Feeling The Love...

Good Morning Everyone!

Most Tuesday mornings I struggle a bit to get my thoughts flowing, despite clearing the cobwebs after my hike. Sometimes all the fresh air in the world doesn't help set the tone to sit down and write, it's challenging (I know I make it look easy). But today, the beautiful sunrise put the wheels in motion, all I could think about is how lucky I am. My 15th anniversary was August 1st, it snuck up on me, it always does. I'm not much of a planner, never have been, I fly by the seat of my pants. I was feeling like perhaps I should have planned a celebration of this monumental event, I do enjoy a party. Instead, I posted a video which opened the floodgates to many well wishes and the kindest comments. The shop was bustling all day, thank you to everyone who stopped by! It was heartwarming to read all of the comments after a very busy day (they are still coming in).

I've had a wonderful time taking a little walk down memory lane, the conclusion I've arrived at is something my Mimi always said to me, "Good things come in small packages." I constantly second guess myself, actually judge is more accurate. It's impossible not to compare my shop to others, I see so much on social media and often think, "if only...." But what I need to remember is, the community I've built is solid, it's what makes my shop different. Yes, IT'S ALL OF YOU!! I truly believe, moving my shop during COVID was the missing piece of the puzzle. By sheer dumb luck I wound up in the Ralston building, I was in love with the space when Gwen had her shop there. I was happy for her, but envious, I thought my dream would never come true. The size of that store proved to be absolutely draining, in every way possible. In a million years I wouldn't have guessed that the environment I wanted to create, a warm, homey, place was right under my nose. I guess three times is the charm, it took moving into a cozy nook to finally create my perfect space. In the words of Dorothy Gale, "There's no place like home" So really, thank you for the continued friendship and support, the shop may be adorable, but it's meaning is because of you....

So guess what is rolled up, waiting to get blocked and put on the porch to dry? MY FELIX CARDIGAN!!! I'm really praying hard to the blocking Goddess, I'm uber concerned about the bands of ribbing up the front. I followed the instructions (shocking) by picking up 2 sts for every 3, but I feel like it's not enough. I hope that it will lay nicely and not want to pull in a weird way. I made zero attempt to weave in any of the ends just in case my gut feeling turns out to be true. I do not want to pull this thing apart, it's not a horrible fix, but it does suck some of the joy out of the process. If you hear a primal yell, you'll know...What this does mean? I can start my Antipodes & Thistlewood sweaters!! TWO FINGERING WEIGHT SWEATERS, WHAT AM I THINKING?? In case you didn't hear, the next KAL project is Andrea Mowry's Antipodes sweater. Many of you have already purchased the yarn, thank-you, the official cast on will be Saturday, August 22nd, 9-11:00. Or, it you're like me, you'll already be working on it, no judgement zone!

Of course I do need to find some time to knit a lovely garment from baa ram ewe's Woodnote DK, IT IS SO SOFT!!! I'm thinking something cabled, perhaps Thea Colman?? Definitely a vest, I've come to appreciate them quite a bit, mostly because there's no sleeve island. Or perhaps Caitlin Hunter's Alpine Bloom vest, hmmm....I could incorporate one of the beautiful multi-colored Lang yarns that should be arriving soon, fingers crossed. I've been rearranging and making room for all of the new inventory that is scheduled to arrive. If you're needing some inspiration, stop on by!

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch. It looks like the weather is going to allow us to sit outside, I hope so. Last week was pretty close to standing room only, WHAT FUN WE HAD!! The energy was incredible, so much laughter and creativity filling the shop.

Make it a great day, I hope to see you soon!

Katy