The Needle Lady Blog

COLORATURA ANYONE?

2011-08-14T21:28:00.011-04:00

We Needle Ladies have been madly knitting away all summer! One of the latest projects to catch our fancy has been The Coloratura--a pattern from Wisconsin knitter Chris Bylsma. Mimi discovered this great sweater when she had dinner with Chris at Stitches South. Here is Chris fixing a loose thread in the original Coloratura with, what else, a fork. Chris knit and designed this sweater with Claudia's Handpaint Yarns.

She came to Charlottesville several weeks ago to teach a wonderful workshop in which many of you came from long distances to participate. Claudia McLean of Claudia Handpaints joined us from over the mountain in Harrisonburg. She brought boatloads (actually carloads) of her wonderful yarns for us to play with. What a weekend it was! Beautiful weather (remember when we had weather in the 80's?) and we ended the weekend at King Family Vineyards.

To knit our Coloraturas we had to choose six different colors of Claudia's fingering merinos and one color from her silks. The silk ties in all of the other colors into a unified garment. The panels are knit holding the merino and silk together. It's exciting to watch the colors change as you knit. We had so much fun playing with yarn colors (and drinking wine, but hey...)

Here are some of our projects in the making.....l

Mimi is, no surprise, using red colors. The silk is Rubies and the merinos are purple earth, summer berries, mardi gras, plumicious, tomato soup, and Hokies. Here is the back so far.

Claudia went with her favorite blue merinos, anchored with Ocean Depths silk. Here is the back of her sweater.

I (Lori) had trouble choosing my favorite color of silk! This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. In fact, I was dreamily lost in the colors with Claudia came up behind me and asked, "Are you petting my yarn?" It is that mesmerizing. The indecision I blame completely on Claudia! She has too many gorgeous colors to choose from! It's amazing! I began with Aubergine, followed by a lovely blend of purples, and finally ended up with the blues and purples of Ocean Depths. I am still looking longingly at that purples silk--it's in my future!

We all began by making swatches and playing with the colors and yarns, switching and arranging them until we had a pleasing color order. This drove my family crazy as there was yarn everywhere, in the dining room, on the kitchen table, family room....it followed me. I'm not obsessed.....

To date, the back of my Coloratura is almost done. My original goal was one panel weekly, but it's going much faster than that! I can't wait to see what the next color is going to look like.

This is a really fun knit and an easy pattern--thanks to Chris Bylsma. Claudia's yarns add another happy dimension. We Needle Ladies invite you to stop by the shop and let us help you choose your own colors so you can be obsessed with us!

All of you women that were here for the Sweater Workshop Weekend--we want pictures!

posted by Lori

The Big Move!

2010-05-18T20:38:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I've been online--but that is because I have been busy getting the new shop open for the big move. The big move is happening at the end of this month--we will be open regular hours on Saturday, May 29. We will be closed on Sunday, May 30, Monday May 31 and Tuesday, June 1 for "The Big Move!" In case you haven't heard The Needle Lady is moving a half block west--still on the downtown mall--to 111 W. Main St. We will be in between Millers and The Blue Whale Bookstore. Here is our new storefront!

Here is a shot inside the store looking out onto the mall.

That would be Nicki's head in the lower left hand corner. The inside has just been freshly painted and the floor newly tiled. The french doors have just been added to the back wall and the doors lead into our new classroom/office space. With the size of our Wednesday knit group growing we will have 2 big tables in the shop to seat everyone.

Be sure to come in and say goodbye to our old space this week and next. We have received some great new summer yarns--Debbie Bliss Amalfi yarn is in with a great new accompanying pattern book. We've just been restocked with Prism Merino Mia, Symphony and Angora! We have some great MaggiKnits summer shawls and tops that I brought home from Stitches South---complete with a wide selection of Maggi's Linen and Maggi's Cotton! I'll get pictures this week and show them to you if you can't get into the shop!

We are planning a great festive event in the new shop to celebrate our grand reopening! On Friday, June 4 (a first Friday) we will be having The Big Move Yarn Tasting/Grand Reopening Night at the new shop. Admission is $15 ($12 if purchased in advance) and includes wine, catered hors d'oeuvres from Silver Pear Catering, a chance to win some great door prizes, including $100 Needle Lady gift certificate, and 15% off storewide during the event, or all day Friday if ticket is purchased in advance. The tables will be set with a variety of yarns and different types of needles that can be sample knit or crocheted. Tahki Stacy Charles is sending us a great spring/summer trunk show or new garments and yarn to help us celebrate our re-opening. Also, the wearing of some hand knit or crocheted item is also required for admission...

All Knitted Creatures Great and Small!

2010-04-05T08:20:00.002-04:00

The latest craze at The Needle Lady is knitting a variety of creatures. It began with Hansi Singh's new book Amigurumi Knits! These weren't ordinary knits, these were jellyfish, snails, hermit crabs--even a praying mantis.... Mary Reid took these creatures on as a challenge and created the most wonderful menagerie. Thank you Mary for the pictures---here they are.

The book sold out quickly, but we should have more in this week.

Angela created a little family of Bunny Nuggets for Easter. These guys are Rebecca Danger's creations and she has the free pattern available for download on her site http://www.rebeccadanger.typepad.com/dangercraftsbunnynuggetknittingpattern.pdf.

It's hard not to smile when you see these guys. What a great use of leftover yarn!

Yarn Market News Conference in Seattle, Washington

2010-03-23T19:53:00.002-04:00

I am just back from 5 days in Seattle with my oldest daughter Madeleine (the recipient of the Rowan kid silk haze dress shown earlier). I was attending the annual Yarn Market News Conference--a collection of about 100 yarn shop owners and numerous yarn shop suppliers. It is my third year of attending this conference. It is organized by the publishers of Vogue Knitting and they always put on an incredible conference. It is always a very rejuvenating experience for me. The staff at The Needle Lady usually wait anxiously for the reorganization of the shop that occurs after every one of these conferences. Remember when we painted the walls and the outside of the shop blue? That was the first conference. Elizabeth started this blog after the first conference. Perhaps you remember us all fumbling over the new Point of Sale System? That was the second conference. Who knows what's ahead for the shop now?

Here is another in the "it's a small world" category. While strolling through the Pike Place Market last Friday, I ran into Carol Fitzgerald--a Needle Lady customer from New Jersey. We were first admiring each others sweaters, and as our glance moved to the face, we realized we knew each other. Here we are---Carol in her self designed Blue Heron Chenille pullover, and I in my Strickwear Box Sweet sweater. I usually see Carol every year at the Charlottesville Festival of the Book and neither of us could make it this year--we chanced upon each other in Seattle instead. Thanks Carol for sending the picture.

Another highlight of the conference is the chance to visit yarn shops in the host city. Seattle is home to some great shops. I visited Tricoter, which has always held a special place in my heart, because their first book Simply Beautiful Sweaters is one of my favorites and includes the pattern for "Lucy's Sweater" knit from Colinette Fandango and Zanziba. I think the proceeds from the numerous copies of the book and yarn for that sweater kept us afloat in that first year we were in business. I bought up many copies when it went out of print--I may still have a few in the shop. I know I have one on my shelf at home.

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Another shop that I thoroughly enjoyed was Churchmouse Yarns & Teas located on beautiful Bainbridge Island a short ferry ride from Seattle. We knew it would be a wonderful afternoon when we boarded the ferry in rain, and landed on the island in sunshine.

After a fabulous lunch at Cafe Nola, we visited Kit at Churchmouse. I have to admit I suffered "yarn shop envy" . It was a beautiful shop--and Kit had an office to die for. Kit and her husband John have created a beautiful yarn and tea shop and were such generous hosts to all of the visiting shop owners. It's tough to be judged by a jury of your peers.

They have just published a set of Churchmouse Yarns & Teas Classic patterns. These are small project patterns that use anywhere from 1 to 3 skeins of yarn. The patterns are accompanied by the stunning photography of Jared Flood (Brooklyn Tweed). I have ordered these beautiful patterns for the shop---they should be in by the weekend. There is a ruffled scarf knit with Koigu, a great man's scarf and hat out of Ultra Alpaca, footies for use in your Dansko clogs ( I did discover that Seattle and Charlottesville, and yarn shop owners must keep Dansko in business), a featherweight kid silk haze wrap and much more. Even if you never knit the project, the photos will transport you. Here is John and Kit in the tea section of their shop:

Madeleine and I capped off our trip with an incredible day on Mt. Rainier. An old friend of mine that lives in Seattle supplied us with all of the maps and gear and instruction that we needed to snowshoe on Mt. Rainier. It was unbelievable--not only because it was a crystal clear gorgeous sunny day. We reached a place where we had unobstructed views of Mt. St. Helen, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams--it was as if you were in another world. Thank you, Keith!

Village School Knitting Olympics

2010-03-08T16:26:00.006-05:00

The Village School (a downtown Charlottesville middle school for girls) has just completed its Knitting Olympics. The school divided into teams of 8-10 girls and created fictional countries and competed in the Knitting Olympics. The girls competed in scarf knitting, all 74 girls in the school participated. They finished the competition having knit over 125 scarves.

The scarves will be donated to the Martha Jefferson Cancer Center and will be presented from the Village School during the center's Celebration of Life on March 28.

The team representing Casmeccebe was the winner. Here they are with their gold medals.

Hurray for the Village School! Congratulations girls!

Pets continued...

