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Cuddly Cotton and Zooming Away!!

First off I want to tell you about the Cuddly Cotton, originally I purchased it for weaving,  well I decided to knit a swatch  just to see how the color worked up and  to feel the fabric drape. The stitch definition is just right the drape on size 6 needle is light and soft so forget the weaving design myself a summer top.  Went to my software and designed a A-Line shaped top with raglan 1/2 length sleeves and round neck with a little collar. The stitch I decided on is the broken rib which is a simple stitch to remember.  This is how far I am.  My gauge 24 sts 34 rows in stitch pattern = 4"


















 You can see more of the colors on the website http://nonnasyarnstudio.com/euro-baby-cuddly-baby and for this month its 40% off !!!

Cuddly Cotton, 100% cotton, 100 gr. 202 yds color 105 Lot 31 

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 The reason why I am only up to that point is that I just had an over whelming feeling to purchase a Zoom Loom and boy am I on a roll, put all knitting down for now 2 weeks and just Zooming away.
Its the most satisfying feeling to finish a square in just 20 min. a square is complete with the minimal amount of yarn.  I have been weaving all the little bits of yarn I can't and wont throw away!  ;o)
My enthusiasm was so contagious that Karen just could not resist and purchased one for herself. Now we are going crazy designing with squares.  We discovered that we can make triangles with this loom which gave us more ideas we can do shaping such as cardis or tops.  First thing I did after sampling all different yarns is a table mat because that's how far the yarn went.
This is a yarn from Cascade called Copa.  It really  is 100% Viscose.  It come in small tubes and it's a little stiff so it comes off the loom in a perfect square. I only had partial tube in my stash and I managed to get 16 squares then took cotton thread and crocheted around each square and attached as I went.   Here are some pictures of my sampling different yarns!!

The beginning!!

 Then when I played with the above yarn another old yarn from stash  Filatura Di Crosa "Tiffany" a cotton blend with 103 yds (I have only 3) I managed to make 13 squares from one hank so my plan is to make a small cardigan. Next will be a Noro yarn maybe the sock weight can you immagine!!!

By the way these are Karen's squares made with Prism yarn!

















 Till next time  Happy Mother's day to you all!!!!

Baby Blanket completed!!

Well What do you think?   It turned out to measure 23 X 31". Only 2 hanks!!  It grew a bit when wet blocked.  This would make a beautiful wrap just I would cast on less like half the amount and go for it. Can  you imagine,  there are so many gorgeous colors available!!!

Diagonal Cluster Lace

How cute is this stitch?  I have 2 hanks of this yarn Done Roving, Frolicking Feet DK, Superwash Merion, each hank has 350 yds so  a total of 700yds and I need to knit a baby blanket with it (mom likes all the colors, Blue Ridge Bobbies).  Well I played with about 4 different stitches until I came across this particular stitch.  I think the color work perfect with it.  I am alternating hanks which is always suggested when using hand dyed yarns.
Okay the pattern:





Diagonal Cluster Lace
Multiple of 3 sts

Row 1:  (WS) Purl
Row 2:  K2 *yo, k3, pass first of the 3 knit sts over the 2nd and3rd sts; rep from *, end K1.
Row 3:  Purl.
Row4:  K1, *K3, pass first of the 3 knit sts over the 2nd and 3rd sts, yo; rep from * end K2.
Rep rows 1--4 .

I crochet cast on 160, sts knitted a garter st border of 13 rows giving me 6 ridges then I am keeping 8 sts in garter then started the pattern (144 sts) I knit kind of loose so I am knitting with a size US5 needle. I like it to be a loose knit rather then tight or to gauge knit.  It makes for  a very bouncy soft feel. so far it measures about 30" wide and  it should be enough to make it at least 30" long.

By the way go http://nonnasyarnstudio.com/   to see all the other colors that are available.

"Shimmery Elegance"

Let me introduce you to my "Shimmery Elegance" shawl!
It is elegant but at the same time it can be worn with jeans.

I really enjoy knitting shawls, never having to worry about fit. This shape is one that will remain on your shoulders and not fall off like your other triangular shawls.

New on the website are these kits that I put together for you all to enjoy.  They are simple and quick to knit.

