Translation: cold.
The first knit-in at Clara's Window took place last Monday and was a surprising success. Some 10 people showed up, including two men (one of whom knits, the other is a supportive neighbor and cat-sitter). Considering that my town has a population of 910, that's not a bad percentage.
Some people brought their projects, others brought no experience but a desire to learn how to knit. Tea and cookies were served, and by the end of the evening everyone was stitching away. It was lovely, and I look forward to continuing this—at least until gardening season begins and people start to head outside again. (Considering the current temps, gardening season seems a long way away.)
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I've been having quite a lot of fun with Dolly the Drum Carder, acquired from Stony Mountain Fibers during the 2003 KR retreat. (I originally named her Boris, but after seeing her curves, well, she seemed more of a Dolly—she has a brother named Spike, who was acquired at the same time and is now happily residing in Massachusetts).
What you see below is a shot of dear Dolly sitting on my piano bench. And to the right, Little John, the Shetland fleece I got at Rhinebeck, before and after carding. I quickly grew tired of plain ol' Little John and began blending all sorts of other wools and silks for highlights. What will I do with an entire fleece of randomly blended fiber? Don't ask...
For those wanting to know the end of the story about the potential new headquarters for Knitter's Review International Inc. of North America, I decided not to move on it right now. The process was a valuable exercise and I got more clear about my future goals for KR—the magazine, the wholesale operation, the retail operation, the forums, the retreat, and the summer storefront. I've decided that this simply isn't enough for one person, so I'm going to start three more businesses this year. And adopt some children. Maybe raise sled dogs and cut firewood on weekends...
