The Big Day

As I sit here on the eve of the Daytona 500 (for me it's like as Christmas Eve is for the kids) I can't help but think back to years past - most notibly the race Dale Sr won and sadly the race that cost him his life. People (the non-followers of the sport) often ask me why I like racing so much - I wonder why they don't. I often hear how prople say how boreing it is to sit and watch the cars go around in circles over and over. Let me tell you it's not!!! If you have never taken the time to watch NASCAR I recomend that you watch it tomorrow. DW - my favorite announcer - will keep you in stitches from the green flag to the checkered. Like I told Betsy, there is something to be said for excitement of watching these guys fly around the track at close to 200mph riding on the bumper of the guy in front of him. It's precisssion, timing and raw power!! It's a sport and an art all in one. I will be the loud one on the couch cheering JR on - come join me!

Yesterday Shannon and I ventured down to Tacoma for the Madrona Fiber Arts. It was pretty cool. All those colors, textures and talents crammed into one room. Weavers, spinners and dyers all showing off their skills - made you want to run home and CREATE something spectactular. I had a great time with Shannon - we so rarely get out without the children - maybe we should have followed I5 south and kept going - just kidding - we had mother type things to do.

On the note of the children, my girls are slowly recovering from what has been a very nasty bug. Thankfully the fevers are gone and hopefully the coughing will subside shortly. It has been several days since I have slept for any length ot time - maybe tonight.

Back to the races - Mom & I are spending our NASCAR veiwing time knitting afghans for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. We joined the NASCAR group on Ravely and will be knitting along with many others for this wonderful cause. If you decided to take a gander at the race tomorrow and are not sure who to cheer on think #88. JR nation (his dedicated fans) will welcome you with open arms. If you just can't wrap yourself around JR (don't know why you wouldn't) there is always Kasey Kahne - his eyes would make anyones heart skip a beat. Grab your knitting, curl up on the couch and cheer the guys on - it will take your breath away.

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. :)

SHHH!!!

SHHH!!! If you listen very carefully you can hear the clickity clack of frantic knitters everywhere desperately trying to finish their Christmas gifts. How do I know the sound I am hearing is blazing knitting needles flying at lightning speed? Because that sound rings loud and clear in my own living room as I try to finish up items myself. I have managed to finish my daughters dresses, my aunt's scarf and a scarf for my son. With any luck I will get the sweater finished in time for Tuesday - hoping to anyway - wish me luck as I do you.

We recently received some Malabrigo yarn at the shop. I can't wait to knit myself a hat and scarf with it. I already know what pattern I will be using - the Cable Crest Set from Figheadh Yarnworks. I just love this scarf and hat set - when Jen had it up at the shop all I could do was touch it. Yummy!!

Anyway - I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!! Don't forget to set yourself some knitting resolutions to expand your skills. Break out of your norm and try something different in 2008!

Jennifer's Visit

On Sunday, designer Jennifer Hagan came and gave a wonderful presentation in our store. She also taught a cable class for us. What a kind, creative lady! She is the brains behind the designs for Figheadh Yarnworks. The beautiful cables and creative felting projects she offers are not to be missed. We had so much fun visiting and learning from Jennifer that we have asked her back to teach again. She will be teaching another cable class and a felting class in the shop on Sunday, December 2. Give us a call to get on the list. We have many of her patterns availabe at the shop. Thanks Jennifer for joining us.

Starting To Feel The Crunch

OK - So I'm starting to feel the crunch of the holidays fast approaching - anyone else? You know how you make all these great grandiose plans for knitting everyone you know something wonderful for the holidays? Well reality is there are only 24 hours in a day (I'm still working on finding more - let you know when I do). Last year my son received a sweater for Christmas - this year it will be the girls. Mom is knitting one while I knit the other - tag team gift knitting - let you know how that works. I realize it is only the first part of November but plans need to be made to organize my knitting and crochet projects for the next two months. I am not - nor never will be - as organized as one of our customers. She carries a binder labeled "current work". All of her patterns are neatly placed in plastic sleeves and organized with dividers. WOW - now that is true dedication. She is a wonderful lady whom we adore - very generous with her time and knits mainly for charity. I, however, like to fly by the seat of my pants, haul ALL of my projects with me to the shop each day and try to find time to get to at least one. My husband shakes his head each day as I haul both knitting bags out to the car with the girls in tow. (maybe that would explain the sore back and the constant feeling like I need to visit my chiropractor more often)
Fear not I will finish these projects and then some before the required date - I have faith in myself.
Be sure to stop by the shop if you are in need of some inspiration for quick holiday gift items. We are bursting at the seams with ideas.