The Tinsmith's Wife Blog

Spring is Musical and Full of Joy!

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:47:00 GMT

This morning it hit me that Spring is truly the season when nature does sing. The birds are much more vocal with the cooler weather, the colors all but vibrate in their vibrancy, and we internally sing with the perfect temperatures and the sunshine! The colors this morning as I drove to the shop were seas of happy yellow!

We have also been enjoying a musical journey of sorts with one of our knitalongs! We have been taken with Ilga Leja's new knitting series focused on short rows - Suite for Short Rows. There have been three patterns thus far and we are anxiously awaiting the fourth! Each pattern is named after a component of music. The first pattern was Arpeggio - and it is perfectly in tune! Here is a shot of our group with our finished products!

Darcy, Leta, Bobbie, Pam (and me in the front)

I must say that I truly enjoying our knitalongs! It is amazing to see the different combinations of colors and textures that suite each personality come together.

Time Flies!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:35:00 GMT

My heavens, it has literally been months since I last blogged! It is certainly not due to the lack of great stuff happening - and the gentle hints from many of you that the elfish pictures of Noro were outdated. Honestly, I think we all just get to the point where we may just be on our "wheel" and cooking right along and fail to see that time flies by in a flash.

At points, we all need to stop the wheel and just enjoy the moment of watching a cat sleep, enjoy knitting in the early morning sun, searching for the next great pattern on Ravelry, or enjoy lunch with friends. Life is awesome for each small beauty! I hope that below are a few vignettes and pictures that show the joy and beauty that we see at The Tinsmith's Wife!

This past weekend we celebrated at the shop! What?! Yes, occasionally we do party. SMILE! It was Pam's birthday PLUS it was St. Patrick's Day! A double treat! If you haven't gotten a chance to meet Pam - she has a wonderful Welsh accent and is a tremendous knitter (and fast too)! Isn't the cake the bomb?!

We have also always noted that we will "assign" a cat to you - particularly if you need to read your pattern or are simply sewing seams! Laurel is the master of helping! Bobbie is sure to get a great seam with this help.

And Merrilee is not able to fully enjoy Noro's chair if she didn't share with the feline!

Baby clothes are always a treat to see finished - they are just soo little and too cute for words!

Mimi came in and shared this adorable "Fiesta Frock" from the One Skein Sock Wonders. She used Colinette's Jitterbug in Mallow. AWESOME!

For an upcoming baby gift "competition" for the cutest outfit, Becky created an awesomely cute little Baby Surprise Jacket. Now will they name the new baby Coco Channel if she dresses this snazzy?!

I am also a sucker for awesome families! This great looking crew were in town to celebrate their dad's/granddad's birthday! I do believe this is one lucky man to get to visit Comfort (and a knit shop) on his day! Sure do love the beautiful knitted garb on the ladies too!

There are also numerous fun stories and pictures that return via email! Here is one from Lydia who travels with Armande, her personal mascot! She was here on Saturday, and I do feel honored that he found some comfort and friends while visiting! In fact, here is a link to Armande's blog to learn more about this great 'dillo!

And many of our wonderful knitter's create lovely gifts for others on a frequent basis. Joan is the mistress of this! Here she is with a scarf that she created to match a blouse for a friend. (This goes back to pre-Christmas.)

And, as always, it is always easy to see the beauty in our cats! Here is a new picture from the recent Noro photoshoot! Can you believe how you can see the hair in his ears so well and those whiskers!

Cat kisses to all! And I will not be sooooo late in the blog post!

Feline Elves?!

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:42:00 GMT

My heavens, don't you love the holidays?! I sure do! Everything from the simple joy of having a cup of coffee laced with egg nog or peppermint to staring at the glow of Christmas tree lights in a dark room....

My Christmas spirit got a turbocharge this week when Mom came over to my house and helped decorate the tree (and it is a Frasier Fir)! The drive to complete the tree was to "surprise" Scott who was returning home from a business trip - and I thought a decorated house (and not having to string lights for a year) would be such a gift. I must say - we did a great job - despite the tree being a smidge crooked in the stand. We laughed a lot as we decorated and sang along as we watched the Michael Buble Christmas Special - what fun! (Thank you, Mom, for an awesome afternoon!)

