Thistledown musings

Baby, it's cold outside

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I picked out two skeins of Misti Alpaca Chunky and knit up a quickie neck warmer, infinity scarf.

Cast on 200 stitches with a size needle and knit until you run out. Garter stitch and the baby alpaca make a great combination.

Changing yarn

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

We have a sample in the shoppe knit from Austermann Step.

Cynthia knitted that item out of Misti Alpaca sock.

Isn't it amazing that changing the yarn makes such a difference in the item?

Bringing in the new

2012-01-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago I bought a new washer and dryer. I had had my others for about 25 years. When I was looking at the washers I knew that I did not want a front loader as I wanted to have the ability to open the door during the wash cycle. I ended up with a Maytag washing machine and yesterday used the hand wash cycle with crossed fingers on several of my husband's wool sweaters. Have to admit that I was pleased they came out clean and not felted. Previously I washed our wool sweaters in the machine by filling up the machine, letting the items soak, and then set the machine on spin. This time, I put the items in, added my wool wash, set the machine to hand wash and started it. Absolutely amazing!

I also finished up the Windschief and

Bandana Cowl and ran them through the washing machine. How nice not to worry.

Whining time

2012-01-13T14:24:00.000-05:00

Not fair. I have to sit at the shoppe and wait on the lucky customers who come in, buy yarn and patterns and then get to knit. While I get to do my paperwork (gag) and drool over what others make.

Like Carrine who made this cowl

Or a customer who came in today and bought yarn to make two pairs of this, Knotty Gloves.

I am still working on the Takoma and have started the Bandana Cowl. The cowl was suppose to be a quickie knit, except I did not understand knitting and purling the wraps. I ended up decreasing instead of knitting and purling wraps and it wasn't until I called Michele at Yarn Market that I figured out what I was doing wrong and now I am moving along on the cowl.

Okay, back to the paperwork. And you knit along.......

Patterned socks

2011-12-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

Jill knitted up socks for us from the book, Sensational Knitted Socks.

Ribbed Lace, eight stitch, Crazyfoot by Mountain Colors

Yarn Over Cable, eight stitch, Opal

Chevron pattern for self-striping yarn, Fortissima Color

Four stitch ribbing, Blue Heron Sock Plus

The book is written by Charlene Schurch. She starts out with an explanation of an anatomy of a sock along with other sock basics such an explanation of gauge and foot measurements and sizes. It is a great basic book that includes patterns such as different lace, cables, and ribbing.

Takomaing

2011-12-15T19:54:00.001-05:00

I know, I have said it before. I am going to knit this or that and I never do. Well, this time, I really do plan on knitting the Takoma.


Takoma picture from Knitty

I have picked out my colors

and I have kinda swatched

when I started to knit a turtleknit pullover out of the Eco. But it never felt right and I frogged it. Then the Takoma came along and I was intrigued. Jill pushed me and I joined the Takoma Kal.

I am going to steek it as I really do not enjoy purling and this sweater would be almost half purling if you did not steek it. Susan says that she thinks adding nine stitches should work for the steeking, so that is what I plan on doing. Another knitter mentioned Eunny's article on steeking, so I will need to reread that. It has been a while since she first put it out on the internet.

Joining a KAL makes it less lonely, and you get to read about others making mistakes and that always makes me feel better, 'cause I tend to make mistakes when I knit. So learning about others' mistakes will hopefully make me less likely to make mistakes, or at least I am counting that it will make it less likely.

I will be using cascade Eco in the colors of red 8450, evergreen 8462, creme 8010, and periwinkle 6902. The pattern only calls for three colors but I am throwing the periwinkle in there in the spirit of this sweater.

If you want to join us, let me know.

Ready for a quickie?

2011-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Trendsetters has a new yarn out called Bodega. It is knit into a tube and you work with the tube to make a ruffled scarf.

I learned how to use it by watching this.

I suggest using the crochet hook as it holds onto the stitches. I used one half of the skein and a size F crochet hook. It took me about one half hour and the next time should be about 20 minutes to make the scarf.

This is the 417 Fall Leaves colorway.

At present we have 418 Amazon Jungle, 415 Lipstick Kiss, and 413 Lilac Meadows in stock. All of the other colors are on backorder. I will warn you that if you think you are interested, you should get down here. Two weeks ago we sold all of this yarn in a day and a half.

If you want to make a scarf, but do not have a lot of time - this is the answer. You can also make one scarf for $13.50. Not bad for a quickie.

My new love affair

2011-11-30T18:09:00.001-05:00

The longer I knit, the more I understand how the Yarn Harlot was named. I fall in love with Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. Then I fall in love with Opal sock yarn. Then I fall in love with ShiBui Baby Alpaca. And then Fiona started dyeing for us and I had a new love. You get the idea.

My latest love is with Madelinetosh Vintage. I love the feel. I love the springness. I love, love the colors.

I am knitting two items out of Madelinetosh Vintage. One is the Chevron Baby Blanket and the other is the Windschief.

The yarn feels good in my hands. And the colors are wonderful. I think I read somewhere that the dyer calls it semiglazed. Whatever it is, it is lovely. It makes my heart go pitty pat. I want to stay up all night and knit and stay home all day and knit.

Whimisical World of Thomas Joseph

2011-11-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

Last week we received a new line of notions - the Whimsical World of Thomas Joseph.

We have key chains

Cool Dude

coasters, mugs, magnets, jigsaw magnets, Christmas Cards, and an assortment of greeting cards.


Hand wash only

Stop by and check them out. They are good for a chuckle.

A non-knitting day

2011-11-12T15:03:00.001-05:00

Every now and then I will take a day off. On those days, I like to do what I never have to do. Baking and cooking are some of those. Here is some 5 Minute Artisan bread waiting to go into the oven.

I took the smaller one and made pecan rolls out of it.

