Thank you Rowan for the Free Patterns

I had no clue what I was going to write about today so I went to the Rowan website to see if they've added any new, free patterns. Look what I found

The Traveller Scarf

Knit this men's chunky accessory scarf, a design from the Rowan archive originally featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 48. Designed by Martin Storey using our popular yarn Big Wool (wool,) this scarf has a chunky stitch detail and can be knitted as a long or short version. This free pattern PDF has been translated into German, Danish and Swedish - only print the pages you need after downloading.

Download the pattern... 

Knit this ladies chunky sweater, with central cable panel, the member's exclusive free pattern for September 2014. Designed by Martin Storey using the stunning yarn All Seasons Chunky (cotton and acrylic), this cropped sweater has deep ribbed set-in sleeves.

Download the pattern... 

Gadabout Scarf

Knit this accessory chunky scarf, a design from the Rowan archive originally featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 48. Designed by Amanda Crawford using the beautiful yarn Cocoon (wool and mohair), this long scarf has beautiful stitch detail and contrasting garter stitch edgings. The free pattern PDF has been translated into German, Danish & Swedish - only print the pages you need after downloading.

Download the pattern... 

Salford Scarf

Knit this unisex accessory scarf, a design from the Rowan archive originally featured in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 46. Designed by Martin Storey using the beautiful yarn Cocoon (wool and mohair), this chunky scarf has an all over cable design. This free pattern PDF has been translated into German & Swedish - only print the pages you need after downloading.

Download the pattern... 

Selene Wrap

Knit this ladies accessory wrap, a design from the Rowan archive originally featured in The Cocoon Collection. Designed by Marie Wallin using the beautiful yarn Cocoon (wool and mohair), this pretty wrap is worked in grapevine pattern and has 2 x 2 rib along the short edges and a crochet trim along the long edges. This free pattern PDF has been translated into German - only print the pages you need after downloading.

Download the pattern... 

I'm going to sign off really early today. The van is going to be here soon and we're going to get it loaded up. After work there are many chores and then football. Have fun downloading patterns.

Three Hour Tour

We made it home from our boat trip last night. We were prepared in case we ended up on a desert island for a while. Food. Drinks. Cell Phone. All would have been good.

There were a lot of sail boats out in the harbour last night.

The noisy people congregated upstairs. Beside the bar of course.

We're packing which means a mess. I can't wait until tomorrow afternoon when we get the van so that it can be cleared out of the store.

Mr. Canpar came this afternoon with a new yarn from Noro. Silk Garden Solo.

If you love the feel of Silk Garden, but don't want to knit with a self-striping yarn, Noro Silk Garden Solo is the yarn you’ve been waiting for. There are stunning tonal color shifts. Silk Garden Solo is a worsted weight blend of silk & mohair with just a touch of wool. 

The colours are fabulous.

It's knitting time. I only have a few days to get the Cane Bay Wrap finished. That is my self imposed deadline. I want the wrap for Camp and I want to start something new. There is some Kidsilk Haze Stripe calling my name. That is just one of the yarns I'm thinking about for my next project. The list is actually quite long. :)

Mrs. Crosby

Our dear friend Mrs. Crosby is having a contest on her blog. Jump on over and enter to win! I've been talking about Mrs. Crosby for quite some time and I have had the pleasure of meeting her on numerous occasions. What a wonderful lady.

Mr. Canada Post brought in a big box from Freia Fibers today with lots of Freia Fingering.

The colour that Kim used for her Auburn Wave is back in stock. You need 2 balls and 4.5mm needles for the shawl. Kim's has 4 eyelet repeats. Why am I telling you this? For some of the fingering weight yarns you have enough to do 5 repeats but you don't have enough yardage with the Freia. You might not get the full lace pattern at the end either but only someone who has knit the shawl will know this.

There are many, many great colours. I didn't take any but I did think about it.

It's a quick post today. After work we are running down to the Hamilton Harbour to go on a '3 hour tour'. Our Uncle Dave is turning 70 and his kids are hosting a boat cruise around the harbour for him. And it looks like rain out. Hopefully it happens before we go or it waits until we're back. 

Cane Bay Wrap

It's growing, shrinking and growing.

I was at the halfway point last night when I realized that I had forgot to K2tog at the end of the last 3 right side rows. It was late but I wasn't going to bed until I was at that halfway point. I ripped and reknit. The pattern is easy to follow (if you actually read it correctly) and the yarn is great to work with.

The packing for the Fair is almost done which means that the store is an absolute mess. Sorry to everyone who visits this week.

Here is the floor plan for the Knitters' Fair. We're getting excited!

I was in the store early today and stayed late and I've been working since I got home. Now it's time to relax. Master Chef is taping and my knitting is calling me.

