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)

 

Hello, the new year and Karen :-) brought me to weaving,  I am having so much fun!!  Look at all I have done so far.  The three place mats completely finished, I crocheted the side edges to hide the "bad" sides. Then I couldn't wait to "dress" the loom again and this time I "slayed" from front to back to see if that gave me a easier better result. Not sure just yet, the result was the same.  I'm trying to minimize yarn waist. It took about 3-4 days to dress the loom and in 3 days I was done weaving the project (second set of picture)  I wove a shawl!!  So excited!  I will be wet blocking it today then I'll post a picture of it on my maniquin.  I will be trying again this time I will dress the loom from back to front with the nail board hubby made for me and we'll see if it will turn out better. 

 

   








But don't worry I can't forget my knitting, I was dying to knit with Lotus's Mimi  the 100% mink yarn.  I've had my eye on this color and double it up using a size 9 needle and found this really nice stitch and a cardigan on the making. Love working with this yarn it really is amazingly soft!!! You have to try at least knit a scarf or a wrap each hank has over 300 yds.  It goes a long way!! 

 All laid out to dry, wove three mats for the island top!! 
Once I had all the yarn on the loom it went relatively quick. Only thing I need to figure out how to make them all the same size.  I have three lengths one longer then the other :)
I did learn to do a hem stitch which gives a nice edge to the fringe.
The yarn I used was Berroco's Seduce from a while a go.

I made a mistake on the mat above and liked the result so I tried it on this one on the left can you see it?

I have already measured and warped another project  and I am threading from front to back of the loom instead of back to front.  I shall see which way is easier, I'll let you know.

But what fun another great way to use all that lovely yarn!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to all!!  May 2014  bring more knitting and crocheting time for you.  I always find  January to be perfect for new beginnings, new projects, great inspiration to try my hand on something totally different.  But at the same time always include all the fiber love that is in my studio!!

Not too long ago we were talking about weaving.  I  tried then put it away, I  have a knitters loom from  Ashford and it is really simple to use.  I have taught myself to  weave plain scarves and actually sold some.  I also have a 4 shaft Schacht table loom and it's not so simple to use and as you can see below I am trying again.  Karen inspired me to go back to it, the plan is Karen is purchasing a 28" Ridged Heddle Loom (similar to the knitters loom) and we  will be  making place mats.  Now I couldn't wait and tried it.

   

    You tube is a wonderful thing!  I'm not quite there yet obviously but I will persevere.

At the same time I had to complete a last minute Christmas gift so needless to say the gift was a little late but just the same the recipient was thrilled to receive it. Loved knitting this stitch its only a 2 row repeat and the wrong side is purl across so basically its one row to worry about.

Cast on a multiple of 10 plus 1 (I did 41 size 10 needle on a sport weight yarn)

 

 

 

 

 

Row 1: RS, K1 *yo, k3, K3tog, K3, yo, K1*  repeat
Row 2: WS, Purl
That's it, just repeat those 2 rows till your desired length! I did 3 balls with a fringe about 6 in.
It's a loose knit, remember the looser the work the more drape it will have.

At the same time weaving in the day time, in the evening I'm knitting a cardigan with Lotus Mimi (the Mink) yarn, double strand and  a size 9 needle. This one will be interesting the pattern is developing as I go so we shall see how it will turn out!  Pictures will come soon.

New Yarn Alert! ! ! ! !  Euro Baby Cuddly Cotton its 100% cotton in multi colors no pictures yet in the process of taking them.  Keep a look out on the website!!