tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89088556686907370532024-03-05T14:39:17.162-08:00Raising a Yarn Storeyoungtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-23124187198267789852016-10-04T11:49:00.000-07:002016-10-04T11:49:26.422-07:00(Almost) Raising a Yarn Store and Two BoysAnyone who has known me for the past few years knows that I have been simultaneously raising a yarn store and my two boys. I was pregnant with Miles when our yarn store dream became a reality. And if things got too busy in one of the first few months you visited, you may have snuggled Miles while I wound your yarn or vacuumed. If things were slow, I could catch up on bookkeeping or play with my sweet baby.<br />
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The store got busier, and we added to our yarn store family as well as our personal family. About 10 ladies helped out with lessons, pattern deciphering, and Auntie duties. Little baby Devon joined us just a few months after we moved locations. With some small tweaks, the new location was perfect for us! The main floor had cute cubbies for gorgeous yarn delights, and after some arranging, a fabulous place for gathering and friendships. We put our effort into yarn bombing, new samples, and day to day store activities.</div>
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The upstairs had a perfect office, kid room, and extra supply room (which turned into a LuLaRoe room). It made thinking about raising my kids in a yarn store suddenly less public, and more imaginable to homeschool. We even had a full bathroom and laundry put in. Because, well, kids!<br />
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One month went by, and then another. Two turned into four, and suddenly I realized I was resentful. My kindle was parenting my four year old. When he was hungry for lunch, he would ask politely and it would take forever to find time. To feed my polite hungry child. When my baby cried, I would become irritated with him for making our day even longer. Ten hour days were common, even though I cut the store hours in an effort to stay home and be a better parent. I couldn't keep up with full time working/running my own business and full time parenting, even with help!!</div>
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While the busyness was exciting, it took me a bit to realize that I couldn't have everything. I was no longer knitting or crocheting in my spare time because I had none. I couldn't remember people's names because I wasn't getting sleep. I couldn't help with a yarn pattern because I was doing administrative duties up in my office. And I STILL didn't have time for my kids.<br />
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I could send my four-year-old to a full day preschool. That would solve soooo many things. But it absolutely negates the reason we wanted a yarn shop in the first place: to spend more time with my family. I wanted a job where I could be a mom and a wife at the same time as a yarn shop owner. And when all of these things demand every moment of my attention, they all suffer. And if I have to choose, I will choose my family every time. Do you see? Someone else may lovingly raise "my" yarn shop, but no one else can be me to my children, or can be me for my husband, barring emotional trauma.<br />
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I want to have the chance to have a lazy day with my children out at the park discovering grasshoppers. I want the chance to share a joke with my husband instead of sharing essential child information as we pass in the night. I want the chance to think about expanding our family instead of being fearful what that might mean for our crunched time schedule, or what people might think because I have rough pregnancies.<br />
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We are not going anywhere. We are strong believers that God will provide in all circumstances, but we wanted to make our need known. We need you to be aware of our struggle. We need you to understand that the store is mostly run on volunteers and love because of our crazy lives. We also need you to know that we think the store can thrive. But it may not be with me trying to (and losing) control of all things. There may be someone out there who has been aching for an opportunity like this. And so we need you to be open and willing to bear with us as we figure out everything.</div>
youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-4537887724812462452014-02-17T11:53:00.000-08:002014-02-17T11:53:04.364-08:00March/April Knit & Crochet AlongsFirst, as we're in the middle of the Winter Olympics, here is our store Olympic Knit-Along! I've been very pleased with the results, and just love how warm they are. This winter makes me appreciate warmth and knitting/crochet projects so very much.<br />
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Thrummed Mittens! Thrums come from "scrap" roving or animal fleece, and is used doubled with certain stitches (the ends are left hanging on the inside of the mitten) to give extra warmth as the fleece will additionally felt and become warmer over time. <br />
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Prizes will be awarded to those who finish before the closing ceremonies, although I haven't decided on the prizes yet. You can bet there will be something with chocolate as I seem to interminably be in the mood.<br />
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<b>March!</b></div>
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I LOVE bags. And these cute felted bags are no exception!<br />
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<b>Knit</b> bag <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/joyofcrochet/a-petite-felted-bag" target="_blank">"A Petite Felted Bag" by Ann Lim.</a> And, huge surprise, NO MODIFICATIONS by me!! You may want to think about joining our March 8 class <a href="http://knitandknotyarn.com/our-yarns/?month=mar&yr=2014" target="_blank">"Circular Knitting Workshop"</a> if you are a bit shy about working in the round from 8 stitches and increasing, but other than that, a super great and quick knit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUHDwYf008Y5hsdmOejDl7Y9SPJ-_ZQb9IEnY2EoawCHnsIoHDUm5pCpyTf1zjAazK6PQUz-kWORSNc1fa8wKbOwOjoCmGzJapSBzB0KLqMtGKdO86e6MtXTY_HIYF4HYrH_pKxsOCSfQ/s640/blogger-image--1031522440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUHDwYf008Y5hsdmOejDl7Y9SPJ-_ZQb9IEnY2EoawCHnsIoHDUm5pCpyTf1zjAazK6PQUz-kWORSNc1fa8wKbOwOjoCmGzJapSBzB0KLqMtGKdO86e6MtXTY_HIYF4HYrH_pKxsOCSfQ/s200/blogger-image--1031522440.jpg" width="150" /> </a></div>
<b>Crochet</b> bag <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-felt-the-earth-move-handbag" target="_blank">"I Felt the Earth Move Handbag"</a> by Letitia Sherriff is also great, except I made quite a few modifications. So here you go. And if you want additional help, there's <a href="http://knitandknotyarn.com/our-yarns/?month=mar&yr=2014" target="_blank">a class offered for that</a> on March 1 at 10:30.<br />
