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			<title>The Heart in Yarn</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?171-The-Heart-in-Yarn</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:37:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Last week, I was the guest blogger for <a href="http://jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/today-id-like-to-welcome-kimberly-of.html">Jaybird Designs...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Last week, I was the guest blogger for <a href="http://jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/today-id-like-to-welcome-kimberly-of.html">Jaybird Designs and wrote a piece about rediscovering crochet</a>.  Lately I have been reflecting on what appeal crafting in yarn does not only for me, but for my friends.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6122267293_41d0df4e3a.jpg" alt="Sleeveless top from Anna Z." title="Sleeveless top from Anna Z." /><br />
<br />
The last time you saw the above sweater, I left a teaser about it.  Well what happened was that Anna Zilboorg had purchased a beautiful cormo/silk blend in a shade of bubblegum pink during Maryland Sheep and Wool, knitted it into the lace top, noticed it was falling a bit short, lengthened it by using the same sock yarn she used in the embroidered knots, and over dyed it after deciding she did not like the color.  After all that work (whew, that was one big list of steps!), she realized that she did not like wearing sleeveless tops and offered it to me for a trade of yarn.  Not a moment later, we changed that trade to <a href="http://namasteinc.com/products/handbags/handbags_all.php">The Monroe bag from Namaste, Inc.</a>, and when I arrived home I ordered her one along with a Buddy Case as a surprise.  Can you imagine the similar stories that are out there for fleece, roving, yarn, and such?  If you have one, I would love to hear about it by writing it in the comments section of this blog post.  If you are shy, feel free to send me a message on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/somebunnyslove">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/somebunnyslove">Ravelry</a>, or <a href="mailto:somebunnyslove@xrx-inc.com">my email address</a>.  Out of those told stories, one will win a signed copy of Anna Zilboorg's "Magnificent Mittens and Socks" book at drawing held during my STITCHES East Pajama Party (that's less than 4 weeks away!).  If you are not at my pajama party, have no worries because I will hoppily send it to you!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6070175463_9f3931c9f4.jpg" alt="Ann McCauley in Bedford, VA" title="Ann McCauley in Bedford, VA" /><br />
<br />
Now where I was photographed wearing that top is another fun story.  The always elegant Ann McCauley was hosting a couple of sweater workshops while visiting her family in Bedford, VA.  Since Bedford was en route back from southwest Virginia, it seemed only natural that I pop in and see one of <a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/knitters">Knitter's Magazine</a>'s frequent designers.  Her patterns have always taken my breath away, and though I ran out of yarn for her Nautical Notes design, I am delighted that I have two of her books to help inspire me on more sweater knitting.<br />
<br />
To kick off <a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/stitches">STITCHES Midwest 2011</a> last month, I visited the home of the <a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/">esteemed Franklin Habit</a>.  We literally "hung out" when I <a href="https://plus.google.com/">hosted a Google+ Hangout</a> where a ten or so knitters were able to join us for a "video conference call" in which we talked about all sorts of fiber love, his classes, our projects, and just all out had a good time.  He even showed us the only bit of crochet in his home: a penguin made for him by a group of ladies in the UK.  The cool Kathleen was able to snag some screen shots.  <a href="http://knitlikeyoumeanit.com/2011/08/24/exciting-technological-advances-in-knit-night/">Her wonderful post on that night</a> talks about how the fiber community has come a long way.  Want to see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6075775282">the video I made of his awesome pizza crust making</a>?  It's right here on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom">my Flickr page</a>!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/6198080527_8cd241bfd1_z.jpg" alt="Franklin's cute-as-a-button penguin" title="Franklin's cute-as-a-button penguin" /><br />
<br />
So what is in store for <a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/stitches/east">STITCHES East</a> next month?  To celebrate all the upcoming goodness, I will be writing about the awesome folks I met this past year at all the STITCHES events.  It will be a lot of writing, but somebunny's gotta do it.  :)<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?171-The-Heart-in-Yarn</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Hopping about Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains]]></title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?170-Hopping-about-Virginia-s-Blue-Ridge-Mountains</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The past three weeks (has it really been THAT long??) have been a solid whirlwind that has kept me spinning like a top.  Three Wednesdays ago, <a...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">The past three weeks (has it really been THAT long??) have been a solid whirlwind that has kept me spinning like a top.  Three Wednesdays ago, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/tags/swva/">I drove from the southeastern side of Virginia, into the state's southwestern area known as the New River Valley</a>.  There I was welcomed into the home of Merike Saarniit, who offered me <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070707980/">good food</a> and hospitality <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070161191/">in the Estonian way</a>.  She let me stroll about her home and fondle <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6122755128/">a shawl that Galina gifted her</a>.  I peeked as she opened <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070155695/">her kitchen cupboards</a> and I admired her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070704626/">Estonian knife holder</a>.  I drooled over her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070158523">squirrel cage swift</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070705352/">embroidered lounge chair</a>.  I doffed my sandals in order for my feet to sink into the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070159747">Fibonacci striped woven rug her father made out of raw fleece</a>.  And I photographed just about everything she let me (if you haven't noticed yet, the links in this post lead to the pictures), including her bathroom sink!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6070711014_96184ebc2f.jpg" alt="Merike's custom ceramic sink" title="Merike's custom ceramic sink" /><br />
<br />
After she tucked her <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070163491">oh-so-buttery rhubarb shortbread squares</a> along with the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070162667">sugar-free dark chocolate cherry cordials</a> into my travel bags, I hopped over to Anna Zilboorg's home as her guest for the next two days.  When I arrived we chatted into the night, and both of us were able to sneak a shortbread square as a snack.  Anna had brought out a blanket that she had knitted out of her various skeins of handspun yarn, and I readily see that I will make one in my future.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6070165853_68a5799546.jpg" alt="Anna's handspun handknitted blanket" title="Anna's handspun handknitted blanket" /><br />
<br />
Early Thursday morning, I took advantage of being back in the Floyd county area and bought a bale of timothy hay for Mischievous Julius and his ladies Zipper and Charro.  The last time Julius had eaten this hay from Scott, his eyes lit up and I could swear he was smiling.  Yes it may seem nuts that I would buy a bale from a specific farm for his hoppiness.  But then, don't we all do what we can to make our kids happy?<br />
<br />
Satisfied that Jules' hoppiness was in check, I drove to Blacksburg to see my friends in my Thursday groups: my lunchtime knitting group and the Spunsters.  I wanted to surprise my cronies who meet at the <a href="http://easychaircoffeeshop.bigcartel.com/">Easy Chair Coffee Shop</a>, and it was a fun treat to spring on them.  I showed them <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070714690/">the K102 pullover that I was trying to finish</a> (which I ended up frogging due to running out of yarn) and updated them on the latest fiber industry news and of course information about XRX's upcoming offerings at STITCHES Midwest.  <br />
<br />
Before I knew it, I had stayed an hour longer than planned and needed to head over to the Blacksburg Library to see my Spunster buddies.  Again it was great to see my friends and catch up on the latest gossip.  From what I gathered, most of my friends in both groups have been frequenting the <a href="http://woollyjumperyarns.com/">Woolly Jumper</a> in Floyd, <a href="http://yarnexplosion.com/">Yarn Explosion</a> in Roanoke, and <a href="http://www.wyrdsistersyarn.com/">Wyrd Sisters</a> -- the new LYS in Roanoke.  <br />
<br />
As the sun was beginning to show its afternoon rays, I started back to Anna's with a stop at <a href="http://luciemonroecoffee.com/">Lucie Monroe's</a> for a pound of freshly roasted coffee beans.  This coffee shop has become more than just a meeting place for knitters every Wednesday night.  It is their haven.  After seeing the food specials that have been created just for them, I have to agree!  :)<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6122217179_2abc1bffe6.jpg" alt="Coffee from Lucie Monroe's" /><br />
<br />
Dinner at Anna's was as amazing as each visit.  This time our salad was <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070169493">spinach heavily tossed with strawberries and avocado with a touch of dressing</a>.  Giant tomato slices topped with fresh herbs were on their own plate.  The salmon patties were perfectly seasoned and cooked.  As for dessert, I was in definite heaven.  Anna baked <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/6070170811/">chocolate brownies that had a hint of peppermint in the frosting</a>.  With all the good conversation we were having, I found myself eating more than I should.  But it was worth it!<br />
