Living With Yarn...

Holiday Gift Knitting ~ Project #4

Project #4 on our Top 10 Gifts to knit is from several seasons ago.   Even so, it is still quite popular:

The Pedicure sock from the knitty.com pattern archives.  Our sample is knit out of  Cascade 220 Superwash Paints.    We have started restocking this yarn and have some bright, cool shades as well as some very pretty subtle combinations.   One skein makes a pair.  Great gift with a bottle of nail polish, etc.

Oh, and here is the Ali hat on a real live head:

See~ I told you it was cute.   We have the pattern available in the shop! 

So About That VIP Thing...

One of the things I knew I would miss about our big store was our yarn tasting events.   It was always such a good time.   For one whirlwind evening 3 times a year, we filled  the store with people, food, wine, and yarn.    For me, it represented  all the things I loved about the shop - laughing, knitting, bringing together customers,  friends and family.   My kids loved the events as much as David and I.   Oh,  I was really going to miss them.

Then late in the Fall, I thought we might be able to continue the tradition but on a smaller scale.  That thought along with the need to introduce a new rewards program was how our VIP Club Membership was born.  It was a bit of a gamble.  We had not charged for much over the years~ help is free, yarn tastings were free, etc.   Still I knew we needed to get some type of $$ going to offset the event expense and the store discount.   I decided to trust our customers  would recognize the savings and the value & we rolled out the VIP Club Membership .

As of today, all I can say is WOW.    We now have over 50 VIPs signed up in less than 6 weeks.   We are planning our first event in early February (no worries - we have a plan for handling the number of people in our  smaller space), we are preparing our first VIP newsletter for after the holidays and some day I will get the programming figured out for VIP pages on the website.   :)

We are still offering this membership.   While we originally limited enrollment  to 50, we have found a way to allow more people to take advantage of the savings and events.  

 The membership  covers a 12 month period, but if you sign up now we will give you the month of December *free*.   You can also join anytime in 2010 and the membership will run 12 months from the enrollment date.   The membership has taken on many forms.  There have been individuals who have  purchased  the membership for friends  as gifts.   Husbands have been in to purchase them mumbling something about any way to save more money on yarn is a good thing.  (Don't ya love it!)  VIP memberships are even showing up on  holiday wish lists which is a great way to get a membership for  yourself this year.   

I am making it a routine to wake up each day in December and before my feet hit the floor, I have to think of at least 3 things I am grateful for.   (Hey- its so easy at this time of year to create that mental list of everything we need, do not have or wish was different.  I figured this thankful thing couldn't hurt.)  Well, I woke up today thinking of our VIP Club and all the customers who just rallied to support us and said,"Count me in for 2010."  

 It is no small thing when your customers vote with their dollars.   We take it very seriously.  We know we have a responsibility to make the membership work, have value and be worthwhile.   So, today, we say "Thank You."

And let the yarn tastings begin! 

Holiday Gift Knitting ~ Project #3

Ready for the next project on our  Top 10 Holiday gifts to Knit  list?

Sweet & Sassy.  This is the toddler version of the popular Button tab Hat.

We used one ball of  Cash Vero Aran yarn.   Fast, inexpensive and so sweet.

If you have teenagers and young adults to knit for, how about the Ali Hat?

 

We are having so much fun with this hat.  I have to get a picture of Gigi wearing it.  Think Ali McGraw & her hats in the 70's.   It is a seed stitch skull cap with button embellishments.  I originally thought it was too small.   After I got the darn decreases figured out, I thought it might fit Izzy.   Well, Genevieve grabbed it, put it on and refused to take it off.   My kids are the true acid test for any knitting project.  If they like it, the project is a winner.

Two balls of Cash Vero Yarn, a couple of buttons and a few nights.  This would be very cool knit in the Aurora 8 as well.

We spotted a hat like this at the movies.  There was a young woman in a commercial before the previews wearing a seed stitch hat.  Genevieve leaned over and said, "That is so CUTE."   I just had to try making one.

The Ali Hat  is on display in the shop.  

Top 10 Holiday Projects - #2 Quickie Mohair Scarf

As I mentioned, I wanted to post our top 10 project ideas for the holidays.   These are all projects that can still be done before the holidays.    The #1 Project has been the beautiful Ruffled Scarf out of Cloud 9.  It appeared on our newsletter and earlier on the blog.   It is also on display in the shop.  If you want to see it, hurry in.  Lynn C is the owner and as soon as the snow flies ~ she will be  taking it home to wear.  

