LaFavorites

Babies, Babies, Babies

2012-05-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

Another project off my needles! I finished the booties to go with the hat I started on my trip to Texas. It was a great “little” project to have along.

The brown/beige set was the first one I did, both from the book “Natural Nursery Knits”. It was made for my nieces baby boy and we were so fortunate to finally have them come for a visit from Memphis and see him model in person! Does it get any cuter than that??? LOVE HIM!

A huge thank you to my 3 beautiful nieces for giving this Auntie, 3 adorable babies last year to knit for…..keep ‘em coming!

Wardrobes on all these cuties, proudly provided by LaFavorites! For more information on yarn used and patterns, stop by or feel free to email me.

Just a quick update on our hours for Memorial weekend….We will be closed on Saturday. Our son is on leave from the Navy and our daughter is coming home from college. And as said by my daughter’s facebook post tonight “First time since January Mom will have all of her chicks in the same coop!” And this momma is going to celebrate!

Wishing you all a safe and fun holiday weekend and hopefully a celebration of a little sunshine.

Amy

Knitting and Travel

2012-05-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

I have many people who come into the shop wondering about taking knitting needles on an airplane. Let me just say, I have never had an issue with taking any kind of knitting with me on an airplane and the best part is you don't have to power off during take off and landing!

Last week I packed up Son #2 to go visit Son #1 in search of the sun inTexas. Planning my knit project to take with me is always a big part of my plans. It is a great time for "guilt-free", hours of knitting. Just a trip to Texas, one way including layovers, was 7 hours of free time! Unlike a book, it allows you to still carry on conversation, people watch (my favorite!) and be productive all at the same time. No thoughts of laundry, yard work, wondering whether or not to plant the garden, house cleaning, business....just me, my latte, my knitting and looking forward to a week in the sunshine with my boys :)

I always try to choose something small to make and this time I chose a hat and boots from "Erika Knights, Natural Nursery Knits".

Of course I always manage to forget some of the necessities that I need, not to worry though I have managed to get resourceful....
Borrow a tape measure from maintenance at the hotel and make your own on whatever you have available

And when you don't have scissors, yep, they aren't just for cutting nails!

Finally, the finished hat.....

I embellished on the hat topper, thought it needed a little extra. Now to cast on the booties! (book and yarn for this project are in stock at LaFavorites)
This is my first time to Texas and what I have learned so far....

1. Flying into Dallas.... It is VERY flat.

2. Flying on to San Antonio.....it is just as flat!

3. Second night here.....when the TV beeps and tornado warnings scroll across the screen, it would have been good to travel with the husband who makes Emergency Management his profession! I'm from Washington and have no idea what to do in the event of a tornado!!!

4. Next morning.....same beeping on TV, this time it's only for flash flooding. No worries, we are on the 11th floor!

5. Saturday.....At last, Son #1 AND the sun has decided to join us for the weekend. All is good.

San Antonio's river walk is amazingly beautiful and we are enjoying it very much

Visiting Texas has made me appreciate the landscape beauty of the Pacific Northwest and very glad I live there! We only have the occasional mountain exploding in our backyard to worry about. This isn't even the hottest time here and I'm not sure I could function every day life in this heat. BUT it's great for vacation when your only decision is to enjoy the pool, stay in the beautiful air conditioned hotel, or enjoy a nice cold drink under the shade of the umbrellas along the Riverwalk.

I'm looking forward to getting back to my fabulous customers on Wednesday!

Cheers from Texas :)

Amy

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Near and dear to my heart

2012-05-05T15:13:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post as I throw on my heels this Saturday afternoon and prepare to head to the big city to volunteer for an amazing Gala event for a cause that affects our family very personally…..
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation holds many awesome events throughout the year. One that we have been involved in is the Gala at The Govenors Hotel in Portland, OR. Last year I had the most handsome and best date EVER with our son Ryan! Who knows when we would get him in a suit again, so we took the time to have some professional photos taken by Richardson Photography of Kelso, WA and I am so glad we have these to cherish for years to come

