New Cowl

Mr. Canada Post just came in with a box from Lynda. I've wanted this cowl for a long time and it was worth the wait. It is beautiful.

Pattern: Pine Bough Cowl (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: Rowan Tweed
4 balls colour 592 Litton
3 balls colour 584 Buckden

You can make the cowl with any DK weight yarn
-Rowan Felted Tweed or Wool Cotton
-Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag
-Filatura di Crosa Zara or Sportwool
-tosh dk or merino dk

It is really cold and blowy today and my friends would not go outside to have pictures taken. Some days those ladies are real prima donnas.

I dropped my computer off after work and headed to the drug store and grocery store. The drug store because I had to drop off some parcels and Beth has a bad head cold and needed medicine. The grocery store because mom and dad are heading home from Myrtle Beach tomorrow. Normally Beth shops just before they get home but the store is closed tomorrow. I can't complain about the shopping because they are coming home to look after the dogs so that we can go away. I can complain about the hour and a half that the two stops took. People had no patience either. I had one heck of a migraine when I left the grocery store. Now I'm home with a tea and the knitting is going to come out. I totally forgot that Canada was playing the US in the World Juniors. And there are a couple of college football bowl games this afternoon.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you have a safe evening if you are out on the roads.

Come Together

I decided on my next project. A Come Together kit from Classic Elite. The colourway I chose is Peace.

I have been putting off starting the kit because I wasn't happy about winding the 6 individual balls into one big ball. Lynn was in today and she did it for me. It took 20 minutes at the most. I'm not sure what I was so worried about.

I'm going to make a cowl so I'm not too worried about tension. However, I wasn't sure how the 6 strands at once would knit up so I cast on 10 stitches and did a few rows. The decision - I'm going to go up half a size needle. I think that the strands will fill out and I will get a cowl that flows a bit more. We'll see after I cast on 200 stitches and do some rows.

Don't forget that the store is closing at 2pm tomorrow afternoon and then will reopen on Friday at noon.

Will the cowl get finished in that time? 

Cathy to the rescue

Actually, she rescued me twice today.

Number 1
I had no clue what I was going to blog about today. I didn't start a new project last night. I have no new knitting. My suppliers are closed this week so we aren't receiving any shipments. Help. How was I going to write a blog post?

Cathy opened her knitting bag and pulled out Alexandra. This is the December Dream Club yarn and pattern from Dream in Color. She's almost done and it looks great.

Number 2
We leave next Wednesday for Phoenix. When am I going to have my hair cut and coloured? That might sound trivial but it is quite important. I'm very grey again. If I was all over grey I wouldn't worry about it but the grey roots aren't a good look. Cathy is coming in on Monday morning so that I can visit Trish.

The trip. I think I'm ready for the work stuff. Now it's the personal stuff. What clothes am I going to take? What am I taking to knit on the plane? We are going to take the clubs and golf a few times. That means renting a car. I started to price a car that will take our luggage and clubs. Holy cow! The taxes and insurance are a killer. Then there is parking at the hotel. It'll probably be cheaper to take a cab wherever we want to go. Beth and I are going to play with this on Wednesday afternoon when I'm not quite as tired.

Speaking of tired - that's me. It's been crazy in the store. Thanks to all who have come in but I'm beat. 8:30 to bed for me tonight. :)

Color Play Mohair Wrap

I've been working like crazy today to get the shawl finished. And I finally did it.

Pattern: Color Play Mohair Wrap from Churchmouse Yarns (we have the pattern in the store)
Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe - I used colours 364, 365, 366, 367

From Churchmouse Yarns

With their featherweight warmth and glowing colors, we think Rowan Kidsilk Haze and Kidsilk Haze Stripe are perfect yarns for this project, an easy-to-knit, easy-to-wear piece that's bang on trend. 

Notice that color blocks, or sections, are not equal in size. This is by design, so that the finished piece can be worn with colors falling where they may. Embrace the fact that each time you make this project, you will end up with a unique scarf or wrap! 

The yarn is held double strand on 4.5mm needles.

