knitaround

2011-09-03T19:42:00.000Z

Finished Objects

Summer is coming to an end. I had a great time hanging out with my kids, and got some good knitting done as well.

First off, I did the Westknits Mystery Shawl. Thank goodness I chose fantastic yarn, because the pattern could have been designed by a 2 year old. Not sure why I finished it at all, but the yarn and colors make it.

See my girl hanging out in the background?

Also finally finished these socks, the pattern is Cusp by Cookie A. I vow never to knit a Cookie pattern again, waaaay too much work for socks. They look fantastic in the end, but my energy could have been better used on a sweater.

Happy Labor Day weekend. Now for some fall knitting!

2011-06-10T19:59:00.000Z

Finally Finished

This project was sleeping on Ravelry for the past three years! Yes, I began this one nearly four years ago. Its the first large lace shawl that I have ever completed. The yarn is fabulous, Camelspin from Handmaiden, and its super soft. I was a little concerned about how the color would turn out, if the lace pattern would be hard to see with all of the tone variations, but its fantastic.

and close up

Its Icarus, by Miriam Felton, a well written pattern. Highly recommended. It feels so good to get that one on my finished list.

2011-06-04T13:24:00.000Z

Decisions, Decisions

While perusing Ravelry yesterday, I came across this pattern and immediately fell in love. Since I just finished my Icarus shawl (its blocking, photos to come), its time for a new project. My only problem is which color to make. I went shopping in my stash and came up with these combinations.

First the pattern

Now the choices:

The Blue Version

On the left is a Knitwitches yarn in Purple, and on the right is also Knitwitches in blue.

The Pinky Red Version

On the left is Dream in Color Starry in Punky Fuscia, it has sparkle in it. Not sure if that will be distracting. On the right is Malabrigo in Rayon Vert. It is not exactly a solid, but has many of the same colors as the Noro in the center.

The Pinky Green Version

On the left is Wollemeise, which I have been dying to use, but think it might be a bit too bright. On the right is Dream in Color Smooshy in Happy Forest (I used this color to make the February Lady Sweater)

The Red one

This was my original choice. It is one of the Spirit Trail club colors. I love it, but think it might be too red.

I am leaning toward the Blue Version with the blue, or the Pinky Red with the Malabrigo. Would love to do the Red.

Help!!!!!!!!

2011-05-21T18:18:00.000Z

Little Bundle

Estella gave me the idea to make this for my friend Alexcia at Make and Mingle. Its from the fantastic book One Skein, by Leigh Radford.

The yarn is Spud and Chloe Sweater, a favorite of Alexcia. I embellished with a little flower made of some Moda precuts that I cut into circles, and hot glued down.

Isn't it cute! Can't wait to see that little one wearing it.

2011-05-17T18:36:00.000Z

Projects Abound

Its been pretty quiet here lately, but that doesn't mean that I've been completely idle. The Crochet Club project has gone by the wayside. I think that Jane is a fantastic teacher, and a technical expert. As for the design aspect of this project, it seems to be an afterthought. I think that there are a few others out there that agree. I've decided not to finish the project as per the pattern, but to make cushions out of what I made the first couple of months, and use the rest of the yarn to finish them.
The weather is warming up, and other crafts have taken the forefront in my crafty world. I've done some sewing. Excuse the photo quality on this one, but it was not taken in the best lighting.

Its the Amy Butler Barcelona A-line skirt. I got the fabric last year at Make and Mingle, and finally finished it. I love it so much that I just did another one, which is waiting to be hemmed.
Next was a little cosmetic bag for me

and one for my sister

Then this weekend, I had the honor of taking a class in Dying with Trish from Tanglewood Fiber Creations at Westport Yarns. I've taken some dying classes before, but I am in love with the colors that Trish uses, and was hoping to get some tips from her. I even brought along some fiber to try.

I think the thing I was most happy about was that it didn't felt! I can't wait to spin it and see what happens.
Last but not least is the yarn

So as you can see, crafty things have been happening over here. I've just been a little lax about writing about them!

2011-04-08T15:48:00.001Z

What I've been up to

Not much actually. I feel like nothing is getting accomplished around here. I got fed up with the Crochet Club blanket this month, and was going to skip it altogether. I was given a bit of encouragement by my knitting group, and have at least finished part of it.
I did the corner squares, and this center piece. Each one is beautiful on its own, but doesn't seem to match up at all. I decided to go for it, since it is a mystery blanket. I am hoping that in the end, it will all make sense.

Still not sure, but next months pattern is almost upon us. Just a week to go.
This one was super boring, but looks nice finished. I still have to make one more. I am praying for something other than single crochet next month. (Double Crochet to the UK people)

So many ends to weave in!
I needed a break from this project, and decided to do a little sewing yesterday. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

with a little surprise inside

I'm definitely taking this to Florida next week!

2011-03-23T20:23:00.000Z

Chicken Party

Wanted to share some of the photos from our little chicken party at knitting group today. Most of them are Jennifers, six are Lori's, and three are mine. It was so much fun!

2011-03-23T00:20:00.000Z

Viral Chickens

About a week or so ago, I was checking out Friends Activity on Ravelry, as you do. I noticed that one of my friends was looking at this pattern for Chicken Egg Cozies. I thought they were so cute, that I send the link to Jennifer thinking that she might like them. What I didn't know was that it was to become an obsession not only with her, but with my entire knitting group. I believe that several others are making them as we speak. I am hoping that we can get them all together tomorrow at our weekly meet-up.

I'm not sure what it is about them, Jennifer says that they are "Happy". That's true, but I just can't stop thinking of the name "Chicken Egg Cozy". Its just hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing when I was sewing them up, the shape is perfect.

Here is my little crowd

Don't you love the little combs on top of their heads.

2011-03-19T16:53:00.000Z

Non Knitting

Every year since I was about 11 years old, I have baked Hamantashen on the Jewish holiday of Purim. I've never been very religious, and its quite a minor holiday as well. For me its just a good excuse to make the cookies. I received this recipe from a woman that worked with my father ages ago. I've never really eaten another Hamantashen as this one is so good, it uses almond extract in the dough.

This year, my youngest daughter announced that she wants to be a Chef when she grows up. Go her! We baked these together, prune and apricot.

Strangely, Lola doesn't look very interested

Thank you to Ruby Bernstein if you happen to read this, your recipe lives on!

2011-03-16T18:13:00.000Z

Field Trip...again

My knitting group is such a wonderful bunch of women. Not only are they all great knitters, but they like to venture out and see whats going on in the knitting world. Did I mention that they are all super nice, and fun as well!

Today we took a short ride up to Knit New Haven. I had visited about a month ago, and thought it would be fun for the group to go for the morning. It reminds me so much of Stash. The owners, June, Julia, and Linda are always there, ready to help you find what you need or just talk about knitting, spinning, or anything fiber related. There is a big table in the middle of the shop, inviting you to sit down and knit, sort of like another yarn shop I remember very well.

I have been in a little bit of a slump the past week. The Crochet Club installment for this month has me baffled. The photos of the finished product are not what I was expecting, so I've decided to wait a while before I begin. My Cusp sock is in limbo after a mistake that made me unpick 10 rounds on size 2mm/US0 needles. I am in need of a new project. Ta Da!

Its Cormorant by Norah Gaughan. I've been eyeing it on Ravelry for a while. It calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca, a yarn that I've been wanting to use again. A perfect solution to my doldrums. I'm using Salt and Pepper, 6207. Let the swatching begin!

While we were there, Jennifer continued her quest to make a Cluck of Chickens

They are Chicken Egg Cozies, can you stand it. I can't wait to see them finished.

Here we are with our purchases

Don't forget lunch at Judies if you are in New Haven. They have the most fabulous bread, and its still warm when you buy it. Yum!

2011-03-12T01:41:00.000Z

Time Out

The past couple of weeks my knitting and crochet projects haven't been the most fun. I was frantically working on my Crochet Club for this month. This month focused on beading, which was beyond boring! It was tons of work, all in single crochet (of double for those of you in the UK). It was driving me crazy, but I finally forced myself to finish so that I could get a week away from it before the next installment arrives. Here are a few photos of some pieces so far.

I think its going to be fantastic when its finished, but I can't say that I am entirely enjoying it. I guess my first love is knitting, and its taking me away from that, and I'm not happy!

My other project, the Cusp sock isn't going well either. I made a big mistake along the way, and had to unpick a bunch of rounds. That is when I decided to do a quilting project.

Maybe I was inspired by last weekend, or maybe it was the fact that I have had this quilt since November waiting to go in the spare room. Back in November I went to a sample sale at Denyse Schmidts studio. I am a big fan, and grabbed a bargain. The problem was that it was a $350 quilt that I got for $75. The matching pillow shams were $65 each, and I needed three, so I decided to make my own. I ordered matching solid fabric, which has been sitting around since December. When all of my other projects got annoying, it was time to break out the sewing machine.

First of all, I got to try out the new quilting extension table that I bought last year

Here I am trying out my new Walking Foot

I wanted to make them in the spirit of Denyse Schmidt, nothing would be exactly square, and the quilting didn't have to be straight. Basically the idea was for it to be all wonky (one of my fave British expressions). Here is one after quilting.

and here is the finished product, on the bed

I think there is going to be more quilting in my future. Back to knitting for the weekend though.

2011-03-05T18:56:00.000Z

Two Seconds of Fame

This weekend is the Fabric and Fabrications Quilt Exhibit at the Southport Congregational Church. I went last year with Jennifer and Lisa. Unfortunately, Jennifer is away, so it was just Lisa and myself this year. This is the ninth year of the exhibit, and it features over 150 quilts. They never use a quilt twice, so thats about 1000 quilts that have been shown so far. Some of them date back to the 1800's, and most are hand quilted and/or embroidered. Even if you don't like some of the designs, you can appreciate the work that went into these works of art.

Here is a small example of some embroidery. Keep in mind that this is only one square of not one, but two matching quilts.

This is a bit farther away

The best part of the day, aside from the lovely lunch that the ladies put on, was the fact that Lisa and I were the subject of several photographers. We appeared in not one, but two articles today.

The first from the Fairfield Patch. You can scroll through the photos to find us after you read the article, or here we are

The quilt we are in front of was one of our favorites, a modern quilt done by several different people in the same style.

Then we appeared in the CT Post along with this photo. Don't we look mesmerized.

If you can't make it today as its getting a little late, try not to miss this fantastic exhibit next year. Who knows, maybe you can enter one of your own quilts, they are always on the lookout!

2011-03-03T15:20:00.001Z

Make and Mingle

About a year ago, through the Westport Young Womens League, I discovered a hidden treasure in Fairfield called Make and Mingle. I'm pretty positive that I've mentioned it before. I tell everyone about them! Its a shop dedicated to all things crafty. There are fantastic fabrics from all of my favorite designers, sewing classes, ribbons, buttons, hand made items, the list just goes on. Anyway, I was over there a while back talking with Alexcia, the lovely and super creative owner about my favorite subject...yarn and fiber....what else! She mentioned that she was thinking of ordering the new Amy Butler yarn as it would go well with the fabric that she already stocks. Being a knitter herself, she wanted have some yarn around the shop.

Here it is, the colors are lovely.

Its called Amy Butler Belle Organic DK, 50% wool and 50% cotton.

I used it to make a pair of Saarjtes Booties. They are awaiting buttons from Alexcia. I'll be bringing them over today.

If you are interested in knitting classes at M&M, you can contact Alexcia. I'll be the teacher!

