Secret project...revealed!

You may recall that I was test knitting some Lorna's Laces yarn and a secret pattern back in July/August. Well, the big reveal is here!

Stefanie is such an awesome woman, mom, knitter, person, friend...I was thrilled to be involved in such a great children's pattern

Rodeo Round-Up

Well folks there's been a lot going on at choo choo knits so I'm wrasselin' up a run-down for y'all!

I've been test knitting some patterns for Stefanie Japel (Glampyre) over the past month or so. The first two were children's patterns using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted...let me just say, this yarn is absolutely delicious...seriously, get me a scoop, stick it on a cone, and I want to eat it! And did I mention its MACHINE WASHABLE??? Such a plus when it comes to knitting for kids. I believe the pattern is off at the tech editor for finally approval and should be available in the coming week or two. I'll also be test knitting an adult version of a child's sweater (no info yet) so stay tuned for more info!

I am also sample knitting Seneca from the new Jared Flood booklet using Classic Elite's Lush (50% Angora / 50% Wool). If your budget doesn't allow angora I'm thinking a great substitute would be the new Vintage Wool from Berroco (which is soft and washable!). This sweater is on the intermediate level so you'll have your challenge with the cabling and yoke section. Stay tuned for final photos.

The "Dora" shawl pattern is coming along great and should be ready by mid-October (the latest). The combination of lace, construction, and design make this the perfect gift knit! I used Frog Tree Alpaca Sportweight for the original but will use some stashed Ultra Alpaca Fine (Berroco) for a secret holiday gift - shhh :o)

Other patterns that will be published soon are "Japel's Wings" (top down raglan combining leave motif and fitted elements using a worsted weight yarn) and "Scarsdale" (a cabled summer sweater with simple elements using a dk weight yarn).

Also in the works...I'm proud to annouce...a NEW WEBSITE! Details coming this fall...stay tuned!

I'm also working on an event for Rhinebeck which is expected to be a unique and exciting (and FUN) project!

Hope all is well with you and your knitting - drop me a line so we can catch-up properly!

Happy Knitting until next time!

A great day!

I must must must must must tell you that I am blushing over Stefanie Japels' blog posting today. I am privileged to have such an accolade bestowed upon me. Thanks Stefanie!

Weird dream...with a knitting twist!

I had the strangest dream last night.

I was at a Frederic Fekkai salon...but not the one in Manhattan. I was getting a pedicure...but I've only gotten one twice in my life so that was weird. And the technician wasn't doing anything but painting my toe nails - so it wasn't really a pedicure. She was giving me a "sample pack" of polishes that had 12 colors and was going to use a dark metallic blue - which was kind of cool. But when I looked at my toes they were a pale pink color. All of a sudden I was sitting on a brown suede couch (still at the Salon) and Hubbins was there trying to pay the lady. Next to me was Stefanie Japel...she was telling me that she contacted the salon about getting an appointment and they picked her up in a private jet to get there - no charge. I said to her "Oh yeah, they do that for people all the time" - obviously a dream! Hubbins and I left the salon and we were in a huge hotel but then I was in a room packing to leave and my sister was there telling me I had plenty of time and whatever I couldn't carry she would return to me in the mail. I have no idea what city we were in, where my husband went, or why my sister and Stefanie were there. My alarm clock went off and I jumped out of bed...still thinking I would be late for something!

What does it all mean? And what was I knitting?!?! Was this caused by the mysterious earthquake (read previous post below)? Did it happen because I'm in dire need of sleep lately?