YarnGathering

2010-09-16T00:56:00.001+01:00

I would like it known that there is no connection between my shop YarnGathering of Stone and the shop trading under the name of Yarn Gathering in Earlsdon, Coventry.

I have taken the advice of friends to make this statement following the recent events of Knit Camp and the association to the owner of the Coventry Yarn Gathering shop. If you read my blog for Jan and Feb you will get some history of the events.
I want to say a big thanks and lots of love to all my knitty friends who have been so supportive over my concern regarding this issue.

I am taking a holiday this weekend - Southern Ireland, in a little cottage right by the sea, and hope that this will give me some energy as feel very tired. On reflection a lot has been achieved over the last year, most of it so exciting but I have felt as though a 'cloud' was always there just waiting to break.....and now it appears it has. Hopes are that it will have little effect on my shop and business. Many of my customers are not aware of the KC events, we are in a small rural town, so I think this aspect of the business is safe. I never went down the trading on-line route, still learning the ropes and it was the one area that I thought would be difficult to establish with the other YG around. Maybe in a few months?

The shop will be closed Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd and re-open Thursday 23rd at 13.00 hours.

A new class/workshop schedule starts on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 7-8.30pm. Small project workshops based on a knitting/crochet skill to learn. Starts.......

23rd September:- Small Stash Buster Crochet Shawl workshop - with Rachel SORRY FULL

14th October :- Cable and Texture sampler square..... learn how to cable and use textured knit stitches within a sampler square.......make 4 and have a cushion.........12 and have a throw. If you are interested get in touch to find out details and to book a place. Cost £15.00 to include a cable needle, (provide own 4mm needles and yarn) to be taught by Jeanette.

Sunday Workshops continue 2nd Sunday of the month 2-4.30pm

10th October :- The 'Knitty Gritty' or how to go past knit and purl......increasing and decreasing, pattern reading, buttonholes, picking up stitches (not just the dropped ones!) for neckbands. The essentials to get you past scarf making........ Cost £20. There will be some prep work for this class so you will need to speak to us but call and book soon as almost full.........taught by Rachel.

November 14th :- Fair Isle for Beginners with Helen Chatterton By popular request as lots of colourwork about this autumn. Learn the basics and the history surrounding Fair Isle work. This is a 5 hour workshop 10-16.00pm (1 hour for lunch) All supplies are provided for you to complete the class swatches. At present lunch is not provided in the cost, so bring your own or there are places to eat a light lunch in Stone; drinks and cake/biscuits will be on tap. Cost £40

December 12th :- Mother and Daughter Time Out A workshop for mothers and daughters who like to knit/crochet to make a small Xmas ornament or gift. Essentially for the youngster but to give some precious 'girly' time in the hectic run up to Christmas......yes, it is coming!!!!! All yarn and needles will be provided along with a bit of 'Christmas Cheer' (nice and cheesy, carols and mincepies) Again 2-4.30pm. Cost £15 per couple, call for details and to book.

All classes are held in the YarnGathering store.
Places are limited to 6 to allow for effective teaching and for reasons of limited space.
A deposit of 50% is asked for on booking. If you have to cancel up to 10 days before the due date for the class the deposit will be refunded to you. Less than 10 days before the class is due the deposit will be held for you to re-book. If a class is cancelled you will receive your deposit back.
A 10% reduction on all purchases on the day of the class and the following week will be given on completion of a class/workshop.

Contact details:- 01785 330474 or info@yarngatheringofstone.co.uk

I'll leave you with these cuties .....teaching myself to crochet ....and loving it, must take a class!!

www.polkadotposh.com

Woolly Wormhead Tour

2010-07-24T22:47:00.000+01:00

Woolly is here tomorrow, yay......... 11am - 3pm. Lots of samples, her new 'Business Card Pattern' and badge for all who come and of course her new book . Discussions at 11.30 and 14.00 ish on techniques used and how to substitute yarns. Come along and have fun and cake!!

Talking of cake, I am now off to finish Cupcake

Planning the next event............let's see who can guess what and who it will be..................
Clue 1 - What goes around - comes around?

See you all soon x

Goodie update!

2010-07-15T00:52:00.000+01:00

The Knit Kits are here

All singing dancing, never lose your knick knacks again, knit kits have arrived and are now up for grabs on e-bay. Seller name 'gathered yarn' and no p&p at the mo!!

Have updated the class schedule............

August 15th - Toe up Socks

Socks on two circulars, no seams to rub little toesies and to sew up!
Fit as you knit - throw out the DPN'S.
25.00 inc 1 ball Regia and needles.
BUT SORRY FULLY BOOKED - taking reserve names though.

September 12th - Cables & Textures

Learn how to cable and explore patterns and texture while you make a Sampler Square - the first for your Sampler Afghan.

20.00 inc 1 ball wool mix yarn and cable needles. Bring a pair of 4mm needles with you.
BOOKING NOW

October 10th - The Knitty Gritty
Follow on class from Beginners Knit class - get down to the knitty gritty!!

How to read a pattern, to increase and decrease (deliberately!), do buttonholes, pick up stitches. In fact all the important stuff to get you moving from scarves to more exciting projects.

