We have a winner

Cathy, Lynn and Beth did the draw for those who donated to the Food Drive on Friday afternoon. Congratulations to Barbara H. who won an amazing gift basket of yarn, needles, books, basket, accessories and the suitcase.

We collected $425 and a lot of food. Thank you to everyone who donated!! You guys rock.

I think that we will be getting warmer weather sooner or later so it's time to get ready for it.

Here is a great spring/summer scarf from Classic Elite.

This garter stitch based mesh stitch scarf would work well in any number of yarns, but it is particularly pleasing in our newest yarn, Sandpiper. 

Sandpiper is the perfect weight for a cotton: not so bulky as to be heavy and not too lightweight as to take forever to knit. The most interesting aspect of Sandpiper is its color – 5 shades are space-dyed in each strand, in short bursts of color, then 8 strands are plied together. Highlights and shadows occur organically as the colors in each of the 8 plies interact. From a distance, Sandpiper looks solid colored but up close the 5 hues dance and mingle, adding depth and interest. The most amazing aspect of Sandpiper: despite all the color play, due to similar values in each combination of colors, Sandpiper shows texture and lace beautifully! 

Sandpiper's softness and drape, combined with its subtle undulating color changes, make the ideal summery scarf. Change the stitch count, in multiples of 4 stitches, to alter the width and make a skinnier scarf or wider stole. 

Download the pattern (It's free in today's Classic Elite Web-Letter)... 

Lynn and I are getting ready to redress the mannequins into bright spring colours. We need some bright to put cheer into these long cold days. 

I really like how Ley Lines looks on my friend.

It's cold, blowing and snowing here right now. That means sitting on the couch and knitting tonight. I have so many projects that I want to get finished for the Knitter's Frolic.

It's Cold in Canada

Wow. It was cold when I got off the plane. I thought about staying on it because it was heading back to Myrtle. However, the weather there doesn't look good either.

A chance of snow is expected before 10 a.m. Tuesday and then snow and sleet between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. before sleet will persist through the evening, according to the forecast for the Grand Strand.

They've cancelled school for tomorrow. A snow day for almost no snow. Sounds good to me. If you are there on vacation this week you aren't very happy.

There wasn't much knitting last night and I didn't knit on the plane so no progress to show. Thank you Rowan for giving me pretty pictures to show. There are new patterns available for purchase on Ravelry. These are in Rowan's new spring yarns.

Knit this pretty ladies vest, designed exclusively for Knitrowan by Lisa Richardson. Using Tetra Cotton, a unique modern construction of four shades (cotton), this round neck vest has a ladder stitch rib section and garter stitch edgings.

Purchase the pattern... 

Knit this ladies stylish round neck vest, designed exclusively for Knitrowan by Lisa Richardson. Using our wonderful draping yarn Cotton Lustre (linen, cotton and nylon), this round neck top is perfect for layering over a shirt or blouse.

Purchase the pattern...

Knit this ladies loose fitting cardigan, designed exclusively for Knitrowan by Sarah Hatton. Using our wonderful draping yarn Cotton Lustre (linen, cotton and nylon), this cardigan has a waterfall draping front, lace section and garter stitch edgings.

Purchase the pattern... 

Knit this ladies simple dress, designed exclusively for Knitrowan by Lisa Richardson. Using Tetra Cotton, a unique modern construction of four shades (cotton), this v neck dress is worked in two sections with the bodice knitted in a simple rib and the skirt in stocking stitch.

Purchase the pattern... 

Stay warm tonight. Thank goodness for wool sweaters!!

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2015/02/23/4806268_winter-weather-chance-increases.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Hello from Myrtle Beach

I'm not looking forward to flying home tomorrow. It looks like it's going to be really cold. I have boots, mittens and my winter coat with me. I'm afraid that I'm going to be digging out the truck at the airport. I am prepared though. There is a shovel in the truck :)

The weather here is warming up. The first night was freezing. And there was no heat in the house. They couldn't get it fixed. Apparently the furnace is wired all wrong so they need parts and are coming back tomorrow. I slept here Friday night with the taps dripping in the bathrooms. Just to make sure that the pipes didn't freeze. I came up with a little trick. I put the blankets and my pjs in the dryer before bed. It was warm and toasty.

I spent the day with mom and dad yesterday and today. We watched TV. Ran to the flea market to buy flags for the front of the store. That was an experience. Had some great meals. And lots of time to talk with mom and dad. I also squeezed in a quick visit to the quilt shop. Many of you tell me that you have enough yarn at home. I'm the same with quilt fabric. I have enough but you can always use more.

And I did some knitting. Here is Ley Lines.

I love the pattern and the Serenity Silk Single from Zen Yarn Garden is a dream to knit with.

I'm in cleaning mode while writing. I keep jumping up to do laundry or the dishes. My flight is at 9am so dad is picking me up at 7. Way too early but I'd rather sit at the airport than have to run for my plane.

