My head is empty

It's 6pm and it hit me that I hadn't even thought of a post yet today. There is nothing in my head. I need something to say. Still nothing. It has to be something with pictures and the only thing I can think of right now is to tell you about the Coastal Kids patterns in more detail.

These are super cute. And the sizing is great. It is hard to find patterns for 8-14 year olds.

If you don't have kids to knit for, imagine these patterns in adult size-you will find them in the book Coastal Knits.

Little Oak

This tiny version of the original Gnarled Oak Cardigan from Coastal Knits features a beautiful embossed cabled oak leaf motif. Little Oak is knit in one piece from the bottom up. The sleeves are knit separately and joined at the yoke. Your little one will look adorable in this eye-catching cardigan.

6 months (12 months, 18 months, 2T)[4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14]

6 months to 2T is knit in fingering weight (sock yarn). The bigger sizes are knit in double knitting weight.

Tiny Rocky Coast

This is a tiny version of the popular Rocky Coast Cardigan from Coastal Knits. A smaller gauge than the original design lends itself well to the smaller sizes. This cardigan is worked from the top down in a classic cable pattern that's easy to memorize. The collar is picked up and worked last. Optional instructions for including a ribbon closure are provided.

6 months (12 months, 18 months, 2, 4)[6, 8, 10, 12, 14]

 All sizes knit in fingering weight-sock yarn.

Wee Wildflower

This wee version of the original Wildflower Cardigan from Coastal Knits is a perfect springtime cardigan. This design offers lovely feminine details such as flower motif pockets and a delicate edging. It is knit in pieces from the bottom up and seamed together at the end.

6 months (12 months, 18 months, 2, 4)[6, 8, 10, 12, 14]

Knit in sport weight yarn-something like tosh pashmina or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby

Mini Water's Edge

This mini version of the Water's Edge Cardigan from Coastal Knits will be a sweet addition to any little girls wardrobe. It features a well-placed pleat, flared skirt and elbow length sleeves. Short row shaping at the hem creates a slight curve, mimicking the shape of the shore line. A great piece for all seasons that can be dressed up or down!

To Fit: 6 months (12, months, 18 months, 2, 4)[6, 8, 10, 12, 14]

Knit in worsted weight yarn like tosh vintage or Cascade 220.

I thought I was done and then remembered something else that will be coming. These aren't ready yet-they should be shipping sometime in June. I've known about this project for some time and have been very good about keeping the secret.

Soak, Lorna's Laces and Fiona Ellis worked together on a new Soakbox.

Each Soakbox includes a bottle of Soak and Handmaid luxury creme, in matching scents, stylishly coordinated to premium nail polish and matching Lorna’s Laces custom designed yarn.

You can read more about these kits and the design process on the Soak blog. 

Think of the gift possibilities. You could give the kit as it is or you could knit the fingerless gloves, put them back in the box and wrap it up.

The pattern for the fingerless gloves is included in the kit.

Now that my post is out of the way there are two chores for me. Get the store ready for Kate's visit tomorrow and then figure out what we are going to eat for dinner.

Beth just called and asked if I wanted her to go to the grocery store. YES. Then I had to call her back-don't forget to get goodies for Kate. Then I realized that I had no clue what time Kate was coming tomorrow. My head really is empty!!

More from Coastal Knits

I haven't shown a picture of the last Gnarled Oak. Lynn finished hers in time for the Frolic and proudly wore it all day-even when it was so hot in the booth we thought we were going to wilt.

Lynn does have button holes but she couldn't find buttons to her liking. We looked in the store late Friday night but we were so tired from setting up that we couldn't find anything/didn't really look. We went with a shawl pin for now until she finds the perfect button.

I love the leaves across the top.

Did you know that there are new patterns coming out called Coastal Kids? These won't be in a book but in leaflet form. I think they are going to be shipped to us next week.

I took Wannietta's work outside to get a picture that is better than what I showed from the Frolic.

Pattern: Wildflower Cardigan from Coastal Knits
Knit in Tosh Pashmina

The pocket detail and edging are beautiful!

Melo had surgery on his ear this afternoon. Leanne called that he was doing well. Beth is there right now picking him up. I can only imagine what a suck he is going to be tonight.

