life. randomness. yarn

so many pics!

2012-01-10T19:37:00.000-06:00

Ugh! I have a ton of pictures to get off of my digital camera... and I cant find the USB cord that fits :(

DD age 4 and I have been Geocaching lately, so we have treasure pics to share! The Winter weather is chilly in Kansas right now but, we've had endless gorgeous days to go exploring. Yesterday I was snapping like crazy at bald eagles during a walk!

So, until I can get those pics up, I offer this... a pic of my new handmade socks! A knitty friend made them for me using Shalimar Yarns Zoe Sock in "Fairy Dust". The pattern is Berlin Muster.

ooohh pretty clouds

2012-01-04T00:50:00.003-06:00

the holidays

2011-12-28T23:26:00.001-06:00

Enjoy your drink...or else

Me, my father-in-law, my hubby

fab blue beret

Me vs snowy hill

daily dose of cute

2011-12-23T00:16:00.001-06:00

Further proof that I am not Martha Stewart

2011-12-12T15:48:00.002-06:00

A group of knitters on Ravelry split up into groups, with the intention of creating homemade ornaments for each other. After 3 false starts, these mini Malabrigo stockings are what I eventually came up with.

little bird here, is one of the "false starts"

And finally, an ornament I received! My genuine voodoo doll from New Orleans graciously offered to model it.

Turn A Square

2011-12-11T00:41:00.001-06:00

I am over the moon excited tonight, since the mail carrier brought me something yarny and fabulous! (I know, I know "yarny and fabulous" is kind of over doing it since it's already fabulous if it's yarny :p ) Anyway ....

TADA!

A wonderful knitter I know thru one of the Ravelry swappy groups I am in, put up her services to create a "Turn A Square" hat for the claimant of her offer. The lucky person to catch it was meeee!

The solid grayish color is Cascade 220, and the gently changing color is Lion Brand "Amazing". Amazing, indeed... it's very similar to a Noro skein, but a 57/43 wool/acrylic blend.

Here is her picture, with a more up close detail of the color. I am in luuurve!

Turn A Square, as well as many other wonderful knit items/patterns can be found at Brooklyn Tweed

Dear Kansas - a haiku

2011-12-06T00:16:00.001-06:00

Its 21 degrees outside.
Just snow already.
My toes are warn and toasty.

hahaha I'm my best entertainment.

handmade ornaments

2011-11-25T23:06:00.001-06:00

Trying hard to get my craft on here! A group of knitters online are making and sending ornaments to each other. Even though I have literally looked thru hundreds of handmade ornament ideas, I'm still a little lost about what I want to make.

My idea for an owl failed so, I'm trying my hand at another type of bird.

I love my crock pot!

2011-11-25T23:00:00.001-06:00

Pre-made bread dough is pretty awesome too :)

Hope everyone in the US had a fabulous Thanksgiving! If you live somewhere else, well, I hope you had a great day too :)

even hamsters do it

2011-11-20T12:46:00.000-06:00

It is with a heavy heart that I must report the following...

The animal kingdom's "hamster power couple" Hammijojin and Blanket have called it quits. Amidst allegations of abuse and bouts of binge eating, as well as not sharing the food bowl at all, agents for the domestic partners filed for dissolution.

The couple will divide property 50/50. Hammijojin will continue to live in the couple's first home, while Blanket (the alleged abuser) has moved in to a new *designer* home they acquired together at the end of summer.

The two ask for respect of their privacy during this difficult time.

Do they know me, or what?

2011-11-17T12:04:00.001-06:00

Mail Call!

2011-11-17T11:44:00.001-06:00

My mail carrier really knows how to make my day ;) Feast your eyes on my latest swap acquisitions...

Sanguin Griffin Mithril Lace in "Night And The City" and Naiad Sock from Dragonfly Fibers in "Texas Bluebonnet". I seem to be on a huge blue-kick lately, and ridding my stash of colors that are in the realm of pink. Maybe it's the season? The colder weather *could* be playing a role in this trend, I suppose.

Another somethin-somethin added to my stash was a small buy from Hobby Lobby. I am totally in love with Yarn Bee's Snowflake Wool Blend yarns! They are 56/44 wool/polyester and so squooshy! This is my "limeberry"...

Oh, and you can't beat the price :)

my long lost summer!

2011-10-08T21:10:00.001-05:00

I never intended to take the summer off, but that's exactly what happened!

Our little family PCS'd from our home of 5 years in Alexandria VA to the mid-west, a few weeks ago. Hubby is now stationed at Fort Riley Kansas, and we call Manhattan (Kansas) our new home.

In the months and weeks leading up to the big move, we spent a lot of time with friends we wouldn't be seeing for quite some time. I imagined it would be more painful than it was...probably because I have active plans to see a few of the wonderful/fabulous/awesome friends I had to leave back there in the future. Thank goodness I didn't cry like a baby when I was saying my good-byes ...the tears waited until I crossed the state line into Kansas. I knew it was for real then.

This post could easily turn into one of those where I go on and on about being sad but, I just can't. So instead, I will leave you a few more pics I snapped on our trip to Kansas.

Pharoh taking a rest somewhere in Ohio

Gnomes in Missouri

Cabelas in St Louis - awesome!

Long stretch of Kansas road in front of me

At an overlook in Kansas, not far from home.

As for knitting, I'm working on Dahlia, while everything else is on ignore :) I will post more pics and blog some more soon!

Its nice to be back!

{homemade cleaning products}

2011-06-06T11:28:00.003-05:00

I've been on a real binge lately - a money saving one! We recently ran out of both laundry and dishwashing detergent, and as always, I grit my teeth when I have to dole out cash to replace these products. I've made my own laundry soap before ... back when Molly was a bebe and I washed her diaper covers in a more natural/gentle manner :) Well, I've reverted once again! I'm sick of paying for something I can make perfectly well here at home

Laundry liquid soap:
2/3 bar of goat's milk/essential oil grated
1 cup of washing soda (made by baking sodium bicarbonate)
1 gallon hot water
Add the grated soap and hot water together till well mixed. Add washing soda and mix well. Let cool in open container. Pour into the container you wish to dispense from and store covered. Shake well prior to use as the mixture will become a bit gel-like and separate. I have a front loading HE washer and use a little less than half a lid for regular washing.

Dishwashing liquid:
juice from half a lemon
1/2 cup Dr Bronner's castille soap (I used peppermint - its what I had)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp sea salt
Mixture will become a little lumpy. Shake well prior to use. 1TBSP of liquid for regular dish cycle - 2TBSP is dishes are a bit more dirty. Store closed in proper container.

I love spinning videos!

2011-06-03T22:09:00.000-05:00

I'm spinning my ass off here, people! And without a full-time instructor at my beck and call, youtube usually has to fill the bill :) Here are a few videos about spinning and plying that I am enjoying tonight.

ta-da!!!

2011-05-29T17:04:00.000-05:00

My new baby!

Fantasia come true

2011-05-29T12:10:00.002-05:00

My wonderful husband is spending a good part of his afternoon staining my new Kromski Fantasia today! The wheel itself is the hardest part since it's made from uber space technologic particle board *type* of wood... aka MDF. In any case, it's turning out gorgeously! Here are a few pics in progress...

meet Idaea tacturata

2011-05-28T11:16:00.001-05:00

Molly was following a moth around our front yard yesterday evening. I was lucky enough that by the time I finished futzing around with my yard work, I could get a good look at him too.

Idaea tacturata aka the Dotted-line Wave Moth

{love} comes from big brown trucks!

