So for the last Summer Featured Pattern for the shop I have chosen Stephen West’s Boneyard Shawl.  A fairly quick knit and it only used one skein of Malabrigo Sock.  Though, one of the things I love about shawls is the fact that you can easily substitute a heavier or lighter weight yarn and pretty much just change your needles to match. 

For my Boneyard, I substituted yarn overs for all the make ones, simply because I liked the look better.  And for the edging, I followed Plain Jane’s project modifications.  I love how mine turned out…simple, light yet cozy, and the Aguas colourway in the Malabrigo Sock is just beautiful.  This will be the perfect fall weather scarf for that little bit of extra warmth under your jacket.

Like I said, you can use pretty much whatever you want for a pattern like this, but I think it looks particularly good done out of one of the luxury sock yarns (think Malabrigo, Tanis Fiber Arts, Fleece Artist).  And the best part…you only need one skein!  So feel free to stop by the shop if you need some pointers in choosing a yarn/needle combo when doing modifications.  If you need yarn for the project, just be sure to mention it’s for the Boneyard, and receive 15% off right up until Sept 21st!

And don’t forget to upload your project pictures to A Good Yarn’s Ravelry group for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!!! (deadline Sept 21st).  Check here for full details.

The hat and mitts are not totally identical (because there is no repeat in a ball of Silk Garden), but for me, they are matchy enough.  I feel the bold grey stripes in them both, just pull it all together, regardless of the fact that there’s different colours throughout.  If you do want your set to be identical though, no problemo…just make 2 sets, and do your Silk Garden colours opposite.  And the best part of doing 2 sets?  One for you, and one for a friend!  Can you say early Christmas knitting???

There’s all sorts of possible combos for these 2 worsted weight yarn patterns.  Solid & Stripes…match any solid yarn (Berroco, Cascade, etc.) with a self striping yarn (such as Silk Garden).  Two Colour Stripes…any 2 solid coloured yarns for a basic, bold striped effect.  Super Colourful Stripes…in lieu of a solid, use a second (different coloured) ball of Silk Garden for a stunning, striped, colour effect (think Jared Flood’s Noro scarf).  And last but not least, Stash Buster Stripes!…choose a solid base colour, and use alllll those tiny balls of scrap yarn (yeah, I know you’ve got them!) that you have kicking around (but just can’t seem to throw away), and have every stripe a different colour.  The colour combinations, and choices are practically endless!  Plus (depending on your yarn choices, of course), this is a very affordable project…if you use a one Ultra Alpaca and one Silk Garden, you have enought for the hat AND the mitts!  And I’m fairly sure I could eek another hat out of what I have left (though I don’t think there’s enough SG to do the stripes all the way to the top).  But still, that’s a pretty decent deal for just over 20 bucks!

I made a few, small mods to my set.  The Turn A Square hat is basically a perfect pattern…as ALL of Jared Flood’s patterns are!  But I added an extra 1/4″ to the ribbing to compensate for my less than perfect, extra large sized head.  My Lychee Mitts I changed from 2 x 2 colour stripes, to 3 x 2 stripes to match the scheme of the hat.  And used the jogless stripes technique described in the hat pattern.  And…for the mitts, I completely tore apart the remainders of the skein of Silk Garden so the mitts would match each other.  Easy to do…just break the yarn after each colour and use some for each mitt  Less easy to do…weaving in allll those ENDS! :S But when it’s done, you’ll see, it was totally worth the trouble for a pair of kick ass mittens!  (If you were reeeally into the matchy match thing, you could do this with your hat too, and use a bit of each colour from your demolished ball of Silk Garden for your hat and each mitten…it just depends on what level of knitting insanity you are at)

Both of these are free patterns, which I truly do always appreciate.  The designer of the Lychee Mittens asks that if you like her design, you’ll consider making a donation to the PSPCA.  I’m always more than happy to donate a little to the animals…but I wasn’t sure what the “P” in PSPCA stood for (I’m assuming a specific branch).  So instead, I decided to donate $20 to Maxwell, a beautiful, sad, abused Pit Bull that looks almost exactly like my Blueberry (who passed away in February).  This lady, tirelessly looks after, and adopts out dogs (mostly Pitts and often abused) cruelly dumped and left to die in the California desert. (sorry, you’ll only be able to see these last 2 links if you have Facebook).  So if you do enjoy knitting the Lychee Mittens, please consider making a small donation (money, time, goods, anything) to an animal rescue organization somewhere. :)

And don’t forget…this is a “Featured Summer Pattern“ on the shop’s Ravelry group!  You get 15% off your yarns for this project and if you post a pic of your project (hat and/or mitts), you go into the draw (Sept 21st) for a $25 gift certificate!  All the details here.  If you’re interested in my needle sizes used, and yarn colours, here are the links to my project pages…Square-Head and Matchy Mitts.

The Ribbed Lace Bolero is knit flat, it’s really just a big rectangle. And just two little 3″ seams to turn your rectangle into a functional shrug!  I used less than 1 1/2 skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca for mine in the Peat Mix colourway, a beautiful gark green with subtle gold highlights. 

The free pattern only comes in 1 size, but is easily customizable to different sizes and yarns…and when I say easy, I mean easy enough that even I could do it!  To figure out your cast on amount, you take your shoulder to shoulder measurement (though I’d highly recommend adding a little negative ease if you’re using a stretchy yarn), add 8″ (4″ per sleeve), and then just multiply by whatever number of stitches per inch you got with your chosen yarn.  Then simply start knitting and you’ll be done before you know it! 

This is a great pattern for a beginner knitter or as an into to lace knitting.  There’s only 1 row that might confuse a beginner a little…the last row of lace, transitioning back into the ribbing.  It’s not hard, just written a little confusingly.  If you have trouble with it, or any part of the pattern, feel free to email me…agoodyarn(at)rocketmail(dot)com, or give me a shout on Ravelry…jennypenny73

Also, this summer on the Ravelry shop group, we’ll be doing a featured pattern spotlight…the Ribbed Lace Bolero is the first one!  You’ll recieve 15% off yarn bought for the project, and there’ll be a draw for a $25 gift certificate at the end!  Check out all the details here!

And last but not least…after trying to take so many pictures of myself (which isn’t all that easy or fun, by the way!) for this project.  I turned around to find this…one other little diva that thought she should be the one being photographed.  And I, of course, was happy to comply.

Bessie

See you all (and hopefully some new faces too) next year!

A few of the diehards just before it got way to cold & rainy! (L to R) Rochelle, Melodie, Jane, Karen, and Katie...there were more at the start, but my pics didn't turn out, sorry

Katie G. and her pal Franklin

Paula, Jane, Karen, and Allison knitting away in the short lived "nice" weather.

The relative peace & quiet of the "inside knitters" didn't last long...

How many knitters can you fit in a little yarn shop, you ask???

Milly trying to avoid Franklin up high on the counter...watched carefully, of course, by her dad, Peter.

Franklin, Milly, and Amy. Franklin was rather enamoured with Milly...the feeling was not mutual.

Allison, Anna, Klara, and Klara's favourite little shop toy...the Well Dressed Bunny.

Bored of the grown ups knitting, Jane reorganizes the shop. Jane reorganizes the shop so often though, that one day I'll probably have to start paying her.

Pollie & Franklin having a cuddly moment.

The end of a long, busy day and one dog tired little pup.

Just getting started. Robyn telling us about all the differences in fibres.

Getting excited to get spindling!

Drum carder fun! I'm pretty sure everyone in the class now wants one of these babies!

This thing is like a whirlwind when it gets going!!!

Spindle time!

None of us are quite at the level of letting the spindle spin freely yet...

But looks like Amy's got the "park & draft" method down pat already!

The rest of the evening was spent chatting, spinning, drum carding...

...AND playing with fibre, of course!

