There’s Fabulous, but THEN There’s…

--- my friend Steven Berg, who owns The Yarn Garage and Steven Be Studio, yarn store/communities in Rosemount and Minneapolis.  Steven celebrated his _____-eenth birthday last night with friends and fans in true Steven style with a pre-show party at the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis, followed by a presentation by Ballet of the Dolls of “Nutcracker – The Lost Act.”

Steven was dressed in true Steven style:

I especially liked the boots:

And here we are hamming it up as usual; he was very impressed that I got dressed up (well, dressy for me, anyway) in my old black leather mini-skirt:

And I was very impressed that it still fit!  Yay!  (I am very conscious of my fiftieth birthday approaching (sigh).  At least I can still rock a miniskirt with style!  (OK, maybe I can’t, but no one at the party reacted with visible horror or an outburst of laughter, so I took that as a good sign…)

In addition to this last party, it has been a busy December so far – so many social events for work and various trade associations, etc., that I have to admit, I’m feeling like I’m going to have to be a hermit for about 8 weeks just to recover.  I am literally small-talked out at this point.  I’ve been to two separate annual economic forecast meetings, hosted by Stewart Title and SIOR, and by Urban Land Institute; I’ve been to two fundraisers for Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, Inc.; I’ve had drinks with WoWE (Women of Wind Energy) and a firm Christmas party; and numerous client lunches and dinners.  PHEW!  Now it is time to take a deep breath, and catch up on holiday preparations.

Today I FINALLY decorated the tree (OK, it is a fake tree, I know; I just hate killing trees, and am not crazy about the smell of pine. There, I said it.)  Among her many lovely gifts, my friend Renay gave me this lovely ornament – filled with blue yarn, of course:

And Eva had these beautiful decorations made for each of us by a local artisan:

Here is Nathan’s special ornament this year; a felted penguin from the Textile Center:

So cute!

And finally, here is a present from Nicky from a year or two ago -– these felted slippers came out much larger than any human feet I know of (except maybe my nephew’s, but they are not exactly his style), but I think they look perfect over the fireplace – you know, “the stockings were hung by the chimney with care…”!

OH, and I just remembered – I’ve been meaning to show you this great yarn artwork that was at my hair stylist’s salon, Haus Salon on Nicollet.   The artist’s name is Hot Tea:

And his current art showcases various uses of yarn!  Either wrapped:

Wrapped and painted (these panels are in front of a photograph of a subway train, like graffiti:

Strung from pins (remember string art from the 1970’s?)

Or, my favorite, a hanging rainbow of strands of progressive lengths:

This was hanging directly above where the customers get their hair washed, so as you relax and enjoy someone washing your hair, you get to look upwards as this glorious view (of yarny heaven)!

I mentioned this to Steven, and he said that Hot Tea is going to be doing some murals for him – I can’ t wait to see them, and will be sure to show you as well!

Knit, Swirl:

Steven has the trunk show for the new book Knit, Swirl by Sandra McIver at his stores now:

My sister and I want to do a knitalong of one of these.  I even got to try them on!  Including the actual cover sweater!

Pls. excuse the goofy expression.  I think these sweaters show great promise, and especially like the fact that they cover the butt.  Not that I'm ashamed of my behind, or anything, but I like long jackets in the cold weather here. 

Speaking of knitalongs, my sister and I are going to knit a shawl on Ravelry together in January called "Catkin" by Carina Spencer.  I figure I am far enough along that I can fit in another project (especially considering we're entering into seeerious winter here, so knitting season is upon us!) 

And finally – ½ of a Ta-Daaah!

As of this afternoon, I finished embroidering exactly half of the Florentine Shrug:

Isn’t it lovely?  I love the colors, and the soft yarn, and am enjoying the process.  However, my joy at having finished the sleeve is somewhat undercut by the realization that I now have to do it all again on the second sleeve.  Completely. From scratch.  (But, you know how the second time you do things, they tend to go more quickly?  That is what I’m hoping, anyway...)

I hope your holidays are coming along, and that your gifts are bought and wrapped, and that your cookies are baked… oh, who am I kidding!   We are ALL likely still in the midst of it all!   Don’t forget to set down with a cup of tea and watch an old Xmas movie and knit – you deserve some holiday relaxation, too!

Lots of love to you all,

Mar.

Comments

[Linda]

That sleeve of the Florentine Shrug looks absolutely beautiful!!!! The second sleeve will be well worth the work for a beautiful finished shrug. :)
I bought the Knit Swirl book a while ago. If you and your sister do a knit along, I hope you post about it. It looks great on you.
I think that may be what I knit for myself next year.

[Kristin]

Mary - I was far too distracted by your miniskirt hotness to read this post. You look fantastic.

[Jasmine]

Ah, if you think you can't wear a mini - and a leather one at that - at 49 what is going to happen when you get to 60???? You look great - lovely legs!! Beautiful Knit, Swirl - I think I want just about all of them!!! It isn't available here yet, but I shall keep nagging my favourite bookshop...The sleeve is lookin' good - why not knit two at the same time (is how Mum taught me - then you can be sure you have them the same length at). And I had a look at Catkin, too - that is one very sweet cape/shawl/thingy. But tempting...
My elderly neighbours gave me a bag of their own fleeces and carding brushes for Christmas, and another friend just found a spinning wheel that needs a new home (and only 60kms away, so really 'next door'!!!
I hope you both have a lovely Christmas, stay warm (we will - it is heading to 100*F here, ouch!), and also have a wonderful New Year, hugs from Down Under, Jasmine

[Batb]

Ah, Steven B. looks like a wonderfully fun fellow. How lucky for you that you were able to be there to help celebrate his birthday, I've heard that his stores are quite amazing!

There is so much fun stuff in your post - love the hanging yarn strand art - gorgeous! The Florentine Shrug is beautiful - I'm so looking forward to seeing the finished product. Knit/swirl looks like it has too many wonderful things (so much great knitting out there/ so little time to make everything we want!)

Mary, I just want to wish you a very Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends. Have a wonderful holiday!

.

[Cynthia]

I hope you had a very lovely holiday! My Christmas was quite busy with my family. I made them all felted ornaments. I love the cool slippers and the cute penguin. The Florentine Shrug is going to be so very beautiful. Someday I would like to make a bag using this pattern, but I guess time will tell if I actually do it. You look fabulous in the awesome sweater and mini skirt!

[Batb]

Hi Mary! I'm a little slow to send this but you know how crazy life can get sometimes.

Anyway, I really wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year to you and your family and friends. May it be joyful, peaceful, happy and include a little extra time for knitting!

Xo Barb