Sunday, December 27, 2009

27 December 2009

The year is almost at an end and I still have many shop models in progress. You can always ask to see what it is that I am knitting.

I am close to half done on the Hanne Falkenberg Lagoon sweater. It is a challenge to get through the wavy row and I do have to pay a bit of attention but I don't need the pattern. It is pretty easy. Then there are six rows of garter stitch - that's really easy!

I have several new sheep in my collection. Come by and I will show you the new ones. There is one that is especially creative and funny - ask Jo Anne about her thoughts.

We will be closing early on New Years eve and then open again at 10 AM on Saturday Jan 2.

As a side note, most of my suppliers are closed between Christmas and New Year. I can try to place an order but they most likely won't even see the order until Monday. Jan 4.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

23 December 2009

Well, I finally got myself dug out. Sorry that I wasn't at the shop Saturday or Sunday but a lot of folks weren't going anywhere, especially out here.

We're helping out last minute shoppers as best we can. Gift certificates seem the choice of the day. At least it will be the right size and the right color. No problem with fit.

I will keep the shop open until about 2 p.m. tomorrow and then it is off to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Lyn and I will be here at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.

If you still feel snow bound or the chaos is getting to you with a house full of relatives, come on down and sit and knit. I can't promise quiet but the conversation will be pleasant and the company superlative.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

17 December 2009

A nice wool sweater seems appropriate right now, brrrrrrrr.

A backorder of Mushishi (a wool/silk blend) is in. I now have all five of the colors of the original colors. I'll have all of the colors as soon as they ship.

Four new colors of Silk and Ivory have arrived. They are shades of gray plus one called Straw (a pale yellow just a bit darker than French Vanilla). These are the grays that folks have been looking for.

The sterling silver needle gauge by Debra's Garden have arrived. They are laser engraved with US needle sizes. You never have to worry about the size information wearing off. This is a needle gauge so pretty it can be worn as jewelery.

The needle gauges are also in aluminum and have been tinted different colors. If you want to be color coordinated, this is the gauge for you. There is a small clip on the top of the gauge so you can use it as a zipper pull on your knitting bag (or jacket). No more lost needle gauges!

There is a tray of chocolate chip cookies on the table up front. They'll be there until they're all gone. The shop ladies would like you to eat them and save them from over indulging.

We'll be at the shop on Saturday and Sunday despite the forecast of snow. If it snows more than a foot that may slow me down but I will get here.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

13 December 2009

I have been busy rushing packages off to the post office, for customers, so that Christmas gifts will arrive in time. Finger nails are being bitten to the quick in hopes that the needlepoint Christmas stockings will be here in time. They always are, but that doesn't stop customer from worrying.

The shipment of shawl pins is here. Many of these are made of natural products. I think the most creative one is the pin made from a shell. I would guess that it is a helmet shell of some type. All are pretty (of course, I order them) and I think the use natural material is very creative.

One of my needlepoint designers, Bonnie Alexander, has just put up a website. This is great news because she is one of the folks who really knows horses and the hunt scene. She will combine just about and combination of horses, hounds or foxes that you would like.

This isn't all of her collection but it is a start. She will custom paint your horse or your horse and house on any mesh canvas in any size. She also does great fox masks in all sizes and shapes.

Here's hoping your knitted Christmas gifts are close to completion.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

9 December 2009

Frantic customer are rushing in the door needing last minute knitted gifts. Scarves still seem to be high on the list. I would think that gloves would be just as simple and take less time for the same amount of yarn. Can't think of anyone who would turn down a warm pair of gloves.

I found a great website that solves the problem of the Kitchener Stitch to weave the toes of socks. I've always disliked using a darning needle. This site shows you how to graft on your needles using your needles. It's great. Here's the link. Have fun with this one.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

5 December 2009

Let it snow! I'm here where are all of you? I suppose that you're sitting in front of the fireplace knitting.

Next Saturday from 5 - 8 pm there will be a tree lighting ceremony in town. Check out the town's website for more information. It should be fun and there is always dinner in town after (or during) the festivities.

I'm working on the new class schedule. It will be at the printer's next week and probably in you mail boxes by the end of the week. The Oops! class was a success so I have scheduled more of them for the Winter.

I also added a new class. I will teach a Chris Bylsma like class using all of your scraps to knit a sweater. This should be fun! And yes, I will also do another "Steeking" class so you can get over your fear of cutting (yes, I did say cutting) your knitting.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

3 December 2009

A shipment of Mountain Colors "River Twist" has arrived. These are the new colors of River Twist. If you haven't seen the yarn it is worth a look. It is quite soft and in colors only Mountain Colors can do. It is simply beautiful.

Wagtail Yarns has arrived! Hurray! I have a limited quantity though. It is shipped directly from Australia. The Wagtail folks raise the Angora goats, process and spin the mohair, and then dye it.

I have the yarn in two weights: DK and lace. They sent a few patterns but because of the weights I'm sure that you have a favorite pattern that would look just gorgeous knitted in this yarn.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009


2 December 2009

I just got in Bearfoot in all of Mountain Colors' new colors. Whew, I've been waiting since June for this shipment! Thank goodness that it is here for the cold weather. This will take care of the cold tootsies this winter.

The Addi Turbo US 5 needles for the Click set are here along with the additional cable sets. The cable sets are 24", 32" and 40" plus one connector. Now you can have even more project in process.

I got a notice that Wagtail Yarns has sent me my June order. This is wonderful kid mohair that is spun smooth - not fuzzy. The sheen is just like silk (the photo above is what it looks like - no fuzz). I can't wait for the order to get here. I will let you know as soon as it arrives.

This beautiful yarn will knit a warm mohair sweater with beautiful stitch definition. Now you can have a mohair sweater without all of the itch!

Here's another knitting hint. When you finish the back of your sweater, if you have used more than one-third of your yarn - YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO FINISH THE SWEATER. Each major section of a sweater takes a third (both sleeves make a third). So now when you finish the back of a sweater you will know whether you're in trouble or not.

Hope this help in future projects....