Girl, Purl and Two Knitting Needles

Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace Frenzy!

2012-02-16T08:44:00.000Z

Knitters in Lavenham were going crazy on Tuesday for the Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace which arrived in the morning. At only £5.50 per ball, with a yardage of 390m you can tell why! Most of the garments in the accompanying book, Rialto Lace, take only 2 or 3 balls and it comes in a range of 20 pretty colours (all bar two are in stock)

It isn't even out of the boxes yet, that is today's job, but I thought I had better save a copy of the book for me so I could make a pretty 'Tie Front Cardigan' in Meadow, a lovely citrusy green (shade 14). Kate is going to make the 'Leaf Shawl in shade 15, a sage green, for a wedding she is attending in May. Will we complete the garments in time? Watch this space....!

National Trust Orford Ness Hebridean DK

2012-02-13T14:12:00.000Z

Knit local!! Cafe Knit are proud to stock this wonderful Hebridean DK yarn produced from the National Trust flock of Hebridean sheep in nearby Orford Ness.

It comes in 100g skeins, knits as a standard DK weight yarn and is a lovely rich chocolately brown colour. And is only £8 per skein.

We have limited stock of this lovely local yarn, so first come, first served!

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran transformed into an.....

2012-02-10T17:19:00.000Z

Angry Bird Hat!! Dom was insistent that was what he wanted. so here it is! Knitting was very easy - Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran is lovely to work with as always. But I had a bit of trouble with the crochet features as I am not that good at crocheting and I didn't bother to look up what a 'magic ring' is (although I know now as a customer demonstrated!!) So I ended up improvising the features and knitting the eyebrows instead of crocheting them.

Also I crocheted around the edge of the hat in cream, as whenever I make Dom a hat it never covers his ears. The crochet has had the effect of making the hat fit more snugly which is good

But the finished result looks OK, and Dom is pleased. Now onto the next project......(the bit I like the best)!!

New shades of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in stock now!

2012-02-10T15:16:00.000Z

Piles of new shades of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Debbie Bliss Rialto 4Ply and Debbie Bliss Cotton DK ready for pricing and the shelves!

Chilly Country Walks

2012-02-08T11:32:00.000Z

The snow hasn't melted much here in Suffolk. It's my day off and I have just returned from a VERY bracing walk around the fields with Scottie. Note to self; buy or knit some proper gloves (fingerless mittens are not doing the job) and invest in a good ordance survey map so I can get some idea of where I am!!

I have 'queued' the Bella Mittens by Marielle Henault on Ravelry; lovely long cabled gloves knitted in a chunky yarn, I might try Debbie Bliss Rialto Chunky . They should definitely keep my hands warm, its just a question of whether I would finish them before this cold spell is over!!

Welcome to the newest member of the family!

2012-02-07T14:49:00.000Z

Meet Inishowen Light, AKA Scottie, the latest member of the family. 4 years old, runner of 113 races; winner of 17, 2nd in 18. Now come to spend the rest of his days in peace in front of our Aga.

Greyhounds need to be kept warm, so obviously I have spotted a knitting opportunity. For all you Ravelry users, I am going to knit this coat for Scottie in Jarol's Pure British Wool Aran yarn.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/side-button-greyhound-sweater

I think he will look gorgeous in it!

Lavenham in the snow

2012-02-05T15:08:00.001Z

Well, I've been asking everyone for months; 'Does Lavenham look really pretty in the snow?' Well now I know!

Taken this morning, here are a few different views:

Cafe Knit in the Snow

The High Street near The Swan

More to come but I have an appointment to sledge!

Snowy Rooftops of Lavenham

Sledging

Me sledging!

Knitting Time!

2012-02-03T20:24:00.001Z

After a busy day in the shop, I haven't managed to do any knitting yet today! I've nearly finished cooking supper, and then I just need to decide whether to knit some more hearts (total count 5) or whether to start Dom's 'Angry Bird' hat (free pattern from www.ravelry.com). I'm going to knit the beanie in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, simply because Dom's 'pumpkin' hat has worn so well, then crochet the eyes, beak etc in Debbie Bliss Cotton DK I think. I may require help at the crochet stage as I'm not great at following patterns, I tend to just improvise!

Decisions, decisions.....Angry bird hat will require concentration, whereas I have the heart pattern almost memorized!

KnitPro Symfonie Wood Knitting Needles

2012-02-02T13:35:00.000Z

It's bizarre, KnitPro needles are flying out of the door this week, both in the shop and online. It's as if everyone has realised at the same time how amazing they are!

The basket was full at the beginning of the week - I'd better get reordering!

The hearts have multiplied!

2012-02-02T13:20:00.000Z

Now I have got the hang of the short row shaping, I am on a roll! Three cute little hearts now, which can be used as pin cushions, door hangers, mobiles....

I'll have a Valentine's Day window display yet!

Lovely hearts

2012-02-01T21:31:00.001Z

So this is what I decided to do last night. Make a bowl full of felted hearts (or milagros as they are called in the wonderful book called 'Gifted: Lovely little things to knit & crochet by Mag Kandis, from where I took the pattern)

A bit tricky to start with, but I have got the hang of it now. Just completed number 2 but need to felt it properly. (I bunged it in with some regular washing at 40 degrees but it didn't really felt)

Both the hearts have been made with left overs of Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, perfect for felting.

I had a lovely morning off. the shop is shut on Wednesday, so I dropped the kids off at school and nursery and headed into the nearest town, Sudbury, for some good old rummaging in charity shops, mainly looking for jumpers to felt and recycle. Didn't have much luck today, but treated myself to a lovely coffee and scone (and peek at the latest issue of Mollie Makes) in a hidden treasure; The Secret Garden in Sudbury.

I know what I will be doing next Wednesday!

x

Kate's Hat

2012-01-31T16:43:00.000Z

And here it is in all it's glory!

A very quick (3 hours of knitting) and satisfying knit, and Kate loves it. Looking good!

Noro Kochoran is beautiful to knit with, soft and chunky, knitting up on 5mm needles

Now, what shall I knit tonight?

Noro Kochoran - Quick Knit Hat

2012-01-30T17:46:00.000Z

Just had to share some pictures of three lovely new shades of Noro Kochoran which has just been delivered.

Since we seem to be in for a bit of a cold spell, why not knit yourself a big chunky hat with just one skein?

I have just cast one on for Kate (she doesn't want to wait until she has knitted it herself as she thinks it may be Spring by then!)....hope to have it complete by Wednesday, but I'll keep you posted!!

Its freezing

2012-01-30T13:32:00.002Z

With people coming into the shop and talking about how cold it is outside ( still 2 degrees) it's dawned on me that Lavenham is a beautiful place for a knitting shop, but when the winds blow from the north, it's freezing. Luckily we've got the hot chocs and coffees to to keep us going!