<br />
I awoke Friday morning to the smell of brewing coffee tickling my nose and Anna's dogs greeting me with earnest hellos.  Anna was just about to take them out for their morning walk, so we agreed that I should take the time to clean up and pack up my things.  (It is amazing how my bags seem to explode in a couple of days!)  By the time they came back, I was ready to eat the waffles Anna talked about making.  Seeing that I was getting settled in my seat, Anna promptly pulled out her waffle iron and the ingredients while brewing another pot of coffee.  <br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6122751670_ebfdc47aa5.jpg" alt="Waffles made by Anna" /><br />
<br />
At some point of our conversation I pulled out the yarn that I had brought her, <a href="http://www.alishagoesaround.com/">a skein of Alisha Goes Around</a> that was hand-picked by Alisha herself.  I had met this talented hand-dyer at TNNA Columbus this past June, and when I asked her if she had to select a yarn to represent her company, she choose this brilliant BFL/silk beauty.  As Anna petted the skein, I beamed proudly as if I were channeling Alisha.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6122762142_75e90e362b.jpg" alt="Alisha Goes Around in the Briton colorway" /><br />
<br />
Just as we finished breakfast, Anna did the same to me as Merike did -- she packed me off with a few things to take.  Brownies and a cinnamon muffin joined the shortbread's container.  Anna's extra unused waffle iron was already in my bag.  A couple of linen shirts that were just "hanging in the closet doing nothing" joined my wardrobe.  And last but not least, a very special top that has its own story to tell... (Photo is courtesy of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/defi"> Delfi on Ravelry.</a>)<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6122267293_41d0df4e3a.jpg" alt="From Anna to Kimberly" /><br />
<br />
Because I have written almost 900 words in this post on what happened within 48 hours, I think I had better leave that story for the second half of this adventure!  ;)<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?170-Hopping-about-Virginia-s-Blue-Ridge-Mountains</guid>
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			<title>Knitters in the Kitchen</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?169-Knitters-in-the-Kitchen</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:46:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[I have had many opportunities to hang out at various friends' kitchens to chit chat about life, nosh on favorite bites, or work on WIPs.  I managed...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">I have had many opportunities to hang out at various friends' kitchens to chit chat about life, nosh on favorite bites, or work on WIPs.  I managed to snap a few photographs of these kitchens.  Though I really wish I photographed being in both <a href="http://indigomuse.blogspot.com/">Tanya Brooks</a>' (aka <a href="http://twitter.com/theindigomuse">The Indigo Muse</a>) and <a href="http://www.fiberfarm.com/">Susan Gibbs</a>' wonderful homes...<br />
<br />
Susan Gibbs of Juniper Moon Farms relaxing in her jammies:<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6051050429_fc11e00bea.jpg" alt="Susan Gibbs of Juniper Moon Farms" title="Susan Gibbs of Juniper Moon Farms" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/">Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a> (<a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/57/0/class_list/?class_search=Melissa+Morgan-Oakes&amp;class_times=all&amp;teacher_id=201183&amp;class_cat=">who has sold out classes at STITCHES East this year</a>) showing off the brilliant pot rack that I love:<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/5768645080_0a0da6938f.jpg" alt="Melissa Morgan-Oakes" /><br />
<br />
Myself having breakfast in <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/">Kristin Nicholas</a>' (<a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/57/0/class_list/?class_search=Kristin+Nicholas&amp;class_times=all&amp;teacher_id=192970&amp;class_cat=">another teacher at STITCHES East!</a>) dining room:<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/5893064788_a72659edba.jpg" alt="SomeBunnysLove at Kristin Nicholas' kitchen" /><br />
<br />
Tomorrow I will be in <a href="http://liisu.homestead.com/">Merike Saarnit</a>'s kitchen, feasting on what I hope will be dishes from her beloved Estonia.  I have taken classes of hers, and thoroughly enjoyed them <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/56/0/class_list/?class_search=Merike&amp;class_times=all&amp;teacher_id=8026&amp;class_cat=">(she has 3 classes that haven't sold out yet!)</a>.  After seeing photographs of her home, I am looking forward to her hospitality.  <br />
<br />
For Thursday, guess where I'll be?  Here's a hint:  <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/57/0/class_detail/5284/">She is teaching at STITCHES East ETC. 2011</a> and has a book called "Magnificent Mittens and Socks" which is currently a hot ticket item.<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6051681632_a128b30a31.jpg" alt="Anna Zilboorg preparing a meal" /><br />
<br />
Now for Friday, I will be meeting up with friends from Blacksburg, VA before heading over to the Bedford, VA area.  And Saturday is a big day.  <a href="http://www.annmccauleyknits.com/">My friend Ann McCauley</a> will be giving a class and trunk show.  Here are the details straight from Ravelry:<br />
<br />
<br/><div style="margin-left:40px">"Ann will be teaching a 5-hour class here in Bedford on Aug. 20, 2011 beginning at 10 a.m. at The Bower Center..right downtown. She will start at 10 with an hour intro class followed by a 2 hour Sweater Skills and we will break for lunch from 1-2..perfectly fine to brown bag and we’ll provide water and some snacks also..back at class at 2 with Tempting Textures until 4..from 4-5 she will answer questions and sign books if interested.<br />
<br />
The cost is $50..We are only accepting a max of 25 people..pref. 20 but if there are 5 people dying to get in..Ann says ok..Ann will provide us with a list of supplies needed later but I suspect a notebook, pen and maybe a swatch or 2 would be all. I hope you can make it and we would surely love to have you. We have 10 folks already signed up and I know a few are out of town that likely want in..if you are interested, just let me know..you may submit a check to me and you’ll be in. Feel free to share this with any friends in Roanoke that I may have missed.<br />
<br />
It will be strictly a learning class, no fundraiser..and it is an extremely low price for a person such as Ann..She wanted to do this for The Bedford Knitters and our friends."</div><br/><br />
After seeing all these photos and reading about my plans, you can bet I'm a wee bit excited about this week.  But I have some special news.  It involves <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/56/0/class_detail/4941/">a gifted lace knitter who draws some amazing cartoons</a>.  You might have heard of him -- <a href="http://www.franklinhabit.com/">Franklin Habit</a> of <a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/">The Panopticon</a>.  Next week when I land in O'Hare for STITCHES Midwest, I will be shuttled to the hotel to check in and drop off my things, then grabbing the company's rental truck for Franklin's place.  What Dolores, Harry and he have planned for me when I get there, I have no idea.  I do know one thing...  I am going to host a Google+ Hangout with Franklin in his kitchen.  (I am hoping my words are slowly sinking into your train of thought...)<br />
<br />
What is a Google+ Hangout?  It is where folks who are on Google+ and have webcameras connect together for one big party of a dozen.  Recently I had a fun Hangout with the lovely Traci Vespol and Annie Modesitt in which we caught up on lots of fun chatter.  Most of the Hangouts I host are virtual knitting groups that spontaneously appear.  Can you imagine never having to leave the house when you are sick or stuck at home for your knitting night?  A Hangout makes it absolutely possible.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4972653125_f93b9efea5.jpg" alt="Franklin at the STITCHES Midwest 2010 Pajama Party" /><br />
<br />
So if you want a chance at being one of the 12 slots, but do not have an invitation into Google+ yet, I have you covered.  <a href="https://plus.google.com/_/notifications/ngemlink?path=%2F%3Fgpinv%3DTEA_44BWPW8%3AugTCYgy7  Ba8">Here is the link for a Google Plus invitation from me.</a>  And if you want to be a part of the fun next Tuesday on the 23rd, post a comment here, or message me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Ravelry.  Franklin and I are definitely excited to be seeing you at 7PM sharp.  We may even have something whipped up in the kitchen for you!!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?169-Knitters-in-the-Kitchen</guid>
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			<title>The Stars Shine at Columbus</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?161-The-Stars-Shine-at-Columbus</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:01:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Each year, as the middle of June approaches, I get giddy with anticipation. Why? Because I know that many of my friends will be joining me in...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Each year, as the middle of June approaches, I get giddy with anticipation. Why? Because I know that many of my friends will be joining me in Columbus, OH for the TNNA Summer Show. What is TNNA? It is The National Needlearts Association created to put those in the business of needle-love together for work and play. Here is where the various designers and manufacturers come out with the newest fashions, styles, and products. During those four days, I visit with old friends and make new ones as I discover the ins and outs of our industry and share what is going on with XRX, STITCHES, and Knitter's Magazine. <br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5470313378_4b50e99cb6.jpg" alt="Rowan Bunny at STITCHES West 2011" title="Rowan Bunny at STITCHES West 2011" /><br />
<br />
This year was no different as I exchanged messages, tweets and posts with those who were attending and those who could not make it this time.  Plans were made, appointments were set, and all kinds of fun were scheduled.  My traveling pal Rowan Bunny was packed and ready to go!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6041693799_2168f3fbc4.jpg" alt="Rae Jean Rimmer and Rowan Bunny" title="Rae Jean Rimmer and Rowan Bunny" /><br />