Survivor last night was great. Kat's first mistake was not taking Tarzan and his wife for the reward. Then she made a stupid statement about why she took the people she did. At tribal when she was talking about a blind side thinking that Sabrina was going was priceless. I think that Tarzan and Christina are sitting really good right now. If they keep their mouths shut they could outlive the others as the fighting starts.

I'M GOING TO KNIT TONIGHT!! Sorry for writing in caps but if I say it then I have to do it. :) Who cares that the house needs to be cleaned.

Colour

I love colour. My first knitting projects were Icelandic sweaters (the sweaters knit in the round with colours in the yoke) and I loved putting together colour combinations. Then came along Kaffe Fassett. What an eye opener for knitting. I think that is why I love quilting fabric as well. The hours spent putting together colours is so much fun.

There is a newish website called Pinterest. From Wikipedia

Pinterest is a pinboard-styled social photo sharing website. The service allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections. The site's mission statement is to "connect everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting." 

Lately people have been 'pinning' colour combinations that they are getting from a website called Design Seeds. What great combinations for knitters, quilters and anyone decorating a house.

I ordered two stands from Lantern Moon so my morning has been putting them together. Okay, I put one together and hope that I can talk Beth into coming and doing the other one. It's not hard but I am impatient!

Tosh Pasmina has a new home. This is necessary because Tosh Chunky arrived and it needs to go somewhere.

Wannietta is knitting a cardigan in pashmina. I just talked with her and she is going to try really hard to get it finished in time for the Frolic.

Pattern: Wildflower from Coastal Knits

Ms. Canada Post brought in a parcel from Lynda this morning. It is beautiful.

Pattern: Austin Hoodie from Connie Chang Chinchio
We have copies in the store and you can buy the pattern on Ravelry

Yarn: Solemate from Lorna's Laces

I was rushing to get pictures because a customer pulled in when I was outside.

It is nice to be able to get pictures in the sunlight again.

From the Lorna's Laces website. I love the picture.

Solemate feels great. I hope that Beth doesn't feel the cardigan because she will definitely want a pair of socks.

I made an emergency phone call to Lorna's this afternoon to add more colours. I knew the yarn was nice but not this nice.

Beth and I are having dinner with our kids tonight. Okay, not our kids but close enough. All three girls had birthdays last week. It is always an interesting evening out with them.

Gnarled Oak

The Super Bowl is done and the right team won. I got lots of knitting accomplished and it's bed time. Before opening the store tomorrow I am going to pick up more tosh.

I decided on Gnarled Oak from Coastal Knits for my tosh dk.

I didn't take needles from the store last night assuming that I would have them at home. It was almost a big mistake. I have 60cm, 4mm needles. Lots of them. The problem was that I needed 80cm or 100cm. I have 4mm points for my addi clicks but no long cords. I went through my bedroom. No luck. Then I remembered my set of lace clicks. Lucky for me there was a 100cm cord. I could start.

The body is worked in one piece to the armhole. Then the sleeves are knit and joined to the body for the yoke. Two balls are going at once and my goal is to be through those two balls tomorrow. Aim high my dad always told me!!

More almost finished projects

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.

Good Delivery Day

I finished the Elegance scarf last night but didn't get a picture today. I wanted to get the ends sewn in but that didn't happen until it was time to go home. By that time it is dark outside and pictures don't look good. I will try tomorrow. If not then next week. Speaking of Elegance, I am taking some to Woodstock.

We had good deliveries today.

Mr. Canpar brought two boxes. One had Frill Seeker in it and the other had Knitter's Pride needles-individual needles and more interchangeable sets.

Mr. Canada Post brought in a box from the US with
Coastal Knits. There are copies in the store as well as copies packed for The Fleece Festival.

Mr. UPS came with a box from Rowan with the Kidsilk Haze Stripe that I have been waiting for rather impatiently. Also in the box was Kidsilk Creation. I didn't think we were going to have this for a few more weeks. I have left some of each yarn in the store and the rest is coming to the show.

From www.knitrowan.com

Kidsilk Creation is a limited edition yarn.  A net, tubular construction made from the best selling yarn Kidsilk Haze which is 70% super kid silk Mohair and 30% silk.
The colours have been selected from the favourite shades of Kidsilk Haze cream, dewberry, trance, candy girl, jelly and smoke. Using a special technique one 50g hank will knit or crochet our Free Project 

The scarf pattern is on the ball band of the yarn. There are two videos that show you how to knit or crochet the scarf.

