Long Term Projects...

Do you have any of those long term projects? The ones you start and then put down. Come back to it a year later, just to put it down again till a few more months and start to wish you had never started it at all!!
Before I got married I thought I would be a great home maker and start crocheting a blanket for my then future husband and myself to snuggle under while watching movies. I started by making squares using a double crochet. I accomplished maybe ten squares before I got to busy with wedding plans and put it down, not to be seen for a year and a half - which I only saw then because I was cleaning the things we had moved. Packed back a way for another year and a half.
About a year ago I pulled it back out and started working on it again only to find that my crocheting is much looser now!! (Better looking, but too loose!) Of course I had already accomplished a number of squares (now rectangles) and needed to make a decision - do I pull out the old or the new. I pulled out the old and am still slowly working on making the squares.

So, to hold myself accountable, here is my promise to you! I will make one square a week until I finish! You are all probably thinking "only one square? That is it? And besides, I thought they were rectangles!" Trust me, one is a big deal for me, and yes they are rectangles!! Although this blanket will probably not be too pretty when done, we will still snuggle under it. (With the addition of one extra body...oh no! Does that mean it needs to be bigger now? Ahhh!)

Weekend Sale!

This weekend (Saturday & Sunday, March 26 & 27) all Debbie Bliss Yarn on Sale for 25% off!!

Where oh Where does the time go?

Well, I am still working on my Shalom Cardigan - if you can call what I am doing working! I never seem to find enough time to get much accomplished on it. Maybe I knit a row and a half a week if I am lucky.

So - I want to know how you all make time for knitting! (Or doing anything else!)

I know a baby is a lot of work. But it seems that I should be able to knit more than I am. So all of you accomplished knitters, crotchers and spinners - please tell me how it is done! I don't want to take two years to complete every project!

Help!

More Baby Items

When I first started to get back into knitting in the fall, the first things that I made were these cute balls for my son. They are from the book Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids by Susan B. Anderson and Liz Banfield. I love how he is able to play with them now because I don't need to worry about them hurting him (they are so soft) and I don't need to worry later as they won't put holes through the wall either!

Exciting Things Happening in the Store!!

Tunisian crochet hooks and the interchangeable crochet hook sets arrived last week. Our Tunisian books should be here this week. Don't forget our Food Fiber and Fun night coming up on the 18th!

And now for this weeks sale....
All Green yarn will be on sale 25% off this Saturday, March 12th in honor of St. Patrick's Day! Stop by and see us!

Baby Mittens

I thought I would share some items that I have made for my son Samuel. Before Christmas I realized that he was in need of some mittens that would fit him for our trip to Buffalo, NY. I had some left over Debbie Bliss Yarn so I got on Raverly, found a pattern for baby mittens and set to work. Here is the finished project! They kept him warm and looking cute - and a tumbless mitten is soooo easy to make!
Did I mention they tasted good too?

Cables

I have always been intimidated by cables. They look so beautiful I was sure they would be incredibly challenging and steered clear of any pattern that involved them. I will fear them no longer! My mother was in town last week and she began working on a reversible cable scarf. I can't believe I have been scared of something so simple! Anyways, she misplaced her cable needle and had to adjust - here is her yummy cable needle.

Awesome Sales Every Saturday!

I just wanted to let everyone know that each Saturday we have a great sale! This Saturday's is 25% off of all Purse Accessories! You won't want to miss it! Make sure to check back here or read your newsletter to find out what the secret sale will be each week!

My Shalom Cardigan

Well, over the past 3 weeks I have been plugging along on my Shalom Cardigan that was the free pattern in the newsletter 2 weeks ago. I only knit about a row or two at a time with my 4 month old keeping me busy, but it is coming!! Here is my progress so far. I was lazy and only wound one of my skeins so I must go into the shop to wind another so I can continue!!

New Products!

We are excited to announce that Enchanted now carries ....

Drop Spindles and Batts from Butterfly Girl

and Center Pull Roving Bumps from Flaggy Meadows Fiberworks!
Stop by and check them out!