We followed this glee with more fun the next morning when we dressed up the shop cats as elves. They didn't feel quite as joyful about the endeavor - but we sure did enjoy it! I have tried to chronicle the fun of working to get the hat and collar on Noro... It starts out okay - gets a little blurry in the middle (with a few outstretched toes) - and then just a face that could stop time (but festively outfitted).

As you can imagine, Laurel's photo shoot was much easier - although she does look embarassed too....

If you could have sound to the pictures - there would be peels of laughter from Mom and me - and in the end, there are a couple festively attired felines!

I do hope that everyone is enjoying this season with silly and fun snippets of time. I do believe that the season reminds us to take a moment of reflection in the sheer joy of being with ones we love and doing simple things that bring a smile to you and/or others!

Happy Christmas! More to come as we prepare for the Christmas holiday...

Thanksgiving Blessings

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:57:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is such a special time! Not only is there a nip in the air, leftover turkey in the fridge, and pumpkin pie - this is also a time to reflect on our many blessings. For me, I cannot believe my blessings particularly since we opened The Tinsmith's Wife. These blessings primarily come in multiple interactions with a tremendous group of people - some we only have one great interaction and others become family.

The first week of November, Cindy Morawski came in and began to share her first experience with Comfort and our shop. After this first visit, Cindy left with pictures of the shop and our shop kitties (including Lily). With her return - she came with a great story of painting Lily and the comfort derived from her visit to Comfort. Her paintings are great - and the face of Lily staring out is just a treat. It is definitely worth a hop over to Cindy's blogspot to see more of Cindy's work and travels; the blog with Lily's story is from November 13th.

Courtesy of Cindy Morawski - "Comfort Cat"

There is also a tremendous joy in our "regulars". Their faces and smiles grace many a blog from The Tinsmith's Wife, and they are the heart of the shop. As I have been a bit behind in blogs - some of the pictures go back a few weeks...

Here is a great snap of Connie and Jane prior to a Halloween party. What fun to have a quick stop into the shop to share the costumes! Jane's was particularly brilliant - she is a "Cereal Killer". This idea was shared with another customer who took this home to her husband - and he won in their costume contest!

And here a great picture of Merrilie sharing her new "Maid Marian" hat with the group! Cathy is just behind her. Again, great smiles!

Speaking of finished projects - another great customer came in one day and wanted to make a stuffed animal. We shared the Knitting at Knoon animal pattern with her - and here is the super cute Elephant, which is sure to be loved!

Talk of blessings would be absent if I didn't once again celebrate my family! This is the one item in my life that is without a doubt the best thing (and yes, my cats are in the mix).

Obviously, Mom and Dad are the super tops of my list! November is a busy time for us - and it does call all of us in to duty! Kid 'n Ewe and Alpacas Too is a fiber fest in Boerne that we have been participating in annually - and it is a very different pace. Here is a picture of Mom in our booth! Doesn't she look great?!

Just prior to Kid 'n Ewe, Mom and Dad finally went on a much-deserved vacation to Portland, Oregon! This is just a small thank you for all that they do for me. Got some great postcards from places like Tillamook Cheese! They also took some great pictures at Multonomah Falls - which is awesome as this also one of our favorite shawl patterns! Obviously from the pictures below - this is a cooler season than what we have had in South Texas.... Plus the great color and trees in the picture of Mom!

Rarely does the shop see Scott - but without him, my balance would not be there. I am lucky to have such a husband to tolerate all my crazy. And he does...

To close - I have to add a few shop cat pics! The first is Ms. Laurel greeting at the front door....

...and Noro being a great model for a finished necklace (Nelkin's Rippled).

It is easy for me to share my blessings...when I stop to reflect. Just need to be sure that I spent each moment recognizing how lucky I am.

What are your blessings? Do you always recognize them?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Three! Drei! Trois! Tres! San!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:03:00 GMT

No matter your language of choice - we are now 3 years old!

There is greatness in threes....

The Three Bears

The Three Stooges

The Three Amigos (yes, the dance was great)

The Three Graces

The list of the wonders of three can go on indefinitely... However, to put it simply, we are delighted to have had our third anniversary celebration and to celebrate with such style!

The day started with the "unveiling" of this year's anniversary project and yarn, and I believe this year it is amazing! Ilga Leja designed our shawl, Squash Blossom, and it was knit in the most amazing and luminous shade of turquoise! It is quite a honor to the Navajo squash blossom necklaces, and I feel confident that this shawl will be something that will be passed down to knitting generations to come!

