Thanksgiving 2009, New pattern, new yarns!

Only a few more hours and I will be locking the doors and hitting the road. Thanksgiving this year is in Portland. 5 out of 6 of our children will be there. But if you want to count my granddaughter to be representing her family, then all 6 are there!! Normally we go to Southern California for this holiday, but this year is different. Tyler, my granddaughter (who knits!) is flying to the airport and we are driving straight there and back to the condo downtown. This will be her first visit to our new place. Tyler will be 16 yrs old in 1 week. Wow!!!


This is her. Stunning!!! She's been knitting since she was 6 or 7 too.











Haven't knit much the last few days. Although I have the reversible scarf on the SK860 Knitting Machine. That has been progressing successfully when I take the time to work on it. Have been doing paper work and internet work.
New pattern from Figheadh Yarns! Hats!!



Any size you want, using any yarn you want!! Great pattern to use up stash yarns!



Also, added 2 more lines of yarn to the store. But you need to tell me what colors you want me to bring in first!!



Cascade Venezia Worsted. A popular yarn wool and silk yarn. Not sure why it took me so long to make this decision!! Cascade Ultra Pima is so new it isn't even in the U.S. yet. It is so pretty. Super shiny! Super quality Pima Cotton!



Enjoy the holiday and be safe!!

Zipping along!

Time is just zipping along! Took me days but the last shipment of Cascade Yarns is put away. New yarns in the box were Eco Wool and Eco+, which is the first shipment of these colors. I've got more colors slated to arrive in the next shipment. Also, brought in a few more colors of the Cascade 128 Chunky. Boy, that is the nicest chunky yarn. I'm trying to think of what I'd like to do out of it. Hats are good, but I want more of a challenge. The Reversible Scarf Pattern would work, but I'm still working on the 2nd one, and I think I might be tired of that. Jacket? I could easily see this in a crop jacket for spring.

Knitting Pure and Simple has Bulky Asymmetric Cardigan #299 that might be just the perfect pattern for this 128 Superwash bulky yarn. Or maybe I should take it to the knitting machine. I could whip out a cardigan in no time. A simple cardigan, with simple lines, set in sleeves and maybe a crab stitch trim to class it up a bit !

Finally got the fall issue of my newsletter is out. It contains the free Reversible scarf pattern, so it is ready for you!! If you aren't signed up for the newsletter, you can sign up here. Or if you'd rather, you can retrieve the newsletter here.

On the home front, last weekend in Portland at the condo was my Mom's first visit. She was thrilled. I knew she'd love the place. Saturday was a very wet day. It rained most of the day and very hard! Here's Mom waiting at the street car stop by our building. I've outlined in green the water rushing down the road. Rain or no, we had fun! Saturday morning at 9am sharp I was lined up for my first workout class (as opposed to the one-on-one lessons required) at Crossfit. I've never been an athlete, so I was really unsure I wouldn't make an old bumbling fool of myself. I was by far the oldest person there. I did just fine. Part of the routine included running. That is my worst subject. I'm just not a runner. By Wednesday the soreness wore off. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you want to look at it), my 3rd of 4 one-on-one training classes is scheduled this coming Saturday. I'm sure my muscles are wondering if I've lost my mind! I have to admit that I was not in this condition in high school. Skinny yes, but not with this muscle tone. It's been a long day today. I'll have to put in quite a few hours working this evening. Hope your knit and crochet projects are going well! Talk to you soon!

Angels for Dummies!

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I debated whether to attempt to translate my reversible cable pattern to the knitting machine. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed handknitting this stitch and in fact, have started a second one. The excuse was to “proof” the pattern that I wrote up for my upcoming newsletter, but the pattern is proofed, and I just keep picking up the needles.

Yesterday I took the plunge and went to my Silver Reed SK280 which has been sitting here with the ribber attached. First thing I determined was that I would have to throw out the “increase in front and back of stitch” after an inch of ribbing. The machine just won’t tolerate that.

Ribbing done and needles arranged to start body pattern.

Next challenge . . . . the garter stitch columns. Garter stitch is one of those stitches that is super easy for hand knitters, and a bit laborious for machine knitters. The reason is because a hand knitter, usually turns their knitting at the end of every row and knits back. On a machine, the fabric is not turned. The machine knits back and forth, always churning out a purl stitch (as you are looking at the fabric). First thought, knit the row and reform the stitch. Oh ick. Yea, that works, but how many times did I drop the darn stitch. So next thought, transfer lower row to ribber and reform on ribber, then transfer to main bed. That was worse. Third time is a charm! At the end of every row, I just transferred the stitches to the opposite bed. One row it was knit stitches, one row was purled stitches. OK. Got that solved. 6 rows complete and now to duplicate this 6x6 ribbed cable.

