Lace

May 15, 2015, 2:19 pm

Finish up your current project because you are going to want to start something new very soon. Lace Knits, a brand new book by Ann Kingstone, will be arriving at the beginning of June. The patterns are beautiful.

Though at first sight it appears incredibly complicated, you can soon learn to knit stunning lace with the help of this beautiful book. Ann's step-by-step illustrated tutorials and friendly text make mastering lace knitting skills simple, satisfying and fun. For speedy results the pattern collection includes some basic items that make ideal first lace projects.

Wessenden

Knit this ladies accessory shawl from Lace Knits. Designed by Ann Kingstone using our ever popular yarn Kidsilk Haze (mohair and silk), this triangular shawl is knitted from the top to the bottom in one piece, after row 5 each row then involves 4 sections; a half triangle, 2 full triangles and a half triangle.

Netheroyd

Knit this accessory shawl from Lace Knits. Designed by Ann Kingstone using the luxury yarn Rowan Finest (extra fine merino wool, cashmere and royal alpaca), this unfitted shawl has a garter stitch edge and feather and fan border.

Lascelles

Knit this ladies cardigan from Lace Knits. Designed by Ann Kingstone using our ever popular yarn Kidsilk Haze (mohair and silk), the upper body of this cardigan is plain with a empire waist and the skirt section has a pretty lace pattern.

Ainley

Knit this pretty ladies cardigan from Lace Knits. Designed by Ann Kingstone using our lovely softly spun yarn Kid Classic (lambswool and mohair), this round neck cardigan has a striking flower motif and contrasting garter stitch edgings.

Follow Your Arrow dried a bit quicker than I thought it would. So fast that I didn't get the points pinned out. It will come home for the weekend and I'll re-Soak it. The big problem is that my blocking wires and pins are packed somewhere. I'll be scrounging through the basement tonight.

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Happy Birthday

May 17, 2015, 5:54 pm

≫ Next: Unicorn Parallelograms

≪ Previous: Lace

It's my mom's birthday today. We aren't talking numbers anymore. :) Beth and I got off lucky today. Darlene planned a family barbecue so we didn't have to plan a party. Thanks Dar!!

It's now Sunday.

That was the start of yesterday's post. Then we went to the barbecue and had a great time. So many laughs that our stomachs hurt. We got home late and I really didn't feel like writing. I knit instead.

This morning I blocked Ley Lines #1 and it's pinned out downstairs.

Ley Lines #2 is almost to the cast off. I added rows to the shawl and am now playing the 'do I have enough to add one more section or is time to start casting off?' I think it's getting to the cast off so I will be starting that in seven rows. Why is the cast off an issue? It is done gradually. Four stitches every wrong side row. Judging the amount of yarn required is really a guess.

Tomorrow we are supposed to be golfing. Tomorrow it is supposed to rain. We'll see in the morning if it's a golfing or knitting day.

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Unicorn Parallelograms

May 18, 2015, 5:24 pm

≫ Next: Marblz

≪ Previous: Happy Birthday

I talked about madelinetosh Unicorn Tails the other day and here is another great pattern. Stephen West is having a KAL. This time it isn't a mystery.

Choose 20 colors of fingering weight yarn like Madelinetosh Unicorn Tails and knit this easy biased scarf. The garter stitch fabric makes this project ideal for on-the-go knitting.

The pattern is available individually or you can get the whole e-book with 10 new scarf patterns released throughout the May/June KAL. This PDF will be released May 15 at the beginning of the KAL.

See the scarf on Ravelry...

I love the colour combination that Stephen put together but there is one major problem. Stephen didn't use any purple in his. Do I change the colours?

Our Unicorn Tails have left Texas and are on the way to us. I keep checking online to see where the boxes are. According to usps.com they have been processed in Chicago and are on the way to Canada. Hurry Mr. Postman!! We need yarn.

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Marblz

May 19, 2015, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: Dirty Hippie

≪ Previous: Unicorn Parallelograms

I received an email today from Knitter's Pride. Good news. We will have new sets of needles this fall.

