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Violet Knits
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Quick update, more to follow!
Ok, wanted to post yesterday as I have pictures of painting the store, but Tori had a report due today, so I had no computer time. I also have to figure out how to migrate everything to Typepad....don't have the time!!!! Let me give everyone a quick update:
So far, we have met with 5 reps (yarn company reps) with 2 more appointments scheduled. That doesn't include the companies that do not use reps!!! So much yarn!!! If any of my knitting group friends wonder where I have been, most likely I have been sitting for hours with a rep! These meeting can take anywhere from 3-6 hours. Why so long? Well, first you have to look at what is needed for the store now and then you have to look at what you want to bring in for the Fall!!! Yes, they have their Fall samples now and you get to order for September. Also, it's not just yarn. The reps will also have needles and accessories, kits and patterns. Whew! And Kaedean and I have to decide what we think will sell.
I have also been securing our store fixtures and working on our POS (point of sale) system. Had to buy computers, accounting programs, find an accountant, get our business license, insurance and on and on......Lots of things to get done.
I will have to say I have been lucky in all of this. Kaedean is not just my store manager, she is my business partner and friend. She has been to all of my meetings (except one) with the reps. She and her wonderful husband, Eric, helped to paint. She has been a great help. It has been very nice to have someone else to give an opinion on the yarns and the colors we need for the store. Kaedean had also introduced me to some wonderful women a while back. They have helped out in more ways that I could ever count. Thanks Lorna, Sandy, Terri, Jill, Beth, and Pat (in no particular order and please forgive me if I leave you out!!), you will see their names pop up again and again. Lorna was even nice enough to sit in with a rep one day when Kaedean was on vacation. If I didn't have all of their help, I would be a basket case!!!!
I also have to say thanks to all of you that have read my blog and left comments. Everyone has been very positive with their support. And Lynette, if you would like to help with the pictures for the website, that would be wonderful!!!
Ok. I will post pictures later today. Then you can see why I was so tired and sore yesterday!
So far, we have met with 5 reps (yarn company reps) with 2 more appointments scheduled. That doesn't include the companies that do not use reps!!! So much yarn!!! If any of my knitting group friends wonder where I have been, most likely I have been sitting for hours with a rep! These meeting can take anywhere from 3-6 hours. Why so long? Well, first you have to look at what is needed for the store now and then you have to look at what you want to bring in for the Fall!!! Yes, they have their Fall samples now and you get to order for September. Also, it's not just yarn. The reps will also have needles and accessories, kits and patterns. Whew! And Kaedean and I have to decide what we think will sell.
I have also been securing our store fixtures and working on our POS (point of sale) system. Had to buy computers, accounting programs, find an accountant, get our business license, insurance and on and on......Lots of things to get done.
I will have to say I have been lucky in all of this. Kaedean is not just my store manager, she is my business partner and friend. She has been to all of my meetings (except one) with the reps. She and her wonderful husband, Eric, helped to paint. She has been a great help. It has been very nice to have someone else to give an opinion on the yarns and the colors we need for the store. Kaedean had also introduced me to some wonderful women a while back. They have helped out in more ways that I could ever count. Thanks Lorna, Sandy, Terri, Jill, Beth, and Pat (in no particular order and please forgive me if I leave you out!!), you will see their names pop up again and again. Lorna was even nice enough to sit in with a rep one day when Kaedean was on vacation. If I didn't have all of their help, I would be a basket case!!!!
I also have to say thanks to all of you that have read my blog and left comments. Everyone has been very positive with their support. And Lynette, if you would like to help with the pictures for the website, that would be wonderful!!!
Ok. I will post pictures later today. Then you can see why I was so tired and sore yesterday!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Moving
After much debate, I have decided to move my blog. The reason for this: can't access blogger! Shocking, I know. With the limited time that I have to blog, not being able to access blogger has prevented me from updating my blog 3 times in the past two weeks. I will be moving to typepad. I will make sure to let you know the exact date this will happen!!
On to more exciting news......I have finally started working on the store's website. After trying to get a web designer to call me, I figured I could at least get the basics up. Here is the link. Check out what I have done so far....nothing exciting. But it is a start!
