Memories and More

More on what's up

2007-03-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

More from KnitList message... since I thought it was too long

Hi KnitListers –
I know of one knitting group that meets on the UAF campus and I know that the quilting guild’s members often knit during their meetings (and the North Star Needlearts guild has a similar thing happen.)

If anyone knows of any other knitting groups in Fairbanks, Alaska could you please reply to me off list. Vivian who own Two Street Station (a coffee shop downtown) and I are trying to get a group together twice a month at her coffee shop. So far we’ve had six meetings and we’ve had anywhere from 4-13 folks show up. It was mentioned on the news for International Women’s Day--although we’re not International =). I’m looking for a good way to get the word out – it’s promoted in one of the yarn shops (mine.) This is a really low key group that’s for any kind of ‘stitching’ as we’re calling it Sip & Stitch. Any ideas or lead, off list, would be appreciated.

OTN: finishing up a ‘mini shawl’ of my own design in Nashua’s Mohair; a Booga Bag – for teaching purposes we’re doing a felted purse class at the shop and I still find this an excellent pattern for beginners; a Mission Fall’s sweater for a friend {2 years OTN argh!} but I’m getting back to it to finish it up…; an entrelac shrug in Noro Silk Garden from the XRX book. Shall I go on? A sock that I’m only taking as far as the heel to set up work for another class… not sure when we’re teaching socks again, but I’ve found it’s better to have full sized models;

ABOUT SHOPS: On completely unrelated note – in Memories and More, we have a couch for friends or family that’s come along to the store, we have children’s books and generally a stuffed animal or two. Nope the store isn’t child proof – but we have many Mom’s that bring in babies and toddlers… and together, the Mom’s and staff work hard on keeping everyone happy. Every once in a while a sticker gets crumpled or a ball of yarn gets pulled out. It’s really no problem – that happens whether the customer is two years old or forty.

STASH: I just recently went through my stash and organized it. I’ve broken it into five VERY LARGE bags… There is Jiffy Yarn – a full bag… because it and Red Heart TLC were the only yarns I used for fifteen years… By the way, I still really LOVE both of these yarns. Then there is the bag of ‘This could go away-sell’ and the bag of ‘I should really give this away/donate…’ and then two remaining bags that are worth salivating over… one I’ve mentally called ‘sexy yarns’ the other is ‘sexy yarns that I have plans for’ as in I have the book, the pattern, the needles, and at some point when I have the time, that is the bag to dive into.

So, that being said – OFF LIST please – what categories do you put your yarns into?
And just so you know – the yarns I’ll give away or donate… those few balls that are a total mess… I’ll ball those up before hand. I wouldn’t wish those tangles on anyone. The yarn that for some reason or another I just can’t stand anymore I’m tempted to toss in the trash – but we have a very nice transfer station that I’ll put them at instead.

New Books, New Look

2006-07-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hi folks - we just got in a huge selection of books... come on in and see some of them - to make it easier we've rearranged a few things - this way you can sit down and page through books or magazines.

More changes are on the way - we're gearing up for Fall!

Enjoy the beautiful summer sun. We're open 11a-6p Tues-Sat...

Janene

New Hours and More

2006-06-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang!

We've gone to new hours - Tuesday through Saturday from 11a-6p; many people have commented how they enjoy the longer Saturday hours. A few have commented that it's weird getting used to no Mondays...

We've got a WHOLE BUNCH of new yarn! We also received in (and it's been going out) a great selection of the K&Company new line K-Ology... sweet!

Our website is going to be redrafted soon...
Gotta wake up the webmaster - Oh, that's me!

New classes are out - great options for kids!

More soon,
Janene

Whirlwind!

2006-04-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

Back to bloggin...

What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. Just as a very small example, I'll share that the last three days (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) saw the following events:

Huge class for ATCs - 17 people attended
Yarn rep for Rowan, RYC, Anny Blatt, Bouton d'Or, Tibidoo, South West Trading Company, Renaissance Buttons, Rabbit Ridge etc
Yarn rep for Plymouth, Aurora Yarns, Ann Norling patterns, two button lines and MORE
Knitting class for beginners - a blast!

