I think I have said before that I have a tendency (as do most of you) to over pack stitching projects when headed on vacation. It is just really frightening to imagine being without knitting, should I somehow knit through all of the yarn that I brought. Today I leave for Prague (yay!) for a week. In addition to the 8 hour flight to Munich and then one hour flight to Prague, there are all the cold nights in bars and restaurants to fill with good solid stitching time. I have narrowed it down to four projects…I think:

Socks

Sock projects fit into small purses and pockets and are super handy for discreetly stitching during a tour of a brewery, for example. I rummaged through my sock stash last night and selected one skein of String Theory self striping yarn in the fibre space colorway that we had awhile back and one skein of a sport weight hand dye that I picked up at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival a few years ago. I figured that if the tiny needles on the first one make my hands hurt, I can change to the US#3 and sport weight yarn. Both will be simple ribbed socks, so no pattern involved here.

Sweater

Photo by Brooklyn Tweed

Nothing says vacation like a new sweater project to cast on. I am teaching a lace pullover class on the Peabody sweater from Brooklyn Tweed and really should get it knitted soon! I wanted to use one of the new colors of LOFT, so I am double stranding it. My first swatching attempt resulted in a horribly tight fabric on US#6 needles…which I shouldn’t have been using anyway because the pattern calls for #7. i have no idea what I was reading. So now I have to try #7 needles. This will probably happen on the plane. At least my husband won’t be there to yell about my need to soak a swatch on an airplane. Traveling with other people who carry sharp pointy things can be handy. They don’t judge.

Mittens

Yeah, remember those fair isle mittens that I was knitting for this trip? They look exactly the way they did when I posted about them last. The fair isle mitten curse continues…it is my hope that I will knit a thumb and part of the mitten on the airplane. The handy fold down tray thing is pretty well positioned for fair isle chart reading. It’s not like I have anything else to distract me for 8 hours.

The other random thing

The problem now is that I am here at the shop and tempted to grab more yarn and throw it in my bag for some last minute emergency project to knit to keep me warm while in Prague. I already did this two nights ago when I whipped up a pair of One Cable Mitts in BSA Worsted Hand Dye. It took about two hours. Right now I am thinking that the Elizabeth Hat by Jane Richmond would  match them nicely and give me a “set” in theory..not that I have ever had a matching set of anything. I can have dreams though, right?

Elizabeth by Jane Richmond

Presenting my latest FO! I am so excited about this one. The pattern is Edie and available in the LOFT collection of patterns from Brooklyn Tweed. Really, it should have been done awhile ago. I have no excuse. Despite the fingering weight gauge, there is a lot of stockinette stitch and only a bit of cabling in it. And short short sleeves…really, no excuse here. The yarn was just lovely to work with – light and lofty, as it is named. I loved the tiered cables that start on the front and continue around to the back. These were a simple chart but a nice affect.

The sweater is short…which is obvious in the model photo. I would suggest adding a couple of inches to the body of the pattern, and you could easily knit it with longer sleeves. I used only 3 skeins for my size (34″) instead of the 4 that the pattern called for, so the extra inches wouldn’t have required more yarn than the pattern indicates.

I would rank this project as “funky” – requiring the ability to increase and decrease and work basic cables from a chart.

Today was super exciting because three new colors arrived from Spud and Chloe in the Sweater yarn: Chocolate Milk, Manatee and Lilac.

Chocolate Milk

Manatee

Lilac

What great additions to the vibrant color range of this yarn!

We also got in some new patterns…and I think this one is going to be a big hit:

Leaf Blanket in Spud and Chloe Outer

This amazing little baby bunting is worked in 4 hanks of Spud and Chloe Outer. It is a quick and easy project for baby gifts and amazingly adorable – another gem from Susan B Anderson. You would need US #15 32″ circular needles and US #11 double points and one button.

We also picked up this new men’s sweater pattern – worked in Spud and Chloe Sweater (a chance to use a couple of those new colors!) This is one of those sweaters that our men will actually wear…. simple with a touch of color.

Jersey Pullover in Spud and Chloe Sweater

Should you decide that a man in your life needs this sweater, you will need 7-10 hanks of the main color and one skein of each of the contrast color. It uses US #8 needles.

Do you knit holiday gifts for your co-workers? Do you feel like it’s a chore you have to do or have you found a way to make it fun?

At customer Trish’s office they have a Santa hat contest every year so that one of her lucky co-workers can win a handknitted hat!

They play games like “race to wrap a present”, “pin the pom-pom on Santa’s hat”, “complete the Christmas song lyrics”, and Christmas trivia to pick the winners.

Wrap faster!

Here are a few determined competitors in the “draw a Christmas tree & ornaments with the paper on your head” contest!

How does my tree look?

Want to make your own Santa hats for your officemates?