I promise to post with pictures soon....I have had a problem getting the camera from DH lately. He has been taking pictures of his jobs, so I never see the camera anymore. I may have to buy another......hehe.
On to more exciting news......I have finally started working on the store's website. After trying to get a web designer to call me, I figured I could at least get the basics up. Here is the link. Check out what I have done so far....nothing exciting. But it is a start!
I promise to post with pictures soon....I have had a problem getting the camera from DH lately. He has been taking pictures of his jobs, so I never see the camera anymore. I may have to buy another......hehe.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
I Have a Surprise!
Sorry that I haven't posted lately. I am EXTREMELY busy. Seems like I am running around all over. I really need to take time to blog. I feel like I am sooo out of touch and there is so much to tell.
Well, first of all.....the reason that I have so busy.......it really is a good reason........
I AM OPENING A YARN STORE!!!
What?? Don't believe me?? Well, got the incorporation paperwork back from the State of California today. Placed my first order for yarn and needles yesterday. Oh, and did I mention that we should have the lease signed in the next week?? Of course, I cannot forget to mention that I have a store manager.....Kaedean. She will also be running my education program. Yes, I have been extremely busy lately. Writing the business plan, incorporating, setting up the financial plan, looking for the perfect place, making sure that the funds set aside for this were sufficient. Amazing how quickly this can go if you have the right people helping you!
I am sure that there are a lot of questions from all of you out there. I will be posting regularly, I really will be. The biggest problem that I have been running into is the lack of time. The kids have been busy with their activities and I have been working on the business....there has been little time for knitting.
By the way, the name of the store is: Frog Pond Knits. I will be working with a web designer to get the web page up and will eventually start posting pictures of the store.
While all of this has been going on, I received a wonderful package in the mail:
Sockapalooza Socks!
Aren't they lovely!! These were expertly made by Jennifer. They fit perfectly. I love them! Thank you Jennifer.
And, Jennifer's generousity didn't end with the lovely socks! Look at what else she sent me:
Gifts too!
Two skeins of Koigu and an extra ball of the Cascade Fixation that she used to make the socks. I have to admit, the whole package was well worth the wait. Jennifer is the best sock pal.
Ok....I do have more to tell everyone, but it will have to wait until my next post. I am going to be late for meet up tonight if I don't get moving!!
Well, first of all.....the reason that I have so busy.......it really is a good reason........
I AM OPENING A YARN STORE!!!
What?? Don't believe me?? Well, got the incorporation paperwork back from the State of California today. Placed my first order for yarn and needles yesterday. Oh, and did I mention that we should have the lease signed in the next week?? Of course, I cannot forget to mention that I have a store manager.....Kaedean. She will also be running my education program. Yes, I have been extremely busy lately. Writing the business plan, incorporating, setting up the financial plan, looking for the perfect place, making sure that the funds set aside for this were sufficient. Amazing how quickly this can go if you have the right people helping you!
I am sure that there are a lot of questions from all of you out there. I will be posting regularly, I really will be. The biggest problem that I have been running into is the lack of time. The kids have been busy with their activities and I have been working on the business....there has been little time for knitting.
By the way, the name of the store is: Frog Pond Knits. I will be working with a web designer to get the web page up and will eventually start posting pictures of the store.
While all of this has been going on, I received a wonderful package in the mail:
Sockapalooza Socks!
Aren't they lovely!! These were expertly made by Jennifer. They fit perfectly. I love them! Thank you Jennifer.
And, Jennifer's generousity didn't end with the lovely socks! Look at what else she sent me:
Gifts too!
Two skeins of Koigu and an extra ball of the Cascade Fixation that she used to make the socks. I have to admit, the whole package was well worth the wait. Jennifer is the best sock pal.
Ok....I do have more to tell everyone, but it will have to wait until my next post. I am going to be late for meet up tonight if I don't get moving!!
Monday, April 25, 2005
It's been a while....
Haven't been posting regularly. Sorry about that. I have been extremely busy lately. Have very little time for anything. I will be announcing something in the near future.....It's a surprise. It's part of what has been keeping me so busy. I promise to let you know soon.
In other news, I have finished a book that I would like to review for you!
