Paris and Poison Ivy

I apologize.  I do have plenty to write about.  This Summer heat in Memphis has made me downright lazy.  Those of you who live here know that I’m not exaggerating about the heat.  We’ve already broken 100 degrees F several times already, and we’re deep in to one of our droughts.  We’re very lucky to have a dependable water supply.  We’re allowed to water our gardens whenever we want to.

Paris was beautiful.  It was a different experience with my sister than it was the first time with DB.  My sis made it her mission to show me Paris the way she sees it.  We spent 3 nights in Paris in a quaint 6-story hotel down the street from the Odeon Theatre, near Luxembourg park. 

Front of our hotel in Paris

We had mostly French meals;  terrine, crepes, salami sandwiches, much fruit, foie gras, CHEESE.  For the sake of speed, we had McDonald’s one morning. 

In France, this is dessert. CHEESE!!!

The French Open (tennis tournament) was in progress.  We waited in line 2 hours, only to be sold that it was sold out for the day.  We spoke with some interesting characters in line with us…a couple of girls from Belgium and an old French geezer. 
We walked through an open air market that featured much fresh fruit and vegetables.  It was fun to see the different produce.  (Some of it I’d already seen, growing up in Turkey.)  It was at this market that I bought 4 different types of cheese to bring back with me.  I’m still munching on them! 

French radishes

Near the end of our third day in Paris we broke down and hopped on one of those open air tour boats you’ve seen in the movies.  It was well worth it.  Our feet were tired.
During this trip we saw the usual sites; Musee d’Orsay, Les Tuilieres, the Eiffel Tower (at night), just to name a few.

Hmmmmmm........

The subway was very convenient and simple (except at the Eiffel Tower station….remember that when YOU go).
The fourth morning of our trip we took a train to Gouvieux, where my brother, his girlfriend, and their two sons live.  We spent three glorious days in the garden, eating cherries off the tree and visiting with the nephews.  We stayed in a B&B because the house is so tiny.

The flight is expensive, but if you’re diligent, you can find a nice hotel or B&B for a reasonable price, and have a great time in France.  I highly recommend it.   It helps if you have family there!  I’m very lucky.

View from the B&B window of the Oise River

I didn’t visit any yarn shops.  I have PLENTY of yarn.  I knit a little on a pair of socks, “brainless“, but not much.  {BTW, these socks are NOT brainless!}  I’ve been having a problem with my ring fingers….they hurt.  I may have the beginnings of arthritis.  I’m currently working on two projects for Norah Gaughan (Berroco) that are due July 23rd.  I just got the yarn yesterday.  I doesn’t hurt to knit, I’m very happy to say.  However, I have to submerge my hands in ice water for 15-20 min. per day once a day.  IT HURTS when I do that!

The air-conditioning in our home decided to break down last night.  We’re now looking at a huge replacement cost.  I must knit faster if I’m going to pay for my half!

The caravan is looking good.  I have a good excuse for not having any photos.  The camera is broken.  It’s a Canon PowerShot A75.  The camera began malfunctioning in Paris, and finally quit working in Gouvieux.  I have contacted Canon, and they refuse to fix it for free.  This is the second problem I’ve had with this camera.  The first time, they fixed it for free.  You may have a Canon camera and love it.  I believe that if something stops working properly, totally unprovoked, it should be repaired for FREE.  Canon refuses to fix it for FREE.  SO, when I can get my hands on a camera that works, I’m going to take a picture of the Canon A75 that I have smashed with a hammer.  I will try to remember to post the photo here and send them a photo as well.  Canon is dead to me!  Sony would not have done this to me!

Sorry about that rant…..it had to be done!

The poison ivy.  We have some in the back yard.  Ripper has been rolling around in it and giving it to me.  I’ve got it on my legs, behind and on my right ear, on my elbows and forearms, and on the back of my neck.  This happens every year.  I get poison ivy, THEN I finally clear it from the yard.

Crank up the air-conditioning, if you have it, and start knitting those holiday gifts!  Here is a good place to look for patterns!  Also, I have a new kit available, “Da Vinci” from Rowan Magazine 44.  It’s at 10% off retail of the yarn, PLUS, it’s already all in one place, so you don’t have to shop different places to get all the colours/yarns.  Start knitting NOW for Winter garments!  

