Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Yarn in a box and a few more things.......

Nothing makes me quite as happy as getting a box of yarn in the mail.  This box was delivered on the perfect day, after my car tire fiasco, I definitely needed this pick me up.  Have you waited long enough to see what was inside my lovely box from Knit Picks?


After much searching, trips to Joann's and Micheal's, and a few visits to various websites I decided on Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash to make a potential crochet blanket for my family room.  I love bright colors, but they would look horrible in this room.  So after a lot of thought I decided on two variations of green. 


There are ten of each color which I am hoping is enough to make a nice sized blanket.  The darker color is Noble Heather and the lighter one is Pampas Heather.  I am not sure I am in love with the yarn yet, now mind you I have only held it up to my face and rubbed it on my cheek, there has not been any crocheting with it yet.  It is a tad scratchy, which should not surprise me as it is made of wool.  I hope it gets softer as I work with it.  I did not want an expensive blanket, gads you could spend oodles of money to make one if you wanted to.  I am on a budget so that is not happening in my life right now.


I also ordered size 8 and 9 Caspian wooden needles.  Seems this size needle of mine gets borrowed a lot and not returned.  I like the wood, they are smooth and very beautiful.  For the cotton yarn I am using for my dishcloths I find my good old, and I mean old metal needles are the best, the cotton slides right off of them. 

I was also in Barnes and Noble last week and saw these two books.  They are beautiful and inspirational.  I love myself a good knitting or crochet book.  I was not about to pay full price for them but jumped at the chance to get them 40% off at Knit Picks.  They are having a book sale right now if you are interested. 


I think I like these colors together.  I am thinking large granny squares in maybe a different sort of pattern than a traditional granny.  I found this square on Ravelry by SmoothFox, she has loads of other ones, too.  What do you think?  Big 12 x 12 squares, alternating greens.  At least that is my vision of this blanket right now.

I am up to 15 completed dishcloths, and I have to say this past two weeks have ruined my momentum.   So much going on at home and at work, add in a trip and flat tire and well, you know not much gets done.  Just when I thought about throwing in the dishcloth towel, (ha, ha) the wonderful Heldasland posted a picture and link to this beautiful crochet dishcloth.


I was contemplating making it when one of my favorite bloggers  Ingrid 
suggested I make some of these, too.  Then she went and made some and I fell in love even more.  Here is a link to the Flower Power Dishcloth by Doni Speigle.  I loved making it and it has given my brain a rest from The Almost Lost Washcloth.

The pattern suggests an H crochet hook, which I used, but it seems small to me.  My next one will be made with a size I hook just to make it as big as the knitted washcloths.

For you yarn lovers out there I received a catalog in the mail for a new to me yarn company located out of Wisconsin.  I love Wisconsin and have lived there briefly twice, my husbands family still lives there.  I think you should check them out Willow Yarns.  The prices and quality look very much like Knit Picks so I think you will be pleased with what you see.

Seriously this is a whole lot of promoting and I am not getting a thing in return, just thought you yarn lovers might be interested.

I am overwhelmed with work right now, I promise to catch up with blog reading this weekend.
Hope you are having a good week and if you have used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash, what did you think about it?

50 comments:

Helen said...

oooh a new blanket project!! Very exciting :) Looking forward to following along! The crochet dishcloth is beautiful, I saw it on Ingrid's blog as well and now I doubly want to make it! Have a lovely week :) xx

Babajeza said...

I love your flower dishclothes. Have fun with the Noro book, I've got it too. :-)

Lucie said...

Bonjour Mereknits!
Getting a box of yarn in the mail is always a real pleasure. Good luck for your blanket. you will need patience.
Lucie

mamasmercantile said...

There is nothing like the feeling of a package and then the thrill of a new project. I love the colours of the yarn, it will make a stunning blanket. Very impressive dishcloth, they make such wonderful gifts, I have also made quite the pile in preparation for Christmas. Have a good week.

Pammy Sue said...

I think your idea for the blanket will make a pretty one, and I like the colors you chose for your living room. I get tired of seeing really bright crocheted blankets all the time. I like the flower dishrag too. I'm gonna go order a catalog from Willow Yarns now! :)

Acorn to Oak said...

Oooh...how fun to get that box of beautiful yarn in the mail! I love the colors. It's going to make for a gorgeous blanket. Can't wait to see what pattern you decide on. Those books look like fun too!

Marjo said...

Ohh Meredith, I love the green yarns...

Love
Marjo

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Meredith, A whole box of yarn what a nice treat. Love the colors and think they will look great in your family room. 15 dishcloths, you are definitely on a roll. Love the flower design also. Have fun with your new project! xoRobin

RedSetter said...

How gorgeous is that little flower dishcloth! The books look fab too and I cant wait to see what you do with your new wool.

