Where Hands Create.
As this week is to focus on the blessings that surround us each day, the best place to start this week's blog is the spot where my heart melted. It also reminded me how thankful I am to live in a free and blessed country that is protected by brave men and women.
We have been collecting knitted and crocheted helmet liners for soldiers stationed in Afghanistan for about a year and have collected over 100. The first two batches were sent to Dallas to be distributed via Yarn Heaven. Mom then found a lady out of Galveston requesting helmet liners for her son's Marine platoon, so we sent her 27 about a month ago and another 18 this week. On Saturday, we received the following email and link from Mary. For those who have contributed - the following will make the contribution so valuable.
Hi Wendy, what a wonderful surprise I got when I opened your box of helmet liners....all 18. Thank you and everyone who has been working so hard on knitting helmet liners. We plan on sending them out to my son's Platoon throughout the winter. They will not be able to shower, let alone wash their helmet liners, so I want to provide fresh clean ones to these boys all winter. So YES, I would love to keep getting helmet liners over the next several months. This has been such an exciting project to be involved in. I am actually working on the neck part of a helmet liner. I can't believe I can knit and purl on circular needles. I am forwarding an article from The Galveston Daily News. We did a "Blessing of the Helmet Liners" on Nov 9. All the helmet liners that you sent me initially were part of the blessed helmet liners that we sent to the Marines in my son's Weapon's Company. They will be the best protected soldiers in Afghanistan! Thank you and all your knitting friends for supporting our Marines, and keeping their heads and hearts warm. With much appreciation, Mary
As Thanksgiving is also about family and food.... Mom and Dad arrived mid-morning - and we had a fantastic dinner (made by moi) except I forgot to make the mashed potatoes, which are Scott's favorites. My bad! Despite the missing carb on the table - we had a fantastic day watching movies, eating, knitting, watching the cats play, and being together. As I am a amateur movie critic - Pelham 123 was great and we also enjoyed Angels and Demons; at least Tom Hanks lost the gnarly hair from The Da Vinci Code. I was also focused on finishing a sweater that I started a month or so ago - and I did it!! The Big Baby was a treat to knit with and a smidge of Mountain Colors Moguls was the perfect finish.
As we opened on Friday, Veronica came in with a grin as big as you please. She has finished her Adult Surprise Jacket and it is fantastic! She had it in her mind to finish by Thanksgiving - and she did it!! Congrats, Veronica, and thank you so much for sharing with us! You are an inspiration - and hopefully the rest of our knitalong group will be done before the first of the year. I guess that includes me too....
Also on Friday I had an itch to finish another project - so I cast on a Calorimetry (a knitted headband) out of Malabrigio. This pattern has been at top of mind since we had a customer on Girls Night Out who was wearing one. Such a fun (and warm) project. Honestly, I think the pattern could also double as a great cat ruff. Laurel just looks majestic in it. I think the red/pink combo brings out her eyes!
Thanksgiving weekend would not be complete in Comfort without Christmas in Comfort. It is amazing that as many people who were here fit in Comfort which is often such a sleepy town. The weather was perfect - not hot or cold and not raining! The music from the bands at the intersection of High and 7th was festive and radiated holiday! As I love to people watch, it was hard to really look at the wares as the activity of families, smiles and pets were such a treat. One of the vendors makes dog wear - and her "Purple" Heeler was a treat. He literally was sitting there looking cute one moment and then poof he was in her arms (upside down) and happy as a clam!
In the end, I am sorry that we didn't stay for the parade. We were pulling out of Comfort as the parade started and the music and festive floats were just what anyone needs to spark the holiday spirit! You also feel like you are transported back to 1957... and in a great way!
Watch out - the holiday countdown has begun! Yea!
We have been collecting knitted and crocheted helmet liners for soldiers stationed in Afghanistan for about a year and have collected over 100. The first two batches were sent to Dallas to be distributed via Yarn Heaven. Mom then found a lady out of Galveston requesting helmet liners for her son's Marine platoon, so we sent her 27 about a month ago and another 18 this week. On Saturday, we received the following email and link from Mary. For those who have contributed - the following will make the contribution so valuable.