2010-03-08T12:54:00.004-05:00

Mary Jean brought in her finished cat bed--lucky cats!

Betsy sent in some great pet/animal photos. Here is her knitted pig--clearly alarming to her cat.

To make matters worse, Betsy also brought in a knitted bunny to the house. I think the cat might be able to overpower the bunny.

Lori (who works in the shop on Thursdays) sent us this hysterical BBC link to a story about women in England knitting sweaters for bald chickens---yes, that's right sweaters for bald chickens.

Here is the BBC link.

** Jumpers knitted for bald chickens **
Former battery hens from Norwich that have lost their feathers are being knitted jumpers by a Somerset craft club to keep them warm. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/8537773.stm >

Have you knit your bald chicken a sweater?

Thank you, Elizabeth!

2010-02-28T16:19:00.005-05:00

As we enter the third year of The Needle Lady blog, Elizabeth will move on with her own blog http://www.goodwoolhunting.com/ , and I will take over as the "blogmaster" for The Needle Lady. We will miss Elizabeth's endless enthusiasm, but look forward to following her blog and having her submit some "guest posts" to our blog. Thank you Elizabeth!

Nicki comes to The Needle Lady

2010-02-28T16:10:00.007-05:00

Now that I've turned 50 and my children are starting to leave the nest, it is time for a new puppy. Come into the shop and meet Nicholas (Nicki) who is a 12 week old standard poodle and the new Needle Lady shop dog.

Nicki proved to be so cute that Colleen (who works Tuesday afternoon and Wednesdays) drove to Greensboro and picked up Roxy, Nicki's sister. Here she is......

Roxy is wearing a dog sweater meant for one of Susan Bashline's Yorkies and knit by her mother Doris during the snow. A great use of Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed stash. Here is one of Susan's Yorkies in her own sweater.

Since the snow in Charlottesville just continued, Susan's other Yorkie also received a sweater from "grandma" knit out of Trendsetter's Tonalita.

Nicki is settling in well at The Needle Lady. He's made lots of friends and sometimes tries to blend in with his surroundings. Can you find Nicki in the Mountain Colors?

Here is a great shot of Vicki Thomas' new bulldog puppy in the snow. This guy is the reason I even started thinking about puppies again....

Finally, here is a great photo sent in by Lynne Brookfield (one of our favorite customers). Her granddaughter Molly sent her this photo.

She sent it to me with this message:

The Needle Lady's yarns get SEAL OF APPROVAL from feline.

I thought you might enjoy this email photo my granddaughter Molly sent me. Her cat is lying on cotton afghan I crocheted and is wrapped in a $40.00-a-skein-yarn Molly picked out at Needle Lady and knitted.

Please send us any of your "pet knitting" photos and we'd love to post them to the blog this week. Send the photos to info@needlelady.com.

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T12:06:00.002-05:00

This is the 2 year blogiversary. I can't believe I've been blogging for 2 years! How time flies. Here is the first post http://theneedlelady.blogspot.com/2008/02/welcome-to-our-new-blog.html

If you haven't been to the shop since Snow-verkill happened, you must go today! There is SO much to see, including a sale.

And apparently, Snowpocalypse isn't over yet.

What else is more comforting than stocking up on bread, milk, eggs, yarn, and new magazines?

We now have Interweave's Knitting Traditions.

I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE. As someone who sleeps with a copy of The History of Knitting by her bed, opening this magazine and seeing articles on Turkish knitting in the middle ages and Swedish two ended knitting was just the perfect addition to my stash enhancement for baby knitting. My friends have had 7 babies so far this year!

I will post again later- for now, my dearest child Gansey is staring at me so I need to take her on an adventure. Stay tuned for Ravelympics updates too! Viny Yoke has been started, and it's fab.

a few more things...

2010-02-08T19:37:00.001-05:00

I'm just borrowing it but it was nice to spin by candelight this weekend.

Also, this is SO BEAUTIFUL.

http://shetlandtrader.blogspot.com/2010/02/audrey-of-my-very-own.html

Snow-torious

2010-02-07T08:01:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has lots of crafts stockpiled for Snow-torious B.I.G. I'm reading lots of bloggies, when I have power (please Lord, don't let me lose power today). The superbowl is today and I'm going to be spinning/knitting up a storm. Maybe that was a bad analogy this weekend.

Check out these blogs:

The Purl Bee-- excellent elephant patterns, but really, Elijah will always be the best.

Posie gets Cozy, designer of Sunshine Day Baby Afghan

This would be wonderful in Zara- we have so many colors. But really, it would be wonderful in anything. How about Berroco Vintage or Shepherd's Worsted? LOVE.

More later!

Craft Space

2010-01-30T09:21:00.002-05:00

I think I am slowly but surely trying to be Alicia Paulson aka Posie Gets Cozy. I painted my room from lime green to light blue. I suddenly want to organize everything- including my yarn and needles. I am in the market for an armoire that I can refurbish to be my craft space, instead of dedicating an entire room to yarn. I am renovating my bathrooms myself, after five years of living here and hoping some day I would have the money to pay someone to do it. I just decided if I can knit a sweater, I can remove wallpaper.

Here is the Posie studio. So organized. I could never be that organized. But still, it's inspiration.

And here is my Featherweight that I would love to finish this weekend.

I'm really trying to get better at taking photos of my knitting. Do you have any tips? Maybe have someone hold the lighting close to the piece?

I love knitting the malabrigo laceweight. It's so nice. Especially on the Asciano needles.

The shop is closed today because of the snow, but it gives everyone a chance to sit at home by the fire and work on projects.

Designer Spotlight- Gudrun Johnston

2010-01-19T19:35:00.003-05:00

Shetland Trader

Here is yet another adorable pattern by Gudrun Johnston. I actually met her at Rhinebeck!

She has lots of Twist Collective designs, and I especially love these...

Vaila

I borrowed this photo from NessaRenee on Ravelry. Isn't it great?

Tanit's Jacket

So, Gudrun, you rock the house.

Featherweight Cardigan

2010-01-18T09:35:00.003-05:00

I suppose it had to happen sometime this winter, but I have a cold. Due to this cold, I have a lot more time to knit. I've started Featherweight on my new Asciano needles, which I love. It's malabrigo laceweight on size 7 needles. Addis didn't work for me because the yarn was slipping too much. The wood on the ascianos is perfect.

Here are three of them from ravelry that I am using as inspiration. I am also taking Stefanie Japel's How to Fit Your Knits class and it is genius. I would highly recommend taking this class for any of you who want your garments to fit your body better. I call it taking control of your knitting and not relying on a pattern that may or may not be totally accurate. Check out other classes here.

Rav Link

Rav Link

Rav Link

I love the way these look with dresses. I also am definitely going to incorporate some sort of lace like middle photo. Photos to come soon. Back to knitting...

Poland Hood

2010-01-11T13:44:00.002-05:00

Peaks Island Hood by Ysolda adjusted for Poland- no scalloped edges (long story. and by long, i mean like five hours of ripping), felt lining. My mother is going to Poland and I feel the need to keep her warm. Who goes to Poland in January?

Here is the sweater I made for her in two weeks. It's toasty, but she'll definitely need a turtleneck on under it.

A norwegian hat made of leftovers. So pretty!

adorable sweater

2010-01-07T16:32:00.001-05:00

http://100-rain.blogspot.com/2010/01/welcome-2010.html

Do you have any projects you'd like to share with us?

2010-01-04T08:19:00.002-05:00

Just email me the following"

Pattern title and where you found it (book, internet)
Yarn used
Needle size used
Who you made it for
a photo

ecareyincville@gmail.com

I start an online class today with Stefanie Japel of Fitted Knits and Glam Knits. I am star struck!

A sweater in record time

2010-01-02T15:22:00.003-05:00

I knitted a jacket for my mother in two weeks. It's a really cute pattern that was not given justice at all in the Filatura di Crosa Spring/Summer 2009 booklet.

This photo is literally on the back cover of the book. Oddly enough, I think it's the nicest thing in the book.

Here is the medium size (that is probably a normal person's large) out of Merino Sei color 405.

My favorite thing about this pattern is the pleats. I've never knitted pleats before. They are basically really big cables that you bind off in the middle of. My least favorite thing about this pattern is the drastic error in yardage needed. I needed about 500 more yards than they called for. Oh well, all in the name of couture and the need to keep my mother warm on her January trip to Poland.

First Designer Spotlight...Hannah Fettig

2010-01-01T18:14:00.003-05:00

Hannah Fettig

We all know her designs- Whisper, Featherweight Cardigan, Lightweight Pullover. She Rocks. We have all the yarn to make these sweaters.

Need ideas for after Christmas knitting?

2009-12-31T10:30:00.003-05:00

Citron : We have LOTS of Malabrigo Lace in lots of fun colors. This only takes 1 skein!

Knotty but Nice : Perfect hat for any guy. Very masculine and you can jazz it up with fun colors. Suggested yarns are Cascade 220 or Mission Falls 1824.

Destroyed Cowl : This is so retro and cool! Looks like it came straight off of the NYC catwalk. It takes 2 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted and we JUST got a new shipment in. Lots of great colors.

A few blogs I love...and a few last minute patterns

2009-12-24T08:11:00.002-05:00

Last minute crocheted beret pattern

French Press Slippers

Claire Bennet sweater out of Peruvia

Leash-otis

2009-12-22T13:48:00.001-05:00

new baby

2009-12-21T09:09:00.002-05:00

Mara arrived just before the blizzard, and it's a good thing she's got a knitter for a grandmother. Stay tuned for photos of the knitted baby wardrobe. Welcome to the world, Mara!

