My yarn from The Memory Tree and Yarn Branch

Here is the yarn I got yesterday from The Memory Tree and Yarn Branch.  It is all soooo yummy, I can't wait to knit with it.

First up, this beautiful lace weight from Grignasco Knits, Merinosilk 25.  I typically do not go for green at all, but this pastel was irresistible!

I am going to have to go through my Walker Treasury books to find something to do this yarn justice.

Next - I have some angora yarn in my stash, however it all has a bit of nylon as well.  This Angora from Plymouth is 100% angora; I have searched and searched for a 100% angora and have never found it.  Until yesterday!  Let me tell you, it is nothing short of exquisite!

No better place for this yarn than right next to you.  I plan on using this for a cowl.  

Here is some super squishy yarn from Plymouth, which I have only ever found online.  I couldn't resist buying this yesterday when I felt it.  Mushishi!

This wonderful yarn is most likely going to be a shawl.  I do love my shawls!  The only hard part will be deciding whether or not to work it top down or bottom up.

Next, some more Plymouth yarn.  This is Taria Tweed, which I have never seen before, so thought I would give it a try.

I think this is going to make another lovely shawl for me.  

And finally, Lustra from Berroco.  This is very much like the Mulberry Silk I purchased at a knitting and crochet festival last year.  It is soft, smooth, smooshy and wonderful!

This will probably turn into a cowl.  I know it will be so soft and silky, and great for wearing next to the skin.  Yummy!

The Memory Tree and Yarn Branch

Yesterday I visited a little shop called The Memory Tree and Yarn Branch.  This shop is located at 1015 Chess Street, Monongahela, PA.  Currently you can buy yarn and knit/crochet notions and items for scrap booking here.

This shop is owned by the sweetest little old lady, Dorothy.  It was very nice to chat with her a bit while I was there, and I look forward to going back!

Dorothy plans on eliminating the scrap book part of the store, and providing only yarn; she also plans on providing a selection of buttons.

Some of the yarns you can find here are Patons, Bernat, and Berroco, among others.  I was so very tempted to purchase the interchangeable set of Knit Picks needles I saw, but managed to hold back.

You can also get a Marvelous Memory Card, which receives a number of punches depending on the amount of money spent.  Once you hit the $200 mark, you get $10 in Memory Money!

The Memory Tree and Yarn Branch is a great little store - if you live in the area, or if you don't live in the area, but happen to be passing through, I recommend you stop by and visit Dorothy, and buy some of the wonderful yarn she carries.

Here is the yarn I got from Dorothy yesterday. Click HERE.

Knitted Fringe

I have seen a number of knitted fringe instructions in old books, and finally decided to give one a try.  At first, I couldn't imagine how this would work out, but of course it does!  It's a little bit of knitted magic.

You can use any yarn and needles you like.

Cast on 8

*K2, YO, K2tog*

Just repeat this for every row, until the fringe is as long as you like.  Then, bind off five stitches.  Cut the yarn and pull the tail through.  You will have some stitches just hanging around on the left needle - these will turn into the fringe.  Slide the remaining stitches off the needle, and unravel them.

You can then attach your fringe to knitted or crochet items.  You can sew the fringe on with a tapestry needle, or attach it with a crochet hook and single crochets.  I attach mine with a crochet hook in the video below.  You can hold your fringe and the item you are attaching it to with right sides together, so the crochet seam is on the back, or you can hold them wrong sides together, and the seam can be used as a decorative element.

I suppose you could even make the fringe on some fine crochet cotton, and sew it on with a regular needle and thread.  I think this would look so pretty as a decoration on a pillowcase, or maybe some nice dinner napkins.