Where Hands Create.
Holy smokes! I haven't written a blog in FOREVER! Apologies if you are a reader of the blog, and honestly, my mental health has probably suffered as this is a bit of a catharsis for me....
The reason for the delay, I believe, has primarily been the extra addition to our lives with Nana. She was again in the hospital with C diff (Clostridium difficile) in early June - and this time she was an inpatient at the hospital for almost two weeks. When we sprung her from the hospital, she did have the conditioning period to get her strength back. However, great news - last week Mom and Dad returned her home, and she is back free again! Man, I hope I am as independent at 88 as she is.... Here is a picture of her a couple of weekends ago stitching away and visiting with Mr. McLean (also note Noro being a big help).
In this gap, the store has continued to rock along and we have had several great looking finished projects cross the doorway... Check out the gorgeous Out of the Box sweater!!!
We have also had the best time receiving in the new yarns!! In fact, we had so many, we added a new "wall" of yarn. So many projects - and just not enough time. So glad that I get to knit vicariously through others! Smile. Between Mom, Dad, and me we have pretty much dived in! Dad is knitting an adorable and colorful baby blanket from Princess (primary color is red), and Mom has several projects going but just finished a Shibui Ruffled and Ruched Scarf....
I, too, have finished a few projects in the gap. They are small but mighty! One of my favorites are a pair of pink felted slippers that came from our Knitting 24/7 group... I think I am just tickled with the picture more than anything else.
Tonight we will also have our first in person meeting of the Yarn Crawl planning group - and I think this year is going to be great! Make sure calendars are marked for Columbus Day weekend and watch the various shops' blogs for more information. We will be shouting it from the rooftops! Susan from Yarnorama! is again leading the group, and she is doing a marvelous job providing inspiration and thinking of better ways to make this weekend rock for our customers...
Off to knit for a bit. I am resolved to complete my Dream Club hat in Smooshy today. It has been a treat to knit, and I am anxious to get the second installment.... But then the Halloween yarn is calling to me... Don't you love the names of Tricky Treat, Punkin' Smash, and Witch's Brew? We have picked the Jaywalker sock for our September 25 sock club - and I am itching to get started!
Thanks for your patience with my brief hiatus. It is true, when you get mega busy and stuff like family is involved - you do have to put some things on the back burner. I am just sorry that my blog was just such an item.
In closing - here is a picture of Mr. Regal Noro himself!
The reason for the delay, I believe, has primarily been the extra addition to our lives with Nana. She was again in the hospital with C diff (Clostridium difficile) in early June - and this time she was an inpatient at the hospital for almost two weeks. When we sprung her from the hospital, she did have the conditioning period to get her strength back. However, great news - last week Mom and Dad returned her home, and she is back free again! Man, I hope I am as independent at 88 as she is.... Here is a picture of her a couple of weekends ago stitching away and visiting with Mr. McLean (also note Noro being a big help).
In this gap, the store has continued to rock along and we have had several great looking finished projects cross the doorway... Check out the gorgeous Out of the Box sweater!!!
We have also had the best time receiving in the new yarns!! In fact, we had so many, we added a new "wall" of yarn. So many projects - and just not enough time. So glad that I get to knit vicariously through others! Smile. Between Mom, Dad, and me we have pretty much dived in! Dad is knitting an adorable and colorful baby blanket from Princess (primary color is red), and Mom has several projects going but just finished a Shibui Ruffled and Ruched Scarf....
I, too, have finished a few projects in the gap. They are small but mighty! One of my favorites are a pair of pink felted slippers that came from our Knitting 24/7 group... I think I am just tickled with the picture more than anything else.
Tonight we will also have our first in person meeting of the Yarn Crawl planning group - and I think this year is going to be great! Make sure calendars are marked for Columbus Day weekend and watch the various shops' blogs for more information. We will be shouting it from the rooftops! Susan from Yarnorama! is again leading the group, and she is doing a marvelous job providing inspiration and thinking of better ways to make this weekend rock for our customers...
Off to knit for a bit. I am resolved to complete my Dream Club hat in Smooshy today. It has been a treat to knit, and I am anxious to get the second installment.... But then the Halloween yarn is calling to me... Don't you love the names of Tricky Treat, Punkin' Smash, and Witch's Brew? We have picked the Jaywalker sock for our September 25 sock club - and I am itching to get started!
Thanks for your patience with my brief hiatus. It is true, when you get mega busy and stuff like family is involved - you do have to put some things on the back burner. I am just sorry that my blog was just such an item.
In closing - here is a picture of Mr. Regal Noro himself!
Since we opened the shop in 2008, we have come to know such an amazing and eclectic group of knitters, spinners, hookers, stitchers, and non-crafters. Each person brings such a story to our shop. It truly is like living in one of the novels about yarn shops that you can find at your local Barnes & Nobel (or Amazon if you are more of an on-line shopper). (BTW - we are starting a Knitting Book Club - check out Events in August.)
For those of you who join us to stitch at the shop, you have come to know the others who frequent or those who pass through. Each person/family is a jewel. These are our "fiber friendships". It doesn't matter what we have done in the past, how old/young we are, or what nationally or religion - the bond is amazing. A few stories may bring the thought home....
Just a great shot of Noro's perfectly shaped little cat head. Look at that shading of fur colors that God got when he made Noro.
