Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas

More Puppies & A Lovely Scarf

2009-12-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

Customer, Linda R. brought Cocoa by the shop to show off the coat she made her for winter. She ran around the shop with her new outfit entertaining all of us.

Pattern: Fiber Trends Dandy Dog Sweaters

Hearts Rib Pattern

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Ruby

Isn't she just the cutest thing!

We got her to hold still for a minute.

Little dogs like Cocoa really need a little extra warmth in the winter. And, this pattern has three sizes. With Cascade 220 Superwash, it's an easy care sweater for little doggie.

Customer, Carla K. brought in the scarf she knitted for a special friend. The pattern is from the 2006 Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar. Carla knitted this Slanted Eyelet Scarf with Manos Silk Blend in the colorway Olive. She was very excited about how it turned out. She said the Manos was wonderful to knit with and the yarn draped very nicely. The pic does not do the color justice. It's beautiful!

Both of these yarns are available at Dancing Ewe Yarns along with many other gift ideas.

Puppies & Kids

2009-12-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

What is it with kids and puppies? I think kids are the only ones who really have enough energy to keep up with puppies. But, of course, this one isn't real. He's loved just the same.

Cathy F. knitted this beautiful red sweater for her grandson for Christmas. He fell in love with this stuffed beagle, so Kathy S. knitted him a look alike sweater.

Pattern: Minnowknits Bow Wow

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash

Color: 893 Ruby

Available at: Dancing Ewe Yarns

OH, now that's a picture to warm a grandmother's heart!

And, how about something for Mama?
NeverNotKnitting Alana Dakos' latest creation. The Cedar Leaf Shawlette.

Suggested yarns are Malabrigo Silky or Manos Silk Blend. What an elegant evening wrap. The pattern and yarns are available at Dancing Ewe Yarns.

15 Days til Christmas!

Dancing Ewe Yarns has plenty of ideas for those last minute gifts!

Christmas Socks

2009-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've been slowly making my way through Dancing Ewe's sock yarns. Here is one I will definitely use again.

Mountain Colors Bearfoot.

This yarn is a dream to knit with due in part to the blend--60% Superwash Wool, 25% Mohair, 15% Nylon. And a quick knit too because it is sport-weight. I used size 1 needles on 56 stitches and they came out perfect for me. Recommended needle size is 3-4, so you see, I knit loosely.

Projects are spinning in my head for this yarn. A shawl maybe? Or fingerless mitts? Christmas gifts? Dancing Ewe Yarns has several colors to choose from.

New yarns and more of old favorite yarns continue to arrive at Dancing Ewe Yarns. This one is sure to be a hit. Berroco Vintage Wool. 50% acrylic, 40% wool and 10% nylon, great for children's projects or items that require more washings.

Knitting Ideas For Christmas

2009-11-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

Looking for Christmas gift ideas? We just received a new shipment of Classic Elite Fresco and several of the patterns in Made In Brooklyn are using this yarn. Fresco is a blend of wool, baby alpaca and angora. Care for Fresco by hand washing in cold water and lay flat to dry.

How about a new beret for that special someone? Here is Beaumont knitted with Fresco colors Parchment and Rumba Red. Just in time for the holidays.

Or, a pair of warm mittens knitted with Classic Elite Princess. The name of these beauties is Grove and they are knitted with two balls of Tawny Chestnut. Princess is made up of merino wool, viscose, cashmere, nylon and angora. Hand was in cold water and dry flat.

We have thirteen different colors of Fresco and ten of Princess. Be sure to check them out on our web site or when you're shopping downtown Ellensburg at Dancing Ewe Yarns.

IRENE HAS BEEN BUSY!

2009-10-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Irene C. has been busy knitting this lovely sample for the shop. It is called Ishbel by Ysolda Teague. The pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry. Irene used Rowan Kidsilk Haze color Ember. It goes perfectly with her beautiful red hair! Stop in at Dancing Ewe Yarns and see this lovely shawl.

LONG AWAITED~IT'S HERE!

2009-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have all been anxiously awaiting Susan B. Anderson's new book "ITTY BITTY TOYS" and it finally arrived yesterday! Three copies are already gone!

Here is the first project I'm starting on. And, just in time for my Christmas knitting. How creative are these little guys. Santa, his big bag of toys, and the Christmas mouse. I'll be using Rowan Handknit Cotton for these cuties.

