Everything's Better at the Beach

Before I wax poetic, I must mention Anne's latest contest. Scoot over and talk patterns and get in on another of Anne's great prizes.

First, some sock love. It's kinda' ironic to be grinding out socks at the beach, where socks aren't much of a priority for me, but I was delighted to finish my second Tofutsie, after so very much ado. Isn't it pretty?! (There's no sun at the beach today. Sorry.) Mugsy's beach towel is a rather blah background, but the socks are colorful enough for everything.

That takes us straight to Fred's Yarn in the Knight's socks. It's a low-maintenance pattern for a no-frills guy, the beaded rib from Sensational Socks. The second sock is well underway, and I hope to finish it tonight during House.

The Knight earned another jewel for his shield again today. First stop: Knitting Addiction. Sigh. We're just going to have to come down here often enough to call it my LYS. Maybe beaches just have great yarn shops (Knitting Up a Storm, Myrtle Beach), or maybe there's just no LYS like a shop owned and operated by a female volunteer fire fighter. I wanted one of everything, but paced myself, a bit. The first shot is of the wrap pattern I couldn't resist and the yarn Jeanne helped me me select for it. She wound everything almost without asking; a simple, "Here, I'll wind that while you continue shopping" began what I hope will be a real friendship.

There were a couple of if they see it they'll know it is for them purchases, but here's the rest of my haul. I'm sure several of you recognize the Blue Sky Cotton. This color just called my name, and will most likely become Cass's eye pillow. My Bryspuns are my favorite straights, so I've always wanted to try the circs. If they are so wonderful, I'll be calling Jeanne; she does ship.

I'll be doing a "real" write-up for the LYS review blog in due time, but folks, if you're ever anywhere near the Outer Banks, North Carolina, stop in. I can't believe this shop is only a mile from my aunt's beach house, so I'm calling it my LYS, and it will be another reason to swing down this way as often as possible. While chatting with me about a mutual friend and winding my yarn, Jeanne greeted the regulars by name, and helped two other customers. I don't think any of us felt jilted; she easily and graciously multitasked as only a great woman can do.

MEN!!!

More eye rolling. Just a quick addendum about Stony Mountain Fibers. Y'all please check the link, because now that the Knight and his Uncle Bobby have opened their sweet (read: stupid) mouths, I now know that the Barbara of said shop is the mother of a life-long friend of the Knight's. The Knight didn't know she did anything other than gather her own wool, but dear Uncle Bobby did indeed know she "sold other yarn stuff" from their farm.

Dang it all. Honestly folks, I would/should have never shopped anywhere else without checking there first. (And I'm new enough to manic knitting that none of her brother inlaws, her husband, nor her son know of my all-consuming hobby.) So, all of my head-banging tales of LYS woe were for naught. Barbara might not have exactly what I want all the time, but I know my customer service issues are over.

Now, before you click over, Barbara's site isn't really set up for e-commerce, but without having ever talked to her about her business, I can assure you that if you call or email, she'll move that little mountain they live on to help you. Our family business has worked with her father inlaw's family business (where her hubby works) for decades. Two of her brother inlaws are some of my favorite people in this world, the kind of business associates whose mere voices makes me smile and know the conversation will be pleasant. Those (insert family name of her inlaws here) are nothing if not good, honest, hard-working folk, all about good customer service, and I'm positive Barbara has incorporated those same values in her fiber business.

Men. Can't live without 'em, and you just can't shoot 'em. But I can have shopper's revenge. I have swap pals to shop for, and of course, I'll be guilt shopping not only on my own behalf, but for the Knight and Uncle Bobby too... If you see something there I might "need", let me know. I'll be popping in very regularly, methinks.

Oh - and a contest! Head over and wish Yarn Collectors Anonymous a belated birthday and enter the contest. My "entry" put her right at half of her 50+ goal, so let's shock her with how many of us like to win yarn!

Hrumph Day

I've heard Wednesday called Hump Day, because it's in the middle of the week, and once you get past it, the weekend is right around Thursday. Yeah, true enough, but today was more of a HRUMPH kind of day. You know, the kind of day where every third minute, you have a reason for a wry expression, or to roll your eyes.

But firstly, it's not a bad day for everyone. Go wish Michelle and her lucky half a happy anniversary. Go on, I'll wait. Just don't forget to note the sweet Murphy pup, AND the kickin' shoes Michelle has on in the "over the threshold" shot!

You know it's a bad day when your co-worker husband calls you en route and tells you how bad it is. I'll skip the details, but folks, when it's a bad day in a family business, it's REALLY bad. I'd managed to keep my head down and my nose clean, when into my inbox popped an email notifying me that my favorite almost local yarn shop, Limerick Fibres, is going out of business. Not at the end of the year, but starting October 15th, with the big finale on the 27th. Craptastic, huh? I mean, I love a good sale, but not like this.