Our new Marblz sets will be available in the following options: DPN, Normal Interchangeable & Special Interchangeable.

Made from special grade of acrylic material and offered in a riot of colors. Light and easy on hands, suitable for both new & more experienced knitters that like a smooth surface.

Special Interchangeable are shorter tips so that you can make 40cm (16") circular needles.

The doors in our kitchen came back today. They had to be repainted and I'm happy with how they look now. I was there at 9am and thankfully the installer was there by 9:30. Not too much knitting time but not a lot of waiting time.

Austin came today and weeded the flower bed. It is looking so much better now. I wasn't happy with the amount of yellow we had last week.

Now it's rest time. My body isn't very happy with me tonight. I haven't golfed since January and now I have a few sore muscles.

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Dirty Hippie

May 20, 2015, 2:05 pm

≫ Next: Free Patterns

≪ Previous: Marblz

An email came from Freia Fibers this morning about new colours being introduced at TNNA. I have already ordered them. I know that I don't need to see them in person - they look good in the picture and will be even better live.

There is another reason for ordering early. It takes time for dyers to dye their yarn. The first order in is the first one done. I hope I beat the rush :)

These colours will be coming in Bulky and Fingering weight.

Dirty Hippie is a fun color in saturated jewel tones. The color is slightly deeper and more muted than other "rainbow" colorways becoming a somewhat unexpected and much more sophisticated blend. This Ombré yarn transitions from cerulean to garnet, red into an overly saturated dark orange and finally to a quiet and deep mustard.

Dirty Hippie is really calling my name. I'm thinking of using the fingering weight to make an Auburn Wave. What a way to wake up an outfit.

Ember is an elegant combination of ultra-bright colors with more muted hues. The passionate red and deep coral balance out the darkening shades of masculine taupe and pewter creating a very wearable palette. This colorway would look just as good for a simple accessory as it would used in a larger more complex sweater or coat.

Lucas is both the creation and namesake of one of our guest designers, Sara Lucas. Inspired by the verdant nature of her hometown of Corvallis in Oregon, Sara selected shades of greens and deep brown-blacks with some lighter accents to create this gorgeous unisex colorway. Our aim is to create colorways that withstand the whims of fashion and folly and this color is no different, these classic colors are truly timeless.

Nautilus is a beautiful delicate palette in shades of porcelain pink and tans grounded by a dark and engulfing navy . This colorway is universally flattering and both sophisticated and sweet - we see it being used in so many different patterns.

Kim Hargreaves new book, Echoes, is arriving in the US tomorrow. We should have it in about 10 days.

Let watery hues transport you to a place of calm, delightful relaxation. Influenced by a blend of diverese elements the collection plays with stripes, from subtle ticking to crisp cabled bands, while soft flounces and sheer knitted fabrics fit perfectly with a soft summer breeze letting you drift away to a state of bliss.

Very Kim. Very pretty.

Ley Lines #1 has been blocked. Pictures tomorrow. I've started the cast off of Ley Lines #2. There should be lots of knitting tonight. The finale of Survivor. Normally by this point you have a good idea about who is going to be in the final two. Not this season. It will be interesting to see who switches sides tonight.

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Free Patterns

May 21, 2015, 6:29 pm

≫ Next: Ley Lines #1

≪ Previous: Dirty Hippie

Lynn came to work this morning wearing her latest knit project. This simple kerchief is easy and quick to knit. She commented that she has been wearing it a lot and might need to make one in another colour.

Pattern: Among the Wildflowers (pattern free from Classic Elite)
Yarn: One ball of Classic Elite Bella Lino

Knitters are making one in a weekend. What a great accessory.

We're celebrating The Chelsea Flower Show by making this floral Santorini pattern free for Row@n members for two weeks. Designer Marie Wallin has been inspired by the beauty of roses to create this eye-catching sweater using the wonderfully tweed effect Purelife Revive (silk, cotton and viscose) and the popular Wool Cotton (merino wool and cotton), this knitting pattern is suitable for the more experienced knitter.