We then simply celebrated with the many friends that we have made over the past three years! It was a giant party all day... We had cupcakes, raspberry champagne (thank you Jane and Connie), and the most amazing yarn ball/kitty cake that has ever been created (thank you Pam and Bobbie).

I have noted time passing primarily in the children that we watch grow over the years. Another baby is due any day - and it will be a treat to watch another baby grow and have a multitude of wonderful handcrafted clothes! Alexis was due in just three days on Saturday when she came in to ensure she was stocked up on projects. Alexis, thank you for stopping in, and we wish you another healthy baby! You gotta love Atticus' great facial expression - is he winking?

In closing, many thanks to everyone for an amazing three years! The three of us (yes, Mom, Dad and I are a three), are so lucky to have this experience. We do recognize that our shop is our shop because of the people that frequent it. We are merely a shell for the amazing people that come each week and connect with us and others around yarn, patterns, and laughter!

Well....Noro and Laurel are pretty awesome too... Speaking of, I could not end without another fantastic picture of Noro....

Dyeing Our Own Yarn With White Bear Fibers!

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Wow, we had such a great Saturday with Doug and Tyler of White Bear Fibers for our Dye Your Own Yarn Workshop! I think we were all a little timid to start - and then the time flew by and wonderful colors attached to yarn - and I do believe there was magic in the air! What words cannot describe, I do believe the pictures below will... You will note some concentration - but then a lot of smiles!

We had two sessions filled with amazing and talented women - and many came with their friend(s)! I loved that Priscilla just signed up her group and told them they were coming - and they left a quilt event just for the dye workshop! Doug was our "Dye Master" and taught us the various techniques and the desired effect each would give us - and then gave us the confidence to jump right in to dyeing. Tyler was our "Dyeista" (think a barista for dye) and ensured that we had our dyes mixed to precision!

From my perspective this was an amazing and fun day - so much fun that we have already booked Saturday, December 10th as our next Dye Workshop!

Listening to Doug's instructions....

Emily was our first brave one to jump in and start handpainting!

Morning Class' Wonderful Colorways!

Priscilla did bring along her friends....

..and all were patiently awaiting the afternoon class to START!

Patty (who always takes the best pictures) hard at work on her handpainting!

Friendship and dye does pull us together!

Pam marveling at the beautiful yarn she dyed with the small bits of colorways in the complex purple! Bobbi getting to marvel too!

The afternoon session colorways - such a gorgeous array!

Tyler & Doug after a long and very fun day! Thank you both!!

Awesome August

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:11:00 GMT

The middle of August has already arrived, and it is still hot and dry. However, what a great excuse to stay in the cool air conditioning to knit! I don't think I am the only one with this idea. Last night at our Saturday Night Stitches, Bobbie and Pam arrived with their finished loot from this past two weeks - and the projects were LOVELY!

Pam (on the left) made this gorgeous Iro vest (6 skeins) that was a nice and simple garter stitch lovely. The picture doesn't really show how striking the look was (with the sandles that perfectly matched). Pam is also holding her finished garment from our Got Tosh Knitalong; she made the Live Oak Shawlette from the current Knitscene Magazine in Tosh Sock.

Now Bobbie has also been a busy knitter! She is the first to compete her Corinne sweater in Tosh DK in the Terra colorway. She is wearing the Vertical Ruffle Tank in Ty Dy cotton; so cute! Lastly, she put together the Pleiades shawl in String Theory bamboo blend fingering.

Overall not bad for a two week run of knitting! (BIG smile!)

Other than knitting and having a great time just loving life - all is smooth! Obviously Laurel is working hard. Here is a snap of her at the end of a busy week!

Favorite Words

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:44:00 GMT

This morning I had the pleasure of being interviewed for the Hill Country Examiner for the Local Flavors section, and the reporter, Jennifer, asked a fantastic question - what are your favorite words? Such a neat question. Honestly - I don't remember my answer early this morning, but I have pondered this deeper throughout the day...

Yarn Color Smile Gradience Cat Laughter

Honesly, despite loving words - this has kept me thinking of fun words that I do love... One of my healthcare "work words" that makes me smile is an old-fashioned infection control word - Nosohusial - feel like I should say 'gusendheit' after someone says it. However, fiber words are amazing as well... Who would imagine we could easily speak of "tinking" a project and then flow into mohair, silk, and cashmere....

