The Yarn Gourmet Important Information

Location: 2915 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend IN 46615 (across from River Park Furniture)
Phone: 574-232-9276
Email: yarngourmet@comcast.net

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 - 5
Friday: 10 - 8
Saturday: 9 - 3
Closed Sunday & Monday

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Great American Aran Afghan Knit Along

Happy Thursday, one and all!  Today I got a long-backordered shipment from Skacel - two colorpacks of Zauberball sock, and the associated patterns.  The colors of this stuff are amazing, but what really impressed me is the patterns.  Pictures to the right.....

The Great American Aran Afghan knit-along will be held at the shop on the third Saturday of every month, (excluding 18 December 2010) from 1 PM to 2:30 PM.  You do not need to be present at every meeting of the Knit-Along to participate; participation may be on-line, or occasional.  You do not need to knit all the squares, either - you may choose to knit a few and make pillows out of them, or knit 12 squares instead of 20 for a smaller throw.

Yarn choice is up to you.  The pattern book calls for Plymouth Encore, but I will not be carrying any Plymouth yarns for some time yet (minimum order is too big).  You may substitute any of the following:

  • Cascade 220
  • Cascade 220 Superwash
  • Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted
  • Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash
  • Berroco Ultra Alpaca
The classic color choice is a cream-white color, but you may substitute this also.  Keep in mind that darker colors will be more difficult to work with, especially on some of the trickier squares.  As dye lots will matter with this project, you may want to order enough yarn for the project size you will be doing.  Please order no later than 31 July, so there is enough time to get everything in.  Also, please leave a comment on the blog if you are going to participate so I can have enough pattern books on hand.

Speaking of the pattern book, the afghan squares will be done in the order they are presented in the book.  If you are doing less than 20 squares you can either take off the months for squares you are not doing, or skip on ahead - it's totally up to you.  Being part of the Knit Along will give less experienced knitters the opportunity to increase the level of difficulty of their knitting, with the advantage of  having more experienced knitters working on the same project readily available for advice.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Maggi Knits!

Good morning all!  Monday I went to K'zoo to see Mary at Maggi Knits.  She still had all the models from the trade show out, so I got to look at them more closely than before.  The thing I love about Maggi Knits is her garments don't necessarily look like much "on the rack", but on a person they are amazing.  I spent about 2 hours there, looking at yarn types and pattern books.


Maggi's genius is not limited to her designs - she has had the tremendous foresight to color-coordinate her yarns, so everything is rather easy for knitters who find putting colors together challenging.  As Mary pointed out, Maggi is not a knitter who designs patterns, she is a fashion designer who knits.  Everything  is simple, as Maggi does not care for complicated knitting.  I had little previous knowledge of Maggi Knits, and was most impressed with how simple her very elaborate looking garments really are.

Maggi will be back in the country this Thursday, and Mary will have her contact me about doing a workshop at The Yarn Gourmet.  I am very, very pleased about this, as last week a customer who has taken one of Maggi's workshops told me that she paid $85 and got $170 worth of information.  The workshops include a fashion show on Friday night.  I am also told that Maggi's entertainment value alone is worth the price of admission.  As soon as I have a workshop scheduled I will let you all know.

Another advantage of having Maggi Knits so close is I will be able to get the yarns you want with minimum delay.  If necessary I could drive to K'zoo to pick them up - it's only about 90 minutes (if I do the speed limit).

Yesterday the K1C2 Wrapunzel came in.  This yarn is so pretty, and so affordable - only $7 per ball.  Best of all, you can make something really unique out of it and it is machine washable.  How many really unique yarns can say that?

I am also pleased to t ell you that yesterday I obtained a coffee-maker for the shop!  It is one of the small ones that uses the Senseo pods, and I got a nice selection of coffees so everyone can have what they want.  A 50 cent donation per cup will keep the coffee flowing.

Well, off to unlock the doors and begin the day.  It presently looks very stormy outside, although nothing exciting weather-wise has happened yet.  Hopefully I will have phone, internet and credit card machine all day.  Remember - only 184 knitting days left till Christmas!  Knit happy!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Storm carnage

The following was written Saturday morning when I had no phone or internet.

And how did all of you enjoy the storm last night?

My drive home was interesting, to say the least. Everything was fine and dandy when I left the shop at about 6. Sunny but hazy, warm verging on to hot. I went up Ironwood and stopped at Martin’s for salad bar, as I usually do. Takes me all of ten minutes.

In those ten minutes the whole complexion of the weather changed. When I came outside the sky was pitch black to the west, and moving fast. I decided it may be good to expedite getting home. It wasn’t raining yet, but it was obvious that it would soon.

I headed up Ironwood, and the world started coming to an end. Trees whipping to and fro like kelp in a tide, small branches and twigs coming down. And rain – it began to rain in earnest. I decided discretion being the better part of valor, I would take a left onto Cleveland and then go up 933.

As I was headed down Cleveland the wind and rain picked up. Now there were some very large branches down in various yards, and the wind was so bad that a couple times I thought I was going to be pushed into the car beside me. I headed up 933, and when I got to the traffic light at Auten it was flashing instead of cycling. I construed this as a bad omen.

I turned onto Auten and all hell broke loose. Huge limbs down across the road, leaving just enough room to maneuver around them. Rain driving so hard that at idle speed I couldn’t see five feet in front of me, and the water on the road was fearsome. Even in an SUV there were a few times that I thought I might not make it through the water. I was, however, on a mission to get home.

I turned up Lilac and within 150 yards there was a big branch across the road. I could have gotten around it with a little off-roading onto a lawn, but 50 yards past that there was a whole tree across the road, and I guessed that these two would not be the only ones and I might not be able to get around the others. So I turned around.

I headed west on Auten again, and what a rodeo that was, mainly from a water on the road perspective. But the bull riding portion of the rodeo began when I turned up Portage – it was like running a giant slalom, with branches across the road just enough that I had to go off the shoulder to get past them. One van ahead of me got stuck in the mud off the shoulder and very nearly blocked everything for the rest of us.

I made it to my house about an hour after I left Martin’s, a drive that only should have taken 15 minutes. I pulled into the yard and up under the front deck as far as I could go, since I knew the power was out and I would have to go inside to open the garage door. I forgot, though, that when one opens the garage door manually it does not open completely, leaving it just about two inches too low for me to pull the Toyota into the garage. Horsefeathers, as my father would say.

So the Toyota stayed outside and my salad and I went inside. I went to the front windows to see what damage had been done, and discovered that the top half of the tree on the west side of the driveway was now the world’s largest widow-maker, having hung up on the oak on the other side of the driveway. It was also directly over where Bob normally parks. From the back windows I could see that my patio table was lying on its side on the deck, but my umbrella was halfway across the backyard.

I went up to my neighbor’s house and she graciously let me use her cell to call Bob at work and warn him not to park in his usual spot. A good thing, too, as by morning the largest branch of the widow-maker collection had dropped at least three more feet.

A charming fact about being without electric at my house is that we have a well, so no electricity to run the pump, no water for a shower. When Bob got home last night from working in a machine shop and reeking of machine oil, he couldn’t take his usual pre-bed shower. He said he would sleep on the couch rather than bring his fragrant self to bed, but I lovingly pointed out that it was still raining, and that rain makes a dandy shower. So at my behest my darling husband went outside buck naked and stood in the rain. I love that man.

Alas, I, too, was shower-less this morning, but did not have rain to use as an ersatz shower. I put some cosmetics in a sandwich bag and came to the shop early, and used the restroom to freshen up. It is a sad reality that the lighting in the restroom is adequate for its intended purpose – piddling and hand washing – but leaves a bit to be desired for applying make-up. I fear I may resemble either Tammy Baker or The Joker this morning.

It is sunny and glorious outside; one would hardly know that last night was a frog’s whisker short of a tornado. As I sit here typing this I have electricity at the shop, but no phone or internet – I’m actually typing this in Word. But the yarn is all safe and dry, which is the most important thing.

By the way, the Malabrigo Rasta came in, as well as some lace weight. The Rasta is incredible, such rich colors. I have 9 of the 16 available colors. I knitted up a hat as a shop model in just a couple hours (probably would have been less without interruption). The Malabrigo lace weight is lovely, too.

Speaking of lace, one of my customers had a very interesting idea yesterday. She was perusing the book of Herbert Neibling lace patterns, and I said I wanted to make at least one of them, just so I could say I did it and survived. She suggested we start a club of people who had successfully knitted a Neibling pattern – kind of like the Mile High Club, without the airplane and partner. So I propose the following: anyone who knits a Neibling pattern that is large enough to be used as a shawl will become part of an exclusive club. I will even look into getting enameled pins made up to commemorate the accomplishment. There is no time limit within which to finish the project – just finish it and bring it in for a photo.

