Lily -- April 2, 1999 to September 29, 2013

You were very much loved and missed even more. I love you. Your momma.

Lily was a great background for knitting

She had great fun using the boxes of yarn as a climbing tree. Opening them will never be the same.

In Tweed Sort of Mood

I love rustic yarns and this season seems to have brought a bunch of them to the forefront in yarn shops -- including Main Street Yarn. We have an acrylic wool blend in worsted weight from Universal Yarn Company; a blend of New Zealand merino/nylon/angora/alpaca/silk in DK weight called Kenzie; and the newest addition is Blackstone Tweed in worsted which is a blend of wool/mohair/angora.

I have used the Universal Tweed for several years for hats and fingerless mitts. A sturdy, yet soft, yarn that wears well. It is a go-to yarn for me.

Today I finished these --

"Welted Fingerless Gloves" in  Kenzie. The yarn has a nice feel when on the needles and is soft on the hands. This pattern was reordered and will be back in the shop later in the week.

I now have the Blackstone Tweed on the needles for a two-colored hat. I just cast on but like the yarn a lot. There is nothing to show yet but will follow with photos in a few days. The pattern I'm using will be ordered tomorrow and hopefully will be in the shop this week. It is perfect for this yarn but would work with any other worsted of your choice.

What are you knitting?

Until next time....

Finally....a vest pattern

Those of you who knit with me or hear me talk about knitting may have heard (probably too often!) that I really want to knit a vest. (Insert whining...years worth of whining...)

But it has to be the right pattern -- simple, button up the front, worsted weight, and can be worn with some professional attire as well as casual clothing. Some of you are shaking your heads thinking, well that is a lot to ask of one pattern. I totally agree. However, I FOUND IT!! Yesterday I was leafing through the new Downton Abbey magazine. There is was "Chilly Morning Cosycoat." Woo-Hoo! I let out a cheer..

I'm was so excited that I actually knit a gauge swatch. Roberta probably just sank into a chair when reading that sentence. She knows my dislike for gauge swatches. But, I'm glad I did. I am between the small and medium sizes. According to the pattern directions, the small would "just" fit while the medium would be several inches too big around. However, my gauge shows that I should be knitting the small for the best fit. Edited to add that I went down a needle size to a 7 and got gauge. The yarn calls for a 7 and the pattern an 8.

So, I will. And if it doesn't fit me...well, I will have learned an important knitting lesson and it will make a great shop model!

Isn't is lovely? I think so. A simple Garter stitch with bands of Double Moss Stitch. Just enough to keep it interesting and make the project reach completion.

 

 



Vintage worsted weight yarn from Berroco. It is a deeper teal than this photo shows. I can't seem to get the right lighting to show it off.

 



 

The cover of the Fall/Winter "Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits." Get your copy today. The season begins in January, so get your knitting done now. Wear your Downton garments while you watch the new shows in 2014. There are gorgeous handknit garments for ladies and men.



Busy, busy, busy

The days are flying so quickly that I cannot seem to get everything accomplished. I am very happy to say that my evening hours are generally filled with knitting projects -- some for models at Main Street Yarn and the others as Christmas gifts.

My husband returned home from a trip last night and walked into the living room that is filling with boxes of yarns for fall and winter. I am very pleased with the new lines that will be making their way into the shop right after Labor Day. Remember, if I have a yarn that interests you and the color you want isn't on the shelf, please ask. I can order it.

I am so enjoying knitting with Wandering Wool. I have restocked and added new colors to the fingering weight and in a month or so will be ordering worsted weight. The yarn bases are extraordinary and her color saturation is among the best I have ever seen. Rich, deep colors. Oh, but do they bleed when on the needles or being soaked prior to blocking? Not at all. I have knit with numerous skeins and earlier this week finished a shawl in a gradient blend, soaked it and blocked it. Not a bit of color in the water, either. Oh and this yarn blocks beautifully.

Heads up: Below is a photo of the shawl in a gradient. It was blocking at the time...obviously. Dyeing gradient colorways is a very time-consuming (translation time costly) process and at this point gradients are not available to yarn shops. You can get them from her Etsy shop. I will be getting solid color worsted weights. I will display this shawl/large scarf in the shop so people can ooohhhh and aaaahhh over the softness of the yarn and the color saturation.

Until next time....

