Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! I have just returned from a short visit to my parents in Naples Florida. weather was super mostly warm and sunny and we crammed LOtS of stuff into a 5 day trip. We arrived Christmas day in time for dinner @ 7pm. I generally visit alone but this trip I
Was joined by my husband, John and daughter Abby. we enjoyed a terrific holiday meal and then exchanged gifts. My sister Tracy lives nearby so I spent a lot of time with her, too.

Monday morning after water aerobics (during which I sat in the sun w my knitting) we ventured out for some post holiday shopping. shopping. The day after Christmas. Someone needed to exchange something. Someone who does not enjoy wearing matching pajamas. Pajamas that match ones worn by mom, aunt, and grandmother. Mine are red and white stripes. Tracy,s are red with kitties. Grammys are blue stripes. VERY CUTE, but I am not allowed to post the very cute photos. Very cute photos of grown women in matching PJ's. just use your imagination.

Tuesday Tracy and I drove to Tampa to visit 3 yarn shops and YES I did buy yarn. I did my best to support some local yarn shops! after another wonderful meal we all went downtown to see the Christmas lights and decorations.

Wednesday Tracy drove John and I to Corkscrew Swamp, a local sanctuary. John enjoys spending time outdoors and enjoyed 2 hours of looking at birds, bugs, plants,etc. we did not see any adult gators this trip but enjoyed watching 6 baby alligators cavorting in the swamp. I think we saw more heron & egrets along the road returning to Naples.

Thursday morning we flew to Atlanta and home to York. Tomorrow will be busy with laundry and grocery shopping before returning to work on Saturday.

Happy holidays!

Happy Holidays!

And the Earth Moved

We have lots of pretty new yarns.  Pictured above are some of the new Mountain Colors Yarns.  Lots of pretty colors!   We are waiting for a big shipment from Skacel:  opus, Nimbus, Urban Silk, Trekking Sock Yarn!!  

Luckily nothing was damaged in the "local Earthquake" felt in Central PA on Tuesday.   My family has a theory about the cause of the "tremors" on the East coast.  Less than hour before the earth moved our Sara received a proposal.   While vacationing in Hatteras her boyfriend Chris presented her with a ring and asked her to marry him.  We are all very excited and when Sara called me she was still processing everything.   John and I are gearing up to be "parents of the bride."   When I asked Sara if she had any ideas about the wedding she said,"  I don't want to wear shoes,  and i can wear a tiara, and Karen can bake me a chocolate cake."  It will be an adventure!!

turning over a new leaf

Several weeks ago I decided to "turn over a new leaf".   I am frequently told that I am "too nice."  I usually laugh and think to myself "one can never be too nice.  Wouldn't it be a much better world if everyone were nice?   I don't think of this as a fault.  i have always taken pride in the fact that I am a "nice " person.  My mother always said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."  I used to think she created the phrase but as a young mom I heard it on the Disney movie Bambi.  Even if she didn't originate the phrase I thought it was a good idea.  I taught my children to be" nice."  I helped my students learn to be "nice."

This summer it has come up at the yarn shop a couple of times.  I was told by customers and employees that I was "too nice."   I have spent some time thinking about this.  Sometimes others take advantage of my  "niceness."   I am always surprise when someone is unkind to me or does something "not nice."   This is especially true when i feel like I have gone out of my way to do something kind or helpful for them.  A couple of weeks ago I stated that I was going to "turn over a new leaf" and be "bitchy."  I'm not sure I ever used that word out loud before and certainly never thought of acting that way.  Think about it.  Think of women you know who are powerful, assertive,  strong and successful.  they didn't get that way by being "nice."  Do you think Martha Stewart is "nice."   Not so much.  

It's hard to totally change one's personality and I am basically just a nice person.  I have had some "bitchy" moments in recent weeks.  My idea of "Bitchy" is probably other women's way of being assertive or in control at work.  My son, Noah would probably say I was "bitchy" as a mom.  He once said to me "You use up all you nice at school with other people and then you are grouchy at home."  I am sure I was just being Mom and trying to get him to do his homework or chores.  My husband has probably been the recipient  of lots of "bitchy" at home.   To be honest "Honey can you please put your dishes in the dishwasher" does not work as well as a stern"  "John George get in here and clear off the table, NOW!"   He laughs, but he does it!   Sorry mom, sometimes it doesn't work to be nice!!

Yes, Mom I am still alive!

