PI -- that is the key to designing the lovely Botanica Medallion Cardigan that graces the cover of Vogue Knitting Magazine Spring/Summer 2009 issue, according to designer Shiri Mor. I was so excited when she explained this to a group of knitters at Woolbearers last week. Now, I finally have something I can relate to my math-major son about knitting. We have always had a joke in our family about the "answer is in geometry" -- but no, he said it is really in trig. Whatever! At least I had his attention for a few moments.

We were so lucky to have Shiri come visit last week. She is an articulate, intuitive and passionate designer of knit and crochet patterns. She spoke about her designs and what inspires her. We were all so taken with her explanations of how simple it is to just do the math. Shiri - a gigantic thank you for taking the time to come visit. We can't wait to see you again.

Here are some pix of Shiri signing some magazines and as you can see, everyone is working on the Botanica.

Crochet is front and center at Woolbearers. Kris is working on a design from "Superior Crochet". Can you believe she just started crocheting? Joanna is working on a scarf out of Woolbearers' hand dyed Sterling sock yarn and Gwen dyed her own Sterling and is also crocheting a scarf.

Judy O. came in today to show me the results of the sweater that she kept buying one more skein of Jamiesons's Shetland DK for. It is a mitered square pattern and the results are absolutely gorgeous. Judy P. is moving on her Rambling Rows afghan.

Joanna felted a bag out of Rowan Tapestry and sewed a few flowers on --- great job!

Christine bit the bug and knitted a Boku scarf from Jared Flood's design.

Carol came in yesterday with a request. She crocheted this square a few years ago and can't find the pattern. We searched the store yesterday for a pattern, but came up empty. Anyone out there have any ideas. She really wants to make an afghan using this pattern. Help!!

Bonnie came in yesterday asking for help on the lace edging for Jojoland's Autumn Entrelac Shawl. She got nervous when the directions said to drop a third of the stitches. It's a Barbara Walker pattern idea from her 2nd Treasury. I think it's called Cobweb Frill. Of course, she didn't want to test it out on the shawl -- with a cast on of 380 stitches. So, I tried it on a cast on 13 stitches, I think, and it does work with beautiful results and no lost stitches. Sabra will be teaching a class on knitting this beautiful shawl in June.

Last, but certainly not least, Alice has begun her fair isle sweater out of Jamieson's Spindrift. The colors are just beautiful.