Archive for April, 2012

Owlies!

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

dsc_0696_medium2

When I saw the Big Snowy Owl on the Purlbee I had to have it. I debated between the bunny and the owl but the owl just spoke to me with his big adorable eyes. I picked out some colours in the Blue Sky Alpaca Bulky and away I went (I used Silver Mink for the main colour, and Frost, Polar Bear, and Grey Wolf as the contrast colours).

img_7696

There is really nothing more adorable than a little baby and a giant stuffie.  When I was stuffing the owl Hunter had to hand me each little piece of polyf-fill so that part took forever but the actual owl knit up in a flash. When it was finished Hunter would drag the owl across the room, carry it in front of her (with no ability to see what’s ahead of her), and throw it with her Uncles.

dsc_0694_medium2

The owl was so cute when Kynna saw it in the window at the shop she had to make one of her very own. She added some great mods too (I’m not jealous, really….). Her eyes are crocheted instead of knit but my very favorite parts are the wings! They are 1/2 granny squares crocheted in some pretty colours of Spud and Chloe Sweater. So CUTE!!

img_7693

Eco Cloud

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

There is a new yarn hanging around the shop and I love it. I think about it as I drive home in the evening. I even thought about it as I fell asleep last night. I know, it’s a forming (full fledged…) obsession!

mmmmm....Eco Cloud.......

mmmmm....Eco Cloud.......

Eco Cloud hangs near the front desk and I get to walk by it all day long. Occasionally I get to pick it up and give it a squeeze. I think about all the pretty things I might make with it. Eco Cloud is an 18 stitch gauge yarn and it is SO soft and squishy. It is undyed Alpaca in three natural shades (cream, grey, and a pretty grey/brown) and it is like buttah. Here are some things I might knit with it (and one thing Amanda is already knitting with it).

Holl by Kirsten Johnstone (Amanda is knitting this up)

Holl by Kirsten Johnstone (Amanda is knitting this up)

Bandana Cowl from the Purlbee

Bandana Cowl from the Purlbee

Chaleur by Julie Hoover

Chaleur by Julie Hoover

Classic Raglan by Jane Richmond

Classic Raglan by Jane Richmond

Tweed is In

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

That’s right, ALL the Brooklyn Tweed patterns are in! There are so many to choose from the binder is overflowing. Here are a few of the gems I’ve been eyeballing:

Elfreide

Elfreide

Spruce Forest

Spruce Forest

Rosebud

Rosebud

Sweetgrass

Sweetgrass

All of the Brooklyn Tweed patterns are in either worsted weight or sock weight so there are tons of yarns that will work. The most reliable substitutions as far as fibre content and feel are the Rowan Tweed Fine (subbing in for Loft) and the Harrisville Highland subbing in for the Shelter. There are lots of other choices of course so come on in and we’ll give you a tour of the shop!

Twisted

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

giardina_d_500_medium2

The new Twist Collective is out! It is chock full of summer knits to get on your needles. First up (of my own personal faves) is Giardina. This lovely shawl is done in the ever popular SweetGeorgia Merino Silk Lace. I (somewhat) recently finished the Rock Island shawl in this yarn and very recently started my Rae in it too (yarn held doubled). It is a luxurious yarn with both sheen and bounce.

Sylvatica

Sylvatica

Next up is a summery top with a leafy panel and vintage button details, Sylvatica. This top is done up in Filatura Di Crosa Zarina. A washable sport weight yarn that comes in a ton of colours.

Giardina

Giardina

Lastly I feel a sudden urge to cast on a pair of socks. Kamala is a toe to cuff sock pattern, any sock yarn will do! Just pick your favorite sock yarn, your favorite way of knitting socks (double points? 2 circulars? magic loop?) and cast on.

Kamala

Kamala

Show and Tell

Friday, April 13th, 2012

img_7194

Well, it took me long enough but here are the final projects from our Tiny Owl Knits KAL!

Some Cloudy Day - Kynna

Some Cloudy Day - Kynna

These are Kynna’s Some Cloudy Day legwarmers. Pear tree yarn is so soft and yummy!

