Check out some of these great projects knit in Valley Yarns that caught my eye recently on Ravelry.

1. anisa uses one of my favorite Valley Yarns, Northfield, to knit Gundrun Johnston’s Shalder sweater. Love the pockets.

2. Nikol Lohr’s Bunny Hop Thrummed Bunny Slippers look so cute and cozy knit in Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky. Keep these in mind if you’re looking for a quick project as we approach the holiday season.

3. bookishmomma has made the incredible Fireside Sweater in Valley Yarns Berkshire, combining two of my favorites, cables and a cardigan.

4. TonkaDancikova’s Stanley Cup Championship Shawl is an excellent project for a Bruinsfan, knit out of Valley Yarns Northampton.

5. LaniO’s Asymmetrical Buttoned Raglan knit in snuggly Valley Yarns Sheffield would be the perfect sweater to pull on to get rid of a chill. Plus I love the button detail of Kirsten Hipsky’s design.

Hi Everyone

It has been well documented on this blog that I am a great started but not the best finisher when it comes to projects.  I’ve made promises to myself, I’ve publicly stated that I shall not start a new project without finishing at least one existing project and I’ve sworn off learning to spin or anything else knowing it would be just another distraction.

We’ve owned our lovely bead shop for a little more than 2 years.  I’ve been to bead shows.  I even have a small bead stash.  Yet I have resisted the temptation to learn to bead.  I knew what would happen if I gave in.  I mean, about the only thing that can tickle me more than a few lovely skeins of cashmere is sparkle-y beads.  I knew if I went down that road it would be a VERY slippery slope.

Well, about a month or so ago I gave in.  I decided to string just one, little necklace.  I mean, what harm could a few Swarovski Crystals do??  Here’s my first creation:

Nothing super complicated – just basic stringing.  I’ve proven I know how to count 🙂  It’s also reinforced my almost obsessive joy in symmetry.  I’ve strung three other pieces but of course they are sitting on my desk at WEBS waiting to have the crimp beads and clasps put on – I still need supervision with that part of the process.  I’ll scoop them up tomorrow and post the pics.  For one of the pieces I used chunkier seed beads and focal beads and it’s like knitting with super bulky yarn – FAST!

Here’s my stash to date:

And look how compact and unassuming it appears in my della Q project bag:

(Note:  Sorry the pics aren’t the best.  It’s evident that I need to work on my photography skills with beads)

Some of the beads are from the shop, some I’ve picked up at the buying shows I’ve attended.

Not to fear, the knitting continues as well.  This is a hat I designed for a book and was able to retain rights.  The original yarn has been discontinued so I’m reknitting it in our Valley Yarns Northampton, the color is Jade.  The pattern is my Vintage Baby Hat from Luxury One Skein Wonders.  I’m knitting it in adult size this time.

I also have yarn for two other design projects pulled and I’m in the beginning planning stages for those.  One in Valley Yarns Deerfield is beginning to take shape while the other which will be in Valley Yarns Sheffield still hasn’t come together quite yet.

What is on your needles these days?

Kathy

The Fall issue of Knitscene is out!

It is now in a larger format, which I think it is great. There are several interesting projects in the issue, but there’s one that I am particularly fond of:

This is the Matryoshka Stole. I love the design, I love the beads, I love the size. What I really love is that it is knit in our own Valley Yarns Stockbridge! But what makes this even better is that it was designed and knit by Cirilia who works for us in the store, has designed for us and has model in our catalog!

Even more exciting – Cirilia is profiled in Knitscene’s “One Cool Knitter” feature.

If you haven’t picked up the fall issue yet, stop by the store or you can order it on-line.

Oh, and for those of you intrigued by that sweet capped sleeved sweater Cirilia is wearing in the article, I know where you can get it! It’s the Gallery Jacket, and it’s also designed by Cirilia. The yarn is our own Valley Yarns Sheffield.

Congratulations Cirilia! We are very excited for you!

Kathy