So, What Have You Been Up To Lately?

Well, there might be someone out there saying, "For crying out loud Kim - change your post!" OK, OK, I hear you. As always, time just seems to fly in my household. All three kids were back in the house as of August 25, and it's been an adjustment! We managed to squeeze in a trip to the Ex on the 27th. They enjoyed themselves but it certainly wasn't the place from my youth! I think I'm turning into one of those "When I was a girl..." people. But really - what happened to the Food Building, the freebies, the Flyer? I don't think Blue Jays baseball or concerts have ever been the same since they tore down the Grandstand.

I took each of the boys out on his own for a back to school shop. No more Please Mum and Old Navy - it's American Eagle and West 49 now, or for the jock in my family, Sport Chek and Naitonal Sports all the way. Thank goodness for my little girl - I can practically outfit her for the year on what it costs to buy one pair of running shoes for the boys.

Life at kniterary has been good. The Thursday night knitting group is a lot of fun - it's only taken a few weeks to build up a decent number of attendees - and there are different people all the time. I really enjoy watching the progress people make on their projects. Hopefully Dana will keep us all posted on the progress of her Bloomfield Throw if she finds the time while she's away at law school. And, in response to Q107's latest contest, I think Anna Mae should be crowned "funniest person with a day job." So what if she took early retirement!

I've felt like the shop has had a rotating door lately, what with visits from salespeople from Diamond Yarns, Estelle Designs and Old Mill Knitting. Problem is, I'm just a girl who can't say "no." But, for kniterary customers, this could be a good thing. I'm really looking forward to the endless supply of new yarns and patterns that will be making their way to 229 Brock in the next little while. Mille Colori by Lang, as featured in a Vogue magazine ad. Baby Ull by Dale or Norway. Naturally Colourworks for scarves and Buttons for kids' sweaters. Pretty, fancy yarns for Christmas knitting and party-wear. Bulky yarns for scarves and cozy sweaters. Loads - and I mean loads - of Fiber Trends patterns. http://www.fibertrends.com/ The list goes on. Check out the Sublime yarns - the DKs are on their way...and you should see the patterns. http://www.novayarn.com/nv/Manufacturers/Sublime.html

And, as if that weren't enough, I have lights. Yes, my dear brother arrived today with tools and equipment in hand and installed fluorescent lighting in the main part of the shop and track lighting in the front. Squinting no longer required!

I appreciate the patience of my customers over the last few months as I have fumbled my way into life as a shop owner. I know there have been days when some may have arrived to find the place unexpectedly closed. Unfortunately, the schedule of my day care provider did not always jive with mine. Throw in a few football practices (my son's, not mine!) and a husband who travels - and works at least one day in Hamilton each week - and things get messy. Therefore, I have had to make some changes. My daughter is off to a new after SK program. And, my fifteen year old has learned to use that modern day miracle called public transportation! However, it still means that kniterary hours will be changing somewhat. These will be posted on the website. But for those of you reading this, you'll be in the "know."

Sunday, Monday - closed (until I can find someone interested in working a few hours a week*)

Tuesday - 10 to 5

Wednesday - 10 to 5

Thursday - 10 to 9 (or later, if we're there knitting)

Friday - 10 to 5

Saturday - 10 to 5

*I'm on the lookout for an enthusiastic, trustworthy knitter who would be interested in working a few hours here and there each week. This could help to open the shop up for longer hours and get those much-demanded courses underway. Durham Regioners - please pass the word!

As for my knitting: I'm more than half way finished the back of my husband's sweater; I need to sew up a Mission Falls' Just Kidding hat for my daughter; started a Freedom Wool sweater for her too; a simple Debbie Bliss sweater is next for my mum, in just the right blue, to thank her for all her help this summer; then, a Netherlands soccer team themed sweater for son one; and a Mod target for son two. Somewhere in there, I'll tuck in all the Bloomfield Cardigan ends.

That ought to keep readers satisfied for a few days. Knitting pictures will follow soon!