I can't believe it's been several months since my last blog. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and a lot has happened since then. Happy reading!
New Year
First of all, happy new year, even if it's a bit late! There's still plenty of time to make it a great one and keep those New Year resolutions! And the reason why this is late is …
New Me
On December 19, 2023, I had a total right knee replacement. My doctor is one of three in the Los Angeles area who does robotic knee replacements. When they wheeled me into the operating room, there was a ton of equipment and at least ten people! Totally freaked me out!
The first two weeks were pretty horrendous. For someone not used to sleeping on her back, that was the only position allowed; and I had to keep my leg totally straight. Add in the Polar Care Cube that helps with swelling (the blue wrap and hose in the left photo below), I was totally miserable and not able to get much sleep. My thigh and ankle looked like a meteor slammed into them, and my foot was swollen to twice its size. Next was home physical therapy (also known as "physical torture") and now going to out-patient PT.
On the right is a photo of my brand new knee. I'm still doing exercises to strengthen the knee and work though the stiffness. I'm really trying to get my energy back, which has been really frustrating for someone who always runs on hyperdrive!
It's Great to be Back!
So you're now probably asking yourself what happened with Knit Me Sew Me during this time. Well, pretty much nothing. This was the first time off that I've had in at least five years (the balance of December and all of January). So getting back into the swing of things has been really difficult; but I'm back it at and taking it one day at a time.
A Quick Recap of 2023
2023 was a much better year for Knit Me Sew Me. Sales were up as were the number of online orders. Boutique season was so much fun, and I met lots of new folks and reconnected with others. The email list has grown to over 700 contacts, which is phenomenal. My twin sister, Sharon, drove up from San Diego to give me a much-needed hand at several of the events. The photo below was taken at the St. Peter Claver boutique in November. Sharon and I are joined by another set of twins, Lori and Lisa.
Kids were the star of the show as usual. So many modeled their new hats. Below are just a few of the 2023 cuties.
My Sincerest Thanks
I am eternally grateful for everyone who helped me along the way during 2023.
Kim, my social media guru and occasional "therapist," saying "thank you" does not do justice for all that you have done. Your creativity knows no bounds, and you have helped to make Knit Me Sew Me the success that it is.
Alyssa, thank you for all of your help, expertise and creativity. You are incredibly talented.
To my loyal customers, I appreciate all of you. Your support and encouragement year after year has kept me going even when things weren't going well. For all of you "newbies" who I met in 2023, welcome to the Knit Me Sew Me family; and honestly, we are a family. I care so much that you have all put your faith and trust in me to always offer expertly handcrafted and unique products. You have become friends as well, making my heart soar!
To my Alignable family, all I can say is "wow!" Connecting and building relationships with you has been an honor and a pleasure. So many of you have become close friends. For those who have placed multiple orders for Knit Me Sew Me products, I am forever grateful. We truly are a family.
To the Coffee Club members, thank you for welcoming me into this fantastic group. It's so much fun every other Friday catching up, having a laugh and learning new things from the different speakers. Michelle, you are a rock star!
Last but not least, my sister, Sharon. Your suggestions, input and words of encouragement are invaluable. Honestly, I could not do this without you. You are a force to be reckoned with (in a very, very good way). Doing boutiques with you is so much fun; and the fact that after all these years we still get asked, "Are you twins?" blows my mind. We have always had fun with this, and we still do. I love you to the moon and back.
What's on Tap for 2024?
The website has undergone a renovation, so please check out the new Home Page and Blog, Gallery and Boutiques sections. There is now a drop down menu under the Shop tab (and Lucky Ducky now has his own page!), so you can choose whether to go to the full shop or any of the categories.
Also, be on the lookout for new products, which will be fantastic, as well as new blogs and recaps, and anything else that comes along!
Save the Date
I have already started scheduling events for this year. Please save the dates and hope to see you!
Simi Valley Boutique Crawl - Saturday, April 6, 2024
Once again, I will be located at 2862 Cimmaron Avenue in Simi Valley.
Bloom Fest '24 - Sunday, April 14, 2024
Anaheim Craft and Vintage Fair - Saturday, September 21, 2024
Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, 995 North West Street, Anaheim, California
Bethany Tree Boutique - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 22, 23 and 24, 2024
American Vision Windows (Showroom), 2125 North Madera Road, Simi Valley
To share this post, please click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner and click on "Share Post." We would really appreciate it!
Until next time, take care and be well!
Alise
Comentários