Saturday, December 24, 2016

24 December 2016

Wow! Its been a long time since I've blogged. I've been knitting constantly to try to finish the shop model of Agate Ripples, a design by Laura Bryant of Prism Arts Yarns. I'm ready to divide for front and back. I can tell you that this model has not only been fun to knit but interesting to knit because of her way of using Fibonacci numbers. A picture of the pattern is on our Ravelry page. I will take a picture of my progress soon and post it.

The shop has also gotten in some knitting appropriate window stickers and greeting cards. I had to have them in the shop because they not only brought a smile but they made me laugh. Stop by and have a laugh for yourself.

Here's wishing all of you a happy holiday season.

Shop hours for Saturday Dec 24 10 - 2 pm. Closed for Christmas day.

Shop hours for Saturday Dec 31 10 - 2 pm. Closed New Years day.

See you soon.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

23 November 2016

The shop would like to announce the arrival of

JAGGER SPUN
The shop is stocking:
Super Lamb (Super Wash)
Heather
and
Zephyr Wool-Silk

We have access to their complete line and will order what ever you wish. This is a Made in Maine product since 1898.

We have real color card yarn samples of their complete line for you to view. Jagger has just updated their website for you to see all of their products.

Many of the yarns come in two skein sizes, 50 gm and 100 gm. For those of you who are knitting large projects - by the cone!

Stop by the shop and see the samples. You will understand why we're so excited to have a MADE IN THE USA yarn.
 
 
23 November 2016


HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Shop hours:
Wednesday: 10 - 5 pm
Thursday: Eating TURKEY!
Friday & Saturday: 10 - 5 pm
Sunday: 11 - 5 pm


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

2 November 2016

All I can say is WOW! The P J Party was a big success introducing Jagger Spun Yarns. A 100% made in the U.S.A. yarn. I now have access to their complete line of yarns and I have a complete set of color cards (real ones) here in the shop.

For a very limited time I have a large consignment of their yarns at the shop - but don't delay, they have to go back soon. I will stock some of their yarns (I don't have enough room to have it all) and one of them will be Zephyr.

Zephyr is a skein dyed 50% wool and 50% Tussah Silk. It is lustrous and so soft. It come in Lace weight 50 gm (560 yds) and 100 gm (1120 yds) and in Worsted weight 50 gm (124 yds) and 100 gm (248 yds).






Don't pass up the opportunity to see all of their yarns first hand.

We even have their newest yarn (it's not on their website yet) Kokadjo a super fine, super wash wool with 10% Mulberry silk. This is a Fingering weight yarn 50 gm (218 yds). It's here at the shop for you to see - and touch.

Friday, October 7, 2016

7 October 2016

NEWS FLASH!

Our great yarn rep, Josie, just brought us a huge consignment of Zen Yarn Garden Serenity 20. And, to make it even better she dropped off their newest yarn Super Fine Fingering!

It's only here for a short while ( I will ask for a couple of days next week - but no promises). So if you snooze you'll loose.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

6 October 2016

We've just gotten in a large consignment of Prism Arts Saki yarn. This yarn has been grouped by Lyn for the:

MKAL (Mystery Knit-A-Long)
Westknits Mystery Shawl:
Building Blocks
 
 If your planning on jumping in on this MKAL, stop by the shop and look at our color combinations -
they're just spectacular.
 
See you soon.


Friday, September 30, 2016

30 October 2016

Stephen West has done it again. 
Another MKAL (Mystery Knit-A-Long)
Westknits Mystery Shawl:
Building Blocks


The pattern will be released on October 7 via Ravelry. We will have a

Cast On Party 

here at the shop on
Saturday October 8.

The shop will be receiving a large shipment of

Prism Arts
SAKI

which will be perfect for knitting this project. We will be glad to assist you in mixing and matching colors to come up with the perfect combination.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

29 September 2016

Still knitting as fast as we can making new models for the shop.

Just got in a new Berroco yarn: Noble. It's super soft and it super bulky. This knits on a US 17 and we have a great pattern that uses two balls for a fluffy and warm cowl. This is a quick to knit for those cold blustery day ahead.


