Last year close to this time, I was preparing for a journey. Very unknowing of where it was going to take me. I looked so forward to this trip.

Shopping in Salzburg.
Gallon sized mugs at Oktoberfest. It was really a challenge to hold these up. It was about 8 o'clock in the morning in this picture. Seriously. You had to get there that early to get a seat. It was about 50 degrees, damp, and raining. I hadn't recovered from the Hopfbrauhaus from the night before. This was an experience all in itself.

Reflecting back on this a year later....I am almost not even sure what to say.

So I'll just say nothing.

Why am I just now posting about sock camp? Well....these are funny pictures. What is the deal with having neurotic tendencies that made us want to wear or roll in the Blue Moon yarn? Too many fumes or too many martinis? Ummm. Both.

So the doorbell rings....it's the neighbor girl coming to play with Tot for a bit. Low and behold there are two boxes on my porch from my dear BFF!!!! Socktopus! I met Miss Mali at Camp Kaw Kaw this year. It was very strange and there were all these crossing paths and weird incidences.....but we ended up budsl. She makes me happy I'm a knitter. Happy that i'm blessed with such wonderful people in my life. She also knows how to make me very happy. Hub was present for the unwrapping of the goodies! I paused midway, looked at him and said this must be better than Christmas. Seriously. First we have the edible goods. Chocolates, english biscuits from traditional to organic versions. Ritter Sport bars which I adore! McVities...a must. Tea of course!
Total sock stash enhancement! With the most adorable bag that I was desperate for at camp! ; )
The model today is Charlie the gardener. He's so tired from a long day in the garden that he's decided to prop up on a pot and take a bit of a rest. I love him. I placed him here so that I can look at him when I swing. I love garden whimsy.
This is where Charlie lives. Hub got this swing for me for our 5th anniversary. Or 3rd??? I don't know but I'm thinking it's been longer than two years due to the growth of this bed in the picture. I love sitting here. It looks at another mature bed that I dug by hand with nonpowered tools. Sweat, blood, and ice cold beer. I get a certain feeling of accomplishment when I look at it. It's a lovely place to knit.
I can't get the link to work for Socktopus.....visit her at www.socktopus.co.uk

Thank you Mali! You sure do know how to make a girls day! I can't wait until we go to Rhinebeck!!!!
I miss you so.

This is a pic of the yarn room prior. Just for those who are curious. The bed was one of the ugly wrought iron ones from the 90's that realllllly needed to go. When we moved in I made it a room with a bed and stuff I didn't know what else to do with. Then I started knitting and these mysterious piles crept up mixed with sewing machines and fabrics and dollies apparently.











Which eventually led to this........................

With good company.












And ended like this. No! Thank you very much. That's not me half cocked.....but I do know that person. Is that a yarn ball stuffed down in that boot?
This is what happens at A Taste of Wine. ; )

So here are some long awaited photos and a post......finally!

The yarn room is DONE! What a task it turned out to be. I'm very good for letting projects escalate until I may be in over my head a bit. Hub saved the day with the cubbies. Though they are quite simple to put together. I am so in love with this room. Sometimes I just walk in and stand and look around a minute, then leave. I love it. It's like a sanctuary.
Another shot of the cubbies and small bookcase. This houses actual reading books. Not knitting books.




My nice new Ikea bed for guests who are worthy. The chair is a Poang from Ikea. It looks out into one of my flower gardens. More pics coming. And a little chatter as well.

