Bootiful Boot Cuffs

Another stunning use of Malabrigo Rios and a great choice of pattern. These are boot cuffs by Laura.  The pattern is on Ravelry.  The cuff will sit over the boot top nicely.  

Beautiful Wooden Yarn Bowl

Here's a gorgeous turned wood bowl - that you cannot purchase!!  It is a sample only, but would you like one??  (I would) Roisin is planning to have at least one at GBOW in the near future.  A lovely complement for lovely wool and fine tools.  Stay tuned.

Claire Has Been Very Busy

These two photos have a story. Claire loved this pattern and didn't know how to crochet but wanted to make this hat during her travels. She presented her dilemma to us - And she was leaving in a few days.  Carola to the rescue!  Carola taught Claire how to crochet AND read a pattern enough for Claire to produce this nicely fitting hat. (Carola can teach you too) Crocheted in linen/cotton by Katia called Linda.

Claire has been a busy woman!  Whipped up this poncho (oh-so-soft) using Sirdar pattern and Diamond Select Stonewash (60% cotton) yarn.  Nice tweedy effect and not too warm.  Perfect

More of Claire's work: one of Roisin's patterns, the Chantal Poncho, using Drops Sock Yarn.  The colours show beautifully, don't they?  Love it!

And Claire modeling someone else's work -  one of Carola's scrunchies. Looking good!

Dee's Finished Bunting Bag

Dee has finished her bunting bag and hat...Phew! From all of us! 

We love it... 

Dee used Malabrigo yarn and Diamond Select Carefree Chunky which are working happily together in this piece.  Interesting choice of buttons too.  Her grandbaby-to-be will be happy to pop-out and pop- in to this cozy bunting bag.

Dee's Bunting Bag

Dee is re-designing and re-doing her grandbaby-to-be's bunting bag using wonderful lovely-to-touch Malabrigo Mecha

Bunting Bag To Be

Remember that Thursdays afternoons are 'Help Available in the Loopy Lounge" - 1-3 pm.  This past Thursday, Dee worked on this gorgeous Malabrigo bunting bag for a grandbaby to come If you look closely you can even see the buttonholes.

These Purses....Are Amazing

Sonia made this words-can't-describe gift for her Mum for Christmas.

Felted, lined and needle felted, looking like a painting masquerading as a purse....just amazing! We would love to know if Sonia's mum will use it or frame it! A one-of-a-kind, but....

This gorgeous red felted handbag by Sonia is at GBOW for sale. It is also felted, lined and totally amazing and reasonably priced for the work of art it is.  You can view it at the store...prepare to be awestruck.

Cathy's Kitty Socks

Cathy from Texada sent Roisin these photos, and the note below. This made us laugh a lot...and we forsee a trend of knitting matching socks for your cats. 
"Thought I'd send a pic of my latest sox from your Drops Fabel super wash. Crazy thing is I had to rewind one ball as they were wound differently! Oh well... Thought the latter turned out quite prettily, these are for my daughter in law. Her cat Duchess has requested a pair, hmmm, a quartet? Only one done thus far.... I must be nuts. My cat Pebbles is modeling..."

Helen's Headband

This is a neckband creatively turned into a headband which looks great on one of Powell River's young lovelies....Noro Silk and Wool - Maiko, and knit by Helen.

Mary's Gorgeous Gloves

Beautiful Diamond Luxury Mulberry Silk and Merino Gloves by Mary.  Lucky daughter who's getting these....one of the many pairs of gloves Mary has knit for Christmas gifts for one of her many wonderful daughters. Lucky indeed!

Boot Cuffs By Carola

Gina's leg and nice boots showing off our selection of boot cuffs. All knit by Carola with Rosetti, Always Dreams variegated (75% acrylic 25% wool),  The darker one is a mixture of mohair--nice and fuzz--and something or other else (we forget...!).  These are available for sale at GBOW.  All one of a kind. Buy local!

Christmas List...Print This!

Here is a long list of lovely yarn-y related items that may include lots of things you would be happy to find under the tree and in your stocking. So, print it off and leave it where your personal Santa will find it. Remember Santas, you can get a gift certificate if you can't decide.
And where can all this be found? Why, at the greatest local yarn shop, Great Balls of Wool at 4722A Marine Ave, right here in Powell River!