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanne Clark
It was wonderful book. I was fortunate enough to listen to the audio version, all 32+ hours of it. I am glad that I chose to listen to this because there are many footnotes within the story that I may have skipped otherwise. At first, these would bother me as I really wanted the story to get going. I felt that the notes were an intrusion. However, after the first CD, I appreciated the information that was given. These little notes helped to give a history of English Magic that was necessary to the story. If you want a synopsis of this book, I will have to disappoint you. Suffice it to say, this book is a must read if you are interested in magic or fantasy. I will be voicing more of my opinion of this book on Knit One Read Too when the discussion begins on May 2.
I also finished another book:
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Yes, this is an "young adult" book, but so is the Harry Potter series. What really drew me to this book was the narrator for the audio version: Brendan Fraser. I had read a review stating that he had done a fantastic job with the narration. I have to admit, it was wonderful. The story was quite good, however, it did not have the character development that I am use to in a story. I am sure that this is due to the fact that it is written for a younger reader. The story was enjoyable and had an interesting view on dragons. I think if I would had read this myself that the story would not have been as fun. If you have the chance to listen to the audio version of this book, I would highly recommend it. I am even looking forward to the next Cornelia Funke book that will be released in August with Mr. Fraser as the narrator.
That is all for now. I will post tomorrow....I promise. I have to update everyone on my knit alongs.
In other news, I have finished a book that I would like to review for you!
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Susanne ClarkIt was wonderful book. I was fortunate enough to listen to the audio version, all 32+ hours of it. I am glad that I chose to listen to this because there are many footnotes within the story that I may have skipped otherwise. At first, these would bother me as I really wanted the story to get going. I felt that the notes were an intrusion. However, after the first CD, I appreciated the information that was given. These little notes helped to give a history of English Magic that was necessary to the story. If you want a synopsis of this book, I will have to disappoint you. Suffice it to say, this book is a must read if you are interested in magic or fantasy. I will be voicing more of my opinion of this book on Knit One Read Too when the discussion begins on May 2.
I also finished another book:
Dragon Rider by Cornelia FunkeYes, this is an "young adult" book, but so is the Harry Potter series. What really drew me to this book was the narrator for the audio version: Brendan Fraser. I had read a review stating that he had done a fantastic job with the narration. I have to admit, it was wonderful. The story was quite good, however, it did not have the character development that I am use to in a story. I am sure that this is due to the fact that it is written for a younger reader. The story was enjoyable and had an interesting view on dragons. I think if I would had read this myself that the story would not have been as fun. If you have the chance to listen to the audio version of this book, I would highly recommend it. I am even looking forward to the next Cornelia Funke book that will be released in August with Mr. Fraser as the narrator.
That is all for now. I will post tomorrow....I promise. I have to update everyone on my knit alongs.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Americanese
Your Linguistic Profile: |
65% General American English |
15% Upper Midwestern |
15% Yankee |
5% Dixie |
0% Midwestern |
I thought that I would be mostly "General American English." I think this comes from living on the West Coast for most of my life.
I promise to have an acutal knitting post today or tomorrow at the latest. I have been busy with Taxes (yuck!) and will have a surprise for everyone soon!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
I've Been a Bad Blogger
It's been a whole week since I last posted. May not seem like a lot, but it is. I usually post 3-4 times a week. This keeps me "honest" with my knitting (I stay on track and actually keep track of what I am knitting! otherwise, I find started projects all over the house!) There are a couple of reasons that I am slow in posting: 1) Daylights savings has really screwed up my clock and I have no idea how late it is until it is time to go to bed; 2) I haven't been home a lot because of the many knitting groups and of course children's activities; and 3) I have been cheating on blogger!!! Cheating on blogger? what could I possibly mean by that?? Well, I have been playing with Typepad. I know it is expensive, but I thought I should at least try it out since so many people have fun with it. If you happen to be a Typepad user, please let me know what you think of your service!!
So, in the past week, what knitting things have been happening? See for yourself:
Shoalwater Shawl-Finished!
Yup, that's me. I'm on our balcony enjoying the view! I finally blocked the shawl and it came out so beautiful. See the close up:
Pattern Detail
Finished size: 64" wide and 39" long, knit with Angel Hair in Black Cherry on size US6 needles. This was a pretty easy pattern. After the initial chart is completed, there are a lot of repeats so it actually goes pretty fast. I hadn't done an I-cord edging before, so I think that I may have done it too tight. The specs in the pattern say that it should be 72" wide. Honestly, I think that would have been too big for me. I am very happy with the finished project. I really wanted to make this after I had seen an ad for Fiber Trends with this pattern highlighted.