2011-02-28T21:04:00.002Z

Too many projects, too little time

I definitely have too many projects going on right now. I don't know which one to work on first, so I have been working on each a little at a time. Yesterday, I did some spinning, knitting, and crochet all in one day. I started off by stringing the remainder of the beads onto the yarn for the last piece for the Crochet Club. I knit booties for the display at Make and Mingle. As soon as I sew them up, there will be photos. The rest of the time was spent spinning my yummy Polworth top from Spirit Trail Fiberworks.

At first I was having a bit of a fight with this stuff. I looked around on the internet, and discovered that this fiber is supposed to be easy to work with, softer than Merino. I'd say that the first portion of the bobbin is not going to be great, I was pulling way too hard to draft. Then I discovered that if I fluffed it up a lot, and took it in small pieces, it drafts like a dream. I am making a worsted yarn using the Short Draw, or Inchworm method.

I am convinced that spinning to music helps, currently addicted to The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. It won Album of the Year at the Grammys, and it was much deserved! Check it out, its amazing!

Excuse my slippers on the floor! I had to get my daughter to take the photo. Here is a closeup of the color. Its going to be a beautiful semi-solid of sea blues.

May I also add how much I am enjoying my Woolee Winder. I bought it at Rhinebeck this past October. It's so nice not to have to stop all the time to adjust the yarn on the bobbin. Everything winds on so evenly, and the bobbins are larger than the ones that came with my wheel. The guys over there are super nice as well. This was a great addition to my wheel!

2011-02-25T22:47:00.002Z

Vermont Yarn Crawl

Went to Vermont for a few days this week. I don't ski, have tried, but its not going to happen. I have an unnatural fear of heights, and anything related to speed. I always say that I don't do anything where I have to strap something on my feet and slide. Anyway, I set out to find yarn and fiber. The first day in Rutland, I found a fantastic and friendly shop called Green Mountain Fibers. I had a great morning hanging out with Sandy. They had some lovely local yarn, and of course, I couldn't stop myself from buying a hat kit from Green Mountain Spinnery. I didn't get a chance to take photos from the inside of their shop, but I love these sheep over the top of the entrance!

Notice the palm trees behind them! So cute!

The next day was a stop at Six Loose Ladies and Friends in Proctorsville, near Ludlow. I had stopped there on the last ski trip. What I didn't realize is that their shop is a Not for Profit. It is run by Fiber Arts in Vermont, and the ladies all volunteer their time. They sell lots of local yarns, and items made by local crafts people. The ladies are super friendly, offering me tea. I stayed for the entire morning, happily knitting my sock. This was my vantage point.

Lastly, I am moving along on the Crochet Club for this month. I finished two of these.

I want to take a break now, as I have until the 15th of March, and am nearly done for the month. I am going to concentrate on spinning my fiber, and another craft that I am about to begin. Hopefully by my next post!

2011-02-19T22:33:00.002Z

Fluffilicious

In another one of our TransAtlantic moments, Nathalie and I both joined the Spririt Trail Fiberworks Combination Club. I really don't need any more projects right now, but I love her stuff. I also thought it was a fantastic idea, half yarn and half fiber. It runs for 6 months. The first installment just arrived, and I don't know whether to just cuddle with it, or start spinning immediately! Its 100% Polworth Top.

This is SOOO Nathalie's color by the way. She is going to flip. I've sent her a spoiler photo as I don't think it will reach her for a few days. I think I have to cuddle it before I start spinning because...

I have begun the second installment of the Crochet Club. She has us beading this time. Its not the best photo, not blocked, but you can get the idea.

The next panel has over 200 beads. Will post a photo when its finished.

2011-02-16T20:39:00.003Z

Been there, done that?

I've been there before, and I think you may have too. You know, its Saturday night...back from dinner...had a few glasses of wine...start looking at your favorite Etsy Shop! Over the past week or so, I have been eyeing the spindles on St. Seraphina's shop, so I guess it was going to happen one of these days, sober or not.

This beautiful new spindle arrived in my mailbox today. Check out the lovely sample of fluffy stuff that came along with it!

I have to admit that I don't use a drop spindle very often, but there is something about them that makes me want a collection. This one is from Kundert Spindles, its Walnut with a Cherry accent. Off to try it out now!

2011-02-11T19:57:00.002Z

TransAtlantic Knitalongs

Nearly two years ago, when I broke the news to Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, the first thing we decided to do was to keep doing Knitterly things together. One of them is our annual trip to Rhinebeck, which has been a huge success the past two years. The other is that we knit projects "together". At the moment, we are both doing the Crochet Club mystery blanket. I am getting close to finishing this months pieces, just in the nick of time for next weeks update. I still have the 4 corner pieces to go. These are a couple of close ups of the others

So far, I love them. The colors are great, and the patterns have been fun, but not too complicated.

As if we don't knit enough together, we decided today to start this one, from Cookie A's new book Knit Sock Love. It's called Cusp, and we chose it mostly because it is pretty, and didn't look as complicated as most of the others in the book. We are talking socks, they shouldn't drive you crazy, or so we think.

I decided to use ShibuiKnits sock yarn in a lovely shade of Mulberry. Not sure what the actual shade is called, but the number is 229. Here is a better photo with Lola in the background.

2011-01-28T20:24:00.003Z

Cute little Cards

Since I am starting anew, I thought that some business cards were in order. They just arrived in my mailbox. How cute! The photos are from items that I have knitted or spun, and pale skeins were from Stash.

I will be auctioning off my teaching services at two upcoming events. One this Saturday for Westport Chabad, and the other next weekend at the Surfs Up party for A Childs Place.

2011-01-25T19:21:00.005Z

Awesome

I attended Vogue Knitting Live this past Sunday, and was not only able to be in the same room with the famous Meg Swansen, I also got to listen to her speak for nearly 3 hours. I was awe struck not only by how down to earth and graceful she is, but also by how much information is in her brain! I wish there was a way to get more of her knowledge straight into my head. I came away with quite a few excellent tricks, and an itch to make a sweater with the EPS system (Elizabeth's Percentage System). Needless to say, I have ordered a book on fairisle patterns, and hope to get working on that soon.

The Marketplace was pretty good, but for someone with as much yarn as I have, there wasn't much to entice me. What did impress me were some of the knitted items on display, such as this

I couldn't believe it when I saw this, a giant whale knitted entirely in Stockinette stitch! It reminded me of the one in the Museum of Natural History when I was a little girl. It might even still be there!

On another note, I have finished my Shaelyn Shawl. I know the photo is a bit backwards, but you get the idea....I think.

Last but not least...I am a proud member of the Crochet Club 2011 with the wonderful Jane Crowfoot. I decided that I needed to be more proficient in crochet, and I think this will do the trick. So far, the colors are lovely. The yarns are Rowan Cotton Glace, and Lempur Linen (which might be one of the most horrible yarns ever). So far, so good.

2011-01-21T20:00:00.007Z

New and Improved

So, I've been back in the US for over a year. I have built a house, gotten the family settled in, and now I am ready for the next chapter. What could that involve...Knitting of course! I will be offering Knitting lessons, either private or in groups, your house or mine. Whether you are a beginner, or ready to move on from making scarves, I can work with you to get you up and running with your projects. Just send me a message on my email, and we can pick a time that works for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, I'll keep you up to date on what I am doing in the crafty world. As most of you know, the weather here has been horrible, and every other day seems to be a snow day. Its not been easy to get projects done. I have been able to work on my Shaelyn Shawl, which is nearly finished. I haven't worked on it for a few days though as I have so little yarn left, I am in fear of running out! I did the required number of pattern repeats, and still had nearly half a skein left. Decided I would go for one more repeat, but its getting kind of tight. I keep weighing the skein after every row. I have to just get on with it and get it blocked. I am using Madeline Tosh Pashmina, which is so soft and lovely. I can't wait to have it snug and cozy around my neck!

I recently finished a pair of Thrummed Mittens, which I have wanted to make for about 2 years now. I finished them just in time for the frigid weather. They come in nice and handy at the dog park every morning!

This weekend I am off to Vogue Knitting Live, which should be very exciting. I am taking the EPS Percentage system class with none other than the famous Meg Swansen! I have to be on a train at 6:30 am to get there, but it will be worth it! Keep you posted...

2010-04-11T21:00:00.001Z

Crafty Pay It Forward: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment to this update. They must in turn, promise to post this and send something they made to the first 5 posters on their status (or post it on your blog). The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2010.

2009-11-20T22:01:00.002Z

Spinning Away

After my classes at Rhinebeck on dyeing, I have become sort of obsessed, what a surprise. First I bought a bunch of books, then I bought some dyes. Have done a little dying on the kitchen table, some good and some bad. Anyway, one evening I was surfing around on message boards about dying, and came across an interesting post. One thing lead to another, you know how it goes... found her blog, and then her Etsy page. Next thing I knew, I was buying fiber, as I tend to do. This is what turned up in my mailbox...

Not only is the color gorgeous, but I cannot tell you how soft this stuff is. I won't keep you in suspense any longer, she is stseraphinaknits, and the fiber is called Lambkin superwash merino. I spent about a day or two cuddling this lovely, fluffy stuff, but I just HAD to spin it up. Let me tell you that it practically spins itself. I have since bought some to bring to Nathalie as I am sure she will love it as much as I do. Here is the finished product, plied it up last night.

I was aiming for a DK, but I think that I got a little lazy and it is probably closer to a light worsted. Never mind, now I just have to decide what to knit with it, or I could just keep cuddling!

2009-10-29T00:29:00.003Z

Finally got around to going through my photos, and came across this one from my last day at Stash, one last one of the girls together. Its making me feel a little nostalgic.

Fast forward to Rhinebeck, and the reunion has begun!

Nathalie and I had a blast, and it was great to see Alice.

When I told Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, we decided right away to make the trip to Rhinebeck. We thought it would be good to have something to look forward to. Took a couple of great classes as well. On Saturday it was "A rainbow of natural dyes". We learned how to dye with indigo, and cochineal (basically bugs!). Here is a little sneak at what we dyed during the morning.

Of course I left with some supplies to do a bit of dying. I am thinking of trying it out on the burner of the bbq. More about that to come of course. Sunday was "How to dye yarn guaranteed not to stripe". Here is Nathalie hard at work.

and the finished products. Needless to say, I left with lots of dyes and undyed wool to work on!

Can't leave without a photo of this guy...

2009-10-09T22:05:00.003Z

Oh My

I guess I had better start writing something now that Majorknitter has mentioned me on her blog! Haven't been doing much knitting with the move and all, but starting to get moving again. Next week Nathalie and I will be taking the trip to Rhinebeck. Hope to have some good pics for that , as well as the demolition of our old house to make way for the new! See you soon!

2009-07-19T17:20:00.002Z

OK, I know its been more than forever. Not sure anyone out there reads this anymore. Want to let you know that I am moving back to the US with my family in a few weeks. This Saturday, 25 July will be my last day at Stash. Hope some of you can make it by to say hi.
Hope to have more blogging time once I get over there and settled in. Bye for now!

2009-01-21T20:48:00.001Z

Koigu has arrived

I know its been awhile, but right now my eyes are starting to blur. I've spent the afternoon photographing all of the new Koigu KPPM and Mori that arrived this today. Check it out at www.stashyarns.co.uk. I am in love with each and every one! What to knit next???

2008-12-05T13:56:00.001Z

Addi Click

Wasn't expecting them so soon, but we received some Addi Click systems in the shop today. They look beautiful, I really want one!

