Central NY Etsy Treasury

This grouping is just too beautiful not to share with you.  I am thrilled to be included!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Ribbed Cable Stitch

For those of you following my blog,  you know that cable work is my favorite.  For those who are new, you just have to check out this ribbed cable stitch that I found.

It is worked without using a cable needle and it is an amazing quick knit!  I've only tried it with 2 stitch ribbing, but will try some modifications soon.

The cable working pattern goes like this:

K2, P2, *  (as many repeats as you like)
P2, K2
K2 tog without taking them off the left needle, then K 1st stich of the 2 on the needle and slip off both, P2
P2, K2

Repeat these 4 rows

I used this stitch to knit this super soft scarf in 100% alpaca wool with 6 cable rows surrounded by seed stitch boarders. 

I hope you will give it a try.

As the holidays are approaching soon, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank those who have supported me through out the year in 2010.  I appreciate every single comment and click on my little blog so very much! 

Merry Christmas ♪ ♪ ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪

Sunday Morning Knit With ~ Festive Wine Bottle Accessory

Are you going to give a bottle of cheer to someone this holiday season? 

I plan to give several and wanted to do something a bit different to spice it up a bit.  So yesterday I sat down and knit this fun Santa Hat and Scarf to adorn the bottles.  I think this is so festive and the best thing is that it just takes a bit of scrap yarns and a few minutes (ok... maybe an hour or so) to knit up quick.

I used DK weight yarn and size 6 double pointed needles and worked in the round for the hat.

Cast on 6 stitches on 3 needles and work 5-6 rounds of white (just knit stitches)
Change to red and knit another 6-8 rounds (depending on how long you want the hat)
Next Round:  K 3, K2tog, K1 on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K3, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)
Knit 2 Rounds
Next Round: K2, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

Knit 1 Round
Next Round: K1, K2tog on each DBL pointed needle (decreasing 1 stitch on each needle)

It is at this point that I moved all stitches to one needle and did a few rounds of I-cord.

Make a tiny white pompom for the end or sew on a small jingle bell for even more fun!
Let the white rim roll to give it the appearance of fluf.


For the scarf, I just did a 5 stitch I cord in red about 20 inches long and added a white tossel to each end.

I hope you have fun making some of these wine bottle toppers!

Until next week ~ Keep your needles clicking!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Fringed!

I've noticed that this years fashion scarves have fringes sideways.  And when they are wrapped they look incredible!

My most recent scarf project is a basic cable scarf with sideways fringes. 

I love the way it drapes.  And the warmth of wool is unbeatable!

This pattern is a simple seed stitch on each side of a 6 stitch cable.   I have found out that if you put one purl stitch right before the cable it will help the cable 'pop'.   So for this one I did the following:

Seed 4, P1, Cable Knit 6, P1, Seed 4

It doesn't need to be too long as when it wraps it really has alot to wrap with the fringes.

Until next week - Happy Knitting!

Stocking my etsy shop with handspun yarns

I am now offerning handspun yarns for sale in my etsy shop. I have the first two of many more to come listed and couldn't be more excited! 

This deep vibrant green corridale is lucious and this natural merino wool is so lofty it's almost dreamy!

Keep checking back in my shop as I add more colors and fibers! 

Sunday Morning Knit With - Mixing it up

I am hopelessly addicted to spinning right now. I know - I really don't need another distraction, but this distraction is one of the most relaxing and soothing additions ever.

One of my latest projects is a wool/mohair mix in a gorgeous purple, blue and green color way. It spun very nicely (although I am still trying to perfect my tension to achieve consistency). I actually like the bumps and ilregularities though.

I knit a basic ribbed scarf combining the hand spun with commercial fingering weight wool. The results: a lofty warm and unique classic scarf. The color combination is perfect and the feel is luxurious!

The pattern for this classic scarf is simple:

Cast on 26 (holding 2 stands of yarn together throughout)
Row 1: (K2, P2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 2: (P2, K2)* Repeat to last 2 stitches, P2

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 to desired length
Bind off and weave in loose ends

This hand knit handspun classic scarf has been added to my etsy shop this morning. And for those of you who like to have their holiday shopping done early - I am offering 15% all purchases in my etsy shop today only - Just use Promo Code : SundayShopper at check out to get your discount.