I think you will need to be registered on Rowan's website to watch the video.
Knit
Crochet

I've watched the video and it doesn't look hard to knit the scarf. If you have made any of the frill scarves then you can make this. I'm going to sign off now so that I can get the scarf started.

Panoramic Shawl

Four more sleeps until Woodstock. I need the last few boxes to arrive and I will be set.

I called the US this morning to get the tracking number for the Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe. It is supposed to be here on Thursday afternoon according to UPS. Fingers are crossed that we will have it in time for Woodstock.

It is amazing how many spam comments the blog gets. People trying to sell things, trying to get me to their website and other garbage. This is why your comments don't show up right away. I receive an email telling me there is a comment. Blogger automatically sends the spam ones to a spam folder.

Mr. Canada Post brought in two boxes today. One from the US with more Kauni for the store and one from Tanis with Purple Label Cashmere Sock yarn. The pattern for Adelia was in the box. I did not bring the yarn home but I really wanted to.

Now I am stuck. I don't have any pictures. I wrote more but didn't like it so I hit delete. Then it hit me. There are still a few more items from Coastal Knits to share. The book has been shipped from the US and we hope to have it very soon.

Panoramic Shawl

A mesh lace stole that features just enough short row shaping to keep things interesting. Wonderfully long, this substantial extra layer can lend subtle drama to an outfit.

Length: approx 80" / 203cm

Width: approx 19" / 49cm

1000 yds / 915m of fingering weight yarn-I'm thinking tosh merino light, Prism Saki or Tanis Purple Label

It's time for X Factor. Judges, please pick the people I like.

Sand and Sea

This morning I hauled Beth's butt out of bed early so that we could head to Balls Falls. It was the annual Thanksgiving Weekend Craft Show. The only reason she agreed to come was to find gnomes for the yard in Myrtle Beach.

We didn't come home with a gnome but we do have a troll. The decision was hard-there were many good ones.

Getting up that early took a toll on me. We got home and I had an afternoon nap. A nap that lasted four hours. I guess I was a little bit behind on my sleep.

Sand and Sea from Coastal Knits

A light and lacy, crescent-shaped shawlette that drapes beautifully over your shoulders. Sand and Sea is knit from the top down in one piece. The curved shaping is created by the use of short rows.

Finished Measurements

Length: approx 48" / 122cm from end to end

Width: approx 12" / 31cm at widest point of center, including border

Yarn

250 yds / 225m of lace weight yarn, such as Malabrigo Lace and 125 yds / 115m of fingering weight yarn such as Malabrigo Sock or Madelinetosh Tosh Sock. 

Coastal Knits is supposed to be shipped from the US later this week. I won't put in on the website until the book arrives but you can contact me to hold a copy for you. I don't know what I will do once I have shown all the pictures. They are great and make the blog look very pretty.

Beth is sitting beside me writing a blog post. She is going to share her holiday desert 'recipes'. I would love a cookie. Maybe she will go to the store to buy the ingredients tomorrow.

Rustling Leaves

I was not in a good mood when I went to bed last night. Those darn Phillies. They couldn't score two runs for Roy. Seriously bitter that with all that talent they are out of the playoffs already. I really want Roy to get a World Series ring.

The evening between work and the baseball game was good. We had dinner with John, his three girls and Lynda. The girls are three of the four that came to Myrtle Beach with us last summer. Plans are underway for next July.

I finished another scarf in Prism Stuff. The scarf is knit lengthwise-I wanted the colours to run in long stripes, not thin thick stripes.

The store samples we had were knit on 7mm needles. I tried less stitches and 10mm needles. I think I like the looser knit better. You can make a great Christmas present in an evening.

Prism is the exclusive manufacturer of "Stuff" yarns--30-40 individually hand dyed, color and gauge coordinated yarns that are tied together end to end by hand. When knit, the yarns change from one to another in varying lengths.

You can wear the scarf with jeans and a turtle neck or with a little black dress.

There is a huge colour range and now I want to wind a skein and knit another one! I'm not a shiny person but the glitter in Stuff grabs my attention. It isn't garish. Just pretty.

So far I have only shown the cardigans from Coastal Knits. Here is a hat-Rustling Leaves.

Rustling Leaves is the perfect fall accessory. Knit from the bottom up, this beret features beautiful elongated leaves that slant in different directions as if they were rustling in the wind.