Hi Wendy, what a wonderful surprise I got when I opened your box of helmet liners....all 18. Thank you and everyone who has been working so hard on knitting helmet liners. We plan on sending them out to my son's Platoon throughout the winter. They will not be able to shower, let alone wash their helmet liners, so I want to provide fresh clean ones to these boys all winter. So YES, I would love to keep getting helmet liners over the next several months. This has been such an exciting project to be involved in. I am actually working on the neck part of a helmet liner. I can't believe I can knit and purl on circular needles. I am forwarding an article from The Galveston Daily News. We did a "Blessing of the Helmet Liners" on Nov 9. All the helmet liners that you sent me initially were part of the blessed helmet liners that we sent to the Marines in my son's Weapon's Company. They will be the best protected soldiers in Afghanistan! Thank you and all your knitting friends for supporting our Marines, and keeping their heads and hearts warm. With much appreciation, Mary
As Thanksgiving is also about family and food.... Mom and Dad arrived mid-morning - and we had a fantastic dinner (made by moi) except I forgot to make the mashed potatoes, which are Scott's favorites. My bad! Despite the missing carb on the table - we had a fantastic day watching movies, eating, knitting, watching the cats play, and being together. As I am a amateur movie critic - Pelham 123 was great and we also enjoyed Angels and Demons; at least Tom Hanks lost the gnarly hair from The Da Vinci Code. I was also focused on finishing a sweater that I started a month or so ago - and I did it!! The Big Baby was a treat to knit with and a smidge of Mountain Colors Moguls was the perfect finish.
As we opened on Friday, Veronica came in with a grin as big as you please. She has finished her Adult Surprise Jacket and it is fantastic! She had it in her mind to finish by Thanksgiving - and she did it!! Congrats, Veronica, and thank you so much for sharing with us! You are an inspiration - and hopefully the rest of our knitalong group will be done before the first of the year. I guess that includes me too....
Also on Friday I had an itch to finish another project - so I cast on a Calorimetry (a knitted headband) out of Malabrigio. This pattern has been at top of mind since we had a customer on Girls Night Out who was wearing one. Such a fun (and warm) project. Honestly, I think the pattern could also double as a great cat ruff. Laurel just looks majestic in it. I think the red/pink combo brings out her eyes!
Thanksgiving weekend would not be complete in Comfort without Christmas in Comfort. It is amazing that as many people who were here fit in Comfort which is often such a sleepy town. The weather was perfect - not hot or cold and not raining! The music from the bands at the intersection of High and 7th was festive and radiated holiday! As I love to people watch, it was hard to really look at the wares as the activity of families, smiles and pets were such a treat. One of the vendors makes dog wear - and her "Purple" Heeler was a treat. He literally was sitting there looking cute one moment and then poof he was in her arms (upside down) and happy as a clam!
In the end, I am sorry that we didn't stay for the parade. We were pulling out of Comfort as the parade started and the music and festive floats were just what anyone needs to spark the holiday spirit! You also feel like you are transported back to 1957... and in a great way!
Watch out - the holiday countdown has begun! Yea!
Wow - this was one busy ten days filled with all manner of fun! You could almost say I was just the definition of exultant LYS owner.
The week started with Kid 'n Ewe last weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - and it was again a pleasure to be a part of it. We get a great group of people who travel in for this fiber show from all over Texas, Louisiana, and even North Carolina. Mom and I held down the fort at the booth, and Dad and Scott did a tremendous job at the shop. Of course, Mom and I did have fun finding gorgeous Brooks Farm and Plain & Fancy yarns to bring home. Hopefully you all won't mind if we knit with a bit of fun that we cannot carry in the shop.... The "hot" items that folks loved included little felted notions bags (sheep and flowers) as well as our favorite String Theory Caper sock! A lot of folks also went home with Ms. Babs' sock yarn and Sea Silk.
On Friday and Saturday night - Elvis returned to the Comfort Meet Market! Each year to celebrate their anniversary (this year was their second anniversary), Mark and Diane at the Meet Market bring in Mark's cousin who is a tremendous Elvis impersonator for two fabulous nights! He is a treat! He sings right to you - and you just cannot help but feel absolutely giddy. The crowd is also great as we all ham it up and sing to him. This time we even had a "mini" Elvis in the crowd. Too cute! Here are a couple of special shots of me along with Elvis and his "Mini Me".
The week started with Kid 'n Ewe last weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) - and it was again a pleasure to be a part of it. We get a great group of people who travel in for this fiber show from all over Texas, Louisiana, and even North Carolina. Mom and I held down the fort at the booth, and Dad and Scott did a tremendous job at the shop. Of course, Mom and I did have fun finding gorgeous Brooks Farm and Plain & Fancy yarns to bring home. Hopefully you all won't mind if we knit with a bit of fun that we cannot carry in the shop.... The "hot" items that folks loved included little felted notions bags (sheep and flowers) as well as our favorite String Theory Caper sock! A lot of folks also went home with Ms. Babs' sock yarn and Sea Silk.