My eldest daughter, Kristina, is engaged and we are having her new-to-be family over tomorrow.

Lasagna is on the menu and I have started cooking it.

Have a great weekend!

Toshing

2011-11-11T14:27:00.000-05:00

Lace and sock wound up.

Boxwood and Briar lace

Love Madelinetosh!

2011-11-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

Here is the order we just received from Madelinetosh.

We broke them down into separate boxes to make it easier to put them out on the shelves.

Tosh Lace - 100% superwash merino wool, 2-ply yarn. 950 yards. Lovely.

Tosh Vintage - 100% superwash merino wool, worsted weight. 200 yards per skein. Huggable.

Tosh Sock - 100% superwash merino wool. 395 yards per skein. Squishy.

Stop by and check them out. They are hand-dyed and luscious.

Wrap it up

2011-08-25T01:15:00.002-04:00

Several months ago I saw some lovely scarf kits from Schaefer Yarns. The Heather Ludlow Linen Stitch All Knit Scarf kit to be precise.

I promptly contacted Schaefer and ordered the kits in every colorway (six of them). They came in yesterday and I am not disappointed.

The scarf is worked in the round - all knit, no purl. You use a linen stitch which gives it a woven texture. The yarn is Heather: 55% merfino wool superwash, 30% silk and 15% nylon. I am becoming addicted to silk as it gives the yarn such a nice sheen.

Each kit is made up of three different skeins, most of them named after strong women such as Rosa Parks and Elizabeth Zimmerman. Then each kit is named after a woman artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz, Diane Itter, Claire Zeisler, Lenore Tawney, Anni Albers, and Shelia Hicks.

And you get a nice see through bag to carry everything around.

It just keeps coming

2011-08-19T15:34:00.001-04:00

We received more Third Coast and Up North from Fiona.

Up North

Spring Woods II

Peach Melba

Slipping into Twilight

Cherry Blossoms on Silver

Flowering in Glen Arbor

Need a closer look?

Then we have more Third Coast.

Cherry Popsickle

Vines & Wines

Winter Gloming

Blue Spruce

Foggy Day on Cathead Bay

Early Fall Dune Climb

Leelanau Lilac

Loverly, loverly, loverly ( to take a phrase from My Fair Lady).

Fiona has done some tonals for us this time and they are beautiful.

Friends are good

2011-07-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

This is what Doreen did for me.

No more tangles, no wishy washy yarn.

Thanks, Doreen. Anyone who would spend a trillion hours untangling yarn for someone else is truly a friend.

One of the reasons it takes me so long to knit an item

2011-07-17T08:11:00.001-04:00

This past Friday, Tammy, my yarn representative from Blue Heron yarns, came in and I was able to purchase some yarn that day.

I picked out a skein of Rayon Metallic in the Cactus/Silver colorway and started to wind it into a ball. Almost to the end I looked over at the ball and it looked a little weird. I stopped winding and realized that about half of the wound ball was hanging all over the place.

Here it is - 5 hours later.

Betsy stopped in yesterday and said that Doreen likes to work on tangled yarn, so I left it on the table and will be calling her today and will ask her, pretty please, to finish untangling it, because I am now at the point of cutting the %^&* yarn to finish untangling it and I really do not want to do that.

2011-07-13T16:03:00.002-04:00

Another trunk show!
This one is from Knit One, Crochet Too and we are featuring 2nd Time Cotton. We have the Seed Stitch Yoke Cardi,

Double Tee, Chevron Trim Top, and

Hey Teach.

I liked Hey, Teach when it first hit Knitty and I like it even better in person. I would knit it with a 3/4 length sleeves and a longer body.

Yarn Alert!

2011-07-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

Fiona has mailed out more yarn.

We should have it out by Thursday.

Edited on Thursday - um, maybe Friday?

Puppy power

2011-07-10T16:01:00.001-04:00

We like dogs. And on almost every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, I will bring in one of our dogs.

Molly

Emma

T-Bone

Emma and Molly are our 10 month old Scotty mix puppies and T-Bone is our son's dog. I think he is around 5 years old and who knows what breeds he has in him. He is an animal shelter special.

4th of July

2011-07-04T17:32:00.001-04:00

Yup. I am sentimental. I get goosebumps when Amazing Grace is played on the bagpipes. I also like Judy Collins' version. And I like a good marching band with drums. I like parades and Leland has a great parade every 4th of July.

I have turned down opportunities to be in the parade because I like to watch the parade. This year my husband, Scotty, son, Ian, and Ian's dog, T-Bone, were in the parade.

They were in a Dodge M 37 military powerwagon/weapons carrier from the Korean War era.

The Leland Marching Band. They only get together for the parade.

A 51-52 Chevy. This car has been in the parade ever since we have been watching the parade and I love the combination of colors.

My favorite bank, Northwestern. Their folks are very helpful and friendly.

M-22 was packed with people. People standing, people in chairs, family buffets set up. It was a great day for a parade and a great day to celebrate our freedom. Thank you to everyone who has given us this opportunity.

Hooray for models!

2011-06-27T15:52:00.000-04:00

Having models in the shoppe is fun. We get to see how a pattern and yarn come together.

Ruth knitted the Pure Elegance Shawl using Mountain Colors Twizzle.

I knew that I liked the Lucy Wrap and when we acquired it, it reinforced my first impression.

We're so excited

2011-06-26T21:55:00.000-04:00

We now have yarn exclusively hand-dyed in Michigan by Fiona McPherson Grant for Thistledown Shoppe.

Third Coast, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, fingering weight. 1120 yds

Up North, 51% silk / 49% merino wool, fingering weight

and Lake Effect, 100% Tussah Silk, 1 ply.

The colorways are named after local flora and fauna and places located in our area.

Several of us are busily knitting models for the shoppe.

