Star Sighting

I got to be a Beverly Hills tourist today. S and I went to do some mundain dermotology stuff, Booooring, right?
But, since she used to work in the heart of Beverly Hills that is where she still goes, some 10 years later.
So after making ourselves not so beautiful so we can be beauriful, we went shopping in some of the posh stores and for the first time in **&&^%&^% years I actually walked down Rodeo Dr.
Pretty boring actually, just a whole lot of very over priced things that I would never wear if you gave it to me. All boring except for the jewlery stores, I could so some seriouse damage in a few of them.

On the way back home from 90210, going out S's secret back way through the "hood" I see this woman, walking down the street, looking throug mail, black hat and long black coat and I think, " wow, that is a weird mailperson" . We get right up to her and realize that is was Diane Keaton!! I am not one to really get into these things. But, she is one of my Favs and so seeing her was actually exciting!

(this is a stock pic)

On the knitting side I am working on a cheveron scarf sample for the store out of wikiki from Crystal Palace (sort of a thin slubby yarn) and Karabella Lace Merino.

Two very different yarns, different weights and it is turning out really nice.

So don't be afraid to experiament with this pattern and different yarns.

Baby Surprise

I have been working hard knitting samples for the store and for classes. I am going to be teaching Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket at Unraveled this month and next.
So of course it is a good idea to actually knit the thing a few times so that I can make most of the mistakes first, I mean, isn't that why we take a class? So we don't have to figure out the mistakes ourselves?

Here are two of them. The largest size would fit about a 1-2 yrs was done in Berroco Comfort which I loved. It is so soft and squishy.

and the small one, new born size, in Lang Jawoll Jacard sock yarn. The colors and the stripping are so wonderful.

Then I had to make these little botties. You can find the free pattern here.

I have a few more things to knit for the store and then I need to find something that I want to knit for me.

I wonder what it will be?? Not that I don't have a cue full of things to knit over at ravelry. But now I will have to choose something.

Classes

I have spent a lot of time over the last week getting a new class up and running, "Hairpin Lace Connecting Up".
It is the next class after you learn to make hairpin strips. I did a lot of research on different ways to put together the strips. After making all the samples I spent Friday night writing all the instructions up. This is my favorite join so far.

I had a lot of people in this class and they were all very excited about doing hairpin lace and moving on to bigger projects. We are talking about doing the Stitch Diva Hairpin skirt as a KAL, we'll see.

One of the students found these encredible antique hairpin laces using the thinest thread and real hairpins to make the strips on.

Can you imagine actually doing this? I sure cann't.
But what a treasure, and she gave them to me so I can show them when I teach this class. Thanks Camille!!

Almost done with the cheveron scarf.

I love this thing. I think it is one of my most favorite items that I have made in a while. It just makes me happy to knit with this yarn (koigu) and these colors.

The simple joys are the best, don't you think?

What to Knit

I have been knitting a lot for the store and class samples over the last few months. I am trying to figure out what I really want to be knitting now. I am looking at a sweater for my mom for christmas. It will be fun since I am starting it so early and there is no pressure. But it is more obligation knitting.

I am not even sure what I really want to be knitting.

But while I am trying to figure that out here are some of my FO's.

Flower Hat Pattern in Itty-Bitty Hat book
yarn- rowan hand knit cotton for the hat and Tahki cotton classic for the flowers.

I followed the pattern straight out of the book. I did stitch the flower together on the sides once I had them sewn onto the hat. It seemed to help them lay better. I also did not go all the way around the back for the smallest hat. I felt that the babies would not like laying on the flowers. For the toddler size I would do the flowers all the way around.

Crochet Hat
I used RYC cashsoft which is just wonderful to work with.

This is a felted stash bag I put together with a lot of leftover yarns. Super simple and fun. I lined the bags and put a cardboard bottom on it so it is really sturdy. I used leather handles from Trendsetter that just clip on the bag. I love the handles, there is no sewing and they are really sturdy.

This is a great little crochet bag. I made it with Rowan Tapastry yarn. I don't like the handle too much. I will change it next time.

Last but not least I finished a pair of socks for myself!!
Pattern: From Sensational Socks the slip-stitch rib pattern
Yarn: Socks that Rock Fairground color
Needles: 2 circulars #2
Modifications: None.

So what is next??

Great Day

I had a great day! We are having a sale at Uraveled through tomorrow. Many of my SnB group came this morning. I had so much fun helping them spend their money.

I love working at a yarn store!!

I also brought in all my finished Shrugs and we talked the beautiful Mary into modeling for the pictures.

The Finished Projects Extravaganza

Bergamo Shrug from Weekend Knits
I used Cash Soft by Rowen
color Poppy
There were no modifications. I loved using this yarn it feels like butter and drapes really nice.

Crochet Shrug

Pattern is the Cover of the Tahki Stacy Spring Crochet Book
Yarn: I used Blue Heron Cotton/Rayon Tape
Color: Old Gold
Kertzer Kitty Railroad yarn
Color: Stain

Modifications: I made the small shrug. I didn't have enough yarn to do two rounds of the trim. But it looks fine with one. If you make the larger size you will have enough for the trim.

The railroad yarn adds a lot to the look of the shrug. It is a great way to use railroad to spark things up.

Last but not Least:

The Twisted Float Shrug

Pattern is from the Fall issue of Vogue - the cover

Yarn: Lorna Laces shepherd Worsted Superwash

Modification: none. But the next one I make I will make the circle larger so the shrug is longer.

There is a good picture of this on the Twisted Float Shrug KAL

Now it is time to figure out what to make Mom for Christmas. Have no clue. But it is too blessed hot to do much but socks. But as we discussed at the last SnB

"I am not a sock knitter" wink wink