2011-05-27T23:53:00.000-05:00

Coming home this afternoon, I was greeted by a nice surprise! Just ordered on the 25th, my Kromski Fantasia arrived today, only 2 days later!

Out of the box. Unfinished and ready for staining. My hub and I are going to hunt for just the right color stain for my new bebe. I think he's looking forward to finishing it and then putting it together for me. I can only wish I was as mechanically inclined as him!. Oh well, I can spin and he can't :p LOL

carding angora with GardenGirlTV

2011-05-25T21:52:00.003-05:00

Bunnies make me sneeze but, carding is still such a mystery to me (and I heart Garden Girl!) I wanted to share this.

{I love FOs!}

2011-05-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

My cropped Tea Leaves cardi is finally off the needles!

NHL playoff season!

2011-05-22T19:53:00.001-05:00

My San Jose Sharks are getting stomped on currently but, in the spirit of the playoffs, I couldn't resist knitting up a "playoff beard"!

GO SHARKS!

{SQUEEE!}

2011-05-17T16:25:00.000-05:00

Printing of Ysolda Teague's long awaited book "Little Red In The City" is underway!

See the post from her blog HERE

let no craft go un-bombed!

2011-05-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

Quilters are getting into the spirit of craft bombing, too!

Article @ Niagra this week.com

The more you know

2011-05-15T06:29:00.000-05:00

Did you know that June 11th will be the first International Yarn Bombing Day?

I didn't either!

fan girl @ Stitch-n-Pitch

2011-05-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last night a whole slew of knitters attended Stitch-n-Pitch for the Washington Nationals vs Florida Marlins game. Part of the fun was being able to oogle yarns and supplies in a convention room set up for the event. Compared to last year, last night's event was light years better!

(pics to come!)

One of the highlights was knit designer Ann Weaver being in attendance! She was uber nice *and* she wore one of the most coveted sweaters out there... Oranje.

Like I said.... more pics to come!

Too much fun!

2011-05-10T01:25:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was the annual Maryland Sheep and Wool gathering, and for the 2nd year in a row, I was lucky enough to go!

On the way to the gates

Some buttons I liked :)

The Corgi has lost it's Queen!

A gorgeous lace shawl. The maker improvised the design!

Wool and lace from Wales

This is what $450 lace knitting looks like

on the way into the main barn

Sheep...

Spinning at Pluckyfluff. Spinning on Majacrafts was much fun!

...and more sheep!

My booty!

just sayin'

2011-05-10T01:14:00.000-05:00

Get your own knuckles at the knuckle tattoo gun.

the sweater that wouldn't die

2011-05-06T03:04:00.000-05:00

It wont die because it's a zooommbiiee!

I love torturing my husband, and coercing him into wearing my WIPs so I can see how they are coming along. I have actually started the first sleeve on my Tea Leaves Cardi, but I've had to take a break due to an injury to my left arm. Drugs help but then, I don't feel much like knitting.

Oh yeah, the things he puts up with ...

WIP, or "what was I thinking?"

2011-05-06T02:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's Crack Silk Haze held together with Socks That Rock Laci ST-2. I hope my idea for a yummy camisole works. It certainly looks gorgeous in my head.

{Coming Soon!}

2011-04-04T13:47:00.003-05:00

My Blogiversary is coming up on the 7th! I think I need to have my very first ever give-away!

I'm going to ponder this question today, and post back about it asap! Now, if I were a give-away, what would I be giving away? :)

- a book?

- yarn?

- something else completely random?

Hmm.... the mind boggles! Stay tuned!

{April phools}

2011-04-01T00:22:00.002-05:00

Seriously, who yarn bombs a turtle? LOL

found @ Misstitched

{WIP Wednesday}

2011-03-23T11:16:00.004-05:00

I broke out ye olde Singer last night, and set it up on a fold out table. At the fabric store a few nights ago, Bird (DD age 3 1/2) picked out a pattern and asked if I would sew it for her. Ready for a new challenge (and feeling a little guilt that I haven't made her a dress since she was about 1 1/2) I happily agreed.

At the moment I just have the main fabric - Strawberry Shortcake yay! - but I'm looking forward to hitting up the store by myself for a contrast fabric, and maybe even a little lace trim. Fun!

Still a constant W.I.P. are my dreadlocks. Right now the color is a mish-mosh of washed out burgundy, my natural brown, and bleach. I'm not crazy out it but, it doesn't bother me enough to run out and buy more color right now.

Like my Dali impression? ;)

Freshly washed yummm

{frequent visitors}

2011-03-21T16:40:00.007-05:00

Harry and Maude enjoying brunch

Aside from allergies killing me, I love this time of year. I'm no honorary Audubon Society bird watcher but, I love to sit and listen to them sing, even if I can't see them. Seeing them though, is always fun and filled with chances to learn something new.

Take for instance, Harold and Maude, one of two male and female Cardinal pair that visit our front yard a lot. Till today, they were somewhat predictable. Usually, I will see Harold first, flying into our plum tree scoping out the scene. Very shortly after, here comes Maude landing next to him. They will hop down to the lawn and enjoy the buffet together before flying to a few different branches here and there around the yard, and then they shoot off to the right of our house to the trees two houses down.

Today started out normal... and then the "new guy" showed up. Harold and Maude had just started to peruse the grass when what I think was a Tree Swallow came down onto the grass to join them. Maude literally disappeared! Harold left the grass, and instead decided he would forage in the dirt under the bigger tree near where I park. I noticed the wren didn't care, he kept right on eating.

Maude kept to the big tree, instead of the plum, and Harold poked around the ground for a few more minutes before they left.

Now, Harry and Maude had been just fine with the wrens and finches it usually shares brunch with, but what was so different about this new guy?

Curiouser and curiouser.

New buffet grounds for Harry today

Maude on a high perch

the homewrecker

Sorry the pics couldn't be better! I took them thru the screen so I wouldn't startle the birdies! CLICK to make 'em bigger!

{WIP Wednesday}

2011-03-15T12:01:00.004-05:00

I'm not really a sock knitter but I couldn't resist these!

Slow but steady progress on the first of two Trellis socks I'm working on. I like the cuffs on my socks a bit on the short side so, instead of 4 pattern repeats for the cuff, I only worked one before starting the heel flap.

Yay for heel flaps!

The Trellis Socks are a design from Lorraine Ehrlinger. Mediumweight Socks That Rock in "Chickabiddy".

{progress}

2011-03-11T14:41:00.006-06:00

Nature's progress ...

...and my own

The Clapotis pattern was originally featured in Knitty Fall 2004. I'm working mine with Socks That Rock mediumweight in "Lucy". As of right now, there are 17,247 Clapotis projects featured on Ravelry, with 1,971 actually "in progress".

While I'm at it, I may as well share some additional info :) The inspiration behind the color "Lucy"? Why, a kitty, of course!

photo borrowed from Wendy Knits

{hey there, soldier}

2011-03-09T12:24:00.002-06:00

Just tootin' my own military spouse horn here ;) Or maybe I'm just happy (read: shocked!) that I finally got a new picture of my hubby in uniform. Before this, all I had was his basic pic...and they take those in the first week or so of basic, not after they are all hooah and cut from training so hard. That's like sooo 5 years ago :p

Right now we are in mid-PCS spin cycle - and boy howdy, does it suck eggs. Originally, hubby received orders to go to Alaska = great! A new adventure for our family. Well, not so. I was not given clearance and sponsorship for medical reasons. Totally frustrating! Now we are hoping the orders for Alaska will be cancelled, and we can move as a family to either Washington state or Colorado.

