Well I'm off for another weekend at my grandmother's house to clear out more and set up for the Christmas Boutique. psst. if you're in the Sacramento area the weekend of November 10Th and need to add to your Christmas decorating stash come on by (email me for info). I picked this weekend because it just so happens I have an Oracle database class in Sacramento this week so just works out perfectly. Oh and speaking of email I'm not sure if I will have Internet connectivity this week but will try my best.
Shipping Delay.... I will be away from the shop from Friday 10/26 through 11/2 and will be shipping orders received during the week on Saturday 11/3. Thanks !
Have a wonderful weekend ... and week.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I feel a contest coming on
Coming Soon ... A Contest!
Well, I'm here working on my Honeybee stole and Traveling Pumpkin Vine socks and they don't look much different than the last set of pictures. Ok, the second sock does look different than the start of the toe section but you know what I mean. I was emailing a friend (waves to blogless Brooke) and she sparked an idea for a contest.
The basic idea is I would love to have pictures of the wonderful projects my customers have made. Concept ... you submit pictures of your projects made with the yarns or patterns purchased from The Knitting Hutch and for each photo you will have an entry in the drawing.
There will be 3 or more prizes drawn and yes some (if not all) of the prizes will be yarn and they will be great. I will be working out the details over the next week or two and posting here as well as sending a special newsletter.
So watch this space or if you're on my mailing list for the newsletter for details and date for the drawing. In the meantime start taking pictures of your projects both completed and in progress. No projects yet... well get shopping and get busy ;-)
New Book - New Pathways for Sock Knitters
I just got this one today from Amazon.com. I love Cat's designs ... she is a friggin genius!
However, I'm not sure how I'll take to this but I am willing explore where she's going with full trust. She didn't fail to enthral me with the Mobeius and her concise directions for knitting in the round with 2 circs which is the staple of my circular knitting diet.
My first glance through this confirmed what I had read on Ravelry and KR; that this isn't something you read, pickup and start knitting in 10 minutes but really needs to be approached methodically and trusting fully in her guidance. That said, I want to wait to start this adventure until after I've cleared the decks of some of the WIPs laying around my family room. Truth be told I really, really like my no thinking about it toe up sock recipe with plug and play patterning on the instep and leg and part of me isn't sure how I'll take to a very new way of approaching sock knitting.
Cat does show us that there is a different way of defining the 'parts' or 'anatomy' of a sock but not a total paradigm shift as I had expected and that's OK. The other thing about the book I noticed is there are nice detailed instructions and tips/tricks; there are toe up as well as cuff down methods but again with a twist; and the best is it recognises that there are 3 types of sock knitters (dpns, 2 circs, or 1 long circ) and each pattern has instructions/guidance for all three. I can't believe with everything that is covered in this book that this is the first of a set of 3 (again she is amazing). So, if you feel you're in a sock knitting rut or just like a little challenge and love to try something new I would recommend this highly. Believe me ... I will share my experiences with the projects in this book when I do them.
Well, I'm here working on my Honeybee stole and Traveling Pumpkin Vine socks and they don't look much different than the last set of pictures. Ok, the second sock does look different than the start of the toe section but you know what I mean. I was emailing a friend (waves to blogless Brooke) and she sparked an idea for a contest.
The basic idea is I would love to have pictures of the wonderful projects my customers have made. Concept ... you submit pictures of your projects made with the yarns or patterns purchased from The Knitting Hutch and for each photo you will have an entry in the drawing.
There will be 3 or more prizes drawn and yes some (if not all) of the prizes will be yarn and they will be great. I will be working out the details over the next week or two and posting here as well as sending a special newsletter.
So watch this space or if you're on my mailing list for the newsletter for details and date for the drawing. In the meantime start taking pictures of your projects both completed and in progress. No projects yet... well get shopping and get busy ;-)
New Book - New Pathways for Sock Knitters
I just got this one today from Amazon.com. I love Cat's designs ... she is a friggin genius!
However, I'm not sure how I'll take to this but I am willing explore where she's going with full trust. She didn't fail to enthral me with the Mobeius and her concise directions for knitting in the round with 2 circs which is the staple of my circular knitting diet.
My first glance through this confirmed what I had read on Ravelry and KR; that this isn't something you read, pickup and start knitting in 10 minutes but really needs to be approached methodically and trusting fully in her guidance. That said, I want to wait to start this adventure until after I've cleared the decks of some of the WIPs laying around my family room. Truth be told I really, really like my no thinking about it toe up sock recipe with plug and play patterning on the instep and leg and part of me isn't sure how I'll take to a very new way of approaching sock knitting.
Cat does show us that there is a different way of defining the 'parts' or 'anatomy' of a sock but not a total paradigm shift as I had expected and that's OK. The other thing about the book I noticed is there are nice detailed instructions and tips/tricks; there are toe up as well as cuff down methods but again with a twist; and the best is it recognises that there are 3 types of sock knitters (dpns, 2 circs, or 1 long circ) and each pattern has instructions/guidance for all three. I can't believe with everything that is covered in this book that this is the first of a set of 3 (again she is amazing). So, if you feel you're in a sock knitting rut or just like a little challenge and love to try something new I would recommend this highly. Believe me ... I will share my experiences with the projects in this book when I do them.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Halfway and beyond
This weekend marked not only reaching the halfway point on my 2 current projects OTN but getting just a little beyond.
Honeybee Stole - I reached the summit (aka first half) which is worked from the center back to the right border. Then on Saturday morning with plenty of natural light I picked up the provisional crochet cast on stitches and was ready to work my way down the other side of this hill. Tonight I should finish the 2nd of 7 repeats in the first section.
Here's a couple pictures of this with the dress that I have planned to wear for Thanksgiving.
I bought it while on a site visit to Big Sur for the Lace in the Woods '08 retreat. It was on sale at The Phoenix which is a wonderful shop at Nepenthe. Not only did I know this dress would be perfect but it was on sale too!
Speaking of Lace in the Woods '08. Spots are filling up so if you're thinking about joining us for a lace knitting frenzy with Anne, Miriam, Susan and Cookie you might want to sign up now.
I also have someone interested in sharing a cottage to split the cost of lodging. Info here...
Traveling Pumpkin Vine Socks - One down and another started
On Saturday night I finished the first sock and Sunday morning immediately cast on for the mate. Love this pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. It has enough going on to keep you interested but memorizable too.
No full frontal shots until the mate is done ;-)
For the cuff I did the recommended k1p1 rib for 11 rows and finished it off with a picot bind off.
I love the frilly picot which won't be that frilly when worn. I think this detail works well with the movement of the pattern in the sock. Tonight I'll be finishing up the first repeat of the instep on the mate so these should be ready in time for Halloween next week with no problem.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
21st Century Living Fun Observations
I know this has been around for say over 7.5 years now but it makes me laugh just the same and thought I'd share it with you ... along with my 'answers'.
21st Century Living
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
No, I've never done this one and I have over 2 dozen passwords personal and work.
2. You haven't played Solitaire with real cards in years.
It has been a long time since I've played Solitaire with playing cards but
I've played 21 with my son with real playing cards so that something.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
Actually, my parents each have only one phone number each.
My son (none) but his father one.
So, again not quite fitting this albeit exaggerated example.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
Nope, I walk down the hall unless it's something I need to document or need them to save.
Besides, I need an excuse to raid the candy jar, right? Say, I'll be right back ;-)
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
Actually, I've not been big on 'writing' family and friends. I much rather call them at one of their 5 phone numbers.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
Nope, I just carry them all in myself.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
Well, of course they do. How else are we going to find them ;-)
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
Oh, yes ... I have done this and now go through a mental checklist of my purse before leaving the house.
10.You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
Absolutely!!!!
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
Ok, now that is funny
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
At some of them. Others are obviously an exaggeration.... but still fun.
13. Even worse. you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
Oh, no I never, ever forward 'for fun' emails.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
No, I noticed
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't #9 on this list.
Nope, see #14.
AND......NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING at yourself.
Ok, so how do you rate with the 21st Century?
21st Century Living
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
No, I've never done this one and I have over 2 dozen passwords personal and work.
2. You haven't played Solitaire with real cards in years.
It has been a long time since I've played Solitaire with playing cards but
I've played 21 with my son with real playing cards so that something.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
Actually, my parents each have only one phone number each.
My son (none) but his father one.
So, again not quite fitting this albeit exaggerated example.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
Nope, I walk down the hall unless it's something I need to document or need them to save.
Besides, I need an excuse to raid the candy jar, right? Say, I'll be right back ;-)
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
Actually, I've not been big on 'writing' family and friends. I much rather call them at one of their 5 phone numbers
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
Nope, I just carry them all in myself.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
Well, of course they do. How else are we going to find them ;-)
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
Oh, yes ... I have done this and now go through a mental checklist of my purse before leaving the house.
10.You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
Absolutely!!!!
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
Ok, now that is funny
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
At some of them. Others are obviously an exaggeration.... but still fun.
13. Even worse. you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
Oh, no I never, ever forward 'for fun' emails.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
No, I noticed
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't #9 on this list.
