Ravelry - and other stuff!

And a happy new year .... that was sung in a trilling alto, if you didn't know!
The new year has begun - and we're going gangbusters. I'm going to take this weekend to set up some classes - if you have a request - let me know!

I wanted to tell you all about Ravelry - it's a fab spot to connect with other knitters and crocheters. You can keep track of your stash (i personally don't have that kind of time... stash is too big!), your projects, find new projects, new FREE patterns and just generally chat with a group of knitters that shares your interests. For example, two groups i belong to are "knitters with Pugs" and "LYSO" (which are Local Yarn Store Owners). I have received tons of info about how to run a shop, or not. And how to diagnose that really strange noise Purl makes in the middle of the night that scares the crap out of me! I'm also a member in "Knitters who Ski", "Durham Knitters", "Canadian Knitters", GTA Knitters - you get the idea. I'm sure there are groups for people who love horses and want to knit them sweaters (really, i have a Lopi pattern for one - too funny!)

Here's the really great part - i have a group on Ravelry called - wait for it - On The Lamb! It's a place where customers and friends of the shop can meet and chat and share patterns and all that stuff. Each month, i'm going to put a secret word within my chat room on the group. If you know the word - you get 10% off. How fun is that?

And just to give you a giggle - here are the men in my life - i bought them the 'team' shirts for Christmas! Aren't they handsome? That's the "heir-t0-the-throne" on the left (Christopher), Taryn's beau Peter, Christopher's beau Ryan and hubby Warren. I know! I can hardly stand it!

Wishing you and yours the very best of life, health and happiness in the New Year!

Christmas is delightful ... especially at On The Lamb!

ooooohhhhhh, the weather outside is frightful...

No, it's not. Not really! But it definitely is winter and it's time for snuggling up in front of the gas fireplace, or the micro heater or the floor vent and pull out a warm, rewarding project that will provide someone with years of comfort and smiles. OR, now here's a thought, make something for yourself!

We have lots of 'one skein' wonder ideas if you need to pull off a quickie project (how about Felted Bowls?) a terrific scarf or those cute little 'gauntlets' (fingerless gloves.) Don't forget our Artisan teas - such a wonderful addition to a stocking - and we have kits made up with delicate tea cup infusers and packages of tea for your ease of gifting. And how about a Sock Kit????? Socks are such a hot item right now ... jump on the bandwagon. Don't know how? Let's talk in the new year and we'll get you 'learned'!

I'm on the hunt for a perfect doggie coat for Purl - the last one i made for her was a little small this year (hmmmmmmm, there is a reason Pugs are one vowel away from pig!) So if anyone has a pattern for the perfect jacket for pug with no neck...

Super Duper news for you! A pre-Christmas sale begins Wednesday December 17th and runs until the 23rd. 20% off store wide - does not apply to special orders (that means stuff i have to order in for you, which i will do happily, but it's not on sale.)

Please check the website for updates to class schedule - it's by no means exhaustive - we would be happy to accommodate your times and needs.

okay - gotta go 'cause i'm gonna get this little jacket knit up for a family 'do' on Saturday. Think i can do it? i may be knitting during the two hour drive to the party ... but it won't be the first time.

Just a note - we are closed December 24 - 29th and Jan 1 & 2.

Merry, merry, merry Christmas!

new things all the time!

Opening a new business is all about new things - and yesterday we had our first ever 'Kids Learn to Knit' class! After we all chose our wool (pink, pink, and oh, pink!), got it wound into a ball from a hank, and kinda cast on, we kinda knit! It's very fun watching little light bulbs go on in Hannah, Phoebe and Alexis' heads! They're knitters and they're proud! The girls will come back for a few more weeks and when we're done, we'll have a felted purse completed. Kinda! (Alexis and Hannah are concentrating.)
We are still running a full board of classes - go to our website and see what's available. The summer is the perfect time to learn new stuff.
And other new things - the Website is finally up and running and looking wonderful! Check it out at www.onthelamb.ca.
If you're looking for a new project and want to keep it small for the summer, how about trying our 'Wellness Cap' program? We have kits assembled or you can purchase yarn at 25% discount and i provide the pattern. The 'Wellness Caps' will be going to Princess Margaret for their patient program.
New sock yarn has been arriving and will continue to arrive weekly, as will more Alpaca, Camel, Eco Yarns, chunky's, and more dk's!
Drop in for a look and say hi!

Anne, KIP and sales, sales, sales!

If you didn't manage to make it to the shop for the Anne of Green Gables Festival - you missed a real treat! We had a wonderful Country Fair, under pretty white tents, reminiscent of Anne's days. There was a knitting bee (populated by our very own KnitWits), in support of KIP (did you know that it was the third International Knitting in Public Day?) We had our good friend Judy Findlay, master spinner, spinning alpaca and taking on all and sundry for a quick lesson. And for those who wished, slightly naughty t-shirts with our logo on the front and risque sayings on the back!

We also had an old fashioned apothecary, wine tasting, ice cream for the little and big kids, baby lambs and real live exotic Alpaca's! Northfork Farms supported us with their Alpaca's and they came armed with all sorts of information! (i want one, but Purl would be put out)

Yes, it's been busy around here - Gonna be even busier 'cause we're gonna have some big sales! We've got to - i just spent hours with reps buying for the winter. And we've need more space! So come in - all Cottons are 25% off for the month of June! and there are still lots of colours to choose from.

And a door crasher sale: Real Worsted - $1.00 per ball! Great for afghans, children's sweaters, dog sweaters! Goes in the washer and dryer! Stock up - This sale will not be repeated.

Remember that if you want to get away from the laundry and dishes, Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 is drop in day. Drop in with your knitting, pick up a project while you're here and enjoy yourself!