<br />
Never met <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/somebunnyslovedotcom/tags/rowanbunny">my Rowan Bunny</a> before?  This felted doll was a gift from my dear friend Rae Jean Rimmer, a talented fiber artist who seems to be a master of EVERYTHING with yarn and fabric.  From a vendor's booth at a September 2010 spinning retreat, he kept "telling" her that she needed to bring him home to me and she of course had to heed his call.  :)  Above is a quick photo of Rae Jean working away on one of her wheels with the always present smile on her face.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5470313672_32d8051cd6.jpg" alt="Linda Pratt of Westminster, Steve Elkins of WEBS, and Hal Ozbelli of Universal Yarns" title="Linda Pratt of Westminster, Steve Elkins of WEBS, and Hal Ozbelli of Universal Yarns" /><br />
<br />
So who has Rowan Bunny been seen with?  And why is his name Rowan?  Well when I brought him to his first STITCHES which was East 2010, he was introduced to Linda Pratt of Westminster.  Her team and the Coats &amp; Clark gang actually bunny-sat him for a day.  From what I heard, they recorded evidence of Rowan doing some unbunny-like things: drinking wine with Linda, helping her check her makeup, pooping in the Red Heart Sparkle yarn (okay, that is more bunny-like!)...  He also has been photographed with some famous friends.  The photo above is Rowan with Linda Pratt (she has her business face on!), Steve Elkins from WEBS and Hal Ozbelli from Universal Yarns.<br />
<br />
TNNA this year was such a blast!  Rowan and I met up with lots of folks.  The best part of TNNA besides meeting everyone?  Getting the chance to add a little something to my piece of blogdom.  "How?"  By adding books to talk about in my upcoming posts.  Of course that explains why this Crazy Bunny has been so quiet as of late.  I have been reading and crafting away to test drive the following:<br />
<br />
JC's book: "Charts Made Simple"<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6042329980_713667eaa0.jpg" alt="Charts Made Simple" title="Charts Made Simple" /><br />
<br />
Debbie Macomber's latest:<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6041780817_d6bdf77a4b.jpg" alt="Debbie Macomber" title="Debbie Macomber" /><br />
<br />
Deborah Robson's "The Fleece &amp; Fiber Sourcebook"<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6042470498_9c1d602aab.jpg" alt="The Fleece &amp; Fiber Sourcebook" title="The Fleece &amp; Fiber Sourcebook" /><br />
<br />
Sandra McIver's "knit, Swirl!"<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6042470372_a50239e6dc.jpg" alt="knit, Swirl!" /><br />
<br />
The Spring 2011 issue of Knitter's Magazine, Lily Chin's "Reversible Cables" DVD, and Kristin Omdahl's "Crochet So Fine"<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6041924737_7b963951c4_z.jpg" alt="K102, Lily Chin, and Kristin Omdahl" /><br />
<br />
Last but not least, there is a really cool release by Cooperative Press that I have been working on called, <a href="http://www.cooperativepress.com/2011/05/shaping-shawls-preorder/">"Shaping Shawls" by Anna Dalvi</a><br />
<br />
Are there some books that have been keeping you busy?  I would love to hear about them!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
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			<title>Nodding to the Summit</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?167-Nodding-to-the-Summit</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Well we did it.  A week ago sock knitters everywhere were still celebrating, mourning their leaving, gnashing their teeth at not attending, or...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Well we did it.  A week ago sock knitters everywhere were still celebrating, mourning their leaving, gnashing their teeth at not attending, or chatting about who was where at Sock Summit.  In honor of the conference a small group of us had decided to knit a pair of socks in the four days of Sock Summit and 19 successfully did, with 5 others running up a day late!  Before I give my huge congrats to the finishers, I would like to thank all of the folks who donated to our prize pool for which our motivation would not have been pushed even further:<br />
<ul><ol class="decimal"><li>Roxanne of <a href="http://www.zenyarngarden.com/">Zen Yarn Garden</a></li>
<li>Kate of <a href="http://dragonflyfiberdesigns.blogspot.com/">Dragonfly Fibers</a></li>
<li>Jill of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jilldrapermakesstuff">Jill Draper Designs</a></li>
<li>Natasha of <a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/catalog/">Unplanned Peacock Studio</a></li>
<li>Paula of <a href="http://www.woolarina.com">Woolarina</a></li>
<li>Kimberly Reynolds of <a href="http://knitinguniverse.com/">XRX, Inc.</a></li>
<li>Deb of <a href="http://www.picoaccuardi.com/">Pico Accuardi Dyeworks</a></li>
<li>koffeeknits of <a href="http://www.dirtywaterdyeworks.com/">DW Dyeworks</a></li>
<li>SpindleCat Studio of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/6702583">SpindleCat Studio</a></li>
<li>Our most beloved <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">YarnHarlot</a></li>
<li>bugsnugger from <a href="http://hyenacart.com/bugsnugger/">Bugsnugger Yarns</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jhocy.etsy.com/">Jocelyn of Dubai Knits</a></li>
<li>Mercedes of <a href="http://www.kitchensinkdyeworks.com/">KitchenSink Dyeworks</a></li>
<li>Caro from <a href="http://www.splityarn.com/">SplitYarn</a> and ”Knitting it Old School"</li>
<li>ExecuDiva of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/grinninggargoyle">Grinning Gargoyle</a></li>
<li>Brynna of <a href="http://draygoneyarnes.etsy.com/">Draygone Yarnes</a></li>
<li>Alex from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/worldknits">WorldKnits</a></li>
<li>Jennifer Wendell -- PassionKNITly (aka Yarn365)</li>
<li>And last but not least, my ol' little Bunny self!</li>
</ol></ul><br />
<br />
So who finished on time and who finished as a runner up?  Let's SEE!!<br />
debkm<br />
SpinningMommy<br />
Smitten<br />
KarenF <br />
mardimuses<br />
funfairiegirl<br />
inthedark<br />
knitsandpurls<br />
Gidgettm<br />
Woolybuns<br />
KnitnFrog<br />
Citykniting<br />
WritingMom <br />
ME215 <br />
indigomuse<br />
NekoMich<br />
Jhocy<br />
worldknit <br />
brynna42<br />
<br />
BedAndEcky<br />
NotoriousJWC<br />
GingerKnitsUK<br />
dizzyknitter<br />
jerseyknitter<br />
somebunnyslove<br />
<br />
Huge bunny hugs to all of you!  If you have not contacted the sponsor who donated, please do so through their Etsy shop or website!<br />
<br />
And with my name being listed, I guess I should show off my socks, right?<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/6029624367_5f4f164324_z.jpg" alt="Revived" /><br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
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			<title>Awaiting Frost</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?164-Awaiting-Frost</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:09:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>A couple of weeks ago, I was able to have dinner with Anna Zilboorg when she visited Virginia Beach, VA.  She and David had wanted to get away from...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">A couple of weeks ago, I was able to have dinner with Anna Zilboorg when she visited Virginia Beach, VA.  She and David had wanted to get away from the mountains with a brief break at the ocean.  When they requested a great place for seafood, we ate at my favorite restaurant, <a href="http://www.mahimahs.com/home.aspx">Mahi Mah's</a> in the Ramada on 6th Street.  Not only known for their seafood and sushi bar, the restaurant has an incredible wine list which would make any sommelier drool.  We toasted to <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/stitches/east/etc">her teaching at STITCHES East ETC</a> with freshly shucked oysters harvested from the James River, sipped a lovely bubbly, ate wonderfully prepared meals, and enjoyed the desserts brought to us by our server Sean.  Later we strolled in the sand along the Atlantic ocean and managed to play in the growing waves of high tide as the sun settled down for the night.  It was an evening to remember.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5986109515_aaa8ed1a30.jpg" alt="Oysters from the James River" title="Oysters from the James River"  /><br />
<br />
Seeing Anna and David made me realize how much I missed being in Blacksburg and all the friends that are still there.  While we chatted about the comings and goings in the fiber industry, it was no surprise that the topics of <a href="http://SockSummit.com">Sock Summit</a> and STITCHES East ETC appeared.  Anna was teaching at both, and was planning on being at Greensboro, NC in September.  When asked who was representing XRX for Sock Summit, I had to reply, "<a href="http://www.knitalk.com/Community/member.php?2-BenjaminXRX">Benjamin</a>, of course.  As CEO he is Mr. XRX."  We giggled as we envisioned the celebration of all things socks occurring that weekend.  Little did I know how much I would pine to be there now with my friends.<br />
<br />
To console myself, I have been checking the calendar to assure myself that the date and time for the next event.  I see that it is still the same: <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/expos/56/0/class_detail/4983/">Thursday, August 25th at 10AM</a>.  I check the Ravelry boards and see if there are <a href="http://www.facebook.com/STITCHESExpos">any updates on Facebook</a>.  Nope, we are still on schedule.  Being mindful that I am not waiting for winter to appear, I am anticipating Jean Frost's Speech for STITCHES Midwest's Opening Day!  Below is a quick photo taken of Jean, her daughter, Alexis, and Nadia at STITCHES Midwest last year.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4962422904_5f7c0e500a.jpg" alt="Jean Frost" /><br />
<br />
So if you are like me and anticipating seeing friends, start marking your calendars.  I see a LOT of events in our future!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?164-Awaiting-Frost</guid>
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			<title>Molly is getting married</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?166-Molly-is-getting-married</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:17:17 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Hello Friends! 
