I take it back, I take it all back

Did you ever hear me rant about the "mean yarn shop lady" in Encinitas? It's well known that I like Common Threads, it's like a home away from home. Last Friday, I had the yearly doctor stuff in San Diego. In less than an hour I had been pap smeared, pelvically scanned, and boobicably squished. It was only 12 more miles to Encinitas, so damn the horse races, I was bound for yarn shopping!

I was in search of a specific pattern for some cool mohair stuff that I bought in Providence. I had swatched, and it was impossible to pull out, so I decided to go with the yarn manufacturer's suggested pattern, since they know much more than me. I called 3 shops that were supposed to carry this company's patterns--Common Threads first, and The Needlecraft Cottage second. Neither had the pattern. Third and last on the list was The Black Sheep, the shop where I was scolded for touching the felted bag on their wall display.

I called ahead, and a very pleasant lady said that she would hold the pattern for me. OMG. I take back every back thing I said. Mind you---they still have rules here--no touching the display that is still up on the back wall, and a sign stating no cell phones calls allowed while you are in the store. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....so I turned my phone on mute, not wanting to get sent to the corner for bad behavior or 86'd from the place entirely. They had almost a whole wall of Fiesta's La Boheme. I see why Deb opted for the Shimmer Shawl. I've never seen that much of it in one place. A tactile delight.

They also carry Habu Textile's yarns (link is on the title above). This is a Japanese company with very interesting yarn. DeeDee and Linda and I saw it last fall at Arizona Knitting in Scottsdale. I had promised myself that I would not buy any more shawl yarn ( I have 2 shawls-in-progress that are in the time-out room), but didn't have the same sanction against a possible scarf yarn purchase. I bought a scarf kit from Habu that has 3 yarns. Two are called "linen paper" and resemble raffia. The other is a stainless steel yarn wrapped with silk. It is really strange. It is extremely fine, about half the size of sewing machine thread. You hold the steel with whatever color of linen paper you want to knit with, changing colors PRN. Of course, being ADD (or an exceptional multitasker?) I have already cast on and started it. It does scrunch. When you are done knitting, you are supposed to roll it into a ball and "mush" wash by hand in the water, "like you are trying to make a rice ball". Definitely not a functional scarf, just a fashion accessory. I also got some little packets that are combination of paper, linen, and nylon. They haven't spoken to me as yet. I tried to take photos of these, but my camera is on the fritz. I will bring them on Sunday. They definitely need to be put on the Yarn Crawl list. They are open Sundays, tool.

Speaking of Sunday--I hope to see you at the (in)Skeiin Asylum---till then, Knit On!

Summer's End

Here we are, school starting next week, and our knitting once again relieves the stress of the day to day toil. We met last Sunday and got to see some great shawls. Yolanda brought in 3 shawls that she did this summer, and I don't know which one I like best. They are all really nice. This one is knitted out of Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes (I think). I know she said it took 7 balls and the cost was only about $12.00. It is stunning, and very simple.

The photo doesn't do it justice. It is quietly elegant in real life. It is an adaptation of a scarf from the Best of Knitter's Ponchos and Wraps book. A simple knit, taking about 770yds.


This shawl is out of the same book, and is called a Waterfall design. Again, a simple knit, with a different technique for the cast on and cast off. I took this photo as Yolanda was getting ready to leave, out in the restaurant part of Papa San. Before we finished the photo, 3 ladies came over and were ooooing over it. Yolanda probably could have named her price and they would have bought it on the spot. It will be one of those garments that, when worn in public, will gather lots of compliments.



This last one will, I am sure, be duplicated by many of us. This is knitted (very loose) out of Debbie Bliss Merino, a worsted weight I believe, and she has woven a beautiful Sari Ribbon by Louisa Harding in and out of the plain stockinette body of the shawl. The ribbon continues down to form a self fringe at the bottom. Again, a very simple and easy knit, but stunning when finished. Yolanda has been very busy!


This photo just doesn't show the detail of the bobbles on the shawl that Linda is knitting. The yarn has a little sparkle to it that almost looks like a tiny bead. A bobble is a smal little "blob" where you knit many stitches in the front and back of one stitch, then knit them all together(?). She is placing them randomly, whenever she feels like it. It is a simple knit, but the bobbles break up the routine of the stockinette and don't compete with the pattern of the yarn either. Linda, bring it Sunday so all can see.

You know, we all need to go out to dinner somewhere and wear our creations. Can you imagine the stir? Or all go to the movies outfitted in shawls/scarves/ponchos/scarchos. Much more fashionable than the red hat ladies!

