours coming in many different yarns.

You are correct. Another pattern that I didn't get the name of. It is great looking and I would like it in this colour. :) I am going to be very busy knitting to get everything done that I want.

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TNNA

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how much I accomplished in two days at the show. Normally I am there for three days. As you can see we have lots on the way. I'm excited about my purchases-I think this is the most I have ever bought at the show.

I didn't bring my laptop so I am using BlogPress to do my posts. For some reason it is messing around with pictures. My Trendsetter post has been done a few times and it keeps changing the last picture. I will fix this when I get home to my computer.

Beth and I are golfing tomorrow. Early. 8:30 tee time and the course is almost an hour away. From the pictures we have looked at on the Internet it is a beautiful course. It is also very challenging. I hope I am up for it. :)

Mountain Colors

2012-01-22T21:42:00.001-05:00

Who can't use a beautiful throw in their house?

Three different patterns are in each kit-easy knit and purl, simple ripple and a crochet version.

Five different colourways have been ordered for the store. I'm sure we will only have four to sell because my mom will want one. She will be happy to see that a crochet version is available.

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Shawl Pins

2012-01-22T21:06:00.001-05:00

I love shawl pins and have a vast collection at home.

Annie Adams is from Buffalo and makes great pewter pins-many are in my collection. She has four new pins and we will have them in the store soon.

The next two pins are the smallest in Annie's collection. Great for shawls.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Trendsetter

2012-01-22T20:55:00.001-05:00

Beth and I stopped by the Trendsetter booth to talk with Barry and the gang. When I saw this vest I knew I needed it. There are three more colour combinations coming as well. They weren't in the booth but I know that Barry will pick colours that go together.

Mitred squares which I love to do knit in many different Trendsetter yarns.

There were some new scarf yarns as well.

This picture doesn't do the yarn justice. When you see it in real life you will understand.

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Tosh-new colours

2012-01-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

Last week I called madelinetosh to see if they were introducing new colours at TNNA. They let me in on the secret that there will be 10 new colours. I wasn't allowed to talk about them until TNNA and I was good to my word.

Here they are. This is the description I received from madelinetosh. I was writing quickly as they were talking so the descriptions are brief

Warm Denim-darker jean colour with hints of light blue and green

Firewood-deep umber, deep brown, purple

Neuchera-mottled purple

Envy-dark green with royal blue

Lowland-mottled grey, dusty green

Volga-periwinkle/sky blue, mottled

Grenadine-like amber trinket with more pink/purple

Hickory-neutral mottled, beige, taupe, cream

Onyx-pure black

Cathedral-stained glass, heavy red and blue, very mottled

The reason that I called was to put in an order before the TNNA rush.

All colours are coming in merino light

I have ordered everything but Onyx and Cathedral in DK and Vintage. It is hard to order colours sight unseen and I wasn't sure how these two were going to look.

It is now Sunday evening and I am back from the show. This morning I saw the colours in real life. It is going to be hard to decide which I want.

Grenadine

Lowland

Hickory

Neuchera

Onyx

Warm Denim-the colour was a bit darker blue than is showing here

Cathedral-which is beautiful in real life-it is now ordered in dk and vintage

Firewood

Volga

Envy

YUMMY!!

Freia Yarns

2012-01-22T00:39:00.001-05:00

In the past I talked about Freia yarns. These yarns take a lot of time to dye. The natural coloured yarn is knit up on a knitting machine. Then it is dyed, ripped out, washed and balled. By doing this every ball only repeats the colours once. There are never colour breaks in the yarn so the striping will always match from ball to ball.

We have the yarn in worsted and lace weight. There are six new colours coming as well as new patterns.

Tina originally designed this pattern in Noro (we had a sample in the store) and she has reknit it in her Freia.

It's time to put my feet up and relax. Tomorrow morning is going to be early again. I'm meeting Amy from madelinetosh before the show. I can't wait to see the new colours.

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Offhand Designs

2012-01-22T00:38:00.001-05:00

Seeing the bags in person made me realize that it is going to be hard choosing which one I want.

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Rowan

2012-01-22T00:37:00.001-05:00

I got to meet Josh Bennett today. Actually, I got to have lunch with Josh. He is so much fun-we are trying to convince Rowan to let him come to the store and teach workshops.

This is one of the free patterns on Rowan's website. So much better in person.

There were more great garments in the Rowan booth.

I'm hoping that Rowan will put together a trunk show for us.

And then the big surprise of the day. Kidsilk Creation will be coming in the colours of Kidsilk Haze Stripe. I think they said that these will be arriving in May.

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Knit Swirl

2012-01-22T00:36:00.001-05:00

The Mountain Colors booth is always a feast for the eyes.

This is the cover garment from the book Knit Swirl.

I love these colours!!

There are three new colourways coming.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saturday at the Show

2012-01-22T00:34:00.001-05:00

By the time you see this it will be Sunday. I woke up at 5:30 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Luckily our room is a suite so we have a sitting room with a desk and TV. Don't start thinking Vegas suite like you've seen on TV. :) I came out to the sitting room to read my emails. No Internet. I couldn't phone the front desk because Beth was sleeping. She finally woke up at 7:30 and I called down. They sent up a technician who couldn't make it work. It's now 8:35pm and still not working. The hotel is waiting for a part and we should be up again just after midnight.

I did lots today and have some great pictures for you. Unfortunately BlogPress doesn't like too many pictures in one post so I am going to do a few. There is lots of time since we are home from dinner early and staying in. Dinner-California Pizza Kitchen. And right next door was The Cheesecake Factory so I have a piece of Carrot Cake Cheesecake beside me. It will be nice to have an evening of quiet.

I found these great bags in one of the first booths we went into. I called Beth over and said that I had to have some. Luckily I was one of the first in the booth so I got to pick the colours I wanted-they are one of a kind. These are not the bags coming-mine are put aside so that no one else gets them.

I really wanted this one but someone beat me to it.

The fabrics are really funky.

The needle cases are way cool as well.

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Friday in Phoenix

2012-01-21T00:44:00.001-05:00

We had a great day today. We are waiting to hear from a friend of ours about picking him up for dinner. Unfortunately we have to eat at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I hate it when people make me go there. :) Could be the best steak in the world.

Since I missed a post yesterday, and I don't know if I am going to have time to post tomorrow, I am writing again. I'm trying to make the pictures bigger when using BlogPress. Hope it works.

This is from the door of our hotel room looking down to the lobby. It is almost the exact same layout as the hotel we stayed at while in Sydney Australia.

This morning we went to the mall. First stop was Nordstroms. Beth bought shoes and I didn't. It was very sad. I did buy mascara. Need to keep Nordstroms in business.

Then off to Barrett-Jackson. If you aren't sure what I am talking about, check out the Speed Channel. It is on tonight, tomorrow afternoon and evening and Sunday afternoon.

When you walk in the door it is car exhibits and lots of stuff to buy. Even airplanes. Beth and I thought we should tell our parents that this is what we bought at the show.

The stage. You can't believe how big it is. The seats on the floor are reserved for people buying cars so we were far away. We could see everything but I forgot my camera and had to take pictures on my phone. No zoom.

This car is coming off the block. I think it sold for around $150,000.

Then we walked around the outer tents to see some of the cars already sold and others going on the block.

Did I mention that this is a huge event? There were thousands, many thousands of people there.

There were great story boards for some of the cars on sale.

We just returned home from dinner. Great as always. It's bed time. There hasn't been much sleep the last few nights and tomorrow is a busy day. Lots of yarn to look at.

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Good morning from Phoenix

2012-01-20T11:11:00.001-05:00

We made it safely but very late last night.
This is a picture from our hotel balcony.

The sun is shining and there isn't any snow on the ground. It's time for breakfast. We arrived so late last night that we didn't have dinner. Beth is ready to eat my arm. :)

Then shopping-Nordstrom's here we come.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Baby Speckle

2012-01-18T19:37:00.000-05:00

Nick, Mr. Canpar, brought in many boxes of Sirdar today. The new yarns and patterns for spring arrived. Sarah worked so I'm not sure exactly what came but I know that the new Snuggly Baby Speckle did arrive.

As always Sirdar did great patterns. These are shown on little ones but the patterns go up to 7 years old.

I would like to continue writing but my to do list is long and keeps getting longer.
-finish my cardigan
-laundry
-pack
-find the balls of Liberty that I brought home so I can put them in my carry on bag
-find my new passport

That will keep me busy for the rest of the evening.

Two more sleeps

2012-01-17T22:40:00.000-05:00

It was a short night last night. Beth and I went to visit a friend in Toronto last night and to help her with some accounting questions for her company. It took a bit but we figured it out. I must say that it was fun to play with numbers again. I'm not sure I'd want to do it full time but for one night it was nice to be going through accounts and trying to figure them out.

Yesterday Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Crystal Palace. Inside were four brand new colours of Mini Mochi.

314 Ice Periwinkle
315 Grateful Grapes
316 Equinox
317 Seaview

Yummy!! The yarn is on the website and the colour swatches should be up soon.

I still haven't had time to sew the last seam on my cardigan. I've been trying to get the store in perfect order. That will never happen buy hopefully I am close. I've made signs for garments so that Cathy and Sarah can find the patterns. Patterns have been printed. Kits are made. The price book should be up to date. I'm also going through yarns so I know what I need to order in Phoenix. Every time I think I am close to being done I realize just how much there is to do.

Mr. UPS stopped by with a box from Berroco. Norah Gaughan Volume 10 is here.

And some pictures I took from Namaste's Facebook page

Two more sleeps until Phoenix. There's a load of laundry in the dryer. I had better start planning what I am going to take. :)

The winners are

2012-01-16T17:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is going to be a really quick post today. I didn't get a chance to start one earlier today and now Beth and I have to run to Toronto for a meeting.

I wanted to let the winner of Sweet Shawlettes know that they had won. We picked the name in a very scientific manner. My parents are driving home from Myrtle Beach and called to check in at noon. I asked my dad to pick a number. He chose 8. The eighth person to comment won a copy of the book. Irene P-please email me your mailing address. If you look under About Me in the top right corner it says Contact Julie.

Guess what-it gets better. I was told that I can give a second book away so my dad picked 17. Jane Prater-you won a book as well. Taunton Press will be mailing you each a copy of the book.

Here is a quick look at my knitting. I still have one side seam to sew up (on the right side of the picture which is why it is hanging a bit funny). Almost all the ends are sewn in so it will be ready in time to pack on Thursday.

This is the Short Row Triangle Scarf in Classic Elite Liberty from a few posts ago. I told you that I loved Liberty. I couldn't help myself. It will be great airplane knitting.

Have a good evening-hope you get to stay in and knit. :)

Where is the sewing fairy??

2012-01-15T16:55:00.000-05:00

That darn fairy didn't show up last night. My collar is done and now I need to start sewing.

I just talked with dad. They are leaving Myrtle Beach tomorrow morning. At half time they are running to our house to drop off a few things and make sure it is okay. That got me thinking that Beth had pictures on her phone from her trip. Here they are.

This is from the back deck. My dad was given the okay to cut down some trees. Now we have a much better look to the tee block.

Some of Beth's gnomes.

And a few more. Miami Dolphins on the left and Carolina Panthers on the right.

We bought this birdhouse at a silent auction. There are different animals hanging at my parents houses here and in Myrtle Beach.

I have put off my sewing for long enough. It's time to get moving on it since it looks like no one is going to do it for me.

I didn't hit publish earlier (I'm not sure why not) so now I can brag that my sleeves are sewn in. Perfect the first time. Now I'm moving upstairs for the football game (Go Green Bay) and to sew the side seams. Then there are those darn ends to sew in. I don't mind doing seams but those ends kill me every time.

