Saturday, August 11, 2007

Red and Read


It's really a true red, but that's indoor photography for you. The boys - Mugsy, Fred and the Knitter's Knight - are all sound asleep, so it doesn't seem right to go out to snap a picture for my blog. (Mugsy would pop up and follow me, which would cause Fred to cry, which would wake KK, which would make us all grumpy!) Sorry. ;) I can tell you that I've found a cotton albeit blend to be gushy about, and Cascade Cotton Rich is it. It's about triple the price of a similar quantity of whatever and cream brands, but it's also triple the pleasure to knit with. All those patterns I've seen for clothing made of "dishcloth cotton"? I'd make 'em with this stuff. My pal will have to let us know how it washes and holds up, but it's pure knitter's joy on the needles.


Obviously, it's for my KVVS pal. I'm happy to announce that my pal's package, along with my Dog Days package, which should still make its way on time, will ship out on Monday. I have to give a shout-out to Willis (the owner) and the gals at the Charlottesville branch of The Virginia Store for the big assist in shopping for my VVS pal and more. (I've purchase my first Christmas gift!) You know I love good service, and that store never fails me. I hope my pal likes her virtual vacation too. (Hint - note that I did NOT venture to Monticello's gift shop for museum type gifts.) The lady waiting on me was very curious about knitting and swaps, so maybe next time I go in, she'll be knitting!


The same sales lady recommended the Debbie Macomber books. Sadly, my lame-0 Barnes and Noble doesn't carry them in stock, so that helped me just spend my gift card and NOT renew my membership thingee there, which I never really earn back, because of Amazon and Borders. So, I'll be leaving here and going to trusty Amazon and my prime shipping, and I'll have the book for less, probably before I'm ready to read it anyway. Now, please scoot on over to Debbie's site. There's a free pattern, which will change on August 18th, and Mary, this one is for crocheters! She has a blog too, which lacks photos, but does mention a new knitter in the family.
I'm more of a non-fiction type of girl, but I do enjoy a good what my family calls a "beach" read, so if you've read the Knitting Series, let me know what you think, but no spoilers, okay? There's also content on the site I linked above for Debbie's new inspirational book, which I did buy at B&N, along with another sock book, Vogue Knitting Socks Two. I love those little books, although I've yet to actually knit anything from one. Sigh. So many books, yarns and patterns, and so little time!
I also hit It's a Stitch for some personal and swap stuff. Sigh. The lady I like best wasn't working. I want to love that store and say great things about it, but instead, I'll tell you that I very nearly paid for two Addi circs. I already own, because the sales lady wasn't listening. She sold me 2 - US #1/2.5mm circs., when I very clearly explained that I have those and NEED the 2.25mm size for my socks. BIG SIGH. She says Addi doesn't make them, but I bet they do. However, since I'm having trouble finding them, good ol' Knitpicks (books in stock, 40% off through August 17th) will get my order, because I *KNOW* they have the 2.25 mm size, and their website always seems to "listen."
THEN, the same lady insisted she'd never heard of a sock pattern calling for two different sized needles. Now, I know I'm no expert, but I'm positive I've seen other patterns that do indeed call for different sized needles for the same sock! Hello? Am I wrong? Then, she told me to just knit the whole thing on the #2s called for in the bulk of the pattern... And what does one do when the said professional tries to tell her she's wrong? I can tell you what I do. I decide that if I can't make a mini road trip to Carodan or Limerick Fibers (no website yet, but oh, I hope it will be up in time for Christmas!), I'll just order online. I hate that, I really do, because as part of a local small business, I *WANT* to shop locally and support small businesses, but geeze folks, can you meet me half way and provide a modicum of customer service?!
Whew. I think some tea and stick therapy is in order. Why is it so hard to run a decent yarn shop?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm with you. I'm still amazed at the transformation of the Cast on Cottage - but I do also have to say that there's some stuff to it that I'm sure we all don't get - like no-compete agreements keeping out particular yarn brands or whatever. I think the worst part of ALL of my local shops is a lack of sock yarn. I'm to the point where if I want to buy some for a pal, I will be ordering online. Lord knows I don't need any of my own :p

Bubblesknits said...

The Debbie Macomber Knitting books are a great "beach" read. Definitely give them a try!

Julie in Texas said...

I enjoyed the Macomber books, I listened to them on my ipod while walking.

NH Knitting Mama said...

Bummer on your failed attempts to get what you want! GEEZE!

Surviving said...

I liked the Debbie Macomber books as well. It is a light, easy read.

vegasangelbrat said...

Thanks for the tip on Debbies blog! :) Got it!
Be back later to catch up..boy am I behind...lol

Devonshire said...

I too have seen patterns that call for 2 different sized needles so that lady is crazy! The dishcloth looks great and it is a great addition to your swap package. I have read the Debbie Macomber knitting books and agree that they are great quick beach type reads and I say anything that combines knitting and reading is usually a good sell for me or dessert and reading! Hope the new sock book is a hit!

Sharon said...

LOVE the cloth!! I have done a PA one a few times but was crazed this summer to do one for the KVVS 9but that was a GOOD idea!!)