We miss you, "Miss."

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. We headed to Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill today so I could pick up more of my favorite worsted-weight yarn. It's a lovely drive, and the mill is about 20 minutes from the house.

We were sad to learn "Miss," the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, recently passed away from Melanoma. Miss was 14. She was a sweet mascot, and she made every trip to the mill truly enjoyable.

A Pattern Gem

Verona, Wisconsin, January 2016. The pattern for this sweater has been in my queue for over 30 years. Knitters will recognize it as a Penny Straker design (see pullover here; I plan to knit that for Mr. Irene out of this wool, in color "Blue Lagoon"). I worked the cardigan in Blackberry Ridge's Medium-Weight, Mohair-Blend Yarn, color "Light Gray." That's my favorite worsted wool.

The amazing buttons are carved from reclaimed walrus (I think; could be some other arctic beast) tusks. My Toronto Cousin bought the buttons for me during her trip to Alaska. Score!! Here's a closer look at the buttons:

Poodle Visit, Today

Our beloved dog breeders stopped by today to check in on their three "offspring." Here is how the doggies greeted our guests:

Verona, Wisconsin, April 27, 2014. Rex is the "designated barker."

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We also invited our friends because my Mom knitted sweaters for them:

Verona, Wisconsin, April 27, 2014. It takes about 160 hours to knit one sweater in this gauge.

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Verona, Wisconsin, April 27, 2014. The pattern is "Duxbury Point" from Simply Shetland 4.

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Verona, Wisconsin, April 27, 2014. The beige yarn is Debbie Bliss "Baby Cashmerino" (Shade 064, "Mink"), and the blue yarn is Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill "Mer-Made" Merino Fingering Weight (Shade "Denim").

Sometimes, we encounter a yarn shop with extra benefits.

A yarn shop occasionally has interesting helpers who add to the shopping experience.

Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. "Miss," an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, greets my Mom and my friend as we arrive at Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill. She recognized us from previous visits!

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Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. Miss shows us the phenomenal selection of dyed wools.

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Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, February 2012. All of the local yarn shops in our area are lovely, but there is something extra special about Blackberry Ridge.

Thanks to my friend for creating another memorable outing for Mom and me.