Moo Dog Knits

Weather is fickle, it’s part of what makes life interesting, especially in New England. Cool evenings and damp spring weather mean a warm handknit sweater is a good thing to have along – especially for your best friend on four legs, your dog.

Halcyon Blake of Halcyon Yarn in Maine shares a selection of yarns and patterns and books especially for knitters and their companion dogs. This is part three of a profile series, as the yarn and fiber arts center in Bath, Maine celebrates a ruby anniversary marking 40 years in business throughout 2011 with special offers, contests and promotions. Ruby anniversary at Halcyon Yarn means special workshops, a special homecoming, BBQ and lobster picnic on July 17 (a traditional Maine feast, complete with strawberry shortcake). Check out their beautiful site for inspiration, updates and more details.
Halcyon shared her pick of pattern books for knitting up sweaters and coats to colorful accessories for your pooch. She notes that Malabrigo Rios yarn, a worsted weight Merino superwash yarn, is a good choice for these canine projects. The kettle-dyed super rich colors can be machine washed and will not felt.
Recommended titles include: “Top Dog Knits: 12 Quick Knit Fashions for Your Big Best Friend” by Jil Eaton (Breckling Press) features coats and special occasion knits for medium to large dog breeds. Eaton, a noted knitwear designer whose work regularly appears in “Vogue Knitting International” and worldwide under the Minnowknits label, also wrote “PuppyKnits” and “SimpleChic”. The profiles about the dog models and their stories add to this appealing book.