Northfork

Hi, Spent the weekend with the Divas. ( my high school friends) It was wonderful seeing everyone in beautiful Northfork NY by the bay. The fortunate thing was that the night before I left for the overnight in Long Island I attended my brothers 55th high school reunion. It was wonderful to see how happy everyone was in seeing old friends and just having the time to talk. Appreciating the opportunity to reconnect was very important, and I realized that our next reunion must be planned soon. I imagine us 20 years from now, still gathering together to share stories and miss those who could not attend.

Knitting has definitely been on the back burner for the week, but look at this wonderful pattern found during the summer at a garage sale. The gentleman I purchased this from had a wealth of information about knitting resources in addition to the many vintage pattern books he sold me. What a find!!!!! The following week I found nylon yarn to make the bag. This is definitely a book that will get lots of use. I have had 2 requests so far. Well somewhere between packing , and moving I will begin this project Yet the scarf must be finished before I begin this bag. My new rule "Finish a project before you begin a new one" and yes I will tell you about my friends Rules but that will have to be another day.

"If I see anything Knitting I buy it"

My friend "D..........." goes to garage sales and visits craig's list and ebay daily. Can you imagine what her stash looks like!!!! You are going to have to image it because she has forbidden me from taking any photographs. (It's a security issue) All I can tell you is that she stopped counts of needles at 1000 pairs!!!!! Mention a needle and "D..." will have it, and if she doesn't she will find it within 12 hours online or at a garage sale. D..... says ""If I see anything Knitting I buy it". I love "D...." dearly (she taught me how to do continental knitting!!) and she is a great friend, but I'm going to have to find a new territory to garage sale in.......cause she always gets to the Knitting stuff first!!!!!

What a Stash!!

Spending a few hours in the attic yesterday was quite interesting. I know many of us talk about our stash and most people consider the term stash to refer to "yarn". I think we need to think outside the box here, because we knitters have more then a stash of yarn, well at least I do. How about Needles !!!! Stitch Markers!!!! Pattern books!!!!!!! Oh let's not forget the "Projects in Progress" !!!! You know what I mean, don't you?

Getting ready for a garage sale and future move to a smaller space, forces you to go through your things and make the decision to keep or sell. A hard decision to make, but I've developed some guidelines that may be of help to you also.

Rule 1- Any pattern dated prior to 1988 is considered an antique and must be preserved. Although if you think of it, at some point all the pattern magazines will be older then 20 years - so keep them all!!!!

Rule 2- Knitting books are reference materials and are of great value. I noticed that once a book is out of print it becomes most desirable - did you see the Knitting book that is going for over $400 on ebay!!! Keep them all!!! I prefer to think of this as a decision in retirement planning.

Rule 3- Keep at least 1 complete set of needles (circular, straight and double pointed, crochet hooks, tatting, afghan, hair pin lace) in every medium; wood, bamboo, aluminum, bone, plastic etc. To think of it, I travel a lot so perhaps two sets of each would be a wiser decision, and there is always a friend who wants to start a project... or learn how to knit.... so keep them all!!

(The problem is at this point, I know I don't have two sets of all those needles. I'll have to do some online shopping when I sign off here.)

Rule 4- Yarn.........just keep it all!!!!

Next time I'll introduce you to my friend "D...." She has her own set of rules and let me tell you, they are good ones---better then mine that's for sure!!!!

See you in September

The welcome back to school has been wonderful. People are full of energy and looking forward to the new school year. The kids are excited about seeing their friends and beginning new friendships. Knitting definitely took a backseat all week, between setting up my classroom, reviewing and revising my plans, helping out our new teachers, and reading 3 boxes of mail, any down time was spent completely still (OK asleep is more like it)






Thought I'd add photos of my current project.
Jezebel in Merino, lace weight by Southwest Trading Co.
The pattern calls for beads but my last project was beaded and I wanted to do a no bead piece for a change of pace.

What do you think of my stitch markers, My jewelry designer daughter taught me how to make them!!!