It's All About Balance...

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, it would seem that the rain has decided to move on out of here for a spell, FINALLY! April Showers bring May Flowers. May showers after a month of April showers was beginning to annoy me. True to form, I do recall mumbling under my breath as I trudged up the hills on our soggy morning hikes, it's not snowing...although there were a few mornings I could see my breath. Of course the benefit of all that rain surrounds us, EVERYTHING IS SO GREEN!!!! I've enjoyed watching the trees in the forest slowly sprout their buds that have turned into leaves, almost overnight. The sunlight that filters through is just beautiful to see. The patches of wild flowers provide a gorgeous pop of color (I discovered red Columbine) add a few tree surfing squirrels and a silver lab to the mix, and all is right in the world. The only thing that would make it better is if I could figure out a way to knit. It is worth mentioning, it's not exactly the end of the world to me when it rains, I get a lot of knitting done.

Speaking of getting knitting done, I'm cruising along on my Misurina, it's so pretty! I did take a little break from it on Saturday to add sleeves to my Deschain sweater. It looked perfectly fine without the sleeves, I wore it all last summer that way. You know how it is when you're finally able to slip into those shorts and you're just not used to seeing yourself without 3 layers of clothing on...I apparently have become a bit vain since I put away my summer wardrobe. The good news is, the shorts still fit, the less than good news is, I am joining the ranks of, "what the hell happened to my arms?" Is it the end of the world? NO, it's just life teaching me yet another lesson about acceptance, fine, I'm getting older...The Silver lining, I realized that Berroco's Iris would knit up BEAUTIFULLY into a Deschain top, it's a quick knit and so lovely. Here's the link https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/deschain

I finally received 2 boxes from Juniper Moon Farms, MOONSHINE IS HERE!!! I haven't opened them yet, I'm waiting until tomorrow night, it's more fun with friends. I also received Cocoknits Portfolios which I didn't realize I wanted until I saw Mary's. I also have a restock of needles from Accessories Unlimited. Carrie and I are going to be busy getting everything put away!! For those of you who ordered Thread & Maple needle binders, the box should be here tomorrow. I have been informed by all of my vendors about the affect US Tariffs are having on pricing, unfortunately, prices are going up. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about this, I am. I don't know what it will mean for my business, it's super frustrating and upsetting. I will remain optimistic, keep knitting and hope for the best.

We had a great time at Carla's last evening for Knitter's (Crocheter's) Anonymous. The best part, aside from Makayla's cookies, we got to sit outside!!! It was a beautiful evening, I love sitting outside. Robbie did BBQ some delicious chicken, pasta salads are a sure sign of warmer weather (4 of us brought them), Martha baked Rhubarb crumble, none of us left hungry. Kay provided much entertainment, her stories about mannequin legs and her dream of a gumball vending business in France had us all laughing. Kay decided when she was president, she was signing an Executive Order banning sweater construction from the bottom, up. Carla is working on the Elmhurst, which is how we got started on that conversation. We did agree that top down was better, and couldn't come up with a good reason to work in the opposite direction. Of course, none of us are designers, so perhaps there's something we're missing. My earliest sweaters were Icelandic, all worked from the bottom up. I will say this, it's nice not having to knit the sleeves last.

Just a reminder that the Spring Retreat, originally scheduled for May 17 & 18th has been postponed. As soon as we have a new date, I will certainly let you know. There has been discussion about the next KAL, we are leaning towards Elenor Mortenson's Renaissance sweater. It's been on my bucket list for awhile, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/renaissance-sweater-3 Nothing is written in stone, but this is high on the list of possibilities. I am looking to bring in a new fingering weight yarn and I thought this could be a great opportunity for us to knit with something new.

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch. It looks like the weather is going to be beautiful, BE PREPARED TO SIT OUTSIDE!!! I have (6) lawn chairs available if you don't have or forget a camp chair. Bug spray may be premature, but you just never know. My hope is we can sit outside and have some fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy

P.S. Hi Andra!!!