My New Best Friend

Tosh Chunky in fog

I didn't get very far last night but enough to know that I like knitting with the yarn.
It really isn't a chunky yarn-closer to Aran. I would suggest a tension of 16-18 stitches = 4" on 4.5-5.5mm needles.

I'm making Wheaten - an Anne Hanson pattern that I purchased on Ravelry.

There are two versions to the pattern - fingering (pictured) and worsted. I'm following the worsted numbers but my yarn is slightly thicker than worsted so I will end up with a bit bigger wrap. The pattern is well written (both words and a chart) and is easy to follow. The pattern stitches aren't hard either.

Now the Karbonz needles. I didn't read the pattern before I went home (surprise, surprise) and didn't take Karbonz to do the ribbing. After ribbing on Addis I changed to the Karbonz. Honestly, I didn't like them after the first row. They aren't as fast as Addis and I didn't like the metal point. But after the second row I changed my mind. They have a very nice feel to them. As the packaging says they are warm in your hand and they are very light. The point is great if you are doing any time of lace work. The join is perfect. There is no catching like on those old grey circular needles we knit with years ago. They aren't as slippery as Addis so you don't have to worry about your stitches sliding off. (I'm not knocking Addis-I like slippery needles-but it is something that some knitters don't like) I definitely give them an A.

I'm going to open a package and cast on some stitches so you can try them if you come into the store. I think you will like them too.

I need to pick easy knitting to work on tonight. Nothing that needs my attention. Beth has started to knit a monkey-Jacobus. There are a lot of instructions and a lot of shaping. I need to be on call for questions.

Sleepy Sunday

I'm almost done. I have the curly q tassels finished on one end. Maybe the other end will be done tomorrow. It took some fiddling to figure out how to add them to the throw. I was going to sew them on and couldn't make them look good. I took a picture from Colinette and enlarged it to see how they added the tassels. They are tied on. Easy way to do it.

It's been a long day that is getting longer. Beth was going to barbecue dinner but we ran out of propane. She went and stole the tank from my parents. Unfortunately it was empty as well. Now she is on her way to Swiss Chalet.

Here are some pictures of my Happy Birthday plant.

All of a sudden we have little yellow flowers. No, I know nothing about flowers so I don't know their proper name. :)

And it looks like we are going to have purple flowers soon.

There could be a new project started tonight. I don't really want to start something but we received some Karbonz circular needles today. I really should try them out. :) And every knitter knows that you shouldn't change needles mid project so what am I supposed to do?

Today's shipment included circular, 80cm (32") in 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm and 6mm.

Beth should be home any minute so I better sign off and get cutlery out.

Sewing in ends times 4

There's been some finishing happening today.

The Three Tail Scarf from Prism knit in Plume. It looks like fur but it isn't. 

An incredibly soft, luxurious faux fur yarn, hand-dyed Plume is made even more wonderful through our special finishing process. We love it best used as an accent with a flatter yarn, where it has the appearance of real fur. Cuffs, collars, cowls, scarves: Plume will be your new best friend!

The scarf has been done for awhile and I finally sewed in the ends. Then I had fun putting together different colour combinations.

Beth is having fun knitting but still hasn't learned how to finish. It's much easier to 'play dumb' and have someone else do it for you.

Liberty Wool from Classic Elite makes Beth happy. It changes colours which keeps her interested.

The scarf is the Purl Ridge Scarf (a free pattern from Stephen West) and took 2 balls. Small problem. It is knit on circular needles and Beth didn't see that there was a twist. We noticed about 5 rows in and she decided to finish it the way it was. It sits great if you double it over.

The hat is Fake Isle (a free pattern from Amy King) that also took 2 balls-one black and one multi. She learned new things on this hat like catching the yarn when doing fair isle.

The hat and scarf are different colours but they work great together.

After all those ends I started on Sleepy Sunday. All ends on the throw are sewn in. I have knit all the curly q tassels and have started sewing in those ends. That will be tomorrows job-couldn't deal with anymore ends today.

Mr. Canada Post brought in a box of Kauni. This awesome poncho was in the box. We have kits made up (and will be taking them to the Knitters' Fair). If you don't want to do the fair isle knitting we will have finished ponchos for sale later in September. This colour and a blue/green/purple version.

