Knitting for holiday gifts

First of all, I want to apologize for not blogging in over a month! We've been busy around the shop trying to keep up with all of the knitters that are busy knitting for the holidays. We've also been in hiring and training mode, so that all of our customers will get the help and care that they need from us. The other big news in the shop is that Megan had her baby boy, Maddux, on October 27th. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces which is a lot for tiny little Megan. She will be back in the shop one of these days. We are hoping that Maddux will be here with her... then we can get our baby fix!

I want to thank the people that answered my last post with what inspires them to knit. We drew one name from those that answered, and the winner is Judy. Judy, I'll email you today to figure out how to get the prize to you.

Now that we know what inspires some of you to knit, I thought I should tell you what I've been inspired to knit for gifts this year.

I'm knitting the Bella Mittens and large sized Daphne and Delilah the Momma and Baby Monster for my daughter Katie. I recently finished the Shroom hat for Katie (from Knitty). I know she won't read this, so for her it will all still be a surprise. I'm still working on Tim's sweater, but it won't be ready by Christmas. I know he will love it anytime it's ready, but preferably before summer arrives (ha-ha-ha). I'm also knitting an average sized Daphne and Delilah for Jonah (Megan's oldest son). I usually make something for my mom, but I'm not sure what it will be. She loves cashmere, so I think I'll finish the Stork's Nest Scarf for her that's been resting (Zzzzzz) in my closet.

Thanksgiving is near and we are debating whether to cook or to go somewhere to eat. I know I'll be thankful if I can get a lot of knitting done that day...

Happy knitting!

As promised we have completed our first prize drawing for our followers. The winner is Kelly Perkins and she will be receiving 1 skein of Opal Hand Dyes in the Leafy Forest colorway.

Congrats Kelly please call the store at 515-222-9276 to make arrangements to get your prize!

Knitted Together customers enjoy a good party!

Last Friday night we opened our shop up for a fun evening event. We had a wine tasting as well as what we called a "yarn tasting." Both were a big success with over 40 knitters present! The wine came from WineStyles of West Glen, a shop owned by some friends. For the yarn tasting, I created kits for a skinny scarf that used 16 different yarns that our customers may not have ever tried. The kits were sold out in 5 minutes and I've already seen some completed scarves. There are some truly creative people out there. For those of you that didn't make it to our first Friday Night Knit Club, we will have the next one Friday night, April 23rd from 6-9 PM.

We will have our first prize drawing for Followers this Saturday morning and announce it on the blog about noon (Iowa time). You have until Friday at midnight to become a follower for this prize if you haven't already joined us. The winner is getting one skein of Opal Hand Dyes in the Leafy Forest colorway. It would be beautiful for a gorgeous leaf patterned sock or shawlette.

Monday night I made a quick meal out of salad and Spaghetti a la Philly. I found the recipe online, but I'll type it in here. It was quick and a big hit at our house!

Spaghetti a la Philly

• 1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce
• 4 ounces (1/2 of 8-oz. package) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese

Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet. Stir in sauce and cream cheese; cook on low heat 3 to 5 minutes or until sauce is well blended and heated through, stirring frequently. Drain spaghetti. Add to sauce; mix lightly. Place on platter (or plate) and top with Parmesan.

Happy knitting!
Nancy