It is a lively Sunday afternoon at the yarn shop.  We have 7 friends gathered around the table knitting and chatting.  Kim is helping Charlotte put the finishing touches on her toddler's blanket.  Jean is working on the "Mystery Shawl by Steven West" using Madeline tosh Light ( a yarn we are working on ordering!!!   YUMMY YARN!   Nancy is knitting a sock with Scarlet Fleece Sock yarn in pinks and greens and choosing buttons for her Sublime cardigan.  Kim is paging through the new fall issue of Vogue Knitting Magazine while Elaine is starting a summer shell out of Misty.  (we have a sample on the wall at the shop --really cute!!)  Adrienne is working on her second pair of socks.  Conversation is lively ranging from "out of control teens"  (lots of opinions about this!!) to healthy eating which has led to a conversation about celebs with MS  and some advice from Dr Oz.   This conversation is interupted frequently with comments about knitting projects currently on needles and plans for future projects as well as suggestions for ordering lunch!  

Big Boy Toys

Baby Riley is now starting to toddle and was clearly enthused with all of his birthday gifts but most especially his Kawasaki four wheeler (motorized).  His cousins (Selena and Addy are pictured)  were quick to remind Sabrina that he needs to wear his helmet. 

There is just something not right about riding a Kawasaki with a diaper, but he was very cute and really excited when he managed to push the "GO" button.  Uncle John already has plans to show Dave how to put up a safety net of some type so Riley doesn't make the trip down the long steep driveway unsupervised!  Aunt Lisa feels better about the safety of the baby swing in the front yard!  

Shortly after the gift opening the party started to disband when the birthday boy needed another nap to recover from the excitement of opening all of his birthday gifts. 

Family Time

This photo is my "baby brother", Grampa to my little Riley.  We sat (with Mom) to watch Sabrina and her sweet Riley open his birthday gifts and reminisced about the days when our kids celebrated first birthdays.  He is the first great grand child and there was much discussion about who will give Grammy the next great grandchild. 

Abby was not at the party to vote that her brother should have that honor since she is in no hurry to settle down.  She is really loving her life in NYC!   Noah admits he would like LOTS of KIDS but has girlfriend Amber is quick to tell him that there are other things that need to happen before they have kids.  Maybe a wedding in the future?  We all hope so!

John's girls, Sara and Karen were also at the party.  Karen is a recent college grad and newly single and she has been quite vocal about the fact that she is "never going to spawn!"  Her sister did point out that Karen is the grandchild most likely to kidnap a baby, which  brought on a funny story about the time she almost didn't give back someone's small child.  Absent from the discussion was Sabrina's brother Travis who was at the party with his new girlfriend who did look very comfortable holding Riley!!  I think he has my vote for producing the next baby!! 

Fun in the city

We have a lot of birthdays in my family in July and August and three of them on the same day  --July 16.  My mother and sister are here from Florida to celebrate Riley's first birthday which is also my mom's birthday.  To celebrate Mom's birthday Tracy, Mom and I traveled by train to NYC to see my daughter Abby,  show "Grammy" her apartment in Brooklyn and introduce her to Abby's boyfriend Peter.  It was a day full of travel,  at least 10 hours sitting in a car, train or subway!  We had lunch in Soho at a cute restaurant, The Antique Garage and a brief visit to PURL SOHO.  Tracy and both bought Medelinetosh sock yarn.  New York is a great city to visit, but I wouldn'd want to live there!!

Sweater Fever

I am on a big sweater kick.  Now that our weather has cooled to the mid 80's I am actually thinking fall and have 3 different cardigans going.  Pictured here on the top is my "Contented Cardi" by Hannah Fettig.  It is a top down and a really easy knit.  I am using Cascades 220 Superwash Paints  and the color is really gorgeous.  I am hoping to make it long enough to mostly cover my butt.  This may become my favorite sweater and superwash means it will be great for my "gooey boy" , Riley!

The pink sweater is a free pattern from Knitty.com called Amiga.  I am using a washable wool from Colinette "Hand dyed in Wales".  It is really a lovely pale pink!

Buying Yarn

I LOVE to buy yarn and that I own a yarn shop I NEED to buy lot of yarn!  I get to buy it in bags of 10 and I don't have to decide on one color I can buy it in ALL the colors I like!   It is one of my favorite part of owning a shop!

This week i met with 2 different sales reps, both women that I really enjoy working with.  They are both knitters and besides yarn they always have good ideas for projects and pictures and samples to share!   On Tuesday I ordered from Skacel and stocked up on more of their sock yarns plus some of my favorite wools:  Trekking sock yarns, Ambiente sock, Fortissima Socka, Nimbus, Murano, Opus, Unisono, Urban Silk.  I ordered lots of colors of Cascade wool and superwash wool:   220, Eco Wool, Eco Duo, Magnum 128, 220 and 128 Superwash, baby alpaca lace, and heritage sock yarns.  By mid July we should have new yarns arriving every week!!   Fun!!  

Lisa's Stripey Shawlette

This is a small shawl, more of a triangle scarf.  I used one skein of yarn and wound it into 2 balls so that the stripes were finer.  I used both balls of yarn alternating every 2 rows and carrying the other yarn up the side. 