Here's a little shot of yours truly in front of said shop this summer, stolen from Anne's blog. To say that I'm bummed would be an understatement. The owners were down to earth, helpful, kind, just what LYS owners should be women, and evidently, that makes them an endangered species around here. Now, I respect their decision to "go out on top" but I don't have to like it. However, in the farewell alert, they did suggest a local "shop" I knew nothing about, which is about ten minutes from my work, and only about five from the McDonald's where my mother inlaw's beloved Vanilla Iced Coffee is found. It's one of those by appointment spots, but since it will FINALLY be cool enough to leave Mugsy in the vehicle for a few minutes tomorrow, guess who is going to try to see if Barbara of Stony Mountain Fibers is in? I'm betting she headed to Stitches East, but it's a local call, so it won't even cost anything to call.


The other silver lining to that little black rain cloud? The Knight and I will be driving within two blocks of Limerick's on the 27th anyway... During one of the positives of the day, we made plans with my favorite aunt and uncle for a combined Happy Anniversaries/We Miss You Nannie & Fred day that day. I think there's a yarn shop in old town Fredricksburg I need to get my aunt to take me to see too!

Oh - and all this talk of LYSes reminded me of this. Anne gives great prizes, and it really isn't hard to write up a review, even if it is for a shop that goes out of business six months later. (More eye rolling and wryness.)

Questions and Answers

So, my Fall Felted Bag Exchange pal has questions.

Questions: what is your preferred sock knitting method and what needles do you use? Also, favorite sock yarn or one you want to try?

Well pal o' mine, I like anything BUT Magic Loop. Which is to say, I like dpns a lot, but two circs are so easy to travel with that I guess they are in the #1 slot. Needles? Addis and KnitPicks. I thought I was all about metal, but of late, I've been into wood and bamboo. ANYTHING bamboo appeals to me, because it's the ultimate renewable resource. The stuff makes Virginia Creeper (read: kudzu) look like a slow grower. I'm also really liking the toe-up approach to socks, just for the record.

Favorite sock yarn. Okay gentle reader, I know I've professed my love for about ten different sock yarns, but honestly, Tofutsies has to get the #1 slot. For merino/superwash, I'd go with Lorna's Laces or the local Misty Mountain, both available at the Loopy Ewe. Heck, if all else fails, if you can buy it there, I'll like it. Wick is the only worsted weight sock yarn for me, although I might be trying some others in the holiday knitting rush, which I do believe is upon us. The simple fact is, I love wee little skinny sock yarns. I want to try them all.

Lace is also working its way into my heart, but we have a problem; I'm fickle and want a fast, but passionate fling with my works in progress. Lace? She's a demanding mistress. She wants my full attention, my time, and to Mugsy's chagrin, a lot of my lap space too. She's what the boys call high maintenance, and ask my bigger than a wallet felted bags and baby blankies where that will get ya'. I'm high rent but not high maintenance, so lace is happening on my terms. (Read: Some of you will be getting pictures of your intended holiday gifts instead of the items.)

I have questions too. Why did my new-found joy in one LYS get dosed with cold water today? Do they really not want to sell me more yarn because I haven't brought in a finished project from their stock yet? (I swear. I wouldn't lie to you. That's about word for word what the lady said, in the 14 seconds she took away from her friends at the table in the back. I need to finish up something(s) with the yarn I've purchased there so I can buy more. 'Scuse me? Me and my yarn appetite walked out without even a good-bye. There's a Fiber Festival this weekend, you know!)

Do you (specifically, Anne) know how hard it is for me to not to share a cool work in progress with y'all? I'm learning new skills, trying a new yarn, and keeping it to myself is killing me. I know you'll love the bag, because I'm already thinking maybe I need one for me too...

And now, I have to walk away from this idiot box, so that knitting can actually take place.

Be Still My Heart!

The always awesome Michelle has started the best KAL ever. Have I mentioned I don't watch TV much at all? Well, that has changed, all because of one thoughtful friend/employee/dog & house sitter. He plopped Season 1 on my desk and said, "Watch it. You'll love it." As fate would have it, we stopped in to visit his father's duty crew at the firehouse a few days later - on a Tuesday night - and stayed riveted to the television for an hour. We devoured the first three seasons just in time. You're on notice - don't expect any contact from me on Tuesdays from 9-10 Eastern. (I do want a Tivo though; we became accustomed to the commercial-free version.)

