August 8 2012 Update

I swear the faster technology moves, the more behind I get it seems like!!  We have so much new "technology" here at the shop now.  If you haven't been in the last week or two, we have a new way of taking credit cards.  Af first, I didn't want to do it (sort of like texting) and now I love it! (again, sort of like texting!)  Not only can you text the shop now at our regular 817-226-9276 number, but when you use a credit card, you sign with your FINGER!  and your credit card receipt gets emailed to you.  Do you know how many CPA's and accountants are loving this new way of doing business?  No more rumpled up receipts.  With the economy being what it is and so much competition for yarn now a days it was time to find ways to cut costs.  I have to tell you if you are a small business owner and you still have a land line, I saved over $170 a month switching the shop phone to a cell phone.  Switching from land line credit card processing to a go payment system has also saved me well over $100 a month, just by making a few changes, we are saving $300 per month and are on the technology move.  FYI, easier for us to get pictures of customers finished projects, just text them to us!  We are working on our counter display of revolving pictures.  The item I lack the most is TIME! and it doesn't seem to be slowing down one darn bit.

A few of the "new" items that I left out in the last update.  Have you heard about the "new" cable protectors for your Addi interchangable needle sets?  They are so cool.  They are in the shape of hearts and you can literally leave your work on the actual cable, remove the tips put your heart cable protector on and use your tips and come back to your work at anytime and all the stitches are in the same place.  Just love them I do.  

Knitter's Pride Dreamz and Cubics are in stock, both single circulars as well as the sets.  The Dreamz have two sets, the full set which includes 4 cords (24", 2 32" and a 40") knitting needle tips from US Size 4/3.5mm to US 11/8.0mm and the Starter Set which 1 24" and 1 32" cord and needle tip sizes US 6/4.0mm, US 9/5.5mm and US 10 6.0mm.  Then Knitter's Pride came out with the Cubics, which are the interchangeable square needle sets.  There are also two kinds of sets in the Cubics.  One is the 16" interchangeable set, Symfonie Rose SPECIAL  which has 2 16" cords and US needle sizes  6/4.0mm to US 10/6.0mm.  (These are so cute!)   Then there is the Symphonie Rose DELUXE which has 4 cords (24", 2 32" and a 40") andu US Needle sizes 6/4.0mm to 11/8.0mm.   Each of the sets come with size makrers, end caps (which can turn the needle into a straight needle) cord keys and a case.  They are really nice needles and with Christmas right around the corner, now is the time to be thinking about what to give and what to ask for!

The new Lace blocking wires are in, if I could just finish my lace shawl I would get to try them.  There's an idea, a finished project!!

Next I want to talk about the changes that are coming to our classes.  We LOVE your enthusiusm at the beginning of the class, but it seems we hear that there is not enough time to get the knitting done.  We have heard you and put alot of thought into how we can make it better.  For our short classes, like two at a time socks, the entrelac purse class (coming up) they will still be two saturdays in a row.  The sweater classes are where the changes are coming.  We are going to offer the Amelie Knitted or Crocheted Sweater Class again, as well as, the gorgeous Cabled Vest Class. 

CABLED VEST - This class will meet on the first Saturday of October, November, December and January.  We will finish the vest in class in January.  Each class you attend will be $25.00. 
October  6 - Saturday 10:30 to 1:00pm - Gauge Swatch, measurements, cast on for back of vest -$25.00
November 3 - Saturday  10:30 to 12:30 - Back of vest should be finished, starting both fronts at the same time, Q&A about pattern, problems - $25.00
December 1 - Saturday 10:30-12:30 - three needle bind off on shoulders, pick up stitches for hood, start hood - $25.00
January 5 - Saturday 10:30 -1pm - Sew Hood closed, pick up ribbing around armholes and finish, button band and button holes, sew on buttons, pose for class picture with beautiful new hooded vest.  $25.00

Please see the class schedule for the rest of our classes http://yhclasses.blogspot.com/.

I am in the process of teaching myself  Swing Knitting.  This method has been around forever and is really fun to do.It is a very special practice of short row knitting.  It is called Swing Knitting, because it "swings" - it's like knitting music.  You knit only one color at a time and your "knitting melody" gives the beat.  You knit "stanzas" - defined knitted areas.  This kind of knitting is both exciting and relaxing at the same time, it just "swings!" Sounds like fun, huh?   It will be listed on the class schedule, which should be done by tomorrow.

My heart has been heavy for a week or so now.  The absolute hardest part of this store is saying goodbye, whether you guys are just moving to Dallas (so you don't pop in as frequently) or Alaska, as a few of my fun customers have gone, or Rockford, IL, where Marlene ended up, or Oklahoma where several of you have gone, most recently Stacy, or Michigan where our dear Andie ended up.   Following corporate husbands has to be so hard on the families but on the other hand, it can be fun!  Promotions are almost like ransoms if you have to move to get them.  But, you guys are all settled now and Skyping on Thursdays can be fun, if this keeps up, I will have IPads on the couch instead of real bodies!  It's when good bye is final that makes it so very hard.  Many of you knew Shirley Binder.  It was with much sadness that I learned of her passing about 10 days ago.  So many memories of her came flooding back and before I knew it I was laughing out loud, which is definately what she would have wanted.  She lost her long fight with cancer, this newsletter is for you Shirley, I know you enjoyed them!  And to our dear, dear friend Patty Allers.  Patty lost her mother unexpectedly this week.  We want you to know, when you are ready we are all here for you.  To both families, my most sincere condelences.

My husband and I had the most interesting conversation about the dog days of summer and when they were supposed to be, and today I found this little nugget of information and can't wait to share it with him, but you heard it hear first!!

Did you know that the phrase "the dog days of summer" refers to the placement of Sirius, the largest star in the Canis Major ("big dog") constellation, in the night sky?  For most of July and August, Sirius rises and sets in coordination with the sun, and the ancient Romans believed that the brightness of Sirius added to that of the sun was responsible for the warmer weather.  We know now that the earth's tilt is responsible for the change in seasons, but the old expression has persisted nonetheless!!

And as always, we continue to invite you to join us for Therapy Thursday!  We are looking for a traveling massage therapist again.  I have someone I am going to call, but she has moved and is farther away now, so if you know anyone please have them call the shop!  Every Thursday, come join us for a wonderful time!  Anytime after 5pm

Oh, one last thing, if you are a knitter in the Houston Areas, close to the main MD ANDERSON hospital and are interested in teaching a cancer patient there how to knit would you please contact me either thru text or phone call at the shop.  817-226-9276.  Thank you!