Eye Candy Monday

The Arequipa Aventrua is a lovely way to start the day, don't you think? What a beautiful super bulky bouclé.

Beer on the Dock

I'm loving this cute hat sample in the shop.

This is Beer on the Dock by Thea Colman. Our sample is worked up in Berroco Maya, a buttery-soft baby alpaca and Pima cotton yarn. So cute, and perfect for chilly mornings. Fall is right around the corner. Get knitting!

Acorn Hats

Check out these adorable Acorn Hats.

Worked up in Spud & Chloe Outer on a US15, you could have these knit in a jiffy. Outer is a machine washable wool/cotton blend, so soft for little noggins.

Two skeins will make three hats in different sizes. Make some in expected colors or try some crazy combos. Perfect little fall hats!

Eye Candy Monday

I thought myself a little crazy when I cast on for a sweater on US3s using lace weight wool. But then this is what's happening, and I'm loving it.

I'm almost done with the front (and a little bit of the side) of Intertidal using Isager Spinni. The fabric is light and lovely and airy and warm. I can't wait to finish it. Back to slow and steady knitting.

Beach Sock

A last-minute coast vacation calls for a new knitting project. I am an avid sock yarn hoarder (but not sock knitter), so I decided to force the issue by only bringing one project. The Arne and Carlos Regia was just the thing. The self-patterning yarn is fun and mindless, but I want to keep going to see the next pattern develop. 

I also tried the Chiaogoo 9" US0 circular needles for this project. My hands are still getting used to the tiny needles, but I'm liking them so far. I managed almost half a sock in just a few days! At this rate, I'll have at least a few pairs by fall.

Is anyone else knitting on vacation? Post some pics on our Facebook page and tell us what you're making!

Eye Candy Monday

Pretty Misti Pima Silk Handpaint. Happy Monday!

Pom Poms

I was a little nervous about making these. 

I can't stand an anemic pom pom. They are supposed to add that whimsical pop of fun to the top of your hat, and a limp pom pom is just sad.

I made these guys pretty hefty, and I feel like I could have done even more! I wound the pom pom maker until it seemed to just close, but next time, I will keep going.

I made a multi-green pom for my Shibui Mix No. 24 with a few different shades of green. I used a smaller than-called-for gauge for the bonnet, so it came out a little small. It's destined for the head of a young friend, who I hope will love it. I'm skipping the tassels this time, but they are really cute.

I attached the pom pom with a button through the top of the hat. I remember my grandmother doing this, and it seems smart for washing.

The white angora pom pom graces the top of my Advanced Beanie, knit with Bumblebirch Forage in Dandelion. This one is all mine. The angora pom is developing a nice halo as in relaxes.

These guys turned out pretty well, but I have learned that more is more with pom poms. Just keep winding!

Interweave Fall 2016

That beautiful Harvey Pullover (below) that I showed you on Monday is just the tip of the iceberg in the new Interweave Knits. There are so many great designs! I hope you guys find some inspiration in this issue, too. I kind of feel like someone pulled these sweater designs out of my brain.

The El Greco Pullover is worked up in Harrisville WATERshed. We have a nice stock of this fabulously crunchy yarn, plenty for sweaters. 

The Botero Pullover looks cozy. Knit with a fingering weight, the final sweater would be warm without being heavy. The turtleneck is split, making it lay so nicely.

I love the all-over lace pattern on the Calder Pullover. Such beautiful lines on this one.

I think the Hirst Pullover might be my favorite. Saddle shoulders get me every time, and that textured stitch looks interesting without being too difficult to execute.

The Comanche Hill Cardigan is a cool, modern take on the Cowichan sweater tradition. Those Swans Island shades really add depth and interest to the simple shapes and lines.

The Rawah Pullover, with its diagonal lice stitch, is worked up in Cumbria Worsted. Such a gorgeous yarn.

Look at the cables on the Neota Cardigan. So classic in a worsted weight yarn. That would be an heirloom sweater, for sure.

This issue has a few nice men's items, too. Love the Azure Lake Sweater and the Fall River Vest, both worked in a light and lofty fingering weight Shetland wool.

And socks! I'm not a big sock knitter, but these are great. The all-over pattern on the Bandelier Socks is classic and fun.

But these cute Thompson River Socks are so good. Thick yarn makes for cozy house socks. Pretty much the perfect thing.

I am feeling inspired to knit for fall and winter! I know summer is creeping up again, but I can dream about the cold days off in the distance. What are you going to make?

Eye Candy

Have y'all seen the newest Interweave? The fall issue is so good. Many classic sweaters in fabulous yarns. I'm in love with this gorgeous pullover in Cascade 220. Hey, we have lots of that at the shop!

Manos Marina

Oh my goodness, the new Manos del Uruguay Marina is lovely stuff. This gorgeous lace weight is soft and silky. It's a pure merino superwash yarn, with 874 whopping yards in each skein.

The subtle shades are so calming. Love that pale pink. And the grey. They would really be something worked together, don't you think? Maybe a striped sweater, or held together for a subtle marled effect.

If you like a little more oompf in your lace weight, the more variegated shades might be your thing. These are far from subtle.

Lace weight yarns can be used for shawls and scarves, like the easy peasy Bateaux Mouches wrap. I love a nice laceweight sweater myself. The Featherweight Cardigan would be lovely.

If the fine weight frightens you, these would be nice held together with a thicker yarn to add texture and visual interest. Whatever you choose, I think you all will love this pretty new yarn in the shop!

Eye Candy Monday

I'm loving these single row stripes in garter stitch. Almost done with my third little hat in Cotton Supreme. These cuties will be at the shop soon!