Laura's Pinecone Scarf

Laura from New Jersey thought we might like to see the finished Gardiner Yarn Works' Pinecone Scarf that she made for her daughter using Cherry Tree Hill's Glitter Alpaca in Foxy Lady.  Laura shares her tale..."The scarf is about 54" long and 5" wide knit on #3 needles.  I added the knotted fringe at my daughter's request.  I enjoyed working with this yarn and look forward to using some of the other wonderful yarns from your site.  I am currently contemplating my first-ever pair of socks. Thanks again for your help."  Thank you Laura for letting us enjoy your beautiful scarf and we look forward to hearing about your first-ever sock adventures.
 

Huan-Hua's Keyhole Scarf

This amazing Keyhole Scarf is an original design by Huan-Hua and is a variation on another of her originals works, the Water Is Wide Scarf.  Here's Huan-Hua's story..."This is the variation with cables on both sides, knit from a skein and a half of Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Jewel Blue.  This version was knit with a “keyhole” to secure the scarf."  Beautiful design and exquisite work, thank you for sharing with us!
 

Deanna's Child's First Socks

It's the season to celebrate socks!  And this time were admiring Deanna's Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern, this pattern is by Nancy Bush and can be found in her book Knitting Vintage Socks.  Deanna knit this pair with two hanks of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Tahoe colorway.  Thank you very much for sending in your work Deanna it is beautiful.

Robin's Lorna's Laces Socks

Robin is an avid sock knitter and a Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock lover.  She knit her wonderful socks from 2 skeins of Shepherd Sock..."The yarn’s color pattern Mineshaft was surprising; didn’t know it would be thick stripes – cool!  The pattern is from Nenah Galati’s Sock I DVD.   The needle size is US #2.  I c/o 72 for size large sock.   Not difficult, just patience with little tiny stitches!"  Very cool, enjoy wearing them Robin and I appreciate your sharing your hard work with us! 

Sally's Sockworthy Boyfriend's Socks

Sally of Austin, TX took the plunge and knitted this pair of socks out of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock as a Christmas present for her boyfriend.  She shares her story of how she determined her boyfriend was "Sockworthy..."I bought the yarn for these socks last summer when the Austin Meetup group stopped by your house on our yarn crawl. I had been talking with my long-distance boyfriend, Jules, for a few months at that point, and I decided to buy some sock yarn to make him socks. If we made it until Christmas, I would give him the socks, and he would be "sockworthy."

Seaside was the perfect colorway, since he loves the ocean. He later told me that Seaside was also the name of a little town in Oregon where he used to hang out with friends.  I chose the "Gentleman Socks" for the pattern. While it's a good pattern, it did take three weeks because of the small gauge and twisted stitches. I barely made the socks in two skeins by shortening the leg. (I had bought three just in case, but I was getting inpatient.)  Jules likes the socks. In fact, a couple of days ago, it was cold in California, so he put on my socks to keep his feet warm."

Sally I appreciate your sharing your wonderful socks with us, your work is excellent and I love your boyfriend story, someday I hope he proves to be "sweaterworthy!"

Lynn's Zephyr Lace Shawls

Lynn of Austin, TX is an avid lace knitter and her work is always breathtaking.  I've had the pleasure of admiring many of her shawls, and other knit creations, and now she's letting me share these works of art with you. 

She's knit two shawls from the JaggerSpun's Zephyr Wool Silk 2/18 she purchased at my last Yarn Crawl..."The green one is Peacock Feathers, which is published by Fiddlesticks. I knit it a bit smaller than gauge and it still came out huge.  The gray one is Wing-'O-the-Moth, from knitspot.com.  For a full-size lace shawl, it was a very fast and easy knit. I did them both on size 4 US needles." 

Both are very beautiful Lynn, thank you for letting me publish them. 

Valorie's Supersock DK Socks

Valorie, of British Columbia, Canada recently purchased some lovely Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK in River Run from me and was kind enough to share what she was inspired to create, her wonderful take on the Ampersand Socks...

Valorie tells us, "These were knit toe-up, one at a time on two circs (started on 2mm switched to 3mm for instep and cuff), with a simple stitch pattern borrowed from Kirsten Kapur's Ampersand, a free pattern listed on Ravelry.  I will definitely order from your site again.  The wool is wonderful, prices very good, and the package arrived quickly, even though it had to get through Canada Customs!"

