Major Knitter

Saturday kNit Live Reunion

I looked at my calendar yesterday and came to the realization that I had a Saturday morning wide open.  I sent out a quick email to the Saturday kNit Live (SNL) ladies and had an impromptu SNL just like the good ol' days.  Of course, I had misplaced my camera, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.  I knit on my Oh So Soft Baby Blanket (mostly because it's mindless knitting which is the perfect thing for sitting and chatting.

I've almost finished the 3rd skein, which means I'm nearly halfway done.  After SNL, I grabbed my Scandinavian Mittens and finished knitting the thumb on the right hand and then I wove in all the loose ends.  Here's the finished mitten.

And here's the inside with all the woven pieces and floats:

I tried to get a close-up of the thumb to give you an idea of the design.

It was fun to knit with my friends this morning.  We chatted about the fact that a) knitting and b) having a group of friends who are supportive (like SNL) is doubly therapeutic.  We all agree.  We share our knitting projects, patterns, latest finds and our life stories.  It's nice to have other people there for you, don't you agree?  Is your knitting group a support group for you?

SNL Ladies at Tea

Today we met for a social gathering at Susan's home.  It was lovely and delicious

Susan had the most beautiful table set for a festive afternoon tea

My favorite part (aside from the dark chocolate caramels with sea salt) was the beautiful collection of tea cups and saucers.  I selected this one for my coffee.

My mother used to have a mis-matched set of antique cups and saucers so this brought back very happy memories for me.  As if that weren't enough, Susan made her famous Charlotte Rousse - yum

When sliced, it's even more delectable with the sauce on top

I'll ask Susan if she'll share the recipe.  But there was also some lovely fibre sharing going on.

Susan framed this lovely bread basket lace for her dining room wall.  What a brilliant idea.  I have one of these too, and I never quite know what to do with it.  Maybe I'll frame it like Susan did.  Copy cat.

I also got my holiday gift from Susan.  Look how cute!  They're stitch markers by Split Yarn.  You can get some Scrabble stitch markers of your own on her Etsy site.  Not much knitting was done, but we sure had a great time! 

Betsy finished her sweater for her son.  I didn't get a picture, but I immediately recognized it as the same one Stephanie made for Ken for Christmas.  Technically, I think it's called the Cobblestone Pullover by Jared Flood which was featured in the Interweave Knits Fall 2007.  Betsy made hers out of souvenir yarn from her trip to South America about 2 years ago.  It was so much fun to see the yarn when she brought it home from vacation and even better to see it turned into a finished Christmas sweater.

It was the best possible way to spend a day with friends.  Thanks Susan.

It's Only Thursday, and Yet It's Time for SNL

The talented ladies of SNL came over last night to meet James.  We had a fantastic time eating, drinking, knitting and telling tall tales.

Regina, Lindsay, Susan, Betsy, Jennifer and James are ready to sit down to a delicious fall dinner

My dear friends Angel and Erik regaled us with funny tales from their stay in Tanzania.  Look!  There's a rare shot of BF, well, at least his right hand. 

After dinner we had a scrumptious homemade apple cranberry pie made by Susan's daughter.  We also had a bit of show and tell.  It wouldn't be Saturday kNit Live if we didn't have a bit of sharing.

Betsy had her amazing mystery stole in this lovely blue.  We all admired her work.  She's such a fast knitter and her lace work is divine!

Betsy actually had not one, but two (yes 2) amazing mystery stoles.  Here's the white one she's nearly finished knitting.  The picture doesn't do this stole justice.  It's just breath taking!

The oohing and aahing continued to a near-state of drooling when I asked James to share his Kaffe Fassett Persian Poppies Wrap.  We were all duly impressed.  Someone even commented how we'd never seen anyone knit such a beautiful wrap with such lovely mohair, angora and boucle mixes. 

It was easily one of the best SNLs ever.  Thanks everyone for coming out on a weeknight to get together.

Saturday kNit Live Show 'N' Tell

Today we met for some knitting and chatting.  OK. We really did our catching up and showing off.  It's always so much fun to see what everyone is knitting.  We have all evolved in our knitting over the past few years and it's always a thrill to see the patterns, the fibres and the finished projects.  I'm just sorry I didn't get my camera out before Betsy had to leave.  She was working on her Knitting Central Sock Club socks (Cables, Cables Everywhere) and also the Mystery Stole.  It is so amazing!  But let me stop talking and just show the pictures.  We start with the show stopping Regina and her wet felted jacket.

