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!

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-

Rainforest 5 is here..

The much anticipated Opal Rainforest 5 has arrived to The Yarn Grove, with some fun names, I might add. How about Edward the Pool Attendant? or Johnny the Airship Captain. This collection features endangered creatures and Opal donates proceeds from the sale of this yarn to foundations that save habitat from development and clear-cutting.

For some reason, I can't seem to get any projects finished. I have 2 knitting projects going, a quilt in progress and a Christmas stocking. Time just keeps zippin' by and here it is almost the first of September! Wow.

I hope to post a photo of a special project I have just completed that is a gift for someone.

Have a great week!

Lots of laughs...

I had the best long weekend. First to the Rocket City last Wed., then Island Girl flew into the RC and we had a glorious time together. Stephen, Island Girl, Orange Boy and Little Mommy (aka Cheryl). Time went fast and furious but we had a blast. It was so good to see them all! It would have been complete if Island Boy could have been there too.

Little Stephen is now 6 months old and absolutely adorable. Such a little personality. He laughs all the time and is such a happy baby. He sure keeps Little Mommy busy all day!

Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Needle sets were a huge hit and I knew they would be. However, I have lots more on order and hope to have those within about 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, I do have lots of sizes in stock - both in bamboo and stainless steel. Stay tuned for some great Opal sock yarns!

Love me some orange..

Here is the progress I am making on the AKG mystery stole that I talked about in an earlier post. Love the pattern and love this gorgeous Classic Elite Silky Alpaca yarn I am using. It is a delight. You can't really see the beads on here (we're having an overcast day here in the south) so the photo is not very good.

Just returned from a business trip to CA. Long flight, long days and so glad to be home. Hopefully my "part-time" work will ease up in the next couple of weeks.

In other happy news, Island Girl is coming to visit! She will go to the Rocket City first where I will pick her up after a visit with my precious Stephen. (In this photo, he is very pouty when he found out he had to wait another week for Gammaw. ) Then to GA for a couple of days. Sadly, Island Boy will not be able to join this trip because of work conflict.

Other fun news, Island Girl is back knitting again and I hope she will join Cheryl and I on the blog. Can't wait to see what she has been working on...

Still waiting on the Hiya Hiya Interchangeables and it looks like my original order is already sold out. I'll let everyone know.

My forecast for the week ahead holds a dentist appt. I think I cracked a tooth. I have a phobia for the dentist and my stomach hurts already just thinking about it...