Ruffle Scarf

I just love ruffle scarves! I have made two types of ruffle scarves. I have made the lacy-type ruffle scarves (like in the picture) but I have also made solid ribbon-type ruffle scarves. These scarves make great presents for Christmas, or any occasion really. These would even be great for Moms-to-Be who need a little something special just for the Mom! Ruffle yarns are available in colors for every season and with or without glitzy borders and by all sorts of different companies. I love the sparkle so I tend to choose those yarns when I see them!
This scarf only took about 6 hours. I can make one in 4 hours when I sit straight through, but that hardly happens with three boys!

Leaves Long Beanie

This is a very pretty pattern! Leaves Long Beanie by Melissa LaBarre is a good pattern to practice knitting from a chart in the round. The chart is simple to read and a good way to start learning how to read a chart in the round. I must admit that normally I prefer to work from written instruction instead of charts. However, I was very comfortable reading this chart. Stitch markers are fabulous when the chart repeats multiple times in the round. I was also impressed with the section at the bottom of the pattern that recommends using stitch markers for multiple repeats, just another reason why I like this book so much. Weekend Hats has been a joy to knit from and I am glad to have it on my bookshelf!

Dreams and Frustrations

It is my dream to one day own and operate a yarn store in Lander, WY! I would love to be able to combine this with a fiber arts instruction studio in which people could come and learn about all of the aspects of making and using yarn. I have learned so much in the last four years about fiber. We started with two Shetland Sheep and now are up to twelve. It was the goal of my husband and I to learn how to make a finished product from our sheep: we like to call it from "Sheep to Sweater, Shawl, or Scarf!" I would love to share this knowledge and fun process with other people.

Here comes the frustration piece: my sheep are still in New York! We have been looking for a place to put them out here, but with no luck as of yet. However, that is not going to deter me from looking into the yarn store aspect of my dream. I would like to hear from you about your favorite brands of yarn. What do you think every yarn store should carry?

Hat made from Mountain Meadow Wool

I bought this colorful yarn from Knit on Pearl, Jackson, WY. I subscribe to the idea that one must always buy something when you go into a yarn store in order to support the local yarn store economy! Although I did not need this yarn I fell in love with the happy color! Aptly named Summer by Mountain Meadow Wool. Mountain Meadow Wool is a Wyoming based mill which tracks their fiber, this wool specifically came from the Cole Creek Ranch according to the tag. I recently read an article in Spin-Off about their mill and was intrigued by their practices of water conservation and wool tracking. So, when I saw their yarn at a local yarn store I jumped at the opportunity to try some of their products. I also bought some bison/wool mix that day which is still waiting for a pattern. I made this hat from the skein of Summer and already have another hat in progress from the same skein. My middle and youngest sons fell in love with the bright colors and asked if they could have a hat. I used the "Everyone's Favorite Hat & Scarf" Pattern by Fiber Trends, Inc. I like this patterns because it is simple and lets the yarn do the talking. This pattern is nice because it gives you options for three different weights of yarn: Super Bulky, Bulky, and Worsted.

Ogee Beanie

Finished! I have completed the Ogee Beanie by Kirsten Kapur. I used Cascade's Ultra Pima Cotton to make the hat. I believe that there would have been better stitch definition if I had used wool; however, I wanted the softness of the cotton. The twists add extra weight to the hat but should make it warm. This was a fun hat to make with well written directions.