Winter evening project

2012-01-30T11:50:00.000Z

As January draws to a close, I'm in a funny knitting mood. I've finished a couple of big projects recently, but I don't want to start another big one yet; I want to knit something small and get some quick results! I've found a perfect project for these long cold winter evenings: a fabulous scarf that I can knit in just a couple of hours!

Tonia scarf yarn is amazing; all you need is one ball, a pair of 8mm needles, a couple of hours spare and you are away! In the shop Kate and myself have been knitting these like crazy. I'm storing the finished scarfs away so I have a stash of last minute gifts....! At the moment we have 7 fabulous colours in stock and at only £6.95 per ball you can't go wrong!

Cafe Knit, 46 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9PY

2011-12-07T13:00:00.000Z

Cafe Knit 46 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9PY

I haven't blogged for ages. And this is the reason why. On Saturday 12th November we opened our first high street store in the beautiful historic wool town of Lavenham in Suffolk.

It all seems a bit of a blur now, but we were up till 2am the night before trying to stock the shelves. there were still some empty gaps come Saturday, but none of our visitors seemed to mind.

We are coming to the end of week 4 and we have been manically busy, and we are still putting stock on the shelves ! I have a feeling that will never end! We have a new member of staff, Kate, who is learning to knit and is well on the way to finishing her first scarf!

If you are in the area, please come by and say hello and have a delicious coffee (the best for miles around, so they say!) and cake whilst you browse our yarns and patterns.

On our opening day Saturday 12th November 2011

The team; Jen, Mike and Me after a hard day (and nights!) work

Elladora Doesgood

2011-10-10T07:18:00.000+01:00

On one of my recent forays to the village park last week with Dom, I bumped into a lovely lady, Amanda, who was walking three gorgeous and excitable whippets, much to Dom's amusement (the sight of them bouncing and racing everywhere caused a fit of giggling!!)

We got talking and I mentioned the impending launch of Cafe Knit on the high street in Lavenham, at which point Amanda dashed off in the direction of her house and came back minutes later waving a small yellow book. It turns out she is the author of a lovely book Elladora Doesgood, which I have seen for sale in many little shops in Lavenham. She is currently writing the sequel and one of the main characters in the book starts knitting!! What a coincidence!

I have just begun reading the book; you can download it of buy it using the following link ; Elladora Doesgood . Already I'm hooked and hoping Dom and Milly decide to have a lie-in (though it is a school day, so there's a limit to how far I can push it!!)

Jarol Heritage 4 Py

2011-09-21T11:36:00.000+01:00

More and more stock is arriving everyday as we expand our range, ready for the shop opening. Today it's the turn of Jarol Heritage 4 Ply. A hardwearing yarn, that wears and washes well, it is great for any 4-ply project and good value too at only £4.99 for a 100g ball!

KnitPro's are here!!

2011-09-20T20:40:00.000+01:00

After a long wait my Autumn/Winter stock of the gorgeous KnitPro needles are here! Delivered, unpacked and loaded on the website this afternoon, ready for purchase immediately. Although with the shop opening soon, I don't see them lasting until Christmas!! (I've already nabbed a pair of 7mm Symfonie Wood Straights for a shrug I am knitting for a friend in the new Debbie Bliss Riva yarn!)

My sister's coat

2011-09-20T20:34:00.000+01:00

It's finished! A beautiful coat for my beautiful big sister, who celebrated her birthday last week. A labour of love, as a friend aptly pointed out.

Knitted in the gorgeous Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed Chunky yarn, I am so pleased I started knitting this in May, for completion in September. The pattern was so complicated! I was doing fine (back knitted up quickly, 6.5mm needles, my kind of knitting!) until I had to decrease for the armholes, when I just completely lost the lace pattern and the will to live at certain points. It was only through sheer willpower and the help of my friend Paula from the Harrow Knitters that I completed this at all!

I finished it off with two gorgeous vintage purple pear mother-of-pearl buttons.

Anyway, I hope my sister likes it; I thought it was perfect for walking the dog on a blustery autumnal day.

Tour of Britain Hits Lavenham!

2011-09-17T22:43:00.000+01:00

Fantastic morning this morning,cheering on the Tour of Britain, which in it's 7th stage from Bury St Edmunds to Sandringham, came through Lavenham.

Sadly we didn't get much of a glimse at the cyclists as they were soooo fast!!

Lots and lots of sloes!

2011-09-16T22:05:00.000+01:00

I have been very productive today (of sorts!) Dominic woke early again (6am) so I made the most of the time before school to make a pumpkin and carrot soup (courtesy of half a homegrown pumkpin from Mum), clean the kitchen & hoover.

Mum and Dad popped over to supervise my sloe picking! Having been the very grateful recipient of homemade sloe gin from Mum and Dad for many a Christmas, I was keen to make my own for Christmas gifts this year. The parents were slightly concerned that what I had seen on one of my many countryside walks were not sloes, so came along to check, just to make sure I didn't poison any close friends!

Anyway, we came home with a bumper crop, Dominic even helped, and ate some along the way, though he was keener on the blackberries!!

Watch this space to see how the sloe gin progresses. I need to work out how much gin I need to buy now, although Dad has a more laissez faire attitude "You can never have too much gin, buy about 4 bottles.....!!"

Jarol Pure British Wool Aran

2011-09-16T21:45:00.000+01:00

Cafe Knit are delighted to now stock Jarol Pure British Wool Aran yarn! One of the first 100% pure British yarns to be commercially produced in the UK for many years (British fleeces, spun in Yorkshire) - it is utterly gorgeous! It still smells of sheep!!

It comes in 6 lovely colourways - all natural, and it would make gorgeous winter jumpers and accessories (hats, scarves etc). It is featured in this months The Knitter magazine too (issue 36), a stunning sweater design called 'Trail' by Kyoko Nakayoshi.

Hello Lavenham!

2011-08-31T19:30:00.000+01:00

Well, it's been ages since I've blogged, but life has been so hectic recently! The day after the end of term we went off camping in Cornwall for 10 days or so, came home and then less than 2 days later moved home and business from Harrow to the gorgeous village of Lavenham in Suffolk.

The fun doesn't stop there, as the house we have bought has a shop attached, which is being turned into Cafe Knit! There is a lot of work to do, but we have already demolished two internal walls, so we can now begin in earnest with the shop refitting.

Here is the shop as it stands today......

The shop front is lovely, and I had a meeting with my signwriter today, which is all very exciting. It's beyond my wildest dreams to take the logo my sister in law designed for the website three years ago, to a 'real' shop front!!!. And the shop space itself is much bigger than I remembered, especially now we have taken down two partition walls. Hopefully plenty of space for a spacious cafe and enough room to display all our scrummy yarns.....

I do hope if you are visiting, or live in Suffolk, you will stop by when we are open. As well as a bite to eat and drink and browsing through all the fab things we have to offer, we will be running various classes too.

