Floats Knits & Purls & A Whole Lot More -

Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival

2009-10-04T18:33:00.001-05:00

Here's a slide show from the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier. Hope you enjoy.

A Birthday Gift to Myself

2009-06-10T07:08:00.004-05:00

I did something I thought I’d never EVER do, and that’s get another wheel. It was one of those things that you have to think was meant to be, or why else would it have come into your path? On the Saturday morning before my birthday I was driving to my grand-daughter's last softball game, through the next neighborhood and heading over to Meadow Farm (where I spin and reinact) and the ball park. Out of the corner of my eye as I drive by, I see this garage sale and I notice a spinning wheel. First thing I know I am parked and standing in the driveway, trying not to look too interested. The wheel is between the toys and Xmas decorations, all alone. I check out the puzzles, then the decorations, discreetly look around, and then I ask the man if he knows anything about the wheel, and he tells me It belonged to his deceased mother – and no, he doesn’t know anything else about it. I ask how much, he tells me, and I try not to fall down in shock. Not the price I expected him to say. I drop to my knees, crawl around and look at everything on the wheel. Speechless. Of course, I don't have a cent with me, not a penny, no check book, nothing.

I hauled out my cell phone to call my two spinning buddies, but of course, my phone only has their cell numbers, not their home numbers – but I leave frantic messages anyway. The man says another person has shown an interest. I tell him I have to go to a ball game, make an offer, and leave. Of course all during the game I can think of nothing but the wheel, what a deal it is. I rationalize that is is only a good deal if I need one .... I don't need one I tell myself. I decide if it is there when I return, it is meant to be.

Once the game is over, I drive back by. As I approach, I see it is gone, but I slow down anyway. I roll down the window, and ask, "Did the wheel sell?" The young kids there say, NO, it is just moved to the back. Whew! I park, talk to the seller again and he says he can’t take my offer and is sticking to his first amount, so I tell him I have to go home and talk to hubby. Please hold it for me.

I fly home, talk with DH who says, “Go get it - you will drive me crazy if you don't get it - even if you don't need it, get it”. I call both my friends and relate to them the details of my find, and ask their opinions, the who owns at least 5 wheels says "Obviously you should go get it." Do I need anymore help deciding? The second friend offers to come with me for a test drive, but that in light of the time, I decline her offer. So off I go, with fiber, a drive band, some oil and I go back and ask to take it for a spin. I set the whole thing up, it works nicely and I agree to the price. The people by then are gathered around me, as they are fascinated to see it work. I then ask him, did you mother spin with this? He says, no, it was only a decoration in her home. OMG!

So as you can see, I am thrilled. It is a beautiful wheel and an authentic 1800’s flax wheel reproduction made by this guy in Mass. - Who has since quit making the wheels as he sold his shop and retired. It is signed with his name, and I suspect is one of the earlier models, 1981-1985 , not sure exactly when this one was made, but this is my guess based on his ads in Spin-Off magazine and the size of the bobbins. The lady who owned it was named Louise, so I decided to call it Belle Anna Louise. She is too grand for a plain name. I plan to use it at Meadow Farm, as it’s much more appropriate for demonstrations there than the Ashford.

It has a 24 inch wheel, which is bigger than my Ashford, and it spins like a demon – once in motion. Being old, it really has needed a lot of oil. Reading online everyone says it is a wonderful wheel, highly underrated, and of course now pretty sought after since it is “extinct” forever. Everyone says, oil it every time you sit down, and you’ll have no trouble, and so far that seems to be holding true. I have only ever seen one wheel like this, so am pleased with the oldness and her uniqueness.

In search of bobbins I contacted one of the original dealers, Toni from The Fold, who carried this wheel, and she graciously sent me 5 bobbins, at no charge! I will have to have them shortened, as they are 4 ounce bobbins, but that will not be a problem I suspect.

i can't wait to use this wheel at Meadow Farm, as it will be perfect for Sheep to Shawl. Meanwhile, I am spinning away and enjoying the sound and feel of this new wheel.

Maryland Sheep and Wool

2009-04-30T06:40:00.001-05:00

Wishing all who are headed to Maryland this weekend a great trip. Alas, I am still not going to be able to attend this wonderful event. Even though I am surrounded by fiber here in my stash sanctuary, I would still like to go and partake in the atmosphere!

What we do best .....

2009-01-19T20:55:00.003-05:00

The retreat was loads of fun, food, fiber and friends. What more could we possibly have wanted? We had wonderful attendance, over 40 folks each day of our two day affair! Fiber was spun, finished objects admired and modeled, and wheels were repaired! We met new people and welcomed old friends from out of town. At least four new members came to the meeting ... some already joining the guild and spinning wonderful yarn .... and of course there was the Challenge!

Our ever faithful and fearless inventor of Challenges played a clever hand this year. First we lined up to pick our bags, by order of our driver's license number! Inside the bag, the challenge rules, and a playing card. Some were red, some were black (surprise) and we lined up again, and two by two, picked fiber. Now how do we spin something, that has something to do with our card? Clever that Susan, wonder if she ever sleeps?

Everything But The Kitchen Sink

2009-01-10T09:22:00.003-05:00

I'm off to day one of a two day retreat for my Spinning Guild.Three bags full: fiber, knitting, and library materials as well as my wheel! The annual retreat promises to be a day filled with friends, fiber and food. What more could one want? Four new members are expected today, we are growing by leaps and bounds!! I'm bringing a Cheese Spinach Casserole for todays potluck and have baked up 12 dozen Toffee Almond Sandie cookies for tomorrow! I can't wait!!! Didn't I say we were going to have great food?

New Year - New Outlook - Namaste

2009-01-01T09:35:00.004-05:00

The most practical reason for maintaining a blog is that its archive of posts enables one to see what they have accomplished throughout the year or years past. That was my main intention when I started blogging. My personal second reason was to blog in order to share, and see what others are doing.

Blogging creates this virtual community online of like minded people, some unknown years ago. This camaraderie has probably become more important to me than the having a timeline of projects finished. Ravelry has now fulfilled both of these two reasons for blogging. It is obviously a Community of Tight Knit (and Crochet) Folks! A family of fiber minded friends. I'm very thankful for all the individuals who work to make it a better place. Through Ravelry, I can connect at any level with folks across the USA, or around the world with just a click. The big picture is possible, as well as just seeing what my SIL or nieces or neighbors are working on.

My efforts here on the blog this past year have been pretty feeble. That is probably due in part to more activities going on in my life with grandchildren, and friends in my new REAL neighborhood. I thought about discontinuing the blog, but the reality is that blogging is still important to me, and still fulfills a need. It does keep me on tract- even if I am the only person reading it, which I might be!

Traditionally I have listed my accomplishments on the blog at the end of the year, but this year I am not going to do that. I also am not going to make a list of resolutions since historically I am bad at following them.

So for 2009, my wish for myself, and my friends, is simple. Be in touch with those you love, love yourself, and share your love with those around you. In Yoga, namasté is a salutation that is a Sanskrit term which can be understood to mean, that I respect that divinity within you that is also within me. Namaste to all of you!

Don't Forget to Exercise Your Rights!

2008-11-04T05:27:00.002-05:00

Bird on Hand - literally

2008-10-26T07:44:00.007-05:00

My latest self improvement objective is to PLAN and not rush into things without thought and consideration for the time, money and energy a given project will demand. How contradictory to my nature is that? Especially for a Gemini who goes in at least 1000 directions at one time?

I want to make a stranded color-work project, using very (for me) expensive yarn imported from Europe, no less. The sweater that caused this inspiration and uproar is The Sweater that won accolades and inspired us all at the Fall Fiber Festival. Rachel, the lady who knit this beautiful sweater is a MASTER KNITTER with the Knitting Guild of America. Not for the feint of heart or inexperienced this kind of project, obviously!

Rather than jump in with both feet (hands?) and make a huge error in judgment that will cost me money and anxiety, I have decided to do a couple things.

I thought about all the work involved in that sweater and being reasonably sensible, I thought VEST - an ideal substitution. Since I have not picked a pattern yet, the first part of the plan is to work on finding just the right pattern, and the right design for the color-work. That has led to multiple books being checked out of the library, and lots of ongoing research on my favorite site, Ravelry. Of course in the process of looking I found another vest I love, that I do have yarn for, and it is probably going to make an appearance before THE COLOR WORK VEST.

The second part of the challenge, is to practice Fair Isle knitting. Hence, the mitts below. Even this project shows restraint and a new sense of practical thinking. This is were you will probably take a break and roll on the floor laughing. I wanted green yarn for a variation of the Endpaper Mitts pattern I chose. I had no green, so I dyed my yarn and had to wait for it to dry, etc. This took a few days. I then knit one entire mitt and it was not like I wanted, too big, fair-isle too sloppy, so I frogged the entire thing, changed how I held the yarns and went down a needle size and re-knit! I did have one nifty revelation at this point. Before I frogged the mitt, I photo-copied it and was able to lay the second mitt over it to check gauge as I knit since I changed needle size. Perfect way to see if things were in fact better!!!!

For the mitts, I learned a tubular cast on and cast off. (don't do either with any distractions around you!). The finished mitts match (a good thing), and fit - a better thing! I did make minor errors in the cast off on the inside palm side of each mitt. This I will live with - and next time follow the "don't be distracted" advice I gave above. Other than that, the fair isle technique is improving.

Next, I plan to make another more involved pair of mittens, with yarn more like the yarn I want to use for the vest. Meanwhile, I present my Variation of Bird and Vine mitts. Knit on 2.5 needles, Knitpicks, bare sock yarn.

Of yes, where's the birds? Click on the "Bird on Hand" title of this post, and you'll see the entire design.

And just so you don't worry about me being totally reformed - I'll probably be working on that other vest soon - so I can see if I can really alter a pattern, check gauge, and come up with something that fits like I want it too.

Knitting is such a challenge - but then that's what life is all about, no?

What's Flax?

2008-10-25T05:20:00.000-05:00

A week ago Meadow Farm, the local museum where I volunteer had their annual Harvest Festival. This event features fall activities, pumpkin races, straw maze, music, candle, rope and cider making, and spinning FLAX into linen. Lines of children prepared their pieces of raw flax and then brought them to us to spin into bracelets. It was a very cold day, and for once, all the layers of the costumes we wear were welcome.

This group of photos shows the steps in breaking the flax outer layers off, to produce the fibers we use to spin. Note we have on gloves, this is how cold it was!!

Recognize these two? My grandchildren thought it was quite funny to see Nana dressed as an OLD LADY!

Recent endings

2008-10-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

Longies, or woolies, or soakers have become very popular with the diaper set, and I was commissioned to make a couple pairs for my grandson. We chose two colors of Patton's Classic Wool to go with his current wardrobe, a verigated and a solid. For the pattern, I chose to use the Itchy Fingers Longies pattern, by Jessica, on Ravelry. This pattern is pretty math heavy, lots of calculations to be made before you can knit. But, the fit is wonderful, and I especially liked the gusset in the seat of the pants, and the short rows for the diaper area.