Yarn: Unisono sock yarn, 1 skein  (100% superfine merino with aloe vera and jojoba, 300 meters, 330 yards.)  I wound the skein into 2 equal sized balls.

Needles:   Size 6  32" circular
YO = yarn over
pm = place marker
sm = slip marker


For stripe pattern alternate yarns every 2 rows, carrying yarn up the side as you work.


Directions:  
Cast on 7 stitches.
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl
Row 3: K2, yo,k1,yo,pm,k1,pm,yo,k1,yo,k2.
Row 4: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2

Stockinette section
Row 1,3,5,7,9:    K2, yo, knit to marker, yo, sm,K1,sm, yo,k to last 2 stitches, K2.
Row 2,4,6,8,10:      K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2.

Garter section: 
Row 1,3,5:   K2, yo, knit to marker, yo,sm, K1,sm,yo,K to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 2,4,6:   Knit


Work these 2 sections to desired length.  My shawl measures 16 '" tall by 32" wide.
Try to end with a section of garter stitch.   Bind off loosely.

Pattern Writing

I am not a pattern writer. 

I have a habit of making "design changes" in patterns or just not following the pattern and "doing my own thing".  This was not a problem until I bought a yarn shop and put some of my creations on display.  Customers are not happy when they try to re-create  something and it doesn't look like mine. 

I am trying to write down what I do and publish them here in my blog.  I do not mind if you use these patterns for your own creations, just keep in mind there may be mistakes or instructions that are unclear!  

Please do not sell these patterns or items created using them.  Please realize that we all have a unique style of knitting as well as different tensions and styles.  These are mostly things I am knitting for my own use so they will be knitted in a size to fit me. 

Mia Shrug Pattern

Lisa’s Top-Down Mia Shrug

Yarn:   Mia Hand Dyed by Tahki Yarns (100% cotton, 41 yards,

Color sunset #002)  3 skeins

Needles:           Size 11 (8.0 mm)  24” circular

                        Size 11 double pointed needles

Guage:  11 stitches and 14 rows = 4 “ in stockinette

Size;                one size (34-36” bust)  Shrug is worn open and does not meet in the center

Neckline:          Cast on 49 stitches.  Work in K1 P1 rib for 1 ½ inches.   

Sleeve set-up Row 1:  Place markers as follows: K8 for front, place marker, K7 for sleeve, place marker, K15 for back, place marker, K7 for sleeve, place marker, K8.

                        Row 2:   K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2

Keeping first and last 2 stitches in garter stitch work the following 2 rows until the sleeve section measures 14” across.   Try on shrug as you work to check fit around upper arm and across bust, adding more or less rows as needed to fit!

Row 1                *Knit to marker, YO (yarn over) sm (slip marker) YO* repeat across row.  You should have increased 8 stitches.

Row 2               K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2.   (You will be purling your yarn over increase stitches leaving an open lace stitch pattern.  If you want to close these stitches purl into the back of the stitch.  Whichever you choose, opened or closed look, work this on ALL yarn over stitches!)

Separate for sleeves:   Remove markers as you come to them.  Knit to first marker, slip sleeve stitches on scrap yarn for holder (stitches between Markers 1 and 2) and continue to knit across back, slip next set of sleeves to another scrap yarn (stitches between markers 3 and 4) and knit to end.

Body                 Work back in forth in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) keeping the end 2 stitches in garter stitch (knit both sides)  Work to desired length, ending with one inch of K1, P1 ribbing, binding off loosely.

Sleeves             Place one set of sleeve stitches on needles and join to work in the round.  Work K1,P1 rib for 4 rows (about 1”), then bind off loosely.  Repeat with second sleeve.

                        Weave in loose ends and enjoy your shrug!!

I am not a pattern writer.  I have a habit of making "design changes" in patterns or just not following the pattern and "doing my own thing".  This was not a problem until I bought a yarn shop and put some of my creations on display.  Customers are not happy when they try to re-create  something and it doesn't look like mine.  I am trying to write down what I do and publish them here in my blog.  I do not mind if you use these patterns for your own creations, just keep in mind there may be mistakes or instructions that are unclear!

Family Time

Sunday was Father's Day and we were blessed to have 3 of our kids spend the evening with us.    As parents of a blended brood we often share holidays with the "other families."   Noah and Karen and Noah's girlfriend Amber visited Sunday evening.  We ordered pizza and spent a relaxed couple of hours sitting together and talking.  (Yes, I did have my knitting to work on.)   The conversation was lively and covered many topics.  All of our kids are big talkers and very opinionated.   John and I are usually the quietest as we just enjoy having them around. 

Karen is a recent college graduate with a degree in history.  If you hear of any jobs available locally, let me know!  She would like to work in a museum but would take anything right now while she searches for a "real job."  As the youngest of the bunch she has watched the others work a variety of jobs while searching for something in their chosen field.  I have offered to teach her to knit if she needs something to keep her busy while she waits!   We are happy to have her back in York right now and hope to spend a lot of time with her this summer!