Cabin Fever

We sure have gotten a lot of snow, but the weather is warming up out there and it will be melted just in time for you to come out to the Fiber Frenzy Retreat this weekend presented by Flaggy Meadow Fiber Works! Remember, it is free for you to come for the day on Saturday and Sunday and we would love to see you.
Also, we have some great classes coming up next week:

On Wednesday, February 16th

• 12:30pm Purse Lining Class

On Thursday, February 17th

• 1:00pm Christmas Class-Felted Snowman

On Friday, February 18th

• 11:00am Tunisian Crochet
• 6:00pm Food, Fiber and Fun!

On Saturday, February 19th

• 10:00am Knitting 102
• 11am Felted Snowman

Check out the calendar for details!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

The Knit Picks order is in and things are going fast! Only 4 Interchangable Needle Sets are left. We also have some really nice Caddies from Amy Butler in and new stone jewelry is on its way! So come on in and check them out!

Who?

Before I just go posting different things and sending out newsletters, I feel I need to introduce myself. I am Lindsay Hauenstein and will be helping RoLynn out in the shop along with my new friend Linda. I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and moved to Russellville three and a half years ago after marrying my husband Erich in June 2007. I taught math at Logan County High School until October when I decided to retire early to be home with my new baby boy, Samuel born on October 25. I am a beginner knitter & crocheter. I was taught by my mom a few years ago and look forward to having more time to spend working on both. I also love to cook and bake for family and friends, so you will see that as part of the newsletters as I share different recipes that I love. I look forward to meeting you all in the shop. Right now, Samuel and I are there on Thursdays. See you soon!

In Search of the Mojo!!!!

Several months ago I wrote about losing my knitting mojo.  I believe I'm on the track of locating it.  Sometime last year I decided to become a selfish knitter.  You know how it is.  You knit and knit and knit for everyone else in the universe yet when you open your drawers or closet there is nothing to be found of your own handmade goodness.   You've given it all away.  Now, don't get me wrong, we do need to reward ourselves for all our hard work and creativity, but for me, this may not be for you, for me I'm beginning to believe THAT is when my mojo began seeping ever so slowly away.  I began losing my knitting mojo when i decided to become a selfish knitter.  I've found my greatest joy in knitting for others or giving the things I knitted for myself to others.  That being said, I will no longer be a selfish knitter.  I think I can find a happy medium somewhere. 

Presently I'm working on a couple surprises for Valentine's Day.  I can't tell you what it is because the recipients read this blog.  Then it wouldn't be a surprise.  If you really need to know you can either message me or ask RoLynn.  It's a fun, quick, easy, beautiful and useful knit.  That's all I'm gonna say.

On the search for the mojo I've come up with an idea.  Since I live in downtown Bowling Green the main roads I travel are also traversed by those on foot or by bicycle.  Many times the pedestrians I've seen this winter or traveling without proper head/neck wear.  I'm thinking about knitting up a bunch of simple hats and scarfs and when I see this cold souls giving them the goodies.  Just think how much mojo could be stirred up!!!!!  One problem that needs to be overcome is how to give the items to them.  I don't want to hold up traffic or have to park and run after these people.  My daughter suggested I wrap the items around an apple and throw them at 'em.  This would add the necessary weight to propel the item.  Not only would they get a warm hat or scarf, they'd get a little snack as well.  Gotta check with my auto insurance though........there could be some injuries incurred if they aren't very good catchers or to be more truthful I really suck at throwing.  Sometimes this searching for the mojo can be quite difficult. 

A Freebie for you

I have to say right here and right now, that I have the best friends in the world. I know you may think that you have them, but sorry to disillusion you, I do! ;) I have friends that care about me and make me smile. I have friends that bring me gifts for no reason. I have friends that always make me laugh. I have friends that challenge me, on both the mental and fiber arts fronts. They challenge me to be all I can and want to be. This year has been a really, really, really hard year. You may have noticed the lack of posting....lol. Who am I kidding....of course you have.

I have had many losses, both in the working world and in my personal life. But, I have to say that my friends have been there through all of it. Always offering support, a shoulder or a listening ear.

