First step... choose materials and do up a gauge swatch.

Knit a Long with me

The February Lady Sweater has been on my short list for ages. It's cute as a button (something I admit to aspiring to), well recommended and really, I think it looks great on a variety of people. So, I am going to do a knit-a-long here at the store over the summertime. It's a quieter time for classes and most knitters aren't interested in taking classes so the Knit In Clinics are taking a break for a couple of months.

The plan is, cast on July long weekend, finished photo to me for Labour Day weekend and all the finished sweater knitters will be eligible for a swanky (to be determined) prize.

I have not knit this sweater before, so we can all do it together! Head over here to the Ravelry link. Make sure to read the wiki (the tab at the top) and print out your pattern. The designer has requested that yarn stores do not print and hand out this pattern and I will respect that request.

Mine is going to be knit out of Vintage. I love, love, love this yarn. It is so nice and squooshy. Brick red I think, as no more black or grey is allowed into my wardrobe until I achieve some sort of colour balance!

Once a Month?!

I can't believe I've only managed to make it over here once a month since Christmas to post. Running my own business I have so many things that need done I'm wondering if a schedule wouldn't help keep things focused. Like Tuesday afternoon, I do some computer work (like posting here.) Not sure if I can commit to that kind of rigid schedule, but it's sure not all getting done right now.

I have finished some knitting. The Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann.



This pattern is always fun. One of my favourite bits though is the little tiny bee buttons. They are from Button Mad the new line of buttons I am carrying.



Produced by a Cooperative in South Africa these buttons are just beautiful. With a tag line like: "Why settle for plastic?" I knew they were things I would like.

Candy for Knitters

I just got in Triana by Katia. This yarn has been backordered since before Christmas and I can see why. It's completely candy for knitters. One ball, one yummy scarf. The 'yarn' is a net or mesh and you knit into the edge loops along one side.

Still Knitting

I have had my needles flying lately. Things for me, things for the shop. I'm keeping busy that's for sure.

By word of mouth I have filled two sock Knit In Clinics. I'm seeing a lot more socks in my future!



I don't think anyone has seen this around here. This is Elizabeth Zimmermann's amazing Baby Suprise Jacket. Not entirely original 13 450 other people on Ravelry have made this. I knit mine in three colours of Vintage to create the random stripe. This pattern really is ingenious, I can see why so many people love it.



This is the Button Tab Hat (Ravelry link) knit again, in Vintage. I lost count of how many of these I made over Christmas. This is the one Mom got in her Twelve Days of Christmas.



And this awesomeness is my new hat. Sockhead hat knit in Serenity 20 Cashmere blend from Zen Yarn Garden. Love... that's all I can say.

De Lurker Day

Hey all. Did you know it's delurker day? This is the day that all of us who read blogs all the time are asked to step up and say "Hi!" Don't worry about being witty or entertaining, just let me know you are there. I know I read a tonne of blogs and rarely feel the need to jump in with my comments.

Thanks for reading, but please, take a second and say hello. I'd love to hear from you.

A New Year, A New Post

I just had to open an Knitting 2011 file in my documents. How crazy is that? I've knit so many things lately I need to share more often. So many things are samples for the shop they are all around me every day and I forget that I haven't posted about them.

This great little sweater is knit out of Sirdar's Connemara Chunky. This started out as a quick sample to try out the yarn but wow, love this sweater.



Coming up very soon is The Match Factory's second run at a Knit Clinic. We're going to be doing socks this time around. This is Kertzer's basic sock recipe from their booklet #402, knit in Kertzer's On Your Toes. I'm pleased, it's a nice vanilla sock.



From the same book is the Lacy Sock, knit up in On Your Toes Bamboo. It's a nice little pattern but, I just can't get on board with the bamboo socks. The bamboo just doesn't have that bounce that yarn gives a pair of socks. If I get the second one done I think I'll wash and wear them a while and see if my opinion changes.




Happy New Year all.