Honey Baby

Just when I thought it was going to be a boring post day Diana brought in the latest project she finished for the store.

Honey Baby from Knitspot

Diana did an amazing job. The shawl looks beautiful.

Baby’s first shawl—a soft, magical square, worked in the round from the center out in lace patterns suggesting a field a-buzz with bees and grasses. Worked in washable fingering wool, this piece is as sturdy as it is pretty and practical to use at home or when traveling.

The store sample is knit in 8-50 gram skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. We used the new colours Dobson.

Diana commented that it was a very big baby blanket. I said that I would wear it as a shawl. It looks great on my friend.

We have copies of the pattern in the store or you can buy the pattern from Anne Hanson's website.

I was outside taking pictures when Ms. Canada Post came in with a box from Ann.

Pattern: Belle from Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Stripe Collection

Knit this ladies cardigan in stocking stick with moss stitch border. This simple garment allows the inherent beauty of the yarn to shine

Yarn: Kidsilk Haze Stripe colour 203 Frost

Kidsilk Stripe is a self striping version of Kid Silk Haze which is 70% super kid silk Mohair and 30% silk. The colour combinations have been cleverly put together by the master of colour 'Kaffe Fassett'

It is a happy day in the store. We love getting new garments to put on display.

Kate's Coming

Kate Atherley will be teaching in the store tomorrow. In the morning she is teaching the Baby Surprise jacket. In the afternoon she is going to show how to knit two socks at once-one inside the other. I think I know what she is going to do. Tomorrow afternoon I will know how smart I am. :)

Ms. Canada Post just brought in a box from Prism. In the box was a new pattern called the Maidenhair Wrap designed by Christine Nissley. It takes one skein of Delicato.

This lovely lace yarn is a terrific substitute for more costly silk. Lustrous, smooth and silky, the hand is superior with beautiful stitch definition and blocking retention. Tencel® is ten times more absorbent than cotton, stretches less than rayon, and is environmentally friendly (made from sustainable trees and in a closed-loop system that re-uses all chemicals).

Laura Bryant (the owner and creative force behind Prism) comments about the pattern.

Chrissie delivers another great beginner's piece, with a nice introduction to nupps. Smooth, silky Delicato is perfect for a light-weight wrap that floats on a breeze. There is enough yardage to make the wrap several repeats longer. Shown here in Sagebrush.

My friend and I went outside to get some pictures of the great vest that Laura sent us for the Frolic. It is knit in Stuff and two Prism ribbons.

Me, the queen of shawl pins, forgot to take one with me to close the vest.

You can wear the vest in many different ways. I really wish that Sarah had been here today so I could have put the vest on her.

We also received a box of patterns from Anne Hanson (Knitspot).

This is Honey Baby.

Baby’s first shawl—a soft, magical square, worked in the round from the center out in lace patterns suggesting a field a-buzz with bees and grasses. Worked in washable fingering wool, this piece is as sturdy as it is pretty and practical to use at home or when traveling.
Substituting yarn and/or needles will result in an overall variation in size. 

Diana has the pattern and yarn (Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock) to make us a sample for the store. The pattern calls for any soft fingering weight yarn.

The blanket is absolutely beautiful. What a great gift for a baby shower.

I don't have any knitting to report. The hockey was very exciting last night and I dropped the needles to watch. Three overtime games in one evening is great but two at the same time makes viewing hard.

New Garments

I promised pictures of new garments we have in the store. I got my mannequin dressed and ready to take outside when I realized that I had to walk across the wet, muddy lawn to hang the mannequin on the fence. Not such a good idea so I took pictures inside.

From Diana

Pattern: Caricia from Knitspot. We have patterns in the store.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Prism Saki in Twilight

From Knitspot

A soft and silky triangle shawl in three sizes mini(petite, tall) to encircle the shoulders and body in luxury. Knit in a repeating allover motif of tiny flower bouquets that is easily mastered, this piece works up quickly and can be resized by adding/subtracting repeats or worked in a different gauge by changing yarn and needles. 

