I've Been Knitting :)

On and off for the last couple of months I have been knitting beanies! 

So far, I have one completely finished and another on the needles. I'm not sure if it's just me, but it takes me quite a while to knit. Crocheting I can finish in a day, but knitting is a little harder on my fingers :( However, I personally prefer the look and, in my experience, the longevity of knitted beanies over the crocheted ones. 

Both of these beanies follow a basic pattern of a 3" ribbed band and 7" of stockinette. The total length is 10". I plan to reopen and stock these items in my Etsy shop in the next couple of months. 

The first beanie is made with Patons Classic Wool in Natural Mix. The second is a combination of Patons Classic Wool in Royal Purple and Deborah Norville's Serenity Sock Yarn in Teal Tease. I love the look of combining the solid with the variegated yarn. 

Just in case you were wondering, the needles are Knit Picks Rainbow Wood Circulars and the cute sheep stitch marker is one I've had for a while and can be found here. 

When creating and then selling wearable knitted items, I strive to use natural fibers and basic patterns to suit everyone. 

The Patons Classic Wool is one of my favorites to work with, besides the fact I can't just throw it in the wash :) 

The basic pattern leaves room for personality. I have an idea in my head of creating detachable bow, heart, or pom pom brooches to embellish the hats, so that is a near future task I have to tackle. Let me know what you think!

Be on the look out for more color options in these basic beanies and I will let you know when the shop reopens! 

Love. Peace. Happiness. 
B  

All you need is love - the BLUE kind...

When you have beautiful yarn, where can you go wrong? These standout bright blue shades are Knit Picks Palette in Jay and Crystal Palace's Mini Mochi in Neptune Rainbow.  I did order the Knit Picks yarn online, but the Mini Mochi was purchased in person. I had the pleasure of visiting the famous San Francisco yarn store Imagiknit a couple of years ago. Yay me for using up my stash! And if you have never been to Imagiknit, you must go. Both the customer service and the yarn selections are AMAZING! 

I recently watched Too Too Amy's great YouTube tutorial on quick and easy crochet hearts and found this yarn combo to be perfect. As you can see, I could not stop making them :) 

The turquoise section of the Mini Mochi proved to be my favorite as you can see :) But for each of the hearts, I have to say I am head over heels, goggly eyed for the Knit Picks Jay. Literally the perfect beautiful, bright blue. 

I'm now leaving you with two more pretty pictures, just cause I couldn't stop snapping and I'm hoping you can't stop looking :) 

Love. Peace. Happiness. 
B 

Knit Picks order and an oops...

I absoutely <3 Knit Picks. The yarn, the needles, and now the customer service :) I ordered the 10" straight harmony needle set, swift, ball winder, and of course... some yarn!

The needles came in a beautiful black, fabric case that covers both the tips and the base. It rolls up and ties also, to keep everything secure.

I was so excited to use for the first time, I am needing to make some baby shower gifts for a friend, so what better purpose than for a new baby? The pattern I was going to make called for some #9's and here is what I discovered...

Ahhhh!!! I recieved three of the #10.5 and only one of the #9's. I immediately checked the actual sizes with my needle sizer and what is printed is correct. Next step was to contact Knit Picks and see what could be done. Outcome was me getting a set of the #9's sent to me with no questions asked. The woman I talked to was very nice and 100% concerned with making things right.  I should recieve my new #9's within the week. Thank you Knit Picks customer service! :)

Oh, and of course I can't forget to show off that beautiful, soft, squishy yarn I purchased....

Great color combos, right??? It's the Stoll Hand Painted Sock Yarn in Pony ride and Punky. Love the names and the pictures just don't do the colors justice...

Until next time...

Love. Peace. Happiness. 
B