I have also finished the socks that I was working on for my husband.
Retro Rib Socks
These were knit using Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Wilderness, with some leftover random sock yarn for the heels and toes. I liked this pattern so much that I will be knitting myself a pair soon.
In case you were wondering, this is what I was looking at when I was standing on our balcony:
Spring Is Finally Here
Finally! A sunny weekend! I will be posting more this week. Well, that is the plan anyway!
So, in the past week, what knitting things have been happening? See for yourself:
Shoalwater Shawl-Finished!
Yup, that's me. I'm on our balcony enjoying the view! I finally blocked the shawl and it came out so beautiful. See the close up:
Pattern Detail
Finished size: 64" wide and 39" long, knit with Angel Hair in Black Cherry on size US6 needles. This was a pretty easy pattern. After the initial chart is completed, there are a lot of repeats so it actually goes pretty fast. I hadn't done an I-cord edging before, so I think that I may have done it too tight. The specs in the pattern say that it should be 72" wide. Honestly, I think that would have been too big for me. I am very happy with the finished project. I really wanted to make this after I had seen an ad for Fiber Trends with this pattern highlighted.
I have also finished the socks that I was working on for my husband.
Retro Rib Socks
These were knit using Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Wilderness, with some leftover random sock yarn for the heels and toes. I liked this pattern so much that I will be knitting myself a pair soon.
In case you were wondering, this is what I was looking at when I was standing on our balcony:
Spring Is Finally Here
Finally! A sunny weekend! I will be posting more this week. Well, that is the plan anyway!
Sunday, April 03, 2005
What happened to my comments?
If you have read my blog in the past few days, you may be wondering what had happened to all of my comments??? Well, I finally did it. I changed over to Haloscan. I kept having a hard time reading comments that people had left for me, how could anyone be leaving any comments? Yes, this means that all of the previous comments are now history, but I did get to read them and I thank everyone for posting them. I could have probably worked out a way to keep both types of comments on my blog (Caitlyn did that), but I am much too lazy to do that! Tomorrow I promise a real post with pictures and everything!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
What's up with the postal service??
Has anyone else had weird things happen to them with their mail? I hadn't posted about this a while back, but I had sent a Thank You note to Allena for the beautiful stitch markers that she had sent me. What is weird about this is that she never got the Thank You because it was returned to me weeks later ripped in half in a plastic bag. The plastic bag had a note on it from the US Postal Service apologizing but stating on the note that it wasn't gonna make it to its intended recipient. Really??? Well, I figured that these things happen, so not to worry. Just a fluke!
Well, look at the lovely card that I received. Jackie sent me a lovely card as a Thank You for the sockapalooza socks I made her.
If you look, you can see a hole at the bottom of the envelope (left side of picture). That is where, I am assuming, the stitch markers that she made for me were ripped out! The note inside told me how much she appreciated the socks and how she enclosed stitch markers for me as a small thank you. How thoughtful! I love stitch markers. I use them all the time. Jackie went out of her way to send me some, and they are literally lost in the mail. Quite disappointed with the postal service. I do have to say that her thank you note was quite nice and it makes me feel really good that she really likes and appreciates the socks that I made her.
As I had noted yesterday, I spent my weekend knitting. Here are the progress that I made on DH's socks:
John's socks
I have just turned finished the gussets on both socks. I had originally started his socks a while back, but was having a hard time deciding on whether or not I liked the pattern. I finally decided on the Retro Rib pattern from IK Winter 2004. I started them on Thursday night and should be done with them tonight or tomorrow. Haven't really decided what night to finish them up. DH should be happy. He wanted socks for his birthday (it was last Friday), so I am just a little late.
Well, I am off to make dinner. I have Rocklin Chicks with Sticks (knitting group) tonight. Really looking forward to that. Need some knitting time with the other chicks!
Well, look at the lovely card that I received. Jackie sent me a lovely card as a Thank You for the sockapalooza socks I made her.
