Fuzzy Feet

     

Once again Sonya inspired me to knit something!  She came into the shop talking about a slipper pattern called “Fuzzy Feet” and how she was going to knit them.  I helped her choose yarn and of course got caught up in the meantime myself.  Before I knew it I was reading the pattern and casting on!  My feet are often cold and I can tell you that I’ve solved that problem.  These slippers are toasty!  

My feet are warm but my slippers were rather plain so I asked Beth if she would consider needle felting something on them.  You can’t tell from the picture but the skull and crossbone motif on my slippers has a little sparkle.   

Clapotis Crazy

 

 I’d seen the Clapotis pattern on Knitty long ago and I added it to my endless mental list of future projects.  As the months passed I kind of forgot about the Clapotis.  Then came the fateful day when the Clapotis pattern resurfaced!  One customer in particular (who shall remain nameless but she knows who she is!) came in and showed me her Clapotis in progress.  It was all over!  For the next few months I pondered what yarn I might choose to knit my Clapotis.  The problem with this pattern is that the yarn options are endless.  I finally decided on Merino Ribbon from Mountain Colors (colorway Evergreen).  I’d been wanting to make something with that yarn because it’s lightweight, the colors are rich and the Merino Ribbon has an interesting structure.  I cast on for my Clapotis and began knitting like a woman posessed.  The pattern is adictive!  I knit more on this project than any other.  I had tunnel vision and that’s where the problem came in.  If I had looked up and had really taken a good look at what I was doing before I was three-quarters finished I would’ve realized that my Clapotis was ridiculously wide.  It measured 28 inches and it looked like I had taken the afghan off the couch and wrapped it around my neck!  Not the look I was going for.  You know what I did next.  Yes, I began again.  This time using a US#8 needle instead of a US#9.  You can change the size of the Clapotis by knitting more or less rows in the increase section so I knit less.  I’m in the straight section and I’m pleased.  It looks much better and will be something that I wear all the time when finished.  I’m much happier now!  So, the moral of the story is please take time to check your gauge, look at the pattern and see where you may make modifications and then take a moment to figure out what you’re going to do. 

Sublime

    

I’ve been working on this wrap (among other things!) and wanted you to see how beautifully this yarn knits up.  You’re looking at Sublime Kid Mohair Blend and it is aptly named.  More colors have arrived which aren’t pictured here.  Loganberry is one of the new colors and could be my personal favorite!  Stop in and choose your favorite!

Shop Hop

Just a note about the upcoming Shop Hop on Saturday November 10th.  The shop will have special hours that day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Deanna Harker will be here demonstrating ArtFelt so if you’re curious and want to give it a try, plan to stop in.  If you don’t really know what it is, look at the posts and pictures below.  We’ll also have special sales, munchies and a gift with purchase for all participants.       

    

 

ArtFelt Options

     

            

Here are just a few of the examples of what people were doing with ArtFelt last night.  ArtFelt fabric is supple and has a nice drape so you really can use it for garments such as a wrap, bolero, scarf, etc.  Making use of negative space will result in a lacy effect.  The possibilities are truly endless.   

 

No Knitting Required

      

    

Lyn, Joan, Jeri and Pam busy creating their masterpieces!

More ArtFelt

    

      

Mothers and daughters creating together.  What a great way to spend an evening!    

ArtFelt

             

We had a blast last night at the ArtFelt workshop.  Beth Krause led us through the process of creating this supple felted “fabric”.  Deanna Harker, Skacel rep, was on hand to lend her expertise as well. 

Stitch N’ Pitch

    

Here’s the official S&P t-shirt in Tiger colors.  Before I got to the ballpark I thought “Gee, great idea to have all the knitters in orange.  We’ll be recognizable.”  I don’t get out much.  There was a lot of orange at the ballpark!

That’s Erica’s foot.  She knit those cute baseball socks.  Click the link  ( http://www.interweave.com/signup/knit/baseball.asp) if you’d like the pattern.  There’s also a baseball cap pattern to knit too!

Stitch N’ Pitch

       

A good time was had by all last Sunday as the Detroit Tigers took on the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park.  The Tigers lost so maybe they weren’t having such a good time but all the knitting fans were!

Stitch N’ Pitch is sponsored by TNNA as you may be able to see on the bag I’m holding.  I’m with my Kalamazoo friends Erica and her mom, Candy. 

Kathy and John are enjoying the afternoon at the ballpark.  You may see Kathy’s friendly face here on Tuesday evenings and some Saturdays.  John owns Continental Bike Shop (www.continentalbikeshop.com) in Hazel Park.  It’s the best bike shop around!

Barb is knitting away on her latest project.  In addition to being a wonderful knitter, Barb quilts too!  She makes the prettiest knitting bags.