Will Work For M&M's

OK - so I have been informed that I'm CHEAP!! I spent a little while last night whipping out a Noodlehead headband for a friend of mine and she brought me two bags of dark chocolate M&M's when she came to pick it up. She informed me I was "CHEAP". My thinking is that I got the better end of the deal. I LOVE dark chocolate and I love knitting. Cheap - HA HA - I won - her ears were warm but I got chocolate! What could be better?
We hand a great time on Sunday. Lisa Ellis & Sandy Payne came up to the shop to give a demonstration on knitting with beads and twining (two ended knitting). Both ladies were very informative and are willing to come back and teach a class in these techniques - can't wait. Keep an eye out on our website for specific dates and times.
I am happy to report that after the fifth attempt, I have finally got my Aran Wiggles sweater going in the right direction - up!! I had it going and I decided to change my needle size so I started over (and over, and over, and over etc). Basically I got a bit cocky. I read through the pattern the first time but when I decided to start over I just cast on (again and again and again). Silly me, I kept forgetting the last 10 stitches on the back. I'm really enjoying knitting the sweater and can't wait until I get it done. Lesson learned here - if you decide to restart a project you need to reread the pattern - don't just assume you know what you are doing. I guess that is what you call "getting a little full of yourself".

My Dad's Sock

I was asked what pattern I used to make a sock for my father who is diabetic. I combined two patterns basically. I used information and numbers from New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi and the quidich sock from Charmed Knits by Alison Hansel. I used the quidich sock for the ribbed pattern but I added additional ribs in the back to fit his calf muscle. The next sock I make him I plan to use fixation by Cascade Yarns to offer just a little bit more stretch.

SNOW!!! (for you Maggie)

Boy do I love a good football game. OK - so Satudays Seahawks wasn't good but the SNOW was great!! Football in the snow or a good old fashioned mud pit - there are few things more entertaining than that. My knitting tends to slow up during the game - baffles me too - I actually put down my knitting on Saturday because I was so drawn to the game. OH well - the Hawks will be back next year better than ever besides there are only 34 more days until the Daytona 500!!!

BTW we will be closed Sunday February 17th for the race (family holiday). Now I realize this may seem silly to some but when one has a passion for something on occasion you just need to get a fix. We DVR absolutely every other NASCAR race except the Daytona. While on the topic of the race I need to say how excited I am about a special hand dyed sock yarn I came across via another great Dale Jr fan on Ravelry. It's called "Do the Dew" - now if you are a NASCAR fan you know that Dale Jr's new sponsor is AMP energy drink by Mountain Dew. It is several shades of lovely green with hints of black and white. I have to tell you that we ordered some so we can make socks to wear during the races.

We just received our HUGE shipment of Shepherd Wool - very, very exciting. I had the well know knitters itch and had to start something with it right away. Yes - I have many, many, many projects in the works but this new yarn was screaming at me to knit something. Besides any and all real knitters know that limiting your number of projects going only cramps your style.

On a personal note - my son's best friends mother just recently passed away after a very long and courageous battle with breast cancer. This remarkable woman was an inspiration in many ways. God Bless you Penny! Thank you for being such a positive influence in my son's life. I was very touched when he said he thought of you as his second mother. Austin has learned so much spending time with you and your wonderful family. I couldn't have selected a better best friend for my son than yours. You will be truly missed but never, ever forgotten. :)