I used a seed stitch border for the hems, and enclosed elastic into the waist bands, which is not part of the pattern as written. Interestingly enough, the two yarns were entirely different weights, even though both were worsted weight.

As usual, clicking on the large picture will take you to Flickr, and then you can click on an individual grid box and see a larger picture. Enjoy!

The Results are in ..... and the winners are ..... ALL!

2008-10-06T12:10:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled, and proud, to say that my five items were awarded 8 ribbons! The silk/wool Skein and Lace scarf each one a first place, and then also placed first in their respective division. The Skein was also awarded a merit award that is presented by the spinning guild, Clothos in honor of Christine Burley. This was a very special honor!

Out Of My Hands

2008-09-30T06:25:00.002-05:00

Blogger friends, you may have noticed a lack of activity here at Floats Knits and Purls. It is entirely true that I have not been blogging, but my fingers have not been totally idle. I do have finished objects to show and talk about from the last few months and I have currently been working on gifts for Christmas and some "by request" items. Some sewing has been completed too, as my Yoga Studio has opened a gift area, and I am providing custom eye and travel pillows for sale there. Lots of activity, just not much blogging.

Above are my entries for this years Fall Fiber Festival in Montpelier Station, VA. I have entering two skeins; one of two ply lace weight, and one of two ply wool/silk in the blend category. Also entered are a pair of cabled white socks, in commercial yarn, Hand knit; and my lace shawl in the handspun, hand-knit Category. Of the three, I have hope for the shawl and the Silk/wool lace weight yarn. I also added a felted bag for the "other technique" category. I have no idea if I'll get recognition for any of these items - but all were challenging to conceive and to produce and that's what the fun is all about! The Festival is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, but I won't be there until Sunday to find out how the competition results turned out.

Fancy Kitten Kitten

2008-08-23T08:49:00.007-05:00

My new drum carder has arrived - and I am thrilled with it completely. Here's the full story!

A few months ago I acquired a significant amount of nice wool and alpaca and was reluctant to keep borrowing a drum carder to process it. A guild member invited me to try her Fancy Kitty Carder. It's smooth operation, quick results and beautiful workmanship had me convinced. Her carder was a thing of beauty, exotic and top of the line! It suited her. I however, am a more no-frills person, nothing fancy, just funtion. I really was not interested in exotic woods - both from a cost standpoint, and an ecological statement against exotic trees being cut. However, I appreciated the beautiful work, it was obviously not a big factory, stamp em out as fast as you can product. I also wanted to buy American - just because!

I contacted Ron Anderson, the craftsman who made my friends carder and asked it he made a "generic" drum carder, no fancy wood, inlay, etc. I had looked at his website (click title above to go right there) and I told him I appreciated the workmanship and beauty of his top of the line carders, but just couldn't see owning a fancy Fancy Kitty! I wanted his quality workmanship, but not the bells and whistles. He replied immediately, and told me he in fact had on the drawing board a new Fancy Kitty "Kitten", the carder I was hoping for! We corresponded several times, with my questions being answered in a friendly manner, completely and promptly. I asked to be notified when he was ready, and he promised he would, and in fact did. I purchased the first off the line last week. It came in less than a week, fully assembled, perfectly packed and with a hand written thank you card!

Operation is smooth and quiet - in fact, two fingers is all it takes to turn the handle. The teeth are the same as his top of the line product, and my results were also as nice as the carder I tried. I have carded alpaca (very fine) easily and made blended batts of wool/alpaca.

His workman ship is outstanding. One clamp is included, but I did not have to use it, the carder was secure and never moved -thanks to its rubber feet. I plan to put on a tung oil finish - at his suggestion. I will also purchase an optional brush attachment which he will be offering for all his drum carders, it should be available soon.

Ron is an excellent craftsman, his service was polite, prompt and it was a pleasure doing business with him. I highly recommend his products. Just click the title above for his website. The link above takes you to page two of his carders, see page one for the ones made in exotic woods and with inlays.

Wednesday - Knit Day - Knit Green

2008-07-30T05:29:00.006-05:00

Wednesday is middle of the week day - a day I always look forward to. My routine varies on Wednesdays, depending on what week of the month it is. The first Wednesday is a club meeting for ladies in my neighborhood. Sometimes I go, sometimes I opt out. When their program is of interest, you can count me in. The third Wednesday of the month is Book Club. We break for the summer, which is nice because this gives me extra "free" days! So, those other weeks I usually knit! We meet in a neighborhood library, and the group over the summer expands and contracts, depending on who is in town. Today will be the last meet up of a Florida visitor, so we may well all end up at Panera Bread for lunch. Yum!!

My project for the day will be to begin the swatch again with all three color of beads, on the new DPN's (Harmony 4's-Interchangeable) and we shall make a command decision. The first clue is not due out for two more weeks - so I'll be ready!

I am also within 7 or 8 repeats of completing this Mystery Shawl, which has moved to the top of my list of Hibernating projects that need to be finished up. This shawl is the Flowing River Mystery Shawl I started a LONG time ago and it has been sitting waiting for me to get back to it. I think this may be the second shawl I ever started, and it is the ultimate in green knitting - as the yarn for it is from an unraveled shetland wool sweater ..... I am knitting from a sleeve right now. I pull off a bit as I work. I stopped because the knitted on edge was taking forever and I got bored and frustrated with it. Now, after lots of other lace, I am finding it easy and I have been doing about 60-100 rows a day. (5-10 inches).

My gut feeling is it will be huge when finished ..... as the kinks in the yarn will relax and then it will grow like crazy. We will see won't we? Stay tuned.

OK, a little help here ???????

2008-07-25T14:05:00.003-05:00

Well I thought it would be pretty easy to make a decision about which beads to use with my yarn. Who was I kidding?

The top photo shows the three beads together on a double strand of the Redwood Forest yarn. They are in order, Translucent Root-beer, Plain Root-beer, and Translucent Cream Soda. SIde by side, as in the top photo, there are some that seem a better choice. Yet, when you look at them in the individual pictures, they each look pretty nice. I hate to think I might have to work another swatch, but that may be my only choice. What do you think sport fans?

By the way, my beads came from Fire Mountain Gems. They have a great online catalog, and really quick service. I ordered the beads on Tuesday, and there were here today! My three kinds cost a mere $9.46, with P/H being $7.40. With gas being what it is, it was worth paying the postage, especially since I didn't even know if the local shop would have what I wanted. The online pictures were right on, and I think all three have potential.

What a concept!

2008-07-24T22:29:00.003-05:00

Quite a concept, making a gauge swatch, don't you think? I have to admit, this is the VERY first time I have made a swatch for a lace shawl. Not once before have I tested the waters with needle, yarn, and in this case beads. No, these aren't the real beads, mine are clear probably .... I have three different colors coming and am yet to make a choice. I do know I will NOT be using my size 4 CLOVER circulars, a new set of Harmony size fours are on their way. Why I didn't order 4's the first time I ordered these needles is a mystery. Anyhow, I think this size will be perfect, and I love the tips on the KnitPicks needles, and the cables. They are beautiful and functional. Maybe tomorrow I'll have beads .... Until then, and until the 15th of August, I have noting to do but wait, and finish up other items. Yea!

It's time again!! SOSIII

2008-07-20T06:59:00.004-05:00

DK the Nautical Knitter has begun sign ups for Secret of the Stole III. Since I loved the last KAL, I have signed up to carry on a tradition! I have yarn, Knitpicks Shadow, and Harmony Needles. All I need are beads, and I don't think that will be a big problem. We'll see soon. I am using a color called Redwood Forest (discontinued now). It's not the suggested color, but I have it, and I have enough! Need I say more? My niece has also signed up, and several of my spinning guild. Fun! Go to the website for information about joining in if you are interested.

A wee bit of work

2008-07-15T06:31:00.002-05:00

The yarn in the previous post has now assumed a new life. It is always amazing to me to see something knitted up and how sometimes it looks nothing like the original skein. In this case, this is only a wee bit of the area near the border. I can't reveal more as this item is going to be entered into competition later this year. Since most of my guild will be involved in judging, it's important that they not recognize the item and it's owner. So for now, just know I am completing projects, and did come away from this happy. The color here is really off - it is much greener.

I share a photo of the amount of yarn left when I was done knitting. The scale amount is in grams, so you can see I was pretty close to running out of yarn on the bind off. That five yard piece was all that was left! I used a nifty formula as I worked: NxN + 5N. Where N is the number of rows worked. This calculates the number of stitches you have worked. Divide your result by yarn weight and you can see how many stitches per gram you are knitting. NIfty! Here is how the formula works.

I working the edging on another shawl, one that had been set aside a long time ago. So, when that is done, I shall have nothing hanging over my head with that kind of history. I have a pair of socks waiting to be finished, but they shall be done quickly -if saying that doesn't jinx me.

Latest Spinning

2008-06-15T10:31:00.004-05:00

This skein is 485 yards, of fiber I dyed myself with Wilton Icing Color (the little pots of gel, not tubes). I dyed this fiber nearly a year ago, and finished spinning it last fall. I had divided the 4 ounce roving into 3 equal bits, and each was dyed with the same colors, but different values of the three selections. The WPI are about 16 and it was a 4 ounce roving from HERE of Blue Faced Leicester Top from England.

The pictures above show the three different pieces after dying.

Apparently I was only impressed with the first bobbin of singles, as only one made a photo appearance.

Here is the two ply I created by dividing each of the bobbins into quarters. I plied as follows; 2 light, 1 light+1 medium, 2 medium, 1 medium+1 dark, 2 dark, and 1 dark and 1 light. So, now to decide what this yarn will become!

Double Spiral Socks

2008-05-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

I have been in serious hibernation for awhile. Awaiting spring, awaiting time, and just plain waiting. As you can see, I have been knitting socks, and this pattern really turned out nicely. This is Double Spiral knit with Louet-Gems which has been discontinued. This yarn was a purchase at my spinning guild's auction in March. I thought it would be perfect for this pattern, which was shown in this same yarn. I always like to see what I am getting. These were knit on my KnitPick Double pointed Harmony wood needles, size 2.0mm. If course, the beauty of Charlene Schurch's book is that you can figure your gauge and she has all the math worked out for you.

I have a second pair of socks in the works too. It is A Nancy Bush Pattern from in this book . These are progressing slowly. The first sock, didn't fit, and so after getting to the heel (yes I know it took a while to decide it was not going to fit) I started over. I now have both socks done to where the heels begin. This is being knit with KnitPicks Bare, super-wash sock yarn. I am pleased with the pattern, but not thrilled with the yarn. SInce these socks will be hand washed, and more special occasion socks, that is ok. I find the yarn a bit soft for my taste in sock yarn.

