Can't believe it is November already - in fact, November the 16th - half way through. Dad said you called and had a WONDERFUL time in Zanzibar - like who wouldn't. So happy you were able to go - to get away and have a real honeymoon. Makes me so happy. We got your postcard. Beautiful.
I see you are progressing on your Hanami. I am also - but not past the apple blossoms. I thought maybe I would catch up when you were away - but really didn't. I can't believe how busy, busy I am. But - one thing accomplished, Clay now has his US passport. I went to Toronto to visit and we got through the US stuff, visited - I visited yarn shops in Toronto - and then went on to Ottawa for a board meeting of the Forum for Young Canadians (I am the NS Director). Also visited yarn shops in Ottawa. Had a great time.
I do like your socks. I just can't get into socks. Something about making two on anything. I don't have a long attention span.
Now - what have I been knitting and hooking..... Well - crazy stuff. I am working on the restoration of the mat. We had a week long class last week with Germaine James - a really terrific rug hooking teacher from Ontario. She stayed with us so I got the benefit of her knowledge and experience. I am going to do a whole blog posting on this - but for this one, want to catch up.
Mostly I have been doing little stuff for the shop. I finished the mug rugs and made another little hat and mitts set.
I also am working on some Christmas tree ornaments - rug hooked - but don't have a picture of them yet.As to my visit to Toronto - well - can't say I was impressed by the yarn shops - except for one I found by accident - Americo - Wow and wow! What beautiful yarns. They were from South America - many countries and almost all in natural colours. Everything from wools, alpaca, lama, cottons, and angora. I was totally, totally NOT impressed with Romni Wools on Queen Street. The only good thing about visiting there was that they were tearing up the Queen Street line so I had to walk to Spedina and that is how I found Americo. If you go to Romni's website and click "home" you will see what I mean. I total, total mess! Add to this a staff that ranged from "don't care" to outright hostile The only thing good was they have a really large section on books - but not enough for me to ever go back there - ever. They are playing on their reputation. A lot of better places in Toronto. One for SURE is Lettuce Knits in Kensington Market. A tiny place but just terrific. Found it the first day when Clay and I walked down to the Market. He lives very close - a really great location - his apartment is at Collage and Euclid. They had great yarns and really nice people. This was also true of The Knit Cafe (although just getting started and way, way down Queen Street - at least when the trolley isn't running) and KnitoMatic up at St. Clair and Bathurst. They are also small but nice woman there.
As to Ottawa - I went to Yarn Forward. They have expanded into quilting - at their Bank Street Store - which makes it not so friendly. I visited both stores and at both, don't find them all that helpful or willing. I did like The Real Wool Shop in Carleton Place - although Carleton Place has grown all around it with all the usual box stores. It is part of the Ontario wool cooperative. The other one I finally found - after much looking, in an industrial park was Wool-tyme. They had just about everything and very nice. I even ran into an old friend who now works there so that was nice. I did find the prices a little higher than other places I visited but lots of selection and books.
I came with some books and "one-of" balls of yarn. I wanted some samples for Hands on Crafts so we could decide what we wanted to order.
I also went to the RHGNS annual meeting in Debert. It was fun and got to see lots of people. I agreed to be the editor of "The Loop" (RHGNS magazine/newsletter) for another two years. So spent my last two weeks finishing
The Loop to get it off on Monday. This is a really big job and it does cut into my knitting and hooking time.
October and November have just flown by! I thought of you two often on your grand trip to Zanzibar. After October and November - and we had a "tropical storm" blow through, I just want to stay home and relax a little.
I will post again about the mat but wanted to get this one off. I will also send pictures of my Hanami - I am making progress!
Love you both,
Mom