You will need to know how to knit, purl, cast on and off and bring 2 pieces of knitting (just squares of about 40 stitches wide by 40 rows deep, in any yarn you are comfortable working with. Leave them on the needles)

20.00 cost.
BOOKING NOW

Classes in the pipeline............... Xmas knits, come make some xmas pretties to hang on the tree or give as gifts. Follow on crochet, by popular request and yes we will have more beginner 'You wanna be a Hooker' classes in the New Year - yikes did I say New Year?

For more info or to book (50% deposit required to reserve a place) contact me. All classes are on a Sunday from 2 - 4.30pm

Finally a reminder not to miss our big event on July 25th.... Woolly Wormhead at YarnGathering and she is bringing some freebies and loads of hats and her new Dreads..... they look amazing, felted aubergine wool........so clever.

Goodnight, sleep tight........ so so cute!

Woolly Wormhead Tour

2010-07-12T22:51:00.001+01:00

Once again I start with apologies for long absence from posting........ I really should be more pro-active with all this media stuff!

YarnGathering is pleased....no delighted......no ecstatic......you get the idea, to welcome Woolly Wormhead. She will be visiting the store Sunday July 25th as part of her Tour, bringing goodies and signing her new book, Twisted Woolly Toppers. I have 'stashed' away copies, you cannot have one yet!! and some of the yarns she uses. But no problem if you want to use another yarn; Woolly will be talking about how to substitute them along with some of the techniquesshe uses.

Here is Mrs B's Coldharbour Twist with her added tassel, 91years young and she is a follower of Woolly!

New arrivals......more KnitKits, lots of Mini Mochi, Zitron Filigran lace....very soft and going very quickly! Regia sock yarns, more Atomic Knitting goodies and loads of KnitPro..............

We had the second Beginners Crochet Class...... 'So you wanna be a Hooker' yesterday, here is a pic from the first class. This is Jo's first attempt (modelled by Linda) - no it wasn't meant to be a thong....back to the drawing board Jo!

I found this beauty, a peony on the shop doorstep the other day........I think I have a secret admirer...I should be so lucky!!! courtesy of the wind more like.

Here is my shop wip 'Very Cherry' - I have all of Alanas' patterns in the store, they are so cute. I am knitting it in a bright red merino mix from Katia
(a really annoying, terrible website) I am now off to 3 needle bind off the shoulders and start the picot trim around the neck - very long winded but worth doing as it is so pretty. My 'shop baby' really needs a new dress but she does look cute in her tutu (courtesy of my granddaughter "I am too big for this now so shop baby can wear it") and her shrug.

Goodnight, dog is well away with the rabbits, back leg twitching and lips blowing - reliving her racing days I expect.

Godfrey the Groundhog, Wonderwool and what's new

2010-04-26T16:58:00.003+01:00

Hello. Just look at me....am I cute or what? I am now living in the garden window of YarnGathering in Stone.The flowers are beginning to come out and there are some butterflies, bats, and some more creatures I am not sure about all living there!! Just keep coming back to see the garden grow or better still come over to Stone and say 'Hi' - you could bring a flower to go in the garden or another strange creature?

Wonderwool was great - said 'Hi' to lots of suppliers and put faces to them, so when I next telephone I will have a picture of them in my mind. Juliet from Artist's Palette Yarns said I look just my pic! aah all my double chins and wrinkly neck!!!!Found some goodies for the shop that will be coming soon...........and of course I had to treat myself, just a little treat you understand........a skein or two that just begged to come home with me. I am a yarn re homing society, a charity!!!!!!! Do you think DH will go for that?
Jo and Rachel also 'shopped' well, R even took her shopping trolley!! and used it...........

While I am (still) waiting for my website to be up I have some goodies on E bay, Knit Kits (new blue, all singing, dancing ones), Designer knitting and Interweave Knit and crochet mags. Putting some knitting themed stamps and Soak wool wash on over next few days, so over you go; I am 'gathered yarn' to search by.

New classes now scheduled :- Felt a Bag May 9th FULL
June 13th Beginners Crochet
July 11th and August 8th Sock Knitting
August every Tuesday Kids Knit Class

Further topics include.... further beginner knit, bag making from old jumpers, extreme knitting (with big pins - not at an altitude or swinging from the chandelier!!) Xmas ornaments, beaded bracelets....... keep checking back here to update. All classes must be booked and a deposit of half the class fee paid in advance to secure a place. Classes will mostly be small, 6-8 participants, to give individual tuition.

I will leave you with these pics

Another of the shawls 'from Loops', going off to live in Dubai and this blanket knit in Katia Merino Mix - off to Australia. Well travelled knits!

Bye.

Still here - update to shop and life not as I have ever known it!!!!

2010-04-18T23:25:00.000+01:00

So, hello to you all but where did the good intentions re regular posting go? Time is so elusive, slips through fingers like sand - but then no matter how many extra hours I could get hold of would not be enough at the moment.
What has been happening in my little empire?
Nearly, but not quite, but almost, soon!!!!!! I will have a web site, yaay. Only son has promised it will be up and running soon - the problems with having family 'in the business', you know;like a decorators house is never painted!! He has just got a new job so I must stake my claim before he starts.