Thank you a thousand times. Every single one of you. Near or far, man or woman, animal or vegetable, thank you....lol You vegetables know who you are! ;)

I am so proud of what the shop has become in this hard time. I want it to be an enchanted place to come and leave your stress and worries behind. Just listen to the soothing music, the water fountain and the laughter.

The reason for this post is actually to let you in on a really awesome freebie. I am sure some of you have found out about this already, but just in case......

Knitters magazine is giving away free downloads of their 100th issue. Yeah, FREE!! Go here and download it right now!!! You will not regret it for an instant. I am making the silver plumes sweater, for sure! But, I must admit it is chocked full of brilliant patterns!!!

Have fun with it and happy knitting!

What's on your Holiday needles?

What's on your Holiday needles? What projects/patterns do you turn to when you need a quick gift? I have several standards I fall back on and this year thanks to Enchanted's Christmas Club I have a couple more. Typically I fall back to knitting dishcloths. They are a quick knit and oh so useful. Plus, there are plenty of free on-line patterns and so many gorgeous cotton yarns. Or I knit up a bunch of fingerless mitts. I love the Fetching pattern. It's quick when using a worsted or DK weight and inexpensive.

This year I'm adding the Biscuit Blanket from February's club project and the Just Enough Ruffles scarf from January's club project. Both are fast knits and again an inexpensive gift.

We Need Change!!!!

Well, the election is primarily over here in the good ole US of A. That being said...I've decided in these dire times of holiday craziness I can't sit on the sidelines any more. I gotta stand up for what is right and see that changes are made. Today I'm announcing my candidacy for Master of the Knitting Universe!!!!

I'm a regular member of the knitting universe just like you and like you I suffer from the same woes. As Master of the Knitting Universe these are the changes I promise to make once elected:

1. All knitting on holiday projects/gifts will be magically sped up to be completed in half the normal time.

2. All knitters will require only 2 hours sleep a night so they can complete their knitting in the quiet while family members sleep away.

3. All housework/cooking that interrupts knitting will be temporarily suspended.

4. All items made will fit perfectly without the need for those stupid gauge swatches that keep us from getting on with the fun.

5. Each and every knitter will abound with creativity.

6. Rolynn will be able to know the exact pattern and yarn we need for each and every project. (I know she already does this but I needed a 6th campaign promise)

Really people, every year I determine that I am going to begin my holiday knitting in January so I'll have a more relaxed holiday season. Do I ever do this? NO!!! My holiday knitting mojo doesn't hit me until the middle of October to the first of November. Something has to change!!!!! Vote, vote, VOTE for me today. Someone has to end this madness!!!!!

p.s. If for some reason I cannot fulfil these campaign promises I have a little back up plan. Give each recipient an IOU.

I'm a Bad Mom.....Are You???

I came to a horrible revelation this morning. I was sitting out on my back porch having my morning coffee with my feet propped up thinking about what I was going to do today. I have business to attend to and a lovely root canal this afternoon. But what I want to do is knit and with the cooler weather setting in it is wool sock time. I was thinking about how much I used to love knitting socks. The projects are so portable and a pretty quick knit depending on the pattern you choose. I love the fancy smancy socks but I really love knitting up a simple ribbed sock. Basically no thought required until you get to the turning of the heel.

Anyways, as I was musing about sock knitter's heaven I looked down and noticed the hand knit socks I had on. They are from a free on-line pattern, Fawkes, representing Professor Dumbledore's prized Phoenix. I had planned on knitting all the patterns in the free Harry Potter based socks by Monkey Toes. I was thinking I should set the goal of knitting one pair of socks a month. But then it happened. I realized that I am a bad sock mom!!!!! I treat my precious hand knit socks like some cheap athletic type. Wash and dry them with who knows what. Wear them with shoes and attire that doesn't do them justice. I will even walk outside without giving them any protection from the elements. I mean really, what kind of sock mom am I????? What kind of sock mom are you?

I'm a realist, I know I'm not going to change. And you know what???? At least I spend time with my socks and don't leave them stuck in a boring drawer. They get to live an exciting life. They may live a shorter life than others but......."It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."

Superwoman I am not!!!

I really thought I would be able to do it! I really did. I thought I could homeschool, keep house, make meals, be a good mom and run a yarn shop....What a laugh!

