Finished Object

Oh, this old thing? It was just something I whipped up when I didn't know what else to knit!

This is the Benbecula Sweater (which I always pronounce as "Bunnicula" in my head) from the newest Rowan Magazine (46), knit out of Rowan Felted Tweed Aran in color 729 (soot). I made a size medium, but I think I only needed 12 balls.

It's not blocked yet, so it's kind of wonky in the front (an aside: why do knitters always have to point out the flaws of their knitting?!), but I'm sure it will be beautiful when I finally get around to it! I know, it's been finished for a while, but in my defense, I knitted this sweater in less than a month, so I'm kind of owed some knitting time on the back end, and the 80 degree weather does not encourage sweater making!

I really recommend the Felted Tweed Aran. Although it's very different from the Scottish Tweed (and not really an appropriate substitute if you ask me), it's a softer tweed than most, but still sturdy enough to make a good solid sweater. And it has wonderful stitch definition as demonstrated by the thirty million cables on this sweater.

Holly by Hand

Collen (the blogless) mentioned today that she was having trouble getting to Holly's blog. I told her that Holly had changed her blog.

"But I click on Knit on my Cat from the Knit Nook blog," Colleen said.

I told her Knit on my Cat was no more, that Holly had a new blog.

"Yes, but I click on it from the Knit Nook blog and there's nothing there," Colleen insisted.

Oh. Yeah. I forgot to update the link. Thanks for the reminder, Colleen!

So now if you want to see what Holly is up to, she is now Holly by Hand. Enjoy!

(Are there enough hyperlinks?)

Just checking in...

Sorry! I've been so busy and then I blinked and it was November! Where did October go? Well, I promise pictures of some knitting and yarn next week. In the mean time, my laundry room--that began as a dream, then a promise, and most recently, a nag--might become an actuality this weekend! All these years of doing laundry in other places, and I've got more mismatched socks than pairs. But for some reason, I hate to just throw them away! Maybe I can make one of these:

I know those are gloves, but I don't have 1000 extra pairs of beautiful vintage gloves on hand. But torn up, mismatched socks with the elastic shot? I have a whole laundry basket! (And that's a rug I wouldn't mind walking on!)

Another use for yarn

You like to buy more yarn than you can knit? Here's a great solution from the blog Nienie Dialogues.

Knitting and World War II

Knitting was a way for the homefront to support the front lines. To help kick off the new exhibit World War II: 48 Local Stories that Changed the World at the Frazier International History Museum, we will be knitting authentic World War II socks (pattern courtesy from the American Red Cross) Saturday, October 10, 12-4 pm.

If you would like to come knit with us, please let us know. Or come down and visit. The exhibit looks very interesting!

Upcoming Classes

Now that your garden is dead (or if it isn't, don't you think it's time to give it up already?), and the weather is awful, it's time to pick up your knitting. Never mind that it's still eighty degrees with a thousand percent humidity. Things will get cold soon enough!

We've got some great classes starting soon!

Knitted Beret

$45 + materials

Sunday, September 27, October 4, and 11, 6-8 pm.

This isn't just a floppy hat. Cables, lace, buttons, or color work: choose from one of the gorgeous Ysolda Teague designs. You will also learn shaping techniques. And won't you look adorable just in time for the cold weather!

Here's Whitney modeling her Estella. And we've got an Ishbel in the shop.

Fair Isle

$45 + materials

Tuesday, September 29, October 6, and 13, 6-8 pm.

Put a little color in your knitting. Learn how to knit using two colors, hold the yarn with two hands, and read a color chart. Make the Blue Steel (a Whitney Boswell original) or the Endpaper Mitts, designed by Interweave Editor Eunny Jang [rav link].

Here's a close up of Blue Steel.

Six Week Sweater Class: Design Your Own Pattern

Wednesday, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, and 18, 6-8 pm.

$75 + materials

If your perfect sweater doesn't exist, learn how to make it! You will learn all about gauge, shaping, pattern writing, and finishing techniques. Or, if you have a sweater pattern in mind and just want to learn how to alter it, this class is for you!

There's no picture. Just close your eyes and imagine your perfect sweater. Okay. That's the picture I'd put here.

Entrelac

$45 + materials

Entrelac is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern. Make a hat, a scarf, or a felted bag.

Here is Heather's Lady Eleanor. Thanks for letting me swipe the picture!

New, New, New!

Our new website is up! Check it out!

Our Fall class schedule is finally up, too. We've got a lot of classes starting up in the next couple of weeks, including Cables, Felted Bag, Basic Socks, and Amigurumi. Call or email us if you're interested.

Also, this Saturday only, we're having THE MAYOR'S 10% OFF NEW YARN! That includes all of the ROWAN, MOUNTAIN COLORS, NASHUA, and CLAUDIA HANDPAINTS we just got in. Ask us for more details. And remember, it's this Saturday, September 5 only! This is your last chance for a sale until Super Bowl!

And we're open on Labor Day regular hours. I'm on the diet from hell right now and need to stay away from all barbeques!