It's Done

I like teasing you with that title. My sweater isn't done but Beth and Kim both have finished projects to show off.

Pattern: Rosa (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of tosh pashmina in grenadine

I love how the colour knits up.

Beth's cowl is blocked and the ends are sewn in.

Pattern: Inspira Cowl (free on Ravelry) Steampunk version on 5mm needles with 144 stitches. Beth says that it is too big and she would do it with 138 if (who are we kidding) when she makes another one. My head is bigger and the 144 stitches is perfect for me.

Yarn: Liberty Wool from Classic Elite - 2 balls of 7838 Sunset Frost and 1 ball of 7834 Lilac Daydream

The store is full of food. Thanks to all who have donated cans/boxes/jars of food for the Food Drive.

There are 6 laundry hampers full plus over $500 to be donated.

You ladies and gentlemen have been awesome!

I'm starting to feel the pressure on my Olympic knitting. I still haven't finished the second sleeve. I would like to say that I will finish it tonight but I really need to have my nails done. Maybe some knitting after but not enough time to finish. Maybe tomorrow. Then onto the sewing.

I spoke way too soon about Idol. Last night was not good. We fast forwarded through most of it. And if we understood correctly, five girls were cut before last night. They didn't get to sing and are done. What is going on?? You take them to Hollywood and then cut them before they perform? It is going to be interesting.

Snowy Tuesday

We received another new yarn from Classic Elite today. It's nice to look at happy colours when the snow is coming down outside.

Cerro is a blend of soft pima cotton and alpaca that creates a yarn with drape and excellent stitch definition. These summery hues are complimented by Cerro’s undyed cousin, MountainTop Canyon. 

Description	:	85% pima cotton, 15% alpaca
Handling	:	machine or hand wash cool, dry flat
Colorways	:	12
Gauge	:	6 sts/inch on US 4 (3.5 mm) needles
Skeins/Garment	:	7/LS
Put up	:	hank
Skein Weight	:	50 grams
Skein Yardage	:	approx 150 yards

The Kudzu Shawl is one of the Web-Letter’s greatest hits. The clever way the braided cables at the top grow into rows of leaves, flowing from one tier to the next makes it an irresistible knit for lace lovers. A quick click through of projects on Ravelry brings up beautiful modifications too – more leaves, and beads!The key to this design is the perfect pairing of the pattern with a yarn that has both beautiful drape and excellent stitch definition. That is why we couldn’t resist featuring the Kudzu Shawl again in brand new Cerro.... 

Download the Web-Letter with the pattern... 

There are also patterns for Cerro in the newest Classic Elite book - Sunny Day. One of my favourite is Marisol.

A lacy wrap with large tassels added to each of the corners for a whimsical flair.

Wannietta is knitting a different shawl in Cerro right now and says 'the yarn feels awesome!'

The front of my sweater is drying and I'm onto the sleeve. The plan is to get that knit by tonight and start sewing tomorrow. That's the plan :)

Now we're getting serious on American Idol. It could be a good season. Some interesting competitors and I like the judges.

It's time to rest. I was up most of the night watching the Olympics. There was a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon so I wasn't tired when the skiing started at 12:30am. Then there was snowboarding. I went to bed and thankfully didn't wake up until the women's short track relay (I missed the fall). Then the men's long track speed skating - 10,000m. That is far!! I haven't finished my sleeve so that is my excuse to sit and knit.

It's Done

Happy Family Day. The store is closed today so I'm using my time to write a newsletter while writing my blog post. The bad part - I'm adding blog pictures to my newsletter and newsletter pictures to the blog. I think I have it figured out now. It's almost time to retreat to the couch to knit and watch the hockey game.

No, my knitting isn't finished. Season 2 of House of Cards is. Wow. I won't say anything about it because I don't want to spoil it but what a great show.

Beth made another Inspira Cowl during the Olympics. This one is super bright. We won't lose her in the snow. It's blocking right now - she did it all herself.

One shoulder to go on the front. I should be finished and blocking in a bit. Then onto the second sleeve.

Don't forget that there is just a few days to bring in food (or donated cash) for the Food Drive. The gift basket is worth close to $1000. Here are more details...

You will have enough yarn, books and accessories to keep you busy for a while.

Have a Happy Family Day!!

