Knitting 2013 Calendar

Have you ordered your 2013 Calendar yet? I have mine in hand. Why? May I present to you....

 Three patterns in this year's calendar.

 Aloha Kitchen set on Dates July 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

 Center-Knit Baby Blanket with Ruffles on dates July 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

 Full shot of the blanket in my back yard.

 This particular blanket was made to go along with a BSJ sweater in Red Wings style coloring for my cousin's baby daughter. After 4 daughters, the 5th daughter showed her hockey spirit! Well, that's the plan anyway.

  Here's a close up of the ruffle while it's still on circular needles. Here's where my interchangeables really came in handy. The red blanket I used multiple cables all hooked together to get a feel for the blanket nearly flat. The purple one I didn't use as many. I didn't need to keep it on such a large scale. It's really a preference thing for you to choose.

Here's a shot of the purple blanket I made with the same pattern before reaching the stripe section.

This one I started the stripes early and doubled the i-cords.

I also used two colors on the ruffles which I really like the way it looks. While the counts for this variation isn't included with the pattern, you can always change up any pattern just by the way you want to 'color' it with your yarn.

See? You don't have to be limited to sports team colors. This one was picked by the mommy to be in pale pink and white stripes next to the purple colors. The pictures are faint, but up close you can see the colors better.

Christmas Lace Kitchen Set can be found on December 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29th of the calendar.

I knit these samples and patterns over a year ago. Let me just say, it wasn't easy to keep it quiet. However, it's time to share the good news! Enjoy! I hope you like these patterns, too. Ask your LYS for a copy of the pattern if you don't see them at your calendar store, or order it online!

Yes the needles have been busy

Yes, as I said, the needles have been busy. Here to begin the roll call are the 'short aprons' that I made for Mom. Just like knitting, I rarely leave sewing patterns alone. The original pattern says to put the vinyl between 2 layers of fabric. Me? I don't think that's necessary. I used only one layer of fabric and one layer of rip stop nylon. That then gave me enough for 2 each out of the amount of fabric I bought. That means we won't have to run laundry multiple times a day. Ahhhhhhhhh the girl thinks things through! And...since she is used to wearing an apron, to rename these as short aprons with a pocket...well, you figure it out if you'd like to wear a bib. Or an apron.

In case you were wondering...she loves them and so do I. I'm thinking down the road I can make all kinds of new aprons with fabric for holidays, etc...And they stitch up veryyyyyyyyyy fast, too!

In AC4C we have a commitment of one project a year. I like to do more, but with the changes in the family this past year, I'm not up to where I'd like to be. However, I just mailed off this Angel's Pocket and a 13" chest size in the Baby Jiffy Knit Sweater for Parkland Hospital in Texas. Both were pretty fast to get knit up. Both were made with Hobby Lobby's Baby Bee Sweet Delights yarn.

 In my ongoing quest to refill my NMCRS box, I knit up another NMCRS Basketweave Baby Blanket, V.2 using Caron's Simply Soft. Another pair of Magic Ball socks from Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks book. This time in Cascade Heritage's Mossy Rock yarn. As I have done so often in the past, I didn't do the upper part of the leg. I just really like how the math is already done with the ribbing down the foot, and so I 'll continue to use that pattern again, and again, and again....

 Here is the Vintage Santa Stocking that is now available as a Ravelry download. I used Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill to knit this for a friend of mine who wanted one for her new daughter in law. They're now living out of Michigan, but I thought this was a cute idea to knit the stocking from Michigan grown, spun, dyed wool to welcome her into a 'Michigan' family. It will now match the stockings that their Grandma had knit in the past for the rest of the family. It took me a bit of time to find the correct colors as I traveled around Michigan last year. But a relatively short time to knit it up. Oh how I love the feeling of the yarn!

