Oh Edward!

I finally got started on my Opposite Pole Sweater. I order the yarn a long time ago and it's been sitting here at the store taunting me. I printed the pattern and left it lying on the counter so I would see it constantly as a reminder of what was to come. I forced myself to finish several UFO's (UnFinished Objects), because the number of WIP's (Works in Progress) was getting marginally ridiculous (one of the dangers of being a yarn store owner...). So I finished many things and started and finished many more-Christmas presents mostly. About 5 days ago I cast on the back and started knitting along merrily-a total lie, I had to cast on multiple times and rip back a bunch because while there are no errors in the pattern, it's a little convoluted at times.

It's not really a complicated pattern-although it's definitely not easy, but it does take some concentration. OK, lots of concentration through certain parts of it. Like the part where you are knitting 2 separate charts while knitting garter stitch wedges while attaching it to the back piece.

I really like the construction and I was checking out Joji Locatelli's other designs, I think I like them all! They're fresh and interesting but totally knittable!

So, because I apparently only finished simple projects-all I have left are projects that require a certain amount of concentration that is nearly impossible to give in public, or when Wee Patrick is feeling particularly feisty.

I grabbed Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol Sulcoski with the best intentions, I figured I would knit the socks that Barb Brown contributed to the book since they are fantastic socks, Barb is a cool person, and I have seen the actual sock from the book...on Barb's feet...in the store...

But then I saw these.

As Stephanie Meyer so ineptly put it-I fell hopelessly, and irrevocably in love.

I LOVE handpainted and hand dyed yarns, but I am really particular about what patterns I use them for. Variegated yarns just don't translate into every pattern well. I have learned that just because you love the yarn, the colour and the pattern, doesn't mean that by combining them you will end up with an attractive pattern. If I am knitting something out of my head-like a quick scarf, cowl, hat, etc-and I choose to use a variegated yarn, invariably I choose moss stitch because it breaks up the colours in a pleasing manner. So imagine a whole book of such yarny knitterly genius!

I'll put Barb Brown's Rib Fantastic Socks on the back burner and hope that she forgives me for being so fickle.

And yes, those are Signature Needle Arts DPN's. Mumsy gave them to me for Christmas!

Dividing by Zero

Ever seen one of those demotivational posters about dividing by zero?

Yeah, that's what my knitting world is like right now. Like I said in the last blog post, I am knitting the Hitchiker. Don't get me wrong, I am still enjoying this scarf, even if it is 400yds of garter stitch on 3mm needles (Wait! Maybe THAT'S why it's called the hitchiker scarf, it's like the trilogy that never ends...). I was merrily knitting along thinking that I must be past halfway through this lovely ball of knitting when I committed a major knitting faux pas. I pulled out the scale, weighed the yarn and just about flipped my lid when I saw I had 62 grams left. Which meant I was nowhere near the halfway point. Now, I think weighing yarn is a useful tool. It's great when you are knitting a project that requires 2 of something and you are trying to figure out if you have enough-like socks, mittens, or sweater (weighing the yarn to make sure you have enough for 2 sleeves...). But weighing the yarn just because you can't handle not knowing how much more knitting you have? That is a horrible abyss that no knitter should fall into.

That's not even the worst part. I continued knitting my little project for a while-it's hard to tell how long because people come into the store and I have to stop knitting sometimes, but I figured I had maybe another hour of knitting.

I weighed the ball again.


Seriously, either I am in a time paradox or I have the yarn ball of infinity matter.

Do you know where your towel is?

Christmas is a comin' and the egg nog is in the nog!

Right now (along with a thousand other projects) I am knitting Hitchhiker.


The name of this pattern is referencing the fantastic Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy (in Five parts). This alone is enough to make me want to knit that pattern-the fact that I really like it is a small bonus.
This fantastic little shawl is so simple! I love how hand dyed variegated yarns translate so beautifully into the garter stitch construction. The silly little nubs on the edge of the shawl keep me going-I am a fickle knitter so if there is a mini-goal (like one more nub) than I find I am a much more successful knitter (which is why I like self striping yarns).
I am knitting this in Malabrigo Sock which is a lovely 100% Merino yarn. All the colours in Malabrigo are incredible. I am extremely happy with how the colour is turning out, I noticed on the Rav page that some of the variegated yarn pooled or flashed in a way that I didn't like, I wanted something that knit up the way the sample in orange/red/yellow turned out-so far that is what is happening and I am ecstatic!