Twisted Donuts

Twisted Donuts is an easy knit in worsted weight yarn, customizable as a stole, scarf or cowl.
The pattern is comprised of two separate cables representing donuts, éclairs and crullers!
Gauge: is not important for this project.
Yarn: Madelintosh Vintage or similar worsted weight Scarf: adult length 800 yards
Cowl or Child's scarf : 600 yards 

A customer (cdninswe on Ravelry) came in with this amazing scarf and asked if we would be interested in the pattern for the store. Of course we would be!

The green scarf is knit in tosh vintage. The colour is jade which we are out of but there are many great greens in the store.

The purple/blue cowl is also knit in tosh vintage - clematis. I really want the cowl! The decision will be the colour.

The multi coloured scarf is knit in double strand tosh merino light in every one's favourite colour - spectrum.

We're working out the pricing of the pattern now but I wanted to share the amazing pictures right away. I will have the pattern in the store when we open again on Tuesday. Tomorrow if Family Day in Ontario and we will be closed.

Dinner last night was great. A lot of money was raised for Honduras. We got home around 10:30 and watched two episodes of House of Cards. We were both too wound up to sleep. House of Cards ended and I asked Beth to flip to the Olympics to see how the men's curling was going. The skiing was on the channel that she flipped to and we were up for a few hours watching. Then we had to watch the end of the curling so it was 3am before I laid down. The bad part was that I was so tired I couldn't knit.

New Patterns

Here are some new patterns from Churchmouse (a shipment arrived yesterday) that are quick to knit and will keep you warm until spring arrives.

Boyfriend Watch Cap

Knit this cozy, deeply cuffed cap for him. It’s handsome worn turned up for traditional sailor style, but we love it uncuffed and slouchy, too. Worked in a heavy worsted-weight yarn, this cap is a quick knit, which is great because you’re bound to be asked for more.

The ribbed cuff is nice and deep so you can fold it a long way up without the wrong side of the stockinette stitch crown showing. The three-part top decreases add a crisp detail. Rowan Felted Tweed Aran, with its rustic good looks and blend of wool, alpaca and viscose, knits up into a warm, cozy cap that drapes beautifully and wears well. Style and yarn combine into the perfect accessory for him or her! Bet you won’t make just one!

FINISHED SIZE
One size: To fit 20–23"/51–58cm head. Approx. 18"/46cm around ribbing, not stretched. 

YARN
2 skeins Rowan Felted Tweed Aran (95 yds/87m each).
Or approx. 190 yds/174m of an equivalent heavy worsted-weight yarn. Shown on him in Color 728 Dusty; shown on her in Color 734 Mahogany.

Colorwork Cuffs

They say that if you keep your pulse points warm, you’ll stay warm all over. These tweedy cuffs prove that theory nicely. And you can turn the cozy quotient up or down for outdoors or in. Pick a colorwork chart, an edging, then finish as little cuffs, fingerless gloves or full mittens. Add color choice to the mix and the possibilities are infinite!

The cuffs are surprisingly warm and practical. Make a pair to peek from under your coat sleeves, grab your wellies and go for a walk! Don a pair of fingerless gloves for knitting outdoors or texting on the go. Or keep your precious knitting digits toasty and fully covered with the adorable and festive mittens!

Approx. 55 (110, 160) yds/50 (100, 146)m of MC, and 40 yds/37m of CC
 in an equivalent fingering-weight yarn. Add or subtract approx. 10 yds/9m of MC for each 1"/2.5cm of adjusted hand length. 

Flora's Cap

Fans of the film Cold Comfort Farm, based on Stella Gibbons’s witty 1932 novel, will recognize that this sleek, slouchy topper was inspired by the white cap worn by Flora Poste during her railway journey from London to Beershorn Halt.

When Kate put this hat on for the photo shoot, she literally sighed—and cast on for her own just as soon as she could. The Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk knits up elegantly, embodying perfect cool drape that sits on your head with a pleasing weightiness. Our seed-stitch version in alpaca and silk travels well from town to country and spans the seasons neatly.

FINISHED SIZE
One size: To fit 21–22"/53–56cm head. Approx. 20"/51cm around x 9"/23cm tall.

YARN
2 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk (146 yds/134m each); shown in Color 110 Ecru; Color 138 Garnet; and Color 150 Night.

Or approx. 195 yds/178m of an equivalent sport-weight silk blend. 

 Racing Raindrops Scarf Pattern

When Karen brought this scarf to our design team, we all agreed the little beads looked like raindrops, reminding us of the A.A. Milne poem, Waiting at the Window, that describes watching raindrops race down a windowpane. Once the scarf is on, the beads add a comforting bit of weight to the wonderfully soft drape of this lace-weight scarf. 