Regina took a wet felting seminar in Massachussets to learn how to make this sexy swing jacket.  The photos simply don't do it justice.  Regina's sense of style and color are unparalleled and we all just sat in awe. 

In addition to her felted jacket, Regina finished this moss green sweater.  Sweet!

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Both Susan and Jennifer "JZP" are taking Sally's entrelac class at Knitting Central.  Thy both showed off their swatches in Noro.  Entrancing Entrelac is all I can say.

Susan, in her snazzy glasses (I'm so envious!) made some cabled wrist warmers and a matching cable scarf - that has cables on each side of the scarf making it perfectly flat and perfectly plaited.  Here's a better look so you can see what it looks like on both sides

Both the wrist warmers and the reversible cable scarf were store patterns that Susan got when she bought the green (color 1972) Waterlily by Classic Elite Yarn at Ladybug Knitting Shop in Dennis, Massachussets.

Jennifer "JZP" was knitting this Organic Cotton Baby Blanket using Pakucho Organic Cotton yarn.  It's a store pattern that she got when she was at one of her favorite California LYS - Alamitos Bay Yarn Company.

Finally, I finished the back of my Sublime Pixie jacket.  Thank goodness for stockinette!  I was able to chat and knit all morning without worrying about concentrating since the back is simply a rectangle. 

It was a great get together.  I always love seeing my knitting friends and catching up on all the creativity that abounds with this group.  Happy knitting to all!

Hettie's Beautiful Fair Isle Sweater

Today was my knitting group at my Church.  Hettie brought her drop-dead gorgeous fair isle sweater.  Isn't she a knock-out?  I love the blue colors.  The stitches are perfect!

SNL in the Sunshine

Saturday kNit Live met on Sunday this weekend.  It was such a wondrous sunny day that Regina thought we should knit by the beach.  We met at the Compo Beach marina and knit in the sunshine.  Here are Betsy and Regina by the marina.  Betsy is wearing her wonderful hand-knit cotton cardigan. 

I managed to finish the fair isle section of my Dale baby cap and was busy working on the shaping of the cap which was easy to do while chatting and knitting. 

After an hour or so in the sun with a picnic lunch (I bought a lobster roll at Joey's By The Shore), it was time to go.  I managed to finish the rest of the cap at home.

The lilac yarn knit up in a different gauge.  Funny, isn't it.  I have heard that dyes can affect the same yarn, but I was surprised to see such a marked difference.  Now I have to learn how to make the green crochet lace edging for the bottom of the cap.  Now that I've practiced the Fair Isle pattern a bit more, I need to get going on my Baby Dale Sweater homework for next Wednesday.

 

Happy Birthday Julie!

Julie aka Jewel Tomes is having a birthday today.  Won't you hop on over and wish her the very best?  She's a great lady and one of the original members of the Major Knitter knitting bee.  She was there when it all started and now look at her -- She's got her very own blog!  You've come a long way baby!

 

Major Knitter, Gayle and Jewel Tomes at Headquarters, US Marine Corps in December 2003

Good Things Come in Blue Boxes

The Ladies from SNL have been meeting at our new Panera for knitting.  I was finally able to catch up with them for a bit of knitting and storytelling. 

Saturday kNit Live Cast - Susan, Jennifer, Regina, Betsy, Jennifer and Lindsay at our local Panera

Of course, they were so sweet that they had a congratulatory gift for me in a light blue box.  Ooooooohhhh.  Look!  It's a knitting needle holder.

OK.  It's really a lovely vase with a delicate little heart shaped embellishment on the top.  Each ridge of the vase is actually a heart.  Ahhhh.   Love is in the air.  Thanks my dear friends.  I hope to be back in the swing of knitting on Saturdays with you soon.

I brought Secundogeniture with me.  He had a delicious hot chocolate and a chocolate croissant (can you tell whose child he is?).  He was a pretty good sport. 

It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. 

Knitting with my Friend Beverly

Last night I went into Manhattan for a dinner event with BF.  I took the train in earlier than necessary so that I could meet up with Beverly and KIP for awhile.  We met at The Roosevelt Hotel, which is located near Grand Central, for a little knitting bee.  Of course, I always admire the handknit sweaters that Beverly wears.  Check out this summery herringbone top she made ages ago.  I think she said it was a pattern in Knitter's Magazine.