After I hit Publish, I'm going to knit for an hour or so. Just to relax myself before bed.

Hello Myrtle Beach

The day has started out crazy and has continued to be that way.

Beth called me at 7:30 this morning to say that she was at her warehouse and the pipes were frozen. She woke up at 5am with a bad feeling and she was right. Luckily she caught it before they burst and all is good at her work.

She freaked me out so I had to stop at the store before heading to the airport. No problems but better to be sure before heading off and Cathy getting to work at noon and finding the store flooded.

Now I was way behind schedule. I drove very fast to the border. Thankfully there was no one else crossing and I arrived at the airport early enough. Or so I thought. The regular lot was full so you have to park off site. I parked, got in the van to the airport and we sat for 20 minutes. Again, thankfully it was a small airport with only 2 flights leaving so there was no security line. I made it to the gate just in time.

Here is my ride

I had a row to myself on the plane so I watched an episode of Elementary and knit.

Mom and dad met me at the airport and we had lunch before heading home. To meet the furnace repair man. We have two furnaces for the house. One is working (upstairs and my bedroom) and the other isn't (the rest of the house). We also had a visit from the alarm company to fix the alarm. The house is falling apart :)

We're heading for dinner soon and then I might be moving in with mom and dad for the night. We'll see how cold the house is later.

It's really cold here today. One of my parent's neighbours had a water line break in their house this morning. What a mess. This is how my dad is walking around.

I took this quickly without him seeing me. He is in a toque. We're in the south. It's supposed to be warm. Not below freezing.

I'm not complaining because I know you are cold at home. It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow for you.

Have a good evening. I'm going to knit :)

Ready to go

I'm leaving early in the morning for Myrtle Beach. The house is clean. I'm packed - carry on so there isn't a lot to put in the bag. The most important thing is my knitting. Remember that when you are going on a trip you get to start a new project. I started Ley Lines in Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Silk Single. The colour is convergence and is brand new in the store.

While I'm writing an email came through from Netflix. The next season of House of Cards starts next Friday. If you haven't watched the first two seasons, I highly recommend the show.

It's time for bed. I want to be on the road early just in case there is a line up at the border. If I'm early it means quiet time to sit and knit at the airport.

That's a lot of yarn

399 pounds of yarn arrived yesterday from madelinetosh. It went to the storage locker and we are counting it and bringing it to the store. The whole shipment won't fit right now but we will get most of it in.

tosh sock

tosh merino light

Lynn has been having fun going through the bags of yarn. She keeps putting together combinations for awesome shawls.

A box arrived from Zen Yarn Garden. Lots of pretty colours of Serenity Glitter Sock.

Someone has been busy knitting.

Cathy's latest Technicolor Cowl. This is shades of grey with a touch of colour. Very muted and very pretty. I'll be making up kits tomorrow.

Have you thought about taking a workshop at the Frolic? Take a look at the offerings - it will be hard to choose. Sivia Harding is this year's special guest instructor.

Sivia Harding is guest instructor at Frolic 2015. She has been churning out patterns since 2003 after learning to knit in 2000. Her work has appeared in publication under her own name and has been featured in the Twist Collective online magazine, on knitty.com, in various subscription clubs, and many knitting books. 

One of her specialties is knitting with beads. Sivia loves the magical effects achieved when beads are combined with lace, cables and other textural elements. Sivia considers herself a knitting mentor. She loves to inspire experiment outside the realm of the original technique or project which often leads to the student developing highly original ideas of their own. She offers workshops on knitting with beads, designing shawls, exploring mobius, socks and more. 

Her self-published designs are found on Ravelry and her websitewww.siviaharding.com.

Now it's knitting time. I've been busy printing price signs for the store. I'm in the 'I'm going away for a few days and the store needs to be in order for Cathy' mode. I know the prices of things and where to find them but she can't always read my mind.

2015 Food Drive

It's Food Drive time again. Last year our customers were amazing. We filled the Edge full of food and gave $400 in cash.

While I was away at the trade show I started collecting for our amazing gift basket.

-a Nina Tote from Offhand Designs

Small and Sassy and Swinging on your Shoulder... Nina Tote makes a come back as your new favorite purse or small project bag of the season! 

-Artistic Difference by Talitha Kuomi and From Folly Cove by Julia Farwell-Clay - pattern books from Classic Elite Yarns

-Radiant Petite Madison Layers (far right) - the sparkly skein of purple yarn from Prism Yarns - 73% merino, 7% cashmere, 10% silk and 10% sparkle - 372 yards on a 100gram skein

a single ply of luscious high quality merino, cashmere and silk. Lustrous, with a beautiful sheen and great dye saturation

-Mrs. Crosby Hatbox in Icebox Watermelon (bright fuchsia - far left in bag) - 75% superwash merino, 15% silk and 10% cashmere - approximately 300 yards on a 100 gram skein

-Solemate from Lorna's Laces (middle) in a brand new colour for spring (it appears there is a bit of a purple theme happening with the yarns so far) - 55% superwash merino, 15% nylon and 30% outlast - 425 yards on a 100gram skein

-a ball of the brand new bulky from Freia Fibers - 79m on a 150gram ball - one ball will make a cowl - 100% wool

I am donating this suitcase. It is a small bag - carry on size. When I did my fall order of Regia sock yarn I received this from Schachenmayr. It's been hiding in the basement because I knew that I was going to use it as a prize for the food drive. A self-patterning suitcase - how cool is that?

