Coveting Yarns

As anyone who knits, crochets, or weaves knows there is no such thing as too much yarn. The news that a new yarn shop has moved into town can send us fiber-philes into paroxysms of joy almost as intense as those of a chocoholic who suddenly wakes up in Belgium. That's why when I heard about a new yarn shop in Gloucester --- oh boy!!!

So Sunday my friend Clare and I headed out East Main Street to Coveted Yarns, the new yarn store owned by Rob and Lauren Porter. They started an online store awhile ago and, because inventory was building up in their house, decided they needed an outlet. It is a much appreciated addition to the Gloucester knitting community.

Now God knows I don't need another skein of yarn. If I knitted for a couple hours every day (which I frequently do) I would be all set for a good long time. Because of the book I am working on I find myself spending hours trying out new stitches and new techniques just so I can write about them with some authority. Awhile back I had started a very luxurious scarf/stole knitting with 2 strands of fingering weight silk from ColourmartUK held together. One strand is blue, the other violet and the result is gorgeous. Well, I've torn it out and restarted it half a dozen times but I think I've finally hit on the pattern design I want:

It's hard to see but you can click on the image to enlarge it. Three panels of a lovely lace pattern that appears woven separated by insert lace rows. It will make a beautiful gift for someone.

I also received four skeins of yarn that I ordered awhile back from KnitPicks. It is a laceweight fiber called Gloss that is merino wool and silk in a gorgeous color called, coincidentally, Mermaid. For years I have tried to master the lace pattern called Rose Trellis and it has always defeated me but this time I think I've got it.
I plan to make one of my rectangular shawls, as described in the book, with a Rose Trellis center panel and a border adapted from Marianne Kinzel's Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting from a pattern she calls "Lilac Time". I have it in my head --- now I just have to get it on to the needles.

So anyway, purchasing yarn right now seems a bit foolish BUT.................... for one thing Coveted Yarn carries Blue Heron Yarn, one of my longtime favorite brands. In my stash there are several big hanks of their silk noil and several more of a fine rayon chenille purchased years ago. The violet Sampler Shawl shown in a previous post is made with a strand of Blue Heron silk and a strand of Ironstone mohair knit together. So I succumbed. I came home, wound and began knitting:
Is that pretty or what? I forgot to ask what the fiber is but I suspect a cotton/rayon blend from the feel and drape of it. The colorway is called "Lilac" --- of course.

So yarn lovers, rejoice! There's a new shop in town and it is gorgeous. Stop by and pick up a hank today --- knit yourself something pretty. And come to their Grand Opening this weekend! All day Saturday and Sunday. They are also sponsoring a knit-in every other Sunday evening from 6 to 9 at the Congregational Church on Middle Street. Come and learn how to knit. It's free and it will begin a life-long passion. Trust me.

Thanks for reading.