Mystery

My Building Blocks has been paired with the Library Vest in the store. I like the look. (It doesn't live here but it was way too cold to go outside. I moved my friend to a spot for a better picture)

The rest of my post is about Ambah's Mystery KAL. There aren't any spoiler pictures - just some hints that might help if you haven't started.

I started winding my balls after last night's post and got two wound before my electric ball winder died. There is no power :( I think we've hurt it over the years and it's time for a new one.

I'm using Skinny Singles from Hedgehog. I will be casting on with Glacier (the turquoise) and then going to Pistachio. My last colour will be Stone (a grey/beige mix).

The night didn't get any better. This had nothing to do with the pattern instructions. It had to do with the person reading the pattern. I didn't have much sleep the night before and should've worked on a different project.

The shawl starts with a new technique called the Turkish Cast On. I haven't done it before but Ambah has a tutorial and it is easy to follow. Here is a video that will help as well.



I got to about the forth row and thought I was wrong (it turns out I wasn't) so I pulled it out. You shouldn't do a new technique during The Big Bang Theory. I started again with no problems. Except I almost finished the first colour and was short of stitches.

P3, (k to m, sm, m1r) 6 times

This tripped me up. (Now I'm trying to knit during Top Chef) I forgot to increase after the last marker - not once but twice. For some reason I was only doing the increases within the markers. Yup. I'm starting again. I really know how to do the Turkish Cast On now. :)

I'm home from work and ready to get back to the shawl. The first colour is cast on and I'm through 10 rows. It's much better and I'm happy now. I knit a bit on the loose side and should probably be using a 3.5mm needle for the shawl but I like a large shawl so I'm using 3.75mm. For the cast on and first 6 rows I used a 3.25mm needle. It made the start look a lot neater.

Another FO

It's finished. All the ends are sewn in. I love it. I was going to take it with me but I've left it hanging in the store.

Pattern: Building Blocks (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 skeins of tosh merino light

Mr. FedEx brought in two huge boxes from Blue Sky Fibers this afternoon.

We are well stocked on Royal Petites.

100% Royal Alpaca. There are 91m on a 35gram ball and you need 2 balls to make any of these great accessories.

The Countess Mitts.

The Catherine Cowl.

The Buckingham Hat.

I've knit with the Royal Petites and the yarn feels great in your hands. It feels even better when you wear it.

Wow. The instructors for the Toronto Knitters Frolic look amazing!

Sunday Knitting

It took longer than I thought but I finally finished. It'll be blocked this week and then the ends need to be tackled. There are quite a few.

Pattern: Building Blocks (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 4 skeins of tosh merino light

The cast off isn't a regular cast off but the I-Cord Bind Off.

BO all sts using an I-cord BO as follows, *k2, k2tog tbl, slip 3 sts onto left needle, repeat from * until all sts are bound off.

There were 568 stitches on my needle. It takes a really, really long time to I-Cord Bind Off that many stitches.

I pulled out The Endless Wrap to work on this evening. I'm at the halfway point.

Pattern: Endless Wrap (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok

A shipment is on the way from Blue Sky and we'll have all colours back in stock.

 

There are new colours of Lang sock yarn in the store. 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon. We have used this yarn for many pairs of socks and don't look after them. They go in the washing machine and in the dryer. The interesting thing about Lang Self-Striping yarns is that they include heel re-inforcement yarn to strengthen the heels and toes which will lengthen the life of your sock.

We are well stocked in Magic Tweed from Lang.

Beautiful soft tweed superwash yarn. 62% Virgin Wool Superwash, 18% Nylon, 10% Viscose, 10% Acrylic.

Perfect for the person in your life who doesn't want wild socks.

Knit one to give, give one to knit, or treat yourself!

I finally made it to the last clue. There are 586 stitches on the needle right now. It takes a bit to get through a row.

I was playing around on Raverly and came across some great patterns that use Rowan Cocoon. We currently have Cocoon on sale for 25% off. Take advantage and knit a great gift or make something for yourself.

Knit this accessory textured snood, available as a free pattern to download. Designed by Vicky Sedgwick using the luxurious yarn Cocoon (wool and mohair), this snood can be knitted in the pattern to your desired length and can be worn loose or wrapped round double.

Pattern: Textured Snood (free from Rowan)
Yarn: 2 balls of Rowan Cocoon

Pattern: Ambergate (free from Rowan)
Yarn: 4 balls of Cocoon

Churchmouse Yarns has a free pattern for a cowl knit with two strands of Cocoon.

Right on trend, these Last-Minute Cowls can be knit up before you can say, “I couldn’t possibly finish a gift in time.” Using US 17 (12mm) needles and some of our favorite super-chunky-weight and bulky-weight wools, the results are gorgeous. Not to mention incredibly warm. Knit one to give, give one to knit, or treat yourself! Our updated free pattern now includes mistake rib in addition to seed stitch and 2x2 rib. For the men in your life to wear (or make!)

We've made single-strand versions using our favorite super-chunky yarns, and double-stranded versions using bulky yarns, like Rowan Cocoon. These yarns are lofty, soft, easy to knit and give great stitch definition. They’re unbelievably snuggly, and the chunkiness of the yarn makes these simple stitch patterns really pop!

This cowl is knit with two different colours - one ball each.

I made the Seed Stitch version of the cowl. Super fast. Super easy. Looks great.

I need to get back to my knitting. The kettle is boiled for a cup of tea and the football game is on. My goal is a couple more rows before bed.

Lemongrass

It's halftime of the Grey Cup so I'm quickly writing. The game has been really exciting and the halftime show has been good. The sound is the best that I've heard at a halftime in a long time.

We went to the Grey Cup when it was in Hamilton in 1996. What a cold day. It snowed during the game and we froze. The crowd today is very lucky.

Wannietta came for a visit yesterday to pick up her next project. Lemongrass (pattern purchased on Ravelry) in Cascade Eco +. She is a very fast knitter. I hope she is really, really fast on this one. I can't wait to have it hanging in the store.

She brought in a cardigan in Erika Knight's Linen. I'll get pictures tomorrow - there wasn't time yesterday to go outside.

I had every intention of writing a post last night but Beth and I got caught up in finishing the final season of The Good Wife. My dad always told us that if we don't have anything good to say then don't say anything. Let's talk about knitting.

I've been knitting on Building Blocks today. I'm half way through the section 8. Then section 9 and the cast off. I'm becoming a bit obsessed with it. I want it finished now so that I can wear it. And I'm planning colours for another one.

The second half is on. It's time to go. 

Smoke

Laura Bryant of Prism Yarns has an awesome sweater in the new Vogue Knitting Holiday Edition. We don't carry the magazine in the store but you can find it at Chapters or in the grocery store.

The model is wearing the Blue Lagoon colourway.

For this boat-neck pullover, Bryant chose an asymmetrical chevron pattern stitch, with one leg longer than the other, causing the fabric to bias. It’s worked in a luscious combination of Prism’s Merino Mia and Radiant Petite Madison, a merino, cashmere and silk blend shot through with a bit of gold and silver sparkle.

The response has been so great that Laura has put together three more colourways.

Embers

A rich compilation of warm rusts accented with strong deep plum and magenta.

Smoke

Soft neutral gray and taupe is accented with rich deep plum and steel blue/gray.

Tumbleweed

Our ever-popular Tumbleweed with its sage green, khaki and soft plum is accented with more of the same tones.

Kits are available for sizes S-XL.

Laura's colour sense is amazing. Smoke is calling my name. If you don't want to make the sweater, the yarn would make an amazing shawl. The smallest size kit has 1800 yards.  Outline?

There hasn't been much knitting time this week but Building Blocks is growing. I think there is going to be another Good Wife marathon tonight and I should make it to the third clue.

