I ordered yarn today, from Eat.Sleep.Knit, a yarn shop (perhaps entirely online, I'm not really certain of that) in Smyrna, Georgia. It is beautiful. It is squishy-looking. It is in colorways that I don't currently have. It will be here in a few days.
No surprise there, right?
In other news, I've been busy working on getting the house packed up and ready for market. Our listing agent came yesterday to take photos, and once they're uploaded to a listing, which in turn is uploaded to the MLS database, I'll share the link with you. My house hasn't been this tidy since I moved in...4 years ago. But not only have I been working on packing and getting our house ready to sell, I've also been busy with preparing for the Bunny Trail Craft Show, taking place in Williamsport, Md, on April 11th and 12th. Aprons are in progress, washcloths are in progress, and sleep is fleeting.
If you're a praying kind of reader, please pray that we can sell our house quickly and for our asking price, and also that I can manage to complete everything I need to complete for the craft show. Thank you in advance, and I bid you goodnight.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
High-Fiber Diet
It has occurred to me, on several separate occasions recently, that I have a problem. I am most definitely addicted to knitting and all things fiber (not dietary fiber--that's a different story, not for this blog).
The way I used to be with fabric pales in comparison with how I behave around yarn, and even sheep, for that matter. Why sheep? Because, sheep are the starting point for what I love--wool yarn! I do not dye yarn, I am an amateur spinner, and I do not raise sheep or alpacas for their fleeces. I am a consumer. Other people do the things listed above, and I see their beautiful creations and I think to myself of all the possibilities contained in that sheep/alpaca/ball of roving/skein of yarn. And then, it happens.
I have to have it.
Sometimes (okay, most times), I don't even have a project in mind for what I'm suddenly in dire need of. Sometimes, I buy based on color alone. Or even fiber content. Or even just because of the name of the company.
Every time I go somewhere on a trip (generally longer than 3 days), I look online and find local yarn shops. I have yarn that I have purchased in person from shops in Marquette, Michigan; Frankenmuth, Michigan; Valparaiso, Indiana; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Binghamton, New York; Cumberland, Maryland; Easton, Maryland; and also yarn purchased locally from Shepherdstown, West Virginia; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. And online? Well... I've purchased yarn from Alaska, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and probably various other states.
And we're not just talking about a skein here and there, or even just one from each shop. No, we're talking about multiple skeins. For things like scarves and sweaters.
I think it's time to thin the stash a little more. My family and I will be moving soon, and the less we have to move, the better. Also, the less debt we have when we move, the better.
Time to quit my high-fiber diet.
The way I used to be with fabric pales in comparison with how I behave around yarn, and even sheep, for that matter. Why sheep? Because, sheep are the starting point for what I love--wool yarn! I do not dye yarn, I am an amateur spinner, and I do not raise sheep or alpacas for their fleeces. I am a consumer. Other people do the things listed above, and I see their beautiful creations and I think to myself of all the possibilities contained in that sheep/alpaca/ball of roving/skein of yarn. And then, it happens.
I have to have it.
Sometimes (okay, most times), I don't even have a project in mind for what I'm suddenly in dire need of. Sometimes, I buy based on color alone. Or even fiber content. Or even just because of the name of the company.
Every time I go somewhere on a trip (generally longer than 3 days), I look online and find local yarn shops. I have yarn that I have purchased in person from shops in Marquette, Michigan; Frankenmuth, Michigan; Valparaiso, Indiana; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Binghamton, New York; Cumberland, Maryland; Easton, Maryland; and also yarn purchased locally from Shepherdstown, West Virginia; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. And online? Well... I've purchased yarn from Alaska, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and probably various other states.
And we're not just talking about a skein here and there, or even just one from each shop. No, we're talking about multiple skeins. For things like scarves and sweaters.
I think it's time to thin the stash a little more. My family and I will be moving soon, and the less we have to move, the better. Also, the less debt we have when we move, the better.
Time to quit my high-fiber diet.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Sew What?
I've been sewing this week, and it feels good.
In preparation for the Bunny Trail Craft Show in April, I've been working on knitting dishcloths and face cloths, and I started some aprons today--and I completed both of them!
Here's a preview of what I cranked out today:
In preparation for the Bunny Trail Craft Show in April, I've been working on knitting dishcloths and face cloths, and I started some aprons today--and I completed both of them!