In the name of yarn...once more, in the name of yarn

2009-12-20T12:06:00.003-05:00

We attempted to get downtown, and we failed. We hope you will all take this opportunity to finish up gift knitting (which is what I will be doing) and then hopefully tomorrow things will start opening up.

22 inches and counting...

2009-12-19T15:05:00.002-05:00

No, not a sweater measurement, the snow outside!

Shop is closed today, we're still planning on being open tomorrow from 12-5. I'm so excited that I'm getting such good use out of my new bean boots. Thank you, Sharman and Mike!

Secret Christmas Project has begun. 1.5 skeins down, 10.5 to go. Gotta get back to it!

Baby Beasley Stocking

2009-12-07T17:06:00.001-05:00

Ellie is making a stocking for the baby due in May. There is nothing better to focus on than a needlepointed project. Especially a stocking!

F.O.s du jour

2009-12-06T21:00:00.002-05:00

Stocking for Mulligan the dog.

A close-up of the turkish stitch (I think? I need to consult my needlepoint dictionary)

Stocking for Gage, the canoe-ing, banjo playing, son-in-law. I love that there are presents in the canoe.

And here, the talented needlepointer. This inspires me to paint my own canvas!

There is still time to knit a stocking or two...

2009-12-05T21:42:00.007-05:00

This took me three days. I obviously improvised a bit because Gansey is not exactly a common name. Here is my excel chart:

ganz

I just discovered scribd.com I could never figure out how to cut and paste from excel into a blog post and I guess it's actually not possible! I searched a bit and found this website. Now I can share my charts.

Stay tuned for top ten Christmas gifts for knitters...

Need ideas for Holiday Knitting?

2009-12-04T10:30:00.003-05:00

Margot by Linden Heflin.

Peaks Island Hood

This is the most popular pattern on Ravelry right now with 191 projects. Amazing.

Ysolda's post on Peaks.

Saroyan

Fresco Basket Whip Cowl

Bella's Mittens

Post War Mittens

2009-11-25T18:01:00.002-05:00

Lace Ribbon Scarf

Argosy

Fingerless Gloves

Simple Sock

Mittens with a really cool cuff...getting more of this yarn very soon. Amazing colors!

Louise and her mom, both in handknitted sweaters.

Newly finished wrap. Gorge.

A mysterious gnome/ewok trying on her noro cardi. I couldn't resist taking this photo.

My cousin, Emma, and the Peaks Island Hood.

Heidi and her newly finished short sleeved sweater made of Shepherd Worsted.

Hope you all have some good knitting/crochet/ needlepoing time over the holiday!

Ishbel done

2009-11-15T14:27:00.002-05:00

I have to confess I am a wimp when it comes to lace. Give me cables all day every day, I'll be fine. Lace is kind of stressful for me. I'm glad this is done and I do love it but I don't think I'll be knitting another one. Now I'm onto the snapdragon flip tops out of the same purple yarn.

My favorite sweater...so far

2009-11-10T19:34:00.004-05:00

This was also my first sweater for myself. By some miracle, my gauge was perfect and the sweater just fits like a glove. It's the Diamonds are Forever Gansey. Those of you who know me must have just realized that I named my darling dog after this sweater pattern. Gansey is the perfect kiddo.

So, now I find myself wondering what sweater to knit next. Here is a selection of possibilities:

http://100-rain.blogspot.com/2008/12/plain-and-simple.html

http://ysolda.com/store/sweaters/coraline/

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/22-garter-yoke-cardigan

http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/75-fall-2009-patterns/418-audrey-in-unst-by-gudrun-johnston

Can you tell I'm in a bit of a cardigan phase? Please vote for what sweater I should make next in the poll at the top of the page:)

Knit Night Tonight!!

2009-11-10T11:05:00.002-05:00

Tonight at the Crozet Mudhouse we will be knitting and chatting. Bring your projects and come visit.

Baby Genders

2009-11-08T19:32:00.002-05:00

Twin presents:

Yes, I know I'm missing a hat. I finished hat #2 this morning and will get it in the mail this week.

Here is the twin mama:

I predict, officially, one boy and one girl. I have a sixth sense, people.

I have been thinking a lot about how we make clothes for babies in this country. Most of my friends who are pregnant are finding out genders. I LOVE THIS. This makes me way more able to make things for the little munchkin(s). When my friends don't find out the gender before the birth, they have closets full of gender neutral colors. For yesterday's twin shower, I used a lot of yellow and green. What happens if it is two girls and those girls really want some pink in their wardrobe?

According to Vintage Knits, girls used to wear blue and boys used to wear pink. Pink was thought to be more aggressive. Then, World War I happened and the blue of the uniforms transformed baby knitting as we know it. By mid century, knitting for boys was officially blue.

But, why can girls wear blue but boys can't wear pink?

Also, there is an issue with the actual garment to knit. One would never knit a boy a february baby sweater.

So, I've made a decision. As of today, if my dear friends and/or family are going to wait until the big day to find out their baby's gender, then I'm going to wait to knit the baby's gift until he or she is born. It's only fair to the baby! (Ok, actually this is very selfish of me, and I understand that, but people it is HARD to pick out something that would look great on both a girl and a boy.)

Any comments?

In a slump

2009-11-05T13:01:00.002-05:00

So, after Rhinebeck, and after seeing incredible projects and yarn and roving and spinning wheels, I started to think that I have so many projects to do that I was a tad overwhelmed thinking of how it takes me two months to make a sweater and I have nine babies on the way (well, my friends do) and how can I also get christmas presents done? So, I've been slightly absent from the blog, but I do have a few finished objects that are small and made me feel a bit productive.

Here is my aunt Sharman and her new baby bamboo clapotis. I knitted it on US 6 addis and it went pretty fast. Doesn't the color look fabulous on her?

I also made an Owl.

Not this owl, but one just like it. We have this whitknits kit at the shop. It was so fun and cute and took like two hours while watching a sad redskins game.

Speaking of owls, here is the official cutest owl ever. Caroline, the Newcomb Hall Event Planning Office mascot. As she says "Hewwww Hewwwww" (that is hoo hoo in cute three year old speak).

Also speaking of Halloween, here is Eli, the cutest Lion in the world. "Elion"

Jillian made up this pattern and will be publishing it. Maybe we can sell it in the shop. She's planning on making millions with this one, people. I don't even have kids and I'll buy it!

So, folks, my knitting slump is hopefully over as I now start the marathon baby knitting that I can't show here until after the baby showers. On Sunday though I'll post about my gifts for the twins coming in December/January. The theme for the baby room is Noah's Arc. Is that the cutest thing ever? Two by two!

Rhinebeck Wrap Up

2009-10-19T20:06:00.002-04:00

Sigh. We are home, and it was wonderful. Here is the recap.

Saturday morning, we got primo parking and entered the fair around 9:30. We encountered some adorable alpacas.

My father will be happy to know that I did not, in fact, adopt them.

Here is the mob scene that was Briar Rose. There was actually a right of way in this booth that I did not pick up on until it was too late and I was going against traffic. I escaped, thankfully, says my checking account.

We said hi to some large animals:

Browsed the award winning garments:

eyed a handspun football jersey...

Knitted on the world's biggest sock (well, we hope it's the biggest sock)

Saw an amazing sweater or two (or one hundred)

Watched a dog frisbee show...

Saw some cute babies...

Saw some cute displays...

(it's a pumpkin)

Saw some beautiful wheels...

Picked up Vilde's refurbished antique Norwegian wheel...

Saw Ysolda (and froze) at the Ravelry meet-up

Met Gudrun, Shetlander and designer extraordinaire...

Said hi to Mimi's adorable kiddos running the register at the NL booth...

Got these books signed by their authors:

Vintage Baby Knits and The New Stranded Colorwork

From TNSC

All in all, a great trip with friends. I am happy to be home with Gansey and my purchases.

Update from Rhinebeck, NY

2009-10-17T20:23:00.004-04:00

After a ten hour drive in the rain, we arrived in Poughkeepsie, New York, around 10:30 last night. At 2:30 a.m. I woke up to Anna saying "someone is knocking on the door!" I said "no, no, it's just my dream...oh wait that IS knocking!" We went to the door to say "You have the wrong room!" I mean, seriously folks, check the room number of the hotel party.

Around 4:30 a.m. I was ready to get up and go buy yarn. I finally got back to sleep by counting sheep fleeces and at 7 a.m. we got up. At 9 a.m. after a horrendous hotel breakfast and a stop at Starbs, we arrived from the south, and drove literally right into the fairgrounds and a premium parking spot. Last year we came from the north and sat in miles of traffic, which helped because Shana and I needed some time to finish our sweaters.

We walked through about half of the barns, Vilde picked up her antique Norwegian spinning wheel from someone who repaired it, I got some purple yarn to make Wisteria, Vilde ran with the bulls to get a fleece at the fleece sale the second it opened, and Anna was along for the ride. Hopefully she will spend some money tomorrow.

I am so inspired among all of these spinners. The wheels are so beautiful!

Also we ate apple pie that was wonderful. Pumpkin soup, not so much. More updates to come and my blackberry doesn't have good internet service at the fair so I will update the blog tomorrow night!

On our way...

