Knit Night at Tandem Coffee House

Yay for babies! Peter and I got the news yesterday that we are brand new Auntie and Uncle to a sweet little girl named Macy Sariah Smith. Peter's sister just delivered a healthy 7 lb. 7oz. baby on 10.10.07. I think she'll be a lucky one! Hmmm, so happy...
I also wanted to let you know that knit night is officially going to be every Wednesday night at the new-ish Tandem coffee house. This is the old Mabel's location at 3041 SE Division. We meet at about 6 and go till they close. (Or earlier.) It's great to be able to support another former yarn shop owner in her new venture. Last night I had a chance to see former employees, Mary, Hillary and Patricia, and to hang out with Nancy and Louisa. All are welcome, so please stop by and say hi! (And yes, advice is always free. Knitting or otherwise.)
I've been feverishly working on my sample for the intro to Intarsia workshop that I'm teaching at Close Knit. (Nov. 10) I think it's going to be really fun. I also made a trip out to the Knitting Bee and picked up sample yarns for classes that I'll be teaching there in the Winter. So far there will be an entrelac class, fair isle fingerless gloves and a neat-o tips and tricks class. Watch for their new schedule due out soon.
PS. If anyone needs any finishing work done, I'm now back in the business. So feel free to drop me line and I'd be happy to give you a quote!
-M

Tandem Rocks!

Okay, so we haven't had a knit night there yet (maybe this week), but I think that Tandem is a pretty neat-o little coffee joint. There's a cute little area for tiny ones to romp around and they even have a swing for the littlest ones. I am definitely recommending that might knit-night crew meet there this week. I've heard that it's a popular place for knit groups to meet on Tuesdays, so we might be in good company...

Classes and Knit Night

Hello to those of you that still read this thing, even after a little hiatus. I've decided to post only when I have something good to say. Oh, and I love my life right now. Thanks again for all of your support!

I'm excited to say that I am officially getting back to my first love, teaching. My first scheduled class is at Close Knit. It's a begining Intarsia class on November 10 from 9-12 am. It a basic overview with a fun little project. (To be announced.) Sign up today to reserve your space at www.closeknitportland.com. I can hardly contain myself with joy over this little addition to my life, so be prepared for some fun and little silliness, Lint-style.

Also, our little group of dedicated Knit-Nighters have decided to meet this week (tonight) at the new store on Broadway called Twisted. I haven't been and am not sure if I will be there tonight. (I'm still on you team Sally!) If not, I will definitely be at next weeks Tuesday night meeting, which we're thinking of having at Tadem Coffee House on Division. (The old Mabel's Knittery.) This seems like an ideal locaiton for me and a great way to support a former yarn shop owner and friend. (You go Cait.)

I'll be teaching at the Kniting Bee also this fall. So watch this space for more info. Oh, and feel free to let me know if you have a class you'd like me to teach, or would like a private lesson, or anything knitting related you would like me to do. I'm up for sharing my knowledge and having some more fun!

Best to all of you, I hope this finds you well, -Melissa

Knit Night is On!

Hello faithful Lint buddies! Our Tuesday night knitting fest has been scheduled for this coming Tuesday, August 28 at the Lucky Lab in Northwest. (1945 NW Quimby St, Portland - (503) 517-4352) Meet us there around 6 or so for a little catching up and of course, knitting. I'll be there with bells on...

Many Thanks and More

So Lint is very close to being empty. As Morgan and Nancy work dilligently to complete our few remaining tasks, I can't help but think about all of you who have helped me over the years. I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thanks to the crew that got it all started 4 years ago. Your hard work and volunteer hours did not go unnoticed. Thadeus, my amazing friend and talented carpenter. Crystal, my jill-of-all-trades. Tom, who can paint a ceiling standing on the top of a ladder. Matt, Jess, Tas, Skipp, Sarah, Johanna, Mom, Ken, Dad, Jen, Phil and those I've forgotten. Morgan, you gave me a month of your life and Lint couldn't have gotten it's start without your tireless efforts and loyalty. And thanks to my Grandmother, for loaning me the funds to take a chance. And thanks to my Husband, Peter, who stuck it out when it was most uncomfortable. It was worth it.

So if you don't know any of these people, don't worry. I also want to thank all of my customers, friends now. My loyal Knit-Nighters... John, Jo Ann, Nancy, Louisa, Marylin, Christina, Rachael and friends, and everyone else who shared our Tuesday evenings. It was really great, and I hope to be a part of it again soon.