Jo Sharp has just left the building….

 Carol Durdin is a terrible human being.

Jo Sharp is leaving the States.  Below is the email I received from them this morning:

“Dear Customer: [that's me, the retailer!]
Jo Sharp is closing her US operation because sales are not sufficient to support the stock and supply service that was offered. Closure is effective from May 18th.  A website based in Australia will offer on-line sales to consumers worldwide in the near future.” 

Her yarns are beautiful.  She has the softest tweeds on the market, without a doubt.  It’s very sad the the US hasn’t realized that soon enough.  I had it in the yarn studio (brick & mortar) and still have it on the website.  I don’t have everything, but I have a good amount of the Classic DK Wool and some tweeds.  I also have some of her books, which are EXCELLENT.  I’m currently working on the “Loose Textured Cardigan” from knit 7.  Of course I couldn’t just knit it straight out of the book.

I decided I would knit a “black” colourway since I had the black Alpaca Kid Lustre in stock.  I’m making the cardigan in the blacks, and I will knit the pullover in the chartreuse (my other favorite colour) as written in the book.

I’ve gotten a lot of work done on the caravan.  HOWEVER, I kind of injured my right wing doing it.  I must heal up before I leave for Paris.  I’d much rather drag that roller bag around the Metro with my right hand than my left.  It really would be better for everyone in the vicinity!  The downside of the injury is limited activity.  I’m still able to KNIT, cook, and pack.

Deciding what knitting to take on this long trip [MEM to ORD to DUB to CDG and back again] is a challenge.  I think socks are a must, as I enjoy the challenge of the patterns I seem to gravitate toward.  I knitted a whole SKIF sweater to and from Turkey a year ago, so I think a sweater should also be included in the carry on.

I hope the food’s good on the plane!

I may or may not post again before I leave, but, I will be listing a new necklace, again a la Sundance catalog, on my etsy page: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6978923

I’ll be taking a lot of pictures in France!  We’re staying in a B & B in Gouvieux (where my brother lives).  Hostellerie du Pavillon Saint-Hubert.  Check it out!

My Wavy Baby

I can’t wait to be finished with this tank!  (by Kate Lemmers, in the Knitter’s Magazine 94, Spring 2009)  I think the cut will suit me.  I hope so…I plan on making another one in the Jitterbug in the Popsicle colourway, just for a little variety.  This one’s in the Bright Charcoal colourway, which is a little subdued. 

Wavy Baby in Bright Charcoal Jitterbug

I’ve got a new necklace on etsy.  I bought these really cool light green glass leaves (with a matte finish) that I couldn’t WAIT to use), and they are perfect for Spring:  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24678655  The photo should be in the feed on the right, at the top.

I’m almost finished with the dress for Teva.  Depending on when I get the final instructions from her, I hope to have it out of here by Saturday.  I have my next project lined up with Susan Mills at Nashua/Westminster Fibers.  I have no idea what she’s sending me, but I’m grateful for the work.  That project should carry me through my trip to Paris. 

I baked a strawberry cake Saturday night, and I substituted a 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour for 1/2 cup of the plain old flour.  I always feel good about using wheat flour, BUT, it sure does dry things out!  Also, it was kind of “brickish”.  Kind of stiff.  It does taste good though, and the most important thing is that DB liked it.   

 

Martha's cookies

 I remained in a baking mood and baked Martha Stewart’s Rosemary Butter cookies from her cookie cookbook, since I have a rosemary plant, and had the butter.  I didn’t roll the dough in the fine sugar as instructed, as I thought there was enough sugar in them already.  DB seems to like these too.  They are going fast.

I’ve decided I’m going to knit the new SKIF Swing in Schaefer Laurel in the Ethel Waters colourway:

I’ve been getting emails from people who want help selecting yarns for their SKIF garments….I have a little trouble with this also, so I’m having reservations about making suggestions.  My advice to you is:  read the pattern and try to do what they say.  I’ve only knitted the Martha, and I used Schaefer Laurel on that one too (Frieda Kahlo colourway).  I plan on trying GGH Safari one of these days, but I love that yarn so much that I want to be careful when I finally use it.  If I don’t answer your emails about the yarn selection for the SKIFs, it’s because I’m scared to.  Please understand and have mercy on me.  I’d like to apologize for the disarray of the SKIF Patterns page.  I somehow really screwed up the top and don’t know how to fix it.

