Things To Look Forward To

I know, I know. As a retired teacher (of the Language Arts variety) I should know better than to end a sentence with a preposition but would you have read beyond the title if it had read ‘Things About Which To Look Forward’?

During the market season, many of you saw me starting (and sometimes even finishing!!!) some projects. Many of them were simply updates of current patterns with new yarns. A few, however, were some of those 5000+ patterns that have been swirling around in my brain trying desperately to come out. I have no definite timeline as to when the patterns will be available but if the shuttle bus buildout is delayed much longer, it may be sooner rather than later! FYI one pattern that was a bust (pun intended) was my cotton bralette with built in boob sweat ‘panels’. Every woman is built differently so a pattern for a fitted one like I was trying to create is impossible. You’re on your own for that one but I will share mine when I am finally successful. It can at least give you a jump off point for creating your own.

The most anticipated pattern is a crocheted version of my One Seam Sweater. The original knit pattern uses Aran (16 sts = 4") or Chunky (14-15 sts = 4") weight yarn. That will not be the case with the crocheted version. In order to achieve the same drape as the original pattern, this one requires Sport / DK weight yarn. So, if you loved the look of the sweaters created with James C. Brett Marble Chunky and Universal Major, you will have to find similar yarns in finer weights. Currently I have low stock on James C. Brett Baby Marble but Jawoll Magic 6 Fach and Lang Tosca Light would look great too.

Hopefully, all sizes from 3 month to adult 3X will be in one pattern (unless it gets too confusing, then it will be split in two like the originals).

The next pattern makes use of the long gradients of Estelle Yarns Rainbow Autumn. Using two balls and my favourite cast on, cast off and seaming methods, this fully reversible Feather and Fan tunic vest will fit up to a 48" bust with enough yarn to add cap sleeves if you choose. They, however, will not be part of the pattern. I'm showing both the front and the back to see if you can figure out where the seams are. I'll give you a hint: they're vertical. The curvy bottom is simply evidence that I don't block my projects before posting them 😉

The pattern that will probably be published first is still a work in progress as you can see by the photo. Moebius cowls that are truly reversible are hard to create but I managed it with this one. If you like cables but hate having to keep track of the cable needle, this four row pattern is for you! Those tiny cables are actually mock cables and there is no right side or wrong side to them. I attempted a longer version that was only about as deep as this one is so far but it was too short to be wrapped around twice and too loose to really be anything other than decorative otherwise. This one will actually keep your neck warm and only use ~125m of aran weight yarn. The sample uses Lang Yarns Mille Colori 200g and I only just now discovered when trying to create a link that this yarn has been discontinued by my supplier :( but any self striping wool blend should work nicely if you find the colour you like.

written by Lori, TCL owner, who is happy to have some time to get these projects worked on even though it is because the bigger project is on hold.

When Is An RV Not An RV?

When it’s a mobile store! Can it be an RV after having been a mobile store for two years?

You tell me.

n.b. As of this publication (morning of October 18, 2021) I have not set a definite price but will update as soon as it has been appraised in it’s reverted configuration (which could be as early as the afternoon of October 18, 2021).

I could share ALL the pictures from empty store to it-could-go-either-way to full blown RV but I’ll just share a few highlights. 

Here you see the full U-shaped dinette with 4 of the 5 seatbelts visible. When the tables are dropped down onto the shorter legs, the extra cushions create an rv version of a king-sized bed!

In this photo, the double bed above the cab is visible along with the cargo net (or child sleepwalking prevention net). It also shows half of the dance floor I created when I removed the L-shaped counter from the kitchen. Each of the table leg holes has a protective cap on it so there will be no snagged pinky toes to contend with.

This photo highlights a few things. Set high between the upper cabinet doors are cute little drawstring lights that act as nightlights (or mood lighting), an MPPT solar charge controller to keep track of what the 315W panel is up to, and the 10” overhang on the kitchen counter. Also, notice the little 'block' on the back corner of the counter? It serves two purposes. It makes room for the cushion when in dinette mode and it flips down to create a full countertop when the seat cushion isn't there. And the little notch that's visible is to allow an electrical cord through from the outlet underneath.

This photo gives a glimpse of the propane stove and oven as well as the complementary rug. Why am I throwing in a rug? Because I am a full disclosure kinda gal. It completely covers the few (I think 6) tiny holes in the flooring left from the L-shaped portion of the counter. Other than making room for customers, why did I remove the L? Didn't I lose storage space? No, I actually gained storage AND cupboard space.

At countertop height, the corner of the L was completely taken over by the TV with hardly enough room to make a sandwich. Below, the corner was a huge void with a few wires and plumbing. The plumbing is still there and so is the storage from the original L. I also made a pathway from dinette to bathroom that isn't blocked by someone looking in the fridge.

This view is from the in-between stage. In case someone is interested in using this motorhome as a mobile store like I did, I want them to see it with the door in front of the bunks.

This photo showcases the copper tile backsplash and the counter extension that extends into the entryway. I don’t recommend using the extension during the day when people are constantly in and out - although the kids would have no trouble ducking underneath it - but it works great in the evening and makes a neat deterrent if it’s left up at night and someone tries to break in. ;)

This photo shows the TV placement. Great for watching while working in the kitchen (or from the back bunk beds) and it also swings out so that the whole family can watch their favourite show from the dinette. Behind the TV is more storage space which could accommodate a small microwave.