The one thing I cannot come up with is a good name for this exclusive group. “The Neibling Knitters”? “Neibling Survivors”? Please submit your suggestions.

Remember, it isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass – it’s about learning to knit in the dark. Till next time – knit happy!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

First post-trade show arrival!

Yippee!  The Aurora Yarns Whisper we chose at the trade show has arrived!  This stuff is gorgeous - the colors don't quite come across in the photos, unfortunately.  Whisper is a hand-painted lace-weight yarn, 1362 yards per skein.  No two skeins will ever be alike, as the artist paints what she sees at the time the yarn is in front of her.  Could be a sunrise, could be a pine tree, could be a squirrel.  It will always be unique and beautiful.

I also received an email from UPS that my Malabrigo Rasta will be here tomorrow!  I cannot wait to see this stuff - the samples at the trade show were spectacular.

The class list is firming up - I now have someone to teach the kids' knitting class, ages 6 to 12, limit 3 students at a time.  I will publish the first newsletter on 30 June.  That issue will have a list of classes that will be available, without schedules.  The issue going out on 31 July will have the class descriptions and schedules.  I am going to teach 3 of the classes - Intro to Cables, Funky Felted Bags, and Magic Loop.

I also saw at the trade show a small shawl knit out of Zauberball Lace, in a blue and white striping colorway, and one larger shawl from the black and white colorway.  This stuff stripes up so beautifully - it's a pity there is no way to determine what it will look like from just looking at the ball, but believe me when I say it is worth knitting.

Next Monday I am going to K'zoo to MaggieKnits!  I had no idea she was so close, or I would have gone long before this.  I stopped by her booth at the trade show after seeing the most incredible long sweater on one of the participants.  I stopped the woman and she told me it was a MaggieKnits pattern.  I sincerely hope I find time to knit this sweater for myself, it is too special not to make.  I also heard a rumor that Maggie will do whole day workshops.  If she and I can work out the scheduling, I will ask her to do a workshop on a Saturday or Sunday.  I spoke with someone who has taken one of Maggie's workshops, and she said that your really, really get your money's worth.  Stay tuned!

Well, I have to put in a Crystal Palace order that I have been working on for three days.  Knit happy!

Monday, June 14, 2010

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.....

...from the TNNA Trade Show!  This was the ultimate knitting nirvana, possibly even more intense than Stitches if only because so many manufacturers had samples of yarns that are not even available yet.  There were over 600 knitting-related booths, plus another 200 or so needlework booths.  I went with a list of booths I specifically wanted to visit - marked off on the exhibit map kindly provided by TNNA - and accompanied by my sainted husband, I started with the "100" aisle. 

I took copious notes and collected two large shopping bags full of literature (mostly price sheets and catalogs).  I got a few samples and several calories as lots of booths had baited themselves with chocolate, like bits of cheese in a very large mousetrap.  Bob thinks that if putting out a salt block to lure deer is illegal, it may also be illegal to put out chocolate for knitters.  We are not bothering to have legal counsel look into it.

I went with a budget, and didn't get too far off the mark.  But I did order quite a bit of stuff I had not had on my original list, and when it gets to the shop you will see why.  Feza Yarns (I had never heard of them) are a luxurious but very affordable collection of yarns, some of which are self-striping in different colors, and some of which are self-striping in completely different yarns.  You can check them out at www.fezayarns.com, but about half the yarn I ordered is so new it is not yet listed on their site.  Of the yarns that are listed on their site I ordered Alp Light and Fanatic, both bulky yarns and both to-die-for gorgeous. 

I have a long list of other yarns that are must-haves, including a Knit Collage yarn that is a super bulky handspun, with a slight metallic touch added.  The colors are delightful, especially the winter white with metallic - it looks like fresh snow in the sunshine, the kind you couldn't wait to go out in when you were a kid.  At 47 yards per skein, one skein makes a great hat, two skeins make an unforgettable scarf.  The yarn I am ordering is not yet on-line for viewing.

Ozark Handspun is another yarn that will find its way to the shop for knitters needing immediate gratification / last minute gifts.  You can see some of it at www.purlsoho.com.  It is outrageous and will make perfect collars, cuffs, scarves, and other neat things for the "visually adventurous" knitter.