Repunzel- Marianela

Repunzel- Marianela

Marianela knit up this Repunzel in Twinkle Soft Chunky from Classic Elite, skipping the Repunzel hair….

Catching Butterflies - Iona

Catching Butterflies - Iona

Iona’s Catching Butterflies gloves were done in Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk. She also finished some adorable kitty mittens, that’s dedication!

img_7181

Ships and Seaside - Ashley

Ashley’s Ships and Seaside is sumptuous. Knit up in Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca it’s hard not to want one hanging around MY neck!

Well done everybody, looking forward to the Jane Richmond party!

Julie and Jane Patterns

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

There are some exciting new patterns in the shop from 2 great designers, Jane Richmond (that’s right they arrived, time to choose your project for tomorrow!) and Julie Hoover. I’ve mentioned Jane a few times before (ok a lot of times, get used to it, I love her designs!) but Julie Hoover is new to me.

Encadre by Julie Hoover

Encadre by Julie Hoover

Her designs are both fresh and classic, with simple but effective looks. I’m particularly fond of Encadre, a pretty cowl knit in a 2 colours of lace weight yarn. I suppose any lace weight would do but I’m definitely thinking some SweetGeorgia Cashsilk Lace would be amazing. Perhaps some charcoal and china doll for a black/pink combo?

Tisse by Julie Hoover

Tisse by Julie Hoover

Tisse is another pretty lace weight number from Julie. It has a woven look to it that I adore. The herringbone pattern lends a wonderful texture to a simple scarf. This one might be best knit in a neutral shade, something to be worn with anything. A tip, choose a hand dyed yarn with a lot of shade variation, the more the merrier. A flat colour tends to lose the stitch pattern and the woven feel.

I hope you enjoy these new designers as much as I do!

4 Ways to Take Better Photos of Your Knitting

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

There are a lot of knitting photos out there, both of yarn and projects and as an amateur photographer I thought I would share some tips on improving your knitting shots. Since we knitters put so much time and effort into our knitwear we should show it off in it’s best possible light!

1. Natural Light: I know this can be tough in the long winter months but now that the sun is staying out later, there is no excuse for poor lighting and the odd colours poor lighting can produce. Place your knitting near a window or right outside for the best possible light. Direct sunlight should be avoided (your knitting will look washed out). Some shade is just perfect!
2. Remember your subject: This may not apply to all your photos but if you wish to take the best photos of your knitting then make your knitting the star! Take close ups of pretty details to share with all of your Ravelry friends.
3. This is more of a personal note but baby knits look kinda creepy when photographed on dolls. Just saying.
4. Don’t forget to take photos of your knitting before you gift it. There is nothing worse than gifting a beautiful garment and having nothing to brag about. (also giftees are not always reliable photo takers).

KAL the next

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

After a successful finish to our last KAL, Tiny Owl Knits, it’s time to start another (I know, we are relentless!). Note: pics from the TOK KAL are coming shortly, there were some amazing projects finished. I’m pretty excited about the next KAL, the designer is one of my very favorites, Jane Richmond!

Georgia

Georgia

Jane is a local gal (if you call the island local, and I do) with a flair for great simple designs. Her hats are quickly becoming legend with their double thick brims and her sweater constructions are wonderfully intuitive. I love a straight forward design that shows off some beautiful yarn.

Jane

Jane

I will be casting on (OK I cheated a little and already cast on both) the Children’s Classic Raglan, and Rae. Kynna will also be working on Rae, it’s such a great use of that skein of sock yarn you have been coveting. I’m using the SweetGeorgia Silk Merino Lace for the Rae, in the newest colourway to UY Lemon Curd. The yarn will be held doubled to get the right gauge.

Rae

Rae

Patterns will be arriving at UY this weekend so cast on starts next Friday (I’ll be casting on a 3rd project I just haven’t figured out which one). As an added treat the end of the KAL will be Friday the 25th of May, when Jane herself will party down with us!