YarnGathering continues to grow, getting very 'padded' with goodies. New in - Bergere De France; have 4 of their yarns, all the patterns and an order facility ie can order the exact amount for a customer and receive it within 3-4 working days (does happen too). This is great because I do not have a lot of storage and I refuse to put bags on top of cupboards. Patterns are so cute...........

Knit Kits - the new version are selling well, have some on e-bay at the mo, so pop and have a look.

Another order of Artist's Palette beauties have just arrived.......so traumatic for me as I love every one and have been known to have to have skeins forcibly taken out of my shaking hands by a customer!!
Yesterday I heard from Jeni at Fyberspates that she will no longer be offering wholesale, saaaaad! she will still be selling her goodies online to individuals so no panic but I am very sad as they have been a very good addition to my store.

Here are a few snapshots of life at YG of Stone...............

My Dr Who man and his scarf, remember from our first day? it is fantastic and very nicely knitted by his wife. Please ignore my wrinkly neck, doesn't age creep up on you???

YG has it's first male knitter, a very enthusiastic guy wanting to knit his girlfriend a jumper! We encouraged him to go for a scarf first and he is doing good.

A new home for one of Sue's (Loops) wonderful silk throws, here worn as a scarf. I treated myself to one too...lucky me

Any one off to Wonder Wool, I will be there on Sunday, not selling but having a 'busmans holiday'

If you see anything on here you like or 'need' then get in touch at
info@yarngatheringofstone.co.uk
Keep popping in as I promise to post more and maybe I soon will have my web site!!!!!!

Two in a row!!!

2010-03-17T21:50:00.006Z

Wow, two posts in a row!! Cannot believe what I have done today, have been so productive - in spite of having a rotten head cold.
Big walk in to town with the dog, along the riverside watching the swans and ducks and then stopped for coffee and cake at Costa (love their latte - not weak and watery, a legacy from when we lived in the US, I like good strong coffee!) Dog had cake too, how can you ignore those pleading eyes?
2 loads of washing, out on the line!!!! to dry, weeds pulled up, shop done, and e-bay shop begun. WHEW.
Must be the 'Spring is in the Air' feel to the day, just makes you feel so much more alive.

Am beginning to think about next 'buy', Artesano, Noro, or do I venture into some US yarns, Cascade 220 (still have some for sale from when we lived over there but limited colours and amounts now - do love it though)
Looking forward to Wonderwool Wales - taking DH this year as he is partner in the business. He is so getting in to it you know. Last week he woke me at 5am!!! to ask "four ply - what is it?" You can imagine being awoken suddenly that ones hearing is not too tuned in and 'four ply' can easily be mistaken for 'foreplay' so can you imagine my answer?? Now, whenever a customer asks for four ply I do have to have an inward smile.

Thought you might like to see this loveliness from Susan 'Loops', a gorgeous wrap in pure silk. You cannot imagine from this photo how wonderful it is, gold but not shiny gold, an old gold, with beads on each teardrop of the edging. She also makes Christening shawls so fine and beautiful - customers are buying them before they are parents or grandparents. Look at this to see some of the patterns she recreates, Neibling shawl patterns. So if you want something special?

Another find - a lady came in to the store last week and we got talking, as you do, I natter far too much DH says!! and she makes anything out of willow and said she would make me some display heads. I cannot touch polystyerene, yak, yak...... so this is what she bought me.............
and this is it with a beret and scarf knit out of Patons Wool Blend Aran....
Isn't it great? I do love the off beat. So now I can display my hats.

Computer is about to go to sleep and so should I as back to shop tomorrow, Yarn of Ale meet at night.

Night and speak soon.

Where does time go???

2010-03-16T21:48:00.005Z

Hiya, where does the time go? I cannot believe it is 6 weeks since I last posted (sounds like a confession!!) but it is and what a lot has happened in that time.
YarnGathering continues to grow, upwards - more shelves and different layouts each few weeks - poor DH is Ikea sick and really has had enough now of my "trying to get it right". He has worked so hard, doing all the accounts and keeping a tab on me spending! and DIY each weekend...... look at his handiwork (the guy who is infamous in the family for going wrong DIY - like drilling through gas mains and water pipes!!!!!! Isn't it good? and don't the new cottons look so fresh? I love it when the new season colours start to come in. These are the muted colours, you should see the beautiful Katia jewel colours.

So.... what has happened, what have we done, what have we got in goodies and what are we having..................really, you wanna know?
New Artist's Palette came in 2 weeks ago and almost gone, such loveliness and Fyberspates yummy yum. Lots of Rachels bags and hand dyed yarn coming and going. KnitPro, well, wish it came through quicker to meet the demand - have customers waiting for orders, it appears many stores are having same issues. Awaiting some new goodies, Knit Kits and new patterns from young designer in States 'Nevernotknitting'. More buttons ordered, a bit of bling and new cute children's buttons. I have been amazed at how everyone loves buttons, the children make a beeline for them, young men changing the buttons on their coats.....skulls are still popular and memories rekindled for some "mother of pearl - I remember those on a dress I had to go to the first dance after the war". I still have my mother's button box, my 3 year old granddaughter is fascinated by it and the stories of where each button came from.... rubber buttons off my grandmothers Liberty Bodice!!! you don't know what they were? We are so lucky we escaped liberty bodices.....Google it and you will see!