A Lesson Learned...and Some Unique (to me) Yarn

Keith and I had a great weekend at the LPGA in Sylvania, Ohio...near Toledo. The heat and humidity were intense so I opted to stay at the hotel on Friday. I almost melted on Thursday. Of course I had some great knitting hours. I started a pair of cabled fingerless mitts for a birthday gift for a friend. I completed about 2/3 of the first one on Friday.

Saturday I took my knitting to the golf course. I always take my knitting (used to be counted cross stitch) to the golf course. I was knitting on the mitt making the approach to the gusset increases when two guys plopped their chairs next to mine. They said hello. I responded. One had too many beers for any time of day, but considering it was before noon and his condition he must have started drinking the night before. He scowled at me so I ignored him. He then rudely said, "why are you doing such a ridiculous thing at a golf tournament." I said to pass the time and I went back to knitting.

They were quiet for a few minutes. I leaned down to the left to pick up my bottled water and I thought my knitting fell off my lap...that has been known to happen. When I straightened up I discovered the drunk had my knitting, had pulled out the double pointed needles and unraveled a good part of the project. I was furious but since there really weren't others around knew I needed to keep my cool.

I stood up and asked why he did that. Answer: So now you will have to watch the golf tournament. His buddy saw the look on my face and said he thought they better get out of there. I told him that was the smarted comment I had heard in the last few minutes. They left and I reported them to an LPGA official. But they were nondescript  so could not easily be found in a crowd.

The mitt is at the thumb gusset stage and will be finished by tomorrow. Then on to the second one. Knitting in Public can be hazardous to your progress.

On a happier note, today I was on the road working and saw a Farmer's Market with a sign "fresh lemonade." Wow I needed one. I pulled in, got my beverage and glanced around. Lo and Behold I came across this....

...worsted weight Llama yarn. It is so soft and the cream is gorgeous as is the medium grey. Now off to consider patterns. Happy Knitting....

Fabulous Grand Opening!

Several hundred people visited our shops today. Forefathers Book Shop and Main Street Yarn were kept very busy. Thank you to our new and not-so-new customers. We so appreciate you.

A big thank you to Celeste, Cathy, and Martha for handling the cooking of the hot dogs and pouring of the lemonade. People loved the free food and beverages on a hot day!

Katherine Dashner and Libby Beiler entertained and educated people about the process of yarn making -- from the sheep to the skein of yarn. They were in the shade but handle the hot outdoor temperatures with grace. They are members the team that won the 2013 PA Farm Show Sheep to Shawl competition. This team has won a number of times in the past few years. Quite a talented group!

Libby demonstrated carding

 

Katherine spins on her traveling wheel

 

Team members working together



Yarn Dyeing Class

Last Saturday 7 fun women (I include the teacher in that group!) met at Main Street Yarn for a yarn dyeing class. They had such a terrific time and their finished products are absolutely gorgeous. I cannot wait to see what they knit from their hand-dyed fingering weight skeins of yarn. I know we will have a calling for more classes especially since Libby practiced another process this week and has an even more gorgeous product, if that is possible. Here are some photos and brief captions. Unfortunately they cannot capture all the fun, laughter and making or strengthening of friendships.

The yarn was soaked in water for about an hour before class began. Then the excess water needed to be wrung out. The yarn needs to be damp but not saturated for the dyeing process. Looks like a muscle builder!

There seems to be 3 ways to apply dye....

The Spoon Dab on Method...

The Squirt Bottle Method...

 The Pouring Method...

Wrapped in Plastic and Ready for the Microwave

The End Result...but I Suspect Not the Last!



Needles and Project Bags

The Karbonz knitting needles continue to be popular. Restocks went up today. There were advance orders for interchangeable sets so I got one for the shop. Needles are sizes 2 to 6. Additional size tips can be ordered. Our supplier is attentive and ships all in-stock items immediately.

The Hag Bag collection is expanding at Main Street Yarn. These lovely bags in sizes medium and large will go into the shop later this week. The colors are outstanding!

Knit in Public Fun Fun Fun!! And new merchandise, too...

Worldwide Knit in Public Day (actually week) began yesterday and Main Street Yarn and its following were not to be let out. The overcast skies cleared in time for a free workshop to teach the Sweet Tomato Heel for a sock. Folding chairs came out on trunks, hatches and backseats of vehicles and participants had a great time.

