August 2007

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Fall Interweave Knits on the shelves

Or at least it was on the shelves. In less than 24 hours we sold all but one copy. I’d say that is a pretty huge endorsement of Eunny Jang’s first issue as editor. Many of you have probably seen the preview on Interweave’s website. There is pattern, after pattern, that I want to make.

But when?? AAAGGGHHHH!!!

I still need to finish Rogue. Although I have made some significant progress recently and am now on the hood. I am loving the cabling on the hood. It is no where near as difficult as it looks and is tremendously fun to knit.

Actually, I may have caught up to Becka who has been distracted by a couple other projects (including an adorable cabled baby hat of her own design.)

Prior to Knit at Night, I was strongly considering just ordering the yarn for Eunny’s Tangled Yoke Cardigan featured in Interweave (I’m thinking of using Elsebeth Lavold’s Silky Wool.)

I am just so intrigued by the techniques she used to accomplish the cable that I want to try it myself.

Then Amy walked into the shop with this:

The picture in no way does the yarn justice. The color is delicious - full of shine and depth. A smile creeps across my face as the yarn shimmers in the light. I love it.

And it shows just how brilliant Amy truly is. Last week, I was in a desperate search for a lace pattern. The urge to knit lace had been building in my hands for weeks and I was about ready to burst if I didn’t find just the right pattern and yarn.

Victorian Lace Today saved me with the Alpine Lace Scarf.

Amy provided the yarn.

I was bemoaning the fact that one of the new skeins of Malabrigo had exactly the color I wanted for my lace, but it was not lace weight. Amy said “no problem.” She and Becka decided what yarn I needed - Zephyr. I asked Amy if she wanted to take a bit of the Malabrigo home with her to have as a reference.

“Nope, I’ve got it.” And she did. It’s perfect.

I cast on last night, and worked a few rows today.

But that wasn’t all the fun yesterday. More copies of Jo Sharp Knit 3 arrived. Good thing, too, since our first shipment sold out in 2 days and we’ve had a reserve list going.

Then, at Knit at Night, a guy on a motorcycle pulls right up to the front window. Kinda of an unusual sight - although you can really never guess who might be a knitter. But, no, he was not there to pick out yarn for a helmet cozy. He was Jerri’s husband and brought chocolate treats for us all in honor of her birthday this week. Happy Birthday Jerri!!!

Scott had many people in the room considering making themselves a farmer’s market bag. I’m not sure what he used for a pattern, but I know he has made a few adjustments to get it just the way he wanted it. And it works!

Before I show other projects that have stopped by the shop to say hello, I want to send lots of positive, healing energy to Scott and Mindy’s good friend Kim, who is dealing with breast cancer. To show his support, Scott got this tattoo recently:

What a wonderful expression of friendship and solidarity.

Back to the knitting.

Earlier in the week, Gwen had stopped in to show me the market bag she was making out of Hempathy. The pattern is from the latest edition of knitty.com and is working up beautifully.

One of my dearest friends, whom I’ve known since college, came by on one her rare free weekends. Liz is now a doc at Maine Med and specializes in OB/GYN care. Not too surprising then, that as a knitter, she specializes in little baby things.

The hat and booties are out of Cascade Fixation and I think she made up the pattern for the booties. Just one question... where did she find the time?

Fixation seems to be a very popular yarn this summer. Elizabeth just finished her first pair of socks and used Fixation. In pink, of course!

I think that catches us up on everything. I’m off to knit a few more lace rows before bed, and perhaps work on justifying starting Eunny’s cardigan. hmmmm...

Friday, August 3, 2007

Converted

I promised myself I wouldn’t do it. Sure, I would probably enjoy it. I might even be good at it one day. But I was going to exhibit enormous self restraint and NOT do it. I had enough things to occupy the non-existent free time in my life. Adding another activity would not help the situation.

Unfortunately, when steeling my resolve, I did not take into account the collective influence of those who have already succumbed to the call of the wheel.

So, on Saturday, I gave in and learned to spin. Well, perhaps learned is a bit too generous. I had my first lesson, discovered that I needed lots of practice before I produced anything knitworthy, and concluded that I most definitely was already addicted and NEEDED my own wheel as soon as possible.