On Saturday mid-morning - Lonnie Pat ran in with a bouquet of her Mexican Zinnias. She and her husband are amazing gardeners, and you can often see them at the Comfort Farmer's Market on Saturdays. They were wrapping up their morning - and she thought we could use a splash of color with her flowers. Beautiful!!! And despite not having a picture of Lonnie Pat - she is just as beautiful inside and out - she is also a great knitter.
Another frequent visitor is Janet - and we love her. She learned to knit with us late in 2009 - and boy, she has been knitting up a storm - in addition to the beautiful jewelry she makes. She isn't just fast either - she is good. I enjoy our Sunday talks tremendously. What I learned about Janet this weekend is that she is a Hill Country Master Naturalist. Amazing. She even met her husband (Bill) on an archeological dig in Houston years ago. Here is Janet in her recently finished Laguna Tee made in Rowan's Summer Tweed. Don't you just love those sleeves?
This weekend, we had a beautiful family re-visit. We first met Heather at Girls Night Out in 2008. She was so glad to know that we had hot cider versus the "adult" beverages that abound as she was pregnant - and she started knitting something for her new baby. In April, Heather had her beautiful daughter, Aaliyah. We had a snap of Aaliyah in her winter hat before a trip to Germany to meet her grandparents - and she was such a baby. This weekend she came in walking/running with cute piggies and chasing Noro crying "uh-oh". (Didn't get great pictures as she was truly moving so fast.) Also, with typical fashion, Laurel hid during this time with Aaliyah - but Noro had a swell time. How exciting that Heather is having another baby due in December.
There are so many stories - I could keep going. I also wish I were better and faster with the camera. This is truly why we opened the shop. It is connections like these that draw us in, warm our hearts, and generally fill our souls...
It also helps that we are totally fiber addicted - and are turning others on to fiber addiction. There are no Fiberaholics Anonymous (FA) meetings here. We are proud to fondle yarn, ahhh over great new pattern books, read about knitting, and generally just relish in being fiber connoisseurs and master stashers. I wouldn't be a good addict - if I didn't share one new yarn that we got in.... This is Kathee Nelson's Art Yarn - and it is artful... Here is a snap of the silk blend...
Back to people! Our Wrap Me Up! and Sock groups met last weekend - and what fun! Again, the combination of different personalities and yarn!
Another great personality and pleasure to see walk through the door is Bobbi. She always has a smile and a great laugh. Most times she is here with Pam - but on this occasion she was solo until lunchtime. Here she is with her finished Wrap Me Up! She used Noro's Aya to give a lighter summer shawl. Don't you love the colors?
For our Knitting 24/7 Knitalong that began this Saturday, I knitted the Leafy Knot Bag - and I love it. The pattern is great - and paired with Classic Elite Provence it is a perfect summer project. I should be able to finish up this weekend. What?! Finish a project?! Ahem - here is a picture of where I am thus far...working on the handles.
As I was outside taking a picture of my bag - I was just taken with our next door neighbor's yard - the vine is blooming, the flags are out and waving. Sun is warm....
Comfort - it is wonderful. Don't forget the big July 4th parade is on July 3rd. If you haven't been - it is a blast and so patriotic. Only six more days!
For those of you who join us to stitch at the shop, you have come to know the others who frequent or those who pass through. Each person/family is a jewel. These are our "fiber friendships". It doesn't matter what we have done in the past, how old/young we are, or what nationally or religion - the bond is amazing. A few stories may bring the thought home....
Just a great shot of Noro's perfectly shaped little cat head. Look at that shading of fur colors that God got when he made Noro.
On Saturday mid-morning - Lonnie Pat ran in with a bouquet of her Mexican Zinnias. She and her husband are amazing gardeners, and you can often see them at the Comfort Farmer's Market on Saturdays. They were wrapping up their morning - and she thought we could use a splash of color with her flowers. Beautiful!!! And despite not having a picture of Lonnie Pat - she is just as beautiful inside and out - she is also a great knitter.
Another frequent visitor is Janet - and we love her. She learned to knit with us late in 2009 - and boy, she has been knitting up a storm - in addition to the beautiful jewelry she makes. She isn't just fast either - she is good. I enjoy our Sunday talks tremendously. What I learned about Janet this weekend is that she is a Hill Country Master Naturalist. Amazing. She even met her husband (Bill) on an archeological dig in Houston years ago. Here is Janet in her recently finished Laguna Tee made in Rowan's Summer Tweed. Don't you just love those sleeves?
This weekend, we had a beautiful family re-visit. We first met Heather at Girls Night Out in 2008. She was so glad to know that we had hot cider versus the "adult" beverages that abound as she was pregnant - and she started knitting something for her new baby. In April, Heather had her beautiful daughter, Aaliyah. We had a snap of Aaliyah in her winter hat before a trip to Germany to meet her grandparents - and she was such a baby. This weekend she came in walking/running with cute piggies and chasing Noro crying "uh-oh". (Didn't get great pictures as she was truly moving so fast.) Also, with typical fashion, Laurel hid during this time with Aaliyah - but Noro had a swell time. How exciting that Heather is having another baby due in December.
There are so many stories - I could keep going. I also wish I were better and faster with the camera. This is truly why we opened the shop. It is connections like these that draw us in, warm our hearts, and generally fill our souls...