I knew I would have to make some compromises. As I looked at the bed, I realized, I would have to transfer all 12 stitches to the main bed to cable them. So I did. Then I realized that there was no way that I could move 6 sts 6 needles over. The needles on the bed are fixed and will not allow me to pull stitches so far. So the first compromise was to make 2 sets of 3x3 cables. Other ideas came to mind as well, but the needles were already arranged for a 12 st wide column of cable or cables. I manipulated cables, and then moved the stitches back down to the ribber. Rest of test piece worked successfully. For a test piece!

Piece was successful, although not pretty. But I was testing the process, not the yarn.

Warning! if stitches are on ribber, behind the latches, DO NOT let excitement tempt you and drop ribber down to look at cables! Yep.....I did. Pop, pop, pop . . . . . stitches slid up and off the ribber needles. I managed to catch most of them, and call myself a few names during the process.

Next step, change to machine that the final test will need to be done. Take down my baby, the LK150. Set up big SK860 and its ribber. Oh gosh, its sure been a while!! Poor carriages are dry and have turned yellow. I think I will replace the plastic because I just hate that yellow color. After spending an hour trying to find the tools and clamps that should have been in the tool chest marked SK860 (but were not), I was casting on with a worsted weight wool.

I’ve got to laugh at my stupidity. How many years and how many times have I told new knitters to be sure that the carriage on the main bed is “seated” not only at the back, but also at the front. Can you believe I blew an hour of my precious time cursing my ribber arm! After an hour, I decided to get some air and change clothes and do my daily workout. (eeghads!! yes exercise!) Maybe removing the oxygen from my brain and sending it to the muscles will reset things. Back to the machine, still no luck. OK, call the techs...but no . . . . waited 15 minutes too long. They were closed. So I sat there, slumped and sighed. Then . . . . . why I pulled up on the carriage is beyond me. Was there a machine knitting angel, who said “look at this, dummy. This carriage is not supposed to lift up in front.”? Oh for pete’s sake. Slap my forehead! It was not seated in front! The rest of the testing has gone well. But time ran short, and other obligations caused me to stop testing. But I will be up early, as I love testing when it turns out sucessful.

In other parts of the store, I’ve begun receiving shipments of a few of the colors of 2 of Cascade new lines: Cascade 128 Superwash, a 100% merino wool that is a bulky superwash, and is super nice! and Cascade Pure Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca is a light weight worsted, or even a DK weight. That web page I just uploaded a few hours ago. On both yarns, I'm getting in only a few colors at a time. Which colors I get in depend on you! Tell me what you want, and that'll be the next color I order in!

Busy day tomorrow. Big box of freight from Cascade still sits here, my newsletter still waits for this editor to continue working on it, rep from Cascade Yarns is due here at 9 am, weekly shipment for Lorna's Laces is due in UPS and Thursday is my last bit of time to alter and fix my nieces Halloween costume. Friday, promptly at 3, I head back up to Portland to the condo. This weekend new carpet, some furniture, cable internet and who knows what else goes in. As well as a birthday dinner for my son who turns 25 on Sunday! and oh yea. . . . . CrossFit Saturday morning....ugh.....painful muscles again!

Have a great and safe Halloween everyone!! Talk to you soon!

New Adventures!

It's official. We are finally owners of a cute little condo in downtown Portland, Oregon. After spending 11 months searching we are in! Today I leave again for my 3rd weekend in Portland. It has been really enjoyable. The first weekend I spent trying to piece enough furniture together to make the condo livable. And walked, and walked, and walked. The country is beautiful, yes, but the city has its beauty too, and so many directions to walk, so much activity to watch. And this girl loves to shop!!!! Last weekend I attended my first CrossFit lesson. Oh My Gosh!! My daughter in Southern California does this. Talk about "hard bodies"! Don't have anything like this on the coast. Tomorrow morning is another class. I think I am still sore from last Saturday!! But this is a great way to supplement the workout I already do at home. Rochelle did our first lesson. Turns out she just learned how to knit and she started a new group of knitters on the 1st Friday of each month at a nearby coffee shop. The name of her knitting group? What else . . . . CrossKnit !!!

