The Knitting Experience Café

Did Santa leave anything good under your tree? Perhaps some new needles, a skein of Malabrigo, or a gift certificate to TKE? 

If you were really good, maybe someone knitted you a special gift. There is something truly magical about a handknit gift. You not only receive a lovely hat, scarf, sweater, etc... , but you are given a piece of the knitters time, talent, and love.  In some cases those knitted gifts hold even more significance as a project was tailored to you as no store bought gift ever could be. 

Becka brought a little of that magic to our Christmas this year. She knitted up a piece of our dad's childhood. Remembering a story he told about a much beloved toy elephant from his toddler years - an elephant that met a tragic demise in the washing machine - she set to work. A skein of pink Cascade 220, some needles, a little time, and you get what has to be one of the most perfect gifts I have ever seen.

While the recent ice storm brought more than its share of troubles, it did provide a lot of beautiful views:

and knitting time!

I finally finished Peter's mittens and he's been enjoying the super cozy mitts ever since.

As I mentioned before, switching from dpns to magic loop gave me a little gauge issue.  You know how you're supposed to try out your gauge on the same needles that you intend to use to knit the item? Well, this is why:

One mitten is definitely smaller than the other. Luckily, Peter doesn't care.  I used US 4 needles for both - but bamboo dpns for the larger one, and an Addi lace needle for the smaller one. The definition and texture on the magic loop mitten is so much better, I'll be using the loop again the next time I make these. 

I'm not the only one who took advantage of the past few days. 

Marcia finished the sweater for her daughter - she just needs to find the perfect buttons to compliment it. 

Cheryl returned from a trip to the West Coast to welcome a new grandchild (congrats!) and brought this replica of a classic Bowdoin sweater to share with us:

Becka has been using her fair isle skills again.  Check out the first of her Endpaper Mitts:

She used Dream in Color Smooshy in Lipstick Lava, along with black Cascade Heritage. 

Speaking of Dream in Color, did I mention that we just got in a shipment of Classy? 

One of the best parts of my day is always the arrival of UPS.  You just never know what fibery treasure will be enclosed in those boxes.  And I'm not the only one who eagerly awaits the arrival of the brown truck.  Many knitters have been known to time their visits to the shop to coincide with the delivery schedule. 

Usually Tuesday morning is a great time to see some unpacking fun, and the Tuesday knitters are always more than happy to help. Unfortunately, UPS didn't come until the afternoon today, so the big box of Blue Sky Alpaca yarn arrived after Marcia, Joannie, and Susan left for home. (sorry!!)  Amanda is unpacking it now, and checking in more Organic Cotton, Alpaca and Silk, and brand new colors in Blue Sky Bulky.  

Sometimes the good stuff just walks in the door.  Like when Amy makes a delivery of Spunky yarn.  Introducing the Spunky Eclectic Color of the Month - Blue Moon in Super Nova. As of this afternoon, only 3 skeins were left.  Remember, the color of the month is 15% until the end of the month, or we're sold out!

Last week was all about Ella Rae.  We replenished our stock of her pattern books.

These four are my favorites. She has such a classic, timeless style.  AND she doesn't forget those kids between the ages of 8 and 14!!  You know how hard it is to find patterns for kids in that age group? Most designers focus on babies/toddlers or adults.  As the mom of an almost 10 year old, I love seeing books that focus on those middle years - for both boys and girls.

Along with the books, we have new colors in the very popular Ella Rae Amity:

Oh, and then there is the Poof from Crystal Palace Yarns.

This stuff is insanely soft and perfect for kids scarves or baby blankets. 

I've had many requests for the next two books:

And I can't remember if I've showed you a picture of the latest Lantern Moon whimsical tape measure - the peppermint swirl:

New yarn and patterns are exciting, but finished knits are even better.

Christy was in yesterday sporting a gorgeous Malabrigo beret. Here she is modeling with little Ava:

Diana should win an award for getting all her Christmas knitting done this far in advance.  

Joannie finished her Odessa hat and looked smashing in red. 

Susan brought in the results of her brilliant idea - use Classic Elite Alpaca Sox yarn doubled and make a super cozy hat:

With all the yardage in one skein, she has more than enough for an adult hat - even with the yarn held double!

Pictures of the new Blue Sky yarn soon - as well as an update on Peter's mittens.  

So much gorgeous knitting happening. 

Look at the beautiful February Lady sweater that Donna made for her daughter out of Miski.

I especially love the tag.

I am so proud of Mary - a new knitter - who just completed her first hat and scarf. Jeanine is modeling it for us:

Yesterday, Gladys brought in the baby blanket she made for a grandchild expected in January.  She used laceweight Dream in Color. Isn't it gorgeous?

And I made a decision.  I'm making the linings on Peter's mittens.  

While it is extra work, I just don't think I could handle seeing those mittens everyday knowing that they weren't really finished.  As much as I appreciate the suggestion of a fleece lining, I just couldn't.  First, I don't know how to sew.  But, more importantly, a fleece lining prevents the wearer from feeling the yummy soft yarn.  Yes, I am a bit of a knitting geek that way.  Besides, I only had cable or fair isle projects going and needed some plain stst knitting in the loop so I'll have something a little easier to knit. 

The second mitten is about to the thumb.

Magic loop was a very good call for this project.  The stranding is much smoother, and it is knitting up even faster!