Did I mention that I sewed the curtains myself as the original curtains were sun rotted to the point of disintegrating? I like this material because it is machine washable and allows the light in while creating privacy.

Yet another configuration with the main bed/eating area. The left shows the setup for twin beds on the main floor.

Last but not least, the bunk beds at the back. The bottom bunk can flip up and be used as a large storage space accessible from the outside. Great for multiple bikes for family outings!

Okay. Now that the commercial is over, I have a serious question for you all. As you are aware, I put pegboard inserts in the cupboard doors so that I could make use of them for display. Back in RV mode, I find the light wood grain of the pegboard to be very aesthetically pleasing. Only one of these photos was taken with the lights on. The RV would have looked very dark with the original panels if I tried to do that before.

Not only that, the pegboard makes for great ventilation. Fruits and veggies could be stored in a cool dark place with air circulation. Dirty laundry wouldn't sit and stagnate only to knock you off your feet when the door is opened. Would the pegboard be a deal breaker or a bonus for you if you were wanting to buy this RV?

written by Lori, TCL owner, who is happy to get the RV sale ready yet frustrated because the shuttle bus is being held up in insurance limbo and I can't bring it home to work on it.

Let The Deconstruction Begin

 Just a quick reminder that even though the markets are over for the season - the store will be back bigger and better next spring! - online ordering is available around the clock and I will also be available by phone during more reasonable hours (10am-4pm weekdays). And with the markets over, if you think I'm going to be taking it easy for the next few months, think again. Besides updating product information on the website and writing patterns that were brainstormed and prototyped this summer, I, along with Mom, will be reverting the motorhome to the rv it was meant to be and renovating a new-to-me shuttlebus to be the best darn mobile yarn store you could possibly imagine! This week's blog will concentrate on the beginnings of the end of Lorigamivan 1.0.

 Above are a few photos showing what the store looks like without yarn, patterns, etc. Looks a little bleak, doesn't it? And tomorrow, while Mom is in the house preparing Thanksgiving supper, I will be removing all the needles and hooks from the entryway as well as turning the shower back into a shower instead of a storage closet. If all goes well, those pictures, as well as photos of the fully reverted motorhome will be showcased in next week's blog.

In the meantime, if you're wondering where all the yarn will be before finding its new home in the bus, take a look at the photo to the right. And there are two more of these trolleys full of yarn that hadn't made it out of the motorhome yet when I took this picture yesterday. To say the warehouse is stuffed is an understatement! I am just thankful that this is supposed to be a mild winter because we are going to be spending an awful lot of time running between the new bus and the warehouse getting it ready for the new market season.

Do NOT take that last statement as an invitation to NOT order from the online store. I want to know that people were listening when I said "pet the yarn now, so you know what you're ordering this winter". If you leave me with holes to fill in the new rig, I get to fill those holes with NEW product!

So whether you celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday or are feasting today, know that I am always thankful for the customers that have stuck with me through this transition from brick-and-mortar to click-and-order to mobile store. (If anyone can come up with a mobile phrase that rhymes with the other two, please leave it in the comments. I may even give you a prize if I like yours.)

written by Lori, thankful TCL owner, who is feeling blessed to have made it through the past couple of years.

Two More Days For Free Shipping This Season

 If you haven't ordered online from us yet, then you may not realize that shipping is one option to receiving your products.  The other is pickup. During the Community and Farmer's market season, a third option is available: free 'shipping'.

When ordering online, I encourage everyone to choose PICKUP and then tell me what they really want in the notes section. Why? After all this time, I still haven't managed to get the program to calculate reasonable shipping rates. For instance, did you know that it costs over $300 to ship eight skeins of DMC floss from my address in Lacombe to another address in Lacombe?! In reality, eight skeins of floss fit into an envelope and can be sent at regular letter rates - but my program doesn't believe that. Hence, you must choose pickup or die from a heart attack because of sticker shock. I promise, waiting a day or two longer for me to visit the post office and email you the options is the healthier choice.

If you live in the Lacombe area or know you will be visiting it, pickup is a great option. Place your order, wait for the confirmation email, then follow the instructions in the email. Sometimes those instructions include calling ahead so that multiple customers don't show up at the same time. Since physical distancing is still a thing, I strive to help keep my customers healthy and only place one order in the dropbox at a time.

Now these two options are available year round. The third option is the one alluded to in the title of this blog. During this market season, the pop up store has been in six different communities, one of them twice a week (in two different locations). If you order something online and you know you are going to be at one of the markets, you can let me know to bring your prepaid product(s) to the market of your choice. Many people have already taken advantage of this option and you only have until Thursday of this week to take advantage of it for the last time this year! (Lacombe and Red Deer locations only) Why is it the last chance, you ask? Because market season is over Thanksgiving weekend and my pop up store is too big to fit indoors at any of the Christmas markets that will be taking place.

So remember, online ordering is available year round but free shipping comes to an end this weekend!

written by Lori, happy TCL owner, who is looking forward to being kept busy this winter with your help :)