2008-12-03T16:00:00.003Z

Finished Projects

I finally finished the February Lady Sweater, I know it took a while. I am now onto quick and easy projects. First the sweater:

I love the color, Happy Forest from Dream in Color. I had a customer the other day who said it reminded her of spinach. Maybe she has bad childhood memories of vegetables! I am very pleased with the outcome.

Next, I did a quick scarf.

The pattern is from Designer one Skein Wonders, the yarn is from Artists Palette, our yarn of the month. I used the buttersoft DK, and may I say that it is indeed butter soft! Next I want to make a hat. I need some instant gratification before embarking on another large project!

2008-11-20T09:28:00.002Z

Flat Feet Finished

I have not been doing very much knitting lately, we have a new addition to our family that is keeping me very busy.

Its Lola, our labrador puppy. She is nearly 3 months old now. We got her about a month ago, thus, not much knitting going on. The girls had been bugging me for a dog for what seemed like forever, so after much thought, I decided to go for it. I have never had a dog before, and actually didn't really care for them, but I am a convert. She has been pretty good as far as you know what, and she isn't too wild. We've been taking her to puppy class, which is a big help. It does mean that I can't leave the house for more than a couple of hours a day, but thats fine for now. I did manage to finish my Flat Feet socks, which were pretty addictive.

This is what it looked like half way through, just to get the idea.

Now I am determined to finish my February Lady Sweater, only 1.5 sleeves to go!

2008-10-03T21:57:00.002Z

Flat Feet

Not me silly! Its Flat Feet Sock Flats from Conjoined Creations. We have been reading about them for ages, and couldn't wait to get some into the shop. Its a very interesting concept, knitting directly from a hand painted fabric, or flat. They can even be cut apart so that you can knit two socks at the same time. I should have them available online sometime over the weekend. If you can make it into the shop, there are plenty to check out. Here is a preview...

2008-09-18T16:52:00.002Z

Malabrigo

Its finally here! They survived a fire, lived to tell about it, and are still dying beautiful yarn! Yesterday several huge boxes arrived containing all of our favorites...worsted, chunky, laceweight and the much anticipated superwash sock.

The are just lovely!

Here is a view of all of it, or as much as I could fit into the photo.

Everything is available online as I spent the entire day photographing every skein. I feel like I am going cross-eyed! Going to meet hubby for a drink, I need it now!

Happy Knitting.

2008-09-14T16:40:00.002Z

Sunshiny Day

It doesn't happen much lately. I used to tell people that everything they had heard about the weather in the UK was not true, that it wasn't grey and rainy all the time. Unfortunately for the past two summers, it is very true. I was lucky to fly to the sunshine this summer, but since I have been back we have only had about one day of sunshine a few weeks ago. Today was a great one! We took full advantage and drove out to a picture perfect pub in Cobham, Surrey.

My husband looks the part with his pint, sitting outside in the garden. The kids are on a climbing frame somewhere behind me. Notice the squinting, a side effect of sunshine!!! When we got home, I let the piggies out on the grass to enjoy what may be the only nice day they may see for a while.

I enjoyed a bit of knitting beside them on my February Lady Sweater. I am loving this color, Happy Forest from Dream in Color. I know it is close to the one in the photo for the pattern, but to be honest, I have had my eye on that one since we started stocking the yarn, and it had to be done.

It looks small in the photo, but I have tried it on, and it fit with a bit of stretching. Nathalie said hers was the same. It would make sense with garter stitch at the top. I am loving the lace pattern, it is one of those that you can memorize in a second. I can work on it and talk at the same time. Not something I can usually do with lace.

Last but not least, I found the coolest app for my Iphone. It is a row counter. It not only does rows, but pattern repeats, and even increases. I have been waiting for a counter like this forever! Just go to the App store, and search for Knitting. It was the only thing that came up. Just a quick download and you can count to your hearts content!

2008-09-07T08:41:00.004Z

A Harlot Day

Yesterday, Nathalie and I left Nic all alone in the shop (don't worry, she wasn't lonely), trudged through the rain, and went to IKnit day to see the Yarn Harlot. We saw loads of our lovely customers, friends, and other familiar faces.

I love the bag by the way!

And here she is:

Not a very clear photo, but you can tell its her for sure.

When Nathalie first got the tickets, I wasn't that keen on going, wondering what she could possibly talk about, though I do think her books are hilarious. I have to say that she had some interesting observations on life as a knitter that we all have, especially being in the shop every day.

These giant needles were interesting, and I think Nathalie quite enjoyed them.

Anyone who has been into Stash will be happy to hear that we were able to buy a giant set of needles, not as giant as these, but like the ones we used to have, to hang in the window. We have been missing them.

On the knitting front, I am nearly finished with the first of my husbands socks. I have never made socks for a man, not realizing how huge they would be! Must start sock number two straight away. Considering what a big fan of the shop he is, I think he deserves them.

2008-08-26T17:17:00.004Z

Back Home

We arrived back in London Sunday morning, and boy am I jetlagged! I spent all day unpacking, which is great because now its all go until school starts. Didn't do much knitting this summer due to extreme heat conditions. Did manage some cotton dishcloths that became gifts, and this lovely little scarf for my sister.

How cute is that!! I went back and bought a few more balls to make some more. I also started my February Lady Sweater, but didn't get far. I am going to try and crank it out this week as Nathalie is finished, and I am jealous! Also have so many other projects that I want to do, don't we all!

The shop is open again, and we are getting in our Autumn yarns. So far we have Misti Alpacas Chunky in the usual colourways, and hand dyes. We have Interweave Knits, and VK should be here this week along with Malabrigo, which was supposed to ship. I have to check with them though. Will keep you posted. Happy Knitting!

2008-08-08T19:59:00.002Z

Interweave Knits

FYI- The Fall issue of IK has arrived. You can pick it up tomorrow. After that we will be closed for 2 weeks for our Summer holidays. Have a great Summer!

2008-08-07T18:00:00.002Z

Just a Quick One

All is well here in CT, besides the fact that the kids are driving me crazy! Can you say Camp next year!!! Anyway, with regards to the shop. Nic has injured her back, and won't be in on Saturday. Diane will be on her own, so will close for lunch from 1:00-1:30, and the shop will close at 4:00 instead of 5:00. Sorry for the inconvenience. Happy Summer.

2008-07-18T09:42:00.002Z

Off to see the sun

I'm here in the shop doing some last minute things before I jet off to CT tomorrow. I won't be able to update the Stash website from there, so I will try and post anything new and exciting here. This week we received a shipment from Dream in Color, and Nathalie and I are casting on our February Lady Sweaters. I think that will be a good holiday project, though I may only be able to work on it indoors in the air conditioning! Every time we get a box of Dream in Color, its as if we have never seen it before. I think we each fall in love with a different color every time

There is a box of Misti Alpacas in transit which will include our all time scarf favorite, 100% Baby Alpaca Chunky. This time we will have solids as well as handpaints. Some of the colors are to follow, so we should be getting another box in a few weeks.

We also have the new issue of Knitscene. This may be their best issue yet. I have to make the Kimono socks. Put those in the list!

Talk to you from the other side of the pond! Happy Knitting!

2008-07-10T07:28:00.006Z

Summertime

Its (sort of) summertime here in London. More like eternal springtime, which can sometimes be nice. The kids are finishing school this week, and I am looking forward to sleeping in, and not having to make packed lunches! I will be making my annual pilgrimage to Connecticut next week to enjoy some sun and sand. I will also do my best to scope out the yarn shops in CT and NYC to see if there is anything new and exciting that might be great to have at Stash.
On the knitting front, I have finally finished my Aleita vest.

I am loving the way it fits, though I had some stress regarding the tension. Why do they not tell you whether or not tension should be in the round? Maybe it doesn't effect everyone, but for me it really makes a difference. I had to do one for the bottom half, and another for the top, which was knit flat. I would imagine that if you are a beginner, you could end up having to rip this out, or have a real problem with the fit when it is finished. Anyway, its done now. I have moved on to a sleeping WIP, my Icarus shawl. I love the fact that it was about a third finished when I went back to it. Talk about instant gratification! I am on the second chart in less than a week.

As for the shop, the internet site is up and running after a few blips with the payment gateways. We are now taking both Paypal, and credit cards. I would have liked to have a stock control on the site, but as we run a separate system in the London shop, it is not possible right now. If all goes well, we will have to look into some sort of integration. Meanwhile, I have been very diligent about letting customers know if something is not in stock, which hasn't happened much anyway!

I have also put up a link on the site for a newsletter that will be published monthly. You can sign up here. I hope to have the first one out next week, and then after I come back from my trip.

Happy Knitting!

2008-06-12T20:39:00.004Z

Up and Running

Well, the internet shop is up and running! I am a bit nervous, but it seems to work quite smoothly. Not everything is in there yet, but I think there is a pretty good selection. I still have alot of photos to take! We'll see if I can get some good light over the next weeks. You can get to it from the link on our website or here. Happy Shopping!

2008-06-02T10:40:00.002Z

Sale List

Today I am home working hard on getting our internet shopping site moving along. Didn't get much done last week as the kids were on half term. I am going to try my best to have it coincide with our two year anniversary. It won't have everything up yet, but I will be adding new lines as the weeks roll on. Speaking of the anniversary, thought I would give you a little taste of what will be in the sale this year. Offhand design bags big reductions, most Louisa Harding yarns, Koigu selected colors, selected Art Yarns, Lambs Pride Worsted, and some others that I am probably forgetting at the moment. Oh yes, we have a big box of mixed Mission Falls cotton odd balls that will be much reduced. Starting Thursday, and carrying on for the next couple of weeks. Happy hunting!

2008-05-28T17:33:00.003Z

Sale

I don't usually knit for others, I know, I am selfish. I feel very protective of everything I knit. Even when my kids were little, I would follow them around when they were wearing one of the sweaters that I knit for them, worried that they would get ketchup, or a similar staining agent on it. I have found now that they are not really interested in hand knit items, and are rarely ever warm enough to want to wear one anyway. So when my husband asked me to make a baby sweater for a work colleague, I had to think for a moment. My husband doesn't ask for much from me in the way of knitting, so I thought, what the heck. I had seen this in VK last year, and thought it looked interesting. I had always wanted to do the Baby Surprise Jacket, but this seemed nicer.

Its the Baby Suplice jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman, knit in Socks that Rock, Monsoon. A nice, enjoyable quick knit. I wasn't sure how it worked until right up until the end, but I just trusted in the pattern, and it worked!

On another note, Stash is turning 2 years old next week! I can't believe how time flies. Anyway, we will be doing our usual anniversary sale. We have lots of stuff, so hopefully you can come and check it out! See you there.

2008-05-15T19:17:00.003Z

Big News

Something new is on the horizon for Stash. We are going internet. I know that its something that we weren't interested in at the beginning, but we have had so many requests, that it had to be done. I have been spending much of my free time photographing yarn, and making sure that it looks as close on screen to the originals. I have had a little bit of help as well..

I know this is not something to complain about, but my house is full of yarn!!

It is hard to resist at times. I was working on the Koigu today, and every skein I picked up, it was as if I had never seen it before. I kept thinking, "this is so beautiful, what can I make with it?". I have to resist temptation at the moment, and get the site up and running.

Even Fluffy is excited!

I'll keep you posted.

2008-05-05T10:18:00.002Z

Bagels

I love to cook. Not sure if I mentioned this before or not. I also love gadgets. Put those two together, and I love kitchen gadgets as well! I always wanted a bread maker, and got my first one 5 years ago with points earned in Sainsburys Nectar scheme. It was great, and my machine had a great life, but it had to go to the great garbage dump in the sky last week as it stopped working. We had some good times together, and my younger daughter will only eat bread that I make in the bread machine. I have now upgraded to a lovely Panasonic bread machine, which my husband has even learned to love, making pizza dough by the ton the past couple of weeks. Being a New Yorker at heart (I grew up in Connecticut, parents from Da Bronx), I have been homesick for bagels for the past 6 years. I only get good ones when I go back over the summer, and despite what they say here, the Brick Lane Bagel bake is not good at all. They don't even know how to spell bagel, I think they say something like baegel or something. Anyway, I looked for some recipes online, and made these yesterday...

Ta Dah!! They taste mostly like the real thing. Could be a little chewier, but way better than anything I have had this side of the pond. H&H bagels, they are not, but a good substitute. I got the recipe here. The only change I made was to half the sugar, and add 1 tablespoon malt syrup instead. You can get it in the healthfood shop.

On to knitting. I have put aside some other projects, and started the Aleita Shell. Thought it would be nice with the warmer weather coming (hopefully!). The Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny cotton is lovely, and great stitch definition as well.

Also working on the Leafling socks from the Rockin Sock Club

At the shop we got some great new yarns in this week. First of all Shibuiknits sock yarn. Yummy! I bought a couple of skeins a while back to test, and beside the fact that it is super soft, the colors are juicy to say the least.

We had another surprise when we got a big ole box of Koigu!!! As usual, the colors are great, but the big excitement is that we got some of their newest yarn, Mori. It is a mix of Mulberry silk and Merino. The skeins are the same size, and as you would expect with silk, it has a lovely sheen that only silk can provide.

Come in and check it out!

2008-04-08T11:17:00.003Z

Natural Dye Studio

Last night we kicked off our Yarn of the Month, The Natural Dye Studio with our monthly Yarn Tasting evening. I think I speak for everyone that attended by saying that a great time was had by all. First of all, the yarns are simply lovely.

You can see for yourself by the display, we have been sent quite a variety of colors and yarns. Second of all, and maybe one of the reasons to have attended last evening was the sample's that were provided. I have to say that they have gone above and beyond what we expected. What a presentation! Everyone received one of these beauties. I didn't want to open mine up!

Each of these skeins contained something like 10 mini skeins, each with a tag describing the yarn. Our only problem was how to wind them, but no one seemed too bothered. I copied Nathalie and put it around my neck and wound by hand.

Here is what it looked like opened up.

And here is everyone enjoying the evening!

2008-03-28T17:53:00.002Z

Yarn Tasting

I was just reminded today by Nathalie the Stash is going to be having a new Yarn of the Month as of next week. We have been closed this week for Easter holidays, so my mind has not been on yarn as much as how to entertain my two daughters. Lets just say that we have done quite a bit of shopping, as girls like to do. Anyway, we are due a bunch of yarn from The Natural Dye Studio next week. I am really excited about this one. The yarn tasting will be on Monday, April 7 from 7:00-9:00. We will be open on Tuesday, so call if you want to book a place.

2008-03-15T17:06:00.003Z

Silkwood

I'm pretty sure that I mentioned this, but the Yarn of the Month is Silkwood. I was admiring the colors the other day, and just had to take some photos. Nic did most of the dying, and they are just yummy.

Hope you can make it in to see it in person.

2008-03-01T15:38:00.002Z

Silkwood

The new yarn of the month at Stash will be Silkwood starting next week. If anyone is interested, there will be a tasting evening at the shop from 7-9 pm on Monday, 10 March. Nic will be there to answer any questions as she often helps out with the dying. I can't wait to take a look at all of the lovely textures and colors! See you there.

2008-02-29T18:08:00.002Z

New Stuff

I haven't been knitting as much as I want to lately, but I did finish a quick project last week that turned out great.
It is a baby kimono, you can find the pattern here. I used Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino, about 1.5 skeins. For some reason, Ravelry lists this yarn as bulky, but it is really a DK. It isn't machine washable, but it is a gift for some friends who are having their first baby, and I thought it would be special. I love how it turned out. My only recommendation is to go up a needle size on the sleeves once you start working in the round. I had to rip mine out the first time and re-knit them.

I also have yet to sew a button in, or block it. It is now a sample in the shop, so I will wash it and block before I give it to our friends.

There are lots of new things in the shop. We have quite a bit of new cotton in. Our favorite at the moment is the Blue Sky Skinny Cotton. The colors are beautiful, and I can't wait to start something with it. We got a great new yarn in yesterday that we have been stoking quite a bit. Dream in Color has a new one, Baby Laceweight. It is very similar to their other yarns, which means that it is incredibly soft. It is 100% Merino Superwash, and has something like 750 yards on the skein. As always, the colors are great. Take a look.

We also have recieved some new Mission Falls cotton in multi colors, which use colorways from their existing palette. They are quite interesting, I think you will agree.

I believe that Nathalie is going to make a childs dress with the pinky one, and I am looking forward to seeing how the colors work up.

I was hoping that spring was here, but it seems to be getting cold again. Not sure whether to start another warm project, or move onto all the lovely warm weather stuff! Decisions Decisions!

2008-02-12T14:17:00.000Z

From the Mountains

Its been a year already, and here I am on the dreaded ski trip. I know, I said that I would never do it again, but the husband and kids seem to like it. This year we have chosen a place that is not in the middle of nowhere (only just a little bit). We are at Club Med, at Tignes Val Claree. There is actually a little town down the road, with a few shops, nothing special, but better than last year. I have booked in at the spa for the next few mornings, which should keep me busy. Yesterday I took the funicular to the top of the mountain, where I saw some spectacular views. The photo doesn't do it justice as I am to scared to go to close to the edge, but here goes.

I have brought along some knitting, of course. The one that I have been working on most is the Salish Sea socks from the STR 2007 sock club. Believe it or not, I have never done a toe up sock. I am not sure that a Cat Bordi sock is the best one to do first, but the directions are pretty clear so far. I am on the arch expansion, and soon on to the heel. I love the color.

Before I left, I made a discovery in my closet, one finished sock in Trekking Bamboo from months back. I am going to take the opportunity this week to try and make the other one as well. No photos of those though.

Hopefully you are aware that Stash recieved a huge shipment of Dream in Color Smooshy last week. Get it while its hot! See you back in London!

2008-01-30T09:19:00.000Z

Finished

I finally finished the Cheri Amour, though not sure how happy I am with it. The pattern was easy, and worked up quickly. I chose it not only because I liked the styling, but because everyone on Ravelry looked good in it, no matter what their shape. I am not so sure about it on me, which is why I have only photographed the back. The front photos came out horrible, though I didn't think it looked that bad in the mirror. My problem area is the tummy, and this sweater is tight in that area. Not sure its a good style for me. What would Trinny and Susannah say?

The other problem is that I followed the pattern, and blocked it to the measurements, and it is definately not as long as on the girl in the photo. Is she extremely short? I should have noticed this as I was making it, but no way I am going back now.

I'll see if I can get someone else to take the photo later, maybe it will come out different.

I am pretty proud to say that I have finished most of my WIP's, and only have the Party lace scarf left. Hope to make some progress on that this week. In the meantime I have decided that I will make some jewelry with the goodies that I purchased in NYC.

We have a new arrival in the shop today, Casbah sock yarn from Handmaiden, as well as a new shipment of Sea Silk. This time we decided to be daring, and get the yarns dyed in Fleece Artist colors. We are getting a bit tired of the others, even though they are lovely. Its good to try something new after nearly 2 years. Wouldn't you say?

2008-01-14T08:39:00.000Z

Been a while

I haven't done a post here in what feels like forever. Since Ravelry came on the scene, its so easy to post all of my knitting projects there. It is also so dark here at the moment, that I feel like its evening all of the time. Not feeling particularly energetic in that respect.

Anyway, we had a lovely holiday in the U.S.. First we went to New York, my old haunting ground. Its been such a long time since I spent more than an afternoon there. Our hotel was a block from Grand Central Station, so I was able to take the girls there every morning for yummy baked goods from Zaros, and the best coffee that side of the pond at Orens Daily Roast. All other coffee in the U.S. tastes like water to me since I have gotten used to drinking espresso! We did the whole Mid-town sightseeing thing, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (a must do that time of year). We hit all of our favorite restaurants, Carnagie Deli just to name one. Yummy!!!! Then it was on to Florida, and a cruise with my husbands family. You can see the photos below. I am not a boat person, so even though it was smooth as silk, I felt dizzy the whole time. It was alot of fun none the less. The weather was beautiful as you can see, now that what you call a beach! We then spent the next week at my parents, where the weather was a beautiful and sunny 85F every day. Can't beat that.

Now its back to London where it is pretty much dark all of the time, and my eyes are burning because it makes me feel tired. The only good thing is that it is not freezing like New York.

I did finish quite a few projects lately, here is a list:

Monkey Socks

Fingerless Dashing Gloves

Cherie Amour (body)

Chunky Scarf in Misti Alpaca

I've also been making jewelry since I took a class back in November. I made a bunch for teacher gifts, and didn't take any photos. This is one for my mom with some beads that I bought in NYC, the mecca of all things. You can find anything there, just like London (NOT!). The first bead shop that I walked into was double the size of all of the bead shops in London put together, and I had a list of 10 that I had planned to visit. Oh well, just have to make more trips back I guess.

We are busy at the shop as well, some new yarns due in at any moment. Keep checking the website!

2008-01-05T22:40:00.000Z

Vacation Photos

I know its been a while. Just a few vacation photos until I have time for a longer post.

Our cruise ship.

How about this rainbow

One of the coolest balloon animals I have ever seen...

Its a killer whale!

Happy New Year!

2007-11-25T11:05:00.000Z

Bad Luck or Bad Needles?

I have been enjoying my knitting with this lovely Knit Witches mohair. It took me a while to find a pattern that wouldn't drive me crazy. This one is from MagKnits, and takes a little concentration, but not too much.

The other day, I was reading an article about how great the new Knit Picks Options wooden tip are for knitting lace. I do love the metal ones, but this yarn has been just sliding right off, so I decided to give them a try. The tips are pointy, but not too much, great for lace. The only problem is that after one row, my tip came off of the metal holder. I figured this was a fluke, and asked Nathalie to borrow one from her set. So here I was, sitting in the coffee shop near Stash yesterday, enjoying my lace knitting, when here we go again...

I telephoned Knit Picks after the first needle, and they are sending me one. The lady on the other end of the phone seemed a bit confusted by what I was telling her, she wasn't the most helpful, but did finally figure out that I need a new one of 4.5 mm. I guess I will be calling them again about the other. I am now wondering about the rest of my set. Do I ask them to replace the entire thing? It could be quite a while before I get around to trying every size. The questions now is, was this just a bit of bad luck, or are these bad needles held together with childrens paste?

2007-11-13T19:36:00.000Z

Veste Finished

The Veste Everest is finally finished! I think that it is a little too short, but all of my fashionable friends have told me otherwise. I am so pleased with the color, and it fits perfectly around the bust and waist. It was a pretty quick knit, and though there were no sleeves, there was quite a bit of finishing to do. In the interim, I have been working on some Monkey socks, and have finished one, and a bit of another. The best part is that I can now start working on Cherie Amour, which has been in my queue for a few weeks now.