Keep on knitting, and be happy!

I’m working for Teva Durham!

Yes, you read it right.  THE one and ONLY.  Forget modesty, I’m bragging now.  She’s doing a book for Stewart, Tabori, & Chang, a high-class operation.  It will be a very nice knitting book and I am the one knitting the PIECE DE RESISTANCE (that’s what she told me anyway).  I wish I could tell you more, but I need to preserve her privacy.  I just want you guys to remember that I’m the one that knitted that piece de resistance, when pick up the book at the bookstore/your LYS and see it.  YOU WILL REMEMBER.  I’m getting a little wary of rising at 5:30 a.m. every day, but you know what they say!

I’ve almost sold out of the new SKIF “Swing” pattern.  Only one left!  I have more “Mateo” patterns on the way if you’re interested.  Also on the way (I’ve been told, much awaited) are more colors of Nature Wool Chunky Multi, Nature Cotton, Pomaire, and Nature Wool.  I cannot stress how exquisite the Araucania hand-dyed yarns are.  If you are a hand-dyed person, you know whereof I write.

I have a new creation on etsy, and another few to come tomorrow morning after I attend the gymnasium.  Here is one that’s already there:

Crystal Palace Earrings

Tomorrow I will list the little bauble I’ve made for my Mom.  It’s a surprise!  If you’re nice and you pay the price, you can have one for your Mommie, too!  HERE is the link.  The “surprise” won’t be up until tomorrow morning, around 7:00  AM CDT.

I’ve planted my tomatoes, herb garden, watermelons, and cantalopes (for Paul).  The herb garden is extremely helpful, for it prevents me from spending a lot of money on those fresh herbs (in those little un-earth-friendly plastic containers) that aren’t even at the grocery store when I need them.  I LOVE walking out to the garden, and just cutting off what I need.  There is always the danger that little Ripper may have hiked his leg on it….. hmmmm……..  Something to think about.  I’m seriously considering planting a “bee garden” to nourish and attract the honey bees that may be surviving this crisis they are experiencing as of late.  I don’t remember which issue it was, but I read the how-tos and whats in a recent issue of Martha Stewart Living (my hero) and think it’s the right thing to do.  It would be really nice if these flowers were self-sufficient!  I already have one plant that’s on the list, foxglove.  As you can see, it’s beautiful, and very much an “English” garden type of plant.

Foxglove

Please keep in mind that these beauties are poisonous.  Keep your babies and puppies away from them.  Oh, and I found out that Wisteria is also poisonous.  Ripper is always pulling at it, as it prevents him from going through the neighbor’s fence.

I also have a new item in my other etsy shop, Papatya.  It’s a rather unusual item, and would make a great gift for house-warming, wedding, birthday, or coworkers.  (I have one on my desk!)

Have a great weekend all!

New York, New York

So nice, they named it twice!

I had a GREAT 47th birthday!  DB, very generously, took me to NYC.  Below is a photo of the view from our hotel room window at night of the Chrysler Building.

We got there 1:45′ish.  We took a bus to Grand Central Station from the Newark airport and walked 3 blocks to our hotel, the New York Helmsley Hotel.  It was a very nice hotel.  We got our plane tickets and the hotel room as part of a package deal, so it was very reasonably priced.  We made our reservations 6 days before we traveled (rather nerve wracking for me).  We had some very noisy neighbors, but what can you do?  Anyway, we checked into the room, checked out the view (it was overcast and gloomy) of the Chrysler Building and the Hudson River, washed our faces, and head out for some lunch.  We ended up going down to Grand Central Station, thinking we would pick something up at the market there, on the main level.  They didn’t have any food that was already prepared, BUT, we did see the sign pointing to the lower level dining concourse.  This must be new, ’cause it wasn’t there the last time I was in NYC.  IT WAS GREAT!  We ate at Zocalo’s, Mexican.   It was very good.  There were entrances to train tracks on this level as well.  What a huge network of tracks!