Beverly was the one who got me hooked on socks four years ago.  She was very patient as she tried to help me through my mental blocks.  Now look at me.  I can't stop.  In fact, I was thinking about the Summer of Socks KAL, and my only problem with that KAL is that I would have to categorize this more as my Year of Socks!

After our get together, it was time to get across town to meet BF.  Of course, I planned on leaving at exactly the same time that everyone in Manhattan decided it was time to go home.  Needless to say there were no taxicabs available and I was wearing high heels and in no mood to hike across town in uncomfortable shoes.  In the end, I did the only respectable thing a girl could do - I hopped into the first available rickshaw.  I was in Times Square in no time flat.

It was a great afternoon/evening in the city and I actually managed to cast on both Lobster Pot socks and knit to the heel flaps.  Not bad for a day's work. 

Joanne's Sampler Blanket

Joanne brought her finished sample afghan to Saturday kNit Live today.  Isn't it amazing?

Here's a close-up of the sampler blanket

This is a store pattern that you can get from Knitting Central when you purchase the yarn for the baby blanket or the afghan. 

Saturday kNit Live - in April

It was great fun to see everyone today.  We had a good turnout with lots of nostalgic knitting being shared.

Mary Ann wore this amazing green sweater she knit many moons ago.  It's got a lovely yellow and white striped edge on the v-neck and cuffs.  We were all in awe.  She's knitting a great shawl pattern that she found online at Lion Brand.  I can hardly wait to see it when it's finished.

Denise wore this lovely coral colored pullover that her grandmother made her.  Her grandma is no longer with us - so isn't it wonderful that she has this handknit memento to cuddle up with and feel Grandma's warmth?

Dee informed us that she's going to be a grandmother herself for the first time.  She cross stitched this delicate tapestry for her daughter and first grandchild.  It will undoubtedly become a family heirloom!

Dee also found this unfinished legacy left by her mother who died three years ago.  Her mother was knitting it for a future great grandchild.  Dee is determined to finish it for her grandchild, so she spent the better part of SNL practicing the pattern.  Isn't it a great discovery?  Imagine all the love that went into this blanket and even more that will go into the finished product?

Jennifer - JZP - is finishing this tank top for her daughter and it's turning out magnificently.  The colors are amazing next to her equally stunning Vera Bradley bag.  It seems like a great deal of love is being knit at SNL today.

I spent the morning finishing my pink and white candy cane socks.  Then I picked up my red prayer shawl to make a bit more progress on it.  I think today should be renamed - Saturday kNit LOVE!

Saturday kNit Live

Saturday kNit Live came to life this morning and it was great to see everyone and the many projects.  Here's a look at some of the knitting that was on the scene today.

Here's Mary Ann's cardigan that she made ages ago from a kit from To Dye For

Here's a mini capelette that Regina made in Desert Sky color

Here's Betsy's amazing Noro jacket from the Knitter's magazine a few years ago.

Here's Joanna's self named Instant Gratification neck warmer from kpixie (really named the Alpaca Warmer)

Betsy also had her amazing Socks that Rock - the December 2006 pattern - to share with the crowd.  Everyone oohed and aahed over these

Here's a close-up of the cable and bead work

And newcomer Denise came and brought her first sweater and matching hat to share.  Simple yet stunning.  Welcome Denise - we're so glad you could join us.

And I spent the morning working on Primogeniture's navy blue Koigu K2, P2 ribbed socks.

I also tried to decide which sweater to knit for myself with my Art Yarns Supermerino in sky blue.  For starters, I decided to knit a swatch.

It was a great morning and so invigorating!  Happy knitting to all.

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old

Today I met up with Molly and her lovely daughter Annie for coffee at Barnes & Noble.  I originally met Molly because we were in numeric order for the New England Knits Group when we joined way back on July 2, 2004.  As fate would have it, not only are we next to each other numerically, but we're practically neighbors geographically speaking.  Molly lives just 2 towns away from me.  She is an amazing knitter.  She is a great font of knowledge and knows technical things that I will never fathom.  But alas, Knitting Away is no longer knitting and has little time to post.  So this past week, after bidding farewell to her readers, she decided to reinvent herself with a new blog - Reinvention.  Please stop by and say hello. 

Sleepy at SNL

It's quite possible that I overslept this morning for SNL.  It was wonderful to see everyone. 