Building blocks

Today has been about football and Building Blocks. I'm just about half way through the second clue. When I see the finished projects on Ravelry I know that I need to get this finished.

Here is a link to Stephen West's Ravelry group and pictures of finished shawls...

I have a new friend at home for taking pictures of my knitting. Before I had to remember to bring one home from the store and then I had to remember to take it back. This way I'm always ready to take pictures.

Gemini Twins (above) and Marfa (below) are two new colours coming from madelinetosh. The shipment is supposed to be in Milton tomorrow and I hope to go after work to pick it up.

Winds

Churchmouse Yarns knit their new pattern, Fair Winds Beanie and Scarf (purchase the pattern on Ravelry) in Woolstok from Blue Sky Alpacas. The wind was howling at our house this morning and the scarf and beanie would have been great.

This nautical blessing describes that happy confluence of good fortune and the good sense to go with the flow. The simple braid pattern on the scarf has cable twists on alternating sides for complete reversibility. The cables on the cap converge neatly at the crest. Both promise smooth sailing!

Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok is strong and sturdy and gently plied. Shows off pattern and texture in crisp relief, making it an ideal yarn for these warm cabled accessories. Surprisingly soft, lofty and light - you can almost feel the lanolin in this select 100% Peruvian Fine Highland Wool. A wonderfully expansive palette of twenty-one colors inspired by the craggy, unspoiled terrain of Peru.

Beanie is knit in the round; scarf is knit flat. Instructions for both are given in text format, with charts for following cable patterns.

You'll need 2 skeins for the hat and 6 skeins for the scarf (8 skeins for a set).

We have a good selection of Woolstok with more arriving next week.

A customer was in earlier today looking for a knitting bag. I suggested that she take a look at ZigZag Stitches. Catherine has an Etsy store with many great designs and fabrics. These bags are made in Canada so the shipping time is quick. And you are paying in Canadian dollars.

Formerly known as my "sock project size", the generous dimensions of this bag will hold a project such as socks, mittens, a hat, a scarf, or a baby sweater. Knitting needles up to 11 inches long (28 cm) will fit. It's also great for carrying toiletries, small toys, or baby items. The handle/strap is long enough to carry over the arm as a wristlet.

 Lynn has a few different bags and is very happy with the quality.

A Boxy Bag is great for storing and transporting small knitting or craft projects, cosmetics, small toys, or baby items. Knitting needles or crochet hooks up to 8 inches long (20 cm) will fit. Enough yarn for a pair of socks, and double pointed or circular needles fit perfectly. The handle/strap is long enough to carry over the arm as a wristlet.

Take your small knitting or crochet project out in style in this handy drawstring bag. It's a lot cuter than a plastic bag! Socks, mittens, or any one-skein project will fit. My drawstring bags have a padded lining to protect your knitting needles and help prevent them from poking through the fabric. The bag will stand on its own, even when empty.
You can keep the yarn in the bag and hang the bag on your wrist while knitting. This is perfect for commuter knitting, for showing off at your knit night, or for keeping your knitting projects organized at home. The drawstring with a cord-lock holds the bag closed.

Clue 2 was started last night. Beth had to pause Survivor while I was picking up stitches along the I-Cord but we're on track and ready to go. I don't want to complain but the rows are getting very long :)

Building Blocks

Yesterday was spent working on Building Blocks - the Stephen West Mystery Knit-a-Long. The second clue is out and I'm barely through the first clue. I don't think I'm ruining the mystery to anyone who is participating but just in case I've added the picture at the end of my post.

There is a new throw pattern from Kaffe Fassett. And it's a free download on Ravelry...

I think that the throw would look amazing knit in Rowan's Hemp Tweed.

Building Blocks - I'm using tosh merino light on 3.5mm needles. I normally would knit a shawl in merino light on a larger needle but Stephen suggested going with a slightly smaller needle for a tighter knit.

The pattern is very well written. If there is something Stephen thinks you might be tripped up on, he makes a video for you to watch.

