Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn

A Great Friend's MOM!

Dona's son graduated high school in May.  Since January, she has been knitting afghans for all of his friends in the colors of their college choice!  She has knitted 11, gave 3 away already (and they say they are using them in their schools already) and has 2 more to knit... The two are for her son and his roommate (you know, the cobbler with no shoes)!  She has knitted for various schools, most of which are in Virginia... UVA, VA Tech, Hampden-Sydney, William & Mary.  Other schools outside of  Virginia include Princeton and U of SC.  All of the afghans are knitted double stranded worsted with a size #17 needle.  She used machine washable yarn (mostly Plymouth Encore and Darkhorse Fantasy).  They are all soft and cuddly and I am sure that will come in handy with all of these guys away from home, some for the first time.

WOW, Dona!  Many of us have watched you to knit all of those loving stitches.  The boys must be so pleased with their gifts and you sure taught us that once you set your mind to do something, YOU will get it done!  I just can't understand why you decided to knit socks next - going from size 17 needles to #1must be painful!?!?!

Silk Rhapsody Zig Zag Scarf

Oh, my my!  Modular knitting is addictive! AND, Silk Rhapsody is the absolute most luxurious!!!  This is an Art Yarn.  To be honest, we have tried to duplicate the yarn using some existing yarns, but to no avail.. It didn't even come close.  This is a silk dk and kid mohair dyed together and WOW!  I have one color showing on our website at http://www.eweknitkits.com in the yarn section under Art Yarn (that's because that is all that is left from a rather large order).  More is coming in!  We have ordered the Silk Rhapsody, Cashmere, some more colors in the Ultramarino Sock yarn.  The owner of the company, Iris, is the author of "Modular Knits".... Kelly, one of our regulars, is knitting some models for her and her yarn representative.  She will also teach some modular classes here at the store beginning in Sept.!  If you are interested, please let us know so that we will know how many classes to prepare.  This is all so exciting!!!

AND, don't forget to read about Jane Slicer-Smith (2 blogs down) who will be coming to Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn on Oct. 30 and 31, 2006.  Sign up TODAY!

Triple anyone?

So, if you can put 2 on one needle, why not 3.... or 4.... or MORE!  I was knitting along, comparing Claudia Handpainted Yarn (middle)to a "NEW" sock yarn that we will be carrying from The Purled Llama (right), when I realized that the new yarn in the color Bear Claw (which is much more purlple than in shows)is a bit thinner.  Both are considered sock weight and it is close to the same gauge, but my thoughts are that it is more like Lorna's Laces Superwash Sock Yarn.  So, of course I had to try this.  It is not a problem knitting this way if you can do 2, but I just don't like all the yarn twisting and the fact that I can't see results on a sock "yesterday"!!! LL seems to be twisted tighter than The Purled Llama.  Otherwise, all 3 above are soooooooooo soft and wonderful!! LL is the only one with a little nylon.  The other 2 are 100% Merino Superwash.  I have washed a pair of the Claudia and will show them to you shortly!

These are my 3 most favorite yarns for socks (along with Artful Ultra sock yarn, Trekking, Regia Silk and Regia Bamboo)!!!  Will probably have more favorites as soon as they are "created", but this is fun working with so many at the same time!  You must try them if you haven't already!  We have most colors of the Claudia that are shown on our color card with more colors coming in early next week.  We will be getting a dozen of The Purled Llama colors in on Monday (Bear Claw included)and we always have most of the Lorna's Laces colors in stock at all times. We will also have ALL of the Regia Bamboo colors in stock next week as well! 

I will be taking Liberty off the needle and putting it by itself to finish after I have shown some right handed knitters how to pick up stitches for a gusset.  I am doing a tutorial on knitting 2 socks at the same time on the magic loop.  Please join us at http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=11596730&uid=165500 if you would like to take part!

AND, please don't forget that Jane Slicer-Smith will be joining us at Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn on October 30 and 31, 2006.  Please read information on the next blog down for details!!