Cast on....and cast away stress

2011-05-24T21:34:00.001+01:00

My sister kindly posted me an article by Sarah Stacey taken from 'You' Magazine (which comes with the Mail on Sunday) 15th May edition, entitled 'Cast on .....and cast away stress'

It confirms what we knitters have always known: knitting is a form of meditation, therapeutic, and a way to forget all about the problems of the day.

But it also mentioned the calming effects it can have for women with anorexia, the help it gives them in clearing their minds of eating disorder preoccupations. It shouldn't surprise me, but I guess I had just never thought about it in that context. It's a subject close to my heart as my 21 year old niece has an eating disorder, and our family is desperately worried about her. I am going to speak to my sister and pack up a knitting parcel straight away!

Sweater Stone

2011-05-24T14:48:00.000+01:00

We have just discovered this fantastic new product for removing all the pilling and bobbles from your handknits!

Sweater Stone is a natural pumice which has the unique ability to remove pilling from knits with each sharp edge of a broken cell. It actually cuts the filament that holds the pill to the garment while the cell breaks off, removing pilling and restoring the nap on fabrics.

Sweater Stone is made in the USA in sheltered workshops for the disabled and costs just £7.80

Vintage Mother of Pearl Buttons

2011-03-11T10:54:00.000Z

I've always been a big fan of buttons, I can remember many a happy hour spent during the summer holidays sorting through my mother's button tin. (my 2 year old god-daughter is currently sorting through my button tin as I type!) So imagine my delight when I took delivery of the first of many batches of these gorgeous vintage mother of pearl buttons. Although they date back from the 1960's, these buttons are only just seeing the light of day. They were originally from a button factory in Yorkshire, but the button holes were never drilled - in fact they are being hand drilled for me now.

The pictures just can't convey the fabulous colours and quality of these buttons - they are around 2mm thick and the colours are so rich, they would be a lovely finishing touch to any knitted garment, and we will have many more colours and shapes coming soon.

Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks

2011-01-28T20:24:00.000Z

Happy New Year! Oh my it's been so long! The Christmas period was so busy I have had no time to stop and reflect. And 2011 is proving just as hectic!

One of my New Year resolutions is to provide more and better products for crocheters, and to that end we have introduced Clover Soft Touch crochet hooks at www.cafeknit.com.

Clover Soft Touch steel crochet hooks allow you to enjoy easy and ergonomic crocheting.

The light, easy to hold handle feels flexible in your fingers. Made out of stylish tortoise-shell looking material with large size numbers printed on the handle (both US and UK) making it easy to select the correct size.

Many people with arthritic hands find Clover Soft Touch crochet hooks very comfortable to use.

And now I just have to remember all the other new products I have introduced over the festive period!!

Tape Measures

2010-10-29T18:02:00.000+01:00

These cute tape measures printed with the Cafe Knit logo have arrived just in time for Christmas.

Measuring 5cm in diameter, with a black button to retract the tape, the tape measure is printed with centimetres on one side, and inches on the other and measures 150cm or 60 inches. At just £1.50 each they are a perfect price and size for your notions case!

Dom's Pumpkin Hat

2010-10-08T13:21:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist! Dom has been pointing at pictures of hats and his head, and the poor thing doesn't possess a hat that fits him, and I thought since Halloween was approaching.....!! Of course now i have finished it he is not interested in wearing it!!

This supercute cute pumpkin hat knitted up in 2 evenings using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (shade 33 pumpkin) and Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran (Shade 09 Green).

The pattern is available for free here:

http://randomstitches.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/hello-world/

It is called the 'Baby Berry Hat' and is designed by Michele Sabatier . You can make it as a tomato/strawberry in red, a raspberry...the possibilities are endless. I'll certainly be making some more!

Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-09-23T14:15:00.000+01:00

It's here! Issue 5 of the Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine was delivered at 10am and I have just finished packing all the pre-ordered magazines, just in time to catch the afternoon post, so some lucky people should receive it tomorrow morning.

I haven't had a chance to look at it yet - I think I'll save it for tonight over aa nice glass of white wine! And I'll report back on the contents tomorrow....!

My big sister will hate me for this....

2010-09-21T13:51:00.002+01:00

...but I can't resist!

Going through old photos for my Mum and Dad's 50th wedding Anniversary a few weeks ago, my brother came across this photo.

The Ultimate in 1963 children's knitwear! I don't know whether my Mum or one of my grandmothers was responsible!

Mirasol Hacho Tank Top

2010-09-20T21:27:00.000+01:00

I'm well into my Christmas Knitting already (only 94 knitting days left till Christmas!) but I can't post any pictures of my completed gifts, incase a recipient happens to be reading this! All the gifts so far have come from The Knitters Year, by Debbie Bliss - a fantastic book if you like knitting simple, lovely gifts.

Instead, I will share a picture of the gorgeous tank top I made for Dominic on our summer holiday. It took just 3 skeins of the sadly discontinued Mirasol Hacho, which are on sale at http://www.cafeknit.com/ at just £4.50 and I made it in the gold/olive/blue colourway. It was a dream to knit with and I love the finished result.

Debbie Bliss The Knitters Year

2010-09-01T22:02:00.000+01:00

The last of many new Debbie Bliss books for Autumn Winter 2010 arrived in store this week and boy was it worth the wait! If you are a fan of Debbie's beautiful, simple designs, then The Knitters Year is an absolute must for you. After a quick browse I have kept one aside for myself! It is packed full of beautiful projects, each one designed to be completed in less than a week and some only take a few hours. I think all my Christmas gifts can be knitted from this book (if I start right now!). You name it, it's got it; from sweet bookmarks, tealight covers, bags, scarves, belts - there really is something for everyone.

Fibonnacci Striped Baby Blankets

2010-09-01T21:53:00.000+01:00

It's been a while, but holidays have been providing a welcome distraction recently. Back to the real world now and a new term of school starts tomorrow....

Before I went on holiday I completed the baby blankets I was knitting for the imminent arrival of twins (well infact I only managed to finish the 'boy' blanket before they arrived and the 2nd was finished a few weeks later. Using the lovely Debbie Bliss Eco Aran (100% Organic Cotton), each blankets took 1 ball in each of 6 colours. Simple to knit, but so effective.

And whilst I was on holiday, the mother of the twin's (Ellis and Thea) send me this picture of the blankets in use. So sweet! And worth every stitch.....

My beautiful new mannequin

2010-07-29T14:08:00.000+01:00

A lovely friend gave me this gorgeous mannequin earlier this week. I'm not sure when she was made but she looks fairly old, and the facial features look almost 1920's to me.

Anyone any ideas how to date her?

I must find out if she has a name, otherwise I will have to think of a suitably elegant one, Eleanor perhaps?

she will be perfect for displaying knitted items on, especially the Manos Wool Clasica cloche hat I am planning to knit soon ......

