Yarn Winder...

We have beautiful new Yarn Winders in. They are handmade from NH.  They come in a variety of woods from dark to light.  They make knitting or crocheting so much more organized and relaxed because your yarn ball stays put.

We are still gearing up in the shop with our classes.  Christiane has been away in Germany for a few weeks so we've been awaiting her return to get everything ironed our as far as our schedule goes.  We have some new yarns in as well as some beautiful new needles that we'll get posted for you shortly.  In the meantime here are some photos of project ideas out of Linda's stash of books.  Are you thinking about gift giving?

Linda is working on a Bob Blankie.  This simple blanket is knit from Mission Falls cotton.  It comes in many vibrant colors and is also washable.  The only trouble with this blanket is deciding if you want to follow a color sequence.  Linda is just knitting colors randomly.  If all goes well this blanket will be in the shop in a bit for you to check out.  This is a great Thursday knit-in project to work on...you get to chat as well as knit!

Here are a few other ideas of gift giving that I came across looking through some books we've either had in the shop in the past or currently have.

This sweet teddy bear is from...




Handknit Holidays has a wide variety of projects to create....from gift bags,a  sweater, hats, tree skirt to toys. Here are a couple of projects...

Two Cats...the color possibilities are endless.


Beautiful woolen stockings...

A pretty gift bag or tote...

Lastly, we know that many of you do charity knitting of one sort or another....

Knitting into the Mystery is for those of you that like to do Prayer Shawls.  Knitting for Peace has all sorts of projects.  Lastly, Knitting for Good is another great resource for charity knitting.  

Friday Finale...

Casey B. knit these gorgeous socks.  I must apologize as I was so taken with this project that I forgot to ask her the name of the pattern as well as the yarn that she used.  This photo does not show off the vibrant green that they are.  If anyone is interested in more details about this project we can find out more for you if you'd like.

Sheila knit this beauty designed by herself, called...Simple Seed Stitch T Shirt.  This sweater looks like a Monet painting in person. The yarn used is a hand-dyed bamboo yarn by Ellyn Cooper called Mosa.  The simple lines of this sweater looks beautiful with its fluid drape.  Many types of yarn would suit this project.

you knit this for us....

Isabel's grandaughter wrote this beautiful poem for her.  All of us who loved her so...found these words so grace filled.  This poem was posted on her friends blog and a link to it is below.

AUGUST 17, 2010

you knit this for us

from guest blogger corinne teed
for her grandma, isabel mosher teed

my grandma
who lived in a tiny cottage
built around a tree
two rooms two hallways
each with a window
looking in on the trunk of the shaggy bark hickory nut
each nook piled in with knickknacks
glass birds, ceramic vases
a palette of navies, grays and taupes
the austere faces of Royal Daulton mugs
a crossword balanced on the armrest

you
who had bells beneath your voice
they rang tones beneath your words
louder with your laughter

grandma
who could never spank me enough
even as an adult
three good whacks to a cheek
whenever you got the chance

a sanctuary
in my young twenties
of full acceptance and love
the first family member
I came out to
at nineteen
when I said “grandma
I think I’m gay
I mean, I think I like girls
I mean, I think I more than like girls”
and you said
in a way that made time stop
and all your wisdom pour forth
“It may be a hard life my dear
but what is most important
is that you will be happy
and you will be you.”

my grandma

your love died too young
at 54 his heart gave up
and you nestled yourself comfortably in his memory
a heart full of longing
keeping you romantic company
never to love again
orrin, the only star in your sky

I was in the air when you took your final breath
the first flight I could get home
once we knew it had turned for the worse
you had asked me to come sooner
saying “where are you?”
“get over here”
each time we spoke
and I used all the energy I had
to get to you
as fast as possible
but I realized too late
that you needed me to come sooner

since I missed the final goodbye
that gathering around the hospital bed
all five of your children present
I went to see you after
a private viewing
the funeral home
the heavy draped curtains
a somber haze around your body
but you were gone from there
I heard you laugh
as I searched in the wrong place
this body
that was giving up on you
you let go of
you are free from

grandma
the wind is rustling the corn fields
the young tobacco plants and their cloths
the smooth surface of the connecticut river
I wonder if you are there
how will you speak to us now?
what voice will you use?

you are within so many of us
your daughters’ smiles
your sons’ stubborn independence
a legacy of crafting hands
yearning to be as unstoppable as yours

and as we age
that your grace settle upon us
your charm live through us
your wisdom gather up in us

these are threads you left behind
it is no coincidence
you knit this for us
a strand tucked securely around your pinky
the English style
the pattern planned
each stitch full of intention
generations piling on top of each other
community grafted into the cloth
the grace you wove into us

the acorns are falling from the oaks
your grandchildren
and great grandchildren
are at play
their voices rising through the humidity
the sun rising determinedly in the sky

and you Isabel
are here.This poem can be found at frantelope

This poem can be found at frantelope

Here is Isabel with a selection of her beautiful handknits at a show she did with her daughter Nancy in the fall of 2009. 


