So earlier this week I sent off my first magazine submission in quite sometime and the first "done to spec". All other submissions were based on something I had already completed and they just happen to like! So this was a different experience for me. And if I were to say it was easy, I would be lying. I had to do a significant amount of ripping a couple of times, because the garment wasn't coming together quite the way I wanted and decided to take another approach (twice)!
You can't always get what you want (sing it with me...), you can't always get what you want, you can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes...you just might find...you'll get what you need!!!
This was my theme song on Saturday. We headed out to go shopping for Arlis (about an hour and a half away) and working to a deadline, my knitting was with me. But as I got started I discovered that the short circular just wasn't going to work and I needed DPNs. How hard could it possibly be to find US#7 DPNs? Even though I do not prefer to purchase knitting supplies at a chain craft store, desperate times call for desperate measures. My local knitters have often told me that Michael's has a HORRIBLE supply of needles, but I generally try not be negative and have never looked closely enough to really evaluate -- maybe it was just our local store. Ah...but no...of the THREE, yes count'em, three Michaels we visited they only carried Clover DPNs in US#8 and US#10.5 and Boye DPNs in US#3 and US#6. No more, no less; how ridiculous is that?!?! So then we went to find a JoAnn's and I am happy to report that they have a much more reasonable selection.
So the moral of the story is: "In desperate times go to JoAnn's because Michaels is uselss".
This was my theme song on Saturday. We headed out to go shopping for Arlis (about an hour and a half away) and working to a deadline, my knitting was with me. But as I got started I discovered that the short circular just wasn't going to work and I needed DPNs. How hard could it possibly be to find US#7 DPNs? Even though I do not prefer to purchase knitting supplies at a chain craft store, desperate times call for desperate measures. My local knitters have often told me that Michael's has a HORRIBLE supply of needles, but I generally try not be negative and have never looked closely enough to really evaluate -- maybe it was just our local store. Ah...but no...of the THREE, yes count'em, three Michaels we visited they only carried Clover DPNs in US#8 and US#10.5 and Boye DPNs in US#3 and US#6. No more, no less; how ridiculous is that?!?! So then we went to find a JoAnn's and I am happy to report that they have a much more reasonable selection.
So the moral of the story is: "In desperate times go to JoAnn's because Michaels is uselss".
So yesterday was spent in one of the most beautiful places on earth and I was able to call it "working" since I was hosting another knitting teacher! OK, so we really did talk about knitting and teaching, but mostly we enjoyed the wonder that is Yosemite. Chris Bylsma and her husband Charlie arrived Tuesday evening after flying into SFO. Wednesday morning we got up early and headed up to the Ahwanhee for a late breakfast. This was the most fabulous breakfast buffet that we had ever seen and the view was absolutely incredible. We then spent the day seeing the various sights in the Yosemite Valley floor.
Throughout the day, Chris and I would remark on how we love our jobs. We get to meet the neatest people, travel throughout this incredibly beautiful country and even occasionally knit! It really is good work if you can get it! Chris and Charlie left the morning after breakfast and picking a good supply of oranges and tangerines (yes, both just grow in our yard) to head south to begin the teaching tour that will finish up when we meet again in Santa Clara for Stitches West.
Throughout the day, Chris and I would remark on how we love our jobs. We get to meet the neatest people, travel throughout this incredibly beautiful country and even occasionally knit! It really is good work if you can get it! Chris and Charlie left the morning after breakfast and picking a good supply of oranges and tangerines (yes, both just grow in our yard) to head south to begin the teaching tour that will finish up when we meet again in Santa Clara for Stitches West.
I have been AMAZINGLY busy the past month (yes, that was the excuse for no postings in a month). January - March always fly by because it is busy season for EVERYTHING that I am involved in. I have to prep for and then attend meetings for our church's Board of Ordained Ministry, it is ski season and I am a part-time ski instructor and then there is all the knitting stuff. TNNA happens in the beginning of January followed by filling orders, sending out new season catalogs. February brings teaching at Stitches West. March is a slower knitting month, but it is when I have to start preparing for the next busy season in June and I have to get the garden spring cleaning.
I do know that I would rather be busy than not, but I have averaged over 60 / week for JUST the knitting business stuff this month. So now I am trying to get the last bits of my new patterns done and through tech editing. So watch for my next post, it will have information on all the NEW stuff for Knitability. But for now, I need to get back at it!
