WoolieGirl

And hat finished :)

2012-01-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

Quick knit hats always make me smile and I think that is why I have knit so many lately.

Blocking the fool out of the Rivendell Hat from Ravelry. I didn't use hardly any of the skein, it was crazy fast. This is a very airy hat for the milder mornings....not for frost biting cold.

And in the mail today was my WPI (wraps per inch) tool I found on Etsy. I purchased from 7 Yaks Design and they shipped so fast and it was a total of $2.14. Can you believe that? Wonderful!!! Now I feel so important!!! I don't have to fiddle with the ruler and then confuse myself anymore. :)

It'swheel love in my house!

2012-01-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

My new wheel :) She is a Louet Victoria and precious. Folds so neatly into her little bag and light as a feather. I tested her out with a club roving and she worked like a dream.

Corbin, Ava, and Finley were quite thrilled with the box and packing peanuts.

I'm thrilled with the wheel who needs a name!

Knitting buddies....

2012-01-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

Finley is one of the best knitting buddies in the world! It has been so cold here this past week and I have buckled down to get some warm wollies knit up and off of the needles. Cold weather means we aren't playing outside as much, so we snuggle on the couch and knit.
Yep, that's Finley Muldoon across my lap as I knit :)
So what has he been knitting on?....

A pair of 75 yard -fingerless-mitts for a gift, knitted with hanspun and size 8 needles. This is my go to mitt pattern, because it is the bomb!!! Problem, I want to keep every pair I knit :)

I am still trudging along on this lovely little shawl, Vermillion. I am using a BFL I spun this past year that I named Fire Roasted Lasagna, because it reminds me of the lovely colors you get with a hot, bubbly, cheesy lasagna....I'm hungry now!

Since I am knitting up some handspun I had lurking in my stash, I decided to pick up a destash on Ravelry. It is a gorgeous merino that has been slipped into the spinning rotation...future spinning :)
And keeping up with using up my stash (which I realize is minimal compared to everyone else's stash) I am using this beautiful lilac chunky yarn for a hat.... the Slouchy Beret from The Sweatshop of Love. Casting on today!

And last, but not least I have to share my gorgeous yarn from Purl's Yarn Emporium in Asheville, NC. If you are ever in the area...GO THERE. It is a wonderful shop and the ladies are GREAT!

My big melon...

2012-01-17T19:56:00.000-05:00

upside down view, which I can't get to turn around!

I finished my Chunky Slouch Hat, washed, blocked, and discovered it was huge. Would fit a watermelon huge....yep, huge.
I threaded a little bit of elastic cording around the brim to tighten it a bit and it doesn't slide down over my eyes like the dude from Fat Albert, that looks like he is wearing a jello mold....

Why this picture looks so much redder is a mystery. It was an impromptu photo session to capture the hat's essence and I think I missed it ;)
Oh well, very easy knit, but beware it ends up huge!

Multitasking :)

2012-01-14T17:23:00.000-05:00

I decided today would be the day to finally finish the Tuscany socks that I began last year. I hated these socks, that is why they remained in a bag in the guest room. I just didn't like the way they were looking and felt like they were a disaster once I hit the heel. I finally realized I didn't have to keep knitting them, I could just finish them and make anklets or frog and start over....

I went with anklets, so while at the gym I finished :) They are drying and blocking right now and once I slip them on I will know whether or not I made the right decision. I'm still not happy with the heels and will definitely be knitting afterthought heels on the next pair of socks I cast on, which will be this week! Back on the sock horse...

And the shawl horse. I just cast on for the Vermillion shawl and hope I can do such a pretty pattern justice. I'm using my handspun. So overall, today was a good day. Oh yeah, finished a hat too, but no pictures just yet. (That's what happens when the poopies wake up on a Saturday at 5:30 a.m.!)

My head must be huge :(

2012-01-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Blocking my just finished hat and trying to stretch this puppy out for my huge head!

This is the Not Just for Chemo Reversible Cloche and a nice pattern to knit. I used my handspun and was happy with the end result, even with my huge head :(

The top is adorable!

My self photo taking skills are atrocious, so overlook me please!

I need to weave in the ends and work on getting it stretched to cover my ears and allow for the little flip up on the edge like in the pattern picture. She looks great in hers...

Now for other exciting things....I had a bellydance recital this past Saturday night and spent most of Saturday working on my costume.

I was slack the past few months and put it off until the last minute...I wanted more knitting time. The downfall, I realized at 4:30 as I was getting dressed (needing to leave at 5pm) that I had completely forgotten to make the bra that matched my hipscarf!!!! How could I forget that??????

I dug through my sewing basket and grabbed some scrap fringe and ribbon and hot glued this puppy together on me. It made it through the troupe number (the troupe that I am a member of) and now is ready for a proper blinging out!!!

One of the few pictures that His Majesty took...in which you can see me. Yep, me with my turquoise/peacock feather fans. I love feather fans! I love bellydancing! I love the gals in my troupe!!!

I'm working on converting them into the fiber fold.

I came home to snuggly puppies that are always precious when they are sleeping.

Owl hats are fun!

2011-12-29T19:14:00.000-05:00

I finished my Owl hat from Ravelry (the Who? hat) and loved knitting this one. I added eyes to every other owl and I had 10 owls in total. I used a stash skein of Lion Brand and the end result is fine, but I recommend knitting in a yarn with more wool!

While I was sewing on owl eyes, kitties were sleeping....

And Maggie stole my Christmas zombie!

Quick knit gifts are wonderful

2011-12-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

I love free patterns and I love quick knit patterns that are free :) I finished up a 3-hour cowl for my sister-in-law and will pop it into the mail tomorrow. I hope she likes it, fingers crossed. I used Lion Brand Homespun I had in the stash, but could not find the colorway name/number. It knit up nice and soft and squishy.

And just as awesome as free patterns are zombie cups :) My niece and nephew gave me this for Christmas and I LOVE it so much! Already had coffee in it this morning and now my favorite cup of all time.

Fiber love

2011-12-25T14:45:00.000-05:00

I finally took pictures of the Bohemia Fibers roving of the month October fiber that I spun and 2 plied.

I love her fibers, she does a beautiful job on her products and I highly recommend you give her a try if you are in the market for yarn or roving.

This is the American Beauty Apple in Romney, spun on my Cherub wheel (her name is Jolene).

I received 4 ounces and was able to get 137 yards , which will become a hat.

And this lovely piece of business is the November colorway that needs to be spun up today!

I also purchased a "brown bag" from her and was delighted to get a killer batt!

Look at the fun in this batt...I need more time to spin.

puppy break

2011-12-18T20:24:00.002-05:00

Craft bazaar...

2011-12-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Lots of fabric lanards, holiday pins and project bags...

A bowl full of fingerless mitts and beanies too...

Followed with a bowl of felted mittens and tissue covers...

I attended a Christmas craft fundraiser bazaar this weekend and have been busily crafting for this over the past month. It wasn't a crafty crowd :( The hot tables were the "corporate" tables; brand name purses and brand name candles were the big hits of this event. Win some and lose some. At least my table fee went to charity.

New plan - post my bags on Etsy and mitts, mittens and lanyards will be gifted.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

A belated Happy Thanksgiving. I ate too much, knitted way too little, and didn't sleep late enough, but it was a good one. AND my sister took a pic of me and my mammaw and here she is :) Best mammaw in the world! (and makes the best sweet potato casserole known to man)

I will call her Bramblewood....

2011-11-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

I finished spinning and 2plying a mystery roving I had received in a swap. It is a unknown fiber, unknown dyer, but known smile maker.

I wish the bluey-teals would show through better in the pics, but you know I suck at picture taking! I have about 75 yards from this baby and I forgot to weigh it before I spun it, so no clue whatsoever of the ounces before spinning.

I will make me a pair of fingerless mitts with my Bramblewood and be tickled browns and blues :) to wear them.

Next on the wheel will be this lovely braid from a club I joined...Bohemia Fibers, this is the October colors...gorgeous!!!!!! It is Falkland and will be my first time spinning Falkland, I'm scared! Off now to divide and weigh and do my best to get my bobbins even for once in my life!
Happy knitting ya'll

2011-11-13T18:27:00.000-05:00

I finished my Autumnal mitts (free pattern on Ravelry ) and adored this pattern. These are a gift, so I have to cast on a pair for me next. Guys, love this pattern, go knit a pair this winter for yourself. The pic does not show the pattern, but they have a lovely trellisy look to them.

Also finished my Star Crossed Slouchy beret and yes, love this too!

I dyed the yarn with Kool-aid and was thinking of dying it again, but will try out the pink and see how it works for me.

And while I was weaving in seams, my puppies were sleeping. Love how Ava drapes herself over anything, including Finley.

So what do I do when no knitting bag.....

2011-11-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

I play on the phone with the zombie app and laugh my hiney off....