It also helps that we are totally fiber addicted - and are turning others on to fiber addiction. There are no Fiberaholics Anonymous (FA) meetings here. We are proud to fondle yarn, ahhh over great new pattern books, read about knitting, and generally just relish in being fiber connoisseurs and master stashers. I wouldn't be a good addict - if I didn't share one new yarn that we got in.... This is Kathee Nelson's Art Yarn - and it is artful... Here is a snap of the silk blend...
Back to people! Our Wrap Me Up! and Sock groups met last weekend - and what fun! Again, the combination of different personalities and yarn!
Another great personality and pleasure to see walk through the door is Bobbi. She always has a smile and a great laugh. Most times she is here with Pam - but on this occasion she was solo until lunchtime. Here she is with her finished Wrap Me Up! She used Noro's Aya to give a lighter summer shawl. Don't you love the colors?
Also the blog wouldn't be complete without a few snaps of our sock group. We did begin the Pico Accuardi kit this time - and will finish up in July. It was fun - and by the looks of the pictures, everyone was concentrating hard. We even had a guest quilter for the morning!
For our Knitting 24/7 Knitalong that began this Saturday, I knitted the Leafy Knot Bag - and I love it. The pattern is great - and paired with Classic Elite Provence it is a perfect summer project. I should be able to finish up this weekend. What?! Finish a project?! Ahem - here is a picture of where I am thus far...working on the handles.
As I was outside taking a picture of my bag - I was just taken with our next door neighbor's yard - the vine is blooming, the flags are out and waving. Sun is warm....
Comfort - it is wonderful. Don't forget the big July 4th parade is on July 3rd. If you haven't been - it is a blast and so patriotic. Only six more days!
I love the month of June - not only because it is my birthday month - but because it just seems that the world is jumpin', warm and generally full of sunshine. The sun is so warm and it stays light for a long time.
There are also a number of awesome festivals that you can enjoy outside... On June 20th, there will be the first ever Comfort Country Day Fair. One of our customers, Melissa, shared the information with me - and it just sounds too cool! You can find the festival on 87 going towards Fredericksburg - watch for the signs. Here is a snippet of Melissa's email to me about the event."A large centennial ranch in the Comfort area has been set aside to preserve it from development into a subdivision. To introduce it to the public a small festival is scheduled on the ranch on June 20th. We will be trying to preserve some of the old skills and talents along with preserving farming and ranching. On June 20th the public is being invited to enjoy some of this and see some of what we will be trying to do. There will be storeytellers, a chuckwagon cook, milkers, cheese makers, Native American dancers,wagon rides, vaqueros, mule farming exhibition, Jack Russel races, birds of prey, a blacksmith, master naturalists and historians. We would very much like to be able to include weavers, spinners, knitters and anyone else who would like to participate in the event. We will be doing some children's activities also. The event will run between 10am and 5pm. We have space available for campers and camping if desired."
As you will note - they are looking for weavers, spinners, and/or knitters to participate. If you are interested - please contact the shop, and we will get you in touch with Melissa. If you don't participate - at least you can go see the animals, watch folks with the "old skills", etc.
As always, I am always digging the chance to take pictures of the great finished projects, and this time around I have quite a gallery of beautiful projects as well as those "finished" smiles!
We have had the best time with our Wrap Me Up! knitalong over the past several months! Now we are getting to see some of the finished wraps - and you will note that everyone's looks great and so different. We were lucky this week to see three - and hopefully we will see a few more "wrapping" up over the next month or so.
Phyllis with her elegant Noro Silk Garden Wrap Me Up! Love how the green beads really pop on the black...
Patty with her Wooly Stripes Wrap - and she finished in time to take on her anniversary vacation!
Pam with her great looking "stash" wrap. She started like the rest of us and then made the wrap her own with cables and other great stitches. Doesn't Pam look regal?
If this doesn't inspire you to cast a new project on, how about a few other finished beauties?! Yes, more! I told you early it was a great week for catching finished objects!
Here is Leta with her finished Dipped Infinity Scarf made out of the Tanis Fiber kit. So pretty - and it isn't blocked yet! This is a real fun knit - and will be perfect when we get a bit cooler weather.
Here is Leta with her finished Dipped Infinity Scarf made out of the Tanis Fiber kit. So pretty - and it isn't blocked yet! This is a real fun knit - and will be perfect when we get a bit cooler weather.
Here is Jane's finished Bella's 'Very Cherry' dress from Never Not Knitting. The Berroco Pure Pima red was the perfect color! Now she is getting ready to start another for Bella's new sister to be! Won't the Christmas pictures be adorable?!
In addition to her Wrap Me Up!, Phyllis shared a few other great projects that she has finished up recently. Show and Tell rocks! She made her Colonnade shawl in Araucania Ulmo (cotton) - and the feel and finish is gorgeous! This is the perfect thing for when the AC is just a little too low...
I do love my "day" job, but there is a cool feeling driving west to Comfort on a Monday morning. Plus, I got to see the two shop cats in the window when I walked up the steps this morning. I am believing that they were happy to see me and not just hungry!
Well, off to rest a bit (aka knit) before I return to my "day" job tomorrow. However, before I close - I do want to share how appreciative we are of the amazing community of fiber enthusiasts who have embraced The Tinsmith's Wife. There is something special when you have an amazing group of women sitting around the table - who are all ages, walks of life, and there is just a general warmth. Fiber is an amazing bonding agent, isn't it?
Happy June!