Mary Ann joined us and worked on the yellow baby blanket for a friend's granddaughter who is due to arrive next month.  This pattern is the same that her mother used to knit many moons ago.  Isn't it precious?

Jen JZP finished the first and half the second Magic Loop sock with Sockotta Fair Isle yarn.

Jen JZP brought her friend Karen from New Hampshire and we taught her to knit.

Susan finished her seed stitch scarf made with two strands of yarn (1 was Berroco Glace and the other was Eros).  She used US Size 13 needles, cast on 13 sts and knit each row in *(K1, P1), knit to last st, K1.

I was too sleepy to appear in any pictures.  My work hasn't progressed much for any pictures either.  Soon.  Very soon.

Wrist Warmers

Bethany and Angel were with us this weekend and our focus was on Wrist Warmers.  I printed out the Voodoo Wrist Warmer pattern by Bonne Marie Burns from Knitty.  Angel chose some brown sock yarn and size 2 straight needles (she's going to sew the seam in the end).  She cast on 58 sts and knit in a K2,P2 (+2) pattern.  She managed to knit nearly 5 inches before heading home.

[YIKES!  I took a picture without a memory card in the camera!)

Bethany picked out some Opal yarn, but we're probably going to hit the yarn stash again and try to find some appropriate sport weight yarn to follow Bonne Marie's pattern as designed. 

September Means It's Time for SNL

Regina, Susan, Lindsay, JZP, Jodi, Joanne and I met Saturday morning for Saturday kNit Live.  We've met irregularly over the summer, so it was wonderful to see such great friends and enjoy some Show and Tell.  Let me share it with you.

Joanne is making a panel knit throw for her home from a store pattern from Knitting Central.

Susan was winding some beautiful sequined wool she bought last week - Tilli Tomas Yarn

Lindsay was making this great wrap (sorry I didn't get the pattern of yarn)

I was working on my Almost Argyle Socks with the red Lorna's Laces

Regina was working on a beautiful silky poncho (once again I forget to get the name of the yarn and the pattern).

Jodi is working on this sweater (ditto that comment about the pattern and yarn - where was my brain during SNL?)

Jennifer JZP was knitting her first sock for her son in this lovely self-patterning yarn.  Great job on your first sock ever JZP!

The swift and ball winder were going at full speed during the entire SNL session.

Not everyone was ball winding, though.  Jodi was unwinding some yarn she mixed.  Joanne was helping her.  In the end, she managed to end up with this:

They removed the novelty yarn on the left because Jodi felt it left the mix too furry.  The resulting mix in the center ended up as a beautiful blend of yarns.  Jodi told us that lesson learned is that it's OK to pay extra for the more expensive blends rather than trying to make them yourself.

Jennifer JZP brought her latest Knit Picks purchases - the Options needle kit and the magnetic Chart Keeper board.  They look great.

Lindsay showed her hip handknit belt with this buckle from Knitting Central.  And that's the end of the Show and Tell from Saturday kNit Live.  I hope you liked the little show.  See you soon!

Swim & Sun SNL

Today I hosted SNL, but due to all the repair work in the house, we met outside by the pool.  I promised not to take any pictures of knitters in swimwear, so no pictures were taken.  It was great fun - as it always is - and Joanne joined us for the first time.  I hope she'll come back many more times as I thought she fit in perfectly. 

Very Small Saturday kNit Live

I was supposed to be out of town this weekend, but my plans fell through at the last minute, so I ended up at home afterall.  I sent out the alert for all the knitters of SNL and three of us got together. 

Jennifer - JZP - brought her nearly finished Wallaby.  Isn't it precious?  JZP took the class at Knitting Central with Lynn Wilson.  If you live in this area and haven't had a chance to take one of Lynn's wonderful classes, by all means, what are you waiting for?  Sign up for one of Lynn's classes today!

I worked on my Almost Argyle socks some more.  Here's a picture with my rifle range target from Boy Scout Camp.  I just thought you'd want to know that Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Betsy finished her seashore shawl.  She wants to wait until it's blocked before posting a picture. 

LAST WEEK AT SNL

Oh, and last week Erika and Stephanie joined our group to learn how to knit.  They both made great progress and learned the fundamentals.  I like to start people out on this dishrag pattern.  Here's a picture of Erika's dishrag.

