September 2007

Monster blog

Many thanks to Lesley for the very apt title for tonight’s blog entry. There is just so much to cover! That’s what happens when I don’t blog for a week due to sick kids, back-to-school preparations, etc...

Time to get caught up - are you ready?

I’m gonna start with tonight and work backwards. I just got home from the most fabulous time with the ravelry.com yarn crawlers. After sitting and knitting with the Saturday afternoon crowd for awhile, we all headed over to the Sea Dog for good food and more good times. Turns out many of us grew up in the same area or know people who did. Don’t you love how Maine is just a small town?

(psst... Sara... notice the picture above? You’ve been blogged! hee, hee)

Earlier in the day Patti, sporting her finished Mystery Stole

had the sample pillow ready for her upcoming Design Your Own Decor class.

Check out the stuffing:

That’s right. Yarn scraps from a year’s worth of projects. Brilliant.

Then going back further into the week we hit Friday’s delivery of new books from Interweave, including the much anticipated The Best of Interweave Knits. Becka called me from the shop asking “can we keep one, please?”

We also received some great books to get you started knitting socks or crocheting.

Thursday brought a very happy time as we celebrated the shop’s 2nd Anniversary. The Knitting Experience turned 2 years old so of course, we had cake.

I believe that the consensus around the room was that this was Karen’s best cake ever. It was incredible. Even Peter, once he got past the fact that there was fruit, or rather something healthy involved, declared it to be a damn good cake.

We had a full house and lots of fun and even more knitting.

Sandy and Marcia brought me flowers.

And little Sophia drew me a picture. Awwwwww......

Oooooooooooooo..... and I almost forgot... Marcia let me play with her new iPhone. Peter was totally jealous. Ok, he won’t admit it, but I know he was.

(And, yes, the phone is extremely cool. I now want one, but I’m getting a spinning wheel first. )

There were lots of completed projects shared during the week - especially at Knit at Night, but to make this monster post a bit more reasonable, I will save those for tomorrow’s entry.

Moving to the early days in the week, I was very happily surprised by flowers from my brother Jay, his wife Andrea and their kids. I was so touched. Somehow Andrea had managed to send flowers in honor of the shop’s birthday, despite the fact that they just moved across the country for the Navy, are settling in to a new home, and new school for the kids. She is incredible! Thanks so much!

Then, I had a very special visit. Anne and her family, who are from NJ but vacation in Maine during the last week of August every summer, stopped in to say hello. Anne and the boys found the shop a few days after we opened two years ago. We have been friends ever since. Her youngest, Lucas, was kind enough to serve as photographer to capture the moment.

What a week! I am exhausted. But happy. Very happy.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Let's try this again...

Hi all. It's Peter.

My apologies to everyone who has been having trouble with the blog recently. In my zeal to get things moved over to the latest version of our web publishing software, I rushed ahead with the change before taking the time to adequately test more of the real-world configurations that many of you have in place. So while things looked good on my end, the relatively small sample size meant that I didn't see many of the problems that others have encountered.

Anyhoo, it's taken me longer that I was hoping to get everything migrated again, but I think that we're pretty happy with where we've landed now. At least I am, and I hope that things work well for you as well. Several of the people who had reported problems before have checked out this new version, and all seems to be well, so I hope that we can put all that javascript ugliness behind us.

In the course of getting everything back up, there have been a couple of changes to the structure of the site. We have some more flexibility in the way that things are set up now, and have been able to add a few new things in, and refine some things that I was never happy with before. The archives, for example, are now split out into more useful chunks, which should make for much more enjoyable trips through previous entries.

You'll notice, though, that while the shell of the archives is there, the content itself is a bit sparse. I'm still in the process of updating all the back entries to fit with the new scheme, so bear with me just a bit longer, and everything should be in place.

As it stands right now, all of the Rogue KAL blog is back up, as is the last month's worth of the main blog's entries. The text of all of the 2005 entries, as well as June and July of 2007 are in, although we're still missing graphics.