Beyond dreaming of words, we have been busy getting Nana settled in Boerne into an independent living place, and it is a beautiful apartment. How awesome to be in a bright and sunny place with activites just a few steps away - not to mention two great meals a day! Hey, sign me up! Truly hope she enjoys it and is happy. In the move, we have had a chance to connect with Nana's stuff and Nana's past. She thoughtfully put notes in key items so we would know the meaning. One example was a small black box that Nana received at her first dinner party as a married woman in 1943 - and it was from Mrs. Buckley (William F.'s mother). Others were pewter trophies and cups from horse events when Nana was a girl. Multiple stories and history of our family. Obviously finding great pictures of Mom through the years was a treat! I do treasure one of Mom and my grandfather. It is amazing to see the same crooked teeth in all of our smiles.... (Definitely will scan this one and share!)

Last week we also had a great July 4th weekend in Comfort. I missed the parade this year - but it was great to see this image on Sunday as folks were preparing for the parade! How can you not smile and feel America when you see this?! My, I love being in Comfort!

In between, I have been having a cast-on fest! New yarns are beginning to arrive - and it is so darn exciting! I am also having a blast connecting great patterns and yarns. The new Knitty.com patterns arrived last week - and I thought that the new Stephen West pattern, Creekbed, would be great in some of our Unique Sheep Gradience kits. Hmmmm.... This is calling to be cast-on - but I need to complete one more project before....

In the world of our loving shop cats, Laurel was the lucky winner of a photoshoot today! She curled up on The Sassy Skein Fastasy Fest scarf I was knitting - and the contrast of the black and white was perfect. Doesn't she look beautiful and peaceful. Believe she is still feeling a bit punk after her shots yesterday... BUT she was doing great as she is down one pound from last year.

As for Lily Langtree, we do need to see if we can find a good and loving home for her. Noro is just not having her in the shop and is giving her such trouble, and she is such a sweet kitty. The vet is guessing she is about 12 years old, and she simply should not have to put up with such an upstart of a cat like Noro. If you or someone you know could provide love and a good home, please let us know. Here are two pictures of Lily last weekend with the new scarf that she was presented with from one of our great customers! She knew it was hers and didn't stop sleeping on it for the full day.

Until the next blog, I do hope you have a happy and safe Summer filled with happiness and yarn! Me, I am going to play with the new Fiesta Baby Boom that arrived this week..... Oooooohhhhh.

All About Comfort

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:12:00 GMT

Wow, it was sure awesome when the June edition of Texas Monthly arrived in the mail, and there was a great article on the great things to do in Comfort. AND The Tinsmith's Wife was included in those great things, and we were able to get a picture in the print edition. This is so exciting - I was even quoted..."Wendy Solberg says..."! If you are reading this blog and are not from the great state of Texas, you may not fully understand the glee of being a part of this magazine! The article is so great for Comfort and our merchants. How could you resist not popping into Blackbird Antiques just to see Molly and Hudson after you have seen this picture (see below); these are the two chubby pugs that are the residents of that shop! Here is the link to the online edition of the article.

And the fun doesn't stop there!

It is Summer, and there is definitely some time to peacefully knit in the air conditioning as the outside temps reach 100 degrees and over... I cannot imagine that people can stop knitting in the hotter parts of the year. This may be one of the best times... At least it seems like life is a smidge slower. Summertime is when you can begin to creat great projects to give as gifts during the holidays (if you can hold out and not give them prior to the holidays). There are also multiple small projects that are perfectly crafted while on a trip. Generally, it is also accepted (in Wendy's world) to dream of cool weather when that wool sweater would be a perfect "I Love Me" gift! Gosh, you sure can tell that I do love my knitting, huh?

At present, I am enjoying the heck out of knitting Ilga Leja's Bermuda shawl. It is tremendous fun to knit - and wait for it - I am able to knit with Noro! What else could one ask for?! I would love to have a few folks join me on the journey into short rows while creating a gorgeous shawl with multiple curvy lines... A knitalong will be posted shortly for the fun!

Well, all this talk of Noro of course makes me also remember my dear kitty, Noro! Here is a great shot of him definitely advertising for our upcoming Knit Noro Knitalong... I wish I could take credit for posing him like this - but this is just pure Noro being himself and loving his namesake!

Until we next see you - happy Summer knitting (and perhaps throw a little Noro in there for Summer fun)!

Mother's Day 2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 01:03:00 GMT

If you have been around our shop and me, you know that I adore my parents. As we just celebrated Mother's Day - obviously the focus here is Mom! I am blessed to have such a great Mom who is also a great friend. I simply love her a ton. It is probably not a shock that Mom and I talk each day - maybe more than once.

For her day, we did our routine Sunday morning "work" at the shop - sharing knitting patterns and ideas, paying shop bills, and generally just having a great time together. Dad was good enough to watch the shop on Sunday afternoon so we could pop out to Welfare Cafe for a late lunch - and it was yummy! Here is a picture of Mom out back at Welfare Cafe. (It was a hot one!) Doesn't she look great?!

On Mother's Day at the shop, we also had other wonderful mothers/daughters/sisters enjoying the time together. This is a great shot of two close sisters - and one had just received their new gift of a scarf out of Noro Kuryeon! Gotta love the connections of women.

As always, there is always extra love around for our kitties.... As usual, Noro is a camera hog, and just so darn cute! Here is a shot of him in his favorite new spot (now changed) where he can be close to the front door to be able to greet visitors (when he is awake).... This was a "naughty kitty" event that was captured - as a good employer he was counseled on laying on the yarn....

And another of him looking all beautiful in the front window. This shot was snapped as Mom and I returned on Sunday. You cannot help but smile! BTW - the new sweater in the window was just finished by Mom. Super cute and easy in Classic Elite's Provence. I have one too in pink!

Then...drum roll...we have a new addition to The Tinsmith's Wife family. She is shy - but quite a lovely lady... Lily Langtry! This little girl has had a rough life - but she seems pretty happy now. Don't be surprised if you don't see her as she is a bit shy.

Now I am off to knit - working on a new Mountain Colors scarf that is gorgeous and so fun to knit!

Sunny Spring

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:53:00 GMT

The sun is shining bright, and you cannot beat the "newness" that Spring in South Texas provides. I do realize that it would be ideal to have a bit of rain, but I am always appreciative of the sun especially when it isn't so hot. As we look out the window of the shop, we are again greeted with lovely iris and Queen Anne's Lace...and the sun is just coming through the trees with a great effect! The flags are flapping in a great breeze. Geez, it is definitely a gorgeous day!

The visitors that we have visit with us in Comfort are just as sunny!

Last weekend we had the "Lubbock" group - and what fun they were! They seemed to have an absolutely wonderful time just being together and enjoying each other. It is a pleasure to be able to participate in such good friends and definitely such good feeling. As they left the shop on Saturday night - I did snag a quick snap of them - you can see the great smiles, but I wish I could have recorded the laughter and comments. Priceless! This weekend was also to celebrate a birthday girl! Thanks to all five of you for a wonderful time!

After the picture, Sarah had to give the kitties one more pat!

The other fun we have are the friendships that are built here at the shop. Darcy and Leta are "regulars" that we love, and it was awesome that they made (and wore) matching moebious scarves! Aren't they cute?! And they are looking at the new colorways of Giotto!

And, as I haven't written in a while... I failed to update everyone on the "sheep naming contest"! He is now officially Wooliam. He is definitely a kindred male for Dad and Noro to pal around with during the week. He does look natty in a lovely French Girl shawl...

And a blog wouldn't be complete without pictures of our two hams (aka cats). Here is Laurel trying to check out the yarn in the basket by getting a boost from one of our sheep!

And Noro simply snoozes through it all....

I have made a Spring promise to begin to be a better blogger...and to finish a few projects!

Entrelac, Music, and Spring

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:58:00 GMT

We have had some tremendous activities over the past several weeks. Last week, we were lucky to have Gwen Bortner join us for our Spring Knitting Retreat, and she taught us entrelac from the beginning. We were lucky again to have a great building right on High Street in Comfort with tremendous light and energy! Here are a few shots from our two days... I have so many more - and they are all wonderful! Thanks to all who were able to participate. Particular thanks to Frankie and Tom at an Heirloom B&B for two days of wonderful lunches and for being such a great host to Gwen!

Cathy and Janet

Connie Kay

Wendy (the British one)

Gwen with Susan's hat

The wonderful part is everyone left with a great finished product - a fantastic and extremely fashionable hat! Don't we look great?! The hats were each so different as we chose different colors, textures, and the sizes ranged as well. Fun!