Tonight I'm going back to Aileen-the Laura Aylor vest I'm knitting in tosh vintage-whiskey barrel. I was going to get a picture but when I looked up it was pitch black out. Who knew it was that late already? Pictures tomorrow in day light.

Super Soft Tweed

We have a new yarn from Naturally of New Zealand. Loyal Tweed. I have a thing for tweed yarn. It's one of the reasons that I fell in love with Rowan 25 years ago.

90% wool
7% acrylic
3% viscose

mild machine washable
104m on a 50gram ball
22sts = 4" on 4mm needles

And it's super soft.

Today is about tidying. We are going through pattern baskets and getting them in order. Brooklyn Tweed patterns were all over the place but now they live together. Here are a few that I picked out while sorting. If you don't live near the store you can buy these on Ravelry.

Lumen
500m of fingering weight yarn

Hudson
Twisted Rib Turtleneck
Knit in worsted weight yarn

Thorn
Asymmetrical Shawl with Sunray Shaping
Knit in fingering weight

Grettir
Men's and Women's Icelandic Pullovers
Knit in worsted weight

Guersey Wrap
Fisherman-Inspired Texture
Knit in worsted weight (I'm think pashmina worsted for this)

I didn't get my curly q tassels finished last night. Still four to go. Lots of TV tonight so maybe. Here is a picture of what they are supposed to look like.

Why didn't I get them done? I was busy blocking some one's hat.

Read the pattern???

Jane was in today to show off her work.

This is an Arizona Dream throw.
Colourway: Walkabout Creek
Pattern: Denali

I love how the broomstick lace is looking.

I did get my throw finished last night. Then I started on the curly q tassels. I think we had a little talk about reading the pattern. I did it again. My hands were really sore after the first tassel. The second one was a bit easier. Then I looked at the pattern again. Wow. If you do it how the pattern says it is much easier. Three are done now and five to go. Should be done tonight.

It's been a busy day. We've been making kits for the Knitters' Fair. I know. It's three weeks away but I want everything done and ready to go next week. I'm having a small panic attack because we really need a bigger booth. I have no clue how it's going to fit in. Kind of like packing for a trip. I need to get it ready to go and then go through and remove a few things.

The boys are doing good. They are loving the really big dog bed in the middle of the living room. Melo wasn't happy that I got up to take their picture. How dare I disturb him when he is resting?

Debbie Bliss

There is a new Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino book coming at the end of this week.

We have lots of colours in stock including 6 new bright colours...

Sleepy Sunday is almost done. I made it to the spot where I was going to cast off and had more yarn so I added in more rows. I have 6 rows to knit tonight and then I can cast off. Instead of a fringe this throw has curly q tassels. I need to make 8 but they aren't too hard.

Tonight is a night of TV that I need to pay attention to. The Amazing Race Canada has been awesome. We've seen many places in Canada that I would like to visit. Jon Montgomery is a great host. I hope he gets more work from this. Then Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls. Bear puts them through some really hard tasks.

Don't forget to keep going back to my Flipboard. I'm adding more pictures, knitting tips and articles every day.

Read the pattern

Today has been all about the knitting. I'm trying to get Sleepy Sunday done. Around 3pm I started to fret. OK, I was freaking out. There was no way I could get the throw done because I was going to run out of yarn.

The pattern says to work to row 136. Then you are supposed to go back to 124 and work the colour order in reverse. 123, 122, 121... I got to row 83 and knew that I didn't have enough Zanziba to finish. I checked to see how many rows I could do and I came to about 4.5. When I counted there were 10 rows of Zanziba to finish the throw. I started to try and figure out how I could rearrange the colours to make it. My mind was going to explode. Then I read the pattern.

Now starting with row 124, work the rows backwards i.e. row 123, row 122, rows 121 etc until the length measures approx. 145cm. 

145cm. I don't need to get back to row 1. I was about 130cm at row 83. There is a really good lesson in this. Read the pattern.

I just finished row 59. After the next mohair section I will have enough length. And I haven't run out of any colours. All the worry for nothing.