I also feel obliged to note that everyone in the free world loves The Needle Lady, except me. Even Anne loved it. I did note they're polite enough and they have a selection of primo fibers. Maybe I'm just too picky. Dunno. I think it's because I am a part of the fourth generation of a family business that I have exacting ideas about how my patronage should be valued. I might get over myself (the Knight says his best friend is House and I am what would happen if House and Cuddy [my fav!] had a child) if places like The Loopy Ewe and Carodan didn't lead me to believe that my expectations are very realistic.

Also, swing by and visit Blume's Accessories. Like all of the Etsy folk I know, Mary will also treat you right. She's just getting started, so check in often.

I think the Monkeys will be a completed pair tonight too. Then I can ship that and my tea pal's package out tomorrow!

Things That Make Me Go Hmmmm...

Since I don't go to UVA football games, I have to dodge the game traffic when I want to shop during a home game. I was going to head to the next little town over, but instead, I went downtown to The Needle Lady. It has been several months, and the owner is almost always there on Saturdays, so I gave them another chance. Big sigh. They carry very different lines than the other LYSs, and when the owner is there, they are friendly and offer to help, but the general cluttered feel still bothers me. It also bothered me that when she found this "sock project bag" for me and I wanted two, she didn't offer to order another for me. I would have paid up front, or whatever it took to make her feel secure, but the offer wasn't extended, despite my not subtle at all, "Do you have another? I'd love to buy two." I already had a book and at least three skeins of yarn in my hands at this point. Hello?!







You see, it is a nearly perfect bag. That strap is long enough to be doubled as a shoulder strap, or worn around the waist. Perfect! Just yesterday, my wool and I stood indecently on the back porch and threw the ball for Mugsy while I Monkeyed on. It balanced precariously on the top railing, while I was thankful the leaves hadn't fallen off the trees yet, because Ma was in her nightgown. My sock bags are all capable of hanging on an arm, but when you're playing fetch AND knitting, the yarn would like to be more securely out of the way. And just look inside this thing! Great pockets for dpns, circs, pencils, whatever. Luckily for all of us, there's a link on the card, but before I give you that, look at that yellow card on the left (top photo). It's Kitchener instructions, right there on the sock bag! Now, I'm in love with toe up, but what that means is that when I do choose to top down, I definitely won't remember how to get started kitchenering.





So, since you've been faithfully chewing through this rant mixed with great find report, here's where you can find your own Knit Knack Sack. (Check out the patterns! Scarlett is heading my way. Squee!!) Please look around; they come in leather too, but I think that's too heavy for me.




I also purchased Lace Style, because some of you know that I am trying to get up enough courage to tackle my first real lace project. I have a couple of should be Christmas gifts projects in mind, but I want something pretty basic to test the waters. Any suggestions?


I also picked up some swap yarns, but I can't show you EVERYTHING I buy for my pals, can I? A girl has to have a few secrets. I fondled several new Tofutsies colorways, but when I saw #809 with its brown and blue (and some stupid lavender in there), my defenses crashed. Honestly folks, I want to make myself socks in every single colorway. Swap pals, now and future? Send me Tofutsies, whether it suits our swap or not, and I will put you in the Swapper's Hall of Fame. And dudes, this stuff is MACHINE WASH AND DRY! (Yeah, yeah, Mother Inlaw will get a pair too, but probably for Mother's Day, as she's getting Hummingbird socks for her birthday and a shawl for Christmas, or vice-versa.) The Classic Elite Bam Boo was on sale, but I just picked up this one lonely blue guy, because it's not exactly bamboo weather in VA anymore. Sure, TODAY it is, with highs in the mid-80s, but the nights are still cool, and heading for cold. Anyone other than Sharon care to guess what I'll "swatch" with the bamboo?

Here again, mixed results from the Needle Lady. She offered advice on my bamboo vest, which "grows" when I wear it, but then totally missed the point when I very enthusiastically asked if she was carrying the Tofutsies Sock of the Months. Nope, and no offer to explore it either. That's okay. Caroline at Carodan will have it, and I'm betting I can order October 1, and pick it up at the Fall Fiber Festival. (Anyone else going??) So you see, I'd like to support each of my LYSs, but some just seem to fit me better than others. The Needle Lady has a tremendous following, carries some incredible yarns, and can be friendly, so I will go back when I need silk or something special I know they carry. And I certainly encourage visitors to swing in; you'll feel you missed something if you don't, but Carodan, Limerick Fibers and It's a Stitch will remain my semi-local top three.

Feel-Good Yarn

I take back all of the less than wonderful things I've said about It's a Stitch. Maybe the ladies there are a bit shy or whatever, but now that I've been frequenting it so very often, it's a happy yarn home. They've ordered a color of Louet Riverstone Chunky just because I fondled the color in the light worsted and pouted, while holding a pattern that called for the chunky. (I purchased the pattern, of course.) Remember me whining and complaining about their refusal to order KA dpns for me over the summer? Well, I came home with a set of KA #2s yesterday, so evidently, they changed their minds but the order took too long to serve its original purpose for me. There are two ladies I like better than the others, but that's the way people connect. Their new lines this fall are pulling me in every time I go to town and they're open, which isn't a good thing for me, but is great for them.