I have also done some sewing and finished this bag for a CONTEST with my local Quilt Store. My bag is the second one pictured, the Yoga Monkey Bag!

So, for now, I'm back, and I'll try to keep updated again!

Flowering Around

2008-03-29T06:39:00.004-05:00

I'm not accomplishing much on the knit front lately. SPRING has finally decided to say here in Virginia, and the outdoors have lured me away on several occasions. Not that this retirement neighborhood requires a large amount of work, but that I like getting my hands into the dirt!

I have also been knitting slowly on a sweater for a friend's grandchild. This is still a sweater relationship I am not pleased with. The major complaint is that for once I am using the yarn suggested, and it looks nothing like the finished picture. Oh sure, the top looks the same, but the bottom part is a mess.

Maybe as I progress is will grow on me, but it's not likely. I guess I am falling into that "but I want this to be perfect" trap instead of just knitting on, finishing and mailing it off. It isn't meeting my expectations, and so I am disappointed, and so I am dawdling -! I am sure no one else has even been there, right? And it's not like there is a huge investment going on here .... maybe that is the answer, frog, start again with something else and just move on.

I did try to divert myself with a pair of socks, and so far, on the second yarn, I am still unhappy. Phooey. Bad knit week all around.

The Happy Ending

2008-03-21T10:06:00.002-05:00

I finished the stole on Wednesday evening, washed and blocked it out to dry, and was able to bring it to it's new owner on Thursday morning! Don't you think it is going to look beautiful with her red hair? She was quite surprised, and thrilled to get it, as she had no idea I was making it for her, if she even knew it was being made. She's a special friend, and this will be a special hug for her, reminding her of our friendship in the months ahead, and always! May it bring her peace and joy.

As far as technical matters are concerned, the finished stole weighted 293 grams, which in DK weight wool, means it took approximately 1200 yards. The Knit along pasted 9 weeks, and I think I knitted at least 3 to 5 hours a day on the clues, so knit time was at least 200 hours for me. I am a slow knitted, but this was a truly satisfying knit. I can't thank the designer enough for the pattern and her skill! I have no clue as to the name of the stole, which is also part of the contest that goes along. I think it is Savannah something, but then .... that is truly a guess.

The last Stitch of a Great Journey

2008-03-19T18:10:00.001-05:00

This has been a super knit a long - and the stole is quite beautiful! It is blocking now, and I hope to get some pictures tomorrow morning.

Week Eight - I'm not late

2008-03-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

Pictures tomorrow, but clue eight is finished!

Week Seven Stole Secret

2008-03-08T14:50:00.003-05:00

A twist of fate here, as I didn't finish clue seven yesterday as I had intended. However, this morning when I logged on to check for clue 8, I found out I had a reprieve, as Clue 7 didn't have to be finished and submitted until midnight tonight! Hurray! So for your viewing pleasure, I present clue 7 - and the entire stole, really laid out for all to see.

By Golly Miss Molly

2008-03-05T16:49:00.002-05:00

Nope, still here, not dropped off the face of the earth. Have not (knock on wood) been ill with anything. The plane ride to Florida was uneventful, as you already know, and I'm not suffering from post airport trauma. Just been LAZY. Is that allowed?

I have been knitting and knitting and knitting. Clue seven is half done, and it is really moving along. I have to say that I am really a slow learner. It has taken me this far along in the KAL to know what is coming next without looking at the chart. I say this cautiously, because my next move could be tragic and I might have to look for a lost stitch. But, at this point, I am loving this knit, and am thinking of doing it again! LOL ... I have never knit something twice, so there you go, this must be a magical knit! Not stretched I measure 30 inches to what appears to be the center. So it will be a nice, long wrap for someone!

So the lifeline is at the end of clue Six, and I am about 1/2 through Clue Seven. Hurrah.

Clue Five

2008-02-22T15:35:00.003-05:00

I had airport, travel and leisure time this week while attending a wedding in Florida, no household tasks, just sitting and knitting with my family and visiting time. Consequently, I finished Clue 5 in good time, late Thursday night.

Under the wire

2008-02-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

I managed to finish clue 3 tonight by 10:15. This clue was nice, there seemed to be a rhythm to it. I'm enjoying the pattern and design as it develops.

There's a whole lot of waiting going on here

2008-02-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

Birthday is in two weeks, will I be done? For Pete's sake, what is taking so long?

America, I say

2008-01-24T23:15:00.000-05:00

I have finished knitting the first clue for SOTSii ; and my guess for the first hint is America. It was pretty obvious I thought, but I am sure things will get harder as the new hints come out. So, the knitting was pretty straight forward and I think I only had one row where I had to tink back because of a dropped stitch. I am working my shawl in Yoeman, a fingering weight, that is super-wash 100% Merino. I will most likely dye this when I am done, and know the theme. However, this weight is easy for me to handle, and since it is a stole, will most likely be a size that can be used in any situation.

Clue two is due up in the morning, but I am going to finish some sewing I have going on.

Behind again

2008-01-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

Blogger buddies, I am still here. I have tried to make some small improvements to my organizational skills this year. So far, they have been very very small steps. However this time I am still making progress in some areas, and the fact that I have not totally thrown in the towel by this time of the year is an improvement.

One of the things I have tried to implement was mentioned on a podcast by Kelly from KnitPicks . I couldn't pinpoint which episode it was, so if you don't listen to her, i would encourage a listen and maybe you will find her as entertaining and helpful as I do. Anyhow, HER method is to have 7 types of projects going all at the same time. One for Social Interaction (mindless and simple like garter stitch), another Portable, but easy and small. A third, Absorbing for times you want to close out those around you (Salvation knitting); A new Technique project, a Gift project (never for a specific date - don't sent deadlines for yourself here), Mildly challenging for times of travel, doctor's visits and finally, Charity. I am trying to find something for each of these items, and keeping each in it's own bag and ready to grab. Of course, that means finding the right bag, and remembering to take it with, but then who said this was totally SIMPLE?

So, I am working on charity hats at the moment, have a baby gift about to cast on, a shawl KAL for absorbing, and socks. I have a few categories to work on, and some categories will have multiple projects but I think this just might work.

Also, to spread myself a bit thinner (my husbands observation) I have created this item.

Any guesses what this is for?

And yes, my Bride to Be niece ( in less than 30 days) made this slight improvement to the photo posted last week. Very cute .... but don't you think she should be knee deep in wedding plans, etc. at this point? Obviously her organizational skills are better than mine!

Yarn Holder

2008-01-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

Is this not the greatest thing? Last Saturday I was on a field trip with the volunteers from Meadow Farm. We visited several of the historic sights owned by Henrico County. Our last stop was at the Clarke-Palmore House . Built in 1812 it is listed in the National Register. Legend has it that during the Civil War Confederate soldiers sent signals to the Capitol Roof in Richmond from an upstairs window that overlooked town, .

A Henrico County schoolteacher of 43 years, Vera Clarke Palmore Morton lived her entire life in the house, and decided to leave the property to the county as her legacy.

What caught my attention though in the home that depicts the 1930's was the object in the picture above. At first I didn't give it a second glance. It was under a table, on the floor, near a chair. On top of the table were sewing items, and the bedroom also had a Singer Sewing Machine and I was quite taken with them, the quilt on the bed and hardly paid notice to the little iron cage. But then, something drew me to look closer, and there inside was a ball of yarn! I had to laugh, because of course I immediately thought of the zip lock bags many of us use to hold yarn. This cage was a pre-cursor to the yarn bag! And, as you can imagine, being made of cast iron, I don't think that ball of yarn was going anywhere!

Secret of the Stole ii

2008-01-11T08:32:00.000-05:00

Nautical Knitter will be starting her newest KAL in the next few days. If you don't know about it, look in the sidebar and click on the link under the button. I have yarn, not an appropriate color, but I figure I can always over dye it. And no, I have not done my swatch yet. I am usually a late starter on these KAL. And don't remind me I still have a lace border to finish on a past KAL. I know .... I know. But this is a NEW KAL. You all must understand that.

Monkey (see last post) is resting, though his mouth is pinned in place. I also picked up and worked on Pink Felted Bag . The I-cord I added to the pattern is finished and only grafting and felting remain. Tonight I am caring for the 3 DGK's and will have access to the proper washing machine. Mine is a front loader. DD's is old, and felting might hurry along it's demise. Of course, she and I would never own up to that if it happened. But truely, I would never wish a dead washer on someone with a child in real cloth diapers .... hence I felt in a pillowcase. See, I am not a wicked mother candidate.

Sock Monkey

2008-01-05T18:11:00.000-05:00

It seems I have a sock thing going here. My youngest grandson will be 1 in February, and I decided to make him a Sock Monkey. I picked up the pair of the Red Heel socks and instructions at a mill outlet store in Milwaukie Oregon while visiting back in November. I am a sucker for nostalgia. Though I didn't ever have a sock monkey, I know they were big once, and are popular again. In fact, Jake even has sock monkey outfits.

So, I used my instructions, and then cut the socks and proceeded. I have some really nice stuffing Airlex Premium Fiberfill and so far so good. Of course the curious part of me decided to Google Sock Monkey, and I found out the new pattern is not the same as the Vintage Sock Monkey . The difference is in the second sock and how it is cut. The vintage pattern gives you a longer tail, skinnier arms, and a hat. The hat would have been nice, but I think the new pattern is pretty nice as is. And of course, I can always KNIT the sock monkey a hat. LOL. Am I loosing my mind? What won't a grandmother do for a grandchild? Not only a hat, but I think he needs a vest too. All those bits of sock yarn may be just the ticket for monkey apparel.

Stay tuned as we work on the monkey, he is a work in progress!

Socks - Darn?

2008-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some of the many things I knit last year were socks for DH and my Dad. I thought this cartoon was interesting, in that Opal knits all the time, and in most ways is always frugal. I was surprised that she didn't offer to darn Earl's socks! Although I do admit darning socks is not the most exciting thing in the world, it would certainly be quicker than knitting a new pair of socks for anyone.

I started a pair of socks for myself just before the end of 2007, and finished them this week, my first 2008 FO. I used the Fingering Weight Wool we dyed last year in our Sock Workshop. I used my warping board for this workshop and had calculated the length of rows to get a repeat sequence I thought I would like. Of course this is all subjective, and even in the dying you are not always certain of what the final knit fabric will be.

I had a few surprised, not enough dye in some places (leaving bare spots) and my stripes failed to make a complete round when knitted by about 5 stitches. Since this is superwash wool, it didn't shrink. Of course, now this late, I don't remember what size needles I used to make my calculation, not that it matters, as they are done and I certainly am not going to re-knit them.
I think the next pair ( a pink and white creation you can see if you look closely at the warping board (drying on the bottom) will be next in line, and I will do them on a size 0. O hope to have a firmer fabric.

Click on any of the pictures above to see close up shots on Flickr.