The Yarn of Ale continues to meet with great turn outs, see knitters are not freaked by the bad weather. A quiz was held for British Heart Foundation Month in Feb at t'pub and the Non Knitting Men won, methinks some cheating went on but it was fun and for a good cause.

Sunday 7th saw the first YarnGathering class 'Felted Necklace making for Mothers Day' a class for children, 7 little girls, 3 Daddies, 1 Mommy ( who wasn't allowed to look) and 1 Auntie. Phew, a tight squeeze in my little empire. But the Daddies were shooed away to the pub to watch the football, the Mommy got out her knitting and the Auntie decided she wanted to join in! It was such fun and wonderful to see them involved in making. One girl had bought her knitting along another bought a crochet hook and yarn to take home with her. The necklaces and bracelets they made were really cute, just simple felted balls using Katia Trico - Fieltro, a 100% wool for felting. Really good colour range and felts so well.

Felting appears to be continuing to be a 'trend', especially making bags. Here is Manjit's first Booga bag - a mix of Trico - Fieltro and Wash and Filz' It - lovely, isn't it?

My first national ad is in this months Knitting magazine, not too happy with it. The colours and text have not transposed well in print. Back to the drawing board..........if only I could just sit and knit and sell yarn!!!!
Must go to bed now as I keep making mistakes, so night night and hopefully speak soon.

Yarn of Ale!!!

2010-01-28T21:52:00.007Z

Yarn of Ale - the new name for the YarnGathering, Thursday night knit group. Cheryl, the landlady from the Royal Exchange in Stone named us. I like it, so it is official, we are the Yarn of Ale.
14 knitters, one man and his dog came. By 6.30 we were spilling out of the shop so up the pub we went, let me say they did not need much persuasion to go!!!! New knitters started and one difficult heel on a sock was turned. Tea, coffee, wine and ale (real ale I am told) were consumed, thirsty work knitting is! The regulars looked bemused but Cheryl said many comments were made of how it was good to see this in the community. This pub is a real homely pub, a lovely log fire and dog friendly, worth a visit.
Some pics.........
One man and many knitters, Carrie aims to have him knitting soon.................

Bicks (the doggie) seemed to have a good time, loved mature cheddar crisps, oh and ham and mustard, oh and the cakes Jo made. Wonderful Jo, melt in the mouth, yum yum.

The next group is 4th Feb, all welcome, come in to the shop first if you need any supplies or directions or if after 7pm at the pub. It is 5 mins walk from the shop, on the main road, up the hill. Feb 18th, we will be holding a quiz in the pub to raise ££'s for my charity for Feb, British Heart Foundation. Some of you may not know that my husband had a heart attack Dec 2008, followed by surgery. This came out of the blue, he had just completed a 25 mile cycle ride!! BHF provided us with much needed support and advice, so we have decided we must 'pay back'. The month of Feb is "Look after your Heart' month so I have a collecting box in the shop and will be running some sweepstakes.
7th Feb also sees our first Sunday charity knit; 2-4pm in the shop. Drop by if you are at a loose end and need to natter, kettle will be on and the Xmas chocolate biscuits will be opened. There have been some donations to the charity wool bin but a warm welcome awaits further. If you have suggestions for projects please shout up. Oh, bring some knitting pins with you, maybe 4-5mm as most of the yarn is DK.

So, shop news..........it is wonderful, very tiring but better than I ever imagined it would be. I have met such wonderful, interesting people AND I can have a feel of the beautiful yarns at any time I wish...............some more Artist's Palette coming in soon, surprise colours....rubbing hands!!!
Second Knitpro order going in, summer yarns and patterns ordered. Have got some really cute felted toy patterns from Anna in the States. I will soon have some samples for you to see courtesy of Helen and Donna, toy knitters extraordinaire!!
Jeni of Fyberspates is up and running tomorrow with her new wholesale business so will soon have more lovelies to hold before reluctantly selling them! I have earmarked one skein of Anna's Lace from Artist's Palette for myself if it is still here by 5pm tomorrow!!! my treat to myself.
Rachel's Felted bags and Hand Dye Yarns are very popular, awaiting more. I now have some gorgeous knitted shawls and one amazing Christening shawl in 2 ply cashmerino, alpaca and silk made by Sue of 'Loop's'. You cannot feel this shawl when you hold it, so light and with the tiniest crystal beads that catch the light.
Biggest problem is lack of storage space, need more space already, so my brother is coming Sunday to fit more shelves and rails.
My only worry of the last few weeks has been how to handle the issue of the other shop opening in Coventry also named Yarn Gathering. Many of you have commented on this and been very understanding and supportive. I would like it to be known that I made all reasonable searches to find a name that was not already in use when I first decided to open a yarn store in May 2009 and purchased the domain name and opened my business account . I do not want to be seen as "passing off" someone else's idea. I am still undecided in how to approach the potential issues of two businesses within 54 miles trading under the same name, especially with the on-line side. I feel sort of sad and let down, this was my baby and now it doesn't feel the same. A lot of ££'s have been invested in my shop, the frontage signs and window, the advertising etc. I have temporarily put the web build on hold until a decision has been made.
I just want to make a name for my business without living under the shade of an established trader with many connections and contacts.
I need to move on from these feelings as they are taking up a lot of mental energy and strength.

Second day and still breathing............just!!

2010-01-13T22:24:00.002Z

I really was going to post yesterday after first day of YarnGathering being open but was sooooooo tired I became almost disorientated (think I was dehydrated, no time to eat or drink) so gave up.

Yesterday was amazing, sales far exceeded expectations, maybe it was the opening offers! but so many people came by just to wish me luck, to say how much a yarn shop was needed in Stone and to pass comment on the shop. One young girl said it was so like the yarn stores in New York, I was so pleased as I wanted it to have a contempory feel to it not just wall to wall wool. My lovely friends from our Monday knit group came to give me support - oh and to buy, thank you girlies - and sat at the table and wound up yarn. At one time I counted 10 people in the shop. The day started badly, cash register would not work - my fault, put in a decimal point and it blew a fuse, not literally of course but apparently they do not recognise decimal points!! Soon sorted by the nice man at the shop. Then husband got son's Porsche stuck on the car park and was spinning on the ice, so he was fretting!!

Highlight of the day had to be a guy who came in with a almost spreadsheet of colours and yardage to knit a 12' Dr Who scarf. He matched every colour to a printers pantone chart, sitting cross legged on the floor for almost an hour. I was pleased because he matched all but one colour, an orange, the 2 we had were just not right. Hohummmm.

Today has been quiet, snow and sleet, but still a steady passage of folk in. There are some amazing knitters around, shawls, coats, free form knitting - I am going to learn so much. Lot's of interest in classes so have to get going with that soon. So exciting...........................

YarnGathering - Family and Friends, Tea and Cake!!

2010-01-10T17:28:00.017Z

So despite the horrible weather, YarnGathering had it's opening party yesterday. It was wonderful to have all my dearest there, family and friends and to share tea and cake. Thank you all for braving the cold, so many red noses!! and thank you for the goodies, flowers and cards and especially to my daughter Emma for my wonderful cake and to Jason for the 'knitting needles', at the moment on my dining room table being painted.

I am exhausted but have so enjoyed every minute, just need to start and earn money now!
Some of the goodies - Katia yarn, Woolcraft Jarol, Pony and Clover, KnitPro, ArtistePalettes yarns, Kasperaks stamps, Gutterman threads, Dill buttons and more to come. Lots of books and a book library. The Yarn Gatherers will meet on a Thursday evening, the shop will be open until 7pm and then if enough knitting or nattering has not been done we can wander up to the pub!!

Look at these beautiful kits from MillaMia, the packaging and styling.

The shop front - and it all came together, even though it was finished at the 11th hour!!

I have a Red Heart theme as it is soon Valentines day, but also Feb is 'Look after your Heart' month from the British Heart Foundation so I have sent for their fund raising pack. My husband had a heart attack last December and we are so thankful for his life and health. Much research has been undertaken by the BHF so we are going to 'pay it back'. Plans are to have a Red Day in the shop, wear/knit red, red cake and cookies!!
Talking of cake.................

isn't it great and tasted good too. Megan, my granddaughter ate so much icing I am sure her mum would have had a problem getting her to bed last night!!!

Her are some pics of everyone..........

Sally, Ceri and Racheal the Bag lady!!, she makes lovely felted bags and dyes yarn that will be available to buy in YarnGathering.

Donna, looking very glam (love the hat), Doreen, Helen peeking and me and my 4 double chins!!!

Looking down the shop.........

Doreen trying to tell my DH something, was it how to do 2 socks at one time do you think? somehow I don't think he has got it!!
So we had a good time and finally from the dog...............

maybe see you soon? xxxxx

Box Found!!!

2010-01-06T01:06:00.003Z

Dog with her snood. She hates the cold and wind and snow and rain......... not much fat on her and a big wimp.

Box found by nice snowy parcel man, in City Link depot....well what do you know? Today my Atomic Knitting order came, really nice stitch markers. So, still floating around in the post is; my heads to display hats on, my stamps from the US and Artists Palette Yarn!!!!!

The weather is a b****r, am taking my sleeping bag tomorrow just in case, well that is if I even get there.

Almost there!!

2010-01-03T22:50:00.002Z

Delay in posting folks, sorry but just overwhelmed by shop building, orders not coming, xmas, new year - every one wants a piece of me!! tissues please, a big box!

Still a few orders outstanding and one big box has gone missing somewhere between Barcelona and Stone - do you think Santa still has it? All the furniture/display is up and I am getting there with the pricing. Weather has delayed the window and sign going up but we still have a week yet.
Pic of sign in progress by son - notice it is lying on the family heirloom, my Persian rug!
Am off to meet knitty buddies tomorrow to beg for them to do me some samples, please please??

One man and his dog!

2009-12-18T00:02:00.005Z

Well, sleeves rolled up and off we go, right in the thick of it now. DH and the guard dog have worked very hard as you can see!!!!! Lots of Ikea, good stuff but DH hates going there so this is really a labour of love.

Dog came with us today and after 10 minutes of sniffing she adopted the normal pose of the 'resting' greyhound - fully recumbent.
Surrounded by boxes of goodies - have only peeked at the moment as place still dusty - can't wait to get to unpacking them all. Granddaughter so excited because she can see "PINK WOOL NANNY" - I dread to think what she will do when we get to the blue as anything blue is "yak - boys".

I have suddenly realised that it is only 6 days to Xmas and have very little done. Am working on Saturday and have a funeral to go to (my aunt - RIP aunt Shirley) Monday. So it looks as though it may be a vouchers for all this Xmas - or balls of blue wool maybe!!!!

Before the storm!!!

2009-12-11T20:11:00.002Z

Well not really 'before the storm' but in the middle of it!!!! Tomorrow the carpet comes, then every day for the next 10 days deliveries are arriving or the £££ stuff is being set up. Shelving comes Monday, DH has taken a week from work to put up - good old Ikea! It is coming together I think. Still bothered by amount of stock, is there enough?

So today my sister and I went to Moddershall Oaks and indulged ourselves for 8 hours. A facial and pedicure and lots of lolling around the pool, very relaxing, too much, I keep nodding off!! Dh has just given me a glass of wine...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Well that's it!!!!!

2009-11-30T19:58:00.004Z

As of 1pm today, I am now free or unemployed! I prefer to be positive and think, yay, the future is now all in my hands. No more shifts, night duty or working bank holidays, unless I choose to. But then again no wage every month, oh dear, you can see I am a little spooked but it WILL BE OK.

Shop looking good, outside painted and sign being done. Inside, finishing touches to lighting and decorating happening. Spent most of Sunday on my knees glossing skirting, owww! Delivery dates set over next few weeks as manufacturers all shut down for nearly 3 weeks over Xmas.

Tomorrow I am meeting knitting buddies for a day out, yes, joys of retirement, and making the most of this time before shop opens. We are going up to Knutsford, to Fibre and Clay, a wonderful shop. I have a Xmas shopping list to start on.

Rain, Ben Fogle and progress!

2009-11-24T21:44:00.002Z

Still raining - did it rain on St Swithens Day? Our garden is a mud bath with the mad greyhound doing 2 circuits a day around the soggy lawn!!!

Shop front has the undercoat on but the RAIN has stopped further painting so it is a horrible grey colour, passersby must think "yuck" Inside beginning to take shape, walls all soft white, floor lifted for carpet and lighting almost done. I am going on Thursday to paint the 'feature wall', must do some work. I like painting, find it very relaxing, just do not like the preparation work.

Did you see this, Ben Fogle learns to knit aaaah, but I don't think he will get far trying to mend his tent with knitting!

Speak soon.

Not enough hours in the day!!!

2009-11-18T00:49:00.004Z

Where do the hours/days go? so busy busy at the moment, will meet myself coming back soon!!
Progress.... well, lights and preparation for decorating starts Thursday, still no outside painted as rain and more rain continues. Stock arriving 15th December onwards so carpet must be down before then - off to look at this and paint for inside in the morning.

Lots of goodies lined up, Katia, Sirdar, Opal and Trekking, KnitPro, Interweave Knits mags and more and more to come. One minute I worry 'will I have enough to sell' to 'will it all fit in'?

12 more days until I retire.......so looking forward to Xmas, being able to see all my family without having to think about going to work, only second in 30 years or so!!!

We have had a furniture move around in our home - our dining room was in a really sunny room, even now it gets sun until mid afternoon but the conservatory where we have a sofa and M's toys is now so cool so we have swapped. Dog thinks she is in sofa heaven now, constantly on it, pushing the cushions off - this is what greyhounds just live for, sofas and beds....not their own bed!!! so tonight the sofa is piled up with books and a footstool to stop her....we will see!!! She has her own double duvet in a single cover so it is a nice soft bed so do not feel too sorry for her please!

Wrong time to open a shop!!

2009-11-11T21:39:00.001Z

The run up to Xmas is definitely the wrong time to open a shop!! Suppliers shut down for 2 weeks, carriers are busy, carpet man is busy....aah
Have discovered that job number 1 is not really no 1 but actually no 86!!! you know how you think you have it all planned and you start with the first thing on the list but when you actually get in to it you then discover there are jobs that need doing before job no 1 can be attempted!!!!!! get it??

That is how the last few days have been, outside not painted because of weather, lights not up because of ceiling, inside painting not started because of lighting, ceiling can't be done until weekend........deep breaths ommmmmm

Have had to go to GP, sinusitis as left over from cold, so painful and affects concentration, now on antibiotics so can't go far from loo!

7 days left to work and no sign of pension yet, no letter, nothing. Called them today and was told "all going through ok but call again on 25th to check" feeling a little panicky here too!

Looking at buttons and knitty gifts now, can get lost in trawling tinternet. The trouble is I get so distracted into looking at things I cannot afford at present.....Namaste bags etc.

Have not picked up my knitting since last week, took it to knit group Monday but I think 2 rows was all I did, too much talking!

Woodbines, wellies and wool!!!

2009-11-05T23:36:00.002Z

First the Woodbines, remember them? an old brand of cigarette, untipped I think, real killer stuff. Well today I could do with one (never have smoked) because I have such a chesty cough that will just not move soooo a Woodbine I am sure would do me the world of good!!!!!

Now wellies, why do little girls have a fascination with wellies? My granddaughter has to wear hers from the minute she gets up, with everything, even pretty dresses, until it actually rains or is wet! Today we had the battle of wills.....she wanted to take off her wellies to take the dog a walk....in the rain.... and put on her tap shoes (one size too small) Who won, yes, dog and her rule this house. Anything for a quiet life and maybe a lesson learned as she found out why too small shoes are not good for walking out!

And the bit you have been waiting for.......placed a big order with the rep from Creative-Yarns today. A lot of Katia, (horrible website - click on English to stop annoying noise!) Spanish company, did not know they did such a range, colour range huge. Patterns great, all books but really excellent value. Hope I have made the right decisions?

Dog exhausted, hates fireworks and has been on edge all night, poor thing.

Poor, poor me!!!

2009-11-04T22:06:00.004Z

Have had the lurgy as every man, woman and child in the UK appears to have. Was smitten down......yes smitten, yesterday at 8am (really, that precise it was) and trotted back and forth to the loo ... no more details..... until 2pm and then felt so fluey and today have a rotten cold. I had worked Monday night so was sleep deprived too, but do feel a little better now.

So not an lot done really over last few days, did take the 'round table' in to the shop on Saturday and took a lot of photos for son who has taken on the role of 'creative director' !!!! to photoshop. Photo above is with colour we like for shop front and the decals on the window....what d'ya think?

Katia rep coming tomorrow (had to cancel last week) and placed an order for Soak on Monday errmmm have done more than I thought you know!!

Have just done some pressie shopping for Xmas, must get organised but you know I love wandering around the shops at xmas so on-line buying does not ring my bells!!!

Dog getting very spoilt by DH and son, caught her today on the leather sofa, something she has never done. She is allowed on the old sofa in the conservatory but not on the leather......obviously the rules have changed without my knowing.....we will see!!

Spooky Wooooooo

2009-10-31T23:18:00.002Z

Today DH, son and I went to shop to have a look at what needs doing, shocks!!! you know when the rose coloured specs fall off and reality kicks in but I am not going to panic......one job at a time........which one first though?

Good news is word is getting around and all the local shopkeepers are popping in to say "about time" and "just what we need here", hope that is so.

Had a SPOOKY WOOOOOOOO tonight, a little halloween party for M, 3 going on 23, but not quite ready for ghosties and ghouls so we kept it low key. A little bonfire in the brazier, toasted marshmallows and lots of goodies ie chocolate cake. Watched some Chinese lanterns come over from somewhere near, very frightening as we saw 3 come down and land, still burning, one on our next door neighbours doorstep and as they were not at home son had to go over and put it out. He stood guard for rest of the night with bucket of water in case one fell on his 'Princess', his Porsche convertible. Imagine that going up in flames!!!! Dog also not at all happy as she hates things in the sky, hot air balloons, kites even the moon some times!!

Off to bed, working a 14 hour day tomorrow, not many more, thank goodness.

Tax done........

2009-10-31T00:42:00.002Z

Today for 8 hours I sat and did our tax returns....... every year we have left them until January but this year they are done...can relax over Xmas, oh forgot have a shop to get ready for second week in Jan!!!!
Tomorrow DH and son are carrying the 'Round Table' from the bottom of the street up to the shop, I will carry the bag of screws! We will look at the layout and see where we can put everything. Son is a creative designer and has great plans for the sign and window. My neighbour next to the shop is Harriet, her shop is Radford Gallery, and she has wonderful art, jewellery and gifts all by Staffordshire artists. I bought some xmas pressies from her... a watercolour print and a silver necklace. Go see her if you can.
I am planning to hold a group night on alternate Thursdays once the shop is open. A late night until 6.30 then up to the Royal Exchange for food and drinkies of whatever takes your fancy! and of course knitting.
Another late night....promised DH I would actually go to bed with him tonight not 3 hours later, never mind I think he has the dog with him!!

All it needs is..............

2009-10-29T23:34:00.002Z

Here it is, the to be YarnGathering. Behind me is an alcove and a loo and wash basin area. Just have to paint and fit it out now, colour errm, don't know. Possibly should keep it light and airy but with winter coming I feel like warming it up, nice rich colours; if not on walls then lots of cosy throws and cushions etc.

Very tired tonight, keep making mistakes. Have worked from 7am - 7.30pm, not busy at all, just feeding and bathing babies but feel exhausted, ah think it may be that I had flu and swine flu jabs on Tuesday. Had planned to start tax on-line tonight but that has gone out of the window!

So off to bed, dog already there and snoring so loudly!!

Got the key to the Door!!!

2009-10-28T21:12:00.003Z

Yay, today I got the key to my very own soon to be shop, gulp!!!!! and, wait for it spent my first ££'s in fact 1500.00 of them, gulp, gulp............................... and this was on the boring stuff. Well maybe it isn't so much as boring as bread and butter stuff, tape measures, pins, cable/stitch holders, some threads (want to offer the complete 'shop' for the knitter, you know, buy the yarn and the buttons and the thread to sew on the buttons etc all in one go AND I have found there is no other shop that sell these basics since Woollies closed) basic metal kneedles and a few bamboo circs and DPN's. Rep was very good, loads of tips, not just the sales hype.

So we start on decorating, lighting needs improving, measuring up and taking a trip to Ikea. Oh and I found my round table - went with the table for the group rather than a sofa, in the Hospice shop, really good condition, white with nice legs!!! While I was at it I did a bit of advance advertising (never too soon) the ladies in the hospice shop asked where I wanted it for as I paid with my business card, has name of shop on, and they were delighted to see a knitting shop opening. Invited them along to the first Thursday night knit, so we will see.

Shop will be called The YarnGathering and is in Stone in Staffordshire, a really nice little town that has a canal running through and many lovely events through the year, have a look see, www.stonestaffstowncouncil.gov.uk

I am on Ravelry as YarnGathering so look out for more news there.

Have to put my spends in my book now! DH say's "do it as you go along" must remind him of that when it comes around to him doing his tax!!!!

Tonight dog is out for the count, on the floor on her own bed, 2 teas, one doggy and one human - Cayjan chicken - never leave food within reach of a greyhound!!!!

Trees and Jamie Oliver!!

2009-10-26T21:26:00.004Z

Evening all, has been a beautiful day....have you noticed the colours of the trees this year? I read somewhere that a wet summer will make the tree colours more vivid. We went to New England some years back and saw such tree colours I would never have imagined .. lime greens, deepest reds, coppers but we do have some beauties here this year, wished I would remember to keep my camera with me. Imagine being able to capture these colours in yarns... this is Lorna's Laces in Maple Grove colourway, isn't it wonderful?

Fifteen, the restaurant Jamie Oliver set up to train young chefs, has launched its own limited edition knitting kit. Yes, you read that right, see...www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/craft He just gets everywhere doesn't he? Must admit I do like him and his approach to cooking.

Had a nice natter but not much knitting at Druckers today. Poor Lily, our baby (well one of them, we have 2 who have been coming along to group since they were conceived) was not well and Rachel had a poorly foot from a recent op, good job it wasn't a hand!!! Loads of offers of help, thank you all and I will take you up on it soon. Lots of boxes to unpack and you will be able to have secret squeezes!
Off to bed earlier tonight, was 1.30 last night, so DH reminded me at 6am. Am at work all day tomorrow, 7am to 7.30pm, not too many more left to do though, roll on November 30th...last one yay!!

Dog is again in bed with DH and has not got her collar on so I know there will be a battle of wills to get her off, ends with me having to come down and rattle the lid of her treat jar! who rules this house?

Would you knit in your leathers?

2009-10-25T22:15:00.003Z

Knitting seems to be everywhere lately, found this in Google images under "knitting"!!!
Very productive day - maybe it is the extra hour? Visited my cousin and new baby boy, very cute. Cooked a full Sunday lunch (well, not at lunch, more like five-ish), found and e-mailed 2 button suppliers - and got an e-mail back from one, how good is that? Decided on colour theme for website son is doing for me, well, narrowed it down to two themes.
Managed to get time to sort out cardi I put together wrongly last night.

Tomorrow will meet up with my knitting friends for coffee and pick their brains again and then off to see the accountant. Think I may need help with accounts now so got a free first appointment.

What about X Factor? I really liked Miss Franks, must be a set up with those twins!

Off to bed - dog at present asleep on the sofa in the conservatory.

2009-10-24T23:49:00.003+01:00

One less night shift to do, jet lag feel for the next few days and then do it again!!

Seeing the Katia rep next week, they have some really quirky novelty yarns, not your fun fur novelty but cool scarf making yarns, big loops and bobbles that knit a scarf up in a night. Have the Sirdar info, just need to sit and take stock. Do I go with some basic acrylics, bread and butter stuff? or stick to Plan A and only stock what I like and would use myself.

So tired, must go to bed, only slept until 12.00 today and then food shopped. Sat and watched X Factor and tried to sew up a cardigan for granddaughter. Fronts now on the wrong sides!!!
Dog in bed again ... must get a stair gate!!

Today I........

2009-10-22T23:04:00.005+01:00

Today I walked the dog, played trains with my granddaughter (and the dog), made banana bread and 12 fairy cakes (the dog ate, no, stole one) went to the dentist and then signed the lease for my YARN STORE!!!!

Yep, it has finally happened. For as long as I can remember if I was asked, you know when you are having those meaningful conversations at ungodly hours ie on a night shift (see I am a nurse, but only for another 5 weeks) or maybe after a few drinks, "What would you do if you weren't a................" I would tell how I want to open a knitting shop and just sit and arrange the yarn on the shelves ........... well I have done it and it is scary, scary!!!!!!

Don't for one minute think I will be 'just' arranging yarn, haven't picked up my knitting for weeks now, just pored over mags and catalogues.

So, watch this space as I set up shop, help me make decisions, really important ones like ... do I have a table for my Knit Chick friends or do I get a sofa? Hand me the tissues when it gets too much and wait for my website so you can see what yarns and goodies I have gathered together .......as for now I am off to bed .... if can get the dog off the bed!!!!!