See? See how pretty it's turning out! It took me two tiny little repeats to memorize the pattern! The great thing is that if I lose count of where I am, it doesn't really matter if a few of the nubs are farther apart or closer together because it's such an organic looking design!

As usual I am knitting this for myself. I am a selfish knitter. I knit for myself all the time, I love wearing handknits. I do knit for others occasionally, but I find many people don't really have a n appreciation for hand knit items or don't want to take the time to care for them. I often get funny looks from people when they ask me who I am knitting for and I usually say "Me". Apparently the expectation from the general non-knitting public (or muggles as the Yarn Harlot calls them), is that all knitters should be knitting gifts, at all times. Who do you usually knit for?

I'd also like to take a moment to introduce you to Audrey II


Audrey II is the store's amaryllis. He is only 4 weeks old. Crazy, non? 4 weeks old and already has EIGHT flowers! That's why I called him Audrey II, because I would leave work in the evening and come back and he would have grown a centimetre and a half overnight! (Audrey II is the giant plant in Little Shop of Horrors) I really hope he divides and takes over the world!

Curse you infernal machine!!!

So...my computer died. This is the 3rd time in twelve months and the fourth time since I bought it 2 and a half years ago. The good news is that I purchased the extended warranty (something I always do for computers since I have yet to buy a computer that doesn't end up needing an extended warranty). The further good news is that this is the 4th time this computer has died and there is a "lemon" clause in my warranty. This means that as soon as it's confirmed that the computer is indeed broken, they will give me a shiny brand new one. I'm switching to Mac. I know there are many people that hate Mac's because of their limits and inability to play awesome games, but I need something stable for the business. Something that is not going to need to go into the shop every 3 months.
While my computer was in the shop, I switched to the backup computer. Yes, we have a backup computer. You don't even want to know how many computers we have... But...the back up computer died. I know! Double You Tee Eff, right? The cord no longer charges the battery. Or the battery no longer charges. Either way, it doesn't work.
So...I switched to the backup backup computer. OK-we don't really have a backup backup computer-it's the Ravelry computer for customers in-store. It's slower than molasses and uglier than sin-but it works! Here's hoping that this computer doesn't die-I'd hate to have to bring the backup backup backup computer into the store because it's REALLY slow. Slower than the slower than molasses computer. Like tectonic plates moving and creating new continents slow. Slow like Austin powers running over that guy with a forklift slow. Slower than the slow food movement. REALLY SLOW!
Yeah, we have a lot of computers...it has to do with my brother being in the computer repair/resale business-so I save them all up and periodically give him a big ole box of computers and accessories.
Out of deference to this archaic device that I am currently utilizing, I am not going to post any photos for this blog post (I don't want to be the one to push the poor thing over the edge, neccesitating the use of the backup backup backup computer).
I am going to share my current project with you. It all started as a Family Knit-a-long. My Aunts and the Mom decided to each knit the Bandana Cowl I decided to give it a whirl and knit one on smaller needles for Patrick using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and it turned out fantastic! He looks like a little cowboy when he wears it with his plaid shirt.
I knit another one in a navy Diamond Luxury Superwash Aran for my Stepdad's birthday. He can abuse it and throw it in the wash and it should still survive.
I then knit myself one out of Noro Silk Garden.
Today I am knitting another one in Noro for a friend.
I seem to be knitting one a day.
I think I might be obsessed.
I think I'll knit one for my Dad and for my husband since they would be great for wearing while riding a motorcycle (or so my husband tells me, which may have been a rather broad hint).
An important note from knitting this-the author of the pattern claims that it uses approx 100yds. I found it uses way more (probably closer to 120 yds). In order to compensate for this, and because I hate the idea of opening a second ball of yarn for 15-20 yards, I knit each of these from one ball of yarn that was 95-105 yds depending on the yarn. All I did to accomplish this is knit the pattern until I had just enough yarn to do the 6 row garter stitch edge and cast off. I then stopped whatever part of the pattern I was at and started the edge. It's worked really well so far. The knitting police have not showed up to arrest me yet...

Something for everyone

I missed last weeks post and apparently people were missing it! I didn't realize I had so many avid readers, so I will try to be a little more diligent in the future.

This weeks pattern is the Echo Flower Shawl.