The great thing about finishing projects is all the knitting needles I am finding. The smart thing would be to file them away properly instead of stuffing them in the needle box. That would be the smart thing. :)

Liberty

2012-01-14T19:11:00.000-05:00

I love Liberty from Classic Elite. The colours are amazing. The texture is great. The yarn is easy to knit with. I have knit lots with it and have more on the needles. Classic Elite will be introducing two colours a month from now until June. These are a surprise-we don't know what they are until the box is opened.

Here are the colours for January

7861 Golden Pagoda

7860 Berry Brambles

Yummy.

Classic Elite also has new patterns. These patterns are free when you purchase the yarn.

Fingerless mitts, worked flat side to side in Garter Stitch with Chevron Mesh cuff edge, with thumb opening on side seam to fit either hand.
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns 1 ball 7860 Berry Brambles

Short Row Triangle Scarf
Worked in one color of Liberty Wool Print, this scarf is made of a column of triangles shaped with short rows. The wrapped stitches from the short rows are not knit with wraps, keeping this garter stitch scarf easy-to-knit.
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns 4 balls 7861 Golden Pagoda

Striped Short Row Scarf
Short rows worked without wraps make this garter stitch scarf easy-to-knit. Worked in two colors of Liberty Wool Print, sections of increasing short rows and decreasing short rows make diagonal stripes and pointed ends.
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns 2 balls each:
7860 Berry Brambles
7893 Rainforest

It is much later in the day. I am finishing my post while watching the football game. Then it is knitting time. I have a couple of inches of ribbing and then I can cast off the collar on my cardigan. I might be procrastinating a bit. Once the knitting is done then the sewing starts. Maybe the sewing fairy will come here tonight. :)

Knitrowan.com has more free patterns

2012-01-13T20:32:00.000-05:00

It's very early on Friday morning. Okay early for me. For some reason I was up at 7:30. Instead of going back to bed I decided to get up and start my day. That included a cup of tea and sitting in front of the computer and reading the forums on Ravelry. This lead me to Rowan's website where you will find new free patterns. Josh Bennett (Boy Meets Purl) has done six designs for men.

Lower East Side

This cabled patterned sweater knitted in our new beautiful yarn Summerspun, is the perfect pullover for the season. This pattern is for intermediate knitters.

I can't wait for Summerspun to arrive.

Summerspun is a beautiful yarn in a 50% Merino Wool and 50% Cotton blend. The yarn is made by twisting a printed cotton end and a melange wool end together, resulting in a wonderful subtle striping effect. Available in 12 lovely shades, Summerspun is a joy to knit and crochet.

Rowan magazine #51 and the new yarns should be leaving the US on Monday. We might have them in the store by the end of the week. Cathy will have fun going through them before I get to see them. This will be the first time ever that I haven't been in the store to open the boxes of new Rowan. Yes, I am pouting a bit as I am writing this.

The clock says 8:55. It might be time to get dressed. The store doesn't open until noon today but I'm going in early to get mail orders packed.

Last night I went through my room and rounded up yarn. It was mostly skeins of madelinetosh that I have been hoarding for myself. I'm not going to knit them right now so I thought it was better to put them back on the shelf and let others enjoy them.

As you can see it is much later in the day. I'm home from work with the fireplace on, a cup of tea and my knitting is beside me. The collar is almost done on the Noro cardigan I am knitting. Maybe tomorrow. Then I just need to sew in the sleeves and do the side seams. There should be no problem having it done to take away with me.

Sweet Shawlettes

2012-01-12T05:08:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of December I received an email from Jean Moss asking me to participate in a blog tour for her new book Sweet Shawlettes. I'm flattered that Jean and her partner Phillip thought of me and asked me to join.

In early January an envelope arrived in the store with a copy of the book. WOW! There are patterns available for cowls and capelets but Jean takes these to a higher level. When you start flipping through the book you think you have found the one that you want to make. Then you get to the next page and there is another that you have to have. Easy to knit stocking stitch. Cables. Entrelac. Lace. Fair Isle. Intarsia. Take your pick of different knitting techniques. Her yarn suggestions are amazing-most are done in Rowan.

Harlequin
Yarn: 2 skeins Rowan Colourscape Chunky
Needles: 6.5mm

I like it over the shoulders but am really liking it doubled around and worn as a cowl. I like it so much that I have started making it for myself.

Ceilidh
Yarn: Rowan Lima
Needles: 4.5mm and 5mm

Did you know that Ceilidh is the Gaelic word for party?

Twine
Yarn: Rowan Big Wool
Needles: 12mm

It's all in the twist: The secret to Twine's wonderful, woven-rope look is the final step, which makes a rectangle into a twisting Mobius strip of alternating textures.

Bronte Fichu
Yarn: Rowan Purelife Renew
Needles: 4mm

I didn't know what a Fichu was so I Googled the word and found this on wikipedia

A fichu is a large, square kerchief worn by women in the 18th century to fill in the low neckline of a bodice.

Drift
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Big Wool
Needles: 12mm

Easy cables, plenty of rest rows and virtually no finishing.

If you go to Jean's website you can see all the amazing cowls and capelets from the book.

Here are the other participants in the blog tour. Do you see these names? We are talking big names in the knitting industry. I have been very nervous about my post. So nervous that it has been written many times over the past week.

Tues 3 Jan  Wendy Knits Wendy Johnson
Wed 4 Jan  Knitgrrl Shannon Okey
Thurs 5 Jan  Yarnagogo Rachael Herron
Fri 6 Jan  The Knitter Rosee Woodland
Sat 7 Jan  Rhythm of the Needles  Joanne Conklin
Sun 8 Jan  Knit Purl Gurl  Karrie Steinmetz
  Mon 9 Jan  Craft Sanity  Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Tues 10 Jan  Planet Purl  Beth Moriarty
Wed 11 Jan  Sunset Cat  Stephannie Tallent

Thurs 12 Jan A Really Good Yarn Julie Schilthuis

Fri 13 Jan  knit 1 chicago  Lynn Coe
Sat 14 Jan  Go Knit In Your Hat  Carol Sulcoski
Sun 15 Jan  Redshirt Knitting  Erika Barcott
Mon 16 Jan   In The Loop  Cheryl and Ellen
Tues 17 Jan  WEBS  Kathy Elkins
Wed 18 Jan  Zeneedle  Margene Smith
Thurs 19 Jan   Knitspot  Anne Hanson
Fri 20 Jan   Urban Yarns  Alexa Ludeman
Sat 21 Jan  A Friend to knit with  Leslie Friend
Mon 23 Jan  Tentenknits  Margaux Hufnagel
Tues 24 Jan  Fancy Tiger Crafts  Amber Corcoran
Wed 25 Jan  Chic Knits  Bonne Marie Burns
Tues 26 Jan  The Panopticon  Franklin Habit

The book can be purchased from Chapters/Indigo online right now and we will have copies in the store in the next week.

Do you want to win a copy of the book?

Please leave a comment (these can take a few hours to show up on the blog) including your name with last initial that you would like the book. You have until noon on Monday, January 16. We will put all the names in a box and draw a winner. I will post the winner's name and ask them to send me their full name and mailing address. Taunton Press will send the book directly to you. If I didn't already have my copy I would be entering asap!

Thank you again to Jean and Phillip. The book is amazing.

Entrelac

2012-01-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

My Entrelac is moving along. I had hoped to have it done for tomorrow's post but I don't think that is going to happen.

Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Ann with a cardigan that she knit.

Yarn: Noro Nadeshiko
Pattern: from Jenny Watson's Noro Now

Can you tell that I like Jenny Watson designs?

Norah Gaughan Volume 10 is on it's way to us.

Versatile sweaters designed to complement every figure are worked in gorgeous neutral shades of both warm and cool-weather yarns.

Taku knit in Blackstone Tweed

Richly textured triangles join together to create an intriguing pullover with a deep v-neck and three-quarter length sleeves.

Austru knit in Ultra Alpaca

Gracefully ruched panels of lace extend beyond the neckline of a longsleeved stockinette cardigan, creating a cozy scarf.

Vardar knit in Ultra Alpaca and Ultra Alpaca Fine

A short-sleeved cardigan features long sweeping curves knit in laceweight yarn, edged with ribbing in a thicker weight.

Foehn knit in Linsey

The gently curved stockinette body of a sophisticated short-sleeved cardigan is fastened with a single button.

We have new Revenge tonight. For the last few episodes we haven't had too much revenge-hopefully there will be some tonight.

The Boardwalk Bag

2012-01-10T19:52:00.000-05:00

I started a new project today. Entrelac. In Rowan Colourscape Chunky. Technically it is within the rules because it is a sample for the store. I will talk more about this in my Thursday post.

Last night Beth and I were watching The Bachelor (yes some of those women should have had a psych test before going on the show) when it hit me that Cathy and I hadn't really discussed the portable heater in the store. I'm afraid of fire so Beth and I got in the truck at 11 and drove over. Cathy had unplugged the heater and all was good. I would have worried all evening so it was worth the drive.

Tonight we have two new Storage Wars and a new show called Shipping Wars. My needles will be busy.

I can't stop

2012-01-09T19:15:00.000-05:00

I was a knitting machine yesterday. Here is my cardigan. I finished the front, sewed the shoulder seams, picked up 284 stitches around the neck and have worked 3 rows of ribbing.

Today was hair day. I can't go to TNNA next week with grey showing. I have to blame that one on my parents. They were both grey very early and they passed it down to Beth and I.

While there I did some knitting on my Hitchhiker Scarf-the cardigan was a bit too much to carry with me. This is Noro Taiyo sock yarn. If you want an easy to memorize pattern for on the go knitting you can buy the pattern on Ravelry. It will take two balls of sock yarn. I've already made one in Prism Saki and love the scarf.

Cathy worked in the store for me today. I can only imagine how neat the store will be tomorrow. Nick, Mr. Canpar, brought in two huge boxes while I was bringing Cathy a coffee.

Box 1 had 6 colours of Frill Seeker including black/white and purple/mauve. I can't remember the other colours. Sorry.

Box 2 had 5 colours of Ondas.

Beth made it home from Myrtle Beach and my furry friends are very happy. They are upstairs wrestling. If you saw it you would think they are trying to kill each other but they are having fun.

While writing my blog post I am writing two newsletters. If I can get Beth to read the main store newsletter tonight it will go out tomorrow. Later this week there will be a sock newsletter. My cardigan is calling and I'm pretty much out of words. Can't wait for the drama in tonight's The Bachelor. :)

More almost finished projects

2012-01-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

We had a much better night last night. Roko slept beside me all night and didn't fidget. Now they are lying like angels on the floor. They have me pegged for a sucker though. They keep asking to go outside. They don't really need to go out but when they come in they get a cookie. What a game.

Last night while watching the football game I pulled out another project I have been working on. It is knit and sewn together. I just need to do the borders on the sleeves and around the neck. I hate the sweater. Could be the worst fitting thing I have knit. I decided to block it and see if I like it better. If not I have a feeling there is a plan to make it better but that means ripping out. The bottom of the front and back is stocking stitch and it flares too much. I will take it out at the top of the stocking stitch and knit down. The thought doesn't make me happy but at least I can wear the sweater.

At half time I pulled out Phil, my bottle of Soak and wet the sweater. It laid in my bathtub overnight wrapped in towels to get most of the water out. Now it is lying out.

While going through my bedroom I found another almost finished project. This is Noro Taiyo. One front, the back and both sleeves are finished. I am almost to the neck shaping (a V-neck) on the second front. Now I'm thinking that I can get this done for TNNA. One small problem. I am taking a pattern that is for a thicker yarn and doing some changes so I can use Taiyo. I can't find what I did for the neck shaping. Now I have to count out the rows. Seriously. Write things down!!