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Here is the bag with no modifications. I feel like it's a big shoe and the hole on top is too small. A good rule to remember when felting: if it looks like it will be shoe-ish before you felt, it will still look like a shoe after you felt. Felting just makes it smaller.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WNA-Ma6aA70YUGOXW6ZHOS6ZWNOGIsAFLE5HDgICAJjJhvx8e-7atTFJWKbDlVBnhA0KGv0XtkrOWri8hj7q1CV9KQWzBaFc3NiF9G79sIuRmfu0iVlBi_ozuXQeSeTt8nXRJNVo0j_/s640/blogger-image-813831771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9WNA-Ma6aA70YUGOXW6ZHOS6ZWNOGIsAFLE5HDgICAJjJhvx8e-7atTFJWKbDlVBnhA0KGv0XtkrOWri8hj7q1CV9KQWzBaFc3NiF9G79sIuRmfu0iVlBi_ozuXQeSeTt8nXRJNVo0j_/s200/blogger-image-813831771.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
And <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/joyofcrochet/i-felt-the-earth-move-handbag" target="_blank">here is a small version</a> of the bag where I added my comments for change on the bottom of the linked ravelry page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAltJFnRngbLVMRtCIukut-rHUa2O4MwUl3jPz_7ecP6UxgRkXrDraNqEhAmPX9lyXlKNNR_7TgXgvsS8vi3wSL8k40xzzQ2KOK12JB74dxnZTLCzZPixt-W5lAzQMoM55zgWB3A39AZAo/s640/blogger-image--1552217554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAltJFnRngbLVMRtCIukut-rHUa2O4MwUl3jPz_7ecP6UxgRkXrDraNqEhAmPX9lyXlKNNR_7TgXgvsS8vi3wSL8k40xzzQ2KOK12JB74dxnZTLCzZPixt-W5lAzQMoM55zgWB3A39AZAo/s200/blogger-image--1552217554.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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And <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/joyofcrochet/i-felt-the-earth-move-handbag-2" target="_blank">here is my favorite</a>, a larger version of the bag where I also added my comments for change on the bottom of the linked ravelry page.<br />
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Choose whichever you prefer! I have approximate yarn used also listed on those pages.<br />
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<b>April!</b></div>
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Have you ever wanted to try a sweater? Sometimes the best way to try is to do a mini size! Give these baby cardigans a try! <a href="http://knitandknotyarn.com/our-yarns/?month=apr&yr=2014" target="_blank">There are classes for both</a> if you want a little extra help! Knit: April 12 from 1-3pm. Crochet: April 12 from 10:30-12:30. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7FsO8knqvjtK3FvHDMSsEjsQnXGgpWViio6qKxU7DckAR_sZ-KQgfnTwuRGvcW-YmaaeHllOhBYhclwOqzq2ifMogv8XVW7iH6uxZkGaGXRUoklWnCwS-rqX1LJ4gbI8QVGXdk9A-1I3/s640/blogger-image--2082731048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7FsO8knqvjtK3FvHDMSsEjsQnXGgpWViio6qKxU7DckAR_sZ-KQgfnTwuRGvcW-YmaaeHllOhBYhclwOqzq2ifMogv8XVW7iH6uxZkGaGXRUoklWnCwS-rqX1LJ4gbI8QVGXdk9A-1I3/s200/blogger-image--2082731048.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Knit Along</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-coffee-bean-cardigan" target="_blank">"Coffee Bean Cardigan"</a> by Elizabeth Smith. So Cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCx2PJ8FsbuKC_dSdXxQWJT3quCEk-jVgpIE0JzoaOai-PRZG-sV9bMeLI47IEyMd4ljDXXJxTcybinnJvAtE4WLlubz0EZOTnXX8Vis92uyGzpP1arZnA4WYqNVCSv8NKnAhkVuDGQ1w/s640/blogger-image--182726546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCx2PJ8FsbuKC_dSdXxQWJT3quCEk-jVgpIE0JzoaOai-PRZG-sV9bMeLI47IEyMd4ljDXXJxTcybinnJvAtE4WLlubz0EZOTnXX8Vis92uyGzpP1arZnA4WYqNVCSv8NKnAhkVuDGQ1w/s200/blogger-image--182726546.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Crochet Along</b>: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mini-moogly-sweater" target="_blank">"Mini Moogly Sweater"</a> by Tamara Kelly. Let me tell you, these make my ovaries ping, lol!<br />
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That's it for now! As always, you can contact us by phone (563-332-7378) or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot" target="_blank">our Facebook page.</a> And if you want to know what's going on with us personally, that's a pretty good place to see photos and get updates, too :)<br />
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Joy<br />
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<br />youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-5412052696699136702013-12-12T20:07:00.000-08:002013-12-12T20:07:06.654-08:00January Crochet Along: Quick Calming CowlIt began as one of those, "I can't find what I'm looking for." And it ended here, where I created my own pattern to fill the void.<br />
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You think I wouldn't have time for this. But I figure it will save me time later, as I won't have to search for another easy cowl that I don't quite like, right?<br />
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Right??<br />
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Well, I'll keep believing that.<br />
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Anyway, here it is. The beautiful "Quick Calming Cowl" for a few quick Christmas presents. And to quickly help me stay warm. And of course, for the January crochet along.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quick-calming-cowl" target="_blank">Click HERE to go to Ravelry and download the PDF.</a><br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-17568729103730613132013-11-25T18:18:00.000-08:002013-11-25T18:25:27.358-08:00Fall Update, Projects, and FunI like to think that technology will help all of us use our time more efficiently. That's why having a blog embedded in my website sounded so good! And then, just as quickly, my website crashes and has been down for a month. I figure that's a pretty decent push towards writing a real blog post, and updating many of you on our lives.<br>
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Things have been busy. So busy, in fact, that I think I'm going more crazy now than when I first had Miles and started the yarn store at the same time. Hallelujah, business is good! And crap, business is good! Because now that Miles is super busy and getting smarter every day, there is so much more for me to see and miss, which means that being a mom is super difficult and rather self-frustrating.<br>
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Thank goodness for regular customers and friends! More than I could have imagined, there are women who come regularly to knit and keep an eye on Miles for me. If you are one of these, thank you from the bottom of my heart. While I try to do everything, we all know that it's nearly impossible even in the calm. So from the middle of the storm, thank you for making my load a little lighter, and for making me laugh.<br>
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Speaking of laughter, our Fall Retreat was loads of fun! We plan on making this at least an annual thing, maybe more. Let's just say that between the beautiful weather, the amazing food, and great laughter with friends (some new, some not!), the knitting/crocheting was an absolute bonus. I look forward to many more great times.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl_lMChIjPraAyB-35e8ja7LfpLgGhVM4BFY-36Tj0lQQGAO17EGhUJHDVjgcDG_J4vuB6UdWgzhjLJADmHplkkaFLF3U9uS62XhYXvq5XoN82tN5MbHcFCY-nmibXeJhmwBqqrV7OTmi/s640/blogger-image--1034529380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl_lMChIjPraAyB-35e8ja7LfpLgGhVM4BFY-36Tj0lQQGAO17EGhUJHDVjgcDG_J4vuB6UdWgzhjLJADmHplkkaFLF3U9uS62XhYXvq5XoN82tN5MbHcFCY-nmibXeJhmwBqqrV7OTmi/s640/blogger-image--1034529380.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlU3flNWONZ45Na82MgZOvaJgi79OcngNtQNGrannBsdEseVywUKi1-WIY_euaMRG4efhDchveRjtNaPJceae-j2OBVXT3Pp0RB-MVeNmlj9B9LjkkL5ZbaV4dvZlZ7I2R2RhXi2x4kBs/s640/blogger-image-2073142697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlU3flNWONZ45Na82MgZOvaJgi79OcngNtQNGrannBsdEseVywUKi1-WIY_euaMRG4efhDchveRjtNaPJceae-j2OBVXT3Pp0RB-MVeNmlj9B9LjkkL5ZbaV4dvZlZ7I2R2RhXi2x4kBs/s640/blogger-image-2073142697.jpg"></a></div><br>