This lovely pattern has been in my Ravelry queue for a very long time and I haven't had a chance to cast it on... ("had a chance"? who am I kidding, I've cast on about 30 different projects since I first put this in my queue...) It's a free pattern with lovely little nupps, it comes in 2 sizes-this is something I lov e since I am not keen on large shawls-I prefer shawlette's, I wear them like a scarf.

I thought I would do something a little different this week and explore a variety of different yarns that this could be knit in. Mainly because I haven't decided what I want yet, but also to show a variety of yarns suitable for different economic situations. At our store we really strive to have a variety of products in a variety of prices ranges-within that scope we really work hard at making sure that all of our products meet a certain quality level so that all fibre artists can make something they can be proud of.

My first choice of yarn is Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts 70% Long Staple Cashmere/30% Silk


This yarn is, without a doubt, the softest most decadent yarn in the store. The colours are deep and rich and the texture of the yarn is unbelievable. If you are planning on knitting something extra special for yourself or a loved one, I definitely recommend this yarn. Dyed in Canada! Cost to knit this project: $75.98 (eep! However, the cost is definitely worth the quality.)

Yarn choice #2 is malabrigo sock


If you've never used malabrigo sock, you are in for a real treat! This yarn is soft and delightful. Malabrigo is well known for their dyeing prowess and this yarn does not disappoint! It is machine washable, which is a bonus. Cost for this project: $25.99

My third choice for this project is Fleece Artist BFL Socks


BFL is a favourite of mine. I love how it is nearly as soft as merino but has more of a shine to it. I find the colours more vibrant in BFL than in merino. This yarn is hand dyed in Canada by an incredible dyer, her colours are incomparable. Cost to knit this project $17.99


All of these yarns are high quality and worth knitting. For the extra special or extra decadent there is the cashmere, for the more economical or everyday wear you can use Fleece Artist. You don't need to sacrifice quality to save money, $17.99 is not too much to pay for a beautiful handmade object that you will enjoy for years to come.

RETREAT!!!

So I did miss posting last Friday, but I have a good excuse- we were at the first ever electrictree yarns retreat! It was a fantastic time and Barb Brown, as always, was an amazing instructor!
It was a great group of knitters, some people I have met at other retreats, and some new faces!
The following photos are courtesy of my Aunt, who was a retreat attendee and blogger!


What a lovely group of knitters! My stepdaughter Mackenzie took the class along with us and did a wonderful job!


Nothing but knitting, and talking about knitting, and learning about knitting (and eating and shopping!) for a whole weekend!


The end result: a goofy bag (which isn't goofy at all) a slew of new techniques and skills, and some new friends!

The next retreat is in the planning stages right now!

Friday's pattern is Omar's Carpet Socks! I would/am knitting these in Diamond Luxury Superwash Merino DK. I chose this yarn for a couple reasons-it's a good solid yarn and it's economical. 1 pair of knee high socks is going to cost $26 (plus the evil HST!)


I am really loving how much more even my stitches are after taking Barb's class!

The store is going really well. It's been great meeting so many lovely knitterly people! The bad thing is being surrounded by yarn and patterns all day. It has increased my Knitter's ADD exponentially. There's always a reason to start a new project-"Oh, I just need to try out these needles! I can't very well sell needles I've never used!" I am really hoping the novelty will wear off so I can get some focus!

Is it Friday again?

Wow! What a fast week. How strange to be back in the working world.
This week's pattern is the Crevasse socks. I would knit it in Sea Sock...oh wait...I already AM knitting in Sea Sock!!


I am already finished the leg, turned the heel and have started working the foot.

Seriously...this is my most favouritest sock yarn that I have ever knit with. It's not cheap but I am pretty sure that it's going to feel like my feet are wrapped in hand knit love.

This weekend we are looking forward to redoing our window! Hallowe'en is coming and we have some great ideas for the display! I am hoping that by doing some awesome displays it might give some downtown businesses a "keeping up with the Joneses" attitude and step it up for some downtown displays.

Sometime next week (hopefully) we are getting a whole bunch of new products in! Our first Ashford order will be here! Piles of roving, spinning wheels and knitter's looms! Bolga Baskets will be here soon, they are beautiful Fair Trade baskets from Ghana, I managed to find a supplier that is a better price than some others and is certified Fair Trade.

Nest week will be busy with new stuff! Hooray!