Knit A Long Time

Lynn worked with me today and we decided to do a Knit A Long. We are going to knit the new Calypso Worsted pattern from Black Cat Knitting Co (pattern purchased on Ravelry). We have the original Calypso on display in the store and we jumped at the chance to knit a worsted weight version.

We are both knitting with Biches & Buches Le Lambswool and Spincycle Dream State.

I’m using Very Dark Grey and Neveruary

Calypso Worsted is the big sister of the original Calypso, featuring the same colorwork chart but with a longer body, full length sleeves, a folded-over ribbed neckband and corrugated rib cuffs. It uses the magic of color-changing yarns to create an intriguing yoke design using just two colorways!

Lynn is using Light Grey with On The Low

Here are some suggestions for other yarns you can use

1. Cascade 220
2. Cascade 220 Heathers
3. Cascade 220 Superwash Merino
4. Malabrigo Rios
5. Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok
6. Noro Ito
7. Noro Kureyon
8. Madelinetosh DK

Here are the guidelines.

1. Yarn to be purchased at the Needle Emporium. Any purchase from today (Thursday March 7, 2024) qualifies. If you order online then we have you in the system. If you purchase in the store, please make sure that we take your email address.
2. The yarn can be any worsted weight yarn. Please leave a note with your order that you are joining the KAL.
3. Wear your finished sweater into the store for pictures. We will post these on the blog.
4. If you live out of town, please have someone take pictures of you in your sweater for us to post. 
5. If you would like to share pictures while you are knitting I would love to share on the blog. 
6. The KAL will end on September 30th, 2024. We need a picture of your finished sweater by this date.
7. Once we receive a picture of your finished sweater we will send you a 20% off coupon code for a future purchase. 

This combination is Cascade 220 Heathers (colour 8400) and Noro Ito (colour 60). I think this would make a stunning sweater.

We received some Malabrigo Arroyo today. The yarn is sport weight and designers are starting to write more patterns using this thickness. It gives another option.

There lots of boxes today

• A box of Cascade
• A box from Lang
• Two boxes from Rowan
• There is a box of Lantern Moon and Knitters Pride needles
• The last box has Crazy Zauberball, Starke 6 and Addi needles

Rowan Summerlite 4ply

The lime, orange and turquoise are three brand new colours of Summerlite DK.

The Addi needles aren’t online yet. We didn’t have a chance to make sure that the shipment was correct. 

Now I need to wind some yarn to cast on my sweater.

Leaving Las Vegas

Stephen West has a new sock pattern. You can purchase the pattern for the Stony Stream Socks on Ravelry.

These socks feature a solid main color with a self-striping contrast color. The contrast color flows along the fabric with slipped stitches and cables, creating a meandering textured effect like water flowing through a stony stream. These socks are knit top-down with a garter stitch heel flap. Instructions include notes to help customize the length of the leg and foot. Enjoy the relaxing rhythm of these toasty warm and textured socks!

Photos © Stephen West

Yesterday morning I went for another long walk. From NY NY I walked through Park MGM to Aria to take the tram to Bellagio. Behind Bellagio they had pieces of the old Conservatory display. 

They’ve made progress on the new Conservatory display.

Look at all the Hydrangeas. 

Goodbye Las Vegas. I had a great view of the strip from the plane last night. 

It’s going to be an early evening. I have lots of boxes to pack in the morning and then Mr. UPS and Mr. Canpar are bringing lots of boxes in the afternoon.

Technology 😂

My Traveler Cowl is growing. This is part way into the second ball.

It’s been a while since I’ve been in the Cosmopolitan. This is the amazing chandelier.

This sweater is on display at Chanel in the Bellagio. It’s always great to see knit sweaters on display in high end stores.

I just got back to the room after being out and about and received an email from a customer that the website was down. YIKES. I emailed Korey and he has looked into it. The website is working on my phone but not my iPad. It’s working on Beth’s computer at home.

Fancy words. Please check back later if you can’t get to the website right now. The propagation can take time.

Speaking of technology which can drive you crazy - my cell phone isn’t receiving or making calls right now. I want to scream!!!

I think it’s best if I turn everything off and go have dinner. Hopefully later this evening everything will be working as it should be.

Lynn finished a project

Lynn finished her vest and it looks great on her. 

