Greetings, yarnlings! The fall 2012 class schedule is finished and posted on a separate page. I am offering several "old favorites", as well as a new class on knitting with beads.
If there is a class you want to take that I did not offer this fall, the new year is not (really) that far away. Let me know what you would like to see offered next year and I will try my best to get it scheduled.
Meanwhile - Bon tricoter!
Purls of wisdom: never squat while wearing spurs (Will Rogers)
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Confessions of a yarn addict
As I'm sure you all must have guessed, I am a yarn addict. I started out with inexpensive, gateway yarns and gradually moved up to the hard stuff - silk & cashmere. I have roughly a three skein a week habit, only because I am so busy. Otherwise it might be as much as a 3 skein a day habit. "Idle hands do Zimmerman's work."
There is no 12-step program for yarn addicts. There is no rehab for fiberholics. Interventions do not work, and besides, what sane family member would try to take yarn away from an addict with sharp pointy sticks in her hands?
Should the unthinkable happen and a yarn addict be unable to get a fiber fix, withdrawal symptoms are imminent, and NOT pretty. Withdrawal symptoms include muttering, searching every little space in the house in the hope of finding yarn, short temper, and brief, irrational spending splurges. These are also the symptoms of patternitis (def.: frustration with a pattern the knitter is determined to make, regardless of how screwed up it seems). The only way to distinguish withdrawal from patternitis is the presence of yarn in the latter.
Another syndrome common to yarn addicts is WIP syndrome. This syndrome manifests itself in the form of multiple projects underway at the same time, but none ever getting finished. This is the most common sign of yarn addiction.
Unfortunately, yarn addicts are prone to denial, as well. The types of denial may vary somewhat, from denying that there are too many WIPs at any given time, to denying that there isn't enough time to finish 6 projects by Christmas (this usually occurs on Christmas Eve). And of course, there is the pernicious denial that the yarn addict is actually addicted. Excuses often include "I don't have nearly as much stash as [blank]"; "it was all on sale"; "I could take up drinking instead"; "I feel morally obligated to support cottage industries like alpaca farms"; and "What yarn? I don't have any yarn."
How does one tell a yarn addict from a newbie knitter? When asked a foolish knitting-related question by a non-knitter, the newbie will get defensive. In the same setting, the addict will smile and nod, realizing the truth behind the old adage "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand".
Like some other types of addictions, yarn addicts tend to gather together regularly. Usually they gather in packs in a comfortable location, sometimes known as a knitting den. Regardless of whether the den is in a home or public space, the floor around the yarn addicts is quickly littered with with the detritus of the craft: ball bands, extra skeins, WIPs, and project bags. Non-knitters rash enough to approach a knitting den without making appreciative sounds and expressing understanding words are seldom seen again.
Yarn addicts even have their own yearly calendar, with their own holidays. Some they have in common with the general population, such as Christmas. Others are unique to yarn addicts, the highest holy days of all being a three-day festival known as Stitches. The specific Gregorian calendar dates of this event vary from region to region and year to year, but it is the most sacred of events in any yarn addict's year. A pilgrimage is made to a central location in each region. Conflicts are suspended, vacation days are taken, and budgets are sacrificed. The central location for each Stitches event is loaded with hundreds of altars. The yarn addict's equivalent of mass, known as a "fashion show" is held at least once during the festival. There is much rejoicing.
All in all, yarn addicts are a relatively harmless strata of society. Unless a non-knitter is foolish enough to actually handle a WIP or scoff at the yarn addict's choice of substance. Then all bets are off, the yarn addict reacts aggressively, and it may be days before she can be safely approached again.
There is no 12-step program for yarn addicts. There is no rehab for fiberholics. Interventions do not work, and besides, what sane family member would try to take yarn away from an addict with sharp pointy sticks in her hands?
Should the unthinkable happen and a yarn addict be unable to get a fiber fix, withdrawal symptoms are imminent, and NOT pretty. Withdrawal symptoms include muttering, searching every little space in the house in the hope of finding yarn, short temper, and brief, irrational spending splurges. These are also the symptoms of patternitis (def.: frustration with a pattern the knitter is determined to make, regardless of how screwed up it seems). The only way to distinguish withdrawal from patternitis is the presence of yarn in the latter.