There was more knitting going on last week, but I was busy teaching and didn't take many pictures.  Karen brought this lovely pair of socks in green to share.  It's so motivating to have two sock mavens in the group (I don't count myself... yet).  Betsy and Karen are both inspirations with their super sock creations.

In the meantime, Jodi - aka Purl Needlemeyer - was off to The Knit and Crochet Show in King of Prussia, PA this weekend.  I haven't heard how it went, but half of SNL went to help her out.  She is so creative and dynamic that I imagine she was a huge hit.  I hope you saw her and bought a Gettin' Knit Together packet. 

That's it for July SNL get togethers.  It's vacation time and we won't be meeting until August. Until then, happy knitting.

SNL Assembly Line

We had a great get-together at Saturday kNit Live this morning.  It was a full house of friends and fun times.  Everyone started the day knitting and talking about the latest books.  It's always so good to see my knitting buddies on a Saturday morning.  It really starts the weekend off on the right foot.

Regina and I are the Knitting Queens in our summery pink and green.  This is a knitting related photo, really, if you get our your magnifying glasses, I promise you'll see actual knitting in our hands.

Jennifer - JZP - brought her daughter Jessica who is expertly knitting a dog for her little brother.

JZP also brought her new Debbie Bliss books - personally signed by the knitting goddess last week at The Knitting Niche.  Sigh.  I wish I could have gone, but it wasn't to be.

And when Purl Needlemeyer arrived, we all dropped our knitting and the assembly line began. 

We all helped make "Yarn Minders" for Jodi's Gettin Knit Together Kits.  She's selling them at a fair in Pennsylvania in two weeks and is in the heat of assembly mode.  Of course, everyone at SNL chipped in.  It was really fun and here's what we accomplished.

I think we assembled several hundred Yarn Minders.  Here's Jodi's bounty:

It was another great morning of fun and friendship.  I wish you could have been there.

SNL Reunion!

Saturday kNit Live met today after several weeks of no get-togethers.  It was like a family reunion (the kind you actually like).  Sometime during our SNL, I blurted out "I missed you guys" (I'm from Iowa - we say you guys sort of like others might say y'all).  Of course, I was in a bit of a fog from the sleepover supervising so I didn't take any pictures.  I'm so sorry about that because there were so many beautiful things!

• Regina - ruffle edge wrap
• JZP (aka the other Jennifer) - great yarn purchases in California and progress on the Wandering Wallaby
• Lindsay - her first socks!!  She's taking Sally's Sock Class at Knitting Central.
• Betsy - Socks that Rock
• Jodi - "She's got Bette Davis Eyes" - 1,001 WIPS and a new pimped up ride
• Susan - a lovely buttery yellow sweater
• Jennifer - more progress on my brown purl lace socks

OK - the list wasn't as fulfilling as the actual photos, but SNL sure was a blast.  Next week there will be pictures.

Today's Quaint SNL

It was just Betsy, Jennifer and me today at SNL.  Every once in awhile it's nice when an unexpectedly small group turns up for knitting.  We had a great time knitting and chatting.  I made some teensy weensy progress on CB's blue scarf and my second brown sock.  It wasn't even worth photographing, so I won't bore you until I've made real progress.  Betsy, on the other hand, is working on her very fascinating Six Sox KAL for May.  She also wore a handknit light green zippered cardigan jacket perfect for Project Spectrum.  Of course, I got no pictures of either item.  Jennifer brought several great projects and new knitting finds for SNL's Show and Tell.  Here they are:

This is Jenn's progress on "My First Cardigan" a class taught by Lynn Wilson at Knitting Central.  Look at the amazing buttons she chose for this cardigan.  I think I might just take this class, because it looks like fun!

Jenn also signed up for the class on "The Wonderful Wallaby" at Knitting Central.  She got started on it using Fiji yarn by Tahki.  It's so soft that I put my name on the waiting list for the next Wonderful Wallaby.  What could be better - it looks like a sweatshirt, and with this soft luxurious yarn, it feels like a well-loved favorite sweatshirt, but it's handknit.  It's a perfect combination!

Betsy did share with us her Mother's Day gift - a tote bag from Vineyard Vines.  It's got her daughter's college theme on the fabric and lots of wonderfu pockets inside which make this tote the perfect knitting bag. 

Here's the bag on the outside... and here's a peek at the fun things inside, including her Sixth Sense Sock.

Happy knitting!