The little bird, egg and nest featured in the previous blog post is from this book. Alana used O-Wool Balance to knit up this cute little set for her daughter.

If you are not familiar with Susan B. Anderson's books, here are two more that are available at Dancing Ewe Yarns. Every one has the cutest patterns for children.

What could make a nicer gift for the little ones in your life than a new hat for winter. Lots of cute and quick ideas to keep your little ones head toasty.

New yarn continues to arrive at Dancing Ewe Yarns for all your knitting and crocheting needs. Stop in or check out our web site. We're trying to get that yarn up as soon as we can!

Itty Bitty Birdy

2009-10-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

From Susan B. Anderson's new book, "Itty Bitty Toys", Alana Dakos knitted this cute little birdy for her daughter. Be sure to listen to Alana's Podcast 26 on her Never Not Knitting blog.

She used Vermont Organic Fiber Company O-Wool Balance in colors agate, opal and natural, available at Dancing Ewe Yarns. O-Wool Balance is a wonderful blend of organic merino wool and cotton.

And, remember this little sweater Cathy made for her grandson? This is also knitted with O-Wool Balance in the color Malachite using Cabin Fever's pattern "Buttons Cardigan". Knit from the top down, it is an excellent pattern for children and is so cute in this yarn!

All of the Itty Bitty series of books by Susan are available at Dancing Ewe Yarns as well. And, we have many of Alana's patterns to choose from. Stop in and take a peek to get started on those Christmas presents for the little ones!

Hats Galore

2009-10-10T14:25:00.001-07:00

Susan B. Anderson of "Itty Bitty Hats" has created another set of hats just in time for fall. Using Spud & Chloe Sweater for the green hat and Blue Sky Dyed Cotton for the orange hat, your kids will be all decked out for picking apples or for that Halloween costume that needs a little more warmth now that the weather is turning colder. Click here for the free pattern download.Alana of "Never Not Knitting" has created the "Molly" using a DK weight yarn. This pattern is sized for child to adult and is available at Dancing Ewe Yarns.

The lace brim is so feminine looking. Just right for our cold nights and yet so fashionable.

New yarns continue to arrive at Dancing Ewe Yarns so stop in and start planning those Christmas presents! Manos del Uruguay is restocked with several new colors and we are getting new lines of yarn we've never carried before. Plymouth Happy Feet for those sock knitters, Mini Mochi and Mochi Plus, Classic Elite and we've restocked Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. We're now carrying Brown Sheep Lanaloft with some of the most intense colors! Some great ones for Christmas stockings.
My new favorite is Berroco Ultra Alpaca with 50% Alpaca and 50% wool. I can't wait to try this soft yarn. The colors are just marvelous. With 215 yards a skein, this worsted weight is becoming a real favorite.

Miss Monkey & More

2009-09-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

Here is another creation by customer, Anna S. How adorable even down to the crocheted lace on the edge of her overalls! She's all ready for winter with her new scarf and hat. The pattern is available here on Ravelry. Anna used Cascade 220 for most of the monkey, using Quatro for the body. Quatro gives the monkeys a heathered look that is really effective.From the new One More Skein book by Leigh Radford, comes this Circle & Stripe Cravat. Made by Kathy S. with Malabrigo worsted, it is very soft around the neck for those cold winter mornings we all know are coming. The color is called Rhodesian. What a sunny color choice!
And, fingerless mitts to match! These are called "Malabrigo Hand Thingies". No kidding, that's their name! And, of course, they're made from Malabrigo worsted. The pattern is free and available on Ravelry here.

Next Saturday is the TRUNK SHOW! More details in the next post. Save the date.

Mochi Plus

2009-09-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

Barb K. knitted this lovely vest for Dancing Ewe Yarns. It is knit with Crystal Palace Mochi Plus which will be in the shop soon. Mochi Plus is 80% Superwash Merino and 20% Nylon. At 95 yards per ball, Barb used seven skeins on a #9 needle.

This pattern is free here.

What beautiful striping!

Mochi Plus is a "kissing cousin" of Mini Mochi which is a superwash sock yarn. It arrived in the store a few weeks ago and is flying out the door!

2009-09-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Have you always wanted to learn to knit or know someone does? Need a refresher course? Here is the perfect class to get started!

Intro To Knitting With Irene

Dates: Saturday, Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 2009
Time: 10:30 - 12:30pm
Cost: $65 plus materials
Class is four 2-hour sessions.