Just a side note for those of you who like knitting the beaded Christmas ornaments. This will probably be the last year that I can get those kits. If you're interested in making more for your tree or for gifts you should hurry in soon.


I can't guarantee availability of color combinations.

Friday, September 16, 2016

16 September 2016

Remember KIP encourages others

PORCH PARTY
TOMORROW
September 17

ALL DAY
on the store's porch

Show your knitting!

Refreshments will be served!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

14 September 2016

DON'T FORGET

Bring your knitting
for the

ANNUAL
HUNT COUNTRY YARNS
PORCH PARTY
SATURDAY SEPT. 17, 2016
All day during store hours.

Treats and Iced Tea will be available.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

8 September 2016

We've been knitting up a storm trying to get more models finished for you to see. When they're on a needle and scrunched up they just don't look as nice and a finished, blocked piece of knitting.

We just got in a new yarn/kit from Trendsetter. This is an elegant wrap called Zig Zag Wrap and uses neutral colors of Lana Grossa Cool Wool. This wrap is easy to knit and will go with anything in your wardrobe.

I started knitting the Teeter Totter Shawl to see how it is formed. From the picture it was hard to see how they were working the colors. I have to say, it is interesting to knit and the start of the wrap it clever. To remind you, here's what it looks like.


Using Berroco Ultra Alpaca, this is going to be fun to knit.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

13 August 2016

It's been awhile but we've all been knitting feverishly to get new models for you to see. Another yarn has arrived; Berroco Millefiori. This is a blend yarn that have beautiful bold color changes. We also have the supporting pattern book #377 that has two great quick to knit patterns.
and here's one of the patterns, Kaleen


As soon as we have spare knitting needles we'll tackle knitting this too.

Friday, July 1, 2016

1 July 2016

Have a great Fourth of July weekend. We're doing a

Sit and Knit
Saturday and Sunday
July 2 & 3
All Day during shop hours

for those of you who are not traveling.

New items are arriving all the time. Here is a great vacation beach project to get ready for this coming fall. From Berroco using Ultra Alpaca you can knit this Teeter Totter Shawl quickly and be ready for that first chilly evening.

To make life easy for you we've kitted this project and included the Portfolio 2 pattern book that has more great patterns.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

29 June 2017

Some of the new fall products have started to arrive. The first is a quick to knit shawl that changes colors and 'marls' all in one ball of yarn. This is Transitions by Trendsetter Yarns.

Here are the colors:

And here is the free pattern:


This can be knit with a flat or pointed bottom, or if you choose just a a stole.

Friday, June 17, 2016

17 June 2016

DON'T FORGET
tomorrow is
WWKIP DAY

(that's World Wide Knitting In Public day)

I will have a cooler full of cold sodas for your pleasure. Come to the shop and sit with us, have a cool drink and enjoy knitting in public.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

16 June 2016

Items are arriving already from the trade show (TNNA) that I attended on Saturday June 11. Plymouth has come through quickly. They had (along with many other ordered items) a beautiful duffel bag made by the Hmong people of Thailand. This is a LARGE bag with zippered pockets inside and out and is a great deal.

I have two colors in stock (that's all they sent for now). They have another shipment arriving soon so I should have additional colors sometime in July.

Here's a sample of what they look like (notice the elbow, it's really big).

Sorry that it's blurry but I needed to show you the size.

Here's a better example:

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

15 June 2016

Don't forget:

SATURDAY JUNE 18
ALL DAY AT THE SHOP
WORLD WIDE
KNITTING IN PUBLIC DAY

I will have cold sodas available for your enjoyment and I will have fans on the porch to keep the air moving.

It looks like it will be a great Saturday for knitting!

See you on the porch!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

9 June 2016

We just got out shipment of Knitter's Pride needles. I really like my Marblz interchangeables. Their flexible and just plain feel good in my hands. I also use the Karbonz interchangeables. The metal tips on the Karbonz really help in making the stitch slide easily when knitting.

Now with the Royale interchangeables, I am able to get those metal tips on Knitter's Pride wood needles. You get the benefit of wood needles with a slippery tip. The set comes with its own special silk covered case.


This would make a special gift for a knitter - or just treat yourself to a set!