The sun shines in the condo for the majority of the day. Perfect light for knitting and inbetween walking I've finished my Baby Alpaca Reversible Scarf. Just in time for the cold weather too. It is super thick, super warm and I'm super happy with it. Cascade's Baby Alpaca Chunky normally gets 3.5 sts per inch in stockinet, so any yarn will work that gets that guage, though I suggest keeping to something soft because it is wrapped around your neck. Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky and Swirl Chunky would work well, though the silk wrap in Swirl Chunky might prevent the cables and garter ridges from showing as clearly. Another yarn that I will soon have in stock is Cascades 128 Superwash. This is a bulky wool that is washable. I turned my nose up at first, until my rep "accidentally" left his sample hank with me. I sampled up the hank and was really amazed with it. It is soft and supple, and has plenty of definition. Looking again, well duh! it is a superwash merino!! I've got all 42 colors into the computer, and will start ordering some of the colors next week. This yarn will also make a great reversible scarf. As I hand knit, I am thinking how to machine knit this scarf. It is possible. One would need a main bed and a ribber. Takes a bit of thinking, but I'm tempted to set up my SK860 with ribber SR860 and a smaller sized yarn, perhaps Cascade 220 or maybe Cascade Cash Vero (but for fun I'd also combine in a strand of Cascade Kid Seta). There'd be reformed stitches for garter ridges and the cables would have to be transferred to the main bed to be cabled, then moved back to 1x1 rib. That's a lot of stretch for a knitting machine. I may have to make some changes to make it work on a machine, but that's a challenge I enjoy. Don't forget to check out the yarn and books I have on clearance on my clearance page! When I put yarns on clearance, they are marked under cost! I don't mess around. I want the OUT, and NOW!! Enjoy!!

Easy Knitting, Scrumptious Yarn!

I have to admit I have really dropped the ball with the knitting lately. The desire is there, but there's been much administrative work I've been doing. Not much time left for knitting and I hit the end of the day rather exhausted..... But . . . I started this project the other day. I have to confess it was a customer who came in the store to get yarn for a reversible scarf that got me going. I found a free pattern on the internet. It called for Aran weight (4 sts per inch) yarn, but I grabbed Cascades Baby Alpaca Chunky, and dropped down a needle size. I will be spending quite a bit of time in Portland, Oregon this winter, and a very warm scarf will be manditory. After knitting up one whole hank of yarn, I was not liking this scarf at all. (I told myself, you get what you pay for!! I should have known.) Oh the fabric was beautiful. Thick, soft, warm and no problems dropping down to a US#9 needle, but the reversible design just was not doing a thing for me. Couldn't even see the cables!

Therefore, I changed it. I went back up to the US#10 needle the yarn called for, and altered the pattern. I am almost done with the 2nd hank. This will be a very loved scarf. I've really enjoyed the pattern. And as I knit along, I'm wondering if a few special friends would appreciate something hand knit from me. That is a very rare occurance in my family and friends...very few get something hand (or machine!) knit from me! Both sides of the scarf are the same (i.e. reversible). Cables stand out nicely due to the garter stitch (on both sides.) Because it is so thick, I think it is going to need approx 5 hanks of yarn. It quite wide, so if I need to wrap it up around my ears, it will work. I will be putting this pattern out in the next newsletter, but I can share my notes if you cannot wait. But they are not totally complete yet. Its Sunday night. I'm trying to work ahead. The store will be closed Wednesday through Monday as we will be in Portland taking care of some paperwork (and some playtime for me!!) Take care and keep on knittin' !!

Lorna's Laces Newest Color Release in Color Commentary Series

Lorna's Laces newest Color Commentary The newest release is a deep dark blue called Cookie A's Deep Dark Secret. CDDS is the latest in Lorna's Laces Color Commentary Series. It's a beautiful, rich dark blue. Lorna's Laces went with a nearly solid this time around to complement Cookie's intricate sock designs. I have a very limited amount due to arrive next week in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Place your order now, and reserve yours. This stunning sock pattern is available free at knitty.com! Deep Dark Secret will also be available in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, Shepherd Sport, Helen's Lace and Lion & Lamb. I will also special order Deep Dark Secret in any of Lorna's Laces other lines for you. See more of Cookie A's fabulous sock designs at her website: http://www.cookiea.com/

End of Summer Jobs!!

When the weather turns warm, I just want to soak up the sun!! We've had some beautiful days this summer here on the Oregon, and some days have just seemed like November!

Lots of family activities this year! Weddings, Holidays, Family Reunions!! Any excuse for a party!! Just returned from an incredibly beautiful weekend in Santa Cruz where my niece was married. A smallish wedding by most counts, but just peeerrrrfect!!

(picture: me, Cory (daughter-in-law), Erica & Greta (step daughters) Best people to party with!!)

School has begun, and so has fall knitting and crochet. Whether it is for gifts, or just a new cardie for the winter, needles are being picked up and yarn has been ordered. My needles are still setting as I've been restoring the shelves to their non-chaotic manner and moving slow moving items to the clearance page. Be sure you check out the books I just put on clearance for $5!! These would be perfect to insert into a knitters gift package! All books are eventually going on clearance, so if you see one you want, drop me a line and I'll tell you what the clearance price will be!

Lorna's Laces Swirl Chunky and Swirl DK are also on clearance for less then their suggested retail price. Be sure that you check into these super yarns. Quality yarns at a bargain price!!

If you didn't get my last newsletter, be sure to read it here. And be sure you get signed up for the next issue here.

Family Reunion

Last weekend was a busy one here. Our annual family reunion which has taken place for years and years in Sunriver, took place here on the Oregon Coast, mainly in the North Bend - Lakeside area. So many activities!! Thank you to all the family that took the long journey to make it here! It was great fun, great food, lots of laughs and lots of love!!

In the store, I finally got Noni Bags Fall 2009 patterns online. Nora also came out with her style label in brass and bronze. So classy!!! You can see/order the new patterns here.

Her patterns include 2 purse/bags, a baby/diaper bag, Women's Classic Sweater, Little Girl's coat, Kitty Towel and flowers!

Cascade's Fixation and Cascade's 220 Superwash, Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock continue to be the top sellers, and each week restocking shipments arrive. Takes quite a few hours to check in and put away, AFTER pulling your backorders and getting them back out into the mail for you.

On the personal knitting front I've just been too tired out at the end of the day for any knitting of any sort!! In fact, I usually end up working in the evenings. So no news for you there. I do keep looking longingly at the beautiful swatches I did weeks ago. Also, been working, very slowly on the next newsletter. Maybe by the end of the week, it will be done. Maybe . . . . . .

If you want to receive it, be sure to sign up here.

where did I go??

Did you think I fell off the end of the earth?

No, but time did get away from me.

Since my last quick update on the Addi Clicks, my 2 sisters and I spent a girls weekend in downtown Portland along with our Mom for Mom's birthday. The weather was perfect and I have the silliest sisters!! Many laughs!!

Not the greatest picture. But you can tell a good time is going on. This is the day we arrived. After working, driving 4 hours, 90 minutes in the spa and a few drinks later, we are all very well relaxed!!

On the business front, I'm still catching up with getting all the new colors up that Cascade brought out in the lines of yarns that I carry. I JUST uploaded the new color cards for Baby Alpaca Chunky. 20 new colors, plus somehow I overlooked the fact that this yarn also has White. So 21 new colors on my Baby Alpaca Chunky page. Need to do myself a work cardigan for the winter out of this!!

oh, and Knitting Pure and Simple has new patterns too. I like the bulky assymetrical cardigan, myself. Would be fast project . . . .
#299 bulky Asymmetric Cardigan
#298 Top Down Shawl Collar
#2911 Neckdown Boat Neck Pullover
#2910 Baby Hats, Mitts and Booties
#297 Bulky Hat and Mitten Set

on the creative front, I've not completed a thing, but rather have been playing with test pieces. All pieces have worked out well, just haven't had time to actually start anything. I need to see at least a few weeks of some free time so I know I can complete project.

At the top is Lorna's Laces Swirl DK ( on clearance too ), in a cable and purl column done on the LK150, on the left is the same thing in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport. I want to do another swatch in the camel color laying there, which is Cascade's Pima Tencel. The green left swatch is Cascade's Alpaca Lace done on the SK280. Was looking for something really thin and drapey. Summer spagetti strap top, or something like a ballet cardigan. The right green is one strand of Alpaca Lace and one strand of Heritage Sock on the SK280. Would make excellent work cardigan, but maybe in red or black instead of green. The dark red is Cascade's Pima Tencel. Just testing to see what machine setting it knits at the best.

What I also like to do, is make up a matching swatch in hand knit. Don't always do anything with them, but maybe someday . . . . .

'til next time, keep knitting and enjoy the summer!

addi Clicks cord and tip sets

addi Clicks separates JUST arrived!!

Cord set and Tip sets.

Just wanted you to know asap!!!

Clearance Sale!

Put 3 yarns on clearance today. Beautiful yarns, but need to move them out to make room for new yarns!

Lorna's Laces Swirl Chunky is normally $21, remaining stock on sale for $10.

Lorna's Laces Swirl DK is normally $13, remaining stock on sale for $6.

Cascade Sassy Stripes Sock yarn is normally $6.80, remaining stock on sale for $2.

Enjoy!!!

Not your average yarn store owner !!

This is what I did this weekend. Not your average yarn store owner I think!!! This is for real. My kids have been doing this for years. Finally got my courage up. TOOO MUCH FUN!!!

