Present for Beth

I did find a picture of the ninth square that isn't as fuzzy as the one in the last post.

On my way to the Ball's Falls Conservation Area last week the traffic was stop and go.  I was stopped in front of this house and couldn't resist taking a picture.  Mom, I am looking after Beth-look what I found for her.  :)

The blog is not broken

Mom called me from Myrtle Beach last night and asked if the blog was broken. I asked her why she would think that. Her response was 'You haven't posted in so long so I thought it might be broken.' Sorry mom-here are some pictures for you.

Square 9-I didn't realize the picture was blurry until I was posting it here-sorry-I don't have another one on the camera.

Square 10.

My Edie is almost done. I just need to block it and sew in the ends.


This is Jane wearing her new cardigan from Kim Hargreaves book Nectar. The pattern is called Favour and it is knit out of Rowan Denim.  The book should be back in the store this week (Jane sold all the copies last week while wearing the jacket) along with the next magazine from Kim called Thrown Together.

Did anyone watch The Amazing Race last night?  Beth and I would have kicked butt on that episode.  We have been to Gulf Harbour and Mount Eden.  Kelly and Christy missing the entrance to Mount Eden is understandable-it is almost impossible to find.  The Skytower was one of our homes while in NZ (the casino is there) and Bev stayed at the City Life Hotel so we visited it often as well.  It was unfortunate that the show didn't show the drive from Auckland to Kiwi 360 (we visited here as well).  It made it look like they were close together but they weren't-it is actually over 200 km and takes over 3 hours to get there.  New Zealand doesn't have major highways like we do-it is like driving country roads everywhere you go.

Okay, now that mom should be satisfied for tonight I am going to get back to work.

needleemporium.com upgrades

I posted yesterday that Korey and I had made some neat changes to the website. These have disappeared temporarily. Korey needed to change servers today. The site was running slow with our large database-hopefully this will make it run much quicker. With the change, all of my updates need to be uploaded again. This might be done today-otherwise keep checking back this week. Sorry about this but in the long run it will make the site much better. :)

I went the Balls Falls craft show this morning. It took forever to get to the Conservation Area. I guess everyone decided to go because the weather was so nice. By the time I got into the show I was so tired and irritated that I looked around quickly and then came home empty handed.

Here is square number 8. Football, baseball and The Amazing Race gave me lots of time to knit. Speaking of the Amazing Race-Mark and Bill comment that they are not a physical team so they will need to use their brains. I think that includes reading the clue properly. When will people learn? Read the clues before you start running around like a chicken with your head cut off. It only takes a couple of minutes and it could mean the difference between winning and going home.

I've gotta go. I'm playing poker and should be concentrating on my game (as well as knitting square 9)

More squares

I am totally addicted to my Log Cabin Afghan. Here are squares 6 and 7. Since it is Sunday afternoon I am sitting on the couch watching football. Square 8 is on the needles and will be done later today. I might even get square 9 started during The Amazing Race. I am not sure who I am rooting for yet-I think it might be the mother/son team.


I am speaking at the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitter's Guild this Tuesday night. It is always fun to go to their guild meetings-they are a huge guild with enthusiastic knitters.

Korey and I have been working on the website. We have a new section called Featured Patterns-this was called Kits and it wasn't easy to navigate this section but I think we have found something much easier now. Please let me know what you think. Take a look at Laura and the other pattern names that have a star in front of them. This also lets me show some of the designs from the new magazines.

My couch is calling. Have a good Thanksgiving. I might spend my holiday Monday at the Ball's Falls craft show. The weather forecast looks good and the crafts there are always great.

Another square done

Square number 5 is complete. I am having fun knitting the afghan. The squares are mindless knitting-a great project to keep in your purse.

The angels. Melo loves to lay on the couch and Roko decided to join him tonight.