(isn't this the cutest little sweater, a shop sample out of Interweave Knits magazine that I just had to make! LOL It is things like this that entice me away from housework)

I am multi-tasking, but come on! LOL Okay, I admit it, I am only one person. I do not have a fairy hidden anywhere in the house or the shop, much to my chagrin, that does my work for me.
Heck, I am the person that lights the pilot lights on my own cookstove when the propane guy comes, just so that he won't step foot in my laundry room on the way to the kitchen!


So, in light of this new revelation that I am not superhuman....I am changing Enchanted's hours.


Here are the details:

Monday 1-7:30
Tuesday 1-6
Wednesday 1-6
Thursday 11-6
Friday 1-6
Saturday 10-4


Here is a picture of our family with our newest acquistion....my son-in-law William Henry Edwards.

Where's the MOJO?????

You ever lost your knitting mojo? I don't know if it is the weather getting prettier so I'm spending more time outside or if it is something I should seek counsel over. I've lost my knitting mojo. I've tried to trace back to figure out when it started seeping away. I mean it isn't like I haven't started new projects. I'm a card carrying member of Enchanted's Christmas Club so I get a new project every month. And it certainly isn't that the projects are boring or lack pizazz. We all know that if they got anything, RoLynn and Ashley are the Queens of Pizazz.

I get the project OTN, work on it for a bit and then it finds its way into one of my knitting bags. Yeah, I have almost as many knitting bags as I have WIPs. Pretty pathetic really. Kinda knitting psychoish.

I don't like the mojo not being here. Can someone please help????? Can you bring back the mojo?

What do you do when you lose your mojo?????? Any suggestions, thoughts, prayers or charms would be greatly appreciated.

Five Things I've Learned From RoLynn

RoLynn has taught me many things but I thought I'd try to limit it to the top five. These are not necessarily in order. :)

1. Don't be afraid to dream. Or to step out in a new direction, you never know what goodness or greatness is around the bend.

2. Patterns are not meant to be followed, they are just guidelines to your own design.

3. Friends are almost like family, sometimes more.

4. There is no such thing as ugly yarn.....every yarn has its purpose.....somewhere...maybe.

5. Smile even when your heart is breaking, the recipient's heart may be breaking as well. Give and it will be given back to you. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.--Proverbs 17.22

The Post With No Name

You remember the song the band America recorded, "A Horse With No Name?" Welp, this is the post with no name. It isn't like I couldn't come up with a name.....the trouble is I came up with to many. You see, I have a problem......a big problem.

This is the problem. I joined Enchanted's Christmas Club thinking that I'd get a jump on Christmas gifts this year. I don't know why I fool myself, I suppose I'm rather convincing. My husband tells me I could sell jalapenos in hell. Maybe I'm an over optimistic optimist. Maybe I'm just plain stupid. Maybe I'm insane. The meaning of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Every year I think "I'm not going to wait until October (sometimes November, sometimes December) before I start my Christmas knitting." Yet, year after year after year that is what I do. Insanity thou art my middle name!!!!!

However, I think I'm going to put the blame on RoLynn and Ashley. After all it IS their fault. If they wouldn't pick such scrumptious projects each month I wouldn't be writing a post with no name. It isn't that I don't love the patterns they choose AND the perfect yarn for the monthly projects. The trouble is I love them too much. This is April, I've knitted every months project, fixen to start on this month's, yet I have nothing, N-O-T-H-I-N-G, in my Christmas gift box, NOTHING!!!!!!

Actually, I haven't even designated a box for Christmas gifts. Maybe my psyche knows me better than I know myself????

Last year I decided I was going to become a selfish knitter. Up to that point I had given just about all my wonderful projects away or I was constantly knitting for someone else. Maybe that is the problem........hmmmmmm.

Anyways, so far all the "Christmas Projects" have ended up in my closet. Thus, the problem with naming this post. I was thinking maybe it should be "Houston We Have a Problem" or possibly "Merry Christmas to Me!!!!" or even better "Hello, My Name is Peggy and I'm a Selfish Knitter."

You shall be called.....Herman!!!!!

Just look at that face, just look at it!!!!! Isn't that the cutest little feller you ever saw? I gotta have one, I'm gonna have one, I'm gonna have three!!!! One for my Emma Belle, one for her little sister, Ava Simone, and one to be my special little friend and he shall be called Herman!!!! And he shall go with me everywhere. He will ride in my truck on the dashboard, at other times he will travel safely in my knitting bag and at night he will be the last little face I look at before I go to sleep and the first thing I see when I awake. He is my soulmate.

Kits are available at Enchanted for your very own little friend. What you gonna name him?

Spring Has Sprung!!!!

Today marks the Spring Equinox at which point, no matter what the weatherman tells us, we can officially proclaim that Spring Has Sprung!!! Flowers are springing up everywhere!!!! In my garden I've discovered some gorgeous daffodils, hyacinths and some kind of little "airport runway lights blue" star-like flowers.

Spring has sprung in the land of Enchanted Yarn & Fiber as well. Inside and out!!!! I spotted some beautiful crocus growing in RoLynn's garden just this week. Is it crocus....crocuses or crocii? :) Anyways, the most exciting thing to me is how Spring has sprung inside. The season was Enchantingly jump started March 12th & 13th with the flower needle felting class. The class was such a success I'm sure there will be a repeat in the future. Having never needle felted before I was somewhat intimidated but I found the art is extremely enjoyable, easily learned and very versatile. Look at these gorgeous pieces needle felted by several of the class participants.











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Be sure and come in to see all the new Spring yarns, patterns and goodies. Beautiful color is popping up everywhere.

Flower Power!!!!

Flowers are hot this year!!!! You see them everywhere. Not the in the dirt, growing kind. I'm talking about the lapel, felted bag, hair decor, choker wearing kind. And of course, RoLynn and Ashley are right on queue with the needle felting flower class being offered this month. I've been doing some research on needle felting, something I haven't done yet, and this is really a very versatile art. You can needle felt on just about anything. And it can be flat, 2-D and 3-D. I even saw where a lady purchased an extra large man's sweater at a Goodwill Store, shrunk it by felting it, cut open the front to make a felted cardigan and then needle felted some gorgeous designs on the front. How cool!!!! To get an idea of what will be taught in the class here are a few pics and here is a link to the newsletter with all the class info plus a listing of the other awesome classes being offered.










I've completed the February Project for the Christmas Club. It is adorable, a Biscuit Blanket to keep your biscuits (the edible kind), scones and such warm while serving. I love the pattern and plan to make many of these sweeties.

What or what is going to be the March Project??????? I'm filled with anticipation!!! And no, I don't know what it is, at least at the posting of this post I don't. Plus, if I did know and if I told you I'd have to kill you or something......maybe poke you with a knitting needle till you cried UNCLE!!!!!

Workshop ideas for our contest. Please cast your vote!

1) Sock classes - top-down, toe-up, knee-high (stocking) class. Maybe combine all of it, so that beginners can work with advanced sockers, and advanced sockers are encouraged to try another method. I, for example, am not “afraid” of toe-up socks, but after appr. 150 pairs of socks top-down, German heel, and standard toes, I can knit them blind fold and need some extra nudging toward a new technique.

2) Argyle sock class

3) EZ’s baby surprise jacket class.

4) A Twisted Stitch (i.e. knit in the back loop) class, to make alpine/tyrolean style knee-high stockings; amazing patterns exists in the Alps area which can also be used for vests and cardigans.

5) Gloves and mittens classes

6) Dyeing with natural ingredients

7) Helmet liner class, to support our troops overseas. They also accept scarves. (They will be most appreciated, cherished and used!)

8) Seamless raglan/yoke sweater (top-down, bottom-up or both) class.

9) Lace class

10) Fair Isle class

11)Doily-to-blanket

12)Fingerless gloves for men

13) Matching up patterns with the yarn stash you have

14)I think a workshop on wild & crazy shawl/scarves would be ever so much fun! (You do have the yarn for just this type of class!)

15)I think a finishing a project class would be very helpful. (just finished a sweater for my daughter, she knit it, I put it together … poorly)

16)Maybe a design a sweater series of classes. I think I’m ready to move to that stage. I like how Elizabeth Zimmerman percentage system reads. Planning it out and then working on it in stages would be a great series in my opinion

17) Beginning knitters class

18) I think there ought to be a 2-3 part workshop to make a felted tote bag using the 4 square pattern in thh knitter’s dozen book. It is super easy and even a novice knitter and felter could do it.

19) A dishcloth extravaganza for beginning knitters. Some interesting stiches in a small format could be ideal for a workshop.

20) A finishing touches workshop on blocking seaming and making projects look super professional without having to be a guage/tension nazi.

21)Felted Bag

22)Fair Isle Hat

23)Chart Reading

24)Felted Animals

25)Magic Loop sock method

26)Incorporating beading into your knits

27)Intarsia bag

28)Baby Layette

29)Knitting two socks at a time

30)Needle Felting

31)Crochet

32)Knit/Crochet flowers-embellishments

33)Entrelac

34)Toe Up Socks

35)Baby Surprise Jacket

36)Lace Knitting

37)A class to address UFO’s you are stuck understanding what to do?

Did I Miss The Memo????

Did I miss the memo that 2010 is the year of the cable???? I don't know, maybe it is just me but it seems that everywhere I turn I am seeing garments with cables, cables and more cables. Like I've said before....I am not a great knitter, I won't win any awards for my knitwear or designs (none to date but I got some running around amongst those cob webs up there) but, however, none the less I can do cables and IF I can do cables YOU can do cables.

Back to the cable takeover of the world......for me it started with the Angelica's Coat from Interweave Knits, Fall 2009. I knitted mine with Peace Fleece worsted. Love it!!!!! I made cabled fingerless mitts to go along with it. In the same issue is the Every Way Wrap I so dearly love (I'm presently spinning the yarn for this sweetie, however, at the rate I'm going the pattern will be considered vintage by the time I'm actually knitting it).

Interweave Knits, Winter 2009 is chocked full of cables. Even the new Debbie Bliss Spring/Summer 2010 magazine has cables. I've learned to no longer fear the cable. I respect the cable, but I do not fear the cable. I AM an over comer!!!! If you have a cable phobia you too can become a victor. Enchanted is offering a cable therapy session aka cable class to assist you:

Mug Cozy (Cables) $20- Never done cables? They're gorgeous, but they seem overwhelming don't they? Not to fear, we will walk with you step by step through this very do-able mug cozy. A perfect small step into unknown territory that easily finished in an evening or two. Aran afghan here you come! ;)

What better way to show that cable who's boss!!!!!

I'm attempting to hold myself back from casting on the Nora's Sweater found in the Winter 2009 Interweave Knits. My problem is this. I want to make it out of the Frog Tree Meriboo. It is an oh so luscious bamboo merino blend. The stuff is so yummy I could eat it!!!! IF you haven't seen and felt this piece of divinity make sure you check it out on your next trip to Enchanted. Better get there soon though cuz I have a feeling much of it is going to be coming home with me. I'm wanting to use this yarn for some more of the Just Enough Ruffles Scarf to put in my gift/Christmas box as well (stop laughing....one can hope).

Free pattern: Lovely Hat of Funky Fun

This pattern was written by our Lady of Loveliness, Lauren! It's still being tested so please comment or email with any corrections or mistakes. Thanks!!

-LOVELY HAT OF FUNKY FUN-

NEEDLES

Sz. 10 dpns, or 2 circulars

YARN:

1 ball of Ella Rae Classic (219 yards)

1 skein of Recycled Sari Silk

GAUGE: 4 sts = 1"

With Ella Rae (MC) CO 63 sts, join to work in the round being careful not to twist stitches. Work in K1, P2 ribbing for 2.5-3", then begin working in stockinette stitch (st st) for another 2.5-3".

*With sari silk (CC) K 3 rounds keeping the MC carried up the inside. Switch back to MC and K 9 more rounds*

Repeat from * 1 more time.

K 3 rounds with CC, switch back to MC and K 21 sts, pm, K 21, pm, K21, pm (make sure your last marker is unique, this is the end of round).

