Monday, February 08, 2010
Going back to blogger
I am heading back here after having a typepad account for a few years. Since I am not a consistent blogger, why pay for the service. Let's see if I can actually keep this up!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
MOVED!!
I'm back! Please disregard the link below
I've moved! Please click on the link below if you are not redirected in 5 seconds:
Violet Knits
I've moved! Please click on the link below if you are not redirected in 5 seconds:
Violet Knits
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!
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