Project #2:  Our Quickie Mohair Scarf.    This was the big seller Black Friday.

 
This is one ball of Classic Elite Mohair.  So, cost wise its a deal.    We have lots of colors to choose from.  And you can knit this in a couple of sittings.  It is great TV knititng.  You even have permission to sip some wine with this one.  It requires almost no thought whatsoever.   Pattern available  in the shop.

Oh - and before I forget.  We have the St. Ann's Angel Tree  back this season.  We are collecting gifts for residents of  the St. Ann's Community.  I can not tell you how grateful the folks at St. Ann's are every year when we turn in our gifts.   For some of the residents, the gifts they receive through the Angel Tree project are their only present during the holidays.   Now, we are a little behind time wise.  The tags are here.  Please pick up a tag with the resident's gift choice and return the unwrapped present by Saturday, 12/12.   As always we are most thankful for your generosity & participation.

Unexpected Gifts

I thought I would post  our top 10 gift ideas for the holidays.  Before I do, I wanted to share  my  recent "gift experiences".    This might  help if you find yourself overwhelmed by the mountain of  knitting projects you have planned for the holidays .    It is usually right about now where we question our sanity and wonder why we just didn't buy everyone that jumbo tin of carmel popcorn you saw at Target.

So, to begin, you have to remember I am not a shopper.  While there are many things I need or dream of, most of them can not be found down aisle #4.   In terms of gifts I receive, I love gifts that have memories & meaning attached to them.   Better yet, unexpected gifts.  Gifts you least expect.  Gifts that  arrive at the perfect moment ~just as they are needed.

Last  Sunday, I arrived home from the shop.   I walked up the stairs exhausted.  Tired and worn out,  I smelled something familiar and yet strange.  What was it?  A little strong...pungent.   I know that smell but what, where...Why it was LYSOL.  Lysol with  possibly a hint of Tilex?   My mind was now racing .   Lysol, Tilex.  Could it be?  Did someone actually clean the bathroom?   Or maybe the powder room?  Did they clean it or  just run a  wet  paper towel over the  sink as a tease? 

Before my brain could process the smell entirely, I  headed for our bathroom.  It was clean.  The tub, the sink...even the linen closet was sorted and organized.  It was amazing.  I  took a chance and checked the 2nd floor and then the powder room.  Clean.  Not so much as a tissue or a pony holder out of place.   Then David, turned to me and said, "Liv cleaned the bathrooms today."

Liv cleaned the bathrooms today.  LIV CLEANED THE BATHROOMS TODAY.    Oh, okay.  I get it.  Its  that crazy dream again.  Next  Oprah comes to my front door and tells me she wants to do a show all about moms who need to lose 20 pounds, have their own businesses, write a blog, and know how to knit.  Yeah  and  can I come with her right now to begin taping...

Well, it wasn't a dream.  It was all true.  The bathrooms were sparkling.   What a gift.  And in true Liv style, she posted this note on the powder room wall:

It reads~

"Anyone who pees on the seat, there is fantastic spray - CLEAN IT OFF.

Also flush the toilet.  Simple concept.  Anyone who can not grasp this concept can

start going OUTSIDE.  K. Thanks."   

So, that was unexpected gift #2.   Unexpected gift #1 happened earlier in the week.   I was dreading the trip to the grocery store to do my Thanksgiving shopping.  Of course, I had waited until the last minute.   So many things were running through my head:  I forgot Gigi's orthodontist appointment, one of the dogs had to go back to the vet, Izzy has outgrown all her jeans, did I buy her winter boots yet?  Did Max turn in his ski trip forms...  Ugh!  Why can't  I just turn it all off long enough to  get into that thankful holiday mood?

Then in walked Jeannine, then Cheri, then Laurie & Kate, Lynn, Debbie & Michelle.  They were there to present me with something.  Something just for me.  Something unexpected:

 

It was a blanket of squares each individually knit by a different person & tagged with their name. 

The center square said" Spirit Work 2009".   There were many people involved in this project.  Not all were present for the picture.   I have the "loveghan" at home but I will be bringing it back into the shop for a while.  You need to see it in person to get the full effect. 

Well, there it was.  A wonderful blanket of appreciation  just in time for thanksgiving.   I looked at the squares and I realized that unexpected gifts are the things we cherish most.  Gifts where someone took the time to do something or knit something with you in mind.   Gifts that  make things a little easier.  Or maybe they say, in their own way, that you make a difference.   Special gifts.  Gifts from the heart.  Gifts that you can not find down aisle #4. 

