The Sheep Shack's Musings

Time for the Back!

2010-06-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

I finished the right front yesterday on my Hanne Falkenberg Duet vest and it took about 15 minutes to figure out how to get the back started.

You lay out the pieces with the right sides facing up and the Right front on the right side and the Left front on the left side (the cast on edges do not meet, they need to be opposite each other). Don't worry about what it looks like or how it fits (because it doesn't look at all like you think, and it doesn't fit!) You then cast on the number of stitches it says using long tail method, then knit across the right side back stitches (stitches you first put on a holder). When you hit the edge stitches, you do what it says (k2tog put 3 on a holder) then move to the left side and put 3 on holder k2togbl, knit to the end, then cast on the rest of the stitches. You will be decreasing in the center of these stitches. She has you put a marker. I hope my picture helps. I still can't stop knitting!!!

It's too hot for wool...or is it?

2010-05-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I am still addicted to my Duet despite the heat. Being inside the air conditioned shop does help a bit.

My addiction has been interrupted by a new project on Berroco's Lustra. Now, this pattern is a trade secret; doesn't come out for a few more months, and if I give it away I could be in some serious trouble, but I think that I can at least tempt you all with a picture of the work in progress...

It uses three skeins of Lustra, is made in my newest favorite color, gold, and I am enjoying the chart (makes me feel like I play the piano or something.)

If you haven't knit with Lustra, it is one of the most beautiful yarns, because it is wooly, but soft, shiny but not, and has a lovely cushy feel.

Duet arrived Friday!!!!!

2010-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

So, UPS brought my shipment from Swedish Yarn, Inc., distributors of Sandes Garn and more importantly, Hanne Falkenberg!

For those of you who know me, Danes have a special place in my heart. Therefore, I was THRILLED to have become an HF stockist, and was going crazy waiting for the Duet kit to arrive...

I swatched on Friday and started on Saturday and this is how far along I am. That's about 155 rows on a US 1 needle! This knitting is TOTALLY addictive. I knit so much I'm having trouble with my tennis grip (not good for my Thursday match)! You knit a row with the basic color, slide the stitches to the other end of the needle and knit with the contrast. It is so much fun.

Did you notice the travelling stitches up the side in black? There is actually a matching edge on the WS of the work so when the collar flips over the edge is there. Oh, clever, clever Dane!

3rd Annual Stitch N Pitch with the Worcester Tornadoes

2010-05-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

For a 3rd year in a row, come and knit with others in public while enjoying a local baseball game with our own Worcester Tornadoes!

As with previous years, we will be knitting PICc line covers for the pediatric unit at UMASS. Come and join the fun!

Tickets are just $9.00 and ALL (including non-fiber enthusiasts) are welcome. Pre-payment is required to reserve a spot. Call the shop with your credit card ready, or swing by to reserve your seats today!

New products coming!

2010-05-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well, the NENA show was small but informative. I took some cash and carry items for your viewing here at the shop, including fused and dichroic glass buttons from Falmouth, MA glass artist, Bonnie Maresh, as well as some travel mugs and post-it note holders from Knit Happy. New to the shop, but not new to knitters is Conjoined Creations' Flat Feet. Hand-painted knit fabric that you unravel as you knit to make socks. Visit our Facebook page to see pictures of these items!

We also placed an order for Danish designer Hanne Falkenberg's latest kit Duet, which I will be working on as soon as it arrives. The kits are pricey, however, the knitting is fantastic (one piece on a circular needle), and the garments are chic and classic. Well worth the investment. Keep an eye out for progress on this! We are happy to take special orders for this or any of Hanne's kits!

Just a sampling of what's to come...My order for Berroco has already been placed and I think you are going to love the new yarns! But, you'll have to wait for that.

Off to NENA

2010-04-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Not sure what NENA is? Well, it's the New England Needlework Association's trade show held in Sturbridge MA every May, and I will be attending this Sunday. I get to visit with new and old vendors, sample new products, place orders and see what's coming for the Fall!

Stay tuned for all the new stuff that's coming our way...

Welcome!

2010-04-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

OK, we finally got our act together and started a blog! We hope to keep you posted on store events, new products, happenings and all sorts of goodies. Our Shop is here to serve YOU.