Happy New Year everyone! We could not let the most popular meme of the new year slip by without participating, so of course Bernie joined  us briefly at the shop...

The popular project in January was the capitol hat designed by Jutta at Hinterm Stein Design. The pattern is free with the purchase of the one skein it takes to complete it. It is a skillfully written pattern that remarkably captures the architectural detail of our Nation's Capitol dome.  At the shop most people have used Wool Pop, a DK weight yarn (50% wool, 50% bamboo) with an elegant subtle sheen characteristic of the bamboo part of the yarn.  My customers further north have created lovely versions in Kingston Tweed which, with its wool and alpaca DK weight blend, makes a little warmer hat. Rose in Oswego, NY models her Kingston Tweed version, at right a close up of the detail... Pattern and yarn are still available if you want to make it - in most places there's still plenty of hat weather ahead!

        

Another fun winter project has been the Spiral Eyelet cowl, a pattern from Wonderland Yarns and the perfect project to be knitted in the color pop Mad Hatter sport, 100% superwash merino.  Stephanie dyes the hank and then adds a pop of color at just one end.  The color is distributed in different ways according to the project; in this cowl it ends up being a little dash of color evenly distributed. Janet models her soft gray first version, she now working on a second one using the black yarn with the brilliant pop!  This is a fun knit and works up pretty quickly! Pattern is available free with the purchase of the yarn.

      

Su Richards is the sister of one of my regular customers, Linda. Su lives in Southern Maine and spins and hand-dyes yarn to stunning effect. I am lucky enough to be able to offer some of her yarns. These are just a small sample. On the left is "Early Spring" a Corriedale 2 ply wool; on the right "Late Snow on Plowed Ground" which is natural white alpaca plied with hand dyed merino.  These are gorgeous yarns and their softness and loft lend them toward projects like fluffy warm cowls knit on large needles. Supplies are limited, call me at the shop for details.

    

Folks continue to finish up their Between Transitions shawls, with some, like Linda, knitting a second one because she loves the shape and coziness. Again, a big thank you to Cynthia Spencer (Really Clear Designs) who designed it for last years' Fall Local Yarn Shop day KAL L to R: Sheila who finished last week at the shop, Linda, and Tabitha who shows two different ways to wear it.

          

Fingerless mitts have been popular too as a versatile option in our climate. Susie Rogers' pattern has been a big hit...Alice provides a close up of hers, on the right Brenda models hers. The beautiful picot edging is done simply by working a series of stockinette rows and then a yarn over which you later fold over. Customers have had great success using both Kingston Treed and Ultra Alpaca; both available in a range of petty colors.

    

Lastly, I've got a nice supply of adorable felted zippered and lined bags and notions cases. I also have pretty crocheted shawls that one of my customers has worked up for sale, as well as some burnout velvet hand-dyed scarves from Sea Side Fiber Arts any of which would make nice Valentine's or, if you're thinking ahead, Mother's Day gifts.

   

I remain available for my distance customers - I'm only a phone call 252-548-4801 or email coastalpurl@gmail.com away - and of course to anyone nearby - stop by!

Kindly,
Katherine