385 colors of Cascade 220 Wool

Looks like about 385 colors in the Cascade 220 line of 100% Peruvian Wool. Color Cards in html and in pdf are now online! Solids and heathers, Tweeds and Hand-Dyed Paints.

Lorna's Laces new colors are here!

Just a quick note to say Lorna's Laces New Colors are here!
Sheridan, Midway, Hermosa, Fiddlehead and Valentine have arrived. They are still in the box, but they are here in Shepherd Sock, Sport, Worsted, Bulky, Helen's Lace and Lion & Lamb.

Web scripts should be up sometime today, but if you want part of this first shipment, phone 541-759-3975 or email me store@yarn-store.net now!

Trade Shows and New Yarns

The trade show for yarn and needlework store owners occurs twice a year. It is huge, exciting, overwhelming, exhausting and simply just a fun show. I love seeing company owners that I've emailed or phoned with over the last 6 months. It's like seeing old, but very good friends. It is against show rules to photograph the booths, but I think I can photograph the ceiling. The ceiling does a fairly good job of showing you that this is a large convention center. I was sitting at the end of one of the isles where there was a sandwich shop. This is also the same isle where Silver Reed Knitting Systems had their booth set up. I spent approx 2 out of 3 days demonstrating in the booth. I've spent many years, off and on, teaching and demonstrating machines to the general public. But this was a new experience demonstrating to my peers (other store owners). It seemed a natural step and once I found my groove, it was a very enjoyable experience. I spent half of time operating the standard gauge punch card knitting a lace shawl in very thin lace weight yarn. It was a good project to show considering lace weight yarns and lace is just about as popular as sock knitting! I felt the machines were received very well and the hand knitting community was very ready to look into machines. So I left the show feeling very excited about the future of machine knitting. You have to remember that machine knitting was my first love .... way back in 1984. My favorite thing to do on the machines is hand manipulation. Which I guess I could say is a cross between the hands on of hand knitting and the speed of machine knitting. And, oddly enough, I feel I am much more creative and original with machine knitting than with hand knitting. You can check out knitting machines by downloading my pdf catalog: Silver Reed Knitting Machines.

Lorna's Laces introduced 4 new colors and re-introduced a color that was semi-retired a few years. Tonal variations are very popular right now. We all like to work with color, but too much color isn't often the best look for adults. A compromise between solids and multis are tonal shades. The first 4 above, Sheridan, Midway, Hermosa and Fiddlehead will be in the store in a couple of days. They are in UPS right now! The 5th shade, Valentine, is a color that I never did retire. These colors are available in all the Lorna's Laces lines. I saw some garments done in Lorna's Laces Pearl, a silk bamboo blend. Wow, this yarn never fails to impress. And you'd think after working a project myself with it, it would be old hat. Nope! Anne Modesitt knit Pearl in the color Montrose in her pattern Silk Ribbed Corset. I just fell in love with the garment on display. Just stunning. You can purchase and download Anne's pattern from her site ( I did ). The photo is in another yarn, but I want to use Pearl. Returning to the store to the daily routine of shipping in and out, bookkeeping and so on, took some adjusting. It was great to get out, but nice to return home. The big project this week was still working on the new colors of Cascade 220 and the umpteenmillion steps involved in recreating the new color cards. Cascade introduced 16 new colors in their Peruvian Wool line. When new colors are introduced, you don't just add the colors to the end of the cards. No, the cards are totally redone and the 8 extensive steps involved in making them usable for my catalog, for the website and in a pdf for you takes days and days. I am only able to devote a few hours a day to this job. But the end result is very nice. I will post the pdf URL when they are done. Beautiful shades. I think the Seafoam Heather is my favorite. Pale light blue, with a touch of green to it. These are so new I don't even have them on the website yet. Cascade has a bulky weight wool. Very, very nice. Can't decide if it would be a good investment for the store. It is a superwash, and it knits up really nice. Soft, yet has great body. But do I need another bulky weight? These days it is the worsted and DK weights that seem to sell the best. Makes me think I'm playing the stock market with yarn!! Scary!! Father's Day today. Cody is down from Portland again. Fishing, what else. John's sister Sylvia is here for the week before flying to China to teach. The weather is typical Oregon coast. cool, breezy, can't decide whether to rain or shine . . . . . My music (techno today ) is up loud and I'm working!

In a Fog

The Oregon Coast has been in a fog all week, alternating with rain. Is this June? Do I live on planet Earth? Looking back over the past week, even my brain is in a fog.

What have I accomplished?

