Amber's Maidenhair Dandy

I am so inspired by all the indie knitting patterns we've picked up at the shop! One of my new favorite designers is Alexandra Tinsley of Dull Roar knitting patterns. I've just finished knitting her Dandy Scarf and it was a quick and satisfying knit.

After I fell for the dreamiest of dreamy yarns that is Handmaiden Maiden Hair, I was on the lookout for the perfect pattern to showcase it's sheen and drapiness. Dull Roar's Dandy Scarf was it! Alexandra's version is knit in 100% silk, and the Maiden Hair I used is a lovely alternative--shiny silk glowing through a magical halo of soft kid mohair.

I am in love with this scarf. It is sure to be a wardrobe staple for cool autumn days. One skein was all it took to make the Dandy, with plenty of yarn left over for the fanciful tassels.

Liberty Möbius Scarf Bonanza!

You may have noticed the folks of Fancy Tiger Crafts sporting some hot möbius scarves in our last few posts. As a holiday gift to our fabulous employees, Jaime and I whipped up these super-soft and silky accessories in Liberty of London lawns and Anna Maria Horner voiles.


We were inspired by Anna Maria's Figure 8 Scarf tutorial, but our version is a little lighter, smaller and simpler to make. Each scarf takes just 1/4 yard each of two 54" fabrics. Here's what we did:

1. Trim the edges of your two fabrics straight, making sure they are the same size.
2. Put the two fabrics right sides together and sew down both long sides, making a tube.
3. Press seams to one side and turn your scarf right side out, then press flat.
4. Turn raw edges under 1/2" on one open end of scarf and press. The raw edges should be inside of the opening and the folded edge should be pressed so the front and back line up nicely.
   
5. Bring the other edge of the scarf around, twisting it a half turn so the opposite prints are next to each other, and insert it into the turned under opening.
6. Pin and topstitch the ends together.
   

Sweet, it's done! And look how happy these lovely folks look in their scarves.

Happy Holidays!

New Handspun Bouquet Yarn!

We just unpacked a box of wild and lovely "Handspun Bouquet" yarn from Pagewood Farms. This super bulky, thick and thin yarn is embellished with cute, wooly flowers.


Keep warm as the weather turns cool with a colorful flower garden scarf. Just ask for this free pattern with your purchase!

New! Habu Textiles Yarns and Kits!

We are so excited to have picked up Habu Textiles! These yarns are all about texture. We've been coveting and dreaming of carrying this inspiring yarn company for a while...



This is their beautiful 100% silk tweed yarn in a rainbow of lush tweedy colors.


This is my favorite, a silk and stainless steel yarn! It knits up beautifully--the fabric is silky soft, but the steel gives it a memory so that it crinkles with texture.

We also have the Kusha Kusha Scarf Kits, which will get you started knitting a gorgeous silk/stainless and merino scarf. We are working on one right now!


This is a pretty paper yarn, made with viscose. It makes a fluttery, light crisp garment.


One of Habu's most unique products is this super fine stainless steel thread. You can hold it along with another yarn to add the unique memory of steel to your project. We are also planning to experiment with it in our hand spinning!


We love this knit alpaca cord! We made this bobble scarf in about 5 minutes from just 2 1/2 yards of knit alpaca and 1/4 ounce of 4 bright colors of merino roving. Quick and cute!

Better Know A Crafter: Emily VanGilder

Emily visited Fancy Tiger Crafts wearing the most adorable hooded scarf knit from soft Malabrigo worsted. We couldn't take our eyes off of it! We imagine frolicking through the forest while picking wild herbs and berries wearing this! Jaime is already planning on knitting one of her very own.

Emily VanGilder

Tell us about yourself...What makes you want to be crafty?

I am a medical student--I graduate in May. I'm going into obstetrics and gynecology. I craft as a creative outlet. Knitting is my art.

How did you make your scarf?
This is the Peaks Island Hood pattern by Ysolda Teague (available in Whimsical Little Knits 2). I added 4" of seed stitch to make it longer. I used Malabrigo yarn in Polar Morn--2.2 balls, straight needles in size 10.5, and three buttons.


How did you learn to knot?
My grandma taught me to knit many years ago. I picked it up again when my fiance worked at a restaurant that shared a building with a yarn shop.

What is your favorite animal?
Otter!

Thanks Emily! Happy knitting!

Better Know A Crafter: Becky Wareing

We are totally in awe of Becky's luscious alpaca, pom-pom embellished, crocheted scarf. My-oh-my, it is softer than a unicorn baby. When she wears it she is like a magical creature.

Becky Waring of Becky's Buttons

1) What makes you want to be crafty?

My main focus is usually on buttons (insert shameless plug here...) but I was raised in a really creative environment so I've always experimented with different crafts such as: embroidery, cross-stitching, anything with googly eyes or feathers, needlefelting, jewelry making, anything I can get my hands on.


2) Tell us about your crocheted scarf.
This was my first time doing the puff stitch and needless to say I got a lot of practice with it. this is crocheted with 100% alpaca and it's super soft. I also got to use various pom-pom makers for the finishing touches. The pattern is from the book Pop Goes Crochet! by Vickie Howell.

3) How did you learn to crochet?
Zach at Fancy Tiger taught me how to crochet, best class ever. Thanks Zach!

4) What is your favorite animal?
My cats and cephalopods.

Thanks Becky! Happy crafting!