Plant Fibre Week

No. It's not an official week - that I know of - it's just what the pop up store is concentrating on this week.

We have 100% cotton yarns, cotton blends with wool, rayon or acrylic, some even have multiple fibres blended in with the cotton for super drapiness, as well as other plant fibres such as hemp and flax.

There's even a little surprise fibre in here that isn't plant fibre but I don't like lumping it in with animal fibre because it feels more like a plant fibre even though it comes out of an insect's butt. You guessed it! I have some silk in the mix this week.

I will try to post the yarns along with their prices every week so call me out if I miss a week so that I know someone is reading the blog 😉

 

written by Lori, fake skeptical TCL owner, who understands her blog isn't the most captivating in the web-verse but still appreciates each and every one of you that takes the time to read it.

This Week - a Hybrid!

This week I get to try something a little different with the pop up store. So far, I've been indoors with my kits in Stettler and outdoors with the full service rv in Wetaskiwin. This Thursday I get to set up my indoor layout outside under the awning of the rv at Leduc. Thankfully, that means I won't have to carry everything as far as I normally do and it will be nice to be out in the fresh air with everyone else.

I don't mind making up the kits and selling my patterns and yarn that way but the people who visit the markets where I do that to fit into the 'handmade' 80% miss the weekly changes in the retail setup in the rv.

I mean, just look at the needle and hook selection alone!

For those of you who will be joining me at Wetaskiwin (on Wednesday) and Red Deer (on Saturday), the offerings will include cotton, cotton blends, bamboo blends, silk and most of the Berroco lines I have in stock. And let me tell you how happy I am that I have from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday morning to swap out the products every week! I got a head start this week because I still had Friday and Saturday free. I won't be so fortunate for the next few months.

written by Lori, sleepy TCL owner, who hopes to see you at one of the four locations this week.

Countdown to Christmas (Projects)

It's that time of year.

Last day of November and you've realized that Christmas is around the corner and, once again, you did not work on Christmas presents every month of the year so you are in the midst of a mad dash for yarn and ideas. Complicated further by the pandemic that has so many people hoarding even when the stores (and their wholesalers) are having trouble stocking their shelves in the first place. (Ask me how I know.)

Lucky for you, even though I may not have everything you think you want in stock, I may have exactly what you need. I have a number of new sock yarns (3 ply and 4 ply) that have recently arrived, with more to come, that can be used to make socks (obviously), gloves or mitts, hats, scarves, shawls and even baby sweaters. (You can further support local by purchasing my very own patterns, many of which are single ball patterns, for the above mentioned projects!)

I have also recently brought in wood sock blockers. I personally don't use them for anything other than 'production photos' but many people swear by them for their handknit creations. I have two adult sizes as well as a small child size which I'm considering using for Christmas decorations.

For those very last minute gifts, my stock of cotton for dishcloths has been replenished.

And for a little levity while you're frantically finishing your projects, I 'borrowed' the Christmas Knitting Bingo card from Yarnspirations. I may no longer deal with them because they want to sell to you directly, but they still have some fun ideas occasionally.

written by Lori, rushed TCL owner, whose reason for the blog being late today is because I was working on some Christmas socks into the wee hours of the morning and forgot to write the blog. 😉

501 patterns fighting to get out ...

Those of you that know me, know that the wheels are always turning, even when I'm sleeping. How can I make this sweater seamless? How can I make self striping yarns more flattering by creating vertical stripes? How can I improve upon ...?

Introducing LN061A!

A couple of months back, my aunt bought two skeins of this lovely yarn from me (Ella Rae Phoenix Print #18 Banana Ice) to make a cowl for herself. She changed her mind and sent it back to me. Well, I couldn't just let it languish in front of me, knowing that her brand new great grandson had coloring perfect for these colours!

My original Vertical Vest pattern (LN061) was written to be made with a single ball of 6ply / dk yarn so it could only be completed with no sleeves or a cap sleeve at best.

(The photo to the right shows what happens when you don't have quite enough yarn for the second cap sleeve.)