If you roll your cursor over "Summer's End" at the beginning of my post, it will take you to a link to the Knit Picks website. They have these nifty bags called KIPers(Knitting in Public). I don't think I will be able to resist the urge for one more bag. I really like their concept with the add-on purse.

We will be gathering again at Papa San's (in)Skein Asylum room on Sunday. Hope to see you all there! Bring your FOs(finished objects), WIPs(works in progress), UFOs(unfinished objects), etc, etc.! Hope to see you then!

Is summer almost over?????????????

Wow what a summer! Carson graduated-----------






















Aimee is married-----------------------hmmm the photo won't upload--perhaps because it is from a professional photographer and I shouldn't be using it? Take my word for it--she was beautiful, the wedding was beautiful.

And what have the KnitWits/Knits of the Round Table/NKLB (No Knitters Left Behind) been up to?

Well-Deb is driving cross-country. last spotted heading into Iowa. DeeDee is teaching native Chileans to knit---they already spin and dye their own yarn and weave. She took 50 pairs of chopsticks donated by Papa
San for the needles. I can't wait to hear about her experience! I saw Linda a couple of weeks ago and she was beautifully tanned--Mexico agrees with her. Shirley is staying cool in Flagstaff and dodging forest fires, and I discovered a latent addiction to cashmere.



AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Cashmere. I have a new mantra inspired by Linda and this cashmere addiction---



LIFE IS SHORT--------------EAT DESSERT FIRST, AND KNIT WITH CASHMERE---------



I now know why I never allowed myself to touch cashmere. I bought a skein back in October on Nantucket Island, and just finished a Seaman's scarf in the Dragon Scale pattern tonight. It would make a great knit-along for someone who is an advanced beginner and wants to learn a new technique (seaman's scarf), a new lace pattern, and practice foul language.

I also finished a cashmere scarf in a Fisherman's Rib pattern with a casing. A great project for anyone who can knit and purl! It's easy, "trust me".

Fisherman's Rib is a variation of a knit 1 purl 1 rib. The knit stitch is knit in the row below. It used appx. 126 yds. I recommend something really soft, if not cashmere, try an alpaca from KnitPicks, something in a worsted weight, or close to it.








I casted on 14 stitches on a size 9 double pointed needles, and purl one row. After that, each row is as follows:
slip first stitch as if to purl,* knit one in row below,purl 1*, continue across to last 2 stitches, purl them. Each row is the same. Continue for 22 inches.






In this photo I am knitting into the knit stitch in the row below (the big hole)
At 22 inches, you divide the purl stitches on the back needle and the knit stitches on the front needle. In stockinette (knit the front row and purl the part that will be on the inside) knit 8 rows. Cut the yarn and do the same with the other double point needle. Here is the casing before the stitches are put back onto one needle.
Put the stitches back on one double point needle. Put one stitch from the back needle on first, then one from the from the front, back, front, etc. Continue in pattern until it until you run out of yarn. Weave in any ends and you are done! This fits snuggly against your neck, so you want a nice, soft yarn. This was a very fast pattern, and was really fun.

I bought some unbelievable cashmere by Great Adirondack Yarns at a cool shop in San Francisco called The Urban Knitting Studio--it's a superb shop. Unbelieveably, it was ON SALE. 50% off. About 200 yards each. Two for the price of one! So I got all 4 skeins. To have left the other two by themselves would have been a horrible travesty. It hasn't decided yet what it wants to be.

I also got a couple of great books. One is called "One Skein" and all the projects are done with just one skein. The other book is a sleeper. It is called"Mason Dixon Knitting" and I have seen it before but was not impressed by the jacket. I definitely should not have judged it by its cover. It has wonderful projects and just plain cool stuff. There are many things I want to do, like a knitted rug, felted bowls, log cabin style afghan, etc.

Summer is almost gone! I return to work on the 20th of July. Anyone up for knitting on Sunday July 16? I will be there and bring any newly finished objects.! Hope to see you! Bring your finished objects! Send me photos of what been up to and/or knitted this summer! If you haven't been for a while, please come back, I miss you!

AYE YI YI YI SCARCHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First--I love to get emails like the one I got from Helen today. Check out these photos of Bryce--



I think she is pretty happy with her new poncho and hat from Nana'!