Boy in a Basket

I have a good selection of toys at my house for Riley to play with but most of the time he is just not interested.  He loves to open the corner kitchen cupboard that has all of my storage containers and pots and pans.  He can pull out the drawers and gleefully tosses everything on the floor.  We are working on putting all of these things back in when play time is over but not having any luck with that. 

This week he and Ozzy are enjoying this old round laundry basket.  Ozzy races around and then lands in it, often tipping it over.  Riley likes to pull it over his head but then has trouble getting it off.  As you can see from the photo Ozzy is wherever Riley is!  Ozzy is always very gentle when he plays with Riley even when Riley grabs his ears or tail.  Both of my boys are a constant source of amusement!

Take me out to the ball game

Last night was Uncommon Threads Stitch-n-Pitch Night at the York Revolution.  While the team lost it was a great night to sit and knit!  This was the fourth year we hosted this event and we had 28 people participate.  The evening was warm and the crowd was lively.  My friend Laura was there with her daughters and we talked non stop during the game.  (I am really not a big sports fan.)  Our good bags were a big hit.  I hope to see some of the socks and shawls when they are finished!  

The stadium is lovely --very clean and well staffed.  There is a large selection of food and drinks.  Between innings there are silly games and prizes.  We were there on a fireworks night which was a fun end to the evening.  The parking lot seemed well staffed and the line of vehicles moving out was orderly.  If you haven't been to one of these games --give it a try!  Fun, wholesome family entertainment!

Team Effort

This morning I arrived at the shop early to get some computer work done and heard the beeping of the answering machine.  I admit, i rarely listen to the messages  because i work the afternoon and evening shifts and others are here to open.  I expected a salesperson trying to sell me something I don't want or need but instead had a lovely message from a woman who visited our shop yesterday.  She left a wonderful message about the great experience she had shopping here and raved about the person who helped her select needles and answer some questions about lace knitting.   I was not the one who helped her yesterday but I know who did and I know she always offers customer service that is well above what is experienced in most businesses today. 

As the shop owner I am here 5 days a week for part of the day, and do most of the ordering and make the "big decisions."  I could not do what I do with out the FABULOUS team of ladies who make up the "yarngirls of Uncommon Threads."  I am so blessed to work with an amazing group of talented knitters and crocheters who seem to truly love to be in here and help customers with their projects.  I do not feel like they are my employees but my friends.  I often say to customers that I am probably the "least talented knitter" here, and I am really not kidding.  Each "yarngirl" has unique talents and skills that make her an integral part of our team.  From arranging window displays to website design each has something special to add to the mix.  My husband John has his own business and has worked with "foundry employees" for over 30 years and he is always amazed at the wonderful crew we have working here.  i hear him tell people how the girls often stop in to sit and knit when they are not scheduled to work.  We have even had regular customers put down their needles to help customers when we are busy. 

I frequently tell customers that " I need to sell yarn and needles to keep the shop open , however I love to have a group of women (we would welcome male knitters, just don't see them too often) gathered around the table chatting and knitting.   Please grab your needles and stop in for a visit, no purchase necessary.

The Gift of Girlfriends

I have always been a big believer in the power of friendship.  I know that my friends have been there for me in difficult times.  As a child I watched my mother interact with her girlfriends and was amazed when i would hear them giggle and laugh like teenagers.  My mom didn't try to be my friend when i was a child, she took her role of mothering very seriously, and was a fairly strict parent.  She is still in touch with some of those early girlfriends and has a new group of girls in Florida.  

I enjoy being in the yarn shop and sitting at the table with friends.  Conversation shifts wildly often several conversations are going at the same time.  Sometimes it is quiet as we all count or concentrate on stitch patterns but mostly it is loud and lively.  I love to have "new friends" join us and hear different perspectives on anything.  

Yesterday we had a customer in for a class and it was someone who graduated from Dover High with me. (That was a few years ago!).  It was great to see her and catch up on her life and family.  She thought she would try to come in again to sit and knit.  Old friends or new --it always good to see them !

My Two New Hats

Since I have finished more than 10 items from my UFO collection I took a break last week and made 2 hats --possibly for holiday gifting.  The striped hat on the left is knit using Jared Flood's Turn a Square pattern (free on Ravelry.com)  I used a Malabrigo worsted solid in brown and striped it with Zitron's Nimbus, a self striping organic merino.  It was a quick knit and the alternating stripes kept it interesting.  

The hat on the right is knit from one of my hand spun yarns using a chemo cap pattern from Ravely.race for Life 2009 chemo cap by erica downs.  It has a little bit of lace detail in the first couple of rows.  This was another quick knit --finished in one day!

