Happy Saturday

What a beautiful day. I almost (but then thought better of it because I'll be able do to it tomorrow) came home from work with the top down on the car. It was a touch chilly but tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful.

There are some new patterns in Rowan's Ravelry store. They are older patterns that have been reworked in Rowan's Silkystones. Silkystones debuted last summer and has been very popular.

From the Knit Rowan website: Knit this ladies vertical stripe top, a design from the Rowan archive of Magazine 55’s Sally that is now available to purchase online. Designed by Lisa Richardson using the stunning yarn Silkystones (silk and linen), this pretty sweater is worked sideways with centralised stripe patterning. 

This design is available to purchase for $5 as a single pattern from our Ravelry store. 

Previously from Knit Rowan: Knit this women's vertical stripe top from Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 55, a design by Lisa Richardson using the gorgeous yarn Handknit Cotton (combed cotton). Worked sideways with centralised stripe patterning, this knitting pattern is for the beginner knitter.

There are 4 patterns in this collection. Here is the link to all of them on Ravelry...

From the Knit Rowan website: 

Knit this ladies round neck cardigan, a design from the Rowan archive Studio 32’s Dusty that is now available to purchase online. Designed by Marie Wallin using the stunning yarn Silkystones (silk and linen), this round neck cardigan has contrasting colourblock detail to the back, cuffs and band. 

This design is available to purchase for $5 as a single pattern from our Ravelry store. 

Previously stated from Rowan Studio 32: Knit this ladies round neck cardigan with contrasting colourblock detail to the back, cuffs and band from Rowan Studio 32. A design by Marie Wallin, using our wonderful machine washable soft handle cotton yarn, Handknit Cotton (cotton), this knitting pattern is suitable for the average knitter.

From the Knit Rowan website: Knit this oversized cropped tee, a design from the Rowan archive of Magazine 51’s Tamsin that is now available to purchase online. Designed by Erika Knight using the stunning yarn Silkystones (silk and linen), this design is knitted in simple stockinette stitch so ideal for beginner knitters. 

This design is available to purchase for $5 as a single pattern from our Ravelry store. 

Previously stated in Rowan Magazine 51: Knit this over sized cropped tee for a must have style of season. This design is ideal for knitters that are beginners. One of the techniques used for this design is the stockinette stitch.

From the Knit Rowan website: Knit this ladies v neck sweater, a design from the Rowan archive of Magazine 45’s Marseille that is now available to purchase online. Designed by Sarah Hatton using the stunning yarn Silkystones (silk and linen), this basic-shaped sweater has three quarter length sleeves and ‘v’ pattern stitch detail.

Rowan Silkystones is a melange of toussah silk and linen, and each shade is a soft subtle blend of shades. Soft to the touch and with the light silken sheen of wet stones (hence the name) this yarn sits at the heart of our Spring Summer season.

The suggested tension is 20 stitches = 4". There are many, many patterns that you can use this yarn for, from Rowan and on Ravelry.

What a busy TV night. Nascar. Jays. Hockey and more hockey. There are so many channels to flip to that I need to make a list. This makes it hard to get much knitting done. I also need to watch The Amazing Race from last night online. I totally forgot to tape it. Monaco. I'd love to visit.

One Two Three

Wow. The new Dream in Color Jilly Lace Mini Skein kits (that is a long name) look amazing. The pictures I had before were nice but when you see the colours in real life you will really want to knit with them. You have two choice (warm above and cool below)

What will this make?

The Arcoiris Scarf is knit on 4mm needles. The pattern is free with the yarn.

All you need to know is
-cast on
-cast off
-knit
-purl
-yarn over
-ssk

Kate Atherley has a fun new pattern.

One yarn, two skeins, three directions. A shawl designed for two skeins of a busy variegated yarn. 

Because some busy variegated yarns look best in garter stitch. And garter stitch is easy and soothing. But garter stitch one way is too easy. This shawl is worked in three different directions for a fun interplay of striping and colours. 

The perfect everyday shawl? Fun but not too taxing to knit or wear. 

Carefully placed slipped stitches add definition and detail. Although it is just garter stitch, the pattern uses an applied edging technique, a variety of increases, and picking up stitches. 

Piece is adjustable, but you do definitely need two skeins of fingering weight.

Pattern: One Two Three  (purchased on Ravelry)

There are so many yarn options.