A great time was by all, and a whole whack of new fibre/spinning addicts were born in St. John’s over those 2 nights! 

And for all you non-spinner types out there…I just spoke to Robyn today, and it looks like we’ll be carrying some of her handspun yarns at the shop very soon! Can’t wait!!!!!

Since opening in April, I’ve had quite a few requests/inquiries about Berroco yarns from my customers.  As well as many people coming in with Berroco patterns that I’ve had to find substitute yarns for.  Then a while ago, our yarn group had a swap.  I received a (not so) subtle hint from Lesley, my swap partner, and was given some Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine, a beautiful, wine coloured, fingering weight yarn that came in a nice hefty skein…I was sold (partially).

Then a few weeks ago I called Berroco, just to make kind of a loose inquiry, and was completely blown away by their customer service and policies…it was then I was sold on Berroco (fully).  First, they sent me a big, honkin’ (free) box of yarn!  I mean, oh yeeeah…who doesn’t love free yarn?!  No one, that’s who!

Clockwise from top left: Cuzco, Borealis, Jasper, Ultra Alpaca Tonal, Ultra Alpaca, Peruvia, Seduce, Linsey, Origami, Pure Pima, Bonsai, Inca Gold, Blackstone Tweed, Remix, and Flicker

And they also sent me colour cards…I mean actual colour cards with actual pieces of yarn!  This will probably only impress those of you that have ordered yarn online only to receive a COMPLETELY different colour than you thought you were ordering!  And the best, most impressive thing of all…free shipping over a certain amount!  Even to Canada!!!  After just having placed an order with an American company and being dinged $107 shipping on a $500 order, this goes a really, really long way with me.  We, as yarn shops, to stay competitive, have to take certain losses…like sales, free shipping, discount cards, etc…and the favour is rarely returned to us from the wholesalers.  So I have to say, I really appreciate the sentiment, Berroco!

So…I’d love some opinions on Berroco yarns you’ve used…or ones you’ve been pining to try.  The Ultra Alpaca has been used over 15,000 times on Ravelry, so I think that one’s a must.  And the Ultra Alpaca Fine, mainly because it’s such a generous skein for not too much money.  But I’m also curious about some of the others that anyone has tried.  Has anyone used Sox?  Feels rather rough in the skein, but the colour selection is nice.  And sorry, I don’t have any pictures of the Sox, it was quickly snatched up by our resident sockstress, Paula (though I do appreciate the test knit, Pollie!).  I was also surprised to find the Borealis and the Remix (all recycled fibers) to be quite intriging…in spite of the high acrylic content (I am usually a rabid anti-acrylite).  The Inca Gold is also  totally drool worthy, and I don’t have any merino silk blends in yet, so I think that’s a go too.  Also 2 other summer yarns looked nice…Seduce and Linsey…though, lets face it,  it’s not like we ever really get much of a summer here in Newfoundland anyway! 

So I’d love to hear any reviews you’d like to offer up, the good, the bad, and the ugly (not that any of us have ever had an ugly project, right??? ) on the Berroco yarns…it will greatly help with my decision process.  Thanks everyone!

Borealis and Inca Gold

Seduce - Shimmery & lightweight

Remix - 100% Recycled fibers

Franklin in his bow tie and party hat (that coincidentally has a strong resemblance to a dunce cap)

Today was Franklin’s 6th birthday, and in celebration, we had a little mini sale at the shop.  To get the sale prices, people HAD to wish him a Happy Birthday.  And I have to say, I was quite pleasantly surprised by how many people didn’t just give him a cursory “happy birthday”…because really, that was all that was required to get the discounted yarn…but were truly excited to wish him a very Happy Birthday, kiss him and play with him, and just generally slather him with affection.  There were even lots of Happy Birthdays on the Facebook page too from people who couldn’t make it down for the sale, but that still love him.   He got cards and treats too!  More cards and treats than I got for my last birthday, I might add!  He even got a birthday picture drawn by his adorable, little friend, Solstice.  Franklin was pretty much the center of our little universe for the afternoon, which is of course, pretty much where Franklin thinks he belongs.