Finley zombie

	...good times :)					Oh, I did find my elusive yarn to finish my heart soaring mitts! Yeah, now I can end those and cast on more.
Ava zombie

Glove-a-polozzzzaaaaa

2011-11-04T20:29:00.000-04:00

More gloves have been completed in the house, thank goodness! Finished a quick pair of bulky Seed Stitch fingerless mitts. Love them! Made from a recycled sweater (kool-aid dyed). (Cameo of Finley's nose in the pic...go Finley!)

Kind of finished 2 pairs of Soaring Hearts mitts and kind of means I did finish 2 right hands, almost finished a left hand and then ran out of yarn.....and can't find it! I have tried Ravelry and no one has this yarn, tried 3 yarn stores, nope they don't either. So until I can find it I have kind of finished mitts!

Back to the internet search.....

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween to you! I took the poopies out for a trick-or-treat walk and now back to knit :) Sounds like a good Halloween to me.

I broke the Star Crossed Slouchy-beret out of it's hiding bag and began working on it a little more and hope to finish it by next week.

Remember...I am a SLOW knitter, don't pressure me!

Ava and Finley wish you a happy day as well....they allow me to dress them up for trick-or-treating :)

Save the Reese's cups for me!

A few goodies from SAFF...

2011-10-29T12:56:00.000-04:00

"Lavender" and "Vampire" merino from Unplanned Peacock Studio

"Vampire"

"Peggy" mixed BFL & Tussah Silk Top from Miss Babs

"Mountain Mist" merino/bamboo/nylon from River's Edge Fiber Arts

Finley Muldoon...just because he is so handsome!

The animals of SAFF....

2011-10-24T21:02:00.000-04:00

spinning from the rabbit

SAFF 2011 (part two)....more fiber goodness

2011-10-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

Jazzturle creations...

Jazzturle creations...art yarn bag (I will be doing this!)

a net "bird's nest" could be found throughout the venue....a net bag stuffed with yarns, strings, and fiber to hand outside and provide birds with nesting supplies. Such a great idea.

SAFF in pictures (part one)

2011-10-22T17:17:00.000-04:00

I'm going to SAFF!

2011-10-20T16:53:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I will be hopping in the car and heading to SAFF for the most loved weekend :) I love SAFF, I love the people, the classes, the vendors, the animals...every inch of SAFF. Three days of happiness for those that get to enjoy SAFF. You should go too! Find me, say hello, I will be the girl (in pigtails) fondling the roving with a huge smile.

Not SAFF related, but I found this great book at my local Ollie's store yesterday afternoon and I love it. $2.99, such a deal.

Elegant Scarves and Wraps has 25 beautiful designs and I am adding a few "necessities" from the book to my SAFF list to purchase...so yeah, it is SAFF related!

Sold my shawl right off my back....

2011-10-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

Yep, sitting in an infectious skin disease session of the conference and a lady asked about my shawl. She wanted to know if I knit for people, I said usually not....people don't want to pay for my time let alone the yarn. Anyway she asked how much would I charge for the one I was wearing, I threw out a number, she bought it....right off my back! I was thrilled...more money for SAFF next week!

While at the conference I worked on some fingerless mitts... theSoaring Hearts Mitts is a great pattern, but I screwed it up :( I knitted 2 right mitts....yes, 2 right mitts, like a fool!!!!

I now have to track down the yarn, so I can make 2 left mitts. I feel so foolish!

I did come home to a package, fun! I bought a Namaste bag with circular needle holder and buddy case from Ravelry and I am in LOVE with them! Now, I need to fill them up with yummy projects :)

But better than all of these things...I came home from my conference to my babies!! Puppy hugs and kisses are the best!

Conference...bleh

2011-10-11T21:20:00.000-04:00

I head to a conference tomorrow, bleh. Don't get me wrong, it will be beneficial for me, but I am a home body and dread leaving my babies :(

His Majesty doesn't take care of them the way I do. I fear I will return home after 3 days away to find an overrun and very stinky litter boxes, sink full of dishes, trashcan full of pizza boxes and empty chip bags, socks strewn (some chewed, some missing) throughout the house, empty water bowls, and hairball tumbleweeds wafting across the floor.....uhhhhhh can you tell I've been there?

I just finished packing, but more importantly I finished picking my knitting projects. I know it will be a short trip, but you never know what you may run into....so I'm taking a scrappy yarn scarf (just a linen stitch scarf), a pair of fingerless mitts, and a beret :) and a big coffee mug!

I will miss my babies :( keep your fingers crossed that their daddy lets them on the bed so they don't feel sad.

Oh yeah, I tortured myself by googling yarn stores where I am going and there are 2 BIG ones that I will not get to visit...boohoo!

Fall!

2011-10-09T15:29:00.000-04:00

It is fall here in our little area and I love it, but miss my sunny 85 degree days. Fall does mean hat weather for me, so more going into my project favorites and one out for a Christmas present :)

Here is my mom's Christmas hat, which is the Tarris Heeter hat from Ravelry. Where else would it come from? :) This was from some of my handspun that I overdyed with red Kool-aid. I am happy with the end results and it is blocking on a plate right now.

I finished 2 more pairs of the 75 yard fingerless-mitts, both from pink scrap yarn in the stash...

This is a great, fast project!! It has become my go-to fingerless mitt pattern. If you need a quick knit gift and have 75 yards, this is your pattern.

I still have more pink left, 113 yards to be exact....and I am going to go with a different mitt...thinking a little cable action. I also want to try something else with the other cake of handspun I have left....so more Ravelry surfing will be happening for tonight!

And because I had a project bag full of little scrap yarn balls that I could not part with I cast on a linen stitch scrappy scarf....but I am going from side to side, because I do not have the patience to knit this puppy lengthwise!

Finished things are always a plus!

2011-09-25T14:18:00.000-04:00

I have happily finished a few crafty items and feel so happy to have more marked off the ever growing list. I seamed up my little bear for the Mother Bear Project and need to pop it in the mail.

I finished 3 more pairs of the fingerless mitts and have met my goal of 5 pairs for gifts, but I will still be knitting more....to try and knit 10pair by Christmas. I have used worsted weight yarn on each pair and they are roughly taking 75 yards a pair. This is a wonderfully simple and fast knit. PLUS I have gone through 5 balls of leftover yarn :) I love that part even more!!

Also on the recycling craft supplies front, I made 2 ID badge holders with scraps of project bag fabric. Who can resist a little owl????? (geez, look how scratched up the table is! that is all Korbin Cat's handy work)

When the man is away.....

2011-09-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

When His Majesty is away I get to play with yarn and fiber....sometimes that means via the internet. aka fiber purchases :) I'm sure you know how that goes.

The past few weeks, he has been away on the weekends and I have been busy surfing the fiber world and gettin busy...

So, I bought my Mother Bear Project pattern and cast on today. I am now on the head (as I type this ) and hope to be close to finished knitting by this afternoon. I am using some scrap baby yarns I have in the stash and it is a quick little knit. If you minus all the ends that are taunting me, I would say I love this pattern :)

Labor Day weekend was another day that I was left alone to knit and purchase. Of course Labor Day weekend means craziness with the Dizzy Sheep website. I love their big weekend events and end up glued to the screen for the updates. I was able to purchase two 4 ounces batts of BFL before they sold out. I had to have them, since my stash is mostly reds/yellows and blues/greens. I needed some pink hues to even it out :)

And then I felt bad for buying stuff, so I cast on a hat from my handspun....thought I should use something that I had....take away some guilt :)

But then today I couldn't resist the charms of Bohemia Fibers 3 month fiber club special and signed up. Seriously, 6 months worth of fiber for the price of 3!!!! I couldn't...really....I had to.....there was no way to say no!

And now, I'm in timeout from purchasing ;( (sure!)

I think I need to purchase a bigger bed for the poopies so they are comfortable!

Poopie stitch markers!!!

2011-09-14T19:18:00.000-04:00

Nope, not what you think! I have stitch markers that look like my little poopie Ava.

I saw these stitch markers on Etsy at Winemakerssister's site and instantly loved them. They arrived in a little drawstring bag with a latte candy (yum) and markers.

Now I need a new project to use them on :) ...maybe a shawl, or maybe just to carry around and look at, because they make me smile.

They are adorable, don't you agree????

Check her out, I'm sure you will find something you love too!

Fingerless mitts for Christmas...

2011-09-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

I need to knit at least 5 pairs of fingerless mitts for Christmas. I would love to have 10 pair, but not going to kill my fingers trying, so will go with 5 to start...

These are 75 yard Malabrigo fingerless mitts and true to form, they are taking about 75 yards of worsted weight yarn.

These have been great little knits to work on, but I am slacking...I keep stopping to surf Ravelry for more patterns or to oogle other people's projects. Evil Ravelry!!!

I need to get away from the laptop!

I used up leftover scraps for these 2 pairs. The purplish pair are Berroco Vintage, left from my niece's beret. The green pair are from Encore Worsted Wool, which was a beret for my SIL.