If you look, you can see a hole at the bottom of the envelope (left side of picture). That is where, I am assuming, the stitch markers that she made for me were ripped out! The note inside told me how much she appreciated the socks and how she enclosed stitch markers for me as a small thank you. How thoughtful! I love stitch markers. I use them all the time. Jackie went out of her way to send me some, and they are literally lost in the mail. Quite disappointed with the postal service. I do have to say that her thank you note was quite nice and it makes me feel really good that she really likes and appreciates the socks that I made her.
As I had noted yesterday, I spent my weekend knitting. Here are the progress that I made on DH's socks:
John's socks
I have just turned finished the gussets on both socks. I had originally started his socks a while back, but was having a hard time deciding on whether or not I liked the pattern. I finally decided on the Retro Rib pattern from IK Winter 2004. I started them on Thursday night and should be done with them tonight or tomorrow. Haven't really decided what night to finish them up. DH should be happy. He wanted socks for his birthday (it was last Friday), so I am just a little late.
Well, I am off to make dinner. I have Rocklin Chicks with Sticks (knitting group) tonight. Really looking forward to that. Need some knitting time with the other chicks!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sorry! I am a slacker!
Do you ever have the type of PMS where you don't want to do anything but lay around and knit? Well, that was my weekend. After Thursday, I just wanted to sit and knit. Didn't want to blog...didn't read any emails....didn't clean house....basically just knitted??? That was pretty much my weekend. Oh, we did do some of the normal Easter things: egg hunt (yes, they still want the Easter bunny to come) and the lamb dinner, but that was about it. The good thing about having 'older' kids is they want to do all the fun things that the did when they were little, but they can help with the preparation!
So, with all of this knitting, what did I accomplish? Well, Shoalwater shawl is basically complete sans blocking!
C'est Finis!
Yes, it needs blocking. It is just too big for my blocking board, so I will be blocking it on my bed this weekend. I just have to make sure that I wake up early enough to do this. I am pretty sure that DH will want to go to sleep eventually. After it is blocked and looks more pretty, I will tell you about all the wonderful things I learned in making this shawl. Oh, and I post a better picture too.
Tuesday is for Knitalongs!!!
I didn't forget to update you on my official knitalongs. I was just excited about the shawl. I haven't worked much on Mariah....I just wanted to get that shawl done. Mariah's completion is coming up. Needs to be really soon because it should start heating up here pretty soon.
I do have an update on another knitalong: A Good Bias! I actually started it tonight at Tori's gymnastics class. Only time I have had for knitting today. I was able to get three repeats in. Now that I have the pattern down, it really shouldn't take me that long to finish.
I really like the bamboo yarn. It feels similar to knitting with cotton, but a little more slick. I am really glad that I decided to knit this up with this yarn.
While I was at my daughter's gymnastics class, look what my husband was doing:
Anyone thirsty?
This is our living room. I was using it for my little library/knitting room (can you see the baskets of yarn?) but, now hubby will be taking it over. He is converting it to his office. For him to be able to do this, he had to move the wine cellar. As you can see from his collection, he has a lot of wine. Hence the reason that he really can't complain about the amount of yarn and knitting paraphenalia that I have accumulated. Don't worry about my knitting room/library. I get his old office.
So, with all of this knitting, what did I accomplish? Well, Shoalwater shawl is basically complete sans blocking!
C'est Finis!
Yes, it needs blocking. It is just too big for my blocking board, so I will be blocking it on my bed this weekend. I just have to make sure that I wake up early enough to do this. I am pretty sure that DH will want to go to sleep eventually. After it is blocked and looks more pretty, I will tell you about all the wonderful things I learned in making this shawl. Oh, and I post a better picture too.
Tuesday is for Knitalongs!!!
I didn't forget to update you on my official knitalongs. I was just excited about the shawl. I haven't worked much on Mariah....I just wanted to get that shawl done. Mariah's completion is coming up. Needs to be really soon because it should start heating up here pretty soon.
I do have an update on another knitalong: A Good Bias! I actually started it tonight at Tori's gymnastics class. Only time I have had for knitting today. I was able to get three repeats in. Now that I have the pattern down, it really shouldn't take me that long to finish.