Another syndrome common to yarn addicts is WIP syndrome. This syndrome manifests itself in the form of multiple projects underway at the same time, but none ever getting finished. This is the most common sign of yarn addiction.
Unfortunately, yarn addicts are prone to denial, as well. The types of denial may vary somewhat, from denying that there are too many WIPs at any given time, to denying that there isn't enough time to finish 6 projects by Christmas (this usually occurs on Christmas Eve). And of course, there is the pernicious denial that the yarn addict is actually addicted. Excuses often include "I don't have nearly as much stash as [blank]"; "it was all on sale"; "I could take up drinking instead"; "I feel morally obligated to support cottage industries like alpaca farms"; and "What yarn? I don't have any yarn."
How does one tell a yarn addict from a newbie knitter? When asked a foolish knitting-related question by a non-knitter, the newbie will get defensive. In the same setting, the addict will smile and nod, realizing the truth behind the old adage "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand".
Like some other types of addictions, yarn addicts tend to gather together regularly. Usually they gather in packs in a comfortable location, sometimes known as a knitting den. Regardless of whether the den is in a home or public space, the floor around the yarn addicts is quickly littered with with the detritus of the craft: ball bands, extra skeins, WIPs, and project bags. Non-knitters rash enough to approach a knitting den without making appreciative sounds and expressing understanding words are seldom seen again.
Yarn addicts even have their own yearly calendar, with their own holidays. Some they have in common with the general population, such as Christmas. Others are unique to yarn addicts, the highest holy days of all being a three-day festival known as Stitches. The specific Gregorian calendar dates of this event vary from region to region and year to year, but it is the most sacred of events in any yarn addict's year. A pilgrimage is made to a central location in each region. Conflicts are suspended, vacation days are taken, and budgets are sacrificed. The central location for each Stitches event is loaded with hundreds of altars. The yarn addict's equivalent of mass, known as a "fashion show" is held at least once during the festival. There is much rejoicing.
All in all, yarn addicts are a relatively harmless strata of society. Unless a non-knitter is foolish enough to actually handle a WIP or scoff at the yarn addict's choice of substance. Then all bets are off, the yarn addict reacts aggressively, and it may be days before she can be safely approached again.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
A Special Treat!
This Thursday 12 July Diana Harker will be here on a routine yarn rep visit. She will have with her some cash & carry Blue Heron yarns!!! Diana will be available between noon and 3 PM, so if you have time to stop in and snag some Blue Heron, this is your chance.
This does not replace the Blue Heron Trunk Show in October - it's a little supplement.
Purls of wisdom: some days it's chicken, some days it's feathers.
This does not replace the Blue Heron Trunk Show in October - it's a little supplement.
Purls of wisdom: some days it's chicken, some days it's feathers.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
OMG!
The Frabjous Fibers shipment is in! The colors are amazing! I have hand-painted AND solid color silk hankies, cashmerino fiber, Merino Sparkle (nylon gives the sparkle), BFL-Silk, BFL, and Opulence! If I didn't need to get the newsletter out I'd be sitting at a spinning wheel all day.
Purls of wisdom: happiness is not having what you want, it's wanting what you have.
Purls of wisdom: happiness is not having what you want, it's wanting what you have.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Off their rockers
A new magazine by Interweave Press just arrived today - Knit Wear. I didn't even know this one was coming, but I'm glad it did. The sub-title of the magazine is "simple handknits for the thoughtful knitter", and that is a very accurate description. I will be writing it up in the newsletter Yarn Exchange, but believe me - it is worth looking at.
Last night I watched a couple episodes of Betty White's new show "Off Their Rockers". The premise is simple - senior citizens playing pranks on younger people, a la the old "Candid Camera" show. This show is hilarious! Each episode begins with a brief scene of old ladies hanging a banner on a highway overpass. One reads "got prune juice?" My favorite (for obvious reasons) reads "will knit for sex". Ya gotta love Betty White.