Projects! Here's a small update on the projects I've been up to recently. And when I say recently, I mean in the last 2-3 months.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhaF32qn-Tu_vgjS3lZ8KAUM2v3An2-mpbUKJpzy-s0VK3uprsmigJ2UsU0iQYt1dIbn0z-sRWfMid0uHXamKP2cgRJJjvfKxEgI1XVgnEc03zDRVO9tfrYgKjg5i4ZmqvYM9SMig5-0K/s640/blogger-image--505308880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhaF32qn-Tu_vgjS3lZ8KAUM2v3An2-mpbUKJpzy-s0VK3uprsmigJ2UsU0iQYt1dIbn0z-sRWfMid0uHXamKP2cgRJJjvfKxEgI1XVgnEc03zDRVO9tfrYgKjg5i4ZmqvYM9SMig5-0K/s320/blogger-image--505308880.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/funky-chunky-mitts" target="_blank">Funky Chunky Mitts</a>"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpMFf1_GNIWcUwYa8gvu5onbRPJY1BcszW3tVBDIeq6pDprBfBJNIKYTSf_fB2lbj9FK55KEriEAE96K8eXGM6rkocrGy1uIHy9CvECS3_5Y0d5P18OB5D59sftZeVSZwUhcXvEaaSm7c/s640/blogger-image-1442370630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpMFf1_GNIWcUwYa8gvu5onbRPJY1BcszW3tVBDIeq6pDprBfBJNIKYTSf_fB2lbj9FK55KEriEAE96K8eXGM6rkocrGy1uIHy9CvECS3_5Y0d5P18OB5D59sftZeVSZwUhcXvEaaSm7c/s320/blogger-image-1442370630.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marin" target="_blank">Marin</a>" blocking</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxw3AgvdVB8uKCpDc0x75CQ2w7c5OON1KLRG2fJU4OaUyGrLmHTRPHDx9skr8f06r65PqpjjwvVICzihgFJytsBFjEWGWTqEZtobchw2wLvVadAKglFzNB-G3wjR2pN2d7x2-u_LRWXl4/s640/blogger-image--436339462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxw3AgvdVB8uKCpDc0x75CQ2w7c5OON1KLRG2fJU4OaUyGrLmHTRPHDx9skr8f06r65PqpjjwvVICzihgFJytsBFjEWGWTqEZtobchw2wLvVadAKglFzNB-G3wjR2pN2d7x2-u_LRWXl4/s320/blogger-image--436339462.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/irish-mesh-cowl" target="_blank">Irish Mesh Cowl</a>"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeVnqiEmAjtX6GIVdSycVQu06RG94XCCxk7Hs1myG-x_-xFLVc84cHrDNLQWy73Ex_RFL3mdHHhULOmRninfeJ1Opn9mt0va8tgpLwunrKbUmB3GHWpNEbkWlU9MSZ2D8Ph7aApJKGmKM/s640/blogger-image--739886587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeVnqiEmAjtX6GIVdSycVQu06RG94XCCxk7Hs1myG-x_-xFLVc84cHrDNLQWy73Ex_RFL3mdHHhULOmRninfeJ1Opn9mt0va8tgpLwunrKbUmB3GHWpNEbkWlU9MSZ2D8Ph7aApJKGmKM/s200/blogger-image--739886587.jpg" width="150"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles wearing his Irish cabled vest</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUrmN5ehYakOQxoT-r32vNgrqEhaR-ceTrX15O24WmveTes3d4dBvXu-bGmTf0qlvWUXHbEmYG8oWwY_VwdFpqsX5ShvY1AlSxOOhPDBatQAhsiPnaYDne01lFpyN-uDC09BbUJr8JMGv/s640/blogger-image--1882770126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUrmN5ehYakOQxoT-r32vNgrqEhaR-ceTrX15O24WmveTes3d4dBvXu-bGmTf0qlvWUXHbEmYG8oWwY_VwdFpqsX5ShvY1AlSxOOhPDBatQAhsiPnaYDne01lFpyN-uDC09BbUJr8JMGv/s200/blogger-image--1882770126.jpg" width="200"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/be-a-friend-shawl---have-a-heart-shawl" target="_blank">Be a Friend</a>" crochet shawl</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcj2kasrUl289T4d6yg1xwh1Xws8sfLIDO6eDFYE4TWaWZcJ_D8o5g5YA2llxE4LAMd6s1TO98mtnQDihmJgAcpkd3fl8zeqsVhozih28OVtHFSxnehrkLVZr8qpjSdbVXYirpt2ygFf5/s640/blogger-image-828095250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcj2kasrUl289T4d6yg1xwh1Xws8sfLIDO6eDFYE4TWaWZcJ_D8o5g5YA2llxE4LAMd6s1TO98mtnQDihmJgAcpkd3fl8zeqsVhozih28OVtHFSxnehrkLVZr8qpjSdbVXYirpt2ygFf5/s320/blogger-image-828095250.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gramps Cardigan for the little man</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXdhdgFAQgbBVGUYC7U0kS3TqBy46wYHoY6kywfIHW1WOAUbU3_FSSIxfrJIPDG15QMehd6qJjpYIyErP7Wk-ecVgKUa13QjYoaIb4kPgt7w2TBU12clfsygfrzci2B7Z5d_YqfSxdaAK/s640/blogger-image-1138179388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXdhdgFAQgbBVGUYC7U0kS3TqBy46wYHoY6kywfIHW1WOAUbU3_FSSIxfrJIPDG15QMehd6qJjpYIyErP7Wk-ecVgKUa13QjYoaIb4kPgt7w2TBU12clfsygfrzci2B7Z5d_YqfSxdaAK/s320/blogger-image-1138179388.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater" target="_blank">February Lady</a>"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzOvWhrRZzUOsjOCkQR_g7DL02Wq09-CKtT0HkAlIlp7LVFW6rAigkZx0_puHj6bx1ifjUGHu4iQ3LoCnZjPUiIFlMP11pH9A5K6QuY9qM-_Zyj2ElC2ZvzjPKWaJlecu2bir0HA4xZ-F/s640/blogger-image-147016654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzOvWhrRZzUOsjOCkQR_g7DL02Wq09-CKtT0HkAlIlp7LVFW6rAigkZx0_puHj6bx1ifjUGHu4iQ3LoCnZjPUiIFlMP11pH9A5K6QuY9qM-_Zyj2ElC2ZvzjPKWaJlecu2bir0HA4xZ-F/s320/blogger-image-147016654.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peace-socks" target="_blank">Peace Socks</a>"</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Anyway, that's a snapshot of my life for the last couple of months. To keep better up to date on the store and all its happenings, check out <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/" target="_blank">our website,</a> or visit our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Pictures galore there.</div>
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If you'd like details on any of these things, feel free to <a href="mailto:owner@knitandknotyarn.com" target="_blank">email me</a> or give the store a call (<a href="tel:563-332-7378" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">563-332-7378</a>)!</div>
</div>youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-54558900504991376042013-05-05T11:14:00.005-07:002013-05-05T11:27:25.116-07:00Simple Ladder Yarn NecklaceI am LOVING this warmer weather, finally! And warm weather makes me think of doing things outside... Eek, look at that long grass :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6jfc00b4EBLe38PiVmdXKg9RpJp8ZUkLHqLRoXWsKcPgmREgl7aOpuoDg1Wm33NPeXOZ6fZp0LqR6bxTbZmUXw-nBi5EYOH8WuAnMxigiRwf7rrWfbu3CRNHLty5qkKb9WmUmrwWrLU/s640/blogger-image-1555920797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M6jfc00b4EBLe38PiVmdXKg9RpJp8ZUkLHqLRoXWsKcPgmREgl7aOpuoDg1Wm33NPeXOZ6fZp0LqR6bxTbZmUXw-nBi5EYOH8WuAnMxigiRwf7rrWfbu3CRNHLty5qkKb9WmUmrwWrLU/s400/blogger-image-1555920797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and lighter projects both outside and inside!<br />
