Blog, or knit?

To blog, or to knit? That is the question. Based on how often I manage to blog, you can probably guess what I have been doing lately.



New yarns and new patterns have been coming into the shop and I want to try them all. The problem I have is that there are still only 24 hours in a day. So please forgive me if I am not the world's greatest blogger. Truth be told, I'm not even close.



For those of you who come into the shop, please mark Sunday Nov 18th on your calendar. We will be having a designer here in the shop by the name of Jennifer Hagan. She is just the most gracious lady. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will. This lady is heading to the top. Her designs have appeared in several magazines, but the real feather in her cap so far is that one of her designs is going to be on the cover the upcoming book "Son of Stitch N Bitch".



You won't want to miss her trunk show. She will have patterns here as well and I can almost bet she will be more than happy to autograph the patterns for you.



There will be more about this on our website.



You know, having moved our shop to 152nd has proved to be entertaining as well as being a good decision.



Thursday, during the storm, we had more than our share of entertainment. Across the street where the new town square is being built, there is a huge mound of dirt that they have been protecting with an enormous tarp held down by cinder blocks.



Well folks, when the wind picked up, they may have well been trying to hold down that old tarp with toothpicks. It started lifting off the ground like some big black hot air balloon. Workers around the construction site scrambled to secure the tarp. I would guess there were about seven of these burly guys doing what burly guys do best - thinking they could outsmart Mother Nature.



They were holding onto the tarp, trying to get the blocks down again, when WHOOSH, here comes another burst of wind. What we were watching friends, looked like an exaggerated version of Mary Poppins. The tarp took flight again and these men were no longer touching ground.



The tarp tore and one fellow actually fell, not far, but I bet he was happier to be laying on the ground than contemplating the possibility of soaring over the tops of the buildings in our little community.



Now I have to give credit where credit is due. The workers kept on trying to secure the tarp (you would have thought that dirt was gold) and finally got it secured by the time their shift ended. But, and this is the part I don't think we should mention to these guys, the wind didn't die down for hours after they left, and guess what kept right on flapping in the breeze.

Sometimes I have to wonder how civilization has come as far as it has.

So, What Have I Been Doing Lately?

So, what have I been doing lately? Trying to get onto the computer. Beth says it's so easy and you probably agree with her. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't always find computer stuff easy.

Let me explain: 1. I have more than one site that I visit, this blog, Ravelry, my bank accounts, my email (not one but two of those) and on and on. 2. Each one of these sites has secret signs and passwords, not one but two. Every site wants a username and then to top it off they want a password! Well be patient with me please. I have only owned a computer for about 10 years now and I finally understand the terms "username" and "password"

Understanding and getting it aren't the same. I understand the need for secrets when it comes to computers. After all, I wouldn't want anyone to know how embarrassingly small the numbers in my bank accounts might be, or find out that I'm not a major shareholder of Starbucks coffee. What I don't get is what the consequences of my actions might be when the computer asks me questions like "Do you want to proceed?"

Well, hell yes I want to proceed, so if you asked me a question like that then that can only mean if I proceed, I might be going down the wrong path (that is a computer term isn't it?). Is there any place on the computer screen where I can ask "What will happen if I do? Nooooo. There I am left to guess. I have time to think about the fact that when it comes to computer education I am almost ready for the first grade.

If I say yes I wish to proceed, am I going to get where I was hoping to go or is something really awful going to take place, like wiping out all my files and being left with an empty screen not to mention an empty computer.

Now everyone knows that our whole identity is stored on our computer, and I'm just not sure that I want to commit computer suicide. So, no I don't always get it. But rest assured everyone, if you ever read of someone who is involved in identity theft or hacking into government computers and stealing top secret information, my name won't appear on the suspect list. Sadly that will most likely be because I answered the "Do you wish to proceed" question in the affirmative and I committed computer suicide. I no longer exist. I don't get it.