I'm not sure how much knitting there will be tonight. It's going to be a bit tense. Hopefully the Jays find their bats.

Matthew

The first clue for Building Blocks was in my Ravelry library when I woke up this morning. I wound colours A and B but there wasn't much knitting on it today. I won't show any pictures for a few days - that way I won't ruin the mystery.

Rowan has put some free patterns on Ravelry. This great men's sweater (that a lady can wear) was designed by Martin Storey.

Pattern: Latham (free on Ravelry)
The yarn is Hemp Tweed Chunky. We are waiting to find out when it will be arriving.

My other projects are growing. I need to finish Hitchhiker this weekend so I can block it and have it ready for the Woodstock Fleece Festival.

Matthew has decided to visit Myrtle Beach this weekend. Right now they are saying 14" of rain. Our house is inland which is a good thing in some ways. We are surrounded by trees which can be bad if the winds are really strong. There isn't anything we can do and I keep telling myself that it is just a house. If there is damage we'll have it fixed. Hopefully everyone is safe.

Building Blocks

Are you ready?

Sign up by purchasing the pattern. You will receive an introductory PDF for the KAL. Download this PDF into your Ravelry library and you will receive the first section of the pattern October 7. Each following Friday you will receive the next section of the pattern until the final mystery shawl is revealed!

There is a FAQ page for the KAL...

Here are two items that I think are important.

Is this project suitable for beginners?
This shawl is appropriate for adventurous beginners (know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, and read a pattern) and it will be enjoyable for seasoned knitters too. There is so much support throughout the KAL so you will find a lot of help and tips on completing each section in this Ravelry group. There will be photo tutorials and videos where they are necessary to assist you with visualizing the techniques and construction.

Is gauge important?
For this year’s Building Blocks Mystery Shawl I prefer a tighter more crisp gauge than many of my other shawls.

26 sts & 44 rows 4” / 10cm in garter stitch (un-blocked)
26 sts & 36 rows 4” / 10cm in stockinette stitch (un-blocked)

The fabric looks best if the stitches are tidy and crisp instead of loose and sloppy. Aim for a crisp uniform fabric close to the recommended gauge, but don’t create a fabric that feels too stiff like cardboard.

If you are using a regular fingering weight yarn try swatching with a smaller needle size first. I usually select a US 5 or 6 / 3.75 or 4mm needle with regular fingering weight yarn like Hedgehog Fibres Sock Yarn, but for this design I would go down to US 4 / 3.5mm needle to get more crisp stitch definition.

I brought home a bag of tosh merino light to play with colours.

I'm going to use
Dr Zhivago's Sky
Weathered Frame
First Light
Silver Fox

Now to try and convince Beth that she would like to wind the skeins for me :)

Yay! More tosh

We just unpacked a shipment from madelinetosh including tosh merino light.

There are 4 brand new, limited edition colours. When these are gone we will not be able to get anymore. I've been good and haven't taken any yet but that could change.

Stormborn

Favorite Pair

First Light

Rey

The four new colours haven't been added to the website yet (packing is getting in the way) but the other 28 colours in the shipment are online.

I love emails that say 'Look what I finished'. One arrived this morning from Rita with a picture of her beautiful shawl.

Here is a shawl that I knit earlier this summer and forgot to bring around to show you.  It's a very fast knit and uses one of the Sweet Georgia Party of 5 kits and just over half a skein of the Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock.

Pattern: Black to the Fuchsia (purchased on Ravelry)

Sarah, Wannietta and I are making progress on our Hitchhikers. Lynn got her kit but lost it but now she's found it and will start tonight. Cathy came in today to get her kit.

Sarah is part way through the second ball.

 

Wannietta is using a Cheshire Cat mini skein pack from Frabjous Fibers. 

I started the third ball last night.

I love how it's knitting up. And mindless garter stitch is always fun.

Another eviction on Big Brother tonight. Go Paul!