Nope, see #14.
AND......NOW YOU ARE LAUGHING at yourself.
Ok, so how do you rate with the 21st Century?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Milestone Monday
Ok, I know it's Tuesday but late last night I hit two knitting project milestones.
One major and one small but a milestone none the less.
Honeybee Stole ~ 50%
Last night I finally hit the halfway mark on this project. I love this project!
Each section has really challenged me and once I get into the rhythm of that section it's time to start on a new one and get into the groove of that one. I've knit lace with subtle and and sporadic patterning on the 'wrong side' but this is the first one with virtually equal patterning on both sides. Even though it seems like this is taking me longer than the other lace projects I've done I really like taking my skills to the next level and the end product is so worth it.
Tonight I will be picking up stitches from the provisional cast on and starting it all over again for the other side of this amazing stole. It was late when I reached this 'milestone' and not ideal lighting for taking a photo but I will take one this weekend. I'll even do one with it cozying up with the dress that I think is a perfect match.
Traveling Pumpkin Vine Socks ~ A heel has turned
Yesterday morning I had the first sock toe and instep all done (4 repeats.... love having a size 5.5 foot) and ready to start the short row heel. I knew this would be perfect to take with me to my eye appointment to start the heel while waiting for my eye exam. Just as expected I was able to easily do complete the first half of the heel before they called me in and last night sailed through reversing the short row up the back side of the heel... I even started the first repeat of the leg pattern. Love this yarn (Socks That Rock , colorway (Rocky Horror) and the pattern (Traveling Vine). This is a really quick one that I shouldn't have a problem finishing in time for Halloween.
Since a turned heel isn't that terribly photo worthy I'll wait until this one is done for the next photo op.
All for now I guess.
One major and one small but a milestone none the less.
Honeybee Stole ~ 50%
Last night I finally hit the halfway mark on this project. I love this project!
Each section has really challenged me and once I get into the rhythm of that section it's time to start on a new one and get into the groove of that one. I've knit lace with subtle and and sporadic patterning on the 'wrong side' but this is the first one with virtually equal patterning on both sides. Even though it seems like this is taking me longer than the other lace projects I've done I really like taking my skills to the next level and the end product is so worth it.
Tonight I will be picking up stitches from the provisional cast on and starting it all over again for the other side of this amazing stole. It was late when I reached this 'milestone' and not ideal lighting for taking a photo but I will take one this weekend. I'll even do one with it cozying up with the dress that I think is a perfect match.
Traveling Pumpkin Vine Socks ~ A heel has turned
Yesterday morning I had the first sock toe and instep all done (4 repeats.... love having a size 5.5 foot) and ready to start the short row heel. I knew this would be perfect to take with me to my eye appointment to start the heel while waiting for my eye exam. Just as expected I was able to easily do complete the first half of the heel before they called me in and last night sailed through reversing the short row up the back side of the heel... I even started the first repeat of the leg pattern. Love this yarn (Socks That Rock , colorway (Rocky Horror) and the pattern (Traveling Vine). This is a really quick one that I shouldn't have a problem finishing in time for Halloween.
Since a turned heel isn't that terribly photo worthy I'll wait until this one is done for the next photo op.
All for now I guess.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
New Things
This is going to be a little image heavy post. Thought I'd catch you up on the new things here at Chez Knitting Hutch ..
UPS was good to me yesterday and today.
New Books and Calendar
Today I received my latest Amazon order with 3 goodies.
2 books (A Gathering Of Lace and Lace Style) - I'll post my thoughts on these later this week.
and then a knitting daily calendar - 365 Knitting Stitches a Year.
I've been looking for the perfect knitting calendar for the past couple years and have been underwhelmed. Now I think I've found it!!! It's stitches and only stitches... no other items of the day that you don't want. For me this will be the perfect inspiration for sock stitch patterns.
I typically use my favorite toe up method for socks and plug in what I feel is the perfect stitch pattern for the color. The other fantastic thing about this daily calendar is that it's perpetual.
No year or day of week so it can be used indefinitely.
New Socks on the needles.
Speaking of socks.... I have a New sock on the needles.
Traveling Pumpkin Vines Socks.
A couple of weeks ago in a weak moment I was on the Blue Moon Fiber Arts website
looking at all their colors for lightweight sock yarns and I saw it!!!
Rocky Horror!!! I have been waiting for them to bring this one back for awhile now and here it is. A fun combination of oranges and browns.... Perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving (Ok all of Fall) socks. Another reason I had to have this one is during my Senior year of High School ('79) I went to the midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show every weekend with friends.
So you see I HAD to have this one.