We followed our first day with a review of Gwen's trunk show of wonderful finished goodies from her book Entree to Entrelac...

Gwen also has a few great snaps on her blog, and Susan also chronicled her visit as well!

The fun didn't stop over the weekend. Thursday was St. Patrick's Day, and we had a treat for those who visited - music by the Rose and Thistle band. Janet (far left in the green hat) is the tin whistle player, and from all that was shared the band was a hit around Comfort! I was just sorry that I missed the festivities!

In closing, it is always exciting when I get to teach someone to knit. It is even cooler when the new knitter is totally smitten with knitting - and an excellent knitter as well! Dee Dee is one such student. She came into the shop during Girls Night Out in November and saw a Noni bag and wanted to make it - primarily as she is a horse lover and the handle has a horse bit handle. Here is Dee Dee with her finished bag and a huge smile just a smidge over three months later! The finished product is gorgeous with the best looking black & white lining, charms for the zippers, and a "Giddy Up" tag on the front!

Another week is coming to a close... Time just goes so fast, but boy, we do meet some tremendous folks. Darcy, thank you for snapping pictures on Thursday for me!

Snowy South Texas

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:58:00 GMT

The country as a whole has been covered in snow...and our winter here in South Texas has been extremely warm and dry. Last Saturday we were sunny and 77 degrees. So it was a "treat" to have a light dusting of snow and cold weather last night. It is just enough to say we have had a winter, but we also know we will be back in the 60s by Saturday!

Here are a few pictures from the morning light hitting the white stuff outside of my house... It may not be in feet - but it sure does the trick.

The cool weather does work the magic and makes one want to hunker down and knit. Not a bad thing, mind you - particularly if you are like me an addicted to knitting (and yarn). Then add a cat and a great cup of warm coffee - and there is nothing like it. Personally this little bit of winter has made me continue to dream of finished objects! If you have been to the store lately, you will know that I have been focused on casting off versus my typical casting on!

One project finished last week was a quick one-skein project that is a fun and easy knit. Great for gifts! The pattern title is Kink and was featured on Knitty.com in the Fall. Just think a DK yarn with a US 10.5 needle. Yahoo! Little to no finishing! Here is a picture (in the snow) of my finished Kink made out of Classic Elite Magnolia....

However, in case you wonder why I am on the finishing drive - it is because there are so many new projects tempting me... Here is the next skein of yarn that has my needles name on it! This is part of the Dream Club from Dream in Color. The yarn comes with a lovely shawl pattern.

Well, as the sun comes up, I am sure the white stuff will soon melt away and I can get up to the shop safely. Today is a "snow day" for our office so I am off from the day job. As so many folks have been frozen in for so long, these are the times I totally love living in a warm climate. Definitely will have to bookmark this blog to read again during the September hot, dry spell that is sure to come to remind myself of this love.

Happy Knitting (and Keep Warm)! In closing, here is a nice shot of Felicity Jane (my home kitty) taking a look out the window at snow (and maybe a bird or two)...

Joy All Around!

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:15:00 GMT

Goodness, there is just so much joy around you cannot help but smile and feel extremely blessed! I do love the final days before Christmas as there is just a sense of togetherness, hope, and general good feeling....

Our holidays started about 10 days ago when Nana began a great recovery. She is now in a lovely skilled nursing facility getting stronger each day with physical therapy. Mom and Dad visited her yesterday - and she was up and walking and eating like there was no tomorrow. Awesome! As I have mentioned, I do hope that I have half of her strength...

Another neat family thing was my cousin, Tyler, proposed to his girlfriend in Kansas City atop the Liberty Memorial. The right place at the right time, kismet hit, and there is a tremendous article (with tons of pictures) in the Kansas City Star - "Operation Bended Knee".... Tyler had coordinated to be able to propose at the Liberty Memorial earlier, and there just happened to be a reporter doing an article on the moment and thought how cool. How cool! I wish Tyler and Calla all the very best!

The joy does not stop either! - there is a lot of finished object glee happening! We have seen some mighty fine finished objects that bring a lot of joy as well!

Janet sent along pictures of the cutest hippo that she gave as a Christmas gift.... The little hippo is a pattern out of Knitted Wild Animals and may be one of many that we see over the next bit of time.

Also, Patricia and her daughter Patty came in today and shared a needlepoint picture as well as a crocheted Texas afghan. It is always a special treat when Patricia comes for a visit!

