Yarnology

Ravelympics, Shoes, & Fruit

2008-08-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Time has gone by so fast lately. I know it's because I trained hard and competed well in the first ever Ravelympics. I knit so fast that my camera couldn't catch the details so unfortunately I don't have any action shots for you. News coverage wasn't available here. I'm sorry, I know you were looking forward to them. And apparently NBC prefers to cover the Olympics rather than the Ravelympics. So I crossed the finish line in the Glovedecathalon with these sassy little warmers..

And then there's the Tawashi!! I still love saying that word...Tawashi! It's kinda sexy?.# I finished well in the Homestuffhammerthrow with both my crocheted Fishy Tawashi and the knitted Fishy Tawashi's. I posted pictures last time of my little fishies. Swim little fishies, swim.... The Crocheted Fishy swam all the way to Old Oak Park to a friends new house where Layla the vicious Shiatsu tried to have it for lunch....Swim little fishie, swim. Oh man was that scary, little fishy barely made it to the sink in time to get to work. I'm pleased to announce little fishy is doing just fine. She has all her scales and loves her new job. Glad she's able to find a job! I'm not willing to even go there today. No, I haven't found a job yet. The only door that seems to be open is the unemployment door right now. Back to the Ravelympics. I had an awesome team. You all did well. The memories of how hard you trained bring a tear to my eye. Some of you didn't think you could cross the finish line but you did, Congratulations!!! Oh sure you might have over indulged in coffee, chocolate maybe a beer or 5, but you did it.. So stand proud and wear your medals well Team Central Coast!!! So I started pondering this subject last night..... Is it better to have lots of shoes (pairs of course), (matching pairs, that fit) or fewer more expensive shoes? This came up last night at home group. We had to share 3 things we wanted to be known for when our lives are over. I thought of 2 but the 3rd just wasn't coming and then it hit me like a funky shoe upside the head....My awesome Shoe collection!!!! Which I need to seriously start building! Then I was asked if I had alot of shoes, hmm...#*?{} "What's "alot" of shoes?" At this point I knew I would lose sleep if I didn't settle this, so I'm bringing it to you. How many pairs of shoes would you consider to be "alot"? I have a pair of expensive shoes I bought back when I had a job and therefore money, 3 years ago. I still wear them all the time. They are hand made, high heels that I can spend the entire day in on my feet. My feet are very happy when I wear them. These hot little numbers are metallic with rhinestones which allow me to see in the dark. Anyway, that's another post. So even though they cost much more than my car payment, they have lasted a long time and I hope to continue to wear them....yes, even in Africa! Okay maybe not in Africa. So if I had purchased a cheaper pair of heels would I still be wearing them? Would my feet love them? Would I be able to see in the dark? "Hey Heather, where did you get those great flowers?" Oh....hmmm....well....Focus on the shoes people!! This isn't about......

Ravelympics, Tawashi, and a Clean Closet

2008-08-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Time seems to go by so fast. My mom used tell me that the older I got the faster time would go by. My thought was, "Yeah Right," funny how I get to eat those words. They taste better with ranch dressing. Speaking of...Hello MSG.... I like to dip my fries, or other food items in ranch, until I realized it's littered with MSG. I thought they took that stuff off the shelf a long time ago. It's in everything again. Do we really need to preserve food for 50 years? And put that gross stuff in our precious little bodies? No, No, No!!! So have you seen Ranch Dressing without MSG? It's not white, it's a shade of very off white. Interesting.... ?...Stephanie and I decided it would be fun to join the Ravelympics. I can't remember who's bright idea it was first so I'll blame it on Stephanie. Anyway, one thing led to another and before you know it, it was 11ish at night on the last day to register a team. Steph, where are you? Do we have a name? Hello, you out there in Raveland somewhere? No, she's off.... So Team Central Coast it is and the team Captains had to report for duty. Duty? What's that mean? So by 11:30ish I was voted in Team Captain of Team Central Coast. We had 1 member and no projects in site. Steph signed up the next day and she is Co-Captain, Thank God!!! So we now have a group and 17 members and we are gonna kick Ravelympic Booty!!! Move over Rocky Balboa, take Adrian to dinner cause this team's gonna win!!!! I decided that one project just wasn't enough. Does an athlete compete in just one category? Okay, some do but that's not the point. I can't remember what the point was, I'm tired and I think I need some Gatorade or chocolate. During my search for the perfectly easy yet challenging project number 3 I found....TAWASHI!! I just like to say it, Tawashi. Come on say it three times fast. They are scrubbies, sponges. Now you're thinkin' Tawashi sounds good huh? Anyhoo, Fishy Tawashi it is...