As part of our festivities for Memorial Day Weekend 2010, we should consider the true reason for this day, which we too often forget as we enjoy the early summer, arts fairs, etc. Despite being the daughter of a career Army soldier, I have at times failed to consider what the day truly stands for in my excitement for a day of rest and fun.
As a result, I did a little recon on the subject of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was official "proclaimed" by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868. In the proclamation, he noted the following as a way to observe the day...
As a result, I did a little recon on the subject of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was official "proclaimed" by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868. In the proclamation, he noted the following as a way to observe the day...
"...gather around their
sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with
choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew
our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as
sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's
widow and orphan."
--Gener al John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5
May 1868
So if anything, take a bit of time this weekend to remember those that have served. In my case, I am going to consider how blessed that many who served returned. Here is a picture of Dad in Vietnam in 1969 (and please note the ever present Camel cigarette); if you haven't met Dad he is on the far right...
While we were off at the Fair, Dad was minding the shop. Thank heavens as we have gotten in more great yarns! It never seems to slow - thank heavens! We have gotten in a fresh shipment of gorgeous Mountain Colors yarns to include their new sock, Crazy Foot. AWESOME - and the colors are perfectly beautiful!
We also received another shipment of Hand Maiden yarns with several new yarns that we haven't had before to include Sea 3 (big Sea Silk) that comes in a kit to make a great looking vest! All you can say is 'ooooohhhhh'.
Before I totally leave the topic of Memorial Day - I also found a neat poem as well that I felt just suited the day - and got my pride in being an American fired up.
Forget me not.
© 2001 Bill Chance
Remember rockets red glare
bombs bursting in air
gave threw the night that our flag is still there.
Our forefathers reminder of a price to be paid and responsibility to inherit the United States.
Rockets red glare bombs bursting in air
Words fallen on ears unwilling to hear.
deaf no more we all know now the price of freedom the price of war.
Freeborn children listen and see a new generation paying for you and me
Don't be so blind or so deaf to the sights and sounds Americans have left,
Let freedom scream in our ears and minds never forget those left behind.
Freeborn children stand tall and see! does the banner old glory yet wave for thee
God bless America.
Forget me not.
© 2001 Bill Chance
Remember rockets red glare
bombs bursting in air
gave threw the night that our flag is still there.
Our forefathers reminder of a price to be paid and responsibility to inherit the United States.
Rockets red glare bombs bursting in air
Words fallen on ears unwilling to hear.
deaf no more we all know now the price of freedom the price of war.
Freeborn children listen and see a new generation paying for you and me
Don't be so blind or so deaf to the sights and sounds Americans have left,
Let freedom scream in our ears and minds never forget those left behind.
Freeborn children stand tall and see! does the banner old glory yet wave for thee
God bless America.
Now, there is no reason that fun should not be had on this great weekend as well... And fun is usually around us - particularly when their is shopping of great art to be had! Yesterday, Mom and I made our annual trip to the Kerrville Arts & Crafts Festival, and this year was splendid! It started out great as we entered and obviously Mom got pegged as a trouble maker... The "hey, little lady" has a very different meaning now. Smile.
While we were off at the Fair, Dad was minding the shop. Thank heavens as we have gotten in more great yarns! It never seems to slow - thank heavens! We have gotten in a fresh shipment of gorgeous Mountain Colors yarns to include their new sock, Crazy Foot. AWESOME - and the colors are perfectly beautiful!
We also received another shipment of Hand Maiden yarns with several new yarns that we haven't had before to include Sea 3 (big Sea Silk) that comes in a kit to make a great looking vest! All you can say is 'ooooohhhhh'.
Lastly, as I have been a bit slow in writing blogs - there has been great stuff happening that I have failed to commemorate in blog form! The first is our first meeting of our Sock Club! Unfortunately our package of yarn and patterns did not arrive for our meeting on 5/15, but this didn't stop us! We had a great time knitting a beautiful sock with Tanis Fibers yarn... This group of folks is going to be THE BEST! We had such a nice afternoon - and the sock is awesome. Fonza, thanks for getting ahead for us and teaching us all! Here is a great shot of Shirley, Fonza, and Michelle!
Well, I have blogged! Off now to open the shop and perhaps to get a little bit knit! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
We also had "Cathy with a C" stop by, which is always a treat, and share the gorgeous afghan she has knit for her daughter. I do love to see finished projects!
Well, I have blogged! Off now to open the shop and perhaps to get a little bit knit! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
This morning (a Tuesday) I am driving up to Comfort, and the color of yellow is just amazing! The wildflowers along my drive have shifted from the earlier blue/purple of the bluebonnets to an outstanding yellow with patches of melon (Indian Paintbrush). I just couldn't help but stop and take a picture - knowing that the picture never touches real life and the moment truly appreciating nature provides.
The colors of our environment sure do inspire us to knit with color! I am at the present working in a rainbow of colors! The project that has the majority of my time at the moment is the Dipped Infinity Scarf from Laura Chau, and it is so much fun! The colors ooze into each other.... I also chose colors of the rainbow for my scarf.
We have recently received another batch of new yarns and kits from Tanis Fiber Arts. The colors she dyes are rich and bright and on top of amazing yarn bases. Tanis has also put together several baby blanket kits for us - and they are mega cute and again filled with color. Here is a quick snap of our front table today with the DK from Tanis. Thinking of combining these with some of the new shawl patterns we have gotten from Two Old Bags...
