Friday, February 25, 2005

It's a knitting life

It's been 25 days of pure knitting bliss! I've knit 2 sweaters, started 2 others, finished a few small projects, taught knitting classes (group and private) and am on my way to a more relaxed way of life.

I've fallen in love with Knitting Pure and Simple patterns. I've finished one top down rolled neck raglan #9724, started a second and have plans and yarn for a 4th and 5th one.

The neck down jacket #201 out of Encore Colors is at the seamstress having a zipper installed (I know I know...I did pay attention to Bess at the retreat and did sew in a zipper on a little bag BUT I knew taking it down it Stacie the zipper would make it into the jacket this year!)

Also on the needles is the KP&S summer cardigan #221. I'm using Rowan Calmer in Powder Puff a very soft pink. It's like clouds in my hands.

Classes are going well. My KP&S class (see I told you I like those patterns) meets Tuesday nights. They're all doing a different top down pattern and coming along nicely. First sweaters for 3 of the ladies!

This Monday I begin the Beginning Knitting - Part 2 classes. It's a beginning class for those who know the knit/purl/caston/bindoff/simpleincreases and want to try a few more stitches. I've got ribbing, simple cables, knitting in the round, i-cords, more increases and decreases, gauge, and a few more techniques on the agenda.

KnittaPalooza is almost here. We've received several boxes from Trendsetter's filled with trunk show fashions...Beautiful things let me tell you! Lorna's Laces trunk show is on it's way. Books by all of our guest instructors are in stock...Lily Chin, Barry Klein, and Beth Brown-Reinsel (Knitting Traditions)).

I still have to finishe my homework for the Lily Chin Tips and Tricks class, decide if I want fish or chicken for Saturday night's dinner and fashion show, decide on the color of yarns for Beth's Latvian wrister's class and double check that I have all the needles. Whew! Glad there is a still a few weeks before the 11th!

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Thank you for the encouragement Kim and Donna. I've been so busy in "retirement" that I haven't had time to think about my former life.

I been spending my time at Ewe Knit Kits and Yarn. Last Sunday we had a big blow out super duper sale (30%-50% off many items). We were slammed! It was fun and crazy and hectic all at the same time. There were 6 of us working, 4 behind the registers and 2 walking the floor. I'll bet there were not less than 10 customers in the store at one time all day. New and old knitters and and crocheter's stocking up on yarns, needles and books.

The yarn sellers got their chance too. I was able to grab enough Cotton/Wool in pale yellow and a more in marine blue for 2 sweaters.

As well as working more hours at Ewe Knit's, I'll be teaching more classes. I've scheduled Beginning Knitting Part 2, From the Top sweater, and How to Read a Pattern for the next 2 months.

Since I'm going to be spending more time at the store, I was thinking of writing a blog about the goings on there. I would have access to a camera and could post pictures of new yarns, etc. Would anyone be interested in reading it? Leave me a comment and let me know.

And don't forget about KnittaPalooza!

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

48 hours later

Went back into the office on Monday to turn in my pc, id badge, access key, etc. I was hugged and good wishes were offered by 3 of my peers, others turned their heads when they saw me. Was it because they didn't know what to say or were afraid if they looked at me I would bring bad luck?

Who knows.

What did and still does bother me is the reaction or should I say lack of reaction from my "bosses" My imediate boss took the "stuff" said thank you and walked out. Didn't wish me luck (good or bad) and mumbled a "bye" as she turned the corner. And her boss (who I reported to for a good year didn't call or email a message. And you know what...I EXPECTED IT! Wasn't surprised at all. My choice to get out was the right one.

I do know that I have slept well the past week. I'm still getting use to not running on a schedule. I need to remember to be spontaneous!

As for knitting..since this is a knitting blog....I finished the Knitting Pure and Simple top down so easy! that I started another KP&S pattern. A zippered sweater/jacket.

And I've worked a few more hours at Ewe Knit Kits and Yarn. And by the way...Sunday we'll be open from 11 - 4 with a "super" sale. I don't know what the sale will be so if you're in the neighborhood stop in.

Well off to do somthing else spontaneous!

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

rebirth

I received my "we no longer need you" package from the bank that I've been employed at for almost 34 years about 45 min ago. My bosses hands were shaking. I was calm. A million things are rolling around in my head. I can go and do and be anything I want.


Thursday, January 06, 2005

What I did on my Christmas vacation

Having 5 days in a row off was wonderful!

Knitting accomplished:

Finished all of the Fiber Trends felted hats (Diva,Felt and Fancy, Personal Touch and Bright Chapeau)

I was able to knit Felt and Fancy on Sunday. It felted beautifully. Scarf is not done, but I'll wrap another scarf around it for now.

Another hit was Personal Touch. I knit it in a solid grey. Felted nicely. It can be dressed up with a pin. And adding a novelty will also make it more fun.

As for Bright Chapeau, I did use a size US10.5 needle and the Cascade 220 worsted. After looking at the number of stitches used in the pattern I decided to knit the smallest size. The bottom turned out great, but the number of rows on the top were a bit much so the hat is very lopsided between bands of color. Other than that...CUTE!

Diva...mistake using just the 1 strand of Cascade 220. Looks like a tall bowl. But, the small brim does turn up nicely and would make a nice little beanie cap for someone with a smaller head than mine.

The moebus will be ripped and reknit....it's much too big/long... But looked really nice.

I also started my top down raglan sweater using the Knitting Pure and Simple rollneck pattern and Cascade 220 Tweed. Hmm, I'm seeing a Cascade 220 pattern here. So far so good.

And I started and finished a washcloth using Euroflax. Bobbie is testing to see if we should carry it at Ewe Knit Kits. I was able to knit about 20 rows before having to give my hands a rest. And it does machine wash and dry nicely. Really softens up.

And what did I do while knitting....I watched the following movies:

  • A Christmas Story - you'll shoot your eye out!
  • Christmas Vacation - Chevy Chase and lots of Christmas lights...'nuf said
  • Pride and Prejudice - straight through both DVD's! just to see Mr. Darcy smile...swoon...
  • Three Coins in the Fountain - 3 "girls" in love in 1954 Rome and wearing white gloves
  • Victor/Victoria - a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman ...and all while singing!
  • The Four Feathers - 1939 where desert Harry doesn't speak
  • The Four Feathers - 2002 where desert Harry does speak
  • Shadowlands - Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger and a box of tissues
  • 84 Charing Cross Road - Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft and a box of tissues
  • Under the Tuscan Sun - nothing like the book, well her name, restoration of an Italian Villa and an old man, but that's about it


Ewe Knit Kits & Yarn news .

I offered and my offer was accepted to work the 27th and 28th. Bobbie's sister was visiting and had expected to "sit and knit" with Bobbie...her comment at the end of the day was "this isn't a yarn shop, it's a department store!". Yeah, we were that busy.

If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and check out all of the great yarns Bobbie has put on the sale shelves. Cottons, wools, novelty's...

KnittaPalooza info is up. Click on the link once you get to the site. Classes are filling up. I've put my name on the list for a few.... Tips Tricks and Hints, Latvian Wristers; Aran Pullovers; Shopping with Barry; Beaded Knitted Creations. Yeah yeah I know, some are at the same time....will cloning adults be ready by March 11th?

Also check out the new-to-the-website yarns Bobbie has listed. Manos Del Ureguay', Keltic Krafts, and new/updated color cards for others. Oh and we now have every single color of Plymouth Encore in house and on the shelves...well they were all there on the 28th