Now I'm going to skip the post options spot on the screen (is that the same as Do you wish to proceed?) and tap the publish post button and go do something I'm inifinitely more familiar with. I'm going to knit. Whew!

How Much Fan Was That?

Sunday, Beth, the kids and I hit the road again. We were off to Shipwreck Beads. Just a quick trip, you know. It turns out there is no such thing as a quick trip, at least for us.

It seems we worked up quite an appetite browsing through acres of beads of every color, shape and size. After we decided on what we "absolutely needed" and paid the bill, it was time to find something to eat.

I didn't really want to go to the usual fast food joint. What I wanted was coffee and a nice place to sit. What Beth wanted was to head home any way but I-5. Thus our adventure began. There it was, a sign pointing to Yelm. So Yelm it was. Now Yelm is further from that sign than one would at first believe, but we persevered and were we ever glad we did.

We stopped at a little restaurant known as The RoadRunner. What we didn't realize was that they were about to close for the day. We offered to leave, but the woman insisted that she would be there for awhile yet so we were more than welcome to stay. We were hungry, and after all, she offered to make a fresh pot of coffee for us. How could we resist?

Beth and I thought their pulled pork sandwich looked pretty good so that's what we ordered. The kids had hamburgers. Oh my gosh, were they good. Everything they serve is made there, which meant that the potato salad didn't come out of a five gallon container made is some factory and the baked beans hadn't been labeled Bush's.

The kids hamburgers were just like at home except bigger. We ate until we were full and then this friendly waitress told us about the homemade desserts. Our eyeballs were rolling, but we decided chocolate cake to go would be a good idea. After all, what if we got lost on the way back?

The moral of this story is, if you ever go to Yelm, stop in at the RoadRunner. If you just want some really good home cooking make a special trip. yes folks, it's that good.

Now for the knitting news. I have finished the baby set for the shop. It's so cute and best of all, quick and easy. If you have a need for a baby gift, this is a good choice. Fast, easy and inexpensive. Sounds like a great gift idea to me.

The best part of finishing the baby set is that now I am free to start another project. I think it's going to be that mitered square sweater that I saw at needle market. The yarn for it should be in today, so my timing is perfect. That doesn't happen very often.

What a Week We Had

If going to the Mariner's Game for Stitch 'N Pitch wasn't enough excitement, two days at the Northwest Needle Market just about put us on adrenaline overload.

The ballgame was so much fun sitting with our friends, knitting, laughing and sipping lemonade. The good news is that we only lost half as badly as last year. Win or lose, going to Safeco Field and watching baseball is the greatest.

Needle Market came on the heels of the ballgame. Beth and I had planned to only look and take notes. It didn't take long for us to go to "Plan B". We bought some really nice sock yarn from a small company out of Tenino known as Fly Designs. We both really like the idea of supporting local businesses.

We picked up several other new(to us) companies as well. Lace, lace, lace everywhere we looked. This seems to be the latest new trend. Wow, lace knitting and socks are big.

I can't forget blogging about our class with Cat Bordhi. She is the most amazing teacher. Three hours flew by under her tutelage . Her new sock book is so interesting. Cat's new sock architecture is a whole new approach to knitting socks. This could very well shake up the sock knitting world.

Even with all this excitement, I have been able to work on my own projects. Yesterday, I finished knitting my cardigan sweater. I'll block the pieces this weekend and get is seamed up and then wait for cooler weather so I can wear it. I think it will be the perfect sweater for this fall and winter.

Who Has Time to Blog?

It's true. It's hard to find time to blog when I have been spending so much time tinking, er I mean "practicing". If I had been practicing the piano instead, I would be able to play "Flight of the Bumblebee" by now.

My progress has been slowed by a new approach that I'm taking to this mystery stole. When I finish a knit row (you know, the one with all the SSK, K2tog and the hateful YO), I stop and count each stitch. If I somehow don't end up with 99 stitches, I only have one row to take out, rather than three or more. So far, this plan is working. My biggest fear is that this stole will somehow expand to several hundred stitches.

