Whatever Happened to Arsenio Hall?

Does anybody else remember Arsenio Hall? I would not say that I was a big fan, but I always loved "the things that make you go - hummmm?!" When I first tried blogging, I would end my post with a question, something that would make me go - hummm?!

Being one who likes to have a plan, the whole free-form blogging thing is a little bit hard for me. So I think that I have decided to go back to my original format and end with a question. I don't know if it will really work, but there is no harm in giving it a shot.

My big news is we were able to upload the website changes last night. There are always more things that need to be done, but honestly, if you wait until it is perfect, it never gets done! Now my goal is to at least perform minor updates at least once a month -- it will be interesting to see if that actually happens!

So whatever did happen to Arsenio Hall?

Read More

Devil in the Details

For anyone looking for a Superbowl free post, this is it. I didn't even know who was playing as of late yesterday (was having a great day skiing instead) and for the evening we went to an EMPTY theater and watched a great movie Matedor. Now, I wouldn't call it a family film by any means, but it was well-written and well acted. A surprise that we kind of took a chance on and very glad we did.

I was hoping to have my updated website up, but alas, I still have to check a few more things before we put it up, but I SWEAR we will get it uploaded tonight! And then I will begin with the flurry of e-mails letting folks know about the new Knitability Club and Teacher's Retreat. But today must first focus on getting order prepped and sent out!

Read More

Planning Fun

So I am in the process of updating the website and one of the fun parts is updating the Teacher's Retreat information. This really is a fun event that I have developed -- even if I do say so myself! Luckily the participants say so too! Each time I update the website I get to go back over the pictures from the previous events. For example, these are from our first event in 2004 during our ride in the limo to yarn shopping and dinner:





Fiber artist are really nice people and there is always instant camaraderie since we all share a similar passion. In the past we have held the event in the Spring, but due to a number of factors (not the least of which is the fact I need shoulder surgery) we have moved it to the fall. So I won't get my inspirational dose of fun until later in the year. But that is probably okay since it is just before the busy teaching season. Nonetheless, it still makes me smile!!

Read More

More News from San Diego

So as the first week ends after the show, I think I really am pleased with the outcome! My little printer is going like made to get materials ready and I am looking into a replacement, but good on the whole!

Probably the best part were my two helpers Jeanne and Beth. I had to teach during the first hour of the show, so they both helped cover until I could get there. They also were great fun for going out afterwards!

Jeanne and I just barely met in KC prior to my leaving, but became fast friends. Although she has be a knitting instructor, she is now focusing on designing and is fantastic. Knitability has a few of her designs licensed prior to her starting her own designing business Nature Speaks. She is a treasure!

Beth and I are teachers at the big conventions and were roommates last year at Stitches Midwest. She only lives a few hours away in SF making it possible to see each other occassionally. Beth and I also "mind melded" almost immediately and are working on developing a GREAT project (more later). Beth also does design and I love her company name See Jane Knit.

In addition I got to see my good friend Annie Modesitt. She and I met at Camp Stitches East many moons ago and we were "sturdy girls on little chairs". Ask her about it sometime!!

Anyway, it is always nice to catch up with friends -- especially knitting friends!

Read More

Welcome to the New Year -- sort of!

So this post is a little late to really be about the new year, but at least we are still in January (barely) and of course I haven't taken down the Christmas tree yet, so it still FEELS like the beginning of the year! Yes, I know, it is pathetic, but the craziness of consulting back in the business world resulted in my loosing an entire month!

I got to January and realized that not only had I done basically nothing for the business, but I had a booth at TNNA (the wholesale trade show) in three weeks (last weekend) along with teaching and I had done (for all practical purposes) NOTHING!!! So two days were taken up with panic stricken paralyzed. Then I figured out what the new line was going to be and worked like business depended upon it (and it did to some degree) and made a reasonably good showing last weekend.

One of the two classes I taught was sold out at 50 students!!! I received lots of very positive feedback in the booth, so that was great. The new product line was very well received and I finally feel like I know where I am taking the business. Having a mission and focusing on it (Taking Knitters to the Next Level) really has made a difference.

So now it is time to get the website updated. I am expecting to do two updates in relatively short order. The first one will update the general content, but not the look. The second should be updating the look to better reflect the mission. Keep an eye out -- I am dedicated with a new level of energy -- watch out!!

Read More