Happy Halloween!
Here's hoping that your day is full of spooky goodness...
(null) Archive October 2007
Good times, great people
After taking almost a full day to recover from the insanity that is the annual Early Bird Sale, I figured I couldn't ask you to wait any longer to see the fun pictures from the past few days.
But first, I just gotta announce that I finished the back of Peter's sweater last night!!!
Unbelievable, I know.
It has taken 2 years to knit the front and the back. I'm casting on for the sleeves right now and wondering how long they might take. Undaunted by all the trouble I had with knitting both Rogue sleeves at once (no, I still haven't found a zipper *sigh*), I am knitting both of these at the same time, because while I figure it make take me awhile to knit the sleeves, I am CERTAIN I would develop a severe case of second sleeve syndrome and it would be decades before the sweater is finished if I started with just one.
At the moment, I am still very motivated by the idea of knitting Peter a vest once the sweater is done, and I also have my eye on another pair of socks.
Why all the knitting love? Because in addition to all the little things he does every day that I absolutely adore about him, he has been working so hard to make our little shop the best it can be. I don't know what I would have done without him at the Early Bird Sale. So, while he still doesn't quite get my obsession with fiber, looks at me strangely when I exclaim over the glorious smell of wet alpaca, and thinks I may have an addiction to ravelry.com so serious that he is considering intervention, he enthusiastically supports it all and genuinely appreciates each knitted item I actually manage to finish for him. The man deserves a sweater.
Onto the Halloween party. A HUGE thank you to Lesley and Christina who are responsible for upping our game this year to a full fledged party with costumes and a full buffet. Lesley proposed the festive costumes and Christina generously volunteered to make us all lasagna - and two kinds at that! She inspired the rest of us and homemade goodies appeared in abundance.
Check out the fun:
Now for the Early Bird pictures. The knitters and crocheters were immune to the horrible rain and were lined up at the door before 6am. While I couldn't see the parking lot well, I'm told that it was full well before 6am and shoppers were parked along the side streets. Thank you to everyone who made it out to celebrate our third year participating in this fabulous Brunswick event.
As you can see it really was a bit of a madhouse when the doors opened:
Like my new jammies?
Once the sale was over, a few of us settled in for some knitting, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Thanks everyone - can't wait 'till next year.
In the meantime, stay tuned for some late breaking news on the release of Heidi's book. Details to come.... (how's that for a teaser?).
October Newsletter
October is here and you know what that means. The much anticipated Brunswick Downtown Early Bird Sale is this Saturday, October 27th from 6am-9am!
For those who may not be familiar with this fun and exciting tradition, let me explain.
In the wee early hours of the morning on the last Saturday in October, many of the shops in downtown Brunswick (check the papers this week for a complete listing of who is participating) open their doors and offer incredible discounts to those shoppers who awake early (or who perhaps never went to sleep the night before) to enjoy tremendous deals and a festive morning. The earlier your arrive, the better the deal. To make it that much easier for you to get there by 6am, come in your pjs and slippers. We'll be wearing ours!
Now for the important information - the discounts! This is our third year participating, and to celebrate, the savings are better than ever.
From 6am to 7am save 30% off ALL in-stock yarn, needles, books, patterns, and accessories
From 7am to 8am save 20% off ALL in-stock yarn, needles, books, patterns, and accessories
From 8am to 9am save 15% off ALL in-stock yarn, needles, books, patterns, and accessories
You must be present to receive the discount and no other specials or promotions apply during the Early Bird Sale.
Starting catching up on your sleep now, get your coolest pjs ready, and we'll see you at 6am on Saturday!
On a finishing mission
The day began with blocking of the alpaca cardigan. I thought I loved this sweater before. It isn't even dry yet, and already I can tell that the fibers have bloomed into an even more luxurious fabric.
I couldn't stop petting it. I really wish a picture would allow you to run your fingers along the stitches and feel the happy halo of alpaca. aahhhhh.
Now, I didn't actually knit on Peter's sweater today (at least not yet, maybe a row or two before bed) but I got some quality knitting time in last night and the rows and rows of stst are building. It might actually be a sweater at some point!
Before dinner, I got a moment to knit a row on my Alpine Lace. In the process, I switched over to the Addi Lace needles. Anna was right - these needles are incredible and perfect for lace knitting! Check out the tips-
They practically grab the yarn themselves.
What do you think of the background for the lace shot? That's the sample of the flooring we're considering putting in upstairs. The 70s brown carpet HAS GOT TO GO. Should have gone when we moved in, but the leaky roof and collapsing decks got in the way. Don't you love home improvement?