So at last I can breathe....a bit. I'm going to Blue Moon's Camp Crow's Feet. We were assigned to knit a toilet paper roll cover. Kitschy? Yes. Fun? Yes! I just rolled with it and it has been a blast. Those who know me well, know that I'm probably not finished. And I'm not. The major things are done though. The rest can pretty much be done on the fly if necessary. I can't wait to share it with all of you! No patterns. No guidelines.
Raspy needs one arm and the sleeve seam sewn and she's all finished ready to travel. I tried it on. I love it. I'm pondering casting on another in a different colorway. Maybe a different yarn. I think I adore this sweater. I'm also thinking about a couple of other denim sweaters. Tot's starting to pick out her own yarns for me to knit. I love it! She demands I do it. Hmmmm. Another year and she can start knitting? I so hope she does.
My dear husband turned 40. That makes me feel a bit more.....mature. Strange. I forget how old I am all the time until I'm reminded. Like my hub turning 40.

From turkey to tulips.......well here I am....I'm baaaaccccckkkk! I somehow got consumed with Ravelry, my new timesuck, and disappeard from the blogosphere. I love Ravelry.
Tot is growing like a weed. She's getting so much independence these days. Ahhh what a wonderful thing it is.
I've been knitting. Constantly.
I need to post pics here and on Ravelry.
I'm going to Blue Moon's Camp Crow's Feet this year. I leave this Saturday. Can Not Wait!!! We have to knit a toilet paper roll cover from scraps of yarn sent to all campers by Blue Moon. I've had so much fun with this. More than I thought I would. Ohh the freedom of no pattern. I almost can't believe I'm really going. I feel like I might not breathe until I'm in Seattle. Prior to camp, a few of us Ravelers whom I've never met, are going on a yarn crawl the two days before camp. We're going to shop the Seattle shops and then hit Bainbridge and the San Juan Islands. I'm almost afraid to go. I feel like I'll want to move there. I will savor every moment.
I will stop about that. I know you might like to tell me to stop already.
Something else I'm quite excited about is a class that will be coming up in June. Beth Brown-Reinsel will be coming to teach her Traditional Gansey Workshop the weekend of June 21st and 22nd. Beth, in my opinion, is like a charming old soul. I just adore her. Her knitting talent is phenomenal and she is an excellent educator. Those of you who are attending I assure you that you won't be disappointed. I've wanted to take this workshop with Beth for a long time. I'm also happy to be able to share her with all of you.
I will also be hosting Antje Gillingham, the author of Knitting Circles Around Socks the weekend of May 30th and 31st. Unfortunately all spots for this class are taken. Antje comes from Germany, she owns a shop where she lives now in Tennessee. I've yet to meet Antje in person, but she is delightful to speak with on the phone! I'm really looking forward to meeting her! This should be a weekend to remember.
; )
It's good to be back.

Again...it's been a while. I just can't seem to find a minute to sit still these days. Tot had a birthday celebration. In my world birthday celebrations last a while.
Tonight I have been baking like a mad woman. On my side of the family, we all take turns hosting holidays. This year it is at my Mom's. I'm bringing a layered Upside Down Pineapple Cake with a butttercream icing and pecans and....are you ready....seriously I believe this might be to die for.....a Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake with a yummy little ganache topped off with quartered Reese Cups. Yum. Hello ten pounds.
So as you can see I have been a busy girl.
I have been knitting. I've made Juliet out of Rowan Cocoon, 1 fingerless glove out of the new O-wool classic that just came in. So cute. The wool is delightful. Socks for Tot and my poor husband who has begged. Now he has some. It's not that I didn't want to knit for him, I just know that now I will be knitting more for him. He will want lots and lots. I held out as long as I could. I have a Jaywalker going out of Blue Moon in Gingerbread Dude. I'm in love with this colorway. It looks just gingerbread colors to me. I want more. My first pair of Jaywalkers. What's up with that. Does it always feel all tight and tense? I'm feeling like the size 1 needles are maybe a bit small, but I'm too far in at this point. Next time a 2 please. I'm trying to knit some necessities for Tot for the winter.....if we ever have one. 68 degrees today, the day before Thanksgiving. Global warming? Al Gore says so. It kind of freaks me out, alot.
We won't go there tonight. It's a bit late. I could ramble. I won't.
I have cornbread in the oven. What time is it?
I still have to make the icing for the cake too.
Yes, cornbread.
I have been trying to post more pics too. No luck. That makes me so crazy. I don't understand why it works sometimes and not others.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Knit Night will be on Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. due to the fact that Beggar's Night is on Tuesday. Please join us on Wednesday!