That's a shot of today's yarn love. It's Mirasol Hacho. If you haven't heard the Mirasol story, take a moment and go read. I love it when I can buy something I adore and know that I'm in some small way helping the world become a better place. As usual, the colors aren't vivid. It's a perfect fall navy, mixed with dark shades of red, green and gray. More socks for me!

Oh, and not that I ever doubt Devon, but I do like the KA needles. Am I the only one whose needle preferences have rather suddenly changed?

Yarn Shop Therapy

It's been years since I have knowingly and willfully engaged in retail therapy. However, this morning, I found myself with about 20 minutes to kill before my first chiropractic appointment in about ten years. So, I did the only thing I could think of - I stopped in the nearest LYS and petted some yarn. Lest you think I'm cheap and/or easy, this isn't all of my haul. You all must pay the price for the inconvenience of having readers I also call friends. ;)

Everyone should recognize the current copy of Interweave Knits. If not, well, make it so. Get your own copy and get to know the best magazine in the industry, in my humble opinion. I'd heard it said that this wasn't a great issue, but maybe the same apprehension that spawned my fifteen minute spree inspired me to dog ear some dozen pages within... Granted, I think there were only two or three patterns in IK I want to even pretend I want to knit, but there are still articles and ads for so much more.

On the left, we have the answer to my prayers. Erm, well, yeah, that *IS* what it is. It's also Dulce by The Purled Llama, another almost local company! It's a superwash merino, and it will start to become my Sock it to Me pal's socks in just a few moments. Don't you love it when your LYS listens and responds? I asked for more sock yarn, specifically, central Virginia sock yarns, and here it is. This is a custom colorway called "Moonbeam" and I hope the moon will shine on my efforts to knit up some great socks fast.

On the right, we have Nashua Wooly Stripes Tweed, in Tartan Tweed. I wish I could offer you a link, but it seems the site is under construction. I may have to go pick up the second ball in this colorway, because there are only 88 yards of this soft, beautiful stuff, with which I plan to produce a fall handbag...

I also petted the new Louets chunky wool, which is so soft... Again, I can't seem to find a link, but I do have 4 hanks on order in a great green, for a "for me" project to be announced later.

Oh, and the new chiro helped a lot and feels certain he can fix me up again, sans surgery. I'm going to celebrate by casting on for the SitM socks!

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?

Snap, Crackle...

And another snap.

Anyone have ANY use for three Sox Stix, size 1 (aka: 2.25mm) needles? I love the little length, but my love for needles of the metal nature runs deep. Seriously folks, had I tried Sox Stix first, I would have been RIGHT THERE with Anne, offering up my dpns as skewers, mini plant stakes, or whatever other uses the things might have. I knit SO SLOWLY with these things, and thus, my Sockza socks (no picture just yet folks!) were knitted on no fewer than THREE different sets of needles. You see, Mark's dear auntie and her good-natured mom took me to find the knitting shop in Myrtle Beach on Saturday, after the first needle snapped. It was okay; I was in the foot, where the pattern only called for three needles and the working one, so it wasn't a big deal. I'm glad we went; not long after we returned from our adventure, SNAP went another, and the set became useless, right as I entered the final toe rows.

Knitting Up a Storm (no website?) is a great shop, and the friendly, non-owner clerk stayed open late to accommodate our browsing. I hope she felt it was worth it; I found some great bamboo Addi dpns (slick and fast, compared to the Sox Stix!), and learned at the heel that not all size 1 needles are created equally. Uh-oh. Rip. Pout. (And that's after ripping out the cuff no fewer than five times, for one reason or another.) Luckily, Mark spotted an AC Moore's, and swung in, killing time. I am married to a Knitter's Knight, ladies. Truly! While I went straight to the yarn, he left me in his dust. Imagine my glee when he showed up at my elbow with a delightful pack with not just metal size 1's, but 000 - 1, with FIVE of each size! Whooo HOOOOO! And that's when I learned not all US size 1s are created equal. We checked out, and I didn't think we'd get back to the hotel fast enough. As you can guess, my heel soon matched the original heel, and life was good.

Mark didn't believe that the needles could be so different. So, he took one of each of the #1s, and his credit card style door key, and went to the table in our unit. When the blonde Addi raised the card above the other two needles, he made those annoying "knowing" noises, and called me over to view his discovery. Yeah, whatever. I had already showed him the 2.25mm vs. the 2.5mm labels, but... Now, I don't care to explain why the legs of the two socks still match, other than to tell you again that I know I knit rather tightly.