Franklin's birthday pic drawn by Solstice. That's Franklin at the bottom

So I just wanted to thank everyone that comes in to the shop to shower Franklin, my love starved little Boston Terrier with affection all the time…and of course, Miss Bessie too (but she’s a whole other blog post).  And an extra thank you to those people who aren’t particularly “dog people” but still bend down to give them a little pat anyway.

Franklin says..."Thanks everyone! Stop in and pat me again soon!!!"

There are a few parts I’d like to tweak and add to before the next attempt at putting this on again…but it’s too soon to think about that right now (I’m still trying to warm up from the cold ride down Water St!).  Thanks again to Paula, Lesley, Leah, Katie, and Rochelle for all your contributions and encouragement. Thanks to Karen for the photo shoot. And a special thanks to Gillian for all the extra help! Couldn’t have done it without you guys!  So…who’s in for next year?!?!

Lesley & I tying on the fishies

Paula!

Almost ready!

Bessie checkin' out the scene

The girls, soaked from the rain, but still having fun (L to R) Bessie, Me, Paula, Gillian, and Lesley.

And off we go!

So the need for doggie “winter wear” in Newfoundland is what I deem to be essential attire for my little Franklin.  And as a knitter of warm and woolie things I cannot live with myself if I’m forced to put him in a *cringe* store-bought dog sweater.  The problem is…Boston’s have weirdo body shapes.  Oh on a glance they appear to be in proportion…but in reality they have freakishly large chests in comparison to the rest of their body.  Hence (yes, hence), there isn’t a store made dog sweater on Earth that fits them properly…and even less available knitting patterns.  Until now…

I recently came across the Darling Darby Dog Sweater on Ravelry.  And I think I might have to say…Best. Sweater. Ever.  It’s a pattern that takes your dog’s exact measurements into account (along with a little math) and give you a recipe for a perfectly fitted sweater.  And that’s exactly what I got…finally…after 6 years of dog sweater disasters…a well fitting sweater for my fur challenged Franklin.  The Darling Darby is now officially my go-to sweater for all dogs! 

So, of course, after all the measuring, and math, and knitting, and weaving in of ends…Franklin’s sweater is ready for a day at the park (the true test of any sweater worth it’s salt).

I love my new mustard sweater!!!

Ready for action!

Family shot - Franklin, Bessie, & Blueberry (I took soooo many pictures trying to get everyone to look at me at once & have decided...IT'S NOT POSSIBLE!!!)

Franklin's always been a bit of a rebel.

Into the woods.

My ball! I can't reach it!!!

Desperate times call for desperate measures!

Success.

I hate my freezing cold, soaking wet, 20 pound sweater now and I'm going to sulk & shiver in the bushes until you take it off me

Free of the confines of the wet sweater he's ready to play again!

Well, after taking a beating for over an hour of chasing after the ball, racing through the woods, wrestling with Bessie, and going for a dip in the river, the sweater passed the test.  I will definitely be tweaking a few things on the next one I make…like tightening up the neck hole a bit, it got a bit stretched and hung down around his shoulders.  But that might’ve been from the stretchiness of the yarn I chose…or possibly the 20 pounds of water that it sucked up in the river.  All in all, I highly recommend this custom (and free) sweater pattern, especially to anyone with an oddly shaped dog (like my boy)…it’s excellent, will fit any sized dog, and can be used with any weight yarn (though they do recommend worsted).  I used just over 1 ball of Patons Classic Roving (a chunky weight yarn) for Franklin and he’s 17lbs…but don’t tell him, he thinks he’s HUGE!

For many, many years, winter and I have been mortal enemies.  I didn’t like winter, and I’m pretty sure the feeling was mutual.  Working for years as a truck driver, spending 10 to 12 hours a day in and out of the truck (some days out more than in) and soaking wet, really ingrained that hatred of the cold right into my bones. 