Learning to knit is FUN and this class series is perfect for beginners or as a refresher for those who knit when hair was big. In this four lesson series students will knit a gauge swatch, a face cloth, and a hat. Students will learn to read a pattern, understand knitting terminology and abbreviations, cast on, knit, purl, bind off, understand gauge and make a gauge swatch, use markers, increase and decrease, pick up stitches, knit in the round on circular and double-point needles, and bind off from an i-cord. It time permits instruction will be given for chart reading, yarn overs and their corresponding decreases that are the basis for lace patterns.

Class Size is Limited to 6 students.

Space is still available

Sign-up TODAY

OR
DO YOU WANT A CHALLENGE?

Intro To Twined Knitting
with Terry

Dates: Tuesday, September 22 or Saturday, October 10
Time: 1-4pm
Cost: $25 plus materials
You must know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off

While starting a fingerless mitt, students will learn a two color cast on, twined knit and purl techniques, decorative purl braid, and classic twined knit patterns. Also, we will discuss the different techniques to use for "Z" twist versus "S" twist yarns. Twined knitting, centuries old Scandinavian technique, is a method of working two strands of yarn at the same time, twisting the yarn between each stitch.

Class supplies purchased at Dancing Ewe Yarns receive a 15% discount.

Call Dancing Ewe Yarns at 509-962-5648.

This & That And Some Hats

2009-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this little guy? He's from the new book "Itty Bitty Toys" by Susan B. Anderson. He goes along with the earlier Ribbit the frog toy and the pattern is available free here. His tummy is a tennis ball!This hat is called "Qunicy" and is from Jared Flood's new book, "MADE IN BROOKLYN" which is available at Dancing Ewe Yarns. Irene knit this lovely hat from Rowan Cocoon but you may also use Lamb's Pride Bulky, Cascade Pastaza or Alpaca Grande. She knit this on US 10 & 10 1/2 needles. What a wonderful new shape for your fall wardrobe!

Customer, Donna W. finished her Ellensburg Shawl. Didn't it turn out wonderful? She used Cascade 220 Handpaints Denim Storm. This will keep her warm this winter.

Did you see Terry spinning at the Fair? Look at that wheel go.

Isn't this pretty!

Kathy S. finally finished her Selbu Modern hat. Using Jamieson's Spindrift, it would have been a fast knit it she hadn't hibernated it for several month! The colors are Lagoon and Midnight and the free pattern is available here.

That's all for this week, folks!

CHECK OUT THE NEW YARN!

2009-09-02T08:34:00.001-07:00

New yarn arrived yesterday and what gorgeous colors came in! I've made off with the red one already.
This is Schaefer Hand Painted Luxury Yarn.
The larger skeins are called
NANCY
and is 95% Merino Wool and 5% Nylon. With approximately 600 yards per skein, I can see many possibilities. The gauge is 4.5-6 stitches per inch on US#5-7 needle.
Named after famous women, the colors are:
Clara Barton
Elizabeth Zimmerman
Gertrude Ederle
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
and Greenjeans
Not sure who this is named after, maybe Mr. Greenjeans from Captian Kangaroo but I am dating myself.

ANNE
is a Superwash sock yarn made of 60% merino, 25% mohair, and 15% nylon. Can't wait to try this one. The gauge is 8-9 stitches per inch on US#1. There are approximately 560 yards on these skeins.
Skein colors are:
Pomegranate, Chamomile, Indigo, Ash, and Tomatoe.
Supplies are limited so check them out before they're gone.

STORE HOURS FOR RODEO WEEKEND
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-4pm
Monday 10am-5:30pm

WE'RE HAVING A TEA SALE!

2009-08-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

GIANT TEA SALE
AT DANCING EWE YARNS & TEAS

Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas is having a huge TEA SALE!

All BOXED TEAS ~ 30% OFF
TEAS IN TINS ~ 20% OFF

TEA POTS & ACCESSORIES ~ 10% OFF

Come try some of our tasty Harney & Sons teas. Or, start your Christmas shopping early with a tin of tea and a new tea pot or mug for that tea drinker on your list.

Last one of this charming tea pot!

Come in today and see our wonderful selections.

Ribbit Ribbit!

2009-08-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Remember the frog in the Sock Monkey overalls from last week? Well, customer Anna S. loves making these little guys! We were overrun by FROGS at the shop on Tuesday morning!

