January 4, 2009 New Year! New Projects!

Emily's Hat and Mittens (new pattern)

A Happy New 2009 Greeting to Friends and Family! We received many colorful and fun cards during the Christmas season, so I feel in touch with lots of old buddies now. My last blog entry was last fall, so I'm behind. The included photos will show you what I've been up to, as far as knitting goes anyways.

A Shawl for Davina (new pattern)

Davina is a very special young lady in my son, Daniel's life. (A wedding in June!) The cable lace shawl in knitted in a wool/silk/linen blend yarn I found in Newark, DE, at Stitches in Style.

Mag's Hat and Mitts (new pattern) Baby Ben's Sweater Set (new pattern)

2009 will bring big changes for Peter and I. We will move into our new (old) cottage just down the road. A few alpaca may be coming to join our entourage. We will see our oldest son get married in June. Our youngest son will move into an apartment in Bloomington while attending IU. As I continue to design and knit, hopefully the blog will be updated on a more regular basis. We send our best wishes to family and friends and will be praying for an improvement in the economic issues that affect us all, for continued employment, and for the Lord's provisions of shelter, food, and transportation for those who have suffered recently. May God Bless You in 2009.

Maggie Schnaars

Fall is a Great Time to Knit!

Fall in Indiana! What an inspiration of color and texture! I love this season here in the heart of the Midwest. Golden corn and soybean fields, red and flame orange maples, fiery red shrubs, crisp blue skies in the early morning, even the post-season appeal of my many flower beds. Many colors of this Fall season translate into yarn designs. I recently purchased several hanks a of lace-weight alpaca/silk blend, in moss green, cranberry, wine, and a muted periwinkle. YUM! I am currently working on a cable-lace stole in a luscious chocolate wool-silk-linen blend. (I think I need a mocha...)

Recently, a beautiful young lady agreed to model a few of my knitted items for sale at the Indiana Alpaca Outfitters shop in the American Countryside Farmers Market (Elkhart, Indiana). The first is a lace alpaca shawl made from Alpaca with a Twist Fino.

The next item is a chunky alpaca/wool (2 strands together) bolero. This is the 3rd of these sweaters I've made. They are sooooo cozy, especially going late fall-early winter. I can custom-make these to a customer's chosen yarn and colors.

A very smart and helpful yarn store owner recently took several knitted baby items on display to her sorority gathering. It was a blessing to those of us who display and sell our items at her store. The ladies bought every item! It is an encouragement to know that even the tiniest hand-knitted items are valued by wee folk (and those who love to shop!)

I want to say "Hey!" to all my knitterly girlfriends. Have a sweet time with your yarns this Fall, drink a mug of Earl Grey w/ French Vanilla creamer, and settle into a nice, comfy easy chair. Stop by the Farmers Market if you get a chance. It's candy for the eyes!

Maggie

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.