Hopefully soon I can report back with happy news!

Thank you, military, for wringing my patience and last nerve out!

I {heart} my postal carrier

2011-02-25T14:33:00.002-06:00

Today's mail call is courtesy of:

Jesse Janes ... Live from Portland Maine, this esty.com store has oodles of pendants made from Scrabble tiles! Yay for up-cycling, and yay again for such unique gift ideas! They are a steal at the individual prices she charges, and it's like highway robbery if you go for a "baker's dozen" type purchase discount.

The tile pendant in the photo below is one I chose for me :) My beloved San Francisco bay area map on a pendant! I also purchased a 2nd pendant that is not shown, for my best friend's birthday, which happens to be today... yep, it's going to be late arriving to her.

And the yarny goodness? Another etsy.com store - Ewe Spin Me. I was probably her last order before she left for vacation so, there are no items listed on her store today. But, keep this URL handy! You won't be sorry you did!

Ewe Spin Me's self striping yarn will probably remind you of Zauberball, but oh I like this better, me thinks :) Below is Line Dance Worsted 100 Peruvian Highland Wool - the label says it's "approximately 4-ply fingering". Either way I had planned on making me socks with it.

And thank you, Rachel, for the Oolong Tea! You can also find her on Ravelry as EweSpinMe.

{wordless wednesday}

2011-02-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, so, now what?

2011-02-04T11:28:00.003-06:00

Practical use for a pot rack

This is only an estimate but, I think I ended up with about 60 yards. I wasted some yardage that was over-twisted, and ditched the effort to loosen it up.

Yum! Who says wool is scratchy and unpretty? Hmmf!

Well, I had set out to make me a neck warmer, and that is exactly what this is going to be when it grows up. Now it's just a matter of deciding which pattern! Do I want it to be a nice snug rib pattern? Flat? In-the-round? Suggestions appreciated!

free Nook book of the day

2011-02-03T08:32:00.002-06:00

Honestly, you know exactly why this one caught my attention! LOL I only just downloaded it so, I haven't started it but, I just had to share. My mom brought me up right, ya know.

The Princess and the Penis

{a bit o' spinnin'}

2011-02-02T22:25:00.003-06:00

Since I took this photo today, I filled another spindle with what wouldn't fit on the first one. It's been way too long since I made the time to just sit, spin, and finish up what I wanted to for a project. I received this roving from Cosy Makes Falkland Fiber Club - from November 2010, I think it was.

Tomorrow when I have a chance, my new yarn will be wound up on my niddy noddy, given a good soak, and hung to dry. I'll be sure to take pics!

the finish line!

2011-01-24T22:23:00.003-06:00

A few of my most recent finished projects were both knit flat! I'm a huge fan of flat knitting, and using a whip or kitchener stitch to round them out :)

First up, a pair of mittens that I knit flat on straight needles. It's a recipe I made up, but it's not polished yet. I still have to write up my thumb instructions, before it can be complete. Now... if I can just remember how I knit the thumbs :p

Punta Yarns Merisoft space dyed aran weight in "berries", was my choice for this project. A simple whip stitch was all I used to bring them together.

Next, hot off my size 7 needle tonight! A flat knitted slouch hat, Ziggy, by Woolly Wormhead. Peace Fleece worsted weight in a lovely color (I love the name!) "Mir Atlantis Periwinkle" is the yarn.

Stitched up with a darning needle and kitchener stitch.

Thanks to my friend Shawn, who was so sweet to model my hat for me. She's also wearing a Rasta Neckwarmer she made with the recommended Malabrigo Rasta chunky yarn suggested for the project

insomnia and creativity

2011-01-09T02:19:00.003-06:00

More pics and a mitten recipe to come for a WIP I started tonight. I've been wanting some nice snug mittens made just for my hands, and decided if it was really going to happen, I'd have to make them myself. ;) One mitt down, with just the thumb to go, then on to number two!

Aran weight Punta Merisoft Yarn on 5's. Yum!

Reasons To Knit Even If You Are Young

2011-01-05T23:29:00.002-06:00

Because you can appear to be so engrossed, even while knitting a garter stitch scarf, that you can ignore annoying, non-knitting people without appearing rude. Seriously, how could they know?
Because developing a yarn habit is cheaper than developing a smoking habit. Usually.
Because you can knit a sweater to get rid of a boyfriend you are no longer interested in and save yourself all of the awkwardness.
Because it’s as mobile as a cell phone without the ridiculous fees for features you never use enough to justify the fees.
Because when you finally do get to the old folks home, you will have something to do with your hands besides stuff your face full of jello.
{Weekend Knitter}

{wordless wednesday}

2011-01-04T23:30:00.002-06:00

See other wordless Wednesday participants here!

Happy 2011, everyone!

2011-01-02T16:14:00.000-06:00

a home for a rasta hat

2010-12-28T23:10:00.005-06:00

Over a year ago I completed a "bad dreds day sampler hat" using bits of yarn I had received from a Phat Fiber box. Alone, the poor hat languished, not unloved but never really worn either. Today that changed - a head (home) was found! I should have known from the beginning that even though it looked awful on me, it would look awesome on my sister-in-law!

Here are a few pics from right after the cast off. I can remember this day! It was nearing 100 outside and I was making a wool hat! (maybe you can tell from the shiny face! LOL) I'm also pretty sure I was knitting while wearing a bathing suit LOL

Merry Ramen to all and to all a good sauce!

2010-12-22T20:32:00.005-06:00

My super secret holiday gift project was ....

The Flying Spaghetti Monster!

Made with love for my wonderful friend, Carol. I gave it to her at knit night on Monday, finally! Now I can stop being so hush-hush about it :)

Here is another shot, with a few other homemade ornaments, AND an official White House Christmas ornament from 2009.

A wider view, taken by my 3 1/2 year old. Obviously, right? :p

His Noodliness was created with white yarn that will felt, 2 googly eyes, 2 styrofoam balls, tempera paint, craft glue, and a few cleverly placed toothpicks.

The tentacles were made with Patons Classic Wool in white on size 13 straights. I cast on as many stitches as I wanted the leg to be, then cast off all but one stitch, leaving the last one on the needle. Then, I cast on another row of stitches, then cast them off. Keep doing this until you have as many tentacles as you like. Using waste yarn, I picked up loose stitches between all the legs to make them more secure, then tossed it in my front loading washer for a half hour using warm water. Front loaders don't felt as severely as a top loader so, I wasn't worried about losing length.

This was the only holiday project I worked on... and I had such high hopes for gifting knitted items to a few folks I love so much. In the end, sometimes it just works out better this way. I had so much fun making FSM, and got so many giggles out of seeing him in our tree here at home, I'm about to make another for our family!

Have a wonderful holiday, whatever celebration you and your loved ones enjoy!

another cast on!

2010-12-19T12:09:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling especially wintery this week.... for obvious reasons :) The prospects of living in Anchorage in a few months, and Santa slipping thru the lock on our door later this week, have my insides all flitty and cozy. (Or is that nausea, because there's no pressure involved with either of those, right? LOL)

I don't have a large stash, especially when you compare it to some of my friends and their collections. Mostly I buy only what I "need", unless something jumps out at me, and implores me to take it home. My system works for me, but sometimes what I have on hand just won't do for the projects I have in mind.

Last night I took some well-deserved time off at Fibre Space, my favorite LYS in the area here, and did a little shopping for me! I'm one of those shoppers that normally escapes with a total bill under $30... but believe me, before I've left the store, I was sure to fondle every expensive and luscious hank in there! Thanks to a wonderful friend, last night was funded by a gift certificate. (Thank you, Carol!)