I have many boxes laid out in the kitchen ready to do mailing labels. There are going to be some happy knitters later this week when their yarn arrives. Boxes are also being packed for Wannietta and Lynda.

Wannietta is getting Wildflower from Coast Knits and will be using tosh pashmina.

We are sold out of the book again-hopefully it will be back in stock this week.

Lynda is getting Levenwick. A pattern from Brooklyn Tweed that we are going to knit in tosh vintage.

A customer came in yesterday wearing this and it was beautiful. She changed the pattern a bit and we are going to do it too. The body is done in reverse stocking stitch and we are going to change it to stocking stitch.

For both garments I am asking the ladies to use two balls at once. Two rows of ball A and then two rows of ball B. Then back to A. The yarn is carried up the edge and won't be seen when the garment is done. The yarn is hand dyed and there can be variation between balls. This isn't just madelinetosh-it is something that should be done with all hand dyed yarns. If you don't do this then you might have a line where you ended one ball and started the second.

Football has started and I have my decreases worked out. Only 6 rows until I start. I'm further than I thought I was. It's knitting time.

More new garments

2012-01-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

The dogs and I didn't have a very good sleep last night. Melo had no problem sleeping on my bed (of course the dogs sleep in bed) but Roko was antsy all night. I'm hoping tonight he will be more settled.

Sarah worked with me today and I took some pictures of her wearing the cardigan that Lynda knit.

Pattern: from Jenny Watson Noro Now

Yarn: Noro Hitsuji

The cardigan is very cute. I need to sew a button on but there wasn't time today. Or it could have been that I didn't feel like doing it. :)

We have the Mohair Bias Loop from Churchmouse Yarns knit in the store in Superior (a cashmere and silk blend) from Filatura di Crosa. I sent a ball of Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Stripe to Lynda for her to make another.

The striping looks great!! It was hard to leave it in the store when I left. I want it.

Sarah was a little cold with no coat or sweater. I told her now she knows what it is like to be a model.

It's time to knit and watch some football.

New Garments

2012-01-06T18:49:00.000-05:00

I promised pictures of new garments we have in the store. I got my mannequin dressed and ready to take outside when I realized that I had to walk across the wet, muddy lawn to hang the mannequin on the fence. Not such a good idea so I took pictures inside.

From Diana

Pattern: Caricia from Knitspot. We have patterns in the store.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Prism Saki in Twilight

From Knitspot

A soft and silky triangle shawl in three sizes mini(petite, tall) to encircle the shoulders and body in luxury. Knit in a repeating allover motif of tiny flower bouquets that is easily mastered, this piece works up quickly and can be resized by adding/subtracting repeats or worked in a different gauge by changing yarn and needles.

Wannietta and her knitting haven't been getting along lately but her mojo is back and she sent this beautiful sweater.

Pattern: Gullveig from Norah Gaughan Volume 9

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

From Berroco

Cables reminiscent of gothic archways form a highly flared swing shape in this deep V pullover.

Both garments are amazing!!

Nick (Mr. Canpar) brought in a huge box of Knitter's Pride needles and yarn. We received Ondas in red and Triana in green/denim.

Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Lynda with a Noro cardigan and a mohair bias scarf in Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Stripe. Both are great. I'm saving them until tomorrow so I have more great pictures to show.

Did you watch Grey's Anatomy last night? There was some crying going on in my house. The young girl going through the accident and then making that decision. Something I hope to never have to do. And then there is Teddy. They kept telling her that Henry was doing okay.

Beth flew to Myrtle Beach this afternoon. It's me and the dogs for the weekend. I hope they let me knit tonight.

New from Namaste

2012-01-05T20:19:00.000-05:00

It's almost time for TNNA which means a new bag from Namaste. I knew about this a few weeks ago but was sworn to secrecy. And I kept that secret. Namaste has a picture on their facebook page so I have been given the go ahead to show you.

Can't wait. They should be shipping the bag near the end of January. This is what the girls at Namaste said about the interior

The interior material is a soft microsuede gray PET material (made of mostly recycled plastic bottles) and it's an open cavity including open top and zipper pockets.

There will be four colours
-black
-red
-eggplant
-espresso (shown)

It is hard to believe that TNNA is almost here. I registered today which is early for me-normally I do it at the show. No waiting in line this year. We have hotel rooms and plane tickets. Now we need to make tee times. Yes, the golf clubs are coming. We found out one other thing we need to do while there. Barrett-Jackson. Every year Barrett-Jackson holds a huge car auction in Scottsdale (half an hour from our hotel). These are collector cars and can go for huge dollars. The show is the whole week and the big cars are sold on Saturday-there have been cars sold for many millions of dollars. Beth, dad and I watch it every year and we always comment that one year we will go. It happens to be the same weekend as TNNA. Friday afternoon we will be walking around looking at cars and then watching some of the auction. Some of you are rolling your eyes at the thought of this but we can't wait.

Finally a new Grey's Anatomy tonight. Happy Knitting!!

Classes, New Patterns and Lots of Boxes

2012-01-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

I finally got it finished. Here is the link to our class schedule. This is just the beginning. More classes will be coming including some workshops with Kate Atherley later in the spring.

I have lots of pretty pictures to share with you today. Spud and Chloe have new patterns available. The copies for the store left the US today and we should have them next week.

Leaf Blanket
4 hanks Outer

Envelope your precious little person the way nature intended. A little leaf cocoon is sure to please. Susan has done it again, designing a playful twist on an everyday blanket.

Jersey Pullover
Knit in Sweater

The quintessential men’s pullover, it will look and feel like his favorite sweatshirt only better. His number one sweater with a slight v-neckline and simple stripes on the sleeves, just the place to wear your team colors.

Folk Story Cardigan
7-9 hanks of Sweater

A lush lace dances across this sweet cardigan. Worked from the bottom up, with straightforward shaping, and a sweet boat neckline. This is sure to be a favorite.

Esther's Tunic
Knit in Sweater

This sporty tank has vintage appeal with updated details and a modern palette. Knit in one piece with minimal shaping, this shell will certainly add a splash of fun to your style.

Easy Tee
3 - 4 hanks of Fine

Knit in Fine, this top’s construction is sure to make you marvel. Knit in one piece, folded at the shoulder and seamed, you’ll want to knit this girlie sweater in several colors. Make it your own with stripes or intarsia, the possibilites are endless. Easy to make, easy to wear.

Talitha Scarf
Three skeins of Outer.

Outer takes lace and turns it on its head! This toasty scarf cannot be beat, pairing chunky yarn and a girlie lace stitch; a playful twist on tradition.

Ms Canada Post came in today with many, many boxes.

Lorna's Laces-9 colours of Shepherd Sock

madelinetosh-4 boxes of merino, merino dk, dk and sock

I have a few finished garments to get pictures of. Hopefully we have a nice sunny, fairly warm day tomorrow so I can take them outside. Thanks to Diana and Wannietta for the beautiful garments.

The hockey game last night didn't go as expected. When the score reached 6-1 we changed the channel. A while later I asked Beth to go back to the game and it was 6-5. What the heck was going on? The last minute was exciting but the outcome was sad. The only good thing about last night was that lots of knitting was accomplished.

New Revenge tonight. It is a happier evening at my house.

Jean Moss

2012-01-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

Bokila

I first met Jean Moss in 1997. She came to Canada to teach workshops and we were lucky enough to have her at the store. Her book Jean Moss Book of World Knits had just come out. I fell in love with her multi-coloured designs.

These designs are from Jean's book Knits For All Seasons. The pictures are a bit fuzzy-sorry-they are the best I could find. I always wanted these sweaters and seeing them again hasn't changed my mind.

From Jean's blog

Jean Moss is one of Britain's leading knitwear designers. A self-taught knitter, she has been producing her own unique collections for 20 years, as well as designing for Rowan Yarns and many international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Bennetton. Her innovative combinations for intricate textures, striking colorways, and sophisticated styling have been widely influential over the year.

Jean has a new book being released this week. Mark January 12th on your calendar. I will be reviewing the book and there will be some surprises in my post.

Chestnut

I'd like to be able to write that we have received yarn, books and/or needles this week. Nothing. Many of my suppliers took the week between Christmas and New Years off so they didn't start shipping until yesterday or today. Hopefully we will have presents later this week.

It is really, really cold in Ancaster today. Really cold. The World Juniors (hockey tournament) is on our TV right now and they are in Calgary. The weather there is unseasonably warm. 12C. Hopefully the warm is going to blow this way and fast.

I made Beth watch the Bachelor last night. The first night is always fun seeing the new girls. Talk about drama last night. Crying. Cat fights. Great TV.

I'm working away on my poncho and have passed the halfway point. I will be getting into the fourth ball tonight while watching Canada play their semi-final game at the World Juniors. Hopefully Canada jumps out to a quick lead so that I can get some knitting done while watching-if it's close then I will be too tense to knit.

Moebius

2012-01-02T18:38:00.000-05:00

The weather today is weird. When I came to work we were having snow squalls and freezing rain. Then it was sunny and calm. Now the snow is coming again.

I told you that I was on a mission. Here is Rochdale sewn together. It didn't fit properly on the mannequin and I was rushing to get the picture taken. Really this was just to show that I finished something.

There were a few bad words being thrown around at my house yesterday afternoon. It took 3 tries to get the first sleeve in. You'd think it was my first day putting together a garment.

It is in need of blocking but I want to get all the ends sewn in first. I'm not sure what I did while I was knitting but there are a million ends.

Remember I said that I could start something if it was a small store sample. Last night I retaught myself Cat Bordhi's Moebius Cast On and am making a cowl. The yarn is Chunky from Misti Alpaca. 100% Alpaca. What a dream to knit with. We have 6 colours in the store and more will be coming.

I have one ball knit with one more to go. I'm in a rush to get it finished - I'm going to teach this in February. The class schedule needs to get finished and I need a picture of the Moebius.

I'm home now. I stayed at work until I got the Moebius cast off. All 340 stitches.

I used 7mm, 120cm addi needles and cast on 170 stitches. With Cat's method you end up with double the number cast on.

I have the label in front of me now. The yarn is 100% Baby Alpaca. Very, very soft and a dream to knit with. I know I said this already but I really liked the yarn.

The yarn was also very easy to roll into a ball. Sometimes skeins get tangled but I just hung this over a chair and away I went.

There should be a shipment of madelinetosh arriving later this week including some yarn for me. I have to get something else finished before I can start so I'm signing off to get knitting.

New Years Resolution

2011-12-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

Last night I was a knitting maniac. I'm taking my Get Things Finished rule very seriously. I'm into the fourth ball on my poncho - approximately half way done.

I found a jacket in my closet that is knit and just needs to be sewn together and the collar added. Really. Couldn't I have done this by now?

I considered starting sewing last night but it was 11 and I don't think that is a good time to sit down and sew.

The jacket is called Rochdale and is from Rowan magazine 46. It was an easy knit. Rowan Big Wool and large needles are a great combination.

My new law is that I have to finish two things before I can start something new. This doesn't include small things that I need for store samples such as a scarf. I can't wait to have many new garments to wear in the new year.

Hope you have a Happy and Safe New Years.

Current Knitting

2011-12-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

My pashmina scarf is progressing. I decided to continue until the yarn runs out. A scarf can't be too long. :)

That was as far as I got on my blog post yesterday. The store has been crazy all week (don't take that wrong-I'm not complaining) and then we have been out every night with friends. It is the season for visiting. I was a bit wiped out by 9 last night and couldn't come up with anything to write.

I have been knitting on my poncho. I would have liked to take a picture outside but it is very, very foggy in Ancaster today.

Yes, it is a big piece of stocking stitch. Some days it is nice to have knitting that you don't have to think about. :)

I have been knitting while watching TV, sometimes with a dog in my lap. Needless to say it is covered in Roko and Melo hair. I will picking it out every time I wear it.

