This man's name rhymes with "SAFE ASSET".

Because I own a knitting store, I'm lucky enough to receive a great publication called Yarn Market News, a trade magazine uniting and informing all of us about the state and the future of the knitting industry in North America. On the back page of each issue, there is a Q&A session with a major knitting/crochet designer. The latest issue featured Kaffe Fassett, and finally someone has discovered a way for the world to remember how to say his name.

In my youth, I was part of a very strange and underpopulated breed: "Young, Obsessive Knitters of the '80's" . With no internet support as exists today, and very little peer enthusiasm, you can imagine how I cherished my barely-watchable home recorded video tapes of Kaffe's PBS series: "Knitting with Color" (I believe that was the title). This great artist had rescued my colour knitting from the hell of monocromatic afghans and Mary Maxim bulky picture sweaters.

I fell very hard (artistically speaking) for him and his way of looking at our colourful world. And during the 1992 Winter Olympics I completed a bright (verging on neon), gigantic (60" finished chest") pullover of the gaudiest acrylics on the market. I may not have learned too much then about the beauty of natural fibres but I sure jumped in with both feet on the colour side of things. And this, more than a decade before the Yarn Harlot typed her now famous, and redundant question onto her blog: "Hey, you know what would be fun?" to then go on to describe her Olympic knitting idea, the frenzy of which has yet to be surpassed in the knitting world (although - only 6 more months to Beijing!)

Over the years, I've used many of Kaffe's ideas in my designing, and am blessed with a partner who is very proud of his sweaters (and luckily can pull off the colour thing quite well.) I love the randomness of Kaffe's technique of a bag of like-colours, where you reach in and grab the next piece without planning, as seen in the background of this take on a pattern from Philopher's called "Alligator's teeth" or something like that.

Unfortunately, my favourite colour blending that I've done was in this vest which is not too visible here but essentially used the same technique of picking from a bag of "lights" for the background and a bag of "darks" for the diamonds.

Other Kaffe inspired sweaters that I've done but not pictured here are the "Tumbling Blocks" pullover that I had to stop wearing to school when I was a teacher, after repeated lessons where I would notice students staring with glazed eyes at my torso, trying to figure out if the "steps went up or down". Then there was the entrelac sweater that I began for my 10 month old where each square was a different colour (32 colours in all if I remember). I finally threw out the unfinished back when she was 10 years old.

One of my favourite Kaffe designs, which is pictured here is called "The Foolish Virgins". I remember when a customer (who was actually a professional knitter) came in with the pattern half done, declaring that "You would have to be a foolish virgin in order to tackle it." I couldn't say, although it really is a beautiful design.

Which brings me to my favourite aspect of Kaffe Fassett's designs: In any of his many publications, you can find charts which are almost mindless in the simplicity of their construction, or you can go to the other extreme - as in the case of the above mentioned virgins - and there are usually a couple that are open to the individuals interpretation where you can just wing it. He offers something for the artist in all of us. The knitters, quilters, needlepointers, mosaic builders of the world owe him a great debt.

A different perspective.

A few weeks ago, Chris from Kingston Links, an on-line business directory for the city (http://www.kingstonlinks.com/.kingstonlinks.com/.kingstonlinks.com/) came in with a digital camera and started taking pictures all around the store. The idea was that they are trying to build an on-line catalogue of products available from their advertisers, and of course a catalogue needs pictures.

Now Chris has a media eye, he sees colour, composition, he doesn't necessarily know what's important in a yarn store so we got a lot of pictures of individual types of knitting needles, a gorgeous shot of our "yarn on sale" table, a really interesting view of our overstock of fancy yarns and many others that were not really of any great value from a catalogue perspective. It would be somewhat like having someone who was not at all familiar with your lifestyle coming into your home and taking great closeup shots of your spice rack, or your box of Kleenex on the back of the toilet.

It was a very interesting experience going through these pictures (all 109 of them) and seeing the store through the lense of his camera. I saw things that I had forgotten that we carried in the store (like these gift cards).