On pair 3 right now....scraps from another beret. (I love berets)

And if I finish these gloves I can start a beret :)

A painted lady :)

2011-09-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

Behold my new knitting tattoo. I love it! I had this done last night on my ankle and I think she did a great job...did I say I love it?!?

Yes, I am a painted lady and I am proud. It suits my personality to have a knitting tattoo. Everyone needs a knitting tattoo.

Fire Roasted Lasagna, BFL

My plied BFL is now "set" and ready to be knit up into something lovely. I have 400 yards to play with...

I like the way the colors swirled and I'm still leaning towards a shawl...guess I need to surf more Ravelry tonight ;)

Good grief, I'm slow!

2011-09-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

So slow in knitting, in spinning, in posting. I have a backlog of everything and I'm just slow.

I finished plying 2 bobbins I had spun in the TDF11 and has stared plying way back then.....meaning July! I finished today and broke out the champagne. I'm thrilled. I have no clue yardage and this puppy, but hope something decent for a shawl.
I believe this was BFL and I think it was a spinners hill batt I had purchased from The Dizzy Sheep.

I finished another lacey little baby hat. This is the
February baby beanie off of Ravelry. I was making it for a coworker's new niece, but I'm afraid it will be too small for her.

It is a sweet little hat, pale yellow. But I don't want to take any chances, since she is a couple of months old now.....so I made a different one for her.

The new hat is the Beret for Baby pattern from Ravelry. I love this little beret!!! I know this one will fit her :)

And then I went yarn crazy and bought 4 skeins, shame on me. I broke my promise (to myself) not to buy any yarn. I'm in time-out now! BUT THE DEAL was too good to pass up!

I was at Tuesday Morning and they had a few skiens of Araucania for $5.99!!!! Can you believe that? I bought these beauties for Christmas presents.....they will be hats ! I'm so in love with them. I was planning on hats for others, but I want them for myself. I'm not ashamed to admit my selfishness!!!

I may go back and get the other skeins too. $5.99! Yes, I must!

That is my yarn excitement. I did schedule my tattoo appointment for Wednesday evening and I will be getting a little ball of yarn tattooed on my ankle!!! Yep, big decision will be color.....blue, green, pink...not sure. I would love a huge skein with needles and perhaps a little bluejay holding a banner...but I'm chicken.

What my dash looked like...

2011-08-29T18:33:00.000-04:00

The tires leading up to the dumpsters. Yep had to hoist myself into and out of 2 dumpsters and through 3 sets of tires.

I think we had 13 obstacles and sadly didn't get pics of each one, but HM did snap a few as I went through them.

My attempt to climb and then I panicked...you don't see that one. I came right back down!

ok, the other tall climber that I freaked out over once I got to the top. I saw myself falling through the wide slats on top and climbed right back down! (shorts are wet from the swamp)

fire pit, jumped over 2 of them, they were hot!

And me after the finish line and the "hosing" to try and get the mud off of me. It didn't really work, but it felt good to get a little cleaner.

I did the Warrior Dash!

2011-08-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

pre Dash....clean

post Dash...after being hosed off

We did the 5k Warrior Dash this weekend and I must say it was a blast and very hard for me. I wish I could show you just how muddy I was, but we didn't get a picture of that. I had mud in my ears, nose, inside of my clothes.....I was covered. I threw the clothes away :)

I recommend signing up if one comes near you. You will get a killer viking hat!!

I will warn you, if you have a fear of heights (like me) there are several obstacles that are HIGH! I couldn't do 2 of them, for fear of falling to my death. But that is okay, I'm still proud of myself for participating.

And knitting has been taking place, just no pictures :(

I think I love blue!

2011-08-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Looking at my finished projects, I discovered I love blue. This hat included :)

This is my Shroom hat by Lee Juvan. Very nice knit and quick with the bulky yarn.

I like a looser hat, more beret style than this, so next time I will knit more repeats. I think I will give this as a gift and use my leftover yarn for another.

I'm also getting ready to cast on Star Crossed Slouchy Beret, though I should really go work on socks....oh dreaded socks that are taunting me from the project bag.

She lives and knits :)

2011-08-10T17:31:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to knit a little on each project every day. Great plan, doesn't always work, but good intentions...I'm trying!!!!

I did finish up my little Lace baby Beanie, just in time for shower giving this week. Very sweet hat, little smaller than I thought. I hope it fits this wee one due October 12th. I'm sure the baby's head will be larger than sock monkey :)

I also finished the Arrow hat and love it. Yes, I did mess up and it is obvious, don't you see it?????

I somehow switched my wrong and right sides and ended up with a major ridge along the top. Once I saw it I almost cried :( but I was too lazy and tired to rip it back....so it is there!

I guess my hat sadness showed, so His Majesty helped me with a lazy kate. We were in the home improvement store and I started playing around with the PVC pipe. I explained what I was thinking and we came home with $6.00 worth of pipe and a lazy kate was born!

It has 45 degree angles built in and I can always add more bobbin holders if I decide to live on the edge and 3-ply someday.

No knitting to update so....

2011-08-03T18:29:00.000-04:00

My knitting progress on my Arrow hat is coming along, but nothing to brag about and haven't any progress on my other projects.
So, I thought I would share some precious pictures of my big babies Ava and Finley.

Every morning Finley washes Ava's face for her and I think it is so stinking cute :)

She expects him to wash her face and that makes it even funnier. She is spoiled!

Just a pile of stuff...

2011-07-31T14:16:00.000-04:00

So, I just have a pile of stuff to share today. Nothing with any connection, just stuff.
Okay, pic is kind of not showing, but it is a Japanese crafting book (The Life of Amigurumi Cats) that His Majesty brought back a few years ago. We both thought it was a knitted cat...wrong! Crochet and I don't know how :( Anyway, found a website today with the English conversion and now I know how to make my crocheted kitty if I learn to crochet.

Someone needs to drive over here and teach me this week, please! I will make muffins!!! I will make iced mocha too. Heck I will order pizza, just come teach me to crochet please.

We took a couple of days and drove to the beach with the poopies. We stayed in my in-laws camper and had a good time. I loved the RV park (first time we had done this), but next time need a bigger camper!

I did get to knit on my Arrow hat while at the beach and made more progress. I like this pattern and hope to finish it by tomorrow.

Hats are so much fun, let's make more

2011-07-27T11:41:00.000-04:00

I love hats, so I need to knit a few more. For Me? Maybe, maybe for gifts. I just cast on this Plymouth Encore worsted for the Arrow hat. It was a peachy color that I wasn't crazy about, so I dyed it with Kool-aid and got this pale green that is much nicer.

I am also casting on this tealish-blue baby for the Shroom hat. Another lovely hat on Ravlery that is a free pattern. Awesome! This yarn is from a recycled sweater I picked up at the thrift store. It was a grey, black and white striped sweater. So I took the white and dyed it this color with Easter egg dye. I thought it would be a different blue, since the tablets were a royal blue....but that's what I got, no complaints.

And while casting on, Finley observed in his handsome way :)

A finished project, thank goodness!!!

2011-07-26T15:19:00.000-04:00

I finally dedicated myself to finishing a project. Yes, I am a SLOW knitter, but I think it is because I continuously stop knitting to surf Ravelry for patterns. I know that is a bad habit!

So here is the 198 yds of heaven getting ready to go into a soak and then out for a little block...

I am happy with it, loved the Noro, but not happy with the size. I knew it would be small, but not as small as it actually is :( I blocked the heck out of it, but still not very large.

Oh well, I did it and by tomorrow I can wear it...always a good thing!

Plying like the wind....

2011-07-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

Whoever said slow and steady wins the race was SOOOO wrong.

What I learned today....

2011-07-21T21:16:00.000-04:00

I REALLY need to get a lazy kate! I need one that will fit my Spinolution bobbins, but that isn't expensive. I can't find that combo...all I keep finding are too expensive for my checkbook these days :( boohoo....
So right now I am winging it with a basket and knitting needles. I like to think it is old school...like I'm cool :)

I started plying my BFL this morning and hopefully will have it finished by tomorrow.

I also learned that I need to learn to crochet. The reason is this website. Milky Robot is the coolest thing ever! I love these patterns, but I can't crochet :( another sad moment... Please go check out the patterns if you love little monsters, they are adorable. And then come teach me how to crochet.

I also learned that breaking braids down into small bumps will make a mess, but it is a fun mess. (The top is a Twoifbyhand braid and the bottom was a swap gift) I worked on 2 braids this afternoon and can't wait to get these beauties on a wheel. I'm going to aim for a chunky single with the above purple/turquoise fiber pile. I want to make a hat out of it...keep your fingers crossed with me.

I freaked out....

2011-07-20T21:43:00.000-04:00

and about fell over when I was shopping yesterday and came across this book. It was on sale for $3.99, yes you saw that, $3.99!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I bought it before they changed their mind.
I love this book. I have looked at it repeatedly at the stores. I have checked it out from the library....repeatedly.
Now I have a copy...for $3.99. I freaked out!

Of course, it takes me FOREVER to knit a pair of socks, but I love it!