I do know that I would rather be busy than not, but I have averaged over 60 / week for JUST the knitting business stuff this month. So now I am trying to get the last bits of my new patterns done and through tech editing. So watch for my next post, it will have information on all the NEW stuff for Knitability. But for now, I need to get back at it!
So a couple days before Christmas Arlis and I decided to do some more car shopping (with no intention of buying that day), but we came home with this!! We have already taken it up skiing once. It snowed most of the day and started snowing heavily as we were leaving. It was FABULOUS!! It handled well and is super comfortable. I think we are really going to enjoy this new truck.I never ceased to be amazed how much I can get done when I just put in a bit of focused effort. Today has been a website update sort of day! A few days ago I went through and looked at a few areas that needed some work. Today I got almost that entire list checked off and also added a new page that has been on my to do list for some time! I will probably be updating this one from time to time, but it is not a bad start.
I also added several testimonials to existing pages. I have finally started remembering to ask folks when they e-mail me if I can add their statements to the website. I probably should also create a testimonials page that has a bunch of them listed, but at least this is a start.
Of course, there is always a lot more to do. Truly, a website is NEVER finished. But at least I really feel like I got something accomplished. I won't need to feel the least bit guilty skiing tomorrow!!!
I also added several testimonials to existing pages. I have finally started remembering to ask folks when they e-mail me if I can add their statements to the website. I probably should also create a testimonials page that has a bunch of them listed, but at least this is a start.
Of course, there is always a lot more to do. Truly, a website is NEVER finished. But at least I really feel like I got something accomplished. I won't need to feel the least bit guilty skiing tomorrow!!!
So yesterday (and today and by necessity tomorrow), I got the cleaning bug! Over time, the surfaces within my office have become more and more covered with STUFF. Like the chair I have for someone (usually my husband) to sit and talk to me while I am at my desk, has been completely unaccessible for at least 6 months and I bet it is closer to 18 months! But today it is not only accessible, it has also been cleaned.
I have thrown out nearly a complete garbage can full (the big ones) of paper, notes and other stuff I will never need again and if I do, in most cases, it is still on the computer. I now have a surprising amount of work surface in which to, well, work! I can see almost the entire surface of my desk, half of my file cabinet (half is covered by the printer), and most of the work table surfaces. This, truly is novel for me!
I have never been a "neat" person. The trick for me is I don't have an "official" spot for something, then it just gets put anywhere -- and that is where the problems begin. So when I am cleaning, I have to designate a spot for each thing or throw it out. Because this has become such a huge task, I have been putting it off for many, MANY months, but it finally got to me. And although I will still need to clean tomorrow to make it clear around the room, the end is in sight. Surprisingly, the process has not been too painful and at some points has actually been fun. Who knew?!?
Most importantly, I can tell I will at least feel more productive, if not in fact, BE more productive once my space is cleaned and organized. So tomorrow will be one room down and only 9 to go!!
I have thrown out nearly a complete garbage can full (the big ones) of paper, notes and other stuff I will never need again and if I do, in most cases, it is still on the computer. I now have a surprising amount of work surface in which to, well, work! I can see almost the entire surface of my desk, half of my file cabinet (half is covered by the printer), and most of the work table surfaces. This, truly is novel for me!
I have never been a "neat" person. The trick for me is I don't have an "official" spot for something, then it just gets put anywhere -- and that is where the problems begin. So when I am cleaning, I have to designate a spot for each thing or throw it out. Because this has become such a huge task, I have been putting it off for many, MANY months, but it finally got to me. And although I will still need to clean tomorrow to make it clear around the room, the end is in sight. Surprisingly, the process has not been too painful and at some points has actually been fun. Who knew?!?
Most importantly, I can tell I will at least feel more productive, if not in fact, BE more productive once my space is cleaned and organized. So tomorrow will be one room down and only 9 to go!!
Today turned out to be quite a day. I did a stupid thing -- something all of us have probably done at least once if not often, I got distracted for just a second while driving into town. The result was that I swerved off the road onto the shoulder, recovered onto the road, but during the recovery process, over compensated, went into a spin, spun back onto the shoulder where my tire blew, broke the rim and my truck did a one and a half flip resting on the passenger side between two trees in an orchard.