Lucky winners!

The two hats here are (on the left) Penny’s Santa Hat, knit in aran weight on US 9 needles and (on the right) our very own Whimsical Holiday Hat which knits up SUPER fast on US 17 needles!

Happy knitting to all! Eat a bunch of Christmas cookies, have some eggnog, and don’t work too hard!

Vintage Modern Tree Skirt

In case you missed Danielle’s post earlier this year about granny squares entering current fashion trends, we have had even more proof this season from Anthropologie with their funky tree skirt. We crocheters are not to be outdone, however, so we bring you the Vintage Modern Tree Skirt pattern, available in the shop and on Ravelry. Now you can make your very own funky tree skirt, so that you can customize it to suit your holiday decor.

In the Tree Skirt workshop this weekend, there were many discussions on what else we can use granny squares for, so I thought I’d take a moment to share a few of our favorites.

African Flower Hexagon Pillow by Katepie (ravelry)

Personally, I like non-traditional granny squares, so the Hexagon How-To and the African Flower Hexagon are a few of my favorites. The beekeepers quilt has nothing on crocheters! These patterns can be worked up as pillows, blankets, bags, and even pin cushions in any gauge of yarn. Ella Rae Superwash would be ideal, since it comes in so many amazing colors and can be thrown into the washer. I think I seriously need that pillow for my couch though…

Earlier this year I crocheted myself the Sunny Spread blanket, which is another non-traditional granny square construction that uses around the post crochet stitches to add a little bit of depth to your project. This would be a great summer throw in Berroco Weekend, and it is a lot of fun to make. There are plenty of examples on Ravelry on how to alter the colors to make it a lot more fun.

Granny Tea Cozy by crochetwthraymond

Of course, granny squares are not just for blankets and pillows! The folks at Purl Soho came up with some awesome granny square slippers, and I am really not sure how I have lived without a granny square tea cozyfor this long. Would it be too much to make it out of the new Rowan Tweed DK? The colors are perfect.

Tessellations Hat, Photo by Brittany Tyler

While the world of fashion seems to think that granny square dresses are the cutting edge of fashion, I think I’ll stick to wearing them on my head, because the granny square hat pattern, Tessellations, in the new issue of Tangled is absolutely adorable. It’s great in a graduated color yarn like mini mochi, but why not something with a little sparkle for the holidays, like Space Cadet Lucina?

I can’t wait to see what wonderful things you come up with!

*Credit to Marsha for this quote!

The days til Christmas are slowly ticking away, but that somehow doesn’t stop pattern designers from putting new patterns out there to distract us from our well laid gift planning…The newest edition of Twist is full of amazing new patterns that will make great gifts for someone…Or maybe to keep!

Before we get lost in photos, I want to draw attention to their article about increases and decreases. I hear this question so often, and it’s all laid out here so clearly!

Perianth Mittens, photo by Jane Heller

There is always one project in Twist that I have to fight not to cast on right away. Sometimes I lose the battle (cough, Trousseau, cough), and I may just have to bite the bullet and cast on the Perianth mittens. I love the cute fair isle motifs, and that they can be made in different sizes by just adjusting the needle size. I know I will make them in Brooklyn Tweed Loft. In Plume and Postcard. Or maybe Plume and Blanket Fort….oh, wait, we were supposed to be talking about gifts….

Hats always make great presents in my book. They are generally knit in the round, they go pretty quickly, and there is only one

Yukimi Hat, Photo by James Brittain

piece! Yukimi is a great twist, as it is worked from the top down, instead of bottom up. If you have never started a hat this way, it’s a great way to learn something new while making a sweet gift for someone special. Perhaps my office secret santa partner is in need of a new winter hat… The new Rowan tweed DK would knit up quickly, and comes in some spectacular colors.

Stonybrook Mitts, Photo by Jane Heller

Every weekend, someone comes into the shop looking for a pattern for convertible mitts, and Stonybrook is my new favorite. These will knit up fast in a smooshy worsted weight yarn like Dragonfly Bluefaced Worsted or Shepherd’s wool, but the cable pattern makes them look great! Also, there is some overlapping in the fabric to make sure hands stay very warm. You could not find something this awesome in a store.

If shawl knitting is more your speed, you can’t beat a shawl knit up quickly in worsted weight yarn. Geadathe newest installment from shawl expert Susanna IC, and is just gorgeous. I love the crescent shape and the short row construction keeps me interested to the very last stitch. For me, an interesting pattern is absolutely essential to project completion. This accessory would be stunning in SweetGeorgia superwash worsted, and their bright colors would stand out against a neutral colored winter coat.