Debbie Bliss Magazine Autumn Winter 2010

2010-07-25T21:53:00.000+01:00

If Issues 1, 2, 3 and 4 were anything to go by, issue 5 of the Debbie Bliss Magazine (Autumn/Winter 2010) will be a sell out within a matter of days. Due in stock in September, we are taking pre-orders now, so order now to secure your copy.

Packed full of patterns & interesting articles, it is fantastic value at only £4.50.

Debbie Bliss Andes, Glen, A Tweed Story, Folk Chic, Land Girl and Snow Queen. Phew!

2010-07-24T14:24:00.004+01:00

Debbie Bliss has been prolific for Autumn Winter 2010, with 8 new pattern books and two new yarns, Andes and Glen. All new stock is due to arrive any day now, so we are very busy loading the stock at http://www.cafeknit.com/

The first of these books is Andes, a gorgeous collection of 12 patterns using her new yarn, Debbie Bliss Andes, a beautiful blend of Mulberry Silk and Alpaca.

Then we have Glen, a collection of 12 garments using her new yarn Debbie Bliss Glen, a beautiful alpaca/merino/acrylic chunky yarn with a colourful fleck.

Then we have A Tweed Story, a wonderful small collection of 6 patterns using Debbie Bliss Fez and Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed yarn

Followed by Folk Chic; 6 wonderful patterns using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarns

Landgirl is a 1940's inspired collection using the Debbie Bliss Rialto range of yarns; Rialto 4ply, Rialto DK and Rialto Aran

And finally, Snow Queen - 6 patterns which use Debbie Bliss Como, Debbie Bliss Fez and Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran

And believe it or not, still to come is The Knitters Year containing 52 patterns - one for every week of the year, and Design it Knit it for Babies; a follow up to last years highly successful Design It, Knit it book

My tank top is finished!

2010-07-17T13:07:00.001+01:00

Hurrah! Finished 10 minutes ago - just need the weather to perk up again now!

The pattern is 'Honey' from the Mirasol Collection Book 5. Knitted using just 5 skeins of Mirasol Hap'i yarn, a lovely soft, slubby heavy cotton (on special offer at £4.50 per skein!), it has a simple lace pattern which I found easier to knit once I had switched to my new KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight needles as they are nice and sharp.

I made the smallest size, which was good as it comes up large, and I omitted the buttons at the shoulder as I didn't think they were necessary. All in all I'm very pleased with the results - I will wear this a lot, Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Onwards and upwards, two baby blankets to knit now for the imminent arrival of twins (not mine I hasten to add!)

Manos Wool Clasica Spiral Tweed Cloche

2010-07-12T10:49:00.000+01:00

I am in LOVE! With a hat! I treated myself to a book last week (I had a £5 Amazon voucher, so it only ended up costing me £3.09) and it was the best £3 I have spent this year. The book in question is Knitting 24/7 by Veronik Avery, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

You know sometimes you buy knitting books and there is only one or two things you can imagine knitting? Well, this book is not one of those! I can imagine knitting all of them (and with the time I have spare for knitting these days, imagining is probably as far as I'll get!) Although Veronik gives some handy tips for squeezing in that extra odd row of knitting - so I'll definitely be giving those tips a try.

The book is jam packed with gloves, scarves, slippers, socks, a gorgeous skirt (that's on my knitting list too) and this beautiful cloche hat, knitted with just one skein of Manos Wool Clasica. I am dying to give it a try, but I have a few other projects I have to start and complete before then. It must be fate as www.cafeknit.com had just had a delivery of some Manos Wool Clasica, which I had opened and drooled over just minutes before flicking to this pattern. I am going to knit it in Bacchus, shade 6422, which is reduced at only £8.00 per skein.

'Hawthorn' Bag by Louisa Harding in Willow Tweed

2010-07-06T19:55:00.001+01:00

I've already knitted a beautiful beret in Louisa Harding's Willow Tweed yarn, just before Christmas last year (from the Little Cake book), but as soon as I opened my copy of Knitting magazine August 2010 last night, and saw this bag I decided I just have to make it. I should make it as a Christmas gift, but I suspect I may keep it for myself.

Louisa Harding Willow Tweed yarn is in such subtle, beautiful colours that all work and blend really well together, but this colourway featured is absolutely beautiful. All the shades are currently in stock at http://www.cafeknit.com/ , I must put some by for myself!

Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash

2010-07-01T12:29:00.000+01:00

Say goodbye to piles of handwashing lurking in the corner of your bathroom (if you are anything like me that is!) I used to hate handwashing woollen items and always used to put it off until the pile grew too big to ignore, but since I began stocking Eucalan at www.cafeknit.com , it really isn't such a chore anymore. Let me explain!

You simply put a capful of Eucalan in a bowl of warm water (temperature as per instructions on your garment) pop whatever it is you want to wash in the bowl, agitate it a bit and then leave for 15 minutes or more. Then pull it out, squeeze out excess water and dry as usual. It's that simple.

It comes in 4 lovely fragrances (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit and Unscented) and two sizes, the smaller one costing only £3.75, so why not give it a go? The Lavender and Eucalyptus also have additional moth-deterring properties....Brilliant!

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Selection Packs

2010-06-25T12:50:00.001+01:00

Perfect for experimenting, and knitting (or crocheting) a baby blanket, throw or stripey cushion, http://www.cafeknit.com/ now has stock of these fantastic value for money Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Selection Packs, which come in either a 'pink' or 'blue' themed colourway .

Debbie Bliss Cotton DK is one of my favourite summer yarns - gorgeous colours and soft on the hands (which some cottons aren't!)

KnitPro Straight Needles

2010-06-21T20:18:00.001+01:00

I've wasted no time putting the KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight Needles to work. And Ihave to confess they are really nice to work with, with good sharp points which are helping me with this lacy 'tank top' I am currently knitting in the rather heavy, but gorgeous Mirasol Hap'i yarn. And they do look gorgeous too!

KnitPro Knitting Needles

2010-06-20T17:57:00.000+01:00

I've finally bowed to the pressure from my knitting group, The Harrow Knitters, and my Mum, and just about every other knitter I know, and www.cafeknit.com has taken stock of KnitPro knitting needles and crochet hooks. They arrive tomorrow.

After extensive research (!) , I have decided to stock the beautiful, and popular Knit Pro Symfonie Wood Circular Interchangable Knitting Needles, both as sets (Starter, Luxury and Chunky sets), and as the individual components - cables, needle tips, connectors etc.

I was also advised by the passionate crocheters in our group that the Knitpro Symfonie Wood Crochet Hooks were lovely, so I am stocking those also.