If you run your cursor over the title and follow the link, you will visit a knitting podcast hosted by Brenda Dayne, a knitter from Oregon who ls living in Wales. You don't have to have an iPod to listen to her podcasts, you can download it into iTUnes and listen to it from your computer. A podcast is like a radio show. They are free, and have great music from artists who have not signed onto any labels. I think my favorite is episode #2, The Knitter's Manifesto. She talks about what thinks would be like if Knitters Ruled the World. There is talk about knitting, music, more talking about knitting, etc. She has a great voice. And, it's FREE!

Now, you ask "what in the world is a Scarcho??? It is the coolest garment I have seen in a while and is ever so fun to knit and to wear. Technically, it is a poncho made of 8 scarves. You use a size 13 (or so) needle, cast on 10 (or so)stitches, knit away for 10" then cast off. Do 7 more combining any yarns your heart desires, then you crochet or mattress stitch them together. They could be called a "Poncharf", but that sounds like something you would wear with spandex stirrup pants from the 70's. The "Scarcho" sounds at once mysterious, sexy, and perhaps a bit naughty. It begs for tight jeans, preferably leather. See what you think---
Helen made the first one---it was on the cover of the Winter 2004 Knitter's magazine.






Yolanda was inspired and she knit this next one. Here it is being modeled by Fran (AKA "Little Missy"), who by the way, is very shy---






Then Yolanda did one in blue--here it is in the stage where you have to decide what-goes-where-







And the last Scarcho to hit the scene was knitted by Judy--here is the close-up

And here is the front--I caught Judy with her eyes closed--so I cropped---I apologize---


Judy found an interesting phenomena with her knitting. She had a knee replacement a couple of months ago, and has some residual pain that is really bothersome. When she knits, she doesn't feel the pain. A great side effect, I'd say! Knitting uses a different part of our brains, and the tactile sense, which doesn't get used too much. I think it bathes the brain in feel-good endorphins.

Aren't they all beautiful? And this is a project that would be great fun for a new knitter. Not a virgin knitter, but one who knows how to cast on and do the knit stitch. Judy wore hers in Washington D.C., and she could feel heads moving to look at her. Helen experienced the same thing when she wore hers to a gathering last weekend. They are truly wearable art, almost like a fabulous piece of jewelery, except that they are better because they cover up parts that most of us don't want people looking at anyway, and you can combine things from your stash to make them.
AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SCARCHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next Sunday is Easter, so we won't be gathering. But I expect to be back on Sunday, April 23. Happy Easter and Happy Knitting!

How Long has it been???

First things first---Deb--we are all praying for you both. Know that our strength is with you and Les.
"Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises"-Elizabeth Zimmerman




OK, I am a baaaad blogger. We have all been busy, and I didn'thave any new photos until Sunday. It seems like posting without photos is not nearly as cool.

We have some new knitters to shout out to. Louisa is one. I didn't capture her on film, but I will be lurking at work this week with my camera to see if I can catch her knitting. She gave me a pattern today for the cutest little knitted baby Uggs. Roll your cursor over the title and click on the link. It takes you to the DIY Channel's Knitty Gritty episode 110. Absolutley darling, Thanks Louisa!

Also a big hello to Karen McNiel, Rene Dhu, and Tracy McNiel. Warning: the camera lurks on Sundays for knitters caught in the act at Papa San. It's all fun. Karen took to knitting so fast that between lesson #1(casting on the circular cap and adding eyelash) that by the time lesson #2 rolled around, she about 5 hats on the needles and enlisted Linda to help her learn how to close them up. She gets the productivity award, most definitely! Plus--she most definitely has the biggest collection of size 10 1/2 needles in town, in case you need to borrow some.

Check out these photos--this project needs a name. It is a collection of 8 scarves crocheted together to form a poncho.
So it must be a "Scarcho" or possibly a "Poncharf". Helen made her first right out of the book, this one uses leftovers from the first with a few additions. I want one. I need one. Must have one. Scarcho I want you.............

Check out Yolanda's Scarcho in progress-- We tried different scarves next to her face to figure out what order to put them in.
Yolanda's is almost all leftovers. She recommends using a yarn with a lot of ease, with a soft hand, because it needs to drape easily. She is going to bring the finished project next Sunday.

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYY SPEAKING OF FINISHED PROJECTS AND YOLANDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is the famous "Charlotte's Web"!
Way to go Yolanda!






Helen has an idea about a group entry in the Fair. Not to be judged, just to be exhibited. So--think of your favorite thing you have knitted, if we could all bring one item we could have a cool exhibition of the
Knit Wits/Knits of the Round Table/NKLB! (No Knitters Left Behind)

Better go----------see you next Sunday, until then --
Knit on..............................

Post-Christmas post

Hope you and yours all are well during this warm holiday season! It has been so long since I posted, I almost forgot how to do it. Carson and I just got back from seeing Memoirs of a Geisha. Beautiful movie, but as usual, the book (from Audible) was much better. Now, on to knitting-------------

This is the first photo of a recipient of some of our knitting! Isn't she precious---this is Zia, one of Helen's granddaughters. She looks like she really likes her poncho and hat, and I think it is safe to predict that she will have a fondness for shoes, just like her Nana' (the accent is on the last na of Nana). It is wonderful to see the finished objects on their intended!

As many of you know, some of us took a Navajo weaving class in Mesa that started before Thanksgiving. Here is a photo of of Helen's rug in progress on the left and Shirley working at her rug on the right. Here is a photo of mine, finally, after 5 looooonngggg weeks-----------


The classes were held at the Fiber Factory in Mesa. If you've never been there, give your self a treat and go. They have not only a great selection of yarn, but all kinds of weaving looms and supplies, spinning wheels, etc. Their classes range from beginning to advanced techniques in basketry, dyeing, weaving, spinning, knitting, and crocheting. The people are really friendly. Call me if you want their address/phone # (my # is 343-4910).

When you roll your cursor over the title of this post, you pull up a link to a site called "Magknits". Before the holidays, I mentioned that this bag made out of recycled denim jeans would be a cool knit-a-long. I needed something unique for my mom, I decided to knit a prototype for a knit-a-long, and give it to her. The instructions are all straight-forward, and I am glad I did the prototype. I learned a BUNCH of stuff that will hopefully make our knit-a-long easier. You will need 3 pair of jeans, some sharp fabric scissors, and access to a sewing machine. My pitfalls will ease your passage through the project. Here's the photos--

I still have a bit of remodeling to do--put a toggle on it, move my tag on the inside, loosen up the lining and put some stiffening in the bottom. I did mine in stockinette, the pattern is written in the round and calls for garter, which is knit one row, purl the next when you are in the round. I am going to email the designer and find out why she recommended garter vs stockinette. I also decided to cast on 40 stitches and make it a handbag instead of a tote. The inside has 2 of the Levi backpockets appliqued on either side as big pockets. It did turn out cute. But warning---hard knitting. Not technique wise, just because of the bulk. I used size 11 needles. And it does shed, but it is washable. You have to sew the ends of the strips together, there is no way that you can knot them as the pattern suggests. I know that some of you are quilters, and you will have a MUCH better idea about how to "harvest" the strips after removing the waistband, pckets, and inseams.

That's about it from the Land of Knitting! Hope you are all well, and happily knitting away. Tentatively, our next Sunday will be January 8 at 1PM at Papa San, Home of the KnitWits!
Onward----------------

October 30, 2005

Ahoj! (that's hello in Czech) Beth finished this little cap--it has a pico trim which is actually kind of an easy-but-looks-hard ?? Does that make sense? And the body of the cap is interesting too, kind of a slip stitch. It turned out cute, and I finally figured out a way to take close-up photos using the seat of the chairs as a back drop!

I did not take any other photos this Sunday. But I promise to pay more attention next Sunday---See you there!

Knit On!

Hola! We gained a couple of new members today----Shana Quintero and Cathy Johnston--welcome! It is always nice to meet new faces--every new person adds a new dimension to our joint creativity!

By the way---here is a link to a website that can be found by running your cursor over the title for this post--it has animations of techniques that are easy to forget--like casting on. It is a big help if you are rusty at a particular technique.

There are some cute finished objects to show you--This cute hat was knitted by Beth--she not only knits but crochets as well. She did and i-cord trim on the top with a tassel on the end and it really looks cute.


This little poncho was knitted by Linda for a special little girl--MacKenzie.Not only did she do a poncho, but it has matching booties and hat!href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/515/1307/1600/IMG_0498_1.jpg">We really need to dedicate a couple of posts with the cherished recipients of these outfits--wouldn't that be cute? This little one is definitely a cherished babe.

Remember I said that DeeDee was a prolific knitter? Well, here is proof. She started this scarf, inspired by a pattern from the Little Book of Scarves today---and---she finished it today! She used "gi-normous" needles, I think a 35, and Lion Brand Thick and Quick, Tape (I can't remember the name), and a glittery small yarn--1 ball of each. It is really cute--a great Christmas idea! And here is her completed poncho that was in an earlier post.She already did at test-wear of it on the beach and it kept her nice and warm! It is a combination of multidirectional scarves and some garter panels. And all in Yuma High colors!