Friday, June 3, 2016

3 June 2016

Okay, here's the next installment of the Eden Prairie Shawl. You will note that I added another rectangle of garter stitch. My next knitting will be to add another rectangle to the right-hand side using Petite Madison in color Agean. When that is done, another diamond will be knitted between the two rectangles.


With the exception of modular knitting this is a very easy shawl to knit and you can make the colors as spectacular or reserved as you wish. For this shawl I went for contrast and subtle.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

2 June 2016

Got a good start on the Eden Prairie shawl by Nancy Whitman. This is a good example of modular knitting if you've not ever tried it. Lots of garter stitch in between the necessities of modular.

I'm knitting with Petite Madison by Prism Arts. It really has a wonderful hand. Stop by and take a look.


I've just starting knitting the third section which is the color Platinum will be on the left-hand side of what you see in the photo above. Long rows of garter which is easy knitting. I will take another photo tomorrow.

Friday, May 27, 2016

27 May 2016

I've started knitting the Eden Prairie shawl by Nancy Whitman. I'm using Petite Madison by Prism Arts. I will take a picture as soon as I have a bit more knit. But if you stop by this weekend for the Memorial Day Sit and Knit you can see it 'in action'. This project is a good exercise in Modular Knitting.

Here's one of the samples to give you an idea of what it looks like.


Thursday, May 26, 2016

26 May 2016

I've finished the Turtle Bay Scarf/Shawl using Luna Effects from Stacy Charles. You need to stop by and touch the scarf to see how wonderful it feels.

We now carry the Traditional natural color yarns from Cestari. This yarn is 100% a Virginia product. The sheep are raised here (Columbia and merino cross) and the yarn is milled by Cestari here. We're carrying his 'worsted' weight wool. In addition to the natural colors, there are two dyed colors that are favorites from years past and we have those two colors: Blue Denim Heather and Blackberry.

Cestari also produces a cotton blend fingering yarn, Montpelier. The cotton used in this yarn is raised in Virginia and milled by Cestari in Virginia. Those of you who are looking for a cotton blend for socks, this is the answer.

Ask us to show you this yarn the next time you stop by the shop.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

25 May 2016

Memorial Day is coming up soon. Please join us this weekend for a:

 SIT AND KNIT
SATURDAY and SUNDAY
during
NORMAL SHOP HOURS
It looks like it will be a beautiful weekend to watch the world go by while sitting and knitting on a porch.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

19 May 2016

Rain, rain go away, come again another day.

And an another day will be Saturday, of course. Well, gardening is out so why not come to the shop and sit on the porch and knit.

We're sorry that you might have missed the Porch Party but we can still have a porch party without the formality.

We're going to start knitting a very popular model from the Kauni Trunk Show.

It's knit with a solid and a variegated yarn and is knit in an 'A' line style.






Lyn will be knitting the model so we will leave it out as it progresses.

Friday, May 13, 2016

13 May 2016

Okay. The countdown starts!

Porch Party
Saturday May 14
All day at the shop

Goodies will be served with iced tea.

Mention this Blog and get 10% off the trunk show items.

Here's Lyn wearing the Impressionist Jacket at MS&W



Thursday, May 12, 2016

12 May 2016


I just thought I should mention that the 10% discount will apply to the following yarns from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival:

Mrs. Crosby
Mountain Colors
Prism Arts
Kauni

This is a deal that you can't afford to miss out on. 

See you for the Porch Party!





12 May 2016

Don't forget the

Porch Party
All Day
May 14
Rain or Shine
(That's why we have a porch.)

We have the consignments from Maryland Sheep and Wool for that weekend. After that, they have to be sent back.

There is 10% off any consignment purchase until they are sent back. You need to mention that you saw this offer on the Blog.

See you this weekend.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

11 May 2016

Don't forget:

SATURDAY
MAY 14
PORCH PARTY
ALL DAY at the shop
RAIN OR SHINE
(We have a porch, rain isn't a problem)

Maryland Sheep and Wool was a blast and there were a couple of items that were just a hit!

The Kauni Luverne Cardigan:

This is knit with two colors of Kauni, one Effekt and one solid. It buttons just at the top and is knit in one piece. No seaming! And, it's very flattering.