But now…something has changed.  Now, I have my shop.  Now these winter months are going to mean something different!  It’ll mean more people in the shop looking for that special something to warm their needles.  It’ll mean I get to watch our long, cold, blustery, winter from the comfort of my warm, dry, shop window.  And up until this year, my knitting has usually taken a back seat in the long, warm Nova Scotia summers.  My knitting habits have changed since moving to Newfoundland…this year I knit, uninterrupted.  A small part, I’m sure, because the summer is so much shorter here…partly bacause I’m surrounded by irresistibly beautiful yarns all day (and anyone that knows me, knows I’m a sucker for a pretty skein)…but mostly the change has come because of the wonderful knitting community I’ve become a part of since moving to St. John’s.  In the 8 years I’ve been a knitter, I was a solitary knitter…now I’m part of a family.  And if that doesn’t keep you warm through the Newfoundland winter, I don’t know what will.

I still don’t think Old Man Winter and I will ever be friends, but perhaps a cordial truce may be in order…at least for now.  Though I’m still reserving the right to complain about the gross winter weather we surely have coming our way. 

So as a little pre-winter knit, I have written up a pattern for some alpaca mittens.  By using one strand of each of Blue Sky Alpacas 100% Alpaca Sport and Blue sky Alpacas Brushed Suri you end up with super soft and fuzzy mittens that will, no doubt, be warm as toast.  These mittens are also thin enough to still be functional…you’ll have no problem maneuvering your keys to unlock the car door when fleeing the cold!

ALPACA MADNESS MITTENS

Yarns – 1 strand of each held and knit together.

• Blue Sky Alpacas 100% Alpaca Sport Weight (1 1/4 skeins) AND
• Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri (a little less than 1 skein)

Equipment

• 4 Double Point Needles – 4mm
• 3 stitch markers

Gauge

• 5 sts/inch with 4mm needles

abbreviations

CO – Cast On
sts – Stitches
K – Knit
PM – Place Marker
M – Marker
M1 – Make 1
PU – Pick Up
K2tog – Knit 2 Together

Cuff

• Using 1 strand of each yarn, CO 36 sts using cable cast on (or other stretchy cast on). Join to work in the round.
• 2×2 rib 2 1/2” or desired length
• inc. 4 sts evenly across next row
• K 1 row
• K 1 row to last st PM, M1, PM, K to end
• K 1 row

Thumb Gusset

• K to M, slip M, M1, K to 2nd M, M1, slip M, K to end
• K around
• Repeat these 2 rows 5 more times (13 sts between markers)
• K 4 more rows plain
• K to 1st M, remove M, sl next 13 sts to waste yarn, remove 2nd M, K1

Hand

• Continue knitting hand until 1 1/4” from end of longest finger

Decrease Rows

1 – K8, K2tog - Repeat around (36sts)
2 – K
3 – K7, K2tog - Repeat around (32sts)
4 – K
5 – K6, K2tog - Repeat around (28sts)
6 – K
7 – K5, K2tog - Repeat around (24sts)
8 – K
9 – K4, K2tog - Repeat around (20sts)
10 – K
11 – K3, K2tog - Repeat around (16sts)
12 – K2, K2tog - Repeat around (12sts)
13 – K1, K2tog - Repeat around (8sts)
14 – K2tog around (4sts)

draw needle through stitches and pull tight.

Thumb

• PU sts off waste yarn and distribute on 3 needles.
• K around, at end of round PU and K 3 sts.
• Next row K around to last 3 sts. K2tog, K1
• K thumb to 1/8” of desired length.
• K2tog around to last sts, K1
• K2tog around.
• Draw tail through remaining sts and pull tight.

Weave in ends.

Make second mitten same as the first.

Note: Blocking these mittens will really allow the alpaca to bloom and show off it’s beautiful halo.  I recommend doing this just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing and feeling the fuzzy softness of these mittens, but it is not essential.

* Thanks so much to Karen for the test knit and her notes