I keep saying that this is addictive and some of you are starting to believe me. :) This is my fifth wrap. I love watching how the colours mix together. As you are knitting you want to do 'just one more row' to see what is going to come next.

We could all knit the shawl using the same 4 colours and they would all look different. It will depend on the order that you do the colours in. Also, not every ball starts with the same colour. Let's say that the ball is purple, green and blue. My ball might start at purple. Someone elses could start with green and another knitters might start part way through the blue.

Since I finished a project, I get to start something new. We are leaving for TNNA in a week and a half. I need something new to wear. I'm thinking a summer weight infinity scarf. We'll see what I come up with tomorrow.

Last-Minute Cowl

I finished another cowl yesterday afternoon. There is nothing like starting a cowl and finishing it less than 24 hours later.

Pattern: Last-Minute Cowl from Churchmouse (the pattern is free)
Yarn: 1 skein of tosh ASAP in the colour cathedral
Needles: 12mm, 60cm

I think that if I was to make another one in ASAP, I would use two skeins. Or maybe take off a few stitches to make it not as wide but a bit taller.

Look who came out to play - my latest Color Play Mohair Wrap. My plan is to finish the shawl tomorrow while watching football. I've been trying to come up with a name. Since I don't know a lot about flowers, I went to the Elizabeth Bradley website to get some ideas. I'm still not set so I need to think some more. I hope it hits me soon. If you have a suggestion, please share. :)

Boxing Week 2014

The store will be open again tomorrow and the more you buy, the more you save.

Saturday, December 27
Monday, December 29
Tuesday, December 30
Wednesday, December 31

If your purchase is more than $100, your discount will be 10%.
If your purchase is more than $200, your discount will be 15%.
If your purchase is more than $300, your discount will be 20%.
If your purchase is more than $400, your discount will be 25%.

If you live out of town, please feel free to call in your order. We'll get your purchase in the mail next week.

All sales final. No returns. No exchanges.
In stock items only. No special orders.

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has a great day with family and friends. We'll be heading to Aunt Rene's later this afternoon and I'm sure the house will be very loud!

I finished the cowl last night.

Pattern: Last-Minute Cowl Project (free from Churchmouse Yarns)
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Cocoon
Needles: 12mm, 60cm circular

The pin is pewter and made in Canada.

I have a few skeins of bulky yarn in the house so I'm going to cast on another cowl after church.

We just got home from Christmas dinner. Awesome - thanks Aunt Rene. I was up early this morning. 6am. Are you kidding me? It was like I was 4 years old and wanted to see what Santa brought. I started my post thinking that I would finish after church. Then I went to have lunch with Beth. Since I was up so early, I needed a nap. Then it was time to leave for Burlington. Along the way I forgot to finish my post.

I hope everyone had a great day and now you can start working on some knitting for yourself!!

Still

Twas the night before Christmas and Mr. UPS is busy delivering boxes. The latest Kim Hargreaves book has arrived.

So still. With an ease and a quiet confidence the collection has an aura that is hard to resist, hushed tones enhance the mood, while deep cables and subtle ribbing complete the story. The sensuality of sheer fabrics and the simplicity of clean lines have no desire to seek limelight but can't fail to command attention.

There was lots of Rowan Cocoon in the box as well. I remembered that Churchmouse Yarns has a free pattern for a cowl knit in double strand Cocoon.

I got out my 12mm needles and cast on.

This wonderful soft roving British yarn is a designer's dream. Made from a blend of merino wool and kid mohair, it creates beautiful textured and cable stitches and lovely striping and pattern effects.

I have big expectations for what I'm going to get knit over the next few days. I brought a friend home with me so that I can get some good pictures.

The Chateau cowl is growing as well.


What are we doing for Boxing Day in the store? That is still undecided. Check back on Friday for news.

Merry Christmas to you and your families. I hope that everyone has a great day!!

Guest Blogger

Hi - It's Beth.  I am guest blogging because Julie is so filled with the Christmas spirit that she agreed to cast on my cowl for me - 240 stitches!! (This is Julie reading the post before hitting publish - she said 140, I agreed, then she changed it to 240 stitches.)  Happy day for me!  I actually think that this is a really good deal for her since the new cowl is very easy knitting so the chances of me messing it up are very slim (let's hope).