So...my latest project is the Guernsey Wrap by Jared Flood. The sample at Fibre Space was knit up in a yummy gray Shelter, and was uber gorgeous! However, I was drawn to a cozy "wild berries" colored worsted yarn by Stonehedge Shepherd's Wool and picked up 3 hanks for the project.

photo borrowed from Brooklyn Tweed

round & round

2010-12-14T23:11:00.002-06:00

Ohh, its late and I should be in bed but, I'm caught up roaming the interwebs oogling over spinning wheels. My favorite spinning wheel pr0n site? The Woolery They have a great selection of wheels all in one place, with info about the workings of each.

I've really had the spinning bug recently... but there is a cure! :) Hopefully I can help myself to the relief tomorrow!

Yep, there will be pics!

Renaming my blog?

2010-12-05T23:28:00.003-06:00

It just occurred to me that maaaybe I should rename my blog "Lazy ass knit blogger" :) Its not that I don't have news that I might like to share but, then I have to actually sit and type about it - by the time I get the chance, the moment is sometimes lost.

I have a solution, however ... I have resolved to correct the err of my ways and get back to blogging regularly. I do this sometimes ... neglect my blog, that is.

So... on to a WIP update!

I recently started a great shawl! The Snow Drops and Snap Peas Shawl by Kristen Kapur. I was going to cast on Citron but the idea of more stockinette made me cringe just thinking about it! (I'm still mid-way thru a sweater and its the stockinette that has me slowing down on that WIP!) Anyway... my "electric peas", as I like to call it, is already shaping up beautifully!

Talk about instant gratification! The Snow Drops and Snap Peas begins to pay off immediately, as it's patterned throughout. I'd recommend it if the project you're working on has you snoozing ;)

In other news ... my hubby has informed me that as of May, we will be Alaskan residents. He's in the army and well, Uncle Sam decided his services are needed up there. I'm still a bit shocked, reeling from all the ideas I have ever had about "the last frontier", and then there's the idea of actually packing up everything and getting to Anchorage. Now that thought can almost send me into a panic attack LOL At least its always "knitting weather" up there :)

That's all for now, folks. I am going to go back to my Mushi-shi (anime) marathon, and reading up on successfully spinning singles. I'll be blogging on that soon, I'm sure!

xoxo

I didn't forget!

2010-10-04T17:51:00.002-05:00

No, I didn't forget that I have a blog! The end of the summer was a month long trip to California, and a bunch of other offline things taking up my time. I have pics to share and WIPs to frog and chit-chat about.

Stay tuned!

{Strike a pose}

2010-08-16T12:55:00.004-05:00

Knitters everywhere, rejoice! The Vogue Knitting Fall Fashion Preview has been revealed!

Remember when Def Leppard came out with their permed hair and made the Union Jack the *it* thing to wear across t-shirts and boxers alike? Yeah, I know... the horror! Well, this is so much better! Vogue Knitting's London Calling spread has some awesome knits ...

punks and preps unite!

Also on my "yay!" list... the Home on The Prairie knits. And surprisingly enough to me... socks! Steppin' In Style and Web Exclusive patterns that could make me renounce my pledge to swear them off! (or at least consider doing so!)

Enjoy the latest issue!

all images property of Vogue Knitting/SOHO Publishing

{a Sunday quickie}

2010-08-15T15:18:00.003-05:00

Get your mind outta the gutter ;) Before I jump into the shower to rinse my dreads of "high lift ash blonde", I just had to share a little knit bit!

I *just* bound off the right mitt of two. This is a test knit for Cosette @ cosymakes, and a project in the works over there. You can see where she also recently posted another test knit, the Belle kiddo's sweater.

Elevator Mitts by cosymakes

Whew that's a big pic LOL

Thanks for reading!

no idle hands here

2010-08-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

First 6 leaves of the Saroyan scarf

Crow Prints Shawl

My first yarn basking in the sun to dry.

a helpful vid from Ravelry

2010-08-02T12:05:00.003-05:00

Are you a Raveler who has been confused by some of the new features the code master Casey has come up with lately? You're not alone! Today's Unraveled blog features a video how-to to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the new pattern search. Enjoy!

Ravelry Search Help from Ravelry on Vimeo.

{Sunday}

2010-08-01T22:24:00.003-05:00

...even my roving lounges

Sunday has been my favorite day of the week for as long as I can remember. Even when I knew I would have to work Monday, and go thru the work-week blues the night before, Sunday is still the best day ever. When I think of Sundays I think of waking up and not having to move quickly to go anywhere. Stay in your grubbies all day, because football or a hockey game is on. Make coffee and go grab donuts to bring back to bed. Flick on the tv or grab the newspaper because there's nowhere better to be. Regardless of the fact that my life is now run by a small person who is about 3 feet high, and instead of lounging the day away I have to be the potty drill sergeant, I still love me some Sunday.

Like today ... I was awakened about 9 am (this is some serious sleeping in btw) by aforementioned small person saying, "happy mother's day, mom". (yes, I'm aware it's not) Then she moved to hubby's side, where she wished him a "happy father's day, daddy." I'll wait while you exclaim "awwwwwe" to yourself :)

From there it just got better. Not one wet pair of princess undies from our kiddo in training, the coffee perked just perfectly, the temp outside was on the cool side and the humidity didn't come as it has been a lot lately. The man of the house got to watch the shows he wanted, the little one read to her heart's content and then hosted a tea party for herself and few (stuffed) friends, and I... well, I got to play with roving!

The deliciousness in blue is Winterhaven Farms Cormo Top in "Seascape". The creamy blue/green is a yummy Falkland wool from the cosySpins Fiber Club I recently joined - the color is "Memory".

It's been a few weeks since I was able to break out the Bee and spin so, still be a novice and all, I had to get back into the spin of things and relearn what works and what doesn't when it comes to spinning fiber into gold. The thinner the better or so I'm finding... at least for me. And this only applies when talking fiber, too ;)

Moll was very anxious to help me with my roving but instead of that, I asked her to help me get a good shot of a FO.

Molly showing off 198 Yards of Heaven

a great tutorial

2010-07-31T22:01:00.002-05:00

oh yes, wait a minute, Mr Postman

2010-07-31T13:22:00.005-05:00

I do a lot of yarn swapping on Ravelry. I know that you've read me sayin' this before, but its getting worse! I'm quickly becoming quite the swap hoar! Today my favorite mail deliverer dropped a hank of gorgeous Malabrigo in Tiziano Red.

This is what Sasha the Pug thought of the Mal!

Yum!

With all the projects that I have in mind right now, I figured it was high time I got to winding some of these swappy gems up! The red is the Malabrigo, the green is "Kerosene Pickles" from Knit Fit Knitting, and the juicy looking multi-colored cake is Cascade 220 Painted Superwash in a "fruit punch" kind of color.

{fiboetry}

2010-07-29T23:22:00.004-05:00

Pledge

as the Queen

cake would be for all

Death - a faded, bad memory.

~jlkg 0024 2010/07/30

Marie-Antoinette - Joseph Ducreaux, 1769

from the Poetry Foundation -

What's a Fib? Math plus poetry.

BY DEBORAH HAAR CLARK

One
Small,
Precise,
Poetic,
Spiraling mixture:
Math plus poetry yields the Fib.

Gregory K. Pincus wasn’t expecting to start a movement when he posted this Fib—his very first—to his blog last year. The Los Angeles writer, volunteer librarian, and dad was simply commemorating the opening of National Poetry Month by sharing the six-line, 20-syllable poem.

to read more, follow this...