But you want to know what I bought, don't you? There you go. More Trekking. Couldn't help myself. Pink and green together. Yum! I also purchased some swap gifts. The pad says, "The only place housework comes before knitting is in the dictionary." Yupper! That's my new motto!

100 Post Milestone

Funny how this whole knitting community/blogging/swapping thing grows. I picked up knitting in late November last year after Anne's Thanksgiving visit. After a few almost gentle nudges, she convinced me to start a blog so I could sign up for the Knitter's Treat Exchange. Now, only a few months later, wordy, chatty me has 100 posts, or rather, will once I post this one. Thank you, each and every reader, especially those whom left comments. I try to respond, but if you don't leave an email address, there's a chance I'll forget to answer in the blog. And a special thank you to the wonderful Anne, for sharing your passions with me, even when I'm being a gooblette and need remedial instructions.

Today, Mark and I ran away. He announced last week that we were both going to be off today, which in a family business is rather brash. He didn't ask his boss - his father - or mine - his mother - but simply wrote our names on the calendar and then made his announcement. No good reason, really. We took his truck over to program the two new remotes, but his cousin would have made arrangements without us both taking the day off, and most certainly, Mark could have driven to Elkton alone. Still, it was a great break, a fantastic treat, and getting to spend time with Gary at work (nothing like bring your cousin and his wife to work day, huh?), surrounded by people who obviously like and respect him was icing on the cake. (If you're in Virginia, Dick Myers is a great spot for auto needs. If you need parts, ask for Gary and tell him Chan sent you.)

But you don't pop in to hear me sing the praises my childhood friend/inlaw of distant sorts and/or his employer, do you? And as much as I adore Gary, he's not exactly 100th post material, so...

After hanging out, getting the remotes and a few other minor parts and repairs and having lunch, we headed home, in a slightly roundabout way. Last week, in a moment of weakness, I did some stash increasing. I stumbled onto a blog flaunting the Tofutsies Sock Club, and, well... You know what happened, don't you? Turns out one of the best prices I found was one county away, at a shop I'd been told had the best sock yarn selection in the area. (Which means anything about 45 miles from Charlottesville, in any direction.) So, I ordered (and couldn't stop at just the sock club, but you saw that coming too if you're a regular reader), and waited. Nothing. Sigh. Finally, I get the dreaded email... I'd selected a color not in stock. (It happens to the best systems, at the best stores, so that's hardly a complaint, okay?)

So, a few emails back and forth, and Mark and I had a date at Carodan Farms with Caroline. We pulled up in front of the cute shop, which is just steps away from what I assume is her home, and before we were out of the truck, Caroline was coming up the walk. She was friendly, helpful, gracious, and merely smiled as Mark did his best bull in a china shop routine and knocked various notions off the rack, one pair of mittens in the floor, and who knows what I missed. My only complaint is that it is a good thirty minutes beyond Limerick Fibers, which is a good 25 minutes from my house, so... It will be a special treat to stop in, and I would love for each of you to come visit so I have a good reason to go!

First, the reason I found them, the Tofutsies June Sock Club. (Took long enough to get to the yarn, didn't I?!) South West Trading Company doesn't seem to give their yarn fun, funky names, but you know I love the pinks, white and black here! It's a limited edition color, and if I understand correctly, it's only available in the June Tofutsies Sock Club. The good news is, your own local yarn shop might carry it, but if not, perhaps you'll give Caroline and Carodan Farm your business. $16 got me the yarn - which I believe I paid $16.99 for in a Richmond yarn shop - and the exclusive "Wild Kat" pattern which looks incredible. (Sorry folks; all non-sock knitting is likely to STOP once my tank is done, which might be tonight or tomorrow. I just have too many great sock yarns and patterns, and Summer of Socks certainly doesn't discourage me! I did wisely include a few pairs of socks in my Christmas KAL list.)

Next, the yarn that I actually ordered BEFORE the Tofutsies, because it was on the front page of their website, and it called my name. I'm pretty sure I already have some Claudia's for ME in my stash, but I consider buying her yarn part of my efforts to support another Virginia woman in business. After all, she is based about an hour from here, so that makes her local, right? That's an exclusive colorway called watermelon, which the artist dyed just for Carodan's SoXperience, which I just missed this year, dang it! Caroline had the CUTEST baby hat done in the worsted weight, and I see myself ordering it in the name of a baby hat for the friend loving bright colors but enjoying the mystery of her first pregnancy, so... There's really enough green in there that I think my friend would plop it on her baby's head, in his/her John Deere onsie, and think it was just wonderful. See the flecks of black in there? I know you do - look in the right-most part of my photo. That makes SEEDS when the yarn is knit up! Dontcha' just love it!?