I really like the bamboo yarn. It feels similar to knitting with cotton, but a little more slick. I am really glad that I decided to knit this up with this yarn.
While I was at my daughter's gymnastics class, look what my husband was doing:
Anyone thirsty?
This is our living room. I was using it for my little library/knitting room (can you see the baskets of yarn?) but, now hubby will be taking it over. He is converting it to his office. For him to be able to do this, he had to move the wine cellar. As you can see from his collection, he has a lot of wine. Hence the reason that he really can't complain about the amount of yarn and knitting paraphenalia that I have accumulated. Don't worry about my knitting room/library. I get his old office.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Presents!
Unbelieveable! Posting 2 times in one day! Well, I hadn't planned on posting, but DH said I had a package in the mail........
What's this???
My Knitter's Review Secret Pal sent me a gift! So much fun to get things in the mail! Well, as you can see from the picture below, I got quite a haul. Peeps (the yellow chicks), a beautiful felted 'violet', a beautiful heart-shaped box, a clover yarn-cutter, a black sheep tape measure, sheep gift cards, and a beautiful card with sheep! How did she know that this is exactly what I wanted??? Even more amazing, everything is exactly as I would have chosen myself.
Thanks KR Secret Pal!!
I like hearts, I prefer silver to gold (yarn cutter), and I would much rather have the black sheep for my tape measure! Of course, the felted flower is perfect as I haven't felted anything yet (so I needed something felted) and it is a violet! I have been needing gift cards 'cause I never have them. And the peeps! I need a sugar high! How did she know! Thank you KR Secret Pal! You are most awesome!
What's this???
My Knitter's Review Secret Pal sent me a gift! So much fun to get things in the mail! Well, as you can see from the picture below, I got quite a haul. Peeps (the yellow chicks), a beautiful felted 'violet', a beautiful heart-shaped box, a clover yarn-cutter, a black sheep tape measure, sheep gift cards, and a beautiful card with sheep! How did she know that this is exactly what I wanted??? Even more amazing, everything is exactly as I would have chosen myself.
Thanks KR Secret Pal!!
I like hearts, I prefer silver to gold (yarn cutter), and I would much rather have the black sheep for my tape measure! Of course, the felted flower is perfect as I haven't felted anything yet (so I needed something felted) and it is a violet! I have been needing gift cards 'cause I never have them. And the peeps! I need a sugar high! How did she know! Thank you KR Secret Pal! You are most awesome!
Quiz???
Since Happy Bunny is a favorite of mine, and bunnies are a symbol of Spring and Easter, here is more info than you want to know:
congratulations. you are the "you smell like
butt" bunny. your brutally honest and
always say whats on your mind.
which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
The really scary part is: I have this on my key chain. My son bought it for me. When I saw this, I had to post. (Shh.....I am suppose to be working right now!)
congratulations. you are the "you smell like
butt" bunny. your brutally honest and
always say whats on your mind.
which happy bunny are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
The really scary part is: I have this on my key chain. My son bought it for me. When I saw this, I had to post. (Shh.....I am suppose to be working right now!)
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Knitalong Tuesday!
My lovely daughter, Tori, volunteered to show of Mariah tonight. I have just finished the yoke and will start on the hood. I had hoped to be farther than this, but with trying to finish Shoalwater and having a life, well, that didn't happen. With the weather being what it has been, I may still get to wear this before it gets put away until November!
Mariah is yoked
I also received a lovely RAOK from Deb B. If you haven't checked out her blog, I would recommend that you do. She knits some beautiful shawls. The yummy laceweight Icelandic wool that she sent me is enough to make something fun. I just haven't decided what it should be yet.
A Lovely RAOK
I am kinda bummed that I didn't get to see Debbie Stoller at Rumplestiltskin's tonight. She is doing a kick off for Amtrack's Stitch 'n Ride for the Capitol Corridor train. With all of the rain (yes, it does rain in California) and the late hour, I decided that I was better off staying close to home. Instead, I got to go shopping with my buddy Lauren. We hung out at the Roseville Galleria and bought fun girlie stuff instead.
Mariah is yoked
I also received a lovely RAOK from Deb B. If you haven't checked out her blog, I would recommend that you do. She knits some beautiful shawls. The yummy laceweight Icelandic wool that she sent me is enough to make something fun. I just haven't decided what it should be yet.