I have been working in a little time for my cardigan. I'm about halfway through the fist sleeve. Normally, I would knit both sleeves at the same time, but I'm on my last ball of yarn and I don't want to buy another it I don't have to. Yes, even as a shop owner, I have to buy my yarn.

Yesterday, we received the needle pouches for Stitch N Pitch night. They are very nice and I was impressed with the quality of them. Speaking of which, we still have a few tickets left if you would like to join us. The game is July 26 at 7:00 pm and the tickets are only $12.00. Call the shop if you are interested.

Feeling Just a Little Incompetent

Some days a person just feels like they can't seem to do anything right. The computer wouldn't let me log on again (I got here accidently), I think I need three hands to operate my new spinning wheel and I have decided that when it comes to my lace knitting I will no longer be "tinking", I will be "practicing".

Do you have any idea how much "practicing I have done on that lace stole? Just when all is going well - BAM!!! - another mistake.

I am getting pretty good at adding beads though.

That spinning wheel is a very humbling experience. It's like patting your tummy and rubbing your head at the same time and that's while you are standing on one foot. But, as my Mom always said, practice makes perfect. So far with all the practice I've done, I'm getting really good at hooking the yarn through the thingamagig. Mayde for my next lesson I'll learn what that hole is called.

We're not even going to discuss the computer.

What's the good news? We had our 98 degree day. With any luck, that means summer is over. 98 is entirely too hot for Seattle.

My sweater is complete except for the sleeves and if I don't have too much "practicing" to do on the mystery stole, I hope to finish up the sleeves this week.

Well my friends, it's back to the stole. Clue 3 came in this morning and Beth just showed me that someone already has Clue 3 done. I don't think that person is getting enough "practice". Do you?

So why haven't I posted in so long? Well that's because apparently I'm no longer smart enough to rememeber how to get onto Blogger. It's a good thing that my "computer guru" Beth can log me on. The only problem is she didn't tell me what I had done wrong. I hope I won't be at her mercy forever.

So onto the news of the day. That mystery stole will be the death of me, if the computer doesn't do me in first that is. Sunday, I wanted to show Beth how well I was coming along on the stole and when I pulled it out of my knitting bag, guess what, I pulled half the stitches off the needle. I could have cried. I still could, because I'm still unknitting rows. I suppose it's time to get serious about lifelines.

Last night I went to Wooly Twisters to learn how to use my new spinning wheel. After gettingthe wheel up to snuff, I tried spinning. All was going well. So today I am all set to practice and could I remember what to do? Oh no! I'm going to blame all of this on the heat, because it can't possible be entirely all my fault. Can it?

Now What Have I Gotten Myself Into

I think I have lost count of the number of projects I'm working on and guess what? I just started another! This one was a "must do" project. I like to quilt and have always been intrigued by mystery quilts, so when I got wind of a mystery stole, I just had to join in.

There are four of us locally who have accepted the challenge. The first clue showed up on the Internet yesterday. So it was no surprise that at our Pizza Night, the four of us were consumed by this project. This was the quietest Pizza Night we have ever had. Yarn overs, knit two together, slip slip knit and adding a bead every so often really put the damper on lively conversation. Poor Maggie. If she was looking forward to solving all the world's problems last night, I'm afraid we let her down.

I learned yesterday that Debbie Macomber will be throwing out the first pitch at the Mariner's Stitch N Pitch Night. What a high for me that night is going to be, three of my favorites - baseball, knitting and a chance to see one of my favorite authors! Now if Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a notion to fly to Seattle and take in the game as well, I would be over the top with how much excitement could be thrown into one day.

By the way, we still have some tickets for the ballgame, if any of you would like to join us.

Rights of Passage

Last night was a big night for my grandson. His school held a graduation ceremony for the sixth graders who will be going on to middles school next September. Now I know this is not exactly a high school or college graduation, but important nonetheless.