Here's a preview of what I cranked out today:
There are many more to do, but they'll have to wait a few days.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Thursday
My husband took off work today so that we could attend the Great American Outdoor Show.
Amongst the masses of waterfowl calls, fishing rods, lures, and boats, and hunting paraphernalia, I found yarn.
The Buffalo Wool Company, from Texas, made the trek to the show to peddle their wares of bison-fiber hats, mitts, gloves, etc. I saw their name in the vendor list in my booklet, and I squealed with excitement. I literally squealed. Like a dumb girl at a boy band concert.
And then I found their booth, with great speed and enthusiasm. And with equal speed and enthusiasm, I spied their small yarn section and made myself comfortable on the floor.
When it was all said and done, and as the owner held my son and loved on him a little while I shopped, I gained some lovely additions to my stash.
I procured a skein of Sexy, in a show-specific color way resembling camouflage, but way prettier, and a Splash of Color bundle of 10 mini skeins.
I needed yarn like I need a hole in the head, but hey. I'm calling it insulation for my attic guest room. Don't judge me.
Amongst the masses of waterfowl calls, fishing rods, lures, and boats, and hunting paraphernalia, I found yarn.
The Buffalo Wool Company, from Texas, made the trek to the show to peddle their wares of bison-fiber hats, mitts, gloves, etc. I saw their name in the vendor list in my booklet, and I squealed with excitement. I literally squealed. Like a dumb girl at a boy band concert.
And then I found their booth, with great speed and enthusiasm. And with equal speed and enthusiasm, I spied their small yarn section and made myself comfortable on the floor.
When it was all said and done, and as the owner held my son and loved on him a little while I shopped, I gained some lovely additions to my stash.
I procured a skein of Sexy, in a show-specific color way resembling camouflage, but way prettier, and a Splash of Color bundle of 10 mini skeins.
I needed yarn like I need a hole in the head, but hey. I'm calling it insulation for my attic guest room. Don't judge me.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Howdy!
It's been a rather long time since I've posted anything, and I do apologize to those of you who actually read this. My concept of time has been completely skewed since becoming a mom.
Anyway, I was reading through my old posts and realized that somewhere along the line, this blog, which was supposed to be geared toward my knitting and crafty things, became my personal blog. That was not supposed to happen. So from now on, this shall be my knitting/crafty blog, and if you'd like to keep up on my personal life, feel free to look at Just South of the Mason-Dixon Line.
What should you be expecting in 2014? Well, for starters, I am working on a couple new patterns. One is for a pair of socks, and the other is for a colorwork Christmas stocking. I am also working on merchandise for the second annual Bunny Trail Craft Show. It will be held the weekend of April 11 & 12, and I will post a link with more details once they have it available on the town website. Merchandise will include three-packs of facecloths, two-packs of dishcloths, aprons, pillowcases, and maybe some children's/baby things, too.
Before I say goodnight, I wanted to update y'all on my "professional" life. For those that are unaware, I landed a job as the knitting instructor at Michael's in Hagerstown earlier this month (it was technically in December, but classes started this month), and got an email yesterday asking if I would also teach at Chambersburg! Once I complete the Craft Yarn Council's certification course that I'm required to do, I'll do the crochet one as well, and after that...I'll be doing my master knitter coursework.
It sounds really geeky, and it is, but I am so excited!!
Off to bed I go--I hope y'all sleep well, and happy Hump Day tomorrow!
Anyway, I was reading through my old posts and realized that somewhere along the line, this blog, which was supposed to be geared toward my knitting and crafty things, became my personal blog. That was not supposed to happen. So from now on, this shall be my knitting/crafty blog, and if you'd like to keep up on my personal life, feel free to look at Just South of the Mason-Dixon Line.
What should you be expecting in 2014? Well, for starters, I am working on a couple new patterns. One is for a pair of socks, and the other is for a colorwork Christmas stocking. I am also working on merchandise for the second annual Bunny Trail Craft Show. It will be held the weekend of April 11 & 12, and I will post a link with more details once they have it available on the town website. Merchandise will include three-packs of facecloths, two-packs of dishcloths, aprons, pillowcases, and maybe some children's/baby things, too.