We have recently received another batch of new yarns and kits from Tanis Fiber Arts. The colors she dyes are rich and bright and on top of amazing yarn bases. Tanis has also put together several baby blanket kits for us - and they are mega cute and again filled with color. Here is a quick snap of our front table today with the DK from Tanis. Thinking of combining these with some of the new shawl patterns we have gotten from Two Old Bags...
Other fun things are in to match with our 24/7 Knitalong that is slated to start in June... I am anxious to cast on the shell in the newly arrived hemp (we got 3 and 6). The shell is made in the 3 and am thinking I will use a emerald green, Midori.
But wait, we had more new goodies arrive as well that fit the color excitement that I am currently in... The String Theory Colorworks hand dyed striped sock yarns.... Ohhhh... The yarn is a treat to knit with - and I know as I am currently working a sock in the purple/black combination. Great yarn base, and honestly you cannot beat the fun of watching the socks stripe magically with these bright colors!
Lastly (and then I will stop with the colororama) - we got an initial selection of Aracauna's Ulmo in some great colors. Over the last couple of weeks we have found some great tee-shirt sweaters made out of this nifty cotton. AND the colors cannot be beat! I am really digging the tee from the new Saturday Style book (which has a lot of GREAT stuff in it).
Seems so funny to have an appointment to talk about Fall yarns today as I am totally having a blast with Spring/Summer yarns. But someone has to do the tough job. Smile! Thank you all for continuing to support us so that we can have this much fun adoring and knitting with great yarns. I hope you are all half as inspired as we are to cast on and create!
Now - your mission if you choose to accept it - find a great bright color and knit yourself something special. It can be small like a bandit scarf, a felted bag, or a sweater! Just do not let these colors fade before you have a chance to soak in their radiance!
Happy Tuesday!
Now - your mission if you choose to accept it - find a great bright color and knit yourself something special. It can be small like a bandit scarf, a felted bag, or a sweater! Just do not let these colors fade before you have a chance to soak in their radiance!
Happy Tuesday!
Springtime in the Hill Country can bring tremendous color to our landscape - and this year we have better than ever due to the rains we have had recently. Simply put - we are awash in color! The bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and other wildflowers are just spectacular! This is a picture from about two weeks ago of some roadside bluebonnets - the early morning light does not do justice to the vibrant colors...
This week we also had our Color Workshop to learn intarsia and color stranding (aka Fair Isle) - and Gwen Bortner of Knitability joined us from California to teach the class. Thursday night we took Gwen to Po Po's for a yummy dinner of fried chicken, and no one can resist the lure of the Po Po dessert...
Gwen is a tremendous teacher - and we were awash in color on Friday! There were 20 of us total - and we christened The Comfort Meet Market our "knitter's bar". The pictures show serious concentration on everyone's part.... Mark and Diane (owners of the Comfort Meet Market) were tremendous hosts - and Mark was even our DJ with soft tunes as we took knitting breaks to practice our new learning.
Brenda, Karen, Shirley, Peggy, Jane, and Darcy (and a cutout of Elvis)
Jennifer, Nancy, Angie, Tonya, and Rhonda
Gwen is a tremendous teacher - and we were awash in color on Friday! There were 20 of us total - and we christened The Comfort Meet Market our "knitter's bar". The pictures show serious concentration on everyone's part.... Mark and Diane (owners of the Comfort Meet Market) were tremendous hosts - and Mark was even our DJ with soft tunes as we took knitting breaks to practice our new learning.
Brenda, Karen, Shirley, Peggy, Jane, and Darcy (and a cutout of Elvis)
Jennifer, Nancy, Angie, Tonya, and Rhonda
However, at lunch time, there was a bit more time for laughter. Karen and Darcy are just too funny with their knitting on the loo! Important notes if you are reading this and not local.... Comfort typically doesn't decorate with outdoor facilities - High's is updating their restrooms... AND we did have indoor bathroom facilities at The Comfort Meet Market. We just thought this articulated the "bonding" experience that knitting has.
Despite being late posting to the blog - I always try to take pictures of great customer projects. Here are a few great finishes from the past couple of weeks.
The first is a GORGEOUS lace shawl from Rowan Kidsilk Haze from the Victorian Lace book. The piece was created as heirloom gift from grandmother to granddaughter. Wow! In addition to the shawl, there was a quilted bag to keep the shawl in that was part of the gift.
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Happy Springtime Knitting!!
The first is a GORGEOUS lace shawl from Rowan Kidsilk Haze from the Victorian Lace book. The piece was created as heirloom gift from grandmother to granddaughter. Wow! In addition to the shawl, there was a quilted bag to keep the shawl in that was part of the gift.
We also had a Monkey Sock class, and one of our great knitters, Bobbi, joined us. She made the socks out of an Abstract Fibers tencel blend sock yarn - and to a great effect! She also added a "Bobbi" addition of a tabi finish so she can wear with sandals.
Don't these finished objects inspire you to finish a project?! Unfortunately for me, I just get inspired to cast on more....
I bet you are wondering if I have a few new pictures of the cats. The answer is YES, of course! I have been getting a few more closeups so you can see the tremendous beauty of a cat. The picture of Laurel below shows her deeply asleep and feeling safe. Look at those whiskers.