{daily fiber}

2010-07-23T12:49:00.002-05:00

Recently I joined my very first fiber club! Just check out my booty ...

4oz Falkland Fiber Club in "Memory"

Cosette Cornelius Bates is the lady behind the cosymakes Patterns and cosySpins Yarn & Fiber Shop. She's also the author of the fab crafty book Knit One, Embellish Too.

I adore her crafts, and am positively green with envy over her hand embroidery! I've looked at fiber clubs before but this one was just the right amount of time (3 months) at a very reasonable price ... and my budget doesn't have much budge. Also being a spinning n00b, I don't reeeaally need a bunch of roving, now do I? A least I keep telling myself that ;)

The Lorax would be pleased ...

2010-07-22T13:00:00.003-05:00

Found while roaming the interwebs today; Woolly Fabulous' tree project flickr set.

*I would love to share photos but, blogger is being testy right now

I fall down go boom!

2010-07-19T10:15:00.002-05:00

Oh my gawd! I'm in such a hurry right now to get offline but I had to share this delish find for all my pretty-pretties hoars ;) How nice of me, I know.

I just fell down at Jenny M. Jewels Etsy shop. For the love of all that is sparkely, go there now!

what's goin' on? {in pictures}

2010-07-16T14:51:00.005-05:00

If you look closely, you can see my little chipmunk buddy on the stairs (right next to that ugly ass bush I'm allergic to). I want so much to get better pics of this little dude, as he's adorable! When I snapped this, he was grooming and keep a close eye on a couple of robins bopping around my yard.

Baby girl on her way to dance class. I really have to get a pic of her in tap shoes to share!

Our new roomie. She has kids on the way and likes to hang outside my backdoor at night. I *think* she's a sac spider.

My dreads need a root touch up but, I looove how they are looking these days! In a few weeks they will be 2!

What would you do with a ball of recycled silk Sari? Now fielding suggestions!

{Friday Fill-In}

2010-07-16T01:46:00.004-05:00

I haven't done a Friday Fill-In for a loooong time so, here I go!

1. This is what life does. It lets you _live, live, live_.

2. _Why can't more people just_ appreciate the moment?

3. Upon reflection _maybe grabbing that hot dish right from the oven wasn't so smart after all_.

4. _I hope to live_ for quite a long time.

5. Later, you wake up _and realize it's still dark out and there's still plenty of time to sleep_

6. _Sail away with pirates_ to the far and boundless sea.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __knitting and a local band with friends_, tomorrow my plans include _going to a birthday party_ and Sunday, I want to _make love to my husband first thing in the morning_!

firsts

2010-07-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

This is the delicious hand dyed roving I've been practicing with ...
This is what resulted from my first try at plying. It's 2 ply. No weight, as of yet...

Not too shabby!

busy morning...

2010-07-09T10:06:00.004-05:00

Molly-Fae is keeping herself busy with a Cranium game, while I'm doing some spinning. Viva la Tour De Fleece!

And then ... Mol decides she wants to give it a whirl!
My first bobbin! By tomorrow, I hope to be plying. That should be interesting!

there's a Bee in my house!

2010-07-06T14:27:00.005-05:00

The Spinolution Travel Bee Wheel is awesome! Thanks for letting me use it, Miss Carol (aka The Enabler)!

yarn - the olde way

2010-07-05T10:18:00.004-05:00

Hand spinning "starter kit" from Maine Woo ds Yarn & Fiber

You may or may not know that the Tour De France is happening right now. To coincide with the bicycle event, Ravelers are participating in the Tour De Fleece. Unlike the event that takes place on a bike, the fiber TDF is more of a personal challenge than a competition against others.

During the Tour De Fleece, each participant sets a goal to spin fiber into yarn, either by spinning wheel or hand spindle. It's only day 2 and already I'm blown away by just seeing what's been in done in such a short time! It's inspiring to a newb like me!

Day 1, my roving turned out to be about worsted weight. Not bad but, the movements involved felt really awkward. Day 2, things turned out much skinnier! (and I love my skinny yarns!) Still awkward getting the roving situated, spinning the top whorl without getting the roving wrapped around the spindle...ugh. I am happy with my little progress so far though :) Tonight a beloved buddy of mine is lending me her Bee Travel Spinning Wheel.... I'm stoked to get on a wheel and try out my skills that way!

Day 1

Day 2

Tropical Punch by mail

2010-07-03T13:06:00.002-05:00

More luvin' arrived by mail today! Yet another yummy something I attained as part of the swappery swapping I've been doing in the Rav group ChitteryChattery Swappery Swappers!

It's Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in a delicious Tropical Punch #9859. The entire 220 yards is alllll miiiiinnnee! mwahahahahaha!

gimme, gimme, some {knit} luvin

2010-07-02T11:08:00.005-05:00

I looove Freecycle! Why? Knitters and crocheters frequently destash, and give their stuff away!

Recently I've been blessed by a self proclaimed hoarder, who can't remember shit (also self proclaimed) and "has neither the time or patience" to sit down and work on projects she promised as long ago and a decade.

In the last few days, I've picked up a major stash of books from her...

Not pictured is a file folder stuffed with patterns she cut out of knit and crochet mags dating back to 1991. Also missing from this blog post are pics of 3 books straight outta 1982. I can't tell you what the patterns are because I've been so distracted by the hair styles. Yikes!

Now in my possession, is a hank of Knit Fit Knitting superwash sock in a fab colorway called Kerosene Pickles! I received it as part of a swap deal I took part in thru the Ravelry group, ChitteryChattery Swappery Swappers. Join, and become addicted! It's a great way to destash, and add something new to your collection.

I heart zombies! (and now my yarn does too!)

2010-07-01T21:59:00.003-05:00

So, recently I frogged my blue heather Tea Leaves. Yesterday I cast on, once again, using Lorna's Laces worsted yumminess in a colorway worthy of badassness - Zombie BBQ!

I'm a bit farther now than shown in this photo - I may be as far as when I frogged the original. (yay! progress!) I plan on using the Zombie BBQ for the yoke, then continuing the main body with a luscious "plum" from Ella Rae Classic Wool.

felted bag featured in Ella Rae book 11 using "plum"

photo borrowed from Little Knits

2010-06-29T09:27:00.002-05:00

I really have to finish up my sideways knit dread slouch. That is all.

{love in a box}

2010-06-26T13:51:00.004-05:00

198 Yards of Heaven

I love it when my mail carrier rings my doorbell! He has yet to disappoint me :) Today he handed me a box postmarked from Germany, and it was filled with goodies!

My favorite group of knittin' folks online can be found at the "Got Friends" group on Ravelry. This spring we had a secret friend swap where we were given a fellow yarnie to gift some goodness to. Long story short, the person chosen to send something to me flaked so, ninjas were dispatched to come to my rescue. My ninja happens to be located in Germany so I wound up getting a box of things I wouldn't normally see around the states!

The goods -

.a finished 198 Yards of Heaven shawl in Knit Picks Imagination Hand Painted Yarn

.anti-slip stickies in the shape of paw prints for the bottom of socks! LOL

.Riesen Karamell candies

.a chocolate bar I had to toss in the freezer immediately! It's hot here :)

.two socks worth skein of Pro Lana Sockenwolle self striping yarn in blues/white/black

.2 skeins Zettl Treviso Sockenwolle in a gorgeous deep blue

.one yummy smelling hand made soap

.a small incense tray and sticks.

.lots of lurve :)

...it should be noted that my ninja was so badass, she originally sent me a Zippo but, customs caught it and sent the package back to her :( So, yes, that makes me hate terrorists even more.