For those of you for whom this is important, the RSS feeds should be all set now. There are separate feeds for the main blog, as well the Rogue KAL. Links are also at the top of each of the blog pages.

As you go through the site, please let us know if you continue to experience problems, or you have any questions or suggestions. You can just let Chesley or Becka know at the shop, or you're welcome to e-mail me directly. We also have a new contact form on the main page, so feel free to use that to send us feedback, if you'd prefer.

Incidentally, you can use that form for newsletter subscriptions, general inquiries, etc., as well. (Some browsers will automatically send you back to the main page after the message is sent - if yours doesn't, just click Back in your browser, and you should be all set. That one's on my list, too...)

I really appreciate your patience as we've worked through all of this. Everything should be smooth sailing from here on out, and the new architecture will give us the ability to finish exploring some other enhancements we've been working on. In the meantime, happy knitting and surfing!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Crazy computers

Have you ever wanted to toss your computer out the window? Just pick it up, wires dangling and heave the sucker out onto the pavement? Think of the satisfying crash as plastic and metal smashed and splintered off into a zillion pieces. Then, maybe, you could back your car over it. CRUNCH.

Ahhh... to dream.

After weeks of dealing with a blogging program that randomly drops pictures, magically creates invisible entries, and at times refuses to load at all, I was *this* close to heaving something out the window.

Luckily, Peter had another plan in mind. He fixed it. He rebuilt the entire blog AND website. Brilliant man. Brilliant of me to marry him. Maybe I should work on his sweater.

But first, I have some blogging to catch up on. Did everyone notice that the new knitty.com is up? My favorites are Henry, Foliage, and Boxed by Amy of Spunky Eclectic. Congrats Amy!

Ok - is it just me, or would Malabrigo be perfect for all three of these projects???

Many completed works have been coming by the shop to say hello and I am sorry it has taken this long to showcase them here (again, the aforementioned computer issues).

First up is a bit of Harry Potter stitchery. Marcia is making hats, scarves, and socks for her very lucky grandchildren. I saw an almost finished scarf on Tuesday. Here are the completed hats:

Cindy stopped by with a felted bag out of Malabrigo. (Sorry I missed you!)

Sarah made good use of her vacation time and finished her first fair isle project. This bag is done with Cascade 220 and Noro Kureyon. The Kureyon does all the color work for you - a great way to learn fair isle!

Scott finished another market bag. He is saving the Earth, one stitch at a time!

Marcia dropped off a matching set of knitted knockers. These are just too fun!

This next one isn't a completed project yet, but the colors are so much fun, I had to include it. Lesley is making her second pair of socks out of Spunky Skinny Socks in the Parrot Bay colorway.

Terri finished the felted tote for her upcoming felting class. Here is the pre-felt pic. She too used Spunky yarn. This one is Big Ball Chunky in the Mandy color.

And speaking of Mandy... she's back!!! Yay! After taking some time off with new baby, Mandy is with us at the shop again. We're thrilled she'll be joining us for Knit at Night.

I have lots more to report - new yarns, new books, new knitting - but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Looky

My first yarn! Amy brought in the first "skein" of yarn that I spun. Admittedly, the texture is unique.

I can't help giggling each time I look at it. While the state of this first attempt might have convinced me to give up on the whole spinning thing, I figure I can only improve from this point and I can't wait to try again!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

No knitting

We were among the over 100,0o0 people at the Brunswick Naval Air show on Sunday. Connor got to sit in the cockpit of one of the planes and the Blue Angels were amazing! Truly breathtaking. It was a great afternoon.

Until we tried to leave.

This was the traffic in front of us:

And behind us:

2 hours. 2 hours stuck in traffic and I didn't bring any knitting. None. Not even a sock. Lesson learned. Knitting must go everywhere. You just never know when you will need it. Be prepared knitters. Be prepared.

Monday, September 17, 2007

New Stuff

UPS and FedEx have been making many appearances lately. We had so many boxes around the shop yesterday that I practically couldn't move! Luckily, there were many knitters available to help me unpack.

