What’s New and FO’s – April 2010

It’s been a busy few weeks, and there has actually been a lot of ‘finishing’ which is a major departure for me, I generally do a lot of ‘starting’…. a common problem I think, especially after our last stitch’n’bitch in which many folks shared their similar experience of starting lots of projects and not always finishing.

Well to break the trend here we go!  I absolutely loved the simple-yet-stunning Citron Shawl from Knitty.com Winter 2009 issue.  I knit up a version of it in Unwind Yarns Merlot Fingering Yarn. A great locally dyed yarn from Shannon Whelan who was promoting all her great stuff at this years Fibre’s West in Abbotsford.  I have yet to block the shawl, but that is my plan for tomorrow!  It was a super quick shawllette and I think it will be a good addition to this spring’s wardrobe!

I decided it was time to cast on the adorable Fiona’s Top and make a cute little dress for my niece Mabel. I wanted to try out

the new MILK fiber by Viking of Norway that has been in the store for a few weeks. Yes, that’s right Milk Fiber – while its not a vegan yarn, it is a great, soft alternative to animal based fiber.  There has been lots of comments, speculation, questions etc about this yarn so let me see if I can answer any of the questions.

– No it won’t fall apart if you get it wet.

– Yes it does sorta make your fingers feel strange – almost as if you are knitting with lotion on (but I  kinda liked it)

– It is made from Milk, a derivative of Milk actually (Casein)

Check out the finished product – it’s super cute!

Finally, a few finished products with the BRAND NEW Sweet Georgia yarn that just arrived in the store these past few weeks!  I decided to knit up the Ballard Slouch Hat a great little pattern designed by Felicia Lo (owner of Sweet Georgia) and a great easy project and gift.  I knit it up in the Merino Silk Aran and it looks fantastic.  Also, Kirsten (one of our regulars) knit up an amazing version of the Swallowtail Shawl for a charity event. She knit it up in the Cashsilk Lace – a great cashmere/silk blend lace yarn. I wish I would’ve taken a better picture of Kirsten showing off her shawl!