A Lovely RAOK
I am kinda bummed that I didn't get to see Debbie Stoller at Rumplestiltskin's tonight. She is doing a kick off for Amtrack's Stitch 'n Ride for the Capitol Corridor train. With all of the rain (yes, it does rain in California) and the late hour, I decided that I was better off staying close to home. Instead, I got to go shopping with my buddy Lauren. We hung out at the Roseville Galleria and bought fun girlie stuff instead.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Book Review: A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING
This is something new for me. Usually this blog is strictly about knitting, however, there is more to me than being a knitter: I am also an avid reader. Most of the books that I read now are actually books from Audible since I have a 40 minute commute to work, but from time to time I will also plop down and read the book myself. I would like to use my Monday post as a time for me to review books of all sorts: those that I have listened to, those that I have read, and those that I have used as a knitting reference. Can't leave the knitting out! On occasion, I may also review an LYS or online store. We'll just have to wait and see what happens!
I love reading books by Bill Bryson. He is intelligent and entertaining. I was really looking forward to this book once I saw that it was available on Audible as I had listened to his previous book, IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY. I was not disappointed.
Bryson's current book is a departure from his travel books as it delves into the world of science. The reader is taken from astronomy to physics, from biology to geology. He literally takes you from the beginning of time to the current day with lots of stops in between. As expected, he gives you interesting little tidbits of information regarding the different stops, such as the rivalries between scientists or their quirky and sometimes dangerous habits. I did find that there were times when the amount of information that he would divulge did seem to be a bit much, but I was highly entertained throughout the 17 hours of listening. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. I will have to say that my interest in science helped me get through some of the information intensive parts. I would also say that I think that this book may be even better if it were read as opposed to the audio format. The amount of information given could be overwhelming at times and I think that I would have liked to have the written form handy for review.
I love reading books by Bill Bryson. He is intelligent and entertaining. I was really looking forward to this book once I saw that it was available on Audible as I had listened to his previous book, IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY. I was not disappointed.Bryson's current book is a departure from his travel books as it delves into the world of science. The reader is taken from astronomy to physics, from biology to geology. He literally takes you from the beginning of time to the current day with lots of stops in between. As expected, he gives you interesting little tidbits of information regarding the different stops, such as the rivalries between scientists or their quirky and sometimes dangerous habits. I did find that there were times when the amount of information that he would divulge did seem to be a bit much, but I was highly entertained throughout the 17 hours of listening. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. I will have to say that my interest in science helped me get through some of the information intensive parts. I would also say that I think that this book may be even better if it were read as opposed to the audio format. The amount of information given could be overwhelming at times and I think that I would have liked to have the written form handy for review.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Update on Stitch n Bitch
Stitch n Bitch Hats!
Every Thursday we meet at the Naked Lounge in downtown Sacramento for our weekly Stitch n Bitch meeting. Since Marin has put the group on Yahoo! and the group was featured in Sacramento Magazine and on their TV special on Channel 3, the group has really grown. Marin is considering moving us to a new venue since there are so many of us now.
Angela and Christy
What I have enjoyed the most about the group has been the people that I have met. Angela is one of the newer members of the group while Christy was with Marin when it began. We all work together on our projects and are able to help each other with questions or discover different ways of tackling a problem.
Kaedean is helping Sara with a question
Regina trying not to smile
!
A Crocheted Carrot?!?!
And then, where else could I find crocheted vegetables??
Every Thursday we meet at the Naked Lounge in downtown Sacramento for our weekly Stitch n Bitch meeting. Since Marin has put the group on Yahoo! and the group was featured in Sacramento Magazine and on their TV special on Channel 3, the group has really grown. Marin is considering moving us to a new venue since there are so many of us now.
Angela and Christy
What I have enjoyed the most about the group has been the people that I have met. Angela is one of the newer members of the group while Christy was with Marin when it began. We all work together on our projects and are able to help each other with questions or discover different ways of tackling a problem.
Kaedean is helping Sara with a question
Regina trying not to smile
!
A Crocheted Carrot?!?!
And then, where else could I find crocheted vegetables??