I knew I had enough yarn to make a size 2 sweater with sleeves but the question was how to make 'seamless' sleeves (using provisional cast on and Kitchener Stitch) so that the stripes remained vertical like the rest of the sweater and still have properly fitted sleeves. Through trial and error and a total of three sleeves, I finally figured it out.

You will also notice that the body is a near perfect mirror image from one side to the other - front and back. The two balls were nearly perfect twins (only ~12' difference at the beginning of the balls) so I started the back in the middle with a provisional cast on and I made one full side then picked out the cast on and worked the other side. This would not have been possible with two of the original three yarns I used in the vest pattern because the colour changes were much more random in the Lang Tosca Light and the Jawoll Magic 6ply. 

This pattern is not yet on paper (or digitally available) because I think I will make it a Stocking Stitch version so that the Kitchener join is less of a headache. If you've never tried using a Kitchener Stitch on garter stitch, give it a try. You'll see what I mean.

written by Lori, happy TCL owner, who has enjoyed a chance to get another one of the 501 patterns rolling around in my head a chance to get out.

More Summer Knitting: New Dishcloth Yarns!

We have new yarns for all your dishcloth and tableware needs!

Nova Plus Four Seasons Cotton (75 m $2.50)


This is a very nice worsted weight 100% dishcloth cotton that comes in 29 beautiful colors.




Soft but strong, perfect for your dishcloths.

You don't have to limit yourself to dishcloths. Bags, pillows, table linens, and coasters can be made.

Just look at Lori's gorgeous pillow!








She made coasters from the leftovers.

Imagine a table runner or matching placemats. You don't have to worry about getting food on them, just throw them in the washer.

We also have a several booklets that would work well with this yarn. One of them is exclusively bags  which are very sturdy.

People will ask you where you got that purse and you can smile and say "I made it myself."



Red Heart Scrubby (85 m $6.30)

Clockwise from far left: Grape, Royal, Cherry, Orange,
Black, Coconut, Ocean, Lime, Duckie, Bubblegum

You've been asking for it and now we've got it! The perfect yarn to make your scrubbies! Surprisingly this yarn is not hard on your hands at all but it will help clean your pots. Use alone or pair it with dishcloth cotton to make the perfect scrubber. Worsted weight, 100% polyester.

Scrubby up close

It comes in several really bright colors. Hey if you have to wash dishes by hand then it helps to have cheery colors to look at, especially if you're like me. I don't have a dishwasher and my sink is nowhere near a window. I'm sure a man designed that.


We still carry Lily Sugar 'n' Cream dishcloth cotton in solids, stripes and twists. 100% cotton, just $3.20 for 109 m or 86 m.

Now some of you may wonder why anyone would want to knit a dishcloth. Aside from how excellent they are for washing dishes there are other reasons.

1. Try out new stitch patterns. Maybe you have a pattern you're not sure about or a design in your head. Try it out on the dishcloth cotton and make a square before you delve into your expensive yarn. Or maybe you just want to experiment with new patterns. You still end up with a usable dishcloth.
2. Learning how to knit or crochet? Or maybe you're teaching someone. Dishcloths are perfect. The weight of the yarn is easy to handle and it doesn't matter how many mistakes are made. It's just a dishcloth.
3. A stack of dishcloths make a nice gift. They don't take long to make and you can either vary the colors or pick the color of the recipients kitchen. Think housewarming, newlywed, or someone setting up an apartment for the first time or starting over. 
4. Make some dishcloths and/or other kitchen linens and stick them in a basket of kitchen supplies for a gift. Or you can put them in a basket of baby supplies.
5. And yes, you can always make some for yourself. They will become your favorite!
6. They are not too hot to knit! Dishcloths can be made all year round.
7. And they are easy to take along with you anywhere.
8. Plus, they don't take long to make. Need a break from that gorgeous but complicated lace shawl that is taking forever? Knit up a dishcloth and feel accomplished.

There are plenty of free dishcloth patterns on the internet. So have fun looking!

Posted by Anna Maria Junus (happy employee who used to think that knitting dishcloths was dumb but doesn't anymore).

New Berroco and Diamond Yarns

We have some new yarns in!

Berroco Espresso

Espresso has beautiful variations of colors within one skein. 50% cotton, 50% acrylic which makes it easy to care for.