Today I get to focus in on paying bills. It's a ho-hum type of thing that just MUST happen. This just a glimpse into the life of a store owner.

I have, however, enjoyed daily reading of two different mailing lists... KnitList continues to be a favorite, just to see what people are working on and what they are asking eachother. Handy to know for ordering 'how to' book and patterns and needles and yarn...

Later today after the bill pay I get to place a few orders - Bazzill Basics paper! Making Memories... and I need to do a radio ad and print ad. *Whew*

Add a Bible Study to the mix and I'm a wee bit busy.

Have a great day!

Going into Year Four

2006-04-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

So... we've fallen right into Spring in this frozen land. Of course, yesterday morning (Sunday) many of us awoke to fresh snow... go figure.

That means it's still time to knit! Stay inside and scrapbook... you'll be warmer and happier in the long run.

There's been a fabulous response to our events of late. For that, we thank you. We'd also like to drop in exhaustion. So... if anyone wants to run a class - talk to Janene.

The Knit Tea (4/1) had 65 people come -- about 35 of them were new to the store!
The Artist Trading Cards (4/22) class was full with 17 people having a blast! Many thanks to Penny for teaching this class...

We've tested out overflow parking and found that fifteen cars (or vans/trucks) DO IN FACT FIT!

We got written up in March CraftTrends AND the local newspaper (largely because of the national print... and the success of the Knit Tea.)

All of this and our hours are going to change...

We are anticipating a beautiful summer.

Make sure you get out and enjoy it!

Warm appreciation all around,
Janene

Where did the time go?

2006-02-27T11:09:00.000-09:00

Lately it seems time is just flying by. I know February is a short month, but REALLY!

Here is my latest on the Knitting Olympics. This will close up this topic.

I one a ribbon at Toastmasters talking about the Knitting Olympics
I started and finished two scarves - one was on the need to do list and another just jumped on to my needles
I got almost done with the bag I've been working on... but since I didn't finish I just don't feel I can count it - however 3-4 more inches is an improvement
I got a LOT further on a friend's tunic - then I went to grab another ball of yarn and discovered that she and I had agreed upon a claret and black combination... not a solely black tunic. OH MAN! She and I have since discussed this and it will be a black tunic. I'll be getting in some more black yarn - I need to table this one until then.
I finished a really FLUFFY scarf that is HUGE from last July... I don't like it. I have no idea what I'll do with it.
Last, but not least, I organized a few of the other baskets and boxes of yarn - to prepare for finishing up even more projects.

That, my friends, counts as a success for me.

Janene

NEW BOOKS have arrived!

2006-02-20T15:33:00.000-09:00

Wow!look whats arrived! for those of you who enjoy a good read thats on the lighter side try these.
new mystery novels &funny recollections.

50 BABY BOOTEES TO KNIT: Packed with Patterns for Little Bootees and Snugly Socks for Babies Aged 0-18 Months CHEAPER THAN THERAPY: Joy, Healing and Life Lessons in Fiber
CHICKS WITH STICKS: It's A Purl Thing
CREWEL WORLD
CUTWORK
DEBBIE BLISS HOME: 27 Hand Knits for Living
DIED IN THE WOOL: A Knitting Mystery
NICKY EPSTEIN'S FABULOUS FELTED BAGS: 15 Bags To Knit And Felt
FRAMED IN LACE
A GOOD YARN
HANGING BY A THREAD
THE HAPPY HOOKER: Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet
KNIT ALONG WITH DEBBIE MACOMBER: A GOOD YARN
KNIT ALONG WITH DEBBIE MACOMBER: THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET
KNIT LIT THE THIRD: We Spin More Yarns
KNIT LIT TOO: Stories from Sheep to Shawl...and More Writing About Knitting
KNIT ONE, KILL TWO
KNITTING WITH RIBBON YARN: 20 Beautiful Projects Using Vibrant Luxury Yarns
KNITTING WORKSHOP
A MURDEROUS YARN
NEEDLED TO DEATH
THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET
STITCH IN TIME
UNRAVELED SLEEVE
YARN HARLOT: The Secret Life of a Knitter

What's New Around Here?