Look how nice this heel turned out! I was handling the indoor duties at the book shop and yarn shop so now I need to get some instruction on this fabulous heel that all just raved about!

Congratulations to Cathy who won a lovely door prize donated by Universal Yarn Company.

In other news: New yarns and bags went on sale this past week and to say some of them "ran out of the shop" is not an exaggeration. Just look at the goodies...and, yes, many remain for others to purchase.

Rich colorways from Desert Vista Yarnworks! Knitters thought it was difficult to select which one (or ones) to purchase. Ha! The toughest part was deciding which colorways to select for the shop.

The Hag Bag collection made its way to the shop. Sorry the photo is blurry..I took it with my phone. The seamstress is another woman-owned small business. I am pleased to say that she joins company with Wandering Wool and Desert Vista Yarnworks. As a small woman-owned business I am proud to support others. Working together is the root of success for each of us. And thank you to those who support Main Street Yarn because you are supporting all of our efforts. We are dedicated to our fiber adventures!

Karbonz Knitting Needles Have Arrived!

Karbonz Knitting Needles -- made from high-tech carbon fiber -- will be for sale at Main Street Yarn beginning tomorrow mid to late afternoon. These New Age Needles are very popular so some sizes are back ordered. We do have a selection in 6" double points and 24", 32" and 40" circulars. Stop by and check it out.

Also, a new really FUN yarn from Universal will be on sale beginning tomorrow afternoon. Hope to see you!

Time to Catch Up....

I cannot  believe that it has been almost two months since I wrote a blog post. Opening a yarn shop, while trying to keep up with life in general, makes one really busy but it is a good type of busy.

Let's see what I have done since I last checked in:
-- Traveled to MD Sheep & Wool Festival with a busload of fiberholics and met up with my good friend Roberta. We had not seen each other in 3 1/2 years. The day flew and too soon it was time to say good-bye but we had a ton of fun
-- Got a case of "startitis" -- translation I've begun and not finished a bunch of knitting projects. Goal now is to complete them soon!
-- I'm learning to use Constant Contact which is a great newsletter program and have sent out two newsletters -- the next one will be later this week
-- Gotten very active on the Main Street Yarn Facebook page
-- Launched the website yesterday -- check us out at www.mainstreetyarn.net The blog updates are available on the website
-- Began investigating yarn companies I don't stock. One big issue in adding most of them is their high opening order minimums. Yikes! $2,000 is more than I planned for an opening order with one in particular. Purchasing from them might get put onto the back burner for a while.
-- Have been giving medical care and fluids under the skin to my older Golden Retriever. Fortunately, his stomach issues seem to be settling down. Now if he only would quit licking the front of his leg. There is nothing wrong with it. I think it is just nerves.

Whew! It has been a busy few weeks.

There are a lot of fun classes planned at Main Street Yarn including how to dye your own yarn, more Magic Loop Sock Classes, and some others we will soon announce.

No photos this time but I will post new photos of a summer yarn and the Karbonz knitting needles in a new blog post later in the week. The timing is all up to the UPS man.

A sneak peek! Opening day April 11

Main Street Yarn
121 E. Main Street
Rebersburg, PA 16872
814-349-2611
Website under construction
Check us out on Facebook
Hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Here are a few photos to peek your interest. Hope to see you soon!

Opening Day: April 11

Just a quick note with a couple of photos from yesterday...work continues:

The sign is done! Isn't it gorgeous? A smaller version will be by the door near the parking lot.

If your yarn escapes like mine does...here are two solutions to keep it under control...hand thrown knitting bowls and handmade wooden yarn caddies. Either -- or both! -- are good choices.

Just one angle of the room dedicated to fingering weight yarn. This is just one angle of the space. Some yarn is backordered but is scheduled to arrive this week! Also lots of knitting and crochet patterns.

See  you soon with more photos....

Yarn Comes Out from Hiding

This is the weekend...the yarn starts to be put out, models get displayed and needles and accessories will be put into their designated spaces in Main Street Yarn. Opening day is just around the corner -- April 11. Our hours will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. The shop address is 121 E. Main Street, Rebersburg, PA. The shop phone will be installed next Friday. Once I'm sure of the phone number I will add it to this post.

Main Street Yarn will have a website, Ravelry page and Facebook page. There also will be a monthly newsletter emailed to all who are interested.

Here are just a couple of photos from today to peek your interest. Hope to see you soon! Kim

"The Singles Bar" of fingering weight yarn is is just ripe for all sorts of projects -- from socks to shawls to hats and more!

The JoJoland Yarn Wall! A fabulous twist of color in worsted weight. Look at that gorgeous shawl! Yum.

A closeup of the gorgeous shop model knitted by Libby Beiler. Just think of the lovely items you can knit or crochet from Jojoland.

They Match!

This is a quick post to show you my lovely yarn bowl and the sock yarn I currently have on the double pointed needles. I chuckled at the coincidence of the nearly matching colors of the yarn bowl and the yarn. Aren't they lovely? I'm going to the shop tomorrow to dust and clean  the small room and the middle room. Hopefully I can actually get some yarn and other items in place. If so, I will take photos and update tomorrow night.

Please if you read my blog posts leave me a note, at least occasionally. I took off the blocks so leaving a message should be quick and easy. If there are still issues, please let me know. Thanks!

Closing In On The Finish Line

I took these photos a few days ago so even now they are outdated. The two contractors/renovators have done a spectacular job to transform a neglected very outdated space of 3 rooms into a light and bright yarn shop. There is some minimal interior work to be completed. We need signs for the building and parking lot and some cleaning is required to remove remnants of sawdust and dirty boot prints.

Boxes of yarn arrive almost daily. I think the last ones -- except for the backorder -- arrived today. Needles and hooks are here. Project bags are here with some others to arrive in a few weeks. Hand-dyed yarn is being dyed into beautiful colors and will arrive in a few weeks. Fixtures need to be ordered but the delivery is overnight. I have arranged, rearranged and rearranged several more times in my mind's eye. I think I have the design now. Time will tell.

Here are the latest photos:

This is the main room  customers will enter from either the parking lot entrance or through Forefathers Book Shop at the front of the building. Most of the yarn will be in this room.

The built in cupboard (teal door just leaning there for now) will be a great display place and storage spot. The wainscoating is gorgeous since it was resealed. Love my lavender walls! Country cottage look.

And lookie what else! A small fireplace on the lovely hearth that was built to raise it a bit. I can just see all of us sitting there and knitting, crocheting, etc. now. I just can't wait!

This room was a DISASTER but look at it now. It is a small space but will serve several important purposes to customers, myself and those who work in the shop.

Watch for more soon....

And So It Begins.....Main Street Yarn

Some of you might think...uh-oh...what happened. The title of this post can be interpreted in to way -- positively or negatively. This post is positive VERY POSITIVE.

A long-time dream has been to own a yarn shop. In a month or so that dream will become a reality thanks to my husband. He purchased a former bank building in Rebersburg, PA and gave me the back three rooms and funding to open the shop, purchase merchandise and hire a fabulous person to work there with me and teach classes. No, I'm not leaving my fulltime job so a knowledgable co-worker was a requirement.

Keith is opening Forefathers Used Book Shop in the front section of the building. Those renovatiosn are complete and it looks gorgeous. The shelves are getting fuller and fuller each day.

Renovations began a week ago and the difference is amazing. Oh there is a long way to go but the guys are quick workers. The changes in a week are startling...the place already looks bigger and brighter!

This blog will be connected to the website once it is up and running. I do hope people comment and ask questions. I considered an additional shop blog but had to be realistic with my time limitations. The shop is me and so is  this blog.

I have a beautiful logo but am not unveiling it or giving clues to what yarns or other products will be in the shop. I am still deciding and ordering -- althought boxes are arriving almost daily.

The building has a long history in Rebersburg and has some special touches that are remaining with the integrity of the building. It also had some paneling that was removed.

At left is lovely wooden wainscoting in the middle room. At right is a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling built-in wooden cupboard that is as lovely as it will be useful.

A closeup of the wainscoting.

This paneling was in the middle room. It is gone.

This paneling in the large yarn room was nice -- for anyone who likes paneling -- but it made the room too dark. Light and bright walls and daylight bulbs in the ceiling lights. All to help everyone see the "true" colors of the yarn they are purchasing.

Peeking from the first room into the second room. The walls are gone.

Two days later. Walls are up.

To be continued......