OK, here are the Dennis Kyte photos

17 November 2009.

For your enjoyment, the photos I promised of the Dennis Kyte book and samples of the needlepoint canvases. These are the artist's masters, and the books are signed. I've rarely seen anything so whimsical and sophisticated. Very, very unusual. All proceeds will go to Middleburg Humane Foundation, thanks to the generous donor.

14 November 2009

I made it through the 13th without destroying my shop computer totally. The coffee'd keyboard is now back in service. Flooding with freshwater and a hairdryer did the trick. It actually works better because the space bar doesn't double space anymore. Who'd a thought!

The shop will have Ornamental Knits Christmas ornament kits in for several more weeks. Theses are great gifts and are quick and easy to knit.

Lyn is knitting her Vertical Stripe Sweater out of Silk and Ivory (top left). Lyn wanted the feel of the yarn ( it really has a nice hand) and the intense colors. Silk and Ivory gave her that. There are over 200 colors to choose from. It is obviously still a work in progress but the winter season is young. There'll be a picture of Lyn wearing it when she finishes.

It looks very different from all of the others including Jo Anne's (top right). As always, we can't completely follow the instructions. Jo Anne knitted hers out of kettle dyed sock yarn. Solid colors but not evenly colored. Modifications have to be made. Jo Anne decided that shorter sleeves and a cuff would be better for her. Questions? Come on down to the shop and ask in person.

The 8" needles are going fast. I will be reordering them again to restock the shelf. So far they're a hit with the sock knitters.

12 November 2009

After dumping a cup of coffee on my keyboard at the shop, there's only up from there. Luckly, Troya Plaskett was at the shop and saved the day with a loaner keyboard. Thank you Troya!

I've gotten in another shipment of Addi Turbo 8" needles. I have all of the sizes (0-5). They're going fast.

I also ordered Addi Clicks in a new soft case and additional cable sets. Addi now makes a US 5 needle as a click. If you want this size, just give me a call and I will order you a set. In fact, you can order additional Click needles so that you can have more than one of each size.

Today I received more Mini Mochi in all colors from Crystal Palace Yarns. This yarn is very popular and several folks are knitting the Vertical Stripe Sweater from this yarn. I will post photos as soon as they're done. They look great in process.

I've just been given the master needlepoint canvases of Dennis Kyte's Botanicals. Mr. Kyte has stopped producing his needlepoint canvasses so these are the last. I don't have prices yet but do stop by and take a look (and place a reservation). They will be reasonably prices and your purchases go directly to the Middleburg Humane Foundation. I also have 12 signed first editions of his Botanicals book to offer.

I have taken a couple of photos of Mr. Kyte's work and will post them as soon as I have a moment, but there is nothing like seeing them in person.

And as a last thought, the Middleburg Hunmane Foundation Christmas Tree is looking a bit bare. It could use your donation of a handmade ornament for auction. Thanking you in advance...

6 November 2009

Okay, here's the picture. I was desperate, what can I say. I thought of coming as a ball of yarn but couldn't figure out how to build that kind of costume.

The new Interweave Knits "Accessories" magazine has arrived. It is loaded with scarf, wrap, hat and sock patterns. I'm sure that you will find a pattern that you will love.

I'm working on a 10 stitch scarf. It is a bit hard to describe but stop by and I will show you. It looks like a squared off cable. It's a lot of fun and there are only 10 stitches. This scarf will let you practice your wrap turns - easy.

5 November 2009

Well, I promised Porch Party pictures and here they are. You will have to wait for my costume picture. I just ran out of time. I was quite busy helping and answering questions so these were the few pictures that I took. I'm, sorry that I missed Ms. Ashley in her authentic Bobby outfit.

Pam Lamborne finished her vertical stripe sweater. I will post that picture on the website gallery.
I got a picture of Paul Hunter taking a refreshment break from the detailed knitting he's doing. Paul never tackles easy projects and he deserved a break.

Mini Mochi is flying out the door. I have ordered more. It should arrive soon.

Several folks have asked me about the new soft case for the Addi Clicks. I have been told that they do not have just the soft cases at this moment. They are hoping to have soft cases in after the first of the year. Sorry!

4 November 2009

We have the Knitter's Blocks in stock and more on order. For those of you that have always had a problem with a surface and a place to block your knitted goods - we have the answer.

Knitter's Blocks are interlocking 12" squares that can be connected to suit the project's needs. They can be stuck with pins and have a waterproof backing.

They come in a carrying/storage bag and includes 9 blocking tiles, 20 "T" pins and a pure cotton blocking cloth to cover the tiles.

Stop by and see them when you have a chance.

Oh yes, I have the camera and will be downloading the photos tonight.

9 November 2009

We had a great time on Saturday. The Porch Party on Halloween was just plain fun. The weather just didn't seem to be pleasant, but it was just fine on the porch. Several folks came in costume and the cookies and cakes (prepared by Mary Lewis) were delicious. Ms Bowes brought her famous pimento cheese sandwiches and Ms Ashley brought toffee that I had a hard time staying away from.

Pam Lamborne brought her finished Vertical Stripe Sweater for all to enjoy. The color was just wonderful. I will post the picture on the website (I hope my camera does the color justice).

I have a picture of some of the knitters but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I forgot my camera at the shop. Valerie has taken a picture of me in my costume. She tells me she'll post the photo on my Facebook page (as soon as I bring the camera home, sheesh).

The 8" Addi Turbo needles were tried and it was decided that they work just fine. Because I only ordered a few of them (sorry 'bout that), several customers were disappointed. I have ordered several of each US sizes 0 through 8. The 8" turbos should be at the shop by this coming weekend.

On Sunday the class had fun knitting Christmas ornaments using beads. Everyone was successful at transferring the beads and the knitting proceeded. Several new ornaments will be gracing trees this Christmas. I have ornament kits and models in the shop. They models will stay until the first week in December. If you would like to see the ornaments but can't get to the shop, you can visit the website and just call me with your order.