Klem Frame Shop relocates to The Vine in Jasper.

The Klem Frame Shop is now located at The Vine (1280 Vine Street) in Jasper, IN.  

There's plenty of room for groups to gather to socialize, take a class, etc.  Fiber Friends meets here on the second Saturday of each month.  Nevertheless, custom framing is still the focus of the shop.  These amazing original blueprints look terrific.  Special handling for original blueprints is to keep them out of the sun since they were created by a heat based process.  The lines, etc. would just disappear when heated.  

What a day to dye!

I began with two skeins of Good For Ewe Yarns Chord in a pale yellow.  I added leftover Easter Egg pellets to the middle and outer edges of the yarn cake.  At first I was afraid that the yarn would be mostly brown because that was the color on the outside edges of the yarn cake.  Fortunately when I started winding the cake onto the Niddy Noddy, I found lovely variegated greens and golds.  I'm loving the dyeing process because of the gorgeous colors that are always a surprise.

Look at that surprising red in the center!  This is still cooling so I don't know the colors yet and am excited to see what they are when I wind it up.  This was a mini-skein of off-white wool I found in my stash.  I think it's handspan (not mine, but not sure whose it is).  There was a fair amount of dye left in the pot but since the skein was small, I thought perhaps there was too much dye for too little yarn?  Yeah, it's all an experiment!

I won the Atenti Caddy; I'm so excited!

Isn't this Atenti Caddy gorgeous.  The fabrics are wonderful, the design of the bag itself is perfect for a small to medium knitting project. Finding the words to show how very much I love using this bag is difficult.  I may need to look at some of Atenti's larger totes also.  The little pockets surrounding the inside are perfect for tucking in a few stitch markers, a tape measure and a small scissors.  Love, love, love this caddy!  Thanks Atenti!  I'm a major fan!

I have a new addiction - Dyeing yarn and roving!

Gorgeous colors! began with a previously dyed ball of yarn.  It had been dyed at the Winter Wooly Weekend in 2015.  While the color was pretty it was a bit pale for my taste, so I decided to overdye the yarn and I love the result.  First I had to find a pot to dye in so I checked at The Ferdinand Antique Emporium where I fortunately found a charming white enamel pot with red trim.  Bonus!  I filled the pot 2/3 full with water and two tablespoons of vinegar, brought it to a simmer and added the cake of yarn that I had previously soaked in water.  It was almost too much for the water in the pot, but worked okay.  Then I tucked a couple pellets of Easter Egg dye (graciously given to me by Julia S.) into the center of the yarn cake and dropped a couple of other pellets on the outside of the cake.  Whew!  At first both my husband and I thought it was going to be really, really dark, but I figured that I was in a win/win situation since I didn't care for the original color.  Keeping the low simmer going for about 30-45 minutes (and peeking every once in a while because I'm not a patient person!), I found that the water surrounding the cake was a pale blue.  Well, I figured that was good enough for me, so I turned off the heat and let the yarn sit to absorb as much dye as it would.  After a couple hours, I squeezed lightly and transferred the yarn to a small empty container to continue to cool.  Of course, I checked it the first thing this morning!  I pulled a bit of the center pull yarn out and was delighted to find it was a lovely dark green color.  Winding the dyed yarn onto the Niddy Noddy was a delight for the color senses.  I love the colors and the way they ease into the next color.  It's in a skein and drying on a hanger now.  Initial intention was to make some colorful socks with this yarn, but I believe I have changed my mind and will knit a cowl in order to show off the gorgeous colors.

Cake of yarn in the dye pot.

This is the center of the cake.  Love the color!

I can hardly wait to knit something with this to see how the colors fall.

Merry Christmas!

We're almost ready for Christmas.  Here's hoping your holiday is a wonderful time with family and friends.  Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to each of you.

We're excited about this year's Winter Wooly Weekend.  It will be happening on February 5th, 6th and 7th.  Patti and I have such wonderful activities planned and are super excited about our goodie bag!  We can hardly wait to welcome everyone to Kordes and the 2016 Winter Wooly Weekend.  Hope to see many of you there.

A Tempting Basket and a trip to TNNA

Aren't these baskets great!  Prices are very reasonable - $36 and $42 respectively.  

These baskets are so tempting!  Unfortunately, I can't think of a spot for them in my home.  Wouldn't they make a great yarn basket, or a place to store roving. or to hold many other things?  The owner says he has an even larger basket that will be in the Emporium as soon as he gets someone with a truck to deliver it.  I can't wait to see that one!  

As for knitting I've finished a baby sweater and a reversible cable scarf for one of my brothers, but I'm most excited about attending the TNNA trade show in Columbus, Ohio this weekend.  We'll be looking for fresh ideas for classes and supplies for the Winter Wooly Weekend. We'll be meeting up with Peg.  I already have an idea for her class at Winter Wooly Weekend, but we'll be looking at supplies.  We'll also be spending a little time with Paige who is exhibiting at the TNNA show.  I'm excited to view some of her Indy dyed yarns.  Anyone interested in another dying class at WWW this year?  There always seems to be a new technique to check out.  TNNA does not encourage pictures taken at the show.  However, I'll try to remember to take some pictures of the activities and any samples we can purchase.  Gotta' fill those goodie bags! 

Pine Ridge Elementary is a National Blue Ribbon School!

I just finished getting this in the frame with Bill's help.  It's a big flag for a big accomplishment.  I was surprised that the flag was in such good shape because the school had It up the flagpole outdoors for over a year.  Congratulations to Pine Ridge students, teachers and staff for a wonderful accomplishment!

Knitting has been happening at my house again!

This is the lovely cowl kit made with Cascade Baby Alpaca that Melissa was selling at Winter Wooly Weekend.  I added the 20 stitches in width that Melissa had recommended.  I also added 3-4 repeats of the pattern stitch in the middle color.  I am a tall person and appreciated the extra length.  Actually, I just kept knitting in pattern till I figured I'd only have enough yarn left for the few rows of ribbing above the middle pattern.  I've been wearing the cowl today and find it very comfortable.  It's warm and easy to work in. I can imagine that wearing the cowl on long trips would be good also.  Coats and even bulky sweaters are too uncomfortable and restrictive when driving.  I think this is just the ticket.  (Don't get a ticket though!).  Spring is coming.  Hooray!

Winter Wooly Weekend Project Finish

I've finally finished the Winter Wooly Cowl from the Knitters' Weekend in February.  I added repeat of the pattern so that it would be a bit longer and I'm very happy with the result.  However, I should note that I did need to buy a second skein of the Claddagh to finish.  It's such a lovely yarn that I don't mind at all.  

For those who are interested, we have reserved the dates for next year's event.  Winter Wooly Weekend 2016 will be February 5, 6 & 7th.  Planning has not officially begun, but we have been tossing around some interesting ideas!

Only a couple weeks till Spring, thank goodness!

Snow may be tiresome at this time of the year, but the latest snowstorm provided ample opportunity for many knitters to work on projects and begin new ones.  I was able to sort through and rewind some of the leftovers from a number of projects.  Now to find a project to use them all.  I may make some 4" squares for a local charity project.  The larger quantities I plan to take to my knitting group to see if anyone else can use them.  Actually, I may check through a couple of other baskets for some of the "not sure what I'll ever use it for" yarn to add to the donation pile.  

Ouch!

Guess I won't be knitting for a while.  It's just a sprain.  I didn't slip on the ice, but tripped over an ottoman in my own living room.  Note to self:  turn on the lights before walking across a room in the nighttime.  I may have to come up with a way to knit.  

A Liberty Wool sweater out in the world!

This is my darling Great Niece in her Liberty Wool sweater.  It's a raglan sleeve knitted top down.  The wool is a joy to knit and the colors are a delight to the eye.  This sweet little girl is obviously in line for more knits from Aunt Sally!  Such fun!  Oh, the yarn was purchased at Serendipity Fibers on Fourth Street in Huntingburg.  Talk to Melissa or Jon.

Cowls are being completed everywhere.  Many from Winter Wooly Weekend were snowed in this week and spent the time knitting away. Some had a shortage of yarn.  Fixes for that are to knit fewer repeats or to purchase another skein. I purchased a second skein because I'm making the larger size.   3Bags Full at the Ferdinand Antique Emporium has some in all the colors.  Serendipity Fibers or your local yarn shop may have some also.   Be sure to send pictures of what you decide to use your hand dyed yarn for. Socks, shawls, scarves, baby sweater,etc.  Sigh!  So many possibilities.  Guess I should have dyed more skeins!

Stay warm and dry, everyone, and try to get some knitting into your day!

