What's another year?

Fresh starts, new beginnings and time to reflect on where we've been. Dontcha love January?!? 2010 was a great year at TIK so I think a little round up is in order: We started the year with ice, snow and more ice (it's a familiar story now). In freezing conditions, and a surreal situation of screaming fans, security guards and free cake, Dixie and myself taught Olly Murs how to knit: This was part of the Vodafone Cheer Up Your Top Up campaign which did a lot to promote knitting around Ireland in early 2010 with trips to colleges, shopping centres and more... Sorry for the terrible picture! In February we had blanket strips from far and wide. They came together as a fun group knit for the gorgeous baby E Applied i-cord brought it all together :D In March Jacqui and I visited Cologne for a trade show. Her most prized acquisition from the trip? A beautiful skein of Andes! Over the year we added some beautiful sample garments to the shop's collection, including this tunic/dress that Jacqui knit in April: In May Annie Modesitt came to vist for a workshop on Combination Knitting: And Carol Feller held a shawl workshop for the Centrique (pictured) and Captiva patterns: In June we started the Annis KAL, which gave rise to many beautiful FOs despite our struggles with the pattern! June also saw the Innocent Big Knit In and WWKIP day: In July Louisa Harding spent a day at TIK giving a workshop on combining colours and textures in knitting. (Sorry - more terrible pictures to follow!): The pictures are dark but a bright and happy day was had by all! Over the summer we had lots of deliveries of divine hand dyed yarns and fibres: And once September rolled around it was time for Yarn Tasting again! (The last image courtesy of Julie at halfadreamaway.com, go see her other photos - you'll love them!) Over the year the Spin Ins have been happening on the last Sunday of every month. The next one is on the 30th of January... Before we knew it the Knitting & Stitching Show came around: R, E and me went to TV3: (I made the photo small, cause they'd kill me otherwise, but I love that they are leaning at just the right angle to show the TV3 logo in the background!) A little bit of what goes on in the "background" of the show... just for kicks ;) In the last part of 2010 we added new class topics to our repetoire, including two colour brioche... ...and embellishing your knits... And to round things off nicely, the snow came back... ... but at least we got a chance to show off all those lovely winter woolies! And so wraps up 2010... we had a blast and would like to thank you all for coming along for the ride and supporting the shop. We literally wouldn't be here without you and we appreciate all your support and encouragement. Looking forward... Would you like a challenge in 2011? Why not take join the DKC Sock Club and set your own sock knitting goals? Don't forget that this year is our 5th birthday and we're already talking party plans! Watch this space for more over the coming months :D