First Thank You for sharing your work with us and second Thank You for your kind words about my service.  Its always my pleasure to help you.
 

Kim's Watermelon Pullover

This very sweet Kidknits' Watermelon Pullover & Hat set was knit by Kim, from Columbia, South Carolina.  Kim tells us..."I purchased the Kidknits Watermelon pullover and hat pattern from Sandra Singh.  The yarn used was Peaches n' Creme 100% unmercerized cotton.  I've never made a child's sweater before and it was quite easy!  The only changes I made were to omit the loop on the top of the hat and I used a duplicate stitch for the watermelon "seeds" on the hat so as to not have to carry a lot of yarn inside the hat."  Thanks for the tips Kim and sharing your work with us.  Its hard to believe this was your first child's sweater!
 

Capelet by Tacki

This wonderful Capelet, is as stylish as it is functional, and was knit by one of my very talented customers Tacki.  Tacki shares, "Here's a pic of me wearing a capelet I knit with Karabella Aurora 8.  I used a pattern called "Spiral Shell" from the book "Wrap Style", Interweave Press. The capelet was knit with 5 mm needles and required 4 balls. The yarn itself is really nice to work with, very velvety, and for patterns with a lot of structure it's probably a very good choice. Not sure how it will turn out after much wearing, but at the moment it still looks good. I have to say though, that the color is not really a light pink, I would rather call it peach or salmon."  Thank you Tacki, your Capelet is beautiful and looks great on you!   
 

Kathleen's Baby Blanket!

You'll find it hard to believe that this beautiful and soft looking Baby Blanket is the first Kathleen, of New Platz, NY, ever knit!  She tells us..."When I found out my college friend was going to have a baby, I decided to take on my first knitted blanket project.  I created this baby blanket using Peter Pan Bambino DK in Sugar Plum I purchased on your website.  The pattern was called 'elegantly simple baby blanket' from a knitting calendar and it was actually pretty simple once you got a hang of the feathers and fan pattern.  I used 6 or 7 balls of yarn on size 8 circular needles for a finished size of approx. 45 inches square.  I used some leftover yarn to knit the adorable booties from a pattern in the "Knit Knack Kit".  I hope you enjoy the photos!"  We love the photos Kathleen and appreciate your sharing them with us.  Your blanket & booties are adorable, your stitch work is perfect and you have one lucky friend and new baby!  Click on this pic to see Kathleen's Baby Booties. 
 

Deb's UGG Booties & Hat and Granddaughter!

Page below to see a close up this UGG set knit by none other than Debbie of Scotia, CA.  But to really enjoy Deb's labor of love take a look at her Granddaughter!  "It is her U GG set, complete with the “new” hat I knitted for her, she looks like she’s posing doesn’t she?"    She does indeed, what a beautiful smile and she's a real cutie!  Thank you very much Deb for letting us share your pride and joy.
 

Janet's UGG Booties & Hat Set

The Berroco UGG Bootie & Hat set is very popular and its easy to understand why!  Janet from Danville, IL was kind enough to let us see her version of this beloved set..."I made a slight change to this pattern.  Instead of sewing the creamy Berroco plush down the side, I did it down the back.  These were so easy to knit up and I can't wait to send them off to my niece for her new little boy."  What a lucky little boy!  Thanks Janet.
 

Kathrin's Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Baby Hat

Kathrin of Santa Clara, CA used one skein of Lorna's Lace Shepherd Sock to knit this adorable Baby Hat.  "...one of the Georgetown skeins, I used it to make a baby hat (I doubled the yarn and knitted it on a 3mm needle).  I love this yarn. Thanks so much for selling it at such a great price."  Thank you Kathrin for letting us see your Hat! 
 

Cathryn's Lady Eleanor Stole

Cathryn of Humble, TX finished her version of La Lana Wools' famous Lady Eleanor Stole, knit in La Lana Wools Forever Random Blends, and it is spectacular!  "I finally finished the Lady Eleanor Stole and it is on it's way to my daughter in England for Christmas.  I've attached a couple of pics. I am very pleased with the way it turned out. I grew up knitting in NW Iowa. The only yarn choices at the time were from the "dime" store. (So...Red Heart, mostly!) Now living in the Houston area I am re-discovering knitting with awesome yarns. I can't wait to visit your showroom next time I'm in Austin!!"  Cathryn your "Lady E" is lovely, thanks for letting me post a picture.
 