Okay, not one fishy but.....
3 little fishies scrubbin' my sink, la la la la la, mmmm huh huh la da da work fishies work===. I've not been blessed with a singing voice. I'm also knitting a pair of gloves, I have one finished. That's the easy part for me, it's the second one that's the problem. We'll discuss that another time. For those interested in the crocheted fishy above, the pattern is in Japanese. I did translate it and made a few changes. If you're interested, I'm gonna try to figure out how to make it available to you here on the blog somewhere. Anyone know how to do that? Back to the Ravelympics I go......

Produce, Knitting, Cooking, Yarn

2008-07-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I can't believe how fast this summer has gone by. I closed Yarnology in May. I have 20+ space bags full of yarn. Have you ever used those bags? They are serious fun! There's nothing like turning on the vacuum and suckin' air out of a bag. Just don't over fill the bag, made that mistake. They do store well and I've found that yarn is mostly air. So after the yarn shop closed I brought what was left of it to my house. My brother and some friends opened a produce stand in lovely Oceano and I work there a couple days a week. From yarn to fruits & veggies. So the hunt for a job is on. I don't know when you last looked for a job, but it has totally changed. Back in the old days, we dressed up, had our resumes printed on pretty paper and dropped them off at the business in hopes of meeting the "boss" at that very moment. Not anymore. Now I get all dressed up in my 3 piece business suit, sit in front of my computer, email my resume ( God only knows what format or font they get), answer one or two questions such as, " Do you have good people skills?," or " Are you friendly?" Brilliant!! I found that I have to have at least 3 cups of coffee to give an honest answer of....YES! to the second question. To get more of a sense of accomplishment, I google the company to find a picture of the building, and maybe a picture or name of the receptionist so we can get acquainted via the internet.
At that point I actually feel like I know them, that I've been there in person, that they can say, "yes, she is friendly." "She looks great too!" The next step is the E-vite or the list of 5 - 10 questions. The questions are brilliant once again. " If you're hired, will you show up?," "Do you have experience in ....?" That one makes you feel like they really took the time to read your resume doesn't it? Then you might get a phone interview or another e-vite. I'll keep you posted. I seem to be too old, I didn't know 30 something was too old. Did you? Moving on, Maryn made Captain of the Cheer leading Squad. She's determined to change the stereotype. Brains, looks, & modesty! Ravelympics is about to start, yeah!!! If you haven't already joined Team Central Coast, stop reading and sign up. I'm signed up for the glovedecathlon. I'm determined to knit 2 of something. I am finally able to knit Green Gable. I've been waiting since last spring for the English version to come out. I got the new Vogue Fall 2008 yesterday. Green Gable is belted in one picture, what were they thinking? There are some typos on the chart but we got that all worked out today. Should I give my opinion on the rest of the issue? Okay, I will. Belts, belts, and more stinkin belts. If the sweaters are too big for the models, get different models. Let's get real, the sweater shown is a small or medium and it hangs off the model. How about getting adult models? And well there are great mittens but I live in Cali, my kittens will eat my mittens. When did Pam Allen leave Interweave? Random I know.. but have you noticed that Interweave is mmmm shall I say, "Not Great" anymore? Sorry Eunny, but I don't like to knit on 6's or smaller. My first knitting project after the close of the shop was Walk in the Woods. It's color work and I love it. It uses Manos, my favorite. It actually goes pretty fast too! Hey does anyone know how to get a job in management at a Starbucks?