A look back at 2007

2008-01-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone!! I hope 2008 will be healthy and happy for each of you. I did stay up last night and watch the wonderful Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball fall. I was quite taken with the lights and patterns on this new ball, and many of the designs reminded me of quilt patterns. Of course, I guess there is not that much new is there?

This morning, bright and early, I was awake. Funny how staying up late sometimes translates into being awake early. The opposite would seem true. So, I decided I would jog my memory and look at the knitting projects I completed this year. There are only 2 unfinished ones by the way, one is to be felted, and the other to finish and felt. I really had no idea what the numbers would be for the last year and I was surprised to say the least.

If you click on this large picture, it will take you to the Flickr page that links to each of the small photos - this is only if you want to see each project larger of course, or want a name to go along with the picture. So what was the breakdown?

Socks/booties - 7 there are 2 pair not pictures
Shawls - 3
Vests - 2
Wrap - 1 (for Museum)
Hats - 5
Stocking - 1
Sweaters - 2
Doily - 15
Mitts - 1 pair

I really accomplished more than I thought! Next year? I want to always have a pair of socks going. I want to knit another shawl, this time in a color. I hope to make a sweater for Jake or Zack, or maybe both. I think I want to make matching hats for gifts. I have a vest project for me I would like to plan and execute. So, planning begins and it is always exciting to see a new year stretched before you.

Merry Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

To all my readers, family and friends .... Merry Merry Christmas! I hope the Christmas season brings you all the wishes you have for all your family. It's truly a blessed time of the year.

This ornament is one of my season favorites, collected nearly 30 years ago when I was in Panama. Of course, it was hand made in China. The tiny stitches - crochet I am sure - are so exact. It measures only an inch and a half, to give you some idea of the size. It is incredible workmanship.

Until next year, I wish you the best ..... stockings full of fiber and fabric!

Make-Believe Crowns

2007-12-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

Another big hit and an easy knit for children is the Make Believe Crowns a free pattern from Interweave Press. I made these for my grandchildren so each would have something small to open at a recent birthday party. They loved them!

Fish Jacket is Finished

2007-12-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

After many months, starts and stops, knots coming untied, and yarn slippery than black ice, Maddie's fish sweater is finished and gifted. If the smile on her face is any indication, it is a success. Because I knit this sweater with LB Microspun, which had the needed colors and washability, the actual knitting was more difficult than it needed to be. The yarn is stretchy, it slithers, it moves, and of course, when tied off, it resists staying tied. The pattern itself is well written, and my finished product accurately duplicated the projected measurements. I made the 2-3 year old size, and it will fit my DGD for at least 12 months unless she grows like crazy. One result of the knots and the Fray Check that I finally used to anchor the knots, was that the knots were no longer soft. So, in the end, I decided a lining was needed. Because the sweater is stretchy, I knew the lining would have to stretch too, so I chose a T-shirt. I carefully cut it so that the hems became hems and the only seam is where the sleeve insets into the body. I'm quite pleased, and plan to make the hat too, without ear flaps and fish, and lined too.

Jake's Stocking is ready to be hung!

2007-12-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

I will try to get some better, daytime pictures, taken in natural light, as these are a bit fuzzy. LOL. , and I don't mean the Angora!

Quilt Camp Project

2007-11-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

When faced with the prospect of going to Quilt Camp (via an airplane AND a ferry) I knew that the project(s) I took would have to be smallish. I had a large unfinished quilt, but at the expense of having something to wear in that suitcase, this quilt had to stay home. I knew I didn't want to take something involving a sewing machine, even though I could have had a loaner. I decided to take a project began in 2000 at a Houston Quilt Show class called Quilter's Paintbox, taught by Candy Goff. She is an accomplished Quilter (The Twentieth Century's Best American Quilts has one of her quilts). Her class taught the fine points of hand piecing, making templates and the various angles used in quilting.

This project was 75% done, but had sat hidden away on a shelf. I decided it's time had come, and finishing it would give me the most satisfaction. I had the center medallion complete, and only needed to add the middle black border to the colored outer border. It involved making a large template, and a lot of measuring, and this was what had stalled me before. So, having plenty of time, and a great work space. It turns out I was the only person there who was hand piecing, so the wow factor was pretty nice to. I explained to everyone who admired it, that it was patience and perseverance, not great skill. So, now except for a small outer border, which will allow it to be stretched and framed, it is complete.

Garter Stitch Vest

2007-11-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

Folk Vests was the source for my latest knit project. I still have not steeled my nerves to knit a sweater for myself, but I am finding vests to be manageable. It must be some kind of a psychological block, as how hard are sleeves anyway?

So, I had some aged stash Manos de Uruaguay yarn from a sweater that was frogged a long long time ago (more than 20 something years). I skeined it, washed it, balled it, weighted it. I had 14.2 ounces. Checked the yardage, read the pattern reviews on Ravelry and came to the conclusion that I didn't have enough yarn for the Garter Stitch Shawl Collared vest I wanted. Boo. I fudged and stalled and I looked for other patternsand tried to convince myself I would be happy with another, but as if often the case, kept coming back to the original one. So I finally decided to make it stripped, and I purchased another brown yarn to use on alternate rows. What did I have to lose?

The final product has two buttons, a nice shawl collar, edged in i-cord, and some simple waist shaping beginning 2 inches above the bottom edge. The pattern doesn't call for any of those modifications. Nothing major, but I made it my own! I made the small size, because everyone on Ravelry stated it was large. It fits well , but of course would not look as good without the buttons. The weird thing is that I think I have more than half the Manos yarn left, go figure? So now, what to do with the stash Manos I was trying so hard to use up?

Home from Washington and Oregon

2007-11-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

Even though I have been home a week, I am still looking over pictures and fondly remembering my visit to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and also Canby Oregon. I visited with my HS friend in Washington State, and then finished out the trip with a visit with family in Oregon. A lot of time was spent reminiscing with everyone, and making new memories! While in the San Juan Islands, Krispi and I went to a quilt retreat on Orcas Island. Behold the Rainshadow Quilters! What a great group! I loved them all and they adopted me!

The trip was not without other fiber fun. I worked on two knitting projects while there, almost completing both. One took attention to charts - the stocking, and the other, a garter stitch vest was done during evening while visiting. I also went in search of fiber, and of course, found plenty. There was a beautiful Alpaca Farm not far from where my friend lives, and in Oregon I was only about 30 minutes away from Woodland Woolworks. I also visited mill end stores that were amazing! Fabric for anything, quilts, baby things, remnants by the pound.

I'll report later on the Quilt retreat and what fun 35+ women had quilting, beading, knitting for 3 solid days!

I want to go too ...

2007-11-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed how clever animals are about reading what's going on? This pictures were taken on three separate days. Do you think she is hoping I won't see her, and she'll get to go too? She is even covering all her bases, first just the pile of clothes, then one suitcase, then the other. Maybe this is her feline attempt at keeping me from finishing up the packing, so I'll just won't go at all!

Dye results and travel plans

2007-11-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

Halloween dyeing was a great success and the members who attended this year's session had spectacular results. The picture below are my samples: From the 1 o'clock position, Cochineal, Eucalyptus, Henna, Sandlewood, Annetto, Goldenrod, Osage Orange, Logwood (exhaust color), Logwood, Coleus, and 2 indigo overdyes on the Goldenrod and Osage Orange. I was thrilled with my colors, and also have fiber in the logwood and greens, which I plan to blend on the drum carder.

These skeins are all Patton's Wool Merino, which now
amount to a nice collection of all natural dyed wool.. The bottom photo shows the skeins from this summer also added in, and a few from last year at this time. I think what I love about the natural colors, is that they all seem to go together when viewed like this.

On another note, I am off this week for the Pacific Northwest. I'll visit my HS friend in the San Juan Islands and family in Portland Oregon. Since we no longer have a dial-up account, I won't be able to post to the blog until I get home, unless I find a wireless connection somewhere. While there we will be attending a Quilting Retreat at this YMCA camp.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T16:38:00.000-05:00

"How about I knit you a costume like mine Nana, wouldn't that be great?"

Getting ready for the weekend.

2007-10-30T20:07:00.000-05:00

I love this cartoon, it really made me laugh! Today I prepared wool for a DYE workshop tomorrow. It is our guild Halloween Dye meeting, and we're going to be brewing up some wonderful colors, I hope! So check back by tomorrow or the next day, and i promise a few pictures.

Three Prizes

2007-10-13T16:35:00.000-05:00

I promised pictures of the prizes I picked from the Fall Fiber Festival, so I guess I best deliver. My rational was to get one undyed roving, one ready to spin, and one that needed carding (to my way of thinking). I'll not show the undyed Blue Faced Leicester, as I think you all know what white undyed roving looks like. I have no plans for it, it's 8 ounces, and I have loved this fiber from previous spinning so know it will be wonderful. It came from Misty Mountain Farm . They had a lovely booth with lots of dyed fibers and yarn and their web site is very nice.

The Prize for Best in Division for my Handspun Mitts was a pound of roving, my choice, from Tintagel Farms in Glenville, Pa. Leslie and Ron Orndorff had some wonderful choices for me to pick from, and I chose the "Bisro" Colorway, a mix of 42% Wool, 42% Mohair, and 16% Llama. It is wonderfully soft, lots of colors, blues, reds, greens, golds and is just lovely.

The prize for these same mitts for the First Place in the Class was fiber from Pucker Brush Farm, also in Pennsylvania. I would give a web address, but can't find a link that is really to them, and not a general link about farms in PA. What I have is Pucker Brush Farm and it does not take you anywhere that has anything to to do with fiber. They are an organic farm, raise lambs, etc. and fiber is something added. They do have a phone number, 724-726-0435, and their flyer says they have lots of colors of natural colored wool, and "Party in a Bag" picked and blended wool with other exotic fibers - this is what I believe I chose! I wanted soemthing different, bright, and not something I would normally lean towards. I am sure it would make great lumpy bumpy yarn, but I am not sure yet how I am going to handle it. The owner of the booth, I believe was Pam Bryan.

I also purchased some sock yarn, and 4 ounces of a pretty green roving that looks very much like the original roving I spun to make the mitts. It is 100% merino, and I'll show it when I get around to spinning it. That might be awhile!

Thanks to all who sent me congratulations, it was so nice to hear from all of you!

Fall Fiber Festival

2007-10-09T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Fall Fiber Festival in Montpelier Station was last weekend. This year, there was no rain, no mud, and the day was perfect. I anticipated this event with excitement, because it was my first real Fiber Festival of any kind. (We opted out of mud the year before!) I had added interest because I had entered three items: Fetching Mitts were entered in the Handmade Articles of Handspun Division, Challenge Skein in the Blended Yarn Class of Handspun Yarn, and my Swan Lake Stole in the Handknitted Article, wearable, Commercial Yarn Division. As we approached the tent where the articles entered were displayed, one of the Festival workers who also is a member of our Guild came over to me and said, "I think you should go in and see everything." The first item I came to was my stole. It had a third place ribbon! I was excited! The next one I found was my pink sekin, and it had a second! But imagine my amazement when I saw the mitts, they had a first place ribbon, AND a best in Division Ribbon! I was so excited I was practially jumping! AND then, our friend said, "don't forget to take your prizes, see those little envelopes?" Inside each was a coupon to be redeemed at a Vendor booth. And I had three envelopes! Two for the mitts, and one for the skein! So what did I get? That will be another day's story!

