Grey Heron bits

Can you believe it... we're approaching the end of August... and so the schedule for fall knitting classes emerges... This year we offer morning, afternoon and evening classes each Wednesday. Our refresher knitting classes will commence on Wed October 5th @ 10:30am to 12:00pm and again @ 7:00pm to 8:30pm. This will be a 2 week class followed by 2 weeks each of learning to knit with circular needles and double point needles. Our afternoon classes will continue for the intermediate knitters @ 1:00pm to 3:30pm. We will offer a mixture of technical skill enhancements and fabulous project designs. The special interest classes such as learning to knit socks, make infinity scarves, felted hats/mittens/slippers, cables, lacework, fair isle work, thrumming and more will be scheduled for each time segment. The full schedule of classes will be finalized by early Sept.

I'm excited.. The shop will be closed from Sat Aug 27th to Mon Sept 5th... We will reopen on Tuesday Sept 6th... I'm doing the yarn crawl around Ontario... Muskoka to Ottawa to Kingston to Picton and finally a little wine tasting in NOTL... relaxing, knitting, visiting, cruising, tasting... can't be bad LOL

This is an often heard lament these days from retailers in our area. The question stems from the rural retail experience for the past 150 years or so and the significant change in customer behavior over the last five years. One of the foundations of the rural community was loyalty—loyalty to your family, your neighbor, your community—including loyalty to local retailers and service businesses. When you looked for a product or service, you looked to your local businesses. Your loyalty was rewarded by a high level of service including an inventory based on your past needs, a willingness to order in special products, fair pricing and extended credit terms if necessary. It worked well for 150 years, but things have changed. There are many pressures that have changed purchasing patterns, and to name just a few: 1. The focus on price rather than on value 2. The pressure to provide immediate gratification (ie. Customer wants it now—unwilling to wait) 3. Willingness of t...

After our Wednesday with Lucy N DVD, we all are inspired to knit with beads. So many ways to add touches of charm, glitz & glam.. makes one's head spin... try it and see how it goes... We viewed the section on lace work too... The Leaves & Bead Smoke Ring had just arrived so perfect timing for a picture. Pat K is working on a gorgeous cowl in soft white with pearl beads - a gift for a friend... I wonder who''s next on her list?? I'm working on a beaded bracelet pattern for a quick knitted gift... pics to follow..

Hand knit socks are gems to have. If you knit socks for someone special - this post is for you. Follow along with Wise Hilda and gather "footsie" measurements. WH is working on better finished sizing for sock patterns. http://wisehilda.blogspot.com/2011/07/because-size-matters-foot-size-survey.html Check her blog for the email address. My tape measures are ready for knitting class tomorrow-

It's that time of year again when our streets are closed and the sounds of "Blue Suede Shoes" is rockin the speakers... Yesterday at knit class we celebrated with the famous "Elvis King cookies" made by our local Tim Horton's. Jan Trude and group have been making these cookies for years now. ALL proceeds are donated to the Collingwood General and Marine http://www.cgmh.on.ca/ for their education programs. It was our summer movie afternoon knit class. The temperatures were soaring outside while we were coolin off with Lucy Neatby DVD viewing. Once again the class discovered new techniques and fun ways to add changes to their projects. Diane is working away on here EZ denim blue cable sweater. Ruth is working on a secret project for a fall gift. Dallas was knitting on sock #2 using the famous nicknamed "Parrot" Zauberball sock yarn. Heather was just getting started on her Man socks for the fall fair judging contest. Arlene was showing off her beaut...

http://www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/#/home Come to visit our area winery.. have a tasting, or a cheese pairing... the vineyard is in full swing...