Besides the daily shipping and admin work, I'm not sure . . . ha ha . . . Well, on Wednes day I attempted to purchase an iphone on my current contract. Hit a snag, there. Made a decision and attempted again on Thursday. Now I've been thinking about this since the day I bought an ipod touch, which was months ago. This is no impulse decision. With the help of Becky at my local ATT ofc, we set up a conference call for Friday morning. After 4 frickin' calls, the paperwork was complete, and I literally flew into town to buy the phone and sign the deal. My gawd, ATT doesn't want to make it easy for you to switch! But thank you, Becky (ATT North Bend, OR) for sticking with me on this, and refusing to give up nor have an attitude about this.

All this tech is rather new to me, but I'm lovin' it. I ended up downloading ALL my contacts from my Windows Address book. You DON'T want to do that. After hours of reading and research, I created a group within my address book called iphone. And thru itunes replaced the current book with this group. For some reason this replace process is a big secret. GHEESHE!! Found the answer on this blog: http://manismani.blogspot.com/2008/03/delete-all-contacts-from-iphone-using.html

Problem solved. On the social front attended a few parties this week, one retirement and one graduation. It was entertaining. I hadn't seen some of these people for years. A few didn't recognize me. When you drop 40-50 pounds, do weight work and have a great esthetician . . . . more than a few eyebrows go up, and a few comments were received that make even the most mature woman blush.

In the store, have cleaned up many loose ends and "piles" too numerous and mundane to list here. Currently spread across my desk are the Cascade 220 colors. Looks like we are now up to about 380 colors. Can you imagine??? Crazy. Cross reference-edit catalog-edit jpg-edit webapge-upload pdf color card . . . . . my eyes are crossed and I've not even started. Its only the loud pop-rock in the background that is keeping me awake!

Leaving Thursday afternoon for Portland, OR. Will stay with son, Steve, and catch a morning flight to Columbus to attend The National Needlework Assoc trade show. Will return on Monday with lots of goodies to share. If you need to place an order, you will need to do so no later than noon on Wednesday, otherwise, it will ship next week.

Take care!!

Trips, Sunrises and Fog!!

It's official and the last of the paper work to deal with. TNNA (The National Needlework Association) puts on a trade show twice a year for store owners. In June it is in Columbus June 13-15. Plane tickets are purchased, room is reserved and my show passes have arrived. If you will be there, look me up. Most of the time I'll be at the Silver Reed(Knitcraft)booth.

As promised, another color commentary in Lorna's Laces arrived this week. This color is called Sunrise and is a creation from Wendy at Wendy Knits Blog. Dramatic!! I have Shepherd Sock, Shepherd Sport, Shepherd Worsted, Helen's Lace and Lion and Lamb currently in stock, in this color.

Last but certainly not least are two more web site updates. These jobs take up so much time and are simply mind numbing. When new colors are introduced, I need to cross reference numbers and names to my data base. Proof color card labeling to my database. Cascade does a really nice job of scanning the color cards and they are super quick to send me them. I proof their numbers to my database, then process the graphics. Processing consists of removing their numbers, then retyping them along with the color name. Save one copy for my catalog, process again and save a pdf copy for the web site and/or a jpg version for the web page. Last but not least, cross reference colors on cards to what is currently on the web and add all colors not listed. The mind ends up in a haze after a while. This past week Cascade Sierra and Cascade 220 Superwash both had massive updates. Sierra wasn't so bad. It has great colors, just not zillions of them as the Superwash has. The 220 superwash has so many colors, I cannot put the 220 Superwash color cards on the same web page as the shopping cart scripts. Another window opens up for that. Or you can click on the pdf color card and print it out. Next on the to do list is Cascade 220. Sigh . . . . more new colors there too!! On the home front, a somewhat quiet week. Son Cody was down last weekend from Portland, and he's here again this weekend. Lakeside is super for fishing, and he sleeps, eats and dreams fishing. He was born with a pole in his hands. Don't know where he got that. His father nor I fish. But he's a good son. He always saves time for his Mom, whether it is having lunch or taking a few hours out from his day to play pool on our table. I will toot my horn, tho, our games are 50/50. It's fun to beat your son at pool! Tomorrow we will be heading up to Albany for a family picnic. The coast is socked in fog. The valley is in the 80s. I hate fog!! Can't wait to hit the heat. I must be part lizard!! I don't come alive until it hits at least 75 degrees. 'til next weekend !!!

Lacey-Cables

Memorial Day weekend on the coast is often times cool or wet, or both. This year it is cool and windy, but the sun is out, and if you can find a sheltered spot, it is quite nice. But the wind is cold!!