Hurry to Rowan's website to download the pattern before it goes away...

The house had it's final cleaning today and looks really good. Our furniture from Urban Barn is coming on Saturday and this will be my new knitting chair.

This table will be holding my tea.

I've started 'to do' lists for Beth. Clean out our kitchen cupboards - there are things that need to go in the garbage and don't need to make the move. Start to clean out the garage. Go to Home Depot. She is going to be busy while I'm away at TNNA.

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Ley Lines #1

May 22, 2015, 2:29 pm

≫ Next: Arcoiris

≪ Previous: Free Patterns

It's done. Blocked. Ends sewn in.

Pattern: Ley Lines (purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: 3 skeins of Malabrigo Sock

It is amazing how our focus shifts in the most random ways and, like happened with this design, it often takes us to a very creative place when we let it wander around. The ribbing in this shawl will let your imagination and attention wander around too while you work its very simple instructions, and will leave you amazed at the direction your knitting took when you bind off the last remaining stitch.

I love it. The pattern is very well written and easy to follow. You need to know cast on, cast off, knit, purl and a simple increase.

Now I have a problem packing for TNNA. There are too many shawls to choose from. What do I take?

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Arcoiris

May 23, 2015, 5:40 pm

≫ Next: Stuff the Bus

≪ Previous: Ley Lines #1

Lynda knit Arcoiris from Dream in Color for a store sample. I don't have the scarf yet but I borrowed her picture from Ravelry to share. The colours are so bright and cheerful.

We have kits in the store and they are $49.95 - yarn and pattern. The yarn is Jilly Lace.

Jilly Lace was designed to be the perfect shawl yarn. With a soft and lustrous single-ply construction that has fantastic stitch definition for both lace and stockinette, you won’t want to stop knitting with it!

I can't wait to see it in a week or so. Lynda is making a pair of socks in the new tosh twist light and will ship the two projects together.

I showed some of our new knitting bags last week. Here is the X-Large bag. It fits a lot of yarn

Inside the bag are 8 - 100 gram skeins of worsted weight yarn. 3 - 100 skeins of fingering weight yarn. Knit samples that I need to take back to TNNA. A shawl to block. Mail. And there is still room inside. This will easily fit a whole sweaters worth of yarn. Or enough yarn for an afghan.

My 'to pack' list for TNNA is coming together
-knitting is in the suitcase
-Beth is at the grocery store buying the necessities for the drive and hotel room - water, ginger ale, cookies, chips, candy - all the essentials
-Needles size 6, 7, 8; scissors, 6 or more split ring markers or pins, tape measure and calculator - class supplies
-Beth is picking up the dry cleaning

I'm just about ready to go.

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Stuff the Bus

May 24, 2015, 3:04 pm

≫ Next: Soaked

≪ Previous: Arcoiris

There was a flyer on my front door yesterday and I want to share with those who live in Ancaster, Hamilton and Stoney Creek. The Neighbour to Neighbour food bank (located on the Hamilton mountain) needs food.

Join Nick Davies and his crew at Sobey’s in the Meadowlands for our third “Stuff the Bus” event of the season.

Look for the big yellow bus in the parking lot and our flyers in your neighbourhood. This is one of our crucial drives because demand at the food bank doesn’t take a vacation but sometimes our donors do. We need your help to keep the shelves full this summer.

Our greatest need this time of the year is; rice, canned fish & meats, fruit, whole grain crackers, and healthy school snacks. Donations of grocery store gift cards are also needed.

If you are able to help out, please drop by Sobey's on Saturday. If you want more information about Neighbour to Neighbour, here is the link to their website...

Today has been a relaxing day. Well kind of. I've been knitting all day trying to get Ley Lines #2 finished. I don't think I can get it cast off today but I'm going to try. I need to finish today if I hope to take it with me to TNNA on Wednesday. It will need to block tomorrow and Tuesday.

Speaking of blocking, here is Follow Your Arrow lying out to dry. It will have great points when I take out the pins.

