Those of you who know me fairly well, know that I love to do about any art or craft. After I retired from my full time job in 2008 I started getting more serious about knitting. I'm blessed with a very talented sister that taught me a lot of what I know. What we didn't know we've taken classes to learn. We've traveled around to visit yarn shops all over Michigan. But there is a jewel to behold, right in Battle Creek. My second favorite place in the whole world (next to Southern Exposure Herb Farm) is Your Local Yarn Shop. They have the most incredible selection of high quality yarns, you just want to touch everything (and it's OK!). I've been thinking about faking a faint and falling into a pile of some of the baby alpaca yarns. They probably would just laugh at me. It's such a laid back place, with friendly, helpful owners and staff that make you feel at home. They have a huge area designated for just sitting and knitting, which my sister and I do most every Tuesday afternoon, it's our special time together. Since my blog is about who I am, I thought I would share some of my most recent accomplishments, all finished up in just the last couple of weeks. The multi colored vest has taken me 2 years to complete, mainly because there was a lot of learning along the way, and basically the first garment that I've had to stitch together. Out of frustration I put it away several times for long periods. This piece is made from Taos by Tahki Yarns. There are actually 4 different colors of yarn here. 95% Wool, 5% Acrylic
Isn't it fun!!!!!
This second vest is a rather strange one, in that you knit one long piece, then stitch the sides up a few inches. No slot for the head, so you have to fold one side over to get the collar. It was a fun project, and I used some Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn in Sable that I had in my stash. Love the collar up around my neck in cold weather. It's called the Bulky Fan Vest.
It looks just a tad blurry, but you get the picture.
These next projects were some that I resisted for quite a few weeks before I buckled under the pressure of my fellow knitters. Kelly Jensen, co-owner of Your Local Yarn Shop designed this cowl. When I first saw it I said 'too complicated for me', and just ignored my sister, Judy and friend, Cheri as they gobbled up the yarn to make these adorable cowls. Both of them were into their second production when I decided to give it a try. And surprisingly enough, it WAS easy. The black and grey one is baby alpaca, very soft and drapes wonderfully. The other is made from some yarn I picked up on one of my up north tours, it is 75% wool and 25% alpaca. Also, very soft.
So, I hope you don't mind that I don't have a card for you today. But I'll be back soon with more card projects. Right now I have to start setting up for my Mini-Stamp Camp tomorrow. There will be 9 gals coming to have fun and I must be prepared!!!!
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed today's posting.
This second vest is a rather strange one, in that you knit one long piece, then stitch the sides up a few inches. No slot for the head, so you have to fold one side over to get the collar. It was a fun project, and I used some Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn in Sable that I had in my stash. Love the collar up around my neck in cold weather. It's called the Bulky Fan Vest.
These next projects were some that I resisted for quite a few weeks before I buckled under the pressure of my fellow knitters. Kelly Jensen, co-owner of Your Local Yarn Shop designed this cowl. When I first saw it I said 'too complicated for me', and just ignored my sister, Judy and friend, Cheri as they gobbled up the yarn to make these adorable cowls. Both of them were into their second production when I decided to give it a try. And surprisingly enough, it WAS easy. The black and grey one is baby alpaca, very soft and drapes wonderfully. The other is made from some yarn I picked up on one of my up north tours, it is 75% wool and 25% alpaca. Also, very soft.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed today's posting.
Beautiful Carol! Love the vests!
ReplyDeleteI should have asked you to teach me about knitting, the lady who was teaching me quit her classes & I am looking for some classes in the area, let me know if you know where I should go! :)