Sunhats

It is finally a beautiful sunny day!  It's been about a week of cold and rain and decidedly un-springlike weather.  I've been combating it by knitting tiny little sunhats in scrumptious colors.  My friend from my lys is about to be a first time grandma to boy/girl twins.  I can't wait to see them showing off these hats.

I knit these up with Plymouth's Baby Boutique.  Just under a skein each of the coral and green, and about a half skein of the yellow.  The pattern is called A Sun Hat by Kristi Pyatt.  Quick and fun.

In other news, I'm so excited to see a sneak peek of one of my new designs today.  You can see it too at Knit...something?  Something about a circus, maybe?  ;)

SALE!

I am a terrible blogger and haven't posted in so long, but...I have been knitting.  I have a secret project that I'll be able to show very soon too.  In the meantime, I'm having a sale.  Buy one pattern and get a second pattern free!!!  No coupon code needed.  Just place 2 of my patterns in your cart and the less expensive pattern will be free.  Just a little thank you for all the support.  Enjoy!

A Tour of Lorna's Laces

This past Saturday I was part of a group that was lucky enough to tour Lorna's Laces.  Owner - Beth Casey was so gracious! She told us how she came to own Lorna's Laces and taught us a bit about each yarn. 

The best part was (of course!) the dye demo.  We watched as Beth dyed 24 skeins of yarn for Jimmy Beans.  It was amazing to realize that despite all the yarn Lorna's Laces turn out, each dye lot is only ever 24 skeins.  Know why?  That's what fits on the dye table.  Cool, huh? 

After all the dye is applied, it moves over to be heated so that the dye sets. 

Then it gets a quick spin the washing machine and hung to dry.  

After the tutorial, Beth turned us loose on some mill ends. 

I picked up some beautiful skeins.  I'm glad my sister was there too.  We helped to keep each other in check. And, believe me, it was necessary!  In the end I cam home a fairly reasonable amount that I am in love with.  I got some Fisherman, Shepherd Worsted, Shepherd Sport, and Shepherd Sock.

 My sister got some nice stuff too.

Last, I just wanted to show the a couple of cute decorations in the studio.

It was a really interesting and fun morning.  Thanks, Beth!

Winter's Last Blast Sale

I can hardly believe there was a blizzard just a couple weeks ago. It's 60 degrees today. It feels wonderful! But it's such a mess. That's the view of my backyard. Puddles and mud. Puddles and mud and 2 large dogs. Ugh.

It's going to get cold again next week, but for now I am enjoying this tiny taste of spring. It's wonderful to have the windows open and some fresh air moving through the house. It as always has me itching to cast on a million new things. I'm thinking about lightweight sweaters, sock yarn shawls, and lace. Lots of lace. I have to resist for now. I have some super secret deadline knitting underway. I chugging away, but that means I don't have anything new to show. It's killing me to not be casting on for baby project for soon-to-be-born nephew, but I have to stay FOCUSED.

So, since I can't indulge, here's a little something for you. Patterns in my shop are 20% off tomorrow February 18 - 28. I'll be back soon with baby knitting!

Booyah!

Honey Baby by Ann Hanson

I used Miss Babs Yummy in Light Violet and US size 5 needles (US size 3 for the edging). It took 6.5 months. It's 3 months late. It is shipping our tomorrow. I love it so much that it's going to hurt a little to give it up. But, Baby Violet, I think you're worth it. Enjoy, sweet girl.

Sweet Tart

Knit in Madelinetosh tosh DK with Us size 6 needles.  Worked in the round, Sweet Tart begins with hemmed picot edge and continues up the body in a sweet lacy heart motif.  (I think it would be adorable for Valentine's Day.  There's even enough time to knit it still if you focus.)  The upper body is knit in stockinette and splits to be knit back and forth at the armhole.  The shoulder are finished with a 3-needle bind off.  The neck and armholes are finished with a simple garter edge.  No sewing required.

Visit Knitcircus to check out the rest of the spring collection.  The entire collection is available for download for $7.99.

Comment on this post by midnight February 8, CST for a chance to win a copy of the Spring Collection.  I'll pull winners on Wednesday, February 9.

Spring Knitcircus goes live on Wednesday!

I've got a sneek peek at the cover of the spring issue.  Doesn't that scarf look gorgeous?  I am so ready for spring, but it's not be jut yet.  Chicago is bracing for a blizzard and 2 feet of snow right now.  I will enjoy planning out some spring knitting while the snow comes down at least.

I've got a new children's design this issue.  I can show you just a teaser....


Check back in.  I'll be hosting a giveaway for the spring pattern collection.