This is Benediktbeuren, a textile market I visitied while in Munich. Heather and I were seriously pinching each other. We rode the train there so we were a bit limited. But we still cashed in! This was absolutely surreal. I would love to be standing there right now.

We met Claudia. What a pleasurel. Just as sweet as her fabulous yarns. I have a finished pair I'm already sporting around. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this yarn. I love it. What an experience.

I'm back to stay for a while....this time. No more trips.
Rhinebeck was great. I was there on Saturday bright and early, with Hubby in tow. We went straight in and I directly got in a panic about finding Brooks Farm Yarns. I love, love there yarns. It's very unfortunate that I can't bring these yarns into the shop. They don't do that. So if you want some Brooks Farm love you'll have to visit their website. I seriously had yarn stacked in my arms all the way to my chin. People were cracking up. My husband looked like he was in shock. Two huge bags......all for me. Some roving, some Briar Rose, and some Blue Moon sock yarn are some other things I managed to cram in my bag. My Mom and Tot came later in the day for some festivities too. We had a great time. Pics coming. I always say that, but they really are.
This coming weekend, Nov. 2, 3, and 4. I will be hosting an open house with some other businesses in Germantown. On Saturday Jailhouse Primitives and I have some good old fashioned fun planned for all of you! We will be having horse drawn wagon rides for you to enjoy from 12-3. The rides are free with any purchase from myself or from my neighbor Jailhouse Primitives. You can get a ticket from either of us. So come visit and enjoy a crisp, fall day riding around historical Germantown in a horse drawn wagon! What fun! I will also have some other things to entice you. I will have door prizes each day including Dream In Color sock yarn, Fleece Artist sock yarn, and some Indie dyed sock yarn. All you have to do is show up! There will be some "secret sales" going on as well. I also am newly stocked with Fleece Artist and Dream In Color sock yarns. I have three skeins of every color DIC sock yarn there is. So come in and check it all out. Hot coffee and some tasty snacks will be provided as well. Make sure you don't miss this one!

Ok. So I'm back. I have been home for a month almost. It seems like days to me still.
Very very strange.
I have been extremely busy. I leave for Rhinebeck Friday in the wee hours of the morning. My whole little family is going. Tot is very excited to go to Vermont. I have no idea why. I will be gone until next weekend. We are traveling from Rhinebeck into New Hampshire and from there on up into new England ending in Maine. Fresh seafood, knitting, and family. Sounds like a good combo. This was originally to be a "long weekend". My husband snowballed it a bit. The shop will be closed for the week. Sorry. : (
Europe.....where to start. I absolutely fell in love with Germany. Ich liebe Deutschland! Ich liebe weisse bier! Pols! Sorry I got sidetracked. It was an amazing trip on so many different levels. I would love to live in Europe. I love the way. It was very comfortable for me. I have some pics I'm going to post and I will give details then. I will tell you though that I went to the Textile Market and I met Claudia from Wollmeise and she is an absolute Dolly. Her yarns are amazing. I think I may have met Yarnissima and not known it. I haven't pinned that one down for sure yet.
I was a bit overwhelmed. I couldn't take it all in fast enough. It was a great time. I didn't let one minute pass me by. Three hours of sleep is plenty. Isn't it? Sorry I have been such a delinquent.

Ich bin sehr durstig, ja....Ich mochte ein grosse bier bitte!
Auf Wiedersehn!