Finished my Lacy-Cable shell. Originally it was to have either 3/4rd or at least a cap sleeve, but after getting the bands and hem done, it just screamed "sleeveless". So be it. This is Alchemy's Silk Purse, a 100% pure silk yarn, in the Poppy color. Used every single last yard of 4 hanks. It was machine knit on the LK150, but the cables and lace is all hand manipulated. Every stitch and every row was architectually planned out. With a machine, you don't knit to inches. You MUST know exactly how many rows you will need.

The LK150 machine was put away today. I was rather sad. I love working with that machine. I believe I will dig the SK280 back out and set up the lace carriage. I don't often do lace on the Silver Reed. With so much to do, just seems like I don't get around to it much. But I have an event coming up in a few weeks and I need to be able to operate this machine, and all its features without much thought. I could do this mindlessly on the Brother machines, but never had to with the Silver Reed. Now my time as come!
If you would like a brochure on knitting machines, I have a 20-page booklet. Email me at store@yarn-store.net and I will email you back the pdf.


The store was all business this week too. Weekly shipment from Lorna's Laces brought in the basic colors, and Cascade as well. This coming week the Lorna's Laces shipment is bringing in the next color commentary blogger color Wendy Johnson of WendyKnits .
WendyKnit's Sunrise should be here Wednesday or Thursday, in Shepherd Sock, Sport, Worsted, Helen's Lace and Lion and Lamb.

Have a great holiday!

Summer Daze

This weekend on the coast, it is beautiful. Saturday it was in the mid 70s in Lakeside, which sits about a mile east of Highway 101. Like a lizard, I love the heat! I don't come alive until it gets warm! And we don't get much of that there. A friend parked his car at our home for the day and, with a grin, handed me the keys. My grin was much bigger!! Needless to say, all work was tossed to the wind! We cruised up to Reedsport to show our temporary toy for the day to my sister, Claudia, who took a picture. What a day. LOVED IT!!

Early Sunday morning, when I usually sit around in my PJs, I was hard at work on the web site. Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn has 12 new colors. Yarn is in stock. Catalog is updated. Web page is updated. PDF is added. CHECK that job OFF.

You know sometimes you get an idea in your head and you just know you have to do it. And you have to do it NOW!! This project is so pretty it is hard to look away from it. This is the back. The yellow at the top and bottom is waste yarn when the shoulder is seamed and I've attached a hem, it will be removed. The yarn is 100% silk from Alchemy Yarns called Silk Purse. What a sin! I'm working it on my LK150 knitting machine. Much much hand manipulating going on. But even so, it is much faster than hand knitting. Sun it still out. It is only noon this Sunday. Am going to find a rock to lay on and soak up the sun!!

Done!

It is probably a good thing to have many WIPs. After setting aside the Crochet Yoke Pearl Shell, I was able to come back to it with a renewed energy. And its done! Not quite as I expected, but working with silk yarn (this yarn is Lorna's Laces Pearl) is different than with wools. Silk has no body at all. Add to it that my design was a lace crochet yoke which gave me no foundation to hold up the shell, presented me with a new challenge of stabilizing a lifeless, limp fabric. click on the pictures to get a bigger, more detailed view. The yoke is crocheted, and I'm a beginner there. The bodice was machine knit on the LK150 from Silver Reed. I knit on that machine more than anything else. It's just a fun machine to work with, and it does its' darnest to be agreeable!!

On the business front, my Cascade Rep, George, came by yesterday. Darn he gets expensive!!! There are new colors in 220 Superwash, Baby Alpaca Chunky, Alpaca Lace, Pastaza, 220 Pure Wool and Heritage Sock. I went ahead and ordered all the new colors in the Heritage Sock, and I do have the scripts all posted onto the web page, but no color cards yet. Cascade promises I should receive digital graphics next week. Remember I said web work was like house cleaning?? Never done! If you missed last week's newsletter mailing, you can access it here . There was a free earflap hat pattern in it. If you want to receive my quarterly mailing, sign up here. Until next time, knit on!

A Good Day!

One would think that when your children move out on their own, things would slow down. Nope. Life keeps getting busier and busier.

Spent the weekend in Portland and celebrated my youngest's 23rd birthday. We had dinner at the Ringside Steakhouse. Her brother, Steve and wife Cory, Aunt Marion, her Dad and I, and her best friend Aurora joined us. Dinner at the Ringside is always a super treat. Love it!!


Also, spent all of Saturday with Pati Palmer of Palmer-Pletsch sewing patterns. Learned how to pattern fit and then pin fit a pair of traditional jeans. OMG. How will I ever remember all that. I now have pattern pieces cut out and ready to sew. Pati is an awesome woman. It was a very good day and one I will remember forever! I do hope that our paths cross again.


Yesterday the "so-far-overdue-we-won't-talk-about-it" newsletter of mine was completed. Took a month to really work it out, including a free earflap pattern. This newsletter is slated to be released in 6 hours. If you aren't on the mailing list, be sure to add yourself.

