Yarntopia Socks

Pattern: Elongated Corded Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks

Yarn: Fleece Artist merino sock yarn in our custom Yarntopia colorway

Modifications: I did a short row heel and a traditional toe.

Comments: I have a love/hate relationship with socks. I start out like gang busters, and then quickly tire of them. I had to force myself to finish these babies, but I'm glad I did. The Fleece Artist sock yarn is the best that I've worked with.

My summer of selfish knitting

A few post ago, I mentioned that I was hesitant about knitting shop samples. I worried about people critiquing my work. Sheryl and I talked about it some more, and we figured out the REAL reason why I don't want to just knit for the shop. We put so much of our blood, sweat, and tears into Yarntopia, we don't want to also give up the main reason why we got into the business in the first place. Knitting for pleasure. When you knit for work, it's work. We have plenty of people who are clamoring to sample knit for the shop, so we are going to let them.

Thus begins my summer of selfish knitting.



Pattern: Gina from Rowan's The Bigger Picture
Designer: Kim Hargreaves
Yarn: Rowan Biggy Print #260 Mermaid
Needles: US #35 straights
Comments: This yarn has been calling me ever since I opened the store. In fact, I think this is the first yarn I have bought (other than the Yarntopia sock yarn) since opening. Such restraint!

Just a few complaint about this knit. Because of the bulkiness of the yarn (5.5 st / 4 in) the seams are bulky. I couldn't get my gauge right, so I just went down to the extra small size. It fits perfectly. And finally, it took WAY more yarn than the pattern said. Three balls to be exact.

The hair clip was used out of desperation. Sheryl and I plan to get some gorgeous shawl pins for the shop soon.

Now, let me present you with.....





Pattern: City Shawl
Designer: Stefanie Japel
Yarn: Araucania Quellon #7
Comments: Another green and blue combination. Can you tell I love green and blue?

This was a simple and satisfying knit. Love the end product. The yarn is a hand dyed cotton chenille that is SO soft. It worms, but you just have to get over it.

(a small plug for Stefanie) I love all of Stefanie's designs. Her fashion sense is similar to mine and her garments are all easy knits. She must hate to seam as much as I do! Check out her latest design that will be coming out soon. We have already ordered it for the shop. You will see me wearing the short sleeve version as soon as I can get my grubby hands on the pattern.

Finally, thank y'all for all of your sweet comments on my new 'do. It has taken me a while to get used to the length, but I must admit is is a lot cooler in the Houston heat.