Cane Bay Wrap

I started the Cane Bay Wrap last night. The first of 7 repeats are finished. Extra is awesome to knit with - super soft.

A luxe mix of baby alpaca and fine Merino wool, Extra comes in generously sized hanks and a rich color palette, making it ideal for one and two skein projects. Light and lofty with a springy twist, it’s a versatile Aran weight that lends itself beautifully to a variety of knitting tensions and needle sizes.

The needles not so much. Not exactly the needles but the length of the cord. The only 6.5mm that I could find last night is 150cm (60"). I wanted to get started so I didn't look anymore. I'll be switching them out at work tomorrow.

Yarn bowls are on the way. They should be in the store a week Monday. I can't wait to see inside the boxes - I forget which bowls I ordered.

I'm writing super early while we're watching the NFL pregame shows. Things get serious soon and I will be very busy with a converter in my hand. Sunday afternoon is not the best for knitting. Then Big Brother tonight. Who will be HOH? Are we finally going to break up the alliance? And Food Truck Race. There are a couple of really strong teams and a few teams who need a lot of work. I totally forgot about Flipping the Block. The condos are auctioned off tonight.

The first set of games are finished. I was able to knit because Beth was in charge of the converter.

I'm half way through the third pattern. I might make it to the halfway point tonight.

Next KAL

I've debated about which pattern to choose for the next KAL. There are a few ideas in my head but I think that I'm going to save them for now.

September KAL

You choose the shawl/wrap that you would like to knit. Please make this a new project - not finishing one that you have started. Auburn Wave and Itineris would make a great choice if you didn't join in our previous KALs. Or if you did participate and liked the pattern that much :) . You have until October 15 to finish it. Please send me pictures when finished so that I can share. I will also start a thread in the Needle Emporium group on Ravelry for you to share pictures. If you finish more than one shawl or wrap in that time then you will be entered for each one. Yes, there are going to be prizes. The prizes are for residents of Canada - sorry shipping out of the country is cost prohibitive.

-a Soakbox of your choice from the kits in the store

-2 skeins of Rowan Fine Art - your choice of colour

-there will be more prizes added. Stay tuned.

What am I going to make? My first project (which has a deadline of 10 days) is the Cane Bay Wrap. It takes two skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Extra and 6.5mm needles.

You don't have to use fingering weight for this KAL. Worsted, or thicker, is good as long as it is a shawl or a wrap.

If you're stuck, please send me an email. I'll help you come up with something awesome to make.

Itineris

We have the winners from the Itineris KAL. Thanks to everyone who took part in the fun.

Ravellers
-Stefanotis and Seajaes each won 2 skeins of tosh merino light or Mrs. Crosby Satchel in the colour of their choice

Now I need to cast on but before I can I must dig through the box of needles for the right size. I'm going to take that box to Cathy soon for her to put my needles in order. She loves organizing.

Another Auburn Wave

We've been having Internet trouble in the store for the past few days so a Bell technician was coming out this morning. Sometime between 8 and noon. Thanks. We don't open until noon so I could be sitting here for a while. Luckily he was here at 8:30 and it should be fixed now.

I came to work with the top down and left it down when I got here. We have one heck of a storm right now. I didn't get the top up in time and the inside of my car is soaked. I am SOAKED. The plus side. I thought I was going to have to water the flowers this morning before the afternoon heat wave. Now I have two hours to get everything in order for next weekend.

I'm home and the storm is about to hit. It looks ugly outside. The store Internet isn't fixed. It comes and goes. I think it is someone telling me that I spend way too much time online. What do you do it you can't surf Ravelry all day? You finish a shawl.

Pattern: Auburn Wave (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of Lorna's Laces Hat Box
Needles: 4.5mm

There wasn't much yarn left. I was crossing my fingers while casting off.

I was going to talk about the next KAL and announce winners from Itineris but the storm just hit and Melo is having a meltdown. I need to sign off and sit on the couch so that he can sit with me.

Marblz

I received an email this afternoon that the new Marblz needles from Knitter's Pride will be available as a special box set. 

-interchangeable in 9 sizes - 3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm and 8mm

-4 cords - 60cm, 80cm x 2 and 100cm

-needle gauge

-cord connector

The sets will retail for $134 and we should have them in the store in October. These are a limited edition set and when sold out we won't be able to get anymore. My suggestion - buy one for yourself and hand it to your husband/partner/kids and have them give it to you for Christmas. That is how things are done at my house.

Beth finished a hat for the Knitters' Fair booth. 

Pattern: Squish Me Cap (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag - 1 skein of Toucan

Beth claims that this is the best fitting hat that she has. She also says that it is nice and light - you don't feel like you're wearing a hat.

That darn Cathy. Now I have to get my Log Cabin Afghan finished. Our new house is going to be grey. Actually very grey (by choice and I'm very excited about it) so this will add a touch of colour to the living room.