Amy was kind enough to host a number of us at her Spunky Eclectic shop in Lisbon, ME on Saturday. The spot is beautiful. Outside the shop there are rolling fields stretching out in the distance. Large trees provided welcome shade as we sat on her patio in the ridiculous heat and played with wool.

And she taught me to spin!

(Thanks Bridget for wielding the camera and capturing my first attempt!)

Ever since I’ve been considering just which wheel I want and when I can justify buying one.

The afternoon included a tour of Amy’s new space. There was fiber everywhere!

Check this out. The tip of a fiber iceberg.

That would be a small part of 500lbs of yarn.

I was in heaven. Thanks Amy!

Monday, August 6, 2007

New Yarn Girls book

We’ve been waiting for the arrival of the latest Yarn Girls book all summer. Both Becka and I count their first book among our favorite knitting books. Why? Sure, the patterns aren’t terribly complicated. But, therein lies the beauty. The designs are all straightforward, appealing to the newbie and the seasoned sweater knitters alike, and most importantly, they talk you through everything. I learned to seam properly because of the instructions in their first book.

And now there is a new one with the same fun yet clear instructions, and fabulous patterns. After a quick skim I have already picked out a number of patterns I want to knit.

I am also thrilled to tell you that we FINALLY have the patterns available for the miniature sweaters hanging in our front window. So many people have been asking for the patterns, I knew we had to get them in - especially as people start their holiday knitting.

These make great gifts as well as decorations.

Marcia was back from vacation which meant I got to get a picture of her Eris sweater. I’m pretty sure she is the furthest along of all our Eris knitters (that collar is quite the challenge!). Isn’t it beautiful?

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Happy yarn everywhere

The fall yarns are arriving!!! I LOVE this time of year. UPS is at the door almost every day and boxes of yarn surround me.

The latest additions included Knit One Crochet Too’s Ambrosia.

Handpainted and a blend of alpaca, silk, and cashmere, it is pure heaven. Perfect for making hats, scarves, socks, mittens, vests, shawls and sweaters.

Next up is Debbie Bliss’s Donegal Tweed in both aran and chunky weights.

And a pattern book to inspire:

These are my top picks from the book:

Friday, August 10, 2007

Noro and yarn play

Patti made us a store sample!!

I am completely in love with this sweater. It is from the cover of Yarn Play and I have been eyeing it ever since the book came into the shop. The designer used Noro Silk Garden and Cash Iroha - beautiful.

One day I was bemoaning the fact that I just didn’t have enough time to knit this sweater but it would make such a gorgeous sample for the shop. Patti to the rescue! If you know Patti, you know she has about a zillion projects going, including a few of her own lovely designs that you can check out here. Yet, somehow she found time to whip up this model for us. Thank you Patti!!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

August?

Driving to the shop this morning, I saw the most disturbing sight. A tree whose leaves were already changing colors.

This is just wrong.

Wrong.

It is only August. I am not ready to let summer go. I want more mornings on the deck enjoying a cup of coffee while knitting a few rounds on a sock. I want to hit the beach again. I want it to stay light outside until past 7pm.

I realize that fall is inevitable. And I love fall, I really do. Just not quite yet.

I was so surprised/shocked/outraged at this sight of the approaching change of seasons that I quickly grabbed my camera (luckily, I was at a stop light) to capture the moment to share with you. Actually, I was quite pleased with myself that 1. I had the camera, 2. I remembered I had the camera, 3. My brain worked quickly enough to alert me to this blog-worthy moment before the light changed.

On to the knitting.

I got a wonderful visit from Ginny today. She has been having fun with the drop stitch scarf I designed out of Bonnie. Here she is with three finished scarves and more are on the way!

Thanks for bringing them in!

Linda was sporting her Rectangle Shawl (pattern from Blue Sky Alpacas) knit out of Spunky Eclectic Rustic Silk. Beautiful.

Lesley was able to join us for Knit at Night and let me capture the heel of her first sock.

Her first sock. It is a beautiful thing.

Anna finished her top from No Sheep For You in time to enjoy the end of summer. Isn’t it gorgeous???

We had a fabulous time.

And even though she is moving next week, Wendy made it to Knit at Night!

I am going to miss her so much, but the new job sounds like a great opportunity and she will be back to visit often. Right?

