This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I can’t believe I finally finished the Valley Yarns Amethyst Brook Crocheted Afghan. Around the time that this pattern was released (almost 3 years ago!) I was looking for an afghan pattern where I could have fun playing with one of my favorite yarns, Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. (It’s even in our Anniversary Sale for only $6.99 a hank!) Sara Delaney’s pattern was a perfect fit. While working on this project the past couple years, I was able to develop my crochet skills, have an easily portable project, and learn that randomly placing hexagons can be a beautiful thing. I love my new blanket so much. But what I didn’t expect after making and joining so many hexagons, I kind of want to start another one all over again. For more pictures and details about my afghan, you can visit my Ravelry project page here. > Dena C.

I am having a blast crocheting with the 3/2 Valley Cotton. It has a lovely sheen, and I think the fabric will drape very nicely when I am done. Also, despite being a good sturdy weaving cotton it is fairly soft. I’m crocheting a Shell Brimmed Cloche as a gift, and I think I want one for myself! > Kristin L.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I have been frantically knitting another supply of these Ruffle Washcloths for thank you gifts, Mother’s day and end of the year Teacher gifts. I knit a bunch every year and every year they are out the door as quickly as I can knit them!  They pair nicely with a fun bar of soap and pretty ribbon. I have found that they knit up nicely in almost any cotton but I think they would be beautiful in Bristol Yarn Bradford, Classic Elite Seedling, or Rowan Handknit Cotton. Back to washcloth knitting! > Amy S.

The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs by Sarah Anderson – This fantastic compendium of spinning delights began to excite and inspire me as soon as I cracked it open. I sat down with it recently, began poring over its well organized chapters, and then immediately dove into my stash of handspinning scraps and started to combine them in new ways. The book is beautifully photographed and thoughtfully designed for easy reference. It includes a set of handy cards that can be used right at the spinning wheel to check your work during spinning, like the angle of twist or the structure of a multi-stranded yarn. This is a must have smorgasbord of inspiration and juicy tidbits of information that will bring new textures and dimensions to your handspun yarns! > Ashley F.

The inviting aroma of lavender drew me in to the Milk and Honey Lotion Bars as I walked by them in the warehouse one day. I had to buy one! Molded into decorative cakes, these all natural lotion bars are a compact alternative to liquid lotion bottles. Made from beeswax and infused almond oil, they not only moisturize your skin, but leave a heavenly lasting fragrance. I love the calming scent of lavender, and use this lotion at my desk whenever I need a little pick-me-up. The lotion bars are great to toss in your project bag, as some fibers will dry out your hands when you work with them. Snagging yarn on dry cuticles is the worst! A little does go a long way, your body heat will melt the oils and absorb into your skin. This lotion bar doesn’t leave my side! > Deb S.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

One of my favorite yarn and pattern combos is the Plymouth Yarn Select DK Merino Superwash and Rebecca Danger’s Monster Chunks pattern. The yarn is super soft and comes in a lot of great colors. The Monster Chunks pattern is quick and easy, and it’s the first time I knit something so many times in a row without getting sick of the pattern.  And the Monster Chunks look great with button eyes or safety eyes! > Jackie V.

I designed this cowl, The Bramble Cowl, for my older daughter who lives in England. Even though it’s spring, it’s still cool and blustery there. She loves chunky cowls but not the weight. I couldn’t resist all the beautiful colors of Madelinetosh Vintage that we have in the store. I just kept picking up skeins and putting them together. After I knit one for my oldest daughter, my younger daughter wanted one too, then I wanted one.  I can’t quite stop knitting these.  I have yarn for at least three more in beautiful color pairings. > Amy S.

I have been on a serious cowl kick recently. This one is The Wave Cowl, made with Noro Ayatori. I have been wanting to work with this yarn for a very long time but couldn’t figure out what to make with it. Right before a long car trip I decided to buy two skeins and make something. When all else fails, knit a cowl! That seems to be my current motto. Before the trip even started I knit up a cowl that turned out to be the perfect weight for a chilly spring or summer evening. This yarn is so soft and light. Of course I had to pick up another two skeins so I had something to knit on the trip. I have another one on the needles right now! > Amy S.

Amy has some great stories to tell. You can read more about her Bramble Cowl, her Wave Cowl and more on her blog, http://ms-ellaneous.typepad.com/ms_ellaneous/

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

Left: There’s a potholder swap annually on Ravelry that I participated in the very first year. It was lots of fun! Not only did I get a set of amazing potholders from all over the country, but it pushed me into one of my first designs, Disc-Disc. This year I got the itch to participate again and when I just couldn’t find a pattern I really liked, the inspiration bug bit me once again. This is my HOTbutton Potholder pattern and it’s free through the end of May, 2013. Enjoy! > Sara D.