Wannietta and her knitting haven't been getting along lately but her mojo is back and she sent this beautiful sweater.

Pattern: Gullveig from Norah Gaughan Volume 9

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

From Berroco

Cables reminiscent of gothic archways form a highly flared swing shape in this deep V pullover.

Both garments are amazing!!

Nick (Mr. Canpar) brought in a huge box of Knitter's Pride needles and yarn. We received Ondas in red and Triana in green/denim.

Ms. Canada Post brought in a box from Lynda with a Noro cardigan and a mohair bias scarf in Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Stripe. Both are great. I'm saving them until tomorrow so I have more great pictures to show.

Did you watch Grey's Anatomy last night? There was some crying going on in my house. The young girl going through the accident and then making that decision. Something I hope to never have to do. And then there is Teddy. They kept telling her that Henry was doing okay.

Beth flew to Myrtle Beach this afternoon. It's me and the dogs for the weekend. I hope they let me knit tonight.

Fernfrost

I mentioned yesterday that an order arrived from Namaste. Mini Messenger bags in black are back in stock. I have two Mini Messengers (okay, one is mine and one is Beth's but I use them both) and love the bag. Even with my laptop in it the bag is light to carry around. If you are flying it is a great carry on bag.

Classic Hip Holsters were in the box as well. All colours are here.

I just spoke with one of my suppliers and we will have more Ondas and Triana arriving next week. They couldn't tell me what colours but I will post when they arrive.

Mom talked with my dad this afternoon. They are back in Tegucigalpa (the capital city of Honduras) and will be flying home tomorrow morning. Their trip has been good but busy. The main job this trip was latrines and concrete floors. Concrete floors sounds easy but they don't have cement trucks that pull up and dump the concrete. They are hand mixing it. He will be very tired and sore tomorrow night and will say that this was his last trip. We know that will change next year when they start talking about going back. His will be the first name on the list.

Fernfrost from Anne Hanson

A fine, nearly-weightless lace scarf which captures the curling, fernlike imprints of frost feathers on cold glass.
Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in an overall variation in size. 

Suggested Yarns: Fearless Fibers Cashmere Laceweight or Merino Laceweight, Sivaya Naturals Cashmere Lace, Louet Mooi, Jaggerspun Zephyr, Jade Sapphire Cashmere/Silk Laceweight, Woolen Rabbit Whisper Merino Lace, Posh Yarn Eva, or any laceweight yarn which has approximately 400 yards per 2 ounces. 

I'm thinking of having this knit in Naturally's Lace. The angora will give the scarf a nice haze.

Finished Size: 10.5”W x 48”L (blocked and stretched) 

Yarn Requirements: 400 yards 

Gauge: 28 sts and 40 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 2.5US (3.00 mm) or size to obtain correct gauge

I didn't get any knitting done last night. I never made it to the couch. Once my post was published I went to bed. Tonight there won't be any knitting either. We are having dinner with our friends and their kids. I hope I can remember how to knit when I get back to it. :)

Pretty Boxes

Mr. Canada Post braved the pouring rain to bring in two boxes from Lorna's Laces. The sock kits are here!!

The colours are so pretty in their boxes.

It has been a busy morning. Lacey is now on the website-you can also see it at the top of my blog. I have updated the Triana, Triana Lux and Ondas at the top of the blog as well. We have lots more on order and are just waiting for my suppliers to receive shipments so they can send to us.

