TNNA Columbus & Hiya HIya Needles

When I left for Columbus my bag weighed about 25 lbs. On the way back it weighed 45 lbs. I didn't go shopping for clothes or shoes, but got a lot of amazing stuff at TNNA.

Here's a photo of all the knitting related stuff I brought back:

During Sample It I also had the chance to buy a set of the Hiya Hiya interchangeable needles. I have a set of the Knitter's Pride interchangeable needles, and I really love them because it is so convenient. I love that each set has it's own little spot, and it's so easy to find the needles you want.

However, the Hiya Hiya interchangeable needles may be my new favorite. What I love about the Hiya Hiya needles is that each needle is marked with the mm and US needle size. This is great because I am constantly losing my needle size measuring tool (I have no idea what the proper name for them is). I also find the join to be smoother on these than my Knitter's Pride set. 

At the top of the photo are a set of the Hiya Hiya Sharp circular needles. They are very similar to Addi Lace needles, but not as expensive.

Want to find Hiya Hiya needles near you? The Hiya Hiya North America website has a great tool on their website to look for the nearest retailer. Fine it here: hiyahiyanorthamerica.com

I'll be posting more product reviews in the upcoming weeks!

TNNA Designer Dinner

TNNA starts tomorrow! If you don't know, TNNA is The National Needle Arts, and they hold several shows each year for wholesale purchases. I am here in Columbus with Lotus Yarns helping them to run the booth. This morning we got up to build our booth, then tonight I went to Marly Bird's Yarn Thing, which was amazing! It was dinner with over 100 amazing knitting and crochet designers. I didn't know anyone there, since this is only my second time attending TNNA, and I felt a little bit awkward at first, but as always the knitting community is extremely warm and welcoming. I quickly met a ton of really nice people, and quite a few that I have admired over the internet. I also got an amazing take home bag full of great products. It's far too late for me to tell you about all the lovely things that were in the bag, so I'll be sure to post again later with all the details.

TNNA Phoenix

I just finished TNNA. It was a great time. I met a lot of wonderful people, got a stack of free books! I can't wait to knit some patterns. Here are pictures of our stand, Lotus Yarns.

And here is the huge stack of books and magazines, with lots of issues from Interweave. I've already started flipping through them, so much inspiration!

Business Card Case

I got new business cards yesterday to take to TNNA (The National Needle Arts Association) in Phoenix!

 Seeing these I thought I needed a small case to put them in. Why buy one when you can make one?

This would also be great for credit cards, or a small wallet. I made this with maybe 20 yards of Lotus Yarns 100% Bamboo (any other worsted weight yarn would work too) on 4.5mm needles. This was knit on two double pointed needles, in the round. Here are directions on how I made mine. You also need a button and a needle to sew up the button and loose ends. 

CO 34 sts on two needles using Judy’s magic cast on or the turkish cast on

Round 1: k

Round 2: *k1, M1, k to 1 st before the end of needle, M1, k1* x2 (38 sts(

Rounds 3-18: k

Round 19: BO 19 sts (needle 1), k 19

Row 20: slip 1, p18

Row 21: slip 1, ssk, k13, k2tog, k1 (17 sts)

Row 22: slip 1, p 16

Row 23: slip 1, ssk, k11, k2tog, k1 (15 sts)

Row 24: slip 1, p14

Row 25: slip 1, ssk, k9, k2tog, k1 (13 sts)

Row 26: slip 1, p12

Row 27: slip 1, ssk, ssk, k3, k2tog, k2tog, k1 (9 sts)

Row 28: slip 1, p8

Row 29: slip 1, ssk, slip 1, k2tog, psso, k2tog, k1 (5 sts)

Row 30: slip 1, p2tog, YO, p2

Row 31: ssk, k1, k2tog

Row 32: BO 3 sts 

Weave in loose ends, and sew on a button.  

First Post!

This is the first of my brand new blog: Mari Knits! A special thanks to Justin Barnes for this great logo!

I recently finished yet another one of the broken rib hat, for which you can find my pattern for free on Ravelry. This is made with Lotus Yarns new superwash merino aran weight yarn which is super soft and warm.

You can also vote for this hat pattern on Pierrot's webiste: http://www.gosyo.co.jp/works/entry.php?e=1661. This hat was originally designed to be knit with Pierrot Yarn