Felted hat

2007-10-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

Week before last I felt the need to felt! Ala Knitty, I decided to felt with a plunger and a bucket in my laundry sink. I know you probably think that's a tad crazy, but it was actually fun. I was there doing laundry anyway, and had a built in timer with the washer and dryer loads going at the same time. I have a fairly new front load washer, that's why I didn't want to risk going that route. It took about an hour to felt this hat, with most done with the punger, but some hand felting and a few doses of boiling water to speed things up. I didn't have a correct size bowl, or maybe I don't have a correct size head, but at any rate, I used a stainless bowl and a towel and came pretty close. The hat pattern is wonderful, and I do want to make it again. I'd like the brim a bit smaller, and may even trim it. Once I have worn it I'll decide if it needs to be felted a bit more. I used some of my own homespun and Lopi to make this pattern, and worked it just like the Fiber Trends pattern.

Shawl Finished

2007-10-06T19:35:00.001-05:00

Well here is the finished Shawl for Rebecca. I finished it last week, and thankfully, she decided it did not need a fringe. This is really warm and snuggly and I think she is going to love it. That is, if it ever cools off here in Virginia. It is 92 right now, at 5 pm in October. How very strange is that?

So, now I am going to be working on the fish sweater (I think) and preparing for my trip to Seattle and Portand, in only 30 days! I am pretty excited about this trip, getting to visit my friends there in Washington, and then family in Portland. I am also hoping to squeeze in a few fiber related sidetrips, but that remains to be seen.

OK, Ok, .... I've been a bit busy

2007-09-12T15:20:00.000-05:00

Regardless of the fact that nothing new has shown up here, I have been busy busy busy. No less than 2 projects (not counting the fish sweater) are off the needles and two news one are on. I am itching to start a pair of socks, (I won't thought) and in the evenings I have been knitting mindless little ditties for gifts. So from the top, we have a pink bag, ( made from Cascade 220) that hopefully will felt into a nice little pink bag, I have my doubts. Second in line is Satchel , from Knitty.com and a gift .... it is Patton Merino, and looks like it will be neat when felted. Next are the little ditties I mentioned .... also for gifts, to ultimately be wet, but not felted. Next is a Lily Chin Garter stitch shawl, on the needles at request of DD. And finally your's truly, who won't come out from under all this to make an appearance for quite awhile. She's too busy knitting, and soon to be felting.

I'll probably give each of these items a bit of "blog time" when they are felted and or finished. Until then, just the tease above.

Startitis

2007-09-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

With the cooler morning temperatures and the new page on the calendar, I have a case of start-itis. Ideas for gifts are floating in my head, and the anticipation of something new always lures me into thinking I can do and finish more than I think. This year my list is a bit longer, as I have friends that spin, knit and sew with me that I think I might gift with some small item. Nothing fancy, just a gift to say, I enjoy your company. Then there is family who have given me ideas, and also my own list, socks for Eric and a felted hat for me and the stocking for Jake. None of these things were too exciting in the heat of August, but now, they seem doable and exciting. I still need to pick up the fish sweater again, how long have you all been hearing that song? Maybe soon it will be underway again.

Yesterday I ventured out to Ben Franklin, the large local craft store that probably rivals Michaels in temptation to check out fall decor. They also have a huge assortment of wool yarn; a much better selection than their rival. My only complaint, other than that they are further away, is that they do not have coupons of any kind. But, while there I found the size 11 double point needles I have been looking for since last year, and on sale! The felted hat I want to make calls for that size, and I didn't want to risk using smaller needles. So, that project will be started for sure!

There may not be too many pictures posted while I begin and work on some of the projects, I don't want to spoil the surprise for others. I guess I will have to resort to kittens and fall plants!

Pretty Funny!

2007-08-30T12:26:00.000-05:00

How did I Get Along Without This?

2007-08-28T22:16:00.001-05:00

I have long know about ball winders, but it wasn't until last week that I finally purchased one for myself. Let's just say, a toilet paper tube I used as a core for center pull balls and I were friends for a long time.

But, as all things go, once I actually used a ball winder, I was hooked. I was also determined to be patient. Checking the local stores that have discount coupons confirmed what I was pretty sure I knew, they didn't carry a yarn winder anymore. They all said , "well we USED to, but we don't anymoe".. Somehow this didn't gel with me, but then I do understand supply and demand. So, I waited, and finally my email contained notice of a sale on MY BALL WINDER and FREE SHIPPING. As many would say, yahoo. It's great fun, and better than that, I love how I can make center pull balls of singles right from the wheel. That is the greatest!

Done, really done!

2007-08-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

I finished blocking my Swan Lake Stole yesterday evening and left it overnight to dry. This morning I took it off the foam board, and it posed for pictures!

I also did a burn test on the fibers in this mystery yarn. I had done this once before, several years ago, and wasn't really remembering the results. I found this excellent chart today, and confirmed it is wool of some kind .... not a synthetic. It self extinguised, no beads, and has blackish-gray ash that crumbles.

Done!

2007-08-19T16:08:00.001-05:00

I cast off the final edge of the Mystery Stole this afternoon while watching Tv. The last clue really is pretty with the deep feathers. I am anxious to block it, but it will be a few days as I do not have blocking wires. I have been advised that I can use Weed Whacker line, so once I get some of that, I'll be trying it out.

I must now chose my next project, do I finish the sweater for Maddie, start Jake's Christmas Stockings, or maybe a pair of socks from the sock yarn dyed last month? Decisions, decisions. Common sense says finish Maddie's sweater. Maybe I can work on all three?

Swan Lake Stole - MS3

2007-08-04T06:58:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased as can be that the revealed stole theme is Swan Lake. The memories attached to that Ballet are very fond. My daughter danced several of the pieces; The Dance of the Little Swans, was one of her first recital pieces, and if I can rummage through pictures, I'll find one to share! Nostalgia. She danced many years, and Swan Lake was always a favorite of ours. The first production I traveled to to see a performance with her professional troupe was Swan Lake. Lots of good memories.

I had to laugh to myself, the center section of the stole I liked so much is Cat's Paw .... my kitten would not approve that I did not recognize the pattern. It shows how much lace experience I really have!

I've finished the first 25 rows of clue 5, and the tiny little triangle of "feathers" (I think) doesn't look too exciting yet; the most clever part it the join with short rows to the last clue. I love the string of eyelets it is creating. For me, it shows the way knitting is so inventive! It would have never occurred to me to turn the whole direction of the stole this way.

I leave you with a sewing update, as today is the Sewing Guild meeting at Meadow Farm. Our monthly project is petticoats for the young girls who are volunteers in period dress. I worked on one here at home, and then will join the others in making more this morning.

How to avoid housework

2007-08-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was caught up on knitting; the stole is waiting for Friday and it's next clue. What to do? Organize the closet in the sewing room? Clean the kitchen floor? Do Laundry? A Very Worthy list of needed chores to be sure. However, they didn't happen. Instead, I spent my time making a pouch. Not just ANY pouch, but a WOVEN pouch. My first weaving since days with a metal weaving frame and loops making pot holders. And those days were many many years ago, probably 50. Ahem.

So, armed with the directions from an enabler who on a regular basis diverts my attention away from the mundane housework I should be doing I sat down on the couch and wove. I did take a break for Yoga class, to eat, and a meeting. I did help move plants in anticipation of the power wash people who came, and I did wipe windows after they left. But, I also finished this little number, and I am itching now to do another. I was told they might be addictive. For sure, they are much more fun than pot holders and chores.

MS3 - Clue 4 finished

2007-07-31T07:14:00.000-05:00

I find I love the center of this shawl, such a sweet design! I guess perhaps I am easily pleased? At any rate, I have placed the Lifeline in as instructed on row 287 and finished the complete clue yesterday afternoon while watching movies. I am ready for Friday's Clue 5, which will have info about the lifeline and the Theme!

Row 250 something

2007-07-27T06:44:00.000-05:00

The Mystery Stole is coming along nicely, and I really like the edging and center section of the clue (Number 4) I am knitting on now. This little flower is in a field of plain background, and quite nice. The fact that the pattern is pretty easy to execute doesn't hurt either. The only snaffu I had a few nights ago was to work one row twice, which made for an unusual flower, to say the least.

There is speculation about the lifeline to be placed in this section. It is mandatory - meaning suggested highly. I have not used one yet anywhere else, but will do as instructed. I thought it might be that this was in the center, and to be used as help in blocking, but I'm not sure yet.

I am still exploring the Ravlery site and putting in my projects. It is great for new projects, though takes a bit of searching (in my own files and blog) to go back and fill in older projects. I do think this is a great way to organize, compare and share. I wish it included fiber (as well as yarn) and maybe even quilting; maybe that is to come later. If you have not visited the site, or signed up, I would encourage you to.

Dyeing on Wednesday was hampered by a bit of rain, but our pot-luck lunch was wonderful. Once the sun came out we went outside and played. I don't have any pictures, because I forgot to bring my camera that day. My samples are still soaking and being cleaned up, in anticipation of a photo session.

DYE in JULY

2007-07-21T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here is an overview of the DYE in JULY workshop held by Clotho's Handspinning Guild today. If you click on the large image, you can see all the pictures taken today in the Clotho's Flickr file. We had a great time, lots of chatter and dyeing and spinning. Two new members also joined, and I checked out 15 items from the library! A great time was had by all. Click DYE in July above to be taken to the entire Flickr collection of pictures.

Preparing Yarn for Dyeing on a Board

2007-07-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

This series of pictures show the yarn on the board and tied into sections in preparation for the dye process. I tie each section (6 in these pictures) in three places, on each end where it passes around the pegs in the board, and in the center. This takes a bit of time, but pays off in the final drying and unwinding from the board into a skein. I think I have discovered how to do it correctly this time, but tomorrow will be the real test.

Clue Three

2007-07-20T20:46:00.000-05:00

I revisited part of Clue Three several times, in fact, had I not revisited some of those rows quite so often I would be moving on to Clue Four right now, and be so deep in lace I couldn't do anything else but knit on! But, tempered by last nights tinking, tonight I have slooooowly knit again those 6 rows I undid last night and now I am 6 rows from being finished with this clue. Clue Four is all printed out and waiting for me.
.
I do have a couple of pictures of the Kool-Aid dyed yarns from the Wednesday Knitting Group. The top picture is my more tropical grouping of colors. The second is a series I hope to use in a small woven project.

