I’m staring at the demanding “Add New Post” screen, wondering what I should talk about today. I could talk about the weather, or I could talk about the explosions at the Boston Marathon and the crazy reasons for it that someone made up in his mind, or I could talk about Purl and Jackson, or I could talk about trying to figure out how someone thinks his cause is furthered by killing and maiming innocent people who were just having a really nice day, or I could talk about knitting. I think that, after I say how disgusting it all is and how much I hope this person/these people who planned this will also suffer horribly and painfully and for a long, long time, I’ll talk about knitting. After I calm down a little.
Okay, cuddles with Purl, who is in her sleepy-and-snuggly-after-breakfast phase, another cup of coffee, and on to knitting.
First, be sure to see all David’s posts below – he is doing some phenomenal knitting right now because he has some time on his hands. We thought he was fast before, now he’s like a Chinese sweatshop all by himself! He came in this week and brought his friend Josh Ryks who is an up-and-coming designer on Ravelry (and cute and funny as well) and they had a good time going through the shop. Be sure to check out Josh’s designs and podcast and watch for his next mystery KAL.
We just added a crochet class to our Class Page. Lynne is teaching the Chevron Lace Cardigan:
which is such a pretty and versatile design. This version is done in a summer-weight DK, but it can be done in a cozy winter worsted for a warm sweater. Whenever I fantasize that I might crochet a sweater, I think about this one in a gorgeous neutral with 3/4 sleeves and just high-hip length that would work spring through fall with jeans or over a simple summer tank dress. (This is a fantasy because crochet bothers my old wrist – I can usually only do a short project – although the more I think about it, the more I want to try it!)
We’ll be adding classes for June – August sometime soon. We won’t have many classes scheduled for most of June because Janet will be away for a couple weeks, and I’m taking a vacation this year! We’ll be closed June 15 – 25 – but on the bright side, we won’t be closed on Sundays this summer like we were last year. I’m taking all my Sundays in one big glop!
Christa Haas made this basic sweater in a fabulously non-basic color of Cascade’s Cloud, a merino/alpaca blend that is lovely to work with and even lovelier to wear. She did a great job, and stoically ripped out a lot of knitting when it became apparent that the sleeves would be far too big for her. We’ve all faced that kind of problem – the decision to rip it out and re-do it is the hardest part! But totally worth it, as you can see:
Barbara Esterly made the Einstein Coat in a combination of yarns that worked together to make a rich and beautiful fabric. The over-sized fit is perfect for layering in winter, and the multi-directional knitting is fun and flattering. You can get an idea of the genius construction from her pose:
Never made an Einstein? It’s such a fun project and such a clever design – check it out on Ravelry!
I’ve been saying for weeks that I keep forgetting to take pictures of the different Inspira Cowls we’ve made. Finally remembered – but the class is full! If you’re inspired, call us and we’ll start a call list for another class. Love, love, love this project!
I’m still knitting my little lace cardy in Dyelot’s Bamboo, but got a little distracted by Heidi Kirrmaier’s Windward, an interesting scarf with different sections that grow/shrink/change direction and so on. A fun project in Sausalito that I’ll show you next week. Meanwhile, I’ll surprise you by not having a photo of Purl this week, but:
Here’s our handsome Jackson who just got groomed last week, looking tense in the last safe spot in the house. This was the only piece of furniture that Purl couldn’t jump up on – sorry to say that she conquered it this week. She also climbed over the baby gate that was supposed to be keeping her safe in the kitchen yesterday. I think the pink play-pen at the shop will be obsolete very soon!
See you soon…
Trish
