Around the World, without leaving Minnesota

hat a whirlwind weekend!  I attended the 2012 MN Yarn Shop Hop this past weekend with my friend Elisabeth.  The theme was "Around the World", and each of the 14 shops that participated chose a country to represent.  They each had a free pattern featuring a signature yarn.  It was the first time I'd been to some of the shops, and many of them were so clever with their patterns! 

April in Paris from Amazing Threads

One favorite was from Darn Knit Anyway, in Stillwater, MN, who came out with a cloche pattern.  They had the funniest captions in the directions!  After you finished, it states "Bob's your Uncle!  Well done you!  Now that you are looking dishy in your new hat, you'll want to head out to your local pub for a pint.  So don't cause a row...you have just enough yarn in this skein to make 2 hats, so make one for a chum!"

I think the United States was represented with the Apple Pie Cowl,  There were Pulse Protector Wristlets with lace edges from Poland and a beautiful openwork Lopi pillow from Iceland.  Very fun!

Signing off,
Kelly Lightbeam