On My Needles: Ten Below Hat by Anna Shallman of Sisu Designs

I have been very happy with the way skrapyram's new, all-natural style has been received!  I didn't know how it would go over, by sales in my Etsy shop have been brisk since I made the switch. I had intended to announce a supply of circular knitting needle cases in time for Christmas, but I have been too busy keeping my straight needle cases in stock.  I assume sales will slow down after Christmas, at which point I do plan to add more circular cases as well as DPN cases.

To balance out all of the sewing I have been doing, I am taking a two-color knitting class at Sisu Designs and working on the "Ten Below" hat by Anna Shallman. 

Latvian Braid

This class has taught me how to make a Latvian Braid and how to hold two yarns at the same time without tangling them.  To accomplish that remarkable feat, Anna showed us how to throw and pick at the same time.  I have always been a "thrower," and learning to pick has been a major revelation!

Ridge and Furrow

I did have to start this project over - twice! The first two yarns I selected were of slightly different weights, which meant that I could not achieve the "ridge and furrow" effect desired with this pattern. Once I got my yarn selection right, I realized that I really need to use a long tail cast on when knitting hats.  (This was something I should have remembered from my Felicity hat project.) Without the long tail method, my cast on edge was way too sloppy.

Ready in time for Santa's visit?

I think I've got most of the kinks worked out with this project now, and I hope to be wearing my new hat on Christmas Eve!  Will you be wearing any new hand knits when Santa stops by for milk and cookies?

Linen Knitting Needle Cases Now Available from skrapyram. A great gift for knitters!

As promised, I have new knitting needle cases listed in my Etsy shop - just in time for Christmas.

These all-natural knitting needle cases feature a simple, easy- to-use rolled design and an attached cotton cord closure. With eight needle pockets, they are sized to organize both straight knitting needles and crochet hooks.

I love the way the classic linen fabric contrasts with bright, modern cotton prints!  Plus, I have pre-washed all of the fabric, resulting in a soft and sumptuous feel.

I hope you will visit my Etsy shop to see just how much fun I have been having creating these new cases for you. And if you would like to keep up with each new case that I make, please consider following skrapyram on Pinterest.

Up next: my best selling circular knitting needle cases!