EYE CANDY FOR LACE KNITTING

I have now really spoiled myself with this glorious book purchase. I have hesitated for a few months because it was expensive. It arrived this morning and I think if you love to knit lace you will love this book. My favorite thing is charts that are large and easy to read. Then as I read the first few pages I found that the needles I love so much from ChiaoGoo are perfect for these shawls. I placed mine on the cover when I did the scan so you can all see how they look. In the book it suggests short bamboo needles for the lace edges. They suggest gluing a bead on the end of double points. For many years this is what I had to do. Problem being the balance is all wrong, I hated the feel of them in my hands. These needles are absolutely perfect for the shawls. Now I must read more and then decide what I want to knit. Then find some wonderful lace merino yarn. Now if only I had time to read the entire book. The history looks fantastic. Shawl breathtaking. I just had to share my joy with this present. I don't sell books but when I find one I love I do like to tell you about it.

I also received two other new knitting books that I have as yet to look at. Seems to me there will be no housework done around here for a few days. We will be spending the upcoming holiday home with just the two of us so plenty of time to read new knitting books. Such pure joy!

GREAT SEWING HINT

I have been working in the sewing room lately. Lots of things I need to do but progress has been made. I finished the quilt for my new neighbor baby Emma. I am not a quilter but was given the top kit and needed something special for this little girl. I did my own thing with the kit. Must be a carry over from what I do when I knit. I can never just follow directions.

Next were birthday presents for my two great neighbor boys. They are huge Penn State fans as I can tell every morning when I look out the kitchen window. There is a "We are Penn State" sign in the upstairs window. The fabric was in my stash so much the better. That sign got me moving on these presents for two great little guys who really did not need more toys. Now here is my HINT I read in an on line article that coffee filters make fantastic stabilizer for sewing. Absolutely right and so cheap. I used them for the name embroidery. They tear away easily and I am sold on this hint. Thanks to who ever found this out. You easily layer them for more stability.

I also found out that the old left over roll of newsprint that is free at the local paper makes great wrapping paper. I just took a marker and using lots of different colors wrote the names multiple times. Great way to save as I just hat to toss expensive coated wrapping paper in the trash. It would work well for children to color on and then use to wrap up presents. I plan to use this idea again soon.

Then it was pillow cases for two more little neighbor boys. It did however make me clean out the closet in the sewing room just to see what I would find to use. It really was a good thing to have finished and I found all sorts of interesting fabrics. Now to put them to use. It really makes me feel good to use up things from my stash.

Since I was in the pillow case mode I made a pair for the grandson Louis. He has a new big bed and needed new cases.

Now back to knitting and a big project. Will keep all of you posted.

REDUCE THE STASH!!!!

I have been very busy working at the stash reduction here. I still see no progress or empty containers but at least I am trying. I had a request from our local library for some knit items to sell at the upcoming fund raising boutique. So here is what they asked for. I made a neck warmer with yarn from Knit Picks Palette. Nice stuff but since I purchased the sample box I have one ball of many colors. This was a great way to use them up. Made me feel good about that purchase. It is nice yarn and after a quick bath lovely and soft. This and the matching lace cuffs were the requested items by Maxine the chairman.

My new Interweave knits arrived and I loved the "rose window beret" I used Point from Lana Grosso. Perfect to knit the hat as it is 96% cotton and 4% elastic. What better blend for a spring hat than that. I liked knitting with it. The little bit of elastic gave the hat body and I know the ribbing will hold its shape. I have no idea if this yarn is still on the market. Then I thought I need a matching scarf. Now here is my easy easy scarf pattern. I used a #9 needle and the hat was knit much smaller.

MY TWISTY SCARF:

Cast on 260 stitches, #9 needle or at least 3 sizes larger than yarn calls for. Here is the TWIST be sure you twist when you join. Certainly an easy thing to do with so many stitches. Then knit 4 rounds, purl 4 rounds, knit 4 rounds and bind off. Does not come any easier. This loops around the neck more than once and has a really nice look to it. I think I shall make some more of these quick and easy as well as fun scarves as gifts. Try one they might help reduce your stash.

The cashmere hat:

I found a beautiful ball of cashmere in the stash along with a pattern called Katonah Kap designed by Hatie Clingerman. I would happily give you the address to order but can you believe Sammy (for newer readers my silly dog) has given up knitting and taken to eating the patterns. So the lower portion of the pattern sheet is long gone. It is a fantastic design and used what I think feels like a sport weight yarn. Really fun and quick to knit. So warm and soft and it goes in the mail today for Lillie.

In less than two weeks I have made some progress and wait until you read the next post on the sewing projects. Never dull here even in winter when it has snowed for days on end. We get a bit of snow and then it melts a tad and then here it comes again.

Hubby is working 3 to 11 this week and next and I try and make good use of the evenings. Naturally all the Olympic TV added to my knitting time.

Now all of you readers out there dig into that stash and knit something small and use some of that stuff up. I used to think I needed to save favorite yarns as they became discontinued. How foolish they are always making wonderful new stuff.