Then, Sue had convinced me that I *NEEDED* my own hank of Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn, and being the impressionable novice that I am, I heeded her advice. Meet my elderberry (the color I really wanted, so I'm glad whatever I tried to order wasn't really available), which isn't at all neon, as the flash implies. There was a storm moving around us, and I guess this one shot got flashed... It's a great, dark, fall-looking hank of deep jewel-tones that wants to be a warm pair of socks for this winter. (And yes Sue, it's right here within reach, and I can't stop petting it.)

This solitary ball of Wick waved at me too, and I'm a sucker for friendly yarn. It had no friends. There was a great selection of Wick, but this colorway was alone, and I couldn't just leave it there. Any suggestions as to what to do with it? It's only 120 yards, but I'm hoping that maybe I can squeeze a pair of toe-less yoga socks out of it. Truly, I'd love other suggestions. Wick had caught my eye somewhere, probably on one of your blogs, but of course, I don't remember where, or what you were making...

Last, and honestly, least exciting, are the patterns I picked up. Caroline had probably the best selection of well-organized single patterns I've seen. (I'm still searching for the one Anne bought at Limerick's that I liked too.) I love this little Fiesta Fishbone Lace sock pattern, and for once, I won't have to stop a pattern well in advance of the written instructions to make myself a short sock! Then, there's another Oat Couture, Auntie's Afghan for baby. I even admitted to Mark as he raised his eyebrows at checkout that I probably wouldn't knit it up, but I actually had bookmarked that pattern back in the spring, before I overdosed on blankies. Knowing how much I'm liking the OC vest pattern I'm doing now, I couldn't resist. So, as a reward for those of you who made it this far, post a comment about my purchases today, and I'll use the random number generator to select a winner. One entry per person, and best of luck to each of you!

All By Myself

Well, Mugsy's at my side, as usual, but Anne and Ingrid have headed back to Atlanta, and Mark is at the firehouse for duty. It's going to take a bit to get back into our steady routine, but the upcoming week will make it easier, as it is our meeting week - Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for both of us. It's always a treat to have Anne here, and it was especially nice to get to not only meet her mom, but to spend time with them both!

Their visit actually ended as all good yarn-focused visits should, at a yarn shop, but more on that later. I'll backtrack to Friday night. Before a very bleak, disappointing meal at Ludwig's, Charlottesville's German restaurant, we stopped in at Michael's, where Anne and I both bought more Patons SWS. Michael's is markedly cheaper for the SWS, at least in this area. It's such a great yarn, and I can't wait to try out Natural Denim (on the right) and Natural Navy (on the left). I'd also like to pass along Devon's very common sense advice that didn't occur to my own little mind - it's probably not a good plan to try a restaurant you haven't eaten in before with guests. Duh? It's safe to say that none of us were impressed, and Mark will have "I told you so" rights indefinitely, as he did suggest a restaurant we frequent rather regularly, but I ignored him.

The Virginia yarn crawl ended at Limerick Fibres (or Fibers... I've seen it spelled both ways), my favorite local yarn shop. They never cease to amaze me with their down-home friendliness, organization and selection. I made a couple of purchases I can't/won't tell you about for swaps, but the bulk of my shopping was for me. The Cascade Cotton Rich just jumped into my hands as soon as we walked through the door. I love the color and the softness, but have no grand plan for it. It could be a face cloth, but I don't think Mark will be excited about a hot pink one, and I use the pouf thingees, so who knows what it will become? There are some little babies on the way, and one already here whom I owe a gift, so maybe it will find a purpose in baby knitting.

Evidently, the last stop with Anne and Ingrid had me thinking blue, because the vast majority of my purchases were blue. I fondled the Plymouth Boku (wool/silk) last time I was there, and I think it might be a Noro Kureyon alternative. I have a plan for the little 99 yard skein, but it involves someone I know reads my blog, so only Mugsy knows my secret, and unlike Duke (of Bush's Baked Beans fame), he REALLY isn't telling. Y'all know I can't come out of a shop without sock yarn, and I am happy that Lola (the owner) has added more sock yarn! The Sockotta in color 14 NEEDED to come home with me too. Can't you just see me knitting with it at the beach next month? Same with the Cascade Fixation. It wants to be a darling little pair of yoga socks. Mary found one pattern for me, and my daily knitting calendar also had a footie version earlier this week. Yum!