On the shop front, we have a new yarn in, All Hemp 6 from Hemp for Knitting. I recently saw the pattern for Eiffel in Knitty and fell in love. This was about the time that Lana and Melissa contacted us to see if we would be interested in their yarns. At first this yarn is pretty rough, but when washed, has many of the same qualities of linen. I have learned some interesting things about hemp as well, it can be washed and dryed in the dryer, it does not stretch or shrink, and it has anti-microbial qualities. This makes it a good candidate for making dishcloths as well as garments. The colors are beautiful, and we have it in the shop right now!

2007-11-09T19:58:00.000Z

Knit Witches

I know its been a whole week since the Knit Witches evening, but it took me this long to get the photos from Nathalie's camera. Here is a photo of the yummy yarns that are in the shop now.

We have four yarns available, a sock yarn, silk laceweight, cashmere laceweight, and mohair. The colors are beautiful semi-solids.

The evening was alot of fun, swatching, and catching up with some regulars who we haven't seen in a while. We were able to present Anne with the Lizard Ridge blanket that some of us knitted for her.

Big thanks to those of you who participated. Anne has left a card in the shop, so if you come in, take a look.

In case you didn't know, we have recieved a huge new shipment of Dream in Color Classy worsted and Smooshy sock this week, hope you can check it out!

2007-10-28T15:42:00.000Z

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!

2007-10-16T19:22:00.000Z

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!

2007-10-12T07:41:00.000Z

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!

2007-10-08T14:30:00.000Z

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!

2007-09-29T08:11:00.000Z

Whats New

I am having problems trying to update our website. Their servers must be down, so I will tell you about some new stuff in the shop that arrived this week.
We have Araucania sock yarn, which is a hand dyed sock yarn at a very good price.
Jade Sapphire cashmere has also arrived. I saw it in the U.S. this past summer and fell in love. It is so soft and lovely. Truly a beautiful cashmere yarn. The owners of the company actually go to Mongolia to see the yarn being made, and to make sure it is of the best quality. The one we have is called 4 ply, but knits as a DK. I am making the Veste Everest with it, and am in love! (Scroll halfway down, I'll get a better photo next week).
Anyway, off to Brighton with the kiddies for the weekend. See ya!

2007-09-23T19:20:00.000Z

Down on the Farm

We took a road trip to a great spot today, you would never know that you are about 25 minutes from Putney.

Looks like somewhere in Kansas to me, but if you follow the A3 out of London a piece, you will end up at Garsons Farm. Aside from the fact that it was a beautiful day, believe it or not, they had a huge array of fruit and veggies that you can pick yourself. We started out with apples, and then moved on to my favorite, mostly because of their beauty, a sea of green

cabbages. (They look better if you enlarge the photo, just click on it.) The light was hitting the leaves just right, and they were all looking up at me, I had to pick one! Luckily I found a piece of salt beef in the farm shop and proceeded to make cornedbeef and cabbage, one of my faves.

There was also picking today for carrots, pumpkins, squash, courgette (zucchini), string beans, runner beans, onions, peas, corn, and flowers. You could definately fill up your fridge! Don't forget the beautiful farm shop, I could have spent all day if the kids weren't driving me nuts by then. The Guinea pigs are going to have a feast with all of the cabbage. Back to cooking!

2007-09-20T12:18:00.001Z

Yippeeeeeee!!!!

I know I must sound like a total geek, but after waiting 2.5 months, and checking the waiting list all of the time, I am FINALLY on Ravelry! When Nathalie first told me about it months ago, yes, she has been on there forever, I didn't really think it sounded interesting. When we were in France, she gave me a little tour to show me what you can do, and it is very cool. My favorite part is that you can see what other people are making. This is very helpful when you are trying to decide what yarn to use on a project, or what needle to use. I am forever looking around the internet for information like this, but unless there is a knitalong for a project, it is usually difficult to find. Anyway, I am on now, so it shouldn't be too hard to find me if you are out there. I have set up a Stash London group for anyone who wants to join. It will be a vitual home away from home for those of you who can't make it into the shop, and want to feel a part of it.
On the needles, I have been working on the Dream in Color shrug. I only have the outside ribbing to do. Hope to get it done tonight.

This has been such a great project, I love the instant gratification. Next on the list will be Cherie Amour from Knitty. I have already started swatching!

2007-09-13T19:57:00.000Z

Loads and Loads

This week has been extremely busy. I can't believe how much new stuff has arrived in the shop all at the same time. I don't have any photos right now, but within days we have had Dream in Color (as you know), Malabrigo laceweight (new, yummy colors), and (drumroll please) Koigu. Yes, you heard it right, Koigu. As usual OMG, the colors are unbelievable. I love them, even the colors that we have had before look like new colors, nothing is ever the same. Each dye lot of Koigu is definately a work of art in itself.
On the knitting front, I am working on the Dream in Color shrug. Check it out at their website. Photos to come later this week.
Sorry for the short post. Hope to post more in a few days!

2007-09-05T18:57:00.000Z

Dream in Color has landed

After a week of chasing down UPS, and several missed deliveries, it is finally here. Dream in Color. This yarn has been made popular by the Yarn Harlot, which you may have read about on her blog. It has been a long time coming as they had a bit of a delay with their fiber supply. I think that I placed the order sometime back in June, but it has taken until now for it to hit our shores. As per Murphys law, the delivery didn't come until around 4:00, a while after the knitting group die-hards finally gave up and went home. Sorry guys, it will be there waiting for you tomorrow morning!

We have taken two weights, one of which is the Smooshy sock yarn.

Here is what the box looked like when I opened it, full of lovely colors. The interesting thing about this yarn is that it is guaranteed not to pool. I am not sure how they do this, but it is a process called "veil dying". All I have to say is that the colors are very different from anything else that we have in the shop. It is not handpainted, nor semisolid, though it is closer to the latter. Each skein is mostly one color, with a bit of one or two others, but each is very close in hue to each other.

Here is the box of Classic worsted. If you click on it and see the large size, you will see what I mean about the colors.

The Classic worsted is an aran weight, as they call it in the UK. We will be using some of those to make up kits for the Tulip (girls) and Rocketry (boys) cardigans. I was going to post a photo, but Flickr seems to be down at the moment. You can see them at the Dream in Color website.

I have my work cut out for me tomorrow morning, getting all of this stuff on the shelf in time for the morning rush! That is, if I can't stop fondling the Smooshy!

2007-08-31T19:38:00.000Z

Open for Business

I can't believe that two weeks have flown by so quickly. The shop is opening again tomorrow, looking forward to seeing some familiar faces. I admit that I haven't done a ton of knitting this summer. At first it was due to the extreme heat of Westport, but I can't say it was the same in France. Actually, the weather was horrible! Did someone fast forward us to November and not tell us? I thought this was supposed to be global warming! I never thought it was possible for August to be this cold. Despite it all, our trip was a huge success. I loved doing the drive, and being on the other side of the road in the wrong car wasn't a problem at all. Nathalies and my kids had a ball together, which made life pretty easy for us. What started out as evenings watching Lucy Neatby videos quickly turned into my latest obsession...Itunes! Yes, we caught the bug and downloaded our favorite shows, and watched TV. We started with Greys Anatomy, then moved on to Dexter, it was great. Nathalie was good and worked on her Log cabin blanket, but I was lazy and did alot of nothing! Oh well, we are all entitled to a knitting holiday sometimes too.

Upon my return, the shop burglar alarm started going off. I spent most of my week meeting the engineer there to figure out what is wrong. I even had to make a trip over at 1:00am the other night, that was alot of fun. I do believe he has figured it out now, which he had better have!!! I am not much fun in the middle of the night.

This week we should see a long awaited shipment. It shipped last Monday, and the UPS man left a slip through the door on Thursday. Since we are closed, I am hoping that he will redeliver on Tuesday. Can anyone guess what it is?

2007-08-16T10:11:00.000Z

They're all here now

Its what we've been waiting for...what everyone has been asking about daily, and they both arrived on the same time day, nearly at the same time! Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits!!!
I actually picked up a copy of Vogue in CT a couple of weeks ago, it is really a great issue. The first interesting thing is that it is the 25th anniversary issue, so they have published alot of patterns that were popular before, such as the circle shrug that I knit a while back. Another item of interest is that alot of the patterns are knitted in silver, as in "silver anniversary". I love the cover most of all, actually the multiple covers. There are several covers, each showcasing a different yarn company. Pick your own favorite! I found a photo of the top cover here

I know its a little blurry, but I didn't have time to take a photo of my own copy. Anyway, I love the scarf, though not sure how it would look on me.

Lets not forget Interweave knits. Unfortunately I couldn't find a photo, and am not at the shop. This is Eunny Jangs first issue as editor, so it should be one for the archives.

Don't forget that Stash will be closed for two weeks after this Saturday. Note, we ARE open on Saturday. The only weekend that we will be closed will be the Bank Holiday weekend. So see you back on the 1st September.

On to knitting... I finally have a project on the needles after the heat of Westport, and getting back into the swing at the shop. There have been so many orders to place, and other business items to take care of. I started the Icarus shawl in Camelspin, Amethyst from Handmaiden. After some swatching, I decided on 3.25 needles, which seems like what most people out there are using. I am only on the first repeat, but here it is

I like that most of this shawl is quite easy. It shows off the beauty of the yarn, and I don't have to concentrate too much. The complicated part, when I have to hide from my children will come later. Should be good for holiday knitting next week in France!

2007-08-08T20:01:00.000Z

Back from the Heat

Sorry I don't have any photos from my trip to beautiful and sunny Westport, CT. I was really lazy this time, and didn't take many photos at all. As usual, we spent most of our time on the beach, which was good since it was so hot! My spot was pretty much on a chair at the edge of the water, feet submerged. Of course I did my share of shopping, and who wouldn't with the dollar at 2 to the pound! The first week I was able to get half a day to myself in NYC. I was able to make a trip to Seaport Yarns, where I had a nice long talk with the owner, and brought back a few finds, some of which might make it into the shop one day. I also got to go to Purl, which is such a beautiful place. I love the way that they squeeze all of the yarn in a small space, it is just bursting with color. I was able to meet up with an old friend for a while. Jackie and I used to work together, and lost touch since I moved to London. She actually found me through my blog by accident. I didn't even know that she was a knitter when we worked together, though we used to do needlepoints at our lunch hour. We even discussed her making a trip to visit London.

The second week was pretty much the beach. It was great... sun, sand, heat, but sadly no knitting. It was just too hot. Now I am back, and there is so much going on at Stash. While I was away lots of new stuff arrived. We now have KnowKnits pouches, Great Adirondack yarn, Rialto Aran, Noro Silk Garden Lite, and Knit Simple magazine. We also have some new chunky yarns that just came in, Malabrigo chunky, and Misti Alpaca Chunky, which is the softest yarn ever! We are expecting a few more new items that should be with us by the time we get back from our holiday closing, which by the way is from Tuesday 21 August until Friday 31 August.

2007-07-20T09:34:00.000Z

In search of Summer

We are off to CT tomorrow, I hope to find some summer there as there is no sign of if here. I am in the shop now, its 10:30 am, and it looks like nighttime. I was thinking of putting the outside lights on that are reserved for evening hours. I usually am not that bothered by the weather, I am not much of an outdoor girl. When we lived in the U.S. I spent most of my time inside with the air conditioning. This is getting ridiculous though, it has rained nearly every day since some time in May. We have had the odd nice day, or half a day, but otherwise it has been cold and rainy. I am waiting to wear my summer clothes, but I guess they will only see the light of day for the next two weeks.

