Goodies

We had a visit from my parents this past week. They arrived from Florida about the time that it started to get cold here, unlucky for them. Lucky for me they brought some items that I had ordered. First came the Knitpicks wooden tips for the Options needles.



My thought is that these are going to be great for the airplane. Although British Airways has changed their policy in the past year to include knitting needles, I usually bring along bamboo circulars. This way I can bring them on without the tips, and put them on later. I haven't tried them yet, but they are very smooth, the tips look nice, and the join is nearly seamless. I have to start something new this week so that I can give them a try. The color is a bit strange, but what a great idea to do wooden tips for this set.

My next treat was 2 skeins of STR. I think I have a bit of a problem with this yarn. I keep ordering more, and I don't know why. Could it be the luscious colors? The soft feel? All of the above? All I know is that if someone starts STR Anonomous, I will have to become a member, I can't stop myself!!! Here are the two new additions:


Atomic #6


Spinel (extra yum!)

On the knitting front, I have gotten nothing done. I was nearly finished with the vest, and when my mom got here, and I started making silly mistakes. I have decided to put it aside for a short while, as per Jills good advice, and start something new. I have been wanting to make some Monkey socks with this yarn for a while, and started these last night



The color is nearly perfect in the photo, I love them.

Last but not least, who are these two ladies? What a lovely shop!



On another note, don't forget that Knit Witches yarns will be in the shop from next Saturday. Come in and check them out!

New and Exciting

Since Stash opened, we wanted to support UK yarn companies, especially small dyers. Sometimes this is difficult due to the fact that these guys dye in small quantities, and don't have the supply to sell wholesale. Nathalie came up with the greatest idea, the Yarn of the Month, which will kick off in November. Every month, we will showcase a small yarn company in the UK. We will start off the month with a yarn tasting, where the owner of the company is welcome to come and give an informal talk. There will be sample yarn to 'taste'. Afterwards, their yarns will stay in the shop for the month, giving customers a chance to see yarns that they may have only been able to order online in the past. Novembers Yarn of the Month will be Knit Witches. Come and check them out on 2 November. If you can't make it, you have the whole month to see their offerings!

Trauma!

Did a bit of laundry this morning, as usual. I put my handknit socks together, and washed them in the shortest cycle they have here in the UK (about an hour and a half), but it is gentle, and they were all together with 2 t-shirts. To my horror, when I took them out there was a hole in my Seduction sock!!! I have never had this happen to me. This yarn contains Tencel, which is supposed to be super strong. I immediately tried to mend it before it completely pulled out, but I don't think I did a very good job. It now has a little bit of a lump in it. Its strange also, because it is on the bottom of the foot, not a place where there is alot of friction.
I didn't get a chance to take a photo of the hole, it was all a bit too traumatic for me at the time, I think I rushed to do the repair.



I have been thinking for a while that I need a new pair of socks, but can't decide which color to use. The green one is Koigu, and I am in love with it. The only problem is that I am knitting a green top, and not sure if it is enough already with the green. The bright one is STR, but not a very realistic color for socks. They are a bit bright. Should I choose one, or do I wind up another, which I promised myself I would not do. Thinking about Smooshy.



Yesterday was the annual pilgramage to Ally Pally. This year wasn't as exciting as the past couple of years. There weren't as many knitting stalls, I think it is too expensive for small companies. I did pick up a few goodies from small companies that are not available in shops. First was a stop at Shilasdair, they have the most beautiful colors, and the owner is originally from New Jersey, near my neck of the woods. Check out this handspun cashmere, I want to snuggle up with it!



I also fell in love with their Cashmere/Angora/Lambswool blend, but left the stand, thinking I could resist.

Next was a stop at Knit Witches. The owner is the nicest! Nathalie and I made instant friends, and could have stayed all day. I left with these two, to make a scarf.



Next was on to Fyberspates, and some Tencel/Wool roving. Not sure how keen I am at Tencel after this mornings problem, but we shall see.



Now I have to find time for a bit of spinning between the mound of knitting projects I have planned.

I couldn't stop thinking about the Shilasdair, so we just had to go back and buy some of this. Not sure what it will become, maybe a sweater.



It does smell a bit from moth balls, but hoping that will go away, it should with a bit of fresh air I would think.

NB: I unpicked my sock, put it on 2 dpns, and kitchenered it together. Looks almost as good as new!

Working Away

I've been getting alot of knitting done lately, which is great. Finally finished the Dream in Color shrug, and actually have a photo of the finished product.



There is not much to it in the front, but it is great for a little layer of warmth, and of course the color and lace pattern are both beautiful.

We are now stocking Jade Sapphire cashmere at Stash. They have quite a few different weights, but based on our customers, we decided to do what they call the 4-ply, which is not really a 4-ply at all, but more of a DK. I am now almost halfway through my Veste Everest in the color called LIZard.



I don't think the color looks quite right here, but its been cloudy, and maybe the light isn't right. When I am ready for another one, I'll try and make sure it shows the color better. It also looks narrow, but it will definately block out to the correct size as I have checked it about a million times! I am definately going to be knitting alot this week trying to not think of my little 8 year old daughter who is away for the week on a school trip. We never went away that young when I was little!