Orienta Shawl

Diana dropped by this afternoon with a new store sample. This is Orienta - the shawl for the Malabrigo KAL.

The colours turned out amazing. This is kit Simpata 1.

Biches & Buches sent a newsletter yesterday that they received more stock. I have placed an order to refill the shelves. Here are 3 new colours coming. Le Lambswool - Autumn Evening.

Le Petit Lambswool - Mermaid and Summer Dust.

My guess is that we will see the yarn in a week to two weeks.

I remembered needles and I’m working on the ribbing for the first sleeve. We’re going to try and introduce dad to Survivor tonight. I don’t think it will go well but he might surprise us. He isn’t into reality shows. Wish us luck.

52 Weeks of Sweaters

Mr. FedEx should be coming tomorrow with the new book 52 Weeks of Sweaters.

52 Weeks of Sweaters is the eighth volume in Laine Publishing’s hugely popular 52 Weeks book series — and the most-requested subject! The book features 52 patterns by 52 talented designers from all over the world, expanding the theme beyond sweaters to cardigans, vests and slipovers as well. You’ll find a wide range of techniques from simple stockinette stitch to textures, colourwork and cables (and even one crochet piece!). 

The projects’ skill level ranges from easy to challenging, and they showcase just how versatile knitted garments can be: from delicate cardigans to layer over your party dress, to cosy jumpers that double as outerwear. Truly, a sweater book to inspire everyone!

Here are a few of the sweaters from the book.

This week will be busy with deliveries. Tomorrow we’re receiving a large box of Cascade yarns along with a new colour of Lang Cloud. Emma’s, Addi needles and Crazy Zauberball should be coming on Thursday.

I’m almost finished the first sleeve on my sweater. Unfortunately I don’t have the correct size needle to do the ribbing. The stitches are on a holder and I’ve started picking up the second sleeve. 

New Patterns

Tanis Lavallee has a new sweater pattern. You can purchase the pattern for Lismore on Ravelry.

I would suggest Cascade Eco for the sweater. Or you could use a worsted weight yarn and add a strand of mohair/silk.

Stephen West also has a new pattern.

You can purchase the pattern for the Honeycomb Scarflet on Ravelry.

Choose one color of DK weight wool for the main color and a self-striping contrast color for honeycomb slip stitches. I used 3 strands of Zauberball Crazy fingering weight yarn held together for the color changing contrast color stripes. The pattern includes a video tutorial demonstrating how to triple strand your yarn from one yarn ball, in order to maintain the self-striping effect of your fingering weight yarn. You can also substitute the contrast color with any DK or worsted weight yarn, perfect for variegated or speckled colorways. This long skinny shape knits up in a flash with US 7 / 4.5mm needles.

Photos © Stephen West

I’m onto the sleeves. I knit the body with Addi Ewenicorn needles. They don’t come in 16” (40cm) so I went to grab an original Addi. We were out of the size I needed (an order is coming next week) so I grabbed an Addi Squared needle. I didn’t realize that the tips had more of a point than the original needles. You learn something new every day.

Now it’s time to do my first sleeve decrease. Have a good evening - I’m knitting tonight.

Sleeves

PetiteKnit has a new pattern - meet the Jenny Blouse. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

The Jenny Blouse is worked from the top down. First, the back yoke is worked back and forth in the smock pattern with short rows. Next, stitches are picked up and knitted along the top of the back yoke and the shoulders are worked from these stitches, also with short rows. The body is worked in the round on a circular needle. The sleeves are worked in the round in the smock pattern. The pattern includes instructions for working the sleeves with and without decreases. At the end, stitches are picked up and knitted for the folded neck edge.

The sweater is knit with one strand of fingering held with one strand of a mohair/silk blend.

We were up early to watch the hockey game. I was able to finish my ribbing and cast off the body. The first sleeve is back on the needles and I’ve been knitting away all afternoon.

I’ll be in the store tomorrow morning packing orders and writing a newsletter. Then home to knit. I’m totally obsessed. Hopefully the sleeves go fast so I can wear the sweater before it gets too warm.

Ribbing

Rowan Magazine 79 is available for preorder. Rowan should be launching the spring season on March 1st. 

Here is my sweater before I left the store last night. I have had so much fun making this sweater. Today I went through Dyed in the Wool to see what colour I might use to make another one.

The ribbing has been started. I have to pay a bit of attention because it is a K2, P1 rib.

Before the store opened I had the hockey game on the TV and speed skating on my iPad. 

My ribbing is growing.

It was a crazy day in the store. Thank you to everyone who visited. I brought home dinner so no one had to cook and now it’s time for a movie and knitting.

Orienta Shawl - Malabrigo KAL

I found the link to join the Malabrigo KAL. Here it is.

This afternoon I put together a few combinations for the shawl. These are available online and in the store.

Pretty colours of Malabrigo Sock.

I didn’t open the store today. I’m fine with snow but freezing rain and ice isn’t something I want to mess with. I’ll be back at noon tomorrow.

Now back to my knitting. I have 9 rows to go and then the ribbing.

My sweater so far

I tried on my sweater to see how much further I need to go. Beth is begging me to make her the Happy Camp Sweater when I’m finished.

It isn’t going to be finished before the end of the Olympics. I tried but it’s a lot of knitting. I think the body will be finished.

Today was a long day. I went to the store early to get boxes out. Then a hair cut and a visit to the dentist followed by grocery shopping and a stop at the drug store on the way home.

The store might not open tomorrow if we get the freezing rain that they are calling for. I left a note on the door and changed the answering machine.

I have a large bag of Malabrigo Sock to put together combinations for the Orienta Shawl KAL. That will be my job tomorrow if I’m stuck at home. 

Now back to my knitting and watching Olympic events that I missed today.