Mr. Canpar brought in two huge boxes.
-Knitters Pride needles including metal sets of sock needles in 5" and 6" lengths

Set includes
2mm, 2.25mm, 2.5mm, 2.75mm, 3mm and 3.25mm

• Engineered from hollow brass pipes and plated with high quality nickel, Nova's polished surface is a knitter's delight.
• Sharp and gradually tapered points are ideal for all knitting projects including lace!
• Double point Nova needles yield precise stitch definition
• Light weight insures comfort in the hand and hours of stress free, satisfying knitting
• Durability of metal guarantees minimal wear and maximum life
• A streamlined manufacturing process makes Nova needles highly affordable
• The exceptionally smooth surface enables stitches to move quickly and with no resistance

-Kureyon and Silk Garden colours we were out of
-Triana in the black/grey mix
-New colours of Noro Iro. Unfortunately I started this post at work and am finishing it at home. I left the invoice at work so I can't tell you what colours we received.
-New Noro Now book from Jenny Watson

Caricia-another Anne Hanson design

A soft and silky triangle shawl in three sizes mini(petite, tall) to encircle the shoulders and body in luxury. Knit in a repeating allover motif of tiny flower bouquets that is easily mastered, this piece works up quickly and can be re sized by adding/subtracting repeats or worked in a different gauge by changing yarn and needles. 

Suggested Yarns: Hand Maiden Cashmere and Silk or Sea Silk, Shivaya Naturals Silky Merino, Woolen Rabbit Opulence, Sundara Yarn Fingering Silky Merino, Alchemy Monarch, Elann Peruvian Baby Cashmere, Knitwitches Cashmere Silk or Camel Silk, Fleece Artist Somoko, Posh Yarns Eva Sock, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 400–450 yards per 100 grams

Finished Size: 54(70, 84) inches across top edge and 27(35, 42) inches long at center back (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 400(560, 780) yards

Gauge: 24 sts and 34 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked)

Needles: size 4 US (3.5 mm) circular needle; DPN needles in same size for grafting edges are helpful, but optional 

These amazing shawls have me thinking about knitting some lace.

One of a Kind

Today was a fun day off. I paid some bills, packed boxes and dropped them at the post office, took Jane lunch in the store and then off to Toronto. It was One of a Kind day. I was parked about as far away as possible. You will understand this in a few minutes.

In the first aisle was alarte hand painted silks. I couldn't stop myself. I was by myself-someone should have come with me to be my voice of reason. :)

This is the cute box it came in.

The colour of my scarf is close to this.

Izabela calls this New York Orchid. She wanted me to buy a brighter scarf but I already have one that is purple and green. It lives in the apartment and I am going to rescue it tomorrow.

From her website www.alartesilks.com

Please note: each Alarte Silks Shibori shawl is unique. We paint and pleat it one at a time. Each one of Shibori shawls bares Izabelas signature. Small variations in pattern and color are possible. This is what makes them special. Shibori Shawls should be DRY CLEANED only.

It was a few more aisles until my next purchase. I have a great leather purse that travels with me all the time. It isn't too big and heavy but will hold my wallet, phone, knitting and iPad for flying. My bag is brown and I bought one in a deep navy/grey.

Then I was very good for quite a few aisles. I was looking for Marie-Joel. She makes the great art that is hanging in my dining room. I didn't get a picture of the two pieces that I bought but here is a picture that I took to send to Beth. I wasn't sure if this was too long for our room and we decided it was. We were afraid that if they were too long then when people push their chairs back from the dining room table they will hit the pictures.

www.ateliertrema.com

There was no way that I could carry the two pieces along with my shawl box and purse. I made a trip out to the car with these and then walked back to get the art. The pieces aren't heavy but very awkward. My arms were a bit tired by the time I made it to the car. Having someone along with me would have been a plus. Beth is coming next time whether she likes it or not. :)

This is our wall so far. We have another thin piece to go on the left in the blue tones and a double wide in browns to go on the right. The pictures will be hung when dad gets home. (He just called from Honduras. All is well. They had a very long day pouring four floors but the weather wasn't too hot so he was happy.) We held them up to see how they looked and decided that after the new ones are up we will only need two more pieces. These pieces can be the long ones. We will be going to One of a Kind in April to finish the wall.