Before I say goodnight, I wanted to update y'all on my "professional" life. For those that are unaware, I landed a job as the knitting instructor at Michael's in Hagerstown earlier this month (it was technically in December, but classes started this month), and got an email yesterday asking if I would also teach at Chambersburg! Once I complete the Craft Yarn Council's certification course that I'm required to do, I'll do the crochet one as well, and after that...I'll be doing my master knitter coursework.
It sounds really geeky, and it is, but I am so excited!!
Off to bed I go--I hope y'all sleep well, and happy Hump Day tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
What really matters?
This post is going to be rather uncharacteristic, as I usually post about my yarn/knitting obsession hobby or trivial things of that nature. This, however, is far different from anything I've posted in the past.
Just yesterday, I had planned to take my son (10 1/2 months old) and my dog to see Santa at the mall here in town. Everything was going as planned. Luther did well in the back of our station wagon (first time he'd been in it), Bird did well in his stroller at The Dawg Wash while I bathed Luther, and we wrapped that up and headed to the mall.
Determined to get my boys' picture with the man in red, we arrived promptly at 4:00, which was the time I thought I had seen posted for pet photos. I struggled to contain my unruly beast on his retractable leash while I pulled the stroller behind me with my other hand, from my parking space near the sidewalk all the way into Santa's territory.
Sadly, after all that effort (and exercise!), I looked at the sign. "Pet Photos with Santa every Monday at 6 through December 16."
6:00.
That's not 4:00.
I was two hours early. I asked the "elf" if she could make an exception. She could not. I could not bear to drive back home, get the boys unloaded and into the house, and then turn around not even an hour later to do it all over again. And after looking (glancing, really) at the prices for the photos, I'm glad I decided against it. The least expensive package was $23.00. The one for "Baby's First," however, was $40, and included all sorts of useless stuff.
Later that evening, when I went to pay for the pizzas we ordered from Dominos, which totaled less than $20, my bank card was declined. (We did have a couple of unexpected expenses, which helps to alleviate the shock, but still.)
Checking was empty. Payday is Friday.
Dinner went on the credit card.
Why am I telling you this? Because it forced me to reevaluate what's important. My entire day, yesterday, was spent preparing for something I didn't need to spend money on (and in fact, really couldn't), and then my evening was spent brainstorming what we can cut back on and do without.
Then today, my mom posted this on Facebook:
I went to Hobby Lobby in Hagerstown this afternoon. There is always a Salvation Army bell ringer out in front of the store. The one I personally like is "Eleanor". She sings Christmas carols out of the hymnal she carries with her. She always greets you with a smile, whether or not you put anything in the red kettle. Today I took time to chat with her prior to going in to shop. I learned she is homeless. She lives in her van with an adult son that has some medical issues. I listened to her tell me how faithful God has been to her. How she knows so many others that are worse off than she is. How she wants to give her less fortunate friends a little something for Christmas. She hugged me goodbye, & as I entered the store with tears in my eyes, I couldn't help but feel so very undeserving of everything I have. I shopped for things that I could've done without. I picked up a hot dinner on the way home. I came home to a warm house. Later I will take a hot shower and climb into a warm, cozy bed with plenty of blankets on top of me....while Eleanor sleeps in her van, in a parking lot somewhere, with subfreezing temps outside. I learned alot today from this little, homeless, woman. I hope we all can take a moment out of our "too busy" schedules & focus on what Christmas is really about. I pray that I never, again, take for granted what God has blessed me with and I pray, too, that everyday He will use me to somehow bless someone else like Eleanor blessed me today.
Wade and I have a good life. He has a good job with a steady, reliable income. We have a roof over our heads and food in the freezer and cupboards. Our child is healthy and smart and growing faster than I'd like. We finally have a reliable car.
I felt so small this evening, reading what Momma shared with her Facebook friends. We've been given so much, Wade and I. Why aren't we being better stewards of what God has entrusted to us?
There is no reason our liquid account should be dry. There is no reason I should feel that I have to use a credit card. If I can't pay for it out of what we have, chances are I don't need it.
These last two days have really got me thinking.
I was so concerned that "Christmas is going to be really small this year," when I should be thankful that we have the means to splurge a little and give tokens of our affection to friends and family members. But...every day should be small. We (all of us, not just Wade and me) live more extravagantly than necessary. We have more stuff than we have places to put it all. We have so many more reasons to be grateful and thankful than many folks, and it always seems that we're wanting more.
The "more" that people look for cannot be found in things. It can only be found in God. He is faithful to us. We should be faithful to him, too.