And every Lint employee... You are the blood that pumps through the veins of the yarn store and brings it to life. Your creative energies and unique personalities brought life to my knitting world. Teak, the very first and most joyous. Laura, you've come a long way. Emily, endlessly creative and sweet. Hillary, to the end and beyond, always my friend. Mary, honest and loyal. Stina, quirky and cute. Patricia, lovely and wise. Jo, Darcy, Cheri, Elaine, Leslie, Leigh, Morgan... Thanks for making it possible to have a life and a business.

And Janie, Sandy, Jami, Sally... you know who you are. Thanks. Your support really means a lot.

I've been very tired, stressed, and otherwise beat-up, but I have felt so much love in the past few weeks that I know I will be carried through. I know the streak of sour luck will lift, the clouds will part, and I will again feel at peace with the world. But for now, once every job is completed and every box unloaded, I will rest. I will look at my darling boy on his very first birthday and know what is important. Feel overwhelming joy. So, thanks again, for reminding me, and making me feel cared for, and carrying me through. -M

blog blog and blog

So I've been perusing the numerous knitting blogs today and I have to say that this internet thing is really catching on! I know people love to read about other people's lives and what they're knitting and the lovely yarns they buy. Wow. Anyway, I'm posting this on my very own blog because I read a whole lot of really nice things written about Lint and I just want to say thank you. Thanks for letting me know that you appreciated our little adventure. It makes me tear up a little, ok a lot, but I won't regret making room for the other wonderful local shop owners to thrive. If you haven't heard yet, Mabel's is also closing it's yarn store starting tomorrow. Please visit them, if only to buy a cup of joe. I know I will. And keep knitting, and buying yarn locally. You can't knit all that internet stuff anyway. I know your stash is brimming already. Okay, tangent... thanks again guys, I love you too. -M

Yarn still available...

Yes, we still have yarn available. And many, many patterns. We also have an evolving free box as we clean out the back room. So don't hesitate to drive by and check it out. I have many yarn sample books for free in front of the store. They're great for kids projects or collage or whatever creative endeavor. Don't forget... only 7 days left. Crazy sale next weekend. (Crazy.)

The Countdown Begins..

Yes, it's true. A final date has been set. Lint will be closing it's doors forever on Sunday, August 12. That means just 11 more days to come and buy yarn, books, etc. at low, low prices. The discount increases to 50% beginning on Friday. Please come by and relieve us of our inventory! And thanks for all of those who have come so far, (and have come back!) See you this weekend...

Knit Night is on!

Yes, we will have knit night this week. Usual time, usual place...(Lint) It might be the last one here, so please join us for some good old fashioned knitting.

Discount Increase!

Hear Ye, hear ye! As of Friday, July 27, the discount will be 40%. On everything in the store...

No knit-night

We've decided to forgoe knit-night this week. The sale has kept us all so very busy and frankly, we're too tired. Please email me at melissa@lintinc.com if you'd like to be added to our knit-night list. We'll be meeting somewhere else when the store closes, so I'll email everybody when that happens.

Lots of Yarn Left

Hello there,
It's been a crazy weekend so far and we're not planning on letting up till the whole thing is done. So come and join us, won't you?
We still have lots of yarn left. There are sweater quantities of many awesome yarns still in stock. Watch this space for discount reduction information!!!

Sale Starts Friday

We're expecting a rather large crowd on Friday morning, so please be patient with us if you're planning on joining the fun then. We've decided on a couple of ground rules to make the event safe for everyone. Firstly, we will not open before 10 am. If you see some people coming in before then, they either work here or they have a special appointment with me. Second, please form a line at the door and along side the building. We will only be allowing a limited number of people in the store at a time and we want the first ones there to be the first ones in. This is to ensure your and our safety, so please understand and be patient. This will only be a necessary step if we have a large crowd. There will be plenty of staff on hand to help you with your purchases and keep things running smoothly. I hope to see everyone at some point this weekend. Thanks! -M

Closed Tonight for Private Event

No knit night tonight. We're having a private event beginning at 6pm. We will also be closed Tomorrow and Thursday to prepare for the big sale starting Friday. Doors will open at 10am, no earlier. If there are a large number of people, we may have to limit entry. This is for safety primarily, so if you want best selection, I suggest you arrive early and line up at the door. Thanks for your cooperation! See you Friday!

