Socks and Classes

Last night, there were plenty of knitting of sweaters and hats. But what took the center stage was socks. With some time for selfish knitting before the rush for Easter, we took liberties at making ourselves some wonderful garments. I personally have been making some alpaca socks from some luxurious Cascade (with demands from the other people of my household for a pair of their own.)


Whilst we knitted onward, Steven grabbed some great garments from the back to show us. Drop stitch and Cable stitches constructed into shawls and sweaters. With an array of colors to choose from ranging from a midnight blue to red and gold to a glistening snowy white.


We also talked about classes he's planning on teaching. There's one that I'm fond of, that includes a bag full of yarn scraps, two needles, no sewing and a sweater in the end. If you're interested, pop over to the yarn garage website to check their class listings and sign up for the newsletter.

Restocking the knitting bag

Now that Steven is back and at the ready for more knitting projects, we can take a break and start knitting something fun. Not to say there's anything that would be not so enjoyable about knitting, but that we can take a break from our usual knitting and do some more fun projects.

While doing my usual perusing of online patterns I came across some goodies that were not only fun but free. With some great yarn and needles from Steven some goodies were made. Like the "We call them pirates" hat. Knit for the hockey playing Canadian of the house, he assures you that it's warm, durable and pretty darn cool. If you're interested in this knit, stop in by the yarn garage for some yarn and Steven will help you with the specs of the pattern.


Some fast knits I found were these leg warmers being worn at the Wednesday knit night with matching caplet. A gorgeous gray ensemble this can be worn over simple long sleeve shirts and knit in any color. These darlings work up fast! If you're interested, talk with Steven about the pattern.


If you're unfortunate to be stuck here in Minnesota this winter, you know how difficult it is to find proper "functionable" gloves. Or Mittens. Gloves are nice, but mittens are warm. Can't decide, try "glittens". Gloves AND mittens. Steven has some Hacho yarn in the shop that's perfect for this project. Knit on #3 needles with DK yarn.


So whatever your next project might be, stop in and see Steven and grab some knitting supplies and be sure to talk with Steven about knitting questions, StevenBe, or just to say hi!

Naughty Knitting Night!!!

What's that red and yellow yarn behind the thong that Steven is making you ask? You got it! Rope licorice for the edible undies! Don't believe it? How about a close up?


After countless broken pieces of licorice, Jessie whipped up this little number in a matter of minutes using rope licorice and chopsticks!
Cute gloves by the way Jess.


On top of having way too much fun exploring new avenues for knitting, we also learned a lot about wine from our friendly sommelier from Turtle Bread and Cafe Levain.























If you missed out on Naughty Knitting Night but want to see the "G" rated gloves Jessie's wearing or the "X" rated... well, you know... stop in at StevenBe or the Yarn Garage. We had such a fabulous time we can't wait to do it again!

Yarny Treasure

Steven's ears must have heard what I said about holding his yarn stash for ransom because this Wednesday not only was he there, but some familiar faces that we haven't seen. It was great time reminiscing and talking this Wednesday. It was such a pleasure having the old group back together, even if it was just for a little while.


Steven came back well tanned, well stocked with fiber and armed with a yarn or two of his own to spin for us. Between rolls of laughter and intrigue he laid before us his bounty. Bamboo, silk and other glorious fibers all in gorgeous colors to mix as you will.


The bright colors had to have been my favorite. Very summery and happy. Something to help break this cold dreary spell that winter laid on us now that Christmas is over. Did I hear someone whisper Easter Knitting? Mitten and hats all knit, I'm looking forward to spring scarves and light cardigans and socks!

More Celebrity Knitters to hang with

Here Steven and Christa with the fantabulous Jane Slicer-Smith and Fayla Reiss.

We are all Rock Stars of the knitting world. Jane came all the way to Long Beach

to sign books for her new release, Swing, Swagger Drape: Knit the Colors of Australia. These are created from Trendsetters amazing Merino 6 & 8.

We have had a wonderful day of hob-knobbing with the published and talented

knitters of the world. Here Steven is smoozing with Cookie A. about his plans with

3Kittens for a progressive fiber retreat over the Yarn Over Weekend. It will be the event

not to be missed.

Celebrity Sighting

I was fortunate today to be able to work with a fellow male knitter, one of celebrity status.

Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed fame. Love his new book.

I pulled out every classic and traditional fiber in my being to work on two color knitting in his technique class. I am talking him into visiting the new StevenBe and doing a work shop for us.

Fun and entertaining personality and very knowledgeable. I had a great time in his class.

Best buds!!!

1st Day at the TNNA Show

I captured the 3 knitting Diva's all in a row. We all are taking classes to learn the newest techniques and brush up on old skills. There is so much to see and so little time.

Tonight there is the fashion show and a small "Sample It" market to pick up one of the newest hot items. Can't wait to show you the new sig'nits. You will all want them.

On the West Coast enjoying the sound of the surf.

TMZ is looking for those two fashionable knitters who just landed safely at LAX. It will be in tomorrow's tabloid I am sure.

Mom and I arrived safely and rented one of the fancy Chrysler 3oo Luxury cars. At least that is what I think it is!

Thanks to Elliot we have a great ajoining suites at the Westin in Long Beach. Although there is still barely room for all our luggage.

TNNA

This week Steven left us for a nice long warm trip to Long Beach for the TNNA festival. I'm honestly not sure why, I mean look at what he's going to miss out on.



Ok, so going somewhere warm right now sounds much more appealing than Minnesota. Special right now since it's snowing..again. But, we're all ok with the idea of Steven taking the trip since we know he'll be back. We're holding his yarn stash ransom, so he has to come back.

At the TNNA Steven will not only be working on his fabulous tan that this Minnesota weather seems to hinder in the winter months, he'll be scouting out new and wonderful yarns for us here at home. He'll also be surrounded by some of the neatest knitting folks out there like Cat Bordhi, Melissa Lipman, and Jared Flood.

So Steven, from your loving fiber family back home. We miss you and have fun!!!