The pattern is available on Ravelry and it gets better - the pattern is free.

I have one more row on Auburn Wave and then the cast off. Tonight is a busy TV evening so I should get a square started. Big Brother and the start of the NFL season. Are you ready for some football???

Totally Done

Itineris is blocked and the ends are sewn in. DONE!!

Pattern: Itineris (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 skeins of Mrs. Crosby Train Case in Hollywood Cerise and 1 skein of Bahama Woodstar
Needles: 3.75mm - the pattern calls for 4mm but I was knitting a bit loose and went down a needle size

My extension is 40 stitches instead of the 30 that the pattern calls for. This made the shawl a bit bigger.

I'm almost at the end of Auburn Wave too. I think I have enough yarn for one or two more lace rows and then the edging. What to knit next?

I've been thinking about our next KAL. Details on Friday. As well as the winners from the Itineris KAL. Now it's time to knit. Beth is at a meeting so it's me, the dogs and my needles.

Two Days

Here is the post that I started yesterday. I got working and then had a nap. Then watched TV and knit and totally forgot to post it.

Monday's Post - Happy Labour Day

That's a fitting name for today. I'm busy working on a few projects
-laundry and cleaning out my closet
-blocking finished projects
-working on Camp
-placing orders

We just ordered more bags and accessories from Namaste.

The Bigga' Buddy case is an oversized version of our Better Buddy case; it features hidden magnetized interior walls to keep your metal items in place, a removable interior divider, and is made of vegan animal-friendly faux leather. Perfect for quilters, crocheters, knitters, and general Namasterians alike! Contrast stitching, solid construction, and snap button closure; when size matters- you need a Bigga' Buddy! 
COLORS:
Caribbean Blue, Pumpkin Spice, Raspberry, Red 
MATERIALS:
Animal-friendly faux leather
SIZE:
9" L x 4" W x 2" H

The Harlow bag will be coming in Raspberry and Slate Gray.

The Harlow bag is vintage inspired, constructed of luscious vegan material and offers ultra organization and serious style. Features include microsuede recycled lining, loads of exterior compartments & pockets (2 drink compartments, 2 flap top pockets, 1 fiber-friendly pocket, 1 zipper pocket), strap buddy for shoulder strap placement, and dual detachable handles for added versatility. Interior has a zippered top and features 2 open top pockets, 1 zipper pocket and plenty of space for activities! 
COLORS:
Canary Yellow, Caribbean Blue, Eggplant, Espresso, Raspberry, Red, Slate Gray 
MATERIALS:
Exterior: PVC-free, vegan faux leather 
SIZE:
L: 14" at bottom, 16" at top
W: 6" at bottom, 3" at top
H: 13"
Handle length for small handle: 9 inches from top of the bag to the top of the handle.
Handle length for long strap: 27 inches in smallest position, 49 inches in longest position. 

Of course I'm watching the CFL. Go Cats Go!! Right now Chris Berman and John Saunders from ESPN are in the booth. Two of my favourite ESPN announcers.

Tuesday's Post - Back to Work

Skeins of yarn for the Dream Club. The colour is amazing!

The kits are piling up. Above is for Camp and below is for the Knitters' Fair.

Now I'm back to my Auburn Wave in Mrs. Crosby Hat Box. The final stretch is here - I'm at the lace edging.

There was no sense going outside for pictures. It's dark and dreary right now. We had torrential rains earlier. I won't have to water the plants for a few days :)

Dream Club

We are very excited to be taking part in Dream in Color's Dream Club for 2014-2015. Every month there will be a specially dyed colour to go with an exclusive pattern.

This month we have the Flight of the Maple Seed Scarf.

Ann Weaver is a designer well known for her bold geometric designs. She brings that aesthetic to the scarf she designed for the Dream Club, creating a simple but bold pattern. Designed to showcase the September 2014 colorway in all the colors of fall foliage, the Flight of the Maple Seed scarf features a simple eyelet pattern shaped after the “helicopter” seeds that drop from maple trees in autumn. Knit on large needles, it goes fast and the eyelet pattern keeps the knitting interesting.

The yarn is available on the website now and will be available in the store tomorrow. The price is $41.50 which includes a 620 yard skein of Smooshy and the pattern.

Smooshy’s 100% superwash merino base and bouncy twist make it a joy to knit and a treat to wear. The fiber content, combined with our unique dyeing process, gives Smooshy its deep and lushly-shaded tones. The plied texture and versatile fingering weight mean Smooshy is just as perfect for lacy scarves and shawls as it is for cozy, cushy socks.

You will need 5mm needles - straight or circular will work.

I believe that we are the only store in Canada taking part this year. Once the skeins are sold we can not get anymore so please don't be delay and then be disappointed.

Available on the website now and in the store tomorrow...