I am using Lake Effect to make this scarf. Susan is knitting the Shetland Shorty and Betsy knitted a sock out of Third Coast. Jill is knitting a lace scarf out of Up North.

Think one of a kind and exclusive. Fiona has a wonderful reputation as an excellent hand dyer and she will be thrilling us with the results.
.

Gaillardia

2011-06-18T11:32:00.001-04:00

Gaillardia. This is a flower and here are some pictures.

It is also the color name of one of our yarns. I tried a picture, I really did, but my camera wants to change the coral and oranges to pinks. So, look at the colors above and think 100% Merino Superwash. All 1120 yds of it. One of a kind.

2011-06-10T21:32:00.000-04:00

If you have to have warm weather, then this is what makes it worthwhile.

The planter outside of the shoppe.

Fuchsia at my house. I never saw them until we lived in Alaska. Snowball bush in the background.

More flowers that we purchased from Countryside Gardens. I call it Sheila's.

She is located on Good Harbor Trail. Friendly folks and wonderful plants.

Wisteria in my back yard.

Baby

2011-05-21T12:26:00.000-04:00

I was able to get a picture of one baby robin.

We had three hatchlings, and then this morning one of them was on the sidewalk, so we are now down to two.

Freddie's Blanket

2011-05-13T14:43:00.001-04:00

We have a new book that is wonderful for knitting projects and reading to your child.

There are patterns for a blanket,

Freddy Platypus and his coveralls,

coveralls for a child,

an envelope wrap,

and May Platypus. They all use the Serendipity Tweed and we have lots of that.

It is written and illustrated by the same folks that did Phoebe's Sweater.

They also have a group on Ravelry.

Thank you, Slate Falls Press, for the wonderful pictures.

Kauni Trunk Show

2011-05-04T20:03:00.001-04:00

RYN Yarns, our distributor for Kauni yarns, sent us a trunk show.

The Oakland Shawl

Beverly Cardigan

Brady Scarf

It looks much nicer in person. We will have it until the end of May, so make sure you stop by to fondle.

Carry on

2011-05-04T05:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I collect things. And one of those things I collect and use are bags, totes, baskets. Items to hold my knitting. And Lantern Moon has a lot of what I like.

Rice baskets - the salt water reed is sustainably harvested, flattened by hand press, then dyed and woven by village artisans in the community center and in their homes

Clam Shell Cases - three fit into one and zip up. Great for notions.

Boca - twisted seagrass baskets with silk lining. Small and medium with drawstring closure.

Silk Taffeta bags - three different sizes. I have a lady that uses them to gift wines.

Ibiza - diamond pattern palm leaf combined with natural palm inside to make a fresh summer tote. Rattan ring handles.

Swing bucket - Roomy drawstring pouch with four outside pockets in limited edition prints.

Tilly - Folded and sewn palm leaf in perfect brights for Spring and Summer. Natural palm is woven in to create a rick rack effect. Wooden handles on this farmer's market tote.

Jewel - Taffeta silk tops the soft quilted charcoal box.

Sapa Messenger bag

Palm Leaf Tote - braided palm leaf with wooden handle. Black cotton lining with magnetic snap. Inside zipper pocket.

Silk and velvet, I am a Victorian lady.

Maya Floral - small project bag in beautiful Vietnamese floral print silk. Loop and shell button closure.

Another sign of spring

2011-05-03T17:04:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when a puppy meets up with a porcupine.

Guess who won?

She had quills in her abdomen, left front paw and face. One is still in her nose.

New tenants

2011-05-01T09:14:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we hosted new tenants.

Robins and their nest.

I had stopped by the shoppe last Sunday, saw this,

and thought that the neighbors had cleaned up their yard, found the nest on the ground and gifted it to us.

Betsy said she saw a robin sitting on the nest. The last time I checked there were not any eggs. Isn't it amazing what nature can do?

Sample It

2011-04-27T18:35:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Betsy, Jill, and Susan - we have some more new samples at the shoppe.

Betsy knitted the Twirly Skirt (look under free patterns) out of Cotton Fleece. She made the size 4, but found that she had to shorten the last section to keep from having to use 2 skeins of that color.

These two hats were knitted by Susan. She used the Kauni yarn and the pattern is by Ruth Sorensen, One skein made both hats.

Jill knitted the Wiggle Wrap out of the Kauni. It is nice and long.

Another scarf knitted out of Kauni. The Paintbox Scarf by Lucy Neatby.

Need to mark it?

2011-04-25T05:30:00.012-04:00

One line of markers that we carry is Suann Stitches. Suann is a knitter and teacher who lives in the Lansing, MI area and makes these wonderful snagless markers.

We received more of her markers this past week. They come in two sizes - up to US 4 and up to US 10.5. She uses sterling plated jumprings that are sealed with Japanese seed beads.

Absolutely lovely.

Mountain Colors

2011-04-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

During the week several new items came in.

Mountain Colors Twizzle,

Crazyfoot, and Bearfoot.

The folks at Mountain Colors are wonderful to work with and I love their hand dyed yarn.

I am knitting the Fan Neckwarmer (Ravelry link) and am loving the Twizzle yarn.

I can see a cardigan out of it later on down the line.

Take a break

2011-04-10T08:48:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Ally for this

Dancing sheep

Scandinavian Caps

2011-03-20T19:58:00.000-04:00

These hats were knitted by Susan, out of Nature Spun Sport. The patterns are from Cottage Creations Scandinavian Caps for Guys. If you have ever knitted the Wallaby or any other of Carol Anderson's patterns, then you will appreciate her talent.

I. Christopher Anderson's Cap- Aran and Blueberry

II. Mark Jungck's Cap - Plumberry, Stone, Blueberry, Ash, Aran

IV. Jonathan Anderson's Cap Stone and Ash Nature Spun Sport weight

Grande 6 Cable Hat

2011-03-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

If you want a quick knit with bulky yarn, this hat is the one.