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Like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fleegles-seamless-saartje-booties" target="_blank">these</a> easy booties from ravelry! So quick and gratifying for gifts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfBQ4zbFeWwMTnEiP67GQs-CqlPDMMhyw1GCnMB6lFfAdqC1NboMvyiuCJPu3pjsgj_z47MwjIYAQeZqKOzPysTNbaJBnd50C8Jj2ChmfscJiY4QguQFUMIpWxP_BaF-31qa1LheMfKZU/s640/blogger-image--203071975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfBQ4zbFeWwMTnEiP67GQs-CqlPDMMhyw1GCnMB6lFfAdqC1NboMvyiuCJPu3pjsgj_z47MwjIYAQeZqKOzPysTNbaJBnd50C8Jj2ChmfscJiY4QguQFUMIpWxP_BaF-31qa1LheMfKZU/s400/blogger-image--203071975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And a super fast cute necklace!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupenrAqxpfZsv5uPfMd3WMtdrsBNt2L9nFzTG-woKhdLJfcpq6lSLE9EhVn5HNy5QWGa8fd4xdNd2UYM-TMRc8oC95aIz6sRBjfle-Yzt1IEwfCJ_FQqlmtB9yo12Q-ZQ0PUEceB26FaH/s640/blogger-image--798623803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupenrAqxpfZsv5uPfMd3WMtdrsBNt2L9nFzTG-woKhdLJfcpq6lSLE9EhVn5HNy5QWGa8fd4xdNd2UYM-TMRc8oC95aIz6sRBjfle-Yzt1IEwfCJ_FQqlmtB9yo12Q-ZQ0PUEceB26FaH/s400/blogger-image--798623803.jpg" width="300" /></a>This is our June crochet-along, but I thought I'd get it posted a little early in case you're anxious to try something lighter, too. Or the first one you make you can give away! Remember, in order to qualify for the drawing at the end of the month you should have yarn from our store and start and finish in the desired month (June). <br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/a/joypovich.com/document/d/1T7iCnU0yZw84BPERaf_gApc9XLT-z9j7Pc2TF-aqKLk/edit" target="_blank">Simple Ladder Yarn Necklace</a> (click to open) <br />
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Enjoy, and remember, you can always stop by with questions or just to hang out!<br />
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Also check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot" target="_blank">our Facebook</a> to stay updated.<br />
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And <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/" target="_blank">our website</a> is pretty handy like that, too.<br />
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-Joyyoungtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-7992235566970694832013-03-08T07:25:00.003-08:002013-03-08T07:27:00.504-08:00A Year in ReviewIt's been a full year, a longer-than-I-thought-possible year, since we've opened our store. And almost that long since I've had a baby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGs3rS2uFOXhpq_T7S1uHuB_5w8vTK5dR3GxboN0mC_fJUzT4BJSd7p4jZMldDz4jqqpspk9qEv0g_mZ5nPNXmXPcfJoTMDMLcwLjKbwKu6h0QJS_P-SHfuMPFwafxZRdGuviPwqcPISd/s640/blogger-image-250518480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGs3rS2uFOXhpq_T7S1uHuB_5w8vTK5dR3GxboN0mC_fJUzT4BJSd7p4jZMldDz4jqqpspk9qEv0g_mZ5nPNXmXPcfJoTMDMLcwLjKbwKu6h0QJS_P-SHfuMPFwafxZRdGuviPwqcPISd/s640/blogger-image-250518480.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before/After pictures of our latest set of shelves</td></tr>
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Over the past year we have added 17 unique, hand-made pieces of furniture to our store (compliments of Jotham's amazing handiwork and a few dedicated friends), for a total of about 550 hours of labor (that's in addition to working his full-time job). We've stocked over $100,000 of yarn and notions, with more added weekly. We've helped over 1000 people find patterns, fixed over 400 knitted or crocheted mistakes, and taught over 500 new skills in 136 classes. <br />
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In that same time, Miles has grown from an 8 lb 14oz baby to a 22 lb toddler. In the last month alone, I have told him not to touch the yarn an estimated 1700 times. He and I have spent over 1100 hours together at the store, or about 50 hours per week (yes, that was with Mondays "off!"). Add in the weekly hours for reordering, keeping the website up to date, and other random administrative annoyances, and it's more like a 70 hour week. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vd4up_kNdAbn3P-sCEFV6C_GDla4bEtyzF4h-sfa-CtKy-Wn_1AEg7iZqmcNcX7Yg8tcE_iiNdwUvI62zAiu3nYCgvHApE6ZFQX_CrDwGBl3jZD3p2e867a3cUjxJpU1-GCOnMNfimyY/s640/blogger-image--1797305539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vd4up_kNdAbn3P-sCEFV6C_GDla4bEtyzF4h-sfa-CtKy-Wn_1AEg7iZqmcNcX7Yg8tcE_iiNdwUvI62zAiu3nYCgvHApE6ZFQX_CrDwGBl3jZD3p2e867a3cUjxJpU1-GCOnMNfimyY/s640/blogger-image--1797305539.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles, 1-5 months</td></tr>
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And I wonder why I feel tired. <br />
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Jotham and I have eaten over 100 Little Cesar's Pizzas, 500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and 20 pounds of cheddar cheese. <br />
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I have nursed Miles 3-5 times daily since he was born, estimating about 700 times while at the store. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEer8ub-28fT9vmNmUjr4GpjkxDCrA_HVLs7nZf6hXvcGUL4LR71E8L0UNQGQj3i-Z9hJcvmX7gt3y242n3QGB1qktLK8QJ3C0_7hUJUgovHWJ05PW-YQ3luMHT55OpAijGCux2AwHOtwf/s640/blogger-image-623362868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEer8ub-28fT9vmNmUjr4GpjkxDCrA_HVLs7nZf6hXvcGUL4LR71E8L0UNQGQj3i-Z9hJcvmX7gt3y242n3QGB1qktLK8QJ3C0_7hUJUgovHWJ05PW-YQ3luMHT55OpAijGCux2AwHOtwf/s640/blogger-image-623362868.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles, 5-10 months</td></tr>
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The love that I've poured into our sweet boy, into the yarns of things I have made for him and the store, has been without compare for me. To see his face light up when he looks at me, to feel my heart beat when I open a box of new yarn... these things have been new and delightful. My enthusiasm for one of these things has mellowed in light of the other addiction, which continues to grow... although making him outfits with new yarns has become an obsession since it combines both things in a wonderful way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0xriqyeWEW0E5lCxsyXaKvVj0Ve0If7gMpUvEK3LT_gGGAurR-fobXfumww5gsuFuiMPhy6ItcOAuhHhyphenhyphenax7QoltBsUExJpV_hEM7niqt8RYeNzJHqvXSeaYTcKB3TfrYi_KY9CshMbr/s640/blogger-image-1966704447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0xriqyeWEW0E5lCxsyXaKvVj0Ve0If7gMpUvEK3LT_gGGAurR-fobXfumww5gsuFuiMPhy6ItcOAuhHhyphenhyphenax7QoltBsUExJpV_hEM7niqt8RYeNzJHqvXSeaYTcKB3TfrYi_KY9CshMbr/s640/blogger-image-1966704447.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miles, 10-12 months</td></tr>
