Yarn Gallery Blog

I’m in the midst of 4 projects right now, 3 of which I started to avoid working on the 4th.  I wish I wouldn’t get myself into these situations because nothing turns out right until I just go back to the project I hate, loathe, and despise and either get it done or rip it out (or throw it out depending on how much money/time/yarn has been invested.)  And I should have known better about this project.  It’s Chris Bylsma’s 24/7 Jacket,

which I heart and have coveted since I first saw it at TNNA two years ago. The problemo, as I see it, is that the whole jacket is seed stitch which I hate, loathe, and despise when I have to do it in large amounts, but which I also love the look of when it’s done.  So, I finally started the jacket, using an expensive combination of yarns (Cambio from Zitron and Lace Merino from Ella Rae, held together to make a really neat fabric).  I have everything done (after a lot of moaning and groaning and rather juvenile temper tantrums) except one sleeve.  To avoid finishing that sleeve, I have an adorable cover-up thingy going in Debbie Bliss’s Como, a lace shawl in Mountain Color’s Winter Lace, and a wrap in Classic Elite’s Wool Bamboo.  The chair I knit in at home is almost invisible behind all the yarn, needles, and pattern books piled up around it.  I gotta finish something – another wave of new yarns is due in early August and I’ll be wanting to start something with those.  I may need an intervention, folks!

I hope you got your email from me about the sock yarn sale starting tomorrow through August 7.  I need to make way for new stuff so I hope you’ll take advantage of the good deals.  We’ll help you use it up, because I hope to have a sock of the month class beginning this fall.  And yes, I’m taking one more weekend off, so we’ll be closed August 8 -11.

Here is a pretty lace scarf knit by Chris Urban, a fairly new knitter who is totally in love with lace.  Isn’t this lovely?  She knit it in a soft DK cotton.

Donna Guthrie whipped up this beautiful little Ridged Lace Cowl to entice her afghan class.   We have the yarn (Elsebeth Lavold’s Angora, discontinued) in the sale closet for 25% off.  Donna used only 2 skeins, which made a very cozy neckwarmer.  The yarn blooms as you knit it and becomes very soft and fuzzy.

Here’s a link to the free pattern. Donna very kindly did a step by step worksheet which she left with me to give you if you come in for the yarn.

And here is the masterpiece of the week and probably the month.  Barb Werner is expecting her first granddaughter soon and made this gorgeous baby blanket from Debbie Bliss’s Rialto 4-ply extra-fine merino.  The knitting is expert, the yarn is luxurious (yet practical), and she lined it with satin, and tied it to the knitting with little pieces of yarn to prevent bunching.  There is just pure satin-y smooth yumminess everywhere you touch on this beautiful heirloom.

Wow!  And don’t miss David’s simple tank top in Bonsai colors, posted below.  Isn’t it pretty – the yarn has a beautiful surface to it so the shape can be clean and simple.  ‘Kay, gotta go get ready for the sale.  See you soon…

Trish