Week before last, another wonderful lady came in and wanted to make a Christmas stocking for her new grandchild, Sadie. She loved this stocking and was able to stitch it up in no time to make the deadline for finishing - and isn't it wonderful?! Joy!!

As I was here today and was able to see some of the stuff as it arrived - I immediately began to re-arrange, and I do love that! The new Herdy cups, key chains, and coasters are here - and they are adorable! The mug on the left is "Peep"! (Mom's newly finished Ann Norling scarf is in the forefront out of a gorgeous Mountain Colors.)

AND we have also received the January Dream Club shipment - and the color this time is awesome - Alpine Flurry - and the ear flap hat is totally cute.... I am ready to get knitting on mine!!

....but first I will finish another newbie that arrived last week - Lambikins. Is this not the cutest!? I just loved Shari Lewis, and this brings back every joyful memory of Lambchop and friends!

I hope everyone is finding the joy that I have this week. My family is happy and safe.... I am not hungry (in fact overly fed).... And I am surrounded by beautiful yarns and fibers!

Merry Christmas, and we all hope 2011 brings every joy that a fresh new year can bring! One last parting picture before I close - Noro in the window!

Say Thanks and Enjoy

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:02:00 GMT

I must note, again, that time goes extremely fast... We are already in the holiday season and so many days go buzzing by without noting how special it was. At times I have to consciously stop myself and remember to savor each moment and particularly enjoy those around us. It is also critical to say thank you for what we are given. Particularly potent every day but surely around Thanksgiving...

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

This week my family has been consumed with concern for my Nana. On Saturday night she had surgery and was hospitalized in Killeen in very critical condition. Nana is quite a fighter, and I am proud to say that I have inherited her toughness and independence. We simply pray for her comfort and a peaceful end if that is what is to be... Honestly we do not know, but I do feel confident in my heart that I have said thank you for what she has given to me.

The rotations at the hospital have allowed me the opportunity to be in the shop and in Comfort during the week. What a lovely peaceful place this is. This morning I arrived early and opened up Christmas music on Pandora (mix of Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and it has been a wonderful morning. I know it is not yet Thanksgiving - but boy, I do love all things that speak of the holiday season. Cider. Reds and Greens. Sounds of Christmas Carols. Mittens. Snowmen. I had a cup of hot cider (it was a bit chilly) and played with the cats. Here are a few pictures of what I saw this morning...

Front entry bedecked in Christmas garland.

Front table with great fun Christmas projects! Self-striping sock yarn in Christmas colorways from String Theory Colorworks and awesome little Christmas ornaments from Knit/Purl.

Front window in reds and greens...

Now for the cats at play! If you have read any of my blog posts before, you know how much Noro and Laurel are camera hogs...

Laurel playing with the new mouse - isn't the shadow perfect?! I was so tickled with the perfect morning light (and that now cat hair tumbleweeds were seen.

Laurel was having such a good time, Noro decided he wanted a piece of the action and did the "sneak up".

Yes, he stole the mouse and ran with the mouse. Laurel decided she would just go snooze in his bed as he played.

Not to finish there... I am still in awe of the newest member of the shop. Sheep (until a suitable name can be chosen). During the summer, Dad purchased a few raffle tickets that went to charity and didn't think another thought about it. He did remember that the folks were pulling a sheep around on a wagon... Well, Saturday Sheep was delivered. He is a full size replica of a sheep, and is quite attractive. How perfect that Dad won and that we can include in the shop!

Now the job will be to name Sheep... If you have suggestions, please email them to us or make a comment below. We will narrow the names down, and the person who provides the "winning" name will win a free skein of yarn. Thus far, we have gotten "Baa-Bob", "Oliver" and "Ewegene". Other thoughts?

Sheep from afar...

Sheep profile.

Sheep 3/4 view.

Hopefully the pictures have made you smile... I am off to cast on another project - believe I am going to knit a hat today. I have been taken with the Opposite Shore Beret in KnitCircus. It is in one of my favorite yarns, Spud & Chloe Sweater, and it is knit on a US 9 and US10! I picked the Grape Jelly color. (If you have not checked out KnitCircus - it is a must review on-line magazine where you can purchase patterns.)

As I close, if I can pass on one item in my mind. Look around at the beauty that you see today - and don't forget to say thank you.