Next round: K to 1st marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 2nd marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 3rd marker, slip marker and K2tog. (Decrease of 3 sts, 60 sts remain)

Using MC K 3 rounds even, *switch to CC and K 3 rounds, switch to MC and K 2 rounds in st st

Dec. round: In MC K to 1st marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 2nd marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 3rd marker, slip marker and K2tog. (Decrease of 3 sts)

Next round: In MC K 3 rounds in st st*

Repeat from * until length measures 22" from cast on edge, or until you get bored ;)

Using CC K 3 rounds even, *switch to MC and K 2 rounds

Dec. round: In MC K to 1st marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 2nd marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 3rd marker, slip marker and K2tog. (Decrease of 3 sts)

K 2 rounds in MC

Dec. round: In MC K to 1st marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 2nd marker, slip marker and K2tog, K to 3rd marker, slip marker and K2tog. (Decrease of 3 sts)

K 2 rounds in MC

Switch to CC and K 3 rounds plain*

Repeat from * until only 6 sts remain. Work 1.5" in I-cord and BO. Add a pompom on top if desired (it adds a touch of whimsy)

Now, remember that this pattern hasn't "officially" been tested yet, so help us out and report any errors please! :)

Hey!!! There's a new kid on the blog!!!!

Aiaiaiaiaiaiaiai (that is a scream, a really load scream)!!!!!!! That was my response when Ashley messaged me asking if I'd be willing to start blogging for she and Rolynn.

Hello, my name is Peggy, Peggy Sturgeon, and I am a fiberholic geek twisted sister. :) I love all things fiber. I would knit 24/7 if I could, but I gotta sleep some. I am the proud mother of a Kromski Sonata and Polonaise spinning wheel, a sweet Schacht Rigid Heddle Loom and I'm expecting a floor loom in the near future. I'm looking forward to the many fibery adventures we are going to share.

Where to begin? As is the custom around here, things are always changing at Enchanted. New patterns, new classes, new yarn, new store layout, you name it. I really do not see where Ashley and Rolynn get their energy.

These are three of the things I'm really excited about:

Christmas Club - I just knitted up the January Project for the Christmas Club. Oh man, if the rest of the months projects are as lovely as this one I am going to be one happy and busy knitter. This months pattern was Just Enough Ruffles Scarf by Laura Chau and the yarn is a 100% Alpaca worsted weight hand dyed by Ashley. This yarn is the yummiest and the coloration is gorgeous. It is a lovely kettle dye where in places the white core of the yarn shows through giving it a denimy worn look. I just love it. I cast it on one evening and had it finished the next. Isn't it funny, this is a pattern I would have never thought of knitting but now that I have I plan on making several more of these quick knits to place into my Christmas 2010 gift box. This is a wonderful way for me to get exposure to projects I possibly wouldn't typically choose. Stay tuned for February's installment.

Ravelympics 2010 - February 12th - 28th. If you aren't on Ravelry then shame on you, get on over there and join the madness. Be sure and join the Enchanted Yarn & Fiber Group. I'm looking forward to the WIPs-Dancing Event. Any UFO you haven't touched since Jan. 12 is eligible to entry. I got those babies busting out of ever knitting bag and closet in my house. I have two particular items I hope to finish, "Avast Ye Aaron" (a sweater I started Nov 08) and "Light My Fire" (a shawl I began in Mar 08). What a great incentive!!!!

I also hope to take part in the Sweaterboard Cross Event where I'm going to be knitting the Shalom Cardigan. Out of this goodness. The yoke will be the variegated, On-Line Linie 254 - Terra (48% Virgin Wool & 52% Acrylic), and the bodice the green, Elsebeth Lavold Silky Flamme (50% Peruvian Wool, 30% FS Alpaca & 20% Silk).

What events are you taking part in?

Trunk Show - The trunk show isn't until March which is great. Give us plenty of time to get all our knitting all cleaned up and ready for display and of course to pick up new yarn and pattern to get completed by then. I love seeing every one's entries. We could use the same pattern and possibly even the same yarn yet it will still be each of knitter's unique creation. (Some more unique than others!!! hehehe)

I'll be chatting with you again next week if not sooner.