Caprio Wrap, Photo by James Brittain

I have to admit, I fell in love with Caprio at first sight. The texture of the lace is so alluring, and while it would make a great gift, I am not certain that I would be able to part with the finished product. This pattern is knit from end to end with no grafting, and provides excellent practice in reading charts, as the pattern isn’t written out at all. You could knit this up in a  great solid colors from St-Denis, or find the perfect monochrome in Babs Yummy 3-ply. Either way, I would love to find this under my tree on Christmas morning.

Jaina, Photo by Jane Heller

If you are all done with your winter gifting, the latest Twist has some amazing sweater options to get you into the new year. My favorite is Jania, knit up with clever details in a supersoft DK weight yarn. I think I could easily live in this cardigan. Knit it up in Miss Babs Northumbria DK or Neighborhood Fiber Company Maisonette DK for excellent stitch definition and durable fabric in amazing colors.

 As I may have mentioned a time or three, I love knitting books. When we go to the trade show in the summer we get to hear about all the new books that will be coming out in the fall – so I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book for months! It has two of my favorite things right in the title after all – “Irish” and “Knits.”

I’ve also been looking forward to a whole book of Carol Feller’s designs after seeing her patterns like Trousseau, Iced, Adrift, and more. Trained as an artist and a structural engineer, she sums up her design aesthetic by saying:

“I enjoy designing knitwear that is well-shaped, flattering to wear and enjoyable to knit. I strive to design clothing with a difference: not overly complex, but still giving a very unique end product. I like to work with different construction methods, so long as they enhance the knitting experience and make for a more intuitively put-together knitted item.”

In Contemporary Irish Knits, Feller combines her modern design sensibility with the colors and textures of the Irish landscape and the knitting traditions of the Aran Islands to create fresh new patterns.

Ireland has long been known for its wool industry (Donegal tweed, anyone?), and Feller highlights the three Irish mills that still produce hand knitting yarn by using their yarns in her designs and discussing how the yarn is produced.

Listowel - photo Joseph Feller

First on the list is Kerry Woollen Mills, in operation for over 300 years. The same family has run the mills for over 100 years and currently produce certified organic yarn and traditional Aran yarn for hand knitters. The cabled jacket pattern pictured on the book cover, Killorglin, is designed in their Aran Wool yarn. (Can’t pop over to Killarney to pick some up? Feller kindly provides a yarn substitution guide in the back of the book  - or try Imperial Yarn Columbia 2-ply for an American-made version.)

The Tralee skirt with its pretty kick pleats is designed in Kerry Woollen Mills Organic 2-ply – try Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool DK, another American-made yarn, for yours.

The adorable Listowel shrug is a must-knit for your favorite little girl – the heart-shaped cable on the back makes it so special! (I’m knitting this for my niece’s birthday right now!) Make an extra-snuggly version in Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes.

For boys, the hooded Caherciveen vest will keep them warm through all their adventures! Knit one up in Cascade Eco Wool – 2 skeins is all you need.

Ballyragget - photo Joseph Feller

Next to be featured is Cushendale Woollen Mills, another historic family-run mill in the little village of Graig-Na-Managh, County Kilkenny. They produce dyed-in-the-wool yarns for hand knitting, blending together colors to create subtle shades in their Cushendale Woollen Mills DK (actually a worsted weight) and 4-Ply (a fingering weight.)

The handsome Knockmore sweater is knit in the round from the bottom up and the saddle-shoulder shaping is created in one piece using decreases – interesting! Try Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool to show off the textured stitches, and knit up a Ballyragget hat for yourself at the same time.

The cable & lace pattern of Dangan can be made in small or large sizes to serve as a pretty shawl or sweet baby blanket – knit this in the new Brooklyn Tweed LOFT (the hard part will be picking which color you want to make it in!)

You’ll get to play with color again in the Belville sweater with its tweed stitch yoke – use the rich dyed-in-the-wool shades of Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER to create the perfect combination.

Ballinagree is a boys’ sweater with bold cables – knit this in a heathered color of Ella Rae Classic Superwash for easy care.

Kilmanagh felted bag uses two colors of yarn to evoke the tradition of woven tweed fabrics - Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool will felt up nicely for this.

Bundoran & Killybegs - photo Joseph Feller

The third mill featured by Feller is Donegal Yarns (formerly Kilcarra Woollen Mills), famous for the production of Donegal tweed yarns with their signature flecks, or “nepps,” of color. The Tahki Donegal Tweed that we carry at the shop is produced right here! Use it for any of the following patterns, or try Tahki Tara Tweed for a softer fabric.

The Killybegs cardigan and Bundoran beret use honeycomb cables to create texture and flatter your figure – make the beret as a gift and work on the cardigan for yourself!

The long lines of the Ardara cardigan will look great over skinny jeans or leggings, or perhaps a tweedy skirt & tights with boots! Wear it with a Glengesh wrap in a toasty color and keep warm with its textured cable & lace combination.