Aries on the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal

After we filled our bellies, we decided to head out to Niketown.  I’m in need of new workout shoes.  What better place to get them?  We walked over there.  Well, they didn’t have what I needed.  I picked up a couple of garments, and so did DB.  We walked over to the Plaza Hotel/Condominiums, to look around and use the restrooms.  It had changed QUITE a bit.  It was kind of upsetting.  The old dining room was closed.  For the longest time they had old menus on display in the lobby; they were gone.  The restaurant used to be in full swing, and the lobby was bustling.  On this trip, it was stagnant.  Very sad.  It doesn’t seem right to change things that much. 

Tile work at guess where?

We decided to take a stroll through Central Park.  We saw the entrance to the zoo but it had just closed, so we didn’t go in. 

It was my birthday, and we had decided to go to a place called Cafe Reggio.  I had been there before with DB, my sister, and brothers.  We weren’t hungry yet, but we kind of headed that way.  We ended up at NYU.  DB decided we needed to get our drink on, so we sought out a little bar called Solas.  It was small, cozy, and there was much “picking up” that we could watch.  It was fun!  I had a very strong mojito, and DB, of course, had to have a Manhattan.  We have no idea what was in that thing!   After approx. 1/2″ of drinks, we were toasted.  Hunger moved in, so we dragged down to a sushi restaurant, Cherin Sushi.  There were sushi restaurants every 50 ft. in this area.  Because of the drinks, I don’ t think we could have walked any further!  After a great dinner, we went straight back to the hotel.  The rest is private!

View from the hotel window - daytime

 On the left is what I saw when I woke up.  What a view! DB decided he wanted to see the Upper West Side, so we found our way to Jackson Hole for breakfast.  It was rather cramped and not as good as it was years ago.  By now it was getting to be super windy and very cold.  After breakfast we tried to walk to Riverside Park.  We ended up in Joan of Arc Park, separated from Riverside Park by a very busy road.  We had originally planned to rent bikes in Manhattan and ride to Brooklyn on this day (Saturday), but the weather was so blustery that we decided against it.  As a result, we didn’t have any plans.  DB decided he wanted to see the Bronx.  I mentioned that the old Yankee Stadium was there, right on the subway line.  I thought the new stadium was near the old one, but wasn’t sure.  As we made our way toward the nearest subway station, we noticed A LOT of people in Yankees garb.  We ended up here:Old Yankees StadiumSee all the people?  THERE WAS A GAME.  It was a pre-season game against the Chicago Cubs (the enemy).  The new stadium is across the street from the old stadium.  It is STUNNING.  It’s also had NO sponsors names strewn all over it, like the new Mets stadium (boo!).  New Yankees Stadium:

New Yankees Stadium

It is a very clean building, displaying some classic architectural features.  We were able to get tickets at the 3rd base foul line.  The view was great, and the food was good.  Since it was cold, I had to have a Yankees hoodie.  After the game we headed back to the MOMA area, since DB hadn’t been there yet.  They were just closing, so we took a tour through the gift shop.  I looked through a book of William Eggleston’s photos.  (He’s from around these parts.)  After we left MOMA we went over to the “new” theatre ticket vendor at Times Square.  We purchased tickets for “Reasons to be Pretty,” at the Lyceum Theatre.  It was pretty good, but I thought it was too close to real life.  I’d rather see a play about something not so “everyday”.  It was a beautiful theatre.  [The lady next to me moved away a seat....it must have been the onion and everything bagels I had picked up for my friend Donna, who dog sat for us.  They were stinky!]  

The Lyceum Theatre

After the play we went to the hotel to pack.  Our plane was leaving at 8:00 a.m., so we had to get up early to get the bus back to Newark.  It was a wonderful trip!  The things we didn’t get to do this trip we’ll do another time.  If you haven’t been to New York, I suggest you get on over there!  If you haven’t been lately, same to ya!

Now, about some knitting….The new SKIF pattern, Swing is out.  It’s being shipped to me even as I type.  Here it is!  I think this is the back, folks.

