Retail Therapy

I have returned to the Mainland. I had a great visit with my Island Girl and Boy, and in case I forgot to tell you, a mini-Island Boy in the works! Their first baby is due around June and I could not be more excited to have Grandson #2!!

When I returned last weekend, I needed some fabric retail therapy. So off I went to my favorite In-Town Quilters on Sunday which actually happened to be Shop Hop weekend. I picked up a pattern book called Sizzlin' Sixties and I shall embark in the Caught in a Web pattern. When done in these colorways, picked by the ever talented staff at In-Town, it is so cool looking. I usually steer away from triangles, etc. when quilting because frankly I don't enjoy it. But I have been looking at their sample quilt and decided the colors, design would be perfect for my bedroom at Island Girl/Boy's home. My furniture is white wicker there and this will really make the walls pop.

Also on Thursday, before I left, the Sewing Expo was in town for their annual show. I was in desperate need of a new cutting mat since I had accidentally let my mini iron touch it, more than a couple of times. So I was thrilled to see my favorite manufacturer there and purchased a new mat. Not only is it a mat but I bought the mat with turntable as well. Now instead of moving my stacks of fabric around to be cut, I can just spin the turntable! I am so excited to try it out.

In knitting news, a huge order of Hiya Hiya needles are scheduled to arrive today so check back at The Yarn Grove if you have been waiting for your size to come in.

I just finished Saroyan and it will be on the blocking board today. I loved this pattern and it is a free pattern. It was a fun knit. So I sat for a while last night before going to knit group and decided my next shawl project would be Daybreak. I had started this knit once before and couldn't get the hang of the beginning and I found out last night why. I wasn't paying attention. So my dear pal, Pat, sat so patiently with me and helped. So off I go. Thanks Pat!!

And I leave you today with a photo of mini-orange boy learning to play basketball...

This ain't the mainland...

First things first, Happy Birthday to my Island Girl!

Yes indeed, once again I am off this mainland to visit Island Girl and Island Boy so I wanted to let you all know that any orders received after 5:00pm on Thursday, March 11 will not be mailed until Monday, March 22. I have been plagued with some respiratory crud for almost 2 weeks now. Even 2 doctor visits. Yesterday, I got an inhaler and in all my years have never used one. But I sure did last night. So I am ready for some warm weather and hopefully the island will oblige.

I've been knitting away on my Saroyan and would already have it done except I was going to increase the number of leaves and after I did that on the increase section, I realized that I would probably run out of yarn before I finished the decrease round. So I tinked it back and am going with the traditional pattern.

In other craftiness, I am almost ready to put the binding on a baby quilt. This pattern is called Hip Baby and was a lot of fun.

Have a great week and hope it involves lots of craftiness!

Blocking issues

I have finished my first 10 in 2010 shawls (Ravelry) and to recap it is Simple Things shawl. I used 24" Hiya Hiya needles, bamboo in a size 4 and BMFA Socks that Rock in a mill end. No idea of the color name. The photo of it is washed out but it is a gorgeous deep velvety purple.

I soaked this little shawl in warm water and then got out my brand new "blocking mats" . I used about 1,000 pins (that is for drama) and blocked it on my large quilting table. Ummm, in looking at the photo of it here, it looks a little catty-wonked. Oh well, when it is dry, I will steam it with my magic steamer.All in all, I was pleased how it came out.

I need to read up on blocking because surely there is a trick to it. I'll have to ask my group tonight at Noble Knitters.

I had a wonderful time in the Rocket City celebrating mini Orange Boy's first birthday. Here he is modeling his cupcake hat. Quick, take a photo (which I had to do several times) because as soon as we put it on his head, off it came! He thought it was funny when his daddy (Orange Boy) put it on.

Little Mommy made him his own special "1" birthday shirt. It was so adorable. She continues to amaze me with all her craftyness!

Also Orange Boy, on FB, put up random photos for 31 days straight along with a blurb about each one, representing mini Orange Boy's first 365 days. He then uploaded to one of those photo places and had a book made. I ordered my own and it came yesterday! He did an amazing job and all I can say is: EVERYONE, get your photos off the computer and into digital books, scrapbooks or somewhere! On Saturday, I will be spending all day at a local hotel for a scrapbook convention. Cannot wait...

