Jess and Jaime's Animal Pal Mitts!

Jaime Jennings

Pattern: Meow Mitts by Tiny Owl Knits

Yarn: Jamieson and Smith Shetland fingering 

Alterations: I knit the mitts in the round and did the kitty faces in duplicate stitch instead of intarsia

Stephanie Dosen of Tiny Owl Knits is one of my favorite designers. She designs magical patterns often inspired by animals and forests and this is the third pattern of hers I've knit. (Check out my Bear Sweater and Fox Stole for more animal magic). I've wanted to make these Meow Mitts since I first saw them years ago and I finally did it! The original Meow Mitts pattern is for an adorable pale gray kitty, but being a cat mom to two kitties, this was the perfect project to imitate their likeness. Amber used her photoshop skills to re-work the charts in my cats' colors. I wanted an easy knit so I decided to work the mitts in the round and then duplicate stitch the kitty faces. Duplicate stitch is so much harder than it seems. I would recommend it for a very small amount of colorwork, but for these guys, I would use intarsia next time. It ended up taking me a couple of months to get these tiny mitts done. I used the beautiful Jamieson and Smith Shetland fingering yarn. One 25 gram ball is the perfect amount for the mitts themselves with little leftover. The yarn is hardy and these mitts are going to hold up great which makes me happy after all that work went into them!

Lucy left and Looper right provide inspiration for Jaime's Meow Mitts

Jess Eaton

Pattern: Baby Lamb Cuffs by Tiny Owl Knits

Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft and Jamieson and Smith Shetland fingering for duplicate stitching

Alterations: I made my mitts a little bigger for maximum cuteness! I also opted to not add a face to my baby lambs, I wanted something more simple and I love them!

This is a pattern that I have had in my stash for a looooooong time. When Tiny Owl Knits released the Woodsy Association my mind was blown! I Immediately fell in love with the wolf! I knew it was a project I needed to do.  I started making my mitts and finished within the next 24 hours! Such a quick knit! I didn't know what was up ahead. Duplicate stitch, that's what. This was my first time doing duplicate stitch, I figured because I am knowledgeable in and LOVE embroidery that this would be a breeze... boy, was I wrong. I fought with this piece a few times making an entire wolf only to start over TWICE and then I ended up making the sheep. Haha. This decision was mainly because the neutral wolf colors did not stick out enough to be able to see how much work went into the wolf face. The other reason is because I think they were meant to be sheep mitts! I learned so much with my determination to finish this project I actually found duplicate stitch kind of therapeutic by the end of it. I am so happy with the finished product! I LOVE SHEEP!!

Jess made a Breckon Cardigan!

--Jess

I have been dreaming of making sweaters since I started knitting 4 years ago, as a matter of fact it was my driving force to learn how to knit. The idea of being able to knit my own clothes still gives me goosebumps! I am constantly saying "I can't believe I MADE this!!" Needless to say I am extremely happy with my new sweater.

The Breckon is a Brooklyn Tweed pattern by Amy Christoffers that I have had my eye on since it was released. It calls for Loft fingering weight yarn. I fell in love with the color Truffle Hunt which was also featured in the pattern sample!

I was surprised with how effortless it was to understand the lace pattern. This is an easy nine stitch repeat mixed with a few cables and granite stitch. I know that might sound like a lot but I assure you it was a delight! I really enjoyed how much detail this sweater has. Every row kept my attention and I found myself saying "just one more repeat" far too often!  

This pattern calls for you to make the sleeves first.. and phew!  Was I happy when I finished the body to only had to attach them. (this is my happy face)

I decided not to include any waist shaping and I am so certain that was the right decision for me. The results are exactly what I was looking for. I wear cardigans almost everyday and this one has already jumped to the top of my favorites list. 

I could not be more pleased with my new cardigan! I have already cast on for my next sweater thanks to Fancy Tigers sweater KAL! I need to make a worsted weight project before I jump into my next fingering weight Brooklyn Tweed sweater. Be on the look out- I plan on making the Reine out of Loft in 2014 and I can't wait!  

Craft Up A Trend: Stock Show Style

The cowboys are starting to roll into town and Denver is preparing for the 108th annual National Western Stock Show! It's time to find our western spirit and craft up some Stock Show Style.

We have collected an array of crafty patterns and supplies that are suited for your all stock show needs. With these we assure you will be the most fashionable attendee at this years stock show! 

Rockabilly Soft by Hill Country Weavers is a beautifully constructed cardigan with yoke detailing fit for a cowgirl. Muted colors of Loft make the perfect palette for this sweater. Check out the western-style piping at the shoulders!

Figgy's sewing patterns have us swooning over the adorableness. The Ayashe lays out options and suggestions on how to further customize this gem for your little one. Can you just picture this top with some tiny cowboy boots?! 