It takes me just as long to spin, but love that too. I have been working on the sparkly batt I bought at a destash and feel like I am getting nowhere, but have finished up 3 of the batts now.

You can't tell in my fuzzy pictures, but the blues and greens are blending nicely. I have no clue about my wraps per inch. That stuff confuses me and I need to reread those sections and get a WPI tool, but I'm lazy :)

I hope to ply my fire roasted lasagna tomorrow and resume spinning this baby up. The TDF continues in my house....

I wish I had a tiny head...and could knit faster

2011-07-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

	I finally started the 198 yards of Heaven shawl, finally! I kept changing my mind on the yarn choice and went with a Noro Kureyon. I am enjoying this project, though I have ripped back SEVERAL times, due to stitch counts being off.
198 yds of Heaven	If I was a faster knitter, this would have been done ages ago!

I joined the Remembering Remy Ravelry group , go give it a look and consider joining too. It is a wonderful cause.
Hats for Remembering Remy		I wish my head was tiny so I could wear one of these little hats. Yeah, I know I could knit one for my big head, but they look so sweet little.

TDF11 day 15

2011-07-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my 8 ounces of BFL I have named Fire Roasted Lasagna....I'm celebrating!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't think I would EVER finish this roving. I was getting antsy to start spinning up another braid I have in the wings.

I will ply these two bobbins tomorrow and hope to get some decent yardage, but no clue what to knit it into....shawl?????? I love shawls and have quite a few in the favorites folder on my Ravelry page.

Big obstacle in plying...I need a lazy kate :( I'm going to do a makeshift kate until I can find an affordable one that my Spinolution bobbins will fit on. Why are lazy kates so expensive? Seriously, they have gotten crazy high.

It has been a good day!

2011-07-15T16:22:00.000-04:00

Today I went to Asheville to visit the Friends and Fiberworks store and their Summer Retreat fiber fun. I did not take classes (boo to you economy!), but did make a purchase to make me happy.
Yep, I needed to buy a little fiber happiness on this cold, rainy day...to boost the economy and my spirit.

Merino/silk bend

I bought 4 ounces each of orange and purple roving. It feels so soft, like a little kitten. I hope I can do it justice when I spin it up. I did not buy yarn, which is a good thing.

I told all of that gorgeous yarn, "NO, get away from me, stop tempting me with your lovely softness....evil yarn! "

Then on my way home I stopped in Black Mountain for lunch. Let me just say, I LOVE the Wendy's Baja salad. It is now my go-to fast food meal when I am out and about....don't get me started on how yummy it is...

Anyway, I stopped at a wonderful yarn shop called Black Mountain Yarn Shop. People, you must go to this store and make many purchases. Not only do they have scrumptious yarn (and other goodies), but they are sooooo nice. Friendly, helpful, pleasant....so refreshing. I made a few purchases while there, which included a bottle of Eucalan (for me to try out) and a cute pattern.
This Blue Sky Alpaca Cropped Cardigan was knitted up and hanging in the store. Gorgeous!!! Had to have the pattern.

And I rounded out that visit with this shawl pin. It is so cute!!

Overall, the trip was great for my spirits. (Though I froze...what happened to summer? It was 92 degrees yesterday and 67 today. What?????)

TDF11 day 12 for me

2011-07-13T19:46:00.000-04:00

Yep that is the same BFL I have been spinning, nope not finished yet even though I spin EVERY DAY!!!
Yes, I am crying now....

On the better side, I knitted up a charity preemie hat and cast on another. It took my mind off of the never ending BFL above!

Day 11 of the TDF...

2011-07-12T22:03:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am getting sick of this BFL. I said it, I hate to admit it, but it is true! 8 ounces of the same fiber is not as easy for me as I thought it would be....I want more diversity :)

But the end of this baby is in sight, since these are the last of my little bumps to spin up...yes!!!!

I hope to get all of this spun up and then plied by the weekend, otherwise I will be looking like the TRex!

Hand cycling today (mostly)...

2011-07-11T17:42:00.000-04:00

The TDF 11 continues and today I have spun on both rovings....still! And I finished my niece's Four Cables Slouch hat and took it to her at breakfast. I hope she loves it as much as I do :)

Trust me, it looks better in person and the cables stand out...

I also washed some fleece that was given to me. I was meticulous about the washing. Followed all of the tutorials, books, suggestions. Then I was very disappointed to see little balls of lanolin in the fleece at the end. WHAT? WHY? I washed it 5 times, rinsed it 3. What happened????

Help. Was it old fleece? That is what I am wondering. I don't know. I don't even know the breed. It was a gift....so I don't know.

Any suggestions? I hate to trash it, but I don't want it to gum up the drum carder. Suggestions????

And while I was doing all this, Ava was napping on the bed :)

Retro

2011-07-09T14:43:00.000-04:00

My grandmother was cleaning out closets and gave me a bag of her old knitting stuff. What fun!!! This lovely McCalls pattern was only 15 cent. The Glitter Knit Seperates leaflet is promoting the "new" glitter yarn from Lion Brand and Dupont acrylic fiber, good times!

And then there is this little lucious bit of business...Fashion Fancies from Coats & Clark. This pattern if for a midriff and shoulder bag with Red Heart yarn. Rock on!

Along with the patterns were piles of needles. The circular needles are funky , I can't even get them to bend :) And of course, those are the ones I forgot to take pics of...

One circular was $1.42 from Sky City. I love the wording "Knit and Relax with Marcia Lynn." I wish I had dates on these things.

Day 7 of TDF

2011-07-08T21:19:00.002-04:00

I did spin on my BFL, but it just doesn't look like I did.

I finally called in Woody for a backup, so I could vacuum :)

Tour de Fleece progress...

2011-07-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

I'm losing track of my TDF11 days! I think we are day 7???? I did spin yesterday, but I swear you could not tell much of a difference on my bobbins, so I didn't take any pics of that.

Instead, I took pics of Woody. His Majesty's coworker left a box on his desk. It was a Woody alarm clock. I think it is some boy joke, but the clock is cute.

In honor of Woody coming home with him, I took a few pics of his first night in our house...just some random shots of what he did with his time.

His Majesty told me I had problems :)

TDF day 5

2011-07-06T22:01:00.000-04:00

Dueling wheels for me today. I spun a little on the mystery batt (nuclear jello) and the BFL (fire roasted lasagna).
I made a little progress towards my goal for finishing both of these up for the TDF 11, so I can't complain. I hope to spin on both again tomorrow and if the rain storms we have been having return tomorrow evening, I will be able to stay indoors and spin :)

(If you look hard enough you can see Finley's legs under the wheel on the right. It started to storm and he clung to my side. As I type, the thunder is booming and he is snuggled up to my side. Is it wrong for me to love that? I just love when they snuggle, rain or not).

My TDF days 3 and 4...

2011-07-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

Day 3

This was my day yesterday. I know, not much on there, but I tried to be productive. We had storms, which freaked out the dogs and they kept trying to get in my lap and bumping the wheel :(
So slow going, but that is okay...

I spun a little on a stash batt and am liking the colors of green and blue. I've been calling this one Nuclear Jello

Day 4

Day 4 (today) was mostly hand cycling (knitting) on a slouchy beret and splitting a 4 ounce roving into more manageable balls.

I spun a little on this roving, but not enough to brag about.

Day 5 is tomorrow and I hope to spin on both wheels to get a little more progress going....

Tour de Fleece day 2 (yesterday)

2011-07-04T12:42:00.000-04:00

Day 2 was yesterday for TDF11 and this is what I ended up with :) I finished my 4 ounces of BFL that I am calling Fire Roasted Lasagna. (a roving from The Dizzy Sheep) I spun this up on Jolene, which is my Cherub wheel.

Today is day 3 and I am going to start the 2nd 4 ounces of this roving and work a little on some bluey-green batts too. I also cast on a new hat last night, but no pics yet...but I love it so far. I think my niece will like this one much more :)

The ugly and the good...

2011-07-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

I will start with the ugly. I finished 2 beach projects and hate them both, sorry, but I do. The striped slouchy hat is done and I don't like it at all. It looks like a bucket and fits terribly. It could be the yarn, I admit that, but I still have no love for this hat and hate to give it to my niece (whom I was making it for).

My 2nd unloved project is the Laser neckwarmer. I don't like this either and again could be the yarn, but just not feeling it...

Now for the good. I dyed some yarn yesterday and very happy with the end results. I used kool-aid for the dye and it was a piece of cake.

First I dyed some handspun with cherry . The pic doesn't do it justice, I'm pleased with this :)

I then dyed some Plymouth Yarn Encore worsted with cherry and lime. Both turned out beautiful and will become hats in the near future. Yeah for a good end result on something this week.
AND....the Tour de Fleece began and I am spinning. Pics to come....

You can never have too many hats!

2011-06-27T18:02:00.000-04:00

Finished the Quick cable slouch hat by Azure (go to Ravelry now and get this pattern!).
I love this pattern and the end hat and love the yarn (Araucania chunky).