Yesterday was a good day. Beside crossing off the newsletter, I also got the announcement out to my female siblings about my Mom's "girls day" birthday weekend in Portland. Mom is a city girl and any chance she gets she's heading for the city. Spending a weekend in downtown Portland with her girls is an event she's pretty excited about. So I got the reservations at the Embassy Suites, and put the announcement out to my sisters. You'd think that this would be a simple thing to do. Yep . . . . right . . . .
but it's done now.
Yesterday went so well, I got about a 48hour jump on a fairly large photoshop job I'm working on for a knitting machine catalog. I'm pretty excited about this project. It is long overdue. It is still in the beginning stages, but should have the prototype/version 1 done by the 15th.

I pray that I get more good days like yesterday!

Sun is shining, breeze is cold!

Time has just flown by. Been doing a lot of administrative work. Web work is like house work, it is never, ever, done! And just yesterday I finally went back to my enewsletter account and had to ask everyone to reconfirm their email addresses. A friend asked today "what is the average # of times a person changes their email address in a year?" Interesting question. But it makes it doubly important for a business to keep their newsletter contacts up to date. So I'm going to make an extra effort to post a newsletter once every 4 months, even if it is small. If you are interested in receiving it, go to my newsletter page to sign up.
I expect to put one out in about 5 days.

On the stock front, I am now fully stocked in the Cascade 220 Superwash colors. This is a washable, 100% wool, that knits to about a DK or heavy DK weight. Tons of colors! I still have not gotten them all on the shelves (of which I do not have enough available). Just when I think I'm 100% on top of that, an eagle-eyed customer spotted that I had left off one very important color. But that's all fixed now.

On my designer front, not much progress on anything. My combo crochet/machine knit top out of Pearl has hit a snag. The large lace front and back yoke is so drapey that it falls way lower than I planned. So now I'm trying to stablize it without it looking obvious. Worst case scenerio, I will have to redo the yoke smaller. But it has been laying on the blocking board since Sunday, when I attempted 3 times to stablize it, without luck. It had so much potential! I'm bummed, but will get back to it.

Sun is shining, but breeze is cold here! Talk to you soon!

Pearl Yarn Winner

My 15 yr old granddaughter, laughs a lot. And when she laughs it is heart felt. I saw this sight a lot over the last 6 days while she was with me. Here we were are down at the Lakeside County Dock. It was a very rare hot day and we were loving life. I was trying to take pictures of her jumping in the air. Never got the timing right, but got a lot of fun pictures. This one stole my heart.

As promised, Tyler chose her funniest story. Kids will be kids, and the Seagull story was her favorite, although she also loved the Punk Rock Bouncer story. I loved them all, but the sight of a knitter waving knitting needles while chasing a seagull had me busting up too. Ana, I will be contacting you, or contact me first! Got some new colors in this week, so the Pearl selection has grown!

The last few weeks have been chaotic. Not a single day was like the day before. Just before picking up Tyler at the Portland Airport, I spent the day with my youngest, Whitney. We bought clothes, coffee, fabric, coffee, did make-overs and walked and walked and walked over downtown Portland. Living in a town of only about 1200, Portland is like shopping nervana! Don't EVER go into a Guess store and say "I wonder what a pair of $100 jeans feel like on." You WILL leave $100 poorer! But WOW, they look good!!

Today I finally got the Clara's Garden colors photoshopped. Those pics I took weeks ago. This photo is the worsted weight.

I now have 4 colors of Pearl to photograph. I'm still working on my crochet lace yoke shell. Pieces are all done. Just need to assemble. It's been done on the "fly", so to speak. Should be really cute. I will be taking that one to the trade show in June. It shows off the Pearl yarn, and it also shows off combining crochet with machine knitting (LK150). Its sleeveless, so I hope I don't freeze to death on the trade floor.

GIVING AWAY LORNA'S LACES PEARL & PATTERN

Send me your story on your funniest knitting-related story. The stories will be read by a 15 yr old knitter. She will select the funniest one.

The winner gets 1 free hank of Lorna's Laces Pearl (any color currently in my stock) and the Lyerka Scarf Pattern (a $47 value).

Winner will be announced Thursday night, April 9th !!

Clara's Garden (Lorna's Laces newest color)

Real Quick!!! UPS just walked in with this:

Clara Parkes of Knitter's Review designed this shade. When Lorna's Laces approached Clara to design a color, Clara's mind immediately turned to those peonies, hollyhocks, and tulips—all three of which she has in her garden.

Helen's Laces us coming too!

See more pictures HERE.