I am sometimes not sure about some wools. I bought a beautiful New Lanark wool but think it was a bit of a mistake as the ruddy thing has all the softness of a thistle. I just keep moving it around as I cant think what to make with it.

Betsy said...

Your blanket colors are very pretty Meredith. I almost ordered those same two books from my Knit Picks Catalog! Great minds thinking alike and all! I have never bought that yarn from them before but I hope the scratching as eases as you work the yarn. The new dishcloth pattern is really cute. Thanks for the link to Willow Yarns, I'm going to check out their catalog too.
Blessings,
Betsy

moonstruckcreations said...

Such wonderful yarn loveliness, cant wait to see the blanket as it progresses!

Helenxx

Una said...

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished blanket. Your colour choices are so classy.

Ingrid K. said...

Hi Meredith!!!!
Hahaha, thanks for linking back to me, how nice of you!!! :)
Most of all, I am thrilled that you gave that flower dishcloth a go and made it yourself, yay!!!!

I'm totally thrilled for you that the wool arrived! And 2 shades of green sounds very calming and soothing indeed! The pattern you linked looks a good idea, like you said, something easy enough to do (in squares), but with a new look! (I saved it to my favourites for some future reference!)

Of course you might still find something more exciting (not too exciting, we know all about that!) pattern in your new granny square book. Oooh, and I fancy that Noro crochet book (I got a knitting one by Noro) since I totally love Noro. Good on you that you managed to get them in the sale!

Ps: I'm still not fed up seeing your whirly twirly dishcloths (I must get some of that yarn, maybe one time when I go back to England on a visit, can't seem to get it here!) I must give myself a nudge and have a go at knitting one...soon, I think (right now I am busy with assembling my triangles into something else!)

I hope you will get through your work smoothly and then you got the weekend looking forward to!
Hope your family is all keeping well, too! :)

Love, Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Carla from The River said...

I love your colors for the blanket. You will be so cozy :-)
Wisconsin...yay! Thanks for the cheers for Wisconsin. ;-)
Have a great week!
Carla

CJ said...

Great yarn, I shall look forward to seeing your blanket grow. Lovely books as well, really good finds. CJ xx

Anonymous said...

I like the colors you chose. Looks like you are getting ready for "a long winter" of crocheting.

Hope you get to the weekend soon!
:-)

Mrs. C said...

I really love the two greens! I hope it does soften up for you... I have the Granny Square book and it's a good reference Grannies. I've made a couple from it.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I have the " Crochet Noro" book, it is sooooooo gorgeous:) can't wait to see your blanket in progress :)

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hello Meredith....looks like you could be busy with the crocheted afghan for awhile! I have been crocheting almost everyday. We have had such beautiful weather here but cool evenings and getting dark earlier puts me in the mood. I am going to check out that yarn company in Wisconsin. Love your dishcloths!
Hugs, Patti

Ljubinka said...

Wonderful green yarn!
Beautiful dishclothes!!!
Greetings.:*

kathy b said...

Flower power is such a cute pattern!!! you are way ahead on the dishcloths….
I could not crochet a blanket that size….my wrists give out with the hook motion very quickly. I think your plan is great MERE!

Glad you got a post in….love to see your knitpicks
yarn choice…..i love greens

Suzan said...

Lovely colors!! (your new yarn!!!)

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh Meredith.. I'm glad you got that big box of yarn this week to perk you up. I wish you could retire and not have to work.. you'd love it. :-) Of course, you would still be very busy.. that's how it goes.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joyful said...

The new yarn colours are gorgeous. I think you will like whatever blanket you make with them.

Yarnism said...

Its a treat when you get yarn in the mail and I am sure you are enjoying the treat...The flower power dishcloth is beautiful...I am excited to see the blanket...

Hugs,
Sabrina

Taci simmons said...

Just catching up with your last post and I'm sorry you had card trouble.
Love the dishcloths :)

Kris said...

Hi Meredith. I know a lot of people who order from Knit Picks and love it. I have not yet ordered myself, but I did score a big bag or yarn still in the plastic bags from Knit Picks. I haven't used it yet.
I love the new dishcloth pattern, and I would love to try it, along with the one you have been making too. I think I am also up to 15 on my stack of cloths!
I have been awfully buys myself. Won't have a chance to crochet again til the weekend.
XO Kris

Géraldine B. said...

I love having such a yarn box !!! and getting some nws books too ! You'll probably have fun with your project ! Looking forward to seeing it !! Have a nice day !

Christina said...

A new blanket project! I have blanket envy I think. What I love most about wool is the scratchiness and the smell, your yarn choice would be perfect to meet my essential requirements :) Life is busy, isn't it? Wishing you energy to deal with it all, and to find time to indulge in a bit of crocheting. Cx

Tanna said...

