Soon to be Christmas! Where's the Snow?

Fairisle Mittens, $52 (100% alpaca, Alpaca Outfitters)

It is nearly December, and no snow to speak of. Having spent nearly 20 years in Alaska, I like snow in the winter months. In the far north, winter could last as long as 9 months. Here in northern Indiana, we average about 5 months. As I get older, I find that suites me just fine! Hello to all my Alaska friends! Wish I could fire up the old sauna and have a good chat with you and wonder at the northern lights above.

The knitting needles don't have a chance to get cold here. Just finished is the alpaca/wool bolero sweater. It is one of those sweaters that looks good on almost everybody. (Why am I not smiling, then?! )

Alpaca/wool Sweater, $105 (Alpaca Outfitters)

It is very toasty and good for warding off the chilly Indiana winds.

The items here can be purchased through Alpaca Outfitters in the American Countryside Farmers Market, Elkhart, Indiana, or by emailing me at Mrschnaars@aol.com.

Have a wonderful Christmas season, and take time to remember that the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the reason for this time of celebration.

God bless you, Maggie.

Brrrh! November and Northern Indiana wind!

Today is a good time to spend the day at home catching up on the blog and tidying up the knitting room. No snow yet, but I'm sure it is on the way. Weather like this makes me want to put on this new sweater, made with an alpaca/merino wool blend. It is my first official fairisle sweater, a keeper for sure. It is handknit and took plenty of time to complete, but well worth it. (not for sale)
I'm not Norwegian, but I am married to a man with the ancestry. Does that count? This shawl design is based on a norwegian lace pattern. The yarn is 50% alpaca, 30% merino, 20% silk. The feel is buttery soft. ($80)
This baby (3-6 months size) sweater and stocking cap is knit from a yarn called "Punch", alpaca and tencel blend. It is very lightweight and soft. ($45 for set)
November calls for a good scarf, this one is made from baby alpaca fiber with dark brown alpaca trim. The pattern is basket weave diagonal. ($20)

All of these items and more can be seen and purchased at the Alpaca Outfitters boutique in the American Countryside Farmers Market, Elkhart, Indiana. You can also contact me by email at Mrschnaars@aol.com. Stay warm. Drink lots of cocoa!

Changes in the Air

Look for new items on my blog this fall! Both of our sons are away at college now and we are empty nesters. I hinted to Daniel that everyone was going to get a pair of knitted socks for Christmas, as my hands and mind will have to be kept busy. Good thing I enjoy my knitting!

I will be submitting a few items for sale at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Ft. Wayne, IN, this fall. The owners of Alpaca Outfitters have kindly agreed to consign four alpaca knitted items in their booth. The festival features a wealth of handmade items and pioneer crafts. It should be a great weekend.

Here is my newest poncho, knitted from several alpaca yarns leftover from previous projects. It is the most interesting piece I've completed yet and a pleasure to wear. Also, pictured are a few new handbags for sale at the Gift of Gab Boutique in the Concord Mall, Goshen, IN.

Finally, I am working on wool cable and fairisle mittens to sell at the Ewe-Nique Knits shop and gallery in Goshen, IN. If anyone is interested in ordering mittens or any other item shown here, email me at Mrschnaars@aol.com.

Summer '07 Update

Time flies when the knitting is hot! Already it is the middle of July, and we have been all over the place with activities. I can still knit in the car, so that doesn't stop the creativity. My nieces each received a new tank top, knitted while on vacation. I finished a white lacey cropped sweater for summer evenings, on display at the knit shop. I am currently working on an alpaca item; it's a design/knit project!


Here are a few new photos for viewing, with prices included in case anyone just can't live without them. Have a great summer, and hope you are getting more rain that we are, here in northern Indiana.

I may have to keep this poncho, as it is both Ball State (Daniel)and Indiana University (Matt)colors!!

Prices:

1. Alpaca (suri) bolero sweater, $120, size medium.

2. Alpaca poncho (red:alpaca/wool blend, white, black, brown), $150, fits all.

3. Alpaca 3/4 sleeve cardigan, $75, size small.

4. Alpaca shawl, $75, fits all.

Maggie

Handbag Gallery

These are a few samples of recent designs.

All of these are for sale in a boutique in Goshen, IN. Most of the handbags are made from felted sweaters from a thrift shop, others are recycled upholstery samples.

Welcome to Magnolia Blossom Fiber Arts! Today marks an exciting step in my fledgling business. This blog will be focused on showcasing handbag designs and many other apparel and accessory items created by me. I hope you enjoy visiting here...Perhaps we'll make new friends and meet up with old ones.