We are all blessed, whether we realize it or not, and whether we believe in God or not.
Take the time to simplify your life. I'm going to. And I think we'll all be surprised at how much richer we will be with less "stuff." We will finally be able to see past it all to look at the bigger picture.
Just yesterday, I had planned to take my son (10 1/2 months old) and my dog to see Santa at the mall here in town. Everything was going as planned. Luther did well in the back of our station wagon (first time he'd been in it), Bird did well in his stroller at The Dawg Wash while I bathed Luther, and we wrapped that up and headed to the mall.
Determined to get my boys' picture with the man in red, we arrived promptly at 4:00, which was the time I thought I had seen posted for pet photos. I struggled to contain my unruly beast on his retractable leash while I pulled the stroller behind me with my other hand, from my parking space near the sidewalk all the way into Santa's territory.
Sadly, after all that effort (and exercise!), I looked at the sign. "Pet Photos with Santa every Monday at 6 through December 16."
6:00.
That's not 4:00.
I was two hours early. I asked the "elf" if she could make an exception. She could not. I could not bear to drive back home, get the boys unloaded and into the house, and then turn around not even an hour later to do it all over again. And after looking (glancing, really) at the prices for the photos, I'm glad I decided against it. The least expensive package was $23.00. The one for "Baby's First," however, was $40, and included all sorts of useless stuff.
Later that evening, when I went to pay for the pizzas we ordered from Dominos, which totaled less than $20, my bank card was declined. (We did have a couple of unexpected expenses, which helps to alleviate the shock, but still.)
Checking was empty. Payday is Friday.
Dinner went on the credit card.
Why am I telling you this? Because it forced me to reevaluate what's important. My entire day, yesterday, was spent preparing for something I didn't need to spend money on (and in fact, really couldn't), and then my evening was spent brainstorming what we can cut back on and do without.
Then today, my mom posted this on Facebook:
I went to Hobby Lobby in Hagerstown this afternoon. There is always a Salvation Army bell ringer out in front of the store. The one I personally like is "Eleanor". She sings Christmas carols out of the hymnal she carries with her. She always greets you with a smile, whether or not you put anything in the red kettle. Today I took time to chat with her prior to going in to shop. I learned she is homeless. She lives in her van with an adult son that has some medical issues. I listened to her tell me how faithful God has been to her. How she knows so many others that are worse off than she is. How she wants to give her less fortunate friends a little something for Christmas. She hugged me goodbye, & as I entered the store with tears in my eyes, I couldn't help but feel so very undeserving of everything I have. I shopped for things that I could've done without. I picked up a hot dinner on the way home. I came home to a warm house. Later I will take a hot shower and climb into a warm, cozy bed with plenty of blankets on top of me....while Eleanor sleeps in her van, in a parking lot somewhere, with subfreezing temps outside. I learned alot today from this little, homeless, woman. I hope we all can take a moment out of our "too busy" schedules & focus on what Christmas is really about. I pray that I never, again, take for granted what God has blessed me with and I pray, too, that everyday He will use me to somehow bless someone else like Eleanor blessed me today.
Wade and I have a good life. He has a good job with a steady, reliable income. We have a roof over our heads and food in the freezer and cupboards. Our child is healthy and smart and growing faster than I'd like. We finally have a reliable car.
I felt so small this evening, reading what Momma shared with her Facebook friends. We've been given so much, Wade and I. Why aren't we being better stewards of what God has entrusted to us?
There is no reason our liquid account should be dry. There is no reason I should feel that I have to use a credit card. If I can't pay for it out of what we have, chances are I don't need it.
These last two days have really got me thinking.
I was so concerned that "Christmas is going to be really small this year," when I should be thankful that we have the means to splurge a little and give tokens of our affection to friends and family members. But...every day should be small. We (all of us, not just Wade and me) live more extravagantly than necessary. We have more stuff than we have places to put it all. We have so many more reasons to be grateful and thankful than many folks, and it always seems that we're wanting more.
The "more" that people look for cannot be found in things. It can only be found in God. He is faithful to us. We should be faithful to him, too.
We are all blessed, whether we realize it or not, and whether we believe in God or not.
Take the time to simplify your life. I'm going to. And I think we'll all be surprised at how much richer we will be with less "stuff." We will finally be able to see past it all to look at the bigger picture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)