It's a chunky weight, (5) so it will work up quickly and is suitable for chunky patterns, cowls and hats. This picture doesn't do this delicious yarn justice so click on the link to see those colors.

138 yds/145 m $28.00


It's so hard to pick just one!

Colors in stock:


7933 Gelato
7956 Fico
7957 Limone
7959 Pistacchio
7961 Fragole
7962 Cioccolato
7963 Melone


And if you're drooling over the yarn but don't know what to make with it, Berroco has put out a book especially for Espresso which we have in stock. Four sweaters, a shawl, a cowl and a purse. Book #356 $12.00



Berroco Fiora

Fiora is a DK (3) weight that is made up of all kinds of fibers. Cotton fans? 40%. Love alpaca? 15%. There's also a touch of rayon, viscose, nylon and wool.

Fiora comes in 15 deep rich colors. Click on the link to see!
We have all these wonderful shades in stock.


3805 Georgia
3808 Savannah

3812 Tybee
3814 Elberta
3818 Buford
3820 Marietta
3828 Ray
3830 Holly
3832 Augusta
3835 Bristol
3837 Mary
3846 Daisy
3855 Peach Tree
3856 Cornelia
3860 Grape

246yds/225m  $12.75


The corresponding booklet #355 has 4 sweaters, a dress, a pair of socks, a shawl and a hat. $12.00



 Berroco Indigo

Indigo is a worsted weight (4) yarn made from 100% recycled materials. Made out of 95% cotton and 5% other fibers it has the look of slightly faded denim. Machine wash and dry flat.

219 yds/200 m  $14.00



We have all 12 beautiful colors in stock!

Neutrals:

6402 Cut Offs
6407 Relaxed
6410 Faded
6434 Night
6463 Denim
6470 Boyfriend

Colors:

6441 Mermaid
6442 Bell Bottoms
6444 Tangerine
6452 Monroe
6453 Skinny
6457 Aubergine


The Berroco Indigo Book #353 is filled with some really wonderful patterns using lace and cables. Four sweaters, a tunic, a large shawl, a purse and a scarf. $12.00

Diamond Fine Merino Superwash Lace

L-R Watermelon, Blueberry, Saffron, Apple, Heather, Robin Egg 

Do you love the look of fine lace (1)? We have it here for you. 100% Merino wool. It is so soft and we have six beautiful colors. They are slightly heathered so you'll get a lovely depth to your finished project. The colors oh so subtly change as you work. We have six colors in stock. The picture doesn't do these colors justice. The Watermelon is much more pink and far prettier. Click on the link to see the real colors!



You can also double up lace yarn to get a bigger gauge. And at 400 m and only $8.00 it's easy to do. This yarn is also machine washable. Lay flat to dry.


5 Saffron, 6 Watermelon, 7 Apple, 8 Robin Egg, 9 Blueberry, 10 Heather

With a new year it's time to start a new project, so we look forward to seeing you. And remember, we do mail order too.

Our Sheep Has a Name!

After millions of entries from hopeful contestants, our sheep has a name.

Lori congratulates Della.

It wasn't easy. You people can be very clever.

The winning name is Ewenice!

We liked the play on words, not just the Ewe part, but the nice part too.

Because several of you suggested the winning name we put those people in a draw. And the winner is (drum roll) - Della Quick!






Della wins a Crafty Lady kit: Lori's own Celtic Heart Bag pattern, a skein of Galway yarn and a skein of Poems, plus the knitting needles, markers, and darning needle needed to make the bag.





















As the official model of the Crafty Lady store, Ewenice gets her clothes changed every now and then.










Currently Ewenice is modeling Berroco's Linsey, a beautiful cotton/linen worsted weight (4) blend that comes in variegateds and solids. We have twelve colors and the variegateds coordinate with the solids. Linsey is discontinued so once it's gone it's gone forever.

To see some of the colors better you can click on this link. Berroco Linsey.

We have the following colors in stock:

Edgartown
Oak Bluffs
Aquinnah
Hart Haven
Lamberts Cove
Ocean Park
Naushon
Salt Water
Hyacinth
Rose
Pomegranate
Shell
Geometry