We offer this pattern in a second size that has the same wingspan; a slightly longer back depth adds more fullness. We knit this version in a fingering-weight yarn, but either scarf can be done in a lace- or fingering-weight yarn. (Both are knit to the same gauge.) Once blocked, each scarf is just the right size to wear multiple ways, with long ties to knot, drape, or to pin. Both sizes have 120 sparkling raindrops!

FINISHED SIZE

Approx. 76"/193cm across long straight edge; approx. 10 (18)"/25 (46)cm deep at the center, after blocking. Note: The only change in size is the back depth.

YARN
Smaller scarf: 1 skein Rowan Fine Lace (437 yds/400m); shown in Color 933 Aged. Or approx. 437 yds/400m of an equivalent lace-weight yarn.
Larger scarf: 3 skeins Isager Alpaca Merino 2 (270 yds/247m each); shown in Color 2 Light Natural Grey. Or approx. 775 yds/708m of an equivalent fingering-weight yarn. 
Note: Both lace-weight and fingering-weight yarns are knit to the same gauge.

We made it through the first 2 episodes of House of Cards last night. Beth turned off the TV after the second one and told me to go to bed which was probably a good thing because I had to work today. We could have been up for hours watching. I didn't see the first episode going where it did. It is going to be an interesting season.

Tonight is the annual Valentines Dinner to raise money for Honduras so I'm blogging early. Beth and I will be there early to do the coat check and then we will help serve dinner. After an evening of carrying dishes you gain an appreciation for people who do it for a living. It's a long evening but the money goes to a great cause.

House of Cards

This is what I had to contend with when I went to bed last night. He was right in the middle. And didn't want to move.

It's time to start thinking Spring knitting. The nice weather will be coming. It always does. :)

Sirdar's new Cotton DK is in a big basket. The basket is also full of many, many leaflets and books with patterns for summer tops.

Juliet - a Summer Tweed from Debbie Bliss. Juliet is a sports weight yarn - the same thickness as Cashmerino Baby. Wouldn't a little sweater look great in this?

52% cotton, 48% acrylic
120m on a 50gram ball
25 stitches and 34 rows = 4" on 3.25mm needles
machine washable
$7.99 a ball

There is an adult pattern book with great designs.

The knitting on my Olympic sweater has been non-existent. I hope to get some done tonight because the pace has really slowed down. The front should have been finished today so I better pick it up. 

Don't forget that I keeping adding to Flipboard. When I see a pattern that I like on Ravelry or read a knitting article online that interests me, it is added to my board.

If you haven't watched season 1 of House of Cards you'd better hurry. Season 2 came out today. We will be watching at least the first episode tonight. And I have a feeling we might have it finished by Monday evening. Why Monday evening? Monday is Family Day so the store is closed. What else am I going to do but watch TV and knit :)

Glitter

Ms. Canada Post came this morning with a large box from Zen Yarn Garden. The Serenity Glitter is awesome!!

A customer came in today wearing the Willow Cowl (a FREE pattern from Ravelry). It will look amazing in the Glitter.

Sorry but there isn't going to be much more to my post. I woke up with a migraine this morning and it's coming back. I was up early, worked in the store, had a one hour conference call (that alone is enough to give anyone a migraine) and then more work. It's 9:30 and I really need to turn the computer off and rest. And knit. I'm falling behind!

There was an added bonus in the box. 2 skeins of Serenity 20 for the Food Drive Gift Basket.

Help name a new bag

There is a new bag coming from Namaste. I don't know the details yet but I do know that you can win one. Head over to Namaste's Facebook page and name the new bag.

There is a new yarn from Sirdar in the store.

We have created this fabulous cotton double knitting yarn for hand knit and crochet projects – it can be used to create designs for all the family from babies to adults and looks equally gorgeous in projects for the home. The yarn is made using mercerised cotton to create a subtle sheen and incredible stitch definition so it’s the perfect yarn for lace knitting, cables and crochet work. This Cotton DK is a classic double knitting yarn that will knit to all Sirdar’s DK designs and is machine washable.

We have 11 colours in stock.

There are many great patterns including

Canada Post should be delivering a box from Zen Yarn Garden tomorrow. There is a brand new yarn coming

Beautifully hand dyed with a touch of glimmer, Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Glitter Sock is a gorgeous blend of merino wool, luxurious cashmere and nylon for strength. Not just for socks, Serenity Glitter sock would make unforgettable shawls, scarves and accessories. 