Happy Turkey Day~

I haven't had alot of writing time this week, but I do have a few pictures to post. 

First  my new favorite yarn, Cascade Superwash 128,  and that new favorite project I mentioned:

This leaf lace pattern is simple.  You make 2 identical pieces and graft them together.   Squooshy, chunky and pretty.    I will finish mine and block it as soon as our delivery of Cascade arrives on Tuesday.  I ran out of yarn (Yes- it happens to me too!).

And here are some Thanksgiving pictures:

I am particularly proud of this shot.  Max is mashing the potatoes.  This is a first - believe me.  Of course,  Genevieve is watching him closely to see if she is going to actually want to eat the  potatoes. 

And I am extra proud of this picture.  I asked Max to smile and face the camera.  And he did.  Yeah.  I asked my 17 year old to do something and I didn't have to repeat myself, raise my voice or threaten to pick him up from school in my bathrobe and pajamas.   He...He just did it. 

  
And there you go...our Thanksgiving Dinner complete with folding chairs and our half remodeled, unpainted dining room.   Well, we promised the kids we would have our Thanksgiving in the dining room this year.  Of course, we really, really thought we would have painted walls and real live dining room furniture by now.    Ahhh but a promise is a promise.  So we just had to celebrate this year in our naked dining room.  Its not so bad -  I like to pretend we've just moved into a rundown Italian villa  and we are slowly restoring each room.   Well, we've got the  slowly part covered, don't ya think?

Okay, maybe it wasn't the fancy table I used  to set,  but  it was a pretty terrific day.  

Hope yours was too!
 

Happy Monday~

Stop by and keep me company today.  The shop will be open today from 12-6.  I decided for  the Thanksgiving Holiday week, we would open today.   If you don't show up, I will be forced to do website maintenance and clean-up.  

Anyway, its a happy day.   I have a new scarf display half done and will post pictures later on.  It is done with the Cascade 128 superwash and I love the pattern.   If you enjoyed the forest canopy lace pattern - then you will definitely want to knit this project. 

And score  one for facebook...I found Max's godmother, Karen.  Yeah!  

 Maybe its the thanksgiving holiday fast approaching or the fact that I am trying to put together a "thankful" blog post for later in the week.   Whatever the reason, I am  reminded today of how blessed we are with lifelong friendships.    That  handful of people who love you no matter what.   The ones that can be gone for years and  after 5 minutes , it feels like no time at all has passed.   Or the individuals  you do not see as often as you would like.  You just do not get enough time together , but  you take great comfort in the fact they get you &  they understand you.   This friend is  the only person in the world who will listen to you ramble on about your bad week, bad month or 6 month stretch of crud.    They listen and when you pause to take a breath or grab a tissue, they  look you right in the eye.  And they respond. 

 They say," Okay - well you realize you are totally hormonal right now."  

 (Yes, I love you too, Grace!)

So hopefully this week you are reminded of the friends that keep it real.  The friends that can still make you laugh when you just want to cry.   Or  maybe you will connect with that friend who you've lost for a while.   Maybe you will find them and remember the silly things  you used to do.   The stuff you do when you live in the moment.  You know.  The  really silly stuff.  

How silly?  Well, maybe you and your friend were sales reps  in a tiny little office.  And on one Friday when the sales manager left, you decided it might be fun to  partake in an  early happy hour.  Hey, after all it was Friday.   Oh, but the bottle  of wine you ran and bought at the liquor store was warm.  Rats.  Well, fortunately,  one of you realize that the water  bottles for the water cooler are also warm.  Yeah - but when the water comes out it is cold.   Huh. 

And because you are young and not very dedicated to the whole job thing yet   full of promise,  you quickly decide  that  whatever makes that water cold might also  make  wine cold.   (Finally putting to work all of the deductive reasoning you learned in college.)  And a few minutes after you figure out how to drain the water and pour your beverage of choice into the reservoir, your friend says that thing.  The thing that  still makes you giggle to this day.

She presses down on the spout, fills  her glass and  says, "Why I believe I have died and gone to heaven.  There is WINE coming out of the water cooler."   (Ahhh...Karen.  We did have fun!)

So  happy Monday.   Let's hear it for  reconnecting with friends.  For  taking the time to  celebrate  what's right in our world, what's fun  and  what is truly worth remembering.  

Oh, Yeah, Knitting Stuff...