Now, I am on to yet another shawl, this one is called Saroyan. I am using yarn from Karabella, Aurora 8 and actually I believe this is only one of a handful of times I have ever used black yarn. I think I am really going to like this pattern. Again, all the cobwebs and windows that need cleaning are the fault of Woofgangpug . Diana made me drink the frappacino that night at NK....

Sweetness for my sweetie...

Yes, I have been knitting. I get inspired by all the knitters around me at my Wednesday night Noble Knitters group. So last week, Debra was knitting on a cupcake hat she had to finish in 2 days for a baby shower. So I asked myself the next day, why am I not knitting my Stephen a cupcake hat for his first birthday?

And so it began. First to find the pattern on the internet. Then go to my stash and I found some acrylic/cotton blend yarns that I thought would do the trick. And of course, I had to add "sprinkles" to mini Orange Boy's hat. He got lots of sprinkles. While at first it looked a little girlish, the white nubbies on there are part of the icing. Hey, he probably won't even have it on for a minute. Just need a photo, that's all!

And so I continue to be inspired by my Noble Knitters group, this time by the Woofgangpug , otherwise known as Diana. She, Ellen, Debra, Pat and possibly others from our Noble Knitters, have joined this group on Ravelry namely 10 shawls in 2010. When I saw that a lot of the patterns people were knitting only consisted of one skein of yarn, I knew I was in. My first one is Simple Shawls which can be purchased on Ravelry. I already have 4 or 5 other ones lined up, along with their chosen yarns, and can't wait to start another one! I'll keep ya'll posted on my progress. Here is a picture of the shawl in progress in Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Mill Ends that Debra taunted me with at NK. I also think that I can blame Diana for the unfinished baby quilt I have in progress too. All because of this 10 in 10.

In the meantime, Baby Owl sweater is resting. I also finished the border on a baby blanket my mother knit and will post a photo of that later.

I'm off to the Rocket City tomorrow (weather permitting) to celebrate mini Orange Boy's (11th) and Orange Boy's (14th) birthdays. I cannot wait to see Cheryl as well but hey, once you have a baby who do Gammaw's really want to get their hands on?

Left, now right...

I finished the left side of the Owl sweater, now on to the right which I had 1/4 of the way done and then when I looked at it last night I realized I had not done the garter stitch for the front where the buttonholes are made. I thought something looked strange, so I ripped it down to the ribbing and then all the way out. So tonight, I begin the right side again. Then the sleeves, etc. etc. I really love this pattern... I would already have it done if I wasn't working on a couple of other projects at the same time.

One of those being a little baby blanket that my mom knit and I am putting the border around it for her. I'll post photos when I am done. It is actually a little car seat blanket, so cute! And my mom's grey top down sweater which is my take along project and it seems that the sleeves will never be long enough! Oh well, she is always cold it seems, so whenever I finish it, she will wear it.

And I am working on a quilt for which I debuted the fabric for. It is a pattern called "Hip Baby" and you basically work 5 different patterns from 9 different fabrics. It has been fun and I am on the last set of blocks. Then I'll begin putting it together. I am in love with these little owls...

In Shop News: Just in more of the little Hiya Hiya Dumplings with the yarn ball markers. I can't tell you enough how adorable these things are. All kinds of colors, including pink this time!

Also just in, Hiya Hiya small Interchangeable needles with the 5" tips. Along with this shipment I received lots of cables and tips for your interchangeable sets. Love these needles. They are great.

Just counting down until I go see my little Stephen who will be one year old in 2 weeks! He is so precious...

Look at those dimples in his little hands...

Whoo whoo...

I am really enjoying knitting on this little Baby Owl Sweater. If you recall, I started it a while ago, but am finally able to show some progress. Tonight will finish the other shoulder and on to the sleeves/fronts. Love this pattern, love this yarn! Dale of Norway, Baby Ull - great colors, fantastic stitch definition.

Who is it for? I have no idea. But I wanted to knit it ever since my buddy, Pat, from Noble Knitters had knit it for a client of hers and I am enjoying every stitch in it. Buttons will go on the little Owl's face with black thread so you can see the eyes.

Also I am starting a new quilt for a baby boy. Picked out some great fabrics at Intown Quilters on Saturday. Spent way too much time in there but had a blast, as always. Love that store.... They have a great blog and give away stuff all the time. I just recently won 5 fat quarters so if you are a fabric crafter, head to their blog!