  
I have kind of a cool story to share with you today. It’s not really something that pertains to one of our events or publications....</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore"><font size="3"><span style="font-family: times new roman">Hello Friends!<br />
 <br />
I have kind of a cool story to share with you today. It’s not really something that pertains to one of our events or publications. It’s really more of an ‘inside our industry’ story, but it’s just too cool not to share.<br />
 <br />
If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, Facebook posts, or Twitter posts, you know I’ve said, on more than one occasion, that I believe I’m a very lucky guy to be working in such a creative and caring industry… from the yarn manufacturers, to the LYSs, to the consumers.<br />
 <br />
This is even more the case with the STITCHES Sponsors and <i>Knitter’s Magazine</i> advertisers. We actually know each other. We see each other anywhere from four to six times a year. We hang out together. We find ourselves calling each other or e-mailing each other just to talk about stuff… sometimes having nothing to do with business. More than once I’ve come home from work and found my dear wife, Krista, talking to one (or more) of the owners of a yarn company who also happen to be an advertiser. It’s like having an extended family. And while that might sound strange, I wouldn’t have it any other way. <br />
<br />
</span></font><div class="cms_table"><table class="cms_table"><tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><span style="font-family: times new roman"><a href="http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/attachment.php?attachmentid=723&amp;d=1311736389" id="attachment723" rel="Lightbox_166" ><img src="http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/attachment.php?attachmentid=723&amp;d=1311733884" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version

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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="3"><span style="font-family: times new roman">So, back to my story... The most recent news at XRX, Inc. is that our own Molly Vagle is getting married. Before I get into the whole wedding thing, I want to tell you more about Molly. Most of you might not actually know Molly, but within the industry (yarn companies, vendors at STITCHES Events, and designers) she’s very well known. Her actual title in the company is Operations Manager and Advertising Sales. But the truth is that I’m not always sure what she <i>doesn’t</i> do. I consider her my ‘right hand’ and lean on her quite a bit to stay organized and productive.</span></font></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<br />
<font size="3"><span style="font-family: times new roman">XRX, Inc. also tends to be an informal, family-oriented company. So it isn’t that uncommon for Molly to be at our house for a holiday or just hanging out. I guess you could say that I consider Molly more than just a co-worker and the keeper of my work life, I consider her a dear friend who I know will ‘have my back’ when things get tough.<br />
<br />
I’m not the only one who’s a fan of Molly’s. She works very hard to make sure that our partners have what they need (i.e. graphics, reminders, deadline extensions if possible, etc). She’s the only person that I’ve seen that gets hugs from advertisers just before she hands them a contract to sign for advertising. I get e-mails from advertisers letting me know how much she (as well as others members of the XRX, Inc. staff) has helped them – sometimes in very considerate and personal ways. I’ve even had an advertiser or two try to hire Molly away from us. Naughty, Naughty!<br />
 <br />
The gist of this is that when Molly became engaged, it was something that circulated quickly within the industry. Congratulations to Molly poured in via e-mail, Facebook messages, phone calls, and texts. It was a very exciting time for Molly.<br />
 <br />
There was, however, some concern. A few of us (her co-workers and a few of her/our close friends who own yarn companies) knew that Molly was also a bit worried about the whole wedding. You see, Molly is going to marry a great guy, Mitch, who brings with him four daughters. So Molly not only gets a husband out of this deal, but a whole family. Don’t get me wrong – this is a good thing! But this is a young couple without a lot of extra money. And we knew that they would be on a very tight budget for their wedding.</span></font><br />
<br />
<div class="img_align_center "><a href="http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/attachment.php?attachmentid=726&amp;d=1311736524" id="attachment726" rel="Lightbox_166" ><img src="http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/attachment.php?attachmentid=726&amp;d=1311734571" border="0" alt="Click image for larger version

Name:	family3.jpg
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ID:	726" class="align_center size_large" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: system"><font size="2"><b><i>Here is Molly's fiancé Mitch with daughters Taylor (12), Sidney (9) and the twins Camryn &amp; Casey (6).<br />
</i></b></font></span></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: system"><font size="2"><font size="3"><span style="font-family: times new roman">One night I was talking about the wedding with Susan Moraca from <a href="http://KollageYarns.com" target="_blank">Kollage Yarns</a> and Jeannie Duncan from <a href="http://fiestayarns.com/" target="_blank">Fiesta Yarns</a>. After hearing them both ask me, “What can we do to help these kids out,” I had an idea. So I called them both back and ran my idea by them to see what they thought.<br />
 <br />
Being the sales and marketing guy that I am (smile), and armed with a plan that Susan and Jeannie helped me refine, I sent out an e-mail to some the advertisers of <i>Knitter’s Magazine</i> who know and love Molly. The gist of the e-mail I sent out was this:<div style="margin-left:40px"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms"><br />
Hello Friends… What if we were to offer Molly our sponsorship for her wedding? I know this sounds crazy... but please hear me out. Molly is going to get lots of gifts and even a few checks from folks in the industry when she gets married. But what if we could help her on the front end of this wedding rather than on the back end?<br />
 <br />
What I'm proposing is this. That any of you who are interested, chip in for either $50, $100, or $200 each—whatever you feel is appropriate (please don't send more than $250... this is more about coming together for a fun thing than the actual money—many hands making light work). Then we take that money and give her a pre-paid cash/credit card that she could use before, during, and after the wedding (for whatever she needs for herself and/or the girls). I would collect your logos (anyone who would like to participate) and turn those combined logos into a graphic that we imprint on that pre-paid card (Yes... I realize that our logos are going to be very small... but it's still a fun idea).<br />
 <br />
Then, sometime in July (probably early August now), I would give her that pre-paid card so that she could go and take care of her wedding and her new family. Maybe I’ll blog post story about this (giving credit to all of you who graciously joined me in sponsoring her wedding). Heck... I may even create some website badges for you folks (with a picture of the couple) that states "Proud Sponsor of Molly's and Mitch's Wedding" that you could post on your own blogs (see the example below).<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms"><br />
</span></span></span></font></div><div class="size_fullsize"><img src="http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/attachment.php?attachmentid=725&amp;d=1311734942" border="0" alt="Name:  MollyAndMitch_Knitters.jpg
Views: 327
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I sent the e-mail out into this small pool of advertisers and was just thrilled with the response. Five companies e-mailed me back within 45 minutes letting me know that the check was on the way and thanking me for including them in such a cool idea. Twelve companies (not including XRX, Inc. of course) jumped on board for this private wedding sponsorship, bringing the total amount raised to $2200. So let me share with you the names of these wonderful companies now (in alphabetical order):<br />
</span></font></font></span><br />
<div class="cms_table"><table class="cms_table"><tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"></td>
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.aslantrends.com/" target="_blank">Aslan Trends</a></span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.muenchyarns.com/" target="_blank">Muench Yarns</a></span></font></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://berroco.com/" target="_blank">Berroco, Inc.</a></span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.prismyarn.com/" target="_blank">Prism Yarn</a></span></font></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.bijoubasinranch.com/" target="_blank">Bijou Basin Ranch</a></span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.purdythangz.com/" target="_blank">Purdy Thangz</a></span></font></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://fiestayarns.com/" target="_blank">Fiesta Yarns</a></span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.yarn.com/" target="_blank">WEBS - America's Yarn Store</a></span></font></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://halcyonyarn.com/" target="_blank">Halcyon Yarn, Inc.</a></span></font></td>
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://wool2dye4.com/" target="_blank">Wool2Dye4</a></span></font></td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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</span></font></td>
<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.kollageyarns.com/" target="_blank">Kollage Yarns</a></span></font></td>
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</span></font></td>
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/knitters/" target="_blank">XRX, Inc. (<i>Knitter’s Magazine</i>)</a></span></font></td>
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<tr valign="top" class="cms_table_tr"><td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><br />
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<td class="cms_table_td"><font size="4"><span style="font-family: tahoma"><a href="http://www.the-mannings.com/" target="_blank">The Mannings</a></span></font></td>
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</table></div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://knitalk.com/BlogResources/Benjamin/Molly/CC_Mockup3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><font size="2"><span style="font-family: system">Here is the final graphic submitted to the prepaid card company showing all of the logos.</span></font><br />
</i></b></div><br />
<br />
<font size="3"><span style="font-family: times new roman">So… that’s my story for this blog post. I don’t want anything from any of you, my friends, except to share a great story and a perfect example of our amazing industry. So many times we are asked to 'chip in' during a tragedy… and that’s a wonderful thing. But here was a chance to help our friend celebrate and start her new life with a wonderful guy and four beautiful girls without worrying so much about the cost of actually becoming a family – and our wonderful industry came through.<br />
 <br />
Kudos to all of you who joined us in this! I know this will make a big difference to Molly and her new family! The only thing that you twelve will have to live with now is that you’re going to be guilty of making Molly cry when she reads this (smile).<br />
 <br />
All my best.<br />
 <br />
Benjamin Levisay<br />
CEO<br />
XRX, Inc — <a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/Events/" target="_blank">STITCHES Events</a>, <i><a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/Knitters/" target="_blank">Knitter's Magazine</a></i>, &amp; <a href="http://knittinguniverse.com/Books/" target="_blank">XRX Books</a><br />
 <br />
You can find me on <a href="http://www.knitalk.com/Community/blog.php?2-BenjaminXRX" target="_blank">KniTalk</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/BenjaminXRX" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BenjaminXRX" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, &amp; <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/BenjaminXRX" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> as BenjaminXRX</span></font></blockquote>


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			<dc:creator>BenjaminXRX</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?166-Molly-is-getting-married</guid>