2009-10-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

Mimi and fam left Cville last night for the promised land that is Rhinebeck. Anna, Vilde, and I leave soon in the subaru outback with lots of room for purchases. Gansey has a fun weekend lined up with her favorite babysitter and cousins. Will keep you updated throughout the weekend and the camera will be charged and ready for action. Knitters unite!

Prepping for Rhinebeck

2009-10-13T15:59:00.003-04:00

As Mimi is backing loads of yarn into the van, those of us who are way more nuts are finishing up projects to wear to the fair grounds. It's such a funny phenomenon, but we literally race to finish sweaters and then model them at a place where we know they will be appreciated.

The Yarn Harlot (being the nerdy french major, I always pronounce this Harloe)just finished a handspun jacket. OMG.

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/10/13/things_finished.html

And now I race to try to finish another Drops pattern but adding long sleeves and might not have pockets.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/104-31-long-jacket-in-alaska-with-short-sleeves-and-cables

Thursday

2009-10-12T08:34:00.002-04:00

Come see me on Thursday night from 5-8 p.m. Vilde, Anna, and I leave at 7:30 the next morning for Rhinebeck, NY to go to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. I can't believe I only have four more days to finish the cardigan I started last year from Rhinebeck yarn...

Better photos of...

2009-10-07T07:35:00.003-04:00

Must Have

My favorite thing about these pictures, besides the beloved dogs and the sweater that probably took way too much of my time, is the shed/barn. Someday I'll live in the country, but for now, this will do.

Not everyone was at U2 last night...

2009-10-02T06:55:00.000-04:00

A few of us were at the shop working on fall projects and listening to Kelly's seriously interesting bread making regimen. I didn't even know that one could grind one's own flour.

Here is Kelly's Summer in the City made out of Cotton Twist. Could it be more flattering? Here is the rav link

Marie had her newly finished hat, the Opus Spicatum

Louise had her new Veyla gloves. Gorgeous!

Awesome lady bug buttons!

It's officially fall, folks. Break out the scarves and knit up some new sweaters. Come see us this weekend!

We are open late tonight!

2009-10-01T09:34:00.000-04:00

While the rest of the town is either at the U2 concert or hunkered down at home, the Needle Ladies will knit on. Come see us at the shop tonight. Open until 8 p.m. Finishing up the Must Have Cardi for its Rhinebeck debut.

Jane Slicer Smith Rocks the Party

2009-09-27T19:17:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know what the title of this blog is referring to? Flight of the Conchords! Jemaine, if you ever read this blog (oh wait, we DID have a hit in New Zealand once!) please come visit Charlottesville. I'll take you to Monticello and Mas- two Cville staples:)

Anyways, we have had SUCH a wonderful weekend with Jane Slicer Smith. Several classes, lots of trying on Jane's garments and refitting them to all of our shapes and sizes, looking at projects that we didn't exactly feel good about to see how we can fix whatever might be wrong with them. She's SO nice, and SO smart. Take a look at this photo montage to get a glimpse of our adventures together...

Jane has a new book out, Swing Swagger Drape. Not only does it have really beautiful patterns (lots of them in the photos above) but it has a great section on size and how to fit garments to our body. It also has a photo journal of Australia at the back. Jane lives in Sydney and the book was shot down under. She is really the best teacher I've ever had. I wish I could be her personal assistant...Jane? Are you hiring? I'll fetch a diet coke whenever you like just so I can absorb some of your knowledge!

Rainy Day

2009-09-26T07:58:00.000-04:00

It's a rainy day in Charlottesville and we've got lots of knitters in town for JSS classes. Susan B. and I will be in the shop from noon- closing today while Mimi helps with classes at the Omni. Don't you feel like starting a project for fall, especially now that it's actually chilly outside? Come down and we'll help you find that project!

Jane Slicer-Smith

2009-09-25T06:32:00.001-04:00

This weekend we have a celebrity in town. Jane Slicer-Smith will be teaching classes and inspiring us all. I will document it all- have no fear!

Sleeves are almost done for Must Have Cardi. Also, have you seen that Ishbel has over 3000 projects on Ravelry? Congratulations to Ysolda!

Yesterday at the shop...

2009-09-21T06:40:00.000-04:00

Stacy looks great in the Noro sweater that Marilyn made. We added a toggle button and crochet chain loop and she is good to go!

Shrug made of Noro Iroha. Fits perfectly!

Ishbel. We're all making these. Ysolda rocks. Angela made this out of Lady Blatt. We have it in these colors.

Needlepoint! I love the bright colors in this elephant. This reminds me of my multiple needlepoints that need to be finished!

I'm almost done with sleeves for the Must Have Cardi...will post when they are done!

February Baby Sweater

2009-09-19T12:55:00.001-04:00

Carrie did a great job on this sweater for her newborn niece. This is out of Merino Sei- potentially my favorite yarn. It's washable and comes in great colors, as you can see.

The weater is unreal in Charlottesville today. I've got an afternoon of crafting and clean up planned. Is anyone else thrilled that we've now got football to add to our craft days? Go Skins!...and for Carrie, Go Georgia!

Lightweight Pullover

2009-09-18T06:40:00.000-04:00

Hannah Fettig, knitwear designer extraordinaire based in Portland, Maine (moment of silence, please), has yet another design out. I'm wondering if this photo is taken from Peaks Island, but that's besides the point. Buy pattern here, buy yarn (Classic Elite Fresco) at the Needle Lady. We have lots of colors and it's such a pretty yarn. I think this would be a perfect beginning of fall project.

**I actually think that's Peaks in the background. This must be taken from the area in Portland where all the big oil tankers dock. Can you tell I'm homesick for my favorite little cottage?

How to become a professional knitter

2009-09-17T13:26:00.000-04:00

http://knittingrobin.blogspot.com/

2009-09-17T07:03:00.001-04:00

Effortless chic comes from Liz's blog. So fun. Add it to your reader because there is going to be a knits episode soon...

2009-09-17T06:51:00.000-04:00

Effortless chic from Heritage Harvest Festival, 2009. The crafty people were out in full force.

Tonight is knit night at the NL from 5:30- 8. Come visit!

Sweet Charlotte

2009-09-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

I love seeing my knits on the person I made them for. Little Charlotte looks so happy here. I'll try to get a better picture- Jane sent this to me this morning from her cell phone.

Will's sweater is in Missouri but he says the neck is "big." Dont know what that means, but I'll get a photo tomorrow. We might be shipping the sweater back here for me to fix.

I'm working on Sharman's clapotis tonight and then I'm going to make an Ishbel this weekend out of some Italy yarn. Apparently this is going to be one of THE rhinebeck projects this year, and since I'm going to Rhinebeck (woooooo hooooooo!!!!!!), it seems like a good time to attempt some simple lace.

Now I have to book a hotel near Rhinebeck...

"Done and Done" -MC

2009-09-06T14:01:00.000-04:00

Seamless Hybrid Brooks sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann on anonymous model. Recipient- my baby brother who is at Mizzou and apparently it gets quite chilly there.

My favorite part of this sweater is the yarn: Mission Falls 1824 wool. It's SO classic and the colors are wonderful earth tones. This pattern is also totally conservative and perfect for an 18 year old kid who doesn't want anyone to notice that his sister knitted him a sweater. I think this could have come off the Anthropology rack, if I say so myself:)

Pattern from The Opinionated Knitter.

Glampyre Knits- check it out

2009-09-05T08:59:00.001-04:00

I love this blog. I've read it for years, but Stephanie Japel is now doing video blogging and it's so fun. I think this shawl is great- a must knit. We have both of her books in the shop!

SALE THRU SUNDAY, 9/6

2009-09-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

15% Storewide

25% off of all Manos del Uruquay

25% off Hanne Falkenberg kits

Why this is awesome:

a) This is the second time in Needle Lady history that the entire store has been on sale.

b) We're going to have a Hanne knit-a-long this fall. This one is my favorite.

c) The cover of Interweave Knits is a coat made of Manos

So, Needle Ladies, tt's Fall, and the first UVa football game of the season is this afternoon. Come to the shop to get a project to start during the game! Go hoos.

Obsessed

2009-08-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it- I'm obsessed with this sweater. Ysolda rocks. I need to wear this at Rhinebeck.

Purchase pattern here. Come to the shop to find yarn for it. We have about ten things that would work.

I'm working on Will's sweater today. It needs to go in the mail on Thursday. I got this one. Will post photos tonight. I'm going to knit an entire sleeve today. It sounds lovely to me in this gloomy weather.

Goals for Fall

2009-08-23T10:34:00.000-04:00

But first, here is Debby's pretty window:

If you've never been to Rhinebeck (New York Sheep and Wool Festival), you might want to go here to see what it consists of. I was in heaven. Now I'm planning what to wear there this year. I think I can finish the Must Have Cardi, possibly the featherweight cardi, and maybe even the cardi I've been making with the yarn I got a Rhinebeck last year.

But here's my dilemma- the twist collective just came out with a great issue and my buddy, Ysolda, has a really cool cardi in there that can't take too long to do...and then Classic Elite just came out with a ton of new books (seriously, their graphic design team is GOOD), and what about all the needlepoint I wanted to have done for Christmas? My pet ornaments for my tree?

This is why Fall is so wonderful for me. I am a project person- I always need to have like three going, but then I get stressed and I think "wait, why am I stressing over my hobby?"

SO- Here are my goals for the rest of this year, and I'm posting it here so that you all hold me accountable.