In knitting news, I am past the underarm on Coachella. Here are a couple of photos, I like the neckline. Its hard to know how it will fit me since "she" is a bit smaller than me. I am hoping to work on it during the flight, but it is all stockinette stitch, which gets boring rather quickly. My alternate project are STR socks, the latest from the sock club. We have recieved 3 intallments so far, and I have yet to knit one of them. Better get going.

We are awaiting some new items in the shop. One of which I can share with you since I last tracked it leaving Kennedy Airport yesterday. It should be on UK soil by sometime today. They are a completely new addition to our "Stash"...Great Adirondack. We are expecting two yarns, one is Silky sock, and the other is a laceweight (fancy that!). Here is a photo of a skein that I have been coveting for a while now.

I bought it when I was in the U.S. last year, and have loved it ever since. We've been thinking about getting them for a while, and now its finally going to be here.

We also recieved a new shipment of Serendipity needles. I know I have posted photos before, but this is a really clear one. Look at how cute they are! There is even a new smaller size, which I have been bugging them about forever!

Not sure how much posting I will be doing in Westport, depends on whether we can get the wireless to work at my in-laws house. If not, see you in two weeks!

2007-07-10T19:08:00.000Z

New Arrival

When I got to the shop today, I was surprised to find this waiting for me. I didn't think it was due until next month. I have only skimmed inside, but there are alot of great articles and patterns for all different types of felting. There is an especially interesting one on how to felt onto a silk scarf. Diane has done it before. May have to try that one. I'm excited to read further. Interesting bag on the cover as well!

2007-07-08T20:01:00.000Z

Finished at last

It feels as if I have been working on this forever, but looking back at recent posts, its only been just over a month. Considering that I finished the lace panels ages ago, I guess it didn't take that long. Anyway, here is the finished product...

I am pleased with the result. I promised myself as I sewed this together that my next garment will be done in one piece. I haven't done this much sewing in a while, and I forgot how much I hate doing it. I am not handy with a needle and thread at all!

Next on the burner is Coachella from Knitty in GGH Velour, red. It is underway, and I am down to the bottom of the front, almost ready to join again in the round. Hoping this will be quick and easy. Then it will be on the the Icarus shawl in Camelspin. I think that will be my Westport knitting along with some STR socks.

2007-07-04T19:02:00.000Z

Laceweight and Tennis

Its late June/early July here in Southwest London. What else would be happening here but tennis, and of course...Rain! The amount of rain that has fallen here lately is unbelievable. I know that England has a reputation for bad weather, and I usually don't think its all that bad. This year it is bad and beyond. Put it this way, I am still waiting to wear my summer clothes. When is this going to happen? I guess they will have to wait until I get to Westport in 3 weeks!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to Wimbledon with Nathalie. We had been looking forward to it for a couple of weeks now. We did see a little bit of really good tennis, but then came the rain, and lightning, and hail! Not to mention the fact that both of us are pretty under the weather. Anyway, while we were sitting in the stadium for those few moments of tennis, I had a text message from Diane saying that the Malabrigo had arrived. Yes, in addition to the hugely popular aran weight, we are now stocking the laceweight. It comes in the same beautiful kettle dyed colors. It is a single ply with very little twist. When I first saw the sample skein I was a bit skeptical, but after Nic knit up a swatch, we all fell in love. When I say "we", I mean the Saturday crowd. We usually get them to be our test market. It has been very successful so far as most things that they like have gone on to be big sellers.

For the next few days, you can find me in front of my TV watching tennis, and knitting during the rain delays!

P.S. Happy Fourth of July!

2007-06-22T19:47:00.000Z

Cameliscious

This week has been tough at the shop. We have recieved some unbelievably beautiful yarns, and I am having to restrain myself. It is very difficult, you have to see for yourself. The first box to arrive was from Misti Alpacas. We have been waiting for the laceweight for ages. Alot of the colors have been on backorder for months. When the new color cards arrived, I fell in love with their Baby Suri alpaca and silk blend. It is so soft and silky. Nathalie agreed, and after some debate, we chose some lovely colors.

There was a lovely red one, but what a shock, it has all gone. The remaining ones are quite lovely as well, so don't feel as if you are missing out!

Next came Handmaiden box number one (number 2 due on Tuesday), full of Camelspin, yum!!! The colors are so rich. The last time we recieved this yarn, it lasted less than a week. This time we have ordered quite a bit more, so don't worry. Even the owner of Fleece Artist told me that she thinks this is their most beautiful yarn. Nathalie and I are in love. She is going to start a shawl this weekend in Peridot. I have settled on Amethyst, what a surprise, purple!

I am on the last pieces of my sweater, finally. Hope to finish next week and start a shawl. Any ideas for not too difficult lace using 900 meters?

2007-06-17T09:00:00.000Z

Fibers

I've been doing a bit of spinning since that weekend a few weeks ago when I knit too much (is that possible?). It doens't make much sense for me to buy yarn since I see tons of gorgeous ones every day, and don't even have time to use all of them. What else is a girl to do but buy fiber on Etsy! Some of the Saturday ladies in the shop turned me on to this site. It is full of beautiful hand crafted items, and of course, yarn and knitting related things. I started searching for yarn and rovings a while back, and found Copperpot, which is the one that I was using below to Peruvian ply. I am nearly done with that one, hoping to finish the second spool today.

This is what arrived during the week:

The top two are like pillows of fluffiness, 100% Merino wool. The bottom two are a mix of Merino and Tussah silk. They are a little felted, but I think that if I fluff them up, they should be alright. Worth a try.

These three arrived in my husbands suitcase yesterday. I thought since he was in CT that I could save on the shipping. They come from Fat Cats, and look how beautifully they are presented. like skeins of yarn. One is Merino, one is superwash Merino, and one is Falklands wool. I can't stop looking at them!

They have great names like "Italian leather sofa", which is the reddish one.
Last but not least, I forgot this one the other day, my Trekking sock in front of the Duomo in Milan. Notice Roberta in the bottom left (in blue), on the telephone.

P.S. I forgot to mention that we have some new arrivals at the shop. Misti Alpacas has arrived in laceweight in new colors. We also have Baby suri alpaca silk. It is so soft, and the colors have the most beautiful silky sheen!

2007-06-13T19:42:00.000Z

Weekend in Milan

This past weekend I took a weekend away from Stash, and London, and headed off to Milan with a few friends, one of whom is originally from there. The weather was beautiful, and the shopping was great. I did manage to find one shop that sold yarn, though most of it was cotton, plain but nice. Roberta managed to snap a photo of me before the saleslady realized it and told her that she was not allowed to take photos, who knows why.

Not a bad selection of colors, but otherwise nothing interesting. I did manage to buy a pattern book, in Italian of course, but the photos are nice, and there are some nice lace patterns that I'm sure I could figure out if I wanted to.

The food and gelato were heaven! Now its back to normal life, and the shop. We finally got a box of Knits from a Painters Palette, the Koigu book. It only took about 6 months since I asked the distributor to get it for me. She kept insisting that it wasn't published yet. Of course it has been available in the U.S. since some time late last year. Anyway, we have it now, and it is a beautiful book.

We have also decided to extend the sale one more week until this Saturday. We thought that there were some people who hadn't heard about it, so why not give them some more time to check it out.

On the knitting front, Hubby is away this week, so trying to get something accomplished on the Nashua Handknits sweater. Hoping to finish the back this week. I also saw this one on Knitty that I am going to make as we have the exact yarn in the shop, though it is made by GGH. I am going to do it in red. Off to swatch right now!

2007-06-01T19:25:00.000Z

Peruvian Plying

Despite my lack of bobbins...the new ones were ordered, but still haven't arrived. Hmmm, don't want to mention any names, but some places are so slow around here! Hoping they arrive some time next week or I may have to carve them myself! Anyway, Diane taught me a new technique the other evening for plying up a small piece of spinning to see how it will look without changing bobbins. Scroll down on this page for an example, it is the one where you wind it onto your hand.
Here is what my sample looked like...

Then I knit it up, the first time I have ever knit anything I have spun. Thinking of doing a skein, and using it for the cuff on a bulky jacket that I have planned for the winter.

Next time I will try to take a photo of the yarn on my hand, but as it was my first time doing it alone, it was a bit tight, and my middle finger started to turn blue!

Off to start spinning more...

2007-05-30T21:21:00.001Z

Finished and Spinning

OK, I finally finished the dreaded socks. It was the never ending project. I think that I re-learned the pattern about 5 different times, but alas, they are done, and on my feet...

Something else happened to me this weekend. With all the horrible weather, I did so much knitting that I got "knit out". I couldn't knit another stitch, so I decided to do some spinning. I haven't done any since we moved. I got out all my spinning stuff, and guess what...my bobbins are all missing. How annoying is that! I searched the entire house, several times, and decided that they are a casualty of the move.

The next day, I ordered a few more, and borrowed one from Diane so I could participate in her Spin-a-long.

It is one single that is very thick plied with one that is quite a bit thinner. Interesting effect though the colors aren't that exciting.

Now I am inspired, so hopefully my new bobbins will arrive soon!

2007-05-27T09:39:00.000Z

Works in Progress

Its Bank Holiday weekend here, or Memorial Day weekend as I used to know it. The scary thing is that it is also my older daughters 10 year birthday, double digits. It is strange to think that I have a 10 year old, closer to teenager than little girl. Alot of my friends still are having babies, or have little ones, and my little girl is closing in on puberty! Lets try not to think about that too much! We did have a nice day despite it being very rainy (what a surprise!). We have a friend's daughter for the weekend, so they are busy and thus...time to knit. I have not finished anything in a while. As a matter of fact, I finished my first Seduction sock when I was in Florida. I am determined to finish the other one this weekend, not too far off.

I love having a conservatory, it makes it much easier to photograph, even on a rainy day!

I also finished both panels for the Surplice Lace top. I am a little concerned that they look shorter than in the photo, but they are the length that it says, and the top is longer than I want it to be according to the pattern. I can always add on later if it seems too short, but it says that it is going to be 22 inches from the back of the neck, and that is really long for me. Trust in the pattern, she says.

And a close up (the color is a bit better here).

Next, I have broken down and decided that I need a mindless sock to knit. I never thought I would do a stocking stitch sock, but it is pretty relaxing. I really like this yarn. We had a sample a while back, but the color was so bad that I forgot about it. It is Trekking Pro Natura, wool with bamboo. I have heard that when you wash bamboo it gets silky, so I'll let you know.

Lastly, don't forget that Stash is having our first anniversary sale. I can't believe its been a year already! We have lots of yarns that we are going to reduce to make way for new stock that will be arriving. Nathalie made a list, but I believe it will be a selection from Debbie Bliss, Noro, Lana Grossa (including all of their sock yarns), GGH, Crystal Palace, Feza, Rooster, and lots of other odd balls and end of dye lots. Hope to see you there!

2007-05-17T14:00:00.000Z

Meme

I've been tagged by Nickerjac, so here goes...

“Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.”

I am only going to tag Diane as most of the others that I know have already been tagged.

Here it is:

1. I started out at University studying Engineering. (What was I thinking!)

2. I am addicted to watching Girls of the Playboy Mansion of E Entertainment TV.

3. I never travelled overseas, nor had a passport until I was in my mid 20's.

4. I play the flute.

5. The vegetable I dislike most is Beetroot.

6. My favorite radio station is XFM, I won't listen to anything else, I am an indie rocker at heart.

7. I sleep flat on my back, and can't fall asleep any other way.

On the knitting front...Started a pair of Trekking Pro Natura socks, photo to come. Finished the first part of my sweater, the front lace panel. Here is a photo of what it will look like. I am using Debbie Bliss Cathay in a pale blue. The pattern is from Nashua handknits. I was so happy that Flossie let me borrow the book when she brought it back from San Francisco. Thanks Flossie!

