Scarf KAL

FYI: Warm Hearts Yarn will be hosting a knit-along for the Tri-Color Beaded Scarf (see below) on Thursdays, May 10th and 24th from 4-5:30p.m. The pattern may be purchased at Warm Hearts Yarn, and we also carry a variety of yarn and beads to make a very special scarf. Come join us! :)

The Perfect Spring Scarf

I recently finished the Tri-Color Beaded Scarf by C2Knits. This was a satisfying knit: short and sweet, great TV knitting once the beads were on, and it included the opportunity to expand my beaded-knitting repertoire. I only added beads onto the ends, but they could have easily been worked throughout the entire scarf.

My favorite part of this quick knit is that the beads at the ends of the scarf add the perfect amount of weight to hold the scarf in place. Especially with the shimmering, bamboo-blend yarn, I feel like I'm wearing more of a piece of jewelry and less of a knitted accessory. This scarf is perfect for spring days as well as cool summer evenings (here in northern New Mexico at least). It would also make a great Mother's Day, teacher or "just because" present!

Specifications:

Pattern: Beaded Tri-Color Scarf by C2 Knits
Yarn: Louisa Harding Jasmine, one skein (for about 52 inches)
Needle Size: US 6
Beads: 288 size 6 seed beads
(all found at the shop, of course!)

Warm Hearts Yarn will be hosting a knit-along for this scarf pattern in May. Please check out our May calendar schedule for further information.

I hope all are continuing to enjoy our wonderful spring weather.

Warmly,
Katie

WIP Wednesdays: Sera Lace Top

In previous personal blogs, I would fairly often have "Work-in-Progress (WIP) Wednesdays," posting about my current projects. This worked well since I did not always have finished projects to post about, but I always had (and have!) works-in-progress. :) I would like to incorporate WIP Wednesdays here, and please feel free to share in the comments section about your works-in-progress as well!

I have been knitting a lot since December, so I decided to do something different and work on a crochet project. The Best of Interweave Crochet has so many great patterns to choose from, and I ended up deciding on the Sera Lace Top. The pattern calls for sport-weight yarn, and my gauge swatch with our new Cascade Superwash Sport was perfect. The yarn is also extremely soft--and washable!

I am about one third of the way through the sweater. I hope to have it done by a week from this coming Saturday. I have a date to attend with a good friend and would love to be able to wear this.

I look forward to hearing about others' works-in-progress!

Warmly,
Katie

Two for Two

I am pleased to report that I finished my February sweater over the weekend! I honestly cannot believe that I didn't procrastinate until Leap Day (since, you know, it's an extra February day) only to finish it at 11:59p.m.



Yarn: Patons Classic (Cascade 220 would be a great substitution)
Needle: US 7
Buttons: Vintage MOP buttons purchased from Moondance Designs at Warm Hearts Yarn

My Favorite Cardigan (ravelry link) from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard has been on my needles for over two years now. So, not only did I complete a sweater, I completed a WIP!

I am enjoying the mid-length sleeves, cables, and vertical ribbing around the waist. Although it is not very exciting, the color is typically a staple in my wardrobe, so I'm hoping to get much use out of this three-season sweater. I do love the buttons--all one-of-a-kind, vintage mother-of-pearl.

My reward for finishing this project (besides having a new garment, of course): getting to cast on using some beautiful NEW YARN for my March project! :)

Some Shameless Publicity!

As a growing small business, any publicity is much-appreciated, especially when it is flattering. :) I know that the shop has great products, many of which are hand-made by a diverse artistic community, fun classes to attend, and provides a place for community interactions, but... it's always heart-warming when someone else notices that too!

Here are the most recent publications featuring Warm Hearts Yarn:

from The Los Alamos Daily Post: Get Warm and Fuzzy at Warm Hearts Yarn

The Essence of Los Alamos and White Rock (we're on page 12)

Art on the Hill (by Mandy Marksteiner)

Many thanks to the writers and editors of the above articles/publications. We truly appreciate your support and investment in small businesses in our community!

Warmly,
Katie

Rosebud Cardigan (and getting past my fear of completion)

I did it! I started, and completed, my first sweater of 2012! Am I pleased with myself? Well, yes. You see, I have a thing about completing projects--it usually doesn't happen. I have completed many gifts, many of which came with a timeline--a birthday present, Christmas present, new baby. Yes, I work well under pressure. But a sweater for myself? I have at least three on different sets of needles right now.

I just love my Rosebud Sweater (from Fall 2011 Knitscene), the lace details of the yoke and the simplicity of the body. The Baby Alpaca I used is soft, squishy and warm. I've already worn it twice this week (without blocking it first, of course). My hope is that this feeling of actually finishing a project will spur me on to finish more. Much better than only finishing when a deadline is near...

I am continuing to knit/crochet here and there on my unfinished garment projects, but my big project for February will be Heidi's Samantha Sweater. Heidi will be hosting a KAL at the shop every first and third Thursday of the next couple of months. (For those of you who are online followers, she also has a ravelry group going on, as well as helpful information on her website.) The beauty of this sweater is that it looks great on everyone! We had several customers try on the store sample, and each customer looked fabulous in it. It is also easily knit up in a worsted-weight yarn, so there are many options: our store sample was made from Cascade 220, Heidi is making her next in Universal's Classic Shades, and well, the list of worsted weight yarns is just about endless!

I'd love to hear about garments (well, anything!) you all are knitting/crocheting/sewing these days.

Oh, and the color of the year for 2012: Tangerine Tango, followed by Solar Power (mustard yellow), and Bellflower (lavender).

Happy Crafting!

Warmly,
Katie

Cheers to 2012!

Whew! The past month has sure been busy, but in a very good way. As usual I was finishing up projects on Christmas Eve, the boys' Mukluk Slippers included (hard-copy of the parrern also at the shop). The directions were great, and they worked up beautifully and quickly in Universal's Deluxe Bulky (also at the shop). My personality, however, remains the same: procrastinating, and only finishing with the added pressure of a (holiday) deadline!

 

I tucked these little guys, along with a book, into handmade pillow cases* and presented them to the boys on Christmas Eve. They were very well received, which warmed my heart more than anything.

*The pillow-case idea came from a friend--she had shared during knitting group how she would make her children, nieces and nephews pillow cases for Christmas. I thought that it was a wonderful idea!

I truly enjoy the winter holiday season, but I also find a new year very refreshing. It doesn't hurt that we have had beautiful weather here in northern New Mexico! I am already planning my spring projects (sweaters without sleeves--yay!), while trying desperately to finish all of my UFOs stashed away.

My crafting goal for 2012: one garment per month. This may include UFOs from last year (or two years ago, perhaps three...), brand new projects, and/or projects for others. I'm just really focused on the utilitarian aspect of garments at the moment.

What are your crafting goals for 2012? I would love to hear them!

Cheers to 2012,
Katie