Knitting on a Snowy Morning

Snowflakes are tumbling down outside and I'm knitting on my Winter Wooly Cowl with my favorite mug of coffee - Ah!  Sweet!    As you can tell progress on this project is little, but it is a very fun knit.  For those who are concerned about the complexity, you'll be pleasantly surprised and will be quite proud of your efforts.  I know that a number of people also purchased Melissa's kit for the shoulder covering scarf/shawl/what is that called.  Some of the group are doing it as a Knit-A-Long group project.  I'm anxious to begin.  Wouldn't it be lovely to wear on a snowy day!  First the above cowl should be finished.  

FYI, Paige, Patti and I are already exchanging ideas for next year's Winter Wooly Weekend.  The dates are set with Kordes again - February 5th, 6th and 7th.  Can you tell we have as much fun as you do at these events!  Has anyone used their dyed yarn for a project?  That is queued up after Melissa's shawl in my list.  Let us know what you knit with it?  I'll be glad to post a picture so everyone can see your project.  

I'm off to knit the cowl, watch the snow (and maybe a little Netflix or the PBS rerun of Downton Abbey), and enjoy the snowy day at home.  Have a great day!

Winter Wooly Cowl Finish!

Amanda may be the first to finish the Winter Wooly Cowl.  The plan is to post a picture of it here. If one shows up, you'll know the plan was successful!  Sorry, I tried to stretch the image to fill the space, but it was distorted.  I keep running into Sisters of St. Benedict who make comments about the Wild & Wooly people (that's us!).  Fortunately the comments are complimentary.  Check out the photo section for moments from the weekend.  

Meanwhile, work at the Frame Shop has been piling up!  That's a good thing, but keeps me hopping.  Today is shadowbox construction day.  It's always interesting and occasionally challenges my problem solving skills.  Have a great week everyone!

Thanks Winter Wooly Weekend Knitters! You're Wonderful!

Check out the sweet, tiny, micro-preemie hat and bootee sets the knitters at Winter Wooly Weekend 2015 made to donate to Deaconess Hospital.  Tomorrow there will be a presentation by Darlene Fischer about the bereavement program at Deaconess and how these little sets along with a stack of blankets - made by knitters and a huge stack made by Doris' mother - are used. The generosity of all is amazing and admirable.  Thanks knitters and crocheters.  You really are wonderful!

Today it Begins!

Soon all the Winter Wooly Weekend 2015 attendees will be gathering for our Fun-F.illed February Weekend.  I can't wait to see each of you!  We're going to have such fun.  Please don't forget your Show & Tell!  If you have forgotten something, please let Doris, Patti or me know and we'll do our best to help you find a substitute.  

Proudly Posting a Penguin

Pamela, Patti, Peter, Persephone, Paula, Paolo?  Start thinking of names for your penguin from the Poke a Critter class with Peg.

Have you packed your bags?

When you pack your bags don't forget to bring the fun things, like your knitting, some items for "Show & Tell", etc.  Also, don't forget to bring layers of clothing.  Kordes has warm areas and those that get pretty chilly.  Much depends on our changeable Indiana weather as well.  If you want soft drinks, you'll need to bring your own.  Sorry about that!  There's no soft drink machine in Kordes.  The same goes for snacks, so if you want a particular snack you'll need to bring it along.  There will be plenty of food: snacks are usually cake or cookies, plus popcorn for the microwave and whatever attendees bring along.  The Kordes staff typically leave us iced tea and/or lemonade throughout the day.  Coffee and a variety of tea is always available.  We'll see you any time after 4:30 at the front door of Kordes for registration.  And, yes, there is a meal on Friday night.  This year Ruthie from Harvest Moon is providing the main selections.                           

I hear that one of our WinterWoolyWeekenders is newly engaged and planning a wedding; I'm sure we can help Paige celebrate the wonderful news. Tall, Dark & Handsome is one lucky guy!  Congratulations to both of you and all good things in  your future.

For those who didn't get my earlier email, there's a free hat pattern online, but there's a time limit.  Try the following link    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pog     It is likely that you need to be a member on Ravelry.   If you are not already a member, I'd highly recommend it.  I find so many answers to problems, patterns, interesting information and ideas there.  

Just a few more days until Winter Wooly Weekend 2015!

10 Days Till Winter Wooly Weekend

The countdown to Winter Wooly Weekend has begun.  We have a few surprises for the goodie bag still arriving - a couple are a surprise for us, too!  We'll begin welcoming people at 4:30 at the front door of Kordes Enrichment Center.  

