Cast-on Mania February!
I bet you all knew there would be a story behind this, didn’t you? I’m so predictable.
So last year, our good friend Felicia participated in something call Cast-on Mania February with another group. The purpose was to combat the general doldrums of February by doing something we knitters all love to do every day….cast on something new.
Sure, it was crazy. And we generally all poked a lot of fun at the level of crazy that this plan was. But then a strange thing started happening around mid-February….ENVY! “I wanna cast-on something new,” was heard throughout the store making the crazy contagious. Since then, I’ve thought it might be fun to just jump in this February and do it ourselves….complete with a big ole prize!
So here are the rules:
- Post a list here of what you plan to cast on everyday. Lists do not have to be complete and can be amended.
- Post pictures if you can….especially when you finish something in the midst of all the starting!
- Parts of projects count (this may be specific for a big cheater like me….but I don’t want you exclusive sweater knitters to lose your minds). A sleeve can be one day, and the left front another day.
How do you win the prize? You get points….and each point is like a raffle entry. I’ll tally them up at the end of February and little (not little) Aja will pull the winner.
You can get points just for making your list -
Post your partial list – 1 point
Post your complete list – 3 points
Post your complete list with links to patterns (always good to reward your designers with a little linky!) – 5 points
You’ll get another point for every picture you take and post here. And 2 bonus points for every FO you manage to churn out in the mania…you’ll need to share it with the group so we know and can keep track.
Like knitting, you might notice its about the process and you’ll still have all your points even if you miss a day or two (of course, you’ll have more if you don’t).
And for those who manage to cast-on every day – 10 more points at the end of February. 
Yeah…it might be too complicated, the main point is do your best! And have fun forgetting that February exists!
And the prize? I’m putting together a big gift basket with hand-dyed yarns, reclaimed cashmere, and pattern books for the winner (minimum value of $200)! Those of you who have seen the baskets in the past know I like to make it worth it!
It’s a great way to clear out your queue…try all those things you have been meaning to try for ages. And if you don’t finish a couple…who cares? You could still end up with 20+ FO’s and/or an awesome prize!
Ready, set…start your planning!
Open today!
Yes, we’ll be open today, regular hours – 12 to 5. I only live a mile away and have all wheel drive….if you come out…PLEASE be careful! It’s a prime knitting day!!
Open Today!
Yes, we are open today! Regular hours – 12 – 8:30. And I’m hauling in lots of new stuff today! 2 new colors of Chesterfield, more sunburst and cobblestone Sol, 4 colors of Noki, a new limited wool/raw silk called Denim in 5 colors and for the spinners…a super luscious hand-dyed Camel Silk roving! And if you missed the news last week, there were 30 new Combo Balls and a box of Malabrigo! Lots of yarny fun happening…hope to see you!
January Pattern of the month! Baabaa Bento!
Baabaa Bento!
I’m pretty dedicated to not making New Year’s Resolutions. Having never kept a single one, I know now that resolution is a direct translation for “there’s no way you are going to do this for more than 5 days.” But somehow, with all the gluttony and mayhem that comes with the holidays, I still have secret, non-resolution desires…to be more organized….more healthy…you know they main ones.
This pattern of the month has been percolating for a long time, but then I thought January may be the BEST month for it. Instead of spending another month eating my weight in pizza because I have forgotten lunch, I’m trying to pack lunches and there is no more fun of a way than with Bentos! If you aren’t familiar, Bentos are little Japanese lunch boxes, usually multi-layered and/or with compartments. Packing them is really fun and there’s almost no way that they don’t end up being healthier than the slab of pizza.
So this month brings you? A felted tote perfect to carry your bento (or any lunch ) in!
Yuh know what that says on the front? It says lunch in Japanese! Heehee! Many thanks to my 2 sources who helped me figure that out because I was having no luck without them! There are two sizes available in the pattern…the lighter one is more the size of your typical brown bag and the other gives you a bit more space for a water bottle…or a second bento if you work really long hours.
Also, because I haven’t found a local place to get the bentos I like, I ordered a few to have in the store. They are super cute and will be $13.95 if you are interested in going all out!
This pattern requires just one ball of Noro Kureyon (now see how thematic that is!) and 1 ball of Cascade 220 and you will get the pattern for free through January with purchase of those!
If you want to check out some fun bento sites, here are a few:
http://happylittlebento.blogspot.com/
http://justbento.com/
and a flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/396900@N24/pool/
Last Day! Don’t miss out!
It may be only the second day of the year, but it is the last day for lots of things! It’s the last day to sign up for the Emiline Club (http://islandyarncompany.bigcartel.com/product/emiline-club) and the Hand-dyed Cowl Club (http://islandyarncompany.bigcartel.com/product/hand-dyed-cowl-club) and it is the last day to get the FIVE December patterns of the month for free (http://islandyarncompany.com/2011/12/01/extra-crazy-land-brings-you-five-december-patterns-of-the-month/) !