Sock Love

i really like knitting socks and have several on needles right now.  I did finish a "second sock" this week so I gave myself permission to start a new pair.  This is knitted with Fortissima Socka Mexico Color by Schoeller & Stahl.  We have it in several colors and i want to knit them all.  I love the fair-isle type striping.  It seems to hold my interest to kit something with color changes. 
I am teaching a sock class tonight, part 2 of a 3 part class.  My students had home work --they were to complete the leg portion of the sock and be ready to learn how to knit the heel flap and turn the heel tonight. 

Three of the four students are moms with young children (one has 3 boys, another 4 girls and the other 2 girls and 2 boys--all under the age of 8!)  I thought I should also do some home work so I have done my sock thru the heel flap to show them what theirs will soon look like.  They all worked very hard last week and actually they were concentrating so hard that it was a very quiet group.  I look for ward to seeing them tonight!!

Weddings

My daughter Abby was home over the weekend to attend the wedding of one of her oldest friends.  She and Liz attended preschool together at the age of 3 and went to the same Catholic Schools.  They don't see each other much right now since Abby works in New York City and attended college in Boston.  Abby was very excited to attend the wedding and convinced her boyfriend Peter to join her in York for the wedding.  

The weekend started with a bit of drama when Abby missed her train stop in Lancaster and called me in a panic.  I told her to get off at the next stop which was Mount Joy and only a few miles up the road.  I then called John who was waiting in the parking lot at the Lancaster train station.  When I called Abby back to tell her he was on his way she said she was turning her phone off since she forgot to charge it.  So I had a nervous 45 minutes waiting to hear from someone that my baby was safe.  They for got to call me until they nere back in York!  Apparently there is no "station" in Mount Joy just a platform and a parking lot --both very dark and creepy at 10 pm!!  John did find her and all is well that ends well.   Why did she miss her stop?  She was so engrossed in her book that she totally missed the stop!  Sound familiar Mom????  My mother used to say the house could burn down around me and I wouldn't even know it!!

Thinking cool thoughts

It is another steamy day here in central PA.  We are expecting record breaking temps again --98 expected high today.  I am grateful to have an inside job.  The air conditioning is on here at the shop it is a cool place to hang out in the heat.  I am not fond of extreme heat, but prefer summer to winter most of the time.  Remembering our cold and snow from recent winters I am happy to have the warmer temps right now.

I am teaching a sock class tonight and excited to share my enthusiasm for sock knitting.  Several years ago I spent most of my knitting time working on socks.  I made lots of socks for myself plus many pairs as gifts for friends and family.  My husband has 7 pair and enjoys showing them off all winter. 
Right now I am into self striping sock yarns.  The knitting seems to pass quickly as I watch the colors and patterns appear.  Socks are a great small project to carry in your purse and great for hot weather knitting. 

Works in Progress

I have successfully finished 10 items in May, a huge accomplishment with my busy schedule, but I still have too many knitting projects.  When does a WIP (work in progress) become an UFO (unfinished object.)  Two of my finished items are the socks I have photographed here.  They are finished items, but as "first socks" they are still part of a WIP.  I have been asking customers and employees how many projects they have on needles and surprisingly i am not alone in having too many projects going at once.  A couple of people admitted they don't know how many projects they have.  We also had some discussion around our knitting table about unraveling lingering projects and saving the yarn for a different project.  I did that with 2 things but the rest are things I still like and want to finish. 
I did cast on one new project this week.  It is a sleeveless top with some lace details. I am using a red cotton called Banyon from Colinette.  I should finish another 10 before I start another new project, but I don't always do as I should.  I am hoping to start a cardigan for my mom later this month.  She will be in York in July and will be available to try it on as I work on it.  She picked out some beautiful turquoise cotton when she was here in April and wants a February Ladies Cardigan. 

Cool Pirate Baby

My sweet little Riley is now wearing an eye patch a couple of hours each day to strengthen his "lazy eye".  I had him at the grocery store last week and notice many people staring at him.  One small boy actually said to his mom "I don't like that baby."  The poor mother was mortified.  I tool a minute to explain that he had an eye that wasn't working like it should and the patch was helping him to use his weak eye.  I explained that we told Riley it made him look like a baby pirate.  The little boy listened intently and then said, " I like that baby pirate, Mom."  
Having spent many years as a preschool and kindergarten teacher I know that children (and some adults) often "dislike" or criticize something they don't understand.  Hopefully this little boy will look differently at people with disabilities or differences now.  Riley is young enough that he doesn't realize people look at him differently when he wears his patch.  His parents are doing a super job of keeping an upbeat attitude about it.  They don't make a big deal about it or act like it is some sad or embarrassing.  Personally I think he is adorable with it on or off!

Seven done!!

