Things That Say: FO

I am happy to report that I have finished items this week to show and tell.

First up, my Froot Loop hat made from the Sockhead Hat pattern. I made this lightweight, slouchy beanie out of a mystery skein of Sockotta sock yarn. The colors remind of Froot Loop cereal hence the name. It is a fun knit in the round and works well for TV watching or road trips when you just want to knit and not think about the pattern. I did this one on size 2US, 3.0mm needles which seems on the larger size of the 2 options.

And I finished a pair of the mini handmitts from the Sock Yarn Mini Warmers pattern for my sister in the Marine Life colorway in Felici yarn from KnitPicks.

These are a really fun knit and I tried them on two circs this time instead of DPNs. They work up faster this way. I adjusted the pattern a bit by doing three rows of k1, p1 rib after the cast on to get a little fit at the wrist. I really like these for warmer weather wear in an extra A/C office setting. You get lightweight warmth and really fun colors.

I hope everyone is making happy accomplishments~!

Ode to Joy: The Knit Picks Catalog Has Arrived!

The Knit Picks catalog is a thing to behold. I have kept every one since I started receiving them two years ago.

Not only do they showcase their products nicely with excellent photography, but they also have the best tips I have seen in one place.

This month they concentrated on holiday ideas. This includes great selections for last-minute knitting projects for your list and gift ideas for the knitters in your life.

I think my favorite thing is the sampler sets they are offering. The yarn samples are in a color theme complete with patterns and ideas of how to use them.

Each edition has its own theme; like July 2008 and socks. Everything from how to dye naked yarn to ideas for patterns to make unique footwear.

You need to get on their mailing list to join the fun of receiving your very own catalog to treasure.

From Gussets to Glory!

It was a successful conclusion to my sock class in Woodland Park. I think everyone had a good time and did learn some basics of sock construction. I know we giggled a lot over the two afternoons we met. I blamed it on the high altitude, the shop owner referenced liquid refreshment. So if Diet Coke and high altitude are to blame, then we did good.

I returned to a beautiful sunset and an anxious pussycat who wanted to go out and watch the stars come out. Those days are coming to an end rapidly since it will soon be too cold and dark when I get home to go outside. He is enjoying these last mild days before it is time to build his kitty igloo.

Thanks to all the brave and wonderfully fun gals that joined me for the sock class. I have requests for more classes in the future and am working on those proposals this week. To all you fiber nuts out there -- Happy knitting!

Colorful Yarns or Wow! What A Store.

I finally had the good weather/road opportunity to deliver the Cat Care Society donation box to Colorful Yarns in Centennial, Colorado yesterday. The donations were welcomed with oohs and aahs for the blankets and chuckles about the spider strings and flying spider toys.

The shop is run by a mother/daughter team. It is stacked with yarns from all over, floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with many knitting and crochet books, and more needle choices than I have ever seen.

I was especially excited to find the Kollage square needles. I purchased a pair, size 13, to make scarves on and three skeins of yarn for just that purpose. After Christmas some of you may recognize the colorway in a gift. Not telling who. From the Kollage website I discovered that there are only two shops currently carrying these particular needles, the other is Green Valley Weavers and Knitters in Colorado Springs.




The gals at Colorful Yarns said that they collect for the Cat Care Society throughout the year so if you have the time and washable acrylic yarn (like I do) you can do 2'x2' blankets to help keep the kitties warm and comfy.

Enjoy your holidays!