I should have the knitting finished sometime tonight. Big Brother and The Great Food Truck Race are on so I can knit without feeling guilty that I should be doing some sort of work.

Look what I found

The Amalfi poncho that Wannietta is knitting is growing. I sent her a text this morning asking for more pictures. I wanted to see how the colours were playing out.

They look great!

I'm getting excited! Take a look on Ravelry for some alternate colour combinations...

Look what I found today. A Colinette Ab Fab throw that is almost finished. 6 rows from being done. Now that we are carrying the kits again I need to finish it. It's been on the needles for a long time. My guess is at least 7-8 years. Small problem. Actually a really big one. I have no clue where the yarn is. I started looking but keep coming up blank. I know the bag that the yarn is in but it's gone AWOL. I have a feeling it was thrown out when we renovated the store 4 years ago. And if it wasn't thrown out then it has been in my garage and when we cleaned that out for my car it was thrown out.

I came up with a solution. Order a few more skeins (so I can finish and add a nice fringe) from Colinette when I order more kits on Monday. Not ideal but it's better than a throw that is 95% done. We are going to have an awesome display of throws at the Knitters' Fair. 

I almost forgot

I was on my way to bed when it hit me that I totally forgot to finish today's post. OK it's the third post of the day but the first two were announcements so I don't think they count.

Jane sent me a picture of the Colinette throw that she is making for the store.

She is knitting the Walkabout Creek colourway. I can't wait to see it in person. I chose the colours hoping it would work for the living room in Myrtle Beach when we don't need it in the store any longer.

I was dropping a parcel at the post office on my way to work when Nick (Mr. Canpar) pulled up beside me and told me that he had a box for me. Could I take it so that he didn't have to come up Wilson Street just for me? It was a good box so I said yes. It was full of Knitter's Pride goodies.

Karbonz needles are starting to arrive. Individual needles will be coming over the next few weeks.

A revolutionary product!! New-age needles made from High-Tech carbon fiber with tips in nickel plated brass!
Combination of two versatile materials - light bodied carbon fiber & sharp brass tips - is guaranteed to provide an unparalleled knitting experience!! No other knitting needle comes closer to this!!
Carbon fiber is one of the most versatile material used in manufacture of the new generation aircraft, space ship, automobiles, etc.!!
Shiny, smooth brass tips comes in perfect points, flawlessly tapered - Ideal for all types of yarns and for every project
The needles have high tensile strength, are light weight with lot of flexibility
Surface made of carbon fiber helps the stitches move smoothly on the needle!!
Warm to touch & gentle in the hand

Set of 5 pairs of Interchangeable Needles (Normal IC): 

3.00, 3.25, 3.50, 3.75 & 4.00 mm in black & grey fabric bag (US Sizes 2.5, 3, 4, 5 & 6) with 2 Cords (1 cord each of 24" & 32"), 4 end caps, 2 cord keys & 1 set of size markers

$80

2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25 mm (US Sizes 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3) in clear Vinyl Case.

6" length double points
$93.50

Set of 9 crochet hooks in Fluorescent Green or Fluorescent Pink Faux Leather Case containing:

1 each 2.75, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 & 6.0 mm (US Size C, D, E, F, G, 7, H, I & J)

$57.50

T-pins
50 in a pack for $4

Lace Blocking Mats (pack of 9 pieces, each of size 1ft x 1ft)

$40

Now it really is bed time. I have to be up early-Kate's coming to teach tomorrow.

Knitters' Fair

Since all my time right now is consumed with planning for the Knitters' Fair I thought it might be a good idea to remind everyone about the date.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters’ Fair is the largest event of its kind in Canada. For many years, the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters’ Guild has offered a one-day fair organized “by knitters for knitters.”

This Fair, held at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex in Kitchener, now presents approximately 70 vendors offering the latest and greatest of knitting products. Imagine 35,000 square feet—in 1 large showroom—dedicated to the craft of knitting, offering an incredible display of a diverse variety of yarns in an explosion of colour, knitting books, patterns, and accessories.

