Yoshimoto Scarf

Yoshimoto Scarf

To continue my small series of scarves inspired by some of my favorite female authors, this design is inspired by Banana Yoshimoto and the delightful way she heartens us to appreciate with our senses simple things; a cup of tea, a wooden floor, hot noodle soup or an elegant and soft knitted scarf.

Yoshimoto Scarf

The yarn I used for this scarf is a luxuriously soft yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas, called Royal. It is 100% alpaca, and I used the Antique Black color (#705).

Yoshimoto Scarf

Since it requires only one skein of this luxurious yarn it would make a great and pretty quick gift for someone special, or yourself!

Yoshimoto Scarf

Pattern details on Ravelry.

Hoodoo Hat

Hoodoo Hat

I fell in love with Blue Sky Alpacas newest yarn, Extra, when it was first released. It is so soft that it seemed perfect for a hat, something cozy for winter. With just one skein each of three of my favorite colors I was able to make four hats, trying out multiple color combinations!

Hoodoo Hat

The yarn knits beautifully, with the softness of alpaca without any shedding, and the loft of the fine merino to give it a nice body. It’s a dream to work with.

Hoodoo Hat

This pattern is quite fun and quick to knit. Now we are just a little closer to being ready for winter!

Hoodoo Hat

Pattern details on Ravelry.

Minneapolis Mitts

Minneapolis Mitts

You can’t beat Cascade 220 as a workhorse yarn with all it’s lovely colors, but I knew right away I wanted to design a fingering weight version of my Montreal Mitts in something with more refinement, a bit more urban panache.

Minneapolis Mitts

I am a big fan Spud & Chloë Fine with it’s saturated colors, and hint of sheen from that 20% silk. It has a nice firm twist making it sturdier then you might expect. The fabric has a nice, plump density that is very satisfying, so it came right to mind for Minneapolis Mitts. It has generous yardage, therefore one skein each of three colors will certainly make multiple pairs of mitts.

Minneapolis Mitts

These work up fast and would make great gifts for your buddies. I picked three of my favorite colors, but I might need to try more combinations for myself!

Minneapolis Mitts

Montreal Mitts

Virginia has just published another pattern. In her words…

“These quick-to-knit fingerless mitts make a great gift for yourself and all your friends. Try out all your favorite color combinations. Great for using up your worsted weight leftovers!”

Montreal Mitts

Montreal Mitts

Montreal Mitts

Montreal Mitts

Or, find out more on Ravelry.

More Than Just Felt

I have made thousands of felted friends for people all around the world. Even though I make each one with care, every once in a while I will get a note from a customer letting me know a little more about where the owls, penguins, elephants, etc… have ended up, and for what special purpose. Anniversaries are a frequent reason, but so have been memorials and long hospital stays.

It serves to remind me that even the smallest act of creation can have a meaningful impact on someone miles away. And, even though it is a business, there is often more happening than just an exchange.

One occasion I have enjoyed customizing for are weddings. These little guys end up being center pieces or cake toppers. And the possibilities of different combinations are almost limitless — I have yet to encounter two request the same, as you can see below.

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

Owl Cake Topper

The biggest challenge, believe it or not, is finding a curved branch that supports the owls above the ground and also fits within a cake top diameter (usually 7 inches). The nearby park and our back yard offer stick-hunting opportunities, but I sometimes wonder what the neighbors think seeing me forage through the brush.

Owl Cake Topper