April 29th, 2009

Bessie And Her Flock

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NOTE:  Remember – to qualify for the faboo prizes in our latest contest you must comment here on my blog AND on Mimie’s at www.mi-spa.com/blogComments should be left on my post of 4/28 titled “New Contest”.  Thanks!

April has been a crazy month.  I’ve been less than a stellar blogger and for those of you who take the time to read, my apologies.  Steve & I were gone for a few days on trip that was actually his 40th b’day gift from last year.  It was a planned trip – very special.  Although I share an awful lot of our lives – both professional and personal here on the blog and the podcast, this is one of those things I’m not going to say much more about.  We had an incredible time, we truly disconnected as much as we ever have.  I know I can say in all honesty, I cannot remember the last time I was as relaxed as I was on this trip. 

We came back with only a week before Steve headed to Stitches South.  I did not attend South – the first Stitches I’ve missed in nearly 4 years.  Being a Mom took priority and I stayed behind to run a big fundraising event at the boys’ school.  The boys both ended up being sick so that through a bit of a curve ball into the week’s plans.  All turned out well – Steve had a great time at Stitches South.  Thanks to everyone who came by the booth to say hi and to shop.  The event was a big success and the boys are healthy.

A shot of the tent at the event:

Here’s Jonathan the next day at the kids’ fair – kinda says it all:

I would be remiss before going any further in this post to not wish Steve a very Happy Anniversary.  Today is our 14th wedding anniversary, the last 7 of which we’ve spent running WEBS together.  Jonathan asked me this morning if I was going to wear my “married” dress to work today.  I figured it might be a bit much – with the sparkles and all :).  Thanks for 14 fabulous years honey!  I love you!

One of the casualties of the past month has been Bessie (Sorry Pixie).  If you don’t know who Bessie is it means you’re not listening to our podcast, Ready, Set, Knit.  You can listen via our website or iTunes – just go subscribe and then you won’t be out of the loop.  With weeks of anticipation, I presented to all of you, Pixie’s chicken, the lovely diva chicken of the coop, Bessie:

 

Isn’t she awesome!  Look at her detail – the beading, the embroidery, the buttons on her tail feathers!

 

I just love Bessie’s attitude – she rocks!

 

 Bessie is not only one cool chick (hee hee), she’s quite popular.  She has had visitors.  Here – Bessie meets the lovely MIss Loretta:

 

Then, handsome Henry showed up one Saturday to call on Bessie:

 

But I think her first visitor will ultimately win Bessie’s heart.  He travelled all the way from Canada via his owner Lucy Neatby:

 

 I think they’re both smitten.

Here’s the happy extended family together:

As for my Lily, well, she’s still a work in progress.  Despite my pledge at the beginning of the year, my completion rate continues to be embarrassing.  My darn chicken has travelled more miles in the past two months than most of you will travel all year – still unfinished.  Not good. 

Even worse – this is making me all twitchy:

 

Not good at all.

But it all does come full circle – at least in terms of chickens.  Here is Steve’s favorite photo from Stitches South:

The beak opens and closes, eyes move.  Priceless

Kathy

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19 Responses to “Bessie And Her Flock”

  1. mickiemc Says:

    Bessie is darling! Where can I get the pattern. If you’ve given it before, I missed it. I have a friend whose whole kitchen is done in hens and roosters. I’d love to make her a pair of these critters. Thanks.

  2. sylphette Says:

    What a wonderful blog update!

    I can’t imagine how hard it is to maintain a marriage and a family while running a top-tier yarn company! I love hearing your story and your success. Good for you for managing a planned getaway – you deserve it, surely!

  3. Melissa (Meliabella) Says:

    Kathy you need to stop talking about and featuring these chickens. I am in love with them and want to knit 10 of them! So cute! Great job Pixie!

  4. Carol Says:

    Saw your RYC and thought ‘Wait, is it on sale?’ It was! 3 skeins are on their way to me now for the Habitat hat. Thank you for the gorgeous yarn photo. I’ve been waiting to try this yummy yarn!!

  5. Robin Tanis Says:

    That’s known as the “Big Chicken” here in Atlanta. Everyone knows where it is.

  6. Donna Says:

    Happy Anniversary! I can’t believe it’s been 14 years; it’s a wee bit scary to realize how quickly the years have gone by. I’m with Jonathan – you should have worn your “married” dress – It certainly would have been the talk of the town.

  7. Kim Smith Says:

    Wow, Steve’s right — that’s one COOL chicken at KFC! No disrespect meant to Bessie and her friends of course….

  8. amy Says:

    Honestly, my mouth started watering at the Cashmere Tweed. If you tell me it’s DK I’ll weep.

  9. KathyElkins Says:

    The pattern is Blue Sky Alpacas Knit Chickens. Here’s the link: http://tinyurl.com/cs6odk. Enjoy!

  10. KathyElkins Says:

    Thanks! I do think most people these days lead pretty hectic lives. It was nice to slow down for a few days, that’s for sure!

  11. KathyElkins Says:

    I know! They have just tickled me to no end.

  12. KathyElkins Says:

    Be sure to send me pictures when it’s done! I hope you love working with it!

  13. KathyElkins Says:

    Knits at 4 1/2 sts – you’re safe this time.

  14. mickiemc Says:

    Thanks, Kathy. I bought that pattern for myself and for a friend. I also
    discovered several other useful patterns and got them too. See the good you
    do? Thanks lots.

    —–
    more soon
    mickie

  15. Bev Says:

    We missed you in Atlanta, but as always, Steve and company were absolutely awesome! In all the yarn shops I’ve been in over the last six years, your staff tops them all. Always so helpful and encouraging. Shopping with you is such a pleasure!! My friend and I are planning our dream trip — driving from St. Louis to Mass. just to shop at the store. 🙂

  16. KathyElkins Says:

    Thanks Bev! We think we have the best staff – they truly are amazing.

    If you get a plan together for a visit, be sure to let us know!

  17. sonja poor Says:

    Haha. So glad you got a picture of our Big Chicken;our landmark. Hope Steve did really enjoy his visit to Stitches South. I was in the Webs booth when I heard a voice behind me speaking to the woman next to mean and recognized that voice from the podcasts (which I really enjoy). I asked if Pixie’s chicken was there, but alas no. Glad to finally see all the pictures in this post. Glad you had such a relaxing time. Uh…before all the work with the school event!

  18. melissaknits Says:

    I need to know where that KFC is, for obvious reasons. I am not sure what I can eat, but I really need to go there.
    And remind me, should I ever need an event planned, to call you…the tent is lovely!

  19. Mary Ellen Says:

    You can’t come to Atlanta and not go to the Big Chicken… 🙂 Next year Kathy……put it on the calendar now, ok?

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