Whistle while you work...

I'm not so sure I've ever worked so hard in my entire life, the weeks are flying by... Before we know it, the bells will be ringing, and the holidays will be here... The shop has been bustling with customers stocking up on holidays knitting projects, and I've been knitting up a storm, and finishing up the first batch of bells. Here you go... Most have dibs on them already, so hurry. I'll be throwing another batch this Saturday though, I'll make as many as I can...


A couple of weeks ago, I was in the city for dinner, and as I walked past Bergdorf's, I saw this beautiful lacy doubled cowl. It had thicks and thins of different colors, and it looked airy and warm all at the same time. I figured I better get started on this right away, so we can all have one asap!!! It's been a huge hit at the store, and the yarn is flying out the door for it. I'll have the pattern finished in a day or 2, let's say for sure by Saturday.... See you then!

Yarn bells...

The first batch of yarn bells have been fired, and awaiting their glaze. I'll be tending to that tomorrow, and throwing another batch as well. I'll keep you posted as to when they will be ready for purchase, along with the opening of my etsy shop. These are great holiday gifts for the knitters you know... I like them a lot so far......

Sundays...

You've been asking, and we're making it happen! The shop will be open on Sundays from 12-4 starting this Sunday... very exciting!!! I've been working on a few things that I'm dying to share, but this rain has put a "damper" on me being able to shoot a few pics...
On another note, the Madeline Tosh is gorgeous, and has been a real hit around here, I can hardly wait for our next shipment... I'll be adding pictures and more details soon, in the meantime, I have to knit my Etole la Droguerie out of Madeline Tosh sock, and Rowan Kidsilk Haze... Au revoir, happy knitting!!!

Wesley's scrap hat...

Lately, with all the teething going on, there have been many hours spent just walking the floors. I have to admit, with a face this cute, I hardly mind. With that being said, there's been little time or energy to post anything new on the blog, but I thought this was so adorable, so I had to share it... I noticed that I had these leftovers in a bowl at home, and of course, they just so happened to be the perfect colors, if put together, for a baby hat! I used a variety of different weights from Aspen to Unikat, just to give it some texture. I casted on 88 stitches on a us 7 16"circular, knit about 6.5 inches and then started my decreasing. I knit in st st, except for my color change rows, where I purled the new color. It's so sweet on him, and a great way to use some of your stash, you know, that thing that haunts us all?

It looks like some of my Madeline Tosh is on it's way as of today, now I can get ready to cast on for the Tempest cardigan, I've been waiting forever to find the right yarn, and this might be it!! The colors of Madeline Tosh sock are gorgeous, and with their permission I'm going to post a couple of pics from their website... Here is poprocks...


turquiose...
with which I may alternate with kale..

We'll see when the colors arrive in a few days- very exciting... We've also received fabulous new patterns from Coco knits and Mac and Me... I'm in love with Yvonne from Coco knits, I'm thinking Classy in Midnight Derby, or maybe Malabrigo worsted in Marron Oscuro.. Or maybe even one in both, what's not to love about this design... Check it out...



Ok, enough blogging, I have to put some yarn away and then get ready for tonight's class, then dinner reservations at 6:30, then get home and wrap birthday presents for Scarlett's 5th birthday (I can't believe that!), then make cupcakes for school tomorrow, and then........ maybe even knit a row or two!!

Knitting and crochet schedule...

New yarns, patterns and books have been arriving daily at the shop, we are so happy to have finally received our Malabrigo sock! I have it on my needles already, working on my Ulmus Rectangle- so far- so fab... Now, we're trying to wait patiently for our Madeline Tosh... Very exciting!!! We posted some classes for the fall, take a look...