-Zen Yarn Garden Serenity Silk Single, Serenity 20, Serenity Glitter Sock
-Lorna's Lace Shepherd Sock or Solemate
-Mrs. Crosby Train Case or Satchel
-tosh sock or merino light

Will I be tempted to start a new project tonight?

New from Manos

Merino Roving from Manos del Uruguay arrived today. The roving is hand painted in beautiful colours.

100% merino wool

100gram skeins

What can you do with this?

-needle felting

-wet felting

-spin it

-knit thrum mitts

Here is a bit about Manos

The Manos Cooperatives were founded in 1968, begun by five women whose goal was to develop economic opportunities for women in a country where there were, and are still, few opportunities for work. 

They began modestly, by selling handcrafts at local shops and the annual agricultural show in Montevideo. In time spinning, dyeing, weaving and knitting became the focus of the Coop’s efforts. Initially the “faded”, striated colors of Manos yarn were the result of heating yarn for dyeing in large, iron kettles over wood fires. Over the years, the dying process has been refined to provide consistency of color without losing what has become the trademark stria shading.

With each purchased skein of Manos del Uruguay yarn you will be helping a woman to support her family. Each skein is signed, so you will know who made your yarn, and from which village it came. You will be supporting the hand-crafted rather than mass-produced, and contributing to an economy where the workers control of the means of production. You, as a handknitter, crocheter or weaver, will be contributing to women’s careers in harmony with family life, and contributing to the landscape, and cultural heritage of Uruguay. 

I pulled out my Bella Lino cardigan today. I totally forgot to take knitting with me to work - luckily there is usually something hanging around the store for me to work on. I need to get going on the cardigan if I'm going to wear it to TNNA in June. There is also the Resolution that I need to knit two garments this year.

It's a nice break from Ley Lines. I love that pattern but knitting the same shawl twice, right in a row, can be a bit much. Also you need to watch the knits, purls, increases and decreases. This is knit one row, purl one row. Better to work on while watching the Masters.

Here is a picture of the boys today. I sent it to Beth to show that I am treating them well and that they are happy with me.

Now the dogs and I are going to watch the Blue Jays. It's a good start to the game but last night started out well and ended poorly. Hopefully they don't do that again.

Happy Day

Today was a happy day. I visited Trish and have new hair. It's been far too many weeks since I last saw her. Now I'm at home with the dogs (It's 3pm as I am writing this part of my post). I left them too long yesterday and they weren't happy. While I'm working Beth called from the car. They have left the golf because it was too hot. Dad was afraid that one of them was going to get sick from sitting in the sun with no breeze. 32 the car says. I told them not to complain - it's really cold and rainy here.

I received a notification from UPS. The new Dream in Color Jilly Lace Mini Skein bundles should be in the store late tomorrow afternoon.

From Dream in Color

Your search for the perfect spring accessory has ended! We are offering kits to make this fabulous scarf in our wonderful Jilly Lace. Check with your shop owner to make sure they will be coming soon. Two color collections are available (this is the warm option).

I have been emailing with Fleece Artist and the Soft Mitt kits will be coming soon. Fleece Artist has been out of the mohair and it just arrived.

The mittens are knit holding a strand of mohair with a strand of wool. They are super warm. It might be the wrong time of year but we have to grab the kits while we can. When they arrive I will blog with pictures of the kits.

It's later in the day and I'm writing before heading to bed. There wasn't any knitting tonight. The big dog (aka Melo) wasn't a happy dog. He was shaking and wanted to sit in my lap. The first problem was Survivor. There is something about the music that gets him upset. I also checked the weather and it says that we might have thunder storms tonight so he is wearing his thunder shirt. I think he is happy now.

It's a good thing that I didn't want to sit on the couch.

Spring??

Today the new colours of Bella Lino from Classic Elite arrived. It was so cold today (okay, not as cold has it has been but it's supposed to be spring) that it's nice to look at spring colours and garments.

Linen • Viscose • Cotton  

Bella Lino is a lightweight yarn that creates an airy fabric with long, harmonious stripes on a linen-hued base. This beautiful yarn comes in a palette of summer-friendly shades.

Cathy knit a beautiful scarf in 4 shades of Bella Lino (it's the same pattern that Beth used for her Santorini scarf).

This simple, reversible scarf shows the incredible colors of Bella Lino. Instructions are written to easily customize the width and length. Work your scarf in one color or many – since all Bella Lino shades have a flax-colored base, contrasting colors will blend beautifully.

The Bella Lino Wrap is a free pattern from a Classic Elite Web-Letter.