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			<title>2 Socks in 4 Days -- We Are Nuts</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?163-2-Socks-in-4-Days-We-Are-Nuts</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Back on July 7th, I announced on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sock-summit-2011/1734997/">Ravelry</a>, <a...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Back on July 7th, I announced on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sock-summit-2011/1734997/">Ravelry</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/somebunnyslove">Facebook</a> (are we friends yet?), <a href="https://plus.google.com/110161484549838960728/posts">Google+</a> (if we aren't in each other circles, let's do it!), and <a href="http://twitter.com/somebunnyslove">Twitter</a> (do we follow each other?) that Jennifer Wendell and I decided to console ourselves for not being at <a href="http://SockSummit.com">Sock Summit</a> (again) by knitting ourselves a pair of socks during those four days.  The catch?  The only patterns that could be used had to be ones which Stephanie Pearl-McPhee made.  Since then, the "Couldn't Foot It" Challenge has accumulated over two dozen prizes to award to finishers -- specifically 25 and counting.  Four of these prizes are from the Yarn Harlot herself, and the others are by esteemed independent dyers with XRX tossing in the choice of a copy of "Think Outside the SOX" or "Magnificent Mittens and Socks" for those who finish "Pearls of Wisdom" or "Feather &amp; Fan Socks" which are from the "Socks, Socks, Socks" book.<br />
<br />
Who are <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sock-summit-2011/1734997/101-125#114">the nutty people that are joining Jennifer and crazy me</a>?  <br />
Here's the list of everyone's Ravelry name!<br />
<ul><ol class="decimal"><li><a href="http://www.passionknitly.blogspot.com/">passionKNITly</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/">somebunnyslove</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/partystripes">partystripes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.tofinishdivine.blogspot.com/">scraphappy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://knitting.about.com/">SarahtheKnitter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fiberjunky.blogspot.com/">SpinningMommy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mimsknits">mimsknits</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/NotoriousJWC">NotoriousJWC</a></li>
<li><a href="http://indigomuse.blogspot.com/">indigomuse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://stashymama.blogspot.com/">Stashymama</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/knitsandpurls">knitsandpurls</a></li>
<li><a href="http://profiles.google.com/wildwoodflwr">wildwoodflwr</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.iknit2purl2.blogspot.com/">iknit2purl2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.myknittingandme.wordpress.com/">Bagpuss</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dyoselin.wordpress.com/">Jhocy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://woolybuns.typepad.com/">Woolybuns</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/killerlashes">killerlashes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://paperkitty.wordpress.com/">paperkitty</a></li>
<li><a href="http://gidgettm.wordpress.com/">Gidgettm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.smittenwknittin.blogspot.com/">Smitten</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/jtdalzell">jtdalzell</a></li>
<li><a href="http://purdypeas.wordpress.com/">PrairieDog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://stringlingo.wordpress.com/">stringlingo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/debkm">debkm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://knitandtackle.blogspot.com/">livin4fishin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/KiwiSooz">KiwiSooz</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fostersheepfarm.blogspot.com/">fostersheepfarm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://gingerclare.blogspot.com/">GingerKnitsUK</a></li>
<li><a href="http://knitnfrog.livejournal.com/">KnitnFrog</a></li>
<li><a href="http://draygoneyarnes.etsy.com/">brynna42</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/crochettreasures">crochettreasures</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Citykniting">Citykniting</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/JanaA">JanaA</a></li>
<li><a href="http://meshugemoo.wordpress.com">MooFlower</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/jeaniebabb">jeaniebabb</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/jerseyknitter">jerseyknitter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/inthedark">inthedark</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/WithofBucks">WithofBucks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/mardimuses">mardimuses</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/irismedia">irismedia</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/BedAndEcky">BedAndEcky</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Lana816">Lana816</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fairieknits.com/blog/">funfairiegirl</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/dizzyknitter">dizzyknitter</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/zardra">zardra</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/KarenF">KarenF</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/worldknit">worldknit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/Mare39">Mare39</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/she11ygirl">she11ygirl</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/PatchworkGirl">PatchworkGirl</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/WritingMom">WritingMom</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ajaychasse">ajaychasse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/YARNKETTLE">YARNKETTLE</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/TammyG">TammyG</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/senoraaustin">senoraaustin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/ME215">ME215</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/crochetcompulsiv">crochetcompulsiv</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/NekoMich">NekoMich</a></li>
</ol></ul><br />
<br />
Want to see <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sock-summit-2011/1734997/51-75#62">a glimpse of the prizes that I listed on Ravelry</a>?  Here ya go!<br />
<ul><ol class="decimal"><li>Roxanne from Zen Yarn Garden is donating <a href="http://www.zenyarngarden.com/index.php?l=product_detail&amp;p=902">a skein of her Serenity 2</a> in the Mocha Olive colourway which were used for <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2010/12/28/accomplished_and_not.html">Stephanie's Paul Atwell Socks</a></li>
<li>Kate from Dragonfly Fibers is donating <a href="http://dragonflyfiberdesigns.blogspot.com/">a skein of her Dragonsock</a></li>
<li>Jill from Jill Draper Designs is donating <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jilldrapermakesstuff?section_id=6756416">a skein of her Splendor</a> in a Sock Summit colorway</li>
<li>Natasha from Unplanned Peacock Studio is donating <a href="http://www.unplannedpeacock.com/catalog/">a skein of her MCN yarn</a></li>
<li>Paula from Woolarina is donating <a href="http://www.woolarina.com/shop/index.php?crn=209">a skein of her MCN yarn</a></li>
<li>For the person(s) who finish either Pearls of Wisdom or Feather &amp; Fan Socks, I will award the choice of either the ”Think Outside the SOX” or ”Magnificent Mittens and Socks” book</li>
<li>debaccuardi from Pico Accuardi Dyeworks is donating <a href="http://www.picoaccuardi.com/weights.htm">a skein of Marco Bambino yarn</a></li>
<li>koffeeknits from DW Dyeworks is donating <a href="http://www.dirtywaterdyeworks.com/">a skein of finisher's choice</a></li>
<li>SpindleCat Studio is donating <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/6702583">a custom-dyed skein of Tabbytux</a></li>
<li>Our most beloved <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">YarnHarlot</a> is tossing in three skeins of yarn and a signed book in the prize pool!</li>
<li>bugsnugger from <a href="http://hyenacart.com/bugsnugger/">Bugsnugger Yarns</a> is donating a skein of her Sparkle Sock</li>
<li><a href="http://jhocy.etsy.com/">Jocelyn of Dubai Knits</a> is donating 3 skeins of sock yarn AND a set of RED Namaste snap bags from across the world</li>
<li>Mercedes of <a href="http://www.kitchensinkdyeworks.com/">KitchenSink Dyeworks</a> is donating a skein of Silver Spoon in any KSD colorway</li>
<li>Caro from <a href="http://www.splityarn.com/">SplitYarn</a> and ”Knitting it Old School" fame is offering a Splityarn boxbag and matching wee pouch</li>
<li>ExecuDiva is donating <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/grinninggargoyle">2 skeins of Seda Sock</a> in the Storm OR Goth Chick colorways (or any other colorway the winner prefers, because she wants the winner to be happy!)</li>
<li>brynna42 of <a href="http://draygoneyarnes.etsy.com/">Draygone Yarnes</a> is offering up a custom-dyed skein of Draygone Yarnes Sparkle</li>
<li>Alex from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/worldknits">WorldKnits</a> is donating a really cool sheepy project bag with Good Intentions Knit Cards</li>
<li>And last but not least, PassionKNITly and I are donating a skein each of sock yarn from our luxurious stash</li>
</ol></ul><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5983226528_7e1ae202a8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<br />
Think you can knit 2 socks in 4 days?  Join us next week on July 28th when we cast on at 9:00AM-PST to find out!  For those on Google+, I will be hosting a Hangout (no webcam required, but do have your speakers and microphone working) so we can cheer each other on!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?163-2-Socks-in-4-Days-We-Are-Nuts</guid>
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			<title>How I Dyed Creatively</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?162-How-I-Dyed-Creatively</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:18:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Many a time, there are opportunities that I come upon, and many a time I do not have the funds to jump at them.  But when <a...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Many a time, there are opportunities that I come upon, and many a time I do not have the funds to jump at them.  But when <a href="http://creativelydyed.com">Dianne Lutz of Creatively Dyed Yarns</a> came to my hometown of Virginia Beach, VA at The Yarn Club to give a class on dyeing and offer a chance to see her yarns up close and personal, I could not resist going.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5958676522_d94542c9ed.jpg" alt="The Yarn Club" /><br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.yarnclubknits.com/">The Yarn Club</a>" is owned by the savvy Andrea Weisman Riddle and is located on 240 Mustang Trail, Suite 8, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 in the Lynnhaven area.  Andrea noticed that in the many southside Tidewater shops, there was not one that catered to luxury yarn snobs like myself who also loved getting great customer service.  Her fibery stock of Cascade and Berroco staples mixed with hand-dyed independents such as <a href="http://dragonflyfibers.com">Dragonfly Fibers</a> and <a href="http://madelinetosh.com">Madelinetosh</a> are big draws along with the <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Interchangeable_Circular_Knitting_Needle_Tips_Cabl  es__L300312.html">Knit Picks Interchangeables</a>, <a href="http://chiaogoo.com/8.html">Chiao Goo Lace Red needles</a>, pattern leaflets and <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/knitters/">magazines</a> that she carries.  Add the openness of the shop (ever walk into a yarn shop and immediately feel claustrophobic because the walls of yarn overwhelm you?) plus her helpful staff, and you have a FABULOUS yarn shop.  The best part of Andrea's shop for me is how she constantly updates her customers on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Theyarnclub">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/theyarnclub">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-yarn-club-inc">Ravelry</a> and her website on what is happening in the shop.  <br />
<br />
So when I heard Dianne was going to be teaching at one of my all-time favorite LYS on Saturday June 25th, I just HAD to sign up for the class!  If you have not seen Dianne's work yet, be sure to visit her at <a href="http://creativelydyed.com/1757.html">one of these festivals</a>.  Her yarns are not only hand-dyed by herself, but offer enough variety that runs the gamut of hard-wearing soaker yarns, to cuddly sock yarns, to decadent silk ones.  And one thing I do like about her sock yarns are the amounts of yarn she sells in each skein.  With these larger skeins, there is no excuse to run out of yarn for a pair of socks!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5958060461_58c25efc0a.jpg" alt="Part of the Creatively Dyed Trunk Show at The Yarn Club" /><br />
<br />