Last night I watched a couple episodes of Betty White's new show "Off Their Rockers". The premise is simple - senior citizens playing pranks on younger people, a la the old "Candid Camera" show. This show is hilarious! Each episode begins with a brief scene of old ladies hanging a banner on a highway overpass. One reads "got prune juice?" My favorite (for obvious reasons) reads "will knit for sex". Ya gotta love Betty White.
Friday, June 15, 2012
New Patterns Just In
Greetings and defibrillations! I have just gotten 7 new Fiber Trends patterns! There is something for almost everyone in this batch:
The Tulips & Rosebuds Baby Blanket is definitely a potential heirloom Knit in fingering weight yarn, this would be a perfect project for Cascade Heritage - which is machine washable.
The Country Weekend Sweater takes excellent advantage of self-striping yarn. This project would be great in Crystal Palace Mochi Plus, Wisdom Yarns Poems, or Classic Shades.
The Walking the Dog pattern is designed to use odds and ends of left-over sock yarns - very efficient.
The Swirls Hat is beautiful, but a small enough project it can be made up rather quickly, and carried to appointments so you have something to do in the waiting room. It takes three colors of worsted weight yarn, creating endless possibilities.
Lupine Lace Socks are elegant and beautiful. These socks would be best made in either a solid color, or a very light variegated colorway, such as Pagewood "Pretty Pastels" or Tosh "Blue Gingham".
If there is a grandmother out there that can resist the Patrick's Pumpkin hat, I've yet to meet her. Knit in worsted weight yarn, it could even be part of a Halloween costume.
The Animal Friends Felt Booties remind me of the pink bunny suit in the movie "A Christmas Story" - but I digress. They would make excellent Christmas gifts.
Purls of wisdom: when walking through the house in the dark, if you step on something cold and wet, just tell yourself it's only a bad dream. Repeatedly.
The Tulips & Rosebuds Baby Blanket is definitely a potential heirloom Knit in fingering weight yarn, this would be a perfect project for Cascade Heritage - which is machine washable.
The Country Weekend Sweater takes excellent advantage of self-striping yarn. This project would be great in Crystal Palace Mochi Plus, Wisdom Yarns Poems, or Classic Shades.
The Walking the Dog pattern is designed to use odds and ends of left-over sock yarns - very efficient.
The Swirls Hat is beautiful, but a small enough project it can be made up rather quickly, and carried to appointments so you have something to do in the waiting room. It takes three colors of worsted weight yarn, creating endless possibilities.
Lupine Lace Socks are elegant and beautiful. These socks would be best made in either a solid color, or a very light variegated colorway, such as Pagewood "Pretty Pastels" or Tosh "Blue Gingham".
If there is a grandmother out there that can resist the Patrick's Pumpkin hat, I've yet to meet her. Knit in worsted weight yarn, it could even be part of a Halloween costume.
The Animal Friends Felt Booties remind me of the pink bunny suit in the movie "A Christmas Story" - but I digress. They would make excellent Christmas gifts.
Purls of wisdom: when walking through the house in the dark, if you step on something cold and wet, just tell yourself it's only a bad dream. Repeatedly.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Cool New Tools
Bryson Distributing recently added some new tools, and I had the (amazingly) good sense to order some. The Gauge-O-Knit is a ruler that automatically indicates your gauge - no figuring it out, no multiplying, nada, For those of us who have experienced mathphobia, this is a godsend.
But wait! That's not all! There is also the Calc-O-Knit, for when you want to use yarn of a different gauge than the pattern calls for, or use a different needle size. This gadget tells you exactly what you need to cast on, based on your gauge (determined with the above gadget). You can change a pattern you like to fit you, easily and without errors.
Purls of wisdom: The value of an idea lies in putting it to use.
But wait! That's not all! There is also the Calc-O-Knit, for when you want to use yarn of a different gauge than the pattern calls for, or use a different needle size. This gadget tells you exactly what you need to cast on, based on your gauge (determined with the above gadget). You can change a pattern you like to fit you, easily and without errors.
Purls of wisdom: The value of an idea lies in putting it to use.
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