The Empire Knits Back

We've Moved

2011-12-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

The new website is up and running.
www.oldmillknitting.com

We are very excited by the new look.

The blog has a new home. From now on please visit

http://oldmillknitting.com/blog/

Can Melosmom knit?

2011-11-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

People always ask me if Melosmom knows how to knit. She does know how but doesn't do it very often. She is very impatient and is happy to pay someone to knit it for her and have it in 4-6 weeks.

I was going through pictures on my computer and found this. Melosmom started a sweater during the Vancouver Olympics.

She has decided that she will finish it during the next Olympics.

I told her to knit something Bulky!!!

Moda Lame a New Way

2011-11-17T01:34:00.000-05:00

Moda Lame from Filatura di Crosa has been a big hit this season. Most scarves are being knit by casting on 4 stitches with a 6mm needle and knitting away.

Our freinds at Serenity Knits in Newmarket sent me these pictures of the Moda Lame scarf that many of their customers are making. It is worked as an I-Cord. I would like to explain to you what that means, but I don't really know!

If you like this scarf, why not make a visit to Serenity Knits - it is a great shop, they have lots more knowledge than I do, and you can meet my pal Stitches (one of the coolest dogs around).

The Website

2011-11-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

Work is progressing on the new website. Here is the front page. Things could still move around and pictures might change but it gives you an idea of how things are going to look.

Why show you two of the same thing? There is a difference. In the top picture beside Welcome to the new Old Mill Knitting the garments are beige. In the second one they are coloured. I didn't realize that they pictures were changing the first time I looked at the mock up site.

The Guy as we refer to him is having fun with Classic Elite and Lantern Moon products. Classic Elite has a lot of colours. Beautiful colours but a lot!! Lantern Moon has many, many products.

Fingers crossed we will be testing the site next week and then we will be ready to go live.

New Website!!

2011-11-02T08:02:00.000-04:00

We are having a new website designed. The current website is out of date but we aren't going to change anything on it because the new website should be ready to go very soon.

Here is a sneak peek.

Ha - this is Melosmom, budding in - The BS thinks she can go post on my blog, but I am now wise to this and have figured out how to log in and edit posts (only took a couple of years!)

Wow - that is a very small peek she is offering. But don't worry the new website is coming soon and it is going to be awesome. Some of the new features:

All new shade cards for all yarns.
All patterns including a pattern finder feature.
Secure online ordering for our retailers.
Sign up for free patterns.
Retailer location finder using google maps.
Updates of new products.

I cannot wait for this be done! It is like waiting for Christmas!

Way too Cute!

2011-10-31T20:05:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth Fallone is a knitwear designer and knitting teacher who recently opened a yarn shop in Barrie Ontario.

Eliza's Buttons and Yarn

Here is a pattern for a scarf and mittens for a little girl.

You can purchase the pattern (called Maya) on Ravelry.

or contact Elizabeth at her shop about buying the pattern and the yarn.
One ball of Naturally Loyal and one ball of Mini Moda from Filatura di Crosa.

I love the colours that Elizabeth used !
(but many more combinations are possible)

Lantern Moon

2011-10-20T08:28:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Melo posted about how he didn't like the noise when the trucks made deliveries to the warehouse. Well he definitely wasn't happy when our large shipment arrived from Lantern Moon and there was this big green blob on one of the skids.

Frankly, I too was puzzled. What did we order that looked like that?!

Sheep Doormats!

What a great way to welcome someone (especially other knitters) to your home.

There were also many, many rice baskets in the shipment. These are just a few of the many that were sent off to River City Yarns in Edmonton.

Knit Trade

2011-10-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

I totally forgot to post my pictures from Knit Trade.
The BS was going through my phone and found these and reminded me that I was supposed to do a blog post about it.

(btw - please excuse the colour of the pictures. The yellow walls of the building make everything a very weird colour)

Knit Trade is a show where the distributors get to set up booths showing our products and yarn store owners and designers can come see what we have to offer.

We showcased some finished garments from Naturally, Filatura di Crosa and Classic Elite as well as a lot of baskets, bags, needles and notions from Lantern Moon.

This was a fun day for me as it was a chance to see a lot of people that I only normally talk to on the phone.

Changes

2011-10-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

Over the next few months we are going to have a some changes at Old Mill Knitting. A brand new website is being designed. When finished all the yarns and products that we carry will be online. There will be a cool section where retailers can place their orders online. Newsletters will be sent out more frequently and there will be more free patterns in those newsletters. We will have a presence on Facebook. It's all very exciting and a bit overwhelming. Melosmom met with The Guy yesterday.

Do you receive the newsletters that we send out? If not you will want to get signed up. We don't share the mailing list with anyone so you don't need to worry about getting SPAM emails.

Join our FREE Email Mailing List

For Email Newsletters you can trust

I would like to write more but The Guy has a long list of things that he needs from me. I had better get him what he needs, I don't want to be the one that holds things up.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Naturally has a new website? They now have their own blog as well. The blog contains knitting content as well as recipes. We don't want to be outdone so here are a couple of "recipes" for you from someone whose baking skills are extremely limited.

These cookies were a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone commented on how good they were. For Christmas dinner I will definitely need to make two packages. (er I mean batches)

Here is my trick for great cookies: only cook them to the minimum time suggested and leave them on the hot tray out of the oven for 2 minutes to let them continue baking on the bottom. Makes a great chewy cookie.

Alex's Favourite Cake

You need
Angel Food Cake
Frozen Strawberries
Cool Whip

Thaw the strawberries and Cool Whip. In a bowl mash up about 3/4 of the pack of strawberries and then mix with 4/5 of the tub of cool whip.

Cut the top off the cake and put a generous layer of topping between the layers.

Put the top back on and cover the entire cake with topping.

Normally you can see the hole in the middle of the cake but I made a too much mix and didn't want to waste it. I filled the hole up with the leftover.

Hope you and your family enjoy these deserts. Remember a good desert doesn't need to be made from scratch it just needs to be made.

Next month : the best brownies ever!

My Own Account

2011-10-08T19:03:00.000-04:00

Melosmom doesn't know that I set up an account so that I can post under my own name. I told her while she was doing some paperwork so I don't think she heard me. What paperwork? She is getting ready for a huge order coming from Lantern Moon on Tuesday or Wednesday.

When I go to the warehouse one of the first thing I look at is the shelf of Lantern Moon products. Is there anything that I haven't seen? Are there new colours?

Who wouldn't love to have a Knit Out Box? Just think, no dog hair on your yarn. (Sorry Melo and Roko)

Purple on left and Orchid on the right. The interior colours are just as pretty as the exterior.

A pretty silk alternative to keep yarn tangle-free and clean. Keyhole opening feeds yarn easily. Silk button closures with easy to carry handle. Floral silk with contrasting lining. 5" cube

Clockwise from top left

Pumpkin
Garnet
Aquamarine
Black
Purple
Sage

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend. We sure can't complain about this weather!!

Don't Tell Mom

2011-09-28T20:18:00.000-04:00

This is Melo writing. We are at Granny's for the day. Mom has many boxes arriving from Italy-Filatura di Crosa is what mom said. I don't like it when the big truck comes. Way too much noise.

It was a sad morning at home. Mom went out to the garage to get us our breakfast and she came back with nothing.

Poor Roko was so upset.

Apparently she dropped the bowl into the dog food and it broke. Now the whole bag of food (an almost brand new bag) needs to be thrown out. I'm not sure who is more upset. Us that our food is gone or Auntie BS that one of the good kitchen bowls got broken.

Thank goodness we have Granny. Eating at her house is so much better. With our kernels we get chicken or hamburger or roast beef. Things that mom doesn't add. Don't tell mom though. She says that we aren't supposed to have treats.

We are happy that there are more boxes coming this week, going to Granny's house is awesome!

Good Luck New Zealand!

2011-09-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

The big event is finally going to start in New Zealand. Of course, I am talking about the Rugby World Cup. For our friends on the other side of the world, this is as big a deal as the Winter Olympics were to Canada. In NZ, rugby is their national sport and their passion for the game definitely rivals Canadians passion for hockey. Our friend Mr. Toad from Naturally has been obsessing about this for four years and is absolutely convinced that the All Blacks with be victorious. The BS and I will also be rooting for the All Blacks as Roko is named after one of their players - Joe Rokocoko. (of course, we will also be rooting for Canada, who have done an outstanding job just to qualify, but their chances of advancing out of group play are very, very slim).
So if you call the warehouse sometime in the next few weeks and I am sounding extremely sleepy it is because I have been up at some strange hour to watch the rugby on TV - I might as well get up willingly, because Mr. Toad will be texting me with updates anyways!

PS - Ok I know this post has nothing to do with knitting, but we have become such good friends with the people in New Zealand, that anything that gets them excited also gets us excited!

Knitters' Fair

2011-09-01T16:58:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that is September already? That means the Knitters' Fair is just around the corner. This is a must go to show if you are a knitter in Southern Ontario. You will see anything and everything to do with knitting. Yarn, needles, books, accessories, knitting bags.....

The Waterloo County Knitters’ Fair is the largest event of its kind in Canada. For many years, the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters’ Guild has offered a one-day fair organized “by knitters for knitters.”
This Fair, held at Bingemans in Kitchener, now presents more than 70 vendors offering the latest and greatest of knitting products. Imagine 35,000 square feet—in 2 large showrooms—dedicated to the craft of knitting, offering an incredible display of a diverse variety of yarns in an explosion of colour, knitting books, patterns, and accessories.
We also offer:
Low admission price

Supervised childrens’ craft area

Free information sessions

Fair Details:
Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011

Admission: $6 per person, children under 12 free.

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Bingemans
425 Bingemans Centre Drive
Kitchener, Ontario
Skills Seminars:
No cost

Several throughout the day

First come, first served (no preregistration)

For directions and more information please check out the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters' Guild website.

Mohair

2011-08-31T20:03:00.000-04:00

This is the BS writing. I have nagged and nagged but Melosmom is so busy sending yarn out to your LYS (local yarn shop) that she hasn't had time to sit down and write a post.

There have been many, many shipments arriving as well. The warehouse looks like a bomb has gone off. Melo and Roko are not happy because their play space is very small.

Today I am going to introduce you to a new yarn from Naturally-Mohair.

57% mohair, 38% wool, 5% nylon
Needle Size 4.5mm-5.5mm
161m (176yards) on a 50 gram ball
12 colours

There are four great patterns available right now with more coming soon.

Snow

2011-08-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I talked about moving to New Zealand and how great it would be to live there. Today I am rethinking this. They have had snow and lots of it over the past few days. Even Auckland where Mr. Toad lives and The Rock Star is visiting. The Rock Star sent an email last night

Everyone in NZ from Wellington south is getting big snowfalls. They are even saying North Shore could get some and they have never had snow. It is funny to listen to them. LOL

From stuff.co.nz

Auckland had its first snowfall in nearly half a century yesterday, with scattered flurries in the central city prompting vigorous debates over the difference between sleet, soft hail and snow. But in the southern parts of the city, there was no doubting the extraordinary event.

On Friday sixty (yes, that says 60) boxes of yarn and patterns arrived from NZ. Many, many boxes were shipped today and your LYS should have it in stock sometime this week.

I love Aspire Super Chunky. Knit a scarf in an evening.What's not to love???

We made an easy to knit scarf and want to share the pattern with you.

Super Chunky Scarf

You will need: 1 skein of Naturally Aspire Super Chunky

12mm needles

Abbreviations

K-Knit

P-Purl

K2tog-knit 2 tog

yo-yarn over

Cast on 14 stitches

Row 1: K

Row 2: K

Row 3: K

Row 4: K

Row 5: K1 *k2tog, yo* to last stitch, K1

Row 6: P

Row 7: K1 *yo, k2tog* to last stitch, K1

Row 8: P

Row 9: K1 *k2tog, yo* to last stitch, K1

Row 10: P

Repeat Rows 1-10 until desired length.

Knit 4 rows.

Cast off.

Toboggan

2011-08-02T13:56:00.001-04:00

In the many boxes that arrived from Classic Elite were bags of a new yarn called Toboggan.

Toboggan is a blend of merino wool and superfine alpaca twisted into a soft, weighty skein of bulky yarn, 87 yards per 100 gram hank.
The double ply and unbelievably soft hand contribute to buttery soft and lofty Fall garments and accessories. The accompanying pattern booklet features simple pieces, most of which can be worked up easily using one or two hanks.

This is my kind of yarn. Big needles. Quick knit. 16 great colours.

Here are a few designs from book 9147-Toboggan.

Mogul Run

Sleigh Ride

Bobsled

Flexible Flyer

I am really hoping someone makes me a boblsed hat. Anyone who knows me knows that I love hats (must be because my hair and I often don't agree). I am not picky about colour but do really like purple and blues. The yarn will be in stores soon, so there is plenty of time to get my hat knit in time for my birthday.

Boxes from Classic Elite

2011-07-30T10:21:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week a huge shipment arrived from Classic Elite. Lots and lots of fall yarns.

I'm not sure who packed this skid. It is a good thing that it is hard to damage a bag of yarn!

The magazines will be arriving early next week. 21 magazines. The ladies at Classic Elite have been very busy for the past few months.

Liberty Wool is one of my favourite Classic Elite yarns. Seeing a new book of patterns is exciting.

Book 9157
Palette

5 designs using Liberty Wool

The cover design is called Chromatic and is knit in Rainforest. What a great way to show off the stripes!

Color Wheel
A great crochet design shown in Ultra Violet Autumn

Light and Shadow
Shown in Painted Desert

The BS is constantly on my back that I need to post more. With the magazines from Classic Elite along with the new yarns from England, Italy and New Zealand, I will have lots of new things to show you and promise to post a little more regularly.

Hello from Myrtle Beach

2011-07-07T11:46:00.000-04:00

The BS and I are on vacation in Myrtle Beach. This means lots of golf.

We have been doing running around during the day and then heading out to the course around 3pm. It is much cooler and there aren't too many people on the course.

I hit my ball in a sand trap and am walking to it. The BS yelled for me to slow down so that she could take a picture. She said that I look like I am walking through the desert. It makes me think of that new show Expedition Impossible - I was looking for a camel to ride!

2011-06-24T10:45:00.001-04:00

Hello again everybody,

Well time is flying by and we are supposed to be freezing and knitting up a storm, in this land downunder anyway. But the only problem is that nobody told mother nature and we are all having warm days, the temperatures we are having at the moment is what we would have in Spring, most of our mountainous towns should by now be in negative numbers but aren't, the mountains don't even have any snow on them and it has prevented them opening for the season, they were all meant to open weeks ago. This is also causing havoc for the tourists who have booked holidays to come skiing in New Zealand, but with no snow they will have to go hiking instead. That is if they get here, many of our flights around the country and into the country have been grounded due to a large ash cloud that has decided to come on over from Chile. Oh well let's hope that when the cold weather gets here it stays longer than normal and that will make up for it.

I had a busy weekend in Hamilton we had the annual Field Days, where hundreds of people set up stalls selling everything from handmade rimu sushi makers to the largest tractors on the planet, it is an amazing event and takes a full 12 months to prepare for the next one. Two stores that are in my region had stands there so I went for the day to see how they were going and take an emergency snack pack. They were very busy, thousands of people were attending and as my 2 stores had never had a stand there before many people were quite interested. I have put up a picture of Joe's Emporium at the show with Sue the owner, they had all our Naturally products, Misti Alpaca and a small amount of Filatura Di Crosa, the Misti Alpaca lace yarn went down a treat. My other store that was there was Creative Outlet from Tauranga, Gail the owner makes up kits with a combination of our Naturally yarn and her hand dyed yarn and she also creates different patterns for the kits, she did very well as it is so easy to buy a kit and walk away.

Another store in my Area is Crafty Knitwits, she is in Milford Auckland, Linda and Kerry are sisters and opened the store 11 months ago, they have gone from strength to strength and with their website they are getting people contact them from all over the world. This last weekend they decided since it was world knitting day they would get on board and go crazy and at the same time raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation. They held in their store a 48 hour knitathon, and it was a boomer, they had people who came and knitted squares of all different varieties in black and white and they will be sewn together and then auctioned off to raise money, they had been given a large TV for a competition, the hair salon next to her shop stayed open as well and gave complimentary shampoo and blow drys to all the knitters, the coffee store next door supplied coffee, I baked a cake and delivered it 10pm saturday night. The whole suburb of Milford got behind this ambitious project and made it a huge success, not to mention that it put Crafty Knitwits on the map with all the media attention she got.

I have also been knitting a few things for someone I know who has recently had a baby girl, I have put a picture up of a couple of the items, one is a cute cardigan in my favourite yarn Baby Haven, 100% NZ Merino, and the other is a little pair of boots and a cute hat which I used our Classic Print. Both mother and baby thought they were neat, so a gold star to me.

Well I better get back in the Bright Red Commodore and head off again and see more stores, a sales reps job is never done.

Till next time take care and happy knitting.

Cheers

Patty

Let's Move New Zealand

2011-06-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

Naturally Aran Tweed is one of my favourite yarns. It has lots of body to it which makes it great for cables. I have learned so much about yarn in the past few years that I can confidently make a statement like that and know it is right.

Rhonda knit me an aran sweater last fall and I'm thinking that I might (who are we kidding-I DO) need a new sweater for this winter.

There is a great new pattern book coming for fall. The book has designs for men, women and children. Don't forget that two pattern books were released last year for the yarn as well.

Oh, I almost forgot. There are new colours coming too. Unfortunately it is coming from New Zealand on a ship which takes a bit of time.

Moving New Zealand off the coast of Canada would have so many benefits.

I could visit with Mr. Toad and his family more often.

The country is so beautiful that I could easily live there but it is too far from home. I am not at my best on an airplane so a 12 hour flight isn't something I want to do very often.

White chocolate chip muffins from Starbucks.

Watching the All Blacks play rugby in person. Especially Roko's namesake Joe Rokocoko.

Zorbing. Yes I did this on one of my trips there.

My yarn would get here much quicker!!

More from TNNA

2011-06-15T19:54:00.001-04:00

This is the BS writing again. Melosmom is sitting beside me doing paper work. Being out of the office for a few days means lots of work to get caught up on. Stores are ordering yarn and accessories for fall and she needs to get orders into the various companies she distributes.

Here are some pictures that I took in the Lantern Moon booth. The colours in their booth are amazing. Total eye candy.

The new products will be in your LYS in September.

The cell phone holder was very, very cute. My iPhone fit perfectly.

Classic Elite

2011-06-11T17:30:00.002-04:00

This is the BS writing. Melosmom and I are in Columbus, Ohio for TNNA. What is TNNA? The National Needle Arts Association. We are here to see the new yarns and accessories for fall.

We are in the hotel room right now. Melosmom is sitting at the desk working on her laptop. I took some pictures at the show that I want to show you and if we wait for her then it could be weeks before you get to see them.

Here are some of the great yarns and garments from Classic Elite for fall.

I have more show pictures for you. I will try and get Melosmom to sit down and write tomorrow.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Campbell River

2011-05-23T19:17:00.000-04:00

Ok. I know I am a few days behind but I have been doing a lot of travelling.

Tuesday was Needle & Arts Centre in Campbell River. This was the furthest store from home, but Inge and Jurgen have been great customers for many years so I was excited to meet them and see the store. It was a great place - lots of beautiful yarn plus emboidery, pottery (and artwork in their framing shop).

After my call, Jurgen encouraged me to go for a hike up to Elk Falls. It was a beautiful day and I could definately use the exercise so off I went. I had a good time and came home tired and happy.

Inge and Jurgen also run a bed and breakfast so I stayed with them. Drinks before bed, a full breakfast, and muffins for my ferry ride - nice !!

Thanks to Inge and Jurgen for being such great hosts. If any of you are heading up to Campbell River I highly recommend the store and the B&B.

Sitting on a Ferry

2011-05-18T15:58:00.000-04:00

Don't worry I am not lost in the forests of B.C. I have just been very busy travelling from one beautiful yarn store to the next.

Saturday I was in Nanaimo to see Emily from Mad About Ewe. No store pictures because we met at Emily's beautiful house and she was kind enough to put me up for the night. She has two small kids and I had the best time playing with them. Richard took pictures of our fishing and I will put them up when I get them.

Next stop was Let's Knit in Port Alberni. This is a brand new store and it was wonderful to meet Jennie. This was the first time she had seen a lot of our products in person and it was really fun for me to see such enthusiasm for our yarns.

Monday I went to Comox to meet Jackie at Village Yarn Shoppe. Jackie just moved the shop from Cumberland to Comox and the new store is big and stocked with lots of great yarns. Sorry no pictures - we got talking about hockey and family and I totally forgot that I was working!

Today is travel day. Driving then ferry then driving then another ferry. Good news though : 16 and sunny today!

Victoria Day Two

2011-05-15T21:47:00.000-04:00

Day 2 in Victoria was a sales call at Button & Needlework. I had spoken to Kim and Mike on the phone many times but had no idea what the store might look like. It was absolutely beautiful (and big!). Lots of yarn, tapestry supplies and a huuuuge selection of buttons.

Check out the button wall. (there are actually 2 walls like this). All of the buttons are insividually carded which just floored me. I was told that Mike does most of them, but I think they must have elves in the basement.

Thanks to Kim, Mike, Anna and Lily for a great visit.

After my work was done I headed over to the BC Museum. I sent a text to the BS to let her know and her response was: "the museum? Did someone steal my sister's phone?!"

My favourite part of the museum was a short film on climate change hosted by a cartoon sheep voiced by Rick Mercer - it made me giggle.

Day Three

2011-05-13T13:08:00.002-04:00

I woke up yesterday feeling a little homesick and missing Melo and Roko. (I miss my family too but at least I can talk to them on the phone). But then I got out my clothes to iron - yech! - and discovered that the boys had sent a little bit of themselves along on my trip - my pants were covered in dog hair. Two important lessons. Don't lay my clothes out on my bed when I pack and make sure to travel with some kind of lint brush.

My sales call was at The Beehive, one of the most beautiful yarn stores anywhere. They are advertised as having the largest yarn selection in BC and I have no doubt this is true. Thanks to Val and Susan for a great visit - my appointment felt more like a meeting with old friends rather than any kind of work.

If you are planning a visit to the Beehive better allow yourself some extra time - you won't be in a hurry to leave.

Day Two

2011-05-12T16:01:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I visited with Roberta at Homecraft Imports. Once again it was nice to finally meet someone that I had talked on the phone with many times. Sorry no pictures - I was in a hurry to make the ferry and it was raining pretty hard so I knew it was going to be a slow drive.

Instead here are pictures from the yacht works on Granville Island. It is hard to tell because the crane is so huge but that boat is very large. It was a very cool operation how they put the boat in it's cradle and then drove it down to the ramp and gently placed it in the water. I could have stayed there all day!

I am now in Victoria and will send home more pictures for the BS to post tomorrow.

Day One

2011-05-11T15:40:00.011-04:00

Monday I flew to Vancouver for a two week road trip to show the new fall yarns to some of the local stores.

Yesterday I visited Urban Yarns and met with the owners Anina and Jan. I had talked to them on the phone many times so it was amazing to meet them in person and get to see the store. I was certainly not dissapointed as the ladies were great and the store was beautiful. A huge selection of yarn, books, bags, baskets - the works!

Also, some cool small touches - check out the Royal Wedding party that is on display in the front window. I am told that all of the Urban Yarns family participated in making the set.

Definitely worth visiting Urban Yarns or Urban Yarns West on your next trip to Vancouver.

Firefly

2011-05-10T13:43:00.000-04:00

This is the BS writing. Melosmom is away in British Columbia visiting stores for the next two weeks. She is going to be surprised when she returns and sees how many posts I have written for her. :)

Do you receive the Web-Letters that Classic Elite sends out every week? If not you can sign up on the Classic Elite website.

A yarn is featured and there is a free pattern in that yarn. The designer describes the inspiration for their pattern. It is always an interesting read because many different things and events can inspire them.

Last week's letter talked about Firefly.

Read Jen Hansen's story and download the pattern for the Firefly Foxmoor Scarf

Firefly is a warm-weather yarn with a subtle sheen and wonderful hand. The juxtaposition of the linen with a light-catching sheen gives it a distinctly feminine look. Firefly drapes wonderfully at a wide range of gauges - knit loosely for elegant lace or more tightly for stockinette fabrics.

MUM gets busy!

2011-04-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when our new fall yarn shade cards and sample balls start arriving in the warehouse from our suppliers. It is so much fun to see the new yarns and patterns and the new colours in the existing yarns we stock.

It is also the time of year that MUM gets to knit her mini garments from the sample balls. These will be used in her sales calls to show customers how a yarn knits up and will also be put on display at our Open House in June.

This pile of yarn, and partially finished garments is what MUM is working on now - seven items. Boy, MUM sure does have a short attention span! Seems she can't finish one garment before she starts another. She calls that idea BORING!

Knit Out Box

2011-04-11T13:11:00.000-04:00

This is the BS writing. It is my day off and I offered to help Melosmom in the warehouse. She had to go do some running around and left me to send out some parcels. Unfortunately Canada Post is having problems with their website. The next task on my list is to go through the Lantern Moon order that just arrived and make sure that the invoice is correct. I got through the first box and decided that I really didn't like that task but I did like what was in the box.

Knit Out Boxes
The description from Lantern Moon's website

A pretty silk alternative to keep yarn tangle-free and clean. Keyhole opening feeds yarn easily. Silk button closures with easy to carry handle. Floral taffeta in purple or orchid with contrasting lining.

The boxes are 5" square.

There are seven colours available.

These would be great around my house. The dogs don't play with yarn but it might help keep the dog hair off of it.

Deciding which I want is proving to be difficult.

I am having a few problems working on Melosmom computer as well.
-I have a Mac and the commands are different
-the letter V doesn't work well-you really have to press hard
-the shift key is in a weird place and I keep messing up when I need a capital letter

I guess someone is trying to tell me to get back to work. :)

New from NZ

2011-03-27T12:54:00.000-04:00

Well it has been a very hectic time way down under in the land of the long white could, more commonly known as New Zealand.

We had the indent time at the end of last year where all of us Sales Reps drive all over the country showing the new yarns for the following season and getting all the stores orders, then it is Christmas and we all have a break for a few weeks, then it is back to work and we all rush around receiving and packing up all the new yarns, printing patterns, doing last minute organization of everything takes a very long time, but every year is the same and it all ends up falling into place.

During this time I managed to get some knitting done, as I have said in the past I am not the worlds greatest knitter but I am a tryer and never give up, and always manage to find a way of doing something differently if the way someone else does it doesn't work for me. Like they say there is always more than one way to solve a problem, I am not sure who they are but they are always saying something. My 2 latest completed projects are a cute little pair of bright Red overalls, with little train buttons. I used Aspire DK, which is a Wool/Alpaca mix, really beautiful to knit and quite a bargain when you consider they are 100g balls and it goes a long way, these overalls only took just under 2 balls. My other project was my baby blanket, I used Loyal DK, in the new shade of Turquoise Green, it is a gorgeous colour and I know the little person it is for will enjoy being snuggled up in it. Loyal is a fantastic yarn and is a joy to knit, I use it for a lot of my projects.

At the moment I am working on a blanket for my son, he is 19 and wants something hand made from his mummy but not a sweater. I am using Harmony 10ply in charcoal grey and Aran Tweed 10ply in the new season Pumpkin colour, it is looking really impressive and will post a photo when it is complete.

For the last 4 weeks we have had my boss here from Canada, you all know her as the Rockstar, it has been fantastic having her here, she is so full of ideas and inspiration and it is like New Zealand has been hit by a whirl wind when she comes to visit. On the weekends her and I get together and go out exploring I love it, now that she goes home today I don't know what I will do with myself, life will be very dull that much I do know. Last weekend Rockstar and I went to Waiheke Island, which is located 1 hour by ferry off the coast of Auckland. We took her car and boarded the ferry at 9.30am and enjoyed the sun and sailing out to the Island. We spent the day looking around the shops and having coffee and then it was time for lunch. Well we are both very discerning in our food tastes, Rockstar because she dislikes anything seafood or mushroom orientated, and me because I am from a Cheffing background so pull apart a menu and think I can do it better and also not a great seafood liker, so after being seated and reading menus at 7 places we finally had lunch, visiting that many eating joints takes time. Glad to say what we finally ordered was very nice and we would revisit their cafe.

As you have all read or seen on the TV we here in New Zealand recently had our foundations rocked by a rather large earthquake, it is very sad for the people of the South who have lost friends and relations, businesses and homes, but us kiwi's are very resilient and everyone is pitching in and all getting back to the business of rebuilding lives after the incident. We are very lucky here in the North of New Zealand as we don't have quakes here, but where I grew up they were a common occurrence, so I know how they are all feeling.

That is all from me at this time, I will now go back out on the road and make sure all the stores are here and ready with lot's of stock to keep everyone knitting up a storm. The weather here has turned now and the cold is coming in thick and fast, we have had rain and wind the last few days and the days are shorter, so winter is coming.

Knitter's Frolic

2011-03-25T13:58:00.002-04:00

Every Spring the Downtown Knit Collective puts on a knitting show in Toronto.

14th Annual Knitter's Frolic

Saturday & Sunday, April 30-May 1, 2011.

Marketplace: Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Workshops: Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
6 Garamond Court, Toronto, Ontario

I borrowed a few pictures from the DKC website to show you what you can expect from the show.

You will see men, women and children wondering the show halls wearing amazing knit and crocheted projects.

Yarns, patterns, kits, needles, knitting bags, accessories, spinning wheels, fiber....

The stores put a lot of thought and effort into creating their booths. They try to bring products that you will want to purchase at the show and also bring items that entice you to visit their stores. If you like a booth at the Frolic, make sure to note their address. Summer is coming - road trip!

That Wonderful Mother Nature!

2011-03-23T12:55:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning to lots of cold and blowing snow. Southern Ontario has been dumped on, again, by "that wonderful Mother Nature." Just yesterday, my husband was looking out at the green grass on the golf course behind our home and dreaming of his first golf game of 2011. I hope this is our last blast of snow as I have had enough.

Molly, Liberty Print colour 7898

Looking on the bright side, though, this weather has given me another chance to wear my favourite winter scarf. I have worn this all winter and have received many compliments on it. The pattern is "Molly" from Classic Elite's book 9114 and is knit in Liberty Print Wool, colour 7898 (Blue Twilight). This yarn has been really popular so Classic Elite has been releasing two new colours each month since February and will continue to do this until June. Great, eh? Lots of time to knit this scarf again in one of the new colours and be ready for all the snow that will most definitely come here next winter. Yuk!

MUM hits the road!

2011-03-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

Last week I traveled up to Ottawa to visit some of our customers. Usually, depending on the number of appointments I have, I go for the whole week. This time, though, it was a quick trip for two days.

My first appointment was with Giselle, the owner of Wool N' Things on Youville Street in Orleans. Giselle's store is jam packed with a great assortment of yarns and books. You can also see from the picture that she has lots of samples.

Wool N' Things

My next appointment was at Knit Knackers Yarn Warehouse on Bank Street in downtown Ottawa. This store has lots of yarn, spinning supplies and Angora rabbits that the owner, Sarita, raises for the angora.

Knit Knackers Yarn Warehouse

My last call was made on my drive home. It was at Janie H. Knits on Glen Tay Road outside of Perth. You can see by the picture that Janie's store is in a beautiful old stone house. Janie has stocked her store with lots of great yarns, books and many things that you won't find anywhere else.

Even though it is a long drive for me to get to Ottawa, I always enjoy going to visit these stores. If you are ever in Ottawa or near Perth, check them out. You won't be disappointed.

Janie H. Knits

Moondust

2011-03-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year, again, where I get to play around with the new yarns that are arriving in the warehouse. Even though we haven't had the first day of spring, yet, and I am already starting to think about the items I will knit from the sample balls we have received for the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 collections.

One new yarn that has just arrived in the warehouse and that I have already made a mini sample with is Peter Pan's Moondust. This is a DK yarn that comes in six colours, all with a hint of sparkle in them. It is perfect for a baby blanket, christening outfit or as a special sweater for a little girl to wear with her favourite party dress. Sparkle seems to be in right now and Moondust has just the right amount.

My sample is Stefanie Japel's "Whirligig Shrug" that was in the 2009 Interweave Weekend Knits and is also on Ravelry. How cute is this?! It took me an evening and a half to knit the smallest size of this top down pattern. One of my customers says this is a great shrug pattern for little ones because it has a "No spit zone!"

MUM mediates!

2011-03-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

Well, we know from Melosmom's last blog that Mr. Phil from Thomas B. Ramsden is a really good poker player. Melosmom is too! The other thing they are both good at and like to do often is to bet with each other on sporting events. It didn't take them long to get in to it after Mr. Phil arrived at the warehouse. Payments were made to the winner of the Super Bowl bet and then it started - bets for the Masters and the 2012 summer Olympic Games.

I just sat there listening to the back and forth good humoured bantering and got to mediate. For the Masters, Mr. Phil got to pick four players and the rest of the field was left to Melosmom. I don't know how many times I said to Mr. Phil "Is that your final pick?" before he settled on his four players. I can't even remember his choices as he changed them so many times. Good thing he recorded them.

Things got pretty interesting for the Olympic bet. Mr. Phil says the UK will win 10 times the number of medals that Canada wins. Of course, he's going to say that with his homeland hosting the games. Dah! Well, Melosmom and I couldn't let him get away with that. We brought up all kinds of stats and tried to "pound home" the point that he was way off mark. He stood firm in his belief to the point that I am sure he was just trying to get us really wound up. It worked! Good thing these bets are friendly and when paid out will only buy a few drinks at Starbucks. I can hardly wait to see who wins them, though, as I think I should share in the winnings for playing the role of Betting Mediator.

Lost a Bet

2011-03-11T15:23:00.000-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that we met with Mr. Phil on Friday to see the new yarns from Thomas B. Ramsden for fall.

After all the work was done, we headed back to our house for a game of pool before dinner. After I finished beating Mr. Phil at pool we decided it was time for a new game.

We decided on a game of poker.

Serious Phil - I think this was after his first defeat.

I agreed to one final game.   Mr. Phil made me agree that if he won, I would post it for the world to know.

So - here he is celebrating his victory at approx. 1 am on Saturday morning.   (sorry the picture is so dark - even my camera was tired!).

I must now tell you that Mr. Phil is the best poker player that I have ever played against and that he is probably the best poker player that has ever been in Canada!   Congratulations GOPO!

(posting that really hurt - but a bet is a bet. I am still up $$)

First Looks for Fall

2011-03-09T12:08:00.001-05:00

MUM and I met with Mr. Phil (the export manager for Wendy/Peter Pan/Twilleys) on Friday.

He showed us the new yarns coming for fall. I asked him if I could take some pictures. He said "Spread the word. Let everyone know what is coming."

Freedom Spirit will be coming out in a chunky weight for fall. I am really excited about this since Freedom Spirit has been a great seller and anytime a yarn gets Chunkified (new word I just made up) that is great for knitters like me!

8 colours.

14 stitches = 4" on 6.5mm needles

There are 70m on a 50 gram ball.

When he wasn't looking I took some pictures of the book that will be coming with the yarn.

As usual, our friends at Twilleys have provided great designs for garments that you can dress up or wear casual.

I like the idea of a chunky jacket for those Canadian days when it is cool but not cold enough for a winter coat.

A medium will take 10 balls

Patterns for men and women.

Ok - don't go barging down your LYS for this yarn tomorrow - it won't be available til August!

Painted Desert & Art Deco

2011-03-07T15:16:00.000-05:00

The March colours for Liberty Print have arrived in our warehouse. That means your LYS should have them this week.

These patterns are free from Classic Elite with the purchase of Liberty Wool.

Liberty is the perfect yarn for me. The colours keep changing which keeps me interested. I want to see what the next colour is going to be.

Cable Flower Hat
A beret-style hat worked from the bottom up with a ribbed based and a cabled top. The crown decreases are incorporated into the cable pattern, which uses a variety of cable stitches to create a flower with six petals.
Liberty Wool by Classic EliteAll sizes: 2 balls
Shown in:
7804 Painted Desert (print version)
7819 Orchid Pink (solid version)

Garter Stitch Wrap
An easy-to-knit wrap worked entirely in garter stitch from the bottom point up. The scalloped edge is a six row repeat and is made by casting on stitches at the beginning of the row.
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite 5 balls 7802 Art Deco Wavelength

Can't find Liberty Print? Send me an email and I will give you a list of stores where you can buy it.

Another unexpected gift!

2011-03-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I blogged about my unexpected birthday gift - an antique sweater blocker. Little did I know that, as I was blogging, my parents were driving over to my house to give me another unexpected gift. They showed up with a wool winder that my father had pulled out of a neighbour's garbage. As with the sweater blocker, he took it home, pulled the whole thing apart, fixed the turning mechanism, refinished each piece and put it all back together. Talented guy, eh?

I do remember him asking me several months ago if I would like a wooden wool winder. I said "Yes", thinking it was like this:

As you can see the one he brought me is not what I imagined. Now I have to figure out where it is going to go in my home. My one daughter suggested putting it in my bedroom so her father could put his clothes on it. I said "No way!" I haven't spent 34 years of marriage training him to hang his clothes up in the closet to give him something that he could just toss them on! So, for now, I guess my new wool winder will end up beside my sweater blocker in my office/sewing room.

Unexpected birthday present

2011-03-01T11:36:00.006-05:00

Before Christmas we ran a contest for our stores to guess the use of the item pictured below. It was an unexpected birthday present given to me by my parents. They found it in a second hand store, took it home where my father stripped if of it's flaky green paint and refinished it for me. Many of our stores participated in the contest and every entry was correct.

Yes, it is a sweater blocker. The names of all of the participants were put into a draw. Mona at Wolseley Wool in Winnipeg, Manitoba won first prize - a Lantern Moon bag of her choice and Stephanie at Greenwood Quiltery in Guelph, Ontario won second prize - a pair of Lantern Moon needles of her choice.

I'm not sure what I am going to do with this sweater blocker. My mother suggested putting some mirror in the middle section and hanging it as a conversation piece. I guess I could use it as a blocker, but do you see how big the arms are? Massive, eh? I know my upper arms are big and could definitely use some toning, but the arms on this blocker would stretch all of my sweaters to the extreme. It could be used to block a man's sweater, but the man in my life doesn't wear sweaters. For now, it will sit in my office/sewing room until I find a home for it.

Winter Wipeout

2011-02-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

Although it is a little painful to admit, I absolutely love the TV show Wipeout.

There have been many times when I am watching that I hear these words coming from the BS - "You are a sick person". (she is not watching with me and thinks that it is crazy that I am lauging so hard)

Recently, we have started Winter Wipeout episodes. I started to yell -"look at the hats, look at the hats!"

The BS came upstairs and took these pictures of the TV.

All the contestants have on knit and crochet hats over their helmuts - they even added cute pom poms!

Trip to the Big City

2011-02-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Work and life have been very busy for the last few weeks. The new spring yarns from Classic Elite have been arriving as well as lots of new products from Lantern Moon.

I went to talk at the Downtown Knit Collective about new products, so I packed up my suitcase with baskets, needles, ....

silk needle cases, sheep greeting cards, accessory cases, notepad holders....

and these super cute project bags that have sheep stitched on them.

The DKC is a great crowd and it is always fun to go there and see people so enthusiastic about their knitting.

Special thanks to Dawn and Patrick for the kind words.

New Liberty Print Colours

2011-02-02T17:38:00.000-05:00

Classic Elite introduced Liberty for fall 2010 and the yarn has been a huge hit in both Canada and the US.

Instead of waiting until next fall to introduce the new colours they decided to bring them out now. There will be two new colours each month from February to June.

Liberty scarf knit in colours 7893 and 7891.

Fair Isle Tam knit in 7893 and 7890 (yes both hats use the same two colours of yarn - just reversed) When I first saw these hats, I thought they were knit in a print colour along with solid colours for the pattern.

We are having a snow day here today, so the BS and I are sitting at the kitchen island doing our computer work. Roko and Melo are lying under our feet fast asleep after a good workout in the snow chasing the frisbee around the yard. I am thinking they have the right idea and might try to fit in a nap before American Idol. I thought the show would be awful without Simon, but I am totally loving Steven Tyler!

More Boxes

2011-01-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

On Friday we received 40 big boxes of yarn from Naturally. A shipment that arrives from New Zealand, always seems extra special - maybe because it takes so long to arrive that by the time it does, I have partially forgotten what is coming.

This shipment has re-stock of Tussock, Naturelle, Buttons, Loyal and Aspire, new colours in Buttons, Classic Prints and Loyal, as well as a new yarn called Baby Haven.

Baby Haven is 4ply 100% New Zealand Wool. The colours are very pretty especially the bright colours. I am really loving the non-traditional baby colours and think the bright lime and coral are fantastic - I would definately put my baby in those colours. No - I don't have a baby or any news that would suggest a baby (you can start breathing again Mom) just throwing it out there that babies should get lots of colour in their wardrobes too!

Lantern Moon at TNNA

2011-01-24T11:46:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we are the new Canadian Distributor for Lantern Moon. It has been a real thrill each time we receive a box from them so that I could see the products in person, but seeing everything together in the Lantern Moon booth at TNNA in Long Beach was really special.

Tables full of needle cases in all of the different colours (including some new ones) and sizes ranging from straight, combo and crochet hook silk cases to...

silk fan needle and scissor cases and new zipper cases (including cases that hold their new ebony or rosewood interchangeable sets)

The Rock Star loved the Lantern Moon buttons and decided she needed to order some. You can tell by the look of determination on her face that whittling it down to a few choices was very difficult.

Lantern Moon was celebrating it's 10th year at TNNA and decided as a special treat that they would rent a house for all of their staff to stay in while at the show. The were kind enough to invite The BS, The Rock Star and myself for dinner on Sunday night. We had an amazing dinner prepared by Cathy, followed by lively conversation and some boisterous ping pong. Many thanks to Joel, Sharon, Steve and the gang for a great night!

You could buy 1 million balls of yarn or .....

2011-01-20T12:49:00.000-05:00

We have safely made it home from Las Vegas and Long Beach and are busy sending out yarn and getting ready for all the spring yarns to arrive. (more on that over the next few weeks as they start to arrive).

Here are my last set of Vegas pictures. These are of the chandelier in the Cosmopolitan hotel.

The colours are totally different depending on where you are standing.

The chandelier is made up of Swarovski crystals and is said to have cost over $ 6 million dollars.

It is hard to see, but there is bar inside the chandelier. (no we didn't have a beverage - it was only 9:30 in the morning!)

I kept going up and down the escalator to get more pictures. It was probably pretty funny for the security guys upstairs.

Greetings from Vegas

2011-01-04T21:44:00.001-05:00

The BS and I have to be in Long Beach on Thursday for TNNA, but we never like to fly over Las Vegas without stopping for a visit. We went over to Aria to see the new casino and shopping area. We were passing by Stella McCartney's store when I noticed the display in the window. Check out the cool way they have knit Stella's name!

I am going to have to get a set of those giant knitting needles - even I could get my projects finished!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Christmas Preparations

2010-12-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

I think everyone is running around like crazy trying to do their final preparations for Christmas. I, too, am in last minute emergency mode (and there are still 3 shopping days left!) It is not presents that are tops on my priority list - but groceries! The BS and I are hosting Christmas dinner for 30 people and it seems that there is an evergrowing list of things we need. Thank goodness the BS is on top of checking recipes and making sure that we have everything. When I arrived at work this morning I found the following in my inbox:

Thank goodness for Aunt Rene, Aunt Barb and Aunt Dar - otherwise we would be awfully short on turkey and vegetables!

We hope that you have a wonderful time sharing the holidays with your love ones! I will check in next week when I am done washing dishes.

The Family that Buttons Together

2010-12-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

Lantern Moon has a beautiful collection of buttons for us to offer. But the problem is: how do you show them to the stores?

Lantern Moon suggested we create a button book for the sales reps. This sounded like a great idea so after receiving instructions on what was needed, I sent our Dad off to Home Depot to pick up the required tools. One of the tools we needed was a punch to make real small holes in the paper to tie the buttons on. No luck - Home Depot didn't have one. This, of course, didn't phase Dad, who has a whole workshop full of tools and figured that a power drill would be perfect for the task. Who am I to argue?

So, once again, Dad found himself immersed in a new project for Old Mill. (remember the felting he helped with?). He was right - the drill worked perfectly - the only hiccup was him trying to see the holes in the buttons with his aging eyesight (apparantly glasses are for other people).

The BS and I then tied all the buttons to the pages. Although this went smoothly, there was still a lot of buttons and this took quite a long time. The end result looks great though, and I am sure that our customers will be excited to be able to see and feel the buttons in person.

Melo Greets the New Visitors

2010-12-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Roko and I have noticed that there are a lot of new critters in our warehouse these days. They are all very cute, but they don't play with us and we are certainly not allowed to touch them! Most of the animals are sheep:

Baaaaabs the scissor holder

This adorable ewe will put a smile on your face as she keeps a watchful eye on your scissors! Attach your scissors to the cotton cord, perch her wherever you're working, and she'll make sure your scissors don't run off as you work on your projects.
Filled with recycled plastic pellets for stability. Available in natural. A cousin to our cute sheep tape measure! Scissors not included.

Sheep Tape Measure

Adorable sheep tape adds a measure of fun to your projects. 5' length. In white, black, beige and brown.

But there are also cats, bears, turtles and bees! (and cool wooden sticks, but more about those later)

We are very excited that our company is now the Canadian Distributor for Lantern Moon. Mom will be putting up lots of pictures of the great stuff they sell.

Prints

2010-12-01T10:46:00.001-05:00

Classic Elite introduced Liberty Wool this fall. The yarn has been extremely popular in Canada and the US. Getting stock has been hard but last week Classic Elite received another LARGE shipment which means yarn shops across Canada will be receiving theirs this week.

Liberty Wool

Liberty Wool is a super-soft, washable wool available in solid and printed colors. This yarn's balanced twist will make all stitch combinations pop.
With all the great qualities of wool and the ease of machine washability, Liberty Wool knits at a gauge that suits many designs and is ideal for children's pieces as well as those for adults.

Book 9114 Liberty Wool

This dedicated booklet features six designs in Liberty Wool, a new machine washable yarn for fall 2010. The designs in this booklet, for both women and children, include two unique scarves, a cabled pullover, a child's fair isle sweater, and the "magic sweater" - a cardigan that looks great on all shapes and sizes.

Elisabeth

SIZES: S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
Finished Measurements: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)"
Yarn Requirements: 10 (11, 12, 12, 13) balls

Martha

Finished Measurements: 12" wide and 66" long
Yarn Requirements: 5 balls 7896 Sunset

Molly

Finished Measurements: 5¼" wide and 72" long, unstretched
Yarn Requirements: 4 balls 7897 Sunrise

With the popularity of the yarn Classic Elite has added five new colours that are available now.

A Visit to Classic Elite

2010-11-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

The BS and I took a few days off a couple of weeks ago and drove to Foxwoods in Conneticut. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Foxwoods is one of the biggest casinos in the whole world. There we played our favourite penny slots (mooh-lah!) and ate at some of our favourite restaurants (California Pizza Kitchen, Bobby's Burger Palace). We also went to the Mystic Aquarium and saw the Beluga whales and the sea lions.

One of the best parts of our trip was going to Lowell, Mass. to visit the headquarters of Classic Elite Yarns. I have to say that when Old Mill Knitting grows up, we want to live just like they do at Classic Elite. The offices and warehouse are in this huge old warehouse and were bright and airy, with cool hardwood floors and huge windows to let in lots of sunlight.

Some of the areas were off limits to cameras (lots of secret goings on that couldn't be photographed), but we did get some photos of these great old skeining and balling machines that they have.

Some of these machines they still use to ball yarns that arrive at their offices on cones. The skeining machines are used to make those mini sample skeins that our sales reps. take out to our stores so they have samples of the new yarns.

Thanks to everyone at Classic Elite for the warm welcome.

Who doesn't have a black coat?

2010-11-22T19:40:00.015-05:00

For the past several years I have wanted to purchase a new winter coat. I have several black coats, all in excellent condition and still in style, but I have been dreaming of a coat in a different colour. Off I trudge to the mall and invariably end up coming home without that new coat. Why? Everywhere I look it is a sea of black with maybe hints of chocolate brown, winter white (I have one of those, too!)and a red that makes me look like "death warmed over!" I end up thinking that maybe my coats are just fine. So, I knit myself a new scarf, save some money that I can put towards some more yarn and in the final analysis feel like I'm not looking the same year after year in those darned black coats!

Fancy yarns for scarves have made a come back this year and Filatura Di Crosa has come out with several. They use quality fibers and great colours resulting in unique yarns that have a great "WOW!" factor. I knit several samples for work and as you can see, they all look fabulous on a black coat. These scarves take only two balls of yarn and are knit on big needles in garter stitch.

Evviva, colour 4 (purple) and Evviva Black, colour 9 (bright green). The Evviva colour range has 6 colours. The Evviva Black colour range includes black/silver and black with either bright green as shown or bright pink or bright orange. You can see how great the green looks with a black coat. Volendo, colour 5 (red) and Volendo, colour 6 (multi) This is one of my favourites. The yarn has little bows all through it! There are 8 colour choices in this yarn.

Scherzo, colour 7. It has 9 colour combinations.

Bocciolo, colour 5. I really like this yarn, too. It looks like it has small pieces of roving attached to it! There are 9 colour choices.

If you have a black coat and want to give it a new life, why not pick out a great yarn and knit up a new scarf - something I like to call "Black Coat Art!"

Cancer Research

2010-11-17T16:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to update my blog but the last few months have been very busy here down under in New Zealand.

Recently we had our Annual Conference in Australia where all the Reps from NZ and OZ get together and learn what is going to be new for the next season. Gosh there is a lot of delectable yarns going to be available, it is very hard for me to decide which will be my favourite so I guess I will have to have a bit of everything, and in my typical fashion have a lot more unfinished projects. My belief this is par for the course with knitters though, not a real knitter if you don't have a collection of unfinished projects.

Here at Naturally we have a range of our yarns that help with the Child Cancer Research Foundation and while we were in Sydney at the conference we went for a tour of their facilities. It was very interesting to learn how they grow the cancer cells to be able to test possible drugs for cures and learn of the many break throughs they have made.

They recently had a large donation made that enabled them to purchase the huge robot that can test samples, it takes a mere fraction of the time using the Robot it is so clever it takes the samples from the temperature controlled area, tests them and then puts them back where they came from (it must be a female robot as I can't imagine a bloke to be that tidy).

Here are some photos of us all dressed in green with our delightful rubber gloves touring the facility.

Well I had better get in my red car and get back out on the road and take orders for all my next season yarn so you all have something wonderful and new to try.

Best wishes from the NZ Super Sales Rep

Introducting Solo 1 Minuto and Ci Piace

2010-11-13T18:58:00.000-05:00

Finally someone has made a yarn that is perfect for me! You will remember that I am the girl whose 2010 Vancouver Olympic sweater is now going to be a 2012 London Olympic sweater (hopefully). I am the one who gets praised for finishing a simple scarf but teased about the months it took to accomplish this small feat. But now (at least for today) I will be one up on all those who have made fun. For today, I have made a wonderful, soft, cuddly scarf in mere minutes! Yes you read that right!

Filatura di Crosa has sent us sampling of two new yarns that are selling at light speed in Europe. The are called Solo 1 Minuto (loosely translated to "just one minute") and Ci Piace (I like). I have to say that I don't just like them - I love them! This is so easy - if you can tie your shoes then you can do this. I hope everyone I know is going to be happy with the great scarves I make them for Christmas.

Best Cake Ever!

2010-10-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

For a couple of years now the big joke has been that every year my birthday falls during the BS's knitting camp (no matter what date camp is). I have never argued with this because having an extra birthday can only be a good thing and I shamelessly accept the birthday songs and presents that come with it.

I may need to retire my camp birthday, however, because there will be no topping this last one. A wonderful lady named Susan had a cake made for my camp birthday that was amazing - just as good as the Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes could make.

Take a look at these pictures: that's me on top knitting! and the cake even has Melo and Roko on it! It tastes as good as it looks!

The cake was made by Susan's friend Miria who makes cakes as a hobby. I would like to thank them both for their thoughtfulness and hard work.

My next 40 birthday cakes are going to be very boring in comparison!

Is That For Us?

2010-10-06T12:43:00.000-04:00

Melo and Roko are very good about not touching the yarn in the warehouse, but that doesn't mean that they are not interested in what is happening.

Melo and Roko are studying the new yarn Evviva from Filatura di Crosa. This one really got their attention as it comes in a big soft furry ball of bright colours and looks like it would be good fun to play with.

We think you will find it is great fun to play with too!
The yarn is perfect for making scarves or accessories or as a great trim for any garment. The Rock Star was in today and brought me a garment knit in navy Zara and red Evviva. At first, I was kind of "yikes that is bright", but then it really started to grow on me. The Rock Star said she had the exact same reaction and that although she wouldn't have picked these colours it definitely pops and really shows off the yarn. I think it would be especially nice in black Zara with one of the Evviva black colours.

The boys look like angels, but don't be fooled by that. I had them out for a walk on Monday when Roko decided that he wanted to go see one of the neighbors and took off at a full gallop. Unfortunately for me, the leash was not long enough to get there and he is so strong that he yanked me right off my feet and I did a full face plant onto the pavement. I am fine - no major injuries - but it was pretty embarrassing! Now Roko has to wear a gentle leader collar and I will have to have all of my sweaters knit with one arm longer than the other.

mMm - more MUM's minis

2010-10-05T12:41:00.011-04:00

As promised in one of my blog postings way back "when", here are some more mini garments that I knit for our June sales meeting. The idea behind all of the mini garments was to show the stores a way to highlight all of the other yarns in their store that were not their focus yarns for the season. Usually, stores knit full sized garments with their focus yarns so that customers then have a better idea of what a garment looks like in that yarn. But what about all the other yarns in their store? Many times a knitted square just doesn't cut it as customers can have a hard time visualizing that square into a full garment. Hence, my idea to knit mini garments that use no more than two balls of yarn.

The first mini is "in threes a baby cardigan" (Ravelry), a top down knit in Naturally's Vienna, colour #610.

The second mini is "Tiered Baby Coat & Cardigan" (Ravelry), a top down knit in Naturally's Yoshie, colour #07.

Finally, the last mini is "Spring Butterfly" (Ravelry). You can tell I really like this patten as I knit four of them in different yarns. This one is in Naturally's Loyal Print, new colour #987.

All of these minis took no longer than a couple of evenings to knit and are great as little store samples. The yarns are great yarns to knit with and the patterns are cute for anyone who wants to knit for their "little ones!"

Mary has been busy!!

2010-09-30T19:05:00.000-04:00

I am always asking stores to send us pictures of garments they have knit.

Mary at Mary's Yarns has been busy and sent along these photos.

Knit in Naturally's Tussock Chunky. Ponchos are back!!

Loyal is machine washable wool from New Zealand. A great yarn for children's garments.

Mary worked hard to get this vest done for her husband. It is knit in the new Naturally Aran Tweed. I hope he lets her put it in the store as a sample!

I asked Mary to tell me about the yarn.

This yarn is lovely to knit with and because of the tweed and the spin on the yarn....it hides the little inconsistencies that often appear when picking up stitches.......around the arms and neck. It really is a
delight.

Mary's Yarns is located at 136 Main Street in Unionville in the blue house across from the train station. There is a plenty of parking and some great places for lunch in town - so load a car full of your knitting friends and go for a drive - you won't be disappointed!

MUM and Kirby's Epic Yarn

2010-09-28T17:58:00.005-04:00

When I introduced myself to this blog I mentioned that I had spent ten years as a sales merchandiser working for a video game company. Well, that company was Nintendo of Canada. Every year, at this time, the company has a sales meeting to launch the marketing plans for the next six months. I hear what is going on at Nintendo because I have kept in touch with several merchandisers that still work there. This year Nintendo is launching a new Wii game called Kirby's Epic Yarn. Yes, "Yarn!"

As in previous years, this year's meeting will have lots of competitive contests for the sales merchandisers. I received a phone call two weeks ago from one of my friends telling me that they had to wear something pink every day to get points for the "Kirby Contest." I was asked if I had some pink yarn and would I help to decorate a hat? "I really want to win!" my friend exclaimed.

So, I went over to her house and helped her "pimp" her hat in a pink Kirby theme - lots of pink pom poms, tassels and Kirby decals. We also glued yarn to a pink glass that she could use as her water glass during the meeting. She planned to wear pink Crocs and pink t-shirts. I haven't heard, yet, if she won the contest as she isn't back from the meeting. Isn't it great how yarn is showing up in so many different areas of our lives?

Heathers

2010-09-11T07:32:00.001-04:00

This is a great fall from Naturally Yarns. Heathers is a double knitting weight wool (22 stitches=4" on 4mm needles) made out of 100% New Zealand Wool.

The BS made up this shade card for me but got bored with the exercise part way through so she didn't/wouldn't add the numbers. The colours are numbered 200-209 starting at the top left.

Shawl Cardi knit in colour 203. (the newest member of our knitting team - Michaela - is knitting this up in colour 205 - I will put up pictures when it is finished)

Cable and Lace Vest knit in colour 207.

Textured Vest knit in colour 208.

Shadow Rib sweater using colours
202
209
205
204

Knitter's Review

2010-09-09T14:17:00.000-04:00

We spend a lot of time on the blog introducing you to the new yarns and patterns that are available for the upcoming season. We try to highlight our favourites and the yarns that we think will be the most popular, but sometimes it is nice to give you someone else's view of the products.

Knitter's Review is an online magazine for fibre enthusiasts. Clara Parkes founded the magazine and is the writer of informative reviews on yarns, tools and books. There is also a great How-To section.

Clara writes in an email today.

Pairings produce remarkable surprises, like a dash of cayenne in chocolate or a sprinkling of fleur de sel over a pan of freshly poured caramels. They can delight us in yarn, too.
This week I stranded Filatura di Crosa's lace-weight Nirvana and Superior together for a blissful, dare I say sublime swatching experience.

Superior

Nirvana

The Baby Bear

2010-08-31T16:21:00.000-04:00

Last week we received our fall shipment from Filatura di Crosa.

This consisted of many, many big boxes containing some of the most interesting and beautiful yarns we have seen for the coming season. Over the next few weeks we will feature many of them here on the blog.

Today, we are going to start with my favourite - Cincilla. This was the yarn that I liked best when we received the shade cards and after seeing the big gorgeous bags of yarn I am still just as impressed. The question is now - what do I want out of this yarn? And the answer is ...... Pajamas! This yarn is so soft and cozy that I want to curl up in it and have a nap. I had mentioned this to the BS, the Rock Star, Mr. Toad and MUM and they all laughed and decided that I should have chocolate brown Cincilla pajamas that include feet and a trap door and that I would look just like a little bear. I am not sure that this was entirely complimentary but I don't really care as long as someone starts knitting my PJs!

Check out the new Cincilla book from Filatura di Crosa for other great ideas including scarves, stoles, hats, sweaters, coats and even a great bag.

I am in Looooove!

2010-08-25T10:55:00.000-04:00

Normally I am big fan of summer - I love the warm weather and playing golf and not having to bundle up to go outside to play with Melo and Roko, but yesterday I received the most beautiful sweater and now I can't wait for it to be cold! (I actually considered wearing my sweater out to dinner last night, but the BS said I would look really dumb so I sadly left it at home)

My sweater is in the new Naturally yarn called Aran Tweed, which I liked as soon as I saw the samples, but I had no idea that it would be so soft once knit up. Rhonda did an amazing job - I love the cables and the collar and she even put the zipper in for me! It's a good thing we know some wonderful people like Lynda, Rhonda, Wannietta, Anne and Emma - if the company had to wait for me to make all these great sweaters we would be in real trouble.

Nettles?

2010-08-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

Classic Elite is known for bringing us yarns using interesting fibres (alpaca, cashmere, bamboo, angora, baby camel, mohair, silk and llama just to name a few). Woodland is one of the new yarns for fall 2010. It is a very soft yarn - 65% wool and 35% nettles.

What are nettles? Here is a great explanation about the yarn from Classic Elite's website.

Woodland, part of our Verde Collection of eco conscious yarns, is a combination of wool and environmentally-friendly nettles. Each of these fibers takes the dye differently, giving both the neutral and vibrant colors of Woodland a heathered look.

Nettles are a perennial that requires low levels of water and little or no pesticides. Nettle fibers are similar to linen and hemp but produce a softer, silkier fiber. Nettles show color well and, when mixed with wool, add lightness, minimize shrinkage and are breathable.

You can find these great designs in pattern book 9116.

If you are thinking about knitting accessories this fall then take a look at these great mittens.

Vests are a big part of fashion this fall.

Classic Elite is also known for their colour pallet.

YUMMY!!

Knit in a weekend

2010-08-16T20:12:00.000-04:00

I have neglected a new yarn in our warehouse. Freedom Wool from Twilleys.

From the Twilleys website

Freedom Wool super chunky is a beautiful soft 100% pure new wool roving yarn, which is knitted on 10mm knitting pins and produces the most gorgeous garments. With an abundance of colours to choose from, the shade range also includes a selection of subtle colour mixtures.

Here are some fabulous patterns from Twilleys book 463.

There are three more books from Twilleys that use Freedom Wool
-453
-454 (accessories to knit and crochet)
-465

If you like felting or needle felting (I do because I can take out my aggression) Freedom Wool gives you great colour options. Take a look on Ravelry for some ideas.

Vero

2010-08-03T22:36:00.001-04:00

I have made it part way through the many, many boxes that just arrived from various parts of the world. While going through the boxes from Naturally I found three new colours of Vero. Vero is 100% wool, made in Italy, that stripes. The yarn brought back memories of the first knitting project I designed and knit-a felted scarf.

Link to the pattern

And here is a pattern that the BS designed in Vero and Naturally has published.

All knit in garter stitch-very easy for the beginner knitter. Yes, even I could knit this.

Colour 77

Colour 74

Colour 79

New Yarn

2010-07-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

Melosmom is currently buried under boxes in the warehouse. This is the BS with an update of what is happening. In one of the many, many boxes that arrived on Monday was the new yarn Purity from Twilleys.

Twilleys Freedom Purity is a wonderful new 'Eco' addition to our range of natural fibre yarns. This sumptoulsy soft yarn is available in earthy colours which are formed by the careful blending of natural undyed wool with alpaca. The hypo-allergenic qualities of the Alpaca combine with the Virgin wool to create a beautiful high quality yarn that is just fabulous to knit with; creating one of the finest chunky yarns on the market.

The yarn is chunky-85% virgin wool and 15% alpaca.

The patterns are seriously cute but easy to make.

Stylish long vest to wear casual or dressy.

Great jacket for walking the dog or Casual Friday in the office.

All patterns can be found in Twilleys 466 Freedom Purity Book.

Six earthy shades that will fit into any wardrobe.

Melosmom is working feverishly to get the yarn out to your LYS (local yarn shop).

Quick note from Melosmom : Found the stapler! It had fallen on the floor and was somehow buried under a pile of dog toys. Lucky for me that the boys know not to chew on anything that is not theirs.

Please Return Our Stapler

2010-07-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

There are many important things that we do and have at Old Mill to try to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible, so I am totally shocked that the one small thing that has gone missing is turning out to be causing me such problems. I can't find the stapler!! This has now brought everything to a complete halt as I search high and low for it. Mum was in the other day and she borrowed it, but I can't blame her because I know I used it after that. I stapled some invoices and put them in the boxes I sent out yesterday, so now I am having this fear that I have shipped out my stapler in a box of yarn! If I don't find it today then I am going to go buy a new one tomorrow - a giant one so this doesn't happen again.

Great yarns arrived yesterday - Tahki Montana, Savoy, Donegal Tweed
Great yarns arriving today - Classic Elite Fresco, Silky Alpaca Lace, Montera, Alpaca Sox, Princess
Great yarns arriving Monday - Naturally Aran Tweed, Heather, Harmony 14 ply, Aspire Super Chunky

I hear that Rhonda is just about done my Aran Tweed sweater - I can't wait! I will put up a picture as soon as it arrives. I am going to have the best sweaters this fall - Lynda made me this sweater in Zara Print Melange that is beautiful (and fits perfectly thanks to some pattern adjustments by the BS to fit my very short arms) :

Back to Work

2010-07-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Last week the BS and I took a vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to visit our parents and play some golf. This would have been a pretty relaxed vacation except for the fact that we were accompanied by 9 other relatives who are not exactly the quietest of folks! The picture above is of me driving my aunt and uncles to church (while wearing my mom's floppy hat). We had a great time, but I am happy to be back at home where I can actually go to bed at a half decent hour.

Arriving this week at the warehouse (if we can find the shipment that is misplaced somewhere between Auckland and Toronto): Naturally Aran Tweed, Heather and Harmony 14ply along with new colours in Aspire, Vienna, Yoshii, Vero and Karamea. It's like Christmas! Except for the fact that we then pack it up and send it back out - I guess it's like Christmas if you re-gifted everything you had received!

Mum hasn't disappeared off the face of the earth!

2010-07-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

I know, I know! I haven't written a blog post in quite some time. I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth. Well, then, what I have been doing?

This is my busiest time of the year. I have been travelling all over Ontario, calling on my customers to show them the wonderful new fall and winter yarns Old Mill Knitting has to offer. This included a one week trip to our nation's capital, Ottawa. In addition to this, I helped plan the Open House that we had for our Ontario customers. This involved making several story boards - one for the new fall fashion colours, one for the colour red where all the samples were knit in our red yarns and one for the sock yarns we sell. Oliver came to visit from Naturally in New Zealand and everything had to be in "tip top" shape so he could see all the great things Melosmom and I have been doing since his last visit. Finally, I knit several samples - two hats, eight scarves and seven mini garments. I also knit another sweater for little Sophia and a "Citron" from Knitty.

Over my next few blog posts I will show you my knitting and some pictures of the stores I visited in Ottawa.

These two little sample garments are "Spring Butterfly" from Ravelry. How cute are they? I really like this pattern as it is a fast, top down, DK knit that goes from a newborn size up to a 5T. You can finish the bottom in a picot edge or a ruffle.

Notice the detail above the pleat in the back. Again, the cuteness factor!

The red one is knit in Filatura Di Crosa's Zara Chine, new colour #1927. It is shown in a 6 month size.

The soft mauve is knit in Filatura di Crosa's new Zara Print Melange, colour #6. It is a 3 month size.

Next Mum blog - more mini garment samples!

Winter hits Down Under

2010-06-24T11:05:00.000-04:00

Winter has arrived in New Zealand with a vengeance, the days are short, the temperatures are low and all the ski fields are open as the ski fields open many of the roads get closed with snow, fantastic time of year for yarn.

I have some friends who are having babies so I have been busy knitting for them which means that I am freezing because what I am knitting for myself gets put on the back burner, although I have nearly finished a sweater that I am knitting for myself. It is in our possum, alpaca and merino yarn called Karamea, beautiful to knit and will be wonderfully warm when I complete it. I only have half a sleeve to go and then the dreaded sewing it together, I will put a picture up of it on my next update.

This time I have a picture of a little hoodie I have made for a little friend of mine, she is 4. I used Cupcake, a really yummy snuggly yarn from the Peter Pan range, the colour I chose is Jelly Tot, pale lavender and pink with a white background. Cupcake comes in many different colours all with delightful names, it was lovely to knit and feels really soft and cuddly for the little people in our lives. Cupcake is really popular here in New Zealand, it is definitely a yarn that I will knit with again.

Also here is a picture of me wearing a tunic crocheted from a yarn in the Filatura Di Crosa range called Lovely. A store I visit in the region of Taranaki fell in love with the yarn and the picture so made it up before she got the pattern-she is truly clever. The unfortunate part is that she made it too small for herself. The fortunate part of the story is that I walked into her shop just as she was sewing on the buttons and she asked me to try it on, as you can see by the picture it fitted like a glove so lucky me got it. It is gorgeous and feels so nice to wear. Lovely is a 100% Cotton and comes in a great range of colours, lucky for me her and I have the same favourite colours so my garment is in dark purple. There is also a range called Lovely Jeans which is all the natural shades.

Tomorrow I am off to Waiheke Island, that sounds like something wonderful and warm out in the pacific, but it is a small island located off Auckland it takes about an hour by boat. There is a store there called Island Art & Craft which is run by Gaye and her husband and they stock a range of our yarn for the tourists and locals. Waiheke is a wondeful place for a short break and in the summer time is heaving with people from the Mainland and tourists from overseas. Waiheke has a lot of wineries to visit (and of course wine tasting would be on the agenda), there are also many beaches to relax on all beautiful and lot's of little cafes and restaurants to visit. So if you are ever down in this part of the world make sure you plan in a trip to Waiheke Island for a bit of R & R.

Open House

2010-06-22T16:34:00.000-04:00

Last week we held an Open House in Ancaster for stores in Southern Ontario. We gathered at Rouseau House in town for lunch and a couple of short presentations by Mr. Toad (all the way from Auckland), the Rock Star (in between world travels) and MUM (who had been very busy making awesome story boards!)
After lunch everyone headed over to the warehouse to pick out sale yarns, special promotional packs and goodie bags. There were also draws for bags of yarn and some very happy winners!

Aspire Super Chunky was one of our best-selling yarns last fall. Here is a beautiful jacket from Naturally's Elite Fibres book in one of the new colours arriving in July.

MUM has been very busy knitting small two ball garments to show off the yarns. I think she might be ready for grandchildren!!

(this also explains where all my extra sample balls have gone off to!)

Back from TNNA

2010-06-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

This is the BS writing again. Last week Melosmom, the Rock Star and I travelled to Columbus, Ohio for TNNA. TNNA is The National Needlearts Association and twice a year they hold a trade show to showcase the new yarns, books and accessories for the upcoming season.

Wednesday morning the Rock Star, Melomom and I set out at 7am for Columbus. Melosmom and the Rock Star sat in the back of the truck for the drive as if I was being their chauffeur. They were very obnoxious during the drive as well. Can't you find a smoother road? Can we stop now for a coffee? I need to go to the bathroom. I'm hungry. I don't like that song on the radio. Can you turn the air conditioner up? Can you turn the air conditioner down? Can you close your window? I should have left them at our last stop!!!

Thursday and Friday were spent in meetings. The Boz was in from Italy. Long days but we accomplished lots.

Saturday through Monday were visiting the show to see what is new. Here is a picture I took in the Classic Elite booth. New garments for fall in Tinkle's Soft Chunky.

Tuesday morning we set out for home bringing Mr. Toad with us. Sorry-didn't mention Mr. Toad yet. He flew from New Zealand to Columbus and arrived early Wednesday morning. Mr. Toad will be in Canada until Sunday afternoon.

Today Melosmom, MUM, the Rock Star and Mr. Toad are busy working in the warehouse. Tomorrow they are hosting an Open House for stores to come and see what is new for fall. Lots of garments will be on display. Mr. Toad will be speaking about Naturally Yarns for fall. The Rock Star will be talking about Filatura di Crosa yarns.

Melosmom quickly emailed me a picture of Mr. Toad and MUM looking at one of the new Naturally garments for fall. This amazing coat is knit in Aspire Super Chunky on 15mm needles.

I knew that everyone was really busy and there would be no blog post this week so I signed in and did one.

How do you like the new design for the blog? While we were in Columbus I signed in and changed the look without anyone knowing. I'm not sure if Melosmom has seen it yet. Surprise!!!

Welcome Mr. Phil!

2010-06-07T10:24:00.000-04:00

We have been very busy at the warehouse with the arrival of our new line of yarns - Wendy/Peter Pan and Twilleys. Many, many boxes of new yarn (we are now full, literally to the rafters!) and our sales force has been out selling it like crazy. Look for Peter Pan baby yarn including Cupcake (with a name like Cupcake it has to be good) which is a beautiful soft fluffy baby yarn that both the BS and I instantly knew was going to be a big hit. Our Empire Club yarn for the summer is Twilleys' Freedom Spirit - a beautiful multi-colour 100% wool yarn that has beautiful patterns and an amazing price. Go to our website oldmillknitting.com and click on The Empire Club button to sign up and receive newsletters all summer long that will offer free patterns or discounts for Freedom Spirit.

A great cardigan done in a ripple stitch pattern.

Patterns are available in leaflets or books.

Twenty fabulous colours are available.

This is Mr. Phil the export manager for Thomas B. Ramsden showing off his yarns to our sales reps at our sales conference. Mr. Phil travels the world selling yarn and has the funniest stories of anyone I have ever met. I am just thankful that MUM doesn't get in the jams that Mr. Phil does - I would be spending half my days just trying to get her back home!

The Naked Sheep

2010-05-28T12:01:00.000-04:00

This is the BS writing. Beth and MUM have been extremely busy. Beth received a shipment of Twilleys/Wendy/Peter Pan that had over 200 boxes of yarns and books. MUM has been driving around Ontario visiting yarn shops showing the amazing new yarns for fall.

I have been bugging Beth for weeks to get a post done but as you can see my pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Yesterday I went into Beth's email (please don't tell her that I know her password) and intercepted an email from Lisa at The Naked Sheep. Lisa recently finished two garments in Classic Elite yarns.

The Swallowtail Shawl has been very popular on Ravelry and Lisa used Silky Alpaca Lace for her version.

Lisa used one ball.

Her one change to the shawl.

I knit in beads using the crochet method instead of knitting the nupps. Looks better, I think.

Here are a few of Lisa's comments about the shawl

OMG - this is so beautiful. I love it so much! I used 4.5mm needles because I wanted the shawl to be big, big, big and it is.
The yarn is a delight to work with, the end result is outstanding. I recommend this pattern and this yarn especially for beginner lace knitters.

After finishing the shawl Lisa started a tank top knit in one of Classic Elite's new yarns for spring called Firefly.

I knit this tank with 4.5 balls of Classic Elite Firefly on 3.5mm needles. I made minor modifications -

Knit 1x1 rib for four rounds to prevent edges curling up. Knit an extra 1/2 inch to the body. Knit only 6” icord straps instead of the 10 and 1/2 the pattern states.

Certainly didn’t want to show off the girls that badly!

A newsletter just went out this morning for The Empire Club. I am sure that Beth and MUM will have something to say about the Club very soon.

Brilla Print is Brilliant!

2010-04-27T20:16:00.006-04:00

I recently purchased a new spring coat in a very vibrant green. I think I needed some colour after our long Canadian winter. Of course, it goes without saying, a new coat demands a new scarf!

I knit this scarf using Filatura Di Crosa's Brilla Print in shade 5092. I used the pattern for the Brilla shawl in their Spring/Summer 2010 Book 8. I knit three repeats of the pattern, blocked it and ended up with a scarf measuring 5" wide x 63" long.

Brilla Print comes in six colour combinations and Brilla, which is a solid, has 36 shades to choose from. Both yarns are a cotton and viscose blend that creates a nice fabric with a shine to it that drapes beautifully and is soft to the touch.

I am very pleased with my new scarf and have already received compliments on it. What could be better than that?

Pink Sheep?

2010-04-22T12:23:00.002-04:00

Hello to everybody out there in the knitting world who reads my blog, and welcome to all my new readers who have found my blog.

This month I have finished a little project I was working on for one of my little people I knit for. His name is Braydon and he is turning 5 next week and off to school, he is car crazy so I knitted him a sweater with cars on the front. It was difficult to find a knitting pattern that has cars on it so I used a few different patterns and made it all up as I went, I am very happy with the finished result, little Volkswagons driving across the front and I think Braydon will be really happy. I used Naturally Loyal DK, it is machine washable and quite hard wearing, perfect for the place it is going to. It will be really warm to as it is 100% wool, made in New Zealand. We have recently done some variegated colours for the Loyal so will create a master piece with those next. I was given the task of coming up with 5 more variegated colours for Loyal, which I have done and the sampling is in my office. If I do say so myself they are fantastic and will be hitting the shelves sometime in June/July, I love it when I get to do things like that, makes life interesting.

I have also put in a photo of one of my favourite shops and a street photo of the town. The shop is called Twinset & Pearls, it is in the tiny town of Warkworth which is situated on the main North of Auckland, about an hour away. This shop was owned by Connie for many years and was quite the treasure chest of things unknown, Connie would get her supplies and just open the box and leave it somewhere in the shop, everybody would just come and spend a few hours rummaging through boxes. Patterns and books would just get piled up on the counter or shelves and again everybody would just rummage through till they located what they wanted. It was a wonderful shop though and everybody in the North Island knew about Connies (that is what the shop was called then). Sadly Connie passed away a little over a year ago and her daughter stepped in to run the store till a new owner was found, Charmaine discovered that her love of yarn and knitting came back and she herself ended up buying the store from the rest of the family. She has renamed it, renovated and organized and now has the most beautiful shop in the North. She mostly has yarn but she has a few select original items also for sale, she parks a Vespa Motorcycle outside and everything is decorated in the 1950's style. Charmaine has a nice big comfy armchair in store also for those that come in with a problem and need her help, she is certainly getting a name for herself.

Warkworth would definitely be a place to visit if any of you are ever in this part of the world. When my boss was here from Canada I took her to Twinset and Pearls and she left with a parcel under her arm.

The final photo I have put up for you is of the pink sheep. You probably wonder how we get coloured yarn, well I don't know about the rest of the world but this is how we do it in New Zealand. People place orders for the colour yarn they want and we grow the sheep accordingly. As you can see by the picture someone obviously had ordered some hot pink yarn, so we create the sheep to grow that colour, they then get shorn and the wool get's spun and then it get's knitted. All relatively simple. Last month there were some lime green sheep in the paddock so I guess someone wanted a lime green sweater. You can believe that tale or not but as you can see, here are the sheep to prove it, where else in the world have you seen pink sheep. We are all very creative down under. If you come to this part of the world you can see the coloured sheep 10 minutes north or Warkworth at Eco Wool Sheep World. Also a place worthy of a visit, you can see working dogs in action, learn about the process wool goes through, visit with animals, buy most things at the Eco Shop and also have lunch at the Cafe, they also have cabins to hire and a place to park the RV if that is how you are rolling.

Well I wish you all well for the coming season, it is getting a little chilly down here so the knitters are out in force shopping. At the moment I am working on a little hoody jacket using Cupcake from the Peter Pan range, it is for a little girl I know who lives in Whangarei. I also have my Karamea sweater on the needles which needs finishing (it was meant to be finished at Christmas). I will have photos of these projects in my next update.

Regards NZ Super Rep

Mr. S Learns to Felt

2010-04-13T21:46:00.000-04:00

Recently I needed to felt a couple of items, but since we have a new front loading washing machine, I made my way over to my parents house to use their old washing machine. My dad "Mr. S" was very curious about what I was up to and followed me down to the basement to watch. I explained that we needed to put my knit clogs (which were huge and quite amusing to him) in pillow cases and then agitate them like crazy with a couple of tennis balls in very hot water and a little soap.
So in they went and the two of us stood there with the lid open watching them. After about 5 minutes, he decided we should check them. Although I knew that they were not ready, I was caught up in his enthusiasm and agreed to take a look. He was very disappointed with the result - not much had happened. Back in they went and once again we stood guard over the washer. Another 5 minutes and he was ready to take another look, so back in we went. A little smaller, but not yet ready. At that time Mr. S was happy to impart his felting wisdom and declare that the water was not hot enough. I agreed (he is usually right about most things) so we tried again with more hot. More time in, but we were not getting the desired result and like two mad scientists we put our heads together to decide what the next step should be. Finally a breakthrough - we had the machine on regular wash but really needed that sucker to be working harder. Turning the knob to heavy duty and Voila! we were really in business. Those clogs didn't stand a chance and one even managed to escape it's pillow case. We saw no problem with this until we checked both clogs and found out that the escapee was much smaller than the other which was hysterically funny to us for some reason. We freed his partner and within minutes had two clogs that were the same size. Mr. S tried them on (yes they were wet) and declared them a perfect fit. We wrapped them in towels and proudly went to show Mrs. S our fine results. She was very impressed with the two of us and asked if I had more items to felt (I think she was hoping to have control of the TV for another half an hour). I declared our work for the evening complete and collected Melo and Roko and the felt clogs and headed home. As I was leaving Mr. S. mentioned how great those clogs fit. I think he was trying to tell me something, but I chose to play dumb (wasn't hard), but he shouldn't be too upset, I am sure those clogs will end up back with him soon.

Now available Felt Clogs kits featuring Fiber Trends pattern AC-33 and JJ's Handpaint yarn Montage 10ply.

Melosmom has the arm to toss a few!

2010-04-06T09:52:00.007-04:00

Melosmom and I have been busy working in the warehouse to make room for a new line of yarn that we are launching. We have also been preparing for our national sales meeting that takes place this Wednesday and Thursday. It will be great to meet, in person, our sales reps - Norma, Ellen and Lori who are traveling across the country for this. We have lots of information, new sample yarns for the fall/winter 2010 collections, new patterns and ideas to share with them. Oh, yes, there will be a little partying, too, if I know Melosmom!

We have been working hard and spending, according to Melo and Roko, too much time concentrating on the job at hand and too little with them. Melo isn't shy about getting his neck or belly rubbed. He'll stand so close to you that you think you are going to tip over.

Roko, on the other hand, just comes up to you every once and awhile and stands with a frisbee in his mouth. That means he wants to play. Now I have never been able to throw one of those things but I figured what could go wrong, it's just tossing it down the length of the warehouse. Wrong!!! My first toss landed on the top shelf of the racking, only about 15 feet up in the air. Roko was so disgusted with me, he just turned and walked away. I am sure I saw him roll his eyes and shake his head in disbelief. I had to get the very large ladder (you know the kind on wheels that you use in a warehouse?) and climb up to the very top step and use a broom to pull the frisbee off the shelf. Since then, if Roko has his frisbee, he just marches right by me and goes straight up to Melosmom 'cause he knows she has the arm to toss a few to his satisfaction!

Little Sophia gets a new sweater!

2010-03-30T09:36:00.011-04:00

This is a sweater I just finished that will be gifted to the sweet, little daughter of a friend. It will be her first Easter and I thought the colour was perfect for her to wear now and through the summer. I knit it out of Classic Elite's "Summer Set" which is 64% cotton, 19% alpaca, 12% polyester and 5% lyocel with 85 metres per ball. I used colour 2116 "Bridesmaid."

I am really happy with the finished garment. The yarn is a pleasure to knit with and gives the lace pattern great stitch definition. Summer Set is a soft yarn, yet it has some struture to it that will help the sweater keep it's shape even after several wearings. The pattern is "Helena" from Knitty.com. It is knit using top-down raglan construction so that there is minimal finishing. If you have never attempted a lace pattern before, this would be one to try.

Oh, yes, little Sophia is also getting "The Easter Egg" by Jan Brett.

Naturally Pattern K602

2010-03-17T14:07:00.001-04:00

Louise at L.K. Yarns was nice enough to forward me this picture of a model garment she has in the store.   It is Naturally Pattern K602 knit in Loyal DK - 100% Superwash Wool from Naturally. When I heard what colour she had it knit in, I was not sure of what the result would be, but I think it turned out really well. The colour actually shows off the pattern really nicely and little kids love bright and funky colours.

No new pictures of my sweater. The BS has been at the Yarn Market News conference in Seattle for the past 5 days and I am not brave enough yet to knit on my own.   It is not forgotten though!

By the way, am I the only one who read the post from the NZ Super Sales Rep. and thought "they went on vacation to Singapore, Hong Kong and Denmark?? When did those 3 countries become close together geographically?"   I am going to have ask her about this.

MUM knits too much!

2010-03-12T19:45:00.005-05:00

This card was given to me by a member of my Wednesday night knitting group. It speaks for itself! I don't think the members of my family are suffering the way this little guy appears to be. Although, after I have heard,"What are you knitting NOW?" for the millionth time, I guess they could be. They just have to realize that MUM needs to be kept happy and then all will be well in their world. All I can say is "Keep on knitting!"

Back to work

2010-03-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

NZ Super Rep is back on the road and everything is going well down here in New Zealand. It is still very warm and humid but the knitters don't seem to be letting that stop the needles clicking. All the stores are getting their new seasons yarns in now and they are all busy re-arranging their stores and putting up new displays to encourage everyone. This is a really exciting time everyone is busy and it is all very inspiring.

Recently I went away to Singapore, Denmark and Hong Kong. We had a wonderful time, Singapore was very hot and humid so we spent most of our time sitting at Starbucks drinking ice frappe and watching the world go by. Denmark greeted us with the opposite it was -8 most days and on a good day -1. The snow was piled high and it also snowed while we were there. Everything was looking beautiful and all the houses are cosy and warm, it is a gorgeous time of year in Denmark with all the lights, and everyone has candles burning, it is my favourite time of year there.

Here are a few photos, the frozen river in Naestved, that is the town we stay in, it is located about an hours drive from Copenhagen.

There is also my son and myself standing in front of a Chinese New Year Display at Singapore Airport.

I had also finished the Cardigan for my husband that I talked about a few blogs ago, he needed it to take to Denmark, and gosh it was lucky I did.

It was done in Naturelle DK, here is my husband modelling it for you, he did a sitting and a standing pose, looks good doesn't he? He did say it was a good thing there were no pockets like my last disaster.

When we got back to NZ the Auckland City Council put on a display for Chinese New Year at a park near our home so there is a photo here of that, they called it the Lantern Festival.

Another project I finished was the Dennis the Menace sweater I knitted for a little boy I know, I used Loyal DK and it came out beautifully, unfortunately the photo I took didn't come out so I can't show you. But his mum tells me it washes up well and is a lovely soft sweater. Loyal was a pleasure to knit and I would recommend it highly.

Well I better get back on the road and catch up with a few more of my shops. Tomorrow I am off to the Coromandel and next week down to Taranaki. My bright red car is always zooming somewhere. Take care till my next update.

Signs of spring

2010-03-02T20:35:00.014-05:00

I think spring is just around the corner. As I was driving home after working in the warehouse last week, I noticed one of the first signs of spring. My drive takes me through the country and along a road lined with maple trees. Almost every tree had a green metal bucket hanging from it signifying that the sap for maple syrup production is about to start running.

Another sign of spring is in the warehouse where Melosmom has been working hard to get all of the new spring yarns shipped out to the retailers. I always like the start of a season, seeing the new yarns, colours and patterns and it all gets added to my never ending knitting "wish list!"

It is time to start planning my spring and summer knitting. Fortunately, I have a sweater I knit late last summer and only wore a few times that I am looking forward to wearing lots this year.

Fiber Trends #463 is knit with double strands of Stella (100% bamboo) from Naturally Yarns. I knit mine in white, but you can see that the pattern is pictured in this year's colour, turquoise. If you haven't knit a lot of lace, this would be a great pattern to start with as it is very well written and explains exactly where you are in the lace pattern after a decrease or increase row. It knits up fast and afterwards you have a versatile sweater to wear over a t-shirt or tank.

Now, I just have to decide what will be this spring's project.

TGFM

2010-02-24T13:07:00.001-05:00

This post is titled TGFM which stands for Thank Goodness for MUM. We have been needing some extra assistance for a while, but it has now become critical to have someone smart stepping in to handle some things. The reason for that is that I have come to realize that I am really, really bad at remembering things. I don't know if this has always been a problem or if it is a sign of my advancing age or if I am just really, really dumb some days. This problem came into light when we started to have to take our shopping bags with us to the grocery store. At least 25 times in the last year I have left home for the sole purpose of going to get groceries only to arrive at the store without my bags, at which point I usually send The BS a text that says "I am extremely dumb!" and to which she responds "Yes - lol".

I am sharing this with you because my problem has now affected my Olympic knitting. For the last 4 working days, I have left the warehouse without more yarn for my sweater. Think about that for a second - I have left the place where thousands of bags of yarn live and not one of them has jarred my memory that hey - I need more yarn! So, here is my sweater which I am looking forward to completing by London 2012.

New Arrivals

2010-02-17T18:44:00.000-05:00

Spring Yarns have been arriving at the warehouse and are now available (or will be soon) at your local yarn shop.

These include from Classic Elite Yarns :

Firefly (25% Linen, 75% Viscose)

Katydid (100% Organic Cotton Ribbon)

No new pictures of my knitting today because it has not changed a whole lot since the pictures I posted last week. I am really kicking myself for not listening to The BS and all of the others who told me to knit something chunky. I vow to put in some hard work on it tonight and tomorrow night and show you some awesome progress on Friday.

Despite an unbelievably sad start and continuing weather and technical glitches (can we get a real Zamboni instead of one of these knock-offs!), I am enjoying the Olympics immensely. Go Canada!

Melo and Rocco have another MUM

2010-02-17T16:33:00.004-05:00

Blogging is new to me - not reading blogs but writing one! I am sure I will get the hang of it after a few postings. Yes, I am now called MUM. I think it has something to do with being a part of the management team at Old Mill, although, there could be other reasons for my new title. Perhaps, it's due to the reaction I receive from Melo and Rocco every time I visit the warehouse. Talk about "carrying on." Crying, whining, cuddling and endless tummy rubs - it never stops. I am told this doesn't happen with everyone and that they must love me. If Melosmom isn't careful, she may find them in my car one day on their way home with me. Don't worry, I'll take good care of them.

I am lucky to have such a great job, one that helps me develop my creative side. Until I started working at Old Mill Knitting, I had spent ten years as a sales merchandiser with a really big video game company. It was a very fast paced environment and I certainly enjoyed my job, but at the end of the day I always felt something was missing. I was so happy when Old Mill asked me to work with them. I get to travel around Southern Ontario showing store owners all the fine and wonderful yarns Old Mill distributes. I hope to showcase these stores on future blog postings.

...and yes, I do knit. (More about that later) That being said, I think my family would sometimes like me to trade in my needle time for preparing a good homecooked meal!

Progress

2010-02-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

I am making progress on my knitting, but at this pace I am in real trouble. The BS suggested I knit faster, but I don't think that is a good idea - it can only lead to mistakes and bad workmanship. So far the only trouble I have had is what I like to call a "oner" (pronounced wunner). I am knitting in Zara Dk double stranded and every once in a while - only a couple of times so far - I get to a oner, which I guess is where I missed knitting into both strands of yarn. The BS has showed me how to fix it, but I really don't pay much attention because it is way easier to have her fix it for me! So my only choice is to spend more time knitting - I am going to have to just put my head down and go. Thank goodness we will be getting 24 hours a day of Olympic coverage starting Friday night - I have a lot of T.V. viewing in front of me.

Speaking of T.V., The BS and I are really hooked on Grey's Anatomy and are well into Season 2. I have to apologize to poor Meredith - It turns out it wasn't your fault that you didn't know he was married - sorry I was giving you a hard time.

I should mention that things at work are busy with the new spring yarns arriving this month. Also, I am told that a limited amount of Silky Alpaca Lace is heading my way. This is great news, as we have stores who have been waiting for this yarn for some time. If you have been looking for this yarn and haven't been able to locate it - shoot me an email and I will let you know where to find it.

Welcome MUM!

2010-02-04T21:09:00.000-05:00

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome a new contributor to our blog.
Cathy has been our South-Western Ontario Sales Rep. for the past 3 years and has just accepted the position of Canadian Sales Manager for Old Mill Knitting. We are very excited about this as she has many great ideas for marketing and promoting our products across the country and we know she will be able to share a lot of great information here.
Her blog name is MUM (if you go back to an old post from May 2009 you will see why she has been given this moniker).
You will notice that there are no new pictures of my knitting here. The reason for that - it's the same as it was 3 days ago! Thankfully, I have no plans for this evening so I can dedicate a few hours to working on my sweater and finding out what happened on Y & R the last couple of days. (the BS tapes it every day and I find that I am getting sucked in!) We have also started watching Grey's Anatomy (rented season 1) which so far is great - except for the fact that we just found out Dr. McDreamy is married! (c'mon Meredith - you are a doctor - you are supposed to be smart - he only ever slept at your house! - I saw this coming for 2 episodes now!)

It's Started!

2010-02-01T18:46:00.000-05:00

The decision has been made! I am making the Cobblestone Pullover by Jared Flood (brooklyn tweed). The pattern was originally published in the fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. The BS went to the Interweave Store and bought the pattern for me.

I am using Zara Print Tweed doubled - I wasn't sure on how this would look, but the BS assured me that it would be great and she was right. (of course!)
So I have been knitting like a fiend since Friday night and this is how far I have made it. (do I hear laughter?)

The progress may be slow, but no major mistakes so far, so I am chalking up the first few days as a victory.

Here is a close up. I think that maybe I should be hoping to be done by the 2012 Olympics!

Undecided

2010-01-28T12:15:00.007-05:00

It has now been 24 hours since I decided to knit a sweater and I am no closer to a decision on what to do (although after being outside in the cold today, I am seriously considering the triple-strand Aspire Super Chunky). I thought maybe I could get some suggestions from you to help me out. Here are my requirements:
1. easy but not boring.
OK, I think that is about it.

Then there is the dilemma of colour. I am a blue girl - have been my whole life. However, I have a pretty strong feeling that Roko is going to be helping me knit this sweater (by that I mean he is going to be sitting on top of me the entire time) and Roko is not blue nor is the 10 pounds of dog hair he sheds daily. So, I might have to go with something in the beige, brown, gold colour range. I have chosen two colours of Zara Print Tweed that I love - one blues, one browns, so hopefully I can find a great pattern to use with one of these yarns.

Note: during discussions over dinner last night, the BS asked me what I wanted to knit and I said "easy, maybe a little pattern to it - but no cables or anything" and her response was "cables are easy - you just put the stitches on a cable needle and then knit a few stitches and then knit the stitches off the cable needle" (or something along those lines - I was eating steak and not really concentrating on what she was saying). And while I appreciate her confidence in my ability to not mess this up entirely, do we really think I am ready for cables??

The Place Where Yarn is Born

2010-01-27T12:27:00.008-05:00

I usually like to include pictures when I post, but the warehouse is currently too messy to photograph - we have yarn coming in from all over the place and I have not had time to put it away. So, instead I thought I would show you some pictures from the Filatura di Crosa factory in Italy that the Rock Star sent me.

I can't wait for the Olympics to start - I love everything about it and find myself watching sports that I normally don't really care for - especially if Canada is participating. So I figure that as part of my Olympic fever, I should join the Knitting Olympics and put myself out there to knit something bigger than a scarf. I mentioned to the BS last night that I was going to knit a sweater. She said "a kids sweater?". I said "No - an adult sweater". And now this is a direct quote from the BS: "are you going to triple strand Aspire Super Chunky?" Well, I thought that was kind of harsh, but she does make a very good point - how am I ever going to knit a whole sweater in 2 weeks?! So as a pretty novice knitter, I think I am going give myself a head start and bust out of the gate a little early. I am justifying this by the fact that the underdog in any event is usually given a bit of an advantage to help balance things out (like a handicap in golf). I will let you know what I decide to knit and how things are progressing.

Santa is Late!

2009-12-29T15:44:00.004-05:00

For the past week I have been coming to work with all of the anticipation of a kid on Christmas morning. The reason: a shipment is coming from Naturally with new colours in Loyal and Buttons along with stock of Aspire Super Chunky (we can't keep this in stock - it has been a big seller this season!), Tussock, Harmony, Vero, patterns, etc.

But it turns out that while Santa seems to be very conscientious about delivering toys on time, he is not quite as reliable when it comes to yarn for I am still anxiously waiting for the yarn to arrive.

I do have a theory on why this is. You see I figure that over the years Santa has observed many an unfinished knitted garment under the tree. You know the ones I am talking about - the sweaters that don't have sleeves yet or the hats still on the needles, and so he thinks that yarn is a low priority. Well I say - shame on you Santa! Delivering yarn on time is very important to many of us (and not everybody has all the help getting gifts finished like you do!) So please get off your wide, turkey filled behind and bring me the shipment!

(Note to Santa: if you have subbed this out to a trucking company who are just sitting on their wide, turkey filled behinds, then I am very sorry for yelling at you and hope you forget this post by next year)

Merry Christmas from NZ

2009-12-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

2009 is nearly over and this is my last blog for the year. I hope you have enjoyed reading about all my adventures around the country and my knitting escapades. An update on one of my knitting projects, it was the pink Zarina baby doll sweater, well the good news is I finally finished it and it looked fantastic, would recommend this pattern to anybody. The sad news is that from when I started it to when I finished it I have lost 52 kilo so it just doesn't fit, in fact it looks so big on me I could use it as a tent to go camping in. The moral of this story is, don't lose weight till you have finished knitting a project, or do a small size and then lose weight to fit into it. I have now started a new project in a smaller size, I am knitting Karamea which is our New Zealand Naturally Possum, Alpaca and Merino yarn, I will put up a picture when it is finished.

I still haven't finished my husbands cardigan but will put up a pic when I have, I had a few small problems with it but nothing that can't be sorted, and nothing to do with the pattern, the problems were all created by me.

This time I have decided to show you how we do Christmas is New Zealand. Not very well actually. As it is summer in New Zealand at Christmas time it puts a whole different spin on things. Instead of a big roast dinner with all the trimmings, we have a bar-b-que, bread and salad on the side, and don't forget the tomato sauce. Some people put up a tree, and a few people decorate their houses but it is not done with great gusto in many cases. The town's all put up small decorations, I live in a big city and even here it all looks a bit mediocre. Luckily the day I went out to take some photos to show you the city was having their Christmas parade, so since the decorations looked a bit sad I got photos of the parade. My son was in it, he is dressed as Santa and carrying a Wendy Hamburger Banner, I was running in front yelling out Noel look over here, but sadly 18 year old boys don't fancy having there mum's embarrass them like that.

I kept running in front of the parade trying to get the shot of a life time but sadly I only got a side shot.Well I hope that you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, eat a lot, drink a lot and keep safe. I will be going to the beach with a picnic, chasing away the flies and suffering with sunburn on boxing day. Christmas kiwi style.

All the best from the NZ Super Rep.

Tired 2

2009-12-15T10:39:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the really long delay between posts. Here is an update of what has been happening:

Work has been very busy and for this we are very thankful (and very tired). Between keeping the stores stocked with yarn for the winter season and preparing the new spring samples for the sales reps (yup - we do that in November) I had been running my short little legs off for quite a while.

The BS and I did manage to squeeze in our yearly trip to Las Vegas during the first week of December. We had an amazing time, but it is not the best place to go if you are tired. Did we relax and rest? Heck no! We were all over town and stayed up until the wee hours. It has been a major struggle since returning to catch up on all the sleep that was lost. Remember those pictures from a couple months ago of Melo and Roko sleeping under my desk? I have had to stop myself on many occasions from crawling under there with them for a quick nap!

Here are some pictures from our trip.

One of my favourite things to see is the Conservatory at the Bellagio. This huge atrium is the home of beautiful flower and water fountain features which they change during the year to fit the season or holiday. They were preparing the Christmas display when we were there and it was amazing to see them putting it all together. The BS is going back in a few weeks - hopefully she will get some pictures so we can see the finished product.

The Good Chair

2009-11-23T22:34:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of my office chair. Now you may think it is odd that I would do a blog post about my chair, but there is a story behind it.

Before we started Old Mill Knitting I worked for my dad's construction company. While I enjoyed working for my dad, I found that I spent a lot of my time fixing problems, collecting money and trying to keep everyone on schedule and on track. This involved a lot of grumpiness and a little bit of meanness. The other day the BS was talking to the lady who took over my job and she was in the same mood that I was always in and the BS commented that "it must be the chair".

Thankfully I didn't bring that chair with me to the new company. This good chair helps me to be happy, co-operative and full of love and patience. (except to those people who are trying to make dinner reservations at the Old Mill Restaurant and get nasty that I can't help them).