Finished Measurements

Brim circumference: approx 20" / 51cm after blocking

Diameter: approx 10" / 25cm across after blocking

Yarn

approx 175 yds / 160m of fingering weight wool or wool blend yarn.

Alternate Yarn: Malabrigo Sock or Madelinetosh Tosh Sock.

This is beautiful. I really wish I could wear a hat. My head is way too big and my hair sticks out funny under a hat.

Who knew that we would be wearing shorts and t-shirts for Thanksgiving weekend? I hope everyone enjoys theirs and has some family time. I don't know if there will be a blog post tomorrow. Dinner at Aunt Rene's!!!

Wildflower

It was another late night last night. Congratulations to the Detroit Tigers. You knocked the Yankees out of the playoffs. We were flipping between the baseball and Grey's Anatomy last night. The show is starting to get boring/stale. In the first few seasons we had an interesting case each week. Now it seems that we just want to deal with the main characters. Beth wants to know how come we don't have many first, second or third year residents.

I'm sitting at home waiting for my dad. The lights out front of our house have burnt out. The one at the door has been out for a while and the one over the garage went last night. We wanted them changed before dad leaves tomorrow. Since someone broke into Beth's truck we have left the lights on every night hoping that it keeps people away. Dad will be glad to get to Myrtle and be done with our 'to do' lists.

And now back to Coastal Knits. This is Wildflower.

A lightweight, ¾-sleeve cardigan perfect for layering on a brisk spring day. The sweater style itself is basic and flattering while the flower motif pockets and delicate edging add just enough feminine detail. Wildflower is knit in pieces from the bottom up and seamed together at the end.

Yarn

4 (5, 5, 6, 6)[7, 8, 8, 9] skeins Madelinetosh Pashmina (75% Merino Wool, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere; 360 yds / 329m; 3½ oz / 100g) in Winter Wheat OR 1325 (1500, 1700, 1900, 2125)[2350, 2575, 2800, 3075] yds / 1200 (1375, 1575, 1750, 1950)[2150, 2375, 2575, 2800] m of sport weight wool blend.

Alternate Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight or Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.

 Finished measurements-a great range

Chest circumference (closed): 32¾ (36¼, 39½, 43, 46½) [49¾, 53¼, 56¾, 60¼]" / 83 (92, 100, 109, 118) [126.4, 135, 144, 153] cm

Body Length: 22¾ (23¾, 24¾, 25¾, 26¾) [27¾, 28¾, 29¾, 30¾]" / 58 (60.5, 63, 65.5, 68)[70.5, 73, 75.5, 78] cm

Shown in size 36¼" / 92cm; to be worn with 0–2"/ 0–5cm positive ease.

The choices in the book are amazing. I want them all.

Can you believe this weather? It is warm enough during the day to be outside in a short sleeved shirt. I remember as a kid having Thanksgiving dinner at my grandmothers and then going to see the Tiger Cats play and it was really cold out. Winter coat cold.

Water's Edge

It's before 9 and I am at work. Roko had an early appointment at the vets this morning. For the last week he has been having problems standing after lying down for a while. Beth took him on Monday and they checked him out. The vet could move his hind legs around without him crying or flinching. Roko is a big baby so if he was in pain we would know. They think he might have arthritis but they are doing x-rays this morning to check and make sure it isn't anything else. We moved the footstool from the TV room to beside Beth's bed to make it easier for him to get into bed at night. Of course the dogs sleep in bed. Where else would they sleep?

I took this picture last night. They were lying side by side and it was really cute. Roko heard me turn on my phone and open the camera app. In true Roko fashion he had a small freak out.

Water's Edge is the garment that first caught my eye in Coastal Knits.

A top-down cardigan with a well-placed pleat that flatters the waist. Short row shaping at the hem gives creates a slight curve, mimicking the shape of a shore line. With elbow-length sleeves, this a cardigan for all seasons!

Very cute. Finished measurements

Chest circumference: 34 (37½, 41¼, 44¾, 48½)[52, 55½, 59¼, 62¾]" / 86.5 (95.5, 104.5, 114, 123)[132, 141, 150.5, 159.5] cm

Length: 20¾ (21½, 22¾, 23½, 24¾) [25½, 26¾, 27½, 28¾]" / 52.5 (55, 57.5, 60, 63)[65, 68, 70, 73]

Shown in size 34" / 86.5cm; to be worn with 0–2" / 0–5cm positive ease.