I bet you are wondering if I have a few new pictures of the cats. The answer is YES, of course! I have been getting a few more closeups so you can see the tremendous beauty of a cat. The picture of Laurel below shows her deeply asleep and feeling safe. Look at those whiskers.
Then Mr. Noro.... He is such a photogenic kitty! Here is his new closeup that will definitely be in his modeling portfolio - and the other shot is what initially lead me to get the camera.
Happy Springtime Knitting!!
My gosh - it is already getting close to the end of March... This week went zooming by - and actually, Mom will tell me it has been several weeks since I last penned a blog. So much is happened - and I feel that I totally missed St. Patrick's Day (horrors). I couldn't possibly share all that has happened in this gap of time - so I am going to start with the important stuff...then go to some cute stuff...and then end with some more neat stuff.
This week (on the ides of March) Mom & Dad have their 43rd anniversary! Pretty cool, huh? I think so - and today when one of our great customers, Joyce, came for a visit she shared that today she and her husband are celebrating their 55th! Holy smokes - Scott and I have some time to catch up with these great couples... Congratulations, again, Joyce!
In addition to getting to visit with Joyce, Judy and her granddaughter, Leah, were at the shop this morning. Leah has been to the shop a couple of times - and definitely loves Noro. So, today Noro had a playdate! And he sure did play - most of the time. There is nothing like the giggle and running of a child and a pet running through a knit shop on a cool March morning. Prior to our having Noro join our family - he most certainly had children in his life; he sincerely loves them... Here are a few pictures of Leah and Noro during their play date this morning.
This week (on the ides of March) Mom & Dad have their 43rd anniversary! Pretty cool, huh? I think so - and today when one of our great customers, Joyce, came for a visit she shared that today she and her husband are celebrating their 55th! Holy smokes - Scott and I have some time to catch up with these great couples... Congratulations, again, Joyce!
In addition to getting to visit with Joyce, Judy and her granddaughter, Leah, were at the shop this morning. Leah has been to the shop a couple of times - and definitely loves Noro. So, today Noro had a playdate! And he sure did play - most of the time. There is nothing like the giggle and running of a child and a pet running through a knit shop on a cool March morning. Prior to our having Noro join our family - he most certainly had children in his life; he sincerely loves them... Here are a few pictures of Leah and Noro during their play date this morning.
The yucky sock mouse is Noro's favorite toy... For infection control purposes, please know Leah did wash her hands after touching (smile)!
The thought was good - but Noro is generally lazy. He looked and looked - eventually Leah came around the other side - and then he ran.....
Before Leah left, Noro got a big hug good-bye... Check out those teeth (on the cat)....
After his play date, Noro slept the full day in his basket (lined with his Spud & Chloe blanket)... Hopefully for Grandma Judy, Leah also was worn out!
Other fun happenings... We have a great trunk show now through the end of the month from Never Not Knitting. She has a series of THE cutiest little girl patterns and several adult patterns (e.g., Cedar Leaf Shawlette). Here are a few pictures of the trunk show - but you really have to see the samples; they are impeccably knitted and just adorable!
In closing, we are also doing a little bit of Spring rearranging... Yes, some rearranging! We haven't moved yarn yet, but we will need to soon as we are getting in more wonderful yarn each day. Today - the Madeline Tosh Vintage (worsted) arrived and OMG!!! So to begin to get the good vibes flowing we switched around the furniture in the shop a bit. Mostly we flip flopped the sofa and the table - and the comments have been positive. There is now much more room at the table - and we can still flop on the couch over by the faux fireplace. Here are a couple of teaser photos....essentially to lure you to come see us in Comfort!
Whew - what a great day! It is now time to curl up and read my Kindle...I have heard that Casting On (new novel about knitting and such) is wonderful! Maybe I should download it via the Whisper Net...
Today is another beautiful day - the kind where you simply cannot help but smile! I have been traveling a good bit - and the best thing to do when you travel is actually look at another person and smile. The fun is that more often than not they are shocked, then eventually smile. However, the best is when you smile just for yourself and it brightens your own day.
Today the weather is awesome - sunshine all around and small early harbingers of Spring are visible here and there. How can you not smile when you see daffodils along a fence line?
Cats always make me smile - and mine really do ham it up a good bit. Here is Laurel looking so royal as she perfectly sits on my Calorimetry headband.... Just prior she had been "meatloafed" on top of it - and you know she had a cat smile.
Then there is Noro! Yesterday we were sewing together our Scarves to Throws from last year - and Peggy let us borrow her finished masterpiece to provide inspiration! Doesn't Noro look great on Peggy's throw?! Peggy, I know you are smiling!
Then how about some of our great customers/friends who have finished projects?! This is truly one of the best things of being a knit shop owner - seeing happy customers who have great looking finished projects! The projects are first for both ladies - a first felted bag and a first garment!
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For me - I love to finish projects - especially when they are great looking. During Ravelympics able to finish three projects - only two of which are suitable for sharing. The other project (Jolly Green Giant Mobius) was so so unattractive that we opted to not share via photos, but Mom and I had a tremendous amount of laughter as it was cast off the needles. Just think green, fuzzy, and ugly - and you will have the vision.
The first project I finished was a Kumara scarf in gorgeous Thai purple; makes me feel a bit Austin Powers!
My second project was also in purple - but this time light purple (Purple Poem) for a very summery scarf in Creamy (80% milk protein) yarn. This is a great free pattern - Whipped - that can be downloaded from Ravelry. Just needs 400 yards of fingering weight yarn.
