Jennifer Makes Yarn

Ever since Jennifer got back from TNNA she's been eager to get started spinning.  Everyone in the store knew to let her know the second the wheel she ordered arrived with the daily UPS delivery.  As you can see from the picture above, the wheel has arrived.  

Some Boxes Are More Exciting Than Others

When I'm the one unpacking the boxes of yarn that UPS brings in around 2:30 most afternoons I am also the one overcome by the NEED to possess a portion of their content.   I see color combinations and textures where they do not yet exist.  I rarely know how I will use the yarn but I know that I must find a way.  Truthfully, I often let that need pass.  It is a necessity.  I am surrounded by beautiful yarn on a daily basis and would be drowning in it if I took home all that I HAD to possess.  As it is, my basement is in constant need of organization due to my having HAD to possess yarn and buttons and fabric in the past.  It's not a new story.  You've heard it before I'm sure.  Perhaps you're even writing a version of it yourself.

Sometimes I have an idea what project might work for the yarn that's fresh out of the box.  If a few hours go by, or a day, and I have actually put the yarn on the shelf and taken it off the shelf more than once, I start looking for a pattern.  These days I find it easy to pop in the yarn requirements on Ravelry.  Twenty-four hours later when I emerge completely raveled, I've found the perfect pattern.  For at least ten new projects!

The other day two huge boxes of Madelinetosh arrived in the store.  At least eight people came in within two hours of the yarn being labeled.  By the next day when it was almost all out on the shelves, one third of the Tosh Merino Light was gone.  People we had never seen before came in having somehow sensed that their beloved Tosh was in the area.

Jennifer and I are going to knit this shawl out of the Tosh Light.  We have three shelves of Tosh Merino DK in some really luscious colors.  They have some nice free patterns, like the Honey Cowl pictured above, on their website.  It's shown without a double loop but I can imagine how snuggly it will be looped twice around the neck.  Several people, Jennifer included, have knit the Wonderful Wallaby in the DK too.  What have you made with Tosh DK?  We would love to see it! - Liz

It's Not Just About The Yarn - Part 1

Customers come into the store every day.  Some of them know exactly what they want or have an idea of what they are looking for.  Others are just looking, either because they want to start a project, be inspired or are in a new place and have to check out the local yarn store.  That's what I do whenever I am anywhere away from home.

Rarely does a customer just walk in and walk out the way you might when you are running into the A&P to buy a half-gallon of milk.  It's easy to get caught up in the conversation or in a conversation.  Someone will ask what you are knitting and then that person or someone else will be reminded of something like that that someone else knit and that will inevitably lead to some other project that was similar which might lead to a vacation that someone took when they brought that project with them and where they stayed and what travel agent was used.  You may even end up sitting down.  Discuss the merits of using a travel agent in the age of the Internet.  All of a sudden the conversation turns to dinner.  You really have to go.  You need to pick up a few things at the grocery store.  You're not sure what you should make.  You are bombarded with suggestions.  One person even makes sure that you write down the recipe.  

The picture above is of strawberries brought in by Chris B.  She went up to Pawling to pick up fresh picked strawberries to make preserves.  She thought we might enjoy a taste so she stopped by with a quart on her way home.

The strawberries set off a jumble of thoughts.  The metaphors possible between knitting and life are, if not infinite, many.  Much more warmth results from the creation of a blanket or a sweater or a hat than provided by the object itself.  There is the the warmth that results from someone dropping off fresh picked strawberries just because.  It would never have happened if one day Chris B. hadn't needed some yarn. - Liz

A Hug To Take With You

It's become a tradition in the Ceisler household for Jennifer to knit David a hat when he goes on location and this time was no different.  She chose this beauty from twist collective.

Jennifer Has A Thing for A Wheel Named Julia

There's going to be a quiz.

I thought that a diagram of parts with labels was appropriate for this time of year when teenagers all over the country are studying for, and taking, final exams.  The diagram above is of Louet's Julia Spinning Wheel which Jennifer is obsessed with.  She is determined to own one before Pam from Louet comes on July 12 to share her spinning wisdom with us all.  Jennifer figures she'll be able to give everyone a head start on the joy of spinning.  Because who would not love spinning as much as she does?  Pam will be bringing some of these magnificent machines with her on the day of her visit and offering them at a discount.  - Liz

What's TNNA?

Exactly.

The TNNA Market in Columbus Ohio is where many yarn shop owners are this weekend and it slips off our tongues when people ask where Jennifer is as though anyone in the yarn world knows what TNNA is. But truthfully I had no idea until I looked it up last night and then I had to look it up again just now to remind myself.

The National NeedleArts Association.  It's the trade show for all things related to knitting, crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and sewing.  Kind of like the name implies.  Kind of like the candy store for people like us!

Jennifer's phone calls and emails have reflected her excitement about all that she has seen and all the people she has met and spoken to.  She's ordered an array of new yarns for the shop and then while ordering linen from Louet got into a conversation about spinning, tried out one of their lovely spinning wheels and ended up arranging for Pam from Louet to bring some of those spinning wheels to the shop on July 12th for a combination class demonstration.  Save the date and stay tuned for more details.  -Liz
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The picture is Spud and Chloe's Seeing Stars Blanket which was on display at TNNA

Granny Stripes Baby Blanket

Jennifer just finished this Granny Stripes baby blanket in Zara and we couldn't be more excited to share the pictures and source of the pattern with you. We've all been fans of Lucy and her heartwarming, lovely to look at, generous, instructional blog for years. It's been the reason some of us have returned to crocheting.

This particular crochet project is a great one for getting reacquainted with the art because it's rows of double crochet clusters with chains in between. By the time the body of the blanket is finished you're ready for the ever so slightly more complicated picot edging which Lucy is nice enough to give separate instructions for here. Thank you Lucy!
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Lucy just posted that her mother is very ill.  We wish her well.

Tosh Sock Is Not Just For Socks

I'm exited to share this pattern I found on Ravelry because I think this weather is the perfect time to be knitting a simple pattern with something light (in weight), bright (to remind us that it is in fact the season of white clothing and grilling) and lacy so that it's still appropriate to give as a lovingly made gift.  I was looking for a pattern that would knit up quick but look complicated and this fits the bill.  Every row is knit the same.  My scarf in knit in Tosh Sock color Pop Rocks.  Thank you Turvid for sharing. - Liz

Jennifer's Rock Island Shawl

Take a look at The Rock Island Shawl that Jennifer knit with Lorna's Lace's Sock Yarn.  You're going to want to click on the picture to see the delicate lacework.  It's really something.- Liz