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I've learned a new meaning for the word "tired." Before, I understood it could be cured with a week of full nights' sleeps, or a nap if I had time. Now it's a weariness that makes my limbs heavy, takes away enthusiasm and even--at its worst--takes away my hope at the beginning of a new day. Sometimes I could cry with despair when I think of being rested.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGbcAk090YVk1TiwSpS-XnFFXRbfOFxR8D9agQe2qoLqgwy0ULOjvRoiLiRVoO7ylkoLDz-efELxo93AWzf5Y0_taf8HKx1mPhHdWJiHkZuKf0KPUT4nZ4MBg98WDrXAaCsIUfABV_KO3/s640/blogger-image-1607501025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGbcAk090YVk1TiwSpS-XnFFXRbfOFxR8D9agQe2qoLqgwy0ULOjvRoiLiRVoO7ylkoLDz-efELxo93AWzf5Y0_taf8HKx1mPhHdWJiHkZuKf0KPUT4nZ4MBg98WDrXAaCsIUfABV_KO3/s640/blogger-image-1607501025.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-dyed, hand-spun local yarn. Yummmm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've learned how to let some things go. My house is dirtier than I can ever remember, my hair and makeup are always the "quick" version (a necklace is faster anyway!), and our yard looks like the Secret Garden... And not in a good way. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1StGr-yXP68FNUeLKNB2Z5_39bTq-pIcMB19osrrAebGYmLRV2Dg4CoM7MTxkSh0zAmMSlR6V3qcKnFSu_Pwmu9qLRf8K5sF82eGPgK4fi9MLiVIwnWPjt2BVW8seexAMlV1PHhKQJwB/s640/blogger-image--1335132938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1StGr-yXP68FNUeLKNB2Z5_39bTq-pIcMB19osrrAebGYmLRV2Dg4CoM7MTxkSh0zAmMSlR6V3qcKnFSu_Pwmu9qLRf8K5sF82eGPgK4fi9MLiVIwnWPjt2BVW8seexAMlV1PHhKQJwB/s640/blogger-image--1335132938.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some knit and crochet projects for Miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe needless to say, if I had known how much time and energy either of these things would take, there would not be a yarn store in Bettendorf. I would simply be a mom who was a little crazy about fibers and hand-crafted projects. Most of you would be unknown to me, and I would have to be content with getting out to knit with others once a month, if I was lucky. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7uvCUVMeIGWzyZBX4i6IHYgaP6C9RpzTS1h6cium1gl8l2oyce-lLoFwCFIFh2LyFYwbyvoKyG4oQP-rUD7dRL7Dc0EOOXQVJmJ2b7qL2wcH8ODsweV4nnnVuFfZo-PtLYqKcQ7QLWt0/s640/blogger-image-871098177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp7uvCUVMeIGWzyZBX4i6IHYgaP6C9RpzTS1h6cium1gl8l2oyce-lLoFwCFIFh2LyFYwbyvoKyG4oQP-rUD7dRL7Dc0EOOXQVJmJ2b7qL2wcH8ODsweV4nnnVuFfZo-PtLYqKcQ7QLWt0/s640/blogger-image-871098177.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the original wine rack shelves, Jotham's lazy susan creation on the left</td></tr>
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However, we did it. We have a sweet yarn store and an ever sweeter little boy. We have wonderful friends who come to our twice-weekly knit/crochet nights. We have a community of support and encouragement for fiber lovers as well as a place where anyone can come and feel listened to and appreciated. We had no idea if any of this would be successful, and yet we stand here thrilled with our store, our baby boy, and most of all God's faithfulness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGZPnJN_iwos-PbYNKV9B9_gvpyKa69c4-jAuc6x1WXVYk1n9GeULS_BIeYRacBAIK1GkEjrsqDzMGdE25V9wY6KnLdn07pkY-I9h5FzeSNKGjLVlD7c6rFmeQc3xtCaDRO-BsaFiEaP8/s640/blogger-image--45654803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGZPnJN_iwos-PbYNKV9B9_gvpyKa69c4-jAuc6x1WXVYk1n9GeULS_BIeYRacBAIK1GkEjrsqDzMGdE25V9wY6KnLdn07pkY-I9h5FzeSNKGjLVlD7c6rFmeQc3xtCaDRO-BsaFiEaP8/s640/blogger-image--45654803.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our newest yarns</td></tr>
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<br />youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-87791246784676370402012-11-29T11:27:00.001-08:002012-11-29T11:27:53.207-08:00Getaway<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4Yob9FuBPc1BYei0YvEF10QugqxVDsaWVu2f1sPZPLhDO4RXsaNZD-NmBGf5OMgTqmRkXtRHgZRG1qqLU5giUbpcW0cNST3age0xtxGbayeHentG3BEBRlBuLUF6-QnTy-OYtgvTTfJm/s1600/front+of+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4Yob9FuBPc1BYei0YvEF10QugqxVDsaWVu2f1sPZPLhDO4RXsaNZD-NmBGf5OMgTqmRkXtRHgZRG1qqLU5giUbpcW0cNST3age0xtxGbayeHentG3BEBRlBuLUF6-QnTy-OYtgvTTfJm/s320/front+of+store.jpg" width="213" /></a>Vacation, though much desired, has raised an interesting question for us: Is it possible to take a break from the business without breaking the business? As a new business, we've felt the pressure to be very available... The kind of available that means long hours and quick burn-out. And we've looked at our options. <br />
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We could simply close and put up a sign. We could cut our hours. We could think about hiring someone more full time, which might put our business in a precarious financial position but keep us sane. <br />
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When we opened last January I was 7 months pregnant. We had no family In the area, and most of our friends were very busy with their own lives. That left us with very few options. My husband planned on taking a couple weeks off work in order to watch the store when I had the baby, by which time I was supposed to go back to work. Two weeks. What to do?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWr2dzhfFtL1Z-_oLfApCMPOXA6nk3iKB4r3zmVbFiBkpfGgOK-bdY8VKZczEbfa6PbDb5XPHzkaNqjo4OZ2Vvc4MeO2Q8UC2kw7wugJj7N_8lSIoh4FbEjiLumGTFHbqn4T9ITQ8MIzA/s1600/first+yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWr2dzhfFtL1Z-_oLfApCMPOXA6nk3iKB4r3zmVbFiBkpfGgOK-bdY8VKZczEbfa6PbDb5XPHzkaNqjo4OZ2Vvc4MeO2Q8UC2kw7wugJj7N_8lSIoh4FbEjiLumGTFHbqn4T9ITQ8MIzA/s320/first+yarn.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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We focused on the things we had to daily. Inventory, learning the fiscal software, reordering, setting up lessons, special orders, and deciding that knitting/crochet nights we should have at the store. There was no time to worry about the future when each day was so full. <br />
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And then suddenly, there were regular customers. And some of those customers became friends, sometimes dropping by even when they didn't need yarn. I learned about their children, their jobs, and sometimes their dreams and even their animals. And suddenly we had offers to watch the store after I had the baby. Not just "hey, if you need to run to the bathroom I can watch the store" kind of offers. No, these were substantial "I can watch the store Thursdays through Saturdays, if you'd like" offers. <br />
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My husband and I were floored. We knew we would need some help, but this was beyond what we had ever expected. We had our Miles baby and four full weeks with him thanks to several generous people. Incredible. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYzZ1B9g3S42R0lyLhQJsdbEqBSqOhUCOzkJRbjPnLTUrDW6oN1C-FeDvsQr0antuKSUy7hCMVNSbNIgAhUpdUgzA5pzdIBqqfUpOBRbsou_JkTtANROrCUKakfxZ7zAXxMRxF7FrZa9B/s1600/Miles+8+mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYzZ1B9g3S42R0lyLhQJsdbEqBSqOhUCOzkJRbjPnLTUrDW6oN1C-FeDvsQr0antuKSUy7hCMVNSbNIgAhUpdUgzA5pzdIBqqfUpOBRbsou_JkTtANROrCUKakfxZ7zAXxMRxF7FrZa9B/s320/Miles+8+mo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All that to say that our small business is dependent on family, community and friendships. Yes, good product and services are a lot of what keeps us financially viable, but often mental viability is more important to our-and thus the business'-survival. <br />
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So thank you, Jenni, Kathy, Krista, Becky, Lesa, Cindy. Sometimes we've had a hard time, and you all can be incredibly proud of your part in keeping this yarn store going.<br />
