Puppy Snips

The Puppy Snips from Hiya Hiya have arrived and are stocked up in all colors here at The Yarn Grove .  They are so cute, make great gifts and are a for sure knitting bag need!

Weekend is in full swing with lots of knitting going on.  And sewing.  Finishing a quilt and working on a gift project that I will not be able to show...  But trust me, it is divine.

I leave you with an updated photo of my precious mini Island Boy who tops the scales at a hefty 12 pounds, has the longest eyelashes ever and is 10 weeks old...

Felt and Fabric

Felt - I am almost finished with this stocking for Mini Island Boy.  I just need to add some treasures to the treasure chest (bottom right), stitch his name and put the back on it.  Each new member of the family gets one made especially for them.  It is entirely hand stitched and I love to make them.  My kids have their stockings that are 29 and 31 years old now!  Great gifts for babies, newlyweds or just anyone special.

Mini Island Boy is growing nicely.  He is 8 weeks old now and progressing along.  Island Girl is finally better and off all her meds from the pre-eclampsia.  I hope to go back down there in a month!

Mini Orange Boy is great and is almost 18mos old.  I am going to the Rocket City this weekend to spend a couple of days with them and I cannot wait!!!  It's fun being a grandma (Stephen named me @Gaga@).  I just don't like that they both live so far away.

Fabric - I have finished the Spider Web quilt and love the results.  I will send this off to a longarm quilter next week.  The challenge on this quilt was the actual sewing together of the horizontal rows but I finally finished.  I will take a better photo of this as well.

Lots going on in the Shop.  Nature's Palette just arrived and I know it is a lot of your favorite yarn.  Dyed from Nature - lots and lots of great colors are here now. 

Have a great weekend!  I know I will be getting lots of hugs and kisses from one mini Orange boy!

P.s.  Yes, I am still knitting.  Just don't have a lot of progress to show you on my Sean Shawl from Rowan.

A little beret...

When I went to see Island Girl and family, I took my knitting of course.  I finished a mini beret for mini Island Boy but since he is a preemie, it is still too big.  I made it out of Debbie Bliss cotton (I don't remember the exact yarn name) and made it stripes.  The pattern is Woolley Wormhead Baby Rollin' Beret and it is the second one I have knit.  I love Woolley's hats and have purchased several of her patterns.  They are fun knits.

Mini Island Boy is growing nicely.  He weighed in at an amazing 7#12oz last week and that is quite a feat for a little guy who isn't even supposed to be here for another 2 weeks.  Island Girl is progressing nicely from her pre-eclampsia and is almost off all the blood pressure meds.  What a horrible disease.  Island Boy has settled into his role as daddy very proudly.  I came home after 12 days with them.

I am expecting the new Hiya Hiya Large Interchangeable needle sets in the shop most any day.  I also expect them to go very fast but will have more on order..

As for my vegetable garden, it is doing okay.  The tomatoes seem to be suffering from something, the leaves are all curling up.  But the zucchini in my garden is the size of a submarine.  I have never seen such large zucchini in my life.  I blanched and froze some the other day and I guess I will also make some zucchini bread.

That's about it for now.  Also I am happy to report I have finally finished my 2009 family scrapbook as of this afternoon.  So many crafts and not enough hours in my day!

Here is where I've been...

Hudson, my newest grandbaby, aka. Mini Island Boy, entered the world at 33 weeks and 6 days (I have learned that every single day makes a huge difference in the womb) on May 19 at 9:35am. He weighed in at 5.6# and 18-3/4" long. He is in the NIC-U and his mommy is keeping him company at the same hospital. Island Girl has not been released yet due to the pre-eclampsia, and it doesn't look like she will be discharged today either. 


Mommy and baby are progressing well. Mommy and Daddy are glowing... The photo of baby Hudson here is he is attempting his first bottle in the NIC-U!


So originally I was going to be out from last Wed through today, taking my mom with me to see Island Girl and Island Boy and going to their baby shower on the 22nd.  But instead Island Girl was flown to the mainland on the 16th in hopes of prolonging his stay in her womb but she was getting sicker from this pre-eclampsia.


Thank you to all my customers for understanding the wacky shipping schedule I had to change to.  I hope to get all orders out today and tomorrow.  Over the course of the next few weeks, my shipping schedule will vary and I will post on the website.  Please feel free to contact me anytime at: janeATtheyarngrove.com  . 

Itty Bitty needles and knitting

Once again, I want to spotlight Gill from the UK.  Gill buys her Hiya Hiya needles from me for all the doll clothes she knits.  Her knits are amazing. 