We got lots and lots of books. Some were restocking of ones that have sold out:

And then we got these:

New fall colors in Hempathy

and Silky Wool

There was also a huge box of Noro that Becka is unpacking today.

More Spunky sock yarn is on the shelves:

And new Blue Sky Alpacas patterns are here:

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Knitting Energy

Have you ever felt like your knitting energy has been just plain off? You are itching to knit, yet for some, inexplicable reason none of your projects are cooperating?

That has been my weekend.

First, and most dramatically, it was Peter's sock. I made some progress during the sock class on Saturday, but then the shop got crazy busy and I lost track of it. By the end of the day, I located the half-finished sock, scooped it into a project bag and headed home. Only to find this:

A tangle of yarn and only three needles. Not the five needles that came in the pretty tin, not even the four that I needed to actually knit the sock. Three. Three, useless needles. Granted, I could have switched to other size 2 needles in my collection, but they are all at least 7" long and I've been spoiled by the 5" sock needles. I love them. I love how they fit in my hand. I love how they don't try to stab me. So, I stuffed that project back into the bag to wait until I can get new needles.

I moved on to Alec's sweater. Unfortunately, I only had a couple rows to knit and I was done. This is usually a cause for celebration (especially since the sweater fit!) but I wanted some serious knitting to do. All this project requires now is seaming. And I don't feel like seaming.

My Rogue is in the same position - waiting for a burst of finishing energy.

But my fingers wanted to knit, not seam or weave in ends. I do have my lace I could work on. It is beautiful. But I fear picking it up when I am tired. Those little stitches and yarn overs are far too easy to drop.

All-in-all, it was a very unsatisfying knitting weekend. But, I have discovered the perfect person to visit when such stress is ruling your life.

Mara. Mara is a brilliant massage therapist. Many friends have been encouraging me for years to treat myself to a massage. I've always waved them off with the excuse that I don't have the time. Then, Mara, who knits, walked into the shop, when I was having one of THOSE days. Her office is the next building over from the shop so I asked her when her next appointment was and could I have it?

Now I know what everyone has been talking about. I can't remember ever feeling that relaxed! I had so much energy for the rest of the day it was incredible. (Mara did note that I seemed to have a lot of tension in my shoulders. I believe she called them "mom shoulders." Yeah. That sounds about right. Ever since, I've been trying to focus on relaxing my shoulders. This is especially hard to do when chasing a four year old down the driveway so he doesn't kill himself in traffic. I may be stuck with the mom shoulders for awhile. With a little luck, and Mara's help, perhaps they won't be a permanent condition.

Others have been much more successful with their knitting lately. Dale recently visited while wearing a pair of socks out of Spunky Skinny Socks. She couldn't say enough good things about the yarn and how much she enjoys working with it and wearing it!

Wendy went all out to recharge her knitting energy. I believe she drove over 5 hours to see the Yarn Harlot in Atlanta. As a reward, she got to hold the traveling sock! Congrats Wendy!

For me, it's back to searching for the perfect knitting project... I know it is around here somewhere.

Monday, September 24, 2007

New

September is a month of constant deliveries of new fiber-related goodies. (Ok, maybe October too, since I spent my free time yesterday ordering even more!)

First up is the much anticipated Bag Style from Interweave Press.

It is full of knitting, crocheting, and felting patterns to help you accessorize every fabulous fall outfit or mood. Not to mention the gift possibilities! Many knitters have been seeking ideas for holiday gifts (now's the time to start knitting!) and with a great bag, you don't have to worry about those tricky sizing issues.

If we have books, we must have yarn.

New Twilleys colors are on the shelf in beautiful fall colors.

I'm thinking that I need a Calorimetry out of the green or maybe the blue??

New Noro Iro skeins are decorating the shop.

Lovely.

And our collection of Blizzard has already been restocked after a few colors went right out the door!

