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Garden Knits

POSTED: April 4, 2012 by Liz

The weather here in Colorado has us reaching for our woolies one moment and our summer lace the next.  What to knit during these confusing times? Our thoughts may be turning to the garden, but that doesn't mean we walk away from our knitting basket.  Check out this clever pattern for holding potted plants from Rowan's Wool Week pattern collection.  Pop into the shop; we would be happy to print the pattern for you.

Reaching for your crochet hooks lately? Thumb through Rowan's Purelife Home. We have a number of copies in the shop. This book is filled with clever crochet and knitting patterns for the home and garden, such as this whimsical crochet felted placemat. (Julie made a new crocheted rug for the upstairs. It is perfect for the breezeway.)

These garden-inspired patterns show off Rowan's British Breeds Collection, made from classic British sheep breeds, such as Bluefaced Leiceter, Black Welsh, Jacob, and Shetland. These yarns have a natural, irresistible charm. If you are curious to learn what the yarn's breed looks like, check out the label! We have a nice selection of the DK Undyed line.

What could be a better harbinger of spring than a bunny?  Rowan brings us yet another garden-inspired pattern with this clever stash-busting rabbit, perfect for your Easter basket.  Made from pom poms, this pattern is a great way to use up odd balls of yarn that you aren't sure what to do with. (Who says the Easter Bunny can't be a little psychedelic?)

Our needles can always think spring, even if we know that winter isn't done with us yet!

We Love Purl Bee

POSTED: October 3, 2011 by Lizz

It's always exciting to get a new set of patterns in, no matter where they come from.  When we're lucky enough to see new patterns from designers and companies that we love, then it's an extra reason to celebrate! 

One of our all-time favorites here is Purl Bee, by Purl SoHo.  Purl SoHo is a great shop in SoHo, Manhattan, and they have an awesome blog and newsletter that is always awash with excellent knit and crochet patterns, as well as writings on quilting, designers, other products, and so much more.  Julie recently finished two Purl Bee projects, and they definitely get us in the mood for some Autumn Knitting!

This owl is such a cute and friendly face!  This one is knit out of two strands of Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud held together, then stuffed with organic cotton.  It's soft, squooshy, and cuddly.

This crocheted blanket is another warm and cuddly thing to curl up with.  Perfect for napping during chilly afternoons, this blanket is made out of Madeline Tosh Light.  It's an easy project and quick to whip out, and the colored stripe adds just the right amount of interest and pop.

Stop by the shop to see these samples in person and check out the other projects we love from Purl Bee!

Some Mother's Day Patterns...

POSTED: April 23, 2010 by mysisterknits

Mother's Day is fast approaching. How better to pamper your mother than to maker her something special? In our April newsletter we featured a very quick knit pattern - Mother's Mitts (ravlery link). They are knit from Louet Gems Fingering, but you could use any lighter weight sock yarn as well. Download the newsletter now to get your copy of the pattern.

Shawls, stoles and scarves are always a nice choice to knit for mom too. Or, perhaps you should treat yourself for Mother's Day! No one appreciates all the hard work you do for your family than you! Check out some of these free shawl, stole and stole knit and crochet patterns:

• Citron Shawl by Hillary Smith Callis
• Traveling Woman Shawl by Liz Abinante
• Haruni Shawl by Emily Ross
• Stolen Moments Wrap by Amy Swansen
• Chanson en Crochet by Mari Lynn Patrick
• Magnificent Mantle by Crochet Kitten
• Feather Stole by Elizabeth Meyers

Are you knitting or crocheting something for your mother? What are you making?

Upcoming Knitting & Crochet Classes (plus a plug for quilting too)

POSTED: January 20, 2010 by mysisterknits

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Beginning Knitting is available every Thursday morning from 9am-10am. There will be a drop in fee of $10.00.

