The Woolly Lamb, East Aurora, New York

The Woolly Lamb, 712 Main Street, East Aurora, NY

I visited this store on September 21, 2012.  The hours listed say the store was to open at 11 AM.   Believe me, I was there on time.  However, the owner (or whoever she was) was NOT!  So I decided to sit on a bench nearby for about ten minutes, and was going to leave if the store was not open by then.

It was!

I was greeted upon entering - as I would expect, so that was nice.  Some places do not do this, by the way.

My first impression of the store was that it was a bit on the sloppy side.  There were some areas where the yarns were piled on top of each other and in boxes and bags.  Nothing wrong with having extra in the bags, but it is nice to see them stacked nicely in my opinion.  I like to see a knitting shop that is neat and organized because it makes finding what I want much easier; also if a yarn is new to me, I am much more likely to check it out if I don't have to dig underneath another bag of yarn to get to it.

The shop has an excellent selection of yarn and a pretty nice selection of notions.  The woman who was there was very friendly and helpful.  I witnessed great treatment to another customer who had come in after me.  She was looking for a certain yarn that she had purchased before, but didn't have the ball band or something like that, and the shop lady was helpful in trying to find it for her.  I also heard the customer ask what time the store opened, and the shop lady said 11 but that she was often late.

This late bit I find kind of a bad business practice, but hey.  It isn't my store.  I am sure there usually isn't a line waiting for the place to open, however if your hours are 11 to whenever, then you should be there at that time.  I was ready to leave, and she would have missed out on my purchase.

At any rate, despite the few negatives I mentioned above, I would definitely go back to this store.  Good customer service far outweighs opening a few minutes late and being a little bit messy.  If you are in the area of East Aurora NY, I recommend stopping by The Woolly Lamb.  I even got an ink pen :0)


My purchase?  I got some Sublime angora merino - it was on sale!  So absolutely soft and wonderful, I can't wait to start knitting with it.

Below are a few pictures of the store, and the yarn I got.

Knit a Triangle Shawl (Bottom Up)

One of my first knitting projects was a triangle shawl.  I've always loved shawls, and couldn't believe how easy it was to knit one.

There are many ways to knit a triangle shawl.  This time, we are going to cover going from the bottom up using yarn overs to make the increases.  I also show doing a KFB (knit front and back) increase if you want a less obvious increase.

This is just the bare bones of triangle shawls.  I am sure you have seen many beautiful shawls that are lacy, some that are cabled, and many others.

The shawls pictured here were knit years ago.  I am not certain what yarn was used.  I think the one on the right is Caron Simply Soft, but it could very well be something else.

Below are a few examples of how to do a simple triangle shawl.  Nothing fancy here.  A shawl is a great beginner project if you want something larger than a scarf, but still want to keep it simple.  You don't have to worry about gauge either.

These shawls are also a great project for seasoned knitters, because you can sit and watch TV and just mindlessly knit.

You can use any yarn and needles you like - the needles should be circulars though, to accomodate all of the stitches as the shawl grows.  I'd say you want a 32 inch minimum.  Of course if you are using a thin, lace weight yarn you could probably get away with a 24 inch circular; if you are using a thicker, bulkier yarn you may need to use a longer needle.  

A good place to start is go to the craft store or your LYS, find a yarn you like, and just swatch using the needle size recommended on the ball band.  If you find that you want a looser fabric, try a larger needle; if you want a denser fabric, go down a needle size.  There is no wrong way to do this, so don't be worried that you may be using the wrong needle for your yarn.  If you are pleased with your swatch, then you are using the right yarn and needles.

My shawls pictured above are just garter stitch, as are the samples in the video.  You can do garter stitch if you like, or stockinette - maybe even alternate a few rows of garter with a few rows of stockinette.

Below are only a few ways you can do a bottom up triangle shawl.  If you don't like any of these looks, play around and see what you can come up with.  I used a US size 10.5 Knitter's Pride Cubics needle in my samples, and the first three were done in Mulberry Merino yarn, and the last in Paton's Classic Wool.

The first sample is a mini shawl from cast on to bind off.  Yours of course will be much bigger.
Cast on 3 stitches
Knit across, turn
K1, YO, knit to end

Repeat the K1, YO, knit to end until the shawl is as big as you want it to be.  Bind off, weave in loose ends and block if you like.