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Happy St. Patrick's Day
For all you Irish and wanna be Irish folks, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S Day. Not being Irish myself, I fall into the "wanna be" group. In my younger days, this meant going out with my friends and drinking green beer. Today, it means I get to go to the Naked Lounge for Stitch n Bitch. My how things have changed!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
WIP Wednesday
Blogging two days in a row!! Let's see if I can keep this up!
I would really like to finish Shoalwater Shawl. I am getting really close, just finishing up the 4th repeat. Then I will have to complete 1/2 of the rows again, picot edging and I-cord bind off then block. The pattern isn't hard, I just have over 400 stitches on the needles so it is taking me a while now.
Shoalwater Shawl: nearing the finish!
Sorry for the messy desk. Yes that is Mariah on the right. I am trying to concentrate on these two projects so I can have them completed this weekend. I will need to pick up some blocking wires for the shawl. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I have completed the sampler from Kaedean's beading class. I learned a lot from the class. Beading is fun, not sure if it is something that I would like to do a lot of in the future.
Beaded Sachet Sampler: Finished!
Kaedean is a great instructor and she designed the pattern herself. If you live in the Sacramento area and would like to enhance your knitting skills, she will be teaching at Babetta's in the future!
I would really like to finish Shoalwater Shawl. I am getting really close, just finishing up the 4th repeat. Then I will have to complete 1/2 of the rows again, picot edging and I-cord bind off then block. The pattern isn't hard, I just have over 400 stitches on the needles so it is taking me a while now.
Shoalwater Shawl: nearing the finish!
Sorry for the messy desk. Yes that is Mariah on the right. I am trying to concentrate on these two projects so I can have them completed this weekend. I will need to pick up some blocking wires for the shawl. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I have completed the sampler from Kaedean's beading class. I learned a lot from the class. Beading is fun, not sure if it is something that I would like to do a lot of in the future.
Beaded Sachet Sampler: Finished!
Kaedean is a great instructor and she designed the pattern herself. If you live in the Sacramento area and would like to enhance your knitting skills, she will be teaching at Babetta's in the future!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Tuesday is for Knit Alongs
Well, I am posting as promised! I have found that posting the minute I get home from work will be much better than going through my emails and cleaning up around the house. Otherwise, I read emails and surf the net and don't get a chance to post!!
I did get the fronts completed for Mariah on Friday and started on the yoke. The sweater is SO heavy on the needles. You can really feel the weight when working on it.
Mariah: All Yoked Up!
Hopefully I will have time to finish it soon as it has been very warm. Today has only been in the 70s. I know I say only and there are people out there still with snow, but I would like to have the chance to wear Mariah at least once or twice before having to put her away for the rest of spring.
I am also sending off my Sockapalooza socks today. I hope my sock pal likes them. I feel bad because I think that I am much better at knitting socks now compared to when I made hers. I would still wear them (I really like them), and there is nothing wrong with them. I guess I am just a perfectionist.
In addition to receiving some pretty spring-colored socks, I am also including some cinnamon-chocoalte coffee and a bar of French-milled lavendar soap. I couldn't just send socks! So I thought I would include something fun.
Bye Sockapalooza Socks!
Sockapalooza has been quite fun. I am very glad that Alison and Christine hosted this. Thank you ladies!!
I did get the fronts completed for Mariah on Friday and started on the yoke. The sweater is SO heavy on the needles. You can really feel the weight when working on it.
Mariah: All Yoked Up!
Hopefully I will have time to finish it soon as it has been very warm. Today has only been in the 70s. I know I say only and there are people out there still with snow, but I would like to have the chance to wear Mariah at least once or twice before having to put her away for the rest of spring.
I am also sending off my Sockapalooza socks today. I hope my sock pal likes them. I feel bad because I think that I am much better at knitting socks now compared to when I made hers. I would still wear them (I really like them), and there is nothing wrong with them. I guess I am just a perfectionist.
In addition to receiving some pretty spring-colored socks, I am also including some cinnamon-chocoalte coffee and a bar of French-milled lavendar soap. I couldn't just send socks! So I thought I would include something fun.
Bye Sockapalooza Socks!
Sockapalooza has been quite fun. I am very glad that Alison and Christine hosted this. Thank you ladies!!
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