Very pleased, want another.

And while snapping pics I thought I would get another of my Dandelion Beret , since the last pic was inside out....ooppss! Sorry about that mistake. It looks much better the right way and I love this hat too! Yes, another I want to make again and urge you to go and get the pattern.

Just another Saturday...

2011-06-26T10:11:00.000-04:00

While having my morning coffee (cup number 3) I decided to pull out some old stash yarn and make a quick knit project. (Why another project? I have no idea, but just wanted to cast something on AND use yarn I had to make me feel productive. Yeah, makes no sense, I know)

I went with the Laser by Ashley Aguilar.
I pulled out some Lion Brand Homespun and size 15 needles. I would much prefer the Malabrigo she used, but sadly no bulky Mal in my stash :(
I am also gearing up for a little vacation coming up and need some projects to take with me.

And just like any other Saturday (hee hee) I had a bellydance performance. Twice a year, the troupe I dance with has a big show and they are wonderful!
The ladies are awesome and I love our group! My mom and grandmother came (big supporters) and rocked it out with us! :)
I wish I had more pictures of the costumes, because I am all about costumes, but sadly I don't. This is the only pic I have from the show...boohoo...and I had some killer costumes!

Baubles :)

2011-06-23T19:53:00.000-04:00

In between knitting, I stopped and made a couple of pretty baubles. I love these earrings :)

I want to make more! Plans, plans, plans....I need to plan some jewelry time, as well as stitch marker time.
Maybe even a giveaway or too, how fun!

Round of applause....

2011-06-21T07:58:00.000-04:00

for me and my finished hat and it didn't take me forever :)
I love this pattern! It is for the Dandelion KAL on Ravelry and I just love it....say it again...love it!
His Majesty was gracious enough to take this pic for me before he left for work. See the unwoven end??? How can you not!
It is still damp, but I wanted to post it's gorgeousness. (though I messed up several times...my fault entirely)

I have a doc appointment today and afterwards will be going to find Aran yarn for another.
I made this one with worsted yarn in the stash pile, but want to try an Aran, which the pattern is written for....love it!

I love hats :)

2011-06-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

I have been busy working on my Dandelion hat KAL, trying my best to finish the hat before I run out of yarn :) Ever been there? I have a terrible fear I will run out of yarn...ikes! I decided to go with a slouchier version and did the repeat twice (hence fear of yarn outage)

Here is the hat at the end of the 1-16 row repeats times two. I love how it looks and feels. The pattern is wonderful. I will definitely be doing another.

Now, I did mess up along the way and it is blaringly obvious to me when I see it, but I hope not to you. I was knitting in the dark (yes, dumb) and watching a movie and messed up. Once I figured out I messed up I was already 2 rows up and thought FORGET IT, not going back. So, I will live with my error and NOT knit in the dark again.

I wish you could see how beautiful this design is knitting up, but my 32 oz tea just doesn't model the hat well!! (hee hee)

Hopefully I will be able to finish this week and get back to finishing my socks...and making a knitting list for the beach :), which is coming up soon. Thinking about socks and maybe some fingerless mitts...

Finally, something off the needles!

2011-06-17T19:42:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my Multnomah shawl, which I love :) I'm very pleased with the end result, though I ran out of yarn on the 5th repeat. That made me sad.

I used some handspun I made during last year's Tour de Fleece.

This is pre-blocking, when it was a wrinkled mess.

And then with the blocking wires, which made life so much easier!

Yes, need to make this again, but with lots more yarn, so I can have the full 10 repeats and lots of flounce on my edge.

Once again a slacker..

2011-06-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

My end of the year wrap-up has been going on at work and I have been a busy bee, which means slacking on posting. I had several posts roll through my head, but they never made it to the blog...anyway, here I am. Just sitting here with a cup of coffee and peanut butter toast slapping on a few pics while the poopies snooze on the couch and the kitties chase each other around the table.

You know I am a slow knitter, but I am slow on the tips and tricks end as well. But I discovered this cool beans way to measure my left over yarn and handspun. I love it!

I just couldn't afford a commercial yarn yardage meter, but read several comments on Ravelry about fishing line meters and their wonderful yarn measuring capability. It works! This is my set-up....so high tech. Toss the yarn in the container, thread it through the top, slide through the meter, and wind away. Genius....

Interesting discovery, was winding a ball with a label stating 153 yards. The ball measured 128 yards, hmmmmmmm 128 and 153 does not add up. I hand measured other small samples and ran them through...the meter caught the correct yardage....so why not the other ball???? Mystery.

I have been monogamous on the Multnomah shawl, because I need the needles and just want to finish it! I am so close! I finished the 5th repeat of the lace last night and will NOT have enough yarn to do the full 10 repeats. I will start the 6th repeat this morning and see how far I get.

Meanwhile...

I wound up some steely blue Chaco worsted for the Dandelion Beret KAL on Ravelry. This is a gorgeous beret from Little Yellow Cat. Come join us!

Now off to walk the poopies and make a grocery list, good times.

Gearing up...for TDF11

2011-06-05T12:57:00.000-04:00

The time is drawing near for Tour de fleece 2011 and I have signed up for two teams so far. Who knows, by the end I may be in 10!
I snagged this gorgeous BFL in someone's destash over on Ravelry and it came in the mail yesterday. I have fondled it off and on...it is so pretty.

I finally posted my Babe wheel on Ravelry this morning, as well as my hand cards. I'm working towards thinning the herd and utilizing what I have without excess. Does that make sense????

This beautiful yarn is another destash that was practically given to me! It is Araucania Aysen in the number 813, what with the numbers???? It is wool, silk, and alpaca and I could knit undies out of it...it is that soft. I just fell in love with it when I opened the package. Gorgeous beyond words and thinking of a vest...but open for suggestions. I think I have right at 800 yards.

Now this is what I have been busying doing this week...

hooties


monkey

I have been making more drawstring project bags, in the hopes of selling them. I have given several away and now want to make a little money back to cover costs. They are quite roomy. These are the medium bags and I believe they are 12 x 13 with the squared corner bottoms. I will soon post them (not sure where yet) for $15.00. I LOVE mine and carry projects in them all over town...and work...and events. (the gals in Home Depot now call me the "knitting girl" because I follow His Majesty around knitting out of a small hootie bag)

Anyway, I have been sewing, spinning on my fire roasted lasagna BFL and working on my Tuscany socks (those *%$@% socks!).
Have a wonderful day! I am heading to the store for ice cream, since I rode 9.3 miles on the bike and survived!

It's time we say goodbye....

2011-06-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

My Babe Fibergarden wheel and I are going to say goodbye. It has been a tough decision, but I have to part with a wheel and i finally decided on the Babe. She is a wonderful wheel, but I need to let one go. Downsizing...debt paying...destashing...

I'm sad, but I figure I will post her today on Ravelry, along with a set of hand carders and get cracking on this destashing business....before I change my mind.

And now...off to take some pics of my soon to be cast on projects and my wish list :)

There was a goat....

2011-05-29T06:26:00.000-04:00

that came to school...to see a group of PreK kids. This little lady stopped by Friday afternoon to round up farm week and I had to go and check her out. She was beautiful! I want one!!!

But His Majesty reminded me of the "nothing else that eats, breathes, or poops in the house" rule. :(

I've been pretty much glued to the Memorial Day weekend Spin Off over at Dizzy Sheep this weekend and haven't gotten as much knitting/sewing/spinning done as I had planned. I was able to grab up some Malabrigo Lace, which I haven't tried before. I'm hanging in for the batts...where are they????????????

I have decided to use this KnitPicks yarn for casting on the 198 yds of heaven shawl on Ravelry. It isn't a worsted, but I didn't have one in the stash that would work, so going with this pretty, purpley fingering weight.

And I have been reading up on the Book of Wool, which I picked up at the library. It has a WONDERFUL chart on wool that I believe will help me in deciding on which types to purchase next for spinning. (branching out from BFL...living a little!)

And the winner is.....

2011-05-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

the random number generator gave me comment number 51, which is WREN!
Wren said...

My pets have been given supervisory jobs in my craft room.  ;-)

My current favorite thing is making totes.

Your project bag is great.  I can think of a million uses for it!

Congratulations to Wren. I have sent you an email, just let me know your choice and address and I will get your new bag in the mail.

Thank you all so much for stopping by and participating :) I enjoyed it! If you like stitch markers...keep coming back. I plan to do a few stitch marker giveaways in the next few weeks. Who knows, I may pick up a new craft after reading all of your comments and throw something else up for giveaway! (I feel like Bob Barker)

Giveaway officially closed last night :)...

2011-05-26T06:45:00.000-04:00

I will be using a random number generator to pick the winning comment and post this afternoon...so exciting!!!! I will be in touch, thank you so much to all that have left comments and I will tell you that I have read some new crafty obsessions I want to try....I'm doomed!

I've joined the giveaway day!