I got to see how beautiful beads are when done up as stitch markers, and understand why we sell so many to people who want to add a really special touch to a gift that they are buying for a knitting friend.

I got to see the beauty of a small basket of hand dyed curly "locks" of specialty fleece that people use for all kinds of things, from felting to doll's hair.

I had to laugh at these 2 "friends", a couple of sample sweaters that just look they've been old buddies for a long time.

I was touched when I saw this shot of part of the collection of sheep that friends, family, staff and customers have so kindly brought to live at the store.

And I was reminded of just how beautiful a tray of glorious yarn can be to a colour-starved knitter who hasn't been in to see us for a while.

It's fun to have a chance to see one's own world through the eyes of a stranger. It makes us a bit more appreciative of the richness to be found in the familiar.

The business of knitting.

This week I've had a couple of meetings with 3 terrific and knowledgeable students from the RMC Business Admin. program who are doing a year-end project based on a local business, in this case they are studying WOOL-TYME Kingston. Hi Guys! (I know that they read this blog).

It's been a very interesting week for them and me as we have been going through what amounts to an inventory of details that are part of the "business" of knitting. As it happened, I had just bought a book called Microtrends by Mark Penn, where he identifies 70 minigroups in Western society that are having a big influence on how markets are driven. One of those groups that is identified is young knitters: teens and women from ages 25-34 who knit and/or crochet, whose numbers have way more than doubled since 2002. I was pleased but not at all surprised to read of this phenomenon. Every day we see more women under 35 in the store than we would have seen in a week when we opened 11 1/2 years ago.

But what struck me about how these young crafters have changed the face of knitting was when one of the guys asked me, just for interest's sake, what would be considered the most difficult type of knitting project, and what would be considered an easy one.

I didn't even have to think about either of these as they could easily be the same answer: a scarf.

However this beautiful picture at right represents a project that I would never have thought would be sold from my store just a few years ago, yet it is exactly these young committed knitters who have recognized the beauty of fine yarn and intricate patterns in a nice smallish project like a glorious blended wool and/or silk scarf. I call this EXTREME Knitting. (At last fall's SHOW & SHARE I think that about 1/4 of all the projects were beautiful lace and all were from the "younger" knitters.)

On the other hand, At the store we have come up with all kinds of easy patterns for beginner knitters who want to make a scarf RIGHT NOW, but don't want it to be too hard and don't want it to look too tacky. Young consumers in any area know what they want and are willing to learn, do and spend a lot to customize what they are acquiring.

I'm so glad that WOOL-TYME Kingston opened when we did - at the bottom of the last cycle of popularity for knitting and crocheting. It gave us time to grow into this new world where technology helps us be more informed consumers and business owners. At the store and through the internet, I can really see what our customers are wanting and needing, and where they are finding it. We can then make wise decisions about what we can realistically offer to make our stores more suitable for our customers.

It's a fascinating world out there, and when you look at the 2 new additions to the store this week: the laptop/internet combo, and the Wool winder/skein holder combo, you can really see how all of our lives are so connected to the simplest and yet most complex technologies.

NOTE: If you didn't get your e-newsletter for March yet, click on the sign up button on the right of this page and it will sign you up automatically. I'll send it out again for those who missed it in about 10 days.

A techno success story- knock on wood.

Well, this is fun. It's Saturday afternoon and I get to play hookey from work because I'm in Ottawa giving my folks a post-op. hand. Meanwhile I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try out the new laptop at the local Second Cup just so that I can look very techno-savvy like all the other smart folk that I've seen over the past few years, who get to spend some quality time with their laptops while sipping a Cappuccino (I had to look at the price board to figure out how to spell Cappuccino).

One of the difficult decisions that I have to deal with in writing a blog AND a well read e-newsletter is how much to I put in the blog ahead of time so that it isn't too repetitive for those of you who read both of these projects of mine. Well too bad for you if you do get a double dose of these new yarns as we have had to practically hand out dribble-bibs to the staff as they have been putting them out.

The first of these is the newest arrival from one of our best sellers: Manos del Uruguay...it's a DK blend of wool and silk that just makes you want to swim in it. A bit pricey but excellent yardage makes this a treat that you deserve.

The second dribble fest came about when putting out Estelle's new Cloud Cotton. This Aran weight organic cotton in glorious colours was so exciting that I immediately took a couple of skeins home to make the ever-popular "Baby Yoda Jacket" which should be on display at the store sometime this week. It is so cute, you can't believe it and it shows us who glorious the feel is, even to me, not a major fan of knitting with cotton. There are a few other wonderful arrivals this spring but you'll just have to click on the link at right to sign up for the monthly newsletter which will be coming out (I really shouldn't tempt fate by stating that so positively, but that's just me...the risk taker) next Saturday, March 1st.

Well, I guess it's time to go as I'm finishing my last sip of hot apple cider, and other patrons are eyeing me enviously for my comfy leather seat next to the fireplace, and Rogers is about to cut me off after having paid for my hour's worth of internet service.

It really is fun learning a new skill. By the way, (dare I tempt fate again by annoucing it? Oh what the H...) early next week, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, we should be plugged into wireless internet connection at the store so you will be able to bring your laptops to check into Ravelry or colour charts or product lines while you're at the store. Looking forward to it.

Happy 1st ANNUAL FAMILY DAY!!!

It was terribly confusing, trying to figure out if we were going to be open for Family Day today. There was very little direction from the powers that legislate these things; I've never had to deal with an inaugural Stat holiday before.

Anyway, as I legitimately have to be away on family business on Friday of this week, I decided that I would go into the store and take today to catch up on some of the things that have been put off lately - the exciting and glamorous things that a store owner (and her partner) get to take part in...like changing the lightbulbs in the fluorescent fixtures that are about 2" higher than I can comfortably manage by myself...like moving the wall unit of the DK yarns forward so we can retrieve the 4 or 5 bags of yarn that have fallen in behind and have been out of our reach since before the Holidays... like removing the cardboard boxes that are broken down and need to be taken to the recycling depot tomorrow...and actually, like the fun of setting up my new computer.

I took the plunge last week and bought a laptop for the store.

I had 3 meetings last week with product representatives and I realized just how much easier it would be if we were able to look up the shadecards on-line.

Also, since last year, I would say that the amount of work that I do via the Internet has increased many times over, it sure would be nice to be able to do some of that work while I was at the store and not have to wait until I get home to do it.

And finally with the advent of Ravelry I'm sure that it won't be long before we are able to use the computer to help customers check if they have a certain size of needle at home, or how many skeins of the Manos del Uruguay in colour 135 they still need. I'm pretty sure that we haven't yet begun to realize how important an on-site, on-line terminal will be.
NOW, if I can just get the darn thing connected without too much fuss, we'll be all set.

This past week was a hectic one with the SWEETHEART SALE being such a great success. Many busy hands in the coming months after this past week's purchases. It was nice to take a break and read the new Interweave Knits that just came in. http://www.interweaveknits.com/nextissue/

There's no question that Interweave Knits has many great patterns but I barely see them as I'm going through the magazine. What I love is all of the information they offer like a great section on the best ways to keep your knitted garments from being ravaged by moths, and a super article on the steps to excellent "finishing". I'll be incorporating some of these ideas in the April 5th: "Finish your sweater TODAY" class. (See about this in the Coming Events section above under the spring classes calendar.)

I also got to do quite a bit of knitting this weekend, including trying to use short rows to keep the buttoned neck of an alpaca sweater that I'm working on from pulling up at the front. Then IT HAPPENED...every knitter's nightmare...the circular needle that I was using came apart. I often have the task of comforting and calming knitters who come in gingerly holding their project, trying not to drop any more stitches, asking for help in retrieving the ones that have already fallen when this has happened to them. But I've never had it happen to me...until yesterday. URGH!!!! And it would have to have happened right in the middle of the front where any tension issues will show like a neon sign.

OOOMMMM...This is me relaxing into the experience.

Schedule of classes and activities Spring 2008

Tuesday, April 8th to Saturday, April 12th.

Spring 2008 SHOW & SHARE.

This popular event features WOOL-TYME Kingston customers who are kind enough to share their crafted projects with the rest of us.

Please feel free to join the fun: Just bring in a finished knitted, crocheted, felted or hooked project before Mon. April 7th and we will display it for the week ending Saturday, April 12th.

A reception on Saturday the 12th will welcome all of you, and participants also receive a 15% coupon to the WOOL-TYME Kingston store as a special THANK YOU.

Don't miss out, plan now for what you would like to bring.

Saturday, March 15th
Introducing the ASHFORD KNITTERS' LOOM
with Roberta Mckinney
This is it, the greatest "stash-busting" tool in the world. Come and receive introductory instructions on using the beautiful Ashford Knitters' Loom. A beautiful table top loom that's easy to use and introduces you to the world of weaving, while making use of your beautiful knitting yarns.
Demonstration and hands on work will be available throughout the afternoon.
When: Sat. March 15th 1-4pm.
Cost: $15, refundable with purchase of the Ashford Knitter's Loom.

Saturday, March 29th:

DROP SPINDLE for beginners with KIM PARKINSON
The simplest way to discover the wonder of spinning fibres is with a drop spindle. Try your hand at it this age old craft .

When: Sat. March 29th 1-4pm

Cost: workshop $45. Includes a spindle to take home and a selection of fibres to work with.

Saturday, April 5th:

FINISH YOUR SWEATER TODAY!

Everyone has a project that is 95% finished, which haunts them from the back of the cupboard or under the bed. Well, this is C-DAY...Completion Day!

Bring your project and and tackle it from the safety of our class table with all the support, expertise and encouragement that you need to make a beautiful job of it.

When: April 5th from 10 am to whenever you're done (or 5:30 pm when we close, whichever comes first.)

Cost: $30. Class is limited to 5 participants so sign up early.

Saturday, April 19th - TELL YOUR NON-KNITTING FRIENDS

FREE - Learn to Knit class for complete Non-Knitters.

If you even think that you can knit and purl, this class is not for you. If you are over 15 years old and have always longed to knit but had no one to ask, we're here to teach you, for FREE! But you must register. Class is limited to 5 participants.

When: Sat. April 19th, 1-4pm

A small material fee ($5.) will be required at registration.

Saturday, May 10th:

NEEDLE-FELTING DEMO

Come and experience the fun of needle felting, the newest craft to catch anyone who can see colour and loves to play. See how you can embellish with wool fleece, yarn and pre-made felt accessories.

When: Sat. May 10th 1-4pm

Cost: FREE - but yarn or cash donation to PROJECT LINUS would be appreciated.

Saturday, May 31st

REVERSIBLE 2 COLOUR KNITTING with Sue Atkinson.

Anyone who has taken a course with Sue knows what a treat it is to have her with us again.

Go ahead and take a good look at this sample. See how the inside is the negative of the positive colour placement on the outside. This amazing technique is featured in the great new book: "Son of Stitch 'N Bitch". Using simple knit, purl and slip stitches, you can create truly reversible knitted fabric with shadow designs on both sides. This technique is ideal for scarves, hats with turned back brims, kids' wear, vests, sweaters and afghans. Explore interesting stitch patterns and learn how to seam, trim and finish your work to make it truly reversible.

When: Sat. May 31st 1-4pm

Cost: $45 Contact store for minimal supplies that you need to bring.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Free demos don’t require registration. Just drop in.

Registration for classes can be done in person or over the phone using a credit card.

Payment in full must be made upon registration.

Refunds will be given if cancellation is at least 3 days before the workshop and we are able to fill your spot in the class. (A credit for a future class will be considered if refund isn’t possible.)

Don't miss the MIDWINTER SWEETHEART SALE! and a story.

Just in case some of you haven't gotten the newsletter or seen the ad in the paper, I wanted to remind you that from Monday, Feb 11th to Saturday, Feb 16th we have our 6th annual Midwinter Sweetheart Sale where all of the regularly priced yarn in the store is on special: if you buy 4 balls, you get the 5th one for FREE! They don't have to be the same colour, type or style of yarn, it just has to be the 5th ball that you buy to be FREE.

ALSO, for those among you who have knitting friends...if you bring your friend with you, you both receive an extra 5% off your entire order!

And one last word about the sale: We have been having such success with using the reusable shopping bags that we are offering a free stamp on your Customer Savings Card to all who bring their own bags for the week of the sale.

There, enough of the advertisement. Hope to see you there.

Now, I wanted to tell you a sweet story that I was reminded of yesterday.

On a nice Saturday in February as yesterday was, a knitting store can be a busy place, so it's particularly appreciated when you get a moment to chat with some of the customers. Yesterday, I had a lady who bought a good batch of yarn that was in skeins and consequently needed to be rolled into balls. She was musing about how she would achieve this as she lived alone. She thought the back of a chair would fill in as a skein holder, then I remembered and told her about the time when I was in the hospital after delivering my first daughter and was so desperate to knit, having run out of yarn; I only had skeins left. I HAD to roll some more so that I could continue. For reasons that I choose to forget, I wasn't able to get out of bed and so I propped myself up with pillows, wrapped the skein around both of my feet and spread them apart to make the skein taught, and wound my way back into the realm of being able to knit. The customer and I both had a good laugh about that memory, and she said that she thought it would be a good idea and that she might give it a try.

Today, when I sat down to write in the blog, I went through my file of interesting knitting tidbits that I like to collect and to my shock, there was the Mon Tricot Magazine from Aug/Sept 1977 (the issue that would have been on the newsstands the day that Elvis died, by the way) that contained the pattern that I was knitting at the time of my confinement a few years later.

Now I would like to tell you that the sweater looked as nice on me as it did on her, considering my dedication to the task. The reality was that I had gained 60 lbs during that first pregnancy, so I was really knitting blind not having any idea how I would look post-baby. Well I guess I didn't have much faith in my body's ability to bounce back because my gorgeous burgundy wool sweater turned out so big that it would have fit the model who was wearing it and her companion who was standing next to her in the picture. Oh well, I eventually ripped it out and made a nice fairisle yoked cardigan from a pattern that I found a few years later in Canadian Living, another great source for knitting patterns in the '80's.

Now and then I come across a knitting book from Pingouin, Phildar or Mon Tricot from that era and am always amazed at how timeless the designs are. Those French designers in the '70's and '80's had their finger on what the knitting world was going to like for a long time. Both of these pictures could be in books that would be published today.

Lest it sound as if I'm pining for the "good ol' days", I am also pretty "with it" in the cyber contact and knitting worlds. A couple of weeks ago I was on a Women's yoga and business retreat at the Gananoque Inn (yes, it was heavenly). What a great time. But the whole phenomenon of Facebook took up a certain amount of our chatting, and as many of us had not had any experience with it, the organizers offered to run a mini intro workshop for the uninitiated among us. Then couple of days later I got my invitation to join Ravelry (the on-line knitting community similar to Facebook but dedicated exclusively to knitters and crafters.)...and life has gone off the rails since then.

One of my daughters refers to Facebook as "Crackbook" as it is so addictive, but truly it is fun, (and in the zen way of looking at things, it gives me an opportunity to cultivate and practice self discipline). I'll be trying to keep both pages up to date and have the Ravelry page link to this blog, but if you're on Facebook and would like to link up, I'm under my name: Anne Woodall and also WOOL-TYME Kingston has a business page. So much to learn, so little time. And then when am I going to get any knitting done...?