I have had a busy week, but did manage to finish more projects.  This morning I finished my Citron shawl knitted with one skein of heritage sock yarn.  This is project number seven in my attempt to finish 10 things before I start something new. 
Earlier this week I finished 2 socks (both first socks).  I am hoping to have knitting time this weekend.  My Abby is coming home for the weekend and our only plans are to hang at home or at Sabrina's watching cute Riley and getting in the pool.  I am loving the hot weather after our cold winter and damp rainy spring!  In have  had wash out on the line and started to clean off the furniture on the back porch so we can eat out there.  We are eating lots of simple salads and fresh fruit and I love NOT COOKING although chopping and slicing fruit and veges is also very time consuming!   The local farm market I like to visit is now open and I plan to stop this week for York county strawberries. (The stand near Apple Hill Medical Center on S George St.)   I did close the shop on Sunday so we can all have at least 2 days off this weekend!!

Christmas in June

I am one of those crazy people who starts to think about holiday gifts in the summer.  As a teacher that is when I had the time to make or buy gifts and it really saves me stress later in the year.  At Uncommon Threads we are putting together ideas for holiday gift knitting and plan to have several patterns available each month (some for purchase and some for free.)  In June we will be offering classes, patterns and discounts on selected yarns  to make cowls.  Last December we sold dozens of skeins of Malabrigo Worsted for the "Burberry Inspired Cowl."  It is great one skein project and knits easily in a couple of hours.  Pictured above is my cowl in yellow.  We currently have a great selection of colors and the pattern is free!  In July we will be knitting hats which are great for everyone on your Christmas list, but especially men and children!  Upcoming months we will feature mittens, scarves &wraps, socks and fingerless mitts.  These are all small portable projects to take along to ball games or the beach!

Cute hat!

Denise just finished this cute hat.  It is knitted using a chunky yarn from Scarlet Fleece!  Stop in and see how cute it is!

My little man

Many of you know this little sweetie, my great nephew Riley.  I babysit him during the week when his parents work.  His parents always thank me for watching him but I feel like i need to thank them for entrusting me with their precious little sweetie.  Aunt Lisa is just a little prejudiced--he really is the sweetest, happiest smartest little baby boy.  In this phots he is sitting on the floor at the shop eating his lunch and yes he is using both hands to cram food into his mouth as fast as he can.  Today's lunch, packed lovingly by his Mama, is cooked peas and fresh strawberries.  There was a lot of squealing, grinning and kicking

Finished Project

As you can see I finished my Miley Tee and had some help getting it ready to photograph.  Ozzy is such a helpful little kitty and he likes to be wherever I am!!  I am wearing this top/sweater today and i really like it!  The yarn is Remix by Berroco and it is made of recycled fibers (a blend of linen, silk, acrylic, cotton and nylon.)  We have several colors:  orange pink, light blue, tan, cream and mustard.  This is my second finished project this month.  When i finish 8 more I can start something new!!!  Oh boy!!

Thursday Night Fun

Shawls are still very popular and the Thursday night shawl group is now working on making shawls from the Blue Heron rayon metallic yarn. The colors are gorgeous and the yarn has a lovely drape when it is knitted.  Whether you knit shawls or not this is a FUN group.  I try to get out of the shop early on Thursday evening but it is hard to leave with such a fun and lively group gathered around the table.  Someone usually heads next door to  Mitsuri-Ya for Chinese and  Japanese food.  The conversation varies during the evening: knitting, work, children and husbands, food.  Good food and good friends.  There is always room for one more friend at the table!!

Spinning

Last June I took a spinning class and came home with a spinning wheel.  I really enjoy spinning and try to find time every week to sit at my wheel.  I am not interested in cleaning and preparing it so i buy roving that is already cleaned and dyed and ready to spin.  I have tried several different wools and alpacas and now I am working on spinning fine so i can ply them.  This photo is a lovely blue-faced Leicester with silk that I bought at Sheep and Wool!  It is lovely to spin and so soft! 

Kitty Capers

Some of you have met my kitty Ozzy.  We adopted him in February from the SPCA.  He was about 2 months old and weighed about a pound.  He was brought in 2 days before and was separated from his mother just hours before I met him.  We lost our 15 year old cat, Joy a month earlier and missed having a "cat child" in the house.  Joy was very reserved and sweet.  Most visitors rarely saw her.  From the beginning Ozzy has been full of energy and very social.  He enjoys following Riley and "attacks his feet as he crawls. I often find him climbing the side of the porta-crib after I have settled Riley in for a nap.  Riley squeals and laughs and pokes at the netting encouraging Ozzy to jump at him!  Three times Ozzy has landed in the bathtub when Riley is in there.  It startles both of them and there is much howling and scrambling to escape.  And LOTS of splashing.   Ozzy's most recent trick is leaping onto John's shoulder when he opens and closes the living room curtains.  He frequently dashes across a room and leaps at John.  I find it hilarious  -John ---- not so much!  Last night he was hanging from a curtain rod in our bedroom attempting to get a bug.  He managed to land on the windowsill rather gracefully instead of crashing to the floor.  He is becoming quite vocal and lets me know when he needs his food or water dish filled.  He eats well but mostly plays with his water.  When he is not attacking things and racing around the house he is very sweet and cuddly.  He has learned not to play with my knitting or spinning or he is put out of the room.  I had him at the shop on a recent Monday as we put things back after Sheep & Wool, and he raced up and down and onto every surface. When he wasn't attacking feet, he enjoyed sitting in the front window and watching all the action in the parking lot! 