New Years Eve is tomorrow night which has me thinking about the past year and what next year will bring. I realized that I haven't done much knitting the past year. There haven't been any fabulous garments finished and that is going to change in January. I have lots of sweaters and jackets almost done. I'm seeing new knitwear in my near future.

Pucks n' Purls

2011-12-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

The Downtown Knit Collective (Toronto's downtown knitting guild) has teamed up with the Toronto Marlies hockey organization to bring a fun afternoon that raises awareness and promotes knitting in our communities.

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Location: Ricoh Coliseum
Marlies' Alley Open: 1:30 p.m.
Gates Open: 2:00 p.m.
Game Time: 3:00 p.m.
Pucks n' Purls Seating: Behind Marlies Bench (Section 100/119)
Price: $20 per ticket

Pucks n’ Purls will feature a professional hockey game between the Toronto Marlies and the Hamilton Bulldogs which are affiliates of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens so there should be lots of on-ice and in-stands rivalry. Activities are planned before, during and after the game including Marlies Alley, Fastest Knitter Face Off, Duke the Dog Yarn Toss, and prize draws. Duke the Dog, Marlies mascot, will be presented by a toque or scarf designed and knitted by DKC members. Contestants are working on their entries now.
The activity that is creating the most buzz is the post game skate. This is an activity exclusive to Pucks n’ Purls ticket holders. Starting 15 minutes after the game, there will be a one hour free skate (no hockey) for 250 people on the Marlies ice. What a great memory!

To purchase tickets please visit the Toronto Marlies website...

Visit the Pucks n' Purls blog...

What a great way to spend the afternoon with your family. And they can't say anything about you knitting at a hockey game. :)

As Promised

2011-12-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

I promised you pictures of a finished Spectra and here they are. I finished the knitting last night. I still need to sew in the ends and block the scarf but I'm close.

Pattern: Stephen West's Spectra
We have copies in the store or you can buy on Ravelry

Yarn: 1 ball of Noro Silk Garden Sock (will also work with Kureyon Sock and Taiyo Sock)
1 ball of tosh merino light

On Thursday I received an email from the US post office that madelinetosh had sent me 4 boxes. What is in the boxes? I have no clue. I just called there and am waiting for an email with the specifics. It looks like tosh dk, merino dk and merino. No vintage or tosh merino light.

In yesterday's post I mentioned the game we played on Christmas. Irene had some questions.
-women buy for women and men buy for men
-we do $30-$40 for a gift
-we usually start with the women
-all women's gifts are on the floor and we sit in a circle
-everyone is given a number
-#1 starts and picks a gift
-#2 can take the gift from #1 or from the floor
-#3 can take from #1 or #2 or the floor
-If #3 took from #1 then #1 can take from someone else (not the person who took from her) or from the floor
-after you have been stolen from 3 times the next gift you take is yours-no one can steal from you
-the game keeps going until the last gift is taken from the floor

We always have lots of laughs playing the game.

It is later in the day and I received my invoice from madelinetosh. The boxes include

tosh dk
baltic
well water
clematis
byzantine
smokey orchid
logwood
badlands
cove

merino dk
kale
alizarin
william morris
fragrant

merino
curiosity
william morris
amber trinket
alizarin

sock
charcoal
william morris

I have picked up Tudor Grace (a knitspot pattern that I am knitting in tosh pashmina) again. I'm not sure how long I want the scarf. It is definitely longer than the pattern, which is a good thing, but I have more yarn so I can keep going. Do I want to keep going or get it done and onto something else?

Boxing Week

2011-12-26T19:40:00.000-05:00

Until Saturday December 31, 2011 The Needle Emporium will be offering 15% off yarns from

Berroco
Blue Sky Alpacas
Crystal Palace
Spud and Chloe
Twilleys

-We will be happy to ship if you live out of town.
-The website does not reflect the sale prices so please call your orders in.
_____
In stock yarns only
No layaways
No returns

Too Much Time

2011-12-26T18:53:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas yesterday.

After I finished my post yesterday Beth realized that we hadn't wrapped a few presents. These were for the game at Aunt Rene's. Everyone brings a wrapped present. They are divided into boys and girls-substitute men and women if you want but at Aunt Rene's it has always been boys and girls. The girls go first-we are gentle compared to the men. The first girl takes a gift and then the next girl can take one off the floor or from the first girl. Everyone ends up with a gift. The game gets very loud.

Back to Beth. We had the same gifts to take (I bought them) and Beth decided that they couldn't be wrapped the same. The first was nicely done. The second box was wrapped and then Beth put it into another box which was wrapped. She ended up with five boxes inside of each other all wrapped. She went through a pile of my wrapping paper-luckily she knew not to take the really good stuff. I told her the last box should all be ends. Someone had way too much time on their hands yesterday.

She was proud of her work as would any five year old who wrapped a gift like this.

Dinner was great and we had lots of fun as we always do on holidays.

This morning I was up early. Okay, early for a holiday and in Pier 1 by 10. I came home with some Christmas decorations and wrapping paper.

Then we found out a cousin was home from Montreal so off we went to visit. Two hours later we came home, let the dogs out and then off again. Costco. You're thinking we are crazy but the store was dead. I've never been able to walk right up to the cash and pay. It was quick but expensive as is every trip to Costco. There are always things you see that you didn't know you needed. Then Best Buy. Yes, that was a bad idea. The store was jammed. We weren't there for very long and headed home.

Unfortunately while in Costco we didn't buy butter which was necessary for making dinner so I had to run out to the grocery store. Another quiet store.

The scarf is almost done. I think I have about 10 more rows. There will be pictures from work tomorrow.

It feels like midnight but it isn't 7 yet. Sleep could be in the near future.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas. I hope you are spending time with family and friends.

The weather today is amazing. Sunny and not too cold.

My parents are in Myrtle Beach for a few weeks. Last night they went to church for a Christmas Eve service. The minister came over to say hi and noticed the people beside my parents were new to the church. They all started talking and the people are from Sudbury. When they got to Myrtle Beach their car broke down. It can't get fixed until next week. My parents have two cars there-the one they drive down and one that stays there year round. They loaned the people one of their cars until next week. My parents have the Christmas spirit.

I must say that I am very happy we aren't hosting dinner today. No cleaning the house. Preparing food for a week. Renting tables, chairs, dishes, cutlery, table clothes and napkins. No cleaning the house for the next week.

Our contribution to dinner is a cake and cookies. Doesn't sound like much but they are the first to go.

These are the sugar cookies. In our house when you add eggs to the mix that is considered baking.

Iced sugar cookies

And decorated with sprinkles.

Now it is time to make chocolate chip cookies. Much easier. :)

Have a great afternoon. Hopefully you will find some time to knit.

Knitting Again

2011-12-23T17:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight Beth and I are having dinner with my best friend from university and her two sons. Last night we went to Walmart to get the kids Christmas presents. They are 13 and 10. Not an easy age to buy for. We were asked not to buy video games. Wow. That cuts out a lot. Girls are so much easier to buy for. We got them a Nerf dart game. We went at 9 thinking that the store might not be so busy. Wrong thought. The check out lines were long and people were buying all their groceries. Lets say that my patience was running a bit thin by the time we got to the car. Please remind me to do my shopping earlier next year.

I pulled out Spectra and vow to get it done this weekend.

Small problem. It needs to be blocked and I do that on the pool table. Bev gave Beth a puzzle for Christmas that is 4000 pieces. It is way too large for our dining room table so Beth is doing it on the pool table. There could be a fight on Christmas day. :)

I have caught the knitting bug again and really wish I could go home after work, put my feet up and play with my yarn. Tomorrow afternoon. And the bonus about tomorrow is that there will be lots of football.

Lots of boxes

2011-12-22T15:19:00.000-05:00

Cathy worked with me yesterday and got a lot of the tidying/cleaning chores done that I haven't had time to do. Yarn has been put away. Baskets were straightened. The store has been swept and is looking good.

We finished unpacking the last box from madelinetosh. Tosh merino light is well stocked. Good for you but bad for me. I keep pulling out colour combinations for Earth and Sky (the shawl pictured) as well as for the Creekbed Scarf. I will not start another project. :)

I left late in the afternoon for my dad's Christmas party. We had a good time with lots of laughs. Many of the men have been with the company for years - it's like a big family. On the way home Beth and I stopped at the grocery store. I think it is the first time in many, many years that the two of us have done that chore together. We shouldn't do it again for a while. It was expensive!!

By the time I got home I had to sit down and finish the scarf for my chiropractor. It is done and I just have to sew in the tail - which has been done since I started writing my post.

It is the Kidsilk Haze Creation in Smoke. We still have all the colours in stock but have been told that colour 1 (cream) and colour 3 (trance) are sold out which means we can't get any more when our stock is gone.

Here is the vest that is hiding under the scarf. I love anything with the leaf pattern and this vest is no exception. I forgot to add a shawl pin before taking the picture.

Pattern: Sirdar 9224
The pattern goes from size 32/34" to 52/54".

Yarn: we used Zara from Filatura di Crosa

Here are pictures of the new shades of Alpaca Silk from Blue Sky Alpacas. I can't find the colour names right now and don't want to hold up my post. I already missed doing one yesterday.

The green is a bit darker and a bit more khaki in real life. A very nice colour.

Grey/mauve

Beige

I'm guessing that new colours means new patterns will be coming in the new year.

There are no Christmas events tonight but a bit of Christmas shopping still needs to be done. I think I would rather poke my eyes out than go shopping tonight but that's what happens when you leave it to the last minute. I think next year I am going to hire a personal shopper. Or maybe I should think about it a bit earlier in the year. The problem with that is I buy things, put them away and then forget about them.

Chris was amazing on the X Factor last night. I have totally changed my mind and want him to win. I think that he would be very entertaining in concert. Josh would be great to see in a piano bar. Melanie - it would be great to hear her sing one song and that's it. She has an amazing voice but not someone I would listen to for a few hours. I'm very afraid that when we watch the finale tonight they are going to say that Melanie won.

Ondas 96-back in stock

I was just about to hit Publish Post when Nick the Canpar Man walked in with a huge box of Katia Triana, Triana Lux, Ondas (including the colour pictured) and Ondas Lux. If you look above this post it says Cool Scarf Yarns. These are updated with the new colours we received.

I knit this Ondas scarf a few weeks ago and thought that I had put it on the blog. I couldn't find a picture of it in iPhoto. No picture on my iPhone. Then I went back through the blog and couldn't find a picture. I guess I forgot to show it. Seven stitches and one ball of Ondas.

So it has been a bit since I was working on my post and Ms. Canada Post brought in three boxes. One I can't talk about yet. I was asked to take part in a blog tour and the book we will be reviewing has arrived. I will talk more about that next week when I have time to sit and write. The next box was from Churchmouse Yarns. We ran out of patterns for the Easy Folded Poncho and Bias 'Before and After' Scarf. They are back in stock. The last box was from Crystal Palace Yarns. More sock yarn-Sausalito and Panda Silk.

I'm going to hit Publish Post now. I could keep writing but then I might not have anything to say tomorrow.

Check out Rowan's website

2011-12-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

Mr. Canada Post brought in lots of boxes today.

Two of the three madelinetosh boxes came. The missing box had most of the tosh merino light but we did get four colours of tosh dk, five colours of tosh merino and four colours of tosh merino light.

We also received a box from Blue Sky Alpacas and Spud and Chloe that included three new colours of Spud and Chloe Sweater and three new colours of Blue Sky Alpaca Silk. These aren't online yet so I am going to try and get you pictures.

Here is the Spud and Chloe

7523 Lilac

7524 Chocolate Milk

This is a heathered brown tone. I took the pictures quickly and could have/should have done a better job.

7525 Manatee

This is a heathered grey tone.

