cottageknits.com Blog

A sea of scarves

Administrator — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:48:35 +0000

Finally! After months and months of preparations we are about to see the fruits of your labors. The Indianapolis Super Bowl is only a week away and as the excitement grows with the opening of the “Super Bowl Village”, the hanging of the Super Bowl numerals, Super Bowl flags, nothing excites me more than seeing a sea of blue and white scarves that have been hand knitted and crocheted by every day folks like you and I.
Although to some it may have seemed to be a lofty goal to think that over eight thousand scarves would be created and donated for the volunteers, i knew it would just not be a problem. I have seen the generous spirits that knitters and those who crochet have when it comes time to use our skills for others. You knit for soldiers, babies, folks going through chemotherapy, new mothers, the elderly in nursing homes, the homeless, those in mourning and those in need of prayer. You knit for anyone who asks you to (usually) and even for those who don’t.
While the world will have it’s eyes on the players of the teams, the seemingly endless commercials and “super stars” i will be watching for the labors of some of my superstars…those good people who unselfishly gave their money, time and talents to show off Hoosier Hospitality.
And may I say to all of you, “Good Job. Well Done”.

Retreat and Refresh

Administrator — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:33:16 +0000

Last Friday 21 happy knitters left for Wooded Glen Retreat and Conference Center located in Henryville, IN.
24 hours packed full of super knitting, tasty food, comfy chairs, and a glorious view topped off with Hoosier Hospitality~ at it’s finest.
I personally knew the stories of many of the ladies who attended and i sensed that this was a much needed time away for many who needed to step out of their everyday lives for a time to relax and refresh.
That’s the beauty of such little get away weekends. It gives us time to step out of our norm and slow down a bit.
We had a diverse group in ages and circumstances.
New mothers were able to get a full nights sleep, for a change.
One knitter got to take “time off” from some emergency home repairs that has had her out in the extreme heat for the past month.
A mother and daughter duo were able to enjoy their time together and leave behind the worries of dealing with aging parents, job concerns and get some rest from moving to a new house.
Another is in the process of selling a home and adjusting to becoming a full time student after spending the last couple of decades in the workforce.
Teachers soaked up the pampering as their last bit of summer is coming to a close.
Two friends were able to spend some quality time together and encourage each other.
One knitting friend had just learned that she has a surgery pending for hip replacement. Hopefully she was able to forget that for a bit while away.
So you see, no matter what our reality, it’s nice to Stop. Take A Break. Renew. Refresh. Retreat.
And as we head back we can’t help ourselves wondering…”when can we do that again?”

Trends and Tricks

Administrator — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:08:26 +0000

Remember when knitting made it’s big comeback? The yarn was unique, the patterns were simple and the seemingly endless textures and colors wooed many hibernating knitters back into the craft and needless to say…countless knitters were born!
That was about ten or so years ago. Then we wanted more…we wanted to fine tune our skills and learn new and exciting techniques. Young and new designers keep us interested and challenge us. Fibers continue to amaze and lure us. Handpainted yarns remind us that color palettes do, indeed, sing to us.
Never has there been more resources to intrique and tempt even the most cautious knitters to think about that “next” project ahead of us.
Yes, if you want to be challenged you will not be disappointed~pattern books and magazines are packed full of knits to do just that.
But i also see a bit of a resurgence of the quest for what we shyly refer to as “mindless knitting”. Once again many are enjoying simple knitting…letting the yarn work for them and relaxing to the soothing rythm of needles and yarn coming together. Some will find knitting simple projects allow them to socialize while working on their projects. Some will be watching movies while they knit. Frankly, after a long day at work it’s nice to unwind by the simple movements without much thinking or pattern reading. Thus, may i recommend the “Lazy Summer Vest” pattern? I typed it out after shopping for fall inventory~seemingly it’s all the rage~a simple little knit in virtually any type and texture of yarn. It’s been quite popular and each is unique. The best part is that it does flatter all body types!
I am most to happy share this pattern with my customers with yarn purchase. After all, that’s why a brick and mortar yarn shop is so differant from online sources~we share our passion and ideas with each other and cheer each other on during the process. I just love that!

What’s next?

Administrator — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:05:39 +0000

The short and the sweet of it is that the buying trip to TNNA market was fast and furious and i am excited about the connections i was able to make in the short time i was there.