Again the suggested yarn is double knitting weight. Yay! More tosh merino dk!! I currently have four orders with madelinetosh. Hurry!!

Still no knitting. Last night I had my nails done and then came home to write a newsletter. It was a tough chore-everything to tell has been written in a blog post. I try not to duplicate but it is impossible not to. I am almost done and hopefully it will be going out tomorrow.

It is much later in the day and I am getting back to my post. Mr. Canada Post came in with a box from Prism-more Saki. Then Mr. Canpar came in with a huge box of a brand new yarn. Manos Artasanas.

Wonderful fancy, whimsical all natural hand line from Argentina. There are no other yarns like these!

Florcitas

Florcitas is an artisan-made yarn. Little coloured flowers are attached to a thick and thin 100% wool yarn. The combinations are endless...

This is a free cowl pattern that you can download.

There were many other cool yarns in the box.

This is the Big Warm Cowl in Copitos. Two skeins of thick and thin wool on 20mm needles.
Download the pattern...

Dancing Queen-totally cool. I love the little flowers. The colours are brighter in person.

Dancing Queen is an artisan yarn, with a thick and thin texture, with high mohair content and a beautiful sheen. It is embellished with tiny mohair hand-felted flowers.

This hat pattern didn't arrive with the yarn-I'm hoping to have it early next week.

Beth called and Roko is home. Nothing showed up in his x-rays. The vet said it could have a bit to do with his weight. The dog is now on diet dog food. I don't think he will notice. He just loves food. :)

It's home time. Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather today.

Gnarled Oak

I thought I was going to bed early last night but those plans fell through. We were on the edge of our seats watching baseball. Hopefully the Tigers can knock out the Yankees tonight. This means another late night.

Yesterday I talked about the new book Coastal Knits. Gnarled Oak is one of the patterns that I am considering knitting-okay, having someone knit for me. :)

A basic cardigan that features a stunning, embossed cabled oak leaf motif. Gnarled Oak is knit in one piece from the bottom up. The sleeves are knit separately and joined at the yoke.

Finished Measurements - The great thing about the patterns in the book is that there is a huge size range.

Chest circumference (closed): 32 (35¾, 39½, 43, 46¾)[50½, 54, 57¾, 61½]" / 81.5 (91, 100, 109.5, 118.5)[128, 137.5, 146.5, 156] cm

Body length: 21½ (22½, 23½, 24½, 25½) [26½, 27½, 28½, 29½]" / 54.5 (57, 59.5, 62, 65)[67.5, 70, 72.5, 75] cm

Shown in size 35 ¾" / 91cm; to be worn with 0–2" / 0–5cm of positive ease. 

Yarn

1150 (1300, 1425, 1600, 1800)[1950, 2150, 2350, 2550] yds / 1050 (1200, 1300, 1475, 1650)[1775, 1975, 2150, 2325] m of DK weight wool blend like Madelinetosh Tosh DK or Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK

There is no knitting to report and I don't think there will be any tonight. Unfortunately I need to sit in front of the computer and do some accounting. YUCK!!

Coastal Knits

Yesterday was a true day off. No blog post. I did knit 2 rows but then put it aside. No thinking about yarn or work. It was my first day off in two weeks and I'm feeling rested and ready to go again.

Today I spent the day working in Beth's warehouse. Many, many boxes were shipped out.

Coming out in a couple of weeks is a new book called Coastal Knits. Copies are ordered for the store and I will post when they arrive. Over the next few days I am going to talk a bit more about the individual designs.

What will you find in Coastal Knits?

Knitwear designers Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig are two friends living on opposite ends of the United States. They have come together to produce Coastal Knits, a compilation of ten fresh designs inspired by Alana's California and Hannah's Maine coastlines. Each design captures the essence of their favorite local destinations, and is accompanied by photographs and essays on the location's special meaning to the designer. It is a personal, inspiration-based collection of sweaters and accessories that knitters of all levels will appreciate.

Beth and I were a bit bored with the football game last night (we had watched all afternoon) and decided to watch a new show that we had taped. Revenge.

Wealth, beauty and status define the people in this town, but one woman is willing to destroy everyone for the sake of revenge. 

Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She's met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn't exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she's returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance.

If you missed the first two episodes you can watch them on the Citytv website in Canada. I can't wait until Wednesday to see the next episode.