My adorable niece was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She receives numerous insulin injections every day, even during the night. Because she is young, the tears still come. I must say, she is a real trooper though and I watch her courage with awe. More than her courage, her spirit continues to brighten a room.
This sweet, little girl loves puppies and so when these Roo Designs patterns arrived, I knew exactly what I would knit for her.

She also loves purple. Who could resist a Purple Puppy Sweater which is knit with Cascade’s wonderful, worsted cotton, Cotton Rich.?

Because she loves my crazy puppies, Bonnie and Clyde, I thought I would try my hand at an artistic photo shoot.

Bonnie and Clyde were anything but impressed with my artistic streak.

 

We are often asked if men knit. All I can say is…

Clancy knits.

John knits.

And a few fellows from the Rocky Mountain College ski team knit.

Franklin knits

Shane knits.

We are sure many more have discovered the joys of knitting. If you possess the XY rather than the XX chromosomes, you too can knit. And we say, KNIT ON you brave fellows. Wild Purls loves ya!

 

A few weeks ago, we had a visitor come our way from Portland, Oregon. Miss Mary Scott Huff brought loads of color to our shop on Broadwater Avenue. While she was here, we decided to gather again and show off our works of art to one another.
The highlight was getting to talk to our BFF in the world of color knitting, Mary!

A few of the lovlies came in on the hands and heads of many of our participants.

Mary Kay and Ann both have one mitten!

Margit and Clancy still have a way to go…

Tish, Dianne, Clancy and Karen bring a spot of color for everyone to admire.

I couldn’t forget Shirley and Becky and of course Linda.

And did I mention that hubby loves the waves and mountains in his hat.

 

Yesterday afternoon, we were madly finishing, projects around the table on the first of our Finishing Fridays in the 3 month series. Suddenly, a group of children from the Friendship House arrived on a scavenger hunt of the yarn shop. This winter, the children have been learning to knit. Their final project is a baby blanket for one of their wonderful teachers who just had a darling baby. Each of their blocks will be joined together for a hand made gift that we are sure this baby will enjoy.

Part of their afternoon fun was to find where the needles are located, the softest yarn in the store, the brightest yarn in the shop, and even to interview a knitter.

What a clever idea for the children to have to choose the brightest yarn!

Today, while the snow flies, yet again, I am going to choose the brightest skein of yarn that I can get my hands on, and begin my February project. If there are any of you needing a little pick-me-up during these long, snowy days, join the fun by choosing the brightest yarn you can find. Knit a February snow project. I may need to dig out my sunglasses with what I have in mind.

 

A great idea for all you do-it-yourselfers..

Homemade Woolwash Recipe

Grate 2 bars of pure Castile soap with a cheese grater, to equal approximately 2 cups of soap flakes. Add 4 cups of boiling water and whisk until soap is dissolved. Add 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 Tbsp. of essential oil- Lavendar and Cedar are especially pleasant. Whisk until blended. Pour into containers and let sit 24 hours. It will gel up. To use, scoop out 1 Tbsp. and swish in warm water for your woollies. Simple and cheap.

Submitted by Kitrin Crane

I’ll be interested to know what you think of this recipe. Let us know.