Life LackaDaisiCal

inspiration struck while at the English seaside.... combining the new " Rowan Finest " yarn with a Rowan classic , " Kidsilk Haze Stripe " I didn't finish knitting until I was home here in Ontario.... it is high summer, and I want to photograph a scarf that combines Mohair, Wool, Cashmere and Alpaca! was I crazy???? well, I may not live near the seaside, but.... off to Lake Ontario we went, for a "seaside" feel... this combination of Rowan Finest and Kidsilk Haze Stripe  is incredibly luxurious! knit simply in alternating sections of  stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch.... inspired "over the pond"   it is a great reminder of a wonderful vacation! (I love the pockets in this top) it floats in the breeze... ...ahh, that feels more like the seaside! If you like to know more...things to link through to.... When only the Finest will do..."Rowan Finest" I do like to be besid...

I thought that this new "Rowan Finest" yarn in shade 067 Cool looked great with this ball of Kidsilk Haze Stripe (thank you to my friend for letting me poke around in her leftover bin!) But what to do....what to do..... We were off to the seaside...I took the yarn with me.... over night the wind picked up and in the morning.... the waves were rolling in! the ocean, actually the English Channel looks positively turquoise here....but it was blue....like 067 Cool blue! the Kidsilk Haze Stripe reminded me of the "froth" of the rolling waves so I cast on...and immediately fell in love with the "Finest" of yarns! my knitting accompanied me everywhere! very early am in my pi's! ....at breakfast... while catching a bit of sun on the deck... it went for seaside walks! and kept me company during those quiet times after dinner... too soon it was time to leave the seaside...and head back... we had more plans... my last coup...

When I received my skein of Rowan Fine Art Aran I wanted to knit it...right now!  I didn't want to wait one minute for a pattern, and I only had one skein - what was a knitter to do? Remember my Swatch Cowls - three quick and easy knits to introduce myself to  +RowanYarns  Fine Art Aran Yarn? Well.....long story short.....Rowan thought that they were just the thing for getting to know this new yarn....and....blushing.....voila! They have taken my three cowls and created this "Collection" and here it is, on the KnitRowan web site! The Fine Art Aran Collection Stocking Stitch Swatch Cowl Seed Stitch Swatch Cowl 4x4 Rib Swatch Cowl I am honestly so excited about this, I just can't tell you! Something so simple has made one of my forever dreams come true!  It goes to show you....NEVER give up on your dreams.   Thank you Rowan for making one of my dreams come true - big check mark there! Thank you to my friend, knit bud...

I have been totally fascinated with this yarn....I had to make something using this yarn....I wanted something quick, easy and warm! So I cast on New Year's Eve, and cast off New Years day..... The Chunky Alpaca Cowl! using 3 balls of Rowan Chunky Alpaca.... cast on and knit in the round... and it's ever so nice and warm! I bought the yarn at my favourite shop, The Needle Emporium in Ancaster , and knit this up in just a couple of knitting sessions. I am so totally smitten with it, that I wrote up a pattern and it's available for free via Ravelry. download now

Hi Anne:  You don't know me, but I love your patterns.  At the beginning of the year, I tackled your Fair Isle Hibiscus, and I love it.  I completed it for a dog show in Alaska in March.  I show Cairn Terriers, and I was working hard to make sure that my baby girl, Ivy, would finish her championship with me in your sweater.  It worked -- I'm wearing the sweater in Ivy's championship photo!   Then I entered it in our local County Fair (this week), and it took Best in Show of the handknitted adult sweaters.  Wow!  I'm so proud and wanted to thank you for the lovely pattern and the lovely challenge.  It was my firs attempt at steeks!! Have a great day! Heidi http://heidishandmadehappiness.blogspot.com/ Then, from LiisaB via Ravelry.... Wanted you to know that your lovely Hibiscus Cardigan pattern earned me a Grand Champion AND a Best of Show Ribbon at the Montgomery County Fair this weekend. The judges were gobsmacked and immed. came to Rav to f...

They had expected a yarn kit -- like the last gift -- a scarf kit. Personally I love the bag........because the catch phrase on the back is exactly the way I feel...... Relax, Hand knit, Create........... Although someone once referred to me as a "prolific designer", I only knit 2 or 3 major projects a year.....by major project I mean adult size sweaters .....and definitely does not including any quick knit I may do for friends or family (like scarves or hats). Of course, if I am trying to do an original design, that takes up A LOT OF TIME and cuts into my knitting production time. It's a totally different way of knitting....you're thinking what if, let's try this, and you feel like you are lost in a maze. Finally you have the aha moment when you just know, you feel it deep inside, that what you have come up with is "worthy"........and by this I mean good enough that you feel that it's worth while putting it all down on paper for others to follow....