1. Will's sweater done by September 3rd so it has time to get to Missouri in time for his 18th bday. (I tried it on him in Italy and it's looking great. I have one sleeve + the yoke to do)

2. Must have cardi finished mid-sept. I picked these buttons out for it yesterday and I love it!

3. Clapotis for Sharman by mid-sept.

4. Featherweight Cardi- I'll start this soon and see how long it's going to take. If I dont get it done by October, no biggie.

5. Needlepoint- I need to settle down and work on this a few hours a week. Speaking of needlepoint, here is Mimi's progress on the Zecca purse. We have this in the shop.

6. Sewing class- I'd love to find an intermediate class that can make me a GOOD seamstress. Anyone want to take it with me?

7. Spinning- I have a fleece from MD sheep and wool and I need to wash it and get it ready for spinning.

8. Christmas presents- I need some time to brainstorm these, but I think only one sweater for my mom this year. Robert, Dena, Will, and my dad will have to settle for another knitted accessory. Remember the awesome Redskins hats?!

Here is a BSJ that Susan made and some CUTE buttons from the shop- we have some great buttons now.

Here's to September- it's just around the corner!

Italy photos!

2009-08-22T08:23:00.000-04:00

This sums up my Italy trip:

We laughed our heads off, I knitted, we stayed at a Villa and had this incredible view that we never really believed, and I knitted.

I took a TON of yarn, as I previously told you, and the trip actually ended up being a tad touristy (day trips and then coming back to the Villa to jump in the pool) so it wasn't exactly a sleep late, knit by the pool kind of trip, but long plane rides and occasional soccer games in Italian proved for some good craft hours.

This was after two or three days of working on the back of the Must Have Cardi. I did the entire back and that was my goal! Woo hoo!

This pic gives you more detail of the cables. I LOVE maps so I thought this was a cool pic.

I cable without a needle so it goes VERY fast. This is Mission Falls 1824- such an incredible yarn!

My Tuscan yarn crawl consisted of this: a woman who owns her own shop made of hand woven garments

and Casa de la Lana in Siena- the only shop I found. The owners 1. spoke no english (heck yeah Italian 101 in college! I loved speaking it and the rest of my crew nicknamed me Rosetta after Rosetta Stone- haha), 2. did not know their shop was listed in Nicky Epstein's knitting in Tuscany, and 3. thought I was Nicky Epstein. I WISH I had her talent. I did clarify that I am not Nicky Epstein.

Susan and I are both at the shop tomorrow (Sunday the 23rd) so come see us and see all the new great stuff the shop has! New Classic Elite books really make you realize that Fall is on its way!

knitting in Italia

2009-08-18T09:41:00.001-04:00

I'm back home after a week in Tuscany. I took about thirty skeins of yarn with me and knitted five, but those five skeins of Mission Falls became the back of the Must Have Cardi!

I did a swatch for the Featherweight, but that's about it. I always do this! I imagine a vacation of knitting and then I knit on the plane and that's about it. I will load pics tonight!

PS The Tuscan yarn crawl was not a huge success. Found one store and loaded up on italian wool and alpaca, but no buttons or fabric shops!

Knitalongs

2009-08-02T18:19:00.000-04:00

Kate, Susan, Jillian, and I are starting this:

It's Hannah Fettig's Featherweight Cardigan. We have lots of Malabrigo lace weight and it takes 2 or 3 of them. Therefore, this is a very affordable project (under $50). This is such a popular pattern and I can see why. Hannah also published the Whisper Cardigan in Interweave.

Susan and I are also making this out of Mission Falls.

It's the Must Have Cardigan published by Patons. We've been talking about making this for years. It's such a classic look. Hopefully I'll be done before Rhinebeck.

So that's a slight update. I will post again before Friday because I fly to Italy! I'm picturing lots of knitting by the pool and reading books that I haven't had time to read in a long while. The great thing is the Nicky Epstein wrote Knitting in Tuscany so that's something I def need to pick up before I get on the plane!

New window and F.Os!

2009-07-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

Doesn't this make you want to ride your bike to work?

Susan's Medallion Bag, a Noni pattern.

If you look at the pattern photo, it looks like it's about three feet wide, but really, it must be some sort of illusion because this bag felts to a much more practical size.

Even the bottom has a fair isle pattern! Now that is dedication.

This person is really on track with Christmas needlepoint.

Here is a beautiful cardi out of Sublime cotton...

And we now have Pick Up Sticks!

Something I'm looking forward to making: Baby Snugs...little felted baby boots!

HUGE SALE

2009-07-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday, Needle Ladies!

I'm heading into the shop but just wanted to let you know if you don't already that there is tons of stuff on sale. Jo Sharp books and yarn must go. Lots of other stuff. Come down and see us- even if you just wnat to sit at the table and chat with us. The sale ends today.

All Jo Sharp yarns and books --40% off. Unfortunately there is no longer a US distributor for these yarns, so we are clearing them out.

Regia sock yarn, fingering and DK weight--40% off

Great summer yarns like Classic Elite Cotton Bamboo, Maggi's Linen, Katia Linen, and Dale of Norway Svale---all on sale.

Amy Butler F.O.

2009-07-14T08:24:00.000-04:00

Here is Dena with her new Amy Butler top. SO CUTE.

We are going to Tuscany in a few weeks and I'd like to have a new wardrobe for the trip. Maybe I could get a skirt and top done in time...

We have gorgeous Amy Butler fabric/books/patterns at the shop. Summer is also the perfect time for sewing.

Summer is for baby knitting

2009-07-13T19:45:00.000-04:00

I always end up knitting lots of baby items in the summer. Fall and Winter are for knitting warm cozy cabled sweaters by the fire, Spring is for shawls, scarves, and socks, and then we're back at baby knitting.

My wonderful friends Jane and Todd just welcomed Charlotte Kate to the world. (Remember the dream I had where she referred to her belly as Charlotte and I was right? Yikes. It might be because I live in Charlottesville, but still...)

Here is dearest Charlotte:

You can read more about Charlotte and her twin brothers Owen and Henry here.

I made Anouk for Charlotte with cute apple buttons from Paris. I used Tahki Cotton Classic on size 7 US and duplicate stitched the flowers on the pockets.

And then at 4:55 a.m. on Saturday, I got a text from my friend Azim that he was a new papa! Baby Aziz arrived and he will soon have a warm cozy BSJ.

And of course, cute buttons.

I used US 4 addis on this and literally used leftover Baby Ull that I had in my stash from previous projects. I think I used about 1/2 skein of 3 colors. This is the first BSJ I have ever made and I really loved it. It's made in one piece and very strange looking but once it is molded into shape you really see the genius of Elizabeth Zimmermann.

We're starting to get lots of new stuff in the shop from TNNA. It's totally droolworthy.

First off, lots of Zecca Needlepoint. We've also gotten in some Barbara Russell dogs (one yellow lab, one pug) and several flowers.

Also, Green Mountain Spinnery yarn is now at the N.L. We've got Yarn Over so that YOU can make Linden by Veronik Avery, published by the Twist Collective. (just note that you have to get the pattern from this website)

We also have great new needle cases and Offhand Designs bags.

Come and see us soon and craft on!

2009-06-30T20:26:00.000-04:00

Rachel made Eeyore. It's actually a cow pattern that she adapted. Isn't he so cute and sad? I always loved Eeyore and wanted to take care of him.

Here is my sister in law's new purse. We're going to Italy in August- I think this will go nicely under the Tuscan sun...

Dena also got some Amy Butler fabric to make some clothes for Italy. Hopefully she can help me make a few things too. I'm definitely a better knitter than sewer.

This is my favorite Amy Butler fabric- so I bought the yard that was left. Wouldn't it be a fabo lining for a felted bag made of these colors of Shepherd Worsted?!

A sweater for my brother

2009-06-26T08:11:00.000-04:00

When I was twelve years old, my parents had their third kid. Little did we know, he would be the perfect person. His name is Will and I think everyone in the family agrees that he's the best of all of us. The nicest, most adorable, most kind, most caring, and definitely the funniest.

When I graduated from high school, I remember looking into the stands and seeing my baby kid and thinking "when he graduates from high school, i'll be 30." Well, he just graduated and it was quite surreal. The baby of the family is now 6' 3", towering over all of us. He's a star basketball player (Robert started him at like 2) and he's heading to the University of Missouri in August for college.

I'm making him a sweater for college. It's 1824 Mission Falls and I'm going to do something very simple, Elizabeth Zimmermann's Seamless Hybrid. I made a miniature to give him on graduation day.

I'm going to write a message in the hem for him and I need some advice. Do I write "Will- We Love You!" or "Will- We (heart) U!" I'm sort of leaning towards spelling out the words because he will have this sweater forever and who knows if in fifty years people will still be text messaging. I'm putting a poll up on the side of the blog so you can vote!

And we're done

2009-06-15T22:39:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at TNNA with Debby. We found really great stuff for the shop and I think I need to become an insomniac so I can get all these projects done so I can then make more things.

Highlights that I will elaborate on in future posts:

-Meeting Vivian Hoxbro and trying on this awesome top.

-Meeting Nicky Epstein and talking to her about yarn shops in Tuscany.

-Sightings of Norah Gaughan ("We're not worthy!") and Cookie A.

-Shaking hands with Debbie Bliss and Louisa Harding was pretty unreal. I totally froze. I can pretend I played it cool and I wasn't just terrified to ask if I could take a picture with them.

-Offhand Designs- these bags are unreal!

