The Knit Kit

We have been so busy, we have not posted in a while. Things are moving along at The Knit Kit, we have been working on the new version (due out soon), and are still working on The Quilt Kit. And still knitting away. Starting to think about the holiday knitting, although the current trend of legwarmers/boot covers that I have been seeing in the fashion shots (and in the stores) have me eyeing some beautiful alpaca. They are basically a cabled or ribbed tube, so should be pretty easy. I could really go for a pair in a creamy white, or cranberry! If I get that far, I will post a picture!

1. It's my patriotic duty to stimulate the economy and support my local yarn shop. 2. The thrill of new pattern, new yarn, and the possibilities I envision. 3. I have an empty project bag! 4. It's the perfect project to knit while on vacation. 5. It's a gift - I have to get it started so it will be completed by Christmas. 6. I just want to try out that new stitch in the pattern. 7. It's to wear with my (insert garment here) for (insert event here) - so I have to get started. 8. The yarn's on sale! 9.

The group that is running the Virginia Yarn Crawl came up with a terrific idea! Read about it here - http://doghouseyarns.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/get-your-knits-in-virginia/

It's offically summer here in Idaho. I have started one of my summer rituals - cleaning my fiber stash. It started to get overwhelming - so much yarn, needles, patterns - that I was getting discouraged.

We just got back from TNNA and what a show! If you ever get the chance - do it. It is so energizing - it reminds you why you are so passionate about this industry. People are warm, welcoming, sharing. The fibers and yarns are to die for! The fashion show was awesome as always - lots of more classic looks. Cables, rich colorways, texture. We had the chance to meet and talk to lots of our shops - it's always wonderful to be able to put a face to the names we talk to on the phone.

TNNA is starting up in Colombus, Ohio at the end of this week, and we will be headed that way on Thursday! I am looking forward to seeing friends, touching all the yummy fibers, and getting all charged up for the next season! I love TNNA because: 1. It's a vital part of our community 2. It's so wonderful to spend a couple of days with people who EXPECT that yarn and needles will be dropping out of your pocket or tote. 3. New ideas, new yarns, new friends - did I say new yarns? 4. A bed in a hotel room that I don't have to share with a snoring pug! 5.

Check out Barb's fabulous photo in the latest issue of Yarn Market News!

Lace knitting tips are always welcome. I learn a lot from lace knitting. 1. Patience is one of the top skills. The patience to count, to double check each pattern repeat, and to un-knit instead of tossing it in a corner for the cat to throw up on! 2. A good light. Poor lighting leads to mistakes in knitting, tight muscles, eye strain, and a wadded up mess in the corner for the cat to throw up on. 3. A crochet hook is a necessary tool. Picking up dropped stitches before they sink into the depths of the knitting, using the hook to get that tight stitch over the other one on the needle.

What is it about knitting lace that makes us crazy enough to do it again? I love the look, the feel, the beauty of the stitch patterns. But, trying to knit lace while relaxing with friends, tv, radio, or any noise above a whisper is just a lesson in futilty. Trying to remember the pattern, keep track of the conversation, and keep my fingers going in the right direction is just too much for my brain! For example, I am currently knitting a lacy shawl/shrug in a beautiful red multi from Lorna's Laces.

Ran across this so funny video! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cstALooa5_s