Deborah's "Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks"

Deborah, of Fort Myers, Florida, was kind enough to share her very sweet baby socks.  We love the scalloped edges.  "I purchased the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Yarn in Grapevine from you recently.  I knitted a pair of "Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks" with the yarn.  The pattern was published in Interweave Knits Summer 2005, but is also available free on their website.  They were real easy to knit and I loved the yarn (I'm looking to get some more).  I am giving them as a shower gift next week."  I'm sure they will be cherished.
 

Vicki's Potluck Worsted Pullover

Debbie's Ugg Booties and Hat Set

There is going to be one snuggly warm baby this winter who will look adorable in this UGG Baby Booties & Flap Ear Hat Set!   They were knit in Berroco Suede and trimmed in Plush by the talented Debbie of Scotia, California, she tells us "...here’s the picture of the set, I did not add a “bill” to the front, as I preferred it without it."  We hear a rumor Debbie is going to knit a matching little cardigan and can't wait to see it! 
 

Ida's Princess Dress

This beautiful TuTu dress was created by Ida of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  "...Princess Dress as I call it - it is a free pattern from the Berroco site called Coppelia.  I've made 2 of these dresses; the little girls just love them, but as you can imagine, the tutu can be a bit expensive.  I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for the top, as that is what I had on hand."  Thank you for letting us share this beautiful dress!
 

Lynne's Entrelac Hat

This beautiful Entrelac Hat was knit by Lynne from Kingsport, Tennessee.  "These are pictures of my daughter modeling the cap I made from your kit.  I am really pleased with it."  You should be Lynne its spectacular!  The kit is from Dancing Leaf Farm and we appreciate Lynne allowing us to show off her fine handiwork.
 

Careen's First Layette

One lucky little baby will soon be wearing this adorable Layette set crocheted by loving Grandma Careen Henry of Tempe, Arizona. 

Careen shares..."This is a baby layette I crocheted for my expectant daughter's first baby.  It was a recent gift at her baby shower.  I used Wendy/Peter Pan Bambino yarn in Hint of Lemon, purchased from your website.  The sacque and bonnet pattern came from a Leisure Arts Little Books design by Carole Prior.  The booties were from Annie's Attic "Precious Baby Booties" designs and the Heirloom Blanket was a Jane Davis design from the book "Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies".  The blanket features an edging with silk ribbon.  This was my first baby layette, made with love from Grandma." 

Careen is clearly accomplished in the art of crochet and its hard to believe this is her first set.  Thank you for letting us publish your work!
 

Andrea's Cabled Scarf

Andrea Merrit, a busy teacher from California, was kind enough to take a moment to share her beautiful Cabled Scarf with us.  She stitched these beautiful cables in The Schaefer Yarn Company's 50% silk & 50% wool yarn Marjaana in the colorway Louisa May Alcott.  I bet Andrea is going to miss Marjaana as much as we are! 

Thank you very much Andrea for letting us publish your scarf, we would love to see more of your work!
 

Susan's Clapotis

Susan from Canada has her own knitting blog, www.knitnut.net  She knit her Clapotis in Cherry Tree Hill's Silk & Merino Worsted in the Peacock colorway.  Here's her story!

"...I love my clapotis. And now that it’s finished, all my co-workers can see for themselves that there’s nothing poncho-like about it.

Did I ever tell you why I hate ponchos? When I was in grade 7 I went on a charity walkathon with my boyfriend, Danny Manship. I think it was 27 miles. My mom thought it would be cute to dress me like a Mexican, and it would also be a good way to get some use out of all the mexican tourist crap she bought in Mexico. So I had to wear a sombrero and a heavy wool poncho, and - get this - I had to take a goat on a leash. A real goat. Danny was a highly competitive guy, and he was convinced that a walkathon was really a race and whoever finished first was the winner. So he wanted us to RUN 27 miles and win the race. I pretty much RAN 27 miles in a sombrero and a poncho with a goat on a leash. God what a miserable day that was. The sombrero kept blowing off and the poncho was really hot. Here’s a little known fact: goats aren’t fond of running.

As for the clapotis, which is clearly not a poncho - it took awhile, but I think it was worth it. This is my completed clapotis (say that three times fast). I knit it using 2 and a quarter skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Silk & Merino worsted yarn in the peacock colorway.

This picture shows the size best - it’s big - about 5 feet long. I made it exactly according to the pattern. If I were to make another one, I’d make it wider so it would be longer (more shawl-like) in the back." 