New SKIF “Swing”

Click here to purchase it at the yarn studio!

I’m so excited!!!!

I know what you’re thinking:  “Is she really so pathetic?”  I went plywood shopping last Friday.  I found what I needed.  It’s easily bendable plywood.  If the rain holds off (doubtful with my luck), I’ll go get some tomorrow.  They were so nice at the plywood place that I spent almost 2 hours there!  Turns out the owner has a 20′ travel trailer he’s going to start renovating soon.  I’m not the only nutcase out there.  There are others.  BEWARE!  I promise new photos of the caravan, showing off the new framing, welding, and Tyvek wrap.

I just added another item to my new etsy site www.bluerthanblue.etsy.com.  I used a pair of earrings I purchased on etsy ( just for the purpose of making 2 necklaces), did a little wire work, some stamping, and voila!  I have one other listing on this new etsy page, but you’re going to have to go look at it here. 

My new necklace listing on etsy, Pink Eyes

I’m preparing some swatches for Teva Durham.  Yes, I said Teva Durham.  My friend Kristeen Griffin-Grimes at French Girl Knits hooked us up.   I have to knit (2) garments for her by May 15.  One is a dress!  I can’t say anymore about that, it’s top secret until it’s released.  I’m currently working on a “coat” style cardigan for Norah, due April 6.  I’ve been getting up at 5:30 every day this week, and it’s getting old!  I’m a little off schedule to get it out on time, but I can probably catch up tomorrow (I’m not at the office on Fridays) and get it out before April 3.  April 3 is my birthday, and I REALLY DON’T WANT TO BE WORKING ON MY BIRTHDAY!  I hope everyone heard that part.  We are leaving for NYC for the weekend for my birthday.  I’m so excited!

My sis and I had some good fun in NYC when my brother lived there.  We rented bikes, rode from the Upper West side, down the Hudson River, all the way to Battery Park, then came up the East side, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, and got some ice cream.  (There is a dedicated sidewalk on the bridge just for bicycles, and one for peds.  There were so many peds, I couldn’t believe it!  If I lived in Brooklyn, I would walk to Manhattan.)  Then, we went up the East side, through Central Park, and returned the mountain bikes.  What fun!   ANYWAY, DB and I will rent bicycles and ride baby, ride!

Any recommendations for restaurants in NYC?

My new interest, but not second to knitting!

I have a new interest.  I’ve bought two sets of letters, and a starter kit to begin making personalized silver tags.  It’s sort of like stamping leather, but I’m stamping silver instead.  I’ve started with a necklace for my 10 yr. old friend, Samantha.  She saw the peace sign necklace I was wearing at the motocross race last weekend and wanted one.  Since I’m not geared up to make scrabble tile necklaces (like the one I was wearing), I decided I’d make her one that I’ve got the materials for.  I don’t have that photo now, but here is a photo of something else I’ve made:

I sure hope I’m on the right track!  I bought the heart (it’s clay, and painted) from a fellow etsysian, potterygod.  I assembled all of it and did the stamping.  Here is another piece, but it has no stamping on it:

It Felt Like Green Art

This pottery piece was also by potterygod.  Click to see more photos of these two necklaces, and the other goodies I have (knitted) on etsy.

Clasp of It Felt Like Green Art

On the right is the clasp for “It Felt Like Green Art”, showing the hand-tied anodized aluminum clasp and the peace sign, something which I am recently very fond of.  I’m now thinking of stopping at Michael’s on my way home from the ENT (allergy time in Memphis) to look for more goodies that may speak to me.

On the yarn store front….I’m two colours away from having the Kaffe Fassett Squares Scarf kits ready.  So far, in person, the colours are looking very pretty together.  I normally don’t wear a shawl like this one, but I’m thinking that I’m going to have to have one.  Here’s a link to the kit in case you’d like to preorder one.

I’m off to the Dr.!  Sorry to be so absent, Michele Rose Orne has been keeping me busy knitting…..

My city is not so good….