-FRIDAY

4:30     Registration begins – pick up your goodie bag, check out your room, meet up with                                  friends, shop at attending vendors (3 Bags Full, Good For Ewe, Serendipity Fibers), etc.  Turn in your micro-preemie hat & bootie sets and register your guess as to the number of hats in the container.
 5:30-7:30  dinner is being catered by Ruthie at Harvest Moon this year.  It will be a treat!

7:30    Welcome.  Get acquainted with fellow attendees, work on projects, participate in Show & Tell, check out the spinners, etc.  Drinks and snacks will be available throughout the weekend, but if you prefer soft drinks, please note that the Kordes Center does not have a soft drink machine.  You’re welcome to bring your own favorite and put them in the coolers at the beginning of the serving line. Some participants have been known to bring wine/beer and I think that’s okay as long as we don’t get too flagrant about the consumption.  Too bad the Benedict’s Brew  micro-brewery isn’t open.  We’ll try to put a tour on next year’s agenda.  If you have a specific snack you like, please bring that along too, but be prepared to share.

12 Midnight – Exterior Doors are locked at this time

SATURDAY

5:30    Exterior Doors are Unlocked.

7:30    The YMCA will conduct an easy exercise session exclusively for our group.  This will be held in the Kordes dining area.

8:00    Breakfast will be prepared by one of the chefs from Kordes.

9:00-12:00     Lace Cowl class to be taught by Paige Sylvester.  You’ll become familiar with a variety of techniques while knitting this cowl specially designed for Winter Wooly Weekend. 

10:00    Patti will conduct a “pull-out” class for those who are beginning knitters.  After the first hour in Paige’s lace class, anyone who would like to work on different cast on and bind off techniques is welcome to join Patti.

10:00-4:00 Additional Vendors (Shirley’s Sewing Stuff, Flatwood Farms, StressAway -  
                   Kris’ hand massage, French Ridge Candles & Soaps, French Ridge Pottery)                  will be opening their booths in the back room if you wish to slip out for a                   break!

12:00     Lunch will be served – prepared by the chef at Kordes

1:00     Presentation by Darlene Fischer, RN, Grief Support Coordinator on the Deaconess Preemie Bereavement Program.
    During this time we will be donating the preemie hats, booties, and blankets to the Deaconess program.  A prize for the person who guessed closest to the number of hats in the container will be awarded.

2:00 – 5:30  During this time you may rotate through several activities.  1.  The yarn painting class led by Paige (approximately 12+ per class), 2. The “Poke a Critter” felting class where you’ll needle felt a penguin (approximately 12 + per class),
    3. hand massages for a small fee, 4. Vendor shopping  (available till 4:00.), 5. Chat with friends, 6. Knit on a project, 7. Etc.

5:30    Dinner – prepared by the chef at Kordes

After Dinner – Please fill out your evaluation sheets sometime this evening.

        Large Raffle – shoot your dart at the board to determine your prize.  
                There’s one for each of you!

        Pom Pom Making – Sally will be giving demonstrations to small groups 
            throughout the evening. 

        Patti will be glad to work with knitters to solve knitting problems; others     
            Will be glad to help also!

        Chat with friends old and new, work on a jigsaw puzzle, knit on a project,
            Have a snack or a drink, etc.

SUNDAY

8:00    Breakfast in the Kordes dining room

9:00-?    Paige will be providing additional opportunities to paint blank yarn at a charge of $20 per hank.  Please note that you will need to take your painted yarn home in a wet state.  

9:00    While I’m sure everyone will need time to pack up, please consider joining your fellow knitters in the dining room area/sitting area for a knitting session.  Last year several of the group hung around for a couple hours just talking and knitting.   It was a lovely time. 

10:30    For those who are interested in attending Mass in the Monastery Immaculate Conception’s Chapel, mass will be held at 10:30

12:00 Noon – please take time to fill out the evaluation sheets; we hope to improve Winter Wooly Weekend every year.  Tell us what you like and what you didn’t like, give us suggestions for activities or classes you would like to experience, etc.

As you’re packing your things this morning, please take a few extra minutes to take the sheets and pillowcase off the bed.  Please place these in the linen cart you’ll find in the hallway.  The blanket (from the closet) and bedcover can be left on the bed.  

Have a safe trip home!  Mark your calendars for next year’s Winter Wooly Weekend, February 5, 6 & 7th.  Thank you so much for joining us for Winter Wooly Weekend 2015.  We loved having you with us.

Doris, Patti and Sally