Soroyan - a Summer Shawl

Are you looking for a quick project to add to your summer wardrobe? This pattern is a freebie, Saroyan by Liz Abinante. I made it in one ball of Misti Alpaca Cotton & Silk. The yardage is a bit less than the pattern calls for but she gives you good guidelines on when to begin the decreases based on how much yarn you have left. I also have an old blog entry here with my project notes for this one. IF you have already made this lovely item, then you might be interested in the Double Leaf Saroyan. But, you might need 2 hanks in that case.
Happy Needling,
Anne

Ask Kaity!

Hi everyone! I'd like to start a new thing here on our blog, which I'm calling "Ask Kaity!"

Do you have a knitting or crocheting question you'd like answered? Curious about a yarn, stitch, pattern, term, or anything else? Maybe you want advise about something? I'm here to answer your questions!

If you have any questions for my new "Ask Kaity!" segment, please drop me a line at askkaity@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions!

Yarn Highlight: Juniper Moon Farms "Moonshine"

Hi Everyone! Today I want to talk about one of our new favorite yarns here at Anacapa, Juniper Moon Farms "Moonshine".

Moonshine is 40% Wool, 40% Alpaca, and 20% Silk. It knits up at a worsted weight gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches with a US Size 7 needles. This single ply yarn is soft and light, with amazing color saturation and depth! The way the yarn is spun up showcases the color variations, and it knits up as a beautiful semi-solid color.

Moonshine has excellent stitch definition, making it wonderful for cables and other pattern stitches.

One the left you can see a cowl knit in Moonshine. The pattern is the Cocoon Me Cowl by Rose Beck, and our own Terry is teaching a class on that scarf coming up in August. Click here for more info. You can also see Moonshine knitted into a super cute cabled vest, the pattern for which is in the accompanying book.

Moonshine is distributed by Knitting Fever. You can find out more about Moonshine here on their website, including all the colors it comes in and pictures of all the projects in the book. Stop by the shop soon to see it for yourself!

Eweniversity 2013 Pictures!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Eweniversity, we had so much fun, and we wanted to share photos of our event here in case anyone couldn't make it. We are already thinking of ways to make next year even better, we can't wait to start planning again!

Again, a big thank you to our wonderful sponsors: Lorna's Laces, Bryson Distributing, Knitting Fever, Madelinetosh, Skacel Collection, Blue Sky Alpacas, Anzula, Artyarns, Plymouth Yarns, Berroco, Misti International, Blue Heron Yarns and Swans Island for all their great gifts.

Christmas at Downton in May

We received a big shipment of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. The boxes overflowed with beautiful and vividly dyed yarns. A very popular new color arrived among the many beauties - Christmas at Downton.

 I wanted to share the pattern that I am looking forward to using ONE hank for - Larissa Brown's Dactyl.

(Photos belong to (c) Larissa Brown.) You can purchase the pattern through at home or while you are in the shop picking up your yarn.

Happy Needling,

Anne

Lucky, Lucky Ducky

Sometimes, I stop and think about how lucky I am to get to do this job and share yarny goodness with you. I especially think these thinks when I am getting ready to enjoy a great week like the one I have ahead. I am just leaving our 5th meeting of Knit Swirl after having a wonderful time making body doubles with the group.

The week is only going to improve from this high point.

Tomorrow night, Apr. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m., I get to teach Martina Behm's Hitchhiker. (There are still 2 spots open as of this moment.)

 

Then, on Wednesday, Apr. 24 from 6 to 9pm, I am teaching Continental Converts which is a class that teaches you how to hold your yarn in your left hand and to pick the stitches. This change makes you faster and helps when managing two strands of yarn for colorwork. This class leads into my plans for next Monday, Apr. 29 from 6 to 9, at the Intro to Stranding - Fake Isle class (hats pictured below).

Before next Monday though, I get to spend ALL DAY this Saturday with many of you at  the AFY EWENIVERSITY. The link provided will take you to more info as well as a schedule of the days available classes. Only a few days are left to sign up for your favorites.

Madelinetosh Has Arrived!

We have our shipment of Madelinetosh! 

First, it looked like this and I could hardly wait to break into those boxes.

There are so many hanks of stunning colors in the following yarn lines: Tosh Merino Light, Tosh Sock, and Tosh DK.

So, Lois just finished printing the stickers and they are ready to sell to you! Sounds like a trip to Anacapa Fine Yarns needs to be added to your plans during this lovely, sunny weekend.

Happy Needling,

Anne