2013

January 1, 2013

Thirteen degrees is the distance the moon moves around the earth each day.

It takes 13 days for a full moon to change into a new moon, and another 13 days for it to change back again.

The last supper had a table set for 13.

Because there were 13 colonies on the first day of independence, we count 13 stripes on the American flag.

Tradition states that 13 witches are required for a coven.

Experiences has proven that 13 turns of the knot is what it takes for a noose to do its deadly deed.

A deck of cards is dressed in four suits of 13 cards each.

Bakers knead 13 biscuits to make a dozen.

13 is a prime number, a happy number and a fibonacci number.

13 proved to be a lucky number for Wilt Chamberlain.

But despite all this positive evidence, those suffering from triskaidekaphobia are terrified of the number 13.

To those poor souls, along with our clients, family and friends, Lorna's Laces wishes each and all the best in 2013!

(Thanks to Robert at Petrick Designs (a company whose name has 13 letters) for this delightful list. 

Dance Party!

We're rockin' it out for Christmas! Please join our little dance party...

The Evolution of a Custom Color

Did you ever wonder how we create custom colors? I thought you might think it was fun to peek behind the curtain and show you how it works sometimes.

Not long ago we got a call from Stefanie Japel. She had some ideas for custom colors for a series she's doing with Craftsy. We talked a little about what's important in her life and what kinds of things inspire her. Well, it doesn't come as much of a surprise to find out that her two daughters, Mazie and Olive, are the center of her universe.

She sent over a bunch of pictures that made her heart sing when she thought of her girls. The first one has to do with their dancing. She pointed out their darling dresses as well as those shoes. I love those shoes.

Next, we play around in the dye pots. We take cryptic notes and send samples off.

Decisions are made.

Yarn is dyed.

Then we start over again. This time keeping all that beautiful red hair in mind. (My New Zealand friend calls her redheads "gingers". Isn't that swell?

Cryptic notes.

Decision time.

Yarn is dyed.

One last time. Fun photo.

Cryptic notes.

Decision made.

Yarn dyed.

In case you're wondering how these look all knit up, Stef created a simple cowl pattern for you. It's written in several sizes so you can make one for your little angel too!

That's the Tresses colorway. Here's a quick snap of the others.

I'm trying to decide if I like Ballet or Play Time better. I think I'm leaning towards Ballet. What do you think?

Knit Simple Winter 2012

The Winter issue of Knit Simple hit newsstands today. There are 2-1/2 projects using Lorna's Laces.

The first is this killer pullover by Debbie O'Neill. Classic shape, a single cable for detail, great fit. I mean really, what's not to like? Your pick of color will take it almost anywhere.

It's knit in Shepherd Worsted. This is our Pale Pink colorway, 29ns.

The other design and a half is this fun hat/cowl that Steven Berg designed. It's one of those that can be worn two ways.

As a hat:

Or a cowl.

 I like the cleverness. And the tassels. I like tassels better than pom poms.

This is knit from our 70% Alpaca/30% Silk blend, Honor. It's shown in 64 Gold Hill.

Seasonings Series

The Loopy Ewe just put up a killer new product that we worked with them on called The Seasonings Series. They are big hanks of a multicolored yarn paired with a sidecar of a coordinating nearly solid. The mini skein is the "seasoning" because seasoning makes everything better!

There are 27 different color combos. I'll show you just a few. This is Vacation Day.

Icicles.

  Raspberry Bramble. 

You really should go here and take a look at them all yourself. There are so many possibilities for this concept. Contrasting heels and toes on socks. How about cuffs and thumbs on mittens? Or maybe a shawl with coordinating edging like Breath of Fresh Air? There's always ears and eyes for someone like Irving the Icebox Monster. Really, it would work for anything where you wanted a little extra pop.

Which color do you like the best? I think I'm feeling the Tickety Boo love today. What do you say we give one away? Just leave a comment letting me know which one you like the best. Extra points for suggesting a pattern. I'll pick a winner on Thursday at noon.