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Monday, January 29, 2007
Here she is, folks: “Gena”, the fabulous pattern for Fingerless Mitts and a Twisted Pentagon Beret. 
Whaddaya think? Ultra retro, ultra hip…named for the always impeccable Gena Rowlands. (Just saw her in an interesting 60’s film the other day, also starring Kirk Douglas, called “Lonely Are the Brave”…I think.) She just has that certain je ne sais quois that makes her look great no matter what…and there’s just something about this set…an almost European flair…that reminds me of her. The mitts and the beret are knit in the round using a light chunky or heavy Aran weight yarn. I had a blast knitting the mitts, especially…as I think I just might have mentioned in my last post. They are worked as a simple tube (no shaping), with the thumb added in afterward…there is a right and a left mitt to keep the beginning/end of the round at the outside edge of the hand. This is a great project for anyone who would like to learn to knit in the round on 4 double-pointed needles. Simple, fast, fun. The beret is also knit in the round…both on double-points and a circular. I just love the offset pentagons at the top of the hat…formed by decreasing an extra stitch at each point. Tres chic, non? Both the hat and the mitts are a “one size fits most”…if you want them a little bigger or smaller, adjust your needle size or yarn weight accordingly. The blue/wine set is shown in Rio de la Plata Uruguayan wool it has a wonderful thick and thin texture and lofty hand (4 colors in stock, and a couple more on order), and sage/olive Ecoknit Organic Cotton DK, doubled (which gives you the option of a solid or “tweed” effect). I am in the process of making up a shadecard for the Ecoknit and working up kit prices to post up on the Patterns 3 page, if you’d like to make them just as shown. This set would also work well with a variety of other yarns in my shop (just ask)…or have fun using your stash! The photo is in for reprints as I write, so the leaflet will be physically available in a couple of days…but I can take orders now…let me know if you’re interested in pattern only or a kit! These are so fun to knit, you really won’t be able to stop. So, make a stack to have on hand for the next time you need a gift…and make yourself a set, too! |
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Thursday, January 25, 2007 Okay. I’m hyped. New leaflet will be out next week…coolest beret and fingerless mitts EVER. Serious. Just have to take a good picture and get it developed into prints. I am just lovin’ the set. Way. Cool. (No picture till the leaflet’s done…don’t wanna spoil the surprise.) Sent my very cool slip stitch fingerless gloves off to London (England, that is) yesterday…you’ll have to wait for Collins and Brown’s book to come out this fall to see them for real, but here’s a little teeny sneak peak: 
I am hooked on fingerless mitts this week…can’t get enough. Don’t be surprised if some other hat I crank out has fingerless mitts to match…I might not be able to stop myself. Friday, January 19, 2007 Starting a new project is a good distraction…The Flower Basket Lace Scarf and Shawl, Fiber Trends pattern #S-2014. I’m working the shoulder scarf version in laceweight (the pattern can be used with lace, fingering, or DK weight yarn, and can be knit as a shouder scarf/shawl, a small shawl, which is actually quite large, or a huge, ahem, large shawl). This will only take one skein of Misti Alpaca laceweight (that’s right, a whopping $7.49, you betcha), and I’m just now noticing, as I post this picture, how I seem to be gravitating to red. 
You can see how it’s going to look just as lovely as the pattern photo, right? Just wait till I get it blocked…I’ll whip it into shape! Think of it like felting, where the finished knitted object looks like a loose, ugly, oversized, shapeless mass, and how it’s magically transformed in a washing machine. A similar enchanting alteration will occur here during the blocking process, only the result will be an awesomeness of delicacy and intricacy, looking much more complicated and astounding than it really was to knit! Anyone care to join me in knitting this pattern? (Might keep me on track to getting it finished!) Here are the promised baby alpaquitas from Misti Alpaca: 
What can I say? I was sucked in by the softness and the fabulous “bangs” and pigeon toes. They have to be petted to be believed…soft just isn’t the word. I have them in these two colors and in white. The Misti ribbon comes around their necks, but can easily be replaced with another ribbon or a little knitted scarf, maybe? And taking inventory, I found a great clearance deal to offer: 5 remaining skeins of Colinette Fandango cotton chenille, 2 in Velvet Damson (blues) and 3 in Tapis. Aren’t they beautiful? Colinette yarn, as you probably know, is hand-dyed in Wales. Snap it up at 40% off regular price. One skein will make a glorious scarf, and 3 just might do a smaller size tee. Or combine with something else in your stash for a truly one-of-a-kind knit! Call or email today to snag it. 
I leave you now to slog on in the world of bookkeeping and inventory (no, I’m still not done…so I knit a row or two once in awhile when I’m supposed to be working on other stuff…what of it?)…wish me luck. Personally I’m banking less on luck and more on caffeine. |
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THE WOOLLEN EARTH, PO Box 2530, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0 Canada Phone: (250) 690-7777 1-866-690-9665(WOOL) Email: |