Schulana Grande with a US 15.

The booklet has a total of 4 patterns and we have lots of primary colors.

2011-03-11T00:15:00.003-05:00

I know - you want spring, but winter is not ready to leave. So, what is a good thing to knit and wear right away. Hats!

The next bunch of posts are going to highlight the hats that we have in the shoppe for models, starting with the Maltese Fisherman's Hat.

Let me sing the praises of this hat. First of all, it is an Elizabeth Zimmermann creation. She was an amazing knitter and designer.

You can find this pattern in the Knitter's Almanac and Spun Out #9, both of which we carry. This hat is quick, easy, and fun to wear. I used the Naturally Aran 10 ply, two stranded, which the puppies picked out.

It uses the knit stitch, starting with garter, then joining and continuing to knit in the round. It keeps my ears warm, a must for me to keep away earaches.

This is the hat I made for me to wear. I keep it in my van for those snowy days. It is knitted out of two stranded Pinturas.

Better late than never

2011-03-10T00:15:00.001-05:00

For Christmas, I knitted this for my sister out of the Jojoland Melody, but wool makes her itch, so it went to my daughter.

Hmmm, what to do? I contacted one of my favorite vendors, Rita from Yarn Hollow, and she sent me several skeins of her Thistle yarn, Cloud Nine colorway. Very soft and not a problem for my sensitive sister as it is silk and alpaca.

Purl Ridge Scarf by Stephen West. Nice pattern and wonderful yarn.

And my sister loves it.

2011-03-09T00:15:00.009-05:00

Jill showed me this pattern. I was looking for patterns to use to knit up some scarves/cowls to match some of my sweaters.


sev[en] circle

Here is my version out of Ty Dy wool.

While I was knitting it, I will admit that I wondered about the pattern. It looked weird and I wasn't too sure that I would like it.

After finishing it, I decided that it was pretty nice after all and I may even knit some more. They would make a nice start for Christmas presents.

Skacel KAL continued

2011-03-08T00:15:00.001-05:00

Jill sent me a picture of her first week of Skacel's Stripes Alive Kal

Both she and Betsy are enjoying this pattern and it is turning out cute.
If you want to join along, we still have skeins of this yarn at the shoppe.
.

More Kauni

2011-03-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Susan is diligently knitting away on the Kinnickinnic Blanket.

She has also knitted a hat and a shawl. Pictures of those are forthcoming.

Come Fondle

2011-03-06T11:40:00.000-05:00


Isobel

The Marion Foale's trunk show is here. We will have it until March 26.


Mimi

Four gorgeous sweaters to fondle and look at.


Alicia


Rosa

Tangled up in blue

2011-03-04T12:45:00.000-05:00

If you choose to knit from both ends of a skein of Kauni, you may want to rewind it first.

Otherwise you may end up like me.

Doreen's shawl

2011-03-03T15:57:00.004-05:00

If you come in on Sundays, you would know Doreen. She is a fast knitter and is wonderful with her colors.

She found the Sonoma Valley Wrap in the Simply Shetland 2 book.

Doreen sat down with our Nature Spun sport weight yarns and picked out her colors and went for it.

Having fun

2011-03-02T15:50:00.000-05:00

The Kauni yarn has folks knitting.

This is the Wiggle Wrap.

Jill is knitting the one on the right and Doreen is knitting the one on the left.

Lovely.

Excited

2011-02-13T11:47:00.001-05:00

New yarn !

Marion Foale

Nice fingering weight yarn. 7 stitches to an inch on a size US 3. I am knitting the Gertrude Hat.

Kauni. This is a lovely yarn from Denmark. Both solid and variegated. Dorte, from the hair salon, gives it thumbs up.

February's KAL

2011-02-05T12:38:00.001-05:00

We are off into the February Skacel KAL. Jill has been merrily knitting on and sending me her pictures.

This month is knitting fingerless gloves. Jill has finished her first week.

I would love to post everyone else's pictures of the KAL. Send them in.

Some people finish their KALs

2011-02-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

If I were Jill, I could say that my socks, for the Skacel KAL, were done.

Catch Up

2011-01-28T16:31:00.001-05:00

After fighting some viral something or another, I am starting to come back to normal, which means I am knitting again.

I had to tear out my sock KAL as the toe had a ridge. That is a no no.

Since I had to restart, I decided that Jill was right and I seperated my ball of yarn into two and used two seperate needles to knit the socks. And this is where I am.

I need the Dove Dark Chocolate to exist.

I should be zipping along up the leg on the second sock, but am not. The secret is out - it takes me forever to knit a pair of socks. But I am having fun and I learned a new cast on.

In the meantime, I have been working on other projects.

Purl Ridge Scarf by Stephen West

I started a cowl for my sister to replace the cowl I made for her for Christmas and it was out of wool and itched. Therefore, I called up my favorite hand dyer, Yarn Hollow, explained what I needed and several weeks later I had 2 skeins of a lovely alpaca and silk light worsted blend in soothing pastels.

Sleeping Molly

Along with that I started and frogged a pair of mittens for SEEDS. (bulky yarn makes too big mittens)

And then, of course, we have puppy class for the two young ladies that think they know what they are doing.

Day one of KAL

2011-01-05T18:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have officially started my KAL for January.

I am going to knit my socks off of the same ball, but am wondering if that will be a mistake. I will let you know.

Jill says I will be sorry.

I will say that the video, Judy's Magic Cast On, was a big help.

KAL

2011-01-04T11:11:00.001-05:00

There is a KAL group on Ravelry for the Skacel/KnitPurlHunter project.

I haven't had time to start yet, plan to do so at the shoppe tomorrow, but have watched the cast on video and I am ready!