Here is another pattern from Anne Hanson-there should be some knitting content

Luciole

A silky, star-splashed triangle, worked from neck to hem in three sizes (mini/petite/tall) with a lacy hem of dancing firefly motifs. The easy-to-work stitch patterns and wrong-side rest rows make this piece a great first shawl project, or a fun, relaxing weekend traveler for experienced knitters. It’s ornate appearance belies its simplicity of construction; this piece knits up quickly and effortlessly to make a dazzling last-minute gift.
Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in an overall variation in size. 

Suggested Yarns: Spirit Trail Fiberworks Penelope, Orihime, or Neith, Woolen Rabbit Lark or Opulence, Briar Rose Sea Pearl, Knitting Notions Classic Merino Bamboo, Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Silk, Fibre Isle Pearl Bison, Hand Maiden Swiss Mountain Cashmere and Silk, Sweet Georgia Merino/Silk DK, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 425 yards per 100 grams

Finished Size: 18(24, 30) inches long at center back and 42(54, 68) inches across top edge (blocked) 

Yarn Requirements: 300(425, 650) yards

Gauge: 26 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 3US (3.25 mm) circular needle (or size to obtain correct gauge)
DPNs same size for final join (optional)

Another beauty. I love the way that Anne uses pins to hold her shawls closed.

Tudor Grace

I got home from work yesterday and fell onto the couch. There was a bit of knitting but mostly resting. We watched a very bad movie about a run away train with Denzel Washington. I can't remember the name and it doesn't really matter. If you are debating between it and another movie I suggest you pick the other one.

This is Tudor Grace from Anne Hanson.

This scarf features a twining openwork chain pattern in neat vertical repeats like climbing roses. A simple six-row repeat with lace knitting on the right side only, this one knits up quickly and makes a great on-the-go project using any soft sock weight or sport yarn. 

Suggested Yarns: Briar Rose Sea Pearl or Grace, Fearless Fibers Merino/Tencel or Cashmere Sport, Woolen Rabbit Opulence or Harmony Sock, Knitting Notions Classsic Bamboo/Merino, Yarn Nerd Bambylon, Ball and Skein Artisan Merino Silk or Tashi, Handmaiden Sea Silk or Casbah, or any soft fingering/sport yarn.  

Finished Size: 10” W x 42” L (stretched and blocked) 

Yarn Requirements: 325 yards 

Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” in stockinette (unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 4US (3.5mm) or size to obtain correct gauge

Here is my Tudor Grace in tosh pashmina. The yarn feels great. If you need to make a scarf I highly recommend it.

The yarn is a bit thicker than fingering weight. I am using a 4mm needle and took out one pattern repeat.

The pattern is a six row repeat with both written and charted instructions. The wrong side rows are knits and purls. I like to think of these as relaxing rows-not much thinking.

My dad safely arrived in Honduras on Wednesday evening. Their flight left Toronto late and they had to run in Miami to make their connection. Their trip has been smooth since then. Mom has talked to dad a few times and we are getting updates on Facebook.

Lots of football today. NFL and the Grey Cup. Hopefully I will get some done on Tudor Grace.

It doesn't get much easier

I started and almost finished my Berroco Lacey scarf. It is very easy to do. You don't need to know anything about knitting to make the scarf. There are instructions on Berroco's website for using either knitting needles or a crochet hook.

video for knit version...

video for crochet version...

We have all the colours in stock...

It isn't on the website yet but I will try and get it up early next week.

Here is another design from Anne Hanson

This is the Autumn Arbor Stole

What a wow addition to your wardrobe!

A rectangle stole in two sizes petite(tall), richly-textured with voluptuous leaf motifs and dainty undulating insertion panels. Incorporated leaf edgings along the selvedges complete the composition. Recommended for handpainted variegated yarns with subtle, tonal color changes. 

