Does Riley Like the Snow?

This is a question I get alot. I'll let you decide for yourself. I think this picture says it all!

But he does look darling in his Will Ferrell inspired Elf sweater, don't you think?!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I am loving this snow! It's great knitting weather. And things have been really hopping at The Naked Sheep. It's been great these last couple days to have so many people come to the shop to just knit and hang out. We've been so busy, though, that I'm way behind on my gift knitting!

We just received new colors in Tapestry from Universal Yarns. This is such soft and easy to care for yarn. We also received Impressions, which is brand new for us. Perfect for those last minute hats!

I'm at the shop every day until Christmas. Stop by and knit with me!

I just purchased my very own Denise Needle Kit

I was never very interested in trying them before. I think that they’re a fabulous idea for new knitters, just starting to grow their needle stash. But I have so many individual needles, it just didn’t seem necessary to purchase a kit.

Well, I decided to try them; and I am really enjoying them! Let me tell you why…

I like the flexibility the kit offers. I just returned from a lovely and relaxing long weekend in Manzanita. For me, going on holiday means a lot of knitting. And probably starting a new project, maybe even two! Having the kit allowed me to do all my swatching at the beach, without fretting over not having the right size or the right length of needles. The kit is small and compact and didn’t take up too much space in my knitting bag. More room for yarn!

I like the feel of these tips, they are silky smooth! They also have a nice point; not too pointy, not too dull…just right.

I like the way the tips click on and off easily; and they stay put!

I like the cords. They are smooth and straighten out quickly. And they’re pink!

The joins are great. Nothing gets snagged where the needle connects to the cord.

I’m hooked! Stop by the shop and check them out for yourself. We have the blue kits, as well as the pink kits. When you purchase the pink kit, $5 of your purchase goes toward breast cancer research.

Finishing is Fun!

Here are 3 of my students-Carolyn, Tricia and Dena-from Beginner Socks at The Naked Sheep Knit Shop. Well, here are there footsies, beautifully adorned with their first almost completed sock! After this photo was taken, they hurried back to the classroom, and finished off the toe! Yeah! Finishing is so much fun!

I'm in the midst of beginning some holiday projects, hoping to finish them in less than 2 months! All other projects will be set aside, as I lovingly, and frantically, knit up some gifts for family and friends.

What are you knitting (better yet, finishing) these days?

Big to Little Striped Scarf

Here’s the pattern for the scarf that I knit for Jefferson High School. Scroll down to the October 16 post for a photo of the scarf. I used 2 skeins of Eco Wool (1 skein each of colors 8457 and 8449) and size 9 16” circular needles.

Cast on 56 stitches using color A. Place marker and join into the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Knit 19 rounds.

Change to color B and knit 2 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 18 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 3 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 17 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 4 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 16 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 5 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 15 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 6 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 14 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 7 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 13 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 8 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 12 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 9 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 11 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 10 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 10 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 11 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 9 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 12 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 8 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 13 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 7 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 14 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 6 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 15 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 5 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 16 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 4 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 17 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 3 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 18 rounds.
Change to color A and knit 2 rounds.
Change to color B and knit 19 rounds.

Bind off. Cut 28 11” lengths of yarn for fringe, in both colors. Apply the opposite color fringe to the color at each end.

Yippee! You’re done!

Mmmmmmmm...Coffee

And I don't think I'm alone in this one. I do like myself a good cup of coffee. Well, to be exact, I like a 12 oz nonfat mocha, some days with a little whip and some days without a little whip. And I have ordered that drink at many a coffee shop. Large chains and small independent ones.

I have to say, my favorite spot right now for the the perfect 12 oz nonfat mocha, with or without whip, is Blend Coffee Lounge. Conveniently located about 4 blocks west of The Naked Sheep Knit Shop!

The gals at Blend are always pleasant, remember my name and my drink (even though I mix it up a bit between the whip and no whip thing; and sometimes I'll get it iced) and make a very delicious and beautiful coffee drink!

And the owner, Lara, is a sweetie! She constantly goes beyond what is expected; whether it's replacing a drink that wasn't just right or giving me an occasional extra punch on my coffee card (gotta love those coffee cards!), I really enjoy chatting with her in the mornings, or afternoons or early evening. Whenever the caffeine bug bites!

It's an inviting spot with good light and comfy places to sit and knit! Maybe I'll see you there soon!

Scarves for Jefferson

In addition to continuing to collect yarn and needles for the knitting groups at Jefferson High School and Harriet Tubman Middle School, we are also collecting hand knit or crocheted scarves for Jefferson High School. These scarves will be sold in their student store to raise money for senior activities, specifically Senior Prom and their Senior Trip. The scarves can be made any way you want, in Jefferson school colors. We have a list of suggested yarns and colors here at the shop, as well as some ideas for patterns.

If you are interested in buying yarn for this project, but don’t have the time to actually knit/crochet the scarf; just purchase the yarn from us, and I’ll make sure it goes to someone who would love to create a beautiful scarf but doesn’t have the financial resources to purchase the yarn themselves. We’ll be collecting the scarves here at The Naked Sheep Knit Shop through the end of the year.