Sorry no pictures of the Alpaca Silk. There was a lot of Christmas shopping happening in the store today.

It is many hours since I started my post. Dinner with my parents and their friends was great. Lots of laughs!

I quickly checked out Ravelry and in one of the Rowan groups they were talking about previews to Rowan Magazine 51. There are pictures on Rowan's website. If they are up for the public to view I'm taking it that I can put some pictures here.

Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 51 sees key shapes which reflect a new confidence emerging within the wearer. The designs have been created for ease of movement and casual freedom giving a relaxed, summery vibe. The fun element is injected with a return to the retro resort styles where pattern and colour explode. The season is mainly understated, where nothing is outrageous. Rowan is promoting two stories Artisan and Riviera to reflect these trends. Essentials is the showcase for the key shapes of the season but translated into more simplified, easy to wear styles that will compliment the season's essential looks.

I had my post laid out nicely and then the pictures messed up. If I centre them everything works. This takes up more room than necessary and looks silly but at least the post is readable.

Grimaud

Knit this vibrant cropped style cardigan, with embroidery detail and a stylish pattern throught for an perfect Summer pullover. This pattern is for experienced knitters.
Details:
Designer:
Brandon Mably
Project Type:
Women
Project Subject:
Knitting
Recommended Products:
Cotton Glace

Pippa

Knit this wonderful textured tunic, with bobble stitch detail and long sleeve for those slightly cooler summer days. This pattern is ideal for the intermediate knitters.

Details:

Designer:

Martin Storey

Project Type:

Women

Project Subject:

Knitting

Christmas Dinner #2

2011-12-19T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight Beth and I had dinner with Bev and her husband David. You can't beat a Christmas dinner at the Keg. We did a bit of planning for TNNA in January. Can't wait to see Phoenix-I like going to new cities. We've booked ourselves time for shopping on Friday. Beth is going to visit the zoo on Sunday. Beth and I are definitely golfing on Tuesday and if I hurry through the show on Saturday and Sunday then we will golf on Monday as well. Wow. It sure doesn't look like a work trip right now. I better plan a few meetings so it looks like I accomplished something while away. :)

I finished the Stargazer scarf this afternoon.

If you are going to knit with the yarn I strongly suggest you take a few minutes before starting to wind the yarn on a paper towel tube or wrapping paper tube. The yarn doesn't twist and knitting is so much faster. Trust me. So much faster!

I would also suggest casting on 10 stitches instead of 12. It will make the scarf a bit longer. If you are going with 12 stitches then you might want 2 balls of yarn. I like really long scarves so I would use 2 balls if making one for myself.

There are three boxes on the way from madelinetosh. I went online this morning and two boxes have cleared customs and the third box is sitting in customs. Fingers crossed they will arrive this week.

I wasn't shocked by Sophie winning Survivor last night. She had been strong in challenges throughout the game. She is smart and speaks well. Albert wasn't going to win. Which left Coach. It was close but I think Sophie's tears at tribal council helped a bit with the jury.

Tonight is the finale of Next Iron Chef. The tosh pashmina scarf is waiting for me.

Christmas dinner #1

2011-12-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

Saturday

The scarf is progressing slowly. It is a simple knit but I have other jobs that need to get finished. There are two patterns on the label - the one I am doing with 12 stitches and the other is to knit the scarf lengthwise - I think it is cast on 125 stitches. When I'm done this one I think I will try that with another colour. I need a scarf for my chiropractor. Nothing like leaving it to the last minute. :)

Beth started wrapping Christmas presents last night as I was working on the scarf. The yarn kept twisting on me and I was getting frustrated. I was getting slowed down and I don't have time to waste. Beth being the smart ass that she is took my yarn and started wrapping it on the tube from wrapping paper. It doesn't twist anymore but it's a bit hard to carry around. :)

We cut the yarn after she finished the long tube and used a paper towel tube for the rest of the yarn.

Tonight we are having dinner with Jane and her family. The first Christmas dinner of the season. This year is going to be fun with the addition of two little ones.

The next week is going to be crazy. Dinner on Monday, Tuesday, dad's Christmas party on Wednesday and dinner on Friday.

Sunday
We had a great time with Jane and her family last night. It was the first time we met her grand children. They are both adorable.

These are my gift from Jane. They will be framed for my bedroom in Myrtle Beach.

Elizabeth Bradley Lilac

Elizabeth Bradley Hydrangea.

They are amazing!!

I took the pictures quickly so that I could get them put away before they became covered in dog hair.

I can't wait for Survivor tonight. Hopefully Ozzie will get back in the game. I wasn't rooting for Ozzie earlier in the game but I think his return will shake things up.

Now it's football and knitting time!

Stargazer

2011-12-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

We have a brand new scarf yarn. Mr. Canpar brought it this morning and Cathy unpacked it for me. I have been working on a scarf - here it is so far.

We have all 10 colours in stock.

The yarn is a ribbon with holes along the top-super simple to knit.

I need to go and get knitting. The scarf has to be done for tomorrow!

I'm home from work and it is present wrapping time. Okay, Beth is wrapping presents and I am being the elf that helps.

Malabrigo

2011-12-15T20:31:00.000-05:00

I have been going between knitting projects. The purple poncho is progressing. I finished ball two last night and didn't have another ball wound so I moved to my tosh pashmina scarf. I have reached the number of repeats the pattern is asking for but there is yarn left so I'm going to do some more rows. In the store I have picked up Spectra again. There isn't much progress which is a good thing. That means the store is busy.

Survivor last night was great. Brandon giving up his immunity to Albert was priceless. There was no way that Albert was handing it back. I don't think that Albert will have any chance of winning the game now-the jury wasn't impressed by him.

I really want Josh to win the X Factor. If not Josh then Chris. I'm not a Marcus fan. It is hard to believe that he is still on the show. Melanie is a great singer but I can't bring myself to root for her.

Mr. Canpar and Mr. UPS have been busy bringing boxes this week. Rowan for the shelves. Knitting books. Needles. And some Malabrigo.

Two new colours of Malabrigo Sock are on the shelf.

671 Playa

670 Candombe

Yummy!

Copies of Malabrigo Book 3 are back in stock. From Malabrigo

Featuring 19 patterns created by 6 brave both well known and upcoming designers. Most of Malabrigo's yarns are represented on the book, including Rasta and Sock.

Scalloped Shawl knit in Sock

Cowl knit in Rasta

Beth and I finally got back to putting together book cases. Two more are done. It's time to start moving knitting books upstairs. Or it might be time to knit.

Spring Offhand Design Preview

2011-12-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

I had a blog post started and something came up so I hit delete and am starting again. Last week I mentioned an email from Offhand Designs with a preview of their spring fabrics. Pictures are on the Offhand Designs website so I'm sharing with you.

The bags will be in the store sometime in February. I have placed my initial order to make sure I get the bags I want. Bags can be added if there is something you need that I haven't ordered.

The fabric colours are amazing-there are two purple shades. I don't really like purple. :)

Did you notice the bag on the far right? It's the Zelda Grand. A bag from the past. I have a Zelda Grand - it looks small but holds lots.

Adeleaide Scottie. Also coming in Zelda Grand.

Charlotte Zelda Grand. Also coming in Scottie.

Catherine Zelda Grand. This one will be coming home with me. Okay, that is greedy. There are two on order so someone else can have one as well. I ordered Scottie in this fabric as well.

Marie Zelda Grand

Joan Zelda Grand. There is something about this fabric that is calling my name.

Switch Cases in the six new fabrics for spring.

All fabrics will be available in the four bag styles-Zelda Grand, Scottie, Zhivago and Audrey.

I'm excited about the new fabrics. I can't wait to see them in person-it's only six weeks until we go to TNNA in Phoenix.

Thrums=Warm

2011-12-13T22:21:00.000-05:00

Jane was busy yesterday unpacking boxes.

A shipment came in from Fleece Artist with Thrum Mitt kits.

125 grams Blue Face Aran
60 grams Merino Sliver
(suggested needle size: 3.5 mm)

These mittens are SO warm.

If you are wondering about thrummed mittens, take a look at what the Yarn Harlot has to say.

There was some roving as well.

BFL Sliver in undyed and hand dyed colours.

100% Blue Faced Leicester
50 gram bundle

Great for needle felting or putting together your own thrum mitts.

A large box of Kauni came in. The colours we used in the Cascade Vest are back in stock. Two different colours are used. You knit two rows of colour A and then two rows of colour B. Keep repeating. Super simple. No cutting yarn. The vest is knit side to side with no shaping. All you need to know is cast on, cast off and knit.

Kauni has long colour repeats which makes it great for stripes as well as colour work.

There are 511 pages of patterns on Ravelry for Kauni Effektgarn. Pour yourself a cup of tea because there are so many great patterns to look at.

Here are a few more designs from the Kidsilk Haze Stripe Collection. I'm sad because the book won't be here until January. The good news is that there will be a pretty new book when we start feeling the after Christmas, winter blahs.

Leya

This simple, sideways knitted, ladies sweater is ideal for showing the inherent beauty of the yarn and is an easy to wear short sleeved garment.

And Lily

Knit this ladies sweater with twist front detail. The unique detail on the front of the sweater allows the colours in Kidsilk Haze Stripe to show to great effect.

It's knitting time!!

Wrapping Presents

2011-12-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

This morning I headed into Hamilton to the passport office. A chore I was dreading. The last time our passports expired it was a long visit to the passport office. The old passport couldn't be used as identification for the new passport. We needed birth certificate, health card, drivers license, credit card and our left arm along with getting a signature from someone who knew us like a doctor or lawyer. Today I was in and out of the office in under half an hour. The only ID they needed was the old passport. Super simple!

Then I started Christmas shopping. I like shopping but not for others. I find it very hard. Then there is wrapping presents. This is something that I am very bad at. Very bad.

If I try to get the wrinkles out I end up ripping the paper. I HATE WRAPPING PRESENTS. The only reason I wrapped this is because it is for Beth - from the dogs. Everything else she gets to do.

I started writing my post and got a call from my mom that she couldn't connect to the Internet. This has been a problem for the past few weeks. We keep unplugging the modem and router and plug them back in which works for a few days. Tonight I couldn't make it work. My dad's suggestion was a hammer which made me pack up the computer and bring it home. It works fine here. Very frustrating.

When I came home Beth was jumping up and down that the dogs got her a present and they won't tell her what it was.

The ending of The Amazing Race last night was sad. The snowboarders were eliminated a week ago by a fluke. If the three other taxi drivers hadn't talked to each other the boarders would have been racing for one million dollars. Then last night Marcus had huge problems in the flight simulator. I wanted Marcus and Amani to win. When Ernie and Cindy were in the cab and Cindy commented that she wanted to win so bad because she couldn't lose to the other teams-like a C student beating her, the A+ student. Really-you think very highly of yourself.

I am home again after my second trip to Best Buy today. During the first I bought Beth some Christmas presents. Yes, I have to wrap them but one present a day is all I can handle. I just went to get my mom a new router. I'm hoping this will solve the problem. If not then I will have the Geek Squad come in.

There are three boxes sitting beside me that need shipping labels so that Mr. or Ms. Canada Post can pick them up tomorrow. I feel a bit like Santa's elves.

Feature of the Week

2011-12-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

This week we are featuring Elegance from Estelle

2 balls for a scarf
12mm needles

Regular $9.95

Special price until Saturday December 17, 2011
$6.95 a ball

Kidsilk Haze Stripe

2011-12-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

A while ago I mentioned that Rowan was going to have free patterns on their website for garments in Kidsilk Haze Stripe. Two garments are up.

Beth

This easy to knit ladies sweater with cowl neck and deep cuff detail allows the inherent beauty of the colours through the yarn.

download the pattern...

