STANDARD TIME!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

How's everyone adjusting to the time change? I hope better than Bernie and I! Bernie doesn't understand that 4:30 is the old 5:30, his internal clock is a well oiled machine, our routine is solid. That one hour causes so much disruption in my already dysfunctional sleep, the only thing that offsets my annoyance is having the sunrise before 7:00. Bernie is my assurance I will never miss a sunrise, he knows it's my favorite time of the day, he's so considerate.

I am making incredible progress on my Athene test knit, I'm a bit obsessed and addicted to it. Aside from the sheer joy I've experienced knitting this sweater, it's equally fun to see everyone else's sweaters evolve. It's a similar feeling to participating in a KAL, the group interaction forms such a bond. I was extremely intimidated when I first took a look at the pattern, the charts made me second guess my skill set. Seeing other people's pictures and comments on how they were tackling this project restored my confidence. I was hopeful that once I actually cast on, all would be right in the world, it was. I am really hoping this confidence transfers when we begin our next KAL on November 21st, Where Are The Leaves?

As you know, when selecting the project for a KAL, I look for new and interesting techniques mainly to help up your skill set and make you a better knitter. And by better knitter, I simply mean, demystifying something you normally wouldn't try on your own. It's easy to become overwhelmed, I've witnessed this personally and also with many of you who come in for help. That little black cloud hanging over the project that makes you feel completely over your head. I've only recently seen projects that use shadow knitting, I think it's an amazing technique that could be used in so many fun ways. Even if you never do it again, I think it's one of those things you'll be glad to have in your toolbox. Aside from how cool the project is, I'm more impressed with the talent behind the designer who created this, simply amazing. Here's the link https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/where-are-the-leaves

I've been working on the Advent Calendars, it's been so much fun! I am waiting on the last "surprise" and will start putting everything together. My dining room has once again been taken over, each day is lined up in order, waiting to get assembled. I have a couple of details to still work out, but for the most part I'm ready to go. Since I'm only doing (12) days of Christmas, I've been asked when can the presents be opened. I was thinking literally (12) days before, but if you want to start on December 1st that's totally fine, it would give you time to create the project I have in there. Or if you want to open the entire thing in one setting, that is your prerogative, there are no rules. I was the kid that ate every single piece of chocolate out of my Advent Calendar in one day....There are still a few available, let me know if you'd like one, they are $150.

I am expecting another big box from Malabrigo this week, I had quite a lot of empty shelves after Malabrigo Day. There will be new colors of Arroyo and Rios to add to the gorgeous rainbow of colors. I recently saw a Pressed Flowers Cardigan on Instagram that was knit in Arroyo, it was stunning. Emma is currently working on the pullover version, it's turning out so beautiful. I brought my cardigan to the shop for a little inspiration, I would definitely knit another one, mosaic knitting is fun to do. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pressed-flowers-cardigan-2

Be sure to mark your calendars for Small Business Saturday, November 28th. I will have a limited number of very cool Customer Appreciation gifts provided by Local Crafts Distribution ( you know, the ones who have taken over Berroco). In the past Berroco has offered FREE patterns to celebrate, this goes well above and beyond. The gift will be free with a minimum purchase of $25. Stay tuned to see what other fun promotions will be happening the day of, it's always a great day and your continued support means everything to me.

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