Anyway, my very big thanks goes to my fellow knitter across the globe. You rock! xoxo

Molly modeling 198 Yards of Heaven

progress goes both ways

2010-06-23T00:15:00.003-05:00

My Crow Prints is coming along beautifully, and I should be wearing it this time next week. About 10 rows of the final pattern repeat, and the border rows to go, till squishy cast off :)

In the other direction, I think I am a ready to frog my Tea Leaves in favor of using different (aka better) yarn. As much as I love the color of the Wool-ease "blue heather", the 80/20 acrylic/wool blend does not come close to the yumminess I need in this WIP. This conclusion was reached after dropping 3 stitches in a row, after pulling out a few rows to correct an error I had made. When I had tried to *unsuccessfully* pick them up for almost a half hour, I set it down thinking a friend could help me. Help she did! And she never touches acrylic (or "ickrylic", as she calls is LOL) So... my knitting nurse ripped back a few more rows, picked up the dropped stitches, and knitted back to where I had been before the ripping. Quite a feat for a self proclaimed Yarn Snob :) In the process of all this I've decided my first cardigan should spoil me, even before I can wear it... and the wool-ease will be turned into my beautiful goddaughter's first child's baby blanket (with some Spud and Chloe mixed in!)

sharing

2010-06-18T00:38:00.005-05:00

Yes, I wash my dreads - often, even.
Yes, Gossimer watches over me.
They're not for everybody but, I effin love my dreads!
...just sayin'

How is a Crow Print like a Storm Cloud?

2010-06-16T19:21:00.008-05:00

About time last year, I was working on my first shawl ever. Being a newish knitter, The Storm Cloud Shawlette was just the right "non-intimidating" shawl I needed to bolster my knit confidence. A bunch of knit stitches and yarn overs, it grows quickly.

It had the size I wanted but, the ruffled edge didn't come out like I had hoped. Not "ruffly" enough. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the bind off I did wasn't squishy enough? Eh, no biggie, I wore it anyway, until I undid the bind off a few weeks later and tried it again. That was an even bigger fiasco, and it was set aside till 2 nights ago.

my "Peppermint Shawlette" circa 7/09

Two nights ago, my Storm Cloud aka Peppermint Shawlette, went from that to a cake of yarn once more.

Like I said in my last post (I think it was) I'm working on the Tea Leaves cardigan - it has a crazy amount of stockinette - and that's to be expected with a cardigan, of course. But I can't take anymore right now! I love shawls but so many of the have a huge triangle of knit one row/purl the next, and the thought of having an alternate WIP with the same stockinette stitching going on, makes my head hurt.

I must have looked at 300 shawl patterns before I settled on Crow Prints. Pattern stitches on the *right side*, purl on the other, and only a total of fifteen stitches of knit on the cast on edge. Score!

Affectionately named "Badb is such a girly-girl" ...

for it's pink girlishness coupled with it's carrion crowness

The crow is by far my favorite bird, and pink, well, let's just say we know each other well. Last night I burned thru the first of three 26 row pattern repeats. I'm a pretty good chart reader, and prefer them most of the time. This one did throw me for a little bit of a loop when I started my second round of pattern repeat tonight but, I think I am figuring it out ok. At least I seem to have the right amout of stitches to work with so, I must be doing something right!

Brooke Campbell's Crow Prints Shawl at her Silverrose Knitting blog is a free pattern! (and it's gorgeous!!!)

The yarn I'm using is Fannie's Fingering Weight in "watermelon" from Connecticut Yarn Company. It's a delicious, soft and squishy yarn. And I should add that CT Yarn Co has wonderful customer service, too!

Now, go knit something! xoxo

wild Friday night

2010-06-11T21:21:00.005-05:00

TGIF, and all that stuff. It's Friday night, hubby is doing CQ over night, and Bird is fast asleep in her bed. That leaves me with the time to do whatever I want to tonight. Or so I thought... if if weren't for this headache, I'd be knitting lace. Yes, because I like to, silly! :) In place of actual knitting, I'll share a bit of what I've got going on my needles.

A Tea Leaves cardigan. Designed by Melissa LaBarre for Madeline Tosh, this is a simple but striking knit. I use the word "simple" because the pattern doesn't consist of cables or lace, it's a straight forward project that uses garter and stockinette with a little decrease here, and increase there to make it subtle and gorgeous.

Melissa LaBarre's Tea Leaves

A fine yoke, have I.

I have a way to go but, I'm making good progress. After looking at enough yarn to make my eyes hurt, I finally decided to go with Lion Brand Yarn's Wool-ease in "Blue Heather". The color is fabulous, and the price didn't hurt much either... bonus!

Another project in progress ... and one that I really need to pick back up is my dread slouch. Ziggy, a sideways knit slouch cap by Woolly Wormhead. I have about 5 panels done, of the 9 needed to make a "large".

Ziggy ... a great way to knit a hat!

That about does it for my rundown for tonight. I've got some cool water and ibuprofen waiting for me. Have a great weekend, and I hope you enjoy your WWKIP day!

the dread pirate J

2010-05-31T08:37:00.008-05:00

Having dreads isn't non-maintenance like many think it is. I wash my hair a few times a week and maintain my locs on a daily basis by palm rolling, light pulling on each dread, applying aloe and one or another home made scalp/dread freshener to perk 'em up. Basically, clean dreadlocks are happy dreadlocks.

Sometimes, though, the scalp can become unhappy. My theory is that scalp unhappiness occurs because with dreadlocks, you can't brush thru and stimulate blood flow under the skin like you can more easily with un-dreaded hair styles. Well, that along with things that can dry the scalp out, and you can be one uncomfortable dread head. By trial, error, and advice from others with dreads, I have a new "no poo shampoo" recipe!

Jamie's dreadlock wash recipe

1 liter (1000ml) bottled or filtered water
4 TBSP sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
1 TBSP Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, peppermint
juice from 1/2 fresh lemon

Mix ingredients together. Divide recipe into a few small containers and store portions that won't be used right away in the refrigerator. Shake very well prior to use! Apply to entire scalp area and massage well. Rinse after a minute or 2 with cool to cold water - always do final rinse with cold water! Cold water closes the cuticle and leads to less frizzy and much happier dreads ... as well as pleases even the most upset scalp!

Another recipe I use is for a daily spray. I use it to wake up my dreads in the morning or refresh them midday, or when ever.

Jamie's daily dread tonic recipe

3&1/2 ounces fresh water
9 drops peppermint essential oil
2 TSP vegetable glycerine OR
1 TSP jojoba oil

Mix ingredients together in a glass 4 ounces spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray onto dreads and more directly on scalp as desired, for good smelling and more touchable dreadlocks.

It's really hard for me to resist referencing Jack Sparrow when talking dreads so, why try? :)

round up

2010-05-30T10:36:00.006-05:00

Not much happening this gorgeous, but hot, May morning. Just relaxing in the air conditioned tv room with Bird, watching The World of Beatrix Potter & Friends on dvd. I'm taking a break from trying to figure out what went wonky with the lace pattern I am using on a traveling scarf. It looks fine ... until I start the new pattern repeat row ... that's when it starts to look like something went amiss. Hmm...whatever the wonk is, I'll figure it out today...eventually*.

Catching up on getting some recent photos I've taken off of my phone, and on to my laptop, it's time for a little photo run down ...