I'm Still Here

2008-06-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

The shop's finally closed and I haven't had Internet in weeks now. I feel so disconnected. I've been busy looking for a job and taking care of all the loose ends from Yarnology. I did find time to tour the local knit shops last week. A girl can't be without new yarn for long. As if I don't have enough yarn already. Stephanie, Cory and myself went up the The Scarlet Skein last week and I bought several hanks of Malibrigo. I'm in the process of swatching and designing the perfect sweater for my new yummy yarn. Then...I found myself at Bettys where I found a fabulous pattern, Walk in the Woods Jacket, that calls for Manos. Score!! I have a ton of Manos in my stash and wouldn't you know it, the pattern calls for 16 colors. I had most of what I needed but I began my search for the missing colors on Saturday. I visited Ann at Yarns at the Adobe where I found 2 wonderful colors, then on to Betty in SLO. I found a pretty green there, and then ventured up to the Ball and Skein where I found 2 more great colors. That was a much needed yarn shop fix. I started the sweater last night. I'll post pictures as soon as I get my Internet all figured out. Anyway, I must go search for a job. Does anyone know how to get into a management position at Starbucks? That's another entry in itself.

Knitting, My New Friend, & Yarnology

2008-04-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

This past week has once again has gone by much too fast. I have a new friend, it's name is White Vinegar. I read about it on mskims blog. I don't have much time to spend cleaning my house, let alone shop for a variety of expensive cleaners that irritate my skin, lungs and anything else it comes in contact with. Ms Kim recommended white vinegar and baking soda. I went to the market not knowing I was purchasing my new friend. I went to town cleaning my kitchen. WOW!! It was fast and squeaky clean. I moved to my bathroom and I fell in love with yes, white vinegar and baking soda. Who knew? I love it! I hear you can add essential oils too. That will be my next experiment. On to knitting..I finished Talia last night. It's fabulous if I do say so myself. I 'll block it this weekend. Sew on some buttons and since we are having a heat wave, put it away until weather permits.

I started Baby Surprise Jacket the other night. My sister just found out she's having a girl. I'm using Zitron Lifestyle in a funky purple, orange colorway. Thankfully, my sister isn't into traditional baby colors.

Cory brought in some beautiful roses from her garden, they in are in the pic. Yes, I'm still at the shop. Too much yarn left to close . Help me get out of here!! I sold the first mannequin yesterday. It was like one of my kids was moving away. It made me sad. The fixtures are now up for sale. So if you need any bookcases come on in.

Live Artfully

2008-04-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just got my copy of Live Artfully Magazine. I'm so excited! My name is on page 5 and again on page 18. Jenny let me write an article on Laurie and Ruth (owners of Posies) for the spring issue. I can't believe I have an article in a magazine. If you haven't picked up a copy, what are you waiting for? Well as for Yarnology, I'm still here. It now looks like part of the shop won't be going to Fresno and that I'll be here until the end of April. That's ok. God has a plan. I've almost finished Ubernatural. I just have to sew the buttons on. I'm actually wearing it today.

Isn't she beautiful? Yes, I'm learning more and more about blogging. I'm still working on Talia. I forgot to take home my fourth hank of manos to complete it so looks like she'll get done this week or over the weekend. I love this pattern. It has enough of a pattern to keep it interesting.

I'm much further than the picture shows.

I'm still working on another crocheted slipper pattern. I'll post some pictures sometime this week. If you haven't taken the poll yet, please do. I'm working on an article for the summer issue of Live Artfully Magazine on knitting. I would love your feedback. Have a great week and thanks for reading. We're still meeting here at the shop for knitting group on Thursday.

Another Week Gone By

2008-04-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by. A new yarn shop is coming to Fresno and part of Yarnology may be moving to the valley. YEAH!! Thanks to Minnette for forwarding my email. It's been a great week!
I frogged Nob Hill. It was too big and we decided there was no hope for it. I finished my crocheted slipper pattern and have a rough draft typed up, so be on the look out for the Revelation Slipper pattern. I haven't taken any pics yet. They are fabulous! I started designing my next pair the other night. I have so many ideas and only 2 hands. What's up with the poll? you might ask. I'm gathering information for the article on knitting I've been asked to write for Live Artfully Magazine, so please participate. I haven't started any new knitting projects this week. Time just flew by. I plan on starting the Shalom Cardigan this weekend if time permits. I love to cook and haven't had much time the past few years to do so other than the quick and easy "we have to eat" meals. I'm proud to say, I'm back in the kitchen again. I made one of my favorites, Eggplant Parmesan. I used to bread and fry the eggplant, saute mushrooms, throw in some ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella and then bake it. But now that TJ's has the eggplant cutlets all ready to go, it's no longer a three hour ordeal. Thanks TJ's. Have a great weekend!!