2006-02-16T09:02:00.000-09:00

We've added a YARN NIGHT - Come to the shop between 5:30 and 8:30 on Monday nights (except the third Monday night of the month.) We're getting together to knit and crochet! Bring your project - bring questions... expect to have fun and get something done!

February, March & April
We're SCRAPBOOKING! The third, fourth (and fifth) Friday nights of these months we are getting together from 6pm until Midnight to SCRAP. Come and have fun - bring dinner, or plan to order in... these events are FREE...

Knitting Olympics Update

2006-02-16T08:50:00.000-09:00

You should be wondering by now - any readers... what, if anything, I've done in support of my pledge. Here's the update:

Knit hat and booties for sister Rawn (she's in charge of a baby shower) - finished! mailed! I had to crochet the booties instead of knit them because I really didn't like the first pattern I chose
Crocheted pillow cover for Aggie - nothing yet
Tunic sweater for Aileen - seriously - she's been waiting for this for a YEAR - nothing yet

Oh ho! Only one thing?

Okay - so in between the finishing of the first and the starting of the second, I have

Knit another 2-3 inches on the bag I'll be felting out of Cascade 220 [shop project]
Crocheted a great beanie cap out of Noro Kureyon... yesterday in about 2.5 hours... yup - just grabbed NEW YARN and started... and then finished! Turns out, even though I put about an inch of alpaca aroudn the brim that this won't be MY NEW HAT... too itchy for me. I've got wool issues.

Feels like I'm lagging behind.

I'll jump on it!

Knitting Olympics

2006-02-08T13:43:00.000-09:00

Well now - I really was interested in joining the Knitting Olympics [see Yarn Harlot's blog at http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/olympics2006.html] for a LOT more information.

The idea was to do something challenging. You need to cast on during the opening ceremonies and have your item finished by the end of the Winter Olympics.

Fantastic idea!

I spent a lot of time over the last few days thinking, 'what should I do?'

This is what I came up with:

I could knit approximately 17 total hours during that time [remember I have a 'full-time' job and I run two businesses]
I would have to put aside a few projects [see below] in order to do this
I would have to finish up one or two items quickly so that in good conscience I could do this
I would have to be insane [a given - no change]

What I decided was this:

I will be a Knitting Olympics FAN
I will support the 3000+ folks that are involved
I will - instead of participating - finish the following projects:

Knit hat and booties for sister Rawn (she's in charge of a baby shower)
Crocheted pillow cover for Aggie
Tunic sweater for Aileen - seriously - she's been waiting for this for a YEAR

That's all I'm going to promise. That's it. That's enough!

Here, however, is the list of what's on the needles, or in a bag with the needles stolen from it... or hopefully with a note of what size crochet hook I was using, before I needed it elsewhere:

Three items listed above
One huge afghan - crocheted - been around for AGES
Mission Falls beautiful scarf... circa 2003 start date - a client needed help... so I cast on... and did about 9 inches... then it languished
Crocheted alpaca doily - size B... really.
Beautiful shrug half done out of Silk Garden
Incredible scarf out of Iro and Kidsilk Haze ***** This may move up to number 4 above. It is REALLY close to being done
Pillow top in entrelac - I work on it whenever I'm thinking... ohhh - something quick

I could go on and describe my stash and say - here's this yarn and it is earmarked for... Namely because I have three projects I can think of that are in their own beautiful bags complete with book and yarn - ready to go!

Oh - I offer up this Final Blessing - Kathy [an incredible lady that helps by doing samples for my store] is doing the Vogue Knitting shawl using Colinette yarns that I ordered over a year ago... I am really looking forward to hanging it on the wall - I am also SO greatful that she is doing this!

Sneak Peak!

2006-01-31T16:38:00.000-09:00

Starting tomorrow we're having a sale:

SAVE
20 % on organizational items
30% on all Christmas scrapbooking items
30% on all Christmas/Holiday Knit/Crochet books
30% on Mission Falls Wool
40% on Christmas 'on the roll' stickers

AND
If that weren't enough we'll also be having a sale next week - these same items AND MANY MORE!

Why come this week?
Best selection on these items - that's why!

Great Fun was had by All

2006-01-22T09:05:00.000-09:00

Last night was amazing!
I really don't like the concept of 'double booking' but I was able to go to the Marriot and teach 11 Mary Kay consultants a few easy and quick (and inexpensive) ways to scrapbook -- and reach out to customers.

At the same time, Karen Denny was in the shop with folks making cards to send to Iraq. Many cards were made - thanks to all that came and donated their time. The cookies looked really good [I didn't indulge] but the nuts were YUMMY.

Both events were a success - and at 30 below thats saying something.

Wow Saw the CraftTrends!

2006-01-16T09:22:00.000-09:00

Okay - I'm quoted in the latest CraftTrends. That is soo great! It also means that people are going to check the site. Thought I'd follow my advice and blog a little bit more! http://www.craftrends.com/toc_jan06.pdf just shows the index and a few blurbs... M. Harbour interviewed me for Spotlight on Technology p. 162

Lately I've been focusing in on finishing up the inventory and setting up displays of the new products. The secondary focus has been creating new samples.

I'll see about uploading a few great Valentine card ideas soon. In the meantime if you see this message, print it out and bring it into the shop it's worth $5 off your purchase of $50 or more. [info to cashier - code as a discount $5 into department 20.] Offer is only good January 16 - February 18, 2006.]

If you haven't seen the information on our website for scarf ideas you should check out http://www.memoriesand.com/project.html

An example is

If you're done with simple garter stitch scarves move up to this option: This will force a diagonal end to your scarf, it is a great look. We had a sample in the shop with a little bit of glitzy yarn carried along that really caught people's eye, "Oh, that looks nice!" and "How tough is that?"
Cast on 12 stitchesRow 1 KnitRow 2 Knit 1, Increase 1 (in same stitch), Knit 10, Knit 2 together
Repeat rows 1-2 adding in second skein when needed
Bind off

More to come!

Check out ALL THE YARN!

2006-01-08T21:26:00.000-09:00

Okay - so here we're going to start the new year off right. First we need to reorganize a few areas, type in more information, do all the inventory, breathe and then prepare new areas for all the new yarn.

This is the list of the yarn we now carry with ** next to the NEW YARNS.

1824 Wool
Athena**
Baby Twist
Bamboo
Big Baby
Big Wool
Big Wool Fusion
Big Wool Tuft
Biggy Print
Calmer
Carnivala
Cashair
Cashsoft aran**
Celia**
Chenille
Chrysalis
Chunky Alpaca
Chunky Print
Cotton Tape
Creative Focus worsted**
Denim
Double Kiss
Elegante
Encore dk
Encore worsted
Enigma
Eros
Eros Glitz
Felted Tweed
Fino
Fun & Stripes
Fur Real
Giotto
Hand Knit
Helix
Hip Hop
Insolite
Iro
Jewel FX
Karaoke
Kidsilk Haze
Kidsilk Night
Kidsilk Spray
Ksar
Kureyon
Lace Alpaca**
Lavish
Lurex Shimmer
Manos ‘solid’
Manos multi
Medley
Mirror FX
Mohair
Monet
Mosaic FX
Multi Jacquard
Multieffect
Odyssey Glitz
Optik
Pakucho
Parrot
Phoenix
Pima Silk
Pizazz
Plaid
Playful
Playful Weekend
Plush
Point Five
Premiere
Renaissance marbled
Renaissance solid
Rowan Spray
Samantha**
Silk Garden
Sizzle
Sockotta
Soft Baby
Softy
Star City Wool
Suede
Summer Tweed
SWTC Phoenix
Tagliatelli
TuTu
Wool Cotton
Wooly Stripes**
Worsted Alpaca**
Yorkshire Tweed aran
Yorkshire Tweed chunky
Zap
Zen Colors

Melissa Frances

2005-12-14T09:56:00.000-09:00

So, I'm at the shop yesterday and I decide - hmmm... there are too many boxes here. How about 'last in first out' to put out more product.

Yeah! I grab the new order from Melissa Frances, open up the box, check it in, price it, make labels and I got HALF OF THE ORDER out and displayed yesterday! It is soo cool... and it's going to be easy to get the rest out between today and tomorrow.

We got in new scrapbook kits, great boxes for decoupage, tags for scrapbooking/cardmaking {adding flair,} great rub-ons for monogram use - on glass, wood, paper and more!

Stop in to see the latest... I decided to decorate the walls with some of the new kits. Grab the one you like and bring it to the counter. There are twelve {we bought one of each} they mix and match great.

Of course, while I was putting everything out and making a nice display, the UPS folks showed up with ANOTHER ORDER! Ahhh... hmmm. I decided to not even open that box.

Yes - so we're focusing on getting all of the newest items out - and you'll LOVE it, because we're having a big sale this Saturday. See you then!

Monogram Transfer Frames
Can be applied to a variety of surfaces including: paper, fabric, glass, tile, plastic, photographs and more. Transfers are heat and water resistant.

Mini Mats
Approximate Size: 2.75" x 2.75" with 1.5" opening. Professional Bevel Cut Edges.

Tabs
These unique tabs are inspired by old hat tags. The U shape is die-cut so you may slide tabs onto your photos or projects easily. * 13 tabs per package – 2 large, 3 medium, 8 small * Large – 2.25” x 3”, Medium – 1.5” x 2”, Small – 2” x 1.25”

In addition to the boxes for decoupage there is an example... We'll be doing this great class in January for someone you love!

Scrapbook Kits
Each kit includes 8 Papers (2 of each style), 1 Beveled Mini Mat, 1 Expressive Rub On Transfer, 1 Large Tag with Grommet, 1 Small Tag with Grommet, 1 Yard of Satin Ribbon, and an assortment of Authentic Vintage Buttons. These buttons come from an old notions factory and are not reproductions!

My Mind's Eye

2005-12-13T10:06:00.000-09:00

The newest product line into the shop is being really well received. Here are a few photos of the product. The paper is what people seem to like the best. I know I really like the feel of it!

There are three different product lines within the My Mind's Eye display. Each of the lines have 8 sets (at the shop) with frames and quotes and titles and some with ribbon!

All New My Mind's Eye

2005-12-06T13:05:00.000-09:00

Okay - I'll put this on this blog and then on the other one? While I figure out where everything is going... because this is AMAZING!

We just had a whole new set of products come in by a NEW COMPANY - MY MIND'S EYE!

Okay - you know we are back-logged and still getting out other products, but this is a testament to HOW AWESOME these items are...

We jumped up and put the rack together and put out all the items...

There are 8 lines within "Wild Asparagus" (16 papers, ribbon options and LOADS of diecuts, page toppers and quotes to go along with it!) The papers are heavy cardstock weight and double sided. YOU WILL LOVE THESE!

There are 8 lines in Kaleidoscope {I'll double check the spelling of that soon.} Two sets of papers for each line, ribbons and loads of diecuts, quotes, frames, words! Cardstock weight and double sided papers.

There are 8 lines in "2nd Avenue" with one set of paper for each, awesome diecuts - even little, itty, bitty ones, page toppers and more. Lighter weight cardstock also double sided. Simple and easy - classic lines.

These are the papers that everyone LOVED that were hanging up on the walls LAST MONTH.

Come get some!

Janene

Just Arrived

2005-12-06T13:02:00.000-09:00

I have to figure out how best to get the Just Arrived List linked into the website and this blog... hmmm

Here is a list of JUST ARRIVED ITEMS

Any Ideas? I can link this on the main website... and???