2011-05-22T18:14:00.000-04:00

I have joined the exciting giveaway fun over at Sew, Mama, Sew blog. I am a giveaway host and so glad to be here! I'm glad you clicked my link and came by to see me.

So, what do I have up for grabs????? I am offering a lined, drawstring project bag to one lucky reader. If you are like me, you have too many projects and not enough bags to store them in....or is that just me?

I will be using a random number pick to determine the winner from the comments. Entries are open until May 25th, so join in the fun!

The winner will choose between the Dogs on Hogs (blue lined) bag or the Sunny Fun (yellow lined) bag.

I love to sew and have started making project bags. I hope to start putting them up for purchase on my blog or Etsy....in the future, so please keep coming back. The bags are sturdy, roomy, washable, flat bottomed, and just darn cute!

Dogs on Hogs bag, lined in blue (10.5 in x 11 in)

inside view, knitting not included :) just there to give you an idea of the roominess

Sunny Fun bag, lined in yellow (12.5 in x 13)

I am a smoke FREE home, but I do have pets, though they are noncrafty. Plus, until they learn to take care of their toys, they are not allowed to play in mine! :)

Please leave a comment....any old comment will do, but I would love for you to share your crafting obsession of the moment...that would be interesting, but could prove dangerous and get me wanting to start a new craft!

Dug through the stash...

2011-05-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

So I was having a fiber pity party and wanting some fiber to love on....and decided to go through my stash before I spent money.

I found this lovely 8 ounces of BFL that I had purchased from Dizzy Sheep the last time they had fiber. (I want them to have some more fiber up for the daily special!)Anyway, I couldn't remember the name of this colorway, but I am calling it Fire Roasted Lasagna :) The pictures do not do it justice. It is full of rich yellows, oranges, reds and brown (almost black) and has a little salmon stripe too.

with flash

without flash

I love it! I'm so happy with the colors coming from this fiber. What I spun is a little bit that I did to show a group of 4 year olds what a spinning wheel can do. I was invited to go and talk to a Pre-K class about wool and spinning.

I love doing that. I took 3 spindles and let them each have a turn at spinning. We played with raw fleece (that was hilarious...the looks on their face when they smelled the lanolin), we played with locks, I demonstrated hand cards and knitting.

We just had a wonderful time and hopefully at least one will keep that spinning spark in them!

Now....I'm still going to have to buy some fiber to quench that need :)

Wishful Wednesday...

2011-05-18T16:11:00.000-04:00

It is a chilly, dreary day here and it has me wanting to go play in fibery goodness to warm my spirits. So, I'm looking at all of the gorgeous things out their that make me smile....

FibersToYarns has this gorgeous Army Camoflauge superwash BFL fiber that is screaming for me to buy it! I realize I have no green fiber and I really need this, really I do ! So thinking I may have to get one of her greens by the end of the day. She has some beautiful colors in her Etsy shop....like this one called Spring Garden.

Christinamariepotter always has beautiful things in her Etsy shop and this yarn is one example. It is a sock yarn called Fruity Oaty bar and I love it, it is a happy yarn.

FiberFancy is another awesome shop I have discovered and added to my list. This is Playing in the Kettle and I WANT it! :) I deserve it, right? Since I don't get to go to the fiber fest in NC this weekend, can't I order some roving????? (Tell me yes!)

FiberFancy also has this SAL going on and it makes me giggle with glee. I love this movie (if you haven't seen it, get in the car and go find it now) and seriously want to order this fiber.....aaahhhhh self control. I hinted to my husband that I really needed this, but he didn't bite. :( He just doesn't understand my needs....

Rainbows :)

2011-05-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

We have had major storms in our area for several weeks, including yesterday. I had an outdoor bellydance performance that was stormed out...but after the rain we had a beautiful double rainbow :)

We had a performance practice this afternoon and the clouds rolled in, causing worry. But all turned out well, the rain held off, and we were able to practice for an upcoming performance in a horse show!! Oh it will be so cool!!!!! I will post pics in a few weeks.

On the knitting front, I am making decent progress on the socks. I am working on getting to the heels and finally understanding the toe up heel directions. However, I have decided to try an afterthought heel on my next pair. If you have done an afterthought heel, please give advice!!!

And on the reading front, I am loving The Zombie Autopsies :) I love zombies, I have a fascination/obsession with them and this is the latest in my zombie reading. I recommend it!
I also want to join the Shaun of the Dead SAL in FiberFancy's Etsy shop. Go check it out :) and tell me to do it. I need permission to break my "no fiber/yarn" diet....I need permission :)

Henna....

2011-05-08T19:47:00.000-04:00

henna drying...lovely glitter sparkle in the mix

side view of the design

no that isn't mud at the top....that is where the henna is dry and starting to flake off

next morning...all flaked away revealing the lovely design

I love my henna tattoo :)

I really have been busy...

2011-04-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

I've started the Multnomah shawl over 3 times now. Still not loving it, but satisfied. It isn't the pattern I don't love, it's my yarn. It is some handspun of mine that I feel is just to overspun, but I am DETERMINED to use it ;)

I finally blocked my #104 cap sleeve cardigan vest and I am very pleased with the results.

I had to get a new board to block on, since my blocking mats are now in Finley's kennel. I went to the local home improvement store and bought the insulation board they sell in the 8 foot sheet. They are 4 feet x 8 feet and I had it cut in two to fit in the car. It works way better than my mats ever did!

And then there is this chaotic mess all over the table!

I am working on new belly dance hip scarves for upcoming shows and I have taken over the place with fabric, yarn tassels, and beads.

I've even shined my zils....ready for this Saturday's performance at the "Day of Unity" in our town. Fun!!

My newest family member :)

2011-04-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

I bought a drum carder....I'm so happy! I have it almost put together and ready to dive into. Work and too many pokers in the fire are coming between us forming our true bond. Grrrrrrr....I want to play with it!!!

I get a few days off for Easter break and this little lady (Dorothea is her name) is at the top of my list of things to do.

If you have any drum carding tips, please send them my way. I need them! It will be trial and error, but I will love learning and spinning.

I'm a slacker! :)

2011-04-18T20:26:00.000-04:00

It has been great weather for the most part here in Western NC. We have had some major storms with tornadoes and flooding, but today has been beautiful.

The gorgeous days mean outdoor poopy time for me :) I love playing with Finley and Ava, but that also means no knitting. Ava tries to eat the yarn :(

But I did get to make a few more drawstring project bags and will be sending a few as gifts ....fun!

Here is one of the project bags I cranked out to hold knitting fun.

I did break my Van Dyke shawl out of hibernation and knitted about 5 rows, then back into hiding. The cream color is soooooo boring. I should have dyed the yarn first, but it was purchased the day of the class and all I could find...so no other choice. I will be so happy to finish it and dye it!

I made it to the point of starting the heels on my Tuscany socks and now I have frozen ... these are my first Toe Up socks and I am terrified at this point of screwing up. I need to just jump right in and start trying to figure out the pattern, after all I can always rip them out ;(

I guess that will be tonight's knitting before bed...trying to defeat the fear of heels.....to be continued...if you have any suggestions for overcoming this heel fear PLEASE share. I am used to heels on top down, but this way is confusing me.

What about an afterthought heel? Thoughts on those????? Anybody????

Knitting project bags

2011-04-03T11:25:00.000-04:00

I love project bags, LOVE them! But right now my budget is slim, so I can't buy all of those pretty bags I keep looking at on Etsy. I decided to use some scrap fabric and make a couple of bags this weekend.

I made a small drawstring bag for socks (right now holding a half knitted washcloth)closed drawstring

opened, nice large opening

And then my big project bag.

I added pockets inside to hold my post-its, pen, pattern, tape measure....Right now it holds my cap sleeve cardigan vest. I am almost finished with this project, yahoo! I am on the bottom moss stitch band. I will finish the neck and arm bands and done!

I plan to make a few more drawstring bags this week :)

Furry love

2011-03-30T17:43:00.000-04:00

Ainsley...the dark princess

It is rainy, cold, and dreary here which is perfect knitting weather. I hope to get a little done this evening after my Ibuprofen kick in....major headache!! But there is lots of kitty napping going on and this is the only time Ainsley is sweet...when she is sleeping :)

Otherwise, she is a gangsta and will cut you!

My February swap came!!!

2011-03-27T09:53:00.001-04:00

I am so thrilled that my February swap package came this weekend :) I won't lie, I was sad that it hadn't...like someone missing your birthday.
But it came and I LOVE it!

I had some beautiful notecards, 2 skeins of gorgeous yarn (a KnitPicks Imagination, a Mirasol Hacho), a luscious strip of roving.

Also, a bag of beads for future markers :) and 2 sets of beautiful stitch markers. I LOVE it all!

I want to go make something with the baggie of beads right now!!!

The Handmade stitch marker swap group on Ravelry is fun and I highly recommend it! Go give it a look and join in the fun!

Happy Birthday Finley! My big boy is 2 years old today. Peanut butter chews for everybody!! :)

Wednesday wish list...

