SIMPLY HANDMADE-along | Scrumptious September

So, I'm not sure what happened. It was barely August, then September arrived, and now I'm looking at the calendar and we're almost halfway through the month. What the heck is going on? Have you experienced this "loss" of time, as well? I apologize for being amiss and neglecting to post a new Simply Handmade-along project for us. Without further adieu, here it is... 

SEPTEMBER | MOHAIR BIAS LOOP | THROUGH OCTOBER 10TH

photo © Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

I love the classic simplicity of Churchmouse patterns and the Mohair Bias Loop is one of my all-time favorite. It's versatile as a light (but warm) capelet for the shoulders, or worn long or doubled up as a cowl. 

photo © Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

I knit one up a few years back (my Ravelry project page says I knit it in a week and we have almost 4 weeks) and it was a long-term shop sample at Firefly Fibers. I used Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Glamour and the yarn has since been discontinued and I've wanted to knit another for the shop (and maybe one for myself, too). So, when this arrived a couple weeks back... 

Anatolia by Julie Asselin

Anatolia by Julie Asselin

I knew Julie Asselin's new hand dyed, lace weight mohair would be perfect!

Anatolia is a mohair and silk blend, lace weight that can be knit alone for a featherweight look, or paired with other yarns for a light halo on your favorite knits.

FIBER: 60% Kid Mohair + 40% Silk
YARDAGE: 330 yards / 300m
AMOUNT: approximately 0.90 oz / 25gr
WEIGHT: lace
GAUGE: 5 sts = 1"
NEEDLE: US 6-8 / 4-5mm

The original project uses 2 balls of Kidsilk Haze, but Anatolia has a wee bit more yardage, so I'm knitting my Mohair Bias Loop using just one skein. It was hard to choose from the colors because all 12 are stunning, but I decided on Ballerine - a soft pink with warm taupe and grey undertones - and I love it! The project uses a provisional cast on and is finished with kitchener stitch, so the finished project is a loop without a seam. If these techniques are new to you, the fabulous Tin Can Knits ladies have a great tutorial here for the provisional cast on and here for the kitchener stitch.

We have all 12 colors of Anatolia in stock at the shop if you'd like to try Julie's new yarn - based on the Ravlery yarn usage, one skein with 330yds should be enough, just make sure your gauge isn't too tight so you can get the desired length - otherwise, you'll need about 350yds of a lace weight mohair. If you have time, check out some of the projects on Ravelry for more inspiration - there are some really gorgeous versions that pair the mohair with either a lace or fingering weight yarn and that's had me thinking about pairing Anatolia with either Fino or Merletto. One step at a time though. *wink*

What do you think? Are you in? I hope so and I can't wait to see what you knit up!

CHEERS!

On the Needles | Spring Knits...

As spring arrives, the pace of life changes just a bit and I can feel the hustle and bustle let up just a wee bit. We had a nice warm spell about a week ago and it was perfect for remembering how much I enjoy our front porch - hubby and I were even able to spend an entire evening out there last weekend. Things cooled down (again) this last week, but I'm still remaining optimistic that I'll be able to wash and retire my thick wool sweaters within the next week or two. My fingers are crossed. 

After giving myself a reality check with cataloging my WIPs last week, I'm happy to report that I have 2 projects fresh off the needles, so I decided I could cast on a new one and I've taken full advantage of that as you can see here with my morning coffee...

"What is it?" you ask. I'm (happily) knitting this lovely tank... 

© Quince & Co.

Togue Pond is knit in Quince & Co. Kestrel that's a new arrival at Firefly Fibers. I'm really loving knitting with aran weight linen and this is the first of two summer tops I have planned for Very Shannon's Tops, Tanks & Tees Knitalong that runs through May 27th. I do have to say (because I've been asked a few times at the shop) that this yarn doesn't look the best while knitting/pre-blocking, but after a good wash and block, it's super soft and has amazing drape.

If you want to try some linen yarn and join Shannon's KAL, we have both Sparrow and Kestrel at our brick-and-mortar shop along with a variety of patterns, so either visit us or contact the shop by phone or email and we'll help you get everything you need to cast on - FYI, Quince & Co. stockists can only sell Quince yarns via their brick-and-mortar shops, but we are able to do mail/phone orders if you want to reach out to us. 

The next Simply Handmade-along project will be coming your way very soon *squee*, I'm just waiting for the arrival of some new goodies at the shop and then we'll be on our way! Stay tuned...

As for the rest of my weekend... I'm going to get back at the knitting, record a podcast with Mr. Yarnista and either cook supper or throw some leftovers together. 

CHEERS!

Simply Handmade-along | Maximus March

March is here and I can't believe how fast the month is going! Are you ready for our new Simply Handmade-along project? I fell in love with this hat the second Libby released it and I've been itching to get in on my needles... Maximus by Truly Myrtle !

MARCH | MAXIMUS BY TRULY MYRTLE | THROUGH APRIL 4TH

© Truly Myrtle

"Maximus is a stylish hat for the men in your life.

Featuring a cable panel reminiscent of strong iron helmets worn during misty battles, Maximus appeals to the smallest of boys, the largest of men and all the warriors in between."

© Truly Myrtle

Maximus is indeed a handsome hat and will be perfect for my handsome Mr. Yarnista as a small "thank you" for all he does for me and our family. You see, it's busy at Firefly Fibers year-round, but the cooler months are exceptionally busy and this year has been even more so. Yes, it's fabulous and it makes me so very happy, but it means that I ask for more help with shop tasks and I have less time to contribute at home - Mr. Yarnista to the rescue! 

As if he doesn't do enough for me, this past month he tended the shop on a Saturday so I could spend a (much needed) weekend away with a friend in Door County, WI. It was a wonderful weekend and I have photos and details to share on that, but back to the task at hand... this hat!

© Truly Myrtle

Do you have a special guy or gal in your life than you want to say "thank you" to? As handsome as Maximus is, it's equally suited for us ladies and I may just have to knit one for myself, as well - wouldn't it be fun in a bright pink? Using a 100gr skein of worsted weight yarn, this is a great project to whip up before the weather warms too much (in our hemisphere, that is) or for getting ahead on holiday gifts. 

So, as always, for our 'along' you are welcome to stashbust or get some fresh new yarn - Malabrigo Rios or Tosh Vintage would be lovely (special offer on Rios below). I'll be using Rios for my hat in Coco (after all, it is Malabrigo March) - my yarn is all wound and I can't wait to cast on! 

AND... through Saturday, March 19th....

• PATTERN :: Libby is very generously giving us 15% OFF Maximus - enter coupon code 'MAXIMUSKAL' before you check out on Ravelry.
• YARN :: Firefly Fibers is offering 15% OFF one skein of Rios - use code 'HandmadeMarch' when you check out (or just mention the Handmade-along to us at the shop). 

Want more Truly Myrtle? You can find Libby here... 

WEBSITE :: FACEBOOK :: INSTAGRAM :: RAVELRY DESIGNS

I hope you'll join in this month - if you haven't signed up officially to be eligible for the giveaways (one is coming up very soon), you can do that right here! Many thanks to Libby for (again) offering our knitalong-ers a discount on one of her gorgeous designs!

CHEERS!