Straboy - photo Joseph Feller

I want to make the Straboy hoodie for myself! This pattern is a knockout with its traditional style cabling that shows off the tweedy yarn.

Rossbeg girl’s cardigan is another one I think I’ll have to make for my niece – every little Irish lass should have a cabled cardi!

The last section of the book introduces us to some modern Irish hand dyers – Dublin Dye Company, a group of dyers from Blackrock, and Hedgehog Fibres, a one woman operation from Cork.

Make the  lacy Dalkey Cowl & Fingerless Mitts in your favorite hand dyer’s fingering weight yarn – how about SpaceCadet Creations Celeste? One skein will do both the cowl and the mitts.

Rathcooney Hat & Mitts - photo Joseph Feller

The Rathcooney Hat & Fingerless Mitts have a gorgeous textured stitch pattern. The new Maisonette DK from Neighborhood Fiber Co. or a light worsted like Miss Babs Yowza would be perfect for these!

Which pattern is your favorite? I can’t wait to get started on some of these!

Dalkey Cowl & Mitts - photo Joseph Feller

Artfully Chocolate 2003 Mt Vernon Avenue

Many of you know that I have a love affair with Artfully Chocolate. When Eric opened in Del Ray a few years ago, I was smitten…he sells chocolate for petes sake! We have partnered on several events, and I think this has resulted in a few more converts to the world of fine chocolate. Knitters seem to understand why a high quality chocolate is better..it’s like a high quality merino. He has this chocolate bar with almonds and sea salt that may have helped me get this store open. I think I ate two a week.

So since Eric used to host our classes in his DC shop, I have owed him a knitted prize for quite some time. He is a large part of how we became fibre space.™ Today I finally got his gift done – Men’s Cashmere Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes. I think I even have enough leftover to whip up a pair of the free “One Cable Mitts” pattern from Blue Sky. (something to keep around for emergency gifting needs).

Cashmere Men's Scarf in Worsted Hand Dyes

I blocked it today during our “emergency last minute knitting and crocheting” at the shop. Every Thursday night we will have our iron and blocking mat out to help you quickly steam those items that you are furiously finishing up for the holidays. There are two Thursdays left! (We had Eric’s amazing cocoa here tonight and promise a treat next Thursday too….)

With this project done, I can now say that I am finished with my holidays. Done. Cards in the mail. Gifts finished and wrapped. DONE. I don’t even know what to do with myself now..I guess I get to start more projects…or finish all the ones sitting on my dining room table. Balance the checkbook? hrm.

From time to time, I want to keep you in the loop on the goings on behind the scenes in space. Now entering our third spring and summer season, we have learned a few things about the industry and what you all want. Instead of dropping lots of our favorite heavier winter yarns and replacing them with lots of spring and summer selections, we are doing a second fall/winter season. Some of the yarns that we brought to you in July and August will be going away to make room for our newest winter lines. We hope that this will keep you excited about knitting in January and onward. For those of you that really do have to knit with light fabrics and cotton blends for spring, no worries. We have ordered a select few and particularly interesting yarns to get you through the spring season.

The first of our winter yarns have arrived just in time for the holidays, and we’re celebrating the season with gifts from across the pond, fabulous Rowan yarns and Kim Hargreaves patterns!  We’re thrilled that our first shipment arrived just in time for last minute gift knitting….  And for you Rowan lovers out there, a true holiday treat.

Ella from Touching Elegance

Look no further than fibre space™ for an amazing inventory of Kim Hargreaves books. We carry: Heartfelt, Nectar, Winter Blooms, Misty, Touching Elegance, Cherish and Shadows. These stunning books feature Hargreaves timeless designs of understated, simple, elegance.  We want to knit all of them but Ella from Touching Elegance is high in my queue. We won’t have Kid Silk Haze for a few weeks but this would be stunning in Neighborhood Fiber Co Loft. Kim’s latest book should be arriving in the next few weeks.

*A note about these books: While I LOVE the Kim Hargreaves collection, it is definitely written in a very distinct way that will be quite challenging for new sweater knitters. I would recommend these books or accessories and small projects only if you haven’t been knitting sweaters for long.

Rowan Kidsilk Creation pattern available free from Rowan

Our next arrival from Rowan is Kidsilk Creation (70% mohair / 30% silk). This is a limited edition yarn from them. They used their best selling colors of Rowan Kid Silk Haze. We have all except the cream color (which is on order but hasn’t arrived yet). One skein of this wispy mohair and silk yarn is all you need to create a voluminous, festive accessory.  The pattern is a free download from Rowan.  It’s written for both knitting and crochet. I am thinking quick holiday gifts for friends and co workers!