Ski Hat--Two color knitting. Marilyn will be offering this 2 session class Thursdays Jan 21 and 28 from 6pm-7:30pm. Cost $35

Beginning Crochet -- Saturdays, 3 sessions, Jan 23, 30, and Feb 6, 9am-10:30am. Cost $45

Pure and Simple Socks -- Tuesdays. 3 sessions, Feb 2, 9 and 16, 5:30-6:30pm. Instructor Julie Conway will be teaching beginner socks with a mid weight yarn. Knitting Pure and Simple pattern will provide supply list. Cost $45

Double Knit Mittens with Sylvia. 2 sessions, Saturdays Feb 6, 13, from 1-3pm. Cost $40

St Denis Abstract Leaves Vest. Marilyn will lead this class using a new yarn and a new book from Classic Elite Yarns. 4 session class. Saturdays, Feb 20, 27, March 13, 20 from 10am - 11:30am. Cost $60

Your First Sweater -- Tuesdays 4 sessions, Feb 23, March 2, 9, 16 from 5:30pm- 6:30pm. Julie Conway will lead you through your first sweater using a top down pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple. Cost $45

Modified EZ Mitered Mittens -- Saturdays, 2 sessions, February 27 and March 6 1-2pm. Kristi will lead you through EZ's mitered mittens with a more comfortable gusset thumb as well as provide you with the modifications required to knit it from any weight yarn for any size hand. Cost $25

Sundog Sweater -- Saturdays, 3 sessions, March 13, 20 and 27th 1-2:30pm. Kristi will guide you through knitting this great top-down yoked sweater for children (available from Twist Collective) that is designed to grow with them. Cost $55

Felted Easter Basket -- Tuesdays, 2 sessions, March 23 and 30, 5:30-6:30pm. Cost $35

More info and class supply list will be given on sign up. Samples for all classes are in the shop.

Outside the usual. Many of us cross over into Quilting and with that a One Day quilt work shop will be offered Feb 27 from 10am to 3pm at the Inn at City Park. Cost will be $50.00 for the day with lunch included. Guest instructor Kelly Gallagher-Abbott of Jukebox Quilts will lead us in making the top for Funky Checkers. See the sample in the shop. Minimal preparation prior to class. With registration, pattern and supply list will be provided. Class limited to 12 students. Check out Kelly's web site, www.jukeboxquilts.com.

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Some Great Classes Start Soon

POSTED: September 11, 2009 by mysisterknits

Next Thursday morning is a great crochet class for beginning crocheters from 9-10am. It is just a two week class and costs only $25. In the class you will learn the skills needed to make a large Granny Square from sock yarn. You can use Noro Silk Garden Sock as pictured above, or choose your own color progression from any sock yarn line. It is a great opportunity to not only learn (or refresh) our crochet skills, but you get a great useable project as well. And we know all too well that it will soon be time to have a lap blanket handy to keep the chill off!

On Saturday, September 19th we have a special 1/2 day workshop from Kristi. You'll get guidance and assistance in making a dressform from duct tape that has your shape and measurements. Having a duct tape dressform is a handy tool in knitting or crocheting more flattering and fitted garments as you can judge the fit better seeing it on a dressform than looking at it on you in the mirror. The workshop runs from 9am-noon (maybe 1pm) and is $25.

You will want to wear your most flattering bra and smooth, fitted pants such as yoga pants or other pull-on pants that do not have the bulk of buttons. If you have long hair pull up and off of your neck (getting duck tape stuck to your hair is never any fun). Also bring with you ~100 yds of duct tape and an old pair of scissors. To finish your dressform at home you'll also need 24-36 oz of fiber fill and some study cardboard or foamcore large enough to make your dressform bottom as well as sturdy hanger if you wish to hang your form. Trash bags to apply the tape to and Goo Gone to clean your scissors with will be provided. You may feel more comfortable taking the workshop with a friend, but bringing a partner is not required.

See some examples of duct tape dressforms on Flickr. Kristi's own dressform will be at the shop by this Saturday (9/12) afternoon.

To see all the upcoming classes check out the fall schedule (PDF). You may come in to the shop or call at 970-407-1461 to reserve your space for any of the upcoming classes.