It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

Why is this the perfect baby sweater?

Top down- check. No seams? Count me in.

Teensy little hood- check. Parents seem to love the practicality and trendiness of those these days.

Easy, EASY care- check. An acrylic/wool blend makes for beautiful washing and cozy softness on the baby's skin. Also- let's be honest. Not all moms are into handwashing. You don't want to knit a beautiful gift for someone only to have it felt to the size of a Barbie doll!

Good price- check. Only three balls of KC Aran. THREE!!! Colour #89, Granary.

Gender neutral- check.

Cuteness factor- check. It doesn't get much cuter than seeing a small person in something that Mom or Dad might request to have made in their size.

UGH! Someone stop me! I could go on and on and on here!

Pattern- Knitting Pure and Simple- Pattern #211, Baby Tunic.

Yarn- KC Aran. 3 balls.

Size- 18 months.

Knitter- not I, but Mary! She giggled the whole way through. (I heard her from upstairs).

Dyeing on a Monday

That's right. We dyed wool this past Monday. What a heavenly way to spend an afternoon. I can't express that enough. We thought we'd do some 'test skeins' in preparations for the dyeing workshop we're having at the store in July. OH! It was far too much fun. The best kind of 'testing' I could ever dream of.

The photos speak for themselves... but I'll give you some wee descriptions just in case.

My merino/angora blend patiently posing for me.


Christine is the the queen of dyeing yarn (and the one teaching the workshop) so I did whatever I was told.


Kersti seemed to be dyeing yarn to match her outfit. I don't blame her. A girl's got to look good in her surroundings.


A successful yarn pie, fresh out of the oven. (Seriously- it goes in the oven).


And finally, the fruits of our labour. We had all the neighbours talking. I even felt some of them might actually consider taking up knitting. I mean, why wouldn't they? They live next door to a yarn shop!


Just after we had tidied up, it hailed. Holy yes, it hailed. Like I've never seen before. After we finished up with our dyeing, we had a hail-ball fight.


Just kidding.

Call the shop if you're interested in dyeing some yarn with us on Sunday, July 13th. It will be another fun filled dyeing day (hail not included).

Time for Teacher Gifts

The school year is drawing to an end and my not-so-little little brother is finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That light might not have been so bright if it weren't for a few very important teachers that helped him make it through the year. He's worked hard and I can tell you my parents are very proud, but the efforts of several teachers must be acknowledged- In the form of a cashmere/merino blend hand knitted sock of course.


Is there really any other way for a knitter to say 'Thanks for helping my son get through his most dreaded grade 11 subject' ? Or how about just grade 11, period?

What is it? Handmaiden Casbah Sock yarn.
80% merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon (if you're wondering if she loved knitting with it, the answer is 'Ooooh Yes!')
Pattern? A pattern by Mountain Colours called "Fritzy's Socks".

While I have never personally met this teacher, her name has become a very familiar one. It sounds to me like she deserves these. Anyone who can get a 16 year old boy who has been entirely preoccupied with getting his license through grade 11 chemistry, deserves to wear cashmere socks everyday for the rest of their life.

Colour Anyone?

Come on now- I mean REALLY! Don't you just want to dive into this collection of colour?
I do. So that's why I'm posting this. Just to be sure I'm not alone.

What is it? Cadenza. 70% merino, 30% silk.

I started knitting this feather and fan shawl out of the blindingly-bright purple shade and I just keep putting it down, walking a few feet away and admiring it from afar.

Even if feather and fan isn't your thing... wouldn't you need to take a couple deep breaths every few rows?
Holy cow.