Alpaca Chunky (98% alpaca / 2% polyester) is light and airy, created by a braided or chain construction.  It comes in four natural alpaca colors. This one is ideal for last minute Christmas gifts, particularly for those who want a luxuriously soft fabric (and won’t know how fast you made it!)  Cinder by Jared Flood (available at the shop) would look stunning knit up in this yarn. Or try the Bandana Cowlfrom Purl Soho. For more pattern inspiration, check back next week for a wonderful accessory book (Winter Warmers), which is scheduled to arrive!

This last arrival is giving me fits. I have to knit with it right away! Lima (84% alpaca / 8% Merino / 8% nylon) is buttery soft alpaca blended with Merino and nylon for structure and strength. The ball band calls for a US#9, but it would also be happy on an #8 or #10. For pattern inspiration, dive into Kim Hargreaves pattern books such as, Winter Warmers (coming soon) and Shadows. I spent entirely too much time in a Ravelry black hole today finding an excuse to knit with this yarn. Here is what I came up with: Eleanor by Kim Hargreaves in the Touching Elegance book. It was originally designed in another aran weight yarn, but I might have to whip it up in Lima. Something about a giant snuggly pullover that seems right for this yarn.

Eleanor by Kim Hargreaves

So, come on down to the shop and check out this wonderful new addition to our universe.

Burnham mittens by Leila Raabe - pattern at shop

When I knit things to keep my appendages warm. (well, correction. It is the time of year that I START to knit things that keep my appendages warm. I don’t seem to finish too many). I am currently adding classes like crazy to the winter schedule so part of my project selection is based on what I intend to teach this winter. I am feeling the need for a rather pretty pair of fair isle mittens and the edition of Brooklyn Tweed LOFT to the shop has really made the temptation even worse. I am thinking Burnham by Brooklyn Tweed, worked in one skein of the color Hayloft and one skein of Plume. I like the two fair isle motifs (front and back) on the mittens and the braid of color around the cuff. It was a lot of fun picking from all 32 colors of Loft too! Now to sort out which color to make dominant and which to make the background…

I am headed to the tree lighting ceremony tonight and we have to be there super early! So of course, I will take a project with me. I should take my husband’s Christmas socks but it is entirely too tempting to take these mittens. I already printed the pattern…so yeah, I am kinda screwed on this one.

The Foxhall Glove pattern by Sally Rainey

Sally Rainey of the Rainey sisters just sent me an amazing new glove pattern that she designed in Brooklyn Tweed Loft as well. It is a download on Ravelry. So awesome!!

Don’t ask me how my Loft sweater is coming along.

Brooklyn Tweed Loft - Plume

Brooklyn Tweed Loft - Hayloft

Awhile back,  we asked you all to knit or crochet rockets for our holiday window display. And you sure did! We have the most amazing collection of hand made rockets ever. We are handing out 10 prizes instead of 8. Here are the lucky winners:

Monica L.

CJ

Gerry

Krysta C.

Niya

Rebecca H.

Margaret D.

Trish G.

Maureen R.

Omni M.

Stop by the shop to pick up your prize! So now that we have all of these rockets, you are probably wondering what in the world we are doing with them. Our holiday window display this year has become a bit more intense, as there is a city-wide decorating contest…and we want to win! Our window theme is “Happy Holidays from Space” and features Molly, our little girl, visiting a few aliens in space to teach them about celebrating the holidays. Please help us win the Old Town Window Wonderland contest by going to the Old Town Boutique District facebook page. You must vote by December 5th!! The winning shop will get a giant red bow from the Mayor himself. AND, when you vote, you get entered to win 4 tickets to breakfast with Santa on Dec 23rd at Union Street Pub House.

VOTE NOW!

Molly opens her gift from Alien - a Bobbi Bear!

This little alien is riding a rocket

This alien got a fluffy scarf from Molly.

This alien is really behind on his holiday knitting.

This alien is using a jetpack to string garland on the tree.

Knitters everywhere share a fondness for Jane. She took the same care and attention to detail with her characters that knitters bring to their work. As Austen spent time with her characters they blossomed, became intimate friends, and I imagine, surprised her along the way. Knitting is like that. It begins with some yarn and a pair of needles. Soon surprising you with little secrets as it takes shape.

In Jane Austen Knits the 35 Regency Era patterns are grouped into four sections, Country, Manor, Garden, and Town. Let’s take a look at a sampling of what Jane might knit!

Nothing chore-like about this apron

Out in the Country.

The whimsical Linen Work Apron incorporates a lace bodice and hem and would be beautiful in Hempathy. Short Stays takes the concept of a corset to create flattering outerwear along the lines of a cropped sweater or vest. Show off indie dyed yarns such NFC Studio Worsted, Sweet Georgia, or Miss Babs Yowza to stunning effect.

