Almost Halloween..

Wednesday is Halloween.
Boo!! Did I scare you?

That means that Thurday is November 1st.

That means that as of Thursday there will be 55 knitting days until Christmas!

Remember there are lots of quick scarfs and hats that can be done for gifts!

I have been knitting up a quick snuggly shawl from the Fond Time Farm hand spun, naturally dyed Alpaca. I am knitting it like a simple dishcloth pattern without the decreasing. When it gets almost as long as it is going to be I will do a row of yarn over, knit 2 together and then 4 more rows of knitting before casting off. I am really enjoying knitting this because it is quick and easy,and, despite the tight spin and rustic look to the yarn is is really soft and buttery. It is going to be one of the snuggliest shawls ever! So far it has taken 4 pucks of the Alpaca. The approximate cost to make it is $64.00.

I have also been knitting an argyle scarf with Hempwol from Lanaknits Designs. This yarn feels like it will be scratchy while in the ball but is really soft! I am loving knitting with it! Once the hemp washes I expect it will be so, so soft! I'll keep you updated. Because I am using 4 different colours (I am going to duplicate stitch in white stripes) it is taking 4 balls. At $6.49 a ball that is a scarf for $28.00. Actually because there will be lots of the green, red and white left at least one more scarf could be made cutting one scarf to $14.00!! I will write up the pattern for this As soon as I have finished the scarf I promise.

I was in Toronto yesterday to wish Lisa a happy birthday and got started on a Lopi bag for felting. I made some I-cord that I am going to tack on before felting for embellishment. Yes, I am going to write out the pattern for this too! Lopi felts wonderfully! This picture is the pre-felted look. I will post the finished look as soon as it is done.

New Classes are now posted on the classes page of www.kniterary.com. I have included some Sock Saturdays and Finishing Fridays. Go have a look! Prices are all reasonable.

I have been talking to knit designer and author Fiona Ellis and have booked March 22nd, 2008. for her to come out and do her "Twisting with the Cable Girl" workshop. It will be a 3 hour workshop from 1 - 4 PM and the cost will be $30.00. Fiona is a fun and inspirational teacher and I know that you will all love learning from her.

See you in the Shop!

Swift

Thanks to Geri,who graciously pick this up for me at Rhinebeck, there is now a Swift in the shop!

(For some reason I keep getting Geri's and Gwen's name mixed in my head!!! SO after Geri dropped this off for me yesterday I introduced her as Gwen! So sorry Geri! Lucy's name also escaped me while I was introducing her to Geri, so, my apologies to her too!! I try to get everybodies names right I really do!!)

Now that there is a swift to go along with the ball winder making balls out of the skeined yarns will be even quicker!

The fee for using the swift and ball winder will be 50 cents per ball or you can leave the skeins for me to do for 75 cents a ball.

I am in the process of organizing events for November and December. Among them will be Thrummed Mittens, Felted Christmas Pears, Finishing Friday and Sock Saturdays.

I will have sheets in the store for you to start making your Christmas Wish lists to pass on to your family and friends. There are also Gift Certificates available for giving!!

Remember Thursay is Sit N' KNit! I hope to see you in the store!

Jane Ellison In the Store!

The Lovely Jane Ellison was in the store this evening talking about Mirasol, the project and the yarn.

We all got started on our Hacho Carlos Gloves. I barely did but others seemed to be working hard. The Hacho Yarn has beautiful colours and a beautiful feel!

Earlier in the day my new store sign got put in! No more driving by before you realize you are there! Jane and I posed beside it just as the rain started to fall. We high tailed it back inside quickly as we could afterwards.

It was a busy and fun day! I look forward to bringing other designers in to do workshops!

Jane Ellison's Coming!

Wednesday, October 10th Jane Ellison is going to be at the shop. Ya hoo!

She is the knitting designer for Noro and Mirasol. And she will be at the shop for book signing and a workshop.

The Agenda is :

4 PM- Talk and Appetizers: Mirasol Fair Trade Initiative followed by

Books signing (bring any books you have by her!) Cost: $5.00

5:30 - 6:30 - Dinner with Jane.

An informal gathering with a light meal. Cost $5.00

7 PM - 9/10 - Workshop and Dessert

Carlos Gloves from her Mirasol Book Cost: $75.00 (less if you and a friend sign up together)

(when you sign up for the workshop you get the talk and dinner included)

Please email kniterary@hotmail.com or call the shop at (905)668-8368 to reserve your spot!