December 6

Greetings!

The show on Sunday was a blast. Good to get together with new friends and spend the day socializing with them, as well as the passers by. I bartered for this gorgeous felted hat made by Jennifer, the owner/operator of Northeast Fiber Arts. She creates the felt (not by knitting it first) then shapes/sews them into hats and jackets. They are incredible and I'm thrilled to own one of her creations.
We were hit with days (and days) of continuous snow fall...as you can see. Some sun today, but not much. The pictures are from my upstairs window this morning...it was 3 degrees out there.
I will offer the large tote as the feedback was great! I've decided to name it after my Mom. Ellie. Thanks all for taking the time.....I'd like to ask your opinions again:
As many of you know, I don't like making cases. I do...when I must. As a knitter, I've been wanting a case for specific items. Now my knitting bag is used only for knitting. I have nothing unrelated in it...no wallet, phone etc....So the three or four pockets in the bag really hold all I needed accessories, like my tip protectors, measuring tape, knitter's hand balm, row counters etc...But, I wanted a case that could hold some of my most frequently used double pointed needles, crocket hooks, cable & sewing needles etc...

I started thinking of how I could simplify it, and made a prototype of boiled wool. I was pretty happy with it, but it was drab. Then I pictured it in leather! I brought it to a long time leather shop and worked through the prototype and came up with what you see here. I brought it into NEFA and the three of us critiqued it. The changes would be 4 'pockets' instead of 5. Closed, the case measures 4.75" x 7.5". Open, it measures 4.75" x 15.5". It's made of a lighter weight leather that has a great feel, and it's dark brown. I love how rugged and simple it is...the fact that leather lasts forever, and it goes with every fabric. The tri fold design snaps shut. So...on the bottom, there would be {4} 3.5" spaces for small stitch holders, sewing needles, cable needles...and up above would hold 6" double pointed needles...and the ever important crochet hook! So, you could carry your range of smaller sizes up to size 6. Gee, you could get two cases and have the other hold your larger sizes! At the top, there is an open pocket which is perfect for business cards or a 'post it' pad...for all that note taking we do while knitting! A slot could also hold a pen/pencil. Perhaps in time I could have them made to hold 7 & 8" lengths as well. But personally, I use 6". Let me know! So, perfect for sock/mitten knitters. The price would start at $48.00. Depending on the response...I'll place an order for 20 of them. I must say...I love mine.

Made a great split pea and ham soup for dinner, and I turn 50 on Saturday! Half way there! Wheeaaaaaa!


Birthday wishes to fellow Sagittarians too....let's all knit on!

Martha.