Right: I’m crazy about the Needle Nanny we carry now. Not only are they adorable, but the super strong magnet is SO useful to have on hand! I’ve been using mine as a makeshift button on my sweater at work all week. I’m working on a crochet pattern that weaves in a lot of ends, and having the Needle Nanny attached to my sleeve or collar vastly trumps my usual method of stabbing it into the nearest cushioned surface, which I promptly forget! > Kerry T.

This blanket has been a year and a half in the making and I am so happy it is done! It is a very special thank you gift for a dear family friend. I bought the yarn, Blue sky Alpacas Dyed cotton, over the course of a year, one color at a time. The blanket used a total of 28 skeins! The pattern is the Chevron Baby Blanket from the Purl Bee, but enlarged to fit a single sized bed. The finished measurements are 62” X 121”, slightly stretched. We are going to visit soon so I can personally deliver this blanket. I didn’t want to trust it to the mail and I also didn’t want to pay postage. The blanket weighs about 10lbs! Until then it will rest on this bed where I can look at it every so often. > Amy S.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I have been loving my Schacht Zoom Loom over the last week! I used Tahki Cotton Classic for a coaster and a Noro yarn that’s been sitting in my stash for a while to make a coaster and then a trivet by sewing 4 squares together. The Zoom Loom is easy to use, and the finished squares are versatile. You can use them as coasters, pockets, tech cases, or washcloths. Then, sew them together to make potholders, blankets, purses, scarves, or even add a knit or crocheted border to a finished square! > Jackie V.

(Left) I have been having a lot of fun crocheting coasters with the 8/2 Warp Linen. It works up such a nice rustic and sweet little project. It would be kind of fun to go even further with this idea and make a couple doilies or placemats. They’re perfect for coffee coasters because it doesn’t show the stains. You can find the pattern here or at www.greenkri.com  > Kristin L.

(Right) I have a new cowl pattern, Fluvial, that I’ve been working on for a bit and I had to try it in a few different yarns to find the right one. I was most happy with the Rowan Felted Tweed in the Peony. It’s a DK weight with a great halo and tweedy pops of color and just enough body to hold up in an open stitch pattern. > Sara D.

One of my favorite yarns to use this spring is definitely going to be the Valley Yarns Longmeadow.  It’s a cotton and microfiber blend that’s super soft and great for when all this snow finally melts.  The Manta Top-Down Tee is going to be a staple for my spring and summer wardrobe.  It’s top-down so you can try it on as you go, but the set-in sleeves are a nice change from most top-down patterns. Jackie V.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about… hats!

(Left) I needed a project for the flight to and from Stitches West, and of course I waited until the night before I was leaving to decide what to do. I figured a hat would be a good project, so I spent a while searching Ravelry until I came across Porom by Jared Flood. I love this style of hat and I had one skein of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool (well, I have many, but one that was itching to be made into something ASAP) in my stash, so I cast on and was ready to fly. It’s a great pattern that is easy to memorize, so I didn’t have to have the pattern in front of me the whole time. It is my new favorite hat! I may even make another in a different color of Silky Wool…perhaps a pink next time. > Mary K.

(Left) Madelinetosh is easily my favorite brand of yarn. Every time this comes into the room I join all of my coworkers in oohing and awe-ing over it! My rule to stop myself from over-indulging is that I have to wait for what I call a “unicorn skein”. These are skeins that are just a bit different from all the others, just a little bit more special. I also have a rule that I cannot buy yarn unless I have a pattern for it. This means my raverly account has a mile-long list of patterns in case I find yarn to go with it! Every once in a while, it all comes together: I find a magical skein like this particular Tosh Sport in Amber Trinket and the Free Cecily Hat pattern I’m dying to do, and it culminates in a gorgeous, beautiful, soft, warm hat that I know I’ll wear for years to come! Patience has its virtues! > Kerry T.

(Right) When my friend and coworker Ashley F. made these amazing hand spun yarns for me I wanted to do something simple that would really let the beauty of the yarn shine through. I decided on the Simple Beret pattern from Knitbot, a basic hat with instructions for 4 different weights, and had really great results. The hats are gorgeous and they fit great! > Greta S.

I absolutely love this Conductive Thread! It’s used to add to gloves or mittens so you can use your smart phone through your gloves. No more taking your gloves on and off to use your phone! This makes gifts even better when you can tell the recipient their new hand made gift has this fun feature. > Grace H.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

After years of sharing our lives with big dogs, in December we welcomed little Rosie, a chihuahua rescue, into our family. Immediately I knew I would be knitting for her! A friend recommended Doggie Knits by Corinne Niesnner and I have knit several sweaters for our ‘little bit’. I love the patterns in this book and she gives a lot of information about sizing and custom fitting. Knitting ranges from basic to intermediate and includes options like adding holes for either a leash or harness attachment. This particular purple sweater on the left is sweater is called Astro and I knit it in Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere color 509. The edging is Charlemont scraps I had around (burgundy & purple passion). Yes, it’s a bit indulgent for a dog, but for me it’s about the process, too, and I wanted to indulge myself in a bit of luxury. Plus, I’ve got leftovers to use for some fingerless mitts! The blue sweater is in Dream in Color Classy color 170 Some Summer Sky. > Leslie Ann B.