I just couldn't stop crawling though; on our way to a very early dinner with the inlaws, Mark and I stopped in It's a Stitch for one last item for a swap box. I was shocked that he wanted to go in. He was dressed for crew at the firehouse, and I think he just wanted to see how the ladies who own/run the shop would react. I don't know the nice lady who was working, but she was polite, and even at two minutes to closing, took a moment to show me how to do socks on two circular needles, which you'll get a report on later this week. Say it with me... I must not start new socks until Thursday. I must not start new socks until... You see, that's when the Summer of Socks begins, and that's when my first socks on two circs will take to the needles! I just need your help. This will be the first time since my first sock (all of what, a few weeks ago!?) that I won't have a sock in progress. Add in my overwhelming urge to try the needles and yarn my Felted Bag pal sent me, and truly, I need all the help I can get!

So, no crawling tomorrow. It's Fathers Day, which means heading to Mark's paternal grandfather's for a cookout with the extended family, followed by a relaxed evening at home with lots of knitting on some non-sock item. I think my Oat Couture vest to be done in the Plymouth Royal Bamboo is calling me, but I'm really have a hard time hearing it over the roar of the circs and Trekking...

Crawl until you drop

Before I get into the details of today's yarn crawl, let me take at least a moment to thank my most awesome Dishcloth pal, Shannon! She's one tricky, kind gal! She used her middle name and kept me posted on the status of my goodies from day one. Yup. All of that goodness is mine, save the red canister in the back right. Those are - get this! - dog treats! The dogs are very excited, and wouldn't believe the same woman wrote "Cats rule, dogs drool" in her letter to me. I hope I don't leave anything out. There's a cute bracelet, dark chocolate with caramel, a brand of green tea I haven't tried before, two patterns, a scallop picture (I'm allergic, and was silly enough to say so in my questionnaire, so Shannon was silly enough to send me a scallop!), a beautiful beach scene bookmark, FOUR cloths, two soaps, and some Peaches & Creme, which I haven't tried yet. If you look hard enough, you can see that she even customized my letter with some sketches! I am spoiled, yet again. Thank you Shannon, and dear Devon, the hostess who made the match!

Now, I must note that we decided to punt Jamestown today, because of the weather and the travel time. (Only a couple of hours, but still...) Instead, we went to Richmond. We had plans for some non-yarn sight-seeing, but between the rain and the downtown MESS, we quickly abandoned all non-yarn and lunch plans.

First, we stopped at the Short Pump Ben Franklin. It too had some Cascade 220, lots of Patons wool and SWS, and was clean and lovely. (Yes, another Ben Franklin. I'm impressed.) I bought some swap and prize goodies and a few notions for myself.

Next stop was the Yarn Lounge. It was an interesting shop, but I think I was too hungry to really get too excited. It was also post-downtown mess stress, so there may have been some residual grumpiness on my part. The dog in the shop was cute though.

Third stop on the Richmond, VA round of the crawl - The Knitting Basket Ltd. on picturesque Grove Avenue. It was a crowded little shop in the basement of a toy store, but I found some Tofutsies and another swap something. There were many yarns I'd not seen before, but the Tofutsies were nearly lonely with the few other sock yarns. I seriously think it has more company here in my sock yarn basket! Anne spotted some silver charms at the register, so I'll have to let my family know they exist and would look great on my charm bracelet!

Then came Unraveled, Inc., in a little village-like shopping center. Friendly folks, some local wool, but nothing jumped out at me. Anne did purchase a few things there though. They kindly gave us directions to the last stop on our Richmond crawl, and that was very nice!

Last, but not least was Lettuce Knit. I don't think Anne was impressed, but I was! I found some Jitterbug, and something happened that has never happened to me before; they offered to wind it for me. Of course, I said "Please, thank you!" and was further impressed when Lynn pulled out a copy of the Jitterbug free pattern, printed on green, 8.5" x 11" paper, in an eye-friendly font. They also let me fondle some new sock yarns they'd just gotten in, but it wasn't in their system yet, so alas, it wasn't for sale. I will go back though, or at least beg my sister to stop in for more Jitterbug! (That's actually rather brown, flecked with all kinds of other colors. It was raining outside, so you didn't get the good outdoor light shots!)

Still, I have to report that I failed to find the two items I was most hoping to find... a special brand of needles and a certain notion, both for a swap. I can buy them online, but I was hoping to find them semi-locally, but to no avail. Likewise, despite my happy sock yarn purchases, both of which I was hoping to find in my travels, the overall sock yarn selections were very disappointing. The nice ladies at Lettuce explained to me why they stock so few sock yarns - gauge, fiber and colorways make it difficult to purchase and stock successfully with too much diversity - but I'm afraid it didn't make sense to me. Yeah, I have a marketing background, so I get some of what they were saying, but I just don't understand why the home state of Claudia's, which is rather popular online, can't do a better job in at least ONE store. And if you do find a decent selection of Claudia's, good luck finding two skeins in the same dye lot. POUT. I'm not the only sock knitter in Virginia. Ladies, there's a reason you can't keep Jitterbug and Claudia's in stock. Take a hint. BUY MORE, in more colors!