Last night I was looking through my More Sensational Knitted Socks book for a 4 or 8 stitch pattern for this on and found the Traveling Vines pattern and just seemed perfect for this pumpkiny colorway. I love it... what do you think. I'm already halfway through the instep on the first sock and it's zooming along nicely. Shouldn't have any problem having these done in time for Halloween ;-)
New progress on the Honeybee Stole. I have been faithfully (until last night, see above) working on this one since I started it 3 weeks ago. I'm on the 3rd repeat of 5 in the Bee and Honeycomb section with the border remaining. Then I'll pick up the stitches held by the provisional cast-on and do it all again for the other side. This should be done in time for Thanksgiving with a little time to spare.
Oh, and I also ordered the Grinchy colorway too. What can I say... that is my all time favorite Christmas movie ever. I'll share that one when it jumps on the needles after a few other things are completed (see above and below).
New Honeybee Stole progress
Close up of the Bee and Honeycomb section below.
Closeup of the Bee Swarm section
(It'll look like something after it's blocked I'm sure.
New Products at The Knitting Hutch
UPS delivery yesterday was great.... Habu and Frog Tree
The Habu delivery included not only restocks of a couple colors of Tsumugi Silk and the Silk Lunch Bag kits but some new yarns and kits as well.
New Yarns - A-25 Chenille Cork and A-107 Feather Moire
I ordered these for a customer who's using them together to make a wedding shawl.
New Kits - Kusha Kusha Scarf Kit in assorted colorways. This is a fun felted wool and silk stainless steel scarf. If you've ever wanted to try the Habu silk stainless steel this is a perfect way to play with this yarn by Habu.
Have a wonderful week
UPS was good to me yesterday and today.
New Books and Calendar
Today I received my latest Amazon order with 3 goodies.
2 books (A Gathering Of Lace and Lace Style) - I'll post my thoughts on these later this week.
and then a knitting daily calendar - 365 Knitting Stitches a Year.
I've been looking for the perfect knitting calendar for the past couple years and have been underwhelmed. Now I think I've found it!!! It's stitches and only stitches... no other items of the day that you don't want. For me this will be the perfect inspiration for sock stitch patterns.
I typically use my favorite toe up method for socks and plug in what I feel is the perfect stitch pattern for the color. The other fantastic thing about this daily calendar is that it's perpetual.
No year or day of week so it can be used indefinitely.
New Socks on the needles.
Speaking of socks.... I have a New sock on the needles.
Traveling Pumpkin Vines Socks.
A couple of weeks ago in a weak moment I was on the Blue Moon Fiber Arts website
looking at all their colors for lightweight sock yarns and I saw it!!!
Rocky Horror!!! I have been waiting for them to bring this one back for awhile now and here it is. A fun combination of oranges and browns.... Perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving (Ok all of Fall) socks. Another reason I had to have this one is during my Senior year of High School ('79) I went to the midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show every weekend with friends.
So you see I HAD to have this one.
Last night I was looking through my More Sensational Knitted Socks book for a 4 or 8 stitch pattern for this on and found the Traveling Vines pattern and just seemed perfect for this pumpkiny colorway. I love it... what do you think. I'm already halfway through the instep on the first sock and it's zooming along nicely. Shouldn't have any problem having these done in time for Halloween ;-)
New progress on the Honeybee Stole. I have been faithfully (until last night, see above) working on this one since I started it 3 weeks ago. I'm on the 3rd repeat of 5 in the Bee and Honeycomb section with the border remaining. Then I'll pick up the stitches held by the provisional cast-on and do it all again for the other side. This should be done in time for Thanksgiving with a little time to spare.
Oh, and I also ordered the Grinchy colorway too. What can I say... that is my all time favorite Christmas movie ever. I'll share that one when it jumps on the needles after a few other things are completed (see above and below).
New Honeybee Stole progress
Close up of the Bee and Honeycomb section below.
Closeup of the Bee Swarm section
(It'll look like something after it's blocked I'm sure.
New Products at The Knitting Hutch
UPS delivery yesterday was great.... Habu and Frog Tree
The Habu delivery included not only restocks of a couple colors of Tsumugi Silk and the Silk Lunch Bag kits but some new yarns and kits as well.
New Yarns - A-25 Chenille Cork and A-107 Feather Moire
I ordered these for a customer who's using them together to make a wedding shawl.
New Kits - Kusha Kusha Scarf Kit in assorted colorways. This is a fun felted wool and silk stainless steel scarf. If you've ever wanted to try the Habu silk stainless steel this is a perfect way to play with this yarn by Habu.
Have a wonderful week
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