This open airy triangular shawl designed by Kat Oliver, is knitted side to side, point to point.  Even though it is knit out of 100% bulky wool the openness of the lattice lace pattern makes this a great summer accessory.  It is knit out of Scarlet Fleece “Impressions” a soft, lofty, loosely spun thick and thin hand dyed yarn.

I used my favorite colorway “50’s Apron” and it only takes 2 skeins.  As most of you know I am probably one of the slowest knitters around, but I am proud of myself for finishing four projects for the year so far, the Mystic Shawl being my latest creation.  After realizing I was knitting the lattice lace pattern incorrectly, I was able to knit the entire shawl in just 2 evenings which was exciting.  If you have never made a self fringing shawl and decide to try this one, the last step is pulling out the fringe which is a lot of fun.

We have several of Kathy Oliver’s unusual and beautiful color-combos here at the shop to choose from and the Mystic Shawl pattern is free, just click here.  -B

If you already know how to crochet and want to learn how to make a basic granny square sign up for this class.  The class will be held Saturday, June 2nd from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm.  You need to bring 2 colors of yarn and a crochet hook.  The class is $20 and does not include materials.

Intarsia is a knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colors of yarn.  The class will show you the basics of the technique so you would be able to begin a pattern.  The class will be held Saturday, May 19th from 10:30 am -11:30 am and the cost of the class is $10.  You need to bring two different colors of scrap yarn and needles.  Materials for the class are not included.

L & B is closed May 27th and May 28th for Memorial Day.  Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

Learn several different ways to increase and decrease in just one class.  The class will be held Saturday May 5th from 10:30 am-11:30 am.  You need to bring scrap yarn and needles that will work with your scrap yarn.  The class is $10 and does not include materials.

Summer is in the air and it’s time to start knitting light weight wispy projects. The Sublime Scarf is the perfect warm weather accessory. The class will show you how to conquer drop stitches using a wonderful silk, bamboo blend. You will also learn how to cast on and bind off in the middle of a project.  The class will be held Saturday, May 12th from 1:30pm-3:30pm. The cost is $20 and you will need to bring a size 7 straight or circular needle. Materials are not included in the class fee.

Come knitters and crocheters, this class is open to everyone.  This hat pattern can be done in either knit or crochet and is very versatile.  The hat can be made to fit newborn to adult with ease.  It can be plain or spice it up, you will learn just how easy it is to create those cute hats you’ve been wanting!  We have a variety of samples using Berroco Yarns Comfort a wonderful washable nylon blend.  The class will be held Saturday, April 21st from 10:30am-12:30pm and the cost is $20.  If you are crocheting you need to bring a size G or H crochet hook, and if you are knitting bring a size 7 or 10-24” circular needle.  Materials are not included.

Francis Revisited is a simple yet glamorous knit.  This very well written pattern by Beth Silverstein knits up quickly in a aran weight yarn and instructions are given for many sizes.  Leslie used 9 balls of Cashmerino Aran by Debbie Bliss to make the size large.  She also made a minimal adjustment to the pattern by knitting it a little bit longer so it would lay nicely over her pants.

If you knitted it just a couple inches longer than the one we have pictured I think it would make an adorable spring dress, or with leggings you could wear it in the fall.  The 3/4 length sleeves make it a good spring or fall knit.  The pattern is worked in the round so it is seamless, although the pattern calls to tack down the back of the cowl neck which looks nice, we left ours un-tacked which also works.

The seed stitch borders on the neck, bottom, and cuffs gives the mostly stockinette pattern some lovely texture and finished detail.  If you are interested in knitting this project just click here.  -B

When Leslie and I spotted Amy in her bright colored hat we knew where all of her rainbow yarn had been going.  She was on a hat knitting spree using Noro Hitsuji, Noro Kureyon, and Crystal Palace Mochi Plus.  All of the hats you see pictured were knitted out of just one skein of each of the yarns and all turned out vibrant and wonderful.

There are two different patterns pictured, each is similar, with just a few minor adjustments you can get different looks.  This one is knitted out of Noro Kureyon, just CO 68 on a size 7 needle, join in the round and work in k2 p2 rib for 1-1/2″, k for 5″ or  6-1/2″ from beginning, k2tog around until only 3 sts remain cut yarn and sew through remaining sts, cinch and weave in ends.  It’s simple and adorable!

This hat knitted out of the big brother to the ever popular Kureyon, Noro’s bulky Hitsuji is a 110 yards of 100% wool.  Spun as a single ply it is a auto-striping wonder and a quick warm knit.  Using size 7 needles co 70, join in round, k3 rounds, p3 rounds, work in k until 10″ of yarn remains, sew through remaining stitches, cinch and weave in ends.  Without any decreasing,  just cinching the top, gives the hat some creases which add texture and interest.  You can also roll the brim if you want the hat to fit more snug.

The mini hat pictured below uses the same pattern without any ribbing on the bottom creating a rolled brim.  Just using 1 skein of Mochi plus, 80% merino wool and 20% nylon, makes this project very economical.

These are a great gift for family and friends and there are so many great colors in these yarns each project will be individual and unique to the person you have in mind.

Thanks to Amy for coming up to the shop so we could show off her creations. -B