Ravelry

2007-07-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Found you!
You signed up on June 3, 2007
You are #6350 on the list.
206 people are ahead of you in line.
12699 people are behind you in line.
32% of the list has been invited so far

If you don't know about this website, be sure and check it out. It promises to be very useful!

6676

2007-07-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

Could 6676 strangers from the internet have anything in common? Knitters working on the Mystery Stole 3 could, and do. All 6676 of us are knitting our way methodically through the weekly clues posted to the Yahoo Group that is called, obviously, Mystery Stole 3.

I have not done a mystery stole before, so this is a first for me. Melanie, a fellow Virginian, is the leader and designer for the stole. Her Blog Pink Lemon Twist is full of Twists and hints and wisdom. We don't yet know the theme for this years stole, but many are already making a guess. Next week's clue is going to be longer, and we will have two weeks to complete it before the next clue; all that extra time in honor of the new Harry Potter book. Could that have anything to do with the Theme? Who knows, not I for sure.

Myself, I am too busy trying to not make a glaring error again. I ripped out 7 rows earlier this afternoon, when a large "oops" came into view as I was stretching out clue one and two for good luck. I thought I was ready to move on to clue 3, but obviously that will not happen today. When will I learn to look more closely?

Promised Pictures

2007-07-15T12:41:00.000-05:00

I promised additional pictures from last week's dye project. The Mosaic shows our two dye pots, Rosemary and Turmeric. The lower picture needs a short explanation. The green and pink are both yarns that began as Turmeric, but over dyed with Wilton Gels, one with green, one with red. The middle skein is Turmeric, with an ammonia bath. The fourth skein is the Turmeric control.

The last skein is one I think I will try again, Last year, in Septmeber, when the tree fell on the house, I saved sawdust from the red maple. This last skein was solar dyed in a jar of sawdust that has been soaking since sometime last winter. The smell is a bit wild, but the color is really soft. I think I am going to bring a pot of the dust to a boil, let it simmer a few hours, and try again to see what the results are. I really liked this soft brown color.

Rosemary and Turmeric

2007-07-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

This past week our knitting group met for the first of three weekly dye sessions. Our first session centered around this link; one I found last year, and suggested to the group. Well, we had lots of Rosemary, so that wasn't the problem, but we sure didn't get the colors shown in this writers samples. My samples, from left to right are:
Un-dyed Yarn
Control - Rosemary, no mordant, no rinse
Rosemary with Alum mordant, and ammonia rinse
Rosemary with Alum and a tin rinse (this is actually more yellow than the photo shows)
Rosemary with Alum and no rinse
Rosemary and Alum in a cast iron pot
Rosemary and Alum in iron pot with Ammonia rinse

We decided these colors are very sad. The greens are not really at all like the green the author experienced. No one knows why for sure.

The Turmeric was more successful, and I'll show them tomorrow.

Don't you wish inanimate objects could talk?

2007-07-06T16:18:00.000-05:00

I got a swift this week from a Spinning Friend who is downsizing - we worked a swap and I think we are both delighted! Unlike many, I really love objects with a history. Do you ever wonder where something has been? What it could tell you? I loved all the different ties on the slats, some were colorful, some string, some twine. Each put on in the middle of a project, and just think what might have been going on when it came time to replace one. I know this is silly, but I still wonder about things like this. Who made this swift? Are they still living? Do they have children, do they knit or spin? How old a person are they? It is a Glimakra, was it really made in Sweden?

I love the marks on the side where the precious owner made notes for different sizes of skeins. I will probably add my own, and I am sure in time, all the new ties I put on will fray and be replaced, hopefully in the middle of a project that excites me, and leaves a hint of history on my swift.

All Patriotic - Things Crafty

2007-07-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Happy July Fourth to all! And, a BIG Happy Birthday to my niece Anne, who was Born on the 4th of July! What a great day for a birthday.

While looking for hobby and craft ideas I came across the following link. Of course if you are like me, you realize it is a bit late to start something NEW for The Fourth of July today, but we can make plans for next year, right? My Patriotic PAIR of socks have been on a list for years. However, they are finished!

My Knit Pick Bare - Patriotic Sock Pattern

2007-06-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

I began my Patriotic Sock by making a test sock, the one appearing here on the blog several weeks ago. From that sock, the first thing I determined was how many rows I needed in a completed sock, and how many of these rows were devoted to toe, foot, heel and leg. My sock circumference with the Knit Picks Bare yarn is 56 stitches, this gives me the snug fit I prefer. My sock anatomy is: 19 rows of toe, 45/6 rows for the foot, a heel worked on 36 stitches, short-rowed down to a heel 12 stitches wide, then 70 rows of leg, of which 18 or so could be ribbing. Once I had a rough estimate of the row sections, I translated that information to wraps on the warping board, as best I could.

PEG POSITIONS AND WRAPS
I wrapped the first peg position on the board 12 times for a red toe. The next stripe was white, and this was 8 wraps, on the second peg. The foot needed three more stripes, Red, White, Red, each also 8 wraps. Those were pegs three, four and then three again.

I knew that I wanted a blue heel, and wanted the blue stripe separated from the red, with a white stripe. I realized the white stripe adjacent to the heel needed to be divided, half before the heel, half after the heel, so that when the white passed over the instep, it would appear the same width as the other stripes. This required a guess on my part as to the number of wraps; I knew the gussets would make those rows slightly longer, using more yarn, so I decided on 12 wraps, 6 each side of the blue, would be a good number. The white would also need to be on peg 4, as the blue was on the 5th peg. I had already determined I needed 19 wraps for the blue short row heel.

After the heel and it's adjacent white stripe, I then had a stripe sequence of Red, White, Red, White, Red, White, Red and a bind off in white. These stripes were wrapped up and down the board on pegs 1-4.

The wrap sequence on the pegs was, 1,2,3,4,3, (4,5,4 ),3,2,1,2,3,4,3,2,3.
The wraps numbers for my sock were: 12,8,8,8,8, (6,19,6) ,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8.
The gusset is in parentheses.

DYEING
The yarn sections were tied, the red rows with red ties, the blue with blue, and the white with white. I thought this would be most obvious once the yarn came off the board and before I applied dye. I also put ties between each row where I wanted the color to stop between each row. In the final yarn, some of the red did seep past where I intended. But in the final knit, this only resulted in 1 or 2 stitches at the most being pale pink. They hardly show. I did have migration of red right before the blue began for some reason, at both ends of the blue on one skein. This small length I just tied out when I knitted, you can see where I wove these ends in here.

When I placed the wrapped packages of yarn into the dish that went into the microwave, I set the white stripes on top, with an additional layer of wrap between them and the blue and red. After the dyeing and rinse I put the yarn back on the board to dry. The skeining was the most difficult, as somehow one skein had sections that were very tangled. Next time, I will number the individual sections so I know which pegs they belong to. I ended up making a center pull ball as I unwound off the board, then skeined the yarn for pictures, and then made another center pull ball to knit with. I handled each sock as a separate skein, though each were dyed at the same time.

SOCK CONSTRUCTION

I like a toe up sock, and I begin with a figure 8 cast on, and work one complete round before I begin the increases. I increased every row until I had 12 stitches on each needle ( a total of 48), then I worked the increases every other row until I had my required 56 stitches, 14 per needle. This gives me a nice rounded toe when on my foot.

The foot was worked until 4 1/2 inches from the toe. I wear a size six shoe, and my feet measure about 8 3/4 inches in length.

At this point I work increases every other round, in the sole only, until I have added four stitches on each side for a gusset. Total 36 on sole, 28 on instep. I have a high arch and this works for me. I work the short row heel with wraps down to 12 stitches (my heel is wide), work the wraps back up to where I have worked all the 36 sole stitches. I then work once around, heel and instep and begin to decrease the gusset stitches every other row until the heel stitches and instep stitches again total 56. I then work the leg for the desired length.

Lets Knit Patriotic Socks

2007-06-27T04:37:00.000-05:00

My parents have been visiting this last week and as you faithful readers may have noticed, blogging has been on a hiatus. Hopefully, now that they are safely back to Texas the blog can pick up where it left off and I can show you some of the fun mom and I had while they visited, the "EVENT" pertained to My Patriotic Socks.

I've wanted to make a pair of Patriotic socks for quite a while; ever since I looked at the Look at Me Socks, this pair of Spiral Socks, and American Flag Socks, the Red White and Blue Socks, and the Liberty Socks. While all these are wonderful, I had a few criteria. I wanted stripes, the same number as a flag if possible, and I didn't want to make the socks with three colors of yarn. Back then, I had no idea how that might work. I saw some red and white striped yarns, but the stripes were not the width I wanted, and the blue was still an issue.

However, all the roadblocks to the socks were taken down with the arrival of the warping board. I discovered I could make a plan for my own stripes and used one yarn, and as you can see it was a success! In the next few days, I'll tell how I planned the sequences. Meanwhile I must start the second sock, so I can be done by July 4!

Ok, Who is an Index finger?

2007-06-17T19:35:00.001-05:00

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.
You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word.
Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

Notes on Knitting with Space Dyes Yarns

2007-06-15T17:23:00.000-05:00

These are the notes I am taking to the Clothos Guild Meeting tomorrow. We are going to prepare yarn for dyeing in July. In case you missed the original post I used: Scouts instructions on how to make a board and her directions for wrapping. My Socks really turned out nicely and I am excited to try other stripe combinations.

KNIT PICKS DONEGAL ON WARPING BOARD

Board Specifics:

Distance between pegs in Right Center Position – 15 ¾ inches

Length around one set pegs ~ 32 inches

Yarn length used to wrap one 8 stripe sequence ~ 276 inches (23 feet – 7.6 yards)

Average true length of one wrap ~ 34.5 inches

Wrapping Arrangement:

Board was wrapped in an eight stripe sequence, 6 wraps going up the board, and two wraps coming down the board. Rows 2 and 4 are wrapped twice the number of times. Sequence was, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 4, 2, repeat.

Knitted Swatch:

Size 0 needles

56 stitches

8.5 stitches per inch

12 rows per inch of length

In 1 inch of swatch these is one 8 row wrap sequence of color

One knitted row used ~ 26 inches of yarn

One stitch uses ~ .46 inches of yarn

12 rows = 672 stitches = 8.6 yards = 309 inches = 1- 8 wrap sequence

Sock:

Toe including cast on: 12 wraps / 11.5 yards needed for toe

Foot: for tight fit - 4.5 inches to where gusset begins: about 54 rows
40 wraps – or 5 – 8 row color sequences
38 yards needed for foot

Gusset: 8 rows - (56+58+58+60+60+62+62+64) 481 stitches = 16 feet (5.4 yds)
5-6 wraps

Heel: 19 wraps - ~ 18 yds

Leg: 7.6 yards per inch of height

Summery:

Skein length: 462 yards
Left after 2 socks 200 yards
Per sock 131

Check:

Toe: 11.5 yards 12 Wraps
Foot: 38 yards 40 Wraps
Gusset 5.5 yards 6 Wraps
Heel 18 yards 19 Wraps
Leg 19 yards (2.25 inches) 20 Wraps
Ribbing 7.5 yards (1 inches) 8 Wraps
Picot edge unknown 3 Wraps
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101 yards 103

There are approximately 13 complete 8 row wrap sequences in this sock:
13 x 7.6 yards = 98.8 yards

Where did the 30+ yards go? Your guess is as good as mine

The sample is worked with a size 1 needle, and is too big …. The calculations are for a more fitted sock …. I believe this is where the difference is.