Megan

Knit this ladies loose fit poncho and the unique colour blends in Kidsilk Haze Stripe will shine through. Ideal as a evening wear layer piece.

download the pattern...

And then the surprise. There is a book for Kidsilk Haze Stripe. I just found this out on Friday while on Ravelry. The book is ordered but I won't know until next week when we will be receiving in.

The Kidsilk Haze Stripe Collection exclusively using Rowan's new Kidsilk Haze Stripe yarn (colours by Kaffe Fassett). This colourful collection of 8 simple and easy to wear designs by Marie Wallin, Lisa Richardson & Kaffe Fassett allows the inherent beauty of this yarn to shine. 6 Patterns will be available in the brochure

Misty - in the pattern book

This beautifully simple scarf is knitted in two colours of Kidsilk Haze Stripe allowing two different colours to work together to give a unique finished garment.

Freya - in the pattern book

Knit this loose fit ladies sweater with cowl neck detail. This garment knitted in double yarn giving the colour transitions a softer effect.

Belle - in the pattern book

Knit this ladies cardigan in stocking stick with moss stitch border. This simple garment allows the inherent beauty of the yarn to shine

I want the book NOW!

We had lots of laughs last night. The night ended early (okay, earlier than it used to) and we were all ready to go by 10pm. In the good old days we were just leaving home to go out at that time. I can remember getting ready to leave the house and my dad asking what was going on. We couldn't make him understand that you didn't show up anywhere earlier than that.

Old Sweater

2011-12-09T18:42:00.000-05:00

The big chore this morning was passport pictures. Both our passports are expiring in a few weeks. We met at the portrait studio and the first words out of Beth's mouth were "you were wearing that sweater the last time we had passport photos done. Is it really that old?" I guess I like my sweater. It's Noro (and I knit it) so I'm definitely not throwing it out because it is a few years old.

There were lots of deliveries today.

Mr. UPS brought in a box of Rowan. We are well stocked on Kidsilk Haze Stripe, Kidsilk Creation and Felted Tweed.

Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Offhand Designs. We have three new Gatsby bags.

Then Mr. Canpar came in with three huge boxes. There wasn't much room to move near the cash desk.

The first two were filled with Frill Seeker and Frill Seeker Precious Metal.
In Frill Seeker
701
705
706
708
709
707
202
207
212
214
215

216
218
220
224
223
224
219

In Precious Metal
909
911
910
901

The scarf in this picture is knit lengthwise.

Materials: 1 ball Estelle Frill Seeker Precious Metal - 4.5mm needles - Darning needle
Cast on 100 stitches. Knit 5 rows. Cast off loosely. Weave in ends using darning needle.
Note: If you need to join two ends together, overlap the two ends of tape for approximately 4” and knit through both layers.

The last box had Triana. We received the brown/beige mix, harvest and the cream/beige mix.

I just received an email from my friends at Offhand Designs. I can't show you the colour samples from the email but I will tell you that two of the fabrics for spring are purple. I have been begging and now I am very happy. There was a bit more information in the email that I can't share yet but I think everyone will be pleased with the style of bags that are coming out this spring.

It's almost home time. We are meeting up with friends tonight that we haven't seen in a while-should be lots of laughs. Have a great evening!!

Tree Decorations

2011-12-08T20:21:00.000-05:00

We've had customers in lately making some very interesting Christmas tree decorations. This got me thinking about the cute decorations on Berroco's website.

Minutia

Download the patterns...

These are knit in double knitting weight yarn. You probably have some lying around the house. :)

Minutia '08

Twelve more patterns to download...

These are also knit in double knitting weight yarn like Zara, Loyal, Sportwool, Snuggly DK, Baby Bamboo, Silk Garden Lite.

If you enter Christmas tree decorations in the pattern section on Ravelry you will find 7 pages of interesting designs.

When you first go to the Pattern page on Ravelry, there is a list of the hot patterns. One mentioned is the Honey Cowl from madelinetosh. I downloaded the pattern (it is free) and have added it to my WANT pile.

Two skeins of tosh dk or merino dk. Many people have also used pashmina and vintage. The possibilities.

Knitting class last night was a lot of fun. Lynn actually brought her knitting-silly girl.

After class Beth and I flew through Survivor and the X Factor. Why does everyone who goes on Survivor say that they are going to play with honour and integrity? It never happens. Coach promised Edna early in the game that he was taking her to the end. So much for honour and integrity. The judges were much nicer on the X Factor. I guess they were told to stop bickering. They sure have a different concept of dance music than I do.

We didn't watch Revenge so I am going to watch in now. There isn't anything on tonight. Do we have to wait until after Christmas for Grey's Anatomy? It is going to be a crying episode. Poor Teddy.

Organizing your needles

2011-12-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

We have Christmas lights. Our neighbours came to us last week to say that they were putting lights up on their house. Would it be okay if they put them up on our side as well to make it look better? Are you joking? You are going to buy lights and put them up-Thank You Very Much. Now I need to get the wreath out for the front door.

Knitting class is meeting at my house tonight. I was up early and in the grocery store before 8. What a great time to shop. The store was empty and the bread is really fresh.

We just received a shipment of needle cases from Della Q

Interchangeable Needle Case

Fifteen numbered pockets for tips, five additional unnumbered
Four unnumbered pockets for cords
Zip pocket for connectors and tools
US Numbers: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 10.75, 11, 13, 15
Metric Numbers: 2.75, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Closed: 4" w x 7.25" h Open: 15" x 7.25"
Poly Silk
This wallet size case is perfect to store your Knitter's Pride, Addi Clicks or any other interchangeable set. It might even be smaller than your wallet for those of you who feel the need to keep every receipt. You have a case already? Where are you storing those extra tips we know you bought? There is space in this case. The case folds in quarters and ties securely. A zip pocket on the side stores your connectors or tools.

We have
Seafoam
Black
Brown
Ocean
Red
Purple

Are you looking for a way to store your straight needles? More Needle Rolls came as well.

Fifty-seven numbered pockets, three unnumbered
US Numbers: 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5,10.75, 11, 13, 15, 17
Metric Numbers: 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Closed: 15.5" h. Open: 24.75” w x 15.5”h.
Pocket depths of 5.75", 8.75", 11.5"
Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk
This holds more straight needles than your grandmother has in her collection. With space for 60 sets of straight needles, you will be the envy of your knitting guild. It is tall enough to hold those extra long so called "14 inch needles" that are really 15 inches. Warning! You may feel the need to shop for any missing sizes to fill the empty pockets.

We have Brown, Purple, Fuchsia and Seafoam.

It's almost going home time. We didn't get the house cleaned last night so we will be rushing around the house trying to get rid of dog hair. We will also be making brownies and cookies. The house will be smelling good when everyone arrives. :)

Purple

2011-12-06T17:15:00.000-05:00

The post earlier today wasn't really a post-more like a public service announcement.

I have kind of been holding out. There has been a bit of knitting over the past few days. Sometimes plain stocking stitch is just what the doctor ordered.

I am using Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed Chunky on 7mm needles.

Last week I showed you the poncho that Lynda knit using the Churchmouse Pattern Easy Folded Poncho. I am altering the pattern a bit and knitting it in chunky weight yarn. It is to go with the Christmas present that I carried home from Las Vegas but don't know about-purple cowboy boots.

Knitting class tomorrow night will be at my house for our Christmas party. That means going home tonight and cleaning the house. Maybe some baking. I think I just heard some people fall off their chairs laughing. I can bake. I just choose not too. :)

Ruffles Scarf Yarn

2011-12-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

We just received a shipment with Ondas and Triana.

Ondas

75 Red

71 Browns - pictured

74 Fuchsia

Triana

45 Fuchsia - pictured

48 Black and Grey

Keep checking back because more is expected over the next two weeks.

Feature of the Week

2011-12-05T23:37:00.000-05:00

Naturally Gabbiano
Regular $12.95 a ball
Special $9.95 a ball until Saturday December 10, 2011

39% wool
39% acrylic
22% polyamide

10mm needles
40m on a 50 gram balls

A few weeks ago I put a free cowl pattern for Gabbiano on my blog. We have the cowl and a vest knit up in the store. The yarn is super soft!!

Leaflets for very stylish
garments

Scarf in Naturally's Gabbiano
booklet

Great jacket from
Naturally's Gabbiano booklet

Sock yarn suggestions

2011-12-05T19:36:00.000-05:00

It was a very unproductive weekend when it comes to knitting. The store has been crazy busy the past few weeks (trust me I am not complaining-I want it busier) and when I get home I am a bit yarned out. Did I just say that?? You know at the end of the day you don't want to do more work at home and I get that feeling somedays as well. I have a feeling it is going to change this week. :)

Here are some new patterns we have in the store. All are knit out of sock yarn. What a great way to use some Tanis Purple Label Cashmere sock, Prism Yarns Saki, madelinetosh tosh sock and tosh merino light.

Daybreak from Westknits

Daybreak is a semicircular shawl featuring clear, graphic stripes that echo a rising sun. The generous wingspan allows the fabric to drape comfortably around your shoulders and neck. There is plenty of room to play with color in the three sections of this

Sizes: Small[Medium,Large] Finished Measurements: 15[17,20]"/38[43.51]cm from cast on, along center stitch, to bind off. 52[60,72]"/132[152,183]cm wingspan, along edge stitches. Measurements taken after blocking.

Fingering weight Color A: 135[240,325] yds Color B: 200[270,440] yds

Clockwork from Westknits

Clockwork is an enjoyable striped garter stitch shawl/scarf, perfect for featuring two beautiful colors of yarn. Bold slipped stitch columns add structural interest while increases give this gear-inspired design a unique arched shape. Picking colors is always the hardest part, but have fun and be prepared to make a striking statement.
Finished Measurements: 10″ / 25cm wide from CO to BO, 92″ / 234cm from tip to tip along BO edge
Yarn: Fingering weight
Color A: 420 yds
Color B: 275 yds

Contorno from indigirl

Spice up any outfit with a side-dish of Italian-inspired color. The Contorno wrap uses three unique colorways of handpainted yarn to create instant drama and flair. Worked in garter stitch stripes, the wrap begins with a dramatic ripple worked lengthwise. Then, short row shaping pulls it all together into a gentle, lengthwise curve with tapered ends. In Italian, “Contorno” has two meanings. In cooking, it’s a dish to accompany the main course. But I find its second definition, contour, works just as perfectly.

525 yards fingering-weight yarn, 175 yards each in 3 colors

Adelia Cowl-Tanis pattern using
Purple Label Cashmere Sock Yarn

Speaking of Tanis-Jane unpacked a box from Tanis this morning. We have more stock of Purple Label Cashmere
-dove
-atlantic
-chestnut
-spruce
-poppy
-natural
-charcoal
-teal
-sand
-stormy
-shadow
-plum
-grape

Later this evening there will be another post for the Feature of the Week.

Quick Check In

2011-12-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

It was a busy day in the store (which is a very good thing) but I didn't get a blog post started. When I got home I took Beth to the casino in Brantford. Yes, we did just go to Vegas but I never posted that Beth was sick. Mom reads my blog and I didn't want her and dad to know. Only the flu but Beth wasn't a fun person. She spent two days in bed which meant not much casino time.

My dad is flying home from Honduras today. Currently they are in Miami but we don't know if he will be home tonight. They were supposed to leave Honduras this morning but engine problems delayed them. The flight from Miami left without them and now they are trying to get on another flight but we haven't heard if all/some/none got on. Beth and I are heading to the airport soon hoping to find them there. :)

It's now late Sunday afternoon. Beth and mom picked dad up at the airport last night. He was good but tired.

I woke up with a migraine this morning. I am feeling a bit better but I feel the best lying down. I'm quickly completing my post because I can't go two days without.

