Linda's Lovely Skirt

Thanh Nguyen is a locale Charlotte pattern designer. We carry several of her patterns at the shop. One of her patterns is called the "Katherine." The skirt pattern is so cute!!! One of our customers, Linda P, finished knitting the skirt 2 weeks ago. She brought it in so we could see it. The skirt looked great on her. It fit her perfect!!! She is making another one in a cream color.

The pattern calls for 2 skeins of the Peruvian Tweed from Joesph Galler. If you have never touched this yarn, you have to. It is so soft and luxurious. The skirt is made with two strands of yarn held together. If you would like to see Thanh's other patterns, please click here.

Anne Makes a Grand Enterance

Anne S. made this cute shrug. She came in today wearing it. Anne and the shrug made a grand enterance. The shrug looked great on her!!!

The patttern (N026) is from Plymouth Yarn. The yarn is Plymouth's Baby Alpaca Grande. Talk about soft. If you never used or felt this yarn before, you are missing out. The yarn is so soft and nice to work with. The yarn is 100% Baby Alpaca and knits up 3 sts = 1"/US10.5 needle. Many customers are also using this yarn for scarves.

Crafty Girlz's Funky Circle Vest

Janet R. emailed me today to show me the Circle Vest that she made out of the Silk Knits book. The vest is so cool looking. She used the Scotia Silk by Fleece Artist. She used two skeins that had complimentary colorways and decided to knit two rows in each color. In the book, the yarn it called for was Noro Silk Garden. It is great that Janet was able to think outside the box and use another yarn than what the pattern called for. It was also nice to see that she took a chance using the two different colorways. The risk paid off. The vest looks fantastic!!!!!

To view additional pictures of Janet's vest, click here to access her blog.

Another Great Knitting Party!!!

One of great customers, Lynda M., hosted a beginner knitting party at her house last Sunday. It was so much fun!!! Sandy and I taught the class, while Jane P. came along for the fun. Jane was unable to teach due to her recent hand surgery. Jane taught a "Fix Your Issues" knitting party at Lynda's a couple of months ago and had such a good time, she was not about to miss a Lynda party. The food and drinks were GREAT!!! We all had a nice time talking, laughing, and teaching new knitters.

We had 3 new beginners at the party. Two were a mother and daughter. The daughter was 12 years old and was quickly knitting away.

If you would like information on how to host a knitting party, please click here.

Lisa's Lovely Sursa Shawl

Lisa was very excited to finish the Sursa shawl she was making from the Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton - Book # 2. The shawl is gorgeous and looks lovely on her too! Lisa has been knitting less than a year and is doing wonderfully.

This shawl is a triangle with a very simple reverse stockinette ruffle. It is made with Noro's Silk Garden with a ruffled edge out of Cash Iroha.

The pattern specifies that double yarn is used throughout the entire piece. It moves along rather fast when you are knitting it because it is on Size 15 needles and the yarn double strand.

New Beginner Has Taken Off

WOW is all I can say!!! Dianna learned to knit 3 weeks ago and she has done an amazing job. She started on this scarf and it looks great. My first scarf never looked this good. As I think about, my second, third, or fourth scarf didn't either.

Dianna used several novelty yarns, such as eyelash and ribbons to make this fun a festive scarf. Why buy the perfect accessory when you can knit your own.

Karen has a ball with the Lucy bag

Karen came in last week and showed us the Lucy bag that she made. She made it out of Noro, which self-stripes. A friend saw her bag, so she is now making her one.

The pattern has instructions for a handbag or a shoulder bag when using medium weight yarn, and for an evening bag using sport weight yarn. All versions have clever straps of differing lengths to hold the bag closed.

Finished sizes: Depending on wool choice, gauge and amount of felting: Small bag: 8.5" tall; 17.5" circumfrence. Large bag: 11.5" tall; 24" circumfrence

Sandy Brings Out Her Inner French Girl

Sandy saw the French Girl pattern "Lulu" and knew she had to have it. The bulky yarn made it very quick to make. Since it was very easy and quick, she decided to also make it for family and friends.