-Seeing my buddy, Ysolda, and getting a signed book!

-Pick up Sticks

-Zecca

-Trying on this Tahki Stacy Charles sweater. We're getting the yarn and the pattern! Whuh oh!

We'll be back tomorrow around lunch and I can't wait to see my mom, brother, and pets!

Needle Ladies take on TNNA

2009-06-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

Mimi and I stayed in Richmond last night and flew out early this morning. I got some good clapotis knitting done for Sharman and read the New York Times. It was totally relaxing compared to my last three days of events at my real job.

I am now in Columbus, Ohio at TNNA with Mimi and Debby Ware. We've seen tons of celebs and have ordered great stuff for the shop. Let me just say that I think heaven might resemble the Rowan area of the trade show floor. I also think heaven includes an eternity to needlepoint all of Barbara Russell's needlepoint designs. I have never seen such beautiful canvases. She paints such wonderful dogs!

I also met Nicky Epstein who has a new book Knitting in Tuscany. Conveniently, I'm going to Tuscany in August! I'm psyched to get this book before my trip.

I'll keep you updated- also if you want to find me on Twitter, I am eandganz.

Twisted

2009-06-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

Folks, we are officially cooler than we were before June 1st. Did you see our add in the Twist Collective?

Go Needle Ladies!

Clapoteez

2009-06-06T16:10:00.001-04:00

I suppose, as the nerdy french major, that the plural of Clapotis is Clapotises but I would just spell it phonetically for you in today's blog post title.

Tomorrow at the shop we're having a clapotis knit-a-long. I'm going to knit my 4th clapotis, but this time for my dear Aunt Sharman. It's been a crazy year and I think a bamboo clapotis will be perfect for her. I'm going to use Royal Bamboo in the variegated blue colorway. I hear a bunch of people are coming out to sit and knit with me so that's fab!

In other news, the shop has some great Candace Eisner Strick kits.

We also have a great selection of Rowan bags that Kate is modeling here. Who is going to be our model when Kate goes to Tech?

Last night I was very productive. You might remember last year we all made (or, in my case, attempted) Norah Gaughan's Flow out of Seduce. Well, I started mine on size 4s or something crazy, and then Mimi was like "why on earth are you knitting on 4s?!" I then switched to size 7s, not thinking that my gauge would be totally different. Haven't you ever had these moments of knitting denial? Where you know somewhere deep down that it's not smart, but you'd rather give it a try than start over? Well, here is the result:

It could fit Dwight Howard. Like, I think it's the size of his jersey. Also, I hope the Magic at least stay within ten points tonight or else I'm going to fall asleep.

It turned out so badly that I can't bear to try it again. I'm thinking of Pucker but will probably just do a simple cardi. In any case, Flow is now a ziplock bag full of yarn.

Anouk is almost done, but I dont want to post a pic until it's done. Baby Charlotte Kate arrived last Tuesday though so I need to get this thing done!

My brother is also recovering nicely. Everyone tell your kids- when you're swimming around a boat, make sure the motor is off.

See you at the knit-a-long!

Motivation, please?

2009-05-22T13:31:00.001-04:00

I need to schedule in my knitting and crafting time now that the weather is gorgeous and Gansey looks longingly out the window and then at me whenever I'm knitting and we could be walking.

Something that is motivating me is that Anouk is adorable and there is a baby on the way. No, not my baby, but I might ask if I can have her when she is born. My friends are keeping her name a secret and I dreamt that she referred to her belly as _________ and I told them and guess what, I had actually dreamt the name they picked. Out of all the names in the world.

We've got the Clapotis knit-a-long coming up next Sunday. As you probably noticed, Anouk is by the same designer, Kate Gilbert. I'm a big fan.

In other designer news, Ysolda is staying at my parents' place on Peaks Island. Check out her awesome photos.

I had a strange weekend of driving so I dont have much knitting progress (my brother was in an accident but he is OK!!!) but I will post some pics soon.

Barnyard Baby Blanket class!

2009-05-18T11:32:00.000-04:00

I'm going to teach my Barnyard Baby Blanket in July. The pattern will be available soon at the shop, so those of you who have babies coming, or just want to make the cutest blanket ever, get ready! Sign ups for the class will start soon (we are just ironing out a few details, like the dates:)

The great thing about this blanket is that you can be totally creative and pick your own colors, or you can make it exactly how I did. You can also make it as big as you want by adding more and more squares. It's made of Heirloom Easy Care and I truly love this yarn. It comes in great colors and not just really baby colors- you can throw in whatever color you want. I'm going to come up with other animal charts (the animals are top stitched so no intarsia here, people) so if any of you want anything specific, post a comment!

If you'd like to be added to the list for the class, email me and I'll then let you know when the class is scheduled for. ecareyincville@gmail.com

F.O.

2009-05-16T17:28:00.000-04:00

Here is an awesome photo of the sweater that Heidi made for her sister out of Peruvia. She copied her father's Norwegian sweater. Isn't this incredible? It makes me want to move to a colder climate. I love the sweater/skirt/boots look.

Heidi is a rock star. Send me more F.O.s! ecareyincville@gmail.com

Ysolda's visit to Charlottesville

2009-05-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

We had a great time with Ysolda. She is adorable and we tried to convince her to move here so we could hang out all the time, but Edinburgh is a pretty cool city too. Here are some photos of her visit.

Her knits displayed at the shop.

The original Elijah

Little Birds (I think this might be my next project!)

And here is Mousey.

We took her to Monticello and I gave her my tour which included things like "this is where there were spinning wheels!"

Here are Vilde, TJ, and Ysolda.

In the gardens

And a siesta on top of a mountain with Charlottesville in perfect view.

We had a wonderful time with Ysolda! If you want to buy her book, go here. It is adorable.

Ysolda!

2009-05-02T18:45:00.000-04:00

Ysolda is coming to town! If you would like to meet this rock star in the knitting world (see Elijah, Vivian, Briar Rose), come to Knit Night on Thursday from 5-8 pm at the shop.

Planning for a fun filled summer at the N.L.!

2009-04-29T20:11:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! We're planning lots and lots of stuff for you at the shop and we will make the announcements soon. I can announce the first knit-a-long of the spring though- we will be hosting a Clapotis knit-a-long on Sundays June 7th and 21st. We're open from noon to five those days and we'll have the table ready for you to come and chat and knit!

I've made three clapotis and I truly love this pattern. Here are my wonderful friends Peggy and Chris- and check out the bamboo clapotis! It can even work for black tie. Fabo.

To get everyone excited for the knit-a-long we'll be adding clapotis photos to the blog. If you have one, please send me one! ecareyincville@gmail.com

We also did the drawing for the flower window! Mimi is going to announce that one too- but stay tuned! Thank you so much for making our flower window so festive and spring-y.

When the Summer class season is announced, we'll post it here and on the site. We wish Kate a happy few more weeks of high school and congrats on Virginia Tech admission! Kate and I will be at the shop on Sunday so stop by and see us. I'll have Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival stories!

Happy Spring

2009-04-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

F.O.!

2009-03-31T07:01:00.000-04:00

Tristan and the strawberry hat. Cute!!

"Asking for Flowers"

2009-03-29T18:01:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite singers is Kathleen Edwards, a folky, rocky, occasionally angry, awesome chic who sings about horrible break ups, house fires, and hockey. Her newest album is called Asking for Flowers and it's AWESOME. My band sings the title track and I was humming it today and then realized why- I am actually asking for flowers!

Here is what we've got so far...

And here is my new favorite book...

So not only are we asking for knitted flowers, but we'd love crocheted, and I've made two so far. I'm aiming for an entire vase full. I have a fun idea involving dowels for the stems. What color would thorns be?

We had lots going on in the shop this weekend. Check out the photos!

Marie sent me this F.O. Check out the adorable bees!

And a big thank you to George for making my pet christmas ornaments. I am LOVING the needlepoint, folks.

Send me any F.O.s you have and remember, we're asking for flowers! If you bring one in for the window, your name gets entered into the $50 gift certificate drawing. Have a great week, needle lady knitters!

Liz Gipson and Frodo

2009-03-27T20:04:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I know you're all knitting flowers for our window (see previous posts if this doesn't make sense to you) but here's an update on happenings around the shop this past week.

On Friday, Liz Gipson, author of Weaving Made Easy, was in the shop.

This woman is really cool and inspired me to look into weaving. She also had a great outfit on, but that's a tad beside the point.

Isn't this gorgeous?

We also had a visit on Saturday from the famous Frodo, of the Frodo Christmas Stocking.

Don't you love how he is actually life sized on the stocking?

We've got lots going on at the shop. Come visit this weekend with your finished objects! I'll have the cam.

Flower Power

2009-03-25T12:34:00.000-04:00

Here's a reminder to knit your flower for our April window. Everyone who brings one in will be entered into our $50 gift certificate drawing. We're looking forward to Spring in Charlottesville and we want your work in our window!

Spring Window Contest!

2009-03-17T21:23:00.000-04:00

Spring is upon us in Charlottesville and we want our window to show it!

You have until Saturday, April 11th to knit up a flower, felt it, and bring it to the shop for a starring role in our Spring Window! (we have lots and lots of patterns if you need them!)

When you bring in a flower, we will tag it with your name (you will get the flower back) and then enter your name in a contest to win a

$50 Needle Lady Gift Certificate!