I've worked with the children in my grandson's class for the last two years as an art docent and I am so proud of them all. I couldn't help but wonder what the future holds for these young people and I realized that for some of them this might be the only graduation ceremony they will participate in and for others they will go on to do and become great things.

I couldn't help thinking about myself last night either, about my accomplishments, and yes, some of my regrets.

My regrets were small. I would have danced more, I would have sung more and I would have participated in protests against the Vietnam War.

As far as my accomplishments, I am very proud of my children and I adore my grandchildren. My family is the heart and soul of my life. After that come my many friends. I wouldn't want to be without a single one of them. This is very true of the friends I have made since opening the yarn shop.

Where can a person find nicer people than those who like to create, people who reach out to share their gifts with the less fortunate and with those they love.

When folks come into the shop looking for projects to start, it seems that nine times out of ten, it's going to be a gift for someone else. It could be for the hairdresser's baby that's on the way, a grandchild, socks for hubby or more charity knitting. I find myself applauding when someone says that they are finally going to make something for themselves.

In our goodness towards others, we often forget that it's important to be good to ourselves as well. We forget sometimes that other people depend on us and want what's best for us too.
So on your list of projects, make sure that you find your name on that list. Do your best work wear it with pride, whether it's a scarf, a pair of socks or a gorgeous sweater that took months to make. You deserve it, we all do.

My weekend is over

Just as I thought, two days off in a row seemed like an awfully long time. I did manage to get some things done though, that is until Beth gave me a book to read. It's the first of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series. I had a hard time putting it down. Reading can really eat into my knitting time, but I guess it's important that I have some balance in my life.

It's Tuesday and I'm looking forward to getting back to the yarn shop. I wonder who will stop by today. There are so many nice people that shop at The Yarn Stash and I enjoy each and every one that comes in. How did I get so lucky?

What will the day bring? Everyday is an adventure. Everyday has something new and different to offer me. It would be easy to think that my life is mundane if I only think in terms of generalities, i.e., get up, shower, have breakfast, go to work, come home, etc., but these routines that are so necessary all have variations that keep life interesting.

It's so true that everything is done one step at a time. It really is the journey, not the destination that matters and today I'm looking forward to the journey.

The scarf now has a beanie

The beanie is done. Wow, that was fast, don't you think? Harry Potter would be proud. My grandson is counting the days until the last episode of "Harry Potter" is available. "Grandson" is knitting the Ravenclaw scarf. He's quick on the start, but I'm not sure he'll keep up the pace to have it done in time. We'll see.

The right side of my cardigan is in progress. I think everyone in our group at least has the back done. Did I mention that the sweater we are making is the Blue Skies Cardigan on page 14 of the July 2007 issue Creative Knitting. All of us are enjoying this sweater a lot. It's easy, it's fast to knit and it's cute.

Tomorrow is Father's Day and the shop will be closed. Two days off in a row is going to seem like a vacation. That would be a knitting vacation of course.

I suppose you think all I do is knit. Not true. This morning I actually cleaned and vacuumed before I came to the store. Now this isn't something I necessarily like to do, but everything looks so nice when it's done, so it's worth the time and effort. I'm sure there are other things I do, but I will have to think on this for awhile.

One more project in the "completed"pile

Wow, it's been three days since I posted anything on my blog. What have I been doing all this time you may ask, knitting, of course.

Here is my Griffindor scarf and the matching beanie is close to done. I love the decreases on the beanie. Instead of K2tog in eight places, you divide the hat into fourths, place markers and SSK before the marker and K2tog after the marker. It almost looks like darts have been sewn into the hat. I think it has a very classy look.

I finished the left side of the cardigan and started the right side. This seater will be done before I know it.

But right now, if I weren't at the shop, I would probably be taking a nap. It's a gray, slightly rainy day in Seattle. My idea of the perfect nap day. Oh well, we can't have everything can we?

