Traveling Yarn Show

Hey everybody,

Well you can tell from the title I was able to go on walkabout again. I hit some pretty nice shops in the NE. The first stop was a store called "Downtown yarns" in NYC. It was pretty small compared to what I am use to but the still the traditional independent yarn shop. It is located in the Lower East Village (next to a housing project) but I didn't let that deter me. It was on Avenue A between 3rd and 4th. The shop had some really cool samples. The yarn selection was a little small but since I am so fond of cotton yarn I had to pick up a couple of contrasting skeins to make a scarf. i was thinking of making one in the block pattern I am so fond of. From there I had to get some coffee at this little shop called "The Coffee Bean" (Or at least that is what I thought it said. It was on the corner of 3rd and 1st Ave. An easy one block walk. It had the great bohemian look to it with very little space but a great coffee smell. I could tell it was pretty good by the number of people that were occupying valuable space. : )

The next day as I was leaving I had to take the time to stop by the couple of yarn shops that are open on Monday. The first one was 'the Loop". It is in the historic district where the culture is plenty and the parking is few. I can tell you it was worth the drive. I loved it. I bought a few skeins of sale yarn for a baby outfit I am making in pink, light sage and ivory. I can't wait to see how it comes out.

After that I drove (6 blocks) over to Rosie's yarn cellar. Talk about a great selection and the ambiance of the place is just awesome. I got some Debbie Bliss alpaca silk on sale for a couple of scarves. Let me tell you that while I liked Rosie's I really liked The Loop. They have this great area to sit and relax. They are very comfortable with new shoppers. They are actually trying to get more items in for crocheters. So, enough of my all around the NE yarn canvassing. It is back to the sunny south and more work.

until next blog.

All about me

So, recently I have taken a stance that I will now begin to crochet some items for myself. Considering that I normally give away 95% of what I make, I thought it would be a good time to make a change. How could I know that my charity group has some awesome items coming up in the next few months? So now I have the dilemma of manging charity and "charity at home". Luckily I have the yarn stash to do both!!!!

My 2nd garment is now finished and I am really impressed with it. I used the Patons Bohemian, which crochets up really fast. It sheds a little but it is soft enough I don't really care. It also looks great on my skin.

Our group has agreed to participate in the Motivation template. I think it will be very exciting. We have some really cool little prizes and great topics to get our group started on producing more.

Here is what I have for today so far. Another one skein scarf project. I am trying to use a few of the orphaned skeins I have lying around. (That will take me until 2010) : )

I also started working on my Brilliant Tunic but I don't have a picture as it is only 5 rows. ( I said I started, I didn't say I crocheted a marathon)

Well I finally finished my 2nd garment made with the handicrafter cotton. Remind me never to use that for a top again. Perhaps something loose or a bag but not a top. It was so heavy. I hate to see what happens if I get caught in the rain. I might have to have someone carry me inside to take the shirt off because I will be weighed down.

However I am really into Garments now. I am 1/2 complete with my Patons Bohemian jacket. It looks really cute in the book. Let's hope I have the same success. I have ripped this yarn out at least 5 times. Every time I do it, it sheds. I have to remember not to wear white under this thing. I will look like Elmo gone wild with all of the pieces. : )

Well, have to go now. I need to actually do my day job.

Loving gifts

Sorry it has taken me so long to update but I have been traveling for work. (Yes, I do have a job.) Luckily since I had to do several hours of traveling, I spent it on my favorite past time. Yeah, drinking Bloody Mary's. OK, just joking. But I definitely had at least one. I did crochet a lot. I managed to get some small projects knocked out. I also transported the gift I made for my employee's ill wife 1200 miles. I made a prayer shawl that was filet but small wool yarn so it would still be warm. I also crocheted a hat to go along with it. I believe she really liked it. I certainly hope so. Here is a picture of the finished product. The color is actually a blue gray.

I am starting a friendly contest for my knit and crochet buddies that I go out with locally. We will have 30 or 60 day contests that revolve around ideas to help some of us that need inspiration. I am coming up with the small prizes but I think it will be a great time.

Well I am off to go pick up wine club of the month. And then I think it is time to get drugged up a little on Claritin D. I can feel the sinus draining.

Until next time.