Good Morning Everyone!
I simply cannot believe it is the last day of 2024, WOW!! What an amazing year, thanks to all of you who continue to follow me down my crazy rabbit hole. I just looked at my Instagram posts quickly and had a very enjoyable ride down memory lane. We really know how to have a great time and make some incredible things. I am dumbfounded by the number of sweaters I managed to crank out, OMG I have a serious problem lol (anyone care to guess?)...I can't imagine what else I could possibly do to fill that void, I am very certain it would not be housework. I am blessed, the one thing I love to do just happens to be my job. A job I take very seriously, it's a lot of pressure to continually create garments that inspire YOU. Let's face it, some of these skeins of yarn are hiding their inner beauty while confined to their wrappers. It's not until they are set free and take shape on the needles that they are truly appreciated, I DO THIS FOR YOU!!! And if I happen to end up with another beautiful sweater, it's a risk I'm willing to take, lol...It's your unwavering faith in me that prompts me to continue, afterall, it takes a village and I am very thankful for mine.
Another very fun part of my job is finding new and interesting things for the shop. I recently started following this non-stereotypical knitting guy on Instagram, @veteranknitter. The first post I saw was him "frogging" a sweater using a power drill with an empty toilet paper roll. It's the same concept as using a ball winder, but I thought it was hysterical simply because he's a contractor and was thinking outside the box. He also had posted a video recently about how upset he was no one had bothered to comment on a beautiful scarf he'd made. I commented back, "I know the feeling." I have realized it has more to do with your audience and their appreciation of what you do. I attended a Christmas Eve dinner and wore my Bergman sweater, no one said a word about my sweater, WHY??? THEY AREN'T KNITTERS!!! I wore the same sweater on Saturday and of course heard nothing but compliments, thank-you to all that recognized my efforts lol... Last night he shared a post from this company called Thread and Maple, OMG!! They are based in Montreal and have an amazing inventory of leather project bags, notions and needle cases. They have needle cases specifically for Chiaogoo Shorties!!!! I hate the case that comes with those sets, the tips fall out, it's so annoying. I immediately submitted a request to open an account with them, I WANT ONE OF THOSE NEEDLE CASES and very likely many more of their things. Stay tuned, I am committed to finding the bestest things for you.
We are in the final stages of organizing the Winter Knitting & Crocheting Retreat at Carla's Camp in Belvidere, the date has been changed to February 1-2, 2025. I can't come up with a price until I know how many people plan on attending, UNFAIR I KNOW!! The cost involved is food and the cleaning fee, it won't be expensive, but the numbers will determine the cost. There are limited number of spaces to sleepover, the rooms are shared with several, it's like summer camp, BUNK BEDS!! Carla has requested to have the numbers finalized by January 15th. We do have the projects selected, knitting and crocheting options. You do not have to stay over, you can drive up each day if you prefer, just like the Spring Retreat.
Since the Retreat has been changed, we can now have KAL on January 25th. I am hopeful that the Madelinetosh order will be finished and we can cast on the Elise Pullover. I realize I'd said February 22nd and it still may be the case, regardless, we will have KAL that day. I can think of no better way to celebrate the beginning of the NEW YEAR but to have Stitch and Bitch and see all of you!! I know there is a little storm threatening to head our way, BOO!! But I hope you will be able to join in the fun, tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 (there will be treats), Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Katy