Projects, projects...and a few projects

Seine Scarf by Ann Budd, knitted with Knit Fit Knitting sock weight yarn

Natalie's knitting ways may be rubbing off on me. Usually I don't have very many projects I'm working on at the same time, unlike Natalie, who seems to have lots of projects to work on. But, well, new magazines just keep coming in to the shop with more and more tempting patterns. And then there's all this wonderful yarn here.....


Little Crocheted Bag

And of course I can't neglect my crochet hooks....after all, I'm still a hooker at heart! So I also have to keep working on this little bag, which a customer is eying because she likes the colors. Which means I'll have to start another little bag for the shop that I was supposed to consign this one to....


Dog hair

And of course the spinning wheels can't be left out. Especially when customers come in with gorgeous fiber like this that they want spun. This is the combed fiber from a local's Komodor (I think that's what she said) and it is lovely! Creamy soft with no doggy smell. As I commented on our recent podcast, I'm not always thrilled to see dog hair coming in the door for me to spin. But this stuff is just like alpaca and spinning into a beautiful single. Check our the latest episode of our podcast for a hint on what to do if the doggy smell DOES appear in your carefully saved combings!


Dog Hair Singles Yarn

TJ doesn't think much of it, though, so I carefully remove the bag from his reach when I leave him alone. Lily just sniffs me with an expression that says, "Dull, really dull...."


Drum Carder

And naturally, since I had the opportunity to buy a drum carder from a former spinner (now there's a tragedy...someone that doesn't spin anymore...) I have to keep working on the lovely Corriedale fleece I've been spinning. I think I'm going to like the carder. I'm still figuring out the best way to use it but the few batts I've made from the Corrie so far are lovely.

So what's on your needles? Or hook? Or wheel?

P. S. I often don't know what's going on in the bluegrass musical career of my brother, Sammy Shelor. Mostly because he just doesn't think his accomplishments are any big deal. I happened to see a link on his Facebook page to this article. Not a small deal, I think, and congratulations, Sammy! Check out his web site to see more about the band, and some other good things that have been happening lately.

And to give equal time, the Corn Acoustics! Corn Maze is open in Meadows of Dan now and very popular with visitors of all ages. Check out the web site for a planned romantic couples night. And I'm hoping to be hanging around on Halloween telling spooky stories!

Where Have I Been, You Ask....

or maybe not, as the case may be. But I've really been doing more than sitting around in torn stockings knitting the never-ending Trekking sock. Seems like every time I turn around, there's a meeting to be attended, a web page to be updated, a friend to enjoy time with or a fantastic meal to be eaten. From the picture it looks like I should be doing a good bit less of the last!


Elegant Grilled Chicken Salad

But speaking of wonderful meals, yesterday was top of the line as I went off to Chateau Morrisette for a lovely day with the Virginia Fiber Folk from Ravelry. "Stitching with the dogs" was a smashing success despite a foggy, drearly day. Ten knitters and two crocheters (me and Mary!) made it to the lovely restaurant at the winery for a lively day of visiting, eating, knitting and just enjoying pleasant surroundings with congenial folk!



Liz did a wonderful job of putting everything together, and decided to bring door prizes so everyone had something great to take along home (she was nice enough to include me in this as well; it was fun to give away a crochet hook to Mary and a fancy knitting counter to Kimberly. She also had a commemorative T-shirt made up for us that I'll treasure along with the memories. There was a lot of knitting done along with the chatting and eating, so I think we all felt that we accomplished a great deal. The minute most of the ladies sat down they whipped out their needles and hooks.

After lunch and a leisurely time knitting, most of the group headed over to the winery for a tour and some wine tasting. I went back to the shop to handle a few things and talk with one of my vendors before the knitters came down, but we had another nice visit while they were here. It was a full and lovely day. I know Liz blogged about the event and I'm sure I'll find some other accounts of stitching at the winery.



Lately I sort of feel like the towel that Lily and TJ are playing with, pulled in a lot of different directions! But things are settling down now, I think. The shop is open for regular hours now, from 10 AM to 6 PM on Thursday thru Monday. I've been working a lot on other web sites this winter, but will probably concentrate on my own for the shop and getting some vendor products on-line. I just put up a big shipment of knitting needles, circulars, bamboo and metal (the wretched people backordered almost all of the lovely Rosewood) and vendors are sending in some beautiful yarns that are going fast.

We have a new bookstore opening in Meadows of Dan next weekend; I'll try to sneak over and take some pictures when they unlock the doors. And sister-in-law Sue opened up her shop this week. She's going to be very busy with the shop while Sammy and the Lonesome River Band are off touring in Japan!