Diabetes affects many people and If you haven’t already read our story on how it affects our family, please take a minute by clicking here. JDRF provides an incredible amount of money for funding research in finding a cure for this horrendous disease and the Gala is just one of many fundraisers contributing to that goal. I would encourage and welcome any donations to this evenings event by making a donation if you are so inclined to support this charity. If you are an online shopper, it is as easy as buying a new pair of shoes!!! AND it is 100% tax deductible (unlike a pair of shoes) Click here to donate.
Thank you!
Amy

Knitscene

2012-04-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

For those of you that have asked, UPS just paid a visit and brought our, hot off the press, summer issue of Knitscene! Follow the link to view the fabulous projects in this issue

I have briefly browsed the pages and found many things I would love to knit. It also has given me some ideas for things that are already on my needles (and have been for quite some time) Here is one:

The clover Camisole by Heather Zoppetti is knit out of Elsebeth Lavold “Hempathy”. I love these easy, quick (no sleeves) tops to add to my wardrobe for the summer. I had started a similar camisole with the same yarn, last year or could have even been the year before, I loose track of my projects sometimes. I know, hard to believe, but it happens! The beads on this have given me inspiration to finish the one I started, maybe using beads on the straps, as well, and then I can pick a different color and get going on this one! It has some great stitch detail at the waist that is not shown in this picture but it is in the magazine. Stop in and get your copy, limited quantities in stock!

The Clover My Project

A quick update on my Sheer Elegance Swirl Jacket….I received my yarn and have cast on. I’m not sure about the color I chose, but what the heck! I am stepping outside my usual color palette on this one, that’s for sure! Here is a sneak peek:

It doesn’t look like much yet, but it will!

Ahhhh, so much to knit, so little time. That reminds me of what someone once told me….”you find the time for the things that are important to you” looking at the number of projects I have completed and the ones still on the needles, obviously, my knitting is VERY important in my life! I wish all of you the ability to find what inspires you and make the time for it!

Amy

Oh, almost forgot….we are expecting another box of scarf yarn tomorrow! (Friday)

Just In…..

2012-04-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

It is always a great day at the yarn shop when we get to unpack new merchandise!

SPECTRA….a fun new scarf yarn from Universal yarns. Very Similar to the popular Triana to knit up, just a little different look.

ANGEL….A Debbie Bliss yarn 76% Super Kid Mohair/24% Silk 25g/220 yds

CLASSIC SHADES…. 70%Acrylic/30%wool 100g/197yds. The colors are fantastic on this yarn and it is machine washable to boot!

PRIMA…..We have had this yarn in for a while, but I just wanted to feature it as a super yarn for summer garments. A Debbie Bliss yarn 80% Bamboo/20% merino wool 50g/110yds. It is a dream to knit with and the colors are fantastic!

Also in stock are the new spring additions of Interweave Knits and Knitting Traditions magazines.

Would you look at what FedEx just dropped at my door! MELODY, by JoJoland! As you can see below, they have some great patterns for this superwash lightweight yarn.

“The Swirl Scarf/Shawl” “Wine Tasting”

I also am happy to report that I just received my Mountain Colors yarn for my next Knit Swirl Jacket! I can’t believe I am so excited to cast on 665 stitches! But, here I go again!!! :)

Happy Knitting,

Amy

The Swirl Jacket

2012-03-19T10:10:00.001-07:00

Another project, off my needles! What can I say about the Knit Swirl book other than every pattern in it is STUNNING! We currently have about 7 people in our knit along and it is so exciting to see the different yarns and styles that people have chose to use. I personally wanted to stick with something neutral so I could wear it often and figured black would be a safe choice. Since one of my all time favorite yarns, to date, are from Mountain Colors, I chose their “Twizzle” in the color Raven.

To a knitter, there is nothing more satisfying than to sit down with a luxurious yarn and fine needles, my preference is Addi Turbo’s, and cast on a really great project. Well, cast on I did…..505 Stitches!!

This is the first project that, to the end, I really did not know how it would be put together to make a jacket….the charts were not very self explanatory in my opinion, but as I always say “have a little faith, follow the instructions, and knit on!”