I can't wait - the colours are awesome!

A parcel is going out to Lynda tomorrow. She is going to knit Song of the Sea (pattern purchased on Ravelry) in Metalico from Blue Sky Alpacas.

Two standard sizes are given in the pattern. The snug cowl would fit neatly inside your coat collar. You can wear the long cowl singly to look decorative and drapy, or twist it up double to be cosy.

Knitted in the round, it is an easy piece for an intermediate lace knitter since there are no fancy stitches. It is more about the fun of watching the developing pattern unfold.

A novice lace knitter with experience of knitting in the round on other projects would also find this a straightforward first lace project.

Take a look at Louise's finished cowl on Ravelry...

My first sleeve is done and I've cast on for the front. The ribbing is done and now it's time to power knit.

Stripes

A box arrived today with two new colours of Liberty Wool from Classic Elite.

7837 Rodeo

7838 Sunset Frost

It's the day of stripes.

Ms. Canada Post was here early this morning with a big box from Trendsetter Yarns. Introducing Phoenix Print.

66% Viscose

34% Cotton

91m (100yards) on a 50gram ball

What to make with Phoenix Print?? Here are some shawl suggestions. The yarn is a worsted weight so there are many sweater/cardigan options available too.

Carina Spencer has three patterns that would work great.

How about Zuzu's Petals?

All the style of a shawlette without the fuss of trying to keep it around your neck! This easy to wear cowl is designed to mimic the look of a shawl casually draped as a scarf.

We have patterns in the store or the pattern can be purchased on Ravelry...

Scalene

Scalene is an asymmetrically shaped, triangular scarf that features both horizontal and vertical keyholes for several styles of wear. This gender neutral design looks great on women and men of any age.

Patterns in the store or on Ravelry...

Faraway, So Close

Faraway, So Close is a simple shawl that uses repetition of various stitch patterns to achieve a more complex effect. It can be worked in two sizes from worsted to aran weight yarn, and features a modest ruffle and optional crochet edge in contrasting color.

We have copies or purchase on Ravelry...

Another scarf that I thought might look interesting is the Tower Mill Shawl by Laura Chow.

The Tower Mill Shawl is a versatile shawl or wide scarf, beginning with an innovative garter stitch border cast on and shaped with short rows for a subtle curve. Tower Mill also incorporates a fun lace and cable pattern reminiscent of windmill sails which flows into the clean ribbed edge.

Available on Ravelry or we have copies.

Autumn Blush by Joji.

The shawl is worked from tip to tip, sideways, in one piece, using short rows for shaping. I tried to keep the design with simple lines using textured stitch patterns that showcase beautifully the softness and sheen of this luxurious silk blend.

In the store or on Ravelry...

How about the Groovy Shawl?

Groovy will knit up as a shawl or large, deep scarf. The design is triangle shaped, has very deep ribs and notches on one side. Can be knit with 4mm needles and DK weight yarns. If you prefer a thicker shawl, use 5mm needles and aran weight yarns. You will need a minimum of 500 meters of yarn for a large scarf and closer to 900 meters for a large shawl. Using more yarn will result in a deeper, larger shawl. This design is quite flexible!

Purchase the pattern on Ravelry...

And then there is Clapotis. I think that I might send the yarn to Lynda for this. But that can change between now and tomorrow morning. :)

I was ready to hit Publish when Mr. Canpar came in with a box that has two new colours of Debbie Bliss Luxury Silk DK.

Geranium

Luxury Silk DK Print takes a good thing and gives it stripes! This sleek, luxurious DK yarn from Debbie Bliss is 100% silk and feels amazing on your skin. And Luxury Silk DK Print self-stripes in bright, deep color combinations, making it perfect for colorful and lightweight - but - drapey summer tops and accessories.

Lavender

There is a free pattern that uses 3 balls of the Luxury Silk DK. Download the patten...

Or you can use 3 balls to knit this Diagonal Striped Scarf. Download the pattern...

I'm getting ready to sit down and knit for a bit. Sleeve #1 is almost done. I'm shaping the top of it right now. I'll start on the front tomorrow. In my time calculations I forgot about blocking and the sweater drying. I'm going to get the front done and block the front and back so I can work on the second sleeve while they are drying. Then I can do the neck while the sleeve is drying. UGGGGGG. I'm starting to get anxious. I hope tosh vintage dries quickly.