I purchased this faux fur pompom a few months ago and put it away in one of my yarn baskets. Then I promptly forgot all about it. A couple weeks ago, I was digging through my stash for some yarn and my heart just about stopped. I saw this round, furry thing sitting there in the basket. I swear it had beady eyes and sharp teeth. Eeek, had a rodent invaded my yarn stash and made a cozy home?! I… Read more »

I’m currently working on a store sample for Black Sheep Yarns.  We want to showcase how Arbor knits up and so we picked out a small(ish) pattern to finish and display in store. The pattern choice that made the cut was High Pines, a textured cowl designed by Jared Flood. If you’re familiar with Jared’s work you will know that his patterns have unusual techniques and the design is often quite intricate.  The end result though, is always stunning.  High Pines is… Read more »

I have been working at my LYS, Black Sheep Yarns, for the past two years and I have loved every minute.  Last month, we became a destination store for Brooklyn Tweed. Happy dance 😀   As we unpacked boxes and boxes and boxes of gorgeous BT yarn, there was much squealing and whoops of delight!  Stocking the shelves was a mammoth task, but so worth it.  I love the story behind this all-American yarn and now I am so glad… Read more »

Whoa calendar, slow down already! Every March Joanne Hawker puts out a #MarchMeetTheMaker challenge.  The inspiration, camaraderie and community spirit with so many creatives sharing is mind boggling.  Check out all the eye candy and the makers behind the creative offerings. In the spirt of March Making, I’m working on a few creative challenges myself.  A while ago, I bought this wonderful, bright skein of hand dyed yarn. It was the perfect choice to make these fingerless mitts for my… Read more »

Do you feel it?  That nip in the air.  This can only mean PSL season, right?  I’m not a huge fan of that particular brew, but a pumpkin-spiced candle is totally my jam. With the cooler temps, the draw towards wooly things is pretty strong.  I don’t need another cardigan, but a handknit cardi?  Sign me up!  This year I took the plunge and joined the #jojifallkal2017.  For my muggle friends, that’s the annual fall knit-along hosted by knitwear designer… Read more »

One evening last week, I was waiting for my daughter to finish Girl Guides and like so many other waiting moms, I popped into the local coffee shop for a drink.  I was happy that I’d remembered to grab my knitting before I left the house because knitting and Starbucks are the perfect duo. Deep in knit mode, I noticed the person sitting at the table next to me staring at my hands with curiosity.  I knew a question about what I was doing would be forthcoming…. Read more »

Uh-huh, I’ve jumped on one.  Specifically, the Find Your Fade bandwagon. I began this project because I had this one skein of yarn that I wanted to use. It was too loud and crazy on its own but paired with others, it sings a beautiful tune! The search on Ravelry and Instagram began. Who am I kidding, it was mostly the gorgeous renditions on Insta beckoning me.  Sold!! I was casting on before I’d thought this through.  Hello, 233 stitches… Read more »

I have always loved color.  Especially the big, bold, bright ones!  My daughter is the same. She embraces color and always picks the bright (sometimes neon) shirt over the neutral one.  She’s nine and so this is totally understandable… rainbows, unicorns and all that!  I found this incredible skein of sportweight yarn that had these multidimensional colors while still being sort of tonal.  I was in love! I wanted to make something with this yarn before Christmas and it had to be for… Read more »

It must still be winter because I’m all about the knitting 🙂 Curled up in my knitting spot with soft wool running through my fingers, looping the yarn round and round the needles, creating something squishy and warm.  Most definitely a soothing and comforting pastime. When we had our big snowfall in December, I cast on and finished a hat in a few evenings! This one to be specific.  The Barley hat by the lovely team at Tin Can Knits.  It’s… Read more »

The days leading up to the holidays are a perfect time for allowing the creative juices to flow.  It’s the lull before the whirlwind that is Christmas. There are no chores out in the garden, Thanksgiving is done, the tree is up and daylight savings is in full effect.  It’s time to indulge in creativity that warms you inside and out. Time to bake, to simmer delicious soups, to curl up with a good book, to knit, to drink copious… Read more »