Socks as a Pair - Twins

2007-06-13T06:01:00.000-05:00

The socks from my own dye job are off the needles and drying. This photo taken before their bath show the perfect match. I am not sure that some of the other self striping yarns I have used in the past even gave me these results. You note probably that I made them short. Since the color is pretty "spring" in my mind, I thought this length would be good. I also used the Picot Edge Bind-Off from Knitty. I liked the little ruffly edge this bind off created, and it looks great with the short cuff. I don't think I'd do that extra work for something hidden under a pant leg.

My only regret here is that the socks are too large, for me. I knit these on 1's, and I truly think this yarn, at least for the way I knit, needs to be done on 0's. The yarn itself is soft, and stretchy, and I just like a tighter fitting sock. That aside, for the price and the yardage, it is a real deal. I made the short cuffs, they cover my ankles, and yet I still had 200 yards of yarn left. Plenty for a pair of child socks. I figured that the 50 rows in the foot took about 44 yards, so even adding another 88 yards to the total I used would have still left me with 100+ yards of yarn.

As far as trying to hand paint my own stripes goes, it was worth the effort and I am quite pleased with the results. Next time I will do the following:
Wrap a bit tighter on the board, so the stripe lengths are shorter - because I need to knit with smaller needles, and don't want too much overlap on the stripes.

The sock swatch

2007-06-04T21:47:00.000-05:00

This is the swatch I worked on size one needles, 64 stitches. I am pretty amazed that it came out as good as it did. This being a first for trying my hand at hand painted yarn. Of course, this is too many stitches for a sock for myself, I prefer about 56. However, I think I can make it work, with adjusting the needle size. There is room for a tweak here and there, and all in all, I am satisfied. I did learn I need to tie the individual rows a bit differently, but that is all part of the learning curve of doing this. I thought I wouldn't like the donegal aspect of this yarn, but it has been wonderful, and the bits of colors are really kind of neat in their randomness.

My rendition of Scout's Warping Board

2007-06-04T11:35:00.001-05:00

This is the warping board for making stripped sock yarn that is detailed here at Scout's blog. Scout also talked about this board in a recent Knitty Gritty Episode. I won't go into details, as her instructions are all you need. I made my board from a scrap of teak, and used brass rods, rather than steel. I also made three rows on the right side of the board since I had that many washers left, and it seems like it would give me more leeway for heavier yarns. I used Knit Picks Donegal, the yarn I won in Julia's Blog Contest for my first project. As soon as I won it, I knew it was destined for the board.

The board is wrapped using the picture Here . This picture is for six colors, but obviously, you can wrap the board using fewer colors.

My first Skein done on the warping board. I call it Speckled Easter Egg. It began as Knit Picks Bare, Natural, with Donegal.

Once the yarn is wrapped, be sure to tie each section. (more places than you think you need), because you will have to be able to put the yarn back on the board when it is dyed to dry. Wrap each of the six sections and apply dye. Dye as normal. Rinse and place the yarn sections back around the pegs. This is probably the hardest part. But, the more careful you are here, the easier to spool the yarn onto the knitting noddy later. Once it is dry, cut the ties, find your end, and begin to wrap and then skein. Admire your efforts!

What do you think this is going to be?

2007-06-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

1. Brass, 2. Three better than two, 3. Very Good, 4. Washers, glue

Celebrate

2007-05-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

My Birthday was today, (50+++++++++ if you want to know) and my family - DH, Daughter and Son-in law, and my three sweet DGKids helped me celebrate in style. I had calls from my parents and son too!

First the day started with some of this:

I came home after a wonderful class (I do recommend Yoga for anyone looking to increase balance, flexibility and strength) and worked some on this:

Of course there were cards and flowers:

And gifts from the grandchildren, who have pronounced themselves ready to learn how to knit. The orange is grandson's FAVORITE color, and of course, the granddaughter picked pink (though she usually says green when asked for her favorite). Grandson says he wants to make a scarf, and granddaughter a blanket.

The evening was capped off by dinner out and I pronounced myself blessed. It was a perfect day.

So me it is scary ....

2007-05-31T07:14:00.000-05:00

Your Birthdate: May 31

You're a pretty traditional person. If it's lasted, it's probably good.
You seek stability - both in your career and your romantic relationship.
In return, you're very loyal and predictable. Which is usually a good thing.
Without a partner, you feel lost. Being with someone is very important to you.

Your strength: Your dependability

Your weakness: You hate being alone

Your power color: Midnight blue

Your power symbol: Shell

Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Jake's Quilt - the sewing continues

2007-05-29T15:26:00.000-05:00

Jake's Quilt

2007-05-28T05:48:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know Jake was born on the the 19th of FEBRUARY, just in case you think I am not aware that he is now three months old and has no Nene (in the Edicola household, this is a baby blanket). He and I have talked about it, and it is still OK. But it is promised for his Baptism, which is in about 3 weeks. It will be done then, and I am even pleased enough with the photo on the left to use it on the dedication on the back. Anyhow, I had other distractions like this which went on for months, this, (which was for HIM), this and of course this. It's not like I have been sitting and doing nothing, really.

While Linda (my HS friend) was here she really prodded me (shamed me would be better - you should see her machine quilting) to do "SOMETHING SPECIAL" in the yellow stars of the quilt. We got it all pinned and ready to quilt the morning she left. Yes, that was a few weeks ago now. Yesterday, I sat down with pencil and paper and came up with a plan. Stars, moons and hearts.

So here is the design, worked in the first star. I have 11 more to do, and I hope by the time I get to the center one, which I will work last, I'll be much better at the control issue of machine quilting. I know the basics and have this Bible on quilting to guide me on my way. I recommend this book by the way; it has everything you need to know, ever about machine quilting. The bits of paper still have to be teased out, where I sewed over the design. The rest I have transfered with one of those blue pens that dissolve when wet. The quilting thread is King Tut, color 937. It has very short color changes, in pastel colors.

Project Spectrum II - Pink and Green

2007-05-19T07:08:00.000-05:00

April & May's Colors for Project Spectrum II were Pink, Yellow, & Green. Once I saw the roving we were given for our Spinning Guild's Challenge in January I knew I wanted to do something with green to go with the pink roving for the April May Project. This was a long process and only completed today with our Guild competition.

These are the original three colors of pink that were in the I oz. of roving we were given and these pictures were taken in January. It took me awhile to decide how to approach the project and what I wanted for a finished product.

I dyed a Wool Top and a Mohair/Wool Mix with Wilton Cake Gel, then carded the two together. These were dyed in the middle of February, and carded then on a borrowed drum carder.

The added brighter pink came from a mix of Alpaca, Mohair, Llama, and Wool. This 1 oz. piece was purchased on Ebay and blended into the darkest of the three original pinks in layers. I also lightened the softest pink, so there would be more contrast.

In March I layered the 6 batts I had made. Some were long narrow stripes of the three pinks, and some were thin batts of green and pink with narrow segments of cranberry and chocolate alpaca added as accent. Then the attenuating began in earnest, This is not a quick process. I somehow never documented the actual spinning, though it was not terrible exciting. I did thee bobbins, and then Navahoe Plyed the singles to make a three ply yarn. The actual spinning was finished on May 4th.

For the presentation I felt the green accents were not obvious enough, hence the green container and doily (seen it before?) and the whimsical touch of the M & M's from Easter. I was very pleased with the final result, and happy with it. The fact that it won the Guild Fiber Challenge was very satisfying, because I knew I had put a great deal of time and thought into the process. I hope you enjoy the pictures. As always, click on any of them and you should be taken to a larger image in Flickr.

Spin Wheels - The progression

2007-05-13T17:59:00.000-05:00

The Spin Wheels Quilt was designed by Peggy Gelbrich. Krispi (or Linda) and I used the pattern as written to make the blocks, but changed the layout. If you'd like to see more about each step, click on the mosaic and you will then be taken to Flickr where there is a list of links for each picture and comments with each picture.

And then there were two!

2007-05-13T09:48:00.000-05:00

The past week has been like a fairy tale ending .... you know, the one that says "Happily Ever After." Who would have thought that two people who had not seen each other in nearly 42 years would click back together like puzzle pieces, separated by chance and time, but still a perfect fit? We had just such an instant rapport again from the first minutes in the airport, up to the final tearful minutes of departure. I can't and won't recount all the fun moments, but we had many. We filled in background for our lives, we laughed, we cried. We visited three quilt stores during the week, adding fabrics (or more of the same) as we went along and worked on our quilt pattern. As we sewed, and ripped (me more than Krispi I must admit), and pieced our quilts, like the quilt top, we filled in past times and places, and in the end we had two nearly completed tops. Identical. Fabulous! Krispi is a wonderful quilter, full of ideas and helpful suggestions, but most of all, a re-found, cherished friend. I am missing her. We have plans to do this again, and again, and again. Lets hope time doesn't separate us anytime soon.

As we parted, we devised a challenge for ourselves, we divided up scraps, in near identical piles, and we are each to create something from the jumble of crumbs. What fun that will be. I have a few ideas already. But first, I need to get the border on my top (since I ripped more, I was a tad slower LOL). And, since our last efforts went to preparing the long unfinished baby quilt, I'll also get that finished up.

I'll try to keep progress pictures coming, and will also do a mosaic of the quilts we made, showing some of the steps.

When I was 17 .....

2007-05-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

I had a girlfriend nicknamed Krispi; she was part of my group of friends at Renton High School in Renton Washington, and we vowed to meet again after graduation. I was moving away to California, and my friends and Linda, her real name, were finishing up their Senior year without me. We actually picked June 6, 1966 as the year we would meet. As luck would have it, I was in Brazil by then as a foreign exchange student. Time went by, we wrote during those years and college, and then we married. As often happened, we lost touch. But tomorrow, I am picking her up at the airport and we are going to have a week of reminiscing and laughing, and no doubt a few tears.

We have a quilt project planned, because, as some things happen, we both love to quilt and work with fabric and our hands. We didn't know that way back then, but as luck would have it, we have more in common now than we probably had then when we were only 17!

Tomorrow is May 6, 2007. We only missed our meeting date by 40 years and 11 months! But you know, I predict it will be just like we were never apart. Watch for pictures!