If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean
it. ~Andy Rooney
Today the weather is awesome - sunshine all around and small early harbingers of Spring are visible here and there. How can you not smile when you see daffodils along a fence line?
Cats always make me smile - and mine really do ham it up a good bit. Here is Laurel looking so royal as she perfectly sits on my Calorimetry headband.... Just prior she had been "meatloafed" on top of it - and you know she had a cat smile.
Then there is Noro! Yesterday we were sewing together our Scarves to Throws from last year - and Peggy let us borrow her finished masterpiece to provide inspiration! Doesn't Noro look great on Peggy's throw?! Peggy, I know you are smiling!
Then how about some of our great customers/friends who have finished projects?! This is truly one of the best things of being a knit shop owner - seeing happy customers who have great looking finished projects! The projects are first for both ladies - a first felted bag and a first garment!
For me - I love to finish projects - especially when they are great looking. During Ravelympics able to finish three projects - only two of which are suitable for sharing. The other project (Jolly Green Giant Mobius) was so so unattractive that we opted to not share via photos, but Mom and I had a tremendous amount of laughter as it was cast off the needles. Just think green, fuzzy, and ugly - and you will have the vision.
The first project I finished was a Kumara scarf in gorgeous Thai purple; makes me feel a bit Austin Powers!
My second project was also in purple - but this time light purple (Purple Poem) for a very summery scarf in Creamy (80% milk protein) yarn. This is a great free pattern - Whipped - that can be downloaded from Ravelry. Just needs 400 yards of fingering weight yarn.
I am sure that the neighbors were also smiling as I carried the shop lady in and out of the store to take pictures! Especially when she expands taller than me....
In parting - enjoy the beautiful weather and soak up that gorgeous and cool sunshine - and don't forget to smile. Here is a great job of two of my very favorite people - Mom and Dad - please note the great smiles!
Well another week beckons! I am off to Phoenix (another lovely sunny spot) this week and won't return until late Saturday. As a result, we will not have Friday Night Stitches - sob! BUT I do hope to get some great knitting done - and perhaps will return with a few more samples (and smiles).
In parting - enjoy the beautiful weather and soak up that gorgeous and cool sunshine - and don't forget to smile. Here is a great job of two of my very favorite people - Mom and Dad - please note the great smiles!
Well another week beckons! I am off to Phoenix (another lovely sunny spot) this week and won't return until late Saturday. As a result, we will not have Friday Night Stitches - sob! BUT I do hope to get some great knitting done - and perhaps will return with a few more samples (and smiles).
Wow, it is already Thursday, and we are getting more wonderful rain! After seeing the weather news in the Northeast - aren't we glad to have rain and 40 degree weather for our winters?! This type of weather does make me want to just stay at home all warm and snug, with my cats and a basket of knitting - and perhaps an audio book playing... Ahhhhhh.... Yes, I did slip home a bit early from work today to meet someone at the house, but maybe there will be a bit of time to add a few stitches to my Sundae coat (pictures this weekend).
Well, the rain is a harbinger of Spring and so is Michael, the UPS guy! Spring is arriving daily at the shop with great new yarns and patterns perfect for our South Texas Spring and Summer. Boy, we have been getting boxes of new stuff in - and as always, Mom has outdone herself finding some neat and inspiring items.
Last week I lucky enough to be there on Monday to get a few boxes; it sure is fun to open a plain brown box and see gorgeous yarns inside. This week, Mom and Dad have shared that more great yarns have arrived.... We just aren't sure where to put it yet - so it isn't out, but it will be soon! We will definitely need to have a Spring Fling party when we sort it out.... To give you a few hints on what arrived this week- we have gotten in the new Berroco goodies (e.g., Weekend, Origami), Sprout and Firefly from Classic Elite, several neat new hand dyers (one of which is Sweet Georgia). Mom has noted that they are awesome - I just cannot wait to see them Saturday.
As mentioned above - last week we did have several great shipments, which included the new Rowan springtime stuff - and here are a few pictures. The yarns include five new colors of Rowan Summer Tweed, five new colors of Lenpur Linen, and their newest Purelife yarn! The cover of the new Rowan magazine has the best looking vest in Lenpur LInen with beads.... I love beads! In this vest they make the prettiest pattern along the edes. You can see a bit of the picture it in the foreground of the picture below - it is purple...
We also got some wonderful sock yarns from Fiberphile... The colors are so rich and amazing - and the yarns are soft! Mom jumped right into these and is making a new Wendy Johnson lace shawl.... Ohhhh....
I am ready to cast on a wonderful scarf, Whipped, out of Kollage's Creamy. This scarf is a freebie from Ravelry - and is also great in sock yarns.... I haven't yet had a chance to try Creamy - it is 80% milk protein. Let's talk soft... Below is our "Creamy" Cake display... Unfortunately the soft pastel colors don't pop - you just have to see them!
A lot of other great stuff happening too - not just great yarns coming in. We are ready to send the "ta da" out about our first national teacher, Gwen Bortner. I am excited - and hope everyone else is. AND we are already looking to see if we can get Wendy Johnson to teach a sock class in summer. Yea! Plus - I have finalized the class schedules for the shop through April. Didn't want to go further in case some of the new goodies will need to be classes.... Feedback is always appreciated related to classes/knitalongs. Please send your thoughts and ideas on what you would like to gather to knit....