Stamp a Stack

2005-12-01T13:50:00.000-09:00

Many of you are aware that Karen Denny and her sister have been doing a wonderful service called Stamp a Stack for Iraq. We've hosted it at Memories and More a few times. People come and donate their time to make cards. Karen brings supplies, we provide the space...

Here's her update from her email today
"And last but not least, I want to thank everyone who has participated in the Stamp-A-Stack for Iraq workshops! I mailed 523 cards over on Wednesday!! Our total count of cards to Iraq now exceeds 1800! Great job everyone!! I will not be having a SAS workshop during the month of December, but watch for more information on January's date!! "

Fantastic!

Cross-pollinate

2005-12-01T13:37:00.000-09:00

I've added a new blog just for WishLists of sorts...
Ohh... I should add one for my customers - hmmmm... I wonder how I could do that? I'll have to brainstorm this.

The new blog is janenewishes.blogspot.com

You know you've made it when

2005-11-29T16:11:00.000-09:00

Truly a sharing moment. I've hired an accountant. Yes. Me. Okay - so I had someone to do my taxes and to do the payroll. Now, however, I have an accountant. Yes. Me.

Okay - so that might not seem like much. I like to view it as a step in the best direction.

Right and wrong sometimes get blurry ... I know the difference between right and wrong, but sometimes there is MORE RIGHT. Like for instance, I used to be a bookkeeper, then I went to college and became a computer programmer. Now, I'm a business owner. I teach classes - to folks who want to spend their free time crafting. It is VERY different from teaching computer science in college.

More right.

I went to school because I really, REALLY didn't like bookkeeping. Now, granted, I have an MBA, so I know this is a run on sentence, and I also know accounting. I have three years of accounting - two at the undergraduate and one at the graduate level.

It doesn't compare to the JOY I feel right now.

I have an accountant.
Me.
Yes, me.

To Blog or Not to Blog

2005-11-29T15:33:00.000-09:00

Well, I'm new to this arena - the writing thereof, not the reading. I was asked by a writer for Primedia (CraftTrends) to answer a few questions on blogging.

I'll let EVERYONE know if I'm published as a source.

I had a few points to make:

Unless you journal (as a store owner) don't start - ask an employee or an acquantaince (great friend) of your store to BLOG for you
Make sure that you mention the blog everywhere - on newsletters, the bottom of your email sig, business cards, print outs or in classes
Blog often and Blog lots - but be clear
Don't promote until you've got enough content
Be sure that you're going to follow up

I mentioned that stores that don't keep their website up to date - or don't have a GREAT connection with their web designer, may want to blog to supplement.

How did I do?

There was more that I said, and I'll fish out the email (as well as the interviewer's name) and post that in a day or two too.

For now I have a massage scheduled AND I need to do a really cute handmade ornament for the Needleworks Guild Christmas/Holiday party which is NEXT MONDAY!

December Calendar

2005-11-28T08:54:00.000-09:00

December 3 – 3-5p – Beginning Crochet. Come learn the basics of crochet - this class includes instruction, crochet hook, yarn, simple stitches, reading patterns and more. $15 Everything you need to get started on a scarf, mittens, a pillow... 4 seat max; Mom and me 8+ years with parent.

December 10 – 3-5p - Beginning Knitting. Learn about yarn, casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off… $18 Class includes one ball of yarn and one pair of knitting needles. 4 seat max. 12 years and up.

December 12 – 5-7p - Reading patterns & troubleshooting. We’ll break down how to read knitting patterns. Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and a pair of needles. We’ll perform several different types of stitches AND we’ll go over common problems and how to fix them. $15. 4 seat max. 12 years and up.

December 15 – 6-8p – Basic Mittens. Get started on mittens! Learn the cuff and the gusset… students need to know how to knit. $30 Yarn for one pair of mittens included in the cost of the class. 4 seat max; Mom and me 8+ years with parent.

December 17 – 11a-3p - Make & Take for stampers and scrapbookers, come have fun with cards (Thank you cards, of course!) and scrapbook layouts – make a card or a layout (one per person is free.) We’re also having a SALE on this day. Free.

December 17 – 11a-3p – “Socks in Session” Are you working on SOCKS? Bring them in and work on them with others… Hints, instruction, support provided for free. We’re also having a sale on this day.

December 26 11a-3p and 27 11a-7p – Big Pre Inventory Sale. Whatever you buy, we don’t have to count!

December 27 and January 10 – 6-8p – “Booga Bag” Felted Bag class (2 sessions) Knit and felt a bag. Several yarn options available. $45 Class includes instruction, yarn and second session for additional work and help on picking up, I-cord, felting, etc. 12 years and up.

All Classes At
Memories and More, 333 Farewell Avenue. 456-3679.

THANKFUL FOR

2005-11-28T08:42:00.000-09:00

Oh we are most Thankful for the week we just had. Everyone who came into the store seemed full of compliments. It really has made a difference - especially because we've been working hard all fall to get the new location looking just right.

The donuts and tea were a hit!

A big 'thank you' to suppliers that gave me so many products at Memory Trends - OUR THANK YOU BUCK event went over really well. The most liked seemed to be the newest papers from My Minds Eye. You should know that we a full line of papers and die cuts to match.

Yarn really moved over the weekend. I imagine that everyone is thinking last minute Christmas gifts.

One VERY COOL idea that came up was using the 7gypsies chipboard, 97% done stickers, 2-3 ki memories papers (or Chatterbox) and some fiber to put together a gift set for others to do in 2 hours or less. The products all come in at around $7-9 for this great stocking stuffer! Pass on the gift of great journaling and fun little scrapbooks.

On the knitting front - I got back to a sweater I'm making for my friend Aileen. Who knows if it will be done for Christmas, but I'm hopeful.

---------
The new calendar is out in the store!

Jill's last day is coming up... you may want to stop in and say bye-bye.

Janene signing off for now

All New - November '05

2005-11-15T13:25:00.000-09:00

Have to hurry up and put this information together... We've been overrun. We have all new items from All My Memories, We R Memory Keepers, Making Memories, Penny Black, EK Success, Bazzill Basics and more

What's this mean? Well, I haven't done the email newsletter yet... I feel behind on December's classes (even though I'm not, yet...) and I need to breathe (and knit.) Who can find the time?

Well, you didn't 'peek' at the blog to see me complain.

As soon as I'm able to take a few photos of the shop, I'll put up pictures of the new stuff, BUT if you're in Fairbanks, Alaska (or have friends here) you'll want to stop in the store and see it for yourself.

We're having a HUGE 'help us make more room' sale on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (11/17-19) fun for everyone... We get to dump product lines starting now. This means that we've decided to drop from over 80 different vendors to hmmm maybe 65??

What's that mean? Well, either shipping costs were too high, or the vendor didn't ship in a timely fashion, or the product has been hanging about the store so long we think it might need a vote in the 'what color are we going to paint THAT wall' survey... Cannot do. Won't do. Gotta go...

On the way out - Plymouth Yarn and patterns (we have lots of different choices,) Mission Falls yarn and books, Rowan yarns that are discontinued by Rowan, Classic Elite yarns (in general) and MORE.

Skinny Boyfriend

2005-10-17T12:32:00.001-08:00

11/15/05
As far as I know this hasn't been published yet.

The local newspaper, The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer, recently added a free weekly paper. They asked me to submit articles, pictures and patterns.

The first in the series is 'Skinny Boyfriend' it is a long, thin scarf made out of Rowan Biggy Print, you can substitute Berroco Hip Hop, Rowan Big Wool Fusion or Rowan Big Wool [among others.] I also did it as a crochet version. It works up VERY quickly and is good for a man or a woman.

Even though it is thin it is warm enough for our Alaskan winters [at least part of them.]