paste-eaters anonymous

working away

All my creative power has been going into designing displays for the NY Gift Show in August. This is crunch time for me, so if I get a walk in or some reading time it's a good day. I have started Tahoe, but I am quickly losing interest in it as I don't think I bought enough yarn. It may become a short-sleeved tee instead.  I apologize to anyone who takes the time to check out my blog; however, it shouldn't be too much longer until I am back in the saddle. Thanks for visiting!

heal the hurt

Interweave Press just announced a hurt book sale. I don't think it's for "friends only."

What Have You Done With Your Hands Lately?

Well, if you are going to watch one, it might as well be a good one. 

A long walk around Great Meadows.

A Good One

I'm posting another sale, with full confidence that everyone will be welcome at this one.

I love the idea of having the  opportunity to shop before work on Thursday. I've got this itch for something I saw there in the sock yarn pile. I can't for the life of me remember the name, but it's this lush, deeply dyed stuff that keeps calling my name and batting its eyelashes at me. Since we first met, I've been mulling over the idea of making socks (yes, socks) with it.  I think if I start an interesting pattern (and attempt to pay attention to the pattern) I might be happy with knitting socks. But I can always use another pair of gloves. The stuff is on the pricey side but so seductive that I don't care if it's on sale or not. I only hope this relationship doesn't leave me bitter and disillusioned.

And the idea of a bunch of knitters getting together at the crack of dawn to buy yarn just makes me giddy. Let's go have some fun!

Varigated Feelings

UNLESS YOU ARE A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT; DON'T BOTHER! You only have to read the posts from Alison and Johanna to see why.

I'm sorry I lead them to this train wreck, I only had the best of intentions. Following is the original post:

I'd be inviting bad knitting karma if I didn't share the news I received in the mail yesterday.

I do it with mixed feelings. No one likes to see a small store close after 30 years. But I have to admit, although it was in a great location for me, I seldom stopped by in the three years I've lived in the neighborhood. I can't help but feel some of the love was gone from the business--faded books and dusty product in the window--and feeling like an outsider when I stepped inside. Often there would be a class or a group of some sort; all eyes on you as the door opened. If looks had a temperature, I'd have frostbite.

Every yarn store has it's pluses and minuses. Stores some knitters passionately love, others passionately dislike. I'm sure there are a lot of knitters and needlework folks (she carries lots of needlepoint supplies) who are heartbroken they are losing a friend. It's always sad.

I gave up buying sale yarn years ago when my stash started requiring room and board. Now I carefully decide for weeks on what yarn I'm going to use for a specific project. Others can figure out what they will do with a yarn the moment they lay eyes on it. They are the gifted sale shoppers.

I will say that she carries nice stuff. A lot of Rowan. No Koigu, No Noro.  A nice selection of cottons, and novelty yarns--I'm afraid I just didn't shop there enough to know the stock. Books. And if you are into needlepoint, she has a lot of supplies and kits.

West Concord is worth the trip. Right off of Route 2, take 62 west 'til you get to the 99 Restaurant. Bear right (it's usually a perpetual green light, but check), take another right over the railroad tracks and it's about five or six doors down on the right, next to the 5 and 10 (now, if THAT place closes, I'll be absolutely heartbroken). Parking is plentiful. Don't forget to feed the meters. Lots of great spots for lunch: Concord Teacakes, Nashoba Brook Cafe, Debra's Natural Foods (to go). And a wonderful quilt store across the street. You can also take the commuter rail from Boston or Fitchburg. It would be fun to see you in the neighborhood!

Selling her wares

This is my friend LeeAnn at the RISD alumni sale on Saturday. You have to visit her site Individual Icons to let the pictures speak for themselves; I can't put into words what I think is the most creative, best work out there! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention how well made it is.
I have been helping her at these sales for a while now (we think it might be up to 12 shows) and it's the best for people watching on the rare times that the booth slows down enough for us to get a look at who's going by. Great fashion and hair ideas as well as a lot of great dogs. Anyone interested in arts and crafts should make the trip to Providence.The next one is in October, free admission and a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Pushing My Buttons

I have quite a collection of vintage buttons (these are just a few--I've got boxes of jet glass). I'm thinking of selling them on Etsy for a little pin money while I'm in school. I would love any feedback on your Etsy experiences (or should I go the ebay route, which seems tedious), and/or what you are looking for in vintage buttons (or trim, or fabric). If you see something you like, let's talk! Thanks!