Best Laid Plans

I fell over on Wednesday.  Splat!  Just like that.  It was my own silly fault; I was running with Bertie on the lead.  He zigzagged in front of me and down I went.  My right knee has swollen up like a purple tennis ball and my left hand is covered in scrapes and cuts.  It's a bit of a shock when you fall over as a grown-up.  It's not supposed to happen.  Luckily, (though not for him), my seventeen year old son was with me.  He picked me up, gave me a big hug and helped me hobble home while I blubbered like a child.

It came at the end of a very difficult week so it was quite nice to be able to have a self-indulgent sob while my lovely boy fussed over me.

My little shop has taken a bit of a back seat this week.  Several things out of my control have frustratingly stalled proceedings - the wood on the outside of the shop is rotten in places and is having to be removed and filled before it is painted, I'm still waiting for the sign, an electrical issue needs to be addressed, etc.  I'm a little disappointed because I really hoped to be open by Easter but I remind myself that it's not even been two months since I received the keys and so much has been achieved already.  You've all been so kind and your vicarious excitement and support have boosted my confidence no end.  Thank you.

To make things ever so slightly more complicated, we will be moving house in the next couple of weeks.  I know, right?!  I don't do things by halves my friends!  We had planned for it to happen in the summer but the right property has become available and circumstances have dictated that it should be sooner rather than later.

I have been reluctant to set an actual opening date for my shop before now lest I should end up having to change it and let people down but I have now decided to cite Friday 29th April 2016.  If perchance I am ready before then, I will quietly and without pomp and ceremony, open my door to the public.

Forgive me for sounding a little flat, will you?  It's not my usual way at all but I wanted to pop by and say "hello".  I'm battered and bruised and a little overwhelmed at the moment but will re-emerge like a butterfly of positivity very soon, mark my words.

Have a truly wonderful Easter break my lovely friends.

Back soon.

xxx

This And That And Shop Chat

I've been testing out my "hellos".  There's a slightly high-pitched one that is bordering on desperate, there's one that's a bit sing-songy and makes my children curl up with embarrassment, there's one that makes me sound like an 8 year old and there's my slightly husky one that is, frankly, a touch creepy.  Oh dear.  I'll keep practising.  The last thing I want to do when you come and visit my little shop is to frighten you off!

I've had the 'armed robber' discussion with D.  He asked me what I'd do in the event of a hold-up.  I assured him I have a pot full of very pointy knitting needles ready and waiting.  I don't think that was the right answer.  He looked more than a little bit horrified.  Pfft, he really has no concept of just how precious yarn is.

My card payment machine was installed last week.  It terrifies me.  It's now sitting rather smugly on my counter with its silly green lights and air of self-importance.  May I apologise in advance for getting a bit of a hand-stutter and charging you £1,000,000 for a ball of Rowan Handknit Cotton?

My world continues to be full of yarn and shop-related things my friends.  I haven't even noticed if there is blossom on the trees yet.  Is there?

Quite often, in the middle of the night, a thought or idea pops up from nowhere and jolts me wide awake.  Last night's was a mirror.  I need a mirror.  Before you think I'm going slightly bonkers, just think - how lovely would it be, when considering yarn for a scarf or shawl, to be able to hold it up to your face and see how the colour suits?  The night before it was the idea to take my stockpile of Simply Crochet magazines to the shop for browsing purposes.  I really must subscribe to a knitting magazine too.  Do you have a favourite?

I've thoroughly enjoyed selecting my stock.  I will be selling yarn by Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Patons, Rooster, Manos Del Uruguay, Jupiter Moon Farm, Coop Knits, Fyberspates, Regia, Mondial.  I'm also particularly thrilled to be selling hand-dyed yarns by the lovely Shadow of Felt Fusion.  Those you see pictured are some of her dk delights.  And the glorious pink?  Well, that's a colourway she has dyed exclusively for meeeeeee!  I've called it I Wanna Be Adored after one of my favourite songs.  I cannot wait to see how it knits and crochets.

I have opted for Knit Pro needles and accessories and I've finally managed to acquire a range of my beloved Tulip Etimo Rose crochet hooks.  They were the very first item I wrote on my 'Things I'd Like To Sell' list and they've been by far the most tricksy to source.

I also received delivery of a delicious array of crochet hook and knitting needle rolls, craft bags and sewing pouches this week, made by my magic-fingered friend, Rachael, of SewRayMe.

I must just tell you about something I treated myself to this week too.  I bought a project bag from Betsy Makes' Etsy shop.  Oh, it's just gorgeous.  So beautifully made.  It has the cleverest integrated knitting needle holder inside.  Sam also included a pretty felt flower brooch in the parcel because she's the sweetest girl.  And ... she's only gone and uploaded her very first podcast episode!  Do go and watch if you haven't already.  She's so natural in front of the camera and her knitting/crochet makes are sublime.

Do you ever invent scenarios in your head?  I do it frequently.  My latest one makes me laugh out loud.  I imagine you opening the door to my little shop, stepping over the threshold and casting your eyes around only to be met with completely empty shelves.  You'll then notice me sitting cross-legged on the floor, perhaps rocking a little, surrounded by a huuuuuge tangle of yarn.  I'll have a wild look in my eyes and will be manically crocheting the longest and most colourful scarf you've ever seen in your life ...

xxx