Twenty Years of Zitron Trekking Sock Yarn Knit Along and Contest

2011-01-02T20:16:00.002-05:00

For the next six months we are participating in a knit along (KAL) with Skacel. Every month the shoppe will receive special yarn for a monthly project. I highly encourage you to participate as this is a great opportunity to learn new techniques.

Read on.....

Featuring Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter

Skacel Collection, Inc. is proud to announce their Twenty Years of Zitron Trekking Knit Along and Contest. The Knit Along, hosted by Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter, will begin in January of 2011 and run six months, concluding July 15th. Every month a new one skein project will be featured, that introduces knitters to a different technique.

Instructions for the project will be posted in increments on a weekly basis, along with educational "how-to" video clips. Each week a little bit more will be revealed! For those participating, there will be weekly and monthly prizes awarded, culminating in July with the grand-prize. The winner will receive a weekend get-away for two to Seattle including a trip to Skacel and a $1,000 shopping spree for yarns and needles in their warehouse!

Knit Along Overview

Each month will feature a one skein project.

Each project will feature one specific color of Trekking. To qualify for the contest, the contestant must knit with a Zitron Trekking yarn. Additional chances to win prizes will be given to those who knit the project in the featured color from the Supply List.

Instructions for the projects will be posted on the Knit Purl Hunter website.

Instructions for each month will be posted in four segments, with each segment revealing the next step. The first segment of each month will be posted on the 1st of the month. The second, third and fourth segments will be posted on the 8th, 15th and 22nd of that month respectively.

Each project will feature a different technique. Video Clips on these techniques will be posted on the Knit Purl Hunter website.

Once posted, all instructions will remain on the website through July 15th, 2011.

A forum for questions and comments can be found on the Knit Purl Hunter website.

Contest Overview

The Grand Prize: One lucky knitter will receive an all-expense paid weekend getaway for two to Seattle, Washington and the Skacel warehouse, where they will be given one $1,000 shopping spree in yarn and needles of their choice. Included is: roundtrip coach airfare for two to Seattle from any major city in North America, hotel accommodations (one double room), all transportation and meals. Travel must be completed by November 1st, 2011. Date of trip will be mutually determined by skacel collection, Inc. and winner.

The Not-So-Grand but none-the-less Great Prize: There will be five contestants who will receive a year's worth of Zitron Trekking! They will be sent one skein of Zitron Trekking per month beginning on August 1st 2011 and ending July 1st, 2012. Colors will be chosen by skacel collection, Inc.

Monthly Prizes: There will be at least 7 winners each month! One contestant will win a set of addi Clicks of their choice: addi Lace, addi Turbo®, addi Natura or addi Crochet. Two contestants will win a stuffed skacel promo bag. Goodies inside will vary from month to month. A minimum of four random prizes will be awarded to those who frequent the Skacel and Knit Purl Hunter websites.

Happy Knitting!

Skacel Collection, Inc.

www.skacelknitting.com

Skacel KAL

Skacel Rules

I will be knitting along, so if you have any questions, you may stop by on the days that I am at the shoppe - Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

If you want to participate, we encourage you to sign up ahead of time so we can have the yarn set aside for you. You may call us, email, or stop by.

We will also have a running commentary at Thistledown Musers on Raverly, if you want to stop by.

Kitties and yarn

2010-12-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

Babies, children, and puppies

2010-12-05T09:19:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago we had fun with the little ones.

A ten month old baby

12 week old puppies

"Shall we play?"

Time to sleep.

llllll

Relaxing

2010-11-09T15:18:00.009-05:00

Today is my day off and I have been playing around. One of the things I did was take pictures of

Habitat. I am stretching myself and knitting Jared Flood's hat, cabling with charts. It has been fun and I am loving the yarn, Portland Tweed.

I have also been watching and playing with Emma and Molly. They are 11 weeks old today.

How to take pictures of puppies

2010-11-06T14:13:00.007-04:00

The other day I was attempting to take pictures of Emma and Molly for a holiday ad.

I discovered that expecting 10 week old puppies to sit still and pose is absolutely ridiculous.

Until we are done with the photo shoot.

Where to put it all

2010-10-30T15:36:00.008-04:00

New yarn, new bags, new models, new goodies.

We are carrying a new line of yarn - Tonic by Jojoland. It is a worsted weight with 220 yards and we have 60 different colors.

An entrelac hat made with Tonic.

Soho Hat with Ty Dy Dots.

A pumpkin made with unspun Icelandic and Lamb's Pride.

Felted wine holder knitted with Lamb's Pride.

Bags and baskets from Lantern Moon.

Yarn Hallow's October Shawl.

Ruffle my Feathers knitted in Opal handpainted sock yarn.

Vortex knitted in Jojoland Rhythm.

And there is more on the way. We are loading up for winter knitting and holiday giving.

Shoppe puppies in training

2010-10-28T07:30:00.005-04:00

Meet Emma and Molly. They are sisters and are 8 weeks old.

Scotty Terriers, brindle colored.

And full of it.

Until it is nap time.

A Blustery Day

2010-10-27T14:22:00.006-04:00

I am not Winnie the Pooh, but we are experiencing a very blustery day. It started yesterday afternoon when our power went out at the shoppe.

Then today, this happened next door.

Now this....
Happy Windy Day!

How I spent my birthday

2010-10-09T07:56:00.010-04:00

I was fortunate to spend my birthday at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. I attended a statewide conference for child support (my paying job) and had the opportunity to meet with my co-workers from all over the state. We do this once a year and this year it landed on my birthday.

This is the view from outside of my window.

It was a great conference, spent with wonderful people, learning about new and updated items.

And I love fall!!!!

It is Done!

2010-09-27T11:59:00.002-04:00

I blocked it and now I am wearing it.

Lovely yarn, lovely pattern, lovely scarf.

Life is good (especially since it is also the fall season).

Get your dogs on

2010-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

We love knitting. We love kitties. And we love puppies.