I don't know a better way to close than with my cats or my parents or my husband - all of which I love dearly. So this week, I will again pick the cats. They are super and so photogenic. Yes, the love I have for my cats continues....and I think this must come through in the pictures that I get of them. This past week, I got several great shots of Laurel. This one is my favorite - and I love it as she even has Noro's cat hair on her nose!
Enjoy this rainy Thursday - it is so beautiful! I am off to clean up my yarn stash room a smidge - Mom said I had some yarn she was looking for. I hope I return.....
Well, the rain is a harbinger of Spring and so is Michael, the UPS guy! Spring is arriving daily at the shop with great new yarns and patterns perfect for our South Texas Spring and Summer. Boy, we have been getting boxes of new stuff in - and as always, Mom has outdone herself finding some neat and inspiring items.
Last week I lucky enough to be there on Monday to get a few boxes; it sure is fun to open a plain brown box and see gorgeous yarns inside. This week, Mom and Dad have shared that more great yarns have arrived.... We just aren't sure where to put it yet - so it isn't out, but it will be soon! We will definitely need to have a Spring Fling party when we sort it out.... To give you a few hints on what arrived this week- we have gotten in the new Berroco goodies (e.g., Weekend, Origami), Sprout and Firefly from Classic Elite, several neat new hand dyers (one of which is Sweet Georgia). Mom has noted that they are awesome - I just cannot wait to see them Saturday.
As mentioned above - last week we did have several great shipments, which included the new Rowan springtime stuff - and here are a few pictures. The yarns include five new colors of Rowan Summer Tweed, five new colors of Lenpur Linen, and their newest Purelife yarn! The cover of the new Rowan magazine has the best looking vest in Lenpur LInen with beads.... I love beads! In this vest they make the prettiest pattern along the edes. You can see a bit of the picture it in the foreground of the picture below - it is purple...
We also got some wonderful sock yarns from Fiberphile... The colors are so rich and amazing - and the yarns are soft! Mom jumped right into these and is making a new Wendy Johnson lace shawl.... Ohhhh....
I am ready to cast on a wonderful scarf, Whipped, out of Kollage's Creamy. This scarf is a freebie from Ravelry - and is also great in sock yarns.... I haven't yet had a chance to try Creamy - it is 80% milk protein. Let's talk soft... Below is our "Creamy" Cake display... Unfortunately the soft pastel colors don't pop - you just have to see them!
A lot of other great stuff happening too - not just great yarns coming in. We are ready to send the "ta da" out about our first national teacher, Gwen Bortner. I am excited - and hope everyone else is. AND we are already looking to see if we can get Wendy Johnson to teach a sock class in summer. Yea! Plus - I have finalized the class schedules for the shop through April. Didn't want to go further in case some of the new goodies will need to be classes.... Feedback is always appreciated related to classes/knitalongs. Please send your thoughts and ideas on what you would like to gather to knit....
I don't know a better way to close than with my cats or my parents or my husband - all of which I love dearly. So this week, I will again pick the cats. They are super and so photogenic. Yes, the love I have for my cats continues....and I think this must come through in the pictures that I get of them. This past week, I got several great shots of Laurel. This one is my favorite - and I love it as she even has Noro's cat hair on her nose!
And not to be outdone with great headshots, Mr. Noro again got his photo taken. He had to try on the new scarf/cowl that Mom made out of Mountain Colors Moguls - and here he is! Look at those blue/blue eyes!
Enjoy this rainy Thursday - it is so beautiful! I am off to clean up my yarn stash room a smidge - Mom said I had some yarn she was looking for. I hope I return.....
To Noro or not to Noro - that is the question... Yes, it is a silly way to start the blog, but hey, I am trying to be creative.
The first Noro is related to the knitalong project we started this month from the pattern Wrap Me Up! by Knitting at Knoon. Warning - I am completely addicted and just have to share my progress to date. The pattern is a blast to knit, and it drives you to complete just a bit more before you put your needles down. The finished project will be a wrap, but one of our adventure driven friends, Peggy, is planning to adapt the project into a vest. Too cool. Another plus for me - yes - is that I get to knit with Noro (Silk Garden) - and Noro is one of my favorite yarn lines... Others in our knitalong group are knitting their project in other great self-striping yarns such as Mochi Plus, Wooly Stripes, Ty-Dy Cotton - but my favorite is the Silk Garden. Without further ado - here is my progress thus far!
And here is a close up of the first three blocks... You start with the strip of three mitered squares and then go to the double moss stitch. The patterns are not hard; the patterns are great - and once you are comfortable with picking up stitches - there is just fun knitting with great yarns.
Several folks have already heard my analogy that this project is like reading a really fun book with short chapters - you just gotta read one more before you go to bed... If you are interested in joining in the fun - it isn't too late, and you will not be sorry!
Now to the "cat of the hour" - yes, Noro continues to be a photo hog and is the second Noro! Here he is with a classic profile and a front on photo of this handsome specimen of a cat. If you have been in lately, you will notice that he rarely leaves his nest of the Spud & Chloe Outer blanket in the basket - except those few times when he stretches and rolls off the table....
Have a happy week and enjoy some yarn. That is an order from Noro!
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The Tinsmith’s Wife is located in Comfort, Texas (Antique Town) at 409 7th Street.
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