T-11!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

What a difference a week makes, the snow has disappeared, hopefully for good this time. My crocuses survived, tulips are starting to push through the layer of leaves, and the little violets are beginning to decorate my lawn. I always welcome Spring, despite my horrible allergies. Winter feels like the longest season, it can take up almost half the year. By April, I'm ready for warmer temperatures, my porch is calling me. I realize that May can be just as temperamental, a little snow storm isn't unheard of, but when the sun is shining and the birds are singing, it's difficult not to be fooled. Don't worry, I'm leaving the winter boots next to the door, that way I won't need them.

I finished my Niche sweater on Sunday, it is beautiful!! Initially, I was a bit put off about it being knit entirely in moss stitch, but honestly, it became rather rhythmic and easy to do. I love a pattern that allows me the luxury of more knitting and less "directions" reading. The construction was different, cuff to cuff, knit flat. I did become concerned with the neckline, hoping that working the mirror image in reverse would produce the mirror image. Sometimes it's not as easy as doing the opposite, which I discovered on the sleeves. Knitting the right sleeve was a series of increases every 8th row then every 10th row, etc...Working the left sleeve it was of course, decreasing. I'm not sure what happened, but I was at the desired sleeve length before I'd accomplished all the decreases. Here's where blocking came to the rescue!! Oddly enough, my sleeves turned out to be 3/4 length, my favorite. It was difficult to try on the sweater in progress because it's knit flat in one piece and then seamed. I did manage to clip it together and slip it on so I could sneak a peek and double check the sizing. The bottom of the left sleeve was a bit wider than the right one, duh, it had more stitches, not a lot, but...Thank God for blocking, I was able to gently shape the right cuff to match the left, VIOLA!! I used Berroco's Iris, it is this season's most popular yarn and sold out immediately. The good news, it is back in stock, I have 8 beautiful colors getting delivered this week along with the pattern support. I will say, get it while it's available, it flies off the shelves.

Carrie and I have been having way too much fun putting together our daily posts for Local Yarn Store Day. We are so excited, it's going to be a fantastic day with lots of beautiful kits, FREE PATTERNS, and LYS day logo merchandise. I have seen the Free Patterns, there is a beautiful shawl by Double the Stitches, it's Mosaic Knitting and STUNNING! Carrie has also found some additional patterns we will have kits available for. I haven't seen what Casapinka is offering this year, but last year I sold a bunch of kits for her Bird Watcher Cowl. This year, I'm going to have a GIVE AWAY, so definitely stop by to enter into the drawing.

I know many of you have seen the Thread & Maple Needle Binder with the individual pages. Specifically, the needle holder for the Chiaogoo Shorties. If you are interested in ordering, let me know. There are two colors available, and they have different options for each kind of set, Red, Blue and Yellow. They are $89.00, and in my opinion, worth it, the tips don't come flying out and there is a nice size pocket to store the cords and tightening tools (key and gripper).

This Saturday, April 19th is KAL, we are finishing up the Elise Pullover. Paula cast hers off last night during Knitter's Anonymous, it's GORGEOUS! Claudia finished hers last Wednesday and proudly wore it while visiting NYC. We need to decide what will be our next project, any thoughts? I have asked Kirsten to join us via Zoom, if you've finished your sweater, please wear it on Saturday. I am hoping for a good size crowd so she can see all the beautiful sweaters.

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy