Grandma's Garden

These are some shots from my grandmother's garden taken last week. She had an really, really green thumb. I've got plans for these pictures as gifts to my aunt, daughter and sister - plus one for me.


Rocky is feeling right at home and is growing like a weed - he hasn't managed to make friends with Barkley but he did make an unlikely connection with Oreo the cat.

New yarn is on the way.....

guess the colorways from left to right, top row first and win free yarn! If there is more than one winner than we will draw for the prize. Colorways must be listed for all Tulips cardigans from top to bottom. Have fun!

There's a wee Pick Up Sticks baby on the way - well, actually, it's Guy and Angela's baby but you know, he'll probably be raised in the yarn shop! Here's some pics from our very fun baby shower last night. Lots of organic baby stuff!

Oh and I have a new addition to my family too! This is Rocky - a 11 week old Golden Retriever. This is him in the car this morning on the way to the shop - he's so well behaved, he's been snoozing in the back all day!

Here's proof! I've had lots of puppies and this one takes the cake for being laid back. We all just love him - well, all except Barkley, our Shih Tzu - he keeps himself busy grabbing up all the toys off the floor and putting them on a chair in the family room. Then he sits among them like a King and won't let Rocky near the chair. We'll see who's who when Rocky grows up and outweighs Barkley by 50-60 lbs.

Sad News

My dear grandmother passed away on June 14, 2008. This was really unexpected even with how ill she was - at least to me. She died of hospital induced pneumonia along with many other complications. Apparently, this type of pneumonia is very resistant to antibiotics - and it was because they were blasting it with 3 different heavy duty ones. I can't really believe she's gone - I know she was 89 which by any standards is a remarkable life but I just never thought it would happen. I was able to speak the eulogy at her funeral which was an honor because she was such an amazing woman. I will miss her. This picture was taken on Christmas Day - 4 generations of women. Grandma, my daughter Laura, me and my grand daughter, Quinn.

I have been knitting - I took some time off from the shop - and spent long hours with knitting in my lap. This project is excellent for keeping your mind occupied - not to mention the gorgeous results.

Iris by Susan Pandorf

Silk Twist by Handmaiden (have you tried this yet? you really, really should!)

Delicas Beads in Navy Iris from That Bead Lady

And for when I haven't felt like concentrating, I've started this. My version of the Ombre Alpaca Blanket from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It's done with 30 skeins of timiQuipa Sportweight Alpaca for a total cost of just over $210 - much better than the $450 Blue Sky Alpaca version.

It's super soft and not a bit scratchy. This yarn is a keeper.

WWKIP Online Sale

Ok so here's the deal - comment on my blog about your plans for WWKIP (it's June 14th and it's ok if you don't have knitting plans but you must comment on how you feel about knitting in public) and you will receive a 20% off your order at Pick Up Sticks to celebrate WWKIP. So comment first - don't forget your name - and then place your order. We will credit your paypal account with the sale discount upon processing. No comment = no discount. Why you ask? Well, the KIPPERS on Saturday don't receive their discounts unless they knit outside for 15 minutes so this is our way of having you participate as well!

Want to save even more? If you have a discount shopping bag, we will give you 30% off your order - please remind us in the comments section of your order! This is a one time deal because usually the bag discounts do not apply to sales! Don't have a shopping bag? You can still get them - they are $20 and allow you a 10% discount for one full year in addition to the extra 10% on this sale.

Have fun!

Sale Ends Friday, June 13th at 6 pm EST.