The other day one of the Northampton Woolettes* was in the store preparing for the next project. She loves to knit baby and children’s things. They give her a chance to try lots of new techniques and stitches, while at the same time the knitting is finished and wrapped up in a fairly short amount of time. This Woolette loves both the process and the product of knitting. The funny thing is that all these little knit things go into her “Grandmother Hope Chest”. Her children are getting married so we think the babies will start soon, and she has knit items ready for any and all variations!

Another one of my favorite Woolettes came in with a baby sweater and booties nearly done. Everyone in her family knows about her knitting addiction (oops, I mean therapy) and she had knit this little piece at the request of an aunt whose son was soon to become a father. As we talked I thought how great it would be to have a little stash of completed baby projects just for occasions like this. That upcoming shower, the friend of a friend who is having a baby; I am sure there are many times when a knitted gift would be so appreciated but there just isn’t enough time to get something done. Sounds like good summer knitting to me, but not many of us are that organized or prepared.

This next week will find me in the cellar quite a bit as we try to get ready for sidewalk sales. I will be digging in boxes and bins and making decisions about what yarns to keep and what yarns need to find new homes. There will be plenty of surprises and plenty of yarn opportunities for the savvy yarn shopper. The whole of downtown will be on the street offering bargains and blowouts. I will have baskets and tables full of yarn and books and things that need to be gone so that we can have room for all the new fall items. This is a great time to add to the stash because there will be some real deals. If you are in the mood for socks and mittens you might even take advantage of some cashmere that I will have on sale. Make some room in the yarn barn! Sidewalk sales start on Thursday July 26 through Saturday July 28. See you on the Sidewalk.

*Northampton Woolette- Any knitter who has taken a class, wants to take a class or is thinking about taking a class at Northampton Wools and buys her yarn at Northampton Wools.

Summer is officially here, I just wish it was a little warmer. I like my summers hot and humid so that I can justify sitting in front of the fan with my knitting in my lap. “It’s too hot to be running around outside doing things like gardening or mowing the lawn”, I say to my husband who is always ready for the next event. I love my summer knitting time and anticipate the relaxing days ahead of me.

If you think summer is too hot for knitting you should think about the small projects that you can get done during your down time. Knitting a sock on the beach is fun and colorful and can help you keep track of the time in the sun. A bag for felting, a set of coasters or even a few cotton wash cloths all make easy knitting time into productive time as well.

In the current Rowan books there are several projects that are not typically knit, look through these patterns for inspiration and new ideas. So far I have crocheted a beach bag, knit a new seat for a little camp chair and I am currently knitting a new cover for an umbrella. Look for a window display of these items in a couple of weeks and I’ll bet you can come up with some neat ideas yourself.

Lantern Moon Lace circular needles have arrived. Not only that, there is now a wonderful storefront display for all the Lantern Moon needles that we carry. Our supply is good right now so if you have been waiting for a particular size of rosewood this is the time. Every knitter needs a new summer bag and there is now a large selection of Lantern Moon baskets in a variety of colors. I can’t help but smile every time I look at them. I have the hardest time deciding which color is my favorite and which of the bags I need to buy. These basket/bags are great for the picnics, beach trips, farmer’s markets and the general running around we all seem to do in the warm weather. Pick the one you like the best and set out on your adventure.

Russ (my husband) and I have finally found our dog. We picked Bailey up 2 weeks ago when she was just 7 weeks old. She is half golden retriever and half giant schaunser (?).  I think she is one of the smartest dogs we have ever had. She is well on her way to being house broken and has already learned to sit, come, and where her food is kept. The best trick, however is how to completely control Russ. She makes sure that she gets a taste of everything he puts in his mouth. Needless to say, I now have to train the both of them!