Darn it, or not?

December 27, 2013

[polldaddy poll=7675424]

Sock knitters, please answer before proceeding. *wink*

I love hand knit socks and have at least one sock in progress at all times. They're usually a mindless project with simple ribbing or stockinette and more exciting things like lace shawls, sweaters, and shop samples take priority, so the socks aren't exactly flying off my needles.

Something interesting came up this morning at Open Knitting as I was knitting on this sock:

I mentioned that I wore through the heel of one of my socks, so now I'm knitting a new pair. As the words came out of my mouth, I began to question my thought process. Hearing it out loud made me consider my decision to spend hours knitting a new pair when it would be mere minutes to repair.

Why would I decide to knit a new pair of socks rather than repairing?
Am I using a worn sock as an excuse to cast on a new project?
Did I just want new yarn?
Why am I not using this lovely darning egg?

I do, in fact, own one of these very pretty darning eggs - they're hand made by a gentleman in California. Yet, I don't usually darn my socks and they just go into the 'sad sock' pile because my first inclination is to just 'whip' up a new pair in my 'free' time. Really, I can pretty much repair an existing pair of socks in the time it takes to select yarn and cast on a brand new pair and I don't really have much 'free time'.

So, as I ponder this... I'm curious about what you do and if I'm alone here. I'll be back to share the results and I think it's safe to say that I will probably be darning in the very near future. Cheers!

Not Just for Boyfriends

December 18, 2013

I love Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, but you probably already knew that. Currently there are 9 of their designs on display as shop samples. Wait.... I just spotted another, so it's 10.

Why so crazy with the Churchmouse love, you ask? Because their patterns are fabulous - simple and fun to knit, yet there's always enough to keep my attention with a fun cast on or interesting technique, and the classic designs stand up to the test of time.

Each fall I anxiously wait for the email announcing the new Autumn pattern collection and this fall was no disappointment. The collection was again beautiful and I quickly cast on this Boyfriend Watch Cap for Firefly Fibers as a shop sample a few weeks back in Rowan's Lima Colour:

This yarn is absolutely lovely and I really want to use the yarn again, but I decided to branch out and try something different that I hadn't knit with in quite awhile. I wanted something that would go with everything and, true to form, I selected the neutral of all neutrals.

This is my very own Boyfriend Watch Cap (which, by the way, is not just for boyfriends):

Pattern:Boyfriend Watch Cap by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

Yarn:Eco Duo by Cascade Yarns in color #1705 Vanilla

Raveled: Not Just for Boyfriends

I love the subtle striping from the natural colors. The yarn is so soft and lovely to work with and it's really a fast and fun knit - the first one was knit in an evening and this was cast on late and finished the next day. I have other yarn ideas in mind, but alas, I have other projects that need my attention and I do have my very own Not Just for Boyfriends on my head.

Have I tempted you? *wink*

PS - I realized after typing this up that there are also 2 Basic Christmas Stockings on display in the front window. That makes an even dozen.

Journey | A Review

December 11, 2013

Cover At Firefly Fibers, I hand-select our pattern lines from the perspective of knitter, knitting instructor, pattern designer and yarn shop owner. I look for patterns that are well-written, clear and easy to understand, include quality photos and are full of potential for a positive knitting experience - yeah, I know, I'm picky.

Jane Richmond is on my short list of all-time favorite designers and her patterns made a permanent home in the shop shortly after we opened. As an added bonus, she's an absolute joy to work with!

Last fall, Jane released her first book Island and I fell in love with each and every single project. I have - in fact - knit each and every single project in the book at least once. Island is stunning and was a huge hit in the shop with multiple re-orders and it's still selling out. Jane's friend, Shannon, played a huge role in the creation of Island (she's also a wonderful designer) and I had hoped there was more to come from this fabulous duo...

Since Island, Jane had been pretty quiet... Then, the news on Journey was released and it all made sense - pattern writing is no easy task and I can't imagine what goes into creating an entire book. I was giddy with joy for a new book with designs from both Jane and Shannon! Of course, I was instantly emailing Jane asking about pre-ordering for the shop and she handled my enthusiasm (and endless questions) with her usual grace (I told you she's a joy to work with).

A collaboration of hand knits from designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook inspired by the journey of self-discovery, independence and the path back to yourself. This gorgeous collection of garment and accessory patterns forms a special book filled with beautiful photography by Nicholas Kupiak - let the pages take you away on your own JOURNEY.

After seeing the designs in Journey, I was again in love and quickly mapped out shop sample projects for all six designs (I admit that I first played a quick guessing game with myself on which designs were Jane's and which were Shannon's. P.S. - I won.):

They're beautiful, aren't they?

Firefly Fibers shop yarn suggestions for all six designs from left to right and top to bottom:

Climb: Spud & Chloe Fine, Shibui Sock, Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock
Onward: Rowan's *new* Pure Wool Worsted Superwash (due for arrival in mid-January in all 50 colors), Spud and Chloe Sweater, Misti Alpaca Tonos
Spate: Spud & Chloe Sweater (sample on display), Malabrigo Rios
Swift: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight Alpaca (sample on display), Malabrigo Arroyo
Antrorse: Spud & Chloe Sweater, Lamb's Pride Worsted
Inland: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Chunky (available for special order), Cascade 128

The six gorgeous designs are presented in beautiful photography in the first 70+ pages (yes, seventy) that breathe life into each project. Following the photo journey are the project patterns in Jane's signature 'white space' style with additional pages including abbreviations, stitch guides and special techniques. Really, this book has everything.

The balance of design and texture between Jane and Shannon's designs is perfectly executed and I will knit each project at least once. I promise. Spate and Swift are currently on display front-and-center at the shop with Climb up next in the queue.

Journey is truly a "coffee table book" that flows through each of the projects - a huge thank you to both Jane and Shannon for creating this beautiful book. Journey arrived ahead of schedule and is now available at the shop - print copies include a downloadable eBook with individual PDF patterns.

The video for Journey is below. Grab a cup of tea and get ready to take your own journey.

Cheers! Alisa