The other hot item was Laura Bryant's newest Impressionist Jacket:


This is a swing jacket that will make anyone look gorgeous, and because it is a swing jacket flatters the figure. It is knit out of Delicato and feels so smooth and has a wonderful drape. This comes as a kit but because we have a large consignment of Delicato so you can make your own color combination.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

5 May 2016

It's Mother's Day and Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival!
  
What could be better? For the Needlearts what could be better?

Can't make the festival? Don't forget the:

Porch Party
Saturday, May 14
All day at the shop.

Refreshments will be served along with goodies.

 The shop will still have the yarns from festival. You will have to dig, but the hunt for the right yarn might be the worth the effort. The yarns will be sent back to the manufacturers the following week so don't miss out on this opportunity.
 
 

Sunday, May 1, 2016

1 May 2016

"It's May, it's May, the lovely monthly of May..." Those of you who are old enough will know where that phrase comes from (if not you can ask me.)

I've taken a breather and now I'm getting ready for Maryland Sheep and Wool. We've gotten in almost all of our shipments and they'll be here until Thursday and then they're off to the festival. If you want a peek or an advanced buy then stop by.

If you're going to the festival we will be in the Main Exhibition hall on the right-hand side about mid-way down against the wall. See you there.

I've finished enough of the 4Square Throw so that you can see the complete pattern of Xs and Os. The pattern is free with the purchase of yarn of your choice. (Remember you don't have to use a variegated yarn, solids work too.)


Saturday, April 9, 2016

9 April 2016

Okay, with this weather you will need this. 



Friday, April 1, 2016

1 April 2016

No foolin'. I have enough done so that you can see what the 4Square looks like. I will knit two more squares so you can see the 'X' pattern that develops. Remember, you can use all solid colors if you choose. This uses Classic Elite Liberty Print in color 7871, Bronze Sky.

I've written the pattern and it's been checked by three knitters and approved. Included in the knitting instructions are stitch counts for color changes.


Saturday, March 26, 2016

26 March 2016

I will be open for three hours tomorrow morning and close at 1:00 pm. Closing early on Easter Sunday. If you have last minute stitching needs that will be the time to see me and get what will pull you through the holiday.

I will be writing the pattern for the 4Square Throw today and giving it a thorough once over. When knitted you end up with two large diamond patterns and an interesting cross-hatch. I will knit several more squares so that the additional pattern starts to show and take another picture. Here's what it looks like with only three squares.






There are three colors of yarn used. Two of the yarns are Rowan Pure Wool worsted in solid colors and one long period variegated, Classic Elite Liberty Print. The variegated isn't necessary and a solid can be substituted.

I have rough quantities estimated so bear with me.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

20 Mar 2016

Nothing like multiple projects.....

I'm also knitting a Turtle Bay Shawl designed by Lidia Karabinech and can be found in Stacy Charles Fine Yarns, City Streets, Fall/Winter 2015.

It uses Luna Effects, a extra fine kid mohair and silk lace weight yarn that is gently self-striping with long color periods. It is a dream to work with. The pattern is simple and yet elegant. This is a dream to knit and only requires three balls of yarn.


Stop[ by the shop and give this yarn a touch. It is really soft! Just the perfect cover-up for the summer.

Friday, March 18, 2016

18 March 2016

I've been so busy knitting and writing a pattern that I've forgotten to blog.

I'm working on a very simple throw that just requires garter stitch. It looks like a quilt and I'm calling it 4Square because it's knit. As I write the pattern I'm counting stitches so at the end of each color you will have a number before you start the next color.

This can be knit with any yarn. I'm knitting it with washable wool at 5 sts/inch. I am including a long period change variegated but you can choose to make it all solids. I'm working on my second square and will take a picture of them together so that you can see the pattern that forms.

Here's the first square.






Stay tuned. I'm almost finished with the second one.



Sunday, February 28, 2016

28 February 2016

What a beautiful day. I'm sitting on the porch knitting. When you have time and the day is nice, come knit with us on our warm porch.

New TOP THIS! knitting kits have arrived just in time for Easter, Spring and soccer. Stop by and see the new selection.

