It's Stick Season!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

I couldn't help but get used to the beautiful, sunny Fall days we'd been having, who could blame me? Interestingly enough, it did not tempt me into doing any yard work, it was easy to put it off until another day, the forecast was in full support of my decision. Now, the leaves are wet and kind of stuck to the ground, I'm thinking the lawn mower can just mulch them up and I'll deal with the aftermath in the Spring. Stick season is that transitional time that starts preparing me for not only Winter, but the holidays (45 days until Christmas, how did this happen?). Usually, I'm the absolute worst at taking my own advice, this year, I'm ahead of the game. July seems so long ago when I began preaching about getting ready for the holidays, they are rapidly approaching, but never fear, I've got you covered.

The Advent Calendars are ready to be assembled. Jon set up my long table in the dining room and I organized everything yesterday. Being a knitter, they tend to lean more towards the knitters and not the crocheters. It was never my intention, but until very recently, 98% of my customers knit and maybe dabbled with being able to add a decorative crochet edge. I was asked if a crocheter would be able to participate and I felt awful saying, "Not really, so instead I said, let me see what I can do." This year, I will be able to offer a crochet option for the Advent Calendar, you just need to let me know.

There are still a few available, but they are very close to being sold out. In the past I've had a deadline so I'd know how many to do, this year, there are a set amount. There will be (12) days of presents, a little different, but I wanted to support Vermont businesses, women owned, smaller companies. I'm really excited about them and feel good knowing that each purchase has made a difference to these businesses. It has been a tough year for small businesses in our state and in general, I felt it was important to give as much support to them as I could.

I haven't posted the video yet, but I have an amazing Trunk Show provided by Fairmount Fibers featuring baa ram ewe. Lisa has sent me (3) beautiful garments, (2) knit with Coast and (1) with Woodnote DK. I knit my Felix Cardigan using Coast and Carlie's Reposado Vest in Woodnote DK are still available for inspiration. I will be receiving another shipment from her just as soon as that lovely GREEN Coast aka Algae, is back in stock. I've already had several of you come take a look at the latest color selections of Arroyo & Rios from Malabrigo. I have several FREE patterns available with purchase that you could easily knit up as gifts or give as a gift to make.

We will be starting the next KAL, Where are the Leaves? on Saturday, November 21st, 9-11:00 a week earlier than usual due to SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH. I hope you will be able to stop by, it's going to be a lot of fun! There will be a drawing that everyone will be entered into, new kits available to make gift giving easier, and Berroco has put together an incredible goodie bag to help celebrate. So be sure to stop by and say hello to Claudine and I, it's the official day to start your holiday shopping, we'll be ready with lots of great ideas!

I currently have (3) sweaters on my needles, the Christmas present for Addie is almost finished, inches to go on sleeve #2. I have my friend Ali to thank, she's making the same sweater and needs my help duplicate stitching the big letter on the front (we're making Harry Potter Christmas jumpers). So the pressure was on to get it finished so we could embroider together, this Thursday! The test knit for the Athene sweater is coming along beautifully! I'm just a few rows away from splitting for the sleeves, it really is stunning, I'm very proud of it. I love seeing everyone's progress and the different color combinations. Lastly, my Thistlewood....ooh, la, la do I love a little sparkle. I knew it was going to be stunning, but I'm even more amazed with the color work. This is taking lower priority but with Addie's sweater being close to completion, there's a chance I'll have (2) new sweaters to wear during the holidays.

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30, for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy