Month: November 2017

Black Friday Yarn Buying Binge

~ Kristin Tolle ~ Leave a comment

I like to shop local. Knit Fit gave me that chance and I did break the piggy bank.  And it didn’t help that there was a huge close out at my local JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts the same weekend. And though some of my purchases seem a bit mainstream–you must remember—Cascade Yarns are based in Seattle.

I’ve been telling myself that they are for Christmas gifts and for the most part that’s true. But the reality is that most of my recent purchases are serendipitous (I have no project in mind) or because the yarn was sumptuous. I just had to have it. Given I skipped all of the other yarn events this year, I suspect it was inevitable.

Let’s just call it a bit of retail therapy.

😊

A Really Useful Gift for a Knitter

~ Kristin Tolle ~ Leave a comment

My mind has been on gifts for Christmas. In fact, I’m a bit worried how I’ll complete all the presents I’ve planned to make. I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of some yarn for some of those gifts–hoping it will arrive before Thanksgiving when I’ll finally have some time to knit.

This past weekend I went to Knit Fit in Seattle and picked up a few of the skeins I need, but some are still in transit. Meanwhile I took a master class on decreases and increases, because I’m always struggling to know which one to use when and what each one looks like and is best for certain projects.

On the wrist of the instructor, Andrea Rangel, had on a tool I truly coveted. It’s the one thing I’m always wanting close to hand, but isn’t handy—a measuring tape. Instead of it being in a toolkit there it was as a fashionable bracelet on her wrist.

When I got home I made a quick search and discovered they are made in Oregon by a company called ILOVEHANDLES. For a mere 19.95, I think it’s a beautiful, affordable gift for any knitter in your life.

What a Week I’m Having!!

~ Kristin Tolle ~ Leave a comment

Work has been tough lately. I mean it’s always challenging, but lately the kitchen has been getting a really, really hot. All week I’ve been telling myself that I have something to look forward to. Knit Fit Seattle!

Even though I worked super late last night, I stayed up even later to make sure I had all my supplies lined for my classes. I even activated a new credit card, in spite of needing no new yarn whatsoever! In fact, I’ve been debating another donating.

Last night I was sleepy, and many mishaps ensued, including dropping 32 ounces of water into my bureau drawer, but by midnight—I was ready! However, this AM I went to look for the address and see if there was nearby parking (a perennial Seattle nightmare) and on my registration in BIG BOLD LETTERS was the date—November 10-12. *sigh*

I REALLY need a break, so I’m making lemonade. I wound all my remaining Madeline Tosh DK into cakes in anticipation of making another George Hancock (combination of Georgetown and Hancock sweaters in Home and Away) and took photos of my latest FO—a Sixteen Cable hat in mohair.

I hope you are having a great week, or better yet, weekend!