Trying to tame my dreads a bit on a warm day

My Ishbel. Blocked, beautiful, and making itself a lovely shade covering :)

Miss Babs lace weight was used for the main stockinette and beginning of lace pattern section, and Mini Mochi combined because I was running short! It turned out fabulous!
A growing project with Bird. Wild flowers, butterfly bush, and delphinium are sprouting up in the window sill. Outside (and not pictured here) are more wild flowers, and a recently transplanted Lemon Queen Sunflower. They are doing good as well! I'll share pics as soon as it's more comfy outside for hanging out and taking photos.
That's it for this photo round up. Hopefully I'll figure out my lace issue and post pics of it's gorgeousness soon!

*Yep! Figured it out! It seems that when you toss in a K2TOG that isn't part of the repeat, but only the first stitch on the row, things go awry. Who knew?! ;)

When is a bag not a bag?

2010-05-18T18:27:00.003-05:00

When it's rendered "useless" by the jaws of a Labrador.

My cutesy pink woven straw knitting bag only cost me 2 bucks via thrift store, and it definitely paid for itself 100 fold by the time it met it's maker ... Or should I say, "destroyer"? :)

My almost 3 year old is slightly traumatized by this development. I think she's taken the blame a half dozen times this evening. Such a sweet baby girl :)

Fortunately, my in-laws rock, and only days ago I received a birthday package that contained two bags - one Oakland Raider re-usable bag (go Raider Nation for being environmenta,l as well as *mental*) and two, a fabulous pink Chico bag! I've wanted one for a long time now so on it goes as my WIP bag!

...action shots to come :)

and in my head, I just keep screaming....

2010-05-18T16:01:00.002-05:00

...over and over! Was I the only one half way between tears and yelling at the tele last night, during the second season's finale? I mean, I know an intimate relationship between Beckett and Castle could mean sure death for the show but, couldn't we just have a taste, writers?? For goodness' sake! Satiate my need to witness the consummation of their desire, only to return in the fall to find out the finale was all a dream while Bobby was in the shower, if need be, ABC! I can't stand it anymore!

Gahhhh! Is it fall yet??!!

two of my favorite things ...

2010-05-12T22:40:00.006-05:00

If you don't know whether or not you have a PBS station that features the "create" channel, you need to find out. Right now I am watching a cooking show called Everyday Food, and this paella recipe is making me crazy! Living in Northern VA, I don't have much choice but to not make a late night dash to the grocery store with a list of ingredients, however. Honestly, I couldn't tell you if there's even a 24 hour store anywhere in the state. Woe is me!

Instead, I knit. Less fat anyway.

While smacking myself in the head for enlisting in two scarf round robins at the same time, I've got one square just about finished up. Both "knit-a-longs" are on Ravelry, in the "Scarf Travels" group. I'm moderating the lace/skinny yarns group, and just knitting along in the USA group.

I learned from the last traveling scarf round robin I was involved with that not everyone shares the same taste in yarn, or gives the same care to knitting on a stranger's scarf, as they would their own. This time, I'm sending along my own yarn for each scarf, and not relying on the other person to decide for me what fibers and colors to use. Someday, when I wish to relive being disappointed, I'll share pics of the scarf that resulted from my first traveling scarf experience.

Anyway, here's what I have so far for my USA group scarf ... and the photo doesn't do the color any justice. Check the link for that :)

Kamchatka Sea Moss by Peace Fleece

For the skinny yarn scarf I'm going to send along a gorgeous burgundy merino/tussah silk lace yarn that I picked up at Maryland Sheep & Wool from Spin-A -Bit. I have yet to get a good photo of my freshly wound cake. Will share as soon as I get one!

Another (no-pressure) knit-a-long I'm working thru is with some other dread headed knitters on Ravelry... and we're all making our own ;) We're working on Ziggy by Woolley Wormhead. I'm really enjoying the flat knitted hat, and when I'm done it will magically turn into a slouchy rasta hat. The yarn used is Mir-Atlantis Periwinkle - also a Peace Fleece yarn.

3 panels, 6 to go

Well, awesome! Typing this out has taken up enough time that the food show is over, and I've regained control over my late night craving for a gourmet meal! Information about who polished off the Keebler Fudge Shop Grasshoppers ... can't help ya!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T16:05:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty sure Mother's Day is an invention born in the USA but, to all the mamas around the world, Happy Mother's day!

ch-ch-ch-changes

2010-05-04T16:01:00.004-05:00

Over the next few weeks some changes will be happening to my little blog here. Instead of trying to keep up with the several blogs I author separately, I've decided to cram 'em all into one. For the most part, that is.

Instead of never posting on my Mommy Loves Candy blog, I'll just start posting what I would have shared there, in the past, over here. The same goes for my dreadlock stuff at This Mama's Dreads, too. Witch @ Heart is going to remain on it's own - the others will be "archived" for lack of a better description, and link over here!

I hope you enjoy my little blog here. Everyone is invited to comment and encouraged to fill my email box with lurve!

Stay calm, and carry yarn! xoxo

Maryland Sheep & Wool = happiness

2010-05-03T16:22:00.007-05:00

Near the entrance of paradise ...aka Maryland Sheep & Wool

... about noon on Saturday the 1st.

Every time I see an alpaca, I want to take it home!

A view from behind the selling tables in the "official gear" barn. I volunteered a few hours with my friend, Shawn. We had a fun time, and it was a great break from the beaming sun!

At the Frivolous Fibers booth in the main building. Silversmith and fellow knitter, Brenda Rajkovoch, had some of her creations on display. She makes gorgeous shawl pins, stitch markers, earrings, pendants - you name it! She's fabulous!

"Best In Show" Lyra by Raveler, Bryony.

Angora bunnies! So snuggly and sneezy.

A "best in show" felt creation. Awesome.

My take home goodies!

www.sassafrascreations.etsy.com for these lovelies

I had a great time! Till next year! xoxo

2010-04-14T09:06:00.002-05:00

The Washington Nationals Stitch n' Pitch event is coming up on May 21st. As a hockey fan, I can only hope that someday we'll see the same type of event happen "on ice"! Then again, hockey and knitting needles may not be such a good idea ;)

signs of spring

2010-03-14T09:36:00.002-05:00

After a few rainy days, hundreds of birds are foraging for munchies, and spots to perch just outside.

Molly helped her grandma Rowena plant seeds at the end of last summer - they are beginning to pop up!

I wanna bang on the drum all day ...

2010-03-11T08:56:00.003-06:00

While perusing Brena Dayne's Cast On - a podcast about knitting blog, I found this gem ...

sportin' my own medals :)

2010-03-10T00:34:00.002-06:00

Finally! My Ishbel is fini! During the Olympics, I worked my booty off to get her done, and all my hard work (and ignoring the laundry, dishes, responsibility, etc...) paid off! I know I really need to get way better photos of the finished work but these will just have to do till that happens!Jamie's Ishbel made with Miss Babs & Mini Mochi

Huzzah for the knitters in TEAM SQUEEE! And huge thanks to the folks who have made Ravelry an obsession for me. I'm already looking forward to summer 2012!

Go USA hats!

2010-02-26T13:04:00.004-06:00

Hearing "My Waffle House" brings about memories of warm boysenberry syrup and breakfast in San Pablo with grandma @ The Copper Penny. But, not so, this time ;) Today, while seeking a pattern for the faaaabulous hat Julia Mancuso wore after her 2nd silver medal run, I found a pattern for the "Patriotic Earflap Hat". Just as fabulous!