Three beautiful patterns designed specifically for this yarn, have been just as popular as the yarn.

The new Noro yarns solved my knitting crisis. I found the perfect, quick, easy knit to satisfy my craving - felted mittens! I grabbed a skein of Noro Kochoran, (angora/wool/silk) and US 10.5 needles. Gotta love chunky yarn and felting!

As I type, the first mitten is in my lap. I'm finishing the last few rows while the pictures load, and should be starting the second one soon. Wonder if I can actually finish and felt them today??

(Had to answer a call before I got to post this and in that very brief time, I managed to lose a needle. Another *&%# double pointed needle gone!!!

Oops, just found it holding up my ponytail. Perhaps that's what happened to my sock needles?)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

I should be in bed now

I planned on being in bed an hour ago. I am going to see the doctor tomorrow and she is going to ask all the usual questions such as "am I getting enough rest"?

And I'll have to say, I was planning to, but, you see, there were these mittens. I was knitting them and I finished one. So I started the other. It was getting late, but I was so close to finishing the second one. And if I got them both done, I could felt them before I went to bed!

Pre-felted:

Fresh from the machine:

They are much prettier in person. When they are dry and I have had some sleep, I will take better pictures.

Don't tell the doc. She doesn't knit. I don't think she would understand.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Everybody Felt

Seems that I am not the only one obsessed with felting right now. Both Mary Ellen and Patti shared their recent felted projects.

Mary Ellen made the felted clogs from Fiber Trends. She opted to add the "bumper" around the edge. This allows the wearer to see the contrasting color on the bottom. I think I will definitely go for the bumper with my next pair.

Patti has a fabulous new bag out of Noro Kureyon:

And I started a second pair of mittens! This pattern is awesome. In less than 24 hours you can make and felt a gorgeous pair of mittens. Think of the gift possibilities! Right now, I'm churning them out because they are really entertaining. I LOVE seeing a mitten appear in a couple of hours -it's a bit of a knitting rush.

This pair is out of Noro Iro - a wool/silk blend. It doesn't have the fuzz of the angora like my Kochoran mitts. I'm curious to see how they look felted.

Knit at Night also brought Anna with her wrap cardigan out of Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed. She changed the tie so that it wraps completely around her waist. I really like that effect and might do it as well when I knit this pattern again.

Michelle finished her VERY FIRST sweater!!! Congrats!!!

Amy brought us more Spunky yarn, some of which went out the door before I got a picture.

Oh... and I started this sweater - the cropped cardigan from Blue Sky Alpacas. Pure alpaca. Yum.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

September Newsletter

The brief burst of summer temperatures seems to have faded in favor of crisp fall mornings and beautiful colors on the trees. The approach of fall has meant a very busy September at the shop!

First, I am thrilled to tell you that we will soon be stocking Addi Turbo and Addi Lace needles. Many of you have requested that we bring in these wonderful needles, so we are very pleased to be able to offer them in time for your fall and winter knitting. I spoke with a representative from the Skacel company, which distributes the Addi

needles, and they report that our shipment should arrive next week!

Next, we have received many inquires about the dates and times of our Socks on Circulars and the Wanna Felt? classes. Both are now scheduled and you may register at any time.

Socks on Circulars: Saturday, October 20 and 27 from 10:30am to 12pm

Wanna Felt?: Saturday, November 10 and 17 from 10:30am to 12pm

As you are planning your next project, remember to check out our clearance bins for some tremendous deals on discontinued yarns.

Debbie Bliss Soho, regularly $6.95, now only $4.17!

Debbie Bliss cashmerino astrakhan, regularly $7.95, now only $4.77!

Louisa Harding Kashmire DK, regularly $8.00, now only $6.00!

Louisa Harding Kashmire Aran, regularly $7.95, now only $5.97!

October promises to be very exciting with the arrival of new yarns, new programs and services that we have been very busy developing, and hopefully a book signing party at the end of the month! Look for details in the next newsletter.

Happy Knitting!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

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September 2007