Friday, June 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Riley!

Monday, June 23rd, is Riley's 5th birthday! We are so happy to have him as a part of our lives!

To celebrate the sweet little guy, we are having a Happy Birthday Riley Sale at The Naked Sheep on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00-4:00pm. There will be treats for his human friends; and all purchases will be Buy 4, Get 1 Free (the free item being of equal or lesser value to the 4 items purchased).

Stop by, get a good deal, and say Happy Birthday to Riley! (No guarantees that he won't growl, but I know he'll be happy to see you nonetheless!)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Pearls Market Bag Photo


Here's the photo I promised! It was a fun, and quick, bag to make! Useful for going to the farmer's market, the grocery store, or your favorite knit shop! Enjoy!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Pearls Market Bag

We just received a shipment of Pearls, from Cascade Yarns, in 10 fun and cheerful colorways. I decided to knit up a market bag, and here is the pattern. I'll take a picture tonight, and post it tomorrow!

Feel free to cut and paste this pattern for easier use!

Materials
4 skeins Pearls by Cascade Yarns
Size 11 16-inch circular needle and double pointed needles
Size 15 24-inch circular needle
Marker

Instructions
Knitting the Body of the Bag
Using larger circular needle and 2 strands of yarn, cast on 60 stitches. Place marker and join into the round. Knit 3 rounds.

Round 1: YO, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Repeat round 1 until bag measures 15 inches, or desired length.

Knitting the Bottom of the Bag
Change to smaller circular needle, knit 3 rounds. Work decrease rounds as follows:

Knit 8, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 7, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 6, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 5, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 4, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 3, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 2, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
Knit 1, k2tog; repeat to end of the round.
K2tog; repeat to end of the round.

Cut yarn and thread through tapestry needle. Run tapestry needle through remaining stitches the same direction you would if you were knitting them. Drop tapestry needle through center and pull.

Knitting the Top Edge of the Bag
Using smaller circular needle, pick up and knit 60 stitches around top edge of bag.

Next round: Purl.
Next round: Knit.
Next round: Purl.
Repeat last 2 rounds 2 more times.

Next round: Knit 8, bind-off 22, knit 8, bind-off 22.

Knitting the Strap
Using 2 double pointed needles, work in garter stitch (knitting every row) on the first set of 8 stitches for about 22 inches, or desired length for strap. Attach the 8 stitches of the handle to the other set of 8 stitches using 3-needle bind off.

Weave in ends, and then go shopping!!!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Cascade 220 Superwash Handpaints

One of our new yarns at The Naked Sheep is Cascade 220 Superwash Handpaints. We have 7 delicious colorways! I was recently inspired by an entrelac blanket I saw on Ravelry. I love knitting entrelac; so I think I'll try it with this gorgeous new yarn!