The Knaughty Knitter

February

 
starts tomorrow and I have said I would not start anything (except a store project that absolutely has to be done) in February until I have finished all the projects in my UFO pile.  (excluding the Dr Who scarf which is meant to be a long term project) There are a couple of big things - sweaters and a bunch of little stuff.  Of course this also means I have started a lot of projects over the last week or so so I can get the satisfying feeling of finishing a bunch of things during the first week or so of February.  (That's my story and I am sticking to it) Tonight is my last night to start anything and I am on a hat binge so I may have to start at least one more tonight.   This morning I ripped back a lace scarf that had been sitting for a while and only had an inch or so done and then picked up some lovely merino fingering weight yarn that I had dyed in spring flower colors, I'll probably cast on for a small shawl tonight too.  Seems silly I know but oh well, I do have a plan really. 

And I have a new hat pattern coming out later this afternoon - I will be putting it on Etsy by tomorrow - It is a cute little flat topped hat with just a tiny bit of colorwork in it.

Here's mine
And here is one Debbie did as a test knit in Cascade 128

And lastly - just a reminder that the baby hats will be picked up on Thursday so please get them in before then.  Thank you all who have done them so far and we have gone over expected numbers - I hear that the hospital folks are pleased and excited.

Knitting 101 is Scheduled

for Feb 17, 24, Mar 3 & 10.  That's Thursday evenings at 6pm. 

I made a couple of changes to the calendar.  I postponed the needlefelting class - I have been swamped and the sample is not make yet.  This may happen for Advanced Weaving too - I won't even have the lining fabric for my jacket (which is not done) until the second week in February.  I am having some silk hand dyed by a friend for the lining.  okay but I have gotten about a third of my second mitten done...(and started a set of handwarmers too)

For those of you waiting for the Knitting 101 class - I am hoping to know tomorrow at the latest what the dates are. 

Mittens

I finished these last night and may full them a little to plug up some of the holes.  I like the twisted stitch, but it totally needed rosewood needles - nothing else had sharp enough points to do it.  These are Shelburne from Knitty.com.  The stitches twist around all the way up the mitten but straighten out when you put them on.  This bright yellow is dyed with marigolds....Iwon't be losing these mittens.

 And on another note....I have been going through the loose patterns at the store and pulling out some of the older ones.  I will have a box on the table full of patterns for the next few weeks, until they are gone and they will be half price.  There are hats and sweaters and kid things, scarves and summer tops.  Come in and get 'em while they last.

New Yarn of the week is....

Lindsey from Berroco.  We've got lots of colors and patterns too. It is a lovely combination of Linen and Cotton and knits up at 20 st/4 in on #7s.  It is 114yds - yeah Berroco is listening - those short skeins were really a pain.  It really feels lovely and would be awesome in a spring sweater or little lacey top.

 

we are open

but it is still slick out there so be careful.

Here's my warm alpaca hat made in fingering weight from the new Knitscene

 It is just the bright happy hat for these cold days.

There will be group tonight, but if it is sparse and if it gets dangerous outside we'll call it early.

The Latest Knewsletter

just went out.  You should get it tonight in your email but if not it is available by clicking the link to the side here.

The newest KnitScene is here - and it has been a long time since I said this about that magazine but I am keeping one for myself.  There are just too many really nice things in it.  Don't worry there are a few more left.....

See you Thursday- possibly with a new hat from the KnitScene

Here's a fabulous scarf that

Deborah made after her first Knitting 200 class.

 it's sock yarn.

 

 Here's a cowl I made this weekend.  I love the yarn - Twilley's Freedom Spirit. And the slip stitch pattern is good too.  It's a ravelry pattern, but sorry I don't remember the name of it.

Is it over yet?

Is it supposed to warm up a tiny bit today? 

So several things....I forgot to say last week that the Plymouth Rosewood Interchangeables are in.  oh my....and the Merino fiber shelves have been restocked with new colors for all you spinners and felters out there. 

Just a reminder about the look of the needles that come in that great little case

 
 The merino also includes some multi colored that just looks yummy.  And last....I got a call from the hospital yesterday asking for red hats - they are doing red baby hats for February - it's National Heart Health Month or something like that.  I committed for 10 but would love to be able to give them the 20 they asked for.  By February 3rd they need all of them.  Here's my first one...

 that I made last night....Because I need to call and let them know please let me know if you are going to do one (or more).  I will also give a 15% discount on red yarn for the hats for the next week or so.  Baby sized - could be preemie too, crocheted or knitted. 

I finished this yesterday

 
It is "Nimbus" made from Berroco Peruvia Quick on #11s and there are free patterns available for it with purchase.  It could also be made from Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky or Cascade 128 or even a bulky Noro or other chunky yarn.

I am working on an idea - A secret scarf club - 11 scarves in 2011.  This will start in February and will meet once a month for the rest of the year.  Each month will be a new scarf and pattern designed to build your knitting skills.  So it is perfect for beginning knitters and not a bad thing either for intermediate knitters.  No one but those who are in scarf club will get the pattern.  It will not be for sale otherwise. There will be a few color choices each month in the yarn but I pick the yarn and write the pattern.  At the end of the year you will have a box of scarves to give for gifts or to wear yourself and your knitting skills will have grown.  The price will include yarn, pattern and a one hour class to help you get started on the techniques used in the scarf.  You can come to the class or just pick up the kit if you feel able to do it alone.  You can buy in to as many months as you like.  The first class is Tuesday Feb 15th at 5pm and I do need to know who plans to participate so there is advance registration.  Let me know what you think.