Easy Knitting, Scrumptious Yarn!

I have to admit I have really dropped the ball with the knitting lately. The desire is there, but there's been much administrative work I've been doing. Not much time left for knitting and I hit the end of the day rather exhausted..... But . . . I started this project the other day. I have to confess it was a customer who came in the store to get yarn for a reversible scarf that got me going. I found a free pattern on the internet. It called for Aran weight (4 sts per inch) yarn, but I grabbed Cascades Baby Alpaca Chunky, and dropped down a needle size. I will be spending quite a bit of time in Portland, Oregon this winter, and a very warm scarf will be manditory. After knitting up one whole hank of yarn, I was not liking this scarf at all. (I told myself, you get what you pay for!! I should have known.) Oh the fabric was beautiful. Thick, soft, warm and no problems dropping down to a US#9 needle, but the reversible design just was not doing a thing for me. Couldn't even see the cables!

Therefore, I changed it. I went back up to the US#10 needle the yarn called for, and altered the pattern. I am almost done with the 2nd hank. This will be a very loved scarf. I've really enjoyed the pattern. And as I knit along, I'm wondering if a few special friends would appreciate something hand knit from me. That is a very rare occurance in my family and friends...very few get something hand (or machine!) knit from me! Both sides of the scarf are the same (i.e. reversible). Cables stand out nicely due to the garter stitch (on both sides.) Because it is so thick, I think it is going to need approx 5 hanks of yarn. It quite wide, so if I need to wrap it up around my ears, it will work. I will be putting this pattern out in the next newsletter, but I can share my notes if you cannot wait. But they are not totally complete yet. Its Sunday night. I'm trying to work ahead. The store will be closed Wednesday through Monday as we will be in Portland taking care of some paperwork (and some playtime for me!!) Take care and keep on knittin' !!

Lorna's Laces Newest Color Release in Color Commentary Series

Lorna's Laces newest Color Commentary The newest release is a deep dark blue called Cookie A's Deep Dark Secret. CDDS is the latest in Lorna's Laces Color Commentary Series. It's a beautiful, rich dark blue. Lorna's Laces went with a nearly solid this time around to complement Cookie's intricate sock designs. I have a very limited amount due to arrive next week in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Place your order now, and reserve yours. This stunning sock pattern is available free at knitty.com! Deep Dark Secret will also be available in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, Shepherd Sport, Helen's Lace and Lion & Lamb. I will also special order Deep Dark Secret in any of Lorna's Laces other lines for you. See more of Cookie A's fabulous sock designs at her website: http://www.cookiea.com/

End of Summer Jobs!!

When the weather turns warm, I just want to soak up the sun!! We've had some beautiful days this summer here on the Oregon, and some days have just seemed like November!

Lots of family activities this year! Weddings, Holidays, Family Reunions!! Any excuse for a party!! Just returned from an incredibly beautiful weekend in Santa Cruz where my niece was married. A smallish wedding by most counts, but just peeerrrrfect!!

(picture: me, Cory (daughter-in-law), Erica & Greta (step daughters) Best people to party with!!)

School has begun, and so has fall knitting and crochet. Whether it is for gifts, or just a new cardie for the winter, needles are being picked up and yarn has been ordered. My needles are still setting as I've been restoring the shelves to their non-chaotic manner and moving slow moving items to the clearance page. Be sure you check out the books I just put on clearance for $5!! These would be perfect to insert into a knitters gift package! All books are eventually going on clearance, so if you see one you want, drop me a line and I'll tell you what the clearance price will be!

Lorna's Laces Swirl Chunky and Swirl DK are also on clearance for less then their suggested retail price. Be sure that you check into these super yarns. Quality yarns at a bargain price!!

If you didn't get my last newsletter, be sure to read it here. And be sure you get signed up for the next issue here.