Sassy and fun to wear, Lulu takes you from relaxed to elegant with a quick change of accessories. A super project for the advanced beginner who wants to move beyond crocheted scarves. Done up with only 4 balls of Rowan Big Wool and fabricated in one piece. Come by and see Lulu in person.

Don't know how to crochet but want to learn how? Sandy is teaching a beginner crochet class on Tuesday, November 20th from 6pm-7:30pm. The cost is $25. Please call the shop at 704.373.7442 to register.

I Love This Cardigan Harriet Made

Harriet finished the Blue Sky Alpacas Eyelet Cardigan for her daughter Katie. It worked up picture perfect! It fits Katie great and looks fantastic! Harriet made the size small and used 4 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton. The yarn is very comfortable and soft!

Mystery Stole Revealed

This past summer, knitters around the world joined the "Mystery Stole 3" knit-a-long. The Mystery Stole was started by Melanie from Leesburg, VA. Melanie designed a lace stole and released the pattern through a series of clues. Every Friday, she sent out clues until the stole was complete.

The Mystery Stole 3 is now known as "The Swan Lake Stole." BJ stopped by the shop last week to show us her beautiful stole. It is outstanding!!!! She used about 2 1/2 skeins of the Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn. Needless to say, she got her clues right :)

"The Swan Lake Stole" pattern can be purchased on Melanie's blog at http://www.pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/ for $6.00.

Knitting For Friends

Susan came by yesterday to show us the beautiful wraps she was making for three of her best friends. These women have known each other since high school. Even though they all live in different places, they get together each year to reminisce and have tons of fun. Susan wanted to knit them all the "Loopy and Luscious" from Knitty.com. Susan selected the colors for each wrap based on each person's personality. One friend loves bright colors and is bold and cheery, so she used lime green, bright pinks and yellows. Another friend is very fiery and spunky, so she made hers with various shades of reds and dark plum. Another friend is very warm and nurturing, so she is making hers with tan, brown, and cream tones. What a nice idea to make these for friends. Everyone can always use a pretty wrap.

The yarns used are Berroco Hip Hop and a lace weight mohair. Click here for the pattern.

It's Party Time!!!!

On Saturday, Sandy and I did an Entrelac knitting party!!! We had such a good time. One of our customers, Dawn, put the party together. Dawn thought it would be nice if she and her friends could learn Entrelac together. So Dawn emailed me and said that she wanted to do an Entrelac knitting party. Sandy was excited to do the party since she loves Entrelac. Ironically, Sandy also had an Entrelac hat class earlier that morning.

Sandy and I had a fun time traveling to the party. We only got lost once which was good.

Dawn and five of her friends were at the party. They all did a fantastic job.



For information about Entrelac, click here.

A New Batch of Knitters

Jane Prater just finished up her September Beginner Knitting class. The class had 6 students and we are pleased to introduce these newbies to the wonderful world of knitting. Many of them plan to knit Holiday gifts for family and friends.

Which reminds me that I need to get to my Holiday knitting started as well. Can you believe it, 3 more months until Christmas!!!!! Sorry for getting off the subject.

In the class were 2 sets of friends. I think it is great that friends are learning to knit together. The class also had a nice mix of various ages. There are so many things today that separate generations and ages, it is nice to see that knitting is not one of them.

It doesn't have to be cold outside for Arctic Lace

A few months ago, Linda saw the Fishtrap Hat and Scarf that Natalie was making. The hat and scarf are from the book, Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters.Linda liked them so much, she also decided to make them. She used the Jojoland Melody yarn for her project. Linda is now all done!!!!! Doesn't she look cute!


The pictures below show the detail of the hat and scarf pattern. The author of the book, Donna Druchunas, made the pattern to resembles native wooden fish traps.