Pattern: Stockholm Slipover (purchased on Ravelry)

Size: Large

Yarn: Le Petit Lambswool and Le Petit Silk & Mohair in the colour Soft Blue Green. Lynn used just under 3 balls of each yarn. She weighed her leftovers and had 9.8 grams of mohair and 29 grams of lambswool.

The Stockholm Slipover vest is worked from the top down. The back part of the yoke is worked first, then the shoulders and front and finally the two sections are joined for the body of the slipover. The Stockholm Slipover has slanting shoulders that create a very good fit and which are shaped using short rows. Rib edges are worked along the neck edge and armholes, and all the edges are finished with an Italian bind-off.

My flight was on time and for most of the flight it was very smooth. Part way through we hit turbulence for about 15 minutes. It was bad enough that the captain had all the flight crew sit and buckle up. The landing was the roughest I’ve had in quite some time. But we landed safely so it’s all good.

From the landing.

The Conservatory is being transformed for their spring display.

I had a long walk today - the longest I’ve done in a long time. I feel good but it’s time for a rest. I’m in the room for a bit. After I hit Publish I’m going to knit a few rows. The first skein of Dream State is almost finished and I’ll try and remember to take my cowl outside tomorrow for pictures. 

Another Finished Project

Here is my first finished project for March. Alex blocked it for me and brought it in yesterday afternoon.

Pattern: Flora Daze (purchased on Ravelry)

Yarn: 2023 Smalliday Set from Emma’s in Simply Spectacular DK

What is a Smallilday Set? 

25 individually wrapped Smalls (our mini skeins)- perfect for treating yourself or a loved one to a small-a-day for 25 days! The colors are specially developed for this set - each a beautiful and colorful surprise intended to be unwrapped each day of December through Christmas Day! These are available in both our Practically Perfect Sock Smalls (80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon - 2,025 total yards) and Simply Spectacular DK Smalls (75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon - 1,250 total yards). 

I am so happy with how this turned out. The pattern was well written and easy to follow. I think I will knit it again when the 2024 Smalliday Set arrives. We will be doing preorders sometime in the summer. 

Next time Lynn is in we’ll get pictures on her. 

My Traveler Cowl is cast on and I’m ready for the plane. This trip I’m going to watch FBI International. The first season is downloaded and I’m ready.

My day started early because I wanted to get to the store early and pack orders so that dad can drop them off at the UPS store/Canada Post on Monday. 

I think I have everything I need in my suitcase. I know I have my passport, Visa card and money. Let the fun begin.

Wish me luck on my flight. They are having wind warnings and advisories in Vegas. There could be gusts up to 70 mph. The last bit of the flight might be bumpy.

Elegant Simplicity

Joji Locatelli has a new pattern called Evanescence (pattern purchased on Ravelry).

Dive into a world of delicate transitions and ethereal warmth with my latest knitting pattern, designed to create an airy, long cardigan that embodies both comfort and elegance. This pattern guides you through knitting a piece that’s as light as a feather yet incredibly warm, combining subtle color gradients with intricate textures. 

Elegant Simplicity Meets Delicate Warmth
Knitted from the top down, this cardigan utilizes two strands of lace-weight mohair/silk blend, artfully blending colors from one to the next. Its simple construction features short row shaping for the shoulders, drop sleeves, and a subtle V-shaped neckline, making it an accessible project for advanced beginners, and a fun and relaxing knit for the experienced ones. 

A Harmony of Texture and Color
The cardigan’s body is adorned with a delicate lace pattern, providing a sophisticated touch that contrasts beautifully with the simplicity of the stockinette stitch sleeves. The use of mohair skeins creates a piece that is as warm as it is light, offering an unparalleled wearing experience.

There are 6 colours of Mohair/Kidsilk in the coat and you are holding two strands together when knitting. I am sure that we could come up with some great colourways using Rowan Kidsilk Haze. I will play with that when I get home next week.

The March Crazy Beautiful Color from Emma’s is in the store and online. 

This is Spincycle Dream State in the colour Valley Girl for my Traveler Cowl. The yarn takes up less room if you pack the skeins but I’m checking a bag so I wound them all. I cast on last night so I’m into the pattern before getting on the plane.

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the beautiful weather this afternoon. What a great day!!