2007-05-02T12:45:00.000Z

Back in the Saddle

Its nice to be back at the shop, especially now that Nathalie is back. Its been like at the beginning the past week with Diane away. I've really been enjoying it. It will be nice to have Diane back (if you are out there reading this from the French countryside somewhere!). The one thing that hasn't been easy has been the school runs as all of our kids get out of school at the same time.
On another front, I have finally finished the Gypsy shawl. It was my first try at knitting a lace shawl, and I am really pleased with it. Here are a few photos:

and finally, a close up

On another front, we are expecting a big box from Handmaiden today, loads of Sea Silk, kits, and a new one, Camelspun, yum!

2007-04-24T12:31:00.000Z

Up and Running...nearly

I am happy to report that although we still don't have internet in our house (its only been a month now) I have been able to link up wirelessly at the shop. Yippee!
The shop website should be updated on a more regular basis now! At least I can read my emails, they have only been piling up for a month.
I'm back in the shop. Diane is on vacation, so its Nathalie and I, like the old days. Looking forward to hanging out with her, as well as getting some work done around here. I did recieve an email that our Sea Silk has shipped, should be here by early next week. I also hope to have some photos of my shawl, finished socks, and some lovely Koigu that I purchased. Might include some Disney photos as well!
Nice to be back online!!!

2007-04-15T12:42:00.000Z

Shop Update

Since I am in Florida, and have no way of updating the website, I thought I could do it via the blog. Diane has kindly sent me some photos showing some of what has arrived this week.

First we have some more Fleece Artist sock yarn and Sea wool. There are some new colors for spring such as this lovely pinky and orange one on top.

We also decided to try a new one from Fleece Artist called Mo, which as you can probably guess, it mohair. It looks more like cotton candy to me.

Next is some Fiddlesticks Zephyr lace, which is 50% silk and 50% merino wool. The last batch sold out in a week, so just had so get some more.

On my knitting front, the Gypsy shawl is coming along despite the fact that the pattern from Koigu is merely a guide. Some of our customers have made it, and said that they had to figure out the edges, but basically you have to figure out the whole thing yourself. They give you a huge chart that pretty much just has the lace patterns plopped in it with no allowance for the center increases, and it doesn't show the edges at all. I have never knit a lace shawl before, and since everyone said that you had to figure the edges out yourself, didn't think about the center increases until I had to unpick the lace row about 10 times at first. I guess it should have been obvious that if you are increasing at either side of the center, that the lace pattern would increase one stitch each side from the center as well, but I was looking at the chart. Oh well, I am hoping that since there is so much color, the mistake won't show up too much. Once I got into it, it became much easier. I guess it was my initiation into lace knitting and a lesson to not rely on the pattern too much.

I also went to a great knitting shop here in South Florida called Great balls of Yarn. The ladies there were so nice, and they had some fab colors of Koigu that I just had to buy! They will be a great addition to our color selection in the next order. I have no cable for my camera, so can't show them now, but hopefully when I get back in a week.

2007-04-08T12:28:00.000Z

Greetings from Florida!

I haven't been able to post for ages as we have moved house. I can't tell you how difficult it is to change everything. It took over a week to get the phone working, and we only have one plug that does work. Now the challenge will be to get internet, if ever! They say moving is one of the most stressful things to do, but I have never experienced it in this way before. I don't know if it is just this time, or is moving in the UK is just more difficult? Anyway, lets just say that now I am on vacation in Florida. It is sunny outside, and I can't wait to get to the pool. Please forgive me if the Stash website doesn't get much updating since I had no internet at home, and my parents don't have the software at their house.

On the knitting front, not much has gotten finished due to moving. I was able to knit alot on the airplane yesterday even though my 7 year old daughter refused to sleep or watch movies. Did quite alot on my Seduction Sock. Not sure if my parents have a card reader either, will have to see if I can post photos. Hoping to do some work on the Gypsy Shawl by the pool later on!

On the shop front, Fiddlesticks Zephyr nearly sold out within a week. I had to place another order, which has hopefully shipped already. We should have more supply within a week. We are also expecting more Malabrigo this week, as well as Fleece Artist depending on shipping and customs.

Diane will be on her own this week, so please pop in and keep her company!

2007-03-27T19:45:00.000Z

Moving right along

This week is the big house move. It is just up the road, but there is still alot to do. This place is a mess. They have packed alot of the boxes and moved them, but the furniture is still here. I think they will move that tomorrow, and the fun will begin, unpacking! I have no idea when I will have internet service again. Things here don't always work very well, so even though they are moving the phone line over, who knows if the internet will work any time soon. I am so exhausted that I have had no time to knit. I am hoping to make some progress on the Gypsy shawl after this week is over. So until I have internet service again...have a good week!
P.S. Check out the shop website for new class listings.

2007-03-20T08:59:00.000Z

Loads to Do

I don't know if I mentioned that we have to move, fun! We were planning to stay in this house until a year from July, but they have decided to sell it. We thought for a bit whether or not we wanted to buy it or not. In the end, it is a bit too small in the living area, and we are still not sure where we are going to end up in the long run, London or CT USA. I have no idea how we are ever going to decide that, but maybe something will happen next year to make us decide. Meanwhile, we are moving on Monday. The new place will be twice the size, but not quite as nice. I am looking forward to more space though. If I have been a bit lax on the blogging, the cleaning out and moving is taking up alot of my time.
Anyway, here is a photo of Charlie with his new girlfriend, Fluffy.

I hope they like each other. They are like an old married couple, bickering over food, sleeping in seperate beds. There has been no real fighting, and Charlie is a bit frisky still despite his lack of manly parts. They are very cute!

I have done a little knitting, though not much. I started the Koigu Gypsy Shawl, and its coming on slowly.

Not sure whether or not it will be finished by the time I go to Florida, but if not I'll have to knit it by the pool!

2007-03-10T10:16:00.000Z

Socks that Rock!

Sorry its been awhile. I've been sick again, shocker! I can't believe how ill I have been this winter. This seems to be a rerun of December, some sort of chest thing. Anyway, I think I am on the mend. I have to give credit to the NHS this time as they have given me proper medication, and I didn't have to go to a private doctor and spend loads of cash on medicine. Anyway, on to much more interesting things!
As Diane and Nic are away at Skip North this weekend, I was on duty at the shop all morning yesterday. Nathalie arrived to relieve me around 2:00, at which time I found a card from the postman saying that I had a parcel. Hmmm, what could it be. I was expecting some medicine from Parkside Hospital that they owed me. When I got back to the shop around 4:00, I asked Nathalie to wait while I collected the package. I thought it might be something else, but didn't want to get my hopes up. When I got to the window and recieved the box, I saw the return address, and my heart leapt with joy. I immediately phoned the shop to tell Nathalie. We both squealed with delight, and I walked as fast as I could back without giving myself a heart attack (I am pretty sick, could hardly breathe let alone run!). I tore open the box to find this...

(Click on the photo for a larger view by all means.)

It is the first installment of the Rockin Sock Club from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. How exciting! I am not sure how much I like the color. It is not what I would ever pick out. The green is nice, but the other side is hard to figure. In some light it is charcoal grey, and others it is a dark brown. The pattern is really interesting. I have never done toe up. The only problem is that it is done on really small needles, and I am notoriously loose, so I have gone an ordered size 000 needles from the U.S.. I can start when they arrive. Here is a better picture of the actual skein. I love the emergency sock yarn by the way.

2007-02-25T19:44:00.000Z

Back to Normal

OK, sorry about the whiny post the other day. It was actually the only really bad day that I had. The other days were actually quite relaxing, though it was a bit boring not having anything else to do besides knit and sit around. I can't complain about the knitting time, but I think if I decide to go again next year, I am going to pick the place. I would have really liked to have tried snow shoeing, but there wasn't anything like that offered where we were.

This wasn't a bad view to look at though...

Here is my finished Mobius, which was really fun to do, and as I said, the cast on is MUCH easier than people think...

I also did another pair of Fetching from Knitty, but no time for a photo. Maybe later.

I can't complain too much when my daughter looks like she is having the time of her life, and what a view!!!

2007-02-22T13:57:00.000Z

From the Mountain

I found out this morning that our hotel has Wi-Fi in the bottom floor. Now I am connected! How exciting is that. The first few days here were actually nice and relaxing. The view is beautiful. (OK, this connection is not that great, it won't let me upload photos. Just imagine a snow covered mountain, with lots of sun)

We are at the top of the mountain, so I can just sit on the deck and look out at the mountain. I did alot of knitting the first couple of days. Finished the Mobius. Once again, can't upload the photo, so you'll have to wait for next week.
I am now making myself another pair of Fetching as my other ones are pretty worn out.

I would say that three days would have been enough. Everyone else is off on all day ski outings. I had to eat lunch alone today, which is pretty depressing I have to say. I thought I would go to the village for a little retail therapy, but the shops were all closed for lunch, for several hours. Had to turn right around and come back. Pretty annoying. I have now told my husband that this is the last time I am doing this. He can take the kids alone next time, they are old enough.

The other thing is that there is nowhere outside for me to go other than the deck, and of course everyone is smoking out there as the indoor space is non-smoking. No fresh mountain air for me!

Sorry to be on a downer! Not sure if you saw the comments on my last post, but seems that lots of people are having trouble with the Vogue shrug. I guess I am going to have to frog a bit of it. I have complained to VK, but don't plan on hearing anything from them anytime soon.

2007-02-17T10:22:00.000Z

Gone Knittin'

I'm off tomorrow on the ski trip. I love the people we are going with, they are some of the nicest people I know. The problem is that I am going to be in the middle of a ski mountain with nothing to do. I have spent the entire week deciding what to bring along in terms of knitting. I am definately not bringing the shrug, its too big, and too many balls of yarn. I did have a lazy week and only managed to do 2 more hexagons. I am planning to go for the big push to finish right after I get back, so watch this space!

I was able to finish my Fleece Artist socks this week. The pattern is Jeanne Townsends Spring Twists. It is available from her Yahoo group.

I don't know why one looks longer than the other in this photo, I can assure you that they match up. The color is great, bright and fun, and they are so soft to wear. I love them! Here is a close up of the pattern.

I am also happy to announce that I have mastered the Mobius Cast-on. It is really very simple. I am using the kit from Fleece Artist, but also have Kat Bordi's book, which helps a bit. It is actually very easy. I was worried, so started it before I left just in case. Now I just have to knit away! I am hoping to finish this quickly and wear it on the trip.

I also cast on these socks. I've been admiring this color of Koigu in the shop for ages. It is not what I would typically choose, but its fun for a change to use something completely different. I am using the Badcaul pattern from Anna.

Sorry about the blurry photo, didn't realize it until I got it into Photoshop. I have to be at the shop to open in 30 minutes, but you get the idea on the color.

I am also going to bring along my lace, which you can see below. It has grown quite a bit, but that photo came out terrible. Hope the next one is of it finished!

See you on the slopes...not!

2007-02-11T16:13:00.000Z

Hexagons

I am now on the 7th hexagon of the shrug. This means that I have finished the first row, and the following ones will be the shoulders, then the sleeves. I was starting to panic yesterday because it is pretty huge at the moment. I called Nathalie for some knitting therapy, as I was thinking that it is coming out too big. She told me, which makes sense, that when I start to connect it with the other hexagons, that it will probably pull it in. I hope so, or I'm not sure who this thing is going to fit. I did my gauge swatch, and as usual, I had to go down a needle size. I am going to soldier on, and trust in the pattern.

