We've got cabin fever.

No, we don't all live in cabins, silly! It may be the High Sierra, but we're not the Donner Party!

That may have been tasteless. I apologize. (And no pun intended, by the way...I just can't help myself!)

No, what I meant was, we're ready for Spring!

Spring...hello, Spring...where are you? You can officially arrive any. time. now.

We've had a few days of warm sun, but real warm weather isn't quiiiite here yet. But that doesn't mean we can't prepare by planning our Spring knitting projects! Here are a few that have caught our eye:

Dragneficient by Penny Schumers (bottom right, above)

Morning Dove Shawlette by Pam Jemelian (top right, above) - in Tosh Merino Light (fave!)

Striped Spring Shirt from Purl Soho (left, above)


Lake Effect Cardigan by Amy Miller (swoooooon!)


Or how about a shawl to use up some of that stashed sock yarn?

Whew - do you feel that? The temperature's rising! Not just outside, but in our living rooms as we greedily soak in the newest episodes of our favorite show on Starz!

Ahem. I'm gonna need a second.

Handsome Jamie isn't the only thing that's got us excited: Rachel's Mystery Knit-Along is up and running, and the results are just gorgeous so far! The yarn is just beautiful, too - Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Rachel's specially-created Craigh na Dun colorway reminds us of Scottish moors covered in forget-me-not flowers!

Just take a look at some of the progress Ravelers have made on the first two clues:

ArcticWoolies' Craigh na Dun is looking fab!

CakersKnits even used her special Spark Stitch Markers!

clrowe01 is cabling up a storm!

And that's not all - many of you have taken matters into your own hands and tried your own yarn colors and modifications, as well!

shand302 used The Verdant Gryphon Bugga! in Persephone (how apropos!)

tbears99 is loving it in TML in Ginger

TerryRoss was wooed by Wollmeise in Patina (and she's planning to add beads!)

How is your MKAL project coming along? Share some photos and notes with us on the MKAL 2015 chat boards! (Beware of spoilers!)

Want to read more? Check out Rachel's blog!

We can't wait to see the finished shawl - we'll be checking back in with more progress as the MKAL unfolds!

And psst...here's my own little attempt...in Tosh Merino Light, color Plaid Blanket, with some eyelet lace in the garter section to disguise any gauge discrepancies! (And because I thought it might look good with the upcoming border...*wink!) I love this pattern so much, I'm staying up too late knitting. Oh, the sacrifices we knitters make for our craft!

I love it!

Happy Knitting!

- Heather

Sharkey models the Silver Lining Tunic in Shibui Linen and Chain Mail (reversible!) Cami in Habu Textiles Rayon

The best perk of being a Reno local?

Springtime, ring-a-ding-a-ding time. Sweet things come from the sunshine. (Thank you, Willy Wonka, for those eternal words of wisdom). Reversible Tangled Branches Cowl Left (on Jenny): long version in Tosh DK - Amber Trinket Right (on Olivia): short version in Becoming Art Cielo Sport - Cedar

The trunk shows at JBW.

We're so glad we live here. Seaweed Scarf On Jenny: large size made with Anzula For Better or Worsted in Mauve On Olivia: striped version made with Koigu KPM

No, I'm not kidding. 

How could I be? They're like touchable fashion shows full of delicious, knitterly garments. 

Yum!

Triangles, Diamonds, and Squares, Oh My!  No, really, that's what it's called.

Clockwise from top: Crashing Waves in Road to China Light in Peridot and Smoky Quartz (striped), and Madelinetosh Prairie in Stovepipe (could also sub Dirty Panther); Tangled Branches Hat in Tosh DK in Jade; Seaweed Scarf (worsted version - Pagewood Farm Alyeska 5); Buttoned Lace Cowl in Pagewood Farm Alyeska Hand-dyed Sock

You're welcome.  ;)

And that's not all: we have a SUPER special event planned for May!

Wait for it...

Grace Akhrem is coming to Jimmy Beans! On May 2nd and 3rd, we'll be hosting Grace for a "meet & greet", plus (squee!) she's going to teach some fun classes at the shop!

I guess maybe THAT's the best perk of being a Reno local! But even if you're not one, you are more than welcome to join as well - mark your calendars and stay tuned for details on how to sign up! Think of it as a mini-vacation, with yarn, gorgeous designs, and knitters everywhere.

Sounds like my kind of thing. 

I'll see you there!

Sprouting Leaves Cowl On Jenny: large version, Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, color 25 On Olivia: small version, Pagewood Farm Suisitna in Grasshopper

Reversible Tangled Branches Cowl On Jenny: long version in Tosh DK - Amber Trinket On Olivia: short version in Becoming Art Cielo Sport - Cedar

Olga's Vest On Jenny: medium size, Tosh Merino Light in Saffron On Olivia: large size, Sweet Georgia Silk Crush in Goldmine held together with Rowan Kidsilk Haze

Happy Knitting!