On Friday and Saturday night - Elvis returned to the Comfort Meet Market! Each year to celebrate their anniversary (this year was their second anniversary), Mark and Diane at the Meet Market bring in Mark's cousin who is a tremendous Elvis impersonator for two fabulous nights! He is a treat! He sings right to you - and you just cannot help but feel absolutely giddy. The crowd is also great as we all ham it up and sing to him. This time we even had a "mini" Elvis in the crowd. Too cute! Here are a couple of special shots of me along with Elvis and his "Mini Me".
As you get to know me, you will realize I have a "thing" about Elvis impersonators. I love them! In fact, several years ago when Scott and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, we were remarried by the man himself in Vegas.
But wait - that was just last weekend! Tuesday we had the annual fun of Girls Night Out in Comfort. Apologies - I didn't get any pictures - but we had quite a crowd this year. The weather was also brisk and really got everyone into the spirit of Fall and the holidays! With wine, hot cider, and special treats flowing - and great music by Weldon Lister and company - how could anyone not have a great time!? Several folks requested a couple of recipes - and I will get these posted shortly.... We also had some winners of door prizes! Joni Wiseman won a $25 gift certificate, and Jane won a tree wine bottle topper!
Now that I have caught you up on all the activity - and I did have some "real" work mixed in - you can imagine that we are going to have a joyful Thanksgiving week! Mom and Dad are coming over on Thursday - and we plan to knit, eat, and catch up on Season 4 of Smallville. Sounds great, huh?! As a reminder, we will be closing early Wednesday (1 pm), but we will be back open if you want a slower version of Black Friday in Comfort... We will definitely have a nice warm spot, some coffee, and as always a kitty or two. I know that often I mention that we will let you borrow a cat - and I am serious. Here is Peggy trying to get the Scarves to Throws Month 11 scarf - and Laurel is there to help!
AND I believe we will be ready to transform the shop for Christmas! I had really been holding out - and I think it is time to bring out the Christmas music, Christmas treet, etc., etc., etc.
But wait - that was just last weekend! Tuesday we had the annual fun of Girls Night Out in Comfort. Apologies - I didn't get any pictures - but we had quite a crowd this year. The weather was also brisk and really got everyone into the spirit of Fall and the holidays! With wine, hot cider, and special treats flowing - and great music by Weldon Lister and company - how could anyone not have a great time!? Several folks requested a couple of recipes - and I will get these posted shortly.... We also had some winners of door prizes! Joni Wiseman won a $25 gift certificate, and Jane won a tree wine bottle topper!
Now that I have caught you up on all the activity - and I did have some "real" work mixed in - you can imagine that we are going to have a joyful Thanksgiving week! Mom and Dad are coming over on Thursday - and we plan to knit, eat, and catch up on Season 4 of Smallville. Sounds great, huh?! As a reminder, we will be closing early Wednesday (1 pm), but we will be back open if you want a slower version of Black Friday in Comfort... We will definitely have a nice warm spot, some coffee, and as always a kitty or two. I know that often I mention that we will let you borrow a cat - and I am serious. Here is Peggy trying to get the Scarves to Throws Month 11 scarf - and Laurel is there to help!
Don't you just love to knit when it is a little dark outside and raining?! Yes, today was a perfect day to knit - and get excited about the pending holidays!
This week, I got some great Fall knitting done on my trip to San Diego. I didn't get to see any of San Diego as my conference (neonatal quality) was full, but I did some great knitting done on the plane as well as in the hotel in the evening! My accomplishments were to complete the Mini-November Knitalong with Susan Anderson (Spud & Chloe) - and made this great looking Mr. Turkey! Doesn't everyone need one of these good looking birds for the dinner table?!
This week, I got some great Fall knitting done on my trip to San Diego. I didn't get to see any of San Diego as my conference (neonatal quality) was full, but I did some great knitting done on the plane as well as in the hotel in the evening! My accomplishments were to complete the Mini-November Knitalong with Susan Anderson (Spud & Chloe) - and made this great looking Mr. Turkey! Doesn't everyone need one of these good looking birds for the dinner table?!
Also, right before I left last week, we received in the Churchmouse patterns! If you haven't seen these yet - you will be delighted with the great looking classic patterns - matched with Jared Flood photography and the backdrop of Bainbridge Island. As a result, I immediately snagged some gorgeous Manos Silky in fall colors, and knitted up a pair of great looking mitts! (Of course, I didn't have anything to knit on the trip - so had to cast on something new.)