Infamous amongst my fellow knitters for disliking circulars, due to my very odd knitting style (I knit with my right-hand needle propped on my leg; strange but effective and difficult to do with circulars and DPN's!), i have treated myself to some KnitPro Symfonie Wood Straight Knitting Needles, and if they are as good as everyone says I will start stocking those too!

Shamu Makes - gorgeous hand dyed yarn!

2010-06-16T12:19:00.000+01:00

These new hand dyed yarns from Shamu Makes are, quite literally to dye for! www.cafeknit.com has just taken its first delivery of them and they are flying off the shelves and onto the needles!

The colours are so beautiful - some subtle, like the Bejewelled Sock Yarn, and some definitely not, such as the Zingy Laceweight yarn, but they are all gorgeous.

Cafe Knit at the Duckpond Market, Harrow

2010-06-11T20:21:00.000+01:00

If you are out and about in Middlesex this Sunday and enjoy knitting, come and meet http://www.cafeknit.com/ and the Harrow Knitters at the Duckpond Market this Sunday 13th June from 10am to 3pm.

The market is at Harrow Museum, Headstone Manor, Pinner View, Harrow, HA2 6PX

We will be there selling lovely knitted gifts, fabulous yarns, hand-dyed skeins and knitting bags and accessories.

There is a free car park and it's a shortish walk from Harrow and Wealdstone, North Harrow or west Harrow tube stations. The H9 and H10 buses stop on Pinner View, the H18 & H19 buses stop on Headstone Lane and the H14 stops nearby too.

For more information about the Duckpond Market click here

Calling all Harrow Knitters!

2010-06-11T20:04:00.001+01:00

If you live in and around Harrow, Middlesex and enjoying knitting (or crochet!), why not join the Harrow Knitters?!

We are a friendly bunch of mixed age and abilities who meet 3 times a month in various locations in and around Harrow.

The 1st Tuesday of every month sees us meeting at 8pm in the Grims Dyke Hotel, Old Redding (http://www.grimsdyke.com/) in the Morning Room next to the library bar (as long as it's free)

The 2nd Monday of the month is our newest meeting - Come and learn to crochet (but if you don't want to, bring your knitting along!) and that takes place at 8pm in the Oddfellows Arms, 2 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EN (opposite Lidl and the Police Station)

and finally, on the 3rd Wednesday of every month we meet again in the Oddfellows Arms (www.oddfellowspinner.co.uk) at 8pm, for more knitting fun!

bring along your current project to work on or your latest completion to show off, plus your newest knitting books and magazines to pass around and browse through. Everyone is welcome, regardless of expertise and it's a fantastic place to get tips from other more experienced knitters, get honest opinions on your work in progress (frog, frog!) , sometimes we even hold a yarn swap!

You can contact us via this blog, theharrowknitters@btinternet.com or find our group on www. ravelry.com

Artesano Alpaca DK Log Cabin Blanket

2010-06-11T18:18:00.000+01:00

Here is my latest completed project: a log cabin blanket-of-many-colours knitted for my friend Michala's imminent arrival.

She is such a colourful person, I just couldn't decide what colour to knit the blanket in, then I came across the concept of the Log Cabin Blanket on http://www.masondixonknitting.com/, so I thought I'd give it a go with 13 different shades of Artesano Alpaca DK.

I love the way it has turned out. The yarn is really soft, lovely to knit with and as a blanket it drapes really well. I had a big debate with myself (and anyone who would listen!) about whether to a) line it and b)crochet an edging, but finally I decided on neither. I think the lining would make it too heavy and the border may detract from the simplicity of the design.

It was difficult to see how it was going to turn out, until the very end when the second repeat of each colour was completed and then it finally came together. I love the freedom of just knitting with no pattern to follow, that's why I finished it so fast (for me that is!)

It was such a success I think I will write up the pattern and make it available as a knitting kit at http://www.cafeknit.com/

I do hope Michala (and Baby Briggs) likes it....

Artesano Superwash Merino Children's Patterns

2010-06-09T14:17:00.000+01:00

The first of the long awaited patterns to support the launch of Artesano Superwash Merino DK yarn has arrived at www.cafeknit.com . Tina Barrett's pick'n'mix collection of patterns for 3 to 12 year olds is simply gorgeous. My son and daughter will be well catered for this year I can see!

Bergere de France Creations Autumn/Winter 2010/2011

2010-06-09T14:00:00.000+01:00

It seems far to early to start thinking about Autumn/Winter knitting, but the new Bergere de France Creations Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 pattern book has arrived at www.cafeknit.com

This fantastic collection of 39 patterns for men, women and children has something for everyone, as usual the patterns are very stylish, and don't worry the instructions are written in English! And all for £4.95!

Louisa Harding Merletto

2010-05-25T13:51:00.001+01:00

Along with the Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk scarf kit, these amazing Louisa Harding Merletto Scarf kits arrived at Cafe Knit HQ this morning too!

For just £25 you can knit one of these gorgeous dramatic long scarves, perfect summer knitting and just the thing to keep your shoulders warm during sultry summer evenings!

Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk

2010-05-25T13:44:00.000+01:00

Cafe Knit has just taken delivery of these luxurious Louisa Harding Mulberry Silk Scarf Knitting Kits. I think they are perfect little projects for this 'not-quite-summer-but not-still-Spring' season and would be ideal to take away on holiday with you -you might even finish it whilst you are away and would then have a glamorous scarf to wear on those long hot evenings.....!

Sari Ribbon, Recycled Silk Yarn

2010-05-24T14:28:00.000+01:00

Cafe Knit has just taken delivery of our summer stock of gorgeous Recycled Silk Yarns and Sari Ribbon from Frabjous Fiber. The sari ribbon now comes in many many more colours and is simply stunning!

Manos Del Uruguay Lace

2010-05-24T13:17:00.000+01:00

A bit later than expected but welcomed none the less, the gorgeous Manos Lace yarn has arrived! Cafe Knit has sold out of some shades already, it really is selling like hotcakes! It's beautifully soft and the colours are divine. I have reserved myself a skein of shade

Vidia, beautiful Autumnal colours and I am going to tackle a scarf when I get a moment - it will be Autumn when I finish it no doubt!

Finished dress!

2010-04-10T15:06:00.000+01:00

I finished sewing the ends of the dress in this lunchtime in the sunshine, and here is Milly modelling her new dress. I love the way it has turned out - it really drapes beautifully, and fits Milly really nicely (she is tall for her age so I made a 7-8 year old size). I only made one alteration to the pattern - I picked up more stitches than recommended around the neckline and armholes. I have one happy 6 year old today....

Louisa Harding Albero: A dress for Milly

2010-03-31T12:25:00.001+01:00

I don't get as much time to knit these days as I would like, but my current WIP is flying off the needles to my surprise. I guess the main body of the dress is on 5mm needles but still....!

I thought it was about time I knitted something for Milly, and I'm so pleased we chose this pattern and yarn from Louisa Harding Beresford Beach. It's called Rye and it's knitted in Albero yarn which has a lovely feel & drape.

