Adam's Nanny

Knitty.com

 

I just ordered three more books from Amazon, Folk Shawls, Boutique Knits, and the Harmony Guides Lace and Eyelets.  You may have guessed, I received my income tax refund. So now I have three more additions to my ever growing library, but my question is why do I keep buying these books when most of the things I knit come from Knitty and Ravelry.  I thought in order to justify these purchases I should try to knit at least one pattern from the books I have.  It seems I always go back to the same four or five books, my Debbie Bliss baby books, Mason Dixon Knitting, Last Minute Gifts and a few others.

So here is my second Aibhlinn from Knitty.  I'm half way to the finish line. 

    

I'm sure everyone plans out these projects much better than I do and I don't know why it just came to me, that instead of making random cowls, I should make fingerless gloves or mittens and maybe a scarf to go with the different cowls.  This way I will have a complete set for next winter.  (I wonder when I look back on this entry next year will I have been happy I made this decision or merely smile to myself that it would have been a good idea.)

So on Sunday, before I was struck with this idea, I purchased Lobster Pot Yarns 100% cashmere to make the cowl featured on The Purl Bee (another free pattern). Since it only requires one skein, I indulged since I think it will be lovely to wear over the Christmas holidays. 

 

I am hoping to get this on my needles this weekend.

 

Patricia's Yarns

It seems that each time I go to Patricia's Yarns I am always in a hurry and rush in to make a purchase and rush out.  Well, last Saturday, I finally had some time to spend there. 

My intention was to just pick up a circular needle for a friend, but once I got inside I was drawn to the Manos yarn on her shelves.  I have always loved the designer,  Paul Smith, and the stripes he is known for on his bags and clothing. In the past, some of the striping has been pink and a few years ago I was lucky enough to purchase on sale a Paul Smith pink leather wallet with the striping around the border of the wallet.

     

So when I saw the Manos stripe, I knew I had to have it to make another Aibhlinn(see previous post). 

 So I started knitting it on Saturday.

I am addicted to this pattern and loving this yarn, Manos del Uruguay wildflowers silk blend. 

I finished one of these cowls two weeks ago, which was knitted with Misty Alpaca.

I felt less guilty about buying the yarn since Patricia's husband explained that Manos is a cooperative of women producing and supplying hand spun, hand dyed yarns and wools to customers throughout the world and the purchase of this yarn benefits these women. 

After working with the yarn, my wish list now includes making other accessories out of wildflowers in the different weights.

After browsing around I left with my purchases, (another Cottage Creations book, Lillie's Little Sweater,  to add to my collection).

If you haven't been to Patricia's, here is a brief glimpse of her lovely shop and the beautiful yarns and many books it holds.