Fiber Sphere is a tool for the management of slippery yarn.  It is a clear plastic sphere, available in 5" or 7" diameters, that you place a ball of slippery yarn in and feed it out through a hole in the top.  This will be especially useful for the Bonsai and Seduce yarns.  Check it out at www.thefibersphere.com.

Lavishea is a solid hand lotion bar that comes in a tin slightly larger than a shoe polish tin.  You just rub it on your hands and in a few seconds it is absorbed and your hands feel wonderful.  It won't transfer to your yarn and you can even turn a doorknob.  The fragrances are delicious - I especially liked the citrus-basil and coconut-lime scents, but it also comes in a "man scent" and unscented.  The really nice thing about the scent is it fades quickly enough that you can pop a handful of M&Ms a half hour later without smelling the Lavishea. 

There are some other things I will be getting in soon that I want to be surprises, but let's just say I think my customers will be pleased.

I spent several minutes at the Prism booth talking with Laura Bryant.  I was wearing a Cool Stuff sweater in Patina colorway, and that naturally started up the conversation.  Laura showed me some of the new Prism yarns for fall, and I assure you that at least some of them will make it to The Yarn Gourmet.  She is a really neat lady, so creative.

Nancy's Knit Knacks has the ultimate knitters aid - a wallet-sized card that tells you how much tail you need for long-tail cast on to obtain the number of stitches you want.  She also has great drop spindles and "learn to use a drop spindle" kits with a DVD.  Nancy sat down with me first thing Sunday morning, and in about 20 minutes had me spinning yarn on a drop spindle.  This woman is an AMAZING teacher.  I had tried drop spindle spinning before, but let us simply say it was not a success, and no one was seriously injured by my over-exuberant attempt at starting the spindle spinning.  Nancy gives the information a new spinner needs to handle the roving, and then moves on to spinning the spindle.  I'm hooked.

Mountain Colors - I have been telling you I would get Mountain Colors this summer, and I went with the plan of seeing the colors in person so I could choose which ones I really, really want in the shop - there are just too many to carry them all.  Fortuitously enough, I chose 18 colors, and there are 18 different yarns made by MC.  So in a few weeks I will have one skein of each Mountain Colors yarn, each skein a different color.  This way you can choose your yarn, choose your color from real yarn instead of a photo that may not be a good reproduction, and Mountain Colors will drop ship the yarn to your house - you don't even have to wait for a convenient time to come back to the shop to pick it up.

Knit One, Crochet Too has a new yarn called Wrapunzel that is hard to describe, but delicious to the eyes.  I am getting all seven currently available colors, should be in before the end of June.  Wrapunzel is not even on the K1C2 website yet.


By the time we left the exhibit hall Saturday (3 minutes before it closed at 6) we had been to all but two of the booths on my list, plus at least three dozen others.  Bob nearly froze to death, as he had worn a very light short-sleeved shirt and I forgot to warn him about the cryogenic temperatures of the average convention center.  We had taken a hotel shuttle to the show but decided to walk back to the hotel; during the walk Bob thawed out, then began to actually melt.  Being out of the AC and into the humidity, my sore feet promptly swelled to a semblance of Fred Flintstone's feet.  Sunday we got there at about 9:30, looked at the "What's New" table some more while we waited for the exhibit hall to open at 10, then finished up and left by 1:30.


There is so much more I saw and petted and stroked, I cannot even begin to write it all here.  It was worth every minute of sore, tired feet.  Next year I will know exactly what to expect, and will still feel like a kid in a candy store.  I will let you know as soon as the loot starts to arrive - till then, knit happy!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

New stuff!

Good morning all!  Today is such a beautiful day - if I have to be indoors, at least I'm in a yarn shop.

Attention needle felters!  I just received some tools that came recommended by June M. who will be teaching needle felting this fall - see the photos to the right.

Attention crocheters!  I also got a nice new book Contemporary Crochet (the photo of which won't upload properly) - very pretty stuff, very elegant.  And the Winter 2009 issue of Crochet Magazine.  This particular issue is full of Tunisian crochet.  We will be offering two classes in Tunisian crochet this fall, so pick up an issue and see what kinds of very cool stuff can be made with this unusual technique.

Speaking of the fall classes, things are coming along.  I am still looking for someone to teach kids' knitting - any volunteers? 

