the yarn grove antics

Cowls and Owls

Its getting chilly (even in the south) so its time to break out the scarves...or for me, the cowls- my new "it" piece for the winter. I talk like I'm really fashionable, but don't be fooled. My main accessory is usually drool, applesauce or a combination. Cowls are great to cover applesauce stains.

Here is a picture of 2 cowls I made with some fabulous handspun and also the foiled Christmas gift. It really wasn't my fault! It was sitting in clear view and you would have picked it up too!

And here's a picture of my owl on Halloween. It was way past bedtime and we had just gotten home from going to a Clemson game in the rain. We went to 4 houses, took some pictures and then put him straight to bed. Then Chris and I ate his candy. What! Babies can't have candy!

Currently working on a baby sweater for my favorite baby girl, Katie Lane. Will post soon.

It's all about cowls for me...

I've been visiting Island Girl and Island Boy - so that is where I have been, in case there was wondering. We had a marvelous time and once again, I hated to leave. Weather was hot but the breezes were delightful...

When I visited Cheryl in October, she showed me some cowls she was making. I loved them. So many options. So I got on Ravelry and started looking up some patterns. I printed a couple off and decided who I would knit them for. I made a list of yarns that I would like to use and off I went on the Yarn Shop Hop Weekend - Oct. 10 to support my local LYS(s).

For Cheryl's, I chose Malabrigo Worsted in Lavanda in this Quickie Cowl pattern. For another one (recipient shall remain nameless) I chose Alpaca with a Twist Highlander yarn and this Cowl'd and Frosty Morning pattern. Love this yarn. Love the tweed (see photo).

As I finish a gift or two of knitting or sewing, I have a special place I put them. Well, Cheryl's cowl had just finished blocking this past week and she, Orange Boy and Stephen came for a visit. I hid (I thought) her finished cowl under a bag of yarn that was "scheduled" to go into its place of gift waiting honor. She somehow looked at the bag of yarn and then saw this scrumptious Malabrigo Cowl and pulled it out. She liked it. I was glad. She is wearing it now. It looks great on her and maybe Orange Boy and get a photo of it for me. I never even had time for that!

Hiya Hiya needles are in and plentiful (as of this writing). If you cannot find the size you want or have any questions about them, please email me at janeATtheyarngroveDOTcom.

Happy Fiber morning to you all.

Happy Birthday Little Mommy!

To Cheryl, aka Little Mommy,

Happy Birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear Cheryl,

Happy birthday to you.

Enjoy your day and I wish you nothing but happiness, joy and much crafting today and throughout the year ... until your next one...

Love and hugs.

Mom-may

Zuma (s) and Laurel Burch

Back in stock for your shopping pleasure are the ever popular Zuma Bags. The black has been a favorite of a lot of you and I can understand why. I have ordered lots of the Zuma Bag in Red and I expect them here in November.

Also in, several colors of the ever functional Buddy Case. This case is excellent for holding all of your knitting objects. Made of animal-friendly faux leather, these would make great gifts. Also the Buddy case will be launched in Red in November and I have lots on order.

Speaking of gifts, also back in stock by popular demand are the Namaste Cali Catalina pouches. Perfect for holding small needles and just plain stuff, this little pouch sells at only $5.00.

Also brand new from Hiya Hiya are Laurel Burch Sock needle sets. They are packaged in these adorable Laurel Burch accessory cases. Included with each are three sock size needles (as described in each item), a Hiya Hiya retractable tape measure and the Laurel Burch Accessory Zippered case. Get two and give one as a gift.

Lots of gift sewing and knitting has been going on. I cannot believe it is the middle of October. Which means.... I am going to see Island Girl and Island Boy! So, here is the shipping schedule for The Yarn Grove for the next 10 days...

Any order received after 1:00pm(EST) on Thursday, October 22 will not ship until Friday, October 30. Certainly the shop will be open as always but just remember the shipping schedule.

Hope your fall days are going well and involve lots and lots of gift giving projects!

Mini Orange Boy Hat

I got inspired to knit little Stephen a hat from a gal in my Noble Knitters group a couple of weeks ago. She was knitting a little hat with ear flaps, so I came home and found an adorable earflap hat from Woolly Wormhead - Wee Woolly Toppers. This electronic booklet is full of the cutest hats and I am happy to have it in my pattern collection - it was worth every cent.

I chose Cheryl B. Design Sport weight and doubled it. I used about 300 yards total in the special colorway: Orange Boy. I spent 3 glorious days recently with Cheryl, Orange Boy and Stephen and gave him his hat. He clearly loved it. Especially pulling it off!

We are busy here at The Yarn Grove. Lots of Hiya Hiya needles and more interchangeables on the way shortly.

One Tawashi, Two Tawashi

I have always had a long love affair with all things cotton for the kitchen and bath. Handmade dishcloths, washcloths, scrubbers - you name it. And I am in a group on Ravelry namely Tawashi Town. What is a Tawashi? Japanese translation: Scrubbie. A lot of Tawashi(s) are made with acrylic for the scubbing effect. The fish above was made with cheap acrylic and the citrus circle was made with cotton. I really prefer the cotton but I guess it is a personal preference.

If you are on Ravelry, stop by that group and check out all the amazing Tawashi(s). If you are not a member of Ravelry, join. It's free.

Still anxiously awaiting a new shipment of Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Needle sets and also the ever popular needle gauges. I hope to have them in the next couple of weeks. If you want to get on the wait list for a set of needles, please email me AT janeATtheyarngroveDOTcom .

I finally replenished our firewood supply. While I have enough fallen trees way in the forest here, they are mostly pine. I found a terrific supplier on Craig's List and ended up getting this gorgeous red and white oak for a great price.

Pickles were on the agenda for last weekend and pickles I did. My old stand by that everyone loves in this house - bread and butter. I will be sending a small arsenal to Island Boy who dearly loves them. It seems, however, my brain got a little confused on the amount of vinegar. I use 1/2 white and 1/2 cider vinegar so when it said 2 cups (use 1/2 and 1/2 if desired) I gave it 2 cups of white and 2 cups of cider. Whew. Those were stout! I had already canned 6 pints before I realized my mistake. I drained 4 of those pints and re-canned with the correct mixture. My mom loved the extra vinegar so she can have 2 jars.

And I leave you with my favorite face ... I think he looks adorable in green spinach...

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope it involves lots of crafty play.

She's here!!

Yay! my BFF Rebecca ( remember her story?) delivered a (tiny, but) healthy girl yesterday. Katie Lane is 4 lbs, 13 oz, 18 in long, but she's eating like a champion, and she's quite spunky, pee peeing on her Daddy this morning! Here are some baby booties I made for her precious feet.

Pattern is Saartjes Booties knit with yarn dyed by moi.

I have a few more items in the works- a cardigan I'm attempting to design, a hat for the little man, a tutu for Katie Lane and lots of scarves. I manage to knit a few rows during each of Stephen's four 25 minute naps. Speaking of the little booger, I hear him now...

And I leave you with this-