Sneak Peek


Just a quick sneak peek of what is coming. Pattern written up, test knit, and sending off to the graphic designer later today. Some details I can give you now: hooded cowl/infinity scarf, utilizes just 1 (yes, one!) skein of Malabrigo Worsted.
I'll also be taking some better pictures today... more soon!





Montebello Explained

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In a rush to get everything ready for the Yarn Harlot's visit last week, I published my new Montebello Texture Cowl and posted about it here without much information. You may have noticed that when I first wrote about it, it was still just named 'Texture Cowl'. Today I want to tell you a little about the name/inspiration behind the cowl itself.





Montebello is the name of one of the three castles in Bellinzona, Switzerland. Bellinzona is in the Ticino canton of Switzerland. It is the southernmost canton in Switzerland and the only Swiss canton whose sole official language is Italian. When many people see my last name, they assume Joe's family is from Italy. Joe's grandpa is actually from the small town of Medeglia, Switzerland, just 'up the mountain' from Bellinzona.


A couple years ago, Joe and I had the pleasure of visiting his extended family in Switzerland. We stayed in the Ticino region, and explored it quite extensively. His family was very welcoming, we enjoyed the time we spent with them. We hope to return in the near future- and when we do return, we are sure to be greeted once again with polenta and fondue- what more could we ask for?






So, this cowl is named for our 'Swiss Family', thanks for welcoming us with open arms!


Yarn Harlot Day at the Detroit Public Library!


As promised- an update on the wonderful day the Yarn Harlot came to visit!

This is a quick recap of a *very* exciting day:



Jill (Knitterella) drove out to my house Saturday morning. Because we had never met (and really only started talking via Ravelry on Wednesday), we were a little worried that the other might be a little crazy. Turns out we are both crazy (ok... not really) and really enjoyed each other's company!



Navigating the library was a little trickier than we thought it would be. Our instrustions were as follows:

Take the elevator down to floor A. Turn right, turn right again and proceed through double doors... turn left, go down a long hall, turn right take the elevator back to the first floor. Turn left(?!?!?)We eventually made it (we had to ask for help quite a few times along the way) and set up shop in a crowd of knitters. Thanks to Alice (who came all the way from Iowa), I was very flattered in being asked to sign a copy of my French Press Felted Slipper pattern. There were a few more of these throughout the day...to all of you, thanks for making me feel so special!



And then there was Beth (it is Beth.... right? Beth, are you out there?) who wanted to get a picture of me. I'm not so big on posing alone- so I wanted her in the picture as well. It was so nice meeting you- I'm glad we got a little chance to talk!


*As a side note- a special thanks to my Mom who came along and helped Jill and I navigate the library halls, carry our mechandise, and take pictures- Love you, Mom!




The market place was an absolute whirlwind. We met so many wonderful knitters and saw such spectacular handknits. We closed up shop, headed to the auditorium, and eagerly waited for the Yarn Harlot to come out.

And finally, the moment we were all waiting for! Stephanie came out and delivered an amazing speech... all about knitting! There were many times that Jill and I would look at each other and nod in complete agreeance to the words Stephanie spoke.





Although Stephanie did come and introduce herself during the market- there were many people around and I did not get a chance to get a picture. I was pretty bummed that I wouldn't have a picture of us to put on my blog- but my Mom came to the rescue once again. After we loaded up the car, my Mom volunteered to circle around so we could snap a quick shot.



I love this picture- despite the fact that I look a little too excited to be there. But I was, so I suppose it captures the true essence!


***If you were at this event and have posted any pictures or perhaps a blog post, throw the link up in the comments. I'll add all the links to the bottom of this post so everyone who was at the Detroit Public Library on Saturday can see everyone else's pictures. ***

Other Links:



http://yetanotherslippedstitch.blogspot.com/2010/03/detroit-in-which-library-lady-goes-on.html





In the 'D'

Just a quick post to let you know about an awesome (& free) event that is taking place today at the Detroit Public Library. Stephainie Pearl-McPhee (that's right, the Yarn Harlot) is speaking for their Celebrate Authors Series.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
(A.K.A. The Yarn Harlot)
Humor
Saturday, March 13, 1:00 p.m.*


Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, knitter extraordinaire, is a best-selling author of five books, including Things I Learned from Knitting and Knitting Rules! Ms. Pearl-McPhee is also the author of the award-winning blog The Yarn Harlot. Bring your needles!

Main Library – Friends Auditorium
5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
313-870-5152

*Although the Yarn Harlot speaks at 1, there will be a marketplace beforehand geared specifically at knitters that starts at 11!

A few months ago I was contacted and asked if I would like to have a table to sell patterns. Would I ever! What a treat for me. If you are anywhere around the area- stop by, I'd love to meet you. I will be selling my three patterns (including the Montebello Texture Cowl- just received them in the mail yesterday!) and have sample knits of these and previews of patterns that are soon to come!

I have also invited fellow knitter, Knitterella to share my space with me. You may have seen some of Knitterella's gift tags featured in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits (Holiday Issue), and Knit Simple. She also has new items that will be showcased for the first time.

If this is not enough, I will also have my good friend Kelly's creations for sale at my table. Check out her Etsy shop to see more!

I have never been to any sort of knitting event before, so I am really looking forward to this. It should be a great day... I'll update next week!