A bit of the normal feels good
A big thank you to everyone for their support and good wishes over the past week. As many of you know, our grandmother was rushed to the hospital last Sunday, causing great concern among all of us who love her dearly. I am greatly relieved to report that she is now home, resting, and regaining her strength.
After such a week, it is kinda nice to be able to focus on the daily routine. Becka and I are lucky enough that our routine includes wonderful knitters who share their friendship, compassion, as well as their art.
Here is just a taste of the beautiful fiber art that we have seen recently.
Jane's crocheted scarf out of Classic Elite Miracle:
She is working on a number of these for holiday gifts - lucky recipients, hun?
Susie finished another blanket in Jo Sharp's Silkroad Aran Tweed. I believe this one took less than 6 WEEKS!!! She is about to start on her third.
Mary Ellen completed the knitting portion of her felted hat. I'm trying to convince her to wait on the felting part so that she can wear it to the Halloween party on Thursday night. (I'm still trying to come up with a costume -ideas???)
Bridget had gorgeous socks to show. Since they are orange, I think they should also make an appearance on Thursday.
Melissa was last seen seaming up her Rogue. I'm guessing that she will be wearing it this week.
(Ok, I just have to say that the color she picked in Cascade 220 is incredible. I'm thinking that Peter needs a vest in that color. I know, I know. What about his sweater? Well, I'm so inspired by this color, I have actually been knitting away on his sweater so I can justify starting the vest!)
Scott has been felting like crazy. I hear that our hedgehog is nearing completion. Once we meet the little one, we'll have to find a name for our new shop mascot. Here is one of the felted bags Scott whipped up:
Lizzie is making a lovely cabled scarf out of Debbie Bliss cashmerino.
Patti was working on this gorgeous top one week and wore it the next!
And I've been knitting too. Last night it was all about Peter's sweater. I am obsessed with the idea of making him a vest, but I won't start it until the never-ending grey sweater is done.
The Spunky socks helped keep my sanity while visiting my grandmother in the hospital.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to rip out the first one, at least a little bit, as the toe is waaayyyyy too long. That's what happens when your hands are knitting , but your brain is far, far, away.
I finished the Cropped Cardigan from Blue Sky Alpacas and hope to block it tomorrow. Here's the almost done pic.
I used 2 strands of the sportweight alpaca held together, but a worsted weight yarn, would also work. Check out this version in Malabrigo:
The ties at the top are a nice touch. I haven't decided what I want to do with mine yet - leave it open, use a button, cool pin.... the possibilities are endless.
Towards the end of the week, two wonderful surprises came my way.
First, Teresa's husband Bill stopped by to say hello and drop off presents that she had sent for Becka and I. She is an amazing person, a wonderful friend, and has incredible timing. I was feeling very low that day, and she put a huge smile on my face. Thanks Teresa!! We miss you terribly.
Then, on Saturday, Wendy popped in! Her bright smile lit up the room. It is going to be hard to wait until Thanksgiving to see her again.
One party leads to another
Knit at Night was all about the parties. Becka celebrates her birthday on Saturday (Happy Birthday baby sis!!), Karen's b-day is on Sunday, and therefore we HAD to have cake.
Delicious, incredible, chocolate and raspberry cake. Karen is a genius.
We had so much fun, everyone wanted to know when the next party would be, and while we were at it, what was our social calendar for the fall? How many parties can we squeeze in between now and the end of the year? Knowing this crowd, there will be plenty.
Announcing the Knit at Night Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 25th. Costumes are optional, but Halloween-related knitting is encouraged. If you'd like to bring a treat or have some entertainment suggestions, let me know! (No peanuts allowed - due to Alec's allergy.)
Then, we have the grand opening of Amy's shop, Spunky Eclectic, in Lisbon on the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4. We're working on organizing a field trip to her place on Sunday, Nov. 4th.
Of course, there will be a holiday party. Although, without Teresa, it is hard to imagine what we will do this year. We miss you!!!
Scott brought a furry friend to party with us. Meet Dudley, the felted Hedgehog:
Is he just too damn cute or what?? Scott generously offered to make us one for a store sample. Thanks to the group effort, I think we picked out a cool color combo.
One of my favorite people in the whole wide world finally made it to a Knit at Night (although she has visited the shop many times). Soon, she is off to Peru on a doctor mission. Good luck Lizzie! Can't wait to hear all about it.
That's all for now, next post, I need to share the fabulous projects people have kindly allowed me to photograph. And I've been knitting too. Really. I have. I even finished Peter's socks!
Look:
Party time??
My Rogue is done! Well, almost. It still needs a zipper and could use a good blocking.
