Nectar is here!

Ladies we have the latest book of designs from Kim Hargreaves. This beautiful softbound book contains 21 of her beautiful designs.

Kim Hargreaves began designing for Rowan at age seventeen, straight from school. She created hundreds of designs for Rowan for over twenty years. With the encouragement of her mother Kathleen she decided it was time to branch out on her own.

There will be fresh ideas introduced four times a year and they will cover a very varied range of styles from classic to funky, from chunky to delicate, from accessories to major pieces. The looks are based firmly on what is happening in fashion with attitude not age being Kim's guide-line. Some are easy to knit - others, more challenging. There is something irresistible for everyone.


Her new company is based in her home town of Holmfirth, Yorkshire. And her partner is someone with a wealth of experience in the handknitting trade - her mother Kathleen Hargreaves. They make an unbeatable professional duo. Words by Kathryn Samuel

Here are a few of her wonderful designs in "Nectar".

Call the Cottage today to reserve your copy!

Ginny S. models a shawl she knitted using Cottage Creations hand dyed yarns.

Marla B. models her new socks knitted with the sock yarn she hand dyed at the retreat!

Check our her new socks worn with her clear clogs!

Lelah Top

I purchased some beautiful teal Online Linnie Clip from the Cottage to make this top for my daughter Jennifer's upcoming birthday the end of June. I even had just enough left over to make a dishcloth as well. I love the feel of this cotton yarn and the drape is gorgeous and it is not as heavy as I thought it might be. I think it will be perfect for the St. Petersburg climate where my daughter lives.

I've heard that cotton tends to grow when you wear it, so I am hoping that it won't stretch too much when she wears it.

This was a fun and fast project and I really enjoyed knitting it.

You can find the pattern here:
Lelah Top and here

You can find my Ravelry notes here...

When she comes home I will get a picture of her wearing it and post that here when I do.

Baby Sundress

I recently made a little baby sundress for display at the Cottage.


I used Berroco Cotton Twist for the bodice, and sewed a simple skirt to attach.

The pattern came from "Cozy Knits for Cuddly Babies" by Elanor Lynn.

Retreat

I want to say that I had a fabulous time on the weekend. I am slowly but surely coming along on the modern quilt wrap! It is gorgeous and my friends all want one. Unfortunately no on will get one. I will take a break before finishing the lizard ridge with some other crafty things, namely the snowman purse for my 2nd grade sunday school girls, I know they will love them. Last year they all got the potato chip scarves.

Yarn Retreat

Everything the Cottage Yarn touches turns to gold. The retreat was but another example. I didn't know that I would enjoy the yarn dyeing but figured I'd trust the staff and try it; turned out to be my favorite activity of the weekend. Lesson learned: always trust the Cottage Yarn staff!

Thanks to Sara and her wonderful team for a great weekend.

I posted on my personal blog some reflections on the ancient crafts we practice, the influence of textiles in our region of NC and textile slaves abroad. Feel free to click through and post your thoughts:
http://tamelarich.com/2008/04/02/fiber-tales/