Suggested Yarns: The Woolen Rabbit Whisper Merino Lace, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Laci, Sweet Sheep Sweet Lace, Wooly Wonka Fibers Merino Laceweight, Shivaya Naturals Merino Lace, Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace, or any laceweight yarn which has 210–230 yards per ounce 

Finished Size: 19(23)”W x 72(84)”L (measured along side edge at shortest points)

Yarn Requirements: 1100(1500) yards

Gauge: 24 sts and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked; fabric will be relaxed)

Needles: size 5US (3.75 mm)

Anne does such amazing work. I'm totally jealous of her talents.

Aria Delicato

A pretty lace scarf, delicately complex to the eye, which is actually comprised of a simple eight-row pattern.

Suggested Yarns: Slackford Studio Nimbus Cloud, The Natural Dye Studio Angel, The Woolen Rabbit Kashmir or Lark Fingering, Briar Rose Cashmere Special, Zen Yarn Garden CashSilk, Posh Yarn Miranda, Skein Queen Enchant, Squoosh Fiberarts Alpaca Silk Cashmere Fingering, Wool Candy Souffle Fingering, Stricken Smitten S’marvelous, Studio June Yarn Cash Paca Sock, or any soft fingering yarn with approximately 350-400 yards per 100 grams.

Finished Size: 8.5”W x 48”L (blocked and stretched) 

Yarn Requirements: approximately 275 yards 

Gauge: 26 sts and 44 rows = 4” in stockinette (unblocked)

Needles: size US3 (3.25 mm)or size to obtain correct gauge

I am knitting a Knitspot pattern, Tudor Grace, in tosh pashmina but ran into a small problem. I lost the pattern. It came in the box so I can get it finished. Now that I am writing this I think I am going to pull the scarf out tonight.

The Conservatory

The ladies in my Wednesday night knitting class were very adamant that I tell you a few things. I think they were a bit miffed that I said they come and sit and talk and don't actually knit. :)
-They did bring their knitting out last night
-They learned a new technique-provisional cast on

Scottie in Varuni
The fabric is amazing-the picture doesn't
do it justice.

Mr. Canada Post has been busy bringing me parcels the past few days.

Two boxes from madelinetosh with tosh sock, tosh merino DK and tosh DK

One box from Offhand Designs with knitting bags and needle cases.

A box of patterns from Anne Hanson-Knitspot

I emailed Anne earlier today to make sure it was okay for me to use her pictures on my blog. I didn't think I would hear back until Monday because of Thanksgiving. I just received an email from her telling me to go ahead. Thank you Anne.

There are many pictures to show so I am going to spread them over the next few days.

This is Gnarled Oakwoods

A rectangle stole featuring lush, organic motifs that convey the rich, earthy scents and textures of a woodland floor. Stole is worked from hem to center back in two pieces which are then grafted. 
 
Suggested Yarns: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Briar Rose Josephine, Woolen Rabbit Opulence, Wooly Wonka Fibers Celestial, Jaeger Alpaca, Rowan Felted Tweed, or any fingering weight yarn with a relaxed, drapey hand and approximately 400 yards per 100 grams.

Finished Size: 22 inches wide x 80 inches long (stretched and blocked)

Yarn Requirements: 1100 yards

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette (unstretched, unblocked)

Needles: size 6US (4.0 mm) needle

While I was away a box arrived from Berroco with Lacey.

Here are some more pictures from the Conservatory at the Bellagio.

I showed this picture while I was away but I couldn't make it large in my post. I'm not sure if you could really see the flowers and the detail in the picture.

Beth was a little freaked out by the tree-his eyes move. She said it reminds her of Pufnstuf which caused her sleepless nights when we were kids.

The Conservatory is always a highlight of any trip to Vegas. I'm so happy we got to see a finished display-many times we are there during construction.

It is amazing what they can do with plants and flowers.

This is the check in/out desk at the Bellagio. We were there at noon as people were checking out so I couldn't get any closer.

I haven't touched any knitting since Friday morning in the airport. My fingers are itching so I am putting my work away and going to catch up on Revenge.