Patiently waiting on the new Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Needles in the larger sizes. Wonderful product... I'll let you know when I get them in the shop...

Happy New Year!

A new year and a new decade. Wow. Time just zips by.

I had a glorious Christmas with all my kids. My only complaint is it went too fast but I already have some trips planned to go to the Orange family and Island kids.

I made a lot of my gifts this year so now I can show some of them.

Aprons sewn for the gals,

mini kleenex holders with caribeners so they can clip them in their purses;

hand embroidered kitchen towels for each - a Kitty theme from Sublime Stitching (so much fun and fast. You should try it)


and Recipe card sets of all their favorite recipes throughout the years. I took a class from Archiver's store back in November and had to make two. It took me about 3 full weeks of working on them little by little to finish but it was well worth it. Both sets of kids LOVED it. Again, it is all their favorite recipes and now they have them at their fingertips...

For the guys, little elf ornaments but I failed to take a photo of one who was knit in Island Boy's favorite NCAA football team. Here is one that I knit for Orange Boy who likes BMarley. I do not even remember where I got the pattern but I think it was on a yahoo! group for quick gifts I had found. Anyway, Orange Boy loved it; complete with dreads!

Now for my new knitting project. Yes, I am still working on the top down sweater I started several months ago and just have the two sleeves left now. But at Knit night a couple of weeks ago, Pat, who is an awesome knitter, had been commissioned to knit a customer a vintage baby sweater. Oh my gosh, it was the cutest thing and because I love owls and birds so much, I knew I had to hunt the pattern down.

It is a Penny Straker pattern and I found them in stock at Dublin Bay Knitting Company and bought two patterns and also yarn. The yarn I chose is Dale of Norway, Baby Ull in a cream color but they have lots of different colors. Dublin Bay Knitting - great online shop and super fast service! So I got out my #1 and #2 straight needles and have already started. I even swatched! But didn't make any adjustments because it is a cardigan so this one will be a little larger than a 6 month size. I don't know if I will make the matching bonnet or not. I LOVE tiny needles and skinny yarn!

Here is a photo of the front of the pattern... I also bought the next size up for toddlers and small kids.

So I am happy to start the new year with a new project! Hope your New Year is off to a crafty start...

Little Dumplings...

I just had to post about these new Dumplings from Hiya Hiya that we have just received. They are so functional. Small yet able to hold all those tiny stitch markers that I am never able to find in my knitting bag. Squeeze the two ends and it opens. The Dumplings are approximately 3 inches long and 1-3/4" at the widest part, perfect for storing your stitch markers or small gifts.

Also included with the Dumplings are the neatest yarn ball stitch markers, set of 6. Perhaps some of you who are in the Hiya Hiya Ravelry group will remember when Qianer was designing these and asking for our opinions. They are lightweight and fit up to a US size 8 (5mm). A couple of extra rings are included for larger sizes to a US 15(10mm). For only $10.00, these Dumplings are a wonderful addition to your knitting accessories.

Also just in to The Yarn Grove are the long awaited Hiya Hiya Needle Gauges. I have had these on back order for literally months and they have finally arrived. Measuring from needles from a US 000-000 (.7mm) to a US 15 (10mm) these are also a must have, especially if you use the micro sized needles.

I am ready for Christmas. My gift this year is Island Girl and Boy, Cheryl, Orange Boy and mini Orange Boy are all coming here this year. We will celebrate a day or two after Christmas but that's okay.

Speaking of gifts, if any of you need last minute gift ideas and don't know what to get that "person who has everything", give a monetary gift to a charity in his/her honor. There are so many in need this year... Or better yet, volunteer your time...

Have a safe and happy holiday time...

Tiny needles = adorable creatures

These photos are from Judy of CA who so graciously allowed me to share them on my blog. She purchased some micro sized Hiya Hiya Needles and over Thanksgiving knit this adorable Octopus. The pattern is by Hansi Singh, you can find more info re: her on Ravelry. She has lots of sea creature patterns and even a book out. Thank you Judy!

I am done with gift shopping and I took the last gift off the needles this weekend. It is a cowl for my mom and I know she will love it. It is made from Cheryl B Design hand dyed yarn (Malabrigo base) and a dream to work with. The pattern is the same one I did for Cheryl's cowl, yes it is okay for me to mention because if you refer to my post of November 2nd, you will recall she found it before I got it wrapped. And is loving it, I might add.