In her own words (used with permission)
I knit with 2/28 cashmere lace yarn. I just love to knit and the smaller the better.


 The most important thing to me is to keep it in scale for the doll I am knitting for. I usually do my own designs bit I think the ones I sent through to you are all from Dollswest Designs, a lady called Cynthia from the US. Sometimes it is nice just to sit down with a pattern that someone else has done.

I swear by those needles now that I have found them but confess that I use them like straight pins!

Enjoy the photos! 

Gill uses 24" stainless steel needles in a 000-000, 000-00, 0000, 000, and all the way to the "larger" size of 0.

Thank you my friend, for allowing me to share and your dolls are beautiful as well!                                            

I will be gone from the blogging world until perhaps the end of May.  Going to see Island Girl and Boy and need to finish a couple of projects for Mini Island Boy before he arrives....  I leave next Wednesday.........................

Glorious Yarns and fabrics weekend...

Little Mommy and I went to Stitches South yesterday. We arrived, bought our tickets and stood in line for a very loooonnng 11 minutes. There was much joy and excitement in the air.

Our plan of action was to move through all the booths, scope out new projects for ourselves and any yarns that may be contenders for our knittings. Little Mommy had a 3-ring binder of a few patterns she wanted to knit.

Last year I bought yarn because I loved it OR I told myself I could always make socks from it. This year was very different for me. I had projects listed, yardage, recommended yarns, etc. I felt very organized and I vowed not to wake up in the morning with buyer's remorse.

After trapsing through the booths ( and there might have been a little squealing too) for a couple of hours, Little Mommy and I circled back around to the concession stand and had a sandwich for lunch at which time we regrouped. We went through our lists, talked about yarns, deals, etc. Off we went again.

I shopped this one booth 3 times - I loved their yarn and prices. It was Unwind Knit from Rhode Island. Nice ladies, and since I was their first customer of the morning, I got 25% off my purchase!! They had posted on Ravelry some morning specials for Saturday.

I came away from Stitches South very satisfied and felt I made good choices. Little Mommy purchased some great Pima Cottons for a shirt for herself and a sweater for Mini Orange- Boy. Below is my haul.


Bottom Left: Tess' yarn - Raw Silk 1800 yards for Summit
Top left: Experiemental Stardust - Dream in Color Candy stripes
Middle Top: Isager Alpaca 2 for Clara Dress
Middle bottom: Schulana Silk , made in Italy, for Ringed Cowl (free pattern w/purchase which is why I bought the yarn)
Top Right: Unisono ( 4 skeins), a delightful 100% Extrafine Merino, made in Germany. This might become Clapotis (In case I am *not* the only one who has never knit this, here's the link.
Bottom Right: Madelinetosh DK in Parchment (4 skeins) and I know this will become something that was on my spreadsheet but I cannot remember at the moment. The yarn fumes are pouring out of my shopping bags currently.

Prior to Saturday's excursion to Stitches South, Little Mommy and I went to Intown quilters where we had a blast looking at all their fabrics. While this is my exclusive go-to quilt shop, LM had not been there to really look around. Since she makes little girl clothes and sells on Etsy (elevendytoo), she was in her glory. We came away with some new fab fabrics! (Fabric line on top is for a throw quilt for my 14 yr old niece for Christmas) Bottom 2 blocks are for the quilt I am working on now... Caught in a Spider web.

What a great weekend. I have so many craftys that I want to do, my head is spinning. First I will finish the Daybreak shawl I have on my needles and for sewing, I will finish my Island Quilt for my room at Island Girl and Boy's home... You may not hear from me for a while... However, check The Yarn Grove for frequent Hiya Hiya needle updates and refills as well as the new rePETe Chico bags and their brand new Bottle Slings. I don't have all of them posted yet but they are here and should all be posted by the end of the week.

Stitches South!

I am on the countdown for Stitches South beginning Thursday here in the ATL! If I sound a little excited, it's because I am. My first class is on Thursday, Switching to Continential by Lesley Solomon.

Little Mommy, aka Cheryl, will be coming to town, along with Orange Boy and Mini-Orange boy and I couldn't be happier. Actually I just spent a great weekend in the Rocket City with them this past weekend...

Sorry, no photos and no knitting projects to show, yet. I have my spreadsheet with projects I want to do with yardage requirements, etc. so I am not completely overwhelmed like last year. Once you walk in the convention center, I am overcome with yarn fumes and hit the ground with a huge smile on my face.

If any of you in Blogland are coming to Stitches South, please drop me an email at
janeATtheyarngroveDOTcom and let's try to meet up!

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?