It’s a beautiful day and I’m sitting here feeling dreamy and happy, anticipating a week off, which includes my niece’s wedding and, I hope, some household tasks that I need to do. At the same time, I’m realizing that, while I’m looking forward to a little time off, I’m going to miss you all. You probably have no idea how I look forward to each day to see who pops in the front door! I’m grateful to everyone who makes time to come to the store – I know very well that it takes much more effort to get in the car, find a parking space, and walk to the store than does sitting at a computer and clicking a “Buy” icon. We all love the idea of shopping locally and supporting small businesses, but it’s a commitment to make it happen. I want to do more of it, and thank those of you who already do it.
I want to let you know that Amanda Barrell, who is teaching the basket class later this month, will have a table at Art on the Avenue right in front of our shop this Saturday. (Remember we won’t be open!) Be sure to stop by early to see her beautiful pieces, and to sign up for the class if you can. The street fair starts at 11 a.m. and goes till 7 p.m. but I’ll bet Amanda will sell out long before that. The baskets are really something!
Speaking of art, Purl has been showing signs of the creative spirit. We have been finding objets d’art around the store. She is in her “crazy bird’s nest” phase right now and seems to prefer only the best materials for her work, such as cashmere and baby alpaca. I know that I should encourage her to express herself, but frankly, I’ll be relieved when she’s in her “sleep most of the day” phase, which all cocker spaniels eventually get to.
Donna finished this very beautiful Zephyr Cove shawl this week – it’s just lovely! The shape makes it wrap beautifully, with a few strategic short rows that don’t make sense until you block it. I think we’ll have a class for it this fall. Love the little leaf detail that starts the whole thing, and the lace and picot edgings are icing on the cake.
I am practicing crochet this week, trying to find a new method that won’t hurt my hands so much. I made a cute little basket while practicing. Lynne is helping me to figure it out. Meanwhile I’m working on a poncho like this one:
from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas (yes, we’re stocking some of their patterns now, so simple, so beautiful, tested over and over again so no errata – lovely!). I’m doing it in Shibui Cima and Silk Cloud, holding a strand of each together. Cima is a laceweight alpaca blend, soft, drape-y, sturdy. Silk Cloud is a laceweight mohair/silk blend, the prettiest I’ve ever seen and silky smooth. Here’s the fabric it’s creating:
Can you see how the silk core of Silk Cloud peeks from beneath the halo of the alpaca and mohair and catches the light? The poncho will be light, warm, and heaven to wear, in a fabric that will drape flatteringly over your figure.
I’m loving this project, but it is rather a lot of stockinette, so I break it up a little bit here and there. I just received a bag of Berroco’s new yarn Kodiak to try. It’s a bulky yarn consisting of wool and alpaca fibers blown into a nylon casing, so it’s light, soft, and feels like butter next to your skin. I made this Cherry Garcia cowl last night from one ball on size 11 circulars. It’s completely yummy and fast, fun, and cable-icious.
There is still some Madelinetosh DK left, although a lot went out the door this past week. If you have a project in mind, don’t miss out.
We saw some beautiful projects this past week:
Donna Lengel finished this gorgeous ruana in two colors. This supposedly simple knit became a very long-term project, but she stuck with it and made a piece she’ll enjoy forever:
Patty Golembiewski finished her pretty Ecuador cardigan in Serena just in time for summer. I love the design, with the back that dips and flares.
Lory Fleischer made this gorgeous riding jacket for her daughter from a striking shade of Paloma, and found the perfect buttons for it, too. It’s incredibly lush and just stunning.
Katie Perkins has been having fun making these really cute animals:
Don’t you want them both?
And Nancy Baker made these pretty socks for a friend, in Jawoll sock yarn:
Meg Roke popped in for a visit this week and mentioned that she’ll have two new designs in Jane Austen Knits this fall. Be sure to pick it up when it’s out, and check out her blog – it’s beautifully done, and fun to read.
Gotta go get my hair cut – see you soon!
Trish
