Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Relay for Life Stash Busting Sale


Last year as part of our fundraising efforts for the Relay for Life, we had a Stash Yard Sale, where people could bring in their stash to the shop that they no longer wanted and wanted to donate, and then came to the sale to buy some new goodies!

Our stash sale this year is going to take place on April 30th at 8am. It will be at 8080 Stone Place (MAP) in Ventura.

We are accepting donations here at the shop, so if you have any yarn (or other knitting related items; books, needles, notions, bags) drop them off here at the shop in plastic bags and we will sell them at our sale on April 30th. There will be lots of good stuff for sale, so make sure to make a stop to see what new yarns want to come home with you!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Free Pattern: Easter Basket



This month's free pattern is just in time for Easter. Add these cute eggs and their basket to your decorations, or make them for your favorite little one to play with! The yarn does all the work itself, so you don't have to keep changing colors to get those cute stripes.

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Easter Eggs:
1 ball Sirdar Snuggly Crofter DK, color #158 “Florrie”
US Size 4 DPNs, set of 4
Fiberfill Stuffing
Gauge: 5.5sts/inch in stockinette stitch

Pattern:
Cast on 9 sts, divide onto 3 needles, 3 on each

Increase Section:
Increase Round 1: *Kfb, repeat from * to end. [18 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 2: *Kfb, k1, repeat from * to end. [27 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 3: *Kfb, k2, repeat from * to end. [36 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 4: *Kfb, k3, repeat from * to end. [45 sts]

Work even in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 12 rounds.

Decrease section:
Decrease Round 1: *SSK, k3, repeat from * to end. [36 sts]
Knit 2 rounds.
Decrease Round 2: *SSK, k2, repeat from * to end. [27 sts]
Knit 2 rounds.
Decrease Round 3: *SSK, k1, repeat from * to end. [18 sts]
Knit 2 rounds.
STOP: Using fiberfill, stuff egg firmly.
Decrease Round 4: *SSK, repeat from * to end. [9 sts]

Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches on needle, cinching it up tight. Make a knot at the base to keep it tight, and weave end down inside egg.


Easter Basket:
1 ball Sirdar Snuggly Kisses DK color #751 “Twiggy”
US Size 7 DPNs, set of 5
US Size 7 16” Circular Needle
Gauge: 4 sts/inch in stockinette stitch

Pattern:
Cast on 8 sts using 2 strands of yarn held together. Divide onto 4 needles, 2 on each.

Increase Section:
Increase Round 1: *Kfb, repeat from * to end. [16 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 2: *Kfb, k1, repeat from * to end. [24 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 3: *Kfb, k2, repeat from * to end. [32 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 4: *Kfb, k3, repeat from * to end. [40 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 5: *Kfb, k4, repeat from * to end. [48 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 6: *Kfb, k5, repeat from * to end. [56 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 7: *Kfb, k6, repeat from * to end. [64 sts]
Knit 1 round.
Increase Round 8: *Kfb, k7, repeat from * to end. [72 sts]
Knit 1 round.

Change to circular needle

Purl 2 rounds

Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit every round) for 18 rounds.
Purl 1 round
Knit 1 round
Purl 1 round

Bind off all stitches in Knit.

Handle:
Using 2 size 7 DPNS, cast on 3 stitches using 2 strands of yarn held together.
Work in I-cord until piece measures 10”
K 3 together, cut yarn and pull through last stitch to secure.

Finishing:
Weave in all ends on basket.
Attach I-cord handle to top of basket using tails to sew it on.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Chic-a Bags!

We have new goodies for you! This time instead of yarn we have cute and practical project bags from Chic-a. Each of these bags is made out of oil cloth, so they are durable and fun at the same time!

We have clear-front zippered pouches in multiple sizes and colors:

We have Double zippered pouches:



I love all the cute retro prints, I think those little clear front zippered pouches would be perfect for keeping your notions in, you can see everything inside! The double-zippered pouches can hold twice as much due to the 2 separate pockets. Those cute yarn-keepers keep your yarn balls from rolling all over the place and keep them clean, and carry your project around in a blossom bag (much cuter than a plastic bag!!)