The name alone could be misconstrued if this was not a knitting and crocheting blog. For those who want a quickie with something chunky yet soft, “Magnum” delivers. Since most of the colors in Twinkle “Soft Chunky” will not be available until summer, we brought back an old favorite that was a hit when we first opened 7 years ago. Good thing Cascade kept it around in most of its fabulous colors. With 123 yards and #17 or #19 needles (or larger), scarf gratification is a mere 2 hours away.
Eco Wool by Cascade has become one of our best selling yarns. When it was first introduced here a few years ago, the yarn was a well known secret amongst the regulars. With 478 yards of 100% undyed wool it looks (and feels) like a heavy door stop. And the best part is that for those being cost conscious, it won’t break the bank at under $18. Karen bought a skein and thought it would make a great birthday cake for herself so her friend Mandy stuck some candles into it and off they went to celebrate.
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This is the one project that draws lots of cutesy oohs and aahs. Although I’m not into anything too “cute” this was a fun project to knit, and it’s different than your typical stuffed animal. Knitted in Blue Sky Organic Cotton, it takes 2 skeins of yarn, and the pattern has instructions for 3 different chicken designs and sizes.
I saw this pattern in Interweave Knits 2009 “Holiday Gifts” edition and had to make it for my first full height, real Christmas tree. Having grown up with fake trees I never gave any thought to hiding the very unattractive tree dish. The pattern is called “Sunburst Throw” by Daniel Yuhas whose website has instructions for a very cool cast on method called “Diasappearing Loop Cast On.” I knitted the skirt using 3 skeins (478 yds. per skein) of Cascade Eco Wool. My version is larger than what the pattern instructed, and I opted to not do the ruffle bind off. In the end I had 969 stitches and a finished piece that was equivalent to a man’s x-large sweater. I would have made it larger but given that we’ve had our tree for almost 2 weeks and that Christmas is a week away, I had to stop so we could decorate it! And I ran out of yarn.
Hot off the needles
Finished Tree
There are 36 days left until Christmas, and this is the second year I’ve put “Knitted Christmas Stockings” on my list. Looks like they’ll have to wait another year. Instead I’m knitting a Christmas tree skirt which I’ll post as soon as I’m finished. However, I did finish these cute stockings for my friend Aimee and her family. Knitted in Cascade 220 they’re festive and will look great on her fireplace.
The name’s a mouthful but the pattern has been a hit, especially with passersby wanting to buy the hat. The Linen (Fabric) Stitch is one of those stitches that is truly reversible and looks nothing like the opposite side. Worked in 3 colors, it’s almost unrecognizable. The pattern knits up rather quickly once you get the hang of slipping stitches. And the yarn “Kumara” by Classic Elite was even softer once it was knitted which isn’t surprising given that it’s 85% extra fine merino and 15% baby camel. Come in and get a free copy of the pattern with yarn purchase.
Linen Stitch Detail
Knitted in “Alpaca Sox” these little socks are cozy and perfect if you think you’ll fall asleep knitting the legs in Stockinette Stitch. The “Sockies” pattern is from Vogue Knitting Ultimate Sock Book. Ginny knitted these alternating solid and multi colors.
I finally finished my husband’s socks!! I’m not sure when he’ll be able to wear them since they’ll take residence at the store for a while.
Heel Detail
One of our favorite yarns, Manos del Uruguay, is back for the season. The wool has been a staple from the beginning, and all the vibrant colors never get boring! The “Silk Blend” which was introduced a couple of years ago is so buttery soft and comes in beautiful jewel tones with a bit of a silky sheen.
Wall of Manos
Silk Blend
Manos Wool Mittens
These cute baby hats were knitted by Martita, one of my oldest (not in age) and loyal customers. Would you have guessed that these were knitted on an antique sock machine? I have never seen one but they create some amazing works of art – and fast. We can add Martita to the list of Mini Mochi lovers.
Mini Mochi color 103 (left) and 112 (right)
Jennifer knitted her beautiful, lace socks on #1 needles in Mini Mochi color 103.
Dan’s socks were knitted in Mochi Plus color 562 with #6 needles. His sister’s going to love them!
Rowan’s new yarn for fall, “Lima,” has kicked off the knitting season! It’s been a huge hit – we sold 37 skeins the first day. The 15 designs (13 sweaters for guys and gals) in the pattern book The Lima Collection are not only great but very wearable. The yarn is a cabled construction which makes it plush, and the fiber content of baby alpaca, merino and a bit of nylon makes it extra soft.
12 heathered colors
“Brea” Sweater in color 882
Detail of cable pattern