Vendors were showing off their stuff! (If anyone tells you knitting is for grannies…well, they just aren’t paying attention!) Fashion at it’s finest is showing up in the latest patterns and fibers. Designer’s are cranking out patterns for all skills of knitters!

Simple knitted vests and wraps draped countless shoulders~and i was happy to learn that we here at the cottage are right on track with the projects we have been working on!

I spoke with Sandra McIver who has a new book out Knit, Swirl(coming soon!) who has perfected the one piece, swirl jacket! The models were stunning and gave me a few ideas to share with you…..and i am antsy to begin my third circular vest!

Watch for some new lines at the cottage! Not to worry, i will keep you all posted as things arrive! My quest to freshen things up came to a close on Sunday evening…my seventh market trip under my belt. All in all it is an overwhelming adventure, but one that is key to keeping up with the latest and greatest in the fiber world~One thing i couldn’t help but to notice was that it seems to be all about making your yarn work for you, with the correct fiber your project is sure to be awesome..and isn’t that a good thing? Stay tuned.

We just never know…

Administrator — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:55:22 +0000

If you have read the book The Five People You Meet In Heaven you will know where i am going with this. If you haven’t read it, take a short break and read it.
Last week i had the opportunity to teach a group of ladies to knit. I do not tell you this so that i might have recognition for doing so, but to tell you what a positive experience it was for me.
You see these eight ladies are not able to come to the shop to learn to knit, they are incarcerated. They are currently learning life skills that will help them to make wiser decisions in their lives. While not taking classes and meeting in support groups they have time to fill, so knitting is a good fit.
Just like any other beginning class, they were excited to be there. That enthusiam is usually contagious and I too looked forward to sharing one of my passions with them. You see, i have always felt that you are actually giving a lifelong gift when you teach someone to knit.
We got off to a running start knitting hats on circs (ladies at the shop had already cast on the stitches, joined them and knitted the first round). That was a great help to me and i really wanted to keep our first session light and fun. We all know how frustrating learning a cast on can be and i wanted to save that for a later time.
After a couple of hours i left with all eight knitting, and a few had even learned the longtail cast on before i left. That was good, as i would not return for a few days to see how they were getting along. A couple of the ladies seemed to catch on quickly and i left them “in charge” of helping the others.
When i returned i was the excited one. They filed in with their boxes of knitting…nearly five hats ready to begin the shaping. I am not sure who was the most proud…me or them. They chattered and told me that some had started over and over and i told them that’s all a part of it.
When you knit, you just seem to become less guarded and i am getting to know these women on a completely differant level. I watch as they help each other..like a family of sorts. They seem to be willing to trust me and they have been so very respectful that i am a little bit amazed~We live in a world where respect is often not the order of the day. Sadly, i think, we have come to be surprised when it happens.
I tell you this to encourage you to step out of your box, take a risk…give a bit of yourself to another and your story will most likely be much like mine. You will be the one most blessed ~
And that brings me back to the beginning, is this about their story? I think it could be my story as well. Learning day by day how we are knitted together on this journey called life.

Making Memories…

Administrator — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:08:48 +0000

Leave it to a Grandma to pamper and create a week of fun, intrique and memories for three very special girls.
Anna, Ellie and Sophia traditionally spend their break in Columbus with Grandparents John and Sherrie McDonald.
I suspect this year will be one that they will long remember as the year they began to share a new passion. This year Ellie and Sophia learned to knit.
Sherrie brought all three in to Cottage Knits for a class she had scheduled weeks beforehand. They were joined by Aunt Heather. (I have long prodded Heather that she would love knitting~and so it was a great surprise for me to have her join us!)
We spent two hours together and as the girls bantered back and forth (as sisters do) three Booga Bags began to take shape….and three knitters were born.
Heather, Ellie and Sophia left the cottage with smiles on their faces, anxious to get back to Grandma’s house where they would spend the day knitting. According to Sherrie, knit they did….morning, noon and night.
And a few weeks later i have received reports that the girls continue to knit and are awaiting a visit from Grandma Sherrie for further instruction so they can finish their projects.
Most of us remember who taught us how to cast on those stitches and stood by as we struggled to knit those first few inches. It was a life gift, i believe. And like most of us i suppose that Ellie and Sophia will treasure sharing a passion with their Grandma and Aunt Heather.
Funny thing that happens when we unselfishly do for others~
In creating memories for the girls, Sherrie herself has a memory to cherish~Seeing her girls tucked in bed, happily knitting themselves to sleep. And that, my friends, are the things that just can’t be bought.
Knitted together.