I almost forgot to post some pictures.    Remember my icicle toes blanket?  We actually called it the "Going To College Blanket."  It just reminded me of curling up in the library at school with my books & my blanket.   This pattern had the cool  pocket  for your feet.   I  felt it was time to finish this project.  It sat for a  long, long time  in a basket in our family room.  It was so long  our puppy, Chloe, claimed it as her new bed.

So here is my blanket today:

 
 The blanket portion is done and I just picked up for the pocket. I forgot  how much I enjoyed knitting this project.   You can work on it when you are tired, watching TV, whatever.  Very little thought required.

And here is the Adult version of our felted slippers:

 
Lots of color possibilities.    If you can't make the class, we have the yarn & patterns available.   This has been one of the top gift projects so far this season. 
 

And it is only 7:58 AM...

I did my little "Whoville" post and promised quite publically to take one day at a time.   Especially with the holiday season and the need to just be present.   Well, as we all know, that is much easier said than done.  And before anyone thinks I am just a complainer~ here is a little peek at the things that get thrown at me before 8:00 AM:

We were on the way to the high school this morning and Max waved to a girl on the sidewalk.

"Who is that?"

"Oh, that's  Carrie."

"Now, who is Carrie."  (That's what we do isn't it.  We just gotta ask...)

"My friend  Bradley's  girlfriend.  She's nice."

"Oh, now who is Bradley."  (Okay - its a Mom thing, right?)

"Bradley.  He's one of my firends. We hang out & stuff."

"Huh.  I don't know Bradley.  Is Bradley a junior or a senior?"

"Oh, well, he doesn't really go to school much.   But on the days  he shows up, he is a senior."

I decided maybe one more cup of coffee is in order this morning.  :)

Generation XYZ

So,I put a toe in the facebook waters last week.  Yup.  Something I have really never wanted to do.   Well, I thought I would try and  track down Max's Godmother.  We lost touch years ago and, well, I miss her.  So I set up a facebook page.   A couple of pictures and  a little information posted to my profile.  That was it.   In no time,  I was contacted by  from several old work friends.  Huh.  That was nice.  Good to hear what folks were up to, see pictures of their families, etc.   And then the facebook thing got bigger, more friend requests and I thought - "Oh, wow - this is going to be more upkeep than my website and my blog." 

And then my kids "friended me".   Not because we are buddies or anything like that.  It just helps their facebook "stats."  And me, well, I honestly do not need to see another picture of girls making goofy faces or sticking their tongues out.  For those of you who do not have children at home any longer, the pose of the decade involves sunglasses and  puckered lips kissing the "air"  or tongues sticking out while huddled in a group.  And - yes - I realize my age is showing.

I abandoned facebook almost as quickly as I jumped aboard.  And I did it as a nod to my Generation.  Forget  "Baby Boomers", Gen Xers and Generation Y.   I am a proud, card carrying member of Generation XYZ.  

Generation XYZ.   Who are we?  We are people who grew up recognizing an unzipped pair of pants was not an opportunity for You Tube hits.   Instead, we leaned over and whispered quietly, "Hey XYZ." 

We are the folks who believe some things are better left unsaid.   We  grew up in a time when the "F" word meant "Fart".   And it was a really, really bad thing to say that "F word."    We were the generation who knew without a doubt  that Tommy from 4th grade was going to jail when he was older.  We knew it because he spent the entire Math class  typing  "7734" into his calculator, turning it upside down and laughing about how his calculator could swear.   Oh - man - he was b-a-d. 

We are the generation that  would rather talk than text.   When possible, we like to catch up by meeting for lunch or cup of coffee versus reading each other's "wall".    We like to share but we do not bare all.  We believe that technology is good and too much information is bad.   We  can type, but we are also quite comfortable holding a pen.   We are okay with reading the news online but we love the feel of a new book in our hands.   (Sorry Kindle - you are not the same)

We are Generation XYZ.   When we grew up, there were limits and things you just could not say.  Or if you did, you experienced the consequences.   For example, when you  attend Catholic elementary school and you write an English  paper about the gonorrhea monster,  you will most certainly spend a solid week sitting outside the principal's office.  (Sorry, David, I just couldn't resist bringing that one up).

And before I get lost in all the wonders of Generation, XYZ, I thought it might be nice to hear from other XYZers.   Hey, we could even have  a generation XYZ  reunion.  Anyone other "XYZers" out there?  Let me know.  I'm on Facebook.  :)