We also offer:

• Low admission price
• Speaker

• Anne Blayney – “ColourRIOT: Making and using your personal colour palette in knitting and beyond!” – 11:00am

• Fashion Show – 1:00pm
• Door Prizes
• Snack Bar

Fair Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013
• Admission: $7 per person, children under 12 free.
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:

Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex
400 East Ave
Kitchener, Ontario

Speaker:

• No cost
• One in the morning
• First come, first served (no preregistration)

• ColourRIOT: Making and using your personal colour palette in knitting and beyond!
  Knitting designer Anne Blayney (AnnieBeeKnits) and avid sewer Gillian Whitcombe (Crafting A Rainbow) are sisters with a passion for colour and textiles. They know just how exciting — and overwhelming — a shopping trip to the Knitters’ Fair can be, and they’re here to help you find the colours and projects that will fit into your wardrobe instead of languishing in your stash or closet.
  The sisters will start with a basic review of colour theory, and look at how to combine colours to get energetic or calming effects. Then, they will help you identify what colours you are drawn to and what colours make you sing, gathering inspiration from everyday life and from useful tools in the real world and online. They’ll discuss how to pull those colours into a cohesive palette of colours that are most ‘you’. Next, they’ll apply that colour palette and colour theory to yarn, moving beyond solid colours to the world of hand-paints, kettle-dyes, self-striping, and variegated yarns that are so enticing in the skein but can prove more challenging to use effectively. They’ll help you learn which yarns will work best with a variety of techniques for colourwork, lace, and cables, so that you can put your Knitters’ Fair purchases to their best use.
  Anne Blayney is a conference planner by day, and a knitting addict at all times. Her most recent published design, the Hue and Value Shawl, is a perfect chance to play with colour combinations. Gillian Whitcombe is a teacher and a lifelong colour aficionado. She is building an entire wardrobe of hand-sewn clothing in her very own signature colour palette, one gorgeous fabric at a time.

Here is the KW Knitters' Guild website if you want more information...

And the winner is....

Sherri B from Toronto.

Congratulations Sherri on winning the Cinnamon Kane Soakbox. Please give me a call or email me-do you want it mailed or do you want to pick it up at the Knitters' Fair?

Arya

I really meant to write a post yesterday but it was one of those days. The store was busy and in between customers I started making kits for the Knitters' Fair. After work I visited my chiropractor, then grocery shopping then home to make dinner. At that point I couldn't come up with anything good to write. I decided it was better to knit :)

Mr. Canada Post brought in a box from Offhand Designs this morning. We have more Arya bags.

Capacious carry-all with 3 compartments and endless pockets, pouches and tool slots. Room for all of your electronics, books and the central compartment pops open and stays open with a practical hexe frame closure for knitting or just seeing deep into the corners. Versatile handles offer short handles and a luxurious adjustable shoulder strap which extends to wear cross body for heavy lifting.

We have one of each bag. More should be coming in October-fingers crossed.

Anne was in yesterday and starting talking about Flipboard.

Here is the website so that you can read about it. I think the best description is a social magazine.

I played yesterday and made one. I will keep posting pictures and articles to it. It's a great way to flip through things quickly and if something catches your eye you can click on it and read more.

Here are a few screenshots of my magazine. I sent Beth a link to take a look. Her response was

Ohh  - that was cool!

Here's Anne's - she has a much better name (and way more articles) than me - Flock.

And finally. Some knitting. We have lots of colours of Classic Elite Fresco in stock.

Fresco is a smooth and even 3-ply sport weight yarn. The plies are twisted together tightly enough to make a firm, springy yarn, but not so tightly that the yarn looses its lofty, soft hand. The fiber blend—wool (for warmth and strength), alpaca (for loft and sheen), and a bit of angora (to provide a soft halo)—makes a yarn that’s warm, soft, and slightly fuzzy. Fresco is available in a palette of 40 colors, which makes it great for colorwork projects. However as you can see from this weeks project, the yarn is also beautiful worked up in solid-color lacy patterns on a larger needle. 

Here are some pictures from a new Classic Elite book - 9241 Alpine Forest.

This is the Fresco Basket Whip Cowl-a free pattern from Classic Elite.

It's going to be an interesting Big Brother tonight. Is Spencer going to make it another week? And what juror is going to make it back?

Tomorrow morning I will post the winner of the Cinnamon Kane Soakbox. Good luck to all who entered!!