Maker's Keep

A new book is on the way from Kim Hargreaves. It should be here late Wednesday afternoon.

‘Bitter' is the latest collection from Kim Hargreaves. Twelve stunning designs knitted in Rowan Big Wool, Kidsilk Haze, Brushed Fleece, Fine Lace and Rowan's new Alpaca Soft DK. Elegant cardigans, sweaters and accessories are all perfect knits for the Winter season.

These three garments are knit in Brushed Fleece. I love this yarn.

I've been tracking the new Maker's Keeps from Cocoknits. Canada Post says that they are expected to arrive on the 28th. I've edited my post - they arrived this morning.

Keep your metal bits and tools close at hand with the Maker's Keep. 

The silicone slap bracelet sports a brushed steel-plated magnet, has measuring lines for inches and centimeters on the underside, and fits any size wrist. 

Originally designed to hold our row counter, stitch markers, and yarn snips — any steel accessories will cling to the magnet, so it is perfect for makers of all kinds. Knitters, sewists, hair and clothing stylists, fly fishers, or weekend warriors will all find it handy to keep nails, screws, pins and endless small items close at hand while creating.

Here are a few more colours of Rockshelter Sock that should be in our shipment.

I got home from work and realized that I left my knitting in the store. I hope it's in the store. It isn't here. I'm going to work on True Colors. It's been on hiatus for a few weeks.

Ravelry Coupon Codes

I have a small Christmas present for 7 visitors to the blog. Actually, the present is from Ambah O'Brien. She sent me Ravelry Coupon Codes and we didn't use them all. They expire at the end of 2017. Yikes that's soon.

From Ambah

They can be used in my Ravelry store and will give a discount of $6.50 so the user can buy a single pattern or put it torward an eBook if they like.

That's right $6.50 towards Ambah's patterns on Ravelry. Most of her patterns sell for $6 so it's a free pattern plus a small amount off of a second pattern. Don't worry, she has so many great patterns that you won't have a problem picking one, two or ten.

This is the Bambara Wrap. You can see all of Ambah's patterns here.

Leave a comment here on the blog with your Ravelry name (so that I can notify the winners) between now and December 24. We will draw on Christmas Day. There will be seven lucky knitters. These codes must be used by December 31.

Annisa

Assana

Not sure how to leave a comment? You will see this at the bottom of the post.

Click on No comments or ____ comments and leave your Ravelry name.

I have to manually post these so it won't show up right away on the post.

Bambara

Lilli Pilli

Xanthe

Lamina.

As you can see, we are huge fans of Ambah. Her patterns are very well written and easy to follow.

Cookies

It's finished.

Pattern: Darn Knit Kinetic Cowl (free on Ravelry)
Yarn: one skein of Malabrigo Caracol
Needles: 10mm, 60cm

I used my new Lykke needles for this cowl. I really like them. Two thumbs up from me. The Caracol is nice to knit with and feels really good around your neck.

When I came in this morning, I threw on my Ombre Hood Cowl. Then I turned to the right and saw the new Amitola Brushed from Louisa Harding. This yarn would make a great cowl. Lynn and I did a few swatches to see what needles we liked and the cowl is underway. I'm double stranding the yarn for a really fluffy cowl with one strand each of Elvira and Winter Rose.

Beth came in the store with lunch for me wearing one of her hats. The colours match her new winter coat perfectly.

Pattern: Squish Me Cap (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: one skein of Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag in the colour Toucan

I came home from work to another mess in the kitchen. Beth has been watching too many baking shows. She decided that she needed to make a cookie Christmas tree. She said that they make it look a lot easier on TV than it is to actually do it. It stayed together long enough for a picture. Now it has been pulled apart and all the cookies are wrapped up for her to take to work on Monday. I'm supposed to remind her of something the next time she decides to make cookies. Rice Krispy squares are a lot easier.

A little laugh to sign off with

Beth was running around earlier today and I asked her to look for a grey turtleneck for me. Or so I thought. Here is our conversation.