Until next week - Keep your needles clicking and Happy Thanksgiving!



Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Classic Cable Collar

Good morning! 

It is a balmy 55 degrees here this morning, which is very unusual for mid-November in upstate NY.  I'll be outside planting some flower bulbs for next spring's enjoyment today and enjoying the mild weather.

I'm so happy to highlight my newest creation today, which is my own design as well as my first knit project using my own handspun 2 ply yarn!  This classic neckwarmer was a dream to make - from beginning to end. I started by spinning the gorgeous Corriedale roving (purchased on KnitPicks.com) and then reverse-spinning it into a lucious 2 ply yarn.

I then knit it up into this lovely collar/neckwarmer/mini-shawl with rows and rows of cables. It just shouts classic romantic to me, with 7 rose buttons.

I'm working out the pattern, so look for the PDF for this one in the near future if you are interested in knitting one up yourself.  The finished one is available in my etsy shop right now if you can't resist~

Until next week, keep your needles clicking!

Fiber Friday ~ Fuzzy Wool Bowl

This fun what-not-bowl was made with handspun wool.   Beautiful shades of aquas, blues, greens and yellows make this a one of a kind treasure!

Fuzzy and warm... this is a very unique gift!   Available on etsy! 

Meet Raven an Angora Bunny

What is softer than Angora? My daughter Katie has a pet bunny.... not just any bunny, but an Angora bunny named Raven. My other daughter Sara breeds angora bunnies and gave Raven to Katie. Although I was originally against having a bunny here, I have found that this bunny has its advantages!

Raven is a mixed Angora bunny who has the life of leisure. Basically, all she does is eat, sleep and grow hair. Beautiful, luxurious, softer than soft, light as a feather hair.

Last weekend Katie groomed Raven and brought me a basket full of her wool, which I immediately started to spin. It came out a bit lumpy bumpy, but I am very happy with the result. I plan to knit this up with some commercial merino as a neck warmer. We all need a soft touch around our necks!

From bunny to yarn - totally home-grown, hand harvested, hand spun and purely natural!

New Handknit Hats Arriving in my Etsy Shop

Yes, I've been a busy gal... knitting away getting ready for the cold weather.  This morning it is a balmy 37 degrees... but it feels alot colder with the wind blowing.

Some great  hand knit hats have found their way in my shops with more to come!  So keep checking back as more get listed.   And stay warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Fingerless Gloves

With summer coming to a close I'm getting ready for cold weather in my etsy shop. I've been adding handknit hats and scarves as quickly as I can knit them up, but really focusing on fingerless gloves.


I am excited to let you know that I now have 3 fingerless glove patterns for sale, and my most recent pattern knits up quickly and has a classic - never out of style - design. They are worked in the round with double pointed needles with two strands of worsted weight yarn and an easy thumb gussett makes the fit dreamy!

Here is what my tester said when she sent the final pattern back to me: "These are really quick to make and so comfy to wear".


So, if you are looking to make some fun handknit gifts for Christmas this year, consider making these fingerless gloves. Your friends and family will love them. The pattern is available in my etsy or artfire shops and now available as a down load for those of you on Ravelry!



And if you are not up to knitting them yourself, I have a variety of colors available on etsy/ artfire for $26 a pair. ....Easy-peasy Christmas Gifts!

So, get ahead of the Christmas rush this year by making these fun gloves ~

Keep you needles clicking and Stay Warm!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Spinning

I am so new to this spinning thing and I must admit that I have gotten a bit frustrated at times.

But so far, I've found that I have taken a wrong approach about learning to do this right.  First of all, I was looking for sub-standard roving to practice with. I found out now, that that is a big mistake!

I've been struggling to spin a consistent yarn with some really bad roving. This morning I bit the bullet and told myself to try the super soft alpaca.  OMG ~ What a difference!

I'm not spinning a perfect yarn yet, but boy-oh-boy... this is so much easier to work with!

Take a peek at what I've spun this morning:

Not bad, if I do say so myself!

So now it is starting to make sense to me and I'm getting into the groove and rhythym. 

My first advise to a new spinner - don't work with low grade roving... it will only mess you up!

Happy Knitting!  (or spinning!)

