New Stitch Markers

I normally don't blog about every new item I list, but I'm just too entirely excited about a new line of polymer clay stitch markers!

On the top row are my very new and oh-so-cute ice cream cones, your favorite candy-coated chocolates, and calorie-free s'mores! All are in sets of 6 for $12 a set.

And on the bottom row you'll see three of a few new Swarovski crystal stitch marker colors. They are in sets of 8, also for $12 a set.

You can find both lines in my Etsy store.

But the best part? This is just the beginning. I have plans to bring you many more varieties from both lines. 2011 is going to be a very exciting year at JL Yarnworks!

Mr. Cute Bunny Hopkins

I think it's about time I introduce the newest member of the Yarnworks family.

In September, my husband had the joy of accompanying me to North Country Fiber Fair. It was his very first fiber show.  After helping me set up, he wandered the fair. Within minutes, he was back at my booth. "There is the cutest gray bunny in the corner over there," he said. He leaned over me a bit. I was sitting and he's 6'5". "And I *want* him."

I chuckled a bit, knowing I've been talking about angoras for the past year or more only to have him scoff at me.

Together, we ventured over to the two angora booths, admiring the different types. Finally, I saw the one he'd fallen for. A gorgeous black English Angora. He'd been raised by an 8-year-old boy as a 4H project and was being sold by the angora breeder for him. I've always been partial to the English Angora, so I looked at him and ever-so-coyly said, "He's very cute. If you really want him..."

The kids were thrilled when they found out we were getting a pet! They wanted to call him Hoppy or Hopper. Then they suggested Bouncer. *sigh* Finally, we came up with Hopkins. Then Miss Kate suggested that he needed "Cute Bunny" as a middle name.  We settled on Mr. Cute Bunny Hopkins. Though we usually call him Hopkins or Mr. Hopkins.

He has free run of the living room. Really, he has free run of the house, but he never strays far from his cage. His favorite spot is behind his cage, looking out the sliding glass doors. He even has a wild bunny that visits him from time to time. We see the little paw prints in the snow! I wonder what they must think of each other, separated by glass like that.

Hopkins loves toys. He loves throwing them around and gets mad if you move things around. Just picking up stray toys in the living room will usually result in an angry foot thump from him.

So if we got Hopkins back in September, why am I just now blogging about him? Well, because he accompanied us to our Christmas photo shoot today! He's a natural! Waaaaay easier to pose than my children!!!

Here is my newest favorite photo:

And the whole family...minus Mr. Yarnworks who is still in Afghanistan:

Gift Wrapping

I spent my weekend shipping out special Christmas orders. I absolutely love this time of year! Not only do I get to spoil my own friends and family, but I get to help spoil yours as well!

Here's an example of an order that shipped out this weekend:

And guess what? This is a service that I offer FREE of charge! Whether it's Christmas or a birthday or a secret pal, I'll make sure your package is done up right! All you have to do is ask. And, please double-check that the paypal "ship to" address is the gift recipient's address.

There's still time for Christmas gifts! Order by December 18th to make sure that your gifts get there in time for Christmas!

And We're Off!

The race has begun. There are only 38 days until Christmas. Which for a knitter or crocheter is NOT a lot of time, right?

I'm starting to wonder already if I've bitten off more than I can chew. I can't share too many details here for fear of ruining the surprise for the lucky recipients, but.... EEK!!!! And, of course, I'm finding more intriguing patterns just about daily.

I mean, just look at this gorgeous trio of Christmas trees by the Fiber Fool, Kristi Schueler. I spotted these guys around this time last year, and have yet to knit them up. The only question is, do I make them for myself or for someone on my list? Pretty sure I'm going to be selfish with this one! If I've been pining (pun inadvertent, but I'm keeping it) for a year now, they must be mine.

Of course, with snow looming, the chill is setting in. How can I resist knitting up the Northman Cowl by Desiree Bowman? It looks so versatile! I bet it would be great worn around the head as well!

And another cowl I have my eye on....'cause cowls are the thing this year. The Listado Cowl by Laura Nelkin. Isn't it fabulous?

There's something about the little belt and button on this hat that really calls to me. It's sweet and cute and sophisticated all at once. Vintage, yet trendy. It's Maggie, Vintage Style Cabled Cloche by Tina Sanders.

And this caught my eye as well. My youngest is afraid of the shadows in her room....and the moving eyes of her toys after dark. We've found that a great solution is a sleep mask. We bought her one with embroidered monster eyes. Wish I'd seen this one first! Time permitting, it just may end up under the tree for her! Jessica Schleicher's "Eye See You Sleep Mask" -- just look at the detail in those eyes!

And if that wasn't enough cuteness for you, how about this little guy? Cheeky Little Monkeys by Tanya Brooks. Too. Flippin'. Cute.

Think there's time for it all? Probably not, but I aim to try!!!! Thankfully, some of these are selfish knits, so they can wait until after Christmas. Except for the trees. They may have to be done by next weekend when the Christmas decor goes up!

***All photos used with permission of the designer. These are some fabulous ladies, seriously. Check out their pages on Ravelry (linked names) and take a peek at all the loveliness they have to offer.***