When I arrived at the shop, Dianne was in show mode.  By "show mode" I mean delegating to get everything ready.  After everything was set up, the class began, I hugged <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/indigomuse">Tanya Brooks</a> (aka <a href="http://indigomuse.blogspot.com/">The Indigo Muse</a> on <a href="http://twitter.com/theindigomuse">Twitter</a>) from <a href="http://claudiaco.com/">Claudia Handpainted Yarns</a>, and before I knew it...  I made YARN.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5958040881_12da8a92d1_z.jpg" alt="SomeBunnysLove's creatively dyed superwash merino worsted weight" /><br />
<br />
The skein I dyed is a 100% superwash merino worsted weight at 126 grams -- enough for a hat and a pair of mitts, or one long skinny scarf.  I choose magenta, brown, and purple as my main three colors, then used the red to blend everything together.  I am absolutely in love with my creation, but in seeing how much work goes into making one individual skein of yarn, I hoppily leave the dyeing business to the professionals!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?162-How-I-Dyed-Creatively</guid>
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			<title>Daring to Knit in Public</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?168-Daring-to-Knit-in-Public</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Every year all sorts of fiber artists and crafters dare to do what I actually do weekly: knit (or spin, crochet, stitch, etc.) in public.  My guess...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Every year all sorts of fiber artists and crafters dare to do what I actually do weekly: knit (or spin, crochet, stitch, etc.) in public.  My guess is because for years the general public stereo-typed (and most of them still think) that "home-making" artists are frail, weak, elderly, ugly, or unsociable.  Not sure about you, but I do not see my fellow crafters and definitely myself in that light.  I have pointedly asked those nay-sayers, "Do I really LOOK like an old woman?"<br />
<br />
With that little chip in mind, I take every opportunity I can to knit in public so as to educate folks that working in the fibery arts is not for the old but for the young at heart.  Each year, World Wide Knit in Public Day embraces that idea fully.  For 2011, I celebrated by joining my local guild, Tidewater Knitting Guild of Virginia at Norfolk's D'Art Center located in the downtown's Selden Arcade.  <br />
<br />
<img src="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg735/scaled.php?tn=0&amp;server=735&amp;filename=h3cj.jpg&amp;xsize=640&amp;ysize=640" alt="SomeBunnysLove's Jubilee sock from Cookie A 2011 Sock Club" title="SomeBunnysLove's Jubilee sock from Cookie A 2011 Sock Club" /><br />
<br />
While there I worked on one of two projects I brought, the Jubilee pattern from Cookie A's 2011 Sock Club.  This sock club is a cherished gift from my BFF, and being able to knit all these wonderful patterns has been immensely fun!  I especially enjoyed knitting up June's installment which contained a skein of Hazel Knits' Artisan Sock Yarn.  The merino/nylon blend felt wonderful on my hands.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg611/scaled.php?tn=0&amp;server=611&amp;filename=zvoqm.jpg&amp;xsize=640&amp;ysize=640" alt="SomeBunnysLove's Triangle Vest" title="SomeBunnysLove's Triangle Vest" /><br />
<br />
The second project I brought still needed to be wound.  From the pages of Knitter's Magazine K102, I fell deeply in love with two particular patterns, and the Triangle Windows pattern is one of them.  The other is Nautical Notes by my friend Ann McCauley.<br />
<br />
So how did you celebrate WWKIP Day?<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?168-Daring-to-Knit-in-Public</guid>
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			<title>Dash of MA: Yoshi and Melissa Morgan-Oakes</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?160-Dash-of-MA-Yoshi-and-Melissa-Morgan-Oakes</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[After leaving <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/">Kristin Nicholas</a>' cool studio, I set out to my next visit further...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">After leaving <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/">Kristin Nicholas</a>' cool studio, I set out to my next visit further north.  Originally the plan was to meet <a href="http://www.melissa-knits.blogspot.com/">Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a> at <a href="http://yarn.com">WEBS Yarn Store in Northampton, MA</a>.  Instead I drove up about twenty minutes directly from Kristin's farm to Melissa's.  Once there, I was as smitten with her place as I was with Kristin's.  As I parked in her driveway, she walked out with - no surprise - a cup of coffee in her hand.  Eager to see the chickens and Yoshi, I ended my phone call and stepped out of my rental.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/5768096811_897a704931.jpg" alt="Where Melissa's Chickens' call 'Home sweet home'" /><br />
<br />
Now whatever you do after reading this post, if you have the chance to chat with Melissa, <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/teacher/teacher_details/view/57/201183/">take a class from her at STITCHES East this October</a>, or better yet visit her home, do not (I repeat DO NOT) call her solar barn a chicken coop.  Because if that building really were to be a chicken coop, it is one heckuva luxurious one!  Here's a quick shot of myself holding up one of the baby egg-layers:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/5768636436_7ec06e97c5.jpg" alt="Some Bunny's Love holding a baby chicken" /><br />
<br />
<em>Yes, I know I am wearing glasses and my hair is windblown.  I just came from a sheep farm and was visiting a chicken farm.  What would you have done?  :P</em><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/5768636958_b3d99f6fd5.jpg" alt="Kissing a chicken" /><br />
<br />
In case you have not read <a href="http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/2011/05/well-look-whos-here.html">her blog post yet</a>, as Melissa held my camera she encouraged me to kiss the baby chicken that I was holding.  Figuring "Why not?  Life's too short for regrets," I did.  But I think she missed it because you can see that I am smiling in the above photo.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/5768099755_cf055ecc8f.jpg" alt="Chickens, chickens, CHICKENS!" /><br />
<br />
Now when we began walking out of the chickens' area and towards the house, Melissa told me to wait and turn around.  We were at the base of a small hill and were facing the chickens' barn.  Melissa then called out, "Chickens, Chickens, CHICKENS!!"  Immediately all the chickens that were out (the egg layers alternate out-time with the meat hens) began running toward us.  I almost fell over laughing because they reminded me of little kids running to the ice cream truck in the heat of summer.  Mixed among the hens were several roosters strutting about.  For the life of me, I cannot remember their names, but those birds were handsome ones.  Thanks to Melissa, I can see myself raising a dozen chickens!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/5768644230_84b74e4c0d.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/5768644230_84b74e4c0d_m.jpg" alt="Yoshi" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5768643772_570363c8d0.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5768643772_570363c8d0_m.jpg" alt="Yoshi" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5768102531_d290560af9.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5768102531_d290560af9_m.jpg" alt="Yoshi" /></a><br />
<br />
Since I could not decide which picture I liked best of <a href="http://melissaknits-yoshi.blogspot.com/">young Yoshi</a>, I put all three in this post.  He is a mischievous boy who loves having his mother's attention.  I mean, what would you do if those cute eyes begged at you all the time?  Though he did do a bad thing and discovered a taste for cashmere.  Here's the look on Melissa's face as she gazed at the tangled mess:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/5768107669_119f9efa96.jpg" alt="Melissa Morgan-Oakes determining Yoshi's fate" /><br />
<br />
I did come up with a solution.  I untangled and balled up the pretty yarn while Melissa took Yoshi out for a much-needed bathroom break.  When she came back, she autographed a copy of her new book, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9874636-teach-yourself-visually-circular-knitting">"Teach Yourself Visually Circular Knitting</a>" with the words, "Thanks for your <del>business</del> VISIT!"  (We had a huge laugh on that one.)  She then let me take pictures of her kitchen and stairs.  Her secret for the fabulous furniture?  IKEA.  I also adore her pot rack and already told her that I wanted to borrow her idea.  If you click on the below photo on the right, you will see a closer detailed shot.  I love beautiful function!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/5768645080_0a0da6938f.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/5768645080_0a0da6938f_m.jpg" alt="Melissa's kitchen" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/5768645960_f854b54d1c.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/5768645514_e1fb82eac5_m.jpg" alt="Melissa's pot rack" /></a><br />
<br />
As we toured the rest of the downstairs, I gushed at the beautiful wooden staircase.  It seems that the staircase and the deck (which wraps around half the house) had her husband and her hooked.  Hands down, as a bungalow-style fanatic I would have probably plunked down whatever I could as a down payment if I had ever seen anything like that in Virginia.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/5768105247_0646051857.jpg" alt="A beautiful staircase" /><br />
<br />
Another item that I spied and asked about was Melissa's dish soap and household cleaners.  I noticed that they were the same ones that Kristin used.  It turns out that <a href="http://www.MrsMeyers.com">Mrs. Meyers</a> is available across the United States.  Thanks to both Melissa and Kristin, I bought some at my local Kroger grocery store, and it is terrific!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/5768107133_47e4c67c0e.jpg" alt="Chickens, chickens, CHICKENS!" /><br />
<br />
I close this post with one last photo.  The story behind it is that when Melissa kicked off her "Two at a Time Socks" book, her knitting group buds made these fibery chickens and if you look closely enough, you will see that the feathers are from Melissa's chickens.  So what do I think whenever I see Melissa?  <strong>Chickens, Chickens, CHICKENS!!</strong><br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?160-Dash-of-MA-Yoshi-and-Melissa-Morgan-Oakes</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Dash of MA: Getting Stitched with Kristin Nicholas</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?159-Dash-of-MA-Getting-Stitched-with-Kristin-Nicholas</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 02:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[After my one day trip to Rhode Island on May 24th, I headed out to northwest Massachusetts on an invitation to spend the night at <a...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">After my one day trip to Rhode Island on May 24th, I headed out to northwest Massachusetts on an invitation to spend the night at <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/2011/05/pink-petal-carpet-and-bunny-visit.html">Kristin Nicholas' farm</a>.  During the week before when she had extended the invite over the telephone, it took all I had after the call not to jump up and down as if I were on a trampoline and scream "Oh my GAAAAAWD!!  I'm going to Kristin's FAAAAARM!!  I may get to see SHEEEEEEP!!" over and over throughout the rest of the day.  <em>Okay maybe I <strong>did</strong> dance and scream a few times... Ahem.</em>  For those who do not know Kristin, she was Classic Elite's Creative Director for many years, quit from that fast-paced world to take care of her daughter Julia, is one of the most talented designers I have ever met, is good friends with Anna Zilboorg, has inspired me to use other colors than black and white, and...  She will be teaching at <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/teacher/teacher_details/view/57/192970/">STITCHES East this October</a>!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5768633686_d03f40c5bb.jpg" alt="Glen Leyden Farm" title="Glen Leyden Farm"/><br />
<br />
The drive to <a href="http://leydenglenlamb.com/">Leyden Glen</a> was just as I imagined.  The houses along the countryside reminded me of rural Virginia, and I sighed as I thought of my trips to Anna's and David's home.  Since Anna Zilboorg and Kristin are also friends, I grinned at how we three seemed to be in a particular circle of understanding life.  When I arrived, Kristin had just rounded up the chickens.  We exchanged warm greetings, brought my things inside, and that is when Julia popped her head in to say "Hi!"  Here is what I thought as I hugged the young teenager, "Boy, has Julia grown!"  I then noticed a little lamb the size of a cocker spaniel in the kitchen.  Turns out that he was an abandoned newborn twin and Kristin was bottle-feeding him.  Because I was curious about the sheep, Kristin offered a quick tour to see the flock.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5893064648_9824de7002_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5893064648_9824de7002_m.jpg" alt="A newborn lamb saying 'Hi!'" title="A newborn lamb saying 'Hi!'" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/5768630202_dc6979a02c_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/5768630202_dc6979a02c_m.jpg"  alt="A newborn lamb and a young kitten" title="A newborn lamb and a young kitten" /></a><br />
