why knitting in the dark is generally not a good plan

Working on a hat right now for Julie - yup, this one's for you! - and since Spring is almost here (I hope, I hope, I hope) I'm in a race against time with this one. Although I figure since they are in Michigan, that the cold weather might buy me a few extra weeks. It's a English beanie style black hat, knit with the very specific requirement that the wool "can't get all pilled". I have to say, I really love it when I get specific requests like that that are so achievable, makes me feel a certain sense of accomplishment. Simple pleasures : ) I'm using this great yarn, that is super springy and flies right around the needle. Very satisfying to work with. Anyway, to make a long story short, I've been trying to take advantage of our drive upstate to the country on weekends, where I can get a good 2 hours knitting in. Unfortunately it's generally at nighttime. So as I was happily knitting away in the car last Sunday night, feeling the ribs with my hands to make sure I was on track and excited that I managed to get a good 4 inches done on the hat and was almost ready for the decreasing stag, when I suddenly realized that as I had been knitting in the dark, I had somehow missed a sequence and my whole project was off by 1 stitch - ugh!!


SUCH A BUMMER! I hate unpicking! (I also hate seaming, but that's another story) While I did have a brief think about whether I should just keep going and incorporate that into the design element and continue moving the rib every few inches, it wouldn't end up being the hat she wanted. So the 4 inches came off again and I'm back to knitting it up to the decrease section. Oh well. Can't say I've learnt my lesson though. I'm fairly sure tomorrow will find me back to knitting the hat on the drive upstate ; )

places to refill your stash in NYC

I'm often asked for good places to buy wool, and as its my favorite way of spending my paycheck - what, you say it's meant to go towards food and rent?? But that would be the sensible plan, and what fun is sensible!

At any rate, here's a list of some of my favorite places to refill your stash in NYC:
Downtown Yarns - 45 Avenue A (betwn 3rd & 4th streets) 212-995-5991
Good prices, great selection of yarns, patterns and books, they're friendly and patient and have the cutest dog ever!

Purl Soho 137 Sullivan St. just below Houston 212-420-8796
Fantastic selection of yarns in every color, Joelle the owner has such a great eye and is also the author of "Last Minute Knitted Gifts". Of course I can't really mention the yarn store without also listing her newest store, Purl Patchwork (located just a few stores away from the yarn store). What can I say - it a pint-size dream for quilters or anyone who enjoys sewing! The fabrics are gorgeous, with lots of Amy Butler fabrics etc. As I live downtown, it's really exciting to have a store like this nearby. Joel recently published "Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts" which has so many cute projects that I can't wait to try.

The Yarn Company is another good place to check out 2274 B’dway (@ 82nd), 212-787-7878. It's not so convenient for me with my commute, but they have a really nice big space and will write custom patterns for you to fit with a yarn.

If you live in Brooklyn, I've heard this place is nice The Yarn Tree 718-384-8030 347 Bedford Avenue

Here is a nice website with many more stores listed, mine are just my personal preferences. http://www.jackie-blue.com/knit/index.php/nyc-yarn-stores/

If anyone has great places outside of New York, I'd love to hear about them! I really enjoy going to crafting and wool stores while on vacation. In fact...I'm currently heading to New Orleans, which has me thinking that I should start scouting around to see what's out there....

A few toys for Crumpet

Here's a few toys I put together for the pupster - not that she's exactly in dire need of any more, but they're so satisfyingly quick and besides, she's the world's most appreciative recipient of even incredibly misshapen lumpy objects.