Claire

This is Claire from Nonsuch Knits, a free download on Ravelry. While intended as a stole, wouldn't it make a beautiful curtain? The yarn is Filigran Lace. Can't seem to stop knitting with this particular yarn! This is the easiest lace pattern I've ever come across. It's a one row repeat and the results are beautiful. We're having a class in it on May 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 for $20. Give me a call at the shop today if you're interested (619) 284-7684. I start my work week today. So if you have a WIP that you need help with, c'mon down. This is a free service we offer to all who have purchased their yarn at the Grove. And you are always welcome to sit and knit with our yarns in our comfy chairs!

High tea

Is there anything more genteel than a high tea? Me thinks not! Yesterday 12 of us attended a surprise tea party for Sandy's birthday. It was a big one and we shall leave it at that. We all made some delicious thing for the table (I made mini Boston cream pies) and several brought beautiful roses from home gardens. The table was an absolute picture to behold. The teas were extraordinary. The savories and sweets were out of this world. And our dear Carol Brown made each of us a pearl bracelet with a tiny silver tea pot charm near the clasp. Sandy was truly surprised and moved to tears. It was awesome! We all had so much fun we've decided to have a high tea every other month...the society of high tea ladies and pearls. Hah! Awesome!

Early Morning Beret

Sometimes the things we wear the most are the least spectacular.  This Early Morning Beret (free download on Ravelry) is knit from Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece.  It's an easy pattern made all the more fun by knitting it in stripes.  Love the pinwheel look of it from the back!  This is the hat you grab in the morning when you're walking your dog before work.  It's the one you grab when you're running to Von's to get milk for your morning breakfast (before you shower and get ready for the day).  It's an everyday Bad Hair Day buster.  It's light, machine washable, and it's comfy.  This is the store sample which you are welcome to try on.  In case you're wondering, I put the left over yarn in the glass "head"...you see "Putty" in the cheek and "Charcoal" in the neck!  We're also offering a class in this on Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for $20.  If you're interested, do give us a call at 619-284-7684.

Vogue Crochet

Yesterday, we received advance copies of Vogueknitting Crochet.  There are several stunning pieces that are worth the price of the magazine, including the ultra feminine wrap by Nicki Epstein pictured.  Coincidentally, it is crocheted in Kid Paillettes, that awesome sequined mohair yarn by Skacel that we have a hard time keeping in. Just picture it in their latest color, pale mauve.  Owie!  And then there are more traditional patterns which have updated granny square patterns (gag).  But don't let that deter you!  Hit the link above and it will take you directly to the design page with photos of every pattern in the magazine.  We've got six copies on hand, so if you're interested c'mon in!

Assemblage

Have you ever noticed themes of color running through your life?  This morning I was sitting at my computer in my Sweet Pear room with the windows open so I could smell the blossoms on my lemon tree.  In front of me was this gorgeous peach rose that I cut from our front yard yesterday.  On my To Do list was the notation:  photo Assemblage for blog, Ravelry & Facebook.  So I got Assemblage from my knitting chair and placed it on the desk wondering what to hang it on to shoot it.  And darn if it wasn't the same color as my peach rose.  You would think that the yarn was died from the petals on that rose...that's how perfectly it matches. 

As for Assemblage, we are having a class in it on Thursday, May 10th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (cost of $20).  It's a fun knit with an interesting construction.  Although there are 6-7 strands, it is knit in one piece with no finishing.  So it's a good class for those who would like to learn how to knit in the round and join without twisting. 

Metallico, a New Yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas!

PRESS RELEASE  Introducing Metalico

By Blue Sky Alpacas

Debuting at TNNA June 2012

A shimmering blend of baby alpaca and raw silk, available in six natural, undyed colors; genuine whites to silvery grays and flecked golds.

Blue Sky Alpacas is proud to offer Metalico. This rich yarn is a dappled blend of 50% baby alpaca and 50% raw silk, a sport weight yarn, available in 146 yard shimmering braids.

Luxury, as nature intended.

Utilizing naturally occurring shades of baby alpaca blended with undyed mulberry silk, Blue Sky Alpacas developed a sumptuous subtle palette; color ways provided by nature. Metalico will be introduced and available in six hues, supported by new patterns featuring pretty, classic designs.

Cinnabar – warm gold tones.

Flint – subtle notes of brown and silvery gray.

Gold Dust – soft, warm brown bewitches.

Opal - luminescent like its gemstone namesake.

Silver – delicate tones of gray with an elementary polish.

Platinum – engaging gray is deep and full bodied.

Metalico is available for preorders now, shipping in June 2012. It will also work with all Blue Sky Alpaca Silk Patterns.

Metalico will retail for $15.50 per skein.