Benefits of knitting. . . more than just finished projects.

As I begin the steps towards opening a yarn and wine shop, I find that it's more than just enjoying time knitting with friends (and drinking wine): knitting or craft groups are so much more than just finishing projects. These groups are therapeutic, sociable, empowering, and healthy for our mental states. Knitting and such also has the elements of meditation--there is nothing so beneficial as knitting things out--we learned this by reading our favorite novels by Maggie Sefton. Being able to knit and think and clear our minds of everything but the simplicity of knitting and purling can be just what we need to figure out a problem, solve a conflict, solidify a dream.

I feel so blessed that I have met so many wonderful men and women through fiber--the kind you knit! :o) I am so excited to see what the future has to bring me and the customers who will become kindred spirits as we knit through life.

Scruffy Beard Pattern!

Using US10 needles and worsted weight yarn (I used Stitch Nation Alpaca), cast on 40 stitches.

Knit 3 rows
Row 4: Knit 15, bind off 10, Knit 15
Row 5: Knit 15, cast on 10, Knit 15
Rows 6-12: K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, SSK each row
Rows 13-15: Knit across
Bind off loosely

Wrap yarn around palm of hand, then cut your loop so that you have multiple strands of yarn. Starting about 1 inch from the bottom of the beard, sew 5-6 strands of yarn onto beard (I ran a strand of yarn through the beard, place the strands, and then ran the strand through and tied the strands in the back--use whatever method you prefer). Repeat this every 1/2 inch or so along the bottom of the beard. Then, starting about an inch above this row, begin another row of "scruffiness". I staggered my bundles of yarn. I hadn't trimmed anything in the picture shown, but would recommend trimming it to make it look a little less scruffy!

My students at school are literally fighting over these!!

My first try at dying yarn!

I tried Kool-aid dying tonight on some lion brand fisherman's wool. It was my first time dying yarn, and I was a bit intimidated by the steps and processes of dying with natural ingredients. So, while shopping on www.knitpicks.com, I found the directions for dying with Kool-aid. It was easy, fun, and satisfying! What do you think??? :o)

The pictures show the small hank--approximately 40 yds--before dying, in the mason jar in the microwave during dying, and the beautiful results after dying! Can't wait to knit up the coffee sleeve with this!

Most Adorable Baby Hat Ever!!!!

This has become my most favorite baby gift knit this summer!!! Super fast and soooo cute!

Here is the pattern: http://cyberseams.com/article/105729/all_things_knitting/square_knitted_baby_hat_with_pom_poms.html

And few versions that I've made!!

Another one for the knitting side!

Suzy learned to do stripes!

Taking over the world...

Two more knitters created tonight!! I love seeing youngsters knitting! And they BOTH finished great hats tonight!!

Tuesday night knitting...it's catching! See you next week!

Pattern by Hanna!

http://instagr.am/p/MUm_VZMtrI/

Using size 10 needles and worsted weight yarn, cast on 150.

Knit 10 rows in garter stitch (knit each row).

Row 1: k10; *p10, k10* repeat until 10 st remain; k10

Row 2: k10; *k10, p10* repeat until 10 st remain; k10

Repeat rows 1 and 2 till desired length. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch, bind off loosely and weave ends!