A truly simple knit, this wrap showcases the stripes and drape of Bella Lino perfectly. Easily customizable – knit any width and length you desire.

Stitches are increased then dropped in the center of ribbed columns, creating lacy ladders. Exact gauge is not crucial to the success of this project – a looser gauge will make for an airier scarf and a tighter gauge will emphasize the ribbed stitches. Block the finished scarf for more even stitches (like our green sample) or leave unblocked for textural interest (like our purple sample).Here are a few more options to make your Drop Stitch Scarf unique:

• Sew the ends together for an infinity scarf that will easily wrap around twice.

• Use 3 different shades of Bella Lino, working 24" from each ball, for a more colorful scarf.

• Add fringe to ends with remaining yarn.

Another free pattern from Classic Elite.

There are also patterns for garments

Wasp from the magazine Seaside Village or purchased on Ravelry

A half-sleeve cardigan worked from the top down with mitered side panels.

Talulah (from the magazine Oceanside or you can purchase on Ravelry)

A pullover worked from the top down in one piece with mitered side panels.

I have a Bella Lino cardigan and love it. So much that I have Bella Lino set aside to knit another one. I knit the yarn double strand and made myself a CustomFit pattern.

Beth just sent me a text that they have arrived at their hotel. No, they are not staying in Augusta. The hotels there are super, super expensive. They are in Columbia, SC which is about an hour away. It is a newer hotel and when they stayed there last year everyone in the hotel was going to the Masters. I'm getting a bit jealous. They get to see the par 3 competition and could see Player, Nicklaus and Palmer.

Babies

Today was my first Monday off. There were some errands and getting Beth off to the airport. She has flown to Myrtle Beach to meet my parents and then her and dad are off to the Masters. They have tickets for Wednesday's practice round. Two kids going to Disney aren't as excited as those two. It's me and the dogs this week.

Have you noticed that there is a baby epidemic right now? Every day customers are coming in to purchase yarn for baby projects. Our good friends just had a baby girl so Beth is knitting Miriam a baby blanket. She took it with her so I can't show a picture. I wonder how much she'll knit while she's away - hopefully she doesn't make a mistake.

Andi Clark designed this for Classic Elite and the pattern is free...

From Andi

I firmly believe that every baby deserves something handmade when they are born. And for a special baby, this blanket is perfect. Colorful and soft and cozy and machine washable (very important for moms), Liberty Wool is made for babies and kids. 

This blanket is easy to knit once you get past the first few rounds. It uses a different but easy to learn method for casting on. After that it’s the perfect project for those times you need a simple knit. It’s almost magical how the different colors of Liberty Wool print flow into each other as you knit, keeping you entranced by the beauty that is coming off your needles. And before you know it, you have a blanket that will thrill the parents and will endure lots of loving by the recipient.

Another great project is the Cupcake Baby Blanket. I wrote the pattern for this blanket and it is free when you purchase the yarn.

 50% Nylon, 50% Acrylic

Lovely and soft, Cupcake from Peter Pan can be quickly knitted on 4.5mm needles and is available in 17 colourful ribbon effect colours

6 balls is all you need.

Baseball season started last night. Go Jays Go. One down and 161 to go.

The final of the NCAA basketball tournament is on. It's time to go and watch. In our family pool it is mom vs. Beth. I'm not sure who I want to win. 

Happy Easter

I'm not sure if I should be saying Happy Easter or Merry Christmas. We had a touch of snow last night and then more this morning. Is it really April?? I hope everyone is enjoying a great day with family and/or friends.

I'm knitting until we head to Aunt Rene's for dinner.

I think I have about 70 rows until the cast off. Unfortunately I'm increasing as I go so the rows are taking longer and longer.

Don't forget that Spring/Summer hours have started in the store.

Monday Closed
Tuesday-Thursday 10-5:30
Friday noon-7
Saturday 10-4
Sunday Closed

The next shipment from madelinetosh should be arriving in about a week. Right now (and I could change my mind) the new Twist Light will not be coming to the store before the Frolic. It will make it's debut at the show. If you would like a skein before the show, here is a list of colours coming. Let me know and we will get it from storage for you.

Twist Light will be coming in 
pecan twist
plunge
raspberry cordial
deep
heartbeat
great grey owl
leopard
fallen cloud
woodstock
kilim
odyssey
kitten
geode
neon peach
fluoro rose
holi festival
tart
charcoal
whiskey barrel
dr zhivago's sky
worn denim
amber trinket
coquette
spectrum
mandala

Here is a link to the blog post showing pictures of the new colours (the first 13 on the list)

It's time to get ready to go. I'm not going to be late for turkey dinner!