 Saturday was the day of the big fireworks here in town. This year we put Mom in her wheelchair and walked downtown for them. This was the 50th Anniversary of the fireworks here in town. My daughter found it amusing that I am now older than the town fireworks. Ha...just wait my pretty! You'll be older down the road, too! For the first time they closed the bridge between the East and West and sent some off of the bridge...here are a couple of more pictures for your firework enjoyment!

 I'm still thinking the big black cloud of smoke here wasn't a 'planned' event. But I've not had that verified yet.

 Another event we've enjoyed with Mom!

 Saturday would have also been Dad's 84th birthday. In his honor I made a 'white' cake and made sure the 'corner piece' was stacked high with frosting! It's been a running joke for many years how Dad always wanted the corner piece at weddings. Granted this one wasn't totally what he wanted, I made it in a "13 x 9" pan, and the sides weren't completely covered, but I do think I got the piled high part pretty good. And I don't make professional type cakes, and don't know how to make his favorite roses, but....gotta say, there was enough sugar to really make my teeth hurt really bad.

 Looking forward, here's the picture of the current projects on my needles. Do we see a theme running here? Color-wise at least? The top left, is a project for the 'Event we shall not say out loud' . I'm going to try once again and get my Florence Sweater done. Back 2 years ago that was my plan of the time. But Dad's surgery took a bit longer for him to get through and I didn't get it done. I'm hoping this go round with the 'events' will find my concentration in better condition. We'll see.

 While I'm waiting, here's a vest in Sirdar's country style DK that've I've had waiting in the wings for the past 2 years. The ribbing has a decrease before starting the body and the pattern's math is really bad. Note to self, do your own math and you won't have to rip it out 5 times next go around. Using a dk weight is something I've been wanting to do for awhile. I think the finished look in a vest will be a little less 'homemade' and have a great drape to it. This is wool/acrylic/nylon blend and I'm anxious to see how it's going to hold up in the long run. Time will tell!

Can you guess what this is? Ahhhhhhhhhh...Lion Brand....how I love this stuff! (Hey Clint! Can you see what I'm using? Too bad it didn't come from your company~) Anyway....another NYD '05 Kitchen Hanging Hand Towel is under way. Getting that Sample bin filled up I tell ya!

Now, hold onto your hats....this next project is a first.

Can you tell what these are? Yes, they are Two at a time, toe up socks. But they're actually more than that. Do you know what makes these a first? (ok beside the fact that they're magic loop style and toe up)

Here's what makes them a 'first'...after 45 years of knitting, these are being knit in a class! This is the first time I've paid for a knitting class! Last summer my friend Cyndi and I tried to figure out how to knit toe up socks. Tried and tried and tried one night and could.not.get.the cast.on.  Man did it make me crazy. Soooooooooo....I bite the bullet and paid for the class. And wouldn't you know it, the moment I got all signed up my daughter ended up needing to leave for a training session for her new job. However, the wonderful teacher came in during the afternoon to sit with me one on one to work with me! I'm so grateful! Yes, at the moment the cast on worked. We'll see how it goes when this pair is finished. I'm hoping I can get them completed before the end of the 4 week class so I can sit with her again and start another one to be certain I've got it. We'll see. I'm just frustrated that after all I've been able to teach myself via books and now the help from the internet that this was one thing that has left me totally stumped. 

Oh, I will tell you I'm using Knit one crochet too's Crock-o-dye's yarn in Midnight. I LOVE IT! Merino/silk/nylon blend. Oh, I may have to find some more. It's a delight to feel this yarn running through my fingers while I'm knitting it up. Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-mooooooooooth!

Ok...enough said. Time to hit the hay so I can click the needles again tomorrow. Until next time!

New Letter.

New letter here that doesn't apply to the majority of you out there in the knitting blog world. However, after receiving a comment, which I did post that hit me the wrong way...I felt it was time to respond. I'm tired of dealing with employees who don't give a rat's tush how they sound to their customers. Customer service is sorely lacking across the board these days. How one treats customers and how one treats each other....well, there's a lot of room for improvement. And I also feel that if you don't let the stores know how you feel, they don't have the opportunity to correct the attitudes that need adjusting. Quality control isn't just for the quality of the product that's being produced. It applies as well to the quality of attitude your employees who are representing your company produce towards your customers. So, if the shoe fits, wear it. If not? skip this posting. I'll have some more knitting pictures up very soon. Le needles have been busy.


Dear 'Anonymous', Since you have left no name for me to respond to...I'll have to address your comments here. A) I do shop around. In fact, I had just shopped at Joann's the previous week and paid full price for some lion Cotton, sans coupons. B) In fact, I'm quite well acquainted with all the stores' inventories- both big box and lys and each of their prices. It was only when I found out that the yarn had been discontinued after normal business hours that I had gone to buy up a lot of the colors I wanted to have for some future projects. It was around midnight when I 'hit send'. c) The very next day when I went back to Joann's (yes, walk in brick and mortar stores, plural because I was shopping around) for some fabric, did I see the 60% difference in price. D) the reason for being upset was two fold. 1-the in store price was not the same as the online order price from the SAME COMPANY and 2-the attitude from 'CLINT' that he gave me over the phone...see the posting I wrote regarding his rudeness.

So, yes. I 'threw a stick'. Having a policy for two different prices (60% difference might I remind you) from the same company makes no sense to me. All other companies that I've dealt with in the past, have a price matching policy. Most importantly, Clint was a real jerk on the phone.

So yes, Ms/Mr Anonymous. I 'threw a stick'. And I would do it again. I worked in Customer Service for many years in the past and had been a Store Manager, and I would have been in a world of employment hurt for treating someone that way. I am sick and tired of snotty employees who don't care how they treat their customers. After all, it's MY money and I don't care to just throw it away. 

60% price difference within the same company for the same product and a very snotty attitude from their 'customer service' department...warrants a 'stick thrown'. How you treat your customers matters. It matters in their willingness to return to your store and it matters in your cash register for the money they choose to spend at your store. My original order was over $100. That got returned. My order from another company? Over $500. So you tell me. If Clint had been nice, I would have ordered some more. But instead, he lost my sale. Smart? Wise business decision? You tell me.

Much easier than I thought

Have you ever tried to figure out something that you spent a long time searching for information, only to find out it's one of those 'duh' moments? This week I figured out how to roast corn on the cob on the grill! I've spent many years thinking (or is that over thinking) that I couldn't find the recipe for the 'secret' handshake method to making this at home. I was resigned to enjoying the roasted flavor only at city festivals. Well boys and girls, festival no more! I soaked the corn in a pan of cold water for about an hour and plopped them on the grill and waaaaaaaa-laaaaaaaaaaaaaa the starchiest of the veggie world was a success. Way.too.easy. Why I thought I couldn't figure this out, is beyond me. Hand me the DUH sign. I earned that one.

 

Now, a couple of years back I had actually given myself some New Years resolutions. One was color work. With the stranded work, I think I got the hang of it while knitting all those Norwegian hats back when I had been staying with Mom and Dad after Dad's surgery in 2010. Eh? Not too shabby. And while intarsia work was technically learned and used a bazillion years ago, like back in 1996 on a sweater for my youngest, I haven't used it all that much since. So....it's time. Notice the yummy stuff I'm going to use! (yes, it has been awhile since I bought it all. But to be fair, it had been sitting back in California when I came to Michigan for a 4 day trip. ha. Thanks Dad for 'stretching it out' a 'wee bit longer'!

 

 I have to say over and over again, how much I love this stuff!

 

Which is a really good thing because I had to start it over three times last night.

 

Turns out in my never ending quest to learn new things. I should stop over thinking what I'm working on at 2 am. And stranding a section that not only should be done with intarsia, but the directions also say to use intarsia...really should be done with intarsia. Good thing the feel of this stuff running through your fingers is sooooooooooooo blooming soft and the rosewood needles? What a wonderful combination. No, I don't need the double points for the flat work, right now I'm just enjoying the combination of the two together. 'like buttar'.

Here's another one of those items on the 'to do' list. I've read over and over in blogs, etc...how folks have bought the sponge floor mats to use with their knitting, etc... I picked up a set yesterday. Yes, I opted for the princesses pack rather than the cars, the sponges or the alphabet packages. We are a house full of girls here these days after all!

See how thick they are?

When they're all put together side one looks like this. Cute? Sure, but for function...

I'm going to use the back side which is white. I don't want to take any chances that the colors will run. The alphabet mats have colors on both sides. I do believe I'm going to pick up another set so they will cover the whole length of Mom's dinning room table. Compete coverage. I'm getting way too old..errrrrrr......pissy to want to cut fabric and dry lace work and sweaters on the floor.

In the meantime, I've started looking at fabric again. the two solids are rip stop nylon that I'm going to use to back the prints.

 

I want to make some 'adult bibs' that we're going to call 'short aprons' for Mom to wear while she's eating. For awhile now she's been using some old towels. I'm rather tired of the grungy look they have, plus they don't seem to want to stay up easily. I found some softer velcro to use as well that I'm hoping won't be so scratchy behind her neck.

In the meantime, it's gorgeous and sunny outside. So I'm going to take the start of another NMCRS Basketweave Baby Blanket with me to the park and do a little KIP today. This decision doesn't need a single bit of over thinking. No DUH moment here! I'll save the story of the boomerang box for another day and why I have to knit up another one and a few more to refill the box. *sigh*...always something. Happy Knitting!

Here's what's fun....

Ya know what's a lot of fun?  Getting a box like this....

From here.... 

Writting this on the box before dropping it off at the Post Office

Because this was delivered....

And now looks like this...

Thanks to Knitting Warehouse and Lion.com, their prices were better than Joann's. Hope Clint likes the returned box/loss of a sale!

I'm off to knit!

2 letters to Lion and Joann's.

Dear Lion Brand.
I'm so very upset that the day after I finished knitting 4 dishcloths from my NYD '05 Dishcloth pattern,

I found out you've discontinued the Lion Cotton.

Time after time I find something I really like and poof it's gone. Lion Cotton was my first choice in cotton yarn for knitting dishcloths. It's a great long staple cotton and wears very well without fading. Now, it's going to be gone. The Michael's nearby is totally out of it. Joann's has a few colors I'm not fond of left. Yarn Supply is trying to get some more in. I'm not a happy camper. Replacing it with your new yarn stinks. I can't make a complete hanging towel

out of only one skein like I could with your 5oz balls of Lion Cotton.

First a few years back you got rid of cotton-ease. After many of us hollered, you brought it back, but in stupid colors. I preferred the original colors. Why can't you yarn companies stop messing with what works? Crayola 8, sports teams colors and baby colors-you can never go wrong keeping them in stock. Especially when it's a great yarn for summer baby blankets. Thankfully, I have a little bit left from when I picked them up when you got rid of it years ago. And no, I'm not sharing. See how pretty it looks?

You should rethink both of these terrible decisions. Must not be knitters thinking this through these days. I won't even get started on what's happened with the Peaches & Creme labels since they were bought out by Spinrite. What's a kitchen knitter to do? What's left?
sincerely....me.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Joann's. You've gone and really pissed me off. Last night after I finished knitting 4 dishcloths, I came up with an idea for a new set of patterns. Since I 'saw' it in my head in a color that isn't always easy to find in store, I was happy to find it on your joann's dot com web site and placed an order. I paid full price for several balls. Now...fast forward to this afternoon when I walked into your store here in Michigan. Imagine how I felt when I found out that you have the same yarn for sale on your shelves at LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE I PAID FOR IT LAST NIGHT!!!!!!!!!