Tomorrow, I hope to sneak away early from work and show Anne my favorite local shop, Limerick Fibers, in Gordonsville. I'm also hoping they'll soon have their website open for all to see.

Dream Come True

Anne had a contest to talk about local yarn shops. She even posted somewhat of a wish list recently, which is what I think almost all of us need/want in a local yarn shop. Well, I've found one that is local, in a back roads, away from the city kind of way. Limerick Fibers (site under construction, but coming soon!), in Gordonsville, VA is a knitter's dream. It's cute. The owners are a mother-daughter team, and while I was there, I was introduced to another daughter and her wee daughter. I left work early and drove 25 minutes out into the country, and there on Main Street is the little grey building that is home to the best little yarn shop going.


I was in a good frame of mind to judge, as I'd picked up the last of the back ordered Cotton Fleece from the LYS in the city I frequent. (They know me by name, and even what I have in the works.) They're nice enough now that they know me (and coincidentally, I've spent a boatload of money in there), but they're still disorganized and always seem to lack whatever I went in there after. Not so at Limerick Fibers. They didn't know me from Eve, and had not a clue whether I'd buy anything then or ever, but Paula assured me I should take my time, let her know if she could help, etc.




My cell phone has a camera. I should have used it. I have never seen so much Cascade 220 in one place, neatly stacked in wood stained cubes, higher than I could reach, in row after row. Sigh. There was even an entire row at the back with the Cascade Sierra, which is what I wanted to use for hubby's blankie, but the above-mentioned LYS had one little cube full of maybe three colors, so I went with the Cotton Fleece, and still had to order five of the colors. I'm pleased with my selections, but the multi MONTH wait for the last color was unacceptable, and Cotton Fleece simply doesn't have some of the colors I wanted. (There they are. There are multiple skeins of many of the colors, but you could have guessed that, since I said it was for a blanket, right?)


So, here is what I purchased, minus one more pattern that is for a swap. Those are Bryspun needles. Almost since I reconnected with my inner knitter, I've wanted to try them. Soy? Good, but you know about that, because I went overboard about why I love soy with the SWS. They have sharp points too, just like those awesome Options. Yep, despite my initial less than love for Cascade 220, there's more of it in there. There's also Euroflax in there, because Knitters Stash and a mystery customer in the above mentioned LYS said I needed to try it, and the mounds of beautimousness all around are the Plymouth Bamboo that called to me. It wants to be the vest on the left, because I don't do sleeveless. And again, the folks at Limerick's are so cool that when I began to walk around stroking the bamboo and talk to the spinny racks of patterns, Paula went downstairs to find the three balls she'd pulled for her own use and for a shop sample. With those three balls, there was just enough for the pattern. Joy! There's another felted bag pattern on the teal paper, but that's for a swap too.



These down-home geniuses are also going to have a wish list section on their website. Even without a working website, they noted the ball winder and swift I want for my birthday, and said to send my family in. My husband, sister and mother inlaw have all been so advised. (Already, I trust Paula and her family. I won't end up with three swifts. They do gift certificates too.) They have spinning and needle felting stuff too.







I also got more lusciousness from Sheri at The Loopy Ewe. It's in a colorway called "Preppy" in colors I love dearly, by Sknitches. I'm still called "Preppy" and this yarn makes me proud to share the title. It also makes me want to go buy some penny loafers too, but I wouldn't really wear them. (I wonder if Clarks makes something like a penny loafer?)





Limerick's could be better. No Sunday hours, only open five days a week, but I do feel sure that if I can't leave work early and arrive there at 4:30, they'll stay until I've selected what I need and want. They are heavy on Cascade, carrying yarns in that brand I had only seen on websites before. They don't have much in the way of sock yarn, and I don't know whether it is a plus or a minus, but they have no Yuck Yarn - that's Noro Kureyon for the rest of you. However, they're more than willing to custom-order, which is nice, but realistically, it means that the city LYSs will still get plenty of my business, as will the internet stores. That I feel comfortable sending my family in there speaks volumes. That I checked to make sure they won't be closed for their family vacation while Anne is here means I've found the first "must see" stop on our Virginia yarn crawl.



Speaking of vacations, those crazy gals at the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap are tricky! International dateline and all, sign-ups are already open! Be there or be square. I'm already plotting what would go in my Virginia is for lovers swap box. (That's the state's tourism slogan, or was for too many years while I was growing up anyway.) I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what everyone else comes up with. Maybe I'll be inspired to add to my places I want to go if I'm ever able to take more than four days of vacation at a time list.