Still Pregnant... Hopefully Not For Long

Hey there people.  I just thought I'd post and say that I'm due to have a baby on Monday.  That's right 3 days from now.  I'm big as a house, highly uncomfortable and wishing I was posting baby pictures for all of you.  I don't even know if anyone is reading this nonsense.  If you are, Hi.  I can't believe I'm still pregnant.  I was expecting to have this baby early like with Charlie.  But alas, no such luck!  I love that my baby will be big and healthy, but I don't love that I am big and well, big.  Okay, will post next with pics of a little one.  Really, really soon.

More Hats and Booties...

Yes, I seem to be hat and bootie crazy these days.  It's really only because I'm teaching my hat at both Close Knit and Knitting Bee this Summer.  The booties are the inspiration for the hat, so they must be made as well.  Again, Charlie looks like a stunning little girl, much to Peter's chagrin.  The class listing for Close Knit is out and Knitting Bee should be close behind.  I'm teaching several classes this Summer, but there a couple of overlaps.  I figured I might as well teach as much baby stuff as possible since I'm going to be undeniably huge at that point.  I'll try to post more class project photos as they become available!  

Intarsia Cable Hat... A cute and funny success

I just finished this sample for a class I'm teaching at Close Knit this summer.  It's made to compliment the Saartje's Booties from the post below.  The cable is knit in using Intarsia with the three little "legs"  knit first and then added into the knitting.  I'm so happy with the way it turned out even though it kind of looks like a three eyed monster.  Charlie looks like a cute little girl with his long hair peeking out the bottom of it.  I'm working on a second sample in the new Rowan Pure Life for the Knitting Bee.  I can't wait to get the pattern written for everyone to try!

Booties!

Hi there.  I'm re-energized about blogging again.  I guess that means that I have a little bit of time on my hands.  That's nice.  Anyway, I made these booties from a pattern that I found on Ravlery.  I'm going to be teaching a class on them at Close Knit this summer.  I'm so excited about them then I'm in the process of designing a hat that matches. Cool.

An Ode to Mary Bata

So I saw miss Mary Bata for possibly the last time this past Tuesday.  Some of the Lint girls and I got together for a knit night and chat-fest.  I'm so bad at saying what I want to say when the timing is appropriate.  I guess I just didn't want to seem like a blubbering idiot.  So, instead I'll tell all of you.  In the form of a letter to Mary.

Dear Mary,

You are wise beyond your years.  And often beyond mine.  What a pleasure it has been to be your employer, your friend.  I know you're leaving some well-made friends behind and you venture on to the next thing.  Please know that I will always be here for you.  And I mean that with all my heart.  You, my dear, will never be rid of me.  You see, I'm the kind of gal that keeps my friends for life.  So, whether you like it or not, whether we speak, email or other wise communicate, or not, I will ALWAYS be here for you.  

I wish you would be here to hold my second baby while it sleeps.  For hours if necessary.  You make the best cradle I've ever seen.  And your gifts of knitting and love will forever grace our household and will also forever remind us of you.  

Thank you my dear Mary.  There is no one even remotely like you.  And I feel blessed and lucky to have known, and to know you.  I will eat many Chocolate Fudge Brownie Sundaes and Raspberry Fools and think of you.  And probably get a little too fat.  (It's for the baby.)  

Be well, love, and always know that you were part of something really special.  A high point of my life for sure.  

All my love and gratitude,

Millie

Close Knit Class Schedule is up

Check out their website to see my 4 classes!  (2 are crochet.)  Then, sign up, sign up, sign up!!!  I'd love to see a familiar face or two...

Classes and More

Hello friends... Today I taught the first of two sessions of a class called fearless fingerless gloves at the Knitting Bee. All of my students were well on their way to Fair Isle masterpieces at the end of just 2 hours!  It was totally awesome. This is the second class I've taught at the Bee and I'm very happy.  I love to teach and these classes are giving me all kinds of design ideas.  So thanks class!

And now, the rest of the story.  I joined a little thing online called Ravelry. Maybe you've heard of it?  It's absolutely incredible.  I can't believe it.  I don't have nearly enough time to take full advantage of such an amazing resource, but it sure is fun.  If you're looking for me, my ravelry name is Squishymillie.  Hopefully I'll even add some more cool stuff for others to look at.If you're on it, I'd sure like some more friends.  I feel slighly lame with my one (really great) friend.  Although I feel shamed by all of the truly talented knitters out there.  (Where do they find the time?)  Maybe they don't have kids.  Anyhoo, it's a fun little place to kill some time.  

And until next time...

I didn't fall off the face... if that's what you're wondering

I've been perusing some blogs and looking at what other people have been doing with their lives and I realized. Hey~ I have one of those too! So, If you're interested (and you must be if you're actually reading this) here is the haps.

I'm now working mostly from home, being a mom to now 16 1/2 month old Charlie. (I'll try to find a pic.) I'm learning all kinds of crazy computer skills. I'm also continuing to teach classes at Knitting Bee and Close Knit. I'm excited about a few coming up in January and February.

At Close Knit I'm teaching an intro to intarsia class using a project I designed. It's a cute little shoulder bag with a patch pocket. I designed a little bird that lives there and people seem to really like it. Check out the listing for it at www.closeknitportland.com.

At the Knitting Bee I'll be teaching a fair isle fingerless mitt class, an adventures in entrelac class and a tips and tricks class. All three of these should be great fun. (Especially the tips class.) I figured I'd gather up all I've learned in the last 9 years of working in knit shops and share it with you lovely people. Fun.

So, want to know anything else? My sister's getting married...

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!!!