Meet Hallelujah, a Briard.

She had a great time checking out the shoppe.

This is Rory. He is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

He never sits still.

Always in motion.

What to do when you are not knitting

2010-09-11T08:00:00.003-04:00

When I went over to the Post Office the other morning, I saw these.

Nothing like cruising.

Got Kittens?

2010-09-10T16:27:00.005-04:00

Last Monday, Jill pointed out a grey tabby in our back yard. When we tried to get a closer look, she would scoot under the back deck.

Later this week, I found out that we had kittens under the front deck. Five of them!

Do you know anyone who wants a sweet kitten?

You can have your summers

2010-07-31T11:15:00.009-04:00

I am in the minority. I have a problem with summer. I do not like bugs, heat, or humitity. I don't want to garden and pull weeds. I don't mind mowing the lawn.

I would rather look at falling leaves and rake them. I love to have snow melting on my face and I have fun shoveling.

But, and this is a big "but" - there is something I do like about summer. I like the farmer's markets and roadside stands. I grew up in a farming community and I used to bike up to the local roadside stand and buy fresh vegetables. (asparagus and corn on the cob stand out in my mind)

I stopped at the farmer's market in Suttons Bay this morning and picked up some goodies.

I bought fresh basil and garlic to make pesto. (ask me how good my car smells)

I have green beans, cucumbers, and lettuce.

And then I treated myself to a pecan roll and flowers.

So, I guess summer is not all that bad.

Can't stop obsessing

2010-07-12T16:17:00.005-04:00

When Linda, my Classic Elite yarn representative, showed me this

this past spring, I fell in lust. Then other parts of life took over and I forgot about the yarn.

This weekend I was back on Ravelry (as always) and found this scarf, again.

75% rayon, 25% linen.

There are more patterns for this yarn, but this was the clincher. I ordered several different colors today.

Renate Hiller - "On Handwork"

2010-07-07T11:34:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful way to explain why we should create.

Art Walk

2010-06-26T17:27:00.025-04:00

We had an Art Walk Friday night and it was fantastic!

Lots of people, good food and music, and amazing artists. If you did not attend, you missed a fun party.Our featured artist was Vanessa Fox-Gruenwald of Laughing Fox Studio. I know Vanessa as she works at the MSU Extension Office. I kinda knew she was an artist, but I really found out when she brought her art to the shoppe. Here is what Vanessa has to say:

Multi-media artist and educator for more than 25 years, Vanessa Fox-Gruenwald of Laughing Fox Studio in Suttons Bay, Michigan is also a published, award-winning photographer and writer who incorporates architectural glass and clay with found objects from nature, junkyards, and recycle centers to create on-of-a-kind jewelry and art works that grace people, homes, and gardens across the country.

For the 2010 kick-off Art Walk in Suttons Bay on Friday, June 25th, she will show her current work with a highlight on her collections of custom buttons designed to compliment the full range of artisan yarns available specifically at the Thistledown Shoppe. These miniature artworks are in high demand by fiber artists and are of limited availability.

We were busy and I just wasn't able to take out the camera. So, what you are seeing are the buttons Vanessa left with us for the next week and what I purchased from her.

Fairy portal

Pins and sun catcher

Stop by the shoppe and to see her buttons and then visit her at the Leland Art Fair on July 10, 2010.

Knitting on

2010-06-19T18:58:00.014-04:00

Every week folks bring in what they have made. Here are photos of some recent projects

Autumn Shawl

Misti Alpaca socks

Socks knitted with Alpaca Sox

Hooded cardigan knitted with Marble and Northern Worsted.

Light, Luscious, and Lacey

2010-05-28T16:30:00.011-04:00

Nancy came in today and brought her summer sweater
that she knit with Cotton Fleece. Here is the picture of the pattern.

It is Aconitum Lace from the Knitter's Spring 2010 magazine.

Here is what she knit.

What do you think?
Nancy says it is easy.

The lovely button is from the downtown yarn shop in Traverse City (shhh, it is Lost Art).

I told her she could knit one for me next time, only I want mine longer.

Namaste

2010-05-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

We have a new product line - Namaste.

Ask Ruth, Diane, and I how much we love it.

Namaste carries knitting bags, needle cases, clutches, wallets, pouches, binders, and cases.

I snatched up the eggplant colored Laguna and receive compliments whenever I am out and about.

Stop by and if we do not have what you want in stock, we will order it.

Picture this

2010-05-12T13:25:00.014-04:00

Four years of college

The shoppe puppy

Gracie is getting bigger with every breath she takes.

Barb's socks made out of Opal Handpainted.

A Baby Surprise Jacket knitted by Susan, using two different colors of Lava Handpainted.

A lovely sweater and cap using Cascade Eco wool and a Mission Falls pattern.

Mary has a new grandson arriving in August.

Socks from ShiBui sock yarn for the new grandson.

And bread that I made using the Artisan Bread in 5 minutes.

Continental Purling

2010-04-23T21:36:00.005-04:00

I am a Continental knitter. I started out as a thrower, but as I watched the pickers, I decided that I preferred that way of knitting. But I admit that I was stumped on the purling. I tried, but failed miserably. I have since learned Norwegian Purling, but find that it is a lot of movement and I am always on the lookout for an easier way.

Ravelry's Ask a Knitter column showed a great video on a different way to purl, that actually looks easier. For those of you who can't or don't want to go over to Ravelry, here it is:

What do you think?

Classic Elite Trunk Show

2010-04-16T12:37:00.017-04:00

We love samples. They are touchy, feely, and you can try them on. We also have folks who, while knitting the garments, come in and check out the seams, the buttons, the design features - it helps to keep them on track.

Classic Elite sent us a trunk show. We have a hat, cardigan sweater, vest, top, and lacy shell.

This is the Sprout Tee with Lace.