April Showers…

Administrator — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:27:03 +0000

Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, rain showers! All good reasons (or excuses, if the case may be) to get those needles going!
The shelves are loaded with fibers for warmer weather projects…and designers have increasingly tempted us with all sorts of ideas! Of course shawls, socks and summer tops and baby items are always popular projects for spring and summer knitting. Now add to that home decor and knitted toys and yes, even knitted food!
Young designers bring a whole new perspective to the craft~instead of thinking “why would you want to knit that?” they remind us that the sky is the limit and if you can think outside the box you will “knit it, because you can”. I like that. It keeps us young, on our toes and challenges us to see knitting in a whole new light. So my mantra is “if it makes you smile or entertains you, it’s a good project.”
After all, it’s supposed to be fun! Right?
Spring magazines feature everything from Ring Bearer Pillows to Bridal Gloves. One of my favorite wedding or baby shower gifts are handknitted Christmas Stockings. Keepsakes that will be treasured year after year.
Or if you are thinking something a little more quirky, how about this?
Knitted cupcakes, argyle eggs ~sign up for a class~knit a few! Meanwhile, i will be pondering, “what’s next?” ~we can only imagine!

March Madness?

Administrator — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:52:14 +0000

I love basketball. My dad was a basketball coach when i was growing up. He made a career change when we moved to Columbus in the late 60′s and that was most likely a good thing, but the sport was good to our family. Dad was a skilled player in his high school career and his talents landed him a college scholarship. Needless to say, in our family, March has always been all about basketball.
Like you, i have my favorite teams. Like you, i most likely will have finished a few knitting projects by the end of the tourney. (Yay!)

So here is some great advice for all of you who grow weary of the seemingly endless round of games, commentaries and watching the guys in your life cheering on their teams from the recliner~settle in, grab your needles and be reminded that Spring is just around the corner… and baseball season comes next.

Just you wait!

Administrator — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:16:05 +0000

A Yarn Tasting Event is a perfect time to roll out the red carpet and welcome you to see and “taste” what’s new in the world of fiber!

This is the time of year for retailers to turn around the inventory and embrace a new season ~ that means i’ve been buying yarn…and lots of it!
Meeting with yarn reps is only a small part of my duties…but the time i spend with them is critical in keeping up with what is going on in the industry. Knitting has attracted a whole new generation and that is reflected in both patterns and fiber.

I have seen wonderful textures, color and quality product ~ things for spring and summer are fresh and exciting! Look for wonderful silk blends, pima cottons, superwash wools, self-striping yarns, summer weight sock yarns…well, the list goes on and on.

A little bonus for attendees for the Knit-Inn this weekend is a trunk show of a new line coming to the cottage…and i’m really excited to get feedback from 10 lucky ladies who will get to actually work with some of these unique yarns.
But, that is another day! Stay tuned! You’ll be hearing more soon!

If you need motivation to keep knitting all throughout the spring and summer…just come on by the cottage and you’ll see why you will want to take advantage of longer daylight hours and keep those fingers around your needles.

It warms my heart~

Administrator — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:19:08 +0000

No matter what your opinion of the Tree Cosy Project…
it just warms my heart to realize how much joy and satisfaction so many kids experienced as they worked on this art project!
Students from St. Bartholomew, Northside Middle School, Columbus East HS, Parkside Elementary, Columbus Signature Academy, Columbus International School and others participated in this multi-generational project. And to see their efforts on display brightens my day.
I know how much time and effort went into each tree cosy…the kids learned a new skill and as i watched them encourage each other it reminded me of a time when we honestly did appreciate effort as much as result. Kids coaching kids. I am not sure it gets much better than that.
Northside kids used this project to reflect on life philosophy. How cool is that?

Trees do not need blankets, that’s true. But we all need a sense of community and i believe that indeed, was achieved.
So i am grateful to all who participated. I am grateful to Sue Hardenburg at the Columbus Arts Council for promoting fiber arts. I am grateful to those who took the ball and ran with it….You know who you are. You all given these kids a life gift and skill. Finally, i am grateful to live in a town where creative expressions are applauded.