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Maine rocks

Like thousands of other Mainers and those vacationing in our beautiful state this summer, I found myself in the LL Bean parking lot Saturday night listen to a FREE concert featuring the Indigo Girls and Brandi Carlile.

Pardon me for a moment while I get all sappy about how wonderful the world can be sometimes. We often forget, don’t we? Forget that life doesn’t always have to be rush, rush. That kicking back with good friends, awesome music, and a crowd of happy, relaxed people is exactly what we all need now and then.

We just happen to be lucky enough to live in Maine, where there is a company like LL Bean that chooses to celebrate summer by sponsoring a free concert series. Where you can camp out for one of those concerts, leave your things -unguarded- while you wander around downtown Freeport, and not only will people completely respect your claim on that spot, but your stuff will remain untouched. It is a beautiful thing.

And did I mention that the INDIGO GIRLS were playing??? I have loved them since college (yes, that long ago) but this is the first time I have seen them live. Brandi Carlile opened for them and she was amazing.

Needless to say, I talked Peter into buying both albums from iTunes as soon as I got home. (Listening to Indigo Girls right now as I type.)

Such an outing would not be complete without knitting. As usual, the Knitting Experience crowd knows how to represent and have a good time.

The last shot is of me and Renata, who is not *yet* a knitter, but is a brilliant artist and created our logo picture and made the shop picture hanging behind the counter.

What did I knit? I started on a pair of matching socks for the boys in a colorway of their choosing:

The yarn is Spunky Eclectic Super Nova - a sportweight superwash. It is heavenly to knit with - extremely soft and fluffy. I have already decided that I need a pair for myself out of this yarn, but maybe in something not so neon.

Monday, August 20, 2007

A knitting day

I had the day off today, thanks to a lovely sister who was willing to cover the shop for me. Thanks Bec!

The day started with an early morning appointment for a bone density scan - gotta make sure I’m getting my calcium, which I am, but I could probably do with a bit more of the weight lifting. Despite my lack of exercise, the bones seem to be in good shape and I am clear for another couple of years.

With that happy news, I set out to enjoy the beautiful day. I had great plans to soak up the sun (great source of vitamin D, very good for the bones) and knit away on the pile of projects bursting forth from my bag.

Alas, the *free* time had plans of its own. Grocery shopping. Dishes. Cooking. Making apple pie with Alec.

Now that was worth giving up knitting time! He is quite the enthusiastic helper. And he recently acquired user rights to my old digital camera and insisted on documenting the entire afternoon.

I think we may have another blogger in the making.

Inspired by little man, I did accomplish a little knitting.

One sock done. One boy thrilled.

So thrilled, he wouldn’t let me try it on him until he had washed his foot! Boys do have a tendency to get dirty feet in the summertime and today was no exception. Little man disappeared in the bathroom, to be found later, soaking wet, standing on a flooded floor, with very clean feet.

To tell you the truth, I think the sock is a bit loose on him. I’d really like to take it back and reknit it on smaller needles, but I don’t think he’ll let me. Now he is wanting to know when he’ll have the second one.

Although I didn’t get a chance to work on them today, here are a few shots of those projects receiving the majority of my attention at the moment.

Let’s start with a recently completed project. Yes - Dad’s beekeepers are done!

Rogue sleeves. Still have trouble remembering which one I’m supposed to be knitting. That may be due to my listening to HP #1 on my iPod while knitting. Very distracting.

Peter’s sweater. Yes, I have been knitting away on it. One grey stitch at a time. Actually, I am very close to the arm shaping for the front which is quite exciting - something new to do!

Can’t tell you much about this one. Details later.

My Alpine Lace Scarf. Two repeats of the border done. One more and I start the center pattern.

Samples of new superwash yarns from Amy. I already love the colors and the feel, now I need to knit a few swatches and put them to the test. Makes me happy just thinking about it.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

August newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Have you noticed the early morning chill in the air? The urge to grab a sweater before you leave for the day? Fall's approach is undeniable and with it, some wonderful cool weather knitting. The fall yarns and patterns have been arriving. The new fall class schedule is now

available at the shop and on the website. We're ready for a fun and exciting season.

Before we jump fully into fall, I want to hold onto these last weeks of August as it is a very important month here at The Knitting Experience Café. On the 27th, we celebrate our 2nd anniversary. It seems impossible that two years have passed since we opened our doors. During that time, we have met the most incredible people, made wonderful friends, and learned that the possibilities for our craft are limitless.

