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!