We appreciate you letting us share your Clapotis and your goat story on our site.  Keep on blogging Susan!
 

Loretta's Happy Purse

Take one look at this bright, colorful purse and you'll understand why Loretta of Louisiana calls it her Happy Purse!  The pattern is loosely based on one that Loretta found in a Knit N Style magazine, she changed the yarn to Schaefer's Kathleen in Bette Davis and knit it up quickly in short rows on size 10 circular needles, then felted.  The rhinestone button and feather embellishments are the perfect touch.  Loretta hopes you enjoy looking at it as much she did knitting it!  Your Happy Purse is beautiful Loretta and we appreciate you sharing it with us.    

Amy's Stone Soup Scarf

This is LaLana Wool’s “Stone Soup Scarf” knit by Amy Crupa from Lisle, IL. She tells us she fell in love with the picture of it on our website, had to have it and found it very easy to knit! It is a simple garter stitch done in their "Dos Mujeres" yarn and accented with "Thickspun Jewels." “It’s now my favorite winter scarf and I definatly need it this winter!” Thanks Amy!  

Susanne's Christmas Gifts

One of our favorite customers, Susanne Banas, sent us this pic--a collection of her hand knit holiday gifts.  Susanne is an avid knitter and also accomplished at needlepoint (notice the cat in this picture) and sewing.  She has been knitting for many years, learned from her mom as a young girl, and has passed this love for the art down to her daughter.  She includes local yarn shops as points of interest during her travels to new cities!

This is what she has to tell us….”Here are some silly pictures - mostly of easy things that are quick to make for "holiday" gifts.  During the rest of the year I tend to do more challenging projects.  There is a sweater with deer on the front (for my husband), several scarves in Noro, Cherry Tree Hill Fun Fur and Froth and Lion Brand's new cashmere blend for my father who wanted something soft.

Thank you very much Susanne we look forward to seeing more of your work.
 

Dorothy's Scarf

This beautiful scarf in Cherry Tree Hill's Sachet Ribbon is a one-of-a-kind!  Knit by one of our best customers, Dorothy…”I just used the ribbon until it was gone!”  She added fringe not only on the ends but made the scarf more interesting by fringing it across the length.  Dorothy loves to knit and this hobby helps her pass the time she spends waiting in airports, this is where she finds herself quite often due to the travel she does for work!   

She takes her beloved hobby one step further, she donates her scarves to the local Salvation Army.  Dorothy is a fabulous knitter with a big heart.  Thanks for sending us your creation.

Lara's Tank

Next, congratulations go out to Lara Foster of Paradise, CA for her Arlene Trapeze Tank.  Before we discuss her beautiful handiwork we have to let you know that Lara is multi-talented!  Besides being an accomplished knitter she also writes her own knitting blog, Knitting In Paradise.  We highly recommend reading her witty anecdotes and insights into the world of knitting!  See for yourself, Knitting In Paradise, you’re sure to enjoy it.

Now about this lovely tank, Lara tells us…“I purchased the Berroco Cotton Twist yarn in Fern on Sandra Singh and used the Arlene Trapeze Tank pattern that was also on Sandra Singh.  It turned out very cute and I love the top!  I left off the palettes because it was a little too flashy for me.  I have received compliments on this top when I have worn it and people are usually surprised to find that I knitted it myself.” 

Thank you very much Lara!  This pattern is originally from Berroco and was designed for their cotton and rayon blend yarn Cotton Twist, we offer it free in our Patterns section.
 

Carolyn's Charity Work

These colorful Hats & Scarves, and the very warm and snuggly looking Afghan, were created by our customer Carolyn.  Carolyn crochets for others in need, she has donated over 18 pounds of crocheted clothing and blankets to the Bloomington, IL chapter of Warming Families.    

Carolyn asks, if you have the time, to visit Lion Brand’s website and browse the 'Find a Charity' feature.  As the cold-weather season approaches, this is a great time to contact a group and find out how you can help before the "season of need" sets in." 

This is what she has to say about her work…”The hats are mainly out of Lion Brand Super Saver yarn and other odds and ends from afghans I make.  The afghans are made out of lots of different brands and types, but all acrylic or acrylic blends for ease of washing.  The patterns are mine.  Very easy and fast.  I used a "J" hook for all.”   

Thank you Carolyn for sharing not only your creative handiwork, but your generous spirit as well.