I finished that one-skein ARTyarns wrap that kept trying to sneak off the needles.  It came out very nice, if I do say so myself, despite all its efforts to escape.  I actually did most of the knitting Monday - my day off - of which I spent almost 6 hours of playing "hurry up and wait" at the doctor's office and the pharmacy.  Thank heaven I had knitting with me - I hate waiting, especially if I have nothing to do and nothing to read but 8 year old issues of Field & Stream.  I did the last 5 rows and the bind off sitting in my car in the parking lot of Meijer while I waited - and waited - for the pharmacy to get my prescription filled.  Further proof you can knit anywhere, at any time, and that it is truly good therapy, 'cause let me tell you, by the time I had been waiting around for the first 2 hours I was well beyond ticked off.  Yet there were no fatalities reported.

Next project - a funky felted tote bag as an example for the felting class I will be teaching this fall.  I'm using the variegated turquoise lamb's Pride Worsted and the lime green Fling novelty yarn for the trim. I love the colors - did I ever mention I am a color junkie?

Back to entering the customer database.  Till next time, knit happy!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Great new group on Ravelry - support our troops!

I haven't learned how to fully utilize Ravelry yet, but I did find a great new group called Glove-along for the Troops.  Their mission is to knit fingerless gloves for U.S. Marines serving in Afghanistan.  The group leader is calling for Cascade 220, and I have heaps of it in stock, at least 5 in superwash that would be suitable and 5 in regular 220.  The group does not specify superwash, but I think it is probably advisable. Note that Cascade 220 superwash is made without the chemicals some other superwash yarns are made with that may make them flammable.  So please - help our troops have warm hands and knit fingerless gloves for them.  Go to Ravelry for the details.  Semper fi.

I also have K4OT - Knit for Our Troops - in the shop.  Patterns are free and available on-line or in the shop.  Basically, knit a hat or helmet liner out of a worsted weight superwash 100% wool, bring it to the shop and I will send it to the USO.  Socks are also gratefully accepted, especially rather thick socks that will provide cushioning as well as warmth.  In order to be used while on duty articles must be wool, as wool is flame resistant and will not melt to the skin.  It must be superwash as handwashing will be problematic for our troops.  Brown Sheep tells me that their superwash is chemically treated, and may be somewhat flammable, so I am recommending 220 superwash.

You are also invited to knit articles that will not be worn on duty.  These may be made of any yarn, but practically speaking something soft and comfy is best.  Our women in the military would probably appreciate something really comfy and pretty for off duty wear, like a nice scarf or sweater, or some vibrant socks!  Guys get tired of wearing the same old same old, too, so interesting socks, hats (especially in some team colors), and sweaters would be fine for them as well.  Some non-wool articles for those with allergies are a good idea.  Please include the ball bands with all donated articles so the appropriate use may be easily determined.

Note that anyone donating knitted articles to our troops will receive a 10% discount off their next purchase at The Yarn Gourmet when proof of the donation is provided.   We are free to enjoy our lives and knit because of their sacrifice.

Check out the loom by Joe's Fiber Tools

Made of recovered exotic woods.  He brought it in this morning and I am here to tell you it is gorgeous!  If I had time I would take up weaving just to use something so nice.  And it's reasonably priced. Come to the shop to see it.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Ha!

Those of you who know me probably thought I'd never figure out how to post photos on this blog, did you?  Neither did I, but by George, I think I've got it!  Rather easy, actually.  (I just jinxed myself, didn't I?)

The new arrivals photo doesn't show much detail, but believe me, I got some nice stuff in this week.  I have Kid Merino prints in four colors (more to be added later), Kid Seta in 6 solid colors, Panda Silk DK, which has a free pattern on-line for a lacey little wrap that only takes two balls; of course there's all the Cascade I got in, too.

I have to say my favorite new arrival this week is the Soleil.  Soleil is a 100% cotton yarn pre-strung with wood beads and fabric leaves.  Not a lot, just enough to give it a little flair.  It comes in 5 colors - black, yellow, rose, green, blue - and is only $12 per skein.  It is soft, and absolutely intriguing.  I wish it had come in sooner, but demand is so high that Trendsetter is having trouble keeping up.

