Wednesday, February 23, 2011

News and Shamrocks

Hi Knitters,
I just got word from my publisher that Spud & Chloë at the Farm is being released much earlier than expected! It will be available by the end of March. Instead of months it will be a matter of weeks. I will be getting the projects up on Ravelry as soon as I get a chance so you can check everything out.

I have gotten quite a few emails and a few comments from knitters who are interested in knitting the entire book of 13 projects so I am thinking about hosting a knitalong later this spring to do just that. All of the projects together really make a fantastic farm set so this would be fun.

The Barn Cat, above, is one of the patterns in the new book. The photography for the book was shot by the always wonderful Liz Banfield who also photographed the Itty-Bitty series.

My class at Stitcher's Crossing this coming Sunday is full and even has a long waiting list. I even have knitters traveling from other states to attend. Isn't that something. Thank you to everyone who has shown interest. I will take photos at the class and share next week. The best thing is that I got a huge box of goodies dropped on my doorstep from Spud & Chloë/Blue Sky Alpacas to share with the students in the class! What a generous and fun company. That is one of my favorite things about them.

I haven't gotten started on the online class project yet but I am planning on tackling that this spring. I think online classes would be a good fit for me (especially since I got a better camera and a tripod recently). I'll keep you posted. I received a lot of good links and places to get started from my buddy Betz White who already teaches online classes. You should check out her offerings. Thanks to Betz for her help. Now I just need to find the time to dig in.
Okay, with St. Patrick's Day coming up quick here I thought I would pull up my pattern for the Shamrock Washcloth to share today. What a perfect little gift for your Irish or Irish-loving friends and family. Add a bar of soap and a ribbon to tie it up and off you go!

This pattern is only available in my Ravelry Pattern Store at this time. You don't have to be a member of Ravelry to purchase patterns from any designer's Ravelry pattern shop which is a good thing to know.


This version is in Sugar n Cream cotton. The others are in Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille. Both are fun and squishy.
You could whipstitch two shamrocks together and stuff with fiberfill for a super cute pillow, too. I need to do that. I love seasonal knits that are simple and little and fun!

Have a good Wednesday, Knitters.
best, susie

16 comments:

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I can't wait for the new book! A knit-along would be fabulous - I am planning on knitting all the projects as a Christmas gift for my daughter.

Laura T said...

Wow, can't believe I'm maybe the first one to leave a comment:) I love love the barn kitty and can hardly wait to see your new book! Love your seasonal washcloth ideas. It's snowy here in WA state. Wish I could be there for your class. If you are ever here in Seattle area or even Portland would love to take a class!
Laura T

Susan G said...

Pre-ordered the Book today - i am for the knit along! Can't wait!

Diary of a knitter said...

coooool, A knit-along, new book ...olinle classes , cooooooool, cant wait.

Ninna said...

I would love to do the knit along as well as an on-line class.. I'm happy to hear that your book is coming out earlier than expected. I have it pre-ordered so will watch for its arrival.
Thanks so much.
PS I love, love, love the barn kitty.

trish v said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
trish v said...

excited about the knit-along....I love knitting toys! also happy to hear about possible online classes. I live in a rural area without many resources, so the idea of an online class is great!

VeganCraftastic said...

That cat is soooo adorable! Congrats on the book!

Stefanie said...

Cute, cute shamrocks! Love the green and great ideas on what to do w/them.
I'm so happy for you that your class will be packed w/avid knitters and there's a waiting list! But of course I didn't expect any less for you, Susan. Congrats.

Maureen said...

I just love the barn cat-so cute. That will be my first project out of the book.

Unknown said...

Oh Great! I'm knitting the whole farm set!

mrspao said...

The barn cat is adorable. Congratulations on what looks like it is going to be a wonderful new book.

Unknown said...

I am not real advanced i really pray i can do this with the knit along. i pre ordered the book, hope it arrives soon

Lynn said...

The knit-along is a great idea. May I request that you consider pacing it slowly (maybe even one toy per month or two small ones) so that those of us with physical disabilities or super-busy lives can consider participating? Thank you. Congrats on the early release date. I pre-ordered the book a while ago.

HardySupplyCo said...

Wow...I guess if you do the knit-a-long, I'll have to start knitting again! Too cute :)