Tunisian Crochet: Quick Stitches for a Beautiful Woven Look What do you get when you cross a knitting needle with a crochet hook? You get the tool used for Tunisian crochet! Learn to do an old technique that is very "hot" today. Crocheting witha long hook works up very fast and creates a fabric that looks woven. It also uses less yarn than traditional crochet. Get started on an accent scarf, evening wrap or afghan. Tunisian crochet is versatile, giving you the freedom to create a wide variety of projects. Suitable for new and experienced crochet students. Knitters welcome! Cost: $50 plus materials Wednesday, Oct 14 & 21 7-9 PM

Knit or Crochet Thrum Mittens – These are the warmest mittens ever. Either knit or crochet a pair of mittens with fleece on the inside forming an extra layer of warmth. Lots of colors to choose from. You’ll make them for everyone in the family. Cost: $50 plus materials 2 classes –Monday, October 19 and 26, 7-9 PM

Speed Knitting – Continental Combination – Too much knitting, too little time…so why not knit faster. Learn to pick stitches rather than throw the yarn. You’ll be knitting faster in no time. Added bonus, purling is easier than knitting. No kidding. Cost: $30 plus materials 1 class – Tuesday, October 20, 7-9 PM

Socks using the Magic Loop Method – Learn to knit a sock or holiday stocking using one long circular needle rather than 4 double points or 2 circular needles. This method can be used for any circular project. Cost: $30 plus materials 1 class – Tuesday, October 27, 7-9 PM

Fair Isle Knitting – Learn stranded knitting and knit with 2 colors…one in each hand. If you already know how to knit Continental and American, this is a great way to combine skills into a single project, a tam. You’ll also learn to read a chart, increase and decrease. Cost: $50 plus materials 2 classes – Wednesday, October 28 and November 4, 7-9 PM

Crochet Throw – Have you seen the funky afghan throws in Anthropology? Learn to make the shapes and designs to create a special piece of your own and put it all together. Basic crochet stitching knowledge is all that’s needed. Learn to select and combine colors to match any room. Cost: $80 plus materials 3 classes – Monday, November 2, 9 and 23, 7-9 PM

Felted Clogs – These are fantastic slippers! Made on circular needles with a double strand of thick wool, you learn short rows, circular knitting, changing colors and felting. Make them for the entire family. Leather soles are available. These are the only slippers I wear. Skill Level: Intermediate 3 2 hour sessions Cost: $60 plus the cost of materials. 2 classes – Wednesday, November 18 and December 2, 6-9 PM

Crochet Lace Sampler – If you love crochet and want to explore several techniques, this is the class for you. Learn crochet lace techniques, hairpin lace and broomstick lace. Each uses different tools to achieve beautiful results. We’ll explore all 3 during the first session and during the second session you can start a project of your choice. Cost: $50 plus materials. 2 classes,Tuesday, Nov 3 and 10, 7-9 PM

sikkim...

The first time I laid eyes on this hat, I knew I had to have one. Of course with a bajillion things going on needles and a million on my list, this took some time to get to. Until, last week or so, Ko came in with her girls, and they picked out colors for a second Sikkim, and then that was it! I couldn't wait any longer! Once we started mixing color combinations, the inspirations and temptations were all that I could handle. I went home to think about what I wanted and I'm so happy with the end result. I used 2 skeins of KPPPM, one a peach multi and the other a dark olive multi. The natural is a Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight. I love the way the colors play off of one another, and the hat knits up rather quickly. Scarlett loved it, and put it on immediately, hopefully I'll get to wear it one day. In the meantime, staring at her wearing "our" hat brings me much joy... I'll have the pattern for Sikkim in the shop, along with Kirsten's new and fabulous Ulmus Rectangle pattern. You'll love this one too! I can hardly wait to cast on....

Quail...

Lately, without warning it seems, my eyes have just been welling up with tears... My baby is going to kindergarten!!! To think she started coming with me to work since she was just a little over a month old... All of my customers have watched her flourish over the past (almost) 5 years, and it has really been a beautiful journey to say the least. I guess when I look back over the years, I feel so very grateful that I've worked this hard at creating an establishment that would allow me to do what I love so much and spend each and every day with my children in the process. To all of my customers who have supported me, and allowed me to grow as well, thank you.

So enough with my mushiness, my favorite gal pal needed a new special cardi for kindergarten! I think my favorite book of all time for the kids is The Rowan Story Book of Little Knits. We browsed through the patterns together a few weeks ago in the shop, and Scarlett picked Quail, by Marie Wallin.. It's a cozy cardigan, which is perfect- just what we wanted. We loved the stripes, and of course my favorite detail is the crocheted scalloped edging, the ideal touch for a girly girl. We chose Cashmerino aran, because she loved the colors, and there you have it.. Check her out- I think she loves it!!