The great thing for me about finishing a project is starting another one. I'm struggling with that decision right now. Perhaps another shawl. I am working on one that is nothing but garter stitch that accompanies me to doctor visits and Noble Knitters.

I had a visitor in my backyard the other day. Not unusual at all to see such creatures - we have many. But he was fascinating to watch. He perched on that pole for at least 5 minutes - just waiting for something to move. You could almost hear a pin drop out in those woods! "No one" made a peep. He finally swooped down on something and then took off. I'm not exactly sure what hawk he is but possibly a Cooper's Hawk? Orange Boy, Island Girl, anyone, anyone?

Good Clean Fun

I was reading an article in my favorite non-knitting magazine the other day, that suggested giving felted soap as a holiday gift for only $15.
$15????
Oh no way. We are making some. Go get a bar of soap right now. Go on...you know you have some hotel soap somewhere in your bathroom- now go get it! You will also need a little wool roving.

1. Gather supplies-
1 bar soap (don't forget to check that its cruelty free!), a few pinches of wool roving in your favorite colors, a large bowl of warm H2O, and Christmas music (optional, but highly recommended)

2. Wrap wool around bar of soap, both lengthwise and widthwise. Gently drip some water onto the wool to help it stick. Begin patting the wool, adding more water as you go.

3. Drip, pat, drip, pat, drip and pat until the wool begins to felt and you can start running your hands over and over the soap. More water, more rubbing, more suds, more Christmas music. (Make sure the entire bar is covered in wool. Add more if needed.)

4. Keep going and going, there will be lots of suds. Once your wool is good n' felted, set bar aside to dry.

Use in the shower as a gentle scrubby or place in the powder room for guests. Or stuff those stockings (for way less than $15, thank you very much.)

I'd like to know if you could use felting yarn for this project. Someone figure it out and report back to me.

Merry Making!!!

Tiny Knitting

Since the opening of The Yarn Grove, over 4 years ago, one of my greatest joys has been the friendships of people I have met through orders, emails and in person.

One of my new friends is Gill from the UK. And with her permission, I wanted to show you these doll sweaters that she is knitting. She bought several Hiya Hiya needles and knit these sweaters for the dolls which are 10", 13" and 14". These sweaters were knit on 3-0 and 2-0 needles using lace weight yarn.

Gill says she is always knitting - always. She loves collecting dolls, bears and such and you can see this love come through on her website bygill.com . Take a look at some of these tiny knits for these dolls she has done! Amazing and inspiring...

Gill also has begun selling her items such as this adorable Newborn boy outfit. Gorgeous knitting and sure to be an heirloom. I know I still have my kids special outfits that were handknit and crocheted many many years ago.

I hope to have all my needle backorders from Hiya Hiya in here within the next 10 days. So if you are waiting on certain sizes and have emailed me, rest assured your needles should arrive soon and I will be contacting you.

And to all my friends, I give thanks for each one of you. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it) but regardless, I hope your weekend involves lots of fiber!

Photos used with permission and property of bygill.com

No two are alike!

I saw these adorable bird nest ornament kits by Marie Mayhew Designs. I found them at the Yarnery . I bought one full kit which included the pattern and also a card explaining about the German tradition of having a bird nest in your Christmas tree. I then purchased another kit which had enough "stuff" in it for 5 other ornaments. I made a total of 5 so far, two have already found new homes and these three are already gifts for family. Since I make sure all orders from The Yarn Grove get shipped very fast, I was pleased The Yarnery provided excellent and fast service. I have ordered another refill kit.

In other news, I made a trip to North Georgia mountains a couple of weeks ago to get my annual apples for pies and applesauce. Especially now for my grandbaby, Stephen, who loves Gammaw's applesauce. When I got to the orchard, they were OUT, yes OUT of Stayman Winesap. I always use these apples for my pies and sauce. They had sold completely out of them the week before. My choices now were slim. But alas, I tasted the Pink Lady apples and they would have to do. One bushel later and I had about 9 gallons of apple pie fixin's and about 9 pints of sauce. I do not add anything at all to my sauce. All natural and delish. Next year, I will go the first week of October instead of the last...

Hope this finds you all knitting away on holiday gifts. I cannot believe it is already the fifteenth of November.

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!