Home Again

Life can now get back to normal. We arrived home from Gone Stitchin' late yesterday afternoon. Our time away was great. The weather was cool with touches of rain but we all had lots of warm sweaters to wear. The food was great as usual. Barry has taught at retreats all over the US and claims the food at Bayview is better than anywhere else he teaches. Fiona's and Barry's classes were phenomenal. Thursday night Beth hosted Family Feud. I can't say anything else about that because what happens at Bayview stays at Bayview, however, if you ever meet Barry, make sure to ask him about his wives. Friday morning we held our fashion show with over 50 garments that are new for fall. Friday afternoon the ladies had a class and then Friday night I gave a talk about tips and tricks for knitting. Saturday there were two more classes and then Saturday night the students showed off their knitting in the student fashion show. After Sunday mornings class everyone started their trips home.

I worked on my fall class schedule this afternoon as well as a newsletter. Hopefully both will be finalized tomorrow.

This was taken Thursday afternoon after a rain shower. The amazing rainbow didn't come out in any of my pictures. Just imagine it. :)
Beth told everyone that Saturday was her birthday. Betty Lou and Sue made her a present. Sue is holding a small gun that shoots confetti into the air. The resort is going to hate us because there is confetti everywhere on the carpet.
Sunday morning in class.
More Sunday morning class.
I did get a bit of knitting done. Two more squares on the Log Cabin blanket.

Now I am going to lay on the couch and watch baseball.

I am back

These past two weeks have been so busy that I don't know if I am coming or going.

Here is the second square of my Log Cabin Afghan. I have started square number three. I am almost done my Edie cardigan. There are about 45 rows to go on the second sleeve. Hopefully I can get it done tomorrow and block it tomorrow night.

Last week was the Sports Celebrity Dinner to raise money for Honduras. Pinball Clemens was the guest speaker-if you get the opportunity to hear him speak I recommend you take it. Johnny Bower was there. Beth and I ate dinner with Damon Allen. Ask your husband or father if these names don't mean anything to you.

Gone Stitchin' is this weekend. My poor printers (one in the store and one at home) are worn out. I just finished the welcome packages. After spending an hour trying to print the name badges I gave up. If they won't print tomorrow in the store then I am going to print them by hand. Beth and I have been working on door prizes and goody bags for the past week. I have a major problem with the goody bags-they are so good that I don't think I will be able to match them in the future. We also have great door prizes for everyone.

Now it's time for bed.

Knitter's Fair

We made it through the fair. The day was busy so if I missed you I am sorry. People said hi to me and then later in the day I couldn't remember talking with them.

Beth and I drove to Kitchener on Friday afternoon to set up and I was back in Ancaster around 11pm. The drive home was very slow because of fog. I was back on the road at 6:30 so I could get the booth finished before opening at 9:30. This year there were two halls used so the booths could be spread out a little more. It was great. WIDE aisles so you didn't feel crowded at all. The show ended at 4:30 and we loaded the vehicles in the pouring rain. We were soaked to the bone for the drive home. Thank goodness none of us ended up sick.

I didn't get any pictures of the booth. We were busy right up until closing. Here are some of the garments that my knitters finished for the Fair.

Brooke's lace shawl. I thought it was stunning when I saw the pattern picture but it is incredible in real life. I am sorry that I didn't get a picture of Jane wearing this-it looked like it was made for her. Wannietta did an amazing job. She was a couple of yards short for finishing the collar so she sat in a corner at the fair and finished it for me.

Jeanie knit in Rowan Cocoon from the new Rowan Cocoon magazine. Rhonda ran short of yarn for the collar and sat in the store to finish it on Friday night for me. I know that she didn't get a finished picture of it but I will get her a better one at Gone Stitchin' with it on a human body.

Lynda delivered this to Kitchener on Saturday afternoon. I have been talking about Edie that I am knitting-here is the store sample. (I have picked up and started my first sleeve-the end is in sight.)


In my last post I talked about a fabulous afghan knit out of Noro Kureyon. Here is square one of my afghan. Beth has decided that it will look good in her bedroom when it is finished.