1. Knit Kit - The swiss army knife for knitters.  All the essentials, tape measure, stitch counter, yarn cutter, scissors, crochet hook stitch markers, tapestry needle, needle gauge and point protectors.

2. Felting kit by Fiber Trends - everything for the beginning felter - under $30.

3. New pattern book from Universal Yarns - 50 patterns for under $20.00. The gift that keeps giving!

4. Check out the Pattern book bargain bin for gifts under $10.00

5. Hand-made buttons from Ontario - under $10.00 each

6. Knitting Needle Set. Interchangeable needles. We have a variety of sets. 

7. Kids beginners kit. For 5 yr olds and up.  French Knitter with one ball of variegated cotton under $15.00. Get a child started on a lifelong hobby and passion.

8. "Grab & Run" Tool kit for knitters - $25.00 (reg price $29.99)  All the essentials!

9. Malabrigo light weight yarn to drool over -  $19.99 and up. And of course, we have tons of other yummy yarns. 

10. Antique sock darning tools. How cute! 

11. Knitters Pride Pattern stand. Hands free!

12. Yarn Swifts & Ball Winder. If you are using your Santa's hands or the back of a chair to wind hanks of yarn into nice balls, these. They can make the job go much more smoothly. 

The first two pictures are swifts, and the yarn is spun off onto a winder, picture #3. 

So, there you have it, The Twelve Present Suggestions from Great Balls of Wool! Nine more shopping days until Christmas...

Kitty's Thrummed Hat And Many Mitts

Roisin sent these photos along, saying she thought the knitting style--"thrumming" had started in Newfoundland. So, I thought, I will ask my pal knit expert Nigel from Newfoundland--and of course, he knew. Here is what he wrote: "The word is thrum. It is a technique for making warm mittens by working small pieces of fleece into the mitten. They show up as small stitches on the outside but inside they make a fluffy lining. The Yarn Harlot has written an FAQ about them (and her husband is a Newfoundlander). Here's a link: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/thrumfaq.html7 " Thanks Nigel!

The thrum is actually the little piece of unspun fleece or roving...and as you can tell from the photos it is very cozy and warm. You can see the thrums in the inside of hat knit by Kitty, and then the chevon look on the outside..

And here are the matching mitts with the hat..

More thrummed mitts with very cute matching headbands.  Once you've seen and felt these thrummed items it is very tempting to get going on a pair of mitts or gloves, or slippers, or hat or or....anything that needs to be warm and cozy!

Sharon's I-Cord Cowl

Roisin's friend Sharon trying on her I cord cowl (the blue matches her eyes) knit with Malabrigo Rasta and then slightly felted.  The fasteners are by Jul Design, New York. Recently featured in Vogue Magazine and available in Powell River for 6 months at GBOW! 

Shawl Pins

If you have made or plan on making a shawl or wrap, you might want to add a pin to keep it closed. Available at the store...Nature's Wonder Shawl Pins - handmade in Ontario!

Cute Custom Headbands

Two more custom designed headbands by Lynda for this beautiful custom designed little girl.  She makes the headbands look especially cuter than cute.

Hair Bandeau For Baby

This slightly out of focus photo (no, your prescription does not need to be changed) is a special order Wearable Art piece crocheted by Lynda for a very special baby.  100% mercerized cotton with a unique design and stitch.  This gorgeous baby has so-o-o much hair! We love the colours Lynda chose too.

Bling For You

A GBOW exclusive!  These are custom-made Row Counter Bracelets, by Local Artist (and long sock knitter), Katrina. Each one is unique! Come in and find yours...

Mara's Leg Warmers

Mara showcasing her gorgeous crocheted leg warmers. Stylin!  Crocheted with Viking Odin Superwash, variegated. Roisin thinks Mara used two balls.

Donna H's Cabled Headband

Donna H's grand-daughter with grandma's latest creation, this big cabled headband.  Looks great on her...also, notice the skein of yarn she's standing in front of matches her hair!  How clever is that?