You can see that I am grooving on Fall and Thanksgiving! I am just not ready to make the jump fully to Christmas yet... I really want to enjoy fully the oranges, browns, and warmth that Thanksgiving time gives. As a result, I have decided that we are not going to decorate the shop for Christmas yet. I am holding out! :-)
However, we have a lot of folks that are fully in Christmas swing! Martha came in today with her husband and shared her progress on her felted Christmas stockings! Wouldn't you love these hanging by your fireplace? I am always amazed at the "shrinkage" that occurs with felting. This is a great example as Martha is knitting another stocking to match... Now to figure out how best to get the names on the top...
However, we have a lot of folks that are fully in Christmas swing! Martha came in today with her husband and shared her progress on her felted Christmas stockings! Wouldn't you love these hanging by your fireplace? I am always amazed at the "shrinkage" that occurs with felting. This is a great example as Martha is knitting another stocking to match... Now to figure out how best to get the names on the top...
Knitting is such fun! If you sit back and marvel that the concept is a simple loop - but the endless variety is a joy! Closing now for the week. Tomorrow I am flying to Nashville for two days for some corporate meetings, and then I get back just in time for Kid 'n Ewe! Hope to see a lot of folks there!
In parting, cannot resist a cat picture. We find Laurel snugged up in numerous spots around the shop. I had noticed that the cupcake kept finding its way to the floor. Now we know why... Doesn't she look totally relaxed on that great Spud & Chloe blanket?
In parting, cannot resist a cat picture. We find Laurel snugged up in numerous spots around the shop. I had noticed that the cupcake kept finding its way to the floor. Now we know why... Doesn't she look totally relaxed on that great Spud & Chloe blanket?
Another great week is closing - AND we are already in November! Not only did we "fall" back and get another hour of knitting time - but we had an absolutely gorgeous weekend. The temperature in the Hill Country was just right, and it is the time of year when I have convertible car envy.... I could just see myself flying down the road with the yarn outstretched behind me in a wonderful, colorful contrail.... Whew - getting a little out there - but you know what I mean. It was a perfect weekend to just "be".
This weekend also showed me that I was "special"; one of our customers, Jane, brought me a special gift. Also, prior to sharing the gift, she was giggling and saying that she saw the pattern and immediately thought of me! Voila - the Swine Flu Masque ("because every pandemic needs some levity"). Is this not the best thing ever?! I cannot wait to wear this baby to work this next week! Jane, thank you so much! I am still laughing (under my mask)!
This weekend also showed me that I was "special"; one of our customers, Jane, brought me a special gift. Also, prior to sharing the gift, she was giggling and saying that she saw the pattern and immediately thought of me! Voila - the Swine Flu Masque ("because every pandemic needs some levity"). Is this not the best thing ever?! I cannot wait to wear this baby to work this next week! Jane, thank you so much! I am still laughing (under my mask)!
I must say, now, one full year into being a shop owner, the one thing I can truly say is the best part is getting to know our customers and their stories, their families, their pets, and their favorite types of projects. We have a remarkable number of super husbands (e.g., Tim and Mark), great looking pets (e.g., Archie), and definitely some beautiful children. However, I must say that one of the prettiest babies is Aaliyah! We got to know her Mom, Heather, who was determined to make a blanket for Aailyah whom we spent many hours with before she was born. As there is going to be a winter trip to Germany to meet family, a warm hat was definitely in order, and Heather didn't waste a moment whipping up the perfect hat (mittens soon to follow) - and doesn't Aaliyah look beautiful?! We couldn't get her to smile for long, but it sure doesn't matter. :-)
The rest of the weekend has flown by in a blur of smiles, hugs, and general fun. We did have our Great American Afghan knitalong, but unfortunately, I missed most of it. Now I have to get myself caught up on this month's square... Luckily, I do have some more travel for work in the next ten days to get some more knitting done! I am off to San Diego (poor me) on Wednesday - home for the weekend - and then a quick hop to Nashville on Monday of next week. A project that is definitely coming with me is a set of fingerless mitts from the new Churchmouse patterns that came in! Unfortunately as my flight from San Diego doesn't get in until late Friday, we are not having Friday Night Stitches the first Friday of the month! We will just have the one this month (11/20).
In closing (a bit of a truncated end to a rambling blog) - here is a great shot of the kitties just sitting at the table. Not sure if they were signed up for a lesson or not, but Noro was obviously sharing a bit of gossip with Cyndee. Have a great week!
In closing (a bit of a truncated end to a rambling blog) - here is a great shot of the kitties just sitting at the table. Not sure if they were signed up for a lesson or not, but Noro was obviously sharing a bit of gossip with Cyndee. Have a great week!
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The Tinsmith’s Wife is located in Comfort, Texas (Antique Town) at 409 7th Street.
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Phone: (830) 995-5539
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Store Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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