Amazingly enough, I walked away with a tiny cut and a small bruise on the back of my head -- I always wear my seat belt and I am sure it saved my life. More over, after I caught my breath, was sure that nothing was seriously injured, I undid my seat belt and just walked out the front windshield which was mostly missing at this point.
I thank God for watching over me, particularly when I was being stupid! By all rights, I should be amazingly sore, if not in the hospital or possibly dead. I often thank God for my blessings, of which I have many, but today, I also thank God for taking care of me when I was too stupid to take care of myself.
Amazingly enough, I walked away with a tiny cut and a small bruise on the back of my head -- I always wear my seat belt and I am sure it saved my life. More over, after I caught my breath, was sure that nothing was seriously injured, I undid my seat belt and just walked out the front windshield which was mostly missing at this point.
I thank God for watching over me, particularly when I was being stupid! By all rights, I should be amazingly sore, if not in the hospital or possibly dead. I often thank God for my blessings, of which I have many, but today, I also thank God for taking care of me when I was too stupid to take care of myself.
So I have been traveling a ton over the past few weeks, but I have been loving it!!! This is the busiest that my travel schedule has been that I can remember and Arlis and I were a little worried that it might be too much, but so far, it seems to all be OK. I still have one more trip to go, but I cannot imagine that it will be any problem.
Since the last time I posted I have been to Cloverhill Yarn Shop in the suburbs of Baltimore, at Stitches East, in Manhattan, KS at Wildflower Yarns and Knitwear and currently I am in Kansas City, MO preparing to teach my last class at The Studio.
All of the students have been wonderful and my various hosts have been very gracious. It is such a joy to be have a career in such a wonderful industry. I know that it is a unique pleasure to be able to consistently work with fun, nice, creative people. And I am truly grateful for that priviledge.
Being in Kansas City has been particularly fun since I used to work part time at the Studio when I used to live here. Many of the folks who come in the store are familiar faces. I have also had some free time to visit some of our old haunts. Even so, it will be good to be home again tomorrow. As much as I like traveling and seeing people, I miss my husband and the dogs!
Since the last time I posted I have been to Cloverhill Yarn Shop in the suburbs of Baltimore, at Stitches East, in Manhattan, KS at Wildflower Yarns and Knitwear and currently I am in Kansas City, MO preparing to teach my last class at The Studio.
All of the students have been wonderful and my various hosts have been very gracious. It is such a joy to be have a career in such a wonderful industry. I know that it is a unique pleasure to be able to consistently work with fun, nice, creative people. And I am truly grateful for that priviledge.
Being in Kansas City has been particularly fun since I used to work part time at the Studio when I used to live here. Many of the folks who come in the store are familiar faces. I have also had some free time to visit some of our old haunts. Even so, it will be good to be home again tomorrow. As much as I like traveling and seeing people, I miss my husband and the dogs!
This past weekend I was honored to be able to teach at a retreat held in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan, hosted by Rae of Rae's Yarn Boutique. We had 25 knitters, all of whom (or is it who) were absolutely WONDERFUL. They were great students, fun people and easy to be with. I couldn't have had a nicer weekend. Thanks to each and every one of you.
However, before I came, I forgot to pack the camera and boy was THAT a mistake. The colors were absolutely beautiful. And speaking of colors, I was able to spend a lot of time with Lynne H of Color Joy. This woman LOVES color and just truly lives up to her company's name of Color Joy. And for those of you who know me, you may find this hard to believe, but she can talk even more than me!!! But what WONDERFUL conversations we had!
Right now I am sitting in the Cincinnati airport getting ready to leave for Baltimore. Although teaching at Cloverhill Yarn shop and Stitches East will be fun, I am really excited about spending some time with my good friend Jeanne of Nature Speak Knits. We have such great energy when we get together! So I am sure some great things will be getting posted in the next few days!
However, before I came, I forgot to pack the camera and boy was THAT a mistake. The colors were absolutely beautiful. And speaking of colors, I was able to spend a lot of time with Lynne H of Color Joy. This woman LOVES color and just truly lives up to her company's name of Color Joy. And for those of you who know me, you may find this hard to believe, but she can talk even more than me!!! But what WONDERFUL conversations we had!