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What a great day

This morning I woke up in such a good mood. For some reason I'm really looking forward to today. The sun is shining, it's not too hot, so far, and everything seems bright and rosy.

I have a list of thngs that I want go get done today and all of them sound interesting to me. I'll fringe the Griffindor scarf and take a picture of it for the blog, then I'll start the beanie. The book I'm using is "Charmed Knits" and it is loaded with great patterns for Harry Potter fans.

I also plan to finish the left front of my cardigan that I spoke of yesterday.

Another thing that makes me so happy is watching people come into the knitting community wanting to learn to knit. Some start out all thumbs. They drop stitches or add stitches and not realize what they have done. After swearing to quit, that knitting is just not for them, they finally complete a project, and then the transformation takes place. They are hooked.

I have one such customer. She was so tentative at first, but now she is knitting herself a sweater and it is coming along nicely. Not only is she a customer, but she has become a good friend as well. I always enjoy having her in the shop. Sitting and knitting and sharing the ups and downs in our lives is what it's all about. How could I be any luckier.

Yes indeed, this is a great day.

It's Monday

It's Monday and the shop is closed, so where will I be today? At the shop of course. This is Beth's and my chance to get some things done at the shop that we can't do when it's open. Such is the life of a yarn shop owner. I love being at the store so this is not a bad thing.

I finished knitting the Griffindor scarf. All I have to do now is fringe it, block it and I'm done. Today I hope to get to work on my cardigan sweater. This is a project that five of us are working on. We found a sweater that we all loved and decided that we would each knit one. Even though we are knitting the same sweater, we each selected different yarns.

My sweater is being knit with Cascade's Butterfly. It's a variegated yarn in shades of lavender, blues and greens. Butterfly is a worsted weight yarn and it's going to be a nice warm sweater come winter that will go well with a number of different outfits.

Finishing a project is always exciting because as I'm nearing completion, my mind starts spinning over what I will start next. I have enough yarn let over from the scarf to make the Griffindor beanie, so that will be next on the docket.

We both must be waiting

Last month I hung a Fushia basket on my front porch in the hopes of seeing some Hummingbirds this summer. I have buds on the plants just about ready to open so my hopes of seeing these elusive little creatures has been running high.

This morning I was out on the porch inspecting the progress of my Fushia when I saw what at first looked and sounded like a very large bee until it stalled in mid-air. There he was - the Hummingbird checking out the Fushia right along with me. He hovered by the basket then faced me and it was as though he was thinking "Soon, I'll be back soon."

Well my little friend, I'm looking forward to your return and I hope to see you often.

To me, this is what summer is all about - being outside and enjoying whatever nature has to offer. Summer is also all about knitting for me. I know many people put down their needles when the warm weather arrives. Not me.

OK, I won't be working on a heavy wool throw, but the socks and other lighter projects give me something to work on when it's too hot to do anything else. It sort of gives me a head start on Christmas and other gift giving occasions that will come up.

My Griffindor Scarf has passed the halfway point. This is such nice, mindless knitting that I have a hard time putting it down. Everyone needs a project like this every so often. Don't you agree?

Welcome to my blog

Wow, I'm pretty new to blogging, so this could be interesting. I am the co-owner of the Burien Yarn Stash. My daughter and I opened the yarn shop just a little over a year ago and I think it was a great idea.

I have been a knitter since I was six (no, I won't tell my age) so I have been knitting for a LONG TIME. Was this enough to qualify me to own and operate a yarn shop? Definitely not, but my daughter has a great business head and we both felt that we had something to offer our community. I love color and I love people and every day I feel like I am sitting in a rainbow and the friends I have made are my pot of gold. What a lucky lady I am.

I am one of those knitters who has more than one project going on at once. Do you know anyone like me? Currently, I am working on a lace shawl, a cardigan sweater, a shop model and of course I always have a sock in progress.