Wouldn't your child or grandchild love a new Easter Bonnet?

Friday, February 5, 2016

5 February 2016

All of you folks that use Ravelry might be interested in this. They've decided to make your yarn searches more difficult.

Flax, Xylem or Linen

The Ravelry P.T.B. have now decided that linen should be called flax when referring to a yarn that contain 'flax'. Part of their thinking is that linen is actually the finished product that is usually a cloth - not yarn.

Okay, I get that, but here's the problem. It's not really flax either. **Flax** is the plant - not the product of the plant. The product of the plant is XYLEM which is then spun into thread that is woven (Biology 101). So Ravelry P.T.B. have it wrong. You neither weave or spin flax. You weave or spin xylem. If you want to be precise, then be precise. Being half-assed doesn't cut it.

When manufacturers change their labeling I will bend to flax. Until that time I will continue to call the spun yarn product used for knitting, linen.

If you're searching for linen on Ravelry remember you need to search for 'flax' now for the new yarns. The old yarns are still listed as linen.

Use your voice on Ravelry to complain if you have a problem with looking for a plant.

Friday, January 29, 2016

29 January 2016

The streets are clear and dry and there's parking on the street and behind the shop. All of the restaurants are open including the tea room. Even Thai food is being prepared at the gas station as I write.

It's going to be over 40 degrees on Saturday and over 50 degrees on Sunday. Hard to believe the temperature changes. If it's sunny I might even sit on the porch and knit.

We're open and warm and knitting as fast as we can for the new models to display in the shop.

End the cabin fever. Stop by for an eyeful of color instead of a sea of snow.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

27 January 2016

WE'RE OPEN

 The shop opened today to clear skies and clear sidewalks. Parking has been cleared along 'Main Street' (Route 55) all in thanks to Mark at Bittersweet Garden just up the street from me. You really should stop by and see his shop. He has wonderful items for home and garden.

So fear not, the shop is open and your cabin fever can be alleviated.

See you soon!

Friday, January 22, 2016

22 January 2016

We'll be closing early today, when the snow starts to fall.

I have to dig out to get here but the best part is that I can knit after I do the shoveling.

Stay safe, knit, eat chocolate - careful with the hot buttered rums, it makes tons of knitting mistakes without asking permission.

See you at 10 am on Wednesday January 27.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

21 January 2016

SNOW!

Okay, now we got the scary four letter word out. We're open tonight until 7 pm. Your last minute knitting needs are here. We'll be open on Friday for as long as we can be. Just call first if you're planning on stopping by.

BREAD, MILK, TOILET PAPER,

YARN, 
and CHOCOLATE.

 You don't need too much more if you're going to be snowed in. You get the bread, milk, toilet paper and chocolate. We can supply the yarn.

We will most likely be closed Saturday and Sunday. I have to dig out to the road to get to the shop and why would you be driving around on Sunday anyway. Maybe you have to be digging out too!

Sunday, January 17, 2016

17 January 2016

Holy cow, it's January 16th already!

We've been doing the yearly inventory for the shop so that is why I've been quiet. Not much knitting getting done while we count.

I've gotten in a shipment of all five color combinations of the Panda Wrap. These easy to knit garter stitch wraps (stole) are silky soft. The yarn is a bamboo, merino wool and silk and is heaven to knit with.





A wonderful customer, Ann, was looking for sizes of baby blankets and found a great chart. This is one that you need to copy and keep handy the next time you want or need to make pretty much any size blanket.





Now the only thing you need to figure out is how much yarn it will take - we can help with that here. If you're worried about the washing machine we have Berroco, Vintage and Rowan, Pure Wool Worsted that can be machine washed. No need to knit with acrylic. We also have a great cotton that is light weight and doesn't "sag and bag" - Lana Grossa, 365 Cotone.

I'm still working on the shop KAL, Blank Canvas, and have attached the sleeves. I'm working on a 36" cable using Marblez interchangeables. I'm loving the yarn (Dovestone) and I'm loving the needles.


The 'pear pins' allow me to keep track of the increases and decreases the pattern is calling for. Easy to see where I am and if I've done the correct number!