Do you have a Janeophile on your Christmas list? An accessory from the Regency Era might be just the thing. The Fitz Fingerless Mitts are perfect for racking leaves on a crisp fall day. Knit these up in Miss Babs Northumbria, Shepherds Wool, or Berocco Vintage DK and hands will stay toasty. The Pemberley Slippers are a divine luxury for a girlfriend or sister. Show off the slippers’ leaf lace pattern with Shelter LOFT, Lorna’s Laces Sock, or Dragon Sock.

I doubt Lydia Bennet’s ability to sit still long enough to knit the socks she inspired! With a pattern of lace horseshoes and moss stitch hearts Lydia Bennet Secret Socks will look divine in NFC Studio Sock or Dream in Color Smooshy. The Frivolous Sock incorporates delicate beads and a silk ribbon along the cuff and will knit up beautifully in Sweet Georgia, or Miss Babs Yummy Sock.

A good man (sweater) is hard to find

A good men’s sweater is hard to find. Kind of like the man himself. An Aran for Fredrick solves one half of the equation. Creative cabling gives a modern flourish while retaining a Celtic feel. Knit entirely in the round, the cables are the star of this garment. Choose from the stunning shades of Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER.

Conceived in the shape of a crescent, the main lace pattern of the Georgiana Shawlette is placed next to rows of stockinette, beautifully setting off the delicate design. Dragon Sock or Miss Babs Northumbria would be lovely.

Life in the Manor.

Most women’s clothes were made out of white or pastel muslin, a shawl or cropped jacket added a touch of color and a bit of warmth. While candlelight and fires certainly provided ambiance there was no central heating for our dear Jane.

The Woodhouse Spencercropped jacket is designed to skim the empire waistline. Short row shaping, an embossed ridge, and moss stitch

An easy, yet sophisticated knit

detail on the ruffle, collar, and cuffs provide both structure and a bit of whimsy. Berocco Vintage DK or Northumbria would be a perfect choice. In the Barton Cottage Shrug buttons and neckbands have been replaced with a ribbon that gathers up the neckline into a soft oval. Lovely lace edging along the hemline and sleeves complete the look. Choose one of the Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace pastels.

A knitters dream, the Lambton Top, with square neckline, ruffled sleeve cuffs, slightly fitted bodice and top-down construction combine to make this an easy, yet sophisticated knit. Lace weight yarn sets off the delicate details while the main body uses a DK yarn. The tone on tone blends of Viola’s Merino Lace and Silky DK will shimmer.

Delicate beads create this pattern.

The word ‘stockings’ holds so much more promise than nylons, tights, or socks. Imagine knitting one adorned with lace detailing and a picot casing threaded with a silk ribbon garter. Indulge your feet with a pair of Marianne Dashwood Stockings made in NFC Luxury Sock.

At first glance the Flower and Lace Cuffs seem to be intarsia. Look again and you’ll see delicate little beads. Imagine this in a dark, rich color of Berocco Ultra Alpaca with jewel-toned beads.

A turn in the Garden.

The Northanger Abbey Hood uses intricate lace design to create stunning visual appeal. Differing needle sizes and a geometric design combine to create the shaping. Use Vintage DK for a classic look or for a cocktail wrap, Sublime Lustrous.

This Scarlett Capelet falls just below the elbow and would look lovely in Imperial Stock Ranch Columbia. For a rustic look, suitable for the moors, use Tahki’s Tara or Donegal Tweed.

Knit this romantic jacket in tweed.

The faux shawl inset of the Elinor Tunic gives the illusion of layering while paying tribute to the eldest Dashwood sister. Fibre Company Savannah would work perfectly. Add a modern touch to the shawl inset with NFC’s Loft.

The Lydia Military Spencer incorporates the clean lines typical of such jackets while folding in a rouched sleeve cap and a simple collar that impart an air of softness. Knit this up in one of the rich, saturated colors of Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER.

Mr. Knightley’s Vest is imbued with all the elegance of Regency Era gentlemen’s clothing and a clever, yet simple construction gives the impression of exquisitely woven fabric. Knit up in Spud and Chloe Fine or Fibre Company Canopy it’s the perfect gift for your Mr. Darcy.

The Chawton Mittens combine both colorwork and cables to keep your hands toasty and stylish.

Fibre Company Canopy will set off the lovely detail work in this pattern.

Typically made with fur and silk, muffs are stylish and functional. The cables in the Leafy Muff provide texture and chunky yarn makes it a quick knit. The sheen of Berocco Sundae will dress it up or choose the pure warmth of Blue Sky Bulky.

Off to Town.

The right jacket for town is essential. Sporting military flair, The Meryton Coat incorporates traditional colorwork with crisp finishing details such as i-cording and mitered corners. Brooklyn Tweed LOFT is a perfect choice. The Evening Spencer, designed to set off an empire waist, would take on an updated look paired with a classic sheath. Try the luscious colors of the Shepherds Wool or Miss Babs Yowza.

