Friday, May 29, 2009

Show and Tell Friday

Carmen brought by a beautiful baby blanket that she had made to give to charity.



And Amanda crocheted this cute little hat using Plymouth Fantasy Naturale yarn. The pattern was Plymouth pattern #1296. Cori was nice enough to model it for us at our Friday Night Knitting Club.





Laura finished her Adult Surprise Jacket. Isn't it beautiful!


And Barbara brought in several items that she made: a duck, a bear, several bunnies and a mouse. Too cute!
We always love seeing the things that you knit or crochet. Be sure to bring them by to get photographed...your item could be on our next blog!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

An Unusual Vacation

Well, many of you didn't even know that I was out of town all last week. Diane, Melissa & Leigh did a wonderful job of minding the shop for me so my hubby and I could get away to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. It had probably been about 30 years since we took a vacation with just the two of us. We went down to beautiful, sunny Hilton Head Island for what we thought would be a wonderful time of lying on the beach soaking up the warm rays of the sun. What we didn't know was that the sun wasn't going to shine on HHI last week. That's right, no sun whatsoever for an entire week. It rained all the way down there. That should have been our first clue. Then after several days of rain with temps about 15 degrees cooler than usual and a 25-30 mph wind, we had a few days with no rain. But it was overcast and we never saw the sun. We did briefly get a glimpse of the sun as we packed the car to come home...but that only lasted for about an hour before it began raining and once again we traveled in the rain all the way back home. So...what do you do at the beach when it rains all week? Sleep...I slept until 10 or 11 am each morning. It was wonderful not waking up to an alarm clock! Watch TV...I think I got my hubby hooked on CSI and Law and Order. Who knew that they would come on with back to back episodes. You gotta love that cable. Read...I read 2 books and another one on the way home. It's been a while since I took the time out to simply sit down and read. And of course, knit...I began an intarsia project with 13 balls of Louisa Harding Grace Hand-dyed yarn attached. OK...not the most relaxing project, but a good one to be able to leave out and know that little fingers wouldn't be bothering it and getting all of those ends mixed up. I also worked on a lacy cardigan that I'm making out of Berroco Pure Pima. I LOVE this yarn and was thrilled to see it coming together so quickly. Plus it was good to have a break from the intarsia project on occasion.

On Friday evening I went out on the balcony about midnight and wrapped up in a blanket and just sat and watched. You could see the lights of about a dozen fishing boats out on the horizon. The sky was still a bit overcast, but occasionally you could see a patch of stars peeking through. While it was hard to see the ocean since it was low tide, you could hear the sound of the waves breaking on the beach. And running around on the sand were a couple of lights darting back and forth as several folks were trying to catch a few crabs. I sat there watching and listening and just being thankful for my life. Thankful that we had the money this year to even go on a vacation together. Thankful for my little yarn shop and all of the wonderful people I have met because of it. Just a quiet thankfulness for my family, my friends, and my life.

So even though we had a rainy trip, I still got a chance to rest up a bit, relax while doing things I love, enjoy spending time with my hubby, and I came home without a sun burn. And I got to glimpse a little bit of what it feels like to be truly content.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Show and Tell Friday

Today Pam has a prayer shawl to share with us. She made "Alix's Lace Prayer Shawl" out of Debbie Macomber's book "Knit Along with Debbie: Back on Blossom Street". Cascade Heritage yarn was the yarn she chose. Very nice lacy pattern. I'm sure the recepient will enjoy it.


Kristina brought by 3 lace doillies that she made. The pictures do not do them justice as they are simply gorgeous. I can't imagine having the patience to do such tedious work. Good thing Kristina does!

















And Leigh's felted purse and wallet are both made from Malabrigo yarn. The button on her wallet was made by Gail Hughes...one of our vendors from Kentucky who makes gorgeous buttons out of resin. If you're looking for some unique buttons, be sure to stop by the shop to see some of her collection.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Show and Tell Friday

Today is Mary Beth's day to share with us. She has made multiple hedgehogs, felted purses, a chick in an egg, a hen, and a bunny. The hedgehogs are a Fiber Trends pattern that we have here at the shop. They are all too cute, Mary Beth. Thanks for sharing with us!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Show and Tell Friday

Melissa finished her mitered vest that she made out of Berroco Jasper yarn. I contacted the designer and we now have this pattern in stock. I love the color she chose.





Kelora made one of Evelyn Clark's shawl out of the Misti Alpaca lace yarn. Gorgeous!


We have a couple of items to share today from our Weekly Classes. Becky made this boatneck sweater (Raglan Body Hugger) out of Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch book. She used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool yarn. I love the neckline on this sweater. Very flattering!

And Laura used Berroco Comfort yarn to make the wrapped sweater from Knitting Pure & Simple. Very nice job!