Now, it's bad enough that the manufacturer has made the dumb decision to stop making Lion Cotton. I've loved that stuff as my all time favorite since the first moment I laid hands and needles on it. It was only through finding the gazillion of colors that Peaches & Creme offered that I could get past the fact that Lion Cotton stopped selling so many of their colors by 1# cones. Peaches & Creme blew them out of the water with their color selection and customer service. Lion Cotton still had the quality that I wanted in my kitchen knitting cotton yarn. You get what you pay for.

However, You, dear joann's...have hit the all time low in the customer service department this afternoon. Just as I left the store after finding Lion Cotton for less than $3/ball, I received an email via my phone that my order from last night had shipped. I was hoping since the Lion Cotton has been clearanced from the stores, you would have given me a price adjustment on my order since you are the same company. After all, who in their right minds would WANT to spend more than double the price for an item they'd ordered online when the same company has it for less than half price in their stores???

Let me help you with that answer. NOT ME! In this time of economic downturn, on the day that the stock market dropped from a bad report of unemployment numbers, I would think someone trying to stay in business would do everything in their power to not piss off a 40+ year customer! I've been doing business with your company since it was Cloth World before Joann's bought them out. I called and talked with your supervisor, CLINT in your Hudson, Ohio offices today, and found him to be a very rude 'non-knitter'. By his own admission, he doesn't even buy products, specifically yarn from your own company. He told me he doesn't have yarn in his budget at all. Then, he just didn't 'get it' that all I asked for was a price adjustment since the yarn in question isn't being clearanced because you're not going to carry a particular color, but rather because the manufacturer has stopped making it. We both know that it won't be too long before you're going to drop the price on your web site and add it to your sale section.

So please explain to me why it's such a great corporate policy that when a knitter calls and asks for a price adjustment on an order that was placed for full price after your company put the same item on clearance in your stores for less than half price, you tell her no? Don't you know that we knitters have computers and can share our stories very quickly? I didn't call and ask you to match your price, but rather I asked you to give me a good faith gesture price adjustment to acknowledge the fact that there is a nearly 60% price difference between your store price and your online price. I'm thinking that your over all sales have dropped since the economic down turn back several years ago. Making your customers happy, will that's just smart business. That's what we refer to as GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Because then, by word of mouth, or the touch of a computer keyboard, word travels fast. Both about good service...but even faster when it's very poor customer service. And Joann's. Let me explain to you. Today, with the words over the phone from CLINT in your corporate offices in Hudson, OHIO...it was very poor customer service. Being unwilling to apease a 40+ year customer and give me a bit of a price adjustment...means I've now posted this letter online.

And I'm hoping some of my knitter friends will want to pick up their phones and explain to CLINT of Joann's from your HUDSON, OHIO offices that he made a really bad choice to not try and close the gap on a nearly 60% difference in your online and store prices for my purchases last night on Lion Cotton yarn.

This type of very poor customer service, once my Lion Cotton stash that I had bought back when Hancock Fabric closed so many of their stores years ago is gone, might make me go to snooty fabric stores. After all, knitters don't need to live on wool alone, and the Loopy Ewe

has impeccable customer service! (Wollmeise in 2 days of shipping!) So I'll keep on knitting sweaters

and blankets

and socks.

But...when I run out of cotton, I'll have to find some snooty fabric store to shop in. Your customer service is horrific.

See? I'm ready to start stocking up on fabric. After all, I may have started knitting when I was seven years old, but I've also been sewing my own clothes since I was ten. I'm no slouch. CLINT, on the other hand, needs to have a review of proper customer service attitudes.  And the value of long term customers. After all, not only have we been around long enough to remember the 'good old days' when companies wanted customers to return to shop again and again, but we generally have that many more friends to pass on word of mouth to about your customer service, or the lack of intelligent decision making skills.

sincerely...a really pissed off customer who is not only a knitter, but also, unlike CLINT, purchases products from your store thus providing CLINT with his paycheck, me.