Belgianwaffleknit's awesome Patriotic Earflap Hat

Any clue where I can get a hold of the pattern for this one, knitters? Julia was wearing it after winning silver in the Women's Nordic Combined. Swirls, bobbles, garter, stockinette ... it looks like you have a chance to knit just about any stitch you can think of :)

for Carol

2010-02-04T13:17:00.002-06:00

Hey, the lady has good taste in yarn ;)

knit-images

2010-01-26T00:17:00.001-06:00

In my reality, the cat would be a chihuahua, and the little girl would have gorgeous blue eyes. This totally reminds me of some of Molly's best hugs while I'm knitting.

knitting, m'lady

Hot dames knitting!

Bette Davis ~ Now Voyager!

the real way to a girl's heart

knit motivation!

2010-01-16T23:39:00.000-06:00

Here is some of mine ;)

the real Winter games

2010-01-13T14:08:00.002-06:00

Of course I say that with tongue in cheek! There are so many of us excited about the Vancouver games, set to begin in a few short weeks. But there are additional reasons for knitters and crocheters to be doubly anxious! The Ravelympics!

For the few weeks the Olympics are running, from lighting the torch to closing ceremonies, knitters and crocheters on the Ravelry.com site challenge themselves! It's a time to form teams, cast on patterns that we might have been too afraid to work on in the past, use yarns or techniques unfamiliar to us, all in the name of the spirit of fun and friendly competition.

I'm finally figuring out my personal goals and which teams I will commit each WIP to. I have settled on 4 teams. (only!) Team Squeee! (of the Got Friends? group on Rav), Team Sasquatch (a team for podcast fans), Team FGF (Fingerless Glove Fanatics) and Team Knitmore (of the Knitmore Girl's podcast).

My projects lined up so far ...

1- Just Enough Ruffles - for my mom, in 100purewool Chocolate Lace

2- Butterfly Capelet - for Molly, from Interweave Weekend Knits magazine

3- for the WIP category - I plan on finishing my fingerless gloves that have been languishing in my knitting bag for over a month now. They're cashmere too!

4- undecided

I could easily over-commit myself! I want to work on so many things but only having 17 days in which to cast on and hopefully finish each project by the time the closing ceremonies come to an end.

better late ... than never! Hello 2010!

2010-01-09T18:44:00.005-06:00

Happy new year to my fellow knitters, noshers, natters, tatters, and passers-by! So far, it's been a full schedule, with only a few bumps in the road. (non knit-wise, mostly) Ohh our new year's day started out with a bang. Or perhaps better described as a "blow out" ... aka a flat tire. And now suddenly, both cars suddenly need fuel filters and other TLC laid on 'em fast. This cold weather is heck on cars! But on to much better stuff! Lets talk WIPs, shall we?

I'd love to know what you're up to! Have you started new projects, or are you working on UFOs from 2009? Have you figured out what your projects will be for the Ravelympics? Are you crazy enough to have plans for 2010 holiday season gifts?! (I admit, I do!) Drop me a note! I love the lurve :)

First up for me, even before the ball dropped in Times Square, I cast on a sock! It's my own design - my way of learning what I like, what I don't and trying to make sock knitting un-monotonous.

it's Socks That Rock fingering weight

I have a feeling that it's partner will be Miss Babs fingering weight, Yet, in a delicious light turquoise ... It's goooorgeous!

Continued from 2009, my Damson. Le sigh, she hates me. But, more on that later ...

Beginning tomorrow, Darcy over at Knotty Knitter, hooked a few of us on a beautiful shawl called Simple Things by Heather @ Rainy Day Goods. I just adore Heather's patterns and knit style so I am really excited to cast on for this knit-a-long!

Darcy's FO! yummy!

I'm also taking part in a Spring Swap with the Got Friends group on Ravelry. It's a fun group to stay in touch with and add to your personal "friends" collection on Rav. Details are still coming in - we haven't been paired up yet but, it's going to be a bit different in that we will be swapping not just yarn but other goodies too!

For the Ravelympics, I still have to choose my projects to work on from the lighting of the Winter Games torch in Vancouver, thru the closing ceremonies. I'm thinking gloves, and possibly Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. I'm on Team FGF and Team Knitmore! *Join us!*

But, also on my plate, I want to cast on EZ's Tomten! Yep it's a lot like the BSJ, but the Tomten has a hood. I am thinking of either starting a KAL group for it on Ravelry, or maybe I'll just drag a few of my local favorite knitters into the WIP with me!

Adult Tomten Jacket

(c)Jared Flood

The Tomten and Baby Surprise Jackets can both be adapted to adult sizes. I'm going to start with Molly sized first, however :)

Also lined up for my 2010 knitting will be, finishing 10 knitting projects in the year (I did 21 in '09 so, that shouldn't be a problem), joining in a dishcloth KAL, and learning how to make fun, funky hats using yarn for kid chemo patients at Children's Hospital in DC.

It's going to be a rewarding year as far as knitting goes. I hope you join us! xoxo

this space for rent

2010-01-08T01:17:00.002-06:00

I've got so many things to say, but it's way too late! See you tomorrow ;) Promise! xoxo

merry knit-mas!

2009-12-26T19:55:00.004-06:00

Happy holidays and merry new year, everyone!

A few last minute knit gifts, hot off my needles ... literally!

The "Easy & Elegant Garter Stitch Tie" from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders

The yarn? Claudia's Hand Painted Yarns - Chocolate Cherry

From Craftster.org - a Fingerstache!

The 'stache way a really fast knit, and even more fun to play with!

Go Go Concord PD!

2009-12-20T17:44:00.002-06:00

See the story that goes along with this photo at Claycord.com - a hometown blog that makes me proud to say, "Hey, I'm from there!".

life. randomness. yarn

so many pics!

ooohh pretty clouds

the holidays

daily dose of cute

Further proof that I am *not* Martha Stewart

Turn A Square

Dear Kansas - a haiku

handmade ornaments

I love my crock pot!

even hamsters do it

Do they know me, or what?

Mail Call!

my long lost summer!

{homemade cleaning products}

I love spinning videos!

ta-da!!!

Fantasia come true

meet Idaea tacturata

{love} comes from big brown trucks!

carding angora with GardenGirlTV

{I love FOs!}

NHL playoff season!

{SQUEEE!}

let no craft go un-bombed!

The more you know

fan girl @ Stitch-n-Pitch

Too much fun!

just sayin'

the sweater that wouldn't die

WIP, or "what was I thinking?"

{Coming Soon!}

{April phools}

{WIP Wednesday}

{frequent visitors}

{WIP Wednesday}

{progress}

{hey there, soldier}

I {heart} my postal carrier

{wordless wednesday}

Ok, so, now what?

free Nook book of the day

{a bit o' spinnin'}

the finish line!

insomnia and creativity

Reasons To Knit Even If You Are Young

{wordless wednesday}

Happy 2011, everyone!

a home for a rasta hat

Merry Ramen to all and to all a good sauce!

another cast on!

round & round

Renaming my blog?

I didn't forget!

{Strike a pose}

{a Sunday quickie}

no idle hands here

a helpful vid from Ravelry

{Sunday}

a great tutorial

oh yes, wait a minute, Mr Postman

{fiboetry}

from the Poetry Foundation -

What's a Fib? Math plus poetry.

{daily fiber}

The Lorax would be pleased ...

I fall down go boom!

what's goin' on? {in pictures}

{Friday Fill-In}

firsts

busy morning...

there's a Bee in my house!

yarn - the olde way

Tropical Punch by mail

gimme, gimme, some {knit} luvin

I heart zombies! (and now my yarn does too!)

{love in a box}

progress goes both ways

sharing

How is a Crow Print like a Storm Cloud?

Further proof that I am not Martha Stewart

the real Winter games