We decided to have Christmas in July to try and avoid the last minute gift knitting many of us experience in December.  For July we have selected some projects to with the idea of getting a headstart on holiday knitting.  These are items that will be nice to have on hand and can be given to a wide variety of people (like the ones you forgot to buy a gift for!)

July's projects will include: Christmas washcloth (makes a charming gift with a bar of soap), Christmas Balls, Holiday Coffee Jacket (workshop). 

Each subsequent month will have a theme (e.g., hats , cowls, slippers, etc.) of items that are popular knitted gifts.  Newsletters will include a free pattern related to the month's theme.

This was one of Michele's favorite workshop items from the TNNA show.  It makes a great workshop project because you only need to be comfortable with the knit stitch to get started.  In our workshop we will learn how to knit stripes with two colors of yarn, how to make I-cord, and how to bind off and cast on in the middle of a row.  Yarn and pattern are included in the price of the workshop, so you just need to bring US5 double point needles and US9 needles.  The finished coffee jacket is adorable and makes a great gift (especially when it's given with a gift card to your favorite coffee spot).  You can sign up for the workshop online or by calling The Flaming Ice Cube at 330-726-4766.

This quick project knits up in just a few hours and makes a great gift! 

One skein of Malabrigo Rasta and a dropped stitch pattern mean you'll be able to outfit all your besties.  Our free pattern is available here.

 

We had the good fortune of meeting with Nora Bellows (aka Noni) at TNNA and are even more excited about the upcoming two Noni workshops in August!  She is so inspiring and talented. 

 

The Saturday workshop will focus on finishing one of Nora's designer bags.  Prior to the workshop, attendees are to knit and felt a Noni bag (the pattern is simple, but if you have any questions, Michele has made a few of these and is available to answer any questions).  Just seal it in a zip top bag while it is still slightly damp, then place in refrigerator.  Bring your bag to the Saturday workshop where Nora will teach us all of her tips and tricks for professional finishing. 

The Sunday workshop is all about flowers - beautifully detailed, gorgeous flowers!  We will be knitting out of Nora's best-selling book, Noni Flowers.  Of course, Nora will be happy to autograph your copy.  Supplies (although, not the book) are included in the price of the workshop.  Bring your copy of Noni Flowers and an assortment of needles to begin your adventure into the wonderful world of Noni Flowers!

Shepherd's Wool Yarn is made from a wonderfully soft Merino top. Merino is the softest of sheep's wool. It is washed, combed into top, and dyed to specifications. It is then pindrafted, often blending additional colors (all the heathery colors are blends), and spin it on machines. This all happens in the U.S. in our neighboring state of Michigan.

The three-ply yarn is spun to 1000 yards per pound, which in 4-ounce skeins is 250 yards per skein. It knits like any commercial worsted weight yarn, about 5 stitches to the inch on size 6-8 needles. This yarn is worsted spun, meaning it's very very smooth and almost shiny in appearance. It will give great stitch definition for intricate patterns such as lace, cables, and knit/purl patterns.

Some of customers have remarked on the soft, cushy feel of this yarn. "Has a very nice handle" and "One of the softest wools I've felt" are frequent comments. Shepherd's Wool also felts very well, including the white, so you can be confident your knit and felted projects will be great.