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Getting Organized

Yesterday I spent the day trying to get organized. The key word is trying, but I do feel I've made some progress.

Let me first say that we are in year 7 of a total home make over.  We are slowly putting the house back together after spending the first few years tearing it apart, but the living room is not one of the rooms that has been put back together yet.

And the living room is where I spend most of my time knitting.  I found myself putting yarn here and there in baskets and being unable to find the colors I needed.  I put my needles in a tupperware container and would find only one of the size I was looking for. 

So, yesterday, I put together a cubie, made a needle organizer and claimed a corner of the living room as my territory.  I'm sure it will look better once we get some spackle and paint on the walls!

I also set up a packing/mailing station in the garage.  I had one upstairs in the spare bedroom, but guess what?...  We are finally starting to work up there, so I had to move it.  Horray for starting another room!

Flower Power

Brand new and one of my favorites!

This sweet felted wool bowl is super fun!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ It's here!

Happy Birthday to me!!  I got my spinning  wheel! 

Now I need to practice, practice, practice.......

Let the spinning begin!

Blue Heather Bobble Neckwarmer

I woke up to 33 degrees this morning.  Winter is going to come fast and summer is behind us already.  Last weekend I cleaned out what was left of the garden and I hope to plant some more bulbs for spring flowers this week.

So, it is time to start thinking about keeping warm this winter.  And what better way to stay snuggly than with this soft blue heather handknit neckwarmer.  Kind of classic, kind of hip... a great accessory either way!

Visit valeriesgallery.etsy.com for more fun neckwarmers.

Autumn Leaves

I'm so excited to share my newest felted wool bowl with autumn leaves needlefelted in the center.

I hope you like it as well!

Fall is one of my most favorite time of year.  I think it may be because of the gorgeous colors!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit - Red Triple Cabled Scarf

Everyone needs a classic red scarf.  It just isn't winter without one!

I finally finished knitting up this super soft triple cabled scarf in 50% alpaca / 50% merino wool.   I will admit that it took awhile.  It was one of the projects that gets set aside and picked up again, over and over again.
But I made myself sit down and finish it yesterday and I'm so very glad I did. 

It is a long flowing scarf with a great drape and is just so cuddly and warm.

Happy Knitting!

Till next week.....

My Very First HandSpun

Last night I spent the evening with Chris who patiently showed me how to spin.

I'm definately spinning too tight and need to practice more, but I think I have found a new obsession!  I love the soothing rhythm of the wheel and the fiber flowing through my fingers.

I've ordered a wheel and hope that it comes soon as I can't wait to get practicing!

I am in shock and just need to shout out!

I can't believe that my little booth won the Judge's Choice at the Harvest of the Arts Festival in Lowville this weekend!  I was in total shock when they presented the blue ribbon to me.  I am grinning ear to ear tonight!

I am speachless... which is quite rare!

Sunday Morning Knit Wit ~ Cables and Knots

Last week I bought Viking Patterns For Knitting by Elsebeth Lavold and I have been intrigued ever since.  This has got to be the most intricate cable pattern collection ever.  So I'm off to challenge myself and hopefully make some incredible scarves and hats!

I have been wanting to learn to make horizontal cables for quite some time and I finally found a couple in this book.  They are more like curlyques than cables, but I love them!

I made a swatch that I am super excited about.  Perhaps a bit more excited than I should be (based on Daryl's eyeroll when I excitedly showed him this):

I'm off to the second day of the Harvest Festival of the Arts in Lowville today, but I have a full weekend coming up that is just knitting!  (well, perhaps a bit of cleaning too, but mostly knitting only!)

Until next week, keep you needles clicking!

Festival of the Arts - Lowville NY

Day one of the Festival of the Arts was fantastic!  I am thrilled to be one of the artists at this event.  The weather is cooperating after a week of rain and the turn out on Saturday has been great.

The kids have their own art barn to create masterpieces and make kites.  The lawn was filled with young avaitors flying their kites. 

The artists are in barn that I consider the Hilton Hotel for Horses.  It is absolutely beautiful.  Each artist has a stall to themselves and although we joke about being in jail, it is a very, very cool spot.

I'm having the time of my life demonstrating my work and talking to all the great folks stopping in my stall. Although it was a bit chilly, I can't wait to go back tomorrow.