The second sample is done by making the yarn over at the beginning of each row.  This makes a very decorative edge along your shawl.
Cast on 3
Knit across, turn
YO, knit to end
Repeat from YO, knit to end until shawl is desired size

Our third sample also uses a yarn over increase, and will create a wider border than either of the two above.  This also gives a less pointy tip to the shawl.
Cast on 5
Knit across, turn
Knit 3, YO, knit to end
Repeat from Knit 3, YO, knit to end until shawl is desired size

Maybe you don't like the look of yarn overs.  You can do any increase you like and are comfortable with.  In my sample below, I used the KFB increase - knit front and back of the stitch.

Cast on 3
Knit across, turn
K1, KFB, knit to end
Repeat from K1, KFB, knit to end until shawl is desired size

Here is a video showing how I did all of the samples.  I hope this helps those of you thinking about making a triangle shawl, but aren't quite sure where to start.

Wind a Center Pull Ball of Yarn by Hand

You don't need any fancy equipment to wind your yarn into a center pull ball.  All you need is a toilet paper or paper towel tube cut to a comfortable size, and your own two hands.

Take the tail of your yarn and drop it down the tube until it pokes out the other end.  Hold it in place until you have wrapped the yarn a few times.  Just start winding the yarn around the tube.  Wrap at an angle after the first few wraps, turning the tube every so often.  Keep going until you have wound all of the yarn around the tube.  Then, pull the tail out of the center of the tube, and slide the tube out of the ball of yarn.  And there you have your very own center pull ball of yarn!  

Here is a short video showing how it is done.  Happy Winding!

Autumn Acorn Cowl

My favorite time of year is fast approaching - Autumn!  I love the smells, the colors, and the crisp feel of the air.

I designed a cowl for my favorite time of year that uses the Acorn Cable Stitch, and a yarn that reflects the colors of fall.  You can use any color you choose, of course!

The yarn I used can be purchased here:
http://www.herrschners.com/product/Lighthouse+Waves+Yarn+1.aspx


The pattern can purchased and downloaded here:

Source: Autumn Acorn Cowl via SapphiresnPurls on Craftsy

4th of July - Stars 'n Stripes Dish Cloth - Free Pattern

Hi everyone!  Here is a free pattern for you to knit for the Fourth of July, which is right around the corner.  This uses Lily Sugar n Cream self striping yarn, so all you have to do is knit.

The stitches you need to know for this pattern are:  knit, purl, yarn over, purl three together.  If you don't know how to do the star stitch, here is a video:

June 20, 2012 - I used my cloth for the first time tonight, and the red has bled a little bit into the white.  There is also a little bit of bleeding from the blue, but not much.  This doesn't bother me, but I wanted to let everyone else know in case it may be an issue.  


Stars 'n Stripes Dish Cloth

Beaded Tassels

If you want to add a little glitz to your tassels, why not use beads?  It is really simple to do - the process is basically the same as making regular tassels, but you don't cut the bottom of the tassel.  Just pick some beads appropriate for your yarn.  If you aren't able to find beads that will fit your yarn, try using a complimentary, light weight yarn that the beads will fit on and wrap it along with the yarn used for the project.  Or you can just use the different yarn by itself.

Like regular tassels, you will need something to wrap your yarn around that is the length you want the tassel to be.  You also need beads of course, and scissors.  You will also need a needle that will fit through the hole in your bead with the yarn, or you can use a crochet hook to put the beads onto your yarn like I do in the video.

You can use as many beads as you like.  For the tassel above, I just kept one bead per strand as I wrapped.  Once you are done wrapping, cut the yarn.  You will need to cut another length of yarn to tie the tassel at the top so it doesn't fall apart.  Then, just slid the tassel off the cardboard or whatever you wrapped it around.  Do not cut the bottom of the tassel or your beads will come off.  You can then tie another piece of yarn around the top of the tassel if you like.  Attach the tassel to your project and trim any ends that may be sticking out.

Here is a video showing how I made the tassel above.

How to Make a Tassel

Tassel on the left was made with some wool yarn I dyed myself.  Tassel on the right was made with Sugar n Cream cotton yarn.

Tassels are easy to make.  You don't need any fancy equipment, either.

You will need:

1. A piece of cardboard or something else you can wrap your yarn around.  It should be a little longer than you want your finished tassel to be.  That way you can trim up the end without having a shorter than desired tassel.  (I used a piece of folded cardboard to make mine, as you will see in the video, but you needn't fold yours. )
2. Scissors
3. Crochet hook
4. Yarn, of course

To keep things brief here, I am not going to go into great written detail.  Not that it is complicated to make a tassel, but it is much easier to see it being done than read how to do it.   Basically, all you do is wrap your yarn around the cardboard, until the tassel is as thick as you want it.  The more wraps you do, the thicker your tassel will be.  Then, cut a length of yarn, slip your crochet hook under the wraps, pull the length of yarn under them, and tie it a couple of times tightly so that the tassel doesn't come apart. These are the strands you will use to attach the tassel to your project.  Next, cut the wraps on the opposite end from where you tied them together.  The tassel can be used as is, or you can cut another length of yarn, and tie it around the tassel a short distance from the top.  You can see in the picture above where I have tied my tassels.  I like to wrap my yarn a few times around the tassel, but you can just tie and be done.  With your crochet hook, pull the tails from the yarn you used to tie around the tassel underneath itself and voila. Trim if necessary.  To attach your tassel to a hat or scarf, or whatever you like, just use the strands from the top of the tassel to tie them on.  That's it.