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As always, you can check out our website <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/" target="_blank">Here</a> or our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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-Joy youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-88310001723078445662012-10-29T13:41:00.001-07:002012-10-29T13:41:25.063-07:0039 minutes, 3 things.I had 39 minutes when I started this post. 39 minutes to knit, write a blog, put away groceries, and pray that Miles would continue to sleep the whole time. See the problem with this plan? I didn't...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_BjMlhnzzCIe6ElpTj9DfZt2NIqWTpUriRFu5jUW74uTFyvpAv_wV9XVLKD8iWES1Y19Nz5YXAsONxxFdpJvjFiSf7vjwiHnDQKa7nY0q25uwDsGc-uognYFEOzyigcVbwqpWlAPItw/s640/blogger-image--1812861535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjt_BjMlhnzzCIe6ElpTj9DfZt2NIqWTpUriRFu5jUW74uTFyvpAv_wV9XVLKD8iWES1Y19Nz5YXAsONxxFdpJvjFiSf7vjwiHnDQKa7nY0q25uwDsGc-uognYFEOzyigcVbwqpWlAPItw/s320/blogger-image--1812861535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I took a couple pictures of my sweater, keeping my eye on the baby monitor...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qw6BMTs9l_6vEBv6h7WQYvRBuBJ2GGJG_2N_6kELwWzeUK0XObXmjFRZb1TdkOa56JXT10y8EjHWfuNHJCBwFItIyHg7In7vIRkg8i-_5JMvZQHHqcQjHxAiS2TaN12IdZRhuGFqyqT/s640/blogger-image--1635324401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qw6BMTs9l_6vEBv6h7WQYvRBuBJ2GGJG_2N_6kELwWzeUK0XObXmjFRZb1TdkOa56JXT10y8EjHWfuNHJCBwFItIyHg7In7vIRkg8i-_5JMvZQHHqcQjHxAiS2TaN12IdZRhuGFqyqT/s320/blogger-image--1635324401.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then while I put away groceries, I simultaneously emptied the dishwasher, checked the roast, and ate fruit snacks. Yeah, a roast and fruit snacks. That's how I roll.<br />
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Checked the baby monitor and took another picture of the sweater while wearing it. Looks good to me!<br />
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Sat down and started writing this post, when it occurred to me that those 39 minutes? There are 18 of them left. And then I thought; "well, that's not a whole lot different than the rest of my day." So I thought I would share my small secrets of how things keep running in my life.<br />
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Rules for People who are Too Busy:<br />
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1. Do the next thing. See that huge list over there? Ignore it. It will overwhelm you, frustrate you, and cause you to sit down and cry. Or wait, that could be what it does to me... By keeping focused on the task at hand and looking ahead to ONE other thing at a time, I remain productive and positive. Will I accomplish everything? Of course not. But obsessing about my to-do list won't get any of them done.<br />
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2. Smile. Sing. Make stupid jokes. Consciously stubbornly making my behavior positive actually keeps my behavior positive. And it keeps Miles happy, too, which in turn makes me happier. Win-win.<br />
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3. Believing we're a part of something bigger than the immediate task at hand. When I get caught up in how mundane and pointless something like sweeping the floor is, I lose track of the beautiful picture of my life. I am pleased to keep my home clean so that our son will stay healthier. I am pleased that cleaning is something I can do so that my husband won't have to, and in turn we can spend time together doing something more enjoyable. Like a walk outside.<br />
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These simple ideas may not be much, but it helps me get through the mundane moments. It reminds me that there is, indeed, purpose beyond myself. And if I can focus enough to just keep doing those dishes.... cleaning that floor.... making dinner.... life will keep moving, and in doing so, time will reveal greater purpose.<br />
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Hang in there. And if you need knitting or crochet encouragement, please <a href="mailto:yarn@knitandknotyarn.com">email</a>, call, or visit our <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/">website</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot">facebook</a>.<br />
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3 minutes to go... <br />
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-Joyyoungtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-68207789858731766842012-10-22T09:25:00.000-07:002012-10-22T09:27:27.628-07:00Balancing ActBalance. Aesthetics. Beauty. I think it's a big part of what we want from life. Laughter, enjoyment, purpose... they're all beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquiUrhbT7Dwzn_xvvHqPGZ03Kbontsszk1jBZXuibT9yHDJSjRWL6RvqXfDC3BwE5f9loFW4-zx2NeJZQvhREKQ8CMpu6jvAIX1zbTny_xSGgAfNdeinIfMpi75rkIulob-t0bNBrWH5J/s640/blogger-image--970380129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquiUrhbT7Dwzn_xvvHqPGZ03Kbontsszk1jBZXuibT9yHDJSjRWL6RvqXfDC3BwE5f9loFW4-zx2NeJZQvhREKQ8CMpu6jvAIX1zbTny_xSGgAfNdeinIfMpi75rkIulob-t0bNBrWH5J/s320/blogger-image--970380129.jpg" width="240" /></a>My struggle? I have no time for balance. How do you balance "too much" with "things I really like doing?" It's especially difficult because I can't go back on anything I've committed. Take back my child? No, thanks. Give back my yarn store? Sure, sometimes. But then there's no yarn store. And that's a bit like giving my child back. Boo. <br />
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I've lived these crazy days for months now. Tuesday mornings I grab everything and head out the door. That includes baby, yarn bag, other people's things I've fixed over the weekend, lunches, diaper bag, clean blankets, and sometimes, I wear a coat. If I remember.<br />
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Most of the time, there's inventory waiting for me at the store. I get to that after I take care of Miles, who sometimes has to wait for food until there is an ebb in customers. Or, I just hand him to people I know and we make do. By the time we get home at 8:30pm, we're all tired. But Miles is the only one who gets to go to bed. If I don't have anything else to do (HA!), sometimes I get to knit or crochet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6UwF1b-BN_A_6mh6ezB6A93FqhGwPCW72U2_voUw3GpA14TvFWOY4hEIXSeng6aua4x9cuVuVeuVjOO4Uf2SevcaWQ0BZ8y2gqcCrWX2q3_NiYBeQK7zzsksqmc7SkTn4gVR-A6TaECm/s640/blogger-image--756686908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6UwF1b-BN_A_6mh6ezB6A93FqhGwPCW72U2_voUw3GpA14TvFWOY4hEIXSeng6aua4x9cuVuVeuVjOO4Uf2SevcaWQ0BZ8y2gqcCrWX2q3_NiYBeQK7zzsksqmc7SkTn4gVR-A6TaECm/s320/blogger-image--756686908.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished repaired tablecloth from earlier post</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVNUDoeac6BH2JyscAeDMPNGyirrID-yTT9KfkmhY0jklYoxvnSO_cvdeQZ0G1BbudSk0Bs-GJ5nWYnKOqVdmZ5fUTds5QDn4FAcDGL9Vi-JMHIaGr6LnATaiFmfk3B16LfYh6zBTp5cK/s640/blogger-image-1250171225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVNUDoeac6BH2JyscAeDMPNGyirrID-yTT9KfkmhY0jklYoxvnSO_cvdeQZ0G1BbudSk0Bs-GJ5nWYnKOqVdmZ5fUTds5QDn4FAcDGL9Vi-JMHIaGr6LnATaiFmfk3B16LfYh6zBTp5cK/s320/blogger-image-1250171225.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pattern figured out! only 40 hours to write and try</td></tr>
