Good Morning Everyone!
As I was hiking through the woods with Bernie this morning, I began thinking about the content of this morning's newsletter. Sometimes the struggle is real, the page is blank, the cursor is blinking and I'm just not feeling it. Today, my thoughts were overflowing with so much emotion, I am seriously so very blessed. Last night was Knitter's Anonymous at Carla's house, and the fodder for today's newsletter naturally presented itself. So bear with me as I pull together all of the inspiration for my little story and really how much you all mean to me. No tissues required, I promise, just a heartfelt message that I want to share.
Anytime my group gathers (S&B, KAL, KA), I observe. I take great pride and pleasure in the community that has evolved through the years. I love to watch all of the interactions going on, the diversity of personalities, ages and the environment that ensues. Much like snowflakes, we are all completely different, no two are the same despite sharing many properties. I recently read a quote from Wilson Bentley aka Snowflake Bentley "Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated." Last night, the conversation was lively, so much so that poor Cindy probably had to tink back all of the colorwork she'd been creating. Rule #1, bring mindless knitting. We each bring something unique to the group, different perspectives, religion, upbringing, politics all of which makes us who we are but doesn't divide us. It doesn't divide us, I hang on to this notion as tight as my knitting. We are each a lovely little snowflake formed differently by circumstance, accepting of our differences and embracing our similarities. Seriously, does it get much better than this? I take none of this for granted, I truly feel blessed to be the epicenter of this incredible bond. It's because of you that there's a need for Retreats, and extra knitting nights, you want more time together, there are no words....So here's to a fantastic 2025, and much time spent together.
I've been making progress on my Whitehorse sweater by Caitlin Hunter. I'm past the "fun" lace and bobble section that has you K5tog which even my Lace tip Chiaogoos found a bit challenging. I'd been dreading the reverse stockinette body thinking I'd be purling FOREVER, only to discover that you do a tricky little flip and actually knit the entire body, YAY!!! I haven't worked on my Clay Cardigan, it's feeling neglected, I can tell. I do have all the beads I need to continue, I need to work her back into rotation. I have been spending a great deal of time finishing a sweater for a friend. It has turned out to be a lot more involved and time consuming than I initially thought (isn't that always the case) but a little kindness goes a long way. I'll post some pictures of my projects, I've been a bit silent on the Social platforms lately, been too busy trying to get things done.
I do have some fantastic new inventory coming to the shop!! Thread and Maple leather needle cases/organizers should be arriving soon. I ordered a shop sample starter set so you can get an idea of how they work. I'm most interested in the Chiaogoo Shortie cases and have one coming. I also will be getting in project bags and notion keepers from Della Q, wait until you see the Midi Backpack. I've had my eye on Della Q for awhile and was delighted to learn that I had access to them through my Maddytosh account. I haven't received an update about the status of our Cotton and Wool order for KAL, I will keep you posted for sure. The Feliz yarn from Manos del Uruguay arrived, most of you have already picked it up.
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