<br />
While she led me out to the pasture where the ewes and lambs were, Kristin enlightened me on how ewes will sometimes abandon their newly birthed lambs without explanation.  She and her husband will do their best to help these newborns survive, but there might be an intuition of sorts working in that the ewe knows the newborn will not survive.  Upon arriving at the fence, several lambs came up to Kristin immediately.  She grinned and said that these were the lambs who survived being bottle-fed and obviously think she is their mother (and thus the main supplier of their food).  Their bleats blended into lulling music as we headed back to the house to prepare dinner.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5768629676_b1070c1959.jpg" alt="Splashes of color in the Leyden Glen Farm house" title="Splashes of color in the Leyden Glen Farm house" /><br />
<br />
Throughout Kristin's home are splashes of color.  She has assorted collections of vases, pitchers, urns, and they are all complimented with her colorful textiles.  I even snapped a shot of stuffed toy bunnies hidden amongst her books.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/5768631378_76bd12a0b8_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/5768631378_76bd12a0b8_m.jpg" alt="Various pieces in Kristin's collection" title="Various pieces in Kristin's collection" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5892497571_3ff88e0943_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5892497571_3ff88e0943_m.jpg" alt="Bunny Hiding in the Books" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5893064906_1413b1d8a7_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5893064906_1413b1d8a7_m.jpg" alt="Kristin's Tea and Coffee"  title="Kristin's Tea and Coffee" /></a><br />
<br />
I always feel that a kitchen is the heart of a home.  Kristin's beats of country gentry and earthy classics mixed together.  If I had thought about it, I would have photographed how her seasonings and canisters were organized and how her kitchen's layout was set up.  Everything just flowed.  Oh, and if you really must ask what was for dinner?  We had <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/2011/05/greek-lamburgers-for-memorial-day.html">Kristin's lamb burgers, a la Greek style</a>, with a salad.  My job was to dice up cucumber and garlic for the tzatziki sauce.  The local yogurt, fresh herbs, and cucumber were such a great combination that I kept dipping potato chips into the sauce.  I then used it as dressing on my salad, and even put it on top of my burger along with the cheese.  Add the red wine, and we had a veritable feast.  Now out of all the meals that I photograph, did I remember to take a picture of this one?  <strong>Nope.</strong>  Do I regret it?  Not one bit because I have the delicious savory memory as a souvenir.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/5768085993_bfa14aed5f.jpg" alt="Sleeping kitten on sheepskin" /><br />
<br />
After dinner we three gals took the lamb with us into the den to watch the "Dancing with the Stars" finals.  During all our cheers and applauding, one of the kittens paid no attention to us at all as it slept in the living room.  Not even the flash of my camera could wake this kitten!  Since Kirstie Alley is Julia's favorite, I could not resist telling how Kirstie had at one point a physically handicapped pet rabbit.  I may have brought thoughts of house rabbits into Julia's mind.  Hmmm...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5892497003_3a3a27034f_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/5768632954_d29e35e5bc_m.jpg" alt="One of the beds in Julia's room" title="One of the beds in Julia's room" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5892497083_8741e36652_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5892497083_8741e36652_m.jpg" alt="The juxtaposition of youth and artistry" /></a><br />
<br />
The room that I slept in was Julia's bedroom.  It had two antique four-poster beds, and was decorated with touches from Kristin.  If you click on the photo on the left, you will see a close up of the hand-painted bedside table lamp.  Please do, because it is GORGEOUS.  If you click on the photo on the right, you will see a neat blend of old and new -- like the Lambchop puppet on the bedpost against the pop artist posters on the wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5892497743_d7c83d0216_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5892497743_d7c83d0216_m.jpg" alt="Prizes from Kristin's blog" title="Prizes from Kristin's blog" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5892497685_fb5b9dd058_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5892497685_fb5b9dd058_m.jpg" alt="Colorful stuffed toy animals" title="Colorful stuffed toy animals" /></a><br />
<br />
Before I left to see <a href="http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/2011/05/well-look-whos-here.html">Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a> (who happens to live twenty minutes north of <a href="http://leydenglenlamb.com/">Leyden Glen</a>), Kristin graciously gave me a very cool tour of her studio.  I looked around awestruck all the while Kristin was giving me the history of how her studio originally was the kitchen.  Gazing out of the windows, I spied the sheep and buildings that I have seen on her website.  Everything was so green thanks to the recent storms.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5892497601_8605c1d6bd_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5892497601_8605c1d6bd_m.jpg" alt="Just a few pinwheels" title="Just a few pinwheels" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="5" alt="SBL spacer" /><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5892497635_f02fb3ed7c_z.jpg"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5892497635_f02fb3ed7c_m.jpg" alt="One giant pinwheel"  title="One giant pinwheel" /></a><br />
<br />
Out of my photographs snapped in that room, I do have a favorite...<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5278/5893065104_b908e74e0d.jpg" alt="An incredible reminder of a great time at Glen Leyden" title="An incredible reminder of a great time at Glen Leyden" /><br />
<br />
Hopefully this visit will not be my last.  I am thankfully grateful that I can call Kristin my friend.  :)<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?159-Dash-of-MA-Getting-Stitched-with-Kristin-Nicholas</guid>
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		<item>
			<title>Dash of Mass: Woolpack Yarn Company in Acton</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?157-Dash-of-Mass-Woolpack-Yarn-Company-in-Acton</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 02:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/5754784630_68c7279662.jpg" alt="Woolpack Yarns in Acton, MA" /> 
 
When I drove to the outskirts of...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/5754784630_68c7279662.jpg" alt="Woolpack Yarns in Acton, MA" /><br />
<br />
When I drove to the outskirts of Boston, I was anticipating a lot.  Not only was I going to meet up with my longtime friend <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/erickajo">ErickaJo</a> of the "<a href="http://www.armedwithpointysticks.com/">Armed with Pointy Sticks</a>" blog, but I was going to see some really fun people at a REALLY fun shop.  You would think that I had been at the Woolpack before with the feelings that I had.  Actually I had visited their booth at the last STITCHES East and knew immediately that I wanted to visit their "brick &amp; mortar" store when given a chance.  I mean, how cool is it for a shop to have a lemonade stand as your register in a booth?<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5535299691_efa0da9fc1.jpg" alt="Woolpack Yarns at STITCHES East 2010" /><br />
<br />
Upon walking into the Woolpack, there was no disappointment to spoil my expectations.  Warmly greeted, I was left to investigate the shop's displays, and found much to excite the yarn-lover in me.  The creative energy of the crew is apparent and I felt recharged as I walked around.<br />
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/5754245863_b07a55851e_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/5754245863_b07a55851e_m.jpg"  alt="Cracker Jack Promotion" title="Cracker Jack Promotion" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="15" alt="SBL's spacer" /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/5754268335_bc54dc600a_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2283/5754268335_bc54dc600a_m.jpg" alt="A wall of sock yarn!" title="A wall of sock yarn!" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="15" alt="SBL's spacer" /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/5754290877_03ff84e3c8_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/5754290877_03ff84e3c8_m.jpg" alt="Needle felted Yarn Goddess and her sweet husband" title="Needle felted Yarn Goddess and her sweet husband" /></a><br />
<br />
One definite positive about Woolpack is the comfortable feeling you have whether you want to knit or get help.<br />
<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5754274021_2a3b83e705_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5754274021_2a3b83e705_m.jpg" alt="Look who's here!!" title="Look who's here!!" /></a><img src="http://www.somebunnyslove.com/images/pad.gif" width="10" alt="SBL's spacer" /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/5754811456_130cf82ddc_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/5754811456_130cf82ddc_m.jpg" alt="Owner Janet assisting a customer match buttons to a project" title="Owner Janet assisting a customer match buttons to a project" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>Who</strong> is this LYS: <a href="http://www.woolpackyarn.com/">Woolpack Yarn Company</a>, owned by Janet Hampson <br />
<strong>What</strong> else do they sell besides yarn and patterns: buttons, notions, Namaste Bags, assorted needle felting kits, roving -- > QIVIUT SOCK YARN!!<br />
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/5754847842_353610e278_b.jpg"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/5754847842_353610e278.jpg" alt="Qiviut sock yarn!" title="Qiviut sock yarn!" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong>Where</strong> is it: in Acton Woods Plaza at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=embed&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=340+Great+Road,+Acton,+MA&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=50.777825,114.169922&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=340+Great+Rd,+Acton,+Massachusetts+01720&amp;ll=42.503271,-71.420097&amp;spn=0.035246,0.084543&amp;z=14&amp;iwloc=A">340 Great Road (Rts 2A/119 &amp; 27) Acton, MA 01720</a><br />
<strong>When</strong> are the hours: M-W, F, &amp; Sat 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Th 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM<br />
<strong>How</strong> to get there: For public transit, use the MBTA's Fitchburg/South Acton Line from North Station to Fitchburg, then take a cab.  For those who drive, since the store is in a shopping center, parking is free and wonderfully accessible.<br />
Telephone: 978-263-3131<br />
Online access: <a href="http://www.woolpackyarn.com/">Website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woolpack-Fans/102002063170226">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/woolpackyarn">Twitter</a><br />
Amenities/perks: customer restroom, tables to craft/sit while you wait<br />
<br />
Want to see more of this awesome shop (besides checking out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xrxflickr/tags/woolpackyarn/">their shots on Flickr</a>)?  Come to their booth at <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/STITCHES/East">STITCHES East this October</a>!!  Though I could not get them to spill the beans on what their booth idea was going to be, I did try my best.  :)<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?157-Dash-of-Mass-Woolpack-Yarn-Company-in-Acton</guid>
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			<title>A Dash of Mass and a Pinch of RI</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?156-A-Dash-of-Mass-and-a-Pinch-of-RI</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 14:11:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Sorry I could not post yesterday due to computer network issues in the house.  I wanted to tease everyone with this little bit from my trip! 