Gosh - where have I been?

2007-04-24T22:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe the past 10 days have gone by so fast. Today my prize, mentioned in the previous post arrived and I had a small party celebrating! I first wrote Julie and thanked her again, and then looked over the books! Very exciting and interesting.

I have been knitting, I just have not taken any pictures recently of the new project. I'm working on a small sweater, make from LB Micro Spun, and I have to say, this is NOT my favorite yarn. It may be that I am trying to make the yarn fit a pattern that isn't appropriate, but then, this is what we picked and liked and so I am going to do my best to make it work. The gauge is really perfect, it is just the stretch of the yarn that has given me issues. I am working these fish into a background, and it isn't as smooth as i would like. And then the ends, 100's and 100's to be woven in at this point. Maybe I exaggerate by a few 100's - but it feels like 100's! So, I have the back and two sleeves done, and now need to cast on the fronts. I re-read the instructions tonight and the band and collar are knitted separately, then sewn on. I think I don't like this, but I am going to have to think about it more before I decide if I'll follow the pattern, or do my own thing. Maybe after sewing up the sides I'll have a better idea of how sewing will be.

Last weekend I took part in the guild Sheep to Shawl, and we had a wonderful day of sun and friendly people. I could not have pictured a more perfect day. Sadly, I have no pictures to share, as we are not allowed to bring a camera, as out 1850 characters would not have been toting a digital camera. What a shame. So, instead, I can only say, we had a wonderful time, and once the shawl is off the loom, I will have a picture to share with everyone.

WOW, I won!

2007-04-14T07:36:00.000-05:00

Over at Knitting History, Julia was having daily contests to destash. She offered a contest a day for a week, and entrants were welcome to post a comment, regardless if they lived over the pond from Julia! Well, I happened by her site one day last week and posted a comment on Sunday, I think it was. I completely forgot about the contest, and never even went back to check the other contests, which I fully intended to do. This morning, in my email box I received a lovely note from Julia, and I won contest # 5! On there way to me are a copy of Annie Modesitt's "Cheapter than Therapy: Joy, Healing, and Life Lessons in Fiber," and a copy of Nancy Thomas and Ilana Rabinowitz's "A Passion for Knitting," plus a skein of Knitpicks "Bare" fingering weight superwash yarn, 462 yards, in natural white with tweedy flecks of various colors.

Just think, two arrivals here in VA from England. In a few weeks Queen Elizabeth The Second and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will be here, you suppose they will deliver my prize in person? It would save Julia a trip to the post.

Third Doily

2007-04-08T17:09:00.000-05:00

Well my intentions to follow April & Mays Colors for Project Spectrum Pink, Yellow, & Green were dismissed, and I opted for a blue doily for the third of my Easter color doilies. The third of the trio has a nice spiral design and the pattern can be found by clicking HERE . I guess the completion of these three takes care of this divergence for Easter and I can now get back to projects laid aside in the last few months. I have socks on the needles (two pairs!) and a sweater started months ago. AND, of course, the baby quilt. THat may have to be todays assignment.

Happy Easter to Everyone!

2007-04-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

It's Spring?

2007-04-07T06:47:00.000-05:00

The spinning wheel and I are going to be hanging out today and just watching the amazing weather. This was taken this morning, April 7th. Hard to believe! I also started doily number three .... yes, I'm obsessed. This one is the most difficult of the three French patterns because there are two rows with the same stitch count, so for some reason (duh) I do have to keep a row count! Luckily it is easy to count the YO's.

Copy Cat - second verse

2007-04-04T16:46:00.000-05:00

I am still having fun making Easter decorations - doilies in fact. France Doily B was the choice this time, knit with Paton's Grace, 100% cotton, on about a size 2 set of 8 DPN's, This is From Bibliothek DMC, "Die Strickarbeit 1. Serie", by Th. de Dillmont, Editions Th. de Dillmont, Mulhouse, France., just in case you really wanted to know all the facts. I like this one even more than This One completed last week. The other has a purled edge, and this one is entirely knit. I guess the only thing left to do now is Doily C which I think needs to be pink. And since this is Pink month for Project Spectrum I'll be right in step.

Maymont with friends!

2007-04-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

Maymont was the place to be this weekend as they are having their annual event spotlighting new baby animals and all things "Spring" for families and children of all ages. The Clothos spinners were geared up and we had an area set aside for us to demonstrate spinning. The farm has their own herds of sheep, llamas, and goats, so they like to be able to show people what can be done with the fleece from these animals. We were ready and happy to oblige. 12 spinners and their spindles, looms and or wheels entertained themselves with fiber and the crowds of children and parents by demonstrating making "string". Yes, this is what I heard the most, "Look, they are making string".

Here are the highlights of the day.

Copy Cat

2007-03-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

Nona, infamous blogger and finalist in the Knit Off inspired me to knit a doily. I know, a doily is kind of a think of the past, but I loved the idea of it. I had the perfect "left-over" yarn, a cotton from a previous project in a nice Easter color, lavender. Since I've never knit a doily I though it would be amusing fun. The contestants in the Knit Off finished theirs in less than 5 hours. I took about 3 days, off and on! Lots of fun though and it now occupies a place of honor in my Easter decor. I think I may just do another. Oh yes, the pattern is HERE.

A Good Idea from 1860

2007-03-26T07:31:00.000-05:00

The volunteers at Meadow Farm who dress out in period costumes depicting the 1850's try their best to be authentic to the period we are interpreting for the public. Last year when I joined the sewing guild I offered to make a knitted Bosom Buddy or Sontag out of the wool spun from the sheep raised at the farm. The pattern that I found online at The Atlantic Guard Soldier's Society is brief. I had an illustration from the Godey's Ladies Book to go by and the bits of wisdom from those who had worn a similar one in the museums collection. Apparently, today's women is a bit more ample than some of the women of bygone days, I was cautioned to make sure it would cross in front.

I took the measurements called for in the original pattern, made the calculations for shoulder width and waist and began knitting. Once I separated the two front halves I did decreases as suggested, but only half of them. I then knitted straight until the two wings would wrap around the waist, and then decreased away the final stitches for the back. The garment is actually quite comfortable. It is worn by tying the back in place with two ties at your center front waist. The two bands or wings, then cross over the chest, under the arms, and then meet at center back to button. This leaves the arms free from a heavy garment, but provides warmth to the back and chest. Quite Clever. I am not sure why the two sites mentioned above no longer have the pictures and pattern but should you like additional information about making a Sontag, please drop me a comment.

Yikes, it's Spring

2007-03-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

I've been busy attenuating .... those of you who spin, know what I mean. To others, it means getting fiber ready to spin. You take batts (in my case) or roving and pull it until you have a roving the size you want to turn into yarn. It is almost as exciting as reading this sentence was! And since the fiber I was attenuating was my challenge fiber, I can't even let you see the process. This is a top secret operation being conducted by Clothos members, with a grand unveiling of the Pink in May. I am pleased to say I have spun three delightfully PINK bobbins of singles and will soon ply. Soon as I decide if I want a 3 ply, a navaho ply, or a 2 ply. Too many decisions!!

The knitted basket weave shawl I am making, actually a Bosom Buddy, (LOL) is in the home stretch. I had a very sketchy pattern, and although the shaping is coming along, I would do things differently if I was to make it again. I'm trying to finish this up for Sheep to Shawl which is a tad less than a month away. It shouldn't be a problem as I'm on the last section of it. I'll have pictures soon, at this stage, one basket weave looks pretty much like another.

Last Saturday at the Clothos Guild Meeting I found out there is going to be a weaving class in June or July. This is going to be a "how to weave on a rigid heddle loom" class. I think I mentioned before I have had this loom (in the box) since 1981. New it was marked $43.00. I know I didn't pay that amount though, as it came to me in a going out of business sale. At last it is going to have a debut and I hope to learn how to use it. It even came to me today that the Mystery Yarn from 2005 might even come in handy as warp!

On a Spring like note, I planted 21 day lilies today, a delightful treasure shared by a Spinning friend who also has a wonderful green thumb. When they bloom I'll be sure and post a picture.

Baby Surprise for Jake

2007-03-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

Here's Jake's Baby Surprise Jacket. I shall return later today to post some of the pattern specifics. Thanks for visiting and see you all later!

Well I am back from seeing baby Jake and delivering his sweater. So, the details! This, my third EZ Baby Surprise Sweater, was made with two different colors of Paton's Astra, Faded Denim and Sky (Ciel), and Bernat Softee Baby, Baby Denim Marl. The Bernat yarn almost appears white, especially in the photos. Of course all are acrylic, as this mom has no time for hand washing! I worked the pattern, as written on size 3.0mm (US 2) circular needles.

I added cuffs by picking up stitches after the sweater was sew along that "magic" shoulder seam, and the hood was made separately so that I could sew it on (and later remove if needed). The hood was worked with 58 stitches, the first and last four with boths colors of the Astra yarn. I made that edge double, so it would have some body, and also contrast. Basically, I worked the denim from both ends of the ball. The center was knit with a single strand, and after about 3-4 inches I also added short rows in the center area so that the front edge of the hood would be shaped. I wrapped the darker color yarn around the lighter at the edge when I turned, and there are no holes where the turns are. I'm pleased with the results and of course, when I can I'll post a picture with baby!

Knitting Temptation

2007-02-28T17:19:00.000-05:00

I got my new KnitPicks catalog in the mail yesterday, and wouldn't you know, almost half is devoted to babies and toddles. I see This Book and This One and I am not sure I can resist the temptation of buying either of them. I shall first check to see if any of the local libraries carry them; but one or maybe even both might end up in my library soon.

I have been working away on Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Sweater for Jake and it is in the home stretch. I am on the buttonhole band now, so this picture was taken a few days ago when just barely started. I have a few more rounds, the buttonholes, and then the bind off, and of course all those ends from changing colors. The Sweater Tutorial is here for those who are not familiar with this great sweater.

Want to guess what I have been doing?

2007-02-22T17:52:00.000-05:00

Move your mouse over the picture to see what's new off the needles!

Baby Surprise

2007-02-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

So, Sunday afternoon, between videos and books I also proofed a pattern for a friend. This cute little bootie was the result. I also worked on the cuff of the "No Longer Gold" socks knit from the dyed yarn mentioned last week.

Monday morning started with a surprise call from daughter, due with baby, March 17th. She thought she was in labor, could DH and I take the kids and use the circus tickets? So, off we went to see Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus A really grand time was had by all. The two grandchildren couldn't take their eyes off the action.

After the circus, grandson said, "I guess mom is still at the hospital getting the baby, because she did't come meet us at the circus". How Funny! How True!

Home again, we got the arrival news, and less than 6 hours after grandson #2 was born I got to meet my newest grandchild. Of course that resulted in casting on for a Baby Surprise for the real baby surprise = in Project Spectrum Blue even!