Toy Knitting

The week before the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival I finished these cute toys from the book Spud and Chloe at the Farm.  I generally like to knit more functional items such as socks, mitts, hats or sweaters but this book was calling to me and In an effort to NOT stress about preparing for Md S&W  I dug into my stash and made this adorable barn cat and Spud.  They are both fairly quick and easy --great mindless knitting!  I am also working on the chicken and chicks and Chloe.  If you have little ones in your life these would be great gifts!

Another Rainy Day

It is another rainy day in central PA.  A great day to sit and knit.  I am hoping to finish my "work" and have some time to sit and knit.  I am working on several things and have not started anything new.  I made a vow last week to "finish five" and now I am thinking it should be finish 10??  I spent time on Monday (another rainy day) pulling out unfinished projects and reading over patterns.  I did finish both of my Maine Morning Mitts --counting  them as ONE finished project even though the project has 2 parts.  Today I am working on a baby hoodie (pattern in shop from Pure & Simple).  I am knitting with Cascade Superwash Paints in shades of green.  Very cute and soon ready to bind off the bottom hem and finish sleeves and hood. 

I was hoping to plant some flowers this week but it has rained every day.  The thought of lugging Riley in and out of the car in the rain is not appealing so I spent the last 2 days knitting, spinning and doing laundry and cleaning.  The weather should improve now that I am working at the shop for the next 4 days! 

Happy knitting!

Feeling stupid

Here is the photo of my finished "Maine Morning Mitt"  I can't seem to get it to appear on the page I posted earlier.  Where is Mary-Anne when I need her?  This is knitted from one of the yarns I have spun recently.  I am a very new spinner.  I took a class at Mannings last June and came home with a Lendrum spinning wheel.  I am finally starting to spin a consistent fine yarn and now I am learning to ply.  This pattern is from The Book of Wool or The Book of Yarn.  Since it is one of my first attempts at spinning the yarn is very thick and thin. 

Confession Time

I have to confess, I have a bit of a problem.   I LOVE to start new knitting projects and every time we get new yarn at the shop I need to "test" the yarn and start something. I have lots of things on needles: sweaters, hats, mitts, socks, shawls, etc. I also have a nice stash at home in my "knittery."  (John's name for the room where my yarn is stored.)  I think I did very well at Maryland sheep and Wool this past weekend.  I only bought 3 skeins of yarn.  I also bought some roving (3 different colorways in various amounts.) 

I made a vow to finish 5 things before I start something new.  I am pleased to state that early this morning I finished something!!!!  I am making a pair of "Maine Morning Mitts" from one of my handspun yarns.  One is finished and the other is down to the last inch of knitting.  I tucked several unfinished projects in my bag this morning and plan to work on my "Miley Tee" (Berroco's Remix) and my second "Tappan Zee" cardigan (blue Heron Cotton Seed.)   I also have a sock in my purse from the Scarlet Fleece Grassy Wool. 

Now that I have publicly confessed I hope to finish lots of projects and share them here.  I hope to see what you are working on!  Please stop in and share your projects!!

Lisa

Sheep and Wool Fun

Still recovering from a busy weekend at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival! We had PERFECT weather warm and sunny and a good crowd on Saturday.  Sunday was not as busy, possibly due to Mother's Day.  It was a fun weekend and I enjoyed seeing some Uncommon Threads customers at our booth!  I did sneak out of the booth for an hour on Sunday to shop with my niece and my sister.  I found some lovely roving and bought enough for a sweater.  Now I need to find the time to sit and spin!

I worked all day Monday to put the shop back together!   I am hoping to have more knitting time in the coming weeks!  I vowed to finish 5 things before I cast on something new!!  I am now working on a "Tappan Zee" (knitty.com) with the Blue Heron Cotton Rayon seed.  I started it last summer and hope to finish it this week!!  I bought some lovely sock yarn from The Sanguine Gryphon and hand-dyed worsted from Miss Babs at S & W that is calling me!

Happy knitting!

Spring Knitting

Spring has finally hit central Pennsylvania.  Weather in the 80's this week is not motivating me to finish any projects!  I look at all the bright colors of lovely cotton and lightweight yarns and I want to start something NEW!  That really isn't unusual for me.  I love the beginning of a new project but soon lose interest and want to start something new.