I wanted to wait for all 7 hexagons to be finished before I took a photo, but as it was unually sunny today, I thought I would seize the moment!

I am averaging about a hexagon a day, so basically if I am not lazy, I can at least get onto the sleeves before I leave on my stupid ski trip next week. (This is my name for it as I don't ski and everyone else does. Its pretty much sitting in a lounge knitting week for me) I am working on what projects to take along, most likely not this one though, too big.

I think I forgot to mention which yarn I am using. It is Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Stone.

We got some fun new yarn in the shop this week. Its called Tofutsies from Southwest Trading Company. I might take this one along and try some socks. It feels like silky cotton, though its made with Soysilk and Chitin, which is derived from crab and shrimp shells. I thought it would smell funny(pit doesn't), and it is really soft. I am dying to try it out!

2007-02-03T18:05:00.000Z

Shrug and New Stuff

This week has been pretty productive on the knitting front. I have made some headway on the Vogue Knitting shrug. I am on the fourth hexagon.

Here is a closer look, the color is pretty true to the real thing in this one:

This project is so much easier than it looks, I am really enjoying it. The only advice I can offer is not to use straight needles, the stitches will never fit. I'm not sure why this is what is written in the pattern, if you look at VK's website, they show it on a circular. Not sure what they are thinking.

Also got a bit of lovely new yarn in the shop. First is the softest cashmere in some really beautiful colors.

This is the same yarn that I used for my husbands hat, it was really great to knit with. I'm thinking of what else I can make with it!

Next, hot off the press is Sea Wool from Fleece Artist. It is a combination of merino wool and Sea Cell, the same as in Sea Silk. It should make a really nice, soft, silky pair of socks. Can't wait to try it out.

2007-01-29T08:13:00.000Z

Piggie Problems

OK, I know this has nothing to do with knitting, but I must have a rant. Since we got the guinea pigs for the girls a month ago, my life has been consumed with them, and the trouble that they are causing. It is mostly our fault for not doing our homework beforehand. We were just a typical family, who wanted to get pets for our children. We had heard that guinea pigs were supposed to be great for kids because they don't bite. It was nice that they like company and you should get two, which meant one for each of our girls. At the pet shop, the only cute ones were males that day. We were told that this was fine. After we got home and I went to other pet shops, I was told that you should not have two males, and that I might have to seperate them. Around a week later, they began to fight, but from what I read, this was normal fighting for territory, and should subside. To make a long story short, this one

ended up attacking this one to the point of bites, blood, and horrible squeals.

I have now had to house them seperately, you should see my kitchen!

Now for the good part. Last week, while all of this was happening, a customer came in for some help with magic loop on a hat. We got to talking and I told her of my problem. She told me never to buy an animal at a pet shop. I should have known this! She recommended the Bobtails Rescue Center. I have since been in touch with them, and I have to say that Delia has been so lovely and helpful. I have agreed to neuter them both, then she will take Patch (the black and white one), and will find us a nice girl for Charlie (fluffy one).
If you are thinking of getting a rabbit or guinea pig, I would urge you to get your animal(s) from her, we went there yesterday to take a look, and they have a great selection. This is not to say that males guinea pigs cannot live together, they just should be related, or have known each other from very young. I think that we just got extremely unlucky. I would say, please do not buy pets from this shop, although they are great for all of the accessories for your pet.
Many thanks to my customer that day, you were a great help! Hope you are magic looping away!

Now back to knitting. I have started the jacket from the cover of Vogue Knitting, we should have copies in the shop this week, I was told they were on the way. I should be finishing my first hexagon later today, photos to come!

2007-01-18T17:57:00.000Z

Finally

It has been forever since I have posted anything. I think its mostly because I haven't had much to say since the new year. I have done some knitting, but not much. The shop has been a bit quiet, mostly due to this horrible weather! Today was like a hurricane. No one wants to be outside on a day like that. It has also been so dark that its hard to take photos of anything. I managed to take some today in the shop, where the lighting is pretty good.

This hat is a Handmaiden kit that we had in the shop. It is for my husband, who is never cold, so I can never knit for him. We went out last week, and I noticed that he was wearing the most horrible hat, so this is for him. I really like how the colors came out, they didn't really pool, they made a design of their own. It is so soft, who can resist cashmere!

Here is my Fleece Artist sock, I have just started on the second one. Hoping to have them on my feet by sometime next week!

Sorry this doesn't look that great, this new Blogger is not very easy to use!

2007-01-02T20:56:00.000Z

Koigu!!!

It has finally arrived! The UPS man delivered the 65lb box late this afternoon. As usual, there are a few colors that I really don't remember Nathalie and I ordering, but we put the order in last July. Anyway, there are definately some great ones. Tomorrow will be a day of putting price stickers on all 400 skeins, fun. Diane took this lovely photo of all of them together.

2007-01-01T17:44:00.000Z

Happy New Year

It has been a very lazy week here. I have gotten tons of knitting and spinning done, which is great. Eric bought a new TV and promptly hooked up his XBox 360, so you know where he spent his week off, and loving every minute if it by the way.
Anyway on to the knitting...
The Fleece Artist box arrived last week, which included this lovely wool/silk sliver for spinning. I love this Amethyst

I started spinning it, and it looks like this

My only complaint is that there is alot of white in it. It almost looks as if there wasn't enough dye. I have pulled out alot of it as I don't want it to be too light. Will have to email them and ask if this is how it should be.

I also finished another skein of some other spinning that I have been working on. I think I have enough now to start a project, maybe a multidirectional scarf.

I've been working on the lace alot, but no photos. It is definately growing.

Also started this sock, now at the heel flap. Hoping to get to the gusset tonight. I am in love with the color!

I think it is called Jester, but not sure as the skeins don't come labeled. Will check it out tomorrow when I unpack the rest of the box at the shop.

The big excitement tomorrow will be that UPS has promised that the Koigu box will be delivered. Can't wait to see the colors as we ordered it back in July, so it will be a surprise! Should keep Diane and I busy for a few days!

2006-12-26T21:02:00.000Z

Leaf Lace

Its been nice to have a few days with not much to do. We went to some friends for Christmas yesterday, then to the gym today with the girls. Eric is determined to get in shape for skiing in February. I took the girls for a swim, and decided to try a few laps. I was told that swimming is good for asthma as it increases your lung capacity. I don't think I was ready as I am still coughing a little. I did 4 lengths, which is a bit pathetic for someone who normally works out a few times a week. I guess I'll get there. I keep reminding myself that just over a week ago, I couldn't walk up the stairs without panting. Anyway, its been a good excuse to do lots of knitting. I did a quick pair of socks for Larissa in Lornas Laces. What fun to do aran/worsted weight socks! They knit up in no time flat.

My next project is the Cocoon Lace scarf in Jaggerspun Zephyr. It is my first real lace project. I have done lace in socks and heavier yarns, but never in such a fine weight yarn. I did need a bit of help from Nic on Saturday. Check out this neat counter that Wibbo gave me, its really handy, and cute!

I've even had a chance to do a bit of spinning after getting some handy tips from Diane. More on that later.

Tomorrow I get to hang out all day at home and wait for the Fleece Artist/Handmaiden order to show up. Can't wait to see it all, already planning my next socks!

2006-12-18T20:28:00.000Z

Asthma, RPM, and Piggies

I can't believe that I am just getting over being sick. Thus the reason for no new postings. I finally ended up going to a private GP as the NHS ones were pretty much useless. He laughed when I told him which antibiotic I was on. He pretty much said that it would have never worked, and that he hasn't used that one for 20 years. Anyway, he isn't quite sure it was an infection, but gave me some super drugs, and I was feeling better within hours. I am still coughing a bit, mostly in the morning. Today is my last day of antibiotic, but I still have two inhalers. I have to go back Thursday. My father-in-law used to be a doctor, and wonders if I am allergic to wool. My husband thinks this is funny, but I am not laughing. I will absolutely flip if this is the case. I am borrowing an air purifier from Nathalie tomorrow, she is up on asthma as her two little ones and her mom have it. Lets hope it was in infection! Meanwhile, I finished my pair of RPM socks in no time flat sitting at home sick. I love them, and have now moved on to a pair for Larissa in Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted. They should be quick as she is only 9. Here is the best photo I could come up with at night with bad lighting. The color is pretty true. It is Socks that Rock in Mist. They are a bit heavier than most other socks I have knit, but it is nice to have them work up quickly for a change. They will be great with trainers/sneakers.

This weekend we took the plunge and got a pet for the girls. We were thinking of a hamster at first, but after talking to a friend, decided to go for guinea pigs. I was a little nervous about it as I have never had a pet before. The girls have been asking for a pet forever, and this is definately less work than a dog. We have named them Charlie (fluffy one) and Patch (the black one)

Needless to say, the girls are thrilled, and I am spending my time cleaning the cage! They are very cute though.

2006-12-07T11:20:00.000Z

Secret Santa and Debbie Bliss

Its been another busy week here at Stash, and life in general. I was just getting over my illness from last week, when we had a dinner out on Sunday. It was a lovely truffle evening at Isola Del Sole with a bunch of friends, and lots of wine. I ended up with quite a hangover the next day, which didn't help in my recovery! I ended up with a bout of asthma yesterday, fun! Anyway, lets get back to the weeks activities, shall we.
Monday evening we had a visit from Debbie Bliss. She brought along a giant bag packed full of samples for us to try on.

Here is a shot of Mary in one of the sweaters. It is really great to be able to try them on and see how they look on you instead of a model in a book.

Debbie also gave an interesting talk about the design process, how she gets her ideas etc. We learned about how she chooses her color palette, and how the whole book publishing thing works. I think everyone enjoyed meeting her, she is very friendly.

Yesterday was the knitting group Christmas party and secret santa swap. I can't believe what Fiona made for me. It is actually the first time that anyone has ever knitted something for me. They are exactly my colors!

I love them!

P.S. I forgot to include a photo of the fab flowers that Lesley made for all of us at the party. I found a photo of it on Brigids blog for all to admire!

2006-12-05T19:50:00.000Z

Its A Boy!

Matthieu has arrived! Nathalie had the baby on Saturday morning, which was a bit of a surprise as we all thought she was being induced on Thursday. It all went quite quickly, lucky for her. He is a big boy, which we pretty much figured, 9 lb 7 oz. I did get a chance to meet him today, and of course he is very cute, with lots of hair! Now I just have to decide what to knit for him, besides these booties.

2006-12-02T11:21:00.000Z

Sock Pal

I apologize for not posting a photo of this sooner. I have quite ill this week. Not sure what I have, but basically, walking up and down the stairs makes me want to take a nap. This is really not good as Nathalie is due to have the baby this week, and its not fair to leave Diane on her own too much in the shop. Hopefully I'll be back to normal after the weekend in time for our Debbie Bliss evening.
Anyway, I recieved this fab package about a little over a week ago from my Sock swap pal from the Townsend Yahoo group. We decided that in lieu of coffee and tea, we would swap sweets. She asked me what I missed from the U.S, and I said Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Well she sent me enough to keep me going for a while!

She also sent me this great yarn from Scoutswag in the most perfect colors for me, how did she know! Also, check out the adorable bag for me to keep a sock project in. Its the perfect size. Thank you Michelle!