So for all you lace knitters, check out the book. Druchunas provides eleven lace projects. To view some of the projects in the book, click here. To read a review of the book from Interweave press, click here.

Vogue Scarf Class a Big Hit

Sandy had a class last Wednesday for the scarf on the cover of the Vogue Knitting 25th Anniversary issue. The class was so much fun. Everyone left completing a flower. Shelly is doing her scarf in various greens. Below is a picture of one of her flowers.

Since the class was very popular and many people were unable to take it, we definitely will be offering it again. So stay tuned!!!!

Sandy made a sample of the scarf for the shop. Instead of using the alchemy silk yarns like the pattern used, she opted for the Debbie Bliss Pure Silk and Sirdar Baby Bamboo. She used the Pure Silk for the black and silver flowers and the baby bamboo for the cream. This scarf is perfect for the Holiday season. You can also get creative and do the flowers in different colors like Sandy.

Lynn Isn't Scared of the "Big Bad" Baby Blanket

Lynn came by to showed us another one of her gorgeous baby blankets. For this project, she used the "Big Bad Baby Blanket" pattern from the book, Stitch ‘n’ Bitch. Lynn used the Peter Pan Spot Prints DK yarn in color # 0778: Mini Tartan (pale yellow with red, blue, yellow and green dots) which knitted up beautifully! The blanket has a 4 square design and a seed stitch boarder.

Can you believe, Lynn has only been knitting for less than a year. She has caught the knitting bug and absolutely loves it. She's not alone in her passion; her mother and 10 year old daughter are knitters too. It is always nice to see a family of various generations share in the pleasure of knitting! She huffed and puffed and blew this project away. Great job Lynn!

Check Out This Celtic Knot Afghan

Holly tackled this Celtic Knot Afghan just in time for football season.

The cables and cool design makes this a beautiful afghan. I am really glad that she brought it in to share with us. Thanks Holly!

She made the afghan with 11 balls of the Plymouth Encore worsted weight. The size of the afghan is approximately 4' x 5'. The pattern is free online. Click here for the pattern.

If you want to learn how to do cables, check out our cabled hat class in October. Click here for more information.

Cristi Teaches Socks on 2 Circulars

Loretta wanted to learn how to knit socks from the "toe up" on 2 circular needles. Since she has never knitted socks before, Cristi suggested that she first learn to make a regular pair of socks. Cristi and Loretta set-up 3 private lessons, 2 hours each.

Lesson 1: Introduction to the 2 circulars technique for knitting small circumferences. Cast on and toe
Lesson 2: The heel (short row heel techniques and a discussion on reverse heel flap/gussets - homework, knit the cuff)
Lesson 3: Binding off (there are several options for this)

It was fun seeing Loretta's sock in the various stages. See how fantastic Loretta's first sock turned out.

If you would like to learn to knit socks on 2 circular needles or want to view Charlotte Yarn's other sock classes, click here.

Bulky Baby Asymmetrical Cardigan

Tracy came by to get buttons for the baby sweater that she finished. She said it was a quick knit and incredibly easy. The pattern is for 6-12 months size. It is also written for any gauge yarn. She made the sweater with Noro Blossom.

The pattern is from Domestic Sphere. Click here for the pattern. Scroll down to the "Bulky Baby Asymmetrical Cardigan for any Gauge Yarn".

Lovin The Lizard Ridge Afgahn

Stacey came in the shop on Saturday to show us this beautiful Lizard Ridge Afghan she just finished This was the first one that I have seen completed. I totally fell in love with it as Stacey pulled it out of her bag. Instead of Noro Kureyon like the pattern suggested, she used Noro Silk Garden.


Isn't it wonderful to see hard work pay off! Thanks for sharing Stacey!!!

The Lizard Ridge Afghan pattern is available on Knitty.com. Click here for the pattern.