Dressy Cabled Cardigan in One Fifty

Portland Tweed Vest
Lacy Shell in One Fifty

All of these garments, and the yarn, are lovely.

You will have to come in and see the hat knitted out of Portland Tweed.

And thanks to my wonderful daughter, Kristina, for being a willing model.

Shoppe Puppy

2010-03-26T16:41:00.003-04:00

Jill has a new puppy and Gracie comes and visits us about twice a week. It was originally thought that Gracie was Lab and Beagle, but her vet says that he thinks she is more like Lab and Rottweiler.

Whatever she is, she grows every time she sleeps. (first picture is 2 weeks ago) I think we should start a pencil line on the wall, chronicling her growth cycle.

My first day of my vacation

2010-03-07T20:00:00.002-05:00

I am taking a vacation. I am not going anyplace special. Just taking time off of the fun job and the paying job. This is my first vacation in at least three years. I can't remember when I last took time off to just have time off.

Here I am at the Leland harbor.

I am wearing a new ruana that I purchased from Molly's. My husband calls it a tablecloth.

I am having milk and my daughter's freshly made chocolate chip cookies for lunch.

They are pretty good, but she refuses to put walnuts in them, which would make them close to perfect.

Later on, I have a choice of Coca Cola or wine. They are waiting for me in my winter refrigerator.

And at night, we watched Anne of Green Gables, the Sequel.

Pretty good start for a vacation.

Hatting on

2010-03-07T09:11:00.004-05:00

I frogged it and started knitting. Here is where I am, several days later.

Since I cast on a different amount of stitches, I had to play with the moose part. I will admit that it took me at least one hour of knitting and frogging to get it right and now I am moving on.

By the way, the original pattern's antlers were more reindeer than moose, but I found another chart that did moose antlers, so I am using that chart instead.

Autumn and helping the community

2010-03-02T07:30:00.004-05:00

Connie came in here a while ago to buy some yarn. She wanted to knit a shawl for her church's fund raiser. She had found the pattern and we could get the yarn for her.

Then she came back with this.

It is a pattern from Jojoland and uses their Rhythm yarn.

In exchange for Connie letting us have this at the shoppe, we are helping her sell it for $200. All of the proceeds will go to the 1st Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids. It is for a fund raiser that will help families through agencies like the Women's Resource Center.

Connie has put a lot of time and effort into this beautiful shawl. And we know that it will help to make a difference in our community.

It's Demarie's fault

2010-03-01T19:20:00.001-05:00

Demarie came in on Saturday with this pattern in her hands. (you have to be a member of Ravelry to go to the pattern.) I helped her pick out the yarn (Pastaza) and she left. But - she got me thinking. I pulled up Ravelry and started to look at the pattern and what others had knitted with it. And I was hooked.

This is a picture of the Ralph Lauren Olympic Hat for the opening ceremonies.

I picked out St. Denis, loved the colors and Jill had raved about the yarn, and started knitting when I got home Saturday night.

Now - what I did not need was another project. I was happily knitting MY Elizabeth Zimmermann Weekend Sweater

(although the dye keeps staining my hands, but that is another post), plus I am also knitting Carol's Clever Little Shawl out of the Brown Sheep Handpaint Original.

And then there are the other trillion UFO's I have tucked away here and there.

But, this hat kept picking at me, so I picked out the yarn and started it. (I am using the St Denis book hat pattern for cast on and other information.)

Monday morning I looked at what I had knitted and this is what I saw.

Look closer.

Twisted knitting. Not what I wanted. So, I will tear out 2.5" of knitting 140 sts per row and restart.

I swear that I checked and my stitches were not twisted. Honest.

More samples

2010-02-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am fortunate to have a group of talented knitters. Because of them, you have an opportunity to fondle the yarns and find out how the patterns work.

This is Sally Melville's Faux Fur Hat knitted with Mountain Colors. We have kits made up for you with the yarn and pattern.

The man's vest is made with Jojoland Rhythm yarn.

And then one of my favorite patterns - the Wonderful Wallaby.

Betsy has knitted several of these. This one is made out of Portland Tweed.

I love the front pouch.

Phillip's sweater

2010-02-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Part of the fun of working in a yarn shoppe is the people you meet. Phillip's mother is knitting him a sweater using Elizabeth Zimmermann. She came into the shoppe to see what we thought about the hem. I told her that I liked the rolling effect, but we decided that it should be Phillip's call.

It is not finished yet, she has to weave in some loose ends and finish under the arms, but Phillip thought it was soft and warm enough that he wore it out of the shoppe.

Perfect for the day.

Want some ideas?

2010-02-26T16:25:00.005-05:00

We have lots of new samples.

Hmmm, I am seeing a constant with the color theme. Okay - here is something different.

A Thank You

2010-02-04T07:47:00.002-05:00

January 30, 2010

Dear Leelanau Community,

A deep, loud, resounding "THANK YOU!" goes out to all of the anonymous knitters who so generously donated boxes and bags full of handmade mittens, scarves, and hats to be donated to families with young children in our area. The "warmies" have been distributed to families via home visiting programs such as Parenting Communities and the Grand Traverse Band Early Headstart as well as through the Leelanau Baby Pantry and Laundry Project. Additional items were donated to local preschools to keep underdressed kids warm on the playground this winter.

Research tells us that outdoor play promotes the release of endorphins creating joyful sensations similar to those we experience when eating chocolate. Outdoor play helps children (and adults) relieve stress, better understand their relationship to the natural world, and has been proven to enhance environmental stewardship.

Thanks so much for creating these beautiful, functional works of art that will keep Leelanau families outside enjoying the sparkly snow and hills, promoting health for people of all ages.

Warm regards,

Angela Poneta Dedenbach

Parenting Communities Coordinator

On behalf of

Leelanau Families and Early Childhood Initiative

Molly and Dolly

2010-01-22T20:41:00.005-05:00

We love to see what folks have made. Audrey sent these pictures to me.

