Monday, May 18, 2009

The Playa Bag


This cute summer bag is our current "Project of the Week". Done on size 9 needles, it's a quick knit that gives you a little class in stitch variety...it's so much fun to knit up! Mine has gone very quickly...I should have the finished product in the store this week for everyone to check out.

Just a couple of tips with this one:

-Besides the edge stitches on the body of the bag, the 4 stitches at the beginning and end of each row are simply done in seed stitch. The instructions explain that, but they don't make it easy.

-The handle instructions give abbreviations for the cable stitches used, but there is no explanation in the pattern. Here is the definition of those stitches:

c5f - put next 3 stitches on a cable hook ,hold to the back, K2, K3 from cable hook.

c5b - put next 2 stitches on a cable hook, hold to the back, K3, K2 from cable hook.

Check out the picture above to give you a better idea of how the handle is constructed.

Have fun! And as always, please come on in if you need any help!!


**New notes: I finished this bag...quick and easy!! Just a couple of things...don't let the handle directions freak you out! You're basically creating a double handle which will be folded in half for extra stability. I chose to single crochet around the complete outer edge of the handle, as well as the inside edge for a neater look.

Debbie Bliss' Pleated Wrap


This gorgeous, beautifully draping wrap was our first project of the week. So many of you jumped in and got started on this easy-to-knit project in an incredible variety of yarns and colors. It's been so much fun watching these creations grow before our very eyes!


The pattern is well written and very easy to follow. The only place where there has been some confusion is just how to tell where you are if you leave off without counting the rows as you do them.


Suggestion #1: Count the rows as you go and get familiar with the simple 8-row repeat. Count to 8 and start again!!!

Suggestion #2: If you just don't feel like counting rows, then get familiar with the pattern so you can tell by looking where you left off. Row 1 is the first of 5 purl rows on the right side of the wrap. Row 6 is the first of 3 rows of purl on the wrong side of the wrap.

If all else fails, stop by the store and we'll get you moving again!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

...Because the Voices Tell Me To

Many knitters say they have so much yarn, they could open a store. I took that statement very seriously...I bought a yarn store. In July 2008, I became the proud owner of Stitch Cafe in Valley Village, California.

It has become an adorable place, with gorgeous yarns and amazing people. It's so much more than just a store...it's a caring community.

Learn more about it by following the link at the right to our website.


I've always said that knitting is cheaper than therapy. It has brought me comfort, kept my hands busy, opened my mind for creative thought, brought me many dear friends, given me something for my mother and I to share, and has generally been a big part of who I am.

I knit all the time. And I do mean, ALL the time. Don't get me wrong...I'm not rude about it. I do know when to put it away...but I carry some knitting with me all the time, just in case I find the opportunity to take it out. Whenever I have to wait for anything or anyone, I take out my knitting. (The service writer at my car dealership asked if I would make him socks. No kidding.)

I usually have many, many projects going at one time. I tend to like variety in my life. Generally speaking, I have at least one project that's challenging,
one that's mind-numbingly simple,


one that uses some yarn that I've fallen in love with,


and several others...just because...

...the voices tell me to.