I live in Memphis, TN.  I was born here and have lived here most of my life.   Forbes Magazine came out with a list of the 10 worst cities to live in.  Well guess what?  Memphis is No. 2.  I’m rather disappointed and feel cheated.  We should have been No. 1.  High sales tax, bad thing.  No state tax, good thing.  Mayor being investigated by the FBI, bad thing.  Apathetic building department employees, bad thing.  Oops!  That wasn’t on the list.  I added that one myself, because it’s something I’m personally involved with.  DB went to the building department today to pull a permit to renovate a really cool building downtown (a very good deed).  The ladies at the building department were too wrapped up in their personal conversations with each other to even TAKE HIS MONEY!  What’s that about?  Oh, and another thing….my recycling didn’t get picked up two weeks in a row.  Yes, I called them until they came to get it.  I think the comment, “My neighbors’ were picked up, and mine wasn’t.  It looks like I was singled out” is what got them on the ball.  I’m not the least bit offended by the Forbes list, because I know it’s all true.  Enough of the ranting….

I’m almost finished with the Twisted Sisters Kimono, have started a coat project for Michele Orne, have to knit two pairs of wristwarmers for a friend’s mom, and have to finish two custom peace sign hats by tomorrow afternoon.  I’ve risen at 5:30 a.m. two days in a row and still feel pretty good!  It’s a good thing I enjoy knitting!  Really, it does get me out of bed fairly easily, I’m so addicted.

The Debbie Bliss Magazine is running out the door.  I have plenty more, but don’t wait too long!  I’m still kitting the designs.  Click here to see what I’ve kitted so far.  As I always say, “Remember, I kit them at 10% off!”  The pink links are the active ones.  I think I only have (2) so far.

I’m very excited about something.  Someone has contacted the yarn studio for a couple of custom painted needlepoint ring cushions for two weddings.  I hope this is the beginning of something profitable for my friend Beth (she’s the one who paints them).  The wonderful needlepointer who ordered them has agreed to send me photos of the finished projects for me to show off.  I can’t wait to see them!  Please remember that I sell custom needlepoint canvases on the website, along with Stirling Leather bags that accommodate needlepoint canvases.

Crawlspace Vent in Compiegne, France

This is a photo I took in Compiegne, France a couple of years ago when I went to meet my nephew, Gigi (that’s his nickname).  I learned how to do the neat edging in the photo today.  I’m thinking about creating a line of postcards to try on etsy, again to try to make up for the 10% pay cut at work.  I believe my brother and boyfriend thought I’d lost my mind when I started taking pictures of architectural elements such as this vent as soon as I got out of the car.  I was just thinking ahead!  As soon as I get the printing worked out, I’ll post a link here to the etsy page.

I got an email from a reader last week that made me feel very good about the blog.  This is what she said:  “Just wanted to thank you for all the great information!”  Isn’t that NICE!!!  After that, I didn’t need the hot spiced cider I was thinking about making!!!

Knit on!

Bye bye Misti Alpaca, bye bye!!!

Misti Alpaca hasn’t been doing too well on the site, so I’ve decided that I’m not going to grow that line anymore.  It did very well last Winter, but isn’t doing too well this Winter.  Here is a link to what’s left in stock:
http://www.yarnstudio.com/MistiInternationalBabyAlpacaChunky.html

I forgot to tell you guys about my trip to TNNA in Nashvegas!  The show was originally a needlepoint show, and has been purchased by the TNNA (The National Needlearts Association).  SO, it is sort of skewed toward needlepointers and cross-stitchers, not knitters.  However, I was able to take a digital photography course that would better equip me to give you guys a better yarn website.  The class was a little advanced for me (i.e.  when he said F-stop, my stomach lurched).  I was able to glean enough newfound knowledge to improve my webmaster performance.  I’ll let you be the judge.  The show was set up differently than the usual TNNA show (usually in a convention center with rows upon rows of beautiful yarn and needlepoint).  In this show each vendor had a hotel suite.  They set up their wares in the “living room” part of the suite, and lived in the bedroom part of the suite.  It was a little unusual.  I didn’t stay for the actual show.  I just took my class, hung out with my friend Dana H. of Stirling (she sells the beautiful leather knitting bags that I use/sell) and had some good food.