LOVE those shades of green, Meredith!! Hope your work week begins to wind down soon! blessings ~ tanna

Mindy said...

Wow! A local Wisconsin place! =) I wonder if they're near or connected with Herrschner's? Off to check out their website...

The new washcloth pattern is really fun and a nice break for you.

That square pattern is great, and I can't wait to see your progress!

Glad your days are going better since the tire fiasco. =)

kristieinbc said...

I love your colour choices! I have knit with Knit Picks yarns several times. I think you'll be happy with it, especially for a blanket that is going to get a lot of use.

Amy at love made my home said...

Love your new dishcloth. Hope you are feeling OK. xx

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I just bought the same Crochet Noro book the other day. I love it! I am on my way to Jo-Ann Fabric in a minute or two to pick up some Serenity Garden yarn for one of the scarf projects. The Noro yarn suggested is $30 a hank, so I think the $9 Serenity Garden will do quite nicely instead! Not that I need another scarf, but it looks like a fun pattern. Good luck with the afghan. Sometimes subtle colors are best as they blend with everything and you won't tire of it.

Kaiya said...

You chose beautiful colors for your blanket - I imagine it will look quite elegant. I love the Amethyst Square, and it looks like there are a ton of other free granny square patterns by the same designer. Will you be using one pattern throughout the entire blanket, or make each square different?

Between Me and You said...

Love the yarn. Love the colours. Love the square. Lots of Love. xxx

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

P.S. I got the Serenity Garden yarn and it was only $3.99 per skein. I went a little crazy and got four each of three different colors. I'm ready to crochet!

Caffeine Girl said...

Wait, there's a yarn business in Wisconsin and I haven't heard of it? How can that be? I will have to check it out.

Getting yarn in the mail is SO much fun. I shall not be enjoying that pleasure for a while due to a rather large amount of yarn already in my house.

I have yet to knit a full-size afgan. That requires a huge amount of dedication!

One of my favorite yarns, Telemark, is from Knit Picks -- and is now discontinued. It was great yarn.

Faeryfay said...

That knit picks yarn is so beautiful. The colours are gorgeous. Fay.

My Garden Diaries said...

The blanket is going to be stunning as those colors are fantastic! I hope that you get some down time this weekend to just be! You are a great lady friend! Here is to a wonderful weekend and thanks for passing on the yarn goods!!! Nicole xo

linda said...

Lovely yarn! and I love the colours too, it's going to be a lovely blanket and because you are making squares a portable one too. I actually bought some yarn yesterday for mine too can't wait to get started. I love the daisy dishcloth it's fun and cheery. Have a great weekend! xxx

Heldasland said...

Your blanket will be great as those colours are stunning. I have the two same books I am a sucker for Noro and I adore granny square books.
Thank you for mentioning me on your blog, it is lovely to share the crochet love. Glad to see you did not make the mistake like mine.
Hope you have a lovely weekend. Give the little one a nig squeeze for me I didn't have any little ones to squeeze anymore.

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Love the greens - looking forward to the blanket already - no pressure!!
I love receiving a parcel of wool in the pot - it's so exciting!
Have a good weekend
Caz xx

Susanne Tyree said...

I need to go back and read about the tire incident. Love the rich mossy colors you picked out for your blanket. Sometimes the wilder colors are not as relaxing and restful, they jump right in your face when you walk into a room. I guess that is why I am a scrap lover, but some times we need the calm. You loan out your knitting needles? I am not so brave, but truth is very few people I know knit anymore or crochet. They wouldn't know what to do with them if they had them in their hands. Back in my younger years it was the rage, now it is becoming a lost art. I couldn't stand to live my life without the yarn.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Susanne Tyree said...

P.S. I have that Noro book and it is a good one.
Susanne :)

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm looking forward to seeing what you make. I'm sure it will be beautiful. I've never ordered anything from Knit Picks but I look at their website fairly often. Once I get through most of the Stylecraft Special DK I've got here, I want to try their DK acrylic because I've heard good things. Hope you have a good weekend. :)

Pradeepa said...

For a yarn lover can anything beat the feeling of holding balls of new yarn and rubbing them to your cheeks? I'm eager to see those yarns transforming into a beautiful blanket. The dishcloth is lovely.

Clare said...

Yay for a new blanket, Noro book looks beatiful, have a good weekend.
Clare x

Lynne said...

I Love knit picks heathered yarn, the colors are so pretty. Can't wait to see your blanket!!!

Linda said...

Hi Meredith, it's been a while since I popped my round the door of my favourite bloggers ... no excuses just a very busy time for me this past month.
I love getting new yarn delivered too, it's so exciting! I am waiting for a delivery of fabric at the moment which will be something different for me to have a go at. Your greens do compliment one another and the Amethyst Square looks so pretty and with 12x12 size it shouldn't be too fiddly to assemble either.
Take care and have a good week x