Finished Scarf, on to Hats and Mittens!

I finished the Hydrangea Stole I was making (Easy Lace Stole pattern by Arlene's World of Lace.) It's not the best photo in the world, but the lace pattern did open up nicely with blocking.



Right now I am working on a headband based on this Ribbed Beanie pattern. It will be a companion to the cowl I made a few weeks back, using up my last skein of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in the same deep blue. On the weekends I like getting up early and knitting at Starbucks while I have a skinny vanilla or caramel latte. It's a relaxing way to start the weekend.



I also want to make more hats, including Windschief, for the coming cold weather. Why is it that whenever I find A new pattern I want to make, I never have the right size needles??? I need to get more DPNs - size 7 & 6.

I am also joining a Mitten KAL - to knit a pair of Skulls and Flowers Mittens. Jennifer Thompson, the designer, has offered the pattern free to anyone who joins her KAL on Ravelry. (Her blog is Fern Knits.) It's such a cute design, and it's the first time I have attempted a stranded knitting pattern this detailed and complex, so this will be a good way to start. I'll have lots of people to ask for help if I need it! Jennifer also reports today that the pattern has gone viral, there is so much interest in it! Should be lots of fun.

I picked out my yarn the other day: Elsebeth Lavold Cool Wool in black, white and vermillion red. Can't wait to get started!

Purl SoHo

While in NYC Saturday for the Greetings from Mochi Mochi Land exhibit/trunk show/tea party at Gallery Hanahou, I also stopped by Purl SoHo", a knitter's and quilter's heaven!

Purl SoHo





They stock Shelter yarn by Brooklyn Tweed, so I had the opportunity to see the yarn in person for the first time. I bought 3 skeins: Embers, Homemade Jam, and Wool Socks... great for hats for my guys (sons & hubby). Now to pick out some patterns... (Windschief will be one...)



I also picked up some fat quarters, for little sewing projects. They had so many wonderful fabrics to pick from, it was hard to choose!

I Went to Mochi Mochi Land! :) Happy Happy!!

(Greetings from Mochi Mochi Land!)

I had such a fun day yesterday! I decided to attend the last day of the Greetings from Mochi Mochi Land exhibit/trunk show/tea party at Gallery Hanahou in Noho, NYC.

The exhibit was even more amazing in person... The details, colors and creativity were incredible. I had the chance to meet Anna Hrachovec, the designer and creator, and she autographed a copy of her book, Knitting Mochi Mochi, which I purchased at the show. She also spoke about her work and the creative process. All of the yarn used was donated by Cascade Yarns, and Anna knitted everything by hand... including the green grass table covering. I shot tons of photos (See my Flicker pages) and several videos:





(Anna Hrachovec speaking about her work)

Pieces from the show were available for purchase, and I couldn't resist the little Melted Snowman:






Although I was going into the city especially for the show, I added in stops at two nearby places: Pearl River, a favorite store of mine, and Purl SoHo yarn/sewing shop I have been wanting to visit. The city was absolutely packed - everyone was out enjoying the wonderful weather and shopping.More about these stops in my next post!!

Sweet New Pattern and FO Boneyard Shawl

I began this post on Wednesday, but didn't actually finish it until Thursday! Anyway, I just finished a cute, quickie project to add to my Christmas gifts...



the Frosted Glow Cowl by Melynda Bernardi (French Press Knits). Melynda gives a tutorial on the luvinthemommyhood blog here.





I also finished the Boneyard Shawl the other day, and it is ready for blocking. The Bare Alpaca yarn is so soft... This will be a favorite shawl of mine, I'm sure.



Time to start another Westknits pattern... Hmmm, which one to choose next? I have seen so many nice versions of the Windschief hat. I'd like to knit a few, for my husband and two boys. I am waiting for some yarn I ordered from Little Knits - they have some lovely colors of Noro Kureyon on sale - I chose color #195, which I think the guys will like.

Well, it's getting late... off to bed! Be back soon!

Rhinebeck, Part 3

One of the nice things about the Sheep & Wool Festival was that it was definitely a family activity. Aside from all the fair-type foods available, there were rides, including a merry-go-round, a giant slide (which we heard shrieks from on a regular basis!) and others.





There was also a mini zoo for the kids. (Entirely apart from all the woolly animals...) Among the animals were alligators, tortoises, ducks (including the original AFLAC duck!), lemurs, capuchin monkeys, and the big favorite: a mother kangaroo and her new joey!! The baby was 5 months old, and came out of her pouch for the first time after its birth on Saturday. (The baby is extremely tiny, and climbs into the pouch immediately after birth to finish growing and developing). This 5 month old was about the size of a chihuahua, according to the owner.)





The joey could be seen imitating its mother - as she nibbled on the hay and leaves, it was doing the same. Mama Kangaroo did not let her joey poke its head out for very long, however - it was a chilly and windy October afternoon, and she soon gently pushed it back inside her pouch to stay warm and toasty.





We could not figure out which of these little guys was the AFLAC duck, although the owner did mention he survived an attack by a fox! (Guess the AFLAC insurance paid off, LOL!!)



I can't wait for next year, to attend more of the events, including the Ravelry party (which we missed this year).