Closing Early

Sorry everyone, but we're closing at 3pm today. We're a little short staffed until next week. Thanks for your understanding!

Some new policies...

Just thought I'd update you all as these things happen... There will be no returns or exchanges after Tuesday, July17th. All normal store policies are in effect until then!

Too Hot, No Knit Night

We're packin it in for today and cancelling Knit-Night. Lint doesn't have air and it's just too uncomfortable to knit in this heat. See you when it cools off!

The Rumor is True

Yes, my friends. Lint is closing it's doors forever. There is a much more eloquent prose on the website, but the gist is that the time has come to let go of this dream and move on to greener pastures, calmer waters, and the like...

So, yes, we're having a major sell-off of all of our inventory and fixtures. Here's how it works. On Friday, July 20th we will begin our sale. Everything in the store will be on sale. We will be closed the Wednesday and Thursday before in preparation. We will also have no knit-night on Tuesday the 17th as we will be closed for a private event.

So come on in and buy your favorite stuff at low low prices. You can even take home your favorite yarn shelf for a pretty good deal.

Much love to you all for your continued support. I'll miss you when it's over, but I'll keep posting updates here until the end...

Holiday closure

We will be closed for the Independance Day holiday on July 4th and 5th. Please go and celebrate your independance by knitting something uniquely you!

Love, Lint

Class Shedule and New Yarn

Hello beautiful lovelies! The new class schedule is ready to view and enjoy! Just go the the website or click here...

Also, we've just received an absolutely gorgeous new yarn called Suri Merino from Blue Sky Alpacas. It is really amazing. Of course, we expected nothing less. Here are a couple of the great patterns you can make with this dreamy stuff...

Organic Cotton Handspun is Finaly Here!

Blue Sky has just shipped us this beautiful handspun organic cotton. It's been backordered for many months and looking at it now, I can see why. It's absolutely gorgeous. It only comes in natural. But who cares! You could even dye it if you want too. Hmm... Maybe I will!

Laura Irwin in Portland Tribune

We're so proud of the coming success of Laura's book. It looks like we're not the only ones. Soon you'll be able to knit your own fabulous and "precious" accessories.

Congrats Laura on your new-found stardom...

Check out the article in the Portland Tribune.

A New Direction for Lint

In case you haven't heard, Lint is up for sale. I'm ready to focus my energy on more important things and hand over this amazing place to someone who is able to take it forward and make it something even greater than it already is. This has been a long and difficult decision for me, but the current challenges of life have overwhelmed my ability to be a good business owner. Don't worry, I won't disappear. I'm actually looking forward to being on the other side of the counter for a change. So bear with me during this process of finding a buyer and switching over things. We'll be closing for a couple of days soon to do inventory and maybe a couple more after that, so watch your email and this blog for more info. And thanks in advance for being so wonderful to me...

Bijou's Berry Hats

Here is a sweet treat to tempt all you baby and kid knitters! These little fruit hats are quick and easy and a joy to see on your little tot! There are two workshops if you would like to learn and a pattern available as well!

Sunday, June 24th from 1-4

Sunday, July 22nd from 1-4

The Sweetest Gift

I feel deeply blessed and lucky right now. Today I received the sweetest gift from a local vendor and friend, Trish Anderson. This is the most amazing skein of handspun cashmere/silk by Tanglewood Fiber Creations. I was coveting this yarn during the TKG shop hop and here it is in my hands. It's true, my yarn stash is all non-salvagable (toast), but this is an incredible start to a new one. My eyes fill with tears as I feel the love from Trish and the rest of you, my customers, friends and family. Thanks you so much for all of your kind words and gestures. So far Peter, Charlie and I are still homeless, but not destitute. We'll be staying in temporary housing until we can get a home of our own. All I can say is, if you don't have renter's insurance, get it. Today. A measly 18 bucks a month has saved us from a world of heartache. XoXo -M

More Fire Pics

Not a whole lot to say...

Yarn, Knitting and a Handmade Baby Quilt.

Charlie's Room.