Blocking….Still not real clear on how to put it together, and of course I did not go to the suggested website for further tips (that would have been far to easy) I stood back and tried to use logic on what I needed to sew where, to make it look like the picture in the book :)

Ahhhh, Success!!!

“Details” on my Swirl Jacket

Sheer Beauty, “Knit Swirl”

I enjoyed knitting on this so much that I already have yarn ordered to make another one! I have chose the pattern “Sheer Beauty” and again, I will use Twizzle from Mountain Colors along with their Winter Lace, both in the color, Marigold. It will make a wonderful light weight summer jacket. That is, if summer ever gets here….We woke up to snow this morning in the great Northwest :(

Now that I have made one, my opinion is, it is not a difficult pattern, just a big one, but so worth the effort. I can hardly wait to cast on again!

Amy

Animal Crackers Baby Sweater

2012-03-15T20:53:00.001-07:00

I started this sweater in Spring of 2011, for my nieces new baby due last July. Well, I was done knitting it for the shower, but failed to have it sewn together before he was born! (Have I mentioned how much I dislike finish work!) Luckily I made a 12 month size and he still has plenty of room to grow. I think the sweater is cute, but isn’t the BABY even cuter?

“Project Details”

I really like the picot edging in this pattern….

Book and Yarn are in stock at LaFavorites

Happy Knitting,

Amy

Turnstyle Vogue at LaFavorites

2012-03-01T11:43:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, we are lucky enough to have my friend, Shari of Turnstyle Vogue, displaying and selling her very creative re-purposed furniture pieces at LaFavorites. I recently made a trip to her studio up the Mackenzie River in Oregon and brought back a few new pieces to show off……

(Click on the name of each piece for a full description, as well as "before they were something cool pictures”…The creativity behind each piece is amazing!)

“Prairie”

“Bandon”

“Adel”

“Rainier”

“Finn Rock”

“Blackberry”

“Dandelion”

“Fern”

“The Vineyard”

(The Vineyard, one of my favorites!)

The Fremont Table….Have stump, will travel :) I have to say, when Shari first brought these to me, I wasn’t quite sure if they were my style. Let me just say “I LOVE the Fremont Tables. They are unique, very versatile and will add character to any room in your home. They are on casters, so easy to move (as you can see) and she will customize the writing on the top to say anything on it you would like. Use for a table or a stool, the options for this little jewel are endless! Click on the link and read the great story about Shari and her parents and how these tables came to be….It is quite entertaining.

Coming soon “Sandbar”

Also, Handcrafted “wine and candle holders” are made by Shari’s niece & husband.

As much as I love having Furniture from Turnstyle Vogue in my shop to display all of my lovely yarns, they indeed, are for sale at great prices. You may have to fight me for some of them, but with a little convincing, I am fully prepared to see them go to a good home :)

Amy

Class Success!

2012-02-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Our Class last night was fantastic! Once again, Connie held a very informative and fun evening. The focus was on the creative knit designer, Erika Knight. Connie was fortunate enough to have taken one of her classes last month at Vogue Knitting Live in New York and come back to share with all of us!

The projects covered in our class were this adorable door hanger for that new baby in your life and a pair of booties, both from the book “ simple knits for cherished babies”. Connie so graciously provided a kit to everyone for the door hanger that includes all the supplies and you just add your favorite yarn! We have a few extra available at the shop for $5. We also have both books available and they are absolutely packed with adorable patterns!

Of course I could not go without a few pictures of the evening to share…..

We hope to see you at our next class.

Happy Knitting!

Amy

Past Projects

2012-02-20T19:54:00.002-08:00

In the last 7 1/2 years of being in business I have been knitting like a crazy woman and I still get so excited to cast on that next project. I thought it would be fun to start a project section on my website. I have gone back to some of my favorites and wanted to share a few and hopefully inspire the “crazy” in all of you…..

For details, please click on the name of each project below its picture

After Dark Nightie

Medallion Travel Bag

Tulip Tote

Capitan

“These are just a few of my favorite things” I hope you enjoyed them and I look forward to sharing many more.

Don't Miss Out!

2012-02-10T15:29:00.001-08:00

From the desk of Connie....

This past year has been a busy one with travel…

Amy and I attended Vogue Knitting Live - LA in September, and I was able to attend several classes taught by some of the best known knit designers in the USA & overseas. Wow! What an experience!

Then in January, I went again with some faithful friends, this time to New York. Again…different teachers, but the quality of instruction and exposure to all things ‘knitting’ was very high.

One of my goals in attending these seminars was to bring home to our little local shop the valuable lessons learned for my fellow knitters and students. So…with that, we have my first class scheduled February 21^st, @ 5:30pm.

This class will serve to highlight one of the designers I met and worked with in New York…Ericka Knight. I will be teaching from her book “Simple Knits for Cherished Babies” and sharing with you some of Erika’s history in the knit world, as well as, the wonderful experience of meeting her and learning some of her design ‘philosophy’.

Amy is ordering 2 of her titles on knitting for babies and young children. She is graciously offering us the 10% discount on materials & books purchased for this class. (PS-RSVP is helpful to know the interest level) I have been preparing a couple of samples from her ‘Simple Knits….’ book and we can go over those start to finish in class. I think you will be pleased with the easy to follow pattern language & projects.

So come and support our favorite knit shop , learn some truly inspired knit techniques that will get you recharged and ready to tackle new knit challenges in 2012. Class is suitable for newer knitters and inspirational for those who have been working at it awhile.

NOTE: I have included a little homework and a materials list on the invitation.

Hope to see you there.

Invitiation:

Knit Knight -Spring, 2012

Introducing one of the great knitters of our generation, Erika Knight, who energetically pours her life & energy into designs that work for the modern family, as well as, lead the fashion world with the latest in fashion trending.

Feb 21st @ 5:30

Spotlight: Erika Knight

(Beginner to Intermediate knitters)

Knit Designer & Entrepreneur

Project- Baby Pillow or Booties

Tuesday Evening 5:30 to 7:30 - Cost $35.00 (plus materials)

Location: LaFavorites                             Instructor: Connie woodward-Haas
              401 Cowlitz Way                                      (360) 673-8234 days
              Kelso, WA 98626                  connie.woodward@steelscape.com

Must sign up in advance, space is limited. payment is due the first night of class. Looking forward to the opportunity to learn with you!

(Class fee discount of $5.00 for returning students)
As always, 10% discount offered on all class supplies purchased at LaFavorites

Make & take -

Materials:

· Needles size 3

· Baby or sport yarn in the background color of your choice

· Contrast scrap yarn

· Darning needle

· Scissors

Sample Homework-

Before class cast on and knit 46 stitches, work at least 25 stockinette rows & bind off. Steam your practice piece lightly and bring to class. Approx Gauge: 6 st. x 9 rows = 1

Valentines Day Special

2012-02-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

With any Gift Certificate purchase, receive a box of custom made, yarn themed chocolates, made by JaCiva's in Portland, OR. Crafted exclusively for Lantern Moon. Be sure to send your sweetie's in for this fantastic offer. A 14.99-24.99 value while supplies last. Expires on 2/14/12

It just doesn't get better than kntting AND chocolate!

Upcoming Knit Along

2012-01-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

January 17th, 5:30pm....

We will be starting a knit along from the book "Knit, Swirl by Sandra McIver". The 1st session will consist of an overview of the book, measuring to get the perfect fit and help picking out yarn if you haven't already decided, and finally....CASTING ON! We will then meet at 5:30pm on the 1st Tuesday of every month to form a very casual time to share our progress, enjoy a coffee, knit and reach a goal of having a beautiful new sweater to add to our wardrobes by fall! Although this is the designated time to meet, as always, you are welcome to stop in anytime to work on your project. We would love to have you join in! Questions....(360) 575-9305

Just In!

2011-12-29T12:32:00.000-08:00

We have just received an order of Triana and Triana Lux by Katia

Get it while supplies last.... Thank you all for being patience on the availability of this incredibly popular yarn!

Welcome!

2011-12-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Coming soon....Site currently under construction