Here is my green "Loopy" thing. It has grown since this photo, and will be completed be next week. I got the pattern from Knitty.com, a cool website with free patterns. The designers are people of all different kinds--just like you and I. The models are regular people too. Here is a link to the Loopy scarf--
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/PATTloopy.html

Knitty is an e-magazine published 4 times a year. You can access all of their patterns by clicking on archives. The archive is sorted by type of garment--pullover, shawls, etc. And did I mention it is a free subscription? Definitely a cool website--=

That's about it for tonight! I finally will post on time! Hope to see you all next week--Until then---KNIT ON!

Sunday, October 9, 2005

Hey! I am a whole week late in this posting! Hopefully, no one went to knitting last Sunday. Those of us that were there that Sunday decided to wait for 2 Sundays since several were going to be gone the next Sunday. Does that make any sense? (We skipped a Sunday, back to normal on October 22) Any how, I have some cool photos! We started knitting in our circular room as usual, but the power went off, so we opted to sit out front with the natural light from the windows. Check out the projects---

Who are the Mystery Knitters? Lets's see, I'm just not sure---maybe we will have to be on the lookout for some cute little tykes running around in these garments when it gets cooler? These are about as cute as you can get, that's for sure! ?

Beth has been working out a knitted cap--sorry, the photo turned out too fuzzy. I have not yet mastered the close-up. Here is Deb with her Tenessee Charlotte--that's loyalty to the max!. And with her is Carmen, who is a new addition to the Knit Wits and is working on a scarf out of chenille. She is doing a great job, don't you think?




It was pointed out that I dodge the camera by being behind it all the time, so here is a photo of Charlotte version 05.3. Yes, that's my 3rd Charlotte. Who knows, I may do more. Or I may start a Charlotte-support group. You know, as weird as it might sound, I kind of miss not having a Charlotte around. It has such a nice rhythm to it.

I am still in Providence, and this is something I picked up and started here. By the way--my red Spirit of the Southwest shawl is done and I have worn it on this trip. I will post a photo of it next week.
This will probably be finished so that I can wear it to the Yuma/Cibola game on Friday. And I will bring it on Sunday too. It is made with one skein of a really tlhin yarn--this is Kid Seta mohair, and a think and thin, this is Colinette Pointe 5. with a size 17 needle. It is a free pattern from Knitty.com---roll your cursor over the headline, it will take you to the Knitty page. Knitty is a free online knitting magazine. Check it out--You will like it!

Our Knitting Circle

Sunday, October 2, 2005
OK--treat yourself to a cool webpage. Run your cursor over the title "Knitting Circle", and click on the link. Click on the double cast-on thumbnail. I just think this is the coolest page, especially if you know you are missing one part of a technique. Check it out--

Charlene started this scarf last Sunday, and bound off today! She already has a hat in the works to match. More photos this weekend of the completed duo!


This little poncho and hat were made by Linda in a ribbon yarn. You must see this set--the poncho has drops and she designed the hat to match, complete with drop stitches too. The lucky little girl who will receive it lives in a warm climate, so it will be perfect for her. Also-----this is the yarn Linda dyed with orange Flavor Aid. Her husband Danny found a mohair to go with it while they were at JoAnn's. The variation of color in the yarn and the flecks of yellow in the mohair really bring out the lights and darks in both yarns.Linda---Please bring these next weekend to show those who weren't with us last Sunday. They were both fast knits, and I really love the depth of color in the dyed yarn.

Gotta go--I have 2 shawls to block for show and tell next time. 'till next Sunday--Onward!

Ahhhhhhh, Knitting!

Sunday, 25 September 05
Have you noticed how good you feel after an afternoon of knitting? It's like your ruffled feathers have all been soothed and you feel ready to take on the new week. And especially after visiting JoAnn's. If you haven't made it yet, it's a must. Allow yourself plenty of time to feel, smell, cuddle, and listen to their yarns. Several are calling me now. If you have a 40% off coupon, Wednesday is the last day to use it. Hours are 9-9 Mon-Sat, 10-7 on Sunday. No affiliation, just a knitter who is happy they are here.

They have such a great selection of yarns that you could spend hours putting together different combinations. And what a great selection for someone who is just starting to knit. Speaking of new knitters--meet Charlene! Check out this scarf she started on Sunday out of a thick chenille. All this in just one afternoon! The chenille looks very different knitted than on the skein. It almost looks like a bobble or popcorn stitch. I heard a rumor that it is already begging to have a hat to match. Check it out next Sunday!

