Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Nickles and Dimes is ready!!

The new hat design is ready! Here is "Nickles and Dimes."


Nickles and dimes is a slouchy beanie whose inspiration came from the beauty of mere pocket change. We all, at one time or another, have reached into our pockets and pulled out a handful of nickles and dimes…in search of the all powerful quarter, no doubt.
Next time, don’t despair! Just look at all those coins glisten together, all of that lovely layering of circles, writing and rigid edges. It is certainly note worthy!
The pattern for Nickles and Dimes is constructed of a series of cables, eyelets, and twisted stitches which allows for it’s beautiful texture of intertwining circular ribs and dainty lace embellishments.
This pattern includes both charts and written instructions for the cable pattern and its decreases.
Finished measurements:
17.5 (43.75 cm) - 18.5” (47 cm) x 9.5” (24 cm).
Hat will stretch to 22”.
Note:
If you feel a larger size is necessary, please use US#7/4.5 mm needles for entire piece.
Materials needed:
Lambstrings Alpaca Ewe (1 skein/ 250 yds/ 4 oZ)
US#6/ 4 mm (XS/S) and US#7/ 4.5 mm (all sizes) 36” circular knitting needles for magic loop method - or - set of 5 DPN’s in sizes established.
One place marker.
One cable needle.

Pattern is available for $5.00 through my Ravelry shop 
or

I hope you enjoy it!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Long Island Fiber and Fleece Festival!!

I was so excited to visit the Long Island Fleece and Fiber Festival at Hallockville Museum in Riverhead, NY this past weekend!  I got a chance to meet some of my Ravelry friends face to face, saw some really amazing demos and made friends with some alpacas!

(This one on the right is my new best friend.... )

We learned more about:
Spinning
Weaving
Woodworking
Different fibers and where they come from
Shearing
Quilting
and Herding.





All of the vendors were incredible and no to mention, some of the NICEST people I've ever met...Knitting and fiber really does make you a nicer person! Anyway, it was fun :)

 Some notable vendors included:
 Flatland Alpacas
Groovy Hues Fibers
Fiddle Knits
Long Island Livestock Co.
Looliemom Fiber Arts
Not so Shabby Chic
Nuna Knits

...And so many more!

Herding Demo! (please excuse my "Hmmmm" noise).


 





Sunday, May 10, 2015

New yarn base and hat design!!!

So I've been working away my troubles and throwing myself into this fun "side business" just enough to feel really accomplished lately!
Thank you to everyone for being so supportive and excited about this venture! The shop has been open for almost 8 weeks now and the yarns are receiving some much needed positive attention!
A new yarn base has been added to the shop!

Introducing Sadie Sock HT!!!
Named after Sadie Hawkins, the lovely single lady who's story sparked a tradition practiced across America that teaches young girls that they can be completely in charge of their own love lives, that their counterparts are their own choice!
And if no one is fit to meet their needs, then being a single lady becomes empowering! As it should.

Sadie Sock HT is composed of 100% Superwash merino wool with a high twist. 400 yds/ 100g.
It is the perfect balance of softness and strength, just like an empowered single lady!!
Come visit the shop to see more!
And remember, you can always put in a custom order if you'd like Sadie Sock HT in a color that is not currently available!

Next is hat design!!


This is Cassia! A sweet slouchy beanie with cable and lace detail!
This slouchy beanie is reminiscent of the wonderfully sprouting cassia tree branches and it’s flowering buds. It has a method to it’s madness, creating a delightful pattern as it grows up toward the sun.
Cassia is constructed of a series of increases, decreases, and yarn overs which gives the illusion of intricate cables without that pesky 3rd needle.
She is made for long walks admiring nature and petting small animals, but if you’d like to wear her anywhere else, I’m sure she’ll be happy to tag along :)

Cassia is knit using only 1 skein of Malabrigo Worsted in the "Red Mahogany" colorway, but any heavy worsted yarn will do. Gauge is 22sts/ 28 rows on US#7 for the rib. US#8 needles are used for the pattern work on this hat.

This pattern is currently in the works and will be my very first pattern for sale through my etsy and ravelry shop! Of course, wouldn't you know, I had no idea you have to actually subscribe to Adobe Reader in order to compose a coherent downloadable pattern....I know, I know, this is stuff that EVERYBODY knows.......everybody but me.
But have no fear, as soon as i get throught the last obstacle on this venture, you can be sure that I will be posting it EVERYWHERE!
Until next time,
Shanna F.
Lambstrings