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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!