2011-03-23T16:35:00.000-04:00

Vegancraftastic has a very cool "knitmare knitting bag" that I love! Skeletons and skulls get me every time :)

Millykins has a precious knitted cap that needs to come home with me! I'm really enjoying knitting hats these days. Probably because they are fairly quick and I am so slow, so that means not too long on my needles.

cowgirlknitz has some gorgeous yarn here...one of each please.

cristinamariepotter inspires me! All awesome!

Gotta package :)

2011-03-22T10:32:00.000-04:00

My March swap pal in the Ravelry Stitch Marker swap group sent me a package, yeah! (It means a lot, since my February package has not shown up...very sad) So I received 5 lovely stitch markers in the green theme, which will start to be used tonight!

And this gorgeous worsted yarn! I love this stuff. It is Araucania (I think that is spelled correctly, maybe...not sure...too lazy to go look it up).

Thank you swap pal, who is nameless at this time and I must go onto Ravelry to find you and thank you!

Fun stuff!

2011-03-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

I started this afternoon off with a mani-pedi (Christmas gift certificate in March...I'm slow). Sparkly red toes and baby pink fingers. I don't have nails, part of my job...no long nails.

Getting ready to mail out my March stitch marker package. Here are the stitch markers I made and I will be adding a tissue pouch (cupcake fabric), oversized nail file (really cute, candy print), HUGE dark chocolate bar, notepad, and a beaded keychain. Fun stuff! The theme is green.

The bummer about swaps....my February swap partner stiffed me :( I sent her a cool package and she never sent mine. Why do people do that?????

Now on to what I have accomplished in knitting the past few weeks. I am trying to get more done on the cap sleeve cardigan vest and I have just finished the decreases and getting ready in a minute to start the increases....

You can't really see them, but these are the 4 decrease areas.

The front band...I adore moss stitch. Don't you?

And the full view of this wonderful pattern. Truly love this and it really isn't a bad knit, I'm just slow.

I think that is cat hair all over my shirt :)

Another wishful Wednesday...

2011-03-15T20:27:00.000-04:00

KnitterBag has adorable Lucky Sheep project bags on Etsy. I love bags and always need a new project bag...adding to the bday list now!
GirlGoneLoop has a beautiful spring green/blue/yellow yarn that would make yummy socks!
Cowgirlknits has a page full of gorgeous yarn, I want every color she has!See, beautiful colors over there...
FeltstudioUK , need I say a thing???? This is just so luscious...I have never spun Wensleydale, but want to now!
Hollyeqq has my favorite crazy batt of the day. It reminds me of fruit, like a big smoothie!
Grigiodesign has my absolute fave for today....I'm a sucker for a skull! :)

My little baby!

2011-03-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

My little baby Ava is a year old today!

We celebrated with big chewies and a couple of M&Ms. Happy Birthday sweetie-pie, love you bunches!

Not much action here...

2011-03-06T12:09:00.000-05:00

Cat napping on dog pillows is happening. Bold cat to nap beside the bone!

I haven't made much progress knitting, because I am preoccupied with my baby brother leaving....he joined the Army and is leaving today.

I am sad. Not that he joined, but that I will not see him. That makes me very sad. I am so proud of him! I love him dearly! I want him to be safe and happy! I just don't want him to go, I am selfish that way.

So I have been preoccupied about it, more so than I thought. He is my baby brother, so I worry (I'm 13 years older than him)...that is my job.

He has been in dessert school for a long time and had 2 extensions on when he was to leave, due to the deaths of my grandfather and my uncle. Today he officially leaves :(

Conference = progress...

2011-02-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm not a huge fan of conferences, because I don't like being away from home. I miss my bed, my babies, my food...and I always get behind at work. But conferences do have one "fun" aspect for me...I can knit! I'm one of those people that are better focused in a long lecture/meeting when I can knit. It keeps my hands busy and helps me take in what I'm there for.

So, I took 2 knitting projects with me last week when I went to my conference. I was able to knit a few more inches on my toe-up Tuscany socks. (Sorry, the sock is inside out, but you get the jist of it). I'm happy with it :)

I also knit a little more on my cap sleeve cardigan. (I love Malabrigo!) The moss stitch is popping out now on the front band.

And the cap sleeves are adorable. I like this pattern and that's a good thing, since I have yarn for a pink one too!

Ava was happy I came home, she just isn't showing it. She is showing her spoiled little girl side :)

I'm so freakishly slow!

2011-02-20T18:20:00.000-05:00

I believe I am the slowest knitter known to man! I'm sooooooooooo slow! Why??Even Truman thinks I am slow, he told me so. It takes me forever to knit socks, but I love to knit them. I'm still trucking along on my Tuscany socks....slowly knitting on them.

I decided to cast on one of the sweater patterns I picked up over the summer and sat down to get started. (What is one more project?) Truman gave me the look; the "you know it will take you forever to knit this" look.

I'm using Malabrigo worsted in Bijou Blue. I LOVE Malabrigo, but who doesn't????

Here is the pattern. It is from Knitting Pure & Simple and is the cap sleeve cardigan vest. Surely to goodness it won't take me months to make this :), fingers crossed.

Truman, quit looking at me that way!

My swap box has arrived!

2011-02-15T17:35:00.000-05:00

Ta-da, my swapbox from the Ravelry The Swap Stop Have a Cuppa swap arrived yesterday and I was so excited to get into it! Look how neatly wrapped everything is! (Makes me so embarrassed that I did not do such a hot job on mine)

I pulled out all of the LOVELY items in my swap package and fawned over them. My swapper did an awesome job on my box and I love it!

I have this cool LOST (dharma initiative with knitting ball) mug, a bag of Hazelnut coffee, and box of Yorkshire Tea, a pair of HiyaHiya puppy snips (they look like a puppy!), 2 skeins of Noro yarn (so exciting), and a bar of Belgian Milk Chocolate (hiding from DH right now).

Can you believe how beautiful the yarn is? Can you see the adorable puppy head?

Thank you so much DeathByYarn for making my swap experience so wonderful!

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

2011-02-14T20:18:00.000-05:00

Prisoner of Love Sock Monkey

I awoke this morning to this handsome little sock monkey in a coffee mug waiting for me. My "children" had left me a Valentine's Day present :) I love sock monkeys!

I'm not a huge fan of Vday, never really have been. I would rather have all of the goodies on a plain day, a just because day...know what I mean?

Yesterday I was getting a few things at Wal-Mart (okay the essentials = ice cream, diet sun-drop, and dog chewies) and one of the ladies in the produce aisle came up and gave me this rose. She wished me a Happy Valentine's Day and walked on down the aisle to the next lady. How sweet was that????? It made my day.

		I finished the Pacific Beach Beret from Ravelry last night and blocked it on a dinner plate. I have to weave in my ends and add my button. I'm pleased with the results and recommend this pattern if you are wanting to make a quick knit beret.
Pacific Beach Beret

Black Purl...

2011-02-10T06:18:00.000-05:00

A recent Ravelry destash purchase I made and love. Lorna's Laces Black Purl. I look at it and think of Captain Jack Sparrow, a man that makes me want to be a pirate, as well as want to take a shower. He is so dirty.

Do you ever watch movies and think of how dirty the people look and just know they smell???? Yes, I know it is a movie and they are actors, but ick! How did anyone ever reproduce???? I wouldn't let him near me smelling like that....

Anyway, I love this yarn. I also love the little hedgehog that is protecting it from the cats. His name is Bob (seriously, he has a nametag) and was a gift from a wonderful lady, Miss Gigi.

Now, what to make with this gorgeous yarn???????

Stitch markers are happening...

2011-02-06T18:47:00.001-05:00

I spent some time today working on stitch markers for a swap I am participating in...a February Stitch Marker Swap in Ravelry. I love swaps, I'm hooked! I made a few extras for my other February swap partner too.

Then I made a few keychains to throw in the packages...And then I made a few pins to add just for the fun of it :)

(my picture taking skills are for the birds!!!!)

And I started my Pacific Beret on Friday night, worked a little on it last night, and a dab on it this evening. I'm pleased with it so far and love my colorway.

This is a yarn I dyed during a SAFF workshop this year. Maybe last year, I don't know. I lose track of what I take each year :)

As I said, my picture quality is VERY lacking. But the colors are a beautiful variegation of blues, greens, and purples with a little white throughout.

I highly recommend the dying workshops at SAFF.

And I want to throw a shout out there to all of you knitters and crocheters....show some love and support to our fiber sister Sillyfru over at SassyPantsKnitter podcast (and Adventures of a Silly, Silly girl blog) and donate a dollar to help her go to CampKIP in April. Details on her blog. Thanks for helping her out!!

To sell or not to sell.....

2011-01-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

Tough decision! I am thinking about selling one of my wheels, because let's face it...you can only spin on one at a time. I have 3, so I really should let one go. Plus, the money from the sell would go towards my drum carder. Oh decisions!I'm leaning towards letting go of my Babe Fiber Garden. I love it, but it make the most sense for me. So, I will decide tonight and if I go with "yes, sell it and be done you big baby," I will post it on Ravelry. Ugh, not good at making these decisions.