So, here is the video.  Happy Tasseling!

Mattress Stitch

This was requested by a YouTube friend.  I personally avoid seams whenever possible.  I just don't like to seam.  When I bind off, I want to be done!  But I do love how this makes an invisible join that you really can't see at all.  Below are still photos, as well as a video of some small stockinette pieces being joined with Mattress Stitch.

My sample was done on stockinette fabric, however this could really be used with any stitch or fabric.  Do keep in mind that you should add a couple of extra stitches to the sides of your fabric so that you can seam easily, and you won't lose any width.  Seaming takes away from the width of your fabric - patterns that require seaming should have that fact accounted for, so no need to worry about adding extra stitches if you are following a pattern.  But if you are designing your own pattern, just keep in mind when calculating the size.  

OK, so here we go.

1. Your fabric should be placed with right sides facing.  You will be working in a side to side fashion. 
2. Use the same yarn that you knit your garment with.  To make things easy, you can either reserve a length of tail from your cast on, or bind off, for this purpose.  Or you can simply cut a length of yarn to use instead.
3. Don't seam along the immediate edge of your fabric; instead, move over to the first line of stitches.  You could always move over two lines of stitches, but that will make the back side a bit bulkier. 
4. Be sure that you stay straight as you seam up the fabric.
5. For the sake of clarity, we will say we are starting with the left piece of fabric here, but you may start with whichever piece of fabric you like.  
6. Beginning at the cast on edge of the left piece of fabric, insert your yarn or tapestry needle into the cast-on edge stitch, then do the same on the right piece of fabric.
7. On the left piece of fabric, insert your needle under the first strand of yarn between the edge stitches and the first line of stitches.
8. Repeat on the right piece of fabric.
9. Continue moving left, right, left, right and so on, until you reach the top of your fabric.  Then, insert the needle into the stitch along the bind off edge on both the left and right piece of fabric.
10. Now, gently pull on the tail of your yarn to tighten things up.  Pulling from both ends is easiest for me.  You will see that the yarn you used to sew up disappears like magic.  Don't pull too tightly or your fabric will become misshapen.  Just pull gently until the seam is neat and even.  Weave in the loose ends.

Now, if you are like me, you may be scratching your head and saying "Huh?!" after reading that.  I find visual aids much more easy to understand than the written word.  So, here are some pictures, and the video.

These are the strands that you will be picking up and running your needle and yarn under

Yarn has been inserted into the cast on edge stitches of each piece of fabric

Needle going under the first strand

I have started weaving from left to right, left to right

I have now finished weaving all the way to the top of my fabric, and the yarn has been placed into each stitch along the bind off edge as well

The yarn used to seam has been pulled tight, and I now have an invisible join!  

You can see how beautifully these pieces of stockinette fabric have been joined.  Here is a sample of seed stitch fabric I joined, which is just as nice.

Natural Stitches

Last weekend I visited a yarn shop called Natural Stitches in Pittsburgh Pa.
I wouldn't consider it a very big store, however it is absolutely full of beautiful yarn!  They also have a cozy little area to sit, relax and knit.  They have a reward program too - spend $250 and receive 10% your next purchase.  Almost one entire wall is devoted to Cascade 220 - they have every single color.  So if you are a fan of that yarn, this is the place to get it!  If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend stopping in. Everyone was very nice, and they were able to help me with yarn for a project I am working on now, and will be sharing with everyone soon.  Below are just a few pictures.  As you can see, it is a very neat, clean and well organized shop.  I can't wait to go back!

Yarn Sales!

Hello to all my fellow fiber addicts!  Just thought I would share some sales going on right now.  This is by no means all there is, just a little from a couple of my favorite online shops.

From Jimmy Beans:
Ella Rae Milky Soft
Euro Baby Cuddly Cotton
GGH Fiesta
Lana Grossa Alta Moda

From WEBS:
Araucania Panguipulli
Ella Rae Latte
Elsebeth Lavold SensuAl

Until next time, Happy Knitting all!