Our furniture arrived late yesterday afternoon.

We ordered two 'knitting chairs' but we were told last week that they were out of stock and wouldn't be available until July. Somehow they found one. Thank goodness. It would be a long summer sitting on the floor because I don't think Beth and the dogs will let me on their couch. The second chair will go on the other side of the fireplace. We were debating about a coffee table and decided last night to get a console table for behind the couch instead. I have the curtains for the room so tomorrow's job is to find curtain rods.

Now back to my knitting.

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Soaked

May 25, 2015, 6:13 pm

≫ Next: Noro Jewels

≪ Previous: Stuff the Bus

I can't believe it but I finished knitting Ley Lines #2 last night.

It has been soaked in Soak and is pinned out downstairs. Now I need it to dry quickly. I will be sewing in ends Wednesday night when I get to Columbus.

We watched the finale of Master Chef Canada last night. I was very happy with the winner, I picked that person very early in the show. Now I'm watching the season 6 premiere of Master Chef. What happened to Joe?

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Noro Jewels

May 26, 2015, 7:03 pm

≫ Next: Made it to Columbus

≪ Previous: Soaked

A new book arrived today with some really pretty patterns.

These are knit in a new yarn from Noro called Tokonatsu.

40% Cotton, 30% Silk, 30% Viscose.
20 sts & 26 rows = 4” (10cm)
50g/136 yds (125m)

The ball of yarn doesn't really show the very subtle tweed. Here is a close up of the skirt from above so that you can see how great the yarn is.

Today's post is going to be short. I'm trying to pack mail orders before I go and then I need to pack my suitcase. The plan is to be on the road before 9 am but right now it doesn't look like I will be in bed early.

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Made it to Columbus

May 28, 2015, 4:48 am

≫ Next: Ikat with Laura Bryant

≪ Previous: Noro Jewels

The drive yesterday was pretty uneventful. It was long when I was by myself so I made more stops than normal. I checked in, had dinner and relaxed. Didn't even knit.

I took this picture at the gas station. I don't know if this is a Canadian thing or just in Ontario but we have to hold the nozzle the whole time to pump gas. Not in the US. You can jam the handle (sorry, it's early and can't come up with the proper term) and let go.

My hotel room is very nice.

It's time to get ready for my class. I'm very excited.

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Ikat with Laura Bryant

May 28, 2015, 6:48 pm

≫ Next: Pre TNNA

≪ Previous: Made it to Columbus

My class today was awesome.

We were working with hand dyed yarns and finding your magic number. This number allows you to do awesome things in knitting.

I had to zoom in for this picture so it looks a little murky but trust me, the swatches were amazing.

Ikat dyed yarns have two sections of creme separated by two sections of colour.

This is my first swatch. The colour sequence is creme (undyed), blue, creme and a different blue. I have already found my magic number and am knitting to show how a pattern comes out.

My swatch later in the class. The beginning was garter stitch and then I changed to stocking stitch in the creme and reverse stocking stitch for the blue. Laura thought that I was knitting a bit loose so I've changed needles and am going a bit further before I start a wrap.

These beautiful planters are all around the convention centre. Very bright and pretty.

This picture is for Beth. I went for a drive after class and there was a Sonic. If you don't know Sonic, it is a drive in. Think back in time with people bringing out your food on roller skates. Now they do it on roller blades.

It was a long day and now it's bed time. 6 hours in a class room is a long time for me. I have my father's genes - we don't sit well. We need to be moving.

Tomorrow is shopping day. Crate and Barrel. Pottery Barn. Restoration Hardware. Cheesecake Factory. Good thing I came in Beth's truck and not my mustang.

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Pre TNNA

May 29, 2015, 1:59 pm

≫ Next: Busy Day of Shopping

≪ Previous: Ikat with Laura Bryant

The show doesn't open until tomorrow but there is an area where booths can display their new products for the upcoming season. Here are some sneak peeks of what will be coming.

Yarn bowls from Pawley's Studio. The shiny bowl is calling my name.

Prism has two new colours for fall.

Zen Yarn Garden - choosing is going to be hard.

Lorna's Laces.

Mrs. Crosby has been holding out on us. There are three new colours. I will be stopping by first thing in the morning to order these. I hope she ships quickly. I NEED the purple/green speckled one.

Shopping this morning wasn't as good as I had hoped. I saved a lot of money which means more money for yarn tomorrow. :) Now it's time for a rest. I'm having dinner later with my Rowan rep and some fellow Canadian shop owners.

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Busy Day of Shopping

May 30, 2015, 3:35 pm

≫ Next: Sunday at TNNA

≪ Previous: Pre TNNA

I did a bit of damage on my credit card today.

New shawl pins from Bonnie Bishoff.

From Blue Sky Alpacas

The Royal Petite Babies Series are treasures to create and collect. There are 6 beautifully packaged kits that contain all of the yarn and notions necessary to knit your royal court.

The animals can be knit in the round or seamed. The kit contains the yarn for the animal, the yarn for the pillow and crown, embroidery floss, eyes and beans to help the animals sit up.

I was walking the aisles and these gradient kits caught my eye. I have ordered the kits as well as a sock yarn.

Everything that I have shown so far has to be shipped to us and should be in the store in 6-8 weeks.

These shawl pins are in my hotel room - with a dozen more. They will be in the store on Wednesday.

After the show I had a short lay down. It was a tiring day :) Now it's dinner time with my friends Phil and Thomas from England.

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Sunday at TNNA

May 31, 2015, 7:03 pm

≫ Next: Home Again

≪ Previous: Busy Day of Shopping

SweetGeorgia Yarns is a Canadian company located in BC. I did my first order with them today. These won't be in the store until the end of August/beginning of September. I'm sorry - I want them now too but they will be great for fall knitting projects.

We're starting with Party of 5 kits. These are 5 mini skeins of Tough Love Sock (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon, 3-ply) with approx 105 yards per colour.

These kits will sell for $35 and SweetGeorgia will have free patterns coming for the kits.

Laura Bryant is wearing an awesome shawl knit in 6 colours of Prism Yarns Merino Mia. Merino Mia is 100% super wash merino, fingering weight yarn in 50gram skeins.

It's knit lengthwise so the ends become the fringe - no sewing. YAY!!

Laura is all about colour and put together some amazing combinations for the shawl. These will be in the store late summer.

Did you notice the skirt Laura was wearing? Here it is a bit shorter in another colour combination. The skirt is knit in Linen so you don't end up with sagging. We have customers asking about skirt patterns - this is available in a kit and we can order for you.

The Colinette booth is always a feast for your eyes. We have more Ab Fab afghan kits coming.

I didn't spend a lot of time at the show today. I woke up with a migraine thanks to the changing weather. I did some orders and then came back to the hotel for a rest. Tomorrow I finish. There isn't much left to do. A few orders and I need to pick up a few things that I purchased. There is a new Offhand Design bag coming home with me.

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Home Again

June 2, 2015, 7:40 pm

≫ Next: Happy Birthday Dad

≪ Previous: Sunday at TNNA

I'm home and ready to get back into the store tomorrow. Here are some more pictures from the show.

I have a new leather bag from Offhand Designs. There was a debate between this one and the black/brown version but I had to go with purple.

This beautiful booth had wooden needle measures. I brought an assortment home.

Coming from Rowan.

All the colours of Freia Bulky.

Tonight was spent at the new house with our cousin Tim. He is an electrician and came to hang lights for us. We feed him and give him a beer and he is happy.

Now we need to find a kitchen table.

The appliances were delivered on Saturday while I was at the show. The new washer and dryer are very pretty.

Two loads of laundry are finished and it's bed time. The driving was a killer. Not the distance because I do twice that far to Myrtle Beach but it was driving by myself. Usually there is someone to talk to. I had to make more stops than usual to get out and walk for a few minutes and wake myself up. Next June the show is in Washington DC and Beth has already said she is coming along. Not to see the show but to see Washington. I went in grade 8 but she hasn't been before.

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Happy Birthday Dad

June 3, 2015, 6:23 pm

≫ Next: The Backyard

≪ Previous: Home Again

Today was my dad's ?? birthday. We don't count anymore. For a week we have been planning a surprise party at his workshop. All the men would be there after work for pizza and wings. Beth and I picked up mom and headed out. Small problem. Just as we were pulling out of mom and dad's survey, dad drove in. He had been in Toronto all day and came home instead of going back to the office. We had to turn around and tell him the truth. He was expected at work.

I got the good side of my dad in this picture - the back of his head :)

My dad is holding a sign that was found at the Christie Antique show recently. This was on one of their construction trucks 50 years ago. His cousin Henry found it and gave it to him for his birthday.

There are a few more pictures from the show. I love this blue yarn bowl. We won't have them in the store until the fall but remember it - what a great Christmas gift.

There is a new sock yarn coming from Mountain Colors. Meet Twizzlefoot. Unfortunately we won't have this until the end of September. I need to remember that good things are worth the wait.

It's hockey time. And then bed. Bell is going to be at our house at 8am to do the TV, internet and phone.

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The Backyard

June 4, 2015, 6:25 pm

≫ Next: New

≪ Previous: Happy Birthday Dad

There is a new, free pattern on Rowan's website.

Knit this ladies long line sweater, the member's exclusive free pattern for June 2015. Designed by Gemma Atkinson using the stunning yarn Kidsilk Haze (wool and mohair), this pretty long sleeved top is embellished with crochet leaf and flower motifs.

Download the pattern…

Here are a few more pictures from TNNA.

A fabulous shawl from Rowan.

A new yarn coming from Classic Elite.

Today was spent at the new house for a few reasons.

1. Bell came and set up our phone, Internet and Fibe TV. So far the Fibe is really cool.
2. The kitchen cabinet company came to make a couple of touch ups.
3. We were getting the backyard ready for the dogs.

Our friend Luke came to grade the backyard. This was his ride for the day. I wouldn't want to go too far in it - it doesn't go very fast and no air conditioning.

The first load of stone. This was tamped down and then another load of much finer stone came.

Dad is working at an arena in Toronto and they had a huge roll of turf. We need to have our deck finished before the real artificial grass can go down. This is temporary until the end of the summer.

On the weekend we are putting up temporary fencing around the turf and then the dogs can move in with us next week.

Beth and I bought these awesome baskets (of course they are for yarn) at Pottery Barn a while ago. They have been in storage waiting for the house to be finished.

The colours are perfect.

My knitting chair is ready for me. Actually, that yarn was put there early this morning and I never got a stitch knit.

The moving company is coming on Monday to pack the house but there are some things that I want to pack myself. That's my job for the rest of the evening. I wish I was Samantha from Bewitched and could wiggle my nose and it would be finished.

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New

June 5, 2015, 2:24 pm

≫ Next: Echoes

≪ Previous: The Backyard

While I was away a box arrived from Lynda.

Monkey socks knit in tosh twist light - the colour is Mandala.The yarn knits up really well in socks.

The Dream in Color Arcoiris kit. The scarf is awesome!

We have a new book from Classic Elite called Wrap it Up.

Georgia knit in Bella Lino above and Fresco below.

For warm or cool weather, depending on your chosen yarn, this rectangular wrap has an interesting stitch pattern interspersed with Garter stitch

Glenda and Glendy

Whether in solid color Sanibel or multi-color Santorini, the steep chevron stitches show off the characteristics of the yarn. Choose either scarf or wrap width.

This versatile wrap is knit in Chateau for cozy warmth.

Striking Garter stitch stripes are soft and squishy in Chalet and Chateau. Knit one piece for a scarf or join two rectangles for an L-shaped wrap.

I've been looking at my knitting at home and nothing grabbed me this morning. You know what that means. I'm starting something new. Somedays you just need new yarn to make you happy.

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