the yarn grove antics

WWKIP day and other stuffs...

Nothing like being a little behind blogging but here is a photo of just a few of our Noble Knitters on WWKIP day. We went to our usual hangout and knit. It was a fun day - a little steamy outside - but fun none the less. There were a total of perhaps 15 of us and we broke up into smaller knitting groups after dining on a wonderful lunch together. Here is a photo of some of us - I am second from the left - and we were all wearing our Noble Knitter T-shirts.

Not only am I behind in my blogging but also housework, gardening and just plain everyday stuff. I have been traveling for 2 weeks with my corporate job. I only work a few hours a month but was needed for a project, so off I went. I did get a lot of knitting done on the flights so that was nice. I am working on a top down sweater. It is the gray heathered one in the photo.

Last month at our Knitting Guild meeting, Deborah Fillmer aka The Nautical Knitter came to speak to us about the world of KAL's. I have been in her Secret of the Stole groups before and thoroughly enjoyed it. She is a delightful and charming lady. Deborah has designed a Secret KAL for our knitting guild members only so I decided to venture out on Saturday in search of the perfect yarn. I ended up with Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Laceweight in a topaz/orangey color from one of my LYS, Cast on Cottage . The KAL calls for beads and I chose some beads that are 2 tone - pink with topaz on the ends. I am still not sure how I like the 2 of them together (I bought the beads first) but so far I think I do. We'll see. Haven't even had time to do a swatch. In fact, I haven't been able to pick up my sticks since I flew home late Thurs. night.

The first weekend I came home after traveling, Orange Boy, Cheryl and Stephen were here to visit Gammaw. We had a wonderful weekend together. His personality is really coming through at 4-1/2 months.

And my garden has exploded whilst I was gone. Including weeds. So yesterday I spent pulling weeds, picking beans, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes and cukes. (the photo shows the first trip to the garden's loot). The beans I blanched and froze; the jalapenos I just froze so they will be readily available when I get ready to make my annual batch of salsa and the tomatoes I put in hot water, peeled the skins and chopped them up. Next was the freezer bags and I was able to get 4 full quarts of tomatoes for winter consumption. There will be lots more soon.

I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July celebration. Hub and I are going to visit Island Girl so the shop shipping (say that 3 times) will cease on Wed. July 1 and begin again on Tuesday, July 7. As always, The Yarn Grove is open 24/7 for your shopping pleasure!

One twisted braid...

I'm done. Here is a photo of my Twisted Braid Wrap from SWTC in their Therapi yarn. I saw a lady at Stitches South when I was working the AKG booth and commented on it. Had to have it. Went and bought the kit and chose this gorgeous (this photo was taken when we were having terrible t'storms) color in a gray/green. It was an easy knit and I believe the pattern is available for sale on Ravelry. I will certainly do this one again but in a 100% wool so there is a little more stretch. Thanks Mom for modeling... She has claimed all rights to this!

I hope a lot of you have been able to view the video/story that Cheryl linked up on the blog on June 3rd. It is truly an amazing story that started with a simple request. Maybe some of you American Idol followers remember her from a couple of seasons ago. I believe it was Season 5 (Cheryl please correct me if I am wrong). Her voice is incredible and most especially she is a beautiful person. Cheryl is the very pregnant one - this was filmed before my precious Stephen was born.

Don't forget Saturday, June 13 is Knit In Public day. Noble Knitters, my Wed. night group, are going to spread all over the Forum on various benches scattered throughout this quaint outside shopping center. B&N is there where we meet in the cafe every Wed night. It will be fun. Anyone in the area, stop by to join us.

And last, a picture of my Stephen who is in his little red corvette and trying to figure out how to get to Gammaw's house!

Grab the tissues

Hey everybody- Check out this amazing video of my friend (I'm in there too) and her story of hope and faith.

I'm alive!

Hey everybody. I'm alive! I haven't been swallowed by diapers, spit up and laundry (yet). Stephen is 3 months old and life is good. He is napping regularly and sleeping 5 hours most nights. YAY!! As soon as I start knitting again, I'll post some pictures. Until then, here's a picture of the little man.

Also, make sure to check out The Yarn Grove on facebook!

Key Shawl

So it's finished. My Key Shawl. I mean when you live on an island, why would you need a full sweater? Most of the time you don't so I jumped all over this adorable pattern at the local yarn shop. I will say that I did not knit the actual pattern stitch - just stockinette. Why you ask? Because I needed something to carry with me to all the doctor appts. I take my mom to. Sometimes I can wait for up to 5 hours and it keeps me occupied. When you go as frequently as we do, all the magazines have been read!

I call this my "fake" sweater. It only has a back, no sides and gives the illusion of having sleeves that you tie in the front (as if you were wrapping a sweater over your shoulders). Love it. Just the thing to throw over an outfit. Oh, and the yarn was Karabella Aurora 4 and I don't remember the color number. And I see I already have a pick on it that needs fixin'.

Keep checking out our yarn sales as we undergo some changes at TYG!

I leave you with a photo of my precious Stephen (isn't this what Gammaw's are supposed to do?). Cheryl said he was yawning - I think he is calling for me ; )

Happy Mother's Day!!

For Jane (aka Momma G, Gammaw and Momm-ay)

Roses are red
Yarn is fuzzy
You're the best Mom
That ever there was-zy

We love you so much. Thank you for always supporting us and loving us unconditionally. You are the most loving, generous, kind, caring and selfless person. WE LOVE YOU!!!!

love
Chris, Stephanie, Eric, Cheryl, Stephen, Spottie, Mona, Cleo, Junior, Shorty and Mully