Please watch for new class listing the end of next week.  

Friday Frolic....

Dave knit up his first little baby sweater and it came out beautifully!  He knit this out of one skein of Cotton Kisses Plymouth Yarn Co. Dave says he is now ready to take on an adult sweater.  Beautfiul job Dave!

A customer was in yesterday working on finishing up an afghan for her mother.  She got everything back on track with her pattern.  Then, she showed us this shawl that she has made and was thinking of making another one.  It's beautiful and would be a great project for the fall.  

Whimsical knits....Ysolda's blog.  I love these flags!

Knitty has this beautiful pattern for the Coquille Shawl. We were thinking that it would be beautiful out of Svale which is cotton, viscose and silk. We have several lovely colors for this.

Tribute to Isabel "Izzy" Teed

Isabel Mosher Teed September 3, 1927- August 11, 2010

Our dear beloved Isabel left this world on August 11...she has left us with so much...and all with her beautiful grace. 

A  Tribute to Izzy...

"We Love you, miss you and will always keep you in our hearts...for that is where you belong.  We celebrate your life because it was a special one and it touched all of us in one form or another.  We will never forget your smile or patience or love of life.  We can only hope to do so well as you at that point in our lives.  You have taught us to knit socks, as well as about the web of life which is strong and full of courage and love for one another.  We will carry these lessons forward in our own lives as a marker of excellence and courage because that's what you would want us to do now. Your wisdom sits quietly with each us in its own special way...in the ways that touched each of us uniquely.  So, let us sign your name to the skies and stars and never forget the love we hold between us.  

Inventory with Izzy!

Izzy wearing a scarf she made

Laughing so hard!

Dinner out...

Happy Times

'Til We Meet Again...

Crochet Tutorial...Grandma Square

I found this sweet tutorial on making a Grandma Square Crochet Blanket.  There are so many options for making these Blankets.  We have a number of very talented crocheter's that visit the shop regularly that can help you with any of your design or technical questions.  If you are an avid knitter, perhaps a change in pace might be in order for you...try a crochet blanket for yourself or as a special gift for the person in your life that loves vintage. Michelle over on theroyalsisters guides you along with a beautiful tutorial for the grandma square.

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Grandma All Round Pattern

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                You can check out the Grandma Tutorial Flickr Group for lots of photos and inspiration...

Dreamy...fix up a corner

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Take some time to fix up a little corner for your knitting or crocheting.  It doesn't have to be big or fancy.  Find a favorite piece of fabric and cover a little table.  It could even be a little flea market find or a card table.  Pull up a comfy chair and cover with a cozy afghan...preferably colorful.  Mix your favorite ice tea drink and put it on a little tray...you can find vintage on the cheap.  Place a couple of projects nearby to choose from so you keep yourself engaged.  You are well on your way to a special little retreat to sit at and enjoy in between all the moments of a busy summer schedule. Even if you can't get away for a retreat...you'll feel like you have your own retreat you can go to anytime that you like.  Send us photos of your retreat corner so that we can share your workspaces if you feel inspired to do so...we'd love to see where you sit and create.

Etsy Fiber Art & Tools

It's a rainy morning here in Northeast CT.  So, what does a fiber artist do when it's raining...well, there are many options...we know this.  One option is to look at Etsy and find fiber related items that any artist would love.  While the shop is closed we want to keep you inspired.  Here a few finds...

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Yarn Holder

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Gorgeous Tool Box

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No more worrying about pulling from the center

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Yarn Bell

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Nostepinne (Center Pull Yarn Winder)

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Jelutong Darning Egg

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Knitting Spool

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(and of course crocheting...)

While we don't carry these items in the shop...from time to time it's fun to look at what lovely art & tools are available to fiber enthusiasts.  We hope you enjoy any moments you find to work with fiber today...

Sweet crochet

Mary E crocheted this lovely baby set using Comfort yarn for its soft qualities.

Lucky baby!

She used an old pattern which originally only cost 29cents!

Crochet Inspiration

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Deb was looking through a book today and she highly recommends this crochet book...

Lizard Ridge Finale...

Christiane has completed her SECOND Lizard Ridge Afghan!  It is absolutely stunning!  She knit up another one over a year ago for a niece as a wedding gift.  This second afghan was done for her husband as an incredible labor of love.  She used the rich and vibrant Noro yarn for this piece.  While this afghan is not difficult to do, it does involve a continuous amount of wrap & turns to keep track of to give it that rippled lizard ridge effect.  You can also view this over at Christiane's blog, Lismiknits.

Lizard Ridge draped over the treehouse

Beautiful...