Death.

Recently my friend and I heard one of our local yarn shops will be closing its doors.

What a bittersweet thing.

I don't actually know the specifics of why this shop is closing.  Perhaps the owner needs a break, or maybe changing consumer habits required an impossible adaption.

As I said my good-byes, I felt embarrassingly thrilled with great deals on adoptable skeins.

I believe the only thing that remains for me to do is create something beautiful.

Don't forget to support the neighborhood shops.  It's important.

Winter.

It has been feeling like winter around here.  I am OK with that.  I love the change of seasons.  Not having to shovel  may be one of the few pluses of renting instead of owning.

Recently I was invited to a delicious dinner.

There is nothing like a warming stew (and sake) when surrounded by snow.  Yum!

G-Parents.

Over the weekend I headed to Southwest Minnesota to visit my grandparents.  To me, my grandparents place has always been magical. 

It's full of treasures.

There is usually a cat or two to hang out with.

Harvest time, although hard work, has its rewards.

It is inviting in many ways.

I would say the best part about it however, is my grandparents.

I feel lucky to be able to learn from such genuine people.

i like you.

It is getting to be that time of year again.  The air is getting cooler and leaves are beginning to crisp. For me it means a mad scramble to meet my self proclaimed knitting deadlines.  I am knitting everywhere!

I've been working on fingerless mitt pairs.  I hope to average one pair a day in September.  It is nice to use up bits of yarn and pick out buttons that suit each pair.

I hope to sell them at "i like you" in Minneapolis.  This place is adorable and features Minnesota artists.  Cross your fingers for me.

North Shore.

My boyfriend and I went on a mini break early this week.  We stayed near Lutsen on the North Shore.  It was beautiful.  After a jaunt through a construction zone we found this Poplar River overlook.  If only I had packed my knitting; I could have stayed all day.

Chris and I then headed farther North to Grand Marais where we encountered the most delicious custard shop.  It turns out I am a fan of blueberries and Oreo.

Later we headed closer to the edge of Superior for rock exporation.  Chris spotted this Sphynx moth!  So neat!

It was a fun adventure and I was glad to have my pal with me.  He makes random excursions so lovely.

Pontoon.

This weekend was a much needed break.  I headed north with two pals in tow.  My mom and step-dad have a lovely place on a lake.

We had lots of good food.  It is always fun to use fresh herbs.

 Quality pontoon time is a must,

and good pals make lake time more fun!

 I hope everyone who could take a break did!

Triangles.

If any of you are as addicted to Pinterest as I am, you know what a lovely collection of inspirational images you can end up with.  One thing that has been common for me to pin is knitwear that includes triangles.  I thought I would give triangles a go in designing new items.

Here is my prototype:

I am a big fan of the contrast between the charcoal organic cotton and pastel alpaca. Next up...bigger triangles!

Change.

I have been thinking.  It's time for a change in the shop.  I've picked out some new yarns.

Look for luxury fibers in soft colors and charcoal in the future.  New designs to come.