...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">Sorry I could not post yesterday due to computer network issues in the house.  I wanted to tease everyone with this little bit from my trip!<br />
<br />
Hanging out at <a href="http://www.woolpackyarn.com/">Woolpack Yarn in Acton, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5754274021_2a3b83e705.jpg" alt="Woolpack Yarn in Acton, MA" title="Woolpack Yarn in Acton, MA" /><br />
<br />
Knitting with my buddy <a href="http://ravelry.com/people/vicknits">Vicki, the owner</a> of the <a href="http://islandyarncompany.com/">Island Yarn Company in Waltham, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/5768576132_9ab1836da5.jpg" alt="owner Vicki and Kimberly" title="Vickie and Kimberly" /><br />
<br />
Checking out the needle felting class at <a href="http://www.themermaidspurl.com/">Mermaid's Purl in North Kingstown, RI</a><br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/5768035977_5f7cf32db7.jpg" alt="Mermaid's Purl in North Kingstown, RI" title="Mermaid's Purl in North Kingstown, RI" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.yarnia.net/">Joseph G's</a> inviting red leather seating at <a href="http://yarnia.net">Yarnia in Woonsocket, RI</a><br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/5768075089_fce5089171.jpg" alt="Yarnia in Woonsocket, RI" title="Yarnia in Woonsocket, RI" /><br />
<br />
A wonderful visit with <a href="http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/2011/05/pink-petal-carpet-and-bunny-visit.html">Kristin Nicholas</a> at her <a href="http://leydenglenlamb.com/">Leyden Glen farm in Leyden, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/5768632954_d29e35e5bc.jpg" alt="Kristin Nicholas' home in Leyden Glen Farm" title="Kristin Nicholas' home in Leyden Glen Farm" /><br />
<br />
Stopping at <a href="http://www.melissaknits.com/">Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a>' farm to see Yoshi and kiss a chicken<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/5768107133_47e4c67c0e.jpg"  alt="Melissa Morgan-Oakes" title="Melissa Morgan-Oakes" /><br />
<br />
Dining with Patience at Christopher's Cafe in Cambridge, MA and then <br />
catching up with Lucy Lee at <a href="http://mindseyeyarns.com/">Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/5768123397_99a55ba930.jpg" alt="Patience at Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge, MA" /><br />
<br />
Meeting Shelly and Aldrich of <a href="http://newburyyarns.html/">Newbury Yarns in Boston, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2304/5768677116_119417f960.jpg" alt="Newbury Yarns in Boston, MA" /><br />
<br />
The awesome work of Annissa's talented students at <a href="http://www.stitchhousedorchester.com/">Stitch House in Dorchester, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2121/5768680550_317b4fb0e5.jpg" alt="Stitch House in Dorchester, MA" title="Stitch House in Dorchester, MA" /><br />
<br />
Virginia's whimsical brilliance <a href="http://gatheringplaceonline.com/">Gather Here in Cambridge, MA</a><br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2198/5768333685_d419a4417a.jpg" alt="Gather Here in Cambridge, MA" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Be on the alert that the photos are currently uploading to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xrxflickr/sets/72157626825380880">XRX Flickr account</a> and my fingers are flying on my keyboard!<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

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			<dc:creator>somebunnyslove</dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?156-A-Dash-of-Mass-and-a-Pinch-of-RI</guid>
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			<title>Crawling around Baa-ston and Divine Providence</title>
			<link>http://www.KniTalk.com/Community/entry.php?155-Crawling-around-Baa-ston-and-Divine-Providence</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>If an opportunity to visit one of my favorite cities ever came my way, I would not hesitate to jump at it.  So when a chance to drop into Boston...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote class="blogcontent restore">If an opportunity to visit one of my favorite cities ever came my way, I would not hesitate to jump at it.  So when a chance to drop into Boston appeared, I made quick time in contacting friends to say I was going to be in town.  For even more fun, I added a good old-fashioned yarn crawl that includes my nearby stomping grounds of Rhode Island.  <br />
<br />
But there has to be a limit on which places to visit.  Why?  Timing, distance, and parking are the biggest challenges.  Using these factors, I made appointments with the yarn shop owners to ensure it would be okay to drop in and gather information for my future posts.  If your favorite shop is not listed, please do not fret.  Since I only have four days, I narrowed the numbers to a baker's dozen.  Each listed shop is linked to its website for your information.  I think this "woolly dozen" is going to make a great series!<br />
<br />
<li>Monday, May 23rd -- <a href="http://windsorbutton.com/">Windsor Button in Boston, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Monday, May 23rd -- <a href="http://www.woolpackyarn.com/">Woolpack Yarn Company in Acton, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Monday, May 23rd -- <a href="http://islandyarncompany.com/">Island Yarns in Waltham, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Tuesday, May 24th -- <a href="http://www.themermaidspurl.com/">Mermaid's Purl in North Kingstown, RI</a></li><br />
<li>Tuesday, May 24th -- <a href="http://www.unwindri.com/">Unwind in East Greenwich, RI</a></li><br />
<li>Tuesday, May 24th -- Meeting Deborah Newton at <a href="http://freshpurls.com/">Fresh Purls in Providence, RI</a></li><br />
<li>Tuesday, May 24th -- <a href="http://www.yarnia.net/">Yarnia in Woonsocket, RI</a></li><br />
<li>Tuesday, May 24th -- <a href="http://www.kristinnicholas.com/">Visiting Kristin Nicholas in Leyden, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Wednesday, May 25th -- Meeting <a href="http://www.melissaknits.com/">author of "2 at a Time Socks" Melissa Morgan-Oakes</a> at <a href="http://yarn.com/">WEBS Yarn Store in Northhampton, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Wednesday, May 25th -- <a href="http://www.stitchhousedorchester.com/">Stitch House Dorchester in Boston, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Wednesday, May 25th -- Meeting Guido Stein and Patience B at <a href="http://mindseyeyarns.com/">Mind's Eye Yarns in Cambridge, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Thursday, May 26th -- <a href="http://newburyyarns.com/">Newbury Yarns in Boston, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Thursday, May 26th -- <a href="http://gatheringplaceonline.com/">Gathering Place in Cambridge, MA</a></li><br />
<li>Thursday, May 26th -- <a href="http://lexismore.org/wildandwoolly.html">Wild and Woolly in Lexington, MA</a></li><br />
<br />
On each yarn shop's post I will be writing about the owner(s), products carried, classes taught, parking, operation hours, and additional perks (in-house design, free coffee/tea, frequent buyer or volume discounts, etc.).  I will also get to meet up with celebrities Kristin Nicholas, Deborah Newton, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, and Guido Stein.  Will I get to meet up with you??<br />
<br />
Bunny hugs for now,<br />
Kimberly =:8</blockquote>

 ]]></content:encoded>
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