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Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Ah, finally Sunday, and we're closed, right? Oh, wait, I should work on that piece for that person I promised. This should only take a few hours.... (40 hours on the project and only two days later) Wait, where did my weekend go? I was going to clean, go see friends, get some extra rest...?<br />
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Oh, well. At least I finished creating the pattern, tested it, and now I can give it back! All for $20.<br />
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Date nights? Bahahaaaaaa. You're making me laugh. Friends? I see them sometimes at church and we wave.<br />
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So, the big question. Was it worth it?<br />
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Yes. Only God knows why. And I supposed only He knows how, too. Would I recommend doing something like this to the young and expecting mothers out there? Are you kidding me? No way. This is crazy. I am going crazy. Who would do something this crazy?<br />
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Ah, and that sweater knit-along we started. I should work on that...<br />
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Maybe we can all thank God I had no idea what I was getting into. For sure, there would be no yarn store in Bettendorf. Crazy.</div>
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youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-37391630108471115072012-10-06T18:38:00.003-07:002012-10-16T13:48:53.959-07:00Easy Chunky Cabled Scarf<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.5950542639715052" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Easy (Chunky) Cabled Scarf</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><img height="221px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/CBhyn-VxlqdiUrngCnjp5UJUGQJ_yLHlEUzBgk6LjK9KVwjP6xwWYOhnWerRKf_FxhT4hOy0juHvuBkbsNzHmwEJ05KBneyZk8vr6xEXUzPfNqG4LwE" width="295px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Materials:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chunky yarn, 200 yards +/-</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Size 11 needles</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cast on 20 stitches</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">First 6 rows: Garter Stitch (knit every row)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Eight-Row Pattern Repeat:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Row 1 (and all odd rows): K3, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rows 2, 4, 6: K3, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, K3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Row 8 (cable row): K3, K2, P2, C6 (slip first 3 sts onto a cable hook, knit sts 4-6, then knit first 3 sts), P2, K2, K3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Repeat rows 1-8 until scarf is desired length.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last 6 rows: Garter Stitch (knit every row)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bind off.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For a nice finished look on the side edges, slip all first stitches (knit-wise) as you knit.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-15689018958529819262012-10-01T17:35:00.004-07:002012-10-01T17:35:42.228-07:00Heirlooms: Why I Do What I Do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's something very special when the people we love give us a gift. I have this cedar chest, probably 30 years old now, that used to be my mom's favorite piece of furniture. It's not the most comfortable to sit on, and it's probably not the prettiest piece in our living room. But it shines more brightly to me than almost anything else in the entire house. My dad and mom got this for each other as a gift for their wedding (at least, that's what I remember). It sat in our living room in a corner, not very noticeable and hardly ever used. But when we needed a good warm blanket we knew where to find one. There was a secret way to get it to open, and a wonderful cedar smell accompanied the afghans inside. Even when I sat wrapped in one of those blankets I can remember looking at the crochet patterns and asking my mom who made them, why, and how long ago. When my mom died 6 years ago I was so thrilled to get this cedar chest.
It was more than a piece of furniture to me; it was a chest full of
wonderful memories. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOZh9-ozA1OUv_2TNXdYH71CGhZRr4-UmIuANm8-63wp-uCvdS-quyUZr1x3Hx4m01w4XZV-QaT-t5zIiHJeOHoS08Kd_KyuPyjANxkwT66k8vJ3KDAbUitpEdq_19KKVwZj44x6pojhA/s1600/Miles2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOZh9-ozA1OUv_2TNXdYH71CGhZRr4-UmIuANm8-63wp-uCvdS-quyUZr1x3Hx4m01w4XZV-QaT-t5zIiHJeOHoS08Kd_KyuPyjANxkwT66k8vJ3KDAbUitpEdq_19KKVwZj44x6pojhA/s320/Miles2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It should hardly be surprising that I have a thing for cedar chests now. Not only was it someone's treasured furniture--a gift from a spouse, a hope chest, a prized possession--but it could hold other treasures, memories and heirlooms. I started collecting handmade items that were important to me and putting them inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4eNEeiYiW5KEj8-bEAqUztFW_3kNCnj86Sdnq8Du-N0MUGvqKREj_YilXR-OpXb5AQkStqKo7nRAQVVp7PolRd3ly3GibioybEeTWVsB9WAyRg9TApN-PPLEiGb0x8CAo7Oyhuw-hzj/s1600/Miles1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4eNEeiYiW5KEj8-bEAqUztFW_3kNCnj86Sdnq8Du-N0MUGvqKREj_YilXR-OpXb5AQkStqKo7nRAQVVp7PolRd3ly3GibioybEeTWVsB9WAyRg9TApN-PPLEiGb0x8CAo7Oyhuw-hzj/s320/Miles1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a cedar chest from the 1950's, full of several tatted and crocheted items I've made. Even better, full of tatted items that my grandmother has made, that a friend's great-aunt has made... it goes on. I like to think that they tell each other stories about their past when I close the lid. That somehow, all the hours these wonderful women spent making something for those they love will be transferred into hours of appreciation enjoyed around these precious gifts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_QYe-brryYO7LcJF4ooZ7BMvdmZBSmgiunfaE4YKDEZKsT7GTilKa49xFWvW_n1Hg6tiyKb7pEVYWxDMJ7nDz4GM6fzPJajXmx9-ulQBQtoII7ABXl4eBHBv8KYqVxO7q__Fud3bq5d1/s1600/Miles'+sweater" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_QYe-brryYO7LcJF4ooZ7BMvdmZBSmgiunfaE4YKDEZKsT7GTilKa49xFWvW_n1Hg6tiyKb7pEVYWxDMJ7nDz4GM6fzPJajXmx9-ulQBQtoII7ABXl4eBHBv8KYqVxO7q__Fud3bq5d1/s320/Miles'+sweater" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a precious gift. Well, I have many. But the one I am particularly thinking of is Miles, since he will be our heritage on this earth. There is a reason we make things for those we love. Those hours spent making him this sweater, making him socks, hats, mittens and anything else; those will be the ways that he can remember he is loved. It's not particularly the sweater he will remember, but the laughter and the joy. But that sweater is a part of that joy, as it was joy and love that inspired and drove me to make it for him, to see him become a part of our family tradition, part of something bigger than himself. And if that doesn't resonate with you, well, he's still pretty stinkin' cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K2rxbzvGqGzgoMsrSyybw7stp-WBBhaDQ29ybSWX4cuQ5MBfgsb6g4cEhiil6Yr9-kTeDMBO-lWNd0k5qWvyZBdAhtAtaKOjWXUMd19FGiAqPADEYGuQhd5kYih_-rOkrlizgmfumnDW/s1600/Miles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0K2rxbzvGqGzgoMsrSyybw7stp-WBBhaDQ29ybSWX4cuQ5MBfgsb6g4cEhiil6Yr9-kTeDMBO-lWNd0k5qWvyZBdAhtAtaKOjWXUMd19FGiAqPADEYGuQhd5kYih_-rOkrlizgmfumnDW/s320/Miles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So that, in a nutshell, is why I do what I do. That is the reason I will be exhausted and happy. That is the reason I will be patient, kind and helpful to anyone who is interested in learning. Because we impart so much of ourselves into our gifts, and I desire to pass on my best traits.<br />