Shirley visited Unravel in Flagstaff last week and found this great yarn. It is going to grow into a poncho for a very deserving little girl who loves pink and purple. This yarn is really nice to the touch, and doesn't feel as though it would be too warm for our climate. It is always fun to see how the colors stack in a yarn like this. Two knitters could knit the same exact same garment and they will turn out differently. It depends on your gauge, # of stitches you cast on, and your needle size. It really is fun to knit with a yarn like this, and the one in the next photo.

This mystery model is giving a demo of the sock-grown-up-into-a-slipper that Linda made. I think that this is Lion Brand's Thick and Quick yarn. It will definitely take the chill off of a cool morning. I think this is the 2nd, maybe 3rd pair that Linda has knitted? And her dye-your-own is exquisite. I apologize for not taking a photo of it. The colors are really saturated. She said that the smell of the yarn dyeing in fruity Flavor-Aid combined with the aroma of a pot roast she was cooking was almost too good to be true. Who is that mystery model???

Shirley completed her lace moebius---here is is all ready to be kitchener-stitched together. Must see and feel to appreciate! Fran is doing a poncho---I think this is new yarn from JoAnn's? Ahhhhhhh, knitting. Sooothhhhing knitting.

This is the time of year everyone starts thinking about Christmas--some of us are further along than others! This scarf Helen is working on will undoubtedly have a hat to match and will be given to a darling granddaughter. I will publish photos of the recipients if you all will send me digital photos!

That's about it this time! I have an "uber" examen en espanol manana. I have procrastinated long enough, time to go study.
See you next Sunday at Papa San's at 1!

Super Sunday

Hello everyone! We had another creative afternoon at Papa San. Before I download the pictures, I have to tell you about Linda's Dye Your Own experience. She dyed a couple of skeins today, with great results. One skein looks like the inside of a mango. Can't wait to see them---she said it was really easy and mess-free. Bring them Sunday Linda!

If you run you cursor over the title Super Sunday and click on it, you will be taken to the One Fine Yarn website. They have this cool animated technique section that I just found tonight. Check it out--

Here is Cheryl on the left and Shirley on the right. Cheryl is knitting a baby blanket out of a fluffy, yummy yarn. It looks like it could float in the air.
Shirley started her Firenze scarf last week. She frogged it back to the beginning and started over aqain. Knitting trivia---Frogging is a term used when you rip out a lot of stitches i.e. ("rippit, rippit similar to ribbit-the sound a frog makes"). When you tink, you take out one stitch at a time, usually using your needles to "un-knit". Tink is knit spelled backwards. The yarn Shirley is using is soooooo nice and soft, it will feel great against someone's neck.

Here is Judy with her throw. Wait until you hear her story. You know, the more you knit, the more you incorporate your life story into your project. Years later, you remember that part of your life while you were creating your project. You recall trips you took while knitting it, what was happening in the world and in your life during this time. If Judy's throw could talk, what a story it could tell! Someone passing by Judy's car saw her knitting bag. They broke her window and stole the bag. She was heartbroken when she found it missing, as you can imagine. Someone found it, with it's contents strewn down their alley, including her Denise needle set and her gear bag with accessories. The throw was off of the needles. These people found a receipt from Michael's, and went there to see if the manager would be able to trace the owner from the receipt. They did not want to assist in the hunt. The people went to YPD to see if anyone had reported the theft, to no avail. They called the paper, and the person they talked to recognized the description of the bag because Judy had just called to place an ad. What a story! Today, she put it all back on the needles and is ready to continue. There are some wonderful people out there who admired the project and knew that she would be missing it terribly. Bless them!

Here is our newest member, Beth Masse. Check out this afghan. It is absolutely gorgeous. You have to see it in person next Sunday. It looks great on the reverse side too. It is all crochet, and has cables. Beth crochets and knits. She is one of the managers at the new Joann's store in Yuma Palms. Joann's officially opens this Friday. Word is that they may have a "soft opening" a couple days early. So fellow knitwits, we need to keep up the patrol! I have made several reconnaissance trips by there the past week, but now we have some inside information! Beth says that all of their merchandise is beautiful, and they are well-stocked. They are not considered a super-store, but they have almost all the same things that a super-store carries. I know that we are all anxiously awaiting their opening. This is THE week! Welcome Beth, we are glad you came!