This is just the start of our gift basket. Yarn and accessories are coming from madelinetosh, Rowan, Old Mill Knitting and Zen Yarn Garden. This afternoon I'm getting on the phone to more suppliers to ask for donations. I'm aiming for a gift basket valued at over $1000.

The Ancaster Community Food Drive. This is the 23nd year for the event. So far they have collected over 1,203,000 pounds of food and over $63,5000. The food is distributed throughout Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Flamborough. 

For every can/jar/box that is donated in the store, you will receive an entry into the draw.

All food needs to be delivered to the store by Thursday, February 19, 2015.  

The draw will take place on Friday, February 20, 2015.

The draw is open to residents of Canada-the value of the goods and the price of shipping prohibits us from shipping outside of Canada. 

If you live out of town and would like to donate, please send me an email and we can arrange a cash donation. You will receive 5 entries for $10 or 10 entries for $20.

ADDED JAN 21

 A sweaters worth of Rowan Denim.

ADDED JAN 22

From Old Mill Knitting

-10 balls of Naturally Mohair

-10 balls of Zara Print Melange

-a pair of Lantern Moon needles

-a Lantern Moon tape measure

-a Lantern Moon case for interchangeable needles

Look at the awesome basket that Old Mill Knitting donated to hold all the donations.

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

From Schachenmayr

From Opal

ADDED FEBRUARY 18

Zen Yarn Garden sent 3 skeins of Serenity Glitter Sock. Imagine the awesome shawl that you could make with these.
Black Mousse
Black Pearl
Confetti

madelinetosh sent 4 skeins of merino light in tart. The possibilities are endless for this.

Coming soon!

Each strand of Sandpiper has five space-dyed shades, giving it highlights and shadows that occur organically as the eight plies interact. These mingling colors add depth and interest, but their similar values mean Sandpiper still shows texture and lace beautifully! 

100% cotton
18-20 stitches = 4" on 3.75mm-4.5mm needles
100m in a 50gram ball

New from Classic Elite, coming very soon!

Alouette

Birdie

Jarita

Deryn

Dove

Starling

These patterns are all available in Classic Elite's new book - Birdsong. Classic Elite has added a really cool feature to their books - there is a scratch code in the book that you enter online and then the pattern book is in your Ravelry library. You can print off individual patterns as you need them. You can download individual patterns to your iPad. And you have a pretty book to look through.

Cowl vs Infinity Scarf

I hope everyone had a good Family Day. I was up early and went to the store to make sure everything was okay. It is so cold out that I need to make sure the pipes don't freeze - the house is over 200 years old so it isn't built like we build them today. The pipes were good but the side walk is starting to heave. I had a hard time getting the door open. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow morning. Dad might have to send a few guys to work on the concrete. Then home for a bit of knitting. A very relaxing day to get ready for a busy week. The madelinetosh shipment is supposed to be arriving in the storage locker tomorrow. We will try and get it into the store as quick as possible.

After yesterday's post, I was asked what the difference is between an infinity scarf and a cowl. The length is the difference. This is my distinction - please don't quote me as others might not agree.

A cowl is tight to the neck.

The Inspira Cowl

The Fractal Cowl

Rasta Checkerboard Cowl

Home Checkerboard Cowl

I've had fun going through pictures of our finished samples. Sorry, there are lots and I could show so many more. Cowls are fun to knit. If your tension is off a bit, it won't matter - it'll still fit you. They are quick to make. And you get to play with fun yarns. One or two skeins will make a cowl so you can try a yarn and then move onto knitting with something else.

An Infinity Scarf is loose and you can wear it long or double it around your neck. Both are actually called cowls (as you will see by the names below) but if I'm talking about them both in a post, I will use different terms to distinguish the length.

The Technicolor Cowl

Noema Cowl

Pine Bough Cowl

I cast on with Silky Alpaca Lace (6 strands at once from the Come Together kit) this afternoon to make a cowl.

80 stitches. Knit every row. Pretty mindless knitting which is good every once in a while.

Now to play on Ravelry for a few minutes. I'm flying to Myrtle Beach on Friday morning. A quick visit with mom and dad for the weekend. I need knitting for the airport. (Didn't you know that you get to start a new project when you go on a trip?) There won't be much knitting time in Myrtle - dad will keep me busy :) Unfortunately it looks like the weather could be cold so there won't be any golfing.