A BOWLFUL OF FROGS!

She made them in every size and color!

MISS LULU is sitting outside the shop in her new overalls Susie knit her. As a girl, she prefers to only carry one FROG. Susie developed the pattern for the frog (and the overalls) and you may pick it up at Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas.

Creative Tuesday Morning Knitters

2009-08-10T19:34:00.001-07:00

How would you like to be greeted in the morning with this little face? Anna S., one of our Tuesday morning knitters, finished her Sock Monkey and is ready to give him away.
She used Cascade 220 throughout. The pattern is available on Ravelry and one of our instructors, Susie has written some modifications to the instructions to help you. Stop in any Tuesday from 10:30am-12:30pm and join the other knitters and crocheters for help and conversation.

Anna even added a little frog for her boy monkey's pocket!

From Terry N.'s Entralac Class, customer Nancy M. finished her scarf. She brought it in to show all of us. What a great finish! We always like to see your completed projects so please stop by and share your treasures with us.

NEW YARNS ARE ARRIVING WEEKLY AT DANCING EWE YARNS & TEAS! STOP IN AND SEE ALL THE NEW FIBERS AND COLORS.

AND THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER IS....

2009-08-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

June Busch from Yakima, Washington, with her "Wild & Wacky" scarf entry! She designed and knitted this scarf using Regia Design Line, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock named Beverly, and Shibui Knits color Chinese Red. This would look so dramatic on a solid color wool coat for winter with all its ruffles and points. It has a lovely curve that makes it lay so nicely around the back, falling to the front and tied in the middle. Congratulations June!

And, to keep from having to weave in all the ends, June tied the buttons on with them. How clever!

The winner of the "Night At the Opera" scarf is Lynn Bethke of Ellensburg, Washington. She named her scarf "Milky Way", a great description of this lovely lace scarf. Using Dream in Color Smooshy color Midnight Derby, with its subtle variegation, she really showed off her beautiful stitches with this yarn.

Isn't this a lovely yarn close up! Also, check out Lynn's blog at "Froggy Knittery" and see what else she's up to.

And last, but certainly not least, is Ellen Sheneberger also from Yakima, Washington with her "Darn It's Cold Outside" entry. Ellen's pattern includes several sizing options so make it as big or small as you like.

Ellen also used Dream in Color Smooshy color Flamingo Pie.

Ellen's pattern really shines with the use of this gorgeous color yarn!

We appreciate all the effort that went into each scarf. We are planning to make this an annual event, so keep that in the back of your mind and let your creative juices flow!
For those wanting to create their own versions of the winning scarves, we will have the patterns available free at the shop and soon on our website.
Thanks again to our excellent judges, Evelyn Clark, Bev Galeskas and Debbie Radtke!

CHLOE-THE PATTERN

2009-07-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Chloe is a cute, striped sweater from Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting. Knitted with Blue Sky Alpacas new Spud & Chloe, this adorable sweater is machine wash. How easy for those little ones!

Alana sized this pattern for multiple ages,
0-3 months all the way to size 10-12 years.

She used Spud & Chloe Sweater (55% Wool, 45% Organic Cotton) #7501 Popsicle; #7502 Grass; and #7512 Watermelon.
What a fun sweater for those cool summer evenings.

The pattern and yarn, as well as several other patterns by Alana, are available at Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas and at our online store!

WE NEVER QUIT LEARNING

2009-07-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about knitting is there is always something new to learn. And, we're never too old to learn a new technique! Terry's class on Entralac was well attended and the women learned a beautiful new knitting skill.

And, they all had a good time while learning. Terry is an excellent teacher, very patient and knowledgeable.

Very intense work going on here!

Terry will be teaching a Celtic Cable Class Tuesday, July 28, from 1-4pm. There is still room if you would like to learn about cables and make a small purse in the process. Just call Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas and get signed up for the class. The fee is $25 and is payable in advance. All you need is one skein of light color worsted yarn, size US7 needles and a cable needle or smaller double pointed needle.
Come join in the fun and learn something new!

FREE WATERMELONS

2009-07-21T21:19:00.001-07:00

Here's another cute pattern designed by Susan B. Anderson for Spud & Chloe! And, it's free! This yarn is gonna be so much fun!And, check out Alana's new creation called "Chloe" on NEVER NOT KNITTING. What a wonderful use of colors and Alana's multiple sizes make it a very versatile pattern. We carry several of Alana's patterns at Dancing Ewe Yarns & Teas. Just come in or call and we will be glad to help you.