Off the Needles

We have all our samples knit for the Frolic so it's time to start on fall garments and Camp. Diana dropped by this morning with this awesome shawl. I love the colours. And it's one of my favourite yarns.

Pattern: Nahant (free on Knitty.com)

Knit on the bias, it resists curling. Use any weight yarn (just choose the appropriate needle), and make it as wide or as narrow as you like. Length is flexible too.

Yarn: Classic Elite Liberty Wool in the colour 78104

Liberty Wool is a super-soft, washable wool available in solid and printed colors. This yarn's balanced twist will make all stitch combinations pop. 

With all the great qualities of wool and the ease of machine washability, Liberty Wool knits at a gauge that suits many designs and is ideal for children's pieces as well as those for adults.

Number of Balls: the pattern calls for 6 balls but we used 8 for a longer shawl

Look what came off the needles today.

It's in need of a good blocking and someone to sit and sew in a lot of ends. I'm not worried. I have close to a month to completely finish it and my New Year's Resolution for April is done.

Beth started a new project today. I saw the pattern on Ravelry and it's free for another week. She offered to knit it up for the store to show a new colour of Santorini that we received yesterday.

Pattern: Let it go! (get it on Ravelry)
Yarn: 2 balls of Classic Elite Santorini
Needles: 5mm

It's time to sign off and get to my knitting. My wish is to have Ley Lines (the second) finished in time for the Frolic.

Revive

Lynn came to work yesterday in her Easy Fold Poncho. It got me thinking about the spring/summer version that Churchmouse Yarns knit up.

Rowan Revive makes a lightweight, warm-weather poncho that's just right when the sun goes down on a summer day - or all year long if you live in the south 

The tweediness of the recycled fibers brings a new level of interest to the poncho's stockinette stitch fabric. 

You'll need 7 skeins of Rowan Revive for the poncho, plus one more if you want the optional cowl. 

We have the pattern in the store or you can purchase it on Ravelry... 

Purelife revive is Rowan's wonderful tweed effect, fully recycled summer yarn. It has a beautiful rusticity.

36% recycled cotton
36% recycled silk
28% recycled viscose

If Revive interests you but you don't want to make a poncho, there are many other options. From Rowan you can make

Lambrook available for purchase on Ravelry.

Emmer from the Rowan booklet Simple Shapes Purelife Revive and Summerspun.

Guido from Rowan Magazine #55.

The Cable 3/4 Sleeve Sweater is a free download on Rowan's website.

Sherry from Kim Hargreaves' Honey magazine.

The yarn is a true DK which means there are many, many, many patterns from Sirdar that you can use as well.

I was at my parent's for dinner and left my knitting there. UGH!! I am so close to finishing Exploration Station. So close. About 20 stitches to cast off. I was going to do that during The Amazing Race and then have pictures. Like any knitter, I have a few other projects at home that I can work on. :) Ley Lines has come out to play.

Free pattern from Rowan

Knit this men's v neck cardigan, the member’s exclusive free pattern for April 2015. Designed by Lisa Richardson using Cotton Glace (cotton) and Silkystones (silk and linen) worked together for the main body, this textured cardigan has pocket detailing, contrasting edges and set-in sleeves.

Download the free pattern on Rowan's website... 

It's been a really long week and I'm having a very hard time coming up with a blog post today. There hasn't been any knitting. No new yarns this week. No more free patterns to share. Help.

These pretty flowers are sitting on my breakfast bar so that I can look at them while I'm working. They remind me of spring which has kind of arrived.

I'm going to sign off now and head to bed. Tomorrow will be about knitting.

Come Together

These were finished in March (my New Year's Resolution) but I needed to block the textured cowl. Lynn got out the steamer and pins today and now it is looking good. Why not wet block? I knew that I liked the size and didn't want it any longer. The steamer was a better idea on this project.

Both cowls are from one Come Together kit from Classic Elite. The kit has 6 balls of Silky Alpaca Lace and you wind all 6 into one big ball. My kit is Peace.

I'm still working on the cast off of Exploration Station. There hasn't been a lot of knitting time but I'm hoping there will be lots this weekend. The store is closed on Friday and spring/summer hours have started so we are now closed on Mondays until the fall.

Someone got a new bed and is very, very happy. So happy that he fell asleep.