Interweave Knits Summer 2012

The latest issue of Interweave Knits arrived in my mailbox today!

Love the shawl on the front - it is the Summer Blooms Shawl, designed by Susanna Ic and knit with Suri Elegance.

Several other very nice projects in this issue, as well as an article on swatching, by Eunny Jang.

Check out the link above to see all of the projects in this issue!

Autumn Acorn Cowl

This is my latest pattern.  I chose the name because the colors of the yarn remind me of the beautiful fall colors, and the acorn cable stitch pattern I used.  You are, of course, free to use any color of yarn you like!  Gauge is not critical for this pattern, and feel free to substitute any other medium weight, similar yarn if you are not able to find the one I used.

This pattern uses a yarn called Waves, which is a 70% wool / 30% soy blend.  (Same as Patons SWS, which has been discontinued).

This is a fairly quick knit, and great for keeping the chill away.  You can purchase the pattern over on Craftsy.

Here are some pictures of the blocking and seaming done on the cowl.  Blocking is optional, but I do recommend it to open up the beautiful cable stitch pattern.  You don't need anything special to block the cowl.  I just pinned mine onto a towel on the bedroom floor.  Just be sure you have a place that is out of reach of toddlers, cats and any other curious creatures.

For the seaming up, use any method you like.  I like to sew under the stitches of the cast on and bind off edges, and pull the needle up through the loop of the yarn on the needle. This makes a firm seam that is nice and neat.

Here are the pictures, and there is also a video demonstration of the Acorn Stitch over on The Weekly Stitch, incase you need some help.

Happy Knitting, and Enjoy!

Cowl being blocked

Finished seam on the right side 

Sewing the cast on and bind off edges together

Pulling the yarn through the loop to seam up

Converting Flat Stitch Patterns for Round Knitting

This is just a little tutorial I put together to help you out if you would like to knit something in the round, but aren't sure how to get the stitch pattern to work out.  I will be perfectly honest - this is not an easy thing for me!  It does take me a little while before I "get it" with some stitch patterns.  So, you are not alone if you aren't able to convert stitch patterns easily.  I do get a thrill when I finally figure out some of the trickier ones, which is what makes me keep trying different patterns.  Practice makes perfect - so don't get discouraged if something doesn't work out the first time.  Keep trying!

Of course I did not come up with this information on my own.  This all can be found in Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting, as well as various other places on the web.  Also, Margaret Radcliffe has a new book due out in just a few short weeks, called Circular Knitting Workshop: Essential Techniques to Master Knitting in the Round.  I pre-ordered this back in December and have been so anxious to get it, I keep checking to see if maybe it will be released sooner!  This book is supposed to have information on converting stitch patterns for knitting in the round, which is the reason I want it.

Below are instructions along with a few stitches for you to try out to get your needles going if you have never converted flat to round knitting.  You can print this tutorial out so you can have it in your hands - which I find is a lot easier than having to constantly looking at the computer.  There is also a free hat pattern using Star Stitch for you to print out too.  Last but not least, there is a video briefly going over the tutorial and I will show you the stitches given in the tutorial.

I hope this tutorial is helpful, and that you like the hat pattern.  Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Converting Flat Stitch Patterns for Knitting in the Round

Lacy Ruffle Scarf

Lacy Ruffle Scarf

Join a New Ball of Yarn

Yarn is Cascade 220

 How great is this join?!  Simple and easy to do - you can use any yarn, too.  Other than the Spit Splice, or Felted Join, this has to be my favorite method of joining a new ball of yarn.  Rather than still photos, I am just doing the video on this one.  If you haven't tried this yet, you must. You will need a yarn or tapestry needle to do this, and about 30-60 seconds.  That's it.

In the picture above, I used two different colors just for ease of demonstration, but most likely you will be using the same color of yarn.  Even if you are using two different colors, once you've knit the join area, it really blends in well with the fabric and you will be hard pressed to tell where the join is once it is done.

Hope you like it.  Happy Knitting and Enjoy!

Vanna's Choice Contest 2012

If you would like to enter the contest, check out the link below for details.  Hurry, the deadline is February 1, 2012.

Lots of prizes - top prize is a trip for two to meet Vanna and a chance to win $100,000.00!

4th Annual Vanna's Choice Contest - 2012

Catskill Merino Sheep Farm

Check out all of the beautiful yarns from Catskill Merino Sheep Farm.  If you happen to be in or around Union Square in NY City on a Saturday, between 8 AM to 6 PM stop in and see them.  They are there every Saturday of the year.  Below are some pictures from their stand from December 3rd.