Capes also made frequent appearances in town. The layers in this design mimic those on men’s overcoats popular in Regency England. Worked up in Schulana Kid Seta, the mohair adds grace and femininity to the Picturesque Cape.

Diamond and Cross Reticule

Enhance your wardrobe (or your Christmas gift stash) with one or more of these accessories. The sophisticated architectural lines of the long Kensington Mitts will pop in Dream In Color Smooshy or SweetGeorgia BFL Sock. Try the Sense and Fashion Handwarmers in one of the rich colors of Louisa Harding’s Grace. Bags during Jane’s time were petite and often intricate. The vibrant Diamond and Cross Reticule will knit up beautifully in the Brooklyn Tweed LOFT. Velvet Ribbons and snowflake lace grace Miss Bennet’s Beaded Bag. Choose from a rainbow of Spud and Chloe Fine. More jewelry, than garment, the lacey detail of Miss Morland’s Neckcloth pairs well with the luxury of Manos Lace or Miss Babs Yasmin.

You may not be able to make it to Derbyshire any time soon, but knitting up one of these patterns will certainly transport you to another time.

Tanis, some knitting, and some cupcakes. The makings of an excellent afternoon!

We have had some exciting events in Space recently! Not too long ago, we had the honor of hosting Tanis Gray and her new book, Knit Local at the shop, along with many of the garments from the book. The focus of Knit Local is on America’s Homegrown yarns, which are a big deal for us. We take a great deal of pride in our supply of American yarns, to include Imperial Stock Ranch, Fibre Company Savannah, and BrooklynTweed SHELTER. You can find some amazing patterns in the book for all of these yarns! All of the yarns that are made in the USA have an identifying tag on them at the shop to make it easier for you to find them. If you are ever curious about a yarn’s origin’s just ask us, we love talking about yarns and fibres. Just a forewarning, you may have trouble getting us to stop talking about yarn…

For fibre space, this book is even more local and extra-special, since it features patterns from our very own Danielle, Veronica, and of course Tanis!

Interlocking Rings Cowl, Photo courtesy of Sixth & Spring and Tanis Gray

Danielle’s pattern, the Interlocking Rings Cowl is soft and adorable, and would make a great gift for yourself or someone else this year. It works up wonderfully of in just 250 yards of fingering or sport weight alpaca or wool. Brooklyn Tweed LOFT or Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk or the Fibre Company Canopy Fingering are ideal choices for this project. With all of the amazing colors of LOFT, I am not sure how I would choose…

Daylily Cardigan, photo courtesy of Sixth & Spring and Scott Jones

Veronica’s first book published pattern is the Daylily Cardigan, which is so wearable I think everyone needs one! I remember sitting in Veronica’s living room ages ago when it came time to name this pattern. It never occurred to me that naming a pattern could be such a process! This pattern calls for 640 yards of DK weight cotton blend, and would look smashing in Elsbeth Lavold Hempathy, Berroco Pure Pima or Sirdar Baby Bamboo.

Tanis has several patterns in this book, but I think my favorite is the Appalachian Hat! It’s so fun, and gives us an excuse to use a fun handspun yarn like the the exotic stuff we get from Molly Miller (have you signed up for her workshop yet?). If you are looking for something a little bit less funky, try the Sirdar Big Bamboo or the Tahki Big Montana. Maybe you spinners out there can pick up some of the amazing fibre from Miss Babs to spin up your own hat!

Appalachian Hat by Tanis Gray

Here’s a quick fibre space buying guide to all of the other projects in this great book.

Cabled Car Coat: 10-12 x 200 yards of heavy worsted or aran weight yarn: Cascade Yarns Eco +, Imperial Stock Ranch Columbia 2 ply

Lilly-of-the-Valley Shrug: 4-6 x 181 yards of fingering weight yarn: Brooklyn Tweed LOFT

Maritime Hat and Mitten Set: 2 x 250 yards worsted weight yarn: Sweet Georgia Merino or Dragonfly Fibers BFL

Purple Mountains Majesty Shawl: 3 x 420 yards of fingering weight yarn: Space Cadet Celeste or Dream in Color Starry

Pike’s Mitts: 140 yards worsted weight wool: Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER or Tahki Tara Tweed or Tahki Donegal Tweed

East Coast Tunic: 14-19 x 88 yards of DK weight wool: Miss Babs Northumbria DK, Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool DK

Big Man on Campus Hoodie: 10-12 x 180 yards of DK weight alpaca or wool: the Fibre Company Acadia

Scandinavian Hat: 160 yards of DK weight linen or wool blend: the Fibre Company Savannah DK

