This time *I* was the silly, giggling fan!

I recently went to Eureka, CA to visit my sweetheart. We spent some time exploring the area. I was excited to see that the Holly Yashi store and studio. Holly Yashi is an artistic jewelry company available almost everywhere. It's very affordable, girly and unique. What I didn't realize is that Holly is the designer and Yashi is her partner. They started the company in 1981.

Being Valentine's Day, my honey took me to the (purple!) store to buy my gift. While I was picking out my favorites, he pointed to the pretty lady working on a display and whispered "THAT'S Holly!". Before I could react, Holly complimented me on my handmade knit purse. Fun! I then introduced myself and completely turned to jello. I am so impressed with this woman, her artistic talent and her ability to turn it into a very successful business. I giggled and gawked and stammered and got a photo and an autograph. I knew I was being silly but I didn't care. It was such a huge honor to meet her! Here are the two of us:

This is the gorgeous bracelet that I received for Valentine's Day.

Isn't it feminine and gentle and just gorgeous? I can't wait to go back and see Holly and her jewelry again!

Purple Show Down!

Everyone knows I love purple. Purple car, purple couch, purple clothes. My mean sons tease me that my hair is even purple (it is not, it is auburn, lol). Recently while visiting Yarning For You in San Marcos, CA, I met Joan Jogerst Farmer who loves purple as much as I do. We spontaneously started a purple show-down. She placed a purple pen on the table, I matched it. Purple tape measure, matched. We kept it up for a good dozen items from our knitting bags and purses. We had so much fun and laughter and had the whole knitting group in stitches! I think we tied for purple-ness so we ended it with a high five.

New Year, New Approach, New Design

I have some designer secrets to share here. These are some of the truths about my business:

#1: People recognize my name. I have some fame. (Thank you!)

#2: Fame does not make me rich. (lol)

#3: Fame will open doors but reputation keeps them open.

#4: Sometimes I hire knitters, often I do the knitting myself.

#5: Often I am asked to create/write/knit a particular garment, not something I designed.

#6: I have GREAT idea that I believe in that either don't get published or I get paid very little.

#7: I think the time has come to consider self publishing some of my best designs on Ravelry.

#8: I don't have the patterns ready, nor the photography, etc.

This is a vest design in which I truly believe and love. It weighs mere ounces and is easy peasy to knit and fit. I used a raw silk/wool blend yarn and size 8 needles. You'll see it here first knitters!

Stitch n Pitch

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Giants Stitch N Pitch. It's a long drive for me--about 2 1/2 hours so I made arrangements to spend the night in SF (oh darn!) The game was sold out, packed! Wall to wall knitters everywhere. Unfortunately, I did not have seats near any knitting friends. In fact, my seats were in the nosebleed section where the wind whipped through and chilled us to the core. Since the Giants were losing, we left at the 7th inning stretch. Brrrrrr!

Lorna on TV (local, very local)

This morning, very early, I went to Jackson, CA about an hour from my home in Folsom. The small, local tv station had invited me to come talk about my career, my books and my upcoming event at the Amador County Library.

I don't know if my 6 minute segment will be on their web site or not. It's called TSPNTV.

Navy knitting?

My daughter graduated from Navy Basic Training 2 days ago so I've been in Chicago for this during a huge snow storm. The Navy issues thin white acrylic scarves to the recruits for one of their uniforms! I need to find out if it's possible to knit her a soft wool one that meets regulation.

She was annoyed with me for snapping a photo of her with nothing but her eyes showing, but I still say it's an accurate memory of our day walking around snowy Chicago! Here's her professional shot:

Thank you Grace for serving our country. Your Mommy is so proud!

Happy Thanksgiving .....and the winner!

Thanks to all of you for signing up to win the shawl kit. You have all downloaded the shawl pattern, right?!

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving in Chandler, AZ with relatives of my sweetheart Wayne. Our wonderful hosts are Glenn and Sharon and I asked them to each give me a number...yes, I'm drawing TWO WINNERS!

And so, the two winners are Lynn (posted 11/16/10) and Lost in the 50's (posted 11/19/10). I'm glad you like purple! Ladies, please e-mail me asap so I can ship this yarn to you.

lornaknits@yahoo.com

Congratulations ladies. I wish I had yarn for everyone. Please enjoy the yarn!

Lorna