SNL!

Saturday kNit Live held a reunion today.  Given my busy scouting schedule this spring, it's been a long time since we got together at my house.  It was great to see everyone.  Of course, we started out with a great round of show-n-tell.

 

Betsy brought her finished her Socks That Rock.  They really do rock! 

Betsy also showed us the beginning of her Six Sox KAL for May - Sixth Sense - using Lorna's Laces "Childplay".  This looks like a great sock.  So many socks.  So little time.

Jodi brought another updated version of her wonderful Gettin' Knit Together Kit.  She's selling them online and at our LYS - Knitting Central.

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Jennifer went to Knit in Greenvale, New York and bought this lovely Fiesta - La Boheme in poppies which she is knitting up into a wrap.  She also bought some Laurel by Schaefer Yarns in Emily Dickinson and the pattern for the Basketweave toddler sweater.

Susan is working on this great wrap in a lace weave pattern.  It looks great!

Regina was also there.  I swear she was knitting.  I just didn't have my camera going at that time. In fact Regina was making two beautiful wraps from Vanessa at The Knitting Niche. 

I'm working on a mistake rib scarf for CB in London.  Here's my progress.  In fact, because of the aches and pains, this was the first major knitting I've done in a month. 

This Old House

I made it to the Rochester area to visit Julie and her family just in time for dinner.  That was quite convenient of me to plan it that way, don't you think?  Julie and her husband are both retired Marines and they've just moved into the most magical home built sometime around 1850.  It's a work-of-art renovation in progress.  The crafty person in me could imagine knitting or crocheting lace curtains for this Victorian beauty - with hand knit throws in every corner.  I want to plant flowers, bake, entertain, etc in this glorious home.  The little girl in me was just dying to play house. 

Don't you just love that Marine Corps flag on the front step? 

Julie's youngest daughter - also known as DN2 (daughter number 2) - and I made a pot holder.  (This is the closest thing to knitting-related content that you're going to get in this post.)

Here's the finished project with bunny ears.

If you are in the military you probably recognize this pretty Polish pottery which is sold at the Exchanges.  Isn't it fab?  Julie collects it if you're ever looking for a RAOK to send to her. 

But before I leave you, let me share some pictures from my visit with the JP family in their wonderful bucolic town.  (Julie - you knew I'd work that in there somehow).

It was raining - but we were all smiles as we watched SN2 (Son Number Two) show off some fancy skateboarding footwork.  Look for yourself.

 

Don't you think SN2 needs some handknit skateboarder socks?

Look at the charming Ivory Soap ad painted on the side of this building on Main Street.  I think I'll have to run out and buy some Ivory this week.  I did make a knitting related purchase in a little antique shop on this street, but you'll have to wait a day or two to see that.

Back at home, and out of the rain, DN2 shows Daddy the new song I taught her to play on the piano.  Do you remember this one?

Sorry I didn't get a picture of DN1 but you remember her from this, don't you?

Finally, here's the best picture of all - Julie and I doing the Rachael.

Thanks John, Julie and all the other JPs.    I really had a great time seeing you again and being thrilled with your new home.  Congratulations!  I wish you many years of memories, adventures, happiness in your new home not to mention many visits from friends and family.  Semper fidelis.

If Looks Could Kill

If you didn't read about Marcia's saga to Harrisville then you need to stop by and hear about her trip to WEBS.  Yesterday at SNL, Regina told of her great last minute adventure to WEBS as well.  Talk turned to Stephanie's visit to Webs next weekend - Saturday, April 22nd at 2:00 p.m.  Visit the WEBS site to register for the event.  But back to SNL.  Talk soon turned to a possible road trip to WEBS.  Comments were heard to the effect of:

"I would rather go to WEBS than to Rhinebeck"

"Why don't we all chip in for a limousine and make a big shopping trip extravaganza out of it"

You gotta love the way these ladies think.  Of course, I am stuffed to the gills with yarn.  I have yarn coming out of the rafters.  Literally.  If you don't believe me, check this out.  Anyway, I mentioned that I was on a yarn diet.  At first some people thought I had jumped off the deep end and had come up with a new way to get more fiber in my diet.  (I told you I love the way these ladies think!).  When I told them that the yarn diet was a self-imposed embargo on purchasing any new yarn, I thought I would have to run and hide.  It was about as blasphemous a thing as I could have said to this group.  If looks could kill...