Please note that no matter how many flowers you knit, and you are welcome to knit many, we can only enter your name once in the drawing:)

And a thank you to mtscoastergirl on Flickr for this fabulous photo of Noni Camelias:)

Event at the Shop- Tomorrow!

2009-03-13T07:21:00.000-04:00

Hello loyal N.L. blog readers:)

Starting today (Friday, March 13th) we have our "clear out winter yarns" sale. Mimi has put lots of things on 40% off. I look forward to this weekend all year!

As you all undoubtedly know, the downtown mall is being restored. Every time a block is finished, the shops on that block are having a party. Well, tomorrow is our Irish Block Party!!! Please come down and see us and if you are a spinner and the weather is nice, bring your wheel and sit on the mall in front of the shop. At 3 p.m. there is a parade scheduled- bring your kids, babies, and doggies:) I'll have the camera and you'll be on the blog! You'll also have a chance to win a big prize.

If any of you have any F.O.s (finished objects) that you would like on the blog, please email me at ecareyincville@gmail.com (norwegian knitter- i tried to find your email but couldn't!!)

We also are getting ready for the book festival and two events at the shop. Debby Ware is doing a class on one of her hats. This is a GREAT beginner project and seriously, you should take this class just to hang out with Debby. She is so awesome!!! To register, call the shop at 434-296-4625. It's $50 for 3 hours and a few materials are needed. Check the class page.

If you have any questions, call and ask or stop in! Remember, this weekend you can buy yarn for a sweater (or a few) at 40% off!

lots and lots of photos

2009-03-10T10:39:00.000-04:00

This weekend was officially declared felted flower weekend at the shop. Noni and Nicky Epstein patterns. Check out the photos. This makes me want to knit a flower a week and then in December I would have a bag made of flowers! Anyone want to join me?

Here is Colleen and her almost finished Whisper Cardigan from the recent Interweave Knits.

I love this design. It's on my list of things to do before the summer event season kicks off. Colleen's is out of Baby Bamboo. We have TONS of awesome colors in this yarn.

And here is a gorgeous sweater designed by Martin Storey...

I love the collar detail.

Here is Priscilla and her huge granny square that becomes a fab scarf.

F.O. Baroness Beret

F.O. Twisted Maiden Fingerless Gloves

F.O. Knitted Veggies by Rachel

F.O. Elijah with a scarf and tail by Rachel

Mimi's new needlepoint

Medallion bag knit-along

And last but not least...the Frodo stocking

Stay tuned and come see us!

Needlepointing is officially back

2009-02-15T20:34:00.000-05:00

We're all doing it. I'm making a picture for my kitchen.

Kate is making a pillow for her dorm room.

Marilyn is making a picture for her bedroom.

Victoria is making a picture for her house.

Will and Avery are making matching Christmas stockings.

And George has just finished a stocking for Frodo.

We had a really busy weekend at the shop. Pretty weather and Valentine's Day made for lots of folks on the mall and lots of people wanting to make things for their honeys. Kate's making a friend mittens...but not just any mittens...

Bunny Mittens!

Tomorrow is the last day of the 25% off select books sale. Also, Colinette Iona has been added to the 25% off bin. It's a beautiful aran weight hand dyed yarn. We'll be at the shop for needlepoint class on Saturday at 9 am if you want to join us. Coach George is really great and I need to get on his list for painted canvases of my pets.

Happy Presidents' Day and for those of you who have the day off tomorrow, get some work done on those projects and when you're ready for another one, come on in!

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Blog!

2009-02-07T17:23:00.000-05:00

To celebrate, a bunch of recent photos. Enjoy!

An almost finished Rowan Big Wool hat.

Talk about efficiency: knitting while holding a baby.

Mimi's new Noni purse. Check out those feet!

Peggy accessorizing the knitting just perfectly.

Another Noni bag- lining and pocket included.

Mimi's almost finished needlepoint.

And yes, folks, I've succumbed to the needlepoint. George is my coach. As of now, Victoria, Marilyn, and Kate have joined the new Needle Lady Needlepointers club (there is no such club, but it sounds cute, doesn't it?) I'm reigning in Monticello folks by the car load. So far I LOVE IT. George is a great teacher and I'm already browsing the internet for Needlepoint blogs. I'm also thinking of christmas ornaments, belts, christmas stockings...

speaking of stockings, look at this Noah's arc themed stocking that George painted for a customer. It's almost done. Look at this incredible thing!

Noni Rocks and photos from my weekend trip to PA

2009-01-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

We sure did! It was a great weekend with felted bag and flower celebrity designer, Nora Bellows, or Noni, as most of you know her.

Here is Nora playing with a bunch of felted flowers.

And here is a flower/needle arrangement. I wonder how Monticello folks would like these as a centerpiece. Wouldn't this be a fabulous idea for a knitter's wedding? Hmmm. The only thing missing is a groom.

Here is Nora's original Noni bag. She carries this everywhere. How incredible.

We also had lots and lots of visitors this weekend. Here is a fellow Monticello person in her new fair isle sweater.

Check out the steek...

And here is a doggie felted bag. I should make one that looks like Gansey so she will always be with me! (Not that she isn't...)

Here is baby Eli on the mall with another Mary creation- a crocheted ski hat. I'm on a quest to find a crocheter who can help me become an expert- do you know anyone?

Here is a photo of my new jitterbug socks drying on a wood stove. For some reason I think this is adorable!

It's a Noni Party...this weekend!

2009-01-22T07:32:00.001-05:00

Hello loyal readers! I'm sure in this cold weather you are all making lots of progress on projects. I sure am. I'm also thrilled that my accounting teacher seems to be cool with me knitting in class. I decided to take a night class at PVCC to start learning about accounting and maybe- just maybe- someday I could have some other qualifications besides speaking french, knitting, and event planning at a major historic sight. Interesting combination, huh?

The big news is that this weekend the creator of Noni will be with us. She'll be teaching a weekend class that includes a reception on Friday night. If you can't make the class, but just want to stop in and get a picture with Noni herself, please do on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I've taken a class with her before and she's really realy talented. Her designs are so interesting- here are a few pictures.

I love this purse!

Another adorable one- love the color combination here.

Adorable pot holder.

An adorable kids jacket. Cute!

So call the shop to register. We're going to have a blast this weekend.

In other news, look at Kate's angora mittens. These just take one and a half skeins of prism angora. SO CUTE!!!

And here is Gabriele Rausse, wine maker extraordinaire, wearing a hat I made him years ago. It's nice to see that its getting use around the mountaintop:)

Finished Object: Baroness Beret

2009-01-21T15:58:00.000-05:00

Baroness Beret

F.O.s

2009-01-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

Peggy's Mountain Colors Clapotis

Peggy's Bamboo Clapotis (extra long)

As nice as this looks over a fleece, think of it over a little black dress. Nice!

And here is my new favorite accessory...that scares me in the middle of the night.

I'd like to name her. I was thinking "Skinny me." Any other suggestions?

Holiday Knitting, check. Many more projects to go!

2009-01-11T19:06:00.000-05:00

I finished Elijah #2 this morning and was thrilled when Nora, Charles, and baby Henry walked in the shop! Here is a play by play...

Question: Could this child be cuter? I want to knit him an entire heard of elephants. Judging by the smiles and immediately sticking it in his mouth, I'm pretty sure Henry likes it. Sweet!

Kate has a new F.O. It's called Vanilla from the Rowan New Shapes collection.

And Dianne came in with her almost finished Be Sweet Diagonal Scarf. So pretty!

Mimi is in the midst of an inventory. This means arranging yarn after it's been counted...and then possibly buying all of it after dreaming about color combinations in a yoke sweater or fair isle mittens...

This was too cute to not take a picture. Susan's son, Isaac, entertained himself while we talked about our projects. Note to self: Baskets can be used in more ways than I know of right now.

Here is a photo I took on the mall today. It was adorable!!!

More to come this week. Now that we're officially in 2009, what are you knitting for yourself?

I have a new idea- make every swatch into a tree ornament. This could take some major creativity (i.e. who needs rectangles all over their tree?) but I think I can fudge little sweaters, mittens, and purses out of a 4X4 square.

Finished Objects and a few of my goals (note that these are not called resolutions)

2008-12-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

First of all, a beautiful F.O. Vivian Hoxbro Shadow Knitting. Finished in record time. We were all drooling over it...

Nice photos, right?!

And we have MAJOR NEWS. Mimi is going to a computerized inventory system. Here is Rachel and a few bar codes...something that has been foreign in the N.L.

This also means we'll be closed on Monday and Tuesday (Jan 5-6). Don't worry! I'm sure you've got enough in your stash to tide you over a few days.

Here is a photo of some sweater progress using Noro Silk Garden.

This is the pattern from Classic Elite Autumn Book 2

Here is Victoria in her Jo Sharp wool sweater from Interweave Fall 08.

Here is Kate modeling Margaret's Baroness Beret made out of 2 balls of Mission Falls 1824 wool.

This pattern is a free download for ravelry users. Check out the top.

Margaret did one extra repeat of the lace to make it extra chic.

OK, finally a few "goals" for 2009. I know you're all curious :)

1. Enter my stash and books into ravelry. I have half a room full of knitting related items (it's a small room, but still) and I forget what I've got in there.

2. Knit a pair of socks every month. I didn't realize how much I love knitted socks until this winter. Here is a sad picture of my new clogs with knitted socks- two different knitted socks, mind you. I have a bit of sock knitting a.d.d.