Obviously we needed to figure out the perfect pattern for Kokkas horse fabric from Japan. The Madeleine is a full skirt that sits at your natural waist and... it has suspenders! The over-sized pockets will be a perfect place to stash treats for your new llama friend!

This rustic Shetland lace from Elemental Affects would be lovely teamed up with Brooklyn Tweed's Frida pattern by Hiroko Fukatsu.  This fringed shawl is sure to keep you warm and stylish while watching all that mutton bustin'.

What about crafty cowboys, you say? Whip up one of these Negroni shirts from our pendleton shirting. You are sure to be the most stylish man in the catch-a-calf contest!

We love chambray, specifically dresses made out of chambray. We have a wide range of colors in stock but of course the standard denim wins for stock show sassiness. 

Watch out cowboys! There's a new horse in town and he can't wait to attend this years national stock show. This needlefelted pony will win the hearts of all those in search of their western spirit! 

We hope to see you there showing of your new duds!

Jaime's Carpino Sweater

Those people over at Brooklyn Tweed have got to stop. Every time I turn around they are publishing another round of beautiful patterns and I have to knit them all. There's not enough time!! Sometimes I can get overwhelmed at so many beautiful things to knit, but Carpino was easy. It was love at first sight for this pattern by the charming Irish designer, Carol Feller. Carpino moved immediately to the top of my queue and as soon as I finished our last knit along I cast on. Everything about this pattern was effortless: I confidently chose my color, my gauge was right on, the pattern just used one needle size that I happened to have in my knitting bag from my last project. It was all so serendipitous! Carpino held up to all my expectations. It just flowed off my needles in a few weeks with no tinking or issues.

The front panel is done in a feminine and interesting simple lace design. The lace repeats over just 3 stitches and 4 rows so it was a cinch to memorize. The sweater is knit seamless from the top down so I could try it on as I went. I knit this up exactly per the instructions with no alterations and I love it. 

The back of the sweater is done in stockinette stitch with some subtle dart shaping for the waist and hips. The sleeves and bottom band are finished with a stylish twisted-rib stitch and the neck is professionally finished with an i-cord edge.

Loft is a lovely yarn to work with and comes in a beautiful palette - I am so happy with this forest-y green, color, Birdbook. The sweater is warm enough to wear in chilly weather, but not too hot to keep on all day indoors. The easy fit is comfortable and flattering to wear. I've already worn this about a dozen times and I'm already scheming another Loft sweater.

The best part about this sweater? It is my 10th and final sweater for 2013. I had a personal goal of a sweater a month for 2013, which I fell just shy of, but I'm so proud of myself and all my sweater accomplishments! Hooray!

Holy Cowl! Jaime's Oshima Sweater

I recently finished my first sweater using Brooklyn Tweed Loft yarn. It was amazing. There are so many wonderful patterns from Brooklyn Tweed, it was a tough choice, but I love a good cowl neck and the Oshmia sweater pattern by Jared Flood has the biggest cowl yet. Perfect. I choose the beautiful ochre color Hayloft which may look familiar from Amber's last post!

Oshima calls for Loft held double which makes for a chunky yarn and was knit mostly on a size 10.5 needle. The top of the sweater is a brioche pattern which means an extra-squishy fabric with beautiful texture. Oshima is knit bottom up - the shoulders and sleeves are seamed for a great fit.

Jared Flood writes very thoughtful patterns and every detail is accounted for. Various needle sizes help make the cuffs turn up perfectly and make the cowl flare out just so. The cuffs are tacked down so they always stay in place. A garter stitch edge on the sleeves and body mean the seaming is easy to work and assures it will look fantastic. The shaping of the shoulders and arms in the brioche stitch pattern makes for a beautiful effect on the back which I really appreciate.

Loft is a lovely yarn to work with - it holds up to its name and is super soft. Since this sweater was knit with the yarn held double it took 9 skeins and means it is extra cozy to wear. My gauge was just a bit off so I did some calculations and knit the smallest size 34" for a finished size of 35". The pattern is meant to be worn with positive ease, so this gave me a bit of positive ease without being overwhelming on my small frame.

I love this sweater - it is the perfect cozy sweater to wear on snowy days or trips to the mountains!

New Fancy Knit Along! Join us!

It is that time of year when our hands ache to feel wool yarn running through them and our necks beg to be warm...a Fancy Tiger Crafts Knit-a-long is in order!! Our customers chose the next Fancy KAL for us and we are happy to join in the fun. This is a pattern that Amber and I have been wanting to knit for quite a while: Aranami Shawl by Olga Buraya-Kefelian (Olgajazzy!) This beautiful scalloped shawl uses 5 colors for a fantastic ombré effect. The recommended yarn for this shawl is Brooklyn Tweed Loft which will be a joy to knit with. We stock all 32 colors of Loft so any and all of your ombré dreams can come true.