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I would love to hear why you do it!<br />
As always, check out our website at <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/">www.knitandknotyarn.com</a>. We will be so happy you stopped by! You can also check us out on facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot">www.facebook.com/knitandknot</a><br />
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Happy Heirlooming!youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-41529601009129078932012-09-24T12:20:00.000-07:002012-09-24T12:21:11.573-07:00Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I do projects for other people. Okay, let's be real. Most of the time, I do projects for other people. This one in particular has been sitting on the hutch in my kitchen calling my name for over a month now. Why have I been putting it off? I'll show you.</div>
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<img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWJhIHQCRkFHUmbL7oG7UDOz9qKgQrcZTwqPXLLRWiEMbrXyrPqj6wQZ0FwTCRVUZJOP4nwEC_YIXW0j3agGWlFPNjZYzTbo0fb3_wFWXvDuKllgey25Oxd1B-jP2a2phVKb5aUGqx_Fb/s320/IMG_0049+-+2012-09-24+at+12-18-49.JPG" width="320" /></div>
Any guesses as to why I would have put this off? Besides the "oh crap, if I mess this up I will have to lace crochet an entire blanket for a lady I don't know"?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfaC_nmFVGwR9hvjL8UiJa8LJ9JmGy4hgaAnChl-3lhbaGfvzMrUZNpz8_qjSaejxB33wi2HOMz9c2-K7ZbkViEal1yIyiTTQDXkYvxqN_kf-j24YpmZri4NrOLsjwJgK0bh4InHUfFeG/s1600/IMG_0050+-+2012-09-24+at+12-19-07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfaC_nmFVGwR9hvjL8UiJa8LJ9JmGy4hgaAnChl-3lhbaGfvzMrUZNpz8_qjSaejxB33wi2HOMz9c2-K7ZbkViEal1yIyiTTQDXkYvxqN_kf-j24YpmZri4NrOLsjwJgK0bh4InHUfFeG/s320/IMG_0050+-+2012-09-24+at+12-19-07.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I did it. I cut out the offending square, and tomorrow I will work on gauges and then crochet the piece I charted out today. I plan on blocking the entire tablecloth at the store over this coming weekend. Eeeek. I'm hoping not to spend more than 10 or 15 hours on this whole thing... but we're always so optimistic on the amount of time spent on a project, I think. My husband and I joke that we should take our conservative estimates and multiply times three. I will take pictures and probably tell you all about it next week. I promise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY76089unBqKQmRygIqXGmBLf83Q9aH7PjqLTTld-IypkA030NOWxXgXLhx-zN9q1UuW6pQNzK2hj1zpovZ29i2ECpsZ27InEzCs4yN8O91bpwqhdKuPt1xsAz8qNJZZtFy6oemFaST30/s1600/IMG_0051+-+2012-09-24+at+12-23-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY76089unBqKQmRygIqXGmBLf83Q9aH7PjqLTTld-IypkA030NOWxXgXLhx-zN9q1UuW6pQNzK2hj1zpovZ29i2ECpsZ27InEzCs4yN8O91bpwqhdKuPt1xsAz8qNJZZtFy6oemFaST30/s320/IMG_0051+-+2012-09-24+at+12-23-18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, when I have some time today, I am going to pick up my size 11
needles and work on an alpaca bulky cable scarf. For me. Okay, for the
store. But one day, I will wear it!<br />
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And since it's my day off, I need to hurry up and go change the laundry before Miles wakes up and we have to run errands. Sounds like a day off, right?<br />
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And because we're having an awesome contest that ends this week, I have to mention that, too. You could get a whole lot of alpaca yarn with that <a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot/app_150794994973742">FREE $50 in yarn</a>!!<br />
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As always, to check out our website, go to <a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/">www.knitandknotyarn.com</a><br />
<br />
Happy Knitting, Crocheting, or heirlooming of any kind!!<br />
Joy <br />
<br />
<br />youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908855668690737053.post-59728314383378667692012-09-17T13:19:00.002-07:002012-09-18T16:10:31.208-07:00Small BeginningsFor those of you who like stories, this blog might be for you.<br />
<br />
I
am a small business owner of a Local Yarn Shop which opened in January
of 2012. In March I gave birth to our first child... which means that I
am in charge of not only trying to get a small business off the ground,
but trying to raise a child at the same time. Miles, my son, is with me
every day at the shop, where I attempt to discretely breastfeed him in
between helping customers, winding yarn, and placing orders with
vendors. Most days, I am at the shop from 9am to 8:15pm. And no, he does
not usually sleep on the shelves....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ59CGVg-Qsu_XBIwXn33OeccsIx11qvB3bul-5uNIENDoonHYgSOP_thsV42vFW3vq2rO1HiUpJgJ_0NpT0AiNd9bphrhIUKo0HPrnYUz0Sd3VmK5X2UMkgVWcQrhpxiLLBApopRV6D9/s1600/IMG_6752+-+2012-04-21+at+15-13-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ59CGVg-Qsu_XBIwXn33OeccsIx11qvB3bul-5uNIENDoonHYgSOP_thsV42vFW3vq2rO1HiUpJgJ_0NpT0AiNd9bphrhIUKo0HPrnYUz0Sd3VmK5X2UMkgVWcQrhpxiLLBApopRV6D9/s320/IMG_6752+-+2012-04-21+at+15-13-05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My
husband makes the shop furniture, a venture he had never tried until
this year. It works better and worse than we thought. Better: I can't
buy more yarn for the store until I have the next finished piece. It
keeps me from overspending and having too much yarn in our small
"storage" space (also known as "Miles' apartment" since he sleeps back
there). Worse: since all of these furniture pieces are hand-crafted,
stained, and finished, it takes FOREVER. My husband is a champ.<br />
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<br />
<br />
We
are learning so many things, trying so many things... right now, it's
just a strange balance between getting enough sleep, and trying to make
sure everything just keeps going...<br />
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<br />
<br />
Welcome to my yarn shop.<br />
<br />
<br />
Welcome to my life.<br />
-Joy <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.knitandknotyarn.com/">www.knitandknotyarn.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/knitandknot">Knit & Knot Facebook</a>youngtatterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13400096747477836949noreply@blogger.com13359 Devils Glen Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722, USA41.556266 -90.483619641.5547805 -90.486087099999992 41.5577515 -90.4811521