Cathy came by with Christmas goodies today.  One of the treats she makes us all the time are Rice Krispie squares and on special occasions we get a Rice Krispie Bear.  When we were in Detroit in November we shopped at Williams-Sonoma and bought Cathy a Snowman cake pan.  (yes it was a selfish gift - we knew there was a Rice Krispie Snowman in our future).  Here he is:

He will not look like this for long.

Quick break for snacks:)

OK - I'm back - Don't worry Snowman is safe.  Cathy made us some really great sugar cookies too!

Sometimes I have this really strange (but nice) experience in Julie's store that while I am there - usually delivering a tea - someone will say "Hi Beth".  I say hello back and then spend the next few minutes trying to figure out how I know this person.  I end up asking Julie and she says "Oh, they know you from the blog".  So if you are a regular reader of the blog and see me lurking around the store, please say hi - it makes me fell like a celebrity.

Trying to talk to Julie - she is counting.  Should I let her know that it doesn't have to be exactly 240 stitches?

I want to wish you all a great Holiday Season.  Thanks for being such great friends and customers. All the best in 2015 - keep on knitting!

Three More Sleeps

Maybe Santa needs some last minute help to fill your stocking?

What about a ball of Opal sock yarn. Meet Play. Fun new colours.

How about a new basket? Maybe a touch big for your stocking but beautiful

Roomy basket made of woven fiber and folded recycled paper. Sure to be a conversation piece in your shop, studio, or home. 

Need a pretty pin cushion?

Pincushion with velvet petals and handwoven base; Woven pattern base will vary, reflective of the loomed craft. 

How about a new tape measure?

Lantern Moon's hand crocheted tape measures are a fun and functional accessory for your tool kit. Pull the yarn ball to reveal Metric and English measurements on opposite sides of 5' long retractable tape.

The shawl pins are handmade by Bonnie Bishoff and her husband J.M. Syron. They feature colorful inlays of polymer clay in white bronze and lead free pewter settings.

And if all else fails, why not a gift certificate? We have them in the store or you can call me and I will email you one.

The sad tale continues...

Yesterday's post wasn't an hour old when this text came from Beth.

Seriously. I might make her go back to garter stitch. :)

Here is the bag of the sadness.

Beth brought her knitting over last night and I got her fixed and on her way.

It's Sunday evening and I just came home from having dinner with Beth and the dogs. I'm happy to report that her latest cowl is on track. She has two more rows and then casting off. Fingers crossed she gets it finished.

I'm onto the second ball of Flor de Maio - the cowl in Classic Elite Chateau. I used a candle holder for the picture. You have to make due with what's around. The colour is way off in the picture - silly pot lights. Take a look at yesterday's post for the true colour. The pattern is easy to follow and I would recommend it for your first lace project. Bigger needles. Not a lot of stitches. The pattern repeat is only 10 stitches so after a few repeats you know what the rest of the row will be.

It looks like Homeland is a repeat tonight so it'll be early to bed. I think it could be a busy week in the store. 

Sad Tale

I just got off the phone with Beth. She's at our house cleaning the floors and boxed herself into the kitchen. She had a few minutes to kill until the floor was dry so she called me in the store.

The conversation started out with "It sucks when you aren't living with the knitting expert. You can blog about my woes today. I'm sure others can relate." Beth and the dogs are living at my parents while they are in Myrtle Beach. She started a cowl the other night and didn't like how it was going. She tried to take it back but that didn't work so she ripped it out and started again. She didn't like that attempt either so she took it out and set the yarn aside. Last night she started something new. She was debating between 84 and 96 stitches. By mistake she cast on 94. The first pattern row didn't work out so she tried to take it back. She said that I was lucky that she didn't call me at midnight as she was casting on again.

In the next week or so there will be another book coming from Rowan.