Hopefully I'll finish it within a fortnight, as i have a small knitting commission to tackle - a baby jacket which I'm going to knit in the new Debbie Bliss Eco Baby (I haven't tried it yet, so it's nice to have a project lined up)

Beautiful Glass Stitchmarkers

2010-03-29T14:03:00.000+01:00

This morning a delivery of shimmering glass stitch markers cheered me up on this dull damp day.

I'm knitting Milly a gorgeous dress from the Louisa Harding book, Beresford Beach, but unfortunately I don't need to use stitch markers :-( Perhaps I'll hang some from my needles anyway!

Easter Bunny Amigurumi Kit

2010-03-18T13:01:00.000Z

Just in time for Easter, we have this fantastic Easter Bunny Amigurumi kit, designed exclusively for Cafe Knit by designer Claire Sibley. Priced at £15, one kit makes two super cute Easter Bunnies

Frankie's First Birthday Dress

2010-03-18T12:53:00.001Z

I have completed something on time! Frankie's first birthday dress (birthday tomorrow!). Started about a month ago using a pattern I bought from Ravelry , it looked so sweet I just had to try it . The pattern is called 'Very Cherry' by Alana Dakos.

I used yarn I had swapped at a recent yarn swapping session we had at the Harrow Knitters (it is the now discontinued Jaeger Pure Cotton). I like the thought that the yarn comes from one of the other Harrow Knitters and has been used to make a dress for another member's daughter.

I love the finished dress and once Frankie is walking it will look really sweet. Dom tried it on over his PJ's (I had to see if it would fit!) and was reluctant to take it off - he is very partial to a bit of pink though!

Manos Lace

2010-03-14T15:19:00.001Z

Eagerly expected in mid-April, we have just made the new Manos Lace yarn available to pre-order.

A luxurious blend of alpaca, silk and cashmere with an incredible 400m per 100g skein, and available in 12 shades, this is great value at £11.99 per skein. And our pre-ordered stocks are already selling fast, so order today to ensure you are one of the first to receive this gorgeous new yarn!

Louisa Harding Mulberry

2010-03-14T15:10:00.000Z

If it's luxury you are after, it doesn't get more luxurious than this. Although not a new yarn, Louisa Harding Mulberry is new to Cafe Knit, and we have just had our first delivery of many shades including 6 new gorgeous shades for 2010. 100% silk, but with a tight twist, it looks like it will knit and wear well. I'm itching to finish the project I have on the go and start a new one with this - and I am drawn to the ruffley little cardigan on the cover of Louisa's new book Belle, or perhaps the long lacey scarf....I'll keep you posted on what I decide!

Louisa Harding Belle, Bijoux and Chinoiserie

2010-03-12T12:58:00.000Z

Still unpacking yesterday's delivery! We are now stocking three new books from Louisa Harding; Chinoiserie, which features 25 patterns knitted in her two new yarns (Aimee and Fleuris), Belle - containing 12 designs in the sumptuous Mulberry Silk (which we now have in stock) and Bijoux, which contains 12 patterns knit in Merletto and Jasmine

Mirasol Wachi

2010-03-11T21:55:00.000Z

I have been so spoilt today! I also took delivery of Mirasol Wachi yarn- a gorgeous blend of 85% Pima Cotton and 15% silk, plus the corresponding pattern book - The Little Book of Wachi - Garments for Women and Girls. My project list is getting longer by the minute. There is such a sweet cardigan for Milly in the booklet, and don't even get me started on the Louisa Harding Mulberry and Merletto yarns that also arrived today....!

Mirasol Lachiwa

2010-03-11T13:30:00.001Z

One of the best things about running http://www.cafeknit.com/ is taking delivery of the new seasons yarns, and new in today is Mirasol Lachiwa, a new yarn for SpringSummer 2010. A blend of 60% Pima Cotton and 40% Linen and available in 8 gorgeous subtle colours, this DK weight yarn is supported by a cute little booklet, the 11th in the Mirasol Collection called A Little Book of Lachiwa. I think Little Dominic may be getting something for his summer wardrobe from here....

Yarn Multi Packs

2010-03-08T15:47:00.000Z

If you are looking to save money on your next project, look no further! We have just launched our new 'Project Pack' or Multi-pack section, where if you are looking to buy in bulk (usually 7+balls/skeins), you can save up to 15% off the RRP.

All balls are guaranteed to be from the same dyelot, and many are still this seasons yarns - what are you waiting for? Check it out.....

Bergere de France Spring Summer 152

2010-02-27T16:53:00.000Z

If you want juicy, bright summer knits, then Bergere de France Spring Summer 152 is the book for you. It's just arrived in store and contains over 30 gorgeous designs for women, and it's just £4.95! In case you are wondering, all the instructions are written in English! Here are a couple of my favourites;

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and Manos Wool Clasica: A delicious combination

2010-02-26T12:24:00.000Z

I'm rather pleased with myself. I suddenly realised on Tuesday it was a friend's birthday today (Friday) and yet again I had left it till the last minute to make something, then I remembered that earlier in the week she had lost her gloves.

So between Tuesday and last night I managed to rustle up these lovely wristwarmers, which are actually from a kid's knitting book, but I had made them for Milly at Christmas and the larger size came up large enough for a small woman's hand.

Using just one ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, and scraps of Manos Wool Clasica left over from a Christmas project, I adapted the pattern slightly and made them longer at the top and added a cuff. I think they are pretty effective and she was certainly thrilled with them this morning.

Louisa Harding Albero Yarn

2010-02-22T13:25:00.000Z

Continuing our Spring Summer theme, Louisa Harding Albero yarn arrived in store today, along with accompanying pattern book for children, Louisa Harding Beresford Beach.

Albero is a lovely soft blend of cotton and Lenpur Viscose, and comes in 18 vibrant shades, perfect for spring summer knits

Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring Summer 2010

2010-02-02T13:33:00.001Z

The new Debbie Bliss Magazine for Spring Summer 2010 will be with us in a matter of weeks, so we are now taking pre-orders. The last 3 issues sold out quickly

and this one sounds like it's going to be good. Packed full of patterns for the home (throws and cushions) baby knits using the new Eco Baby yarn and patterns for yourself! Order now to avoid disappointment!

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino - one of my favourites!

2010-01-31T15:28:00.000Z

Thought I'd do a quick roll call of my 5 favourite yarns at the moment:

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino is pure luxury with it's fine cashmere blend & delicious softness

Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn is a luxurious blend of merino and silk in a range of beautiful colours

Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Chunky new for 2009 and supported by some beautiful patterns in the new Big Easy book, this yarn is LOVELY to work with

Louisa Harding Willow Tweed combines the softness of merino with the lightweight fluffiness of Alpaca - we are currently working on some funky summerweight scarf kits - watch this space!