Jojoland Entrelac Shawl

One of our customers, Anne, came in on Saturday to show us the progress of her Jojoland Entrelac Shawl. She is almost finished; she just has to do the trim. The shawl is absolutely gorgeous and Anne is doing a great job! It is knitted in Jojoland's variegated Rhythm yarn which is worsted weight wool. Another customer also made the shawl, and I will say, you have to see this shawl in person. The pictures do not do it justice. (Below is a picture of the shawl on the pattern)

We started carrying Jojoland several months ago and we are so glad that we did. The yarn and its colors are fabulous. We also carry MELODY which is Variegated Fingering Wool and HARMONY which is variegated lace wool. For more information on Jojoland yarn, click here.

Natalie's Vest

Natalie is making a wonderful vest out of Noro Kureyon. I had to take a picture of the vest because it is working up so pretty. The bottom of the vest is done in entrelac. I just love how Noro knits up in entrelac. The colors are just so yummy!!!

If you like the entrelac look and want to learn how to do it, Sandy is teaching the following Entrelac Hat class. The class is on Saturday, September 22nd (10:30am-12:30pm) and 29th (10am-11am) ($35). The hats make the perfect gift.

Please call the shop at 704.373.7442 to register.

New Books Are Here!

We received a shipment of new books yesterday. We all love the book, The Best of Interweave Knits. It is such a pretty book.

We were very lucky to get more of the new Cat Bordhi book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters. We sold out of the book 2 weeks ago and are very happy to get more in.

Below is a brief synopsis of each book.

THE BEST OF INTERWEAVE KNITS Our Favorite Designs From the First Ten Years by Ann Bud

Celebrating 10 years of innovative and appealing garment designs from Interweave Knits, this must-have pattern collection is comprised of 30 scarves, stoles, cardigans, pullovers, vests, jackets, tops, and totes that have stood the test of time. Representing the creative work of 26 notable designers, it includes gorgeous photography, a dozen favorite "Beyond the Basics" columns that provide in-depth information on essential techniques, and step-by-step instructions through every aspect of knitting and finishing. Even relatively inexperienced knitters will find this archive of classic design to be an indispensable reference tool for years to come.

WRAPPED IN COMFORT Knitted Lace Shawls by Alison Jeppson Hyde

Create these romantic shawls and scarves with luxury fibers, and then wrap yourself up in the inspiring stories behind each design. Gorgeous, lacy projects will provide the comfort, while real-life tales will heal the heart. Create 14 beautiful shawls in half-circle or full-circle shapes, plus four scarves. Break free from fitting hassles with simple instructions for Large and Small sizes, as well as one-size-fits-all projects. Choose from leaves, clovers, flowers, and other classic lace motifs.

KNITTING CIRCLES AROUND SOCKS Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles by Antje Gillingham

Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks at the same time on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.

ROMANTIC HANDKNITS 26 Flirtatious Designs that Flatter Your Figure by Annie Modesitt

Romance is alive and well in the sweet and sexy clothing and accessory designs you’ll find in Romantic Hand Knits. Exquisite drape married with figure-hugging silhouettes show off a woman’s curves in a most ladylike manner, creating flirtatious and flattering fits to please any knitter. Loosely based on ultra-feminine styles from fashion history, the designs in Romantic Hand Knits have an undeniably modern appeal. A lace camisole is lengthened and reinvented as a lovely summer slip dress A late-eighteenth-century corset cover inspires the design for a lacy fitted top with elbow-length sleeves. Silk stockings favored by Elizabethan ladies of the royal court return in a sexy and fresh incarnation with the new fibers available today.Knitting guru Annie Modesitt knits up fabrics that cling delicately to a woman’s body, creating an elegant hand-tailored look. Now every woman will be able to create fitted garments that make her look as pretty, desirable, and sexy as she feels. For knitters who want to heat things up in a whole new way, the alluring designs in Romantic Hand Knits will help them light the fires.

New Pathways for Sock Knitters Book One by Cat Bordhi

8 new kinds of sock architecture, 26 individual patterns and 8 master patterns (which can be made in any size, any gauge, with infinite variations)