And now some really good news - I found a book wholesaler that carries all sorts of books I have been asked for but unable to get through the 5 wholesalers I have been dealing with right along.  Really neat books like Crazy Lace and the Tunisian crochet book that will be needed for the class this fall.  PLUS - the Elizabeth Zimmerman books!  Ya gotta love books.  Now if only Congress would do something really useful and pass a law that requires all instructional books to be spiral-bound...

Alas, I must hie me back to entering customer slips in the database so I can get my email list up and running.  Knit Happy!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Happy Thursday!

Good morning!  Just a quick post to inform those who inquired about needle felting - the supplies have arrived, including some kits to make Christmas ornaments.  I also got in three new books on crochet.

I am starting to get this fall's class schedule worked up.  As of right now the classes to be offered include:

  • Intro to Knitting
  • Intro to Crochet
  • Intro to Tunisian Crochet
  • Intro to lace
  • Continental Knitting
  • Socks Birgit's Way
  • Top-down Sweaters
  • The Magic Loop
  • Entrelac
Does anyone have any specific requests for classes not listed?  I also have a couple of others I need to be sure I have instructors for before I go much further.

Back to work with me.  Knit Happy!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Let's twist again...or not

I love knitting in the round.  Depending on what you are knitting and the stitch you are using, a Zen-like state can be achieved that allows you to be productive without being focused.  Kind of like the sixties....

However - starting the first round is not always easy, especially if you are using double-points.  There is a wicked propensity for twisting of the stitches, which one often does not catch until at least one row has been knit and the Mobius effect becomes apparent.   Then there is that lovely little "jog" in the edge where you joined the round. There are ways to avoid both these problems. 

If you are using double points, cast onto two needles only, distributing the stitches evenly on the needles.  Holding the needles parallel to each other allows you to see if the stitches are twisted.  When you join the stitches you knit off half the stitches from one needle onto a third needle, the second half onto a fourth needle (the first needle is now "free"), and half the stitches on the second cast-on needle onto your fifth needle.  You now have your stitches on four needles, no twisting.

If you are using the Magic Loop technique (socks, etc.) to knit in the round, you probably aren't having any issues with Dr. Mobius, but if you are the same technique applied above will help.

For articles such as sweaters, I like to imitate the Magic Loop method by using a much longer needle than called for and pulling the cable from between the middle of the stitches.  This allows you to divide the stitches and see if the stitches on each half of the needle are twisted.  Knit off the longer needle with the needle called for, and you are good to go.

Now about that pesky "jog" in the edge.  When you cast on add one extra stitch.  When you join knit the two stitches from each end together - this eliminates both the extra stitch and the jog in the edge.

BTW, the Cascade shipment arrived!  Thirty-three colors of 220, 11 of 220 Superwash, 3 of Eco-Duo.  The Eco-Duo is 70% baby alpaca, 30% merino, and so soft and pretty that I sold half of one color yesterday before I even had it unpacked.  I believe I will be getting more of the Eco-Duo shortly.

This fall there is a nifty-looking new book coming from XRX on Entrelac.  I am going to pre-order it, so if anyone particularly wants a copy let me know now.

Almost opening time - off to work with me.  Knit happy!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

June's yarn of the Month is....

Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, 10% off!  I read an interesting article in a rep's newsletter today, showing photos of two washcloths knitted with Cotton Fleece.  One had been machine washed and dried, and the shrinkage was very minimal.  This makes me believe that although Cotton Fleece's label reads "hand wash" that it may be machine washable with appropriate care and if dried flat.

I did not knit a stitch this weekend (Sunday and Monday) - but I did get some yard work done Sunday.  Bob mowed the lawn, which had been completely white with cottonwood fluff.  After mowing it became a greenish white.  I know the rain yesterday may have ruined some picnics, but at least it washed the stinking cottonwood fluff off everything!  Speaking of Memorial Day, I am proud to offer a 5% discount on everything purchased by military veterans, active duty personnel, and active duty military dependents, with proper identification.  Their service gives us our freedom.

I have a sort of vague idea forming about Thursday nights at the shop.  I'm thinking of starting a Happy Hour, where light refreshments will be served.  I just have to figure out how this will work with Thursday evening classes.  Stay tuned.  Bob wants me to convert some of the space behind the white doors to a "man cave" so husbands will have someplace to relax while their wives shop.  We even have an extra TV we could use for this.  I will cogitate on it....

Well, off to the showers with me.  It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day, and is supposed to be much cooler than last week.  Knit on!