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.