Haley's Work in Progress -- Fair Isle Bird Mittens

Nell's adorable daughter Haley is working on these almost-as-adorable Fair Isle mittens, using a free pattern from Ravelry called Bird in the Hand. She's using Louet Gems (machine washable and dryable merino wool). To keep things interesting, she's planning to do the second mitten in one of the other available patterns -- probably a cat, just to keep a little tension going! We have to tell you -- she started this project just yesterday!

Who knew you could improve on the Baby Surprise?

Nell will be teaching the beloved Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman in three meetings: October 7, 14 and 21 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. She'll be including modifications you can make to the already fantastic design, such as this collar. Who knew the BSJ could get even better?

Julie's Work in Progress

Julie is working away on this precious baby blanket. We're falling in love with it, wishing we were that lucky baby! She is using Artyarns Cashmere Sock yarn in a garter stitch with size 6 needles. Nine skeins is what it takes.

By the way, if that's too much yarn to buy at the moment, we do have a kit that comes with six skeins of Artyarns Cashmere Sock yarn with an open pattern and bigger needles.

What's so fantastic is that this 67% cashmere yarn is machine washable, which opens a whole new world of possibilities for scrumptious baby things. The other 33% is one ply of wool/nylon twist. But it feels 100% like cashmere. So soft. When are they going to make it possible to feel something via the computer?

Like we said . . . lucky baby! Beautiful work, Julie!!

The Marina Cashmere Wrap, aka My Next Project

Nell designed and whipped out a fabulous scarf pattern that looks much more complicated than it actually is -- which is not at all complicated! Marina (pictured above) was her inspiration and so she named it for her. It's made with 3 skeins of Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere (yummmmmm . . .) and feels so good. Hey, if it feels this good in August, imagine how it will feel when the winds of November come!

We have already bundled some of the Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere (drool below) in anticipation of your wanting to get going right away on your own Marina Scarf. We'll throw in the pattern with your purchase of the yarn.


Marina made her version out of 3 skeins of Noro Silk Garden (see below), which lends itself beautifully to the pattern as well. You could concoct your own combination of fibers. We're eager to do it with cashmere and add some sparkly Tilli Tomas something to the mix . . . ohhh, or maybe some of that Artyarns beaded and sequined fabulousness . . .

Beautifully done, Marina! You look marvelous.

The Chicken Whisperer -- and the People -- Have Spoken . . . And We Have Our Winners!

We first want to send out an Extra Large, no, a JUMBO size thank you to everyone who participated. You all put in many hours and so much imagination and skill to create chickens beyond our imagining. Not a paltry poultry among them! We know the children at Egleston will be thrilled when they see these masterpieces in the next few weeks. Read on for the results of the decision of Andy the Chicken Whisperer and our People's Choice Award.

Just as one can't rush that first egg laid by one's chickens (Kim is STILL waiting for Egg-ero Uno from her girls), one must be patient for the sensibilities of the Chicken Whisperer to manifest. After long and very difficult deliberation, Andy has arrived at his decision.

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE
KNITCH KNIT-A-CHICKEN-FOR-CHARITY CONTEST IS:
(drum roll please) . . .

Sally Eggstein and Her Offspring
by Gay Lynn Barson

As those of you who have seen all of these egg-straordinary creations can appreciate, and as fabulous as Sally Eggstein certainly is, the decision was a grueling one to make. So Andy insisted that he had to name four runners-up as well. They are, in alphabetical order:

Call Me Chicken
by a Friend in California



Chicken a la King!
by Diana Thomas



Chicken of the Sea
by Kate Jordan



Polly Pull-it
by Charles Gandy

The Grand Prize winner, Gay Lynn Barson, receives a $25 per month credit at Knitch for a year! Runners-up, you have a Special Prize awaiting you at the shop.

AND NOW FOR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
(another drum roll please):

Chicken of the Sea
by Kate Jordan

Congratulations Kate! You've won a $50 Knitch Gift Card.

Knit Chicken Gallery

We've put all the chickens in one coop so you can see them all together. You can even watch in a slide show format! The big announcement will be coming soon . . . .
Click here!

Camp Rocks . . . Felted Rocks!

You take a rock, see, any rock, and then you felt around it and, voila!, a fabulous objet d'art or paper weight! Cate continues to concoct fun and merriment for our Knitch campers. From left: Margaret, Emma, Henry, Cate, Maddie, Hope, Mary and Lauren.