Skulls & Picots & Lace?

23march2010_1
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Who needs hearts when you can make skulls? This cute number is a lace challenge entry done up quick on Rowan's chunky weight Cocoon. Man, I love a sense of humor.

Lots of firsts this week!

I just love seeing people wearing the garments they've made. This week I photographed three knitters wearing first-of-a-kind projects that are real successes. They were all beaming!

We try to help everyone be successful with their projects and want nothing more than for them to succeed. If Jan or I are both busy, there is usually someone else hanging around that will offer help. We have expert knitter customers that love to support others in their quest to become fellow experts.
           
And there was a first for me. I won a prize for my shawl at the Minnesota Knitters Guild meeting this past Tuesday. Yeah!

Spring 2011 Lace Challenge Update

5march20111
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

L finished her first project for the Lace Challenge already! And she's cast on for another and itchy to win ; ) One lovely garment on a lovely person wishing for a lovely spring.

I had better hurry up and get the entry form designed. This is turning out to be a really fun challenge.

Someone else has told me they are finished with a lace project, but I've not yet photographed the proof. If anyone needs help getting their projects input into Ravelry, I'm more than will to help. Just come to the shop when I'm around. Don't forget to bring your Ravelry name and password so we can access your account. I'll even take a photo for you to use.

Amimono Shawl

feb252011_2
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

My shawl is finally complete with ties and tassels. Really enjoyed making this all garter stitch piece. Started with seven stitches and built out from the center. The trim is knit and attached to the live stitches. We might have to have tassel class since these seem to be a big hit!

Voodoodolly

Voodoodolly
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Meet Miss Purl Three Throughthebackloop, shop voodoo priestess. She brought along her magical stick pin for stabbing those difficult stitches into submission. Thanks for introducing us, L.B.

The Lace Challenge

 
Why a lace challenge?
Fudwick likes holes.
It's all about negative space.
It's about time we had another challenge.
Jan said we could.

Some Rules which we reserve the right to change, but for now these look pretty inclusive.

0. We're including crochet in this one for all those hookers out there. Not sure how we're going to count up the holes/yarnovers, but I'll figure something out and post it here later.
1. You need to have purchased your yarn for your projects at Linden Hills Yarn.
2. February 4, 2011 was the start date, so your project cannot have been started before then. Swatching is ok and if you have a project you really, really, really want to get in the challenge, you are welcome to frog it and start over ; ).
3.  The final day for submissions will be the last day of Spring June 20, 2011. You will need to bring in your project to be photographed and fill out your entry sheet for each entry on or before that date.  If you are nice, Chris might help you count up your holes.
4. We'll be holding the prize drawings on the First Day of Summer June 21, 2011.


Behold the Holey Prize Matrix of Gift Certificates to be awarded and Redeemed at Linden Hills Yarn.

Categories:

Adult Garment or shawl > 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $30 by random drawing of all the entries.

Adult Garment or shawl < 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $20 by random drawing of all the entries.

Accessory, Non Wearable & Children's wearable (i.e. hats, socks, chair cushion, dolly dress, lamp shade, etc.). One entry for each project of this type you complete. $10 by random drawing of all the entries.

Mileage. From cobweb weight to super chunky, for each 1/4 mile (440 yards)  of yarn knit in your lace projects entered, you'll receive one chance in the random drawing. So if your total yards knitted in all your entered projects is ten miles you'll have 40 chances at winning. Hence, the more you knit for the challenge, the better your chances will be at winning this prize. $30

Most holes. This prize will be awarded to the individual with the largest cumulative total of Holes/YarnOvers in their work. You'll also get to count each nupp as a YarnOver even though it's not a hole. Why? Because Kathy W. wanted extra credit. If you want to make nupps in your lace then by all means make nupps!
$40 and the title "Holey Dominator of Lace"

We have nothing 'round here if not a sense of humor!

2011Jan113
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Last year I made a hat for the DH using this nature graphic we affectionately know as the "fornicating reindeer chart." At that time K. said he just had to do a sweater. And bygosh bygolly this year he did! Hilarious and a big hit this holiday season.

For more fun with this chart, check out this link.