Fire

So many of you already know, but I thought I'd post a little information for the rest. Late Tuesday night, early Wednesday morning a fire broke out in my home. I smelled smoke just after 2 am and grabbed the baby and my husband and headed for the door. What I thought was a small porch fire turned out to be what the fire-fighters called "a very challenging house-fire."
The fire raged till dawn and when it was all over, the entire front bedroom uptairs was gutted. We're all okay, and remarkably, so is most of our stuff. (Except for a lot of smoke damage.) Aside from being homeless, we are very fortunate people. I have a new-found respect for the profound power of fire, and the love of my community. Here's some pictures. You can see the real damage when I get the disk from my neighbors camera.

What a difference a day makes... Believe it or not this is a ball of rainbow Naturwolle.

And this is Charlie's Crib.Our Front Porch.
The House as it looks now.

Who's Your Dancer Updated

Here it is...the photo for the Who's Your Dancer series. Notice anything different? Totally edited, but great red wall shot! You might see the posters around town for the Oregon Ballet Theater. Yay for boy knitters!

Natural Focus

We finally received the rest of our Ecologie Cotton... 6 soft and beautiful shades of pima cotton dyed naturally. I think it would be so perfect for baby stuff or a super soft summer sweater.

20sts = 4" on #6 needles. 110 yds / 50gm. Yummy!

The Sweetest Model

Many of you have taken home the pattern for this simple yet wonderful baby hat. (Written for Jellibeenz.) I just thought you might appreciate seeing it on a baby! And yes, I promise that the next free patterns will not be baby hats. I just happen to have the perfect model attached to my hip most of the time, so what else would I have the brain? I hope the emailer is something you appreciate. If you have any suggestions for me, feel free to reply...

What's that? You don't get it? Well, just sign up at www.LintInc.com!

Colors to Love

Koigu colors to entice and amaze...
Aren't they lovely?!

Koigu, how we love you

Today, two large boxes arrived. Inside we found lovely wonders of wool. That's right our Koigu shipment has finally arrived after 14 months on order. And you though we were making it up... We have solids and multicolors for your to drool over. Just in time for the Tigard Knitting Guild Shop Hop this weekend. Come on in and check them out, and watch your email for our Koigu Kids hat pattern. If you're not on our email list just go to www.LintInc.com and click on e-newsletter to sign up!

New Rowan/Nashua shipment

Come check out this gorgeous linen blend called Damask.

Needle Sizes: 3.75mm / 9UK / 5US
Tension / Gauge: 22 Stiches per 10cm: 22sts x 29 rows
Meterage / Yardage 105m/50g ball

We also have some new books including 2 new baby books and the new Rowan Magazine #41!

4 words

Lamb's Pride Is In...

EMail Fiasco...

So, I'm learning. I really didn't mean to send 4 welcome emails to everybody! I guess I just really like you. I promise, next time just 1. Really, just 1. Sorry...

New Blue Sky Colors

Check out these incredible new colors of Alpacas & Silk, Dyed Cotton and Royal Alpaca. They are uber luscious!

Totally Cool Yarn Web-Surfing

You absolutely must check out this very cool handspun yarn ... View the lovliness at www.insubordiknit.com (Above)
Also, this crazy, crazy yarn that has all kind of weirdness spun in it. I love it!!! www.materialwhirled.com. Very Inspiring. (For Real.)

I love Etsy.

Check out this amazing website where you can check out and buy really cool handmade goods!!!

New Class Schedule!!!

Charlie says..."Go shopping, and don't forget to check out Lint's new class schedule!"

We Love You...(Lint Goes E-Crazy)

So, a lot of you have stated over the years that you would love to receive the Lint Letter via email instead of snail mail... Well, here you go!! (Soon, soon.) If you don't think we have your email, please shoot one off to me so we can get you the latest news and class schedule. (contact@lintinc.com) And from all of us here, we really do appreciate your business and friendship.

Mary Norberta Bata

Oh the sweetness. Check out our cute little llamas named Mary Norberta Bata and Mary Norberta Bata II. Pattern available at Lint! Happy Spring!

Flying Terriers!

Emily, Lint superstar, has just finished an original design! Check out her sweet sweater vest on display in our window.

Check out what's been happenin' at Lint!!!

First, our lovely knit-nighter John has joined our teaching team with his drop spindle class. All the attendees were spinning yarn in no time! (including two Lint employees!!) Look for more drop spindle classes on our upcoming class list due out the second week in March!

Look at our skeins!

John's class

Dylan plying her yarn together.

Second, Leigh Radford came on Saturday and taught needle felting embellishments to a full class. Check out the creations they made!

meow.

Leigh's class.

Abstract creation.

Cute flowers!