Knitter's Fair-this Saturday-mark your calendar

If you are at the Knitter's Fair on Saturday, please make sure you say hi when you come to the booth.

No knitting to report except for a multi-directional scarf knit out of Silk Garden Chunky to display shawl pins on at the Fair. Sorry-no pictures because when I left today Jane was sewing the ends in for me.

On Ravelry tonight I found the coolest pattern for an afghan knit in Noro Kureyon. Take a look here for pictures and the pattern. I should send KathyMarie an email to see if I can use her picture here but I want to get this post done since I have been slacking and I am in front of the computer right now.

I have been locked in the basement for the past 2 hours winding yarn for the Tulip cardigan. Thank goodness for my new wool winder. If you email me and ask me the price of it I can't tell you right now but I will find out next week. There is a motor arriving next week as well for it so my arm and shoulder won't be quite so sore. :)

This is my sewing table. I haven't set up my sewing machine yet but maybe after Gone Stitchin'. As you can see it is being put to good use right now.

I think Memphis blew it last night on Big Brother. Both Dan and Keesha would have taken him to the final 2. He could have sat back through the last HOH and ended up the winner of $500,000-he would have beat both of them.

I was glad to hear who won Canadian Idol. I forgot it was on and Beth told me when I was done winding.

It's bedtime now. I had a stressful day-hair and nails all in one day.

Now in the Store

The store has been crazy again. Lots of new yarns arriving including the new Kaffe Fassett sock yarn. The colours are great. I haven't done any knitting-stocking shelves and moving yarn around while in the store and making kits while at home. We will have a great assortment of the Baby Tulip jacket at the Knitters Fair.

Speaking of the Knitters Fair-one week to go. Make sure you read my upcoming store newsletter before going to the fair.

Vienna is one of the two new yarns from Naturally. 67% Wool and 33% acrylic that knits to a worsted weight. The colours are great-we have them all.

Aspire DK is 70% NZ wool and 30% alpaca. One of my knitters is working on a store sample right now.

Como is Debbie Bliss' new yarn for fall. We have the yarn and the magazine is expected next week.

Just arrived

A new publication from the U.K.’s favorite knit-wear designer. More than 30 signature designs highlighting new baby, home-décor and fashion patterns you’ll sure to love.
Best known for her luxurious yarns and chic patterns, renowned British knitwear designer Debbie Bliss launches Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. Published for new and accomplished knitters who gravitate toward the unique story and personality behind the products they love, Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine showcases Debbie’s fresh sensibility, charming wit, and modern designs.

On the TV front
Big Brother-Jerry in the final 4-who would have believed it.
Canadian Idol-Mitch in the final-who would have believed it. I like Mitch but I think there were others who were much better.

Home Again

I am back in the store today after a great trip to Myrtle Beach. Sorry but I didn't take any pictures. Every time I thought about taking some I didn't have my phone on me.

I have just reread my post and am adding this. It sounds like a report I did in grade school when my parents took us out of school for a vacation. :)

The drive down was uneventful. My dad did let me drive for one hour but then he was bored and wanted to drive again.

Saturday we golfed at one of my favourite courses with one of the other home owners. The weather was hot but we had a good day. I beat my dad on the back nine-a first for me.

Sunday we golfed again after church. My game could have been better but the weather was nice so there is no complaining.

Monday my dad golfed with his friends and I spent the day with my mom. We tried to visit a yarn shop but they were closed on Mondays. Late in the afternoon we picked my dad up and went to an amazing quilt shop. Unfortunately we didn't arrive until they were closing but they did stay open a couple of minutes for us. I got some great batik fabrics which means I need to get my butt in gear and finish the quilt I am working on.

Tuesday morning I golfed with my dad and 3 of his golfing buddies. It rained and rained and rained. We got called off the golf course twice for lightening making the round almost seven hours long.

