The Passing of Chris Hunter

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I found out this past weekend one of our customers, Chris Hunter passed away last Wednesday Night. Chris was a customer that always had a smile on her face. Always had kind words to say, and had an unlimited amount of patience when she had to wait for me or one of the girls to help her. One of her favorite items to knit was a Clapotis. On her last visit to the shop a few days before her passing, she found another yarn that would be just PERFECT for what I believe was her 6th. She is survived by her mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, and her husband, Wayne, who we've seen in the store countless times. I believe her obituary will be in this Wednesday's Sacramento Bee.

If you would like to celebrate Chris' life with us, there will be a graveside service at East Lawn in Elk Grove at 2 pm on Friday, May 2nd. Please wear something hand knit in honor of Chris, and if you have a Clapotis to wear that would be even better.

To say I am in shock would be an understatement. Being in a business where you have such an intimate relationship is a such a joy for me. Being emotionally involved with each person who spends or shares a little bit of their life with me is one of the greatest joys of my business. It is in times like this that I want to reach out, give you each a hug, and tell you how much you personally mean to me.

Chris you will be deeply missed. I will wear my perfume you gave me, and think of our friendship and when I wear my Clapotis, or help others with theirs I will think of you. God Bless You and your family.

Did someone say Socks!

Here at Knitique we've been living, breathing and sleeping socks. Susan and I just bought a Vintage Legare 400 sock knitting machine.
We heard you could knit a pair of socks in just under 30 minutes. We were enthralled. After a six hour private lesson, Susan ended up with one fabulous Ribbed Sock. I ended up with a rewound ball of yarn. So we've been taking turns playing, ripping and yes swearing. But I can do a great picot hem, I've turned a heel successful several times, but that's where it stops. I haven't successfully put it all together. Come in to the shop next week and see if I've made the mirage of socks. It's a great way for us to try out all the fabulous sock yarn that's been coming into the shop.

Next in the lineup, I can't give up the secret but we have a sock yarn company that I've been working with. I've used the yarn, I've loved the yarn, and I can't wait for you to see this incredible Indie dyed yarn.

So come on in while the selection is still Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Hey, Y'all Come

It's the Friday night Whine-down at Jennings Wine Bar on Elk Grove Blvd. Last month there were about twenty or so of us--some drinking, some not (Danielle wants me to be sure you know that you DON'T HAVE TO DRINK ALCOHOL to join us). Actually, you don't have to knit to join us either. There were some crocheters in our midst and a spare husband or two, not to mention a sister who refused to learn to knit and--well, you get the point. We are not a rowdy group because this is a Wine Bar. De facto it has class, ya know? We'll be there starting about six and we'll go on till...the last drop is drunk and the final row knitted.

This photo is just to whet your whistle (or should that be wet?). It's from our post-New Year's jaunt to South of the Border (thus, the taco chips and hot sauce).

[What'd I leave out this time, Ms Bowen???]

Rolling out of Bed!

What a crazy night of fun last night. Once again Knit and Nosh was a smashing success. Lots of delicious foods were available last night. Cora make a great Chinese Chicken Salad. The Lemon Bars were a success and Susan's ravioli's were to die for. Thanks to everyone who came to visit, eat, or just wanted to stop by. Without each and everyone of you fabulous customers, Knitique wouldn't be the warm and friendly community-center knit shop that's evolved over the last 3 years. We continue to be awed by the support of our community. So three cheers and a hug to each and everyone of you.

We got so many great books in yesterday, because of our successful Knit and Nosh and crazy day at the shop I've already placed a reorder on a half dozen books.

New from the quirky Knitting Style of Claire Garland

Here is what's being said of Claire's newest book. The clear and easy patterns in Knitted Bears are accompanied by stunning photographs that showcase the charming nature of the toys and their mischievous personalities. Each project is created with a wonderful range of soft yarns in gorgeous colors and every single bear includes patterns for their own wardrobe and accessories. There are eight bears in all and the straightforward nature of the patterns combined with inspiration allow readers to create characters that are all their own.
Combines two very popular needlecrafts--knitting and crocheting--to create adorable handmade toys.
Each bear features their own accessories and unique personalities
Every project is beautifully photographed, bringing each bear to life with vibrant color

We'll have a sample in the shop in the next week or so. It's started out nicely and I can't wait to make some of the outfits. Perfect for a Christmas Present for the favorite child in your life.

So stop on by while the selection is still Hot, Hot, Hot. Remember to bring your needles and stay awhile.

Come Knit and Nosh with Us Tonight

Come Join Us tonight for our Monthly Event Knit and Nosh. Whether you are a Knitter or Crocheter, Beginner or Advanced, we've got a spot on the table or couch for you.

I've made my Aunt's famous Lemon Bar recipe, and as Cora can attest to, they are de-li-ci-ous. I've made a fresh new batch last night after the Camellia Stockinette Guild meeting, where I was showcased as the Advertiser of the month. What a wonderful group of women, and yes men. The showcase of what they had created this month was beautiful and inspiring. One of my most favorite pieces was an Afghan inspired by the XRX series North American Afghan, Aran Afghan & the Great American Afghan. It was incredibly beautiful and the creator received a round of applause. It's funny that we have started the Aran Afghan class at the shop. Can't wait to have a completed one at Knitique for everyone to see.

Lot of new books have come in this week. Probably the most popular so far is Stephanie Pearl McPhee aka The Yarn Harlot's newest book of giggles....

The Yarn Harlot strikes again! Best-selling knitting author and humorist Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is back with an irresistible collection of witty observations on how knitting and life wisdom are spun together.In Things I Learned From Knitting (Whether I Wanted To or Not), Pearl Mc-Phee examines age-old aphorisms in light of knitting. From "Hope Springs Eternal" to "A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed" and "Birds Of A Feather Flock Together," Pearl-McPhee casts a fresh, off-beat light on these sayings. Presented in quick, punchy takes, each entry in this book calls out to be read aloud and shared with anyone who enjoys playing with yarn and needles.Pearl-McPhee's observations are hilarious; the situations she describes strike a familiar, "not you, too?" feeling in the heart of anyone who knits. Interspersed throughout the book are her notes on the things that "Knitting is still trying to teach me. . ." That no matter how well you knit, looking at your work too closely isn't helpful. It's like kissing with your eyes open. Nobody looks good that close up.

Also other new books: More Big Girl Knits, Little Box of Socks and about a dozen others. I'd love to show you the covers, but Blogger has decided not to upload them, I'll try again tomorrow.

See you soon, and remember to always bring your knitting or crocheting. If you need a moment of stress reducing fun, have a seat on our comfy couch and craft your problems away.

How Flat are Your Feet at Late Night

Come join me for Late night tonight where conversation, knitting, and community are rampant. We've got a whole load of chairs in the back so when the other areas fill up we've got a spot just for you.

We've had a plethora of new sock yarns come in this week as well as refills of our staples.

I'll just tell you about one of the newest and most fun sock yarns that have come out in a while.

Flat Feet by Conjoined Creations

No skeins, no balls, no tangles and it's completely portable. You simply unravel as you knit. No need to wind into a ball.

Each flat is artistically painted. No other pair will match the flats. These are art socks, one of a kind creations. The unique color pattern is developed as your knit flat is re-knit into a sock.

It's sounds crazy but it's fun. I'll take some pictures tonight, including the Embossed Leaf Socks that I'm knitting out of one of the colors we had custom dyed for us. You won't believe it until you see it with your own eyes.

Take a load off your feet, bring your current new project and join us for a peaceful night of knitting.