Rowan Restyle is quite simply a different perspective. The concept is to show how garments taken from the Rowan archive can look completely different.By restyling with a relaxed casual approach and adding key pieces of jewellery or accessories a fresh modern look can be created.

Earth Tunic

Originally designed by Kaffe Fassett and featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine Number 42, this pattern uses our beautiful yarn Kidsilk Haze (mohair and silk.) This puffed sleeve sweater would look great worn with tartan tapered trousers and brogues.

Geneva

Originally designed by Erika Knight and featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine Number 42, this pattern uses our beautiful yarn Kidsilk Haze (mohair and silk.) This brightly coloured cardi is perfect for layering with full length and cropped tops. 

Ghost

Originally designed by Marie Wallin and featured in Kidsilk Dream, this pattern uses our beautiful yarn Kidsilk Haze (mohair and silk.) This cardigan would look stylish with a pencil skirt and brogues. 

Icy

Originally designed by Kim Hargreaves and featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine Number 30, this pattern uses the divine self striping yarn Kidsilk Haze Stripe (mohair and silk.) This sweater can be belted at the waist to give a more flattering and sophisticated style.

Leya

Originally designed by Lisa Richardson and featured in the Kidsilk Haze Stripe Collection, this pattern uses the divine self striping yarn Kidsilk Haze Stripe (mohair and silk.) This three quarter sleeve top  can be layered up with a long sleeve tee to give it a relaxed look. 

Lucetta

Originally designed by Sarah Hatton and featured in Rowan Studio Issue Four, this pattern uses the divine self striping yarn Kidsilk Haze Stripe (mohair and silk.) This sweater could be worn with tapered trousers, little black boots and can be dressed up with a statement necklace.

The Beth saga continues. She just brought me lunch and while she was here she packed two boxes for me to ship out on Monday. That was expensive. 4 balls of yarn and an Addi turbo needle.

I was able to get a few more rows knit on my Chateau cowl today. Football is on now and there is another game to follow. I'll get some more knit tonight.

Rowan Loves....

At the beginning of January we will be traveling to Phoenix, Arizona for TNNA. This is the trade show that we go to twice a year to buy new yarns, books, needles, bags and accessories for the store. Many shop owners pass up this show because it is smaller than the show in June. Not me. Why would I pass up time in the sun? And Phoenix has many, many golf courses. The clubs are going and we will get in a few rounds. Last show Beth and I started something called The Quest. It is a scavenger hunt on the show floor. We're doing it again at his show. The Christmas break kind of throws a wrench into things. We need to have everything done by Tuesday. EEK!

There is still that thing called Christmas shopping too. I can honestly tell you that I haven't started. And it won't start tonight after work. It's the finale of The Amazing Race.

We just received an email that the new book from Rowan, Rowan Loves, is on the way. I'm guessing that it will be in the store the week between Christmas and New Years.

A collection 9 designs featuring a selection of beautiful garments and accessories by Sarah Hatton, which can be knitted in Kidsilk Haze or the Felted Tweed in either of the two garment options given for each design.

Andrea

A design by Sarah Hatton using either the gorgeous Kidsilk Haze or the beautiful Felted Tweed. Kidsilk haze has a lace yoke and the Felted Tweed has a textured yoke both with optional long or short sleeves.This is for an intermediate knitter.

Gemma

A design by Sarah Hatton using either the gorgeous Kidsilk Haze or the beautiful Felted Tweed,with a ribbed crew neck and deep ribbed sleeve cuffs.This is for the beginner knitter.

Vicky

A design by Sarah Hatton using either the gorgeous Kidsilk Haze or beautiful Felted Tweed, can be knitted with either long sleeves or sleeveless with a v-neck. This knitting pattern is for a beginner knitter

I can't wait for it to arrive. The designs look amazing!

I'm home now and The Amazing Race is finished. I don't want to say anything in case you are taping it.  I don't dislike the team that won but there was another team that I wanted to win more.

Now it's time for bed. Sorry, that was a lie. I need to tidy the house (people are coming through tomorrow) and then bed. No knitting tonight. I'm looking forward to Sunday when I can sit on the couch all day and knit.