Araucania Ranco Multy produced by artisans dedicated to the art of dyeing natural yarns and fibres, this is THE perfect sock yarn

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

2010-01-30T11:47:00.001Z

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino has long been my favourite to knit baby clothes with, and now I'm pleased to say we now have the full range of 48 shades in stock, including all the shades

Debbie Bliss Amalfi

2010-01-28T23:34:00.000Z

Busy day! Also in the delivery was Debbie Bliss Amalfi yarn, a soft summer tweed yarn available in 12 subtle colours. A mix of cotton, linen, viscose and silk, it drapes beautifully.

Don't want to be too ambitious with my projects (must be realistic!), but I think I will knit the vest for the summer

Debbie Bliss Eco Baby

2010-01-28T13:38:00.000Z

I wasn't expecting this today... My stock of the new Debbie Bliss Eco Baby arrived! It's gorgeous, in beautiful subtle colours that I am just itching to knit. but I can't! MUST finish off other projects first. Supported with a new pattern book, Eco Baby, there are some lovely simple projects to knit, ranging from blankets to dresses and cardigans. And best of all it's totally interchangeable with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino and all those patterns

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino Baby Blanket

2010-01-27T21:52:00.001Z

It's finally finished! Started in absolutely plenty of time during my August holiday (for a late December arrival), but cruelly shoved aside for numerous other projects, I finally completed it 2 days ago. I had vowed not to knit another one, but the pattern is gorgeous, and the first recipient so grateful, I thought I'd give it one more shot. Knit in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino , to ring the changes this time I knit a contrasting border (Chocolate Shade 11), with the main body in Celery (Shade 18). I absolute love it and hope Pippa and Baby Daniel do too....

Easter Chick Stitch Markers

2010-01-27T21:43:00.001Z

January must be stitch marker month, as we also have these new additions in store now. Cute pink pigs and lovely chirpy Easter Chicks. As each bead is handmade, each chick has it's own little personality. Very sweet.

Crochet Hooks

2010-01-25T10:00:00.000Z

I'm just rediscovering crochet after a long-ish absence - I added a crochet border to a knitted hat that was a little too short for me. It's so quick! After months of knitting baby garments on 3.25mm needles, I can tell you it is a welcome relief!

And for the first time I used the lovely Brittany Birch Crochet Hooks that we sell in store. I'm already a convert to the needles, and the hooks are equally as lovely, smooth to work with and very tactile!

Heart Stitch Markers

2010-01-22T19:37:00.001Z

Today we have received a delivery of pretty stitch markers, including these
lovely glass hearts - just in time for Valentine's Day, they would make a perfect gift for any discerning knitter.

Bergere de France The Essentials & more...

2010-01-20T12:16:00.000Z

Yet more deliveries! Today, some more copies of Bergere de France The Essentials which sold out within days of arriving (it's a fantastic book containing instructions for 30 'basics' for men, women and children, each of which can be knitted in different yarns with different necklines etc, making for 80 variations in total), plus the new pattern books for babies (Tricot Baby 151 and children Tricot Kid 149)

Mirasol Hacho

2010-01-19T13:53:00.000Z

Been all go here since Christmas and noe taking delivery of new yarns for spring Summer 2010, plus some new Autumn Winter yarns. This Mirasol Hacho is just scrummy and comes in a range of beautiful colours . I can't wait to knit Dom something with it, trouble will be choosing which colour....

Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn Socks!

2009-12-05T14:00:00.001Z

Look what arrived in the post for me today! And it's not even Christmas yet.

My mum read my blog post a week or so ago about me not having a pair of hand knitted socks and she took pity on me. She is a bit of an expert sock knitter is my mum, and after spending ages deciding what yarn, and then what colour to go for (one of the advantages about having my own yarn store is having so much to choose from!), I popped the yarn in the post and these arrived about a week later.

THANK YOU MUM! As you can see I plumped for the Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn in shade 258 - rust/pink/purple colourway. They are soo gorgeous, my only problem now is that they are too beautiful to wear! I love the way the colours change in them, and they are really comfortable. I'm definitely going to washing these carefully with my Eucalan!

Stitch Markers

2009-11-28T10:46:00.000Z

I've just updated some of my lovely stitch markers, all handmade by me! I've had a few bespoke requests recently and as always, happy to help. Hope you like them.

Knitting News

2009-11-27T22:36:00.000Z

If you are looking for some knitting news, we've now added a knitting news section to www.cafeknit.com , who said knowledge couldn't be fun!

Debbie Bliss Design It Knit It

2009-11-25T21:45:00.001Z

I've finally had a chance to sit down with the new Debbie Bliss Design It Knit it book and it is lovely! Hardbacked and spiral bound, it is a folder style book, full of great patterns (15 in total) and also interesting insight into the whole knitting design process, something I hope one day I'll have time to get more involved in. There is a gorgeous pattern for a garter stitch coat that I am definitely going to knit for myself after Christmas. Knitted in Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran, it's reminiscent of a 'Garter Stitch Swing Coat' I knitted for Milly in Debbie Bliss Stella yarn, and I have always said I wish the pattern was for adults too...

Anyway, best get back to knitting the many pairs of gloves I have on the go....

Snowmen Stitchmarkers

2009-11-21T07:34:00.000Z

I'm getting in to the Christmas spirit - these adorable little snowmen stitchmarkers have just arrived in store, with some Christmas tree ones coming soon.

Although I think Christmas present knitting is out of the window this year, if I'm being realistic - I just have too much to do....:-(

Araucania Ranco Multy - New Shades!

2009-11-16T20:58:00.000Z

I've been in heaven today with new yarn deliveries left, right and centre. I only wish I had time to knit!

If Father Christmas is reading this, I would love a pair of socks in this lovely Green/Gold/Brown shade (pictured top) of Araucania Ranco Multy. Please! I've been good this year....Can you believe, I do not own a pair of hand knitted socks - so busy knitting them for other people I haven't got round to my own.

Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn

2009-11-16T20:47:00.000Z

Some gorgeous Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn has arrived. Scrummy! I love Shade 258 - lovely Rust/Pink/Purples - you can see it knitted up here:

http://www.cafeknit.com/proddetail.php?prod=Noro_Silk_Garden_Sock

Prima Magazine and Cafe Knit

2009-11-02T21:11:00.000Z

Fame at last! Well, Milly and myself have appeared in the December issue of Prima (out now). The feature was about knitting (no surprises there!) and a gorgeous Kaffe Fassett coat knitted for me by my Mum when I was a teenager. Although I had been taught to knit when I was 6 years old, this beautiful gift inspired me to start knitting properly, and there began my obsession! Milly was being a cheeky monkey during the photo shoot, although you can't tell in the photos, and I have to say a big thank you to Meghan for looking after Dom, and recommending that I put some make-up on!