 I met with a sales rep from Blue heron Yarns today.  He had some new things that I plan to order for fall and he had several bins of yarn available for immediate sale.  The colors are absolutely gorgeous and having used several Blue Heron Yarns in recent years I was an easy mark.  I plan to take them to Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival next weekend but know some of them won't last that long.  A couple of regular customers and employees will probably NEED to add them to their stash.  I am an enabler in that way.  "You can never have too much stash."  and "It won't last long, if you want that color you should take it now."  Hee!  Hee!

I know something will probably go home with me!

Travel Knitting

I have just returned from a visit to my parents in Naples, Florida.  It was hot and sunny all weekend, very different from the weather here in Pennsylvania!  My mom and her friends meet most mornings at the pool in their condo complex for "water aerobics."  They all know the exercises so their is much conversation and comeraderie as they stretch and bend in the water.  After the workout they pull chairs into a circle and chat for another hour.  I enjoyed sitting in the sun with my knitting and listening to all the conversations.  I miss having my mother nearby but it helps to know she has a wonderful collection of friends in Florida!


One of my favorite things about traveling is planing some knitting time.  I always plan for lots of knitting time both during the vacation and traveling to and from the vacation.  If I am ever stranded at an airport I will have plenty of knitting to keep me busy!  I have never had a problem taking my knitting projects and needles on a plane.  I always have at least 2 projects in my carry on bag plus a couple more packed in my checked luggage.  For this trip I packed a new sock yarn: Grassy Wool from Scarlet Fleece in a color titled Cottage Garden.   The yarn is very silky (superwash merino and bamboo) and the color is a lovely blend of green, pink and lavendar.  I hoped to finish one sock but I have just turned the heel and started the foot on the first sock.   I worked on my "Citron" Shawl (knitty.com) made with Heritage sock yarn in a blue denim color, but it is not finished.  I also started a short summer sock out of Fortissima Socka Mexico Cotton in pinks and oranges.  I didn't finish that either!

My sister took me to her local yarn shop in Naples and I had fun chatting with another yarn shop owner and YES I did buy yarn and a pattern book for a cotton cardigan!  I need to finish a few things before I start another project!

It is good to be home and hopefully we will have some warmer weather soon!  Happy Knitting!  Lisa

Knitting Round Table

I love to see a group gathered around our oak table happily working and talking.   The topic of conversation this past weekend ranged wildly from children and husbands to medical issues and job stresses, dieting and exercising, cooking and eating, educational funding, aging parents,  tattoos and piercings, getting babies to sleep all night and pet adventures.  The groups contained veteran knitters and Learn to Knit Class members, moms of babies and teens, grandmothers, young single girls and empty nesters.  All were united by the knitting in their hands!  Some did not know the others while a few have been friends for years if not decades.  The projects on needles were just as varied.  I saw some simple scarves, a first sock, cardigans and pullovers, a bright hat, a baby blanket and some shawls! Conversation is at times noisy and lively and at others peaceful and quiet!  I sat for a bit to work on a sweater and thought “There is nowhere else I would rather be right now!”  Thank you knitting friends!

Winter Weary

The calendar tells us that it is spring and the daffodils are blooming, so why am I still reaching for my wool mitts & scarves?   I have a 3 minute commute to the yarn shop so there is not time for my heat to really warm the car! 

The shop is fully stocked with lovely cotton, linen and silk yarns and I am itching to start a summer cardi!  I currently have projects on needles using some of these yarns but I am having a hard time finding motivation to pick them up when I am still reaching for a wool sweater and socks every day!  I have started a Miley Tee pattern available at the shop) using the yarn Remix from Berroco.  Last spring I started a Tappan Zee (Knitty.com) using Blue Heron cotton/rayon seed yarn. 

Late last night I finished my Tea Leaves Cardigan (Ravelry purchase) knitted with Cascade's Eco Duo.  I have pulled out several buttons from our stash at the shop & hope to make a decision before I leave here today. 

Happy Knitting!   Lisa

New Beginnings

It is a quiet Friday night at Uncommon Threads.  The shelves and racks around me are filled with lovely new yarns and I am craving a new project!  The gorgeous colors of Malabrigo worsted and silk merino are calling out to me!  Of course I do not NEED new yarn or another knitting project.  Need or want?  I have explained this to my children many times during their growing up years!  I do not NEED More yarn, but I WANT it anyway!!

  As a yarn shop owner I have access to a  lot of beautiful yarns, but not as much time to knit as I would like!  I am almost finished my Tea Leaves Cardigan knitted in Cascade's Eco Duo, a blend of undyed baby alpaca and merino.  If I can finish both button bands tonight I can wear it tomorrow!  Maybe if i don't sleep?? 
 
We have 2 boxes of new yarn in the back room waiting for price labels, so that is my goal for this evening!  I bought an old cabinet that will be delivered tomorrow so I will spend my day putting out some new yarns and pattern books!  Stop in and check out our new yarns!