Farmhouse Gloves: 133 yards in 5 colors of worsted weight wool: Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER

Jennifer Vest: 3 x 250 yards of light worsted weight cotton blend: Spud and Chloe Sweater or Berroco Remix

Wildflowers Scarf: 320 yards of lace weight yarn: Manos Lace or Miss Babs Yet

McEnroe Diamonds Scarf: 2 x 300 yards of worsted or DK weight wool: Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s DK or the Fibre Company Acadia

Random Harvest Afghan: 380 yards in 6 colors of worsted weight wool: Cascade Yarns Eco +

Sousa’s Mittens: 250 yards of MC and scraps of two contrast colors in worsted weight wool: Stonehedge Shepherd’s Wool or Crystal Palace Mochi Solids

Picnic Kerchief: 250 yards each of two colors Shepherd’s Wool

Straits of Mackinac Vest: 3-4 x 240 yards of Imperial Stock Ranch Pencil Roving

Gloucester Wrap: 10 or 14 x 125 yards of bulky weight: Sublime Chunky Merino Tweed or Berroco Peruvia Quick

Evergreen Ankle Socks: 800 yards of fingering weight merino: Lorna’s Laces Solemate, Space Cadet or Sweet Georgia BFL Sock

Lacy Leaves Scarf: 2 x 200 yards sport weight: Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk or St. Denis Nordique

Dreaming of Spring Mittens: 200 yards of each of three colors in sport weight wool blend: St. Denis Nordique or Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Betsy Baby Cardigan: 1 or 2 of 450 yards of sport weight wool: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or Neighborhood Fiber Company Sport

Winterthur Beret and Cowl Set: 275 yards in each of two colors in sport weight wool: St. Denis Nordique or Fibre Company Road to China

Oquirrh Mountains Wrap: 3 x 238 yards worsted weight wool: the Fibre Company Organik or Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER

Nutkin Cardi and Hat: 3 or 4 of 241 yards and 241 yards in each of three contrast colors: Berroco Remix, Ella Rae Superwash or Spud and Chloe Sweater

I was at a meeting last week for retailers and restaurants in Old Town to hear about all of the exciting things that are happening this season in our little town (more on that later), and someone tugged on my arm and said, “You did make THAT, did you?”  Well yeah, I made it! I can’t just go around wearing sweaters that the Gap made. That wouldn’t be right, now would it? I was wearing my recently finished Berkshire Dolman Sweater by Melissa Wehrle (available through Knitting Daily or in the Best of Knitscene book at the shop).  It calls for a aran/bulky weight yarn so I thought I could sneak in a quick pullover and my UFO pile wouldn’t notice. This one is done from the Swan’s Island Organic Bulky, in a colorway made from bugs. Yes, actual bugs. All of the colors are dyed naturally, from organic materials…the old fashioned way. I just loved the color and the idea that it was made from bugs. I figured that would probably freak out a few people, after they got over the fact that I had made the sweater myself.  Since we were eating breakfast at the meeting that morning, I didn’t mention the bugs. Just that I had made the sweater. This person was quite impressed, which is pretty cool.

Now about the holiday season in Old Town. There are a few new and exciting things going on this year. The biggest being SANTA! So instead of hauling your kids to the mall or the National Harbor, come to Old Town. We have brought Santa to Old Town every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Location: 210 S. Union Street. Read more about it here. Each photo is $15 and will be printed on site. The decor will be amazing!

In addition, the Old Town Boutique District is hosting a city-wide window decorating contest. This will inspire our retailers and restaurants to really decorate this year and help you have the amazing holiday scenes that you would expect from Old Town Alexandria. Our window is in the works right now, featuring the knitted and crocheted rockets that you all contributed the past few weeks. Once it is installed, we will be sure to let you know so that you can vote for the window that you helped to create!

Lastly, you may have heard about the Day After Thanksgiving Sale at fibre space. It is amazing. It is the single biggest sale that we have for the year. Tons of fun (and work)! We open at 6 am and will be offering 30% off this year (higher than last year’s discount). At 8 am, the discount goes to 20% and then to 10% at 10 am. Get in line early because we can only allow 42 people in the store at one time, and you must get through the door to get your coupon for the discount. Folks in line early will also get some free prizes. (we like to use this as an opportunity to clean out the closets here at fibre space…you never know what you will find around here).

The most exciting thing about Black Friday this year is how many other shops have decided to open with us! The first year, it was just us (well and all of you…at 6 am). Last year about 8 other shops joined in. This year, the list is quite impressive. Check it all out here. You can get running shoes, makeup, bras, designer shoes and handbags and jewelry at 30% off!! AND, the City has decided to open their garages early for you as well as waive parking on all meters around town. Now there is just no reason to go to the mall…so can someone do some shopping for me? Because I am kinda trapped at the store….