I was in tears.

National Parks

I received a phone call this afternoon that made me very happy. Rockshelter Sock is finally on the way to us.

I don't want to make any promises until the box arrives but I should have the colours for my Find Your Fade.

Here are some of the new colours that should be in the box. I can't wait.

This summer Fleece Artist introduced the National Parks Collection. At the end of November they dyed the colours in Festival Sock - a true sock yarn. This morning I finally got the collection on the website..

In honour of Canada's 150th Birthday we have curated a collection highlighting 13 of Canada's National Parks, one for each province and territory. 

This light fingering weight sock yarn has a nice tight twist for a durable sock. The silk adds warmth and a bit of sheen while the kid mohair increases the strength and give a subtle haze.

While tidying last week Cathy found some Bigga Buddy cases from Namaste. Namaste is no longer in business so these are a real find.

The Bigga' Buddy case is an oversized version of Namaste's 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!

We have
3 Pumpkin Spice

2 Caribbean Blue

2 Raspberry

1 Eggplant

The snow this afternoon was beautiful. The flakes were huge. Someone commented that it looked like a snow globe outside.

Now it's time for a few rows of knitting. I was busy writing a newsletter today (it should go out on Monday) so my knitting stayed in the bag. I want to get my cowl finished.

Sister Rosetta

Thank you Kate Atherley. Rosetta Tharpe is one of the most beautiful shawl patterns I have ever seen. Kate had it at Camp a few years ago and I really, really need it!!!

 From Kate:

In honour of Sister Rosetta's Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I am offering a FREE! download of the shawl pattern I named for her. Rosetta Tharpe (pattern on Ravelry) (Valid until end of Sunday.)

We're working on Boxing Week. First you need to know our hours.

Christmas Hours

Saturday December 23 10-4

Sunday December 24 Closed

Monday December 25 Closed

Tuesday December 26 Closed

Wednesday December 27 10-5:30

Thursday December 28 10-5:30

Friday December 29 10-5:30

Saturday December 30 10-4

Sunday December 31 Closed

Monday January 1 Closed

Tuesday January 2 10-5:30

Boxing Week

Spend $150 in the store (December 27-December 30) and we will give you a one-time coupon to use between January 1 and March 31, 2018 for 20% off your purchase (regular priced items).

Spend $150 online (December 26-December 31) and we will give you a one-time coupon code to use between January 1 and March 31, 2018 for 20% off your purchase (regular priced items).

For every $100 you spend in the store or online between December 26 and December 31, 2017 your name will be entered into a draw. We will draw on Tuesday, January 2.

First prize - a set of Lykke interchangeable needles. You choose the colour from available stock - Indigo, Umber, Black or Grey. If you don't live in the area we will mail them anywhere in North America.

Second prize - a brand new Maker's Keep from Cocoknits. Our shipment is on the way. If the shipment is delayed, we will get it to you as soon as they arrive. You choose your colour.

Keep your metal bits and tools close at hand with the Maker's Keep. 

The silicone slap bracelet sports a brushed steel-plated magnet, has measuring lines for inches and centimeters on the underside, and fits any size wrist. 

Originally designed to hold our row counter, stitch markers, and yarn snips — any steel accessories will cling to the magnet, so it is perfect for makers of all kinds. Knitters, sewists, hair and clothing stylists, fly fishers, or weekend warriors will all find it handy to keep nails, screws, pins and endless small items close at hand while creating.

I was having a really good day. I ran out to Staples for some supplies for the store. Then I went to Mark's Work Wearhouse to look for something for my dad. When I parked, there were no cars on either side of me. When I came out of the store, this is what I saw. I am driving the Blue Edge.

I couldn't get in the driver's door because the side mirror on the white car was in the way. I waited and waited. I tried climbing in through the passenger side. My body doesn't fold up enough to make that an option. Finally the lady came out.

I'm asking everyone to be considerate at the mall. Please park in your own spot. It makes everyone's life much better :)