The shop will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the 15th, 16th, & 17th. Please come visit with us at The Wool Gathering at Young's Dairy Farm in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The hours are from 10-7 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. There will be lots of goodies for all of those starving for some more fiber. This is really a fiber festival! Come have some fun and hang out with some of the knitters from the shop!
Response to Knit Night at the Ball and Skein has just been remarkable! What an excellent group of knitters! And oh what fun we have! We have more knitters than room! The joke this week was busting down some walls next week. Seriously, something will have to give. No one really seems to mind, we just keep piling on top of each other. It's cozy. I so look forward to Tuesday nights.
I'm real excited about some things that are ordered for the shop. Arriving in the next week the new shipment of Fleece Artist. Hopefully by the end of next week. Coming within the next two weeks is O-Wool. A true organic yarn that is like cream in your hands. Just lovely. Can't wait to get this on the shelf! I believe it could become a permanent resident. This is just lovely. A great worsted weight yarn. Excellent stitch definition.
In the sock department I'm now offering Ewe3 Sock Yarn. This is locally dyed by a friend and fellow knitter. The colors are absolutely delicious. The names are related to her home town. Just think "We Are Marshall!". What fun! You will be able to see this yarn this weekend at the festival......along with the other great sock yarn that is coming to the shop.....Knitted to a "T" by another friend and knitter! The first skeins she brought in for me to look at flew out the door. They were scarfed up as soon as I dropped them in the bowl. Seriously. Snatch. Snatch. Tonia does a great bamboo blend that I adore. Her colors are amazing. You all really need to come check out these brand new yarns! They are great additions to any sock stash.....speaking of sock I have been having my own little personal "Socktoberfest" going on. I have been making socks to take to Germany which happens next Friday. I don't think I'll make the goal of 9, though maybe 5. We'll see. I can't stop doing the Bullion Stitch long enough to think about knitting socks. Did you catch that? I have been doing that hook thing. Thanks alot Dana! I've also been doing the lace thing.. thanks Donna. Ms. Firestarter herself wearing her Forest Canopy around like it's no big deal, stirring up the pot, spreading the lace bug. It's spreading to I got it, now Jenny's got it . Who's next Teresa 1, 2, or 3? Hey Susan, next time you come bring some knitting with you! : )
Oh yes....I must add. Did I tell about the wonderful spell of karma I have going on. So what are the odds....I contact Wollmeise trying to get some yarn. She lets me know that during the time I will be in Munich there is a huge textile market going on. Like on the grounds of the Benedictine Monks. Hello just this fact has me all flipping out. Just messed up. Wollmeise will be there with all her goods! So will everyone else that is anybody. We're talking like several different countries..Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, Austria, just all over Europe will be in this one place for this one day. Which happens to be the Sunday after I arrive. So Sunday morning we will be taking the train to Benediktbeuren for a fabulous day of wool, jewelry, clothes, shoes, bags, fabrics, etc. I absolutely can't wait for that Sunday morning. I'm so excited. I am going to be one happy camper. Can someone pinch me please?

Dream in Color sock yarn is in the shop, for a moment. Kaffe Fasset's sock yarn is also in from Regia. Every color lovelies.

The Dream in Color yarn is here. The Tulip Kits are in bags and ready to go home with you. They are adorable and fun to knit. Rowan's Cashmere Tweed showed up this past week. 90% cashmere 10% silk. Do I really need to say anything more? It's amazing. It's also $24.95 a ball. Cashmere just does something to me. It's like a chocolate dipped strawberry.
The Yarn Market was this week. I got to see Miss Z. What a dolly. I can't believe I was ever responsible for something that small. Wow. How time flies. She is amazing and beautiful, Miss Z.
June and I went crazy over the Kaffe Fasset sock yarn from Regia. Guess what! The whole line will be arriving probably next week. Woo hoo.

