Vienna: A Sweet Little Shrug

(Modeled, with some trepidation, by my friend Kristi. Isn't she pretty?)

Allow me to introduce you to Vienna, a simple-but-sweet little shrug to ward off the chill of a spring evening or a summertime movie theater.

First of all -- three important facts you'll want to know about this pattern:

Vienna is...
1) One. Quick. Knit.
2) Available in a full array of sizes
3) Flattering on everybody and every body

Want to know more about the sizing? Well, Kristi would usually knit a Medium for herself. But in these photos she's wearing the size-Small sample I knitted up for display at Eleganza Yarns.

A bit of ease might be more comfortable. I know I, for one, would also appreciate just a little more coverage in front, since I'm, well, more ample than the lovely Kristi. One day soon, I'll knit one for myself in a different colorway. So if you keep coming back, you'll get to see what Vienna looks like on another Real Person, in a larger size.

On the other hand, you may prefer a snug fit. Well, you need only look at these photos to see how good Vienna looks in a more, um, body-conscious size. The lace and ribbing is quite stretchy, and the ultra-soft, washable wool bounces right back.

Beyond the stretch factor, I designed Vienna so that it'd be easy to customize. And easy to wear. Truly, at the risk of sounding conceited, I LOVE this shrug!

In fact, this might be the only sweater you need this spring and summer -- it goes from office to picnic with ease. But be warned: Once you look at the Shalimar Yarns colorways, you may want to knit one in every shade!

Here are the specs:
Needles: US #8 & #10
Yarn: 2 to 4 skeins Shalimar Yarns' Honey Worsted (100% superwash Merino wool; shown here in Damson)
Notions: The usual suspects (e.g., scissors, yarn needle, stitch markers...)

For more information, or to order Vienna check out Shalimar Yarns on the Web, or e-mail ShalimarYarns@aol.com

Vienna: A Sweet Little Shrug

Knittin' and Kitten

Meet Charley...
He's the newest member of our little household. After Maggie died last January, we couldn't even think of getting another kitty. But over the months, Chris, Katja, and I found ourselves grieving less and then, suddenly, feeling like it was time for a new kitty...a playmate for Katja.

Enter Charley -- about two pounds of 24-hour-a-day, nonstop Kitten. When I saw his picture, with his little newborn blue eyes and apricot-cream coloring, I knew he was the one.

My friend Elaine rescued him, along with his siblings, near her home in upstate New York. We waited for him to grow up a little, and then, last Thursday, he arrived in style, chauffered by Elaine and her husband (who were on their way to DC for the weekend). Have no doubt: You'll be hearing about his antics for years to come!

Shalimar Yarns Missy Bulky

Speaking of the weekend, I stopped by Stitches East in Baltimore on Saturday to see how my designs for Shalimar Yarns were doing. I created the following five patterns for the Frederick, Md.-based company:

• Shenandoah Capelet
• Clover Honey Shawlette
• Freesia Socks
• Rotunda Baby Blanket
• Heart in Hand Fingerless Gloves

Shalimar Yarns is owned and operated by the delightful Kristi, who also owns Eleganza Yarns, in Frederick, Md. Her line of hand-dyed yarns includes some of the softest bulky-weight Merino I've ever had the pleasure of knitting.

The worsted-weight knits up with a nice drape on US #6 - 7 needles, and is next-to-the-skin gentle. Then there's the new Zoe Sock, a fingering-weight from a terrific source. It's not only soft, it "has tooth," if you know what I mean. The colors are fab, and the yarn just plain feels good to knit with.

Apparently, the Clover Honey Shawlette (see a photo of the yarn and the very beginning of the shawl in last Tuesday's post) was the hit pattern of the show for Shalimar. I have to say I was happy with the final product: a lace and garter stitch shoulder shawl with a sweet beaded edge.

Kristi tells me my other patterns also generated a good amount of interest. This is SO exciting to me!!! As I learn more, I'll share any info that might be of interest -- including photos of the garments.

Chris and I also chatted with Kristin Nicholas, who is so down to Earth you couldn't be star-struck if you wanted to, met tons of yarn vendors, and went for a walk around the market.

At one point, I stopped in to say hello to my friend Karida, owner of Neighborhood Fiber Co., in D.C. Along with her yarn, she had some gorgeous roving, which she was generous enough to share. Thank you, Karida! So here are some initial photos of my Stitches loot...

Neighborhood Fiber Co. Silk-Merino Roving (above and below)

We also spent a few minutes with Sharon, owner of Three Irish Girls and co-owner of Yarn Love. I was glad to introduce her to Chris, so he could put a face with the name when I mention her. She's lovely, as is her yarn...Check out her online stores!

By necessity, I was very good and didn't splurge, but I did come home with a few goodies. Photos are awaiting editing, and will arrive shortly. As will links to my patterns, which will be on sale soon at Shalimar Yarns' new Web site.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Knittin' and Kitten