Wednesday my dad and I did running around. My mom likes it when we are there because it lets her rest and we get to keep dad busy. After getting on the plane in Myrtle Beach we sat on the tarmac for 1/2 hour but the pilot assured us we would get to Charlotte in time and make our connections. When we got to Charlotte we had to circle for 1/2 hour because of bad weather. I got off the plane, hustled from the B terminal to D terminal and found the gate closed to my flight. They did open the flight up to us and we finally took off. Unfortunately my luggage didn't make the flight. Beth picked me up in Buffalo and we had to wait almost 2 hours for the next flight from Charlotte and luckily my suitcase arrived. I wasn't looking forward to the drive back to the airport tonight. I am extremely tired-it was almost 2:30 when I got to bed this morning.

Can you see a pattern happening? I knit in the car on the way down but then I didn't pick up my needles for the rest of the trip. This means that I didn't get my last project done for the Ravelympics. I was working on Edie. The body is almost done and now I have to pick up for the sleeves. I had great expectations of doing lots of knitting so I had some Rowan Colourscapes Chunky with me. The full bag came back untouched.

I forgot to watch Big Brother on Tuesday night but luckily Beth taped it for me. I will watch it tonight before the new episode-double eviction-gotta love it.

Just one to go

I finished Cheri this afternoon-all ends sewn in as well. It is too big for the mannequin but I needed to get the picture taken. I have to finish Edie and don't have much time left.

Speaking of Edie-major problems. There is a mistake in the pattern-only on the largest size. At the armhole you cast off 35 stitches. A couple of rows later you need to cast the stitches back on. I have the whole back done and counted my stitches and guess what-I am 5 short. I spent some time trying to figure this out when I read the pattern again-it says to cast on 30 stitches which leaves me 5 short. I must have cast off the stitches and let the knitting sit for a couple of days before casting on so the numbers didn't mean anything to me. When I do the other armhole I am going to cast off 30 and then cast on 35 bringing me back to the right number of stitches and both fronts will match.

Canadian Idol was great this week. Everyone did a really good job with their songs. Big Brother last night was quite boring. Dan thinking about using the POV-what kind of idiot is he? Just leave the nominations as they are and vote out April!!

I will try and post from Myrtle Beach with finished pictures of Edie.

Ravelympics

The last few days have been much better at the Olympics for Team Canada. It looked like we might not get any medals and then bam!!

Yesterday I showed you Valour finished. This was for the WIP Wrestling category in the Ravelympics. Cheri is my main project for the Vest Vault. I have 4 rows to go on the collar and then sewing.

This is Edie. The cardigan is knit from side to side with holes for the armholes. The part on the left is the front and the right side is the back. The front comes over the shoulders and hangs down with the stripes going sideways and the stripes will be vertical on the back.
I am going to try really hard and get this done for another WIP Wrestling-trying to get as many medals for Team Canada as possible. When the Olympics are done, Ravelry is going to figure out the winner. They have a magic formula that will look at the number of people in the group and the number of finished projects.

On Friday my mom is flying to Myrtle Beach. She is feeling much better but the drive is too long. I will be driving with my dad and then flying home on Wednesday. I hope to get Edie finished in the car if necessary.

April and Jerry on the block-this is going to be interesting. Okay, I am talking about Big Brother-if you aren't watching you could be missing the best season yet. I need to make a mental note to tape Canadian Idol. Amberly being voted out is surprising.

Don't forget that the Knitter's Fair is coming up soon-less than a month away. All of a sudden I need to get my act together to get kits, etc. ready.

Olympic Knitting

I finished Valour this morning-even the ends are sewn in. I loved knitting with the Colourscapes Chunky. When I am done my Olympic knitting I will have to use this yarn again.

I will be working on Cheri (the Cocoon Vest) this afternoon during the Nascar race. The front and back are done so I need to sew the shoulder seams and start on the collar.

I am going to try and get a quick nap in now before the race starts. I was up late last night watching the swimming and then up again during the night to watch the rowing.

More boxes of yarn

More boxes of yarn arrived today.

This is Laura from Jenny Watson's upcoming book Catwalk. It is knit in Silk Garden Chunky from Noro. We received colours 1-10 today. It is very unfortunate that I have my Olympic knitting or I would start knitting with this yarn today.


From Sirdar we received a few new yarns. This is the new magazine for Escape DK-51% wool and 49% acrylic, machine washable, marbled yarn. The knits have been beautifully designed to show off the subtle colour striping through the use of simple textures, ribs, cables and a touch of lace. Creates wonderfully rich stripes as you knit. The colour changes randomly so no two knits will be the same.

Another new yarn is Tweedie-a chunky weight yarn-Tweedie Chunky-45 percent Acrylic, 40 percent Wool, 15 percent Alpaca-also machine washable.

Sirdar Baby Bamboo is available in 4 new colours-pale pink, pale yellow, pale blue and pale green. Sorry, we don't have them on the website yet.

There are many new patterns for babies, children, men and women.

I have to run and find somewhere to put these yarns. My knitting is calling to me as well-I wonder which task will win out?

Making progress

I have been steadily working on Cheri. I am now done 5.5 balls of yarn-unfortunately I haven't done any today. We are receiving boxes of yarn, needles (out of stock Addis are in) and magazines (the fall Interweave just arrived). I have also been getting mail orders ready-Phyllis-yours is on the way.

I mentioned new sock yarn-the Silk Garden sock yarn from Noro has arrived. There are 8 colours-the two shown as well as 84, 87, 252, 258, 264, 269. These match the colours in Silk Garden.

245
8

Canadian Idol and Big Brother are both getting really, really good. On Idol we are getting down to the best-I think there are 4 very strong people and it will be interesting to see who Canada wants to win. The arguing and fighting on Big Brother has been great. In the past people didn't get along but this is the first season where there have been screaming matches (and lots of them). Memphis and Renny are still flying under the radar and should last for some time with everyone else at each others throats. Jerry is an idiot. He is complaining about Dan and the fact that he broke his word-didn't Jerry do that the first week?

Olympic Knitting

Ravelry is hosting the Ravelympics. We couldn't start our knitting until the opening ceremonies and it must be done by the closing ceremonies. I am knitting Cheri (from the new magazine from Rowan The Cocoon Collection). The vest will take 9 balls and I have 4 knit. (I just threw it on the deck this morning to take the picture-it will lay nicely when blocked.) Hopefully I can finish by the end of the week. I then have 2 projects that are started that I want to get done by the end of the Olympics. The store is going to be a mess because I won't have time to do anything but knit for the next 2 weeks.

There is a new sock yarn in the shop. I sent out the newsletter this morning to those who have asked to receive sock yarn updates. I can let you in on the secret tomorrow morning.

Brooke's Lace Shawl

I saw this shawl when I was at TNNA in June. It is absolutely beautiful. The yarn has been in the store for a bit and we were just waiting on the pattern. We have more colours than these in the store (including some reds).
The shawl is knit in Wool Crepe from Mountain Colors (who have updated their website-take a look). The shawl is knit on circular needles in the round. Two halves are made and grafted down the centre back. You start by making a circle (the armhole) and working out from there. When you are done the border is added.

Wild Horse
Chinook
Gray Wolf
Lodgegrass
Lupine
Meadow

Making progress

Here is the first front of Valour. I could have finished it a few days ago but have been lazy this week with my knitting.

This afternoon I cast on the second front and have about 10 rows done.

Is anyone watching the current season of Big Brother? It is a very interesting season. Rennie and Dan might skate through for quite some time if they stay out of the turmoil.

Back is done

I finished the back of Valour.  The colours in the picture are very true to the real colours of the yarn.  I am about 1/3 of the way through the first front.

The Olympics will be starting this week so I need to make up my mind on what I am going to knit.  I think I will be using Cocoon from Rowan but I still have a few days.