A phone call this week announcing the shipment of the almighty "Tulip Sweater". I hope that this isn't like a movie you get all excited for and then....you know. Hmmmm. I can't wait to rip that box open. I'm doing this totally on faith you know. I have never personally held a Tulip or the makings of a Tulip in my hands. I can't wait. Can't wait.
This week another box of tapestry arrived, a box of Kidsilk Haze, Nashua Snowbird in I believe every color, patterns to come.and some other Rowan stuff....Tapestry Collection Pattern Book....Mother and Baby Pattern Book.....and of course the new Rowan Magazine for Fall. I haven't had a chance to totally soak this magazine in all the way, but from what I've seen I'm very excited about it. I'm looking forward to the Cocoon Yarn which will be new this fall from Rowan. I'm drooling over some new Cashmere they are bringing for fall. Oh yes, my lovelies....it's coming to the shop. Another lovely addition that is coming for fall to lucky, lucky us...is Moving Mud. Moving mud is this combination of a couple of the most intriguing people I have ever met. I adore these people and this company. They are the makers of fine glass closures, buttons, and shawl pins. Too die for! I'm so looking forward to this. Can't wait to spread the love to all of you. : )
The shop will be closed the rest of the week, due to some family issues. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause anyone. Please remember I am a one man gig at this point. Thanks for your patience and understanding as I learn to run a shop and juggle a family all at the same time. I love what this is slowly becoming. I'm very excited about the fall and about hosting an "official" grand opening. The yarns that are showing up have been ordered for months. Money gone, no yarn. I didn't want to have a grand opening with empty shelves. I want this place busting at the seams. So I have my reasons for the delay.What seems like months to me probably only seems like a short time to you. Anyhow, I will reopen Tuesday at 10:00. Knit night is also on Tuesday starting at 6:00 and ending ???. We have fun. And food. And yummy yarn. Come knit a bit. We're looking to explore some fun new techniques this week. I am so stoked about this. Now I remember why I love knitting so much again. I'm also so into learning this crochet stitch that a new knitter to the shop has done. I have just been spazzing over the possiblilites with this one. Bring your scrap yarn and explore new stitches. Fun!

Running....Screaming......The Fleece Artist is here..........The sock yarn is here. HELLO!!!! Also some sweater kits, felted hats, thrum mittens, goldilocks shawls, and of course the dear BFL.
What are you waiting for?

I had a nice suprise visitor in the shop this morning....her name is Jo "Baby" Sharp! She's really pushing fall along with a little nudge. She brought some lovely pattern books with her. You know Jo and I go way back. She's one of my first true loves. I hope you'll come in and meet her. She'll probably want to come home and stay with you awhile. She's like that.

Cruise in tomorrow. The 21st. I will be open all day. Until 9:00 p.m.. Old cars, shopping, knitting, probably some pizza. What more could you want on a Saturday night?

Be here!
Come whenever you want.

First of all I would like to encourage everyone to stop by Mindy's blog and make a donation in support of her son and the Greater Cincinnati Down's Syndrome Association. There is a link on Mindy's blog where you can access the donation page. It does not matter what amount your donation is. Just donate already. This is for a great cause. Mindy has some great prizes which she will draw winners for in September. My shop will be donating a Tulip Sweater kit.....yes Tonia, A Tulip Sweater kit. If you haven't heard about this phenomenon just go here. These are the adorable little baby sweater that everyone is just going crazy about. These will be arriving in the store anyday now. I will also be carrying the "Smooshy" sock yarn by this company. Along with both patterns they currently offer. To say the least I'm very excited about this. I will be kitting the sweaters up. They will be offered in the original colorway and also in some of my own creations. OHHH so excited! In addition to these items, I'm also waiting for another shipment of Fleece Artist to arrive anytime as well. This will have more Blue Face Leicester Aran weight yarn, Nova sock yarn, and some shawl, sweater, and hat kits. Fun! Fun!
I have been knitting, but not much progress. I can't seem to stay focused long enough. The most I've knit since May has really just been on socks. I do have a cardigan started out of the Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair. I love working with this yarn. The mohair mixed with the wool gives it such a nice halo.
GO. RUN. DONATE!!!!!!!