I love Nashville.  It seems more fashion forward than Memphis, and somewhat hipper.  Is it because I’ve lived in Memphis so long?  Maybe.  Maybe Vanderbilt attracts creative juices that create fun coffee shops such as Fido.  I had the most delicious “Veggie Scramble.”  I’m not normally drawn to vegetables at breakfast, but meat.  However, I ignored the meat because the veggie scramble called to me.  After breakfast I headed over to Trader Joe’s.  I’d never seen or shopped one before, and I’ve heard my friends Gretchen and Laura rave about Trader Joe’s.  So, on my way to BLISS YARNS in Brentwood, I stopped at Trader Joe’s.  I bought some things that I thought would keep in the car on my 3 hour trip home:  eggs, salami, granola, and wild rice.

Now on to the important stuff.  YARN.  I was prepared to purchase enough Malabrigo to knit a sweater from Bliss Yarns.  I had done my research and knew what yarns they carried.  When I got there, I discovered that they had been neglected by Malabrigo Yarns and only had about 10 assorted skeins.  I just bought a couple for some of my new Peace Hats.  I hit the sock yarns hard.  I remember buying (2) skeins of Araucania Ranco (colors that I don’t have in stock at this time), (2) skeins of Cascade 220 in some heathers, and a couple of skeins of Lorna’s Laces Worsted, also for the Peace Hats.  I’m EXTREMELY happy with my purchases, but just a little sad about the lack o’ Malabrigo Worsted.  I strongly suggest that you visit Bliss Yarns in Brentwood, TN if you’re ever close by.  The staff was exceptional.  Hell, I thought those girls owned the shop.  They knew their stuff and carried themselves with an air of ownership I have never seen in an employee of any type.  It was refreshing.

Back to Debbie Bliss for a second, before I quit writing….I’m going to kit this now.  If you’re in a hurry for me to kit something else first, just leave me a comment on the blog and I’ll get to it!

18 Tab Button Jacket

Keep on knittin’ baby!

Should I, or should I not???

When I had the Modern Quilt Wrap kits on the website (and advertised them in Interweave Knits) it was a near “customer service” disaster. Those of you who ordered the kits understand. Some of the colors in the kit were discontinued, all the colors didn’t come in at once when they were shipped to me, etc. It was a great source of anxiety for me. Now I’m faced with a new challenge. The KAFFE FASSETT SQUARES SCARF. (From the Vogue Knitting Winter 2008/09 issue)  I’ve kitted it on the website.  HOWEVER, all the colors aren’t in stock yet! I have 14 colors in stock, and am waiting for the last 6. Am I really going to do this again??? I don’t want to confuse myself again with having to keep up with “who has partial kits?”, “who’s waiting for Jelly?”, etc. I’ll just do this: Go ahead and order your kit. This will put you in line. When the other colors get here, I’ll ship the order complete. I hope I can stick to my new philosophy! Please don’t ask me to stray from it, as I’m easily talked into such things.  You can see a photo below at the Feb. 24 entry of the subject scarf. 

I’m getting close to finishing the Twisted Sisters Kimono.  I’m on the first sleeve.  The cap shaping is really cool.  Stitches are picked up around the armhole, then short rows are used the shape the cap.  Eventually, one ends up knitting the sleeves in the round on circs.  It’s ingenious!!!!  It has been an honor and a pleasure to knit for those gals.

The new Debbie Bliss magazine (Spring/Summer 2009) is out!!!!!  I should have mine in stock tomorrow (2-6-09), and ready to ship.  Here’s the cover!

I’ll get on kitting the designs this afternoon.  If you’d like to purchase yon magazine, this is the link!  I’ll be going to TNNA in Nashville, TN this weekend, so I won’t be able to fill orders until Monday.  I’m taking a class in “Getting the Most From Your Digital Photograph” so I can make www.yarnstudio.com look better!

I have Jo Sharp knit 5 and knit 6 available for purchase now on the website.  I haven’t been able to get these issues kitted yet, but they will come!  I have the discontinued colours Limoncello and Maple of Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool in stock, as well as some other gorgeous current colours.  Make sure you check the links to the kits on the yarn page!  Our kits are always 10% off.

I have new etsy items: a chunky ribbed cowl and a knitted cuff.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check out the Kaffe Fassett Squares Scarf kit.  HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!