We love to celebrate with a sale, and our 2nd anniversary is no different. This year, we decided to offer discounts on those yarns that have had a special significance for each of us.

I picked Noro Kureyon. Before the shop opened, I sat with sales reps from each yarn line I would eventually carry. On the day that the Noro representative arrived, my oldest son was with me and actually helped me select colors. One of his picks - a Kureyon color - has become one of our best sellers. In our household, it is known as his yarn and he is always asking for updates on its progress and what people are making with it.

Becka selected Blue Sky Alpacas 100% Sportweight Alpaca. She first used this yarn when making the Shedir hat. It was that project that caused her to discover the Rogue sweater and prompted our summer knit along.

Without any hesitation, Peter picked The Fibre Co. yarns Road to China and Pemaquid. He unpacked these yarns when they first arrived and has insisted ever since that he NEEDS a sweater out of either or both.

Starting Saturday August 25th, each of our in-stock selections - Noro Kureyon, Blue Sky Sportweight Alpaca, and The Fibre Co.'s Road to China and Pemaquid - will be 20% OFF through Saturday, September 1st. That's right, these yarns will be 20% OFF for an entire week.

In addition, we will be placing a small number of discontinued yarns on clearance starting August 25th. You can expect to find discounts between 30-40% on these yarns while supplies last.

Thank you all for your incredible support and here's to another wonderful year.

Happy Knitting

Chesley

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Happenings

It has been a busy couple of days at the shop and even more fun is on the way.

First, let me share a few shots of this past Knit at Night. I did a tour of the knitting happening around the room.

Above we have Lesley’s very first completed sock! Isn’t it lovely?? Congratulations Lesley!

Mary Ellen finished her first anklet sock out of Wick and conquered the second sock syndrome by casting on for the next one immediately.

I have a serious case of second sock syndrome at the moment. There has always been a sock on my needles all summer, but never a completed pair. My reasoning went along the lines of “well, since it is summer, no one can wear these now so I might as well enjoy knitting all different sock yarns and patterns.” When the end of August approached, I realized this kind of rationalization no longer worked. Now I am trying REALLY hard to knit all those second socks. Dad’s beekeepers are done. I’m casting on for Peter’s second tonight, and hopefully Alec’s tomorrow.

Enough of my problems, back to Knit at Night.

Sarah has an incredibly gorgeous feather and fan shawl almost completed.

Linda is another sock knitter putting me to shame with her speeding progress.

(Sorry for the fuzzy picture - the socks are very lovely when in focus.)

Bridget is getting ahead of the holiday knitting rush with a very merry stocking.

Liz just needs to weave in the ends of the most adorable sweater for Sophia. She used Cascade Sierra and has completely convinced me to make a sweater for Alec out of Sierra (as soon as my Rogue is done. 40 more rows!!!!!).

Patti is working on another incredible design for her upcoming class at the shop.

In Design Your Own Décor, Patti will be walking students through all the basics of cabling, including chart reading, and then showing them how to design their very own cabled pillow. Feel free to call or email the shop for more information.

Terri was working on toe-up socks on two circular needles. She is considering offering this as an option in one of her Socks on Circular Needles classes at the shop.

Sandy was casting on for a gorgeous cardigan from Blue Sky Alpacas. I love the red Alpaca/Silk she is using.

Oh, and I almost forgot, Patti brought in the sweetest gift a friend of hers had made for her:

The perfect clock for a knitter!

On Saturday, Karen called on her way home from a scorching farmer’s market to ask what my plans were for this coming Knit at Night.

Ummm.... I don’t know. (This was my brilliant response.)

You need to have a party, she said. It’s your anniversary! Then she offered to bring cake and a party was born.

So with many, many thanks to Karen for the inspiration and frosted goodness, we’ll be having a Happy 2nd Anniversary party this Thursday during Knit at Night. Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring your knitting! (Thanks to Marge I have a cake knife ready to go.)

And in further excellent news.... Teresa is coming to visit!!! Mark your calendars. Sat. Sept. 15th, Teresa is planning on spending the day with us at the shop. It promises to be a wonderful time.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

The Knitting Experience Café

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