Seize The Day!

Good Morning Everyone!

Getting myself motivated to go hike in the dark while it's raining is about as enticing as knitting with black, unless it's mohair. I'm currently participating in a test knit for Elizabeth Smith, the Triple Time pullover, I CANNOT WAIT TO WEAR THIS SWEATER!! I took the necessary steps to ensure I could accomplish knitting triple stranded mohair without absolutely losing my mind. Want to know what I did? I wound the (3) individual skeins into ONE BIG SQUISHY BALL and stuffed it into an organza bag and tied the top. I added an extra "layer" of protection by stringing 6/0 beads onto the yarn to keep the strands together. I just slide them down the yarn, it keeps everything uniform and eliminates knots and tangling, pretty smart, That said, I have likely jinxed myself and will have nothing but trouble, lol...I have made it past the raglan increases, divided the front and back, sleeves are held, we are cruising on the body. It goes pretty quick on my #11's, I'll have 10" in no time at all, stay tuned for the progress report.

If mohair doesn't excite you, you must stop by and touch Aurelia by Berroco. This yarn is an amazing combination of cotton and merino, it knits up beautifully. I have a gorgeous shop sample, the Galba Cardigan, it's been washed and blocked and is ready to be worn. The pattern support is incredible, there are two other sweaters I would love to knit. I have a sneaking suspicion I will be wearing this sweater a lot. It has been extremely popular and is already in high demand and backordered. I have a great selection, stop by and grab yours so you don't have to wait!!

As you know, I am always looking to introduce you to new things, I take this responsibility very seriously, lol...I think you are going to just love Amano's Yana Journeys. I absolutely love the mountains and have always lived in a mountain state. This yarn is inspired by the beauty and colors of the Andes. Each hank is handpainted, making each new color unique and one of a kind. It is 100% Fine Highland Peruvian Wool with 175 yards of bulky single ply yarn. The needle size is generous US 10-15 which will work up quickly and could be the perfect gift for that special someone. I am to get a project on the needles to see how much better it looks off the skein (it doesn't really need any help). So, yes, the boss lady is going to encourage me to somehow work another project into my already full queue of projects. I doubt I'll get any overtime, but we all know what the reward is.

We started the first Christmas KAL last Wednesday during Stitch and Bitch, SO MUCH FUN! Remember, they intention of KAL is to do something new, either new yarn or better yet, a new technique. The Novus Knit Pouch is definitely a skill set booster, it is origami knitting at its best. The challenge? Creating a bag without ANY seaming, sounds daunting doesn't it? It's not!! My hope is that you learn a transferable skill while having fun. Did it work? I think the use of purl strings to pick up stitches along an edge is brilliant, my next cardigan just got easier. There are so many applications for this technique, it's definitely worth learning. The second Christmas KAL will be on Wednesday, November 12th 6-7:30 $25, we'll be featuring PetiteKnit Christmas Caramel tree ornaments. Aside from having lots of fun, you will learn how to successfully create jogless stripes. Let me know if you want to sign up. You can still attend S&B and work on your project, the KAL is optional.

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. I have moved the fun inside for the season, it gets dark before we're ready to go home. I do have plenty of folding chairs, but it's always a good idea to bring one as back up. Remember to park facing downhill to avoid a parking ticket, and most important, MAKE IT A GREAT DAY AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Katy