And, I'm not the only one. Patti and Liz have been spotted wearing their Rogue sweaters. Cheryl is very close, or perhaps has finished? De, Jerri, Wendy and Becka are all closing in on the finish line. There are even a few Eris sweaters that are nearing completion. Marcia is close to the hemline, and Mom just got past the neckline (the most difficult part).
This means it is time to schedule the party!
I'm thinking Saturday, Nov. 3rd at around 1pm? But I'm open to suggestions. As with the KAL, everyone is welcome, whether you knit a Rogue/Eris or not.
Boobies needed!!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I can't think of a more perfect time to put out a call for more knitted knockers.
The incredible number of knitters who heard about our efforts (for the complete story, read here) to supply mastectomy patients with soft, comfortable, and pretty knitted prosthetic breasts has been amazing. The kindness and love with which each knitted boob has been created is indescribable. Since we first started this effort back in February, I have heard so many stories of people touched by this horrible disease, and seen so many smiles as survivors found just the right knitted knocker for them, or a knitter found a way to express their personal experience.
Thus far, we have given knitted knockers to both Midcoast and Parkview hospitals, and to many, many survivors who heard about what we were doing and came straight to the shop. More than a few fittings have been done in the back room!
But, our supply is running low!
And unfortunately, the demand is not. Kim, the coordinator for the Breast Health Center at Midcoast, recently emailed with a request for more knitted knockers. They have been greatly appreciated and more are very much needed - particularly smaller sizes.
So, please consider knitting up a boob or two. For more information, contact us at the shop. For the pattern, look here.
And thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
The Addis are here!
UPS delivered the much anticipated Addi Turbo and Addi Lace needles today.
A few knitters have been stalking the shop (you know who you are) since I announced that we will be stocking Addi needles, and they just *happened* to arrive a few hours after UPS. New knitting projects can now be started, and old ones can be transferred over to the slick new lace needles. Yup. I snagged a pair for myself and plan to test them out on my current lace project.
Along with Addi, we've recently received the Holiday Gifts edition of Interweave Knits:
A great new pattern collection for kids from Classic Elite:
As well as a luscious new sock yarn, Alpaca Sox. That's right, this alpaca/nylon blend is designed specifically for socks. One skein makes a pair and the colors are lovely.
However, the best part of the day was when Liz brought her latest finished sweater. The design and yarn are from Debbie Bliss, so it is adorable. But, nothing could outshine the model. Thanks Liz!
Fiber therapy
Ever had one of those weeks where you didn't have time to catch your breath, much less relax and knit? That was my week. Between all the excitement at the shop and keeping the kids on somewhat of a schedule, knitting time completely disappeared. When life tries to edge into the knitting time, you gotta take action.
So I loaded the kids into the car and headed to Amy's shop Spunky Eclectic for some serious fiber therapy.
A little reward for me:
(I'm not allowing myself to get into this yarn until I finish Peter's socks.
I finally have the needles - Lantern Moon Rosewood Sox Stix - just need time to knit.)
I also got a few things that I can't show you just yet.
I felt so much better spending time in her shop, surrounded by all the beautiful fiber. And the wheels.
Their siren song is getting more powerful by the day. I didn't dare touch any of them for fear that it would HAVE to come home with me. I am holding out for the Ladybug. Until then, I'm going to try to make Amy's Monday night spinning group and play on all the wheels.
I think Amy sensed my need to just BE around the fiber and colors because she didn't blink when my monkeys started racing around her shop. (So sorry Amy!) She quickly channelled their energy into the looms and let me touch the yarn in peace.
Now, in addition to a wheel, I think we're going to need a loom!
This afternoon, the boys and I settled in for some serious couch potato time with movies and brownies. I finished my Noro Iro mittens (they are felting as I type)
and
my Rogue!!!
The Rogue is all seamed up, I just need to find the perfect zipper. You know what that means... time to schedule the party...
Heidi's book!!
Heidi brought her author's copy of Soft and Simple Knits for Little Ones to the shop today. It is incredible!! I hadn't had a chance to see all the projects together before now, and I was blown away by her creativity and sense of design.
As I drove home tonight, I was already debating which ones I would knit first.My current favorites are her cotton top and matching bag (pictured below) and the stuffed dog and cat. Here's a small glimpse:
It was quite a thrill to see my first published patterns included in her collection. Here's one that Heidi and I worked on together:
And another that I designed based on her vision:
Thank you Heidi and many congratulations - I know it is going to be a great success. We've already started to take reservations for copies and will announce the date for the book signing when the delivery date is set.