The kit has a hank of hand dyed ribbon yarn (I've had a tough time parting with ) and one skein of mohair blend, knit on size 11 circular needles and believe me it will go pretty quick.

There are only 10 kits in stock.  Go to website to see all the available colors.  These are it, once they are gone, they are gone.

        

                              

in all its glory!!

 

Here is one of the colors!  Can you imagine how pretty this will be?       

Mohair The "Diamond" Fiber!!

As I was researching for newsletter I came across this definition from Wikipedia: 
**Mohair usually refers to a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat.    It is one of the oldest textile fibers in use.  It is notable for its high luster and sheen, which has helped give it the nickname the "Diamond Fiber", Mohair is warm in winter as it has great insulating properties, while remaining cool in summer due to its moisture wicking properties. It is durable, naturally elastic, flame resistant, crease resistant, and does not felt. It is considered to be a luxury fiber, like cashmere, angora and silk, and is usually more expensive than most wool that comes from sheep. **  

I love the term "Diamond Fiber"  Especially since TSC- S. Charles,   has a mohair with a hint of sparkle that looks like it was sprinkled with diamond dust called Luna. We have 4 different colors in stock of this particular mohair. Let me show you:

There are more on website go over to see all the available colors.  (click under fiber - Mohair) Also while you are there go and sign up to receive our emails.  Today I sent out an email with a special code that gives everyone that purchases any Mohair 10% discount plus Links to some free pattern showcasing this fabulous yarn. Just for you and for this one time I'll share the code with you [2222] ;o)

We will actually be doing a KAL using mohair beginning next Thursday.  I have prepared kits for the ladies and we will start knitting next week.  I'll share some pictures then.

Check out Nonna's Yarn Pintrest page as well !! http://www.pinterest.com/nonnasyarn/yarn-shopping-at-nonnas/
See you next week !!

Weaving !!

As you all know I have been weaving lately, and its been such fun once I have the loom dressed it goes pretty quick and before you know it I'm done!  But "dressing" that loom is what takes the most patience for me.  I can't seem to get the right tension, I start off in perfect tension all across but as I go on weaving  the warp sag either in the middle or on one side it does not remain tight.  So I take a break go back to my knitting and then try again.  Mean while this is what I finished!



















I used Lucci Yarn as weft and 2 strands of cotton thread as warp.  Love how the two yarns interact.  I imagined that because I used 2 very thing threads that it would have been a tight weave but no it actually turned out to have a very soft drape.
The next group were woven first with the same warp but I used "Cuddly Cotton from Euro Baby (KFI) as weft thinking of kitchen towels but still the warp was way to thin so I will use as place mats.

 I will try it again but I knitted a swatch with Cuddly Cotton and I love it, so I might be knitting me a summer top with it now ;o)
I am going to keep practicing dressing this loom till I get it right, it will take some time.

After handling the cotton, my juices have been flowing towards designing summer tops. I am trying to restrain myself I have to finish the Mink cardigan.  I  have one front completed and half way thru the other front, just saying!


Isn't this sweet?  You should feel it, it is just a cloud of puff on  my  hands!

I would like to be finished to be able to wear it by Spring! 









As I said though, my juices have been flowing and I have been feeling like some cabling and this one particular yarn on my wall has been calling my name  "Autumn Wind" from Lotus Yarns.

It's 90% cotton and 10% cashmere and it
feels really, really yummy.

This is what I am thinking of..........pretty yes? I still have some more figuring to do. Who knows it might change all together next time we meet.

A new yarn arrival for us

Euro Baby Cuddly Cotton is a 100% Cotton yarn that is great for big and small kids. The generously sized hanks have approximately 202 yards per 100g, while the suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 5 needle.

We have 4 colors in stock 3 hanks already found new homes
I love this cotton it has a great stitch definition and a great drape.  at the moment Karen and I are weaving with it but next I am planning a top down sweater!

Visit Nonna's Yarn Studio's profile on Pinterest.

 

For that Little Black Dress!!

Look who just stopped by! Nickie with her finished wrap. Its really gorgeous it only took two Artyarn's beaded Silk hank, and Pam will be knitting it with Artyarn's Beaded Silk Rhapsody in color H-11s can you imagine how heavenly it will be?
(pattern free with purchase of yarn)