I absolutely couldn’t resist making the Love Socks by Devon Clement. The bright colors Spud and Chloe Fine has to choose from are absolutely perfect for striped socks. I love their color selection. The hearts in the heel are subtle and easy to make, and make these socks an extra special gift. I might have missed my Valentine’s Day deadline, but it’s always a good day to tell someone you love them with a nice pair of socks. > Grace H.

When we got the Manos del Uruguay Alegria yarn in and I saw the hot, gorgeous Locura Fluo colorway I knew I had to try it! I have a teammate on my Roller Derby team and her derby name is Neon Stiletto, and she takes her name very seriously, so this cowl is for her! This yarn was wonderful and soft to knit with and I really like how the colors worked up in the finished product. You can click here to see the pattern I wrote up. > Greta S.

(Left) I’ve had this skein of Swans Island Fingering for over a year. I fell in love with the color last gloomy February. This gloomy February, I finally decided what I was going to do with it. My neck gets cold all the time at home but I am often painting or sewing which makes wearing a long scarf awkward. I love long cowls, but sometimes there’s too much material around my neck. So, I decided to knit a handy short cowl in fingering weight. The pattern is the Swans Island Cirrus Cowl. It is knit back and forth with a broken cable pattern for 30” then joined together. I just shortened mine to 21”. The best part is, I had enough to make my daughter one too! I wear this cowl ALL the time. The yarn is wonderfully soft and the color is stunning. I’m having a hard time not scooping up skeins in red and orange too! > Amy S.

(Right) When my friend and coworker Ashley F. made these amazing hand spun yarns for me I wanted to do something simple that would really let the beauty of the yarn shine through. I decided on the Simple Beret pattern from Knitbot, a basic hat with instructions for 4 different weights, and had really great results. The hats are gorgeous and they fit great! > Greta S.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about gifts! Amy designed the Love Monsters, a perfect Valentine’s Day knit; while Lise and Mary have been busy knitting for babies!

Every February I am inspired to knit in pinks and reds to counteract the gray gloom of New England winters. Luckily, Valentine’s Day gives me the perfect opportunity! This year I couldn’t find anything that was inspiring me so I decided to make something myself. These Love Monsters were the result. By the time I got the pattern worked out I had my whole family represented. I used some yarns from my stash, Cascade 220 and Valley Yarns Berkshire and Berkshire Bulky, but they have been so popular around my house that I had to stock up on the Berkshire yarns again. They don’t take long to knit, so I’m going to whip a couple more up for Valentine’s gifts. You can find the pattern for the Love Monsters here on Ravelry. > Amy S.

My cousin is expecting a baby in March and I wanted a blanket that would be cozy for our new family member and fun for me to knit. The Cuddly Monster Blanket from Rebecca Danger’s Knit a Monster Nursery fit the bill. It is an adorable project and it was a fun knit. I used Spud & Chloë Sweater, which isn’t the least expensive yarn, but I have used it for baby blankets before and I love the way it feels and washes (it’s already gone through the washer and dryer and looks great). It’s so soft and squishy if I could keep it for myself I would! > Mary K.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about some belated gifts for the holidays and a stunning bag knit in Cascade 220 Sport and lined with fabric!

I’ve used Cascade 220 Sport before, but now I’m even more in love with it after making my Scallop of the Sea clutch for the Holla Knits Holiday KAL. It’s light and lofty with a wonderful texture that makes knitting time just fly by! The hardest part was picking four colors for the pattern–I chose 9451 Lake Chelan Heather, 8013 Walnut Heather, 7802 Cerise and 9408 Cordovan, but I saw countless other perfect combinations. The yarn is also just sticky enough to keep your floats in check on the most complicated of stranded colorwork patterns! > Emma W.

(Left) The book 200 Fair Isle Motifs is an amazing resource for Fair Isle knitting. I’m planning an epic project, and the color photographs are wonderful. It includes charts for each motif, an easy reference for the number of stitches and rows each motif uses, and alternate all over pattern charts based on each motif. There’s also a bit of information on how to do fair isle knitting, steaking, and the history. I’m really excited to get the time to plot out the patterns I want to use. There’s an index showing all the patterns, referencing their page number so you can browse through all the beautiful colors. I’m super glad I got this one! > Kristin L.

(Right) Being a little behind in my knitting projects (I am not even talking Christmas!!) I have finally completed the afghan designed for my nephew who was married in July. The pattern is a free Ravelry download called “Nancy’s Favourite Afghan” by Nancy Duff. I did adjust the number of squares and added my stockinette border after instead of while knitting the entire piece. I just find that it adds more stability to the piece. I used one of my all time favorite yarns, Cascade Eco+ Wool, #8010 and just love the feel and stitch definition it produces. Now let’s see if I can get it delivered before their anniversary. > Lise G.