Here is how the KAL works:

• Pick our your colors and purchase your yarn, pattern, and needles from us by November 5th and receive 15% off.
• Cast on! We will be casting on for our shawls on November 5th at Craft Night for any local folks who can join.
• Knit! We'll be knitting our shawls together every Tuesday night in November.
• Finish! We hope to finish our shawls by December 3rd. Bring your shawl that night (even if its not done) for a photoshoot and raise a glass with us in congratulatory address! 
• If you don't live in Denver you can still join in the fun. Use the hashtag #fancykal on all your photos so we can follow along with your progress virtually. You can order your yarn from us and receive your discount with a quick email of your order + mailing address to info@fancytigercrafts.com.

Amber and I have already picked out our colors and can't wait to start! Of course, I chose to use 5 of the 12 natural colors in the Brooklyn Tweed palette.

Fossil, Woodsmoke, Stormcloud, Truffle Hunt, and Pumpernickel

Amber went for shades of green for her shawl and it's going to be beautiful!

Pumpernickel, Artifact, Tent, Sap, and Foothills

We can't wait to see what you pick! We hope you can join us for the Knit-A-Long adventure!

Craft up a Trend - Prairie Style

Living in Colorado, it's hard not to be influenced by the prairies and fields surrounding us. Farmlands and country life are all inspirations to us.

Home on the range...

Small calico floral prints and ticking fabrics are perfect to achieve a prairie style. Lace-up oxfords can help you complete your look. Prairie fashion has been seen on the runway and in the streets and is easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. We have tons of patterns and supplies to achieve a country-prairie look. Here are some of our favorite fabrics, yarns and patterns.

Prairie style is big in fashion now - here are some styles we collected on Polyvore

Nothing beats ticking as a reference of prairie style. This sturdy, tightly woven fabric kept the feathers from escaping homesteaders' feather stuffed pillows and beds. We have a lightweight ticking cloth available in 6 colors that make for modestly classic bags, aprons and even dresses.

Speaking of ticking, thanks to this great pattern from Cirilia Rose for Loft you can knit your own Ticking Cowl inspired by this workaday fabric.

Small floral prints will help you achieve a prairie look. We'd love to see the Ceylon by Colette in one of these sweet little calicos.

A bandanda shawl would be great to accessorize your new wardrobe - perhaps this pattern from Hill Country Weavers in the rustically wonderful Acadia from Fibre Co?

Be sure to finish your garments and accessories with a natural cotton lace trim.

We have no shortage of pioneer inspired patterns, from quilts to cute dresses, your style can be handcrafted-down-home-prairie perfection.

“You should never be ashamed of work you have done only work that you haven't.”
― Little House on the Prairie

Brooklyn Tweed Loft Yarn at Fancy Tiger Crafts!

A few weeks ago we received an email from Jared Flood which included the most exciting news of all time. Fancy Tiger Crafts was chosen to be one of ten shops in the US to carry his Brooklyn Tweed yarns, Loft and Shelter. We are so honored to be chosen and are thrilled to be able to share this lovely yarn with our customers here in Colorado! Welcome Loft!

Loft is everything you could love in a yarn. It is grown in Wyoming and milled in the historic Harrisville mill in New Hampshire. You can read an extensive look at the mill process here on the Brooklyn Tweed blog. Loft is a woolen-spun, fingering weight yarn made up of soft and springy Targhee-Columbia X wool. The color palette is heathers in 10 neutrals (you know how I love that) and 22 beautiful hues. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, and the names of the colors perfectly encapsulate their mysterious tweedy shades. Postcard is a pale tweed that looks like a found stack of vintage french love letters, Foothills is the color of Leprechaun tears, and Sap is reminiscent of a Maple Tree Fairy's hair. Can you even imagine what color Old World is? or Bird Book?! Here are the 32 tweedy, woolly yarns that are just waiting to become your next project! You will have to stop by to check them all out in person to see just how magical they are.

One of the best things about this yarn is the amazing pattern support. Jared Flood and his team of designers at Brooklyn Tweed are constantly releasing patterns that are sophisticated, smart, and beautiful. Whether you want to knit a shawl, scarf, cardigan, or baby blanket, we can help you find the right Brooklyn Tweed pattern. Jared and Leila were kind enough to send us a few samples to display in the shop to help welcome Loft. Please stop by to have a look at these lovelies in person!

Burnham Mittens by Leila Raabe

Farthing Scarf by Jared Flood

Leaves of Grass by Jared Flood

Thayer by Leila Raabe

Sakura Shawl by Leila Raabe

Stonecrop by Jared Flood

Stay tuned for Brooklyn Tweed Shelter's arrival this summer!