My yarn philosophy and musings about life

I thought I might "wax" poetic here for a second....

I have been knitting Christmas presents for my fam lately and even though I have been using yarn from the shop (hoping they will not destroy it before I can put on display for a while,lol) it occurred to me that I have yarn I would love to use in certain things I have made. I mean yarn from my stash. Even though people act like yarn has a "sell by" date, that it goes bad, or rotten or spoils....not true. I have some yarn that I have been keeping for just the right thing....for more years than I care to disclose here (wink, wink). If you are like me, and I know you know who you are, no, no, Peggy, don't raise your hand! LOL If you have yarn that you have been keeping for just the right thing, I urge you to use Ravelry, find a pattern for just that yarn. Come in and see if we have a yarn that might compliment it around the collar or cuffs, or whatever. We would love to help you pick a pattern for just that purpose!!!


I am a pretty practical person and I know I have stash yarn, (and this is not it, ROTFL) so I want to let you know I have no problem whatsoever with anyone bringing in ANY YARN or ANY PATTERN. I want to help you with your knitting needs, so don't worry about any "rules" we may have in place for that.....there are none. Please feel free to come in and sit and knit on anything you want!!! It does not have to be purchased here, and I, or Ashley will try to help you with any knitting questions you have about any thing you bring in. Please remember though, that it takes a little time for us to delve right in to a pattern that we have not knit....so be patient with us...;)

Have a wonderfully magical holiday season!!!!

Close to Christmas-pattern sites

I know that it is getting down to the wire on Christmas knitting, but just in case you all need some inspiration, here are a few sites that have really neat free patterns.

First of all, if you want to make the darling Christmas wreath above, go here.

Here are some great sites for you that have a ton of patterns for free.
http://www.berroco.com/pattern_library.html and http://www.ozarkhandspun.com/blog/labels/patterns.html. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did finding them!!

I have made a few Christmas knits this year. I am going to do something next year that I think will be a great new addition to the Enchanted line-up. We were starting a sock/scarf of the month club, but instead, I have decided to do a Christmas club. Every month, starting in January and ending in November, we are going to offer a pattern and yarn in kit form that would be great for gifting. The pattern for January is going to be announced in our December newsletter. The cost for this club will be announced at that time also. This way, by November of next year, we will all (crossing fingers here...lol) have 11 really great, awesome, unique handmade gifts. I think we can also start a thread on our Ravelry forum to keep each other accountable...what do you think? This will allow not only our closer patrons, but also the long distance ones, to participate in a shop activity. I love the idea and hope you do too! This also disperses your Christmas budget by the month. Let me know whether you make more of one kind of gender specific creation, this will keep us current on what you want to make, ie. more baby items, or a couple of mens things, more girlfriend things, etc. Of course, you are not held accountable as to whether or not you decide to gift these creations. Part of creating, is being able to keep not only the idea, but also the project. wink, wink.

So, keep an eye on your email. Our newsletter will be out within the week!!!

And Merry, Merry Christmas from our Enchanted home to yours!!

Store suggestions and Nuno pictures

We are going to be reformatting the store over the Thanksgiving break and would like your help!!

If there is anything we could do better, anything you would like to see different in the store, etc....Would you please leave a comment and let us know? Thank you for all you have done to make Enchanted the store that it is now!! We appreciate you all!

As promised, here are the pictures from the Nuno felting class given by Judy Anderson. Who is an absolutely fantastic teacher, by the way! We had a blast. Everyone's scarf was as individual as they are and they were all extraordinary. Thank you Tracy, for the awesome pictures!!

Finally! It is the week of the Nuno felting class!!

Well, it has finally arrived! This is the week of our Nuno felting workshop. It is full and lots of people are anticipating great fun. I will post pics of the finished scarves.

In the meantime, I wanted to show you a new kit we will have available at Enchanted. This is the Gelfling hat and mitts. The kit is 65.00 and includes pattern and yarn. The will be made by request, so that you can choose your colorway, so it will take a day or two after you make your order for us to kit it up. It is a fast knit though, and I bet you could whip it out in 2 days, no problem!!!