She used the Marble yarn and Knitting Pure and Simple's Girl's One Button Cardigan. She found the pattern for the doll sweater on Ravelry.

Don't you love it?

.

123

2010-01-21T15:36:00.014-05:00

123. That is as in one hundred and twenty-three. As in what you have knitted and crocheted for the families of our community.

As of Tuesday, 1-19-2010, you had turned in 50 hats, 42 scarfs, 27 mittens, one headband, one pair of socks, and one toy.

Marilyn crocheted 34 scarfs.

Inmates at the jail took wool sweaters, felted them, and sewed them into mittens and a toy.

Here is Tricia, of Parenting Communities, and her son, Thomas, checking out the goodies.

123 items were given to Parenting Communities, Headstart, and other agencies that work with families in Leelanau County.

Jane Addams - "The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life."

Hatting

2010-01-13T13:22:00.005-05:00

Fun, fun. This is for my daughter's boyfriend. It is the Boyfriend Hat. Appropriately labeled, don't you think?

Tiffany, from my favorite bank (Northwestern in Leland) is my model. Yarn is Deep Pine Lamb's Pride Worsted. US 8 needle.

Flying time

2010-01-08T19:36:00.020-05:00

Whew! The holiday season whooshed past and I am still wondering what happened.

I did finish two cowls (my new favorite knit. Quick and fun.)

The pattern is Dolores Park Cowl.

This one is knitted with Misti Alpaca Chunky Handpainted.

And this one is knitted with Mountain Colors Wool Quarters, double stranded.

I baked bread.
And enjoyed having my grown children and their friends.

Oh, yes, and their dogs.

I hope your holiday season was as wonderful as ours.

Finishing up

2009-12-15T12:45:00.000-05:00

I finished up several projects.

This is the Wee Fair Isle Stocking. It comes in a kit.

This is what I call the child's tassel hat. I made the second size, but doubled the amount of stitches cast on. I also knit it in a circle, rather than flat. The yarn is Punta Lava Handpainted.

At some point I need to start thinking of Christmas gifts. For this year.

My new friends

2009-12-13T13:33:00.001-05:00

I am having fun. A while ago I found a pattern called Korknisser. Finally I was able to sit down and start knitting.

Voila! My new friends! Worsted weight yarn and US 3 needles and about an hour per gnomey. (I am a slow knitter) But, it is something I can finish and I have a bag full of corks to dress.

Aren't they cute?

Betsy is at it again

2009-12-10T11:51:00.003-05:00

Betsy is always trying out new ideas. Here are some fingerless mitts she has whipped out using Kid Seta with her yarn stash.

Snow Day

2009-12-09T11:54:00.010-05:00

I was going to be at the shoppe today, until I went outside.

I admit it - I am a wimp.

But I shoveled snow on the walk and on our roof.

And Murphy ran around.

Have a great snowy day.

Knitting away

2009-11-29T13:00:00.002-05:00

One of the best parts of working in a yarn shoppe is getting to see what others are creating.
Barb started knitting socks about 2 years ago and she is churning them out.

Along with hats.

And then the other day, a lady came in carrying this purse. She felted it, then needle felted it. Isn't it great?

Holding on

2009-11-28T17:00:00.001-05:00

This is a hollyhock on the edge of our driveway. It is still blooming away.

I don't think it realizes that winter is coming.

We're thrumming

2009-11-27T20:10:00.004-05:00

Betsy is teaching a class on mittens - thrumming and felting. And because of that, folks have been busy thrumming away.

Judy knitted these.

And these are from Doreen.

The class starts Thursday if you want to sign up.

Getting Old

2009-11-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Someone had to remind me, so I'm reminding you, too.

Don't laugh.....it is all true...

Perks of reaching 50

or being over 60 and heading towards 70

and beyond!

01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03.No one expects you to run-anywhere.

04.People call at 9pm and ask, did I wake you?

05.People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06.There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07.Things you buy now won't wear out.

08.You can eat supper at 4pm.

09.You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10.You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11.You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

12.You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

13.You sing along with elevator music.

14.Your eyes won't get much worse.

15.Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

16.Your joints are more accurate than meteorologists or the national weather service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

18.Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

19.You can't remember who sent you this list.

20.And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

And remember, never, ever, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Baby clogs and little alpacas

2009-11-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am an "oooher." And here are two of the things that have brought forth more of my ooohs.

Miniature alpacas from Misti Alpaca. We do sell them if you want one.

And these sweet felted baby clogs that Cinda knit.

Grande 6 cable hat

2009-11-03T07:00:00.008-05:00

Skacel has sent us some great hat kits. You get a skein of bulky yarn and a flyer with four patterns. I knitted the pattern on the front of the flyer.

It is the yellow one on their flyer.

And here is my finished project.

And they also sent us some more Addi Clicks.

Halloween

2009-11-01T07:09:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Halloween. And I have to admit it was pretty scary. I had two witches stop by to terrorize me.

They played with the yarn

and the spinning wheels.

Helen shows her love

2009-10-24T20:17:00.021-04:00

Helen Huey was one of the folks we came into our shoppe. She passed away recently, and her daughter brought into our shoppe the sweaters that Helen knitted for her great-grandchildren this past year.

Here is a close-up of this sweater.

Helen knitted sweaters like this every year. She started in January so she would have them done by Christmas.

I did not know Helen very well, but I know that she loved her family.

2009-10-23T22:13:00.007-04:00

Jackie, who has previously done amazing knitting, brought in a baby blanket she had just finished. The blanket is knitted with Punta Lava.

There are all sorts of bobbles on this blanket. Jackie stated that she almost lost her fingers after knitting all of those bobbles. The blanket is soft and very nice. Good job, Jackie.