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!
Friday, February 25, 2005
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!
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!
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:
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
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
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Merry Christmas
Mortgage paying job was hell last week. Everyone waiting until the last minute to make changes to projects being installed at the very last minute. Glad it's over. All of my meetings are cancelled until the first week of the new year. Why? Well everyone but me is on vacation.
I was invited by my manager to a "let's celebrate our 2004 successes" lunch yesterday. Well, there was no money in the budget for a "holiday party" so she had to call it something. So it was 3 of us at the table over at Kincaid's . The other gal talked for 1 1/2 hours about her stepson and how awful he is. Everytime Manager or I would change the subject she always managed to get back to her horrible stepson. Food was good. I had Roasted Chicken Breast Dijon (chicken rolled in bread crumbs and baked, mashed potatoes and spinach).
Last Saturday at Ewe Knit Kits and Yarn was super busy. Lots of men shopping for their wives, girlfriends, mothers. Lots of gift certificates will be under the tree this year. I'm working the 27th and 28th and expect to see those certificates again.
Let's see what am I knitting? I pulled several Fiber Trends felted hat patterns (Diva,Felt and Fancy, Personal Touch and Bright Chapeau) and yarns to knit samples for the store.
I was able to knit Felt and Fancy on Sunday. I used 1 skein of Cascade 220 for the adult size (had a few yards left over). It's knit in the "white" and I'll knit the lace scarf with Lorna's Laces sock yarn or maybe just grab a novelty scarf from the scarf rack hmmmmm.
I didn't pay attention to the yarn used for the Bright Chapeau, just looked at the yardage. It's knit in a sport weight wool. I'm going to try it in worsted and make a the medium size and see how big it'll be. I'll also go up to a size US 10.5 or 11 needle from the US 8 it lists.
For myself, I knitting the moebus that is in the current Spin Off . I'm using Jo Sharp wool. Working up really nice.
I did finish the Jo Sharp Silk Road DK Tweed shawl for Coco. Turned out really well. Very soft and floaty. It's on it's way to her.
And my KR Gift Fairy (Lizzi) gift was sent and received.
What was I thinking? a caplet for me in Harrisonville wool. Dark grey. is soooo wrong. It's been frogged and sits in comfortable balls.
No change to the status of the plaid purse from Purseonalities. yes yes the one that I was working on Halloween night and haven't picked up since.
So that's about it. I'll leave you with the following:
The Knitters' TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.
And though I was tired,my brain was a bit thick,
I knew in a moment,it must be Saint Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I had expected
"move,Ashford; move,Lopi; move,Addie and Clover
Move,Reynolds; move,Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over"
"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.
Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!
I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.
And then,in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan,.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
For the first time I thought I'd really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks
While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June.
Author Unknown
I found it on this site: http://missusem.blogspot.com/2004/12/knitters-twas-night-before-christmas.html
I was invited by my manager to a "let's celebrate our 2004 successes" lunch yesterday. Well, there was no money in the budget for a "holiday party" so she had to call it something. So it was 3 of us at the table over at Kincaid's . The other gal talked for 1 1/2 hours about her stepson and how awful he is. Everytime Manager or I would change the subject she always managed to get back to her horrible stepson. Food was good. I had Roasted Chicken Breast Dijon (chicken rolled in bread crumbs and baked, mashed potatoes and spinach).
Last Saturday at Ewe Knit Kits and Yarn was super busy. Lots of men shopping for their wives, girlfriends, mothers. Lots of gift certificates will be under the tree this year. I'm working the 27th and 28th and expect to see those certificates again.
Let's see what am I knitting? I pulled several Fiber Trends felted hat patterns (Diva,Felt and Fancy, Personal Touch and Bright Chapeau) and yarns to knit samples for the store.
I was able to knit Felt and Fancy on Sunday. I used 1 skein of Cascade 220 for the adult size (had a few yards left over). It's knit in the "white" and I'll knit the lace scarf with Lorna's Laces sock yarn or maybe just grab a novelty scarf from the scarf rack hmmmmm.
I didn't pay attention to the yarn used for the Bright Chapeau, just looked at the yardage. It's knit in a sport weight wool. I'm going to try it in worsted and make a the medium size and see how big it'll be. I'll also go up to a size US 10.5 or 11 needle from the US 8 it lists.
For myself, I knitting the moebus that is in the current Spin Off . I'm using Jo Sharp wool. Working up really nice.
I did finish the Jo Sharp Silk Road DK Tweed shawl for Coco. Turned out really well. Very soft and floaty. It's on it's way to her.
And my KR Gift Fairy (Lizzi) gift was sent and received.
What was I thinking? a caplet for me in Harrisonville wool. Dark grey. is soooo wrong. It's been frogged and sits in comfortable balls.
No change to the status of the plaid purse from Purseonalities. yes yes the one that I was working on Halloween night and haven't picked up since.
So that's about it. I'll leave you with the following:
The Knitters' TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.
And though I was tired,my brain was a bit thick,
I knew in a moment,it must be Saint Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I had expected
"move,Ashford; move,Lopi; move,Addie and Clover
Move,Reynolds; move,Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over"
"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.
Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!
I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.
And then,in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan,.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
For the first time I thought I'd really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks
While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!
So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June.
Author Unknown
I found it on this site: http://missusem.blogspot.com/2004/12/knitters-twas-night-before-christmas.html
|
You Are Socks! |
Cozy and warm... but easily lost. You make a good puppet. |
|
|
Your Christmas is Most Like: How the Grinch Stole Christmas |
You can't really get into the Christmas spirit... But it usually gets to you by the end of the holiday. |
Monday, December 13, 2004
Many knitters will say that Elizabeth Zimmerman or Barbara Walker or Lily Chin or some other "insertfamousnamehere" knitter opened up the world of knitting to them.
For me it was Carroll Overby....on Thursday, September 7th, 2001, at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., 4 weeks "Learn to Knit" class at the Knitting Corner.....4 of us began the class but ValM and I completed. Both ValM and I had taught ourselves to knit and Carroll didn't tell us we were doing a thing wrong. She gently lead us to different cast-ons and bind-off's, fixing mistakes without starting over, and cables. ValM and I went on to become knitting instructors and lovers of the craft.
Carroll Overby died last night after a long long battle with cancer. I miss her.
For me it was Carroll Overby....on Thursday, September 7th, 2001, at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., 4 weeks "Learn to Knit" class at the Knitting Corner.....4 of us began the class but ValM and I completed. Both ValM and I had taught ourselves to knit and Carroll didn't tell us we were doing a thing wrong. She gently lead us to different cast-ons and bind-off's, fixing mistakes without starting over, and cables. ValM and I went on to become knitting instructors and lovers of the craft.
Carroll Overby died last night after a long long battle with cancer. I miss her.
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