First, here’s a picture of me (the “sexy model” shot) in my lovely new shawl. (Pity there was no sun.)

Now, I wore it into town this morning and . . . I don’t want to offend anybody who liked it, but as Mom and I were waiting for traffic at a crosswalk, a woman came over and asked, “Is that a Martha Poncho?” And, I’m sorry, but . . . what? That was a gray, crocheted poncho with fringe (note the restraint in regard to derogatory adjectives); mine is a triangular, knitted shawl in corals and blues, with lace along the edge. I don’t see any resemblance whatsoever. In my shock at the question, I said, “This is a shawl.” Her reply? “Oh, it looks just like it.” And, well, I’m just completely offended at that (grin). (Especially since she didn’t even start with something like, “That’s so nice. Is it a Martha poncho?” No, no. She never actually said she liked it, just that she thought it looked like that . . . {pause, while self-editing is in progress} poncho.

Sigh.

Ah well, I know it’s nicer than that! (I will say, though, that it does shed–which I knew it would. Its one flaw.)

I went to our closing LYS this morning, and really scored, as you can see by the two bags of yarn I brought home. (And really, I showed what I think was admirable restraint.) As of right now, everything is 30% off. I’m sure the discount will increase between now and the end of the month as the inventory gets smaller. I might go back in a couple weeks, just to see, but am working on the assumption that this was probably my last visit.

  I picked up a couple things for my KR Secret Pal, so I can’t show you those, but for me, I got 19 balls of Calmer, with which I have just renewed my love affair. There’s a couple skeins of an eyelash yarn for a little scarf for Mom (which we decided will be her Mother’s Day present–though obviously it won’t be done by tomorrow!). Some stitch protectors, a Chibi, another row counter, some hand lotion . . .

  And, oh yes. Two skeins of novelty yarn which Mom will be using–not to knit (she cross-stitches, but does not knit or crochet). No, these are to be used for gift-wrapping purposes. She worries that the yarn it too expensive to use as ribbon, and yet, considering the yardage (not to mention the 30% off), I think they are great deals. Heaven knows the fancy, ribbony, sparkly yarns are a lot more impressive than the gift-wrap ribbon you find at your local Hallmark store. Personally, I think she was brilliant to think of it. (And by all means, feel free to borrow the idea.)

Who says you have to be in Maryland this weekend to get good fiber deals??

(Naturally, of course, today was one of the days when everyone in the store was helpful and friendly–and all kind of sad at the shop closing (though they’ll still have the online store). It just figures, though, that this would be the time when they’re nice so that I’m forced to regret their closing more than I would otherwise have done.)

---

For the Readers, these questions come from Shelley: (If you pick this up and pass it all around, let her know!)

1. How? How do you find books to read? Reviews? Recommendations? Favorite Authors? Other?

All of the above. I look for authors I love and genres I love, willingly accept recommendations from friends, and just plain old browse–either online or in a store.

2. Where? Where do you get your books? Independent bookstores? Chain stores? Online? Library?

More than anywhere else, Amazon.com. After that, mostly chain stores like Barnes & Noble or Borders. I’d love to patronize independent stores but there are so few good ones anywhere near me (as in, any that are near aren’t that good, and if they’re good, they’re not that near). I can’t remember the last time I checked a book out of the library, though. Given a choice, I’d rather adopt a book and give it a good home than to “foster” and end up giving it back to the system. Books need love, too!

3. When? Or more accurately, how often? How many books on average do you get or buy each month?

Um, er, I’m almost ashamed to admit that my book-buying habits are worse than my yarn-buying habits. Got to have them; can’t live without them; must have new ones. Every couple of weeks, usually, at least once a month, and rarely ever fewer than three at a time . . . more specific than that, I’m not going!

---

And for the knitters, a knitting bag survey, for anyone who’s ever complained about not being able to find a bag with everything they want. (Linked courtesy of knit-one-chic-too).

For those of you in the never-ending search for the perfect knitting bag, here is your opportunity to voice your opinion. I received the email below from an SnB mailing list.

A Chicago area knitter, Julie Grusin, has launched a business designing and manufacturing knitting bags and cases for hip knitters. Julie is a passionate knitter who knows the challenges of carrying multiple projects, needles, etc while “on the go” as well as keeping everything clean, organized and accessible while at home. Her line is being designed using sophisticated colors and fabrics that look great and wear well. In addition the products will have the functionality that knitters need.

Julie is currently conducting customer research to ensure her designs are “on-point” (and what better way to do that then to ask knitters!) Please take a moment to take her survey, it is on-line, very easy and takes just a minute to complete. She will be sending out special previews and discounts to anyone who completes the survey prior to the product line debut in the Fall.

Finally, please pass this link along to any knitters you know…the more responses from knitters the better!

Here is the link…simply click on-it or cut and paste into your browser and it will take you directly to the survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=4328857819

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

Tags: Finished Knitting, General, Knitting/Spinning, Reading // 10 Comments »