You can read the full article here:

http://www.cafeknit.com/prodimages/pdfs/PR_pdfs/Prima_December_2009.pdf

Halloween Knitting

2009-10-30T19:51:00.000Z

Work on our Autumn/Winter 2009 photoshoot is well underway and the homepage of http://www.cafeknit.com/ will be experiencing a bit of a revamp next week - it's very exciting watching the website evolve from it's humble beginnings back in July 2008.

And here is a very timely outtake from the photoshoot. Our house model Frankie on the right (obviously!), modelling a gorgeous top knitted with Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in this season's shade of purple, and Mr Pumpkin-Head on the left. Identity to be revealed at a later date....

We have some gorgeous yarns in stock this Autumn. I'm loving Debbie Bliss Como, and Shade 13 (Orange) is particularly apt this weekend! I'm planning lots of chunky, quick to knit scarves as Christmas presents this year.....

Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash

2009-10-23T21:58:00.001+01:00

A parcel arrived for me at lunchtime, and for the life of me I had no idea what it could be. I opened it up and discovered my order of Eucalan, an amazing environmentally friendly, no-rinse delicate washing liquid had arrived! Spend the next 30 mins trying to decide which of the four fragrances I preferred and I finally opted for Grapefruit. I wasn't expecting the handful of trial samples that were included in the delivery, so I've decided to give those away to the next 20 customers at http://www.cafeknit.com/. To qualify for the sample, simply type "free sample" in the additional information box at the checkout.

Artesano Alpaca Yarns and Manos del Uruguay Yarns

2009-10-22T22:13:00.000+01:00

I'm very excited to announce that www.cafeknit.com will now be stocking the full range of Artesano and Manos del Uruguay yarns! I'm just in the process of loading up all the yarns and colours to the website, and believe me there are many (Manos Clasica, Artesano 4ply, Artesano DK, the new Artesano Silk Embrace (gorgeous and snuggly), Hummingbird 4ply, Hummingbird DK, Inca Cloud and Inca Mist) Phew! Times that by 20 shades each and I'll be here all evening!

Thumbsuckers Mittens

2009-10-20T21:54:00.000+01:00

Now the weather has taken a turn for the worse, it really is getting chilly first thing in the morning on the way to school. So, on the needles at the moment are a pair of 'thumbsuckers' mittens for baby Dom, in Cream Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (something left over from another project). I figure he'd go nuts if he couldn't suck his left thumb, so I am making one glove thumbless. They'll be ideal for camping too. I'm just adapting an old fashioned simple knitting pattern and I reckon I may just have a hit on my hands

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

2009-10-20T21:40:00.000+01:00

At last! Here is Dominic in his new (very old fashioned) knitted trousers! Knitted using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino they are so soft and warm, and I think he looks really sweet in them. (maybe I shouldn't have teamed them with green socks though). The gorgeous rich blue shade is called 'Ocean' - and being machine washable , makes them practical too.

I've just been informed that Dom will hate me when he is older for making him wear all these knitted things....the way I see it I have a window of about 5 years before he refuses to wear anything i knit him, so I'm going to pack it all in now. Hats he can remove, but trousers prove a bit more tricky!

National Knitting Week 2009 - photo!

2009-10-20T21:17:00.000+01:00

Here we all are, working on our blanket, I can't remember which night this photograph was taken, but all in all we had a fantastic turnout. Over the 3 nights we had over 20 people come and help us!

The blanket was a free knitting pattern from http://www.lionbrand.com/, knitted in Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 3 colours; Paprika, Avocado and Cocoa. each coloured square was a different stitch pattern; garter, seed and moss stitch. it is coming together and beginning to look really good now! It is to be raffled on the 18th November (next months meeting) and hopefully we will raise quite a lot of money. So now we just have to sew the blanket up now. Any volunteers?!

National Knitting Week 2009

2009-10-13T18:56:00.001+01:00

I'm off in a minute to the Harrow Knitters Charity Knit-In in celebration of National Knitting Week. Hopefully it'll calm me down after my day from hell getting the car MOT'd (won't bore you with the details, suffice to say I left the house at 8.50am this morning with 2 small children in tow (and stupidly not many supplies as thought I'd be a couple of hours at most) and returned to the house at 4pm...in...mmm..what shall we say?...not a very good mood.)

Anyway, The Harrow Knitters (of which I'm one) are holding a Knit-In for Charity on Tuesday 13th (Today), Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October 2009 at the Oddfellows Arms Pub, 2 Waxwell Lane, Pinner, HA5 3EN from 8pm until 10pm on each of the three evenings.

All knitters are welcome to come along and help. We’ll be working on a blanket with yarn donated by www.cafeknit.com and the blanket will be raffled once complete, in the Oddfellows Arms to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Hope we get a good turn out - will post pictures tomorrow!

Knitting and Stitching Show 2009 Alexandra Palace - Photos

2009-10-12T13:40:00.000+01:00

So, here are a few photos of our PolarKnit stand. We had lots of lovely comments on how colourful it was!

I had several glamorous assistants (thank goodness!) - Julie on Friday, Mike on Saturday, and Meghan on Sunday. And two unexpected visitors on Saturday too!

The show was amazing - so many lovely yarns and accessories under 1 roof - I was very restrained and only bought one lovely skein of baby mohair!

Last Day @ Ali Pali

2009-10-11T09:09:00.000+01:00

Today's the last day at the Knitting and Stitching Show Ali Pali London. Its been really busy on my stand. Thanks to everyone who's made it along so far to say Hi and look at our PolarKnit Yarns and funky accessories. If you plan on coming down today - parking will be busy, but so far everyone has found a space & remember that the show closes at 5pm. Oh by the way I'm on stand D16

Come and say Hi

Vic

Knitting and Stitching Show 2009 Alexandra Palace

2009-10-07T22:23:00.000+01:00

Absolutely knackered today as we've (dragged helpful husband along) been setting up our stand today at the Knitting and Stitching Show 2009 for the four day extravaganza that starts tomorrow....

I'll post pictures of our stand tomorrow (D16 if you are passing!) - I think its looking pretty good. Maybe a bit minimalist, but cool and funky all the same. I had no idea the show was so huge! I got completely lost trying to find the exhibitors desk. Oh help me tomorrow when I search for the toilets!

Postal strike problems

2009-10-01T19:59:00.000+01:00

Not everyones favourite topic, but we seem to be weathering the storm with large and small packages getting through the postal service. In fact I've received some lovely feedback regarding our mail order yarns getting though in record time!!

Knitting for Babies | Knitting for Children

2009-09-27T20:58:00.000+01:00

I'm just in the process of renaming our 'Kids Corner' to Knitting for Babies Knitting for Children so it is more self explanatory. I don't know about you but I love knitting for babies and children - projects are quick and easy and (usually) the recipient is very grateful!