Knitting-The Next Generation

2009-07-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kid's Knitting Camp has ended but the girls will have a lifelong skill to practice and perfect. With teachers, Susie, Terry and Ann, they learned the basics of knitting and even finished a purse project!

They worked on their new knitting bags, decorating them to their own tastes.
What a group of great artists!

Last day and everyone showing off their creations! They had a wonderful time getting to know one another and learning a new skill. And, learning that part of knitting is coming together to talk and have fun.

Here are all their purses! And, just like them, each one is different and unique.

SPUD & CHLOE FREE PATTERNS

2009-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Susan B. Anderson of "Itty Bitty" books has developed two free patterns with the new Blue Sky Alpacas SPUD & CHLOE yarns! Have fun with these.

This is Ribbit and the pattern is found here.

And, here's a cute little cupcake pincushion! Take the pins out and have a wonderful pretend tea party for a special little girl! The pattern is available by going here.

SPUD & CHLOE

yarn and patterns
are available in our store and on our web site.

Spud and Chloe Yarn

2009-07-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Spud & Chloe

has arrived at

Dancing Ewe Yarns

We are so exicted we can hardly keep our knitting needles still.

Spud & Chloe is available in 3 weights:

Spud & Chloe Fine ~ Sock Weight

Spud & Chloe Sweater ~Worsted Weight

Spud & Chloe Outer ~ Bulky Weight

Spud & Chloe have been anxiously waiting to show you how luscious these yarns are, and Dancing Ewe Yarns has stocked the shelves with all the colors available.

And we have the Spud & Chloe patterns, too.

We know once you see Spud & Chloe you will agree. This new yarn IS special. Here is a link to the Spud & Chloe Blog for free patterns to get you started!

Story of A Lifelong Knitter~Susie~Part 2

2009-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

"Now you have come to your fourth year, Your work you will begin, That is learning the three arts: To read, to knit, to spin."

Icelandic rhyme from the 1500's.

Here are more of Susie's wonderful heirloom knitting.
The doll dress below is a newborn baby reproduction from the late 1800's pattern.

Another doll's dress.

This dress was made for a newborn. In the second picture you can see that the back is completely open except for the closure at the neck. Babies wore these going out of the house. They were covered in front but the back was completely open for easy dressing and undressing.

Doll sweater with lace collar.

Doll clothes designed and made by Susie. Even the little booties at right!

Baby doll dress and blanket Susie made for her doll house.

Susie loves to make toys and has made many treasured ones over the years. Here is a doll she created and knit recently.

With two knitted friends.

Knitted and felted nesting bowls. This pattern is free and available at Dancing Ewe Yarns.

Another of her creations! She's planning of filling the basket with these little gnomes.

And, last but not least, a felted pumpkin.

After sixty years of knitting, I'd say Susie has done a lot to grace the world with many beautiful heirlooms making all our lives just a little more lovely.

Story of A Lifelong Knitter-Susie

2009-06-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

"Now you have come to your fourth year, Your work you will begin, That is learning the three arts: To read, to knit, to spin."

Icelandic rhyme from the 1500's.

Knitter and teacher, Susie R. grew up hearing and repeating this rhyme. Although Susie's Icelandic grandmother spoke no English, she would talk to her son (Susie's father), and pointing at Susie say, "too old". At five, she felt Susie was too old to learn to knit! Children in Iceland were taught beginning at age 3 or 4.

The second Susie's grandmother placed needles in her hands, Susie loved knitting and has been knitting for sixty years.
Her favorite things to knit are lace and toys.
Enjoy these pictures of only a portion of Susie's knitting. Part 2 will be next week!

Susie's first tablecloth above was knitted with 30 weight thread.

How beautiful is this pattern! Does anyone know what this flower is? Susie and I didn't know.

Susie's favorite pattern is the oak leaf.

Susie was told that lace tablecloths and doilies were to be knit in ecru or white. But, her grandmother knitted in color so Susie followed her. How lovely in these shades of pink!

More oak leaves!

The blue, green and yellow doilies were knitted by Susie's grandmother. Susie knitted the pink doily using the other three doilies as a pattern.

Remember to check back next week for Part 2!