Yarn, Yarn, & More Yarn

2008-03-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm in the 3rd or 4th week of the going out of business sale and there's still yarn, yarn, and more yarn. Yarn Yarn go away or add to my stash today. Once again Stephanie and I started another new project. The Shalom Cardigan. We're using GGH Aspen. Check out the progress on ravelry.
Speaking of ravelry, if you haven't signed up....Stop reading this, click on the link, sign up, and then come back. Feeling uninspired and don't know what to knit or crochet? Come to knitting group next Thursday at Yarnology. MMMM we start at 11 ish and finish late afternoon. The group will continue after the shop closes. Where? I don't know yet. I have some ideas though. Have you tried the Aussie Bites from Costco? They are a fabulous, sweet and somewhat healthy snack! I've been busy taking pictures and organizing my ravelry notebook. I have soo much fun on that site. Well, I'm off for now. Have a great weekend!!!

Beautiful Day & New Projects

2008-03-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is the warmest Easter weekend we've had in years. I should be knitting or crocheting at the beach or by the pool instead of working. I've come to the conclusion that my friend Stephanie and I are a bad influence on each other. Why? We start new projects every time we're together. I say, let's get a tattoo Steph. That was kind of random. I started Talia and I'm excited because I get to use one of my favorite yarns, Manos. I couldn't get the first lace row right for the life of me. It's the easiest lace pattern, my mind must be on other things like tattoos and food. I also started Nob Hill and I'm actually close to finishing it. I'm using wool ease. And yes, I started the Tree Jacket in my trademark color, Terracotta in Cotton ease. I really like that yarn. So I have a few projects to finish and oh ya, not to mention the other projects sitting in my knitting bag. I have a few crochet patterns I'm working on as well, yes, I 'm stepping into the world of design. How fun it is!! Happy Easter, I must Yarn On....

A NEW SEASON

2008-03-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, once again it's been awhile since my last post. I'm coming into a new season in my life. It's interesting how our lives can change with the seasons. Spring is fresh and new, colorful and exciting. It has a clean feel to it . The spring showers wash away the dryness of winter and things that lay dormant come to life in the spring. Owning a yarn shop has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I've met wonderful women and made some great friends along the way. You know who you are and I want to thank you for "being you!" Yarnology is closing and I'm looking forward to my next adventure. I think I'll have more time to keep my blog updated. Maybe even add some pictures, ha-ha. So, what lies ahead? Pattern design, a book, and you can check out some of my writing in Live Artfully Magazine. There's more but I have no idea what that is...yet. For now, I have yarn to sell, projects to knit & crochet, articles to write, friends to hang out with, prayers to pray, kids to enjoy, and of course the yukky stuff like bookkeeping and closing the business .

It's Been a Long While

2007-11-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's been a long while since I've posted. How's the Christmas knitting? Once again I'm starting late. It's November! My goal was to start in August, oh well maybe next year. I found a really cool pattern for slippers, www.cocoknits.com, they call for Malabrigo. I was chatting with a customer and we decided that Malabrigo is a nice yarn but may not be as durable as Manos for slippers. So Manos it is! These babies should go fast! I'm also working on a pair of knucks and still haven't finished Flair. Finally got my invite to ravelry. Talk about time sucker!! I could spend days on that site. I love it and would recommend every knitter and crochetier sign up. I have wonderful new sock yarn in the shop and it has inspired me to knit a pair of socks for my dad for Christmas. Several new books from Interweave have arrived as well, tempting me to start several new projects for myself. The softest Bamboo yarn as well as a wonderful soy and bamboo mix yarn are calling me so I must go. I hope to post some pictures soon.