I should probably knit the socks to match these in January. I still consider myself a sweater knitter, but this is survival of the fittest. Without warm feet, evolution might weed me out.

3. Knit a sweater for my mom. I was going to knit her a Jane Slicer-Smith but now that she is the proud owner of my Jane S.S., she needs something a bit different. We're still using Merino Sei, one of my favorite yarns ever.

4. Knit Something with a touch of fair Isle. This blog is inspiring.

5. Here is a blog by a knitter who has written a book specifically about tea cosies. These things are INCREDIBLE. It just makes me smile to think that someone likes knitting and tea so much that these works of art are created. I'm totally going to make a few...and then find tea drinkers to give them to.

5. Practice quilting with a few house items and then make a full sized quilt. Are there any quilters out there who can help me if I need it?

6. Make my cats felted beds. I dote over my dog. I make multiple stops at Pet Food Discounters every week to stock up on treats and toys for her. She has more space in my car designated to her than I do. She has freshly laundered dog bed covers. The cats clearly need some love in the form of a knitted bed. Murphy and Liffey, I know you're out there checking your facebook pages, I do love you just as much as I love Gansey.

The CBS19 news came to the shop last Saturday. I think they sped my knitting up.

Oh, one more F.O. as of five minutes ago. I just finished a pair of convertible mitts for my sister in law to match an incredible scarf from brooks brothers that my dad got her for christmas. Look how perfectly the Merino Sei matches!

Happy new year and happy knitting everyone!

Elijahs...

2008-12-29T07:24:00.000-05:00

Here is Vilde's Elijah...Baby Ull on size 0 dpns:

And here is mine...Baby Ull on size 1 dpns. My aunt saw Vilde's and fell in love, so I made her one and now I think I'll knit a few more for some adorable babies I know.

This pattern is here. It was a really quick knit- started Saturday and finished Monday morning...and now he goes in the mail for my aunt to enjoy.

In other news, I invested in a new camera. I got a Nikon D40 the day after Christmas with a supposed sale. I am scared of it! I got a book "Nikon D40 for Dummies" and I started reading last night. I'm planning on taking a class at PVCC in the Spring. I got the camera to take better pictures of yarn. Hopefully I'll learn how to use it and the blog photos will be better. I might throw in a few photos of my pets too:)

Kate's sweater is coming along nicely. Hopefully we'll have a finished object soon! Victoria is going to start a sweater for her hubby. She's also knitting this for a friend, along with multiple baby blankets:)

What are you knitting now that our holiday knits are done? Post a comment or email photos...I'd love to post some customer knits!

Not a creature was stirring...but I was knitting until the eleventh hour!

2008-12-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a merry christmas or a happy holiday with some good knitting time. I decided at the last second this year that in order to make the Redskins fans in my family a bit happier after this season, we needed hand knitted hats. There's nothing like a knitted hat for some comfort, right?

Well, here they are. The hats took about three fourths of a skein of cascade 220 in burgundy, and I've used probably half of a skein of gold. Three hats later...

The first picture is my baby brother, Will. He's seventeen but I still think of him as a toddler. The second pic is my brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Dena. I especially like the football prop in that picture. For the guys, I did a really simple hat- cast on 90 stitches on size 7 DPNs, 2X2 rib for 1 inch and then stockinette until the hat was 8 inches tall. Then quick decreases and done. I stitched the Rs on the hats after they were done. Dena's hat is based on this one. I added a big pom pom- my first knitted pom pom ever. I think these hats will bring us luck on sunday and next season. My aunt already has requested one. Anyone else?

I also had a last minute golf club cozy that someone requested. The quickest knit ever out of Cascade 128 and size 10 DPNs.

I normally give my mom a sweater at Christmas, and this year I kinda didn't estimate enough time to make her a new one. Luckily, she loves my Jane Slicer-Smith sweater that just never looked right on me. It fits her perfectly and she's gotten tons of compliments.

Here is the pattern photo.

It's a surprisingly quick knit- the mitered squares do take a while but it's a really fun pattern. It's knit in Merino Sei- one of my favorite yarns ever. We have lots of colors in the shop.

Here is an adorable picture of Henry, one of Jane and Todd's twins, in his hoodie.

Here is Jane's Blog if you want to see how cute these kids are. Henry and Owen, such great names!

Here are my new Colinette Jitterbug socks...such gorgeous yarn and they feel so cozy.

I received some incredible things this Christmas- thank you very much, everyone! My kitchen now has nice pots and pans and new utensils, I got some very pretty alpaca from New Jersey that I'm looking forward to knitting up into a cabled something...and I got this:

Yes, it's a portrait of the love of my life, Gansey the dog. My mom found this artist to paint it. She also did Robert and Dena's dog, Brooklyn.

I'll post again soon with updates. Come see us this weekend! Now that holiday knitting is done, what are you knitting for yourself?

Why do we knit?

2008-12-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

I've knitted obsessively for five years. I was taught to knit as a child and then during an especially hard time in my early twenties I decided that I couldn't sit at home with nothing to do so I signed up for a class at our beloved Needle Lady and the rest is history.

My first scarf became a triangle due to an unfortunate accidental increase at the beginning of every row- my yarn was at the back of my needles, not the front- I always point this out to people when I teach them to knit. I love the feeling of having many projects going at the same time. I also love giving things to people. Knitting was perfect.

I'd love to hear why YOU knit. I have a theory that all knitters have something in common- whether it's an abundance of anxiety and/or a maternal instinct- I want to pin it down. Please vote in the new poll!

QUESTION: During this time of prepping for the holidays, I've been thinking a lot about the people in our town/world who are in need. If any of you are interested in making a square (12 inches on each side) with leftover yarn to be sewn into a blanket to donate to the Salvation Army, please post a comment or email me. I like to sew things together, so I will finish the blanket. If I only get a few squares, we'll donate a baby blanket. If I get a bunch of squares, we'll make a blanket for a family. I just think that this year especially people will be in need of some sympathy and warmth. Victoria, I know you're game!

Here is a little game...can you tell what Vilde is making?

here's a little more of a hint...

The answer to this game is here.

And I'll leave you with a picture of my adorable three foot tall christmas tree with several knitted items hanging from it (some from Caspari- thank you Heather!)

You know it's December...

2008-12-06T08:58:00.000-05:00

When lots and lots of projects are being finished in record time!

Here I am with Eli, Jillian and Aaron's baby. This kid has a slew of handknitted items! Here is the sweater Jillian made with Noro sock yarn.

And here is Ada and her adorable hat. She was not thrilled to be a blog model, but she's too cute!

And for those of you who are new knitters, here is some inspiration. Kate has been knitting for about one month now and she's tackling cables, and now a sweater!

Here she is trying on a Debbie Bliss model we have in the store. She's had her eye on it since her first day working.

Here is the pattern photo from the Debbie Bliss book Winter Essentials.

Kate is making it out of light gray Donegal Tweed. Updates on the way!

Here is Roz in her newly finished sweater. It is fabulous!

Look at this adorable mother/daughter team from Maryland and their great handcrafted items (note hats, scarves, and bag)

Look at this great Christmas Stocking made from Prism Stuff. It's huge and fun!

.

Mimi is making this for her oldest daughter. It's really coming along and it's just beautiful. Ohhh you're so lucky, those of you who aren't allergic to mohair...

Vilde successfully completed mittens number 3 and 4 for her mitten swap. Read her blog for all the details, but the good news is she made the Post War Mittens from Twist Collective just in time to get them in the mail to her swap partner. They were just gorgeous.

Here is Margaret with her Fiddlehead Mittens made from Berrocco Ultra Alpaca and lined with kid mohair.

Here is my dad wearing his Rutgers colors scarf I made him years ago. See folks, perfect holiday gift for a guy- a wide cascade 220 scarf!

Nancy in her Elsbeth Lavold angora sweater (yarn now 25% off!)

Come visit us at the shop this weekend--- you might just end up on the blog:)

Another baby photo shoot and lots of projects...

2008-11-23T20:08:00.000-05:00

Here is baby Claire modeling various hat models we have in the front- Debby Ware and Whitknits Kits...again, new york fashion week potential.

Here is Marilyn and "Myrtle" from Noro Knits by Jane Ellison. She is steaming it this week and on Sunday we will have the finished product ready for modeling.

Kate did some organizing by color. Before...

After...

We had a needlepoint tutorial from Elizabeth...

Kelly came in looking for something to knit for herself and her bridesmaids for a Maine wedding...

Ellen came by with her Noro Silk Garden (knit with two strands to not seem so stripey) scarf. She's making a redskins hat for a colleague's wife. Go skins!

Vilde came by with a great new haircut and her Postwar Mittens for the mitten swap...

Yet another awesome Twist Collective pattern.

Kate, our new part timer who works on Sundays, has officially learned to knit. Here is the progress she has made on her scarf for someone special. This is in Cascade 128. GO KATE!

More pictures to come over the holiday weekend. If you have any finished object photos that you would like to share, please email them to me. We love pictures. I know that we're all diving into our Holiday projects now. Officially one month until Christmas. Oh gosh, I have to get knitting...

Got Baby? or Toddler?

2008-11-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

This adorable girl came in last week and really liked the idea of modeling Debby Ware hats. I love the one where her arms are out. I'm thinking New York Fashion week in about fifteen years.

We are well stocked with Debby Ware kits and her new book,

We'll be at the shop today from 12-5. Sundays are always a goood day to come in if you need help with anything or if you just want to chat at the back table. Happy Holiday Knitting!