The Feature of the Week will be posted tomorrow. :)

Fernfrost

2011-12-02T18:32:00.000-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that an order arrived from Namaste. Mini Messenger bags in black are back in stock. I have two Mini Messengers (okay, one is mine and one is Beth's but I use them both) and love the bag. Even with my laptop in it the bag is light to carry around. If you are flying it is a great carry on bag.

Classic Hip Holsters were in the box as well. All colours are here.

I just spoke with one of my suppliers and we will have more Ondas and Triana arriving next week. They couldn't tell me what colours but I will post when they arrive.

Mom talked with my dad this afternoon. They are back in Tegucigalpa (the capital city of Honduras) and will be flying home tomorrow morning. Their trip has been good but busy. The main job this trip was latrines and concrete floors. Concrete floors sounds easy but they don't have cement trucks that pull up and dump the concrete. They are hand mixing it. He will be very tired and sore tomorrow night and will say that this was his last trip. We know that will change next year when they start talking about going back. His will be the first name on the list.

Fernfrost from Anne Hanson

A fine, nearly-weightless lace scarf which captures the curling, fernlike imprints of frost feathers on cold glass.
Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in an overall variation in size.

Suggested Yarns: Fearless Fibers Cashmere Laceweight or Merino Laceweight, Sivaya Naturals Cashmere Lace, Louet Mooi, Jaggerspun Zephyr, Jade Sapphire Cashmere/Silk Laceweight, Woolen Rabbit Whisper Merino Lace, Posh Yarn Eva, or any laceweight yarn which has approximately 400 yards per 2 ounces.

I'm thinking of having this knit in Naturally's Lace. The angora will give the scarf a nice haze.

Finished Size: 10.5”W x 48”L (blocked and stretched)

Yarn Requirements: 400 yards

Gauge: 28 sts and 40 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 2.5US (3.00 mm) or size to obtain correct gauge

I didn't get any knitting done last night. I never made it to the couch. Once my post was published I went to bed. Tonight there won't be any knitting either. We are having dinner with our friends and their kids. I hope I can remember how to knit when I get back to it. :)

New Scarves

2011-12-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining which makes it a good day for taking pictures. I need to get another picture of this cowl so that you can see the stitch pattern. Unfortunately the ground is muddy. I am wearing new shoes today and thought better of walking through the mud too often.

Pattern: Fragile Scarf Wrap from Rowan Lace
The original pattern was a shawl but we knit one repeat, cast off and joined into a circle to make a beautiful, light, dressy cowl. Thank you Diana for the idea.
Yarn: Rowan Fine Lace

While the ladies were busy in class last night I finished off my Berroco Lacey scarf.

One ball of Berroco Lacey (click at the top of the page to see the shades)
4 or 4.5mm needles

Video on how to make the scarf

Mr. Canpar just brought in two huge boxes. 6 brand new colours of Frillseeker and colours of Cascade 220 we were out of.

Right after Ms. Canada Post brought in two boxes. Knitting from Lynda and a box from Namaste.

Pattern: Easy Folded Poncho from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
Yarn: 7 balls of Sportwool from Filatura di Crosa

Unfortunately my pictures aren't as good as Jared's pictures on the Churchmouse patterns. :)

Lynda's comment on the poncho

The cowl neck poncho has a very soft and smooth texture

Pattern: Bias 'Before and After' Scarf
Yarn: 1 ball of Silky Alpaca Lace from Classic Elite

From Lynda while she was knitting

They are right, it is truly ugly before blocking!!! Will continue and trust that they are also right that it will be beautiful after!!

And then from Lynda when she was done knitting

The bias scarf is truly beautiful "after" blocking; the coloring is a sort of sophisticated tie-dyed look and the fabric is lovely, soft and light.

It was a late night last night. We didn't start Survivor until after 10:30. Then we raced through the X Factor. The judges were harsh again. Unfortunately Simon can dish it out about other peoples performers but can't take it when they talk about his. I wish Drew would sing an upbeat song. Can you imagine going to see her in concert? I would be asleep by the time she started the third song. Melanie's performance was amazing. I'm glad that she finally had a song that she could belt out.

I haven't touched my knitting in a few days. I really need to get back to it so I'm signing off, going to wrap myself in my snuggie and knit. Yes. I can admit it. I have a snuggie and I love it.

Santa

2011-11-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

Mr. Canada Post wasn't happy with me this morning. He came in and I had 11 boxes waiting for him. I felt like Santa.

I just spoke with madelinetosh and more yarn is going into production for us. It will be approximately a week and a half to two weeks before we receive the yarn but if there is a colour you want/need, please let me know so that I can hold it for you the minute the boxes arrive.

tosh merino light

amber trinket
badlands
betty draper blues
byzantine
copper penny
fathom
flashdance
glazed pecan
jade
moca
nebula
plaid blanket
stovepipe
vanilla bean
william morris

tosh dk

calligraphy
fathom
kale

Here are the new colours of Noro Iro. I did them first thing this morning before I forgot.

108

112

115

117

119

It is much later and I am getting ready to run out and grab some dinner before class. Beth took mom out for Chinese food. I can't/won't eat Chinese food so it is a treat for them. I have suffered from migraines since I was young. One of the triggers was Chinese food-the MSG. I know you can get Chinese food now without MSG but after being really ill after you ate something you don't want to eat it ever again.

I received an email about some new patterns coming to Rowan's website for Colourspun. Free patterns.

Colourspun is a lovely wool and mohair blended yarn which is sublime to knit. Each shade is produced by blending two printed and two solid colours together and then twisted with a printed binder.

I just went to www.knitrowan.com and the patterns are there.

Knitting class is over and I am home. The ladies were very productive tonight. Susan knit a scarf in the new Mischief. The whole scarf during class and it looks great. Maggi, Sarah and Cathy worked very hard as well.

It has been a long day-I was in the store for almost 12 hours. It's time to put up my feet and watch Survivor and the X Factor. I hope the judges on X Factor are a little nicer this evening.

Pretty Boxes

2011-11-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

Mr. Canada Post braved the pouring rain to bring in two boxes from Lorna's Laces. The sock kits are here!!

The colours are so pretty in their boxes.

It has been a busy morning. Lacey is now on the website-you can also see it at the top of my blog. I have updated the Triana, Triana Lux and Ondas at the top of the blog as well. We have lots more on order and are just waiting for my suppliers to receive shipments so they can send to us.

Mr. Canpar brought in two huge boxes.
-Knitters Pride needles including metal sets of sock needles in 5" and 6" lengths

Set includes
2mm, 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3mm and 3.25mm

Engineered from hollow brass pipes and plated with high quality nickel, Nova's polished surface is a knitter's delight.
Sharp and gradually tapered points are ideal for all knitting projects including lace!
Double point Nova needles yield precise stitch definition
Light weight insures comfort in the hand and hours of stress free, satisfying knitting
Durability of metal guarantees minimal wear and maximum life
A streamlined manufacturing process makes Nova needles highly affordable
The exceptionally smooth surface enables stitches to move quickly and with no resistance

-Kureyon and Silk Garden colours we were out of
-Triana in the black/grey mix
-New colours of Noro Iro. Unfortunately I started this post at work and am finishing it at home. I left the invoice at work so I can't tell you what colours we received.
-New Noro Now book from Jenny Watson

Caricia-another Anne Hanson design

A soft and silky triangle shawl in three sizes mini(petite, tall) to encircle the shoulders and body in luxury. Knit in a repeating allover motif of tiny flower bouquets that is easily mastered, this piece works up quickly and can be re sized by adding/subtracting repeats or worked in a different gauge by changing yarn and needles.

Suggested Yarns: Hand Maiden Cashmere and Silk or Sea Silk, Shivaya Naturals Silky Merino, Woolen Rabbit Opulence, Sundara Yarn Fingering Silky Merino, Alchemy Monarch, Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Knitwitches Cashmere Silk or Camel Silk, Fleece Artist Somoko, Posh Yarns Eva Sock, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 400–450 yards per 100 grams

Finished Size: 54(70, 84) inches across top edge and 27(35, 42) inches long at center back (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 400(560, 780) yards

Gauge: 24 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked)

Needles: size 4 US (3.5 mm) circular needle; DPN needles in same size for grafting edges are helpful, but optional

These amazing shawls have me thinking about knitting some lace.

One of a Kind

2011-11-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

Today was a fun day off. I paid some bills, packed boxes and dropped them at the post office, took Jane lunch in the store and then off to Toronto. It was One of a Kind day. I was parked about as far away as possible. You will understand this in a few minutes.

In the first aisle was alarte hand painted silks. I couldn't stop myself. I was by myself-someone should have come with me to be my voice of reason. :)

This is the cute box it came in.

The colour of my scarf is close to this.

Izabela calls this New York Orchid. She wanted me to buy a brighter scarf but I already have one that is purple and green. It lives in the apartment and I am going to rescue it tomorrow.

From her website www.alartesilks.com

Please note: each Alarte Silks Shibori shawl is unique. We paint and pleat it one at a time. Each one of Shibori shawls bares Izabelas signature. Small variations in pattern and color are possible. This is what makes them special. Shibori Shawls should be DRY CLEANED only.

It was a few more aisles until my next purchase. I have a great leather purse that travels with me all the time. It isn't too big and heavy but will hold my wallet, phone, knitting and iPad for flying. My bag is brown and I bought one in a deep navy/grey.

Then I was very good for quite a few aisles. I was looking for Marie-Joel. She makes the great art that is hanging in my dining room. I didn't get a picture of the two pieces that I bought but here is a picture that I took to send to Beth. I wasn't sure if this was too long for our room and we decided it was. We were afraid that if they were too long then when people push their chairs back from the dining room table they will hit the pictures.

www.ateliertrema.com

There was no way that I could carry the two pieces along with my shawl box and purse. I made a trip out to the car with these and then walked back to get the art. The pieces aren't heavy but very awkward. My arms were a bit tired by the time I made it to the car. Having someone along with me would have been a plus. Beth is coming next time whether she likes it or not. :)

This is our wall so far. We have another thin piece to go on the left in the blue tones and a double wide in browns to go on the right. The pictures will be hung when dad gets home. (He just called from Honduras. All is well. They had a very long day pouring four floors but the weather wasn't too hot so he was happy.) We held them up to see how they looked and decided that after the new ones are up we will only need two more pieces. These pieces can be the long ones. We will be going to One of a Kind in April to finish the wall.

Here is another pattern from Anne Hanson-there should be some knitting content

Luciole

A silky, star-splashed triangle, worked from neck to hem in three sizes (mini/petite/tall) with a lacy hem of dancing firefly motifs. The easy-to-work stitch patterns and wrong-side rest rows make this piece a great first shawl project, or a fun, relaxing weekend traveler for experienced knitters. It’s ornate appearance belies its simplicity of construction; this piece knits up quickly and effortlessly to make a dazzling last-minute gift.
Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in an overall variation in size.

Suggested Yarns: Spirit Trail Fiberworks Penelope, Orihime, or Neith, Woolen Rabbit Lark or Opulence, Briar Rose Sea Pearl, Knitting Notions Classic Merino Bamboo, Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Silk, Fibre Isle Pearl Bison, Hand Maiden Swiss Mountain Cashmere and Silk, Sweet Georgia Merino/Silk DK, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 425 yards per 100 grams

Finished Size: 18(24, 30) inches long at center back and 42(54, 68) inches across top edge (blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 300(425, 650) yards

Gauge: 26 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 3US (3.25 mm) circular needle (or size to obtain correct gauge)
DPNs same size for final join (optional)

Another beauty. I love the way that Anne uses pins to hold her shawls closed.

Feature of the Week

2011-11-27T12:12:00.000-05:00

This week we are going away from yarn to knitting bags/purses from Namaste.

Two bags will be on special this week.