To put off trying to decide, I went to the park!The sun is out here, finally. And the poopies needed a good hike. We have some beautiful parks not too far from home and it was a great day to go and play in the woods....and put off making decisions :)

I love it so much....

2011-01-24T18:39:00.000-05:00


My newest love....Offhand Design Gatsby bag :)

It does not pay for me to be home and on Ravelry! I buy things, things I shouldn't buy! But oh how I love this bag....LOVE this bag.

Look how gorgeous she is. The fabric is luxurious, yes it is! I have rubbed it all weekend. I stuffed it full of projects....5 projects to be exact.

Have I mentioned how much I love this bag??????? I highly recommend one! Offhand Design bag lovers are not lying, it is awesome! If you are on the bubble, go get it!

I was able to find mine "on sale" so to speak, meaning buying it from someone else that had loved it prior to my purchase.

Why is it such a great bag? Roomy, gorgeous fabric, very well made, quality material....go buy one!

And while on the shopping roll (take away my credit card please!) I restocked my running skirt drawer with some new running skirts for the spring/summer season. I don't do shorts....I do skirts. These were drastically reduced, so why not????? (Seriously, cut off my paypal account).

I didn't buy yarn or fiber, so I feel I have behaved :) Now I need to go sit down and whip out one of those projects and be productive. I am full of grilled chicken and beer bread, so I need to work....

Put me out of my misery....

2011-01-20T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am not a good patient, which is weird, since I deal with patients everyday. I don't like being sick....I can't just lay there and rest. If feel like I have to be productive and get things done. If there is laundry in the house, I will go and do it, even if every inch of my body is aching and on fire. That is how I have felt this week....like a beaten bag of hot rocks. So what does that mean with knitting?????

I still want to knit, throbbing eyeballs and all...let me knit.


much neglected Van Dyke Shawl

I was lying in the bed on Tuesday and pulled out my big project bag and thought I would give my Van Dyke Shawl from SAFF some much needed attention. WRONG....too much focus for this little lady. Back in the bag!

soon to be beret

I then gave consideration to starting my Pacific Beach Beret, but that lasted all of one hacking moment and I gave up....consumed by mucus and doggie kisses.

But never fear...I did end up finding a project to keep me from going nutso in my sudafed induced haze. I went with a washcloth. How joyous to make a washcloth :) Seriously, loved it! I made two of these little ones for a baby gift and now I am hooked. I want to make more of them....tons of them. Washcloths for everyone!

The plague....

2011-01-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

The plague hit our house last Wednesday. First there was snow and ice and all things nasty that come with those last week, but we made it to work each day. By Wednesday night DH was getting sick. By Friday afternoon he was reeealllyyy getting sick and my head began to pound along with his. I was NOT going to get sick

By Saturday he was spiking fevers and miserable and I was doing everything from wrapping myself in Clorox wipes, chanting to ward off evil spirits, and swinging Bojangle's chicken legs in the air as a token to the respiratory illness spirits (I watch too many horror movies). See....I work with sick people everyday. I am surrounded by kids with snot running down their face, wiped on their arm, wiped on my arm....kids vomiting in trashcans beside my chair, hacking up foreign globs of green spew....I'm around sick people, but I usually don't get sick.

Well, guess what??? Got sick from my husband. Thus, we are both home today sick. We are both feverish, coughing, hacking until we turn red, delusional, and just plain wiped out. (I went to work for a little while and threw in the towel.)

I kept saying I was going to at least try and make it to the gym for a run. . Yeah, told myself I could sweat it out. Nope, not happening....kills me to walk to the fridge for water. So, home on the couch with knitting. Very therapeutic!


Behold the 3-hour cowl from Ravelry	I was able to finish this up yesterday while laying on the couch.

I love this pattern, it was quick, it was easy and it was much better than the hat I began with this leftover yarn. I highly recommend this cowl to you.

Since I don't have enough projects already started, I decided to ball up this yarn I dyed in a workshop last year and cast on another beret. I think the fever has gotten to my senses. I really don't need another project on needles! I am going with the Pacific Beach Beret, also found on Ravelry. Oh yes, a fever's friend is Ravelry. (my credit card company is loving me right now....I have been shopping)

Sloooowwww knitting these days.

2011-01-15T08:25:00.001-05:00

I am so slow these days. It is like my fingers are hibernating. I am bouncing from several different knitting and spinning projects, but who doesn't????

I haven't knit but one pattern round of the feather and fan scarf this week. Shameful! I wish the camera did the colors justice, because they are gorgeous!

This is yarn I picked up from SAFF and is a sport weight on size 8 needles. I think the pattern is from one of the Box of Scarves sets. (I don't know....my mind is hibernating as well)

And for some reason I decided to cast on a hat for me with some leftover Malabrigo I found in the stash. Why???? Now I am stressing over it....will I run out, will it work, am I reading this pattern correctly??? I don't really think I am. I have already had to adapt it a little, because I couldn't make sense of a few of the formulations.

The Mint Oatmeal Shaving Cream Slouch hat is confusing me and it is such a simple pattern. What is my problem. I am leaning towards frogging at this point. Oh I am so discouraged today!

I will get over it :) I got a Dizzy Sheep package in the mail.....yummy fiber to spin, so I will definitely get over it.

Slouch hat has been frogged as of this evening....just could not get it together, plus really don't think enough stash yarn. Booooooo. I have chosen another pattern to use with this yarn now....let us see how this goes.

No knitting, no yarn, no wool...not even a doggie

2011-01-13T19:39:00.000-05:00

Just a picture from last week's bellydance recital. A fellow dancer's husband came and took pictures of us on dress rehearsal night and of course my hair was flat.

But I loved the swirl of the skirts, though you can't see all 3 layers in this shot. I still liked the look.

Oh well, just an excuse to play dress-up with some wonderful women. What a joy :)

Wednesday wish list...

2011-01-12T07:57:00.000-05:00

I wish it was warm! I am tired of ice and bitter cold and bone chilling winds....but that's just me.
So on to my current wish list of fibery goodness -

Gritty Knits (on Ravelry) has pages of things I want!

I love this pink and brown combo and I am seriously considering signing up for her fiber club....oh I shouldn't, but I want one of everything.

Then there is this adorable little book Socks Appeal. I have so many single socks that would make cool pets. I really need this book :)

I do love this little knitting bag with the kittens. Project bags always come in handy for travel knitting. It screams socks to me.

This little fiber batt from Fluff Chick is so pretty. I can see it spun up in my head, now I just need it in my hands!

and my ultimate wish list item today is an Offhand Designs bag. I love the Zhivago and Gatsby, but would take anyone of them ;) I'm not picky.

My snowy spinning

2011-01-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

With the snowy weather here and the delayed work schedule, I have been able to get a little extra spinning time in. I am soooo happy :) I dug out a batt I purchased in August at a destash sale. I have no clue what this batt consists of, nor did the woman recall what it was or where it came from.

That is okay...I love it anyway. It is very soft with a little bit of sparkle carded into the roving. You can't see it in the pic, but it glistens. Fancy!

I'm normally not a fan of neon, however the limey green is spinning down into a subtle shade and I am pleased.

I'm not so pleased with the kinks...man I have terrible kinks in it already :(

I was having a hideous noise coming from this wheel (a Spinolution Mach II) and could not make it stop....imagine nails down the chalkboard repeatedly.

Thank goodness for Ravelry and the forums. They fixed my screech. Well, I read suggestions and I fixed it!!

So while I was grabbing a little spinning time the rest of my house was doing this....

They all need their faces washed before I take closeups again....shame on me. (Sibby dog is missing from the line-up. She was asleep in the garage)

I joined a Ravelry swap!!!

2011-01-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! I just joined my first Ravelry swap this evening. I am now a part of The Swap Stop. The first swap is the Have a Cuppa Swap and the deadline to join is January 14th. Please, go join me in this little adventure!!!

It looks like so much fun....go join now!

Socks....snow and socks

2011-01-10T08:57:00.000-05:00

There was supposed to be buckets of snow here when I woke up this morning. A new winter storm they said. I woke up to about 2 inches of snow and delayed work. That meant SOCKS!

Snow gives me another reason to pick up the Tuscany socks I am sllloooowwwwllyyyy working on. My first toe up attempt at knitting socks.

They do resemble toes at this point and are a little roomy when I put them on my tootsies....so far so good. I am not hating knitting socks toe up and did not really have any problems (not too bad) with the cast on, so I am pleased.

I am on Addi Turbo needles size US 1. I am using the Tuscany pattern from Melissa Morgan-Oakes' book Toe Up 2-at-a-time sock book. (highly recommend this book if you want to try toe up)

More coffee, a little puppy/kitty love and back to socks. Oh, then a little spinning on some roving I purchased. Off to take pics of those....lack of caffeine left me without pictures.