Right now I am sitting in the Cincinnati airport getting ready to leave for Baltimore. Although teaching at Cloverhill Yarn shop and Stitches East will be fun, I am really excited about spending some time with my good friend Jeanne of Nature Speak Knits. We have such great energy when we get together! So I am sure some great things will be getting posted in the next few days!
Today I am traveling ALL DAY. Right now I am sitting in the Atlanta airport during a 4 hour layover getting caught up on some "internet stuff". However, the big news is that I have finalized the design for the next knit-a-long. Well, at least finalized enough to begin the knitting. Today is the first day of a 10 day trip with a number of opportunties for quality knitting time. My hope is that I will have made significant progres on the project by the time I get home!
So the topic for the next knit-a-long is COLOR. But as I have been thinking about it -- I think I should call it a learn-a-long or a class a month or a mystery project -- because knit-a-long just doesn't cover it! Keep posted to see pictures as I begin making some progress.
So the topic for the next knit-a-long is COLOR. But as I have been thinking about it -- I think I should call it a learn-a-long or a class a month or a mystery project -- because knit-a-long just doesn't cover it! Keep posted to see pictures as I begin making some progress.
What is AKD you might ask? Well it stands for the Associate of Knitwear Designers, but it also includes knitting teachers, tech editors and anyone else whose business focuses, at least in some part, on either hand or machine knitting. Why do I bring this up you might ask? Because I have been a part of this group for many years, but I am excited to say that it appears to be getting a new life. If you are a part of the knitting industry, you should be a member too!
That is our button/logo. Watch for it when you read other knitting folks blogs. You may be surprised to see who all are members. If you want to receive more information, please visit the AKD website. There is something new afoot in the AKD and you might not want to miss out!
That is our button/logo. Watch for it when you read other knitting folks blogs. You may be surprised to see who all are members. If you want to receive more information, please visit the AKD website. There is something new afoot in the AKD and you might not want to miss out!
Beginning this past June, I started participating in some group advertising opportunities. The group ads are featured on the Fiber Buzz website. For each ad, 10 different companies get together and each features a particular product. Every ad, the mix of participants is different and often they have a theme.
This has been an interesting way to have a higher profile ad without having to invest the higher profile dollars. It is a little difficult to track the specific revenue generated by the advertisement, but our most recent ad in the 25th Anniversary Edition of Vogue Knitting magazine I know has generated some sales as many folks are purchasing the Grab and Go Bag which was my featured item.
Let me know if you have noticed the ads!
This has been an interesting way to have a higher profile ad without having to invest the higher profile dollars. It is a little difficult to track the specific revenue generated by the advertisement, but our most recent ad in the 25th Anniversary Edition of Vogue Knitting magazine I know has generated some sales as many folks are purchasing the Grab and Go Bag which was my featured item.
Let me know if you have noticed the ads!
So today in the mail I received my copy of the postcard below. Now we will just have to see who all decides to sign up. I spoke with several of my knitting teacher friends this last week and I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of them show up! The price is so good, and for those of us who travel a lot, the airfare can be covered with airline miles. I hope see some new faces too!
And if you are not interested in teaching fiber arts, but would love a knitting cruise, I am teaching on one of those too. You can visit my cruise information webpage for information on both opportunities, visit StitchawayTours.com for information on the Fiber Arts Teacher Cruise or ForgetMeNotTours.com for information on the Knitting Cruise.
Obviously 2008 is going to be the year of the cruise for me. So I am going to try and keep focused on maintaining my swimming so I will be ready!! I am thinking about setting a challenge of 100,000 yds before Christmas. Any swimmers out there want to swim along?!?!
And if you are not interested in teaching fiber arts, but would love a knitting cruise, I am teaching on one of those too. You can visit my cruise information webpage for information on both opportunities, visit StitchawayTours.com for information on the Fiber Arts Teacher Cruise or ForgetMeNotTours.com for information on the Knitting Cruise.
Obviously 2008 is going to be the year of the cruise for me. So I am going to try and keep focused on maintaining my swimming so I will be ready!! I am thinking about setting a challenge of 100,000 yds before Christmas. Any swimmers out there want to swim along?!?!
So today I spent much of the day preparing the adjacent postcard. You can click on it to see a full size copy. I am sending it to all the shops (yarn, needlepoint, threaded needle) that I could get addresses for. I am really excited about the possibilities this event holds and I am REALLY hoping for a mix of fiber arts being represented within the group.
As the postcard says, if you are interested, there is a significant EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT until the end of July. Although I have some information on my "Cruising with Gwen" page, all of the critically important details can be found at Stitchawaytours.com.
It is never too early to start planning your vacation, especially one that you should be able to deduct (check with your accountant of course)! And nothing is much more fun than traveling with a bunch of like minded individuals!
There is nothing quite so satisfying as a little surprise that makes someone's day. Earlier in the month when teaching at Knitter's Connection, Ann took my Build a Better Bag class. During class, most students will actually complete a miniature size bag. Ann informed me that she would be taking the bag home to her daughter who had been disappointed the prior day when Mommy didn't come home with anything for her. So I added a little surprise of a chocolate bar. Well, the picture says it all -- doesn't it?!?! Sometimes a little gift can result in great happiness!
Just popping in to say that I am off to Stitches Camp!!! Camp is always so fun and this time it is in my neighborhood (OK - 125 miles, but still pretty close). Even better, one of my local students is going too, so I will have some company on the drive. I will try and get a picture or two and get them posted when I get back.
Although, I get back Monday afternoon and leave again Tuesday morning for a church conference. This month has just been CRAZY. But begin busy is fun!!!
Although, I get back Monday afternoon and leave again Tuesday morning for a church conference. This month has just been CRAZY. But begin busy is fun!!!
I am SO EXCITED!!! (The capital letters and exclamation points are a dead give away). I have been working with my friend Sally Black of Stitchaway Tours to organize a Teacher's Cruise in 2008. This will be a cruise for all current and wannabe teachers of the needlearts (knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, counted thread, you get the idea). In 2004 and 2005 I hosted retreats for knitting teachers, but since that time have come to realize that all needlearts teacher share a lot of common ground.
Web pages and such will probably not be up of for a couple more days, but if you are interested, make sure you keep checking or drop me a note in the comments because we are going to be offering a very short term special discount for those who sign up in the first 3-4 weeks.
So do you want to know the itinerary -- do ya -- huh?!?!
We will be taking a Carnival cruise on the Glory sailing May 3, 2008 on a 7 day Western Caribbean Itinerary:
We will also be offering 12 hours of classes designed for needlearts instructors, having at least one cocktail party and expect to have all sorts of goodies. Non-teachers will be welcome as well and will still be able to participate in some of the fun group activities.
I can't wait -- May is usually a slower time for me, so I am excited to be able to spend some of that time with other teachers, learning, sharing, relaxing and having fun!
Web pages and such will probably not be up of for a couple more days, but if you are interested, make sure you keep checking or drop me a note in the comments because we are going to be offering a very short term special discount for those who sign up in the first 3-4 weeks.
So do you want to know the itinerary -- do ya -- huh?!?!
We will be taking a Carnival cruise on the Glory sailing May 3, 2008 on a 7 day Western Caribbean Itinerary:
Sat May 3 - depart Port Canaveral 4pm (USUALLY embarkation starts @ 1pm)
Sun May 4 - Day at sea
Mon May 5 - Cozumel
Tue May 6 - Belize
Wed May 7 - Costa Maya Mexico
Thr May 8 - Day at sea
Fri May 9 - Nassau
Sat May 10 -Return Port Canaveral 7am
We will also be offering 12 hours of classes designed for needlearts instructors, having at least one cocktail party and expect to have all sorts of goodies. Non-teachers will be welcome as well and will still be able to participate in some of the fun group activities.
I can't wait -- May is usually a slower time for me, so I am excited to be able to spend some of that time with other teachers, learning, sharing, relaxing and having fun!
Yesterday Arlis and I walked the valley floor at Yosemite. It is still early enough in Spring that the various falls are still really flowing. We walked for about 3.5 hours and came pretty close to making a full loop of the valley floor. Early in the journey we were walking along the road where they had closed off a lane due to construction. Well, hiding behind some large equipment were three deers! Most of the cars hadn't noticed, so we stopped and were able to get surprisingly close to the animals. I really need to get a portable (read light weight) tri-pod for hiking purposes because this is a bit blurry, but I thought it was a good photo anyway!