Regular $79
Special price until Saturday, December 3, 2011 $50

Bitty Bag

The Bitty bag is the ultimate bag for combining function with pleasure while mixing in the perfect amount of cute! Features include interior coated canvas print, elastic straps to keep contents in place, 2 open top pockets, 1 interior zipper pocket and an exterior zipper pocket. Adjustable shoulder strap and strong magnetized closures make this bag super functional and super fun.

COLORS:
Black, Eggplant, Hollywood Pink, Lime, Peacock, Red. All with "Lola" print fabric on interior.

MATERIALS:
Exterior: PVC-free, vegan faux leather.Interior: PVC-free coated canvas.

SIZE:
L: 13" at bottom, 11.5" at top, W: 5" at bottom, 3" at top H: 7"
Adjustable strap: 30" (longest position), 16" (shortest description)

View all the colours...

Zuma

With a unique shape and fresh appeal, the Zuma bag opens wide and closes fast with 3 well-placed magnets. The interior features 3 pockets (1 zipper pocket and 2 open-top pockets) and the rear exterior has a handy zipper pocket for quick access. The front pocket boasts an accordian-style design for multi-compartment storage of whatever tickles your fancy. How great...how Zuma!

COLORS:
Black, Eggplant, Hollywood Pink, Lime, Peacock, Red

MATERIALS:
PVC-free, animal-friendly faux leather

SIZE:
9.5" W x 11" H x 17" L 10" (length at the base)
Handle Length: 10" (top of bag to top of handle)

See all the colours...
We have a few discontinued colours as well-saddle and turquoise.
___________________________________
In stock only
No layaways
We will mail across Canada and the US

Tudor Grace

2011-11-27T11:55:00.000-05:00

I got home from work yesterday and fell onto the couch. There was a bit of knitting but mostly resting. We watched a very bad movie about a run away train with Denzel Washington. I can't remember the name and it doesn't really matter. If you are debating between it and another movie I suggest you pick the other one.

This is Tudor Grace from Anne Hanson.

This scarf features a twining openwork chain pattern in neat vertical repeats like climbing roses. A simple six-row repeat with lace knitting on the right side only, this one knits up quickly and makes a great on-the-go project using any soft sock weight or sport yarn.

Suggested Yarns: Briar Rose Sea Pearl or Grace, Fearless Fibers Merino/Tencel or Cashmere Sport, Woolen Rabbit Opulence or Harmony Sock, Knitting Notions Classsic Bamboo/Merino, Yarn Nerd Bambylon, Ball and Skein Artisan Merino Silk or Tashi, Handmaiden Sea Silk or Casbah, or any soft fingering/sport yarn.

Finished Size: 10” W x 42” L (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 325 yards

Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 4US (3.5mm) or size to obtain correct gauge

Here is my Tudor Grace in tosh pashmina. The yarn feels great. If you need to make a scarf I highly recommend it.

The yarn is a bit thicker than fingering weight. I am using a 4mm needle and took out one pattern repeat.

The pattern is a six row repeat with both written and charted instructions. The wrong side rows are knits and purls. I like to think of these as relaxing rows-not much thinking.

My dad safely arrived in Honduras on Wednesday evening. Their flight left Toronto late and they had to run in Miami to make their connection. Their trip has been smooth since then. Mom has talked to dad a few times and we are getting updates on Facebook.

Lots of football today. NFL and the Grey Cup. Hopefully I will get some done on Tudor Grace.

It doesn't get much easier

2011-11-25T18:34:00.000-05:00

I started and almost finished my Berroco Lacey scarf. It is very easy to do. You don't need to know anything about knitting to make the scarf. There are instructions on Berroco's website for using either knitting needles or a crochet hook.

video for knit version...

video for crochet version...

We have all the colours in stock...

It isn't on the website yet but I will try and get it up early next week.

Here is another design from Anne Hanson

This is the Autumn Arbor Stole

What a wow addition to your wardrobe!

A rectangle stole in two sizes petite(tall), richly-textured with voluptuous leaf motifs and dainty undulating insertion panels. Incorporated leaf edgings along the selvedges complete the composition. Recommended for handpainted variegated yarns with subtle, tonal color changes.

Suggested Yarns: The Woolen Rabbit Whisper Merino Lace, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Laci, Sweet Sheep Sweet Lace, Wooly Wonka Fibers Merino Laceweight, Shivaya Naturals Merino Lace, Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace, or any laceweight yarn which has 210–230 yards per ounce

Finished Size: 19(23)”W x 72(84)”L (measured along side edge at shortest points)

Yarn Requirements: 1100(1500) yards

Gauge: 24 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 5US (3.75 mm)

Anne does such amazing work. I'm totally jealous of her talents.

Aria Delicato

A pretty lace scarf, delicately complex to the eye, which is actually comprised of a simple eight-row pattern.

Suggested Yarns: Slackford Studio Nimbus Cloud, The Natural Dye Studio Angel, The Woolen Rabbit Kashmir or Lark Fingering, Briar Rose Cashmere Special, Zen Yarn Garden CashSilk, Posh Yarn Miranda, Skein Queen Enchant, Squoosh Fiberarts Alpaca Silk Cashmere Fingering, Wool Candy Souffle Fingering, Stricken Smitten S’marvelous, Studio June Yarn Cash Paca Sock, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 350-400 yards per 100 grams.

Finished Size: 8.5”W x 48”L (blocked and stretched)

Yarn Requirements: approximately 275 yards

Gauge: 26 sts and 44 rows = 4” in stockinette (unblocked)

Needles: size US3 (3.25 mm)or size to obtain correct gauge

I am knitting a Knitspot pattern, Tudor Grace, in tosh pashmina but ran into a small problem. I lost the pattern. It came in the box so I can get it finished. Now that I am writing this I think I am going to pull the scarf out tonight.

The Conservatory

2011-11-24T19:40:00.000-05:00

The ladies in my Wednesday night knitting class were very adamant that I tell you a few things. I think they were a bit miffed that I said they come and sit and talk and don't actually knit. :)
-They did bring their knitting out last night
-They learned a new technique-provisional cast on

Scottie in Varuni
The fabric is amazing-the picture doesn't
do it justice.

Mr. Canada Post has been busy bringing me parcels the past few days.

Two boxes from madelinetosh with tosh sock, tosh merino DK and tosh DK

One box from Offhand Designs with knitting bags and needle cases.

A box of patterns from Anne Hanson-Knitspot

I emailed Anne earlier today to make sure it was okay for me to use her pictures on my blog. I didn't think I would hear back until Monday because of Thanksgiving. I just received an email from her telling me to go ahead. Thank you Anne.

There are many pictures to show so I am going to spread them over the next few days.

This is Gnarled Oakwoods

A rectangle stole featuring lush, organic motifs that convey the rich, earthy scents and textures of a woodland floor. Stole is worked from hem to center back in two pieces which are then grafted.

Suggested Yarns: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Briar Rose Josephine, Woolen Rabbit Opulence, Wooly Wonka Fibers Celestial, Jaeger Alpaca, Rowan Felted Tweed, or any fingering weight yarn with a relaxed, drapey hand and approximately 400 yards per 100 grams.

Finished Size: 22 inches wide x 80 inches long (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 1100 yards

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked)

Needles: size 6US (4.0 mm) needle

While I was away a box arrived from Berroco with Lacey.

Here are some more pictures from the Conservatory at the Bellagio.

I showed this picture while I was away but I couldn't make it large in my post. I'm not sure if you could really see the flowers and the detail in the picture.

Beth was a little freaked out by the tree-his eyes move. She said it reminds her of Pufnstuf which caused her sleepless nights when we were kids.

The Conservatory is always a highlight of any trip to Vegas. I'm so happy we got to see a finished display-many times we are there during construction.

It is amazing what they can do with plants and flowers.

This is the check in/out desk at the Bellagio. We were there at noon as people were checking out so I couldn't get any closer.

I haven't touched any knitting since Friday morning in the airport. My fingers are itching so I am putting my work away and going to catch up on Revenge.

Noro NOW!!!

2011-11-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

We made it home safely but I am very tired today. Our plane landed in Toronto at 11 last night but we couldn't move to the gate until 11:30. There wasn't anyone there to meet the plane. Thankfully the customs line was small and we were in the car on the way home by 12. Someone, not me, forgot to bring house keys so we had to stop at my parents to get them. By the time we got home, suitcases in the house, checked the days emails, had a tea and bagel (dinner) from Tims, it was close to 2 before I got in bed. The alarm went off at 4:30. Dad left for Honduras this morning. We met him at the church before the vans left to take everyone to the airport. He was surprised to see us-he didn't believe we could get up. Home again and another 2 hours of sleep before coming to work. I wonder why I am tired. :)

One of my sales reps just left and she left me a present. There is a new book from Jenny Watson for Noro. We should have copies in the store for sale next week.

Great designs in three new yarns for fall.

Nadeshiko
Odori
Hitsuji

From Jenny Watson

A collection of 16 designs from jackets and cardigans to sweaters and accessories - created in the latest new yarns from Noro. This collection has been photographed with some of the latest trends showing how this Noro collection can complement your high street wardrobe.

Hitsuji

Nadeshiko

Hitsuji

Odori

Hitsuji

Odori

Nadeshiko

Odori

Hitsuji

Nadeshiko

Ann and Lynda are going to need knitting soon. What to send them is going to be a problem. I love them all!!

A bit more from the trip -

In the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's there is an Ugg store. I love Ugg slippers. When I walk in from work I put them on and they are on my feet until I go to bed. When I get out of bed they are on my feet again until I go to work. My pair is wearing out and the store had a great colour that I haven't seen before. I got to the mall before the store opened so I took a few pictures.

At the entrance from Las Vegas Blvd.

The ceiling

The columns and statues are amazing!

It is hard to believe the money that was spent building this. It is a shopping mall. We sure don't have malls that look like this in Canada.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. The TV in the store will be on tomorrow so that I can watch football. Too bad no one will be making us turkey dinner.

Take two

2011-11-21T23:43:00.001-05:00

I had a blog post written and now it is gone.

This morning Beth and I went to the Venetian. While I was shopping Beth took this picture for me. I'm not sure what to call him. Beth is suggesting a human statue. He doesn't move. Doesn't smile.

Beth laid down a dollar in front of him before taking the picture. He very briefly looked at her and then back to being a statue.

I have a new charm for my Pandora bracelet. I had to buy it. It is the Chinese Zodiac Sheep.

I was meant to have it. A sheep and from the year I was born. Had to buy it. The more I write it the better I feel about buying it.

It is our last night. We shouldn't be in our room at 8:45 so off we go!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Lots of Pictures

2011-11-21T02:47:00.001-05:00

Beth and I took lots of pictures last night and today. Here are a few. I will post more when we get home.

The tree in front of the Venetian.

On the walk between the Venetian and the Palazzo there are amazing Thanksgiving displays.

The Conservatory at The Bellagio is always amazing. This is the first time we have seen it for Thanksgiving. There are many, many more pictures.

A picture made of flowers.

From the front of the Mirage.

We had another great day visiting the Bellagio, Aria and Venetian. It's time to get some sleep. Last night was late or early-depending on how you look at it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hello from Vegas

2011-11-19T21:28:00.001-05:00

With the new update on my iPad, BlogPress isn't happy. I'm doing a quick post because I keep losing what I have written.

Vegas is fun. The Mirage is as beautiful as always. These great displays are in the check in area.

We did some shopping yesterday afternoon at Caesars. Shoes and boots for me.

Today we visited The Cosmopolitan. Lunch at Holsteins. What great burgers, fries and milk shakes.

This is at the front door when you walk in from Las Vegas Boulevard.

And the chandelier.

We are in the room for a bit of a rest and then off to the Venetian. Vegas is fun!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad