southfrontenacfibres

Mother Nature must have a Wedgie

2012-01-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a funny (not ha ha) type of winter. Winter weather didn't really hit until January and instead of big white snowflakes making everything beautiful and white...Mother Nature sends ICE. A Lot of ICE.

This past Friday was yet another Freezing Rain storm that left everything slick and shiny. The sun came out today and sadly I didn't have my camera with me. The way the sun shone through all the branches still covered in ice, was breathtaking. Although no pics from the sun today, here's a little sneak peek into how much ice we have had.

Had to pull the trailer out to plow the driveway/skating rink

Flower basket

This took a while to thaw

heavy apple tree

every branch loaded with ice

needless to say, we cooked inside

so much ice

It's very pretty, when you don't have to drive anywhere!

Completely unrelated to fibre

2012-01-27T19:49:00.004-05:00

On Jan 9th a very strange visitor came to my house by mail. Let's call him Flat Dexter.

Flat Dexter arrived from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. He spent a few weeks there taking in the sites and extremely sub zero temperatures.

Since he has been with me, he's been to the Trenton 's National Air Force Museum, was a visitor at Best Buy, went to a Senator's Game in Ottawa, had a handspun yarn scarf made for him and now he's in Toronto with a co-worker going to the SkyDome and CN Tower.

And he rode a Mechanical Bull....that's the end of that story :)

at the Rogers Center

the CN Tower

Night on the town in Toronto with the Rogers Center and CN Tower

Before he is shipped off to his next adventure, he'll swing into Sydenham's very own General Store, and hopefully check out RMC in Kingston.

Flat Dexter is a very thin version of my nephew and he's part of a Social Studies project in Nova Scotia.

Say hi to Flat Dexter :)

Hat is finished

2012-01-22T17:26:00.000-05:00

Well that didn't take long...started my Flower Crown Hat on Friday and finished by Sunday morning. It helps that I had another movie marathon weekend. Lincoln Lawyer and The Help. The Help was really good. Washed away all the make-up from the day before...

It was another quiet arts and crafts day. Finished the hat by 11am, and started to spin the wool/bamboo blend from a couple weeks ago on the Drum Carder. Made 4 videos on the spinning. Starting at a quick clean of the wheel, to drafting, plying back on it's itself for a good look at what the final yarn with look like, and how to attach roving once it breaks apart.

The video's were recorded in 1080p so when I compressed the files down, the quality was lost quite a bit. I think there is a way to adjust the setting on my camera to record in a lower quality. Next time.

For now, you can check out YouTube and my channel: southfrontenacfibres

Here's the little hat, finished.

Sorry...I've been busy

2012-01-20T08:18:00.002-05:00

Last post was January 8th, after my marathon drum carding weekend.

This week has been filled with a few things:

1. Finished my Chipotle Cable Socks
This was a really easy cable pattern. 12 row pattern with only row 3 and 9 requiring the tedious cable needle. The Little Box of Socks book I got a couple years ago has some amazing patterns in it.

I decided to cast on over a 5mm needle and knit the entire sock in 3.25mm. The larger cast-on needle makes the top of the sock nice and loose. I find my cast-on edges don't normally stretch as much as I would like them too.

2. Then I felt sadness over my socks being finished. so I went to Wool Tyme and purchased another skein of Dye Version "Pendragon" BFL/Nylon sock yarn in a colour I think is neutral enough that Ry will wear them. My real intentions of the Wool Tyme excursion was to start my 2012 Monster Cable Hoodie project, but I couldn't find any DK yarn in the colour I was hoping for. The search continues.

3. This is where I am supposed to write that I have started a crochet dishcloth, since that was the 2012 plan. Finish a project, start a dishcloth to learn how to crochet...maybe next time.

I found the cutest Baby Flower Hat on Ravelry, and just had to use my new "Sleeping Beauty" handspun to knit this adorable hat. Although the pic may not show the pattern very well yet, the crown has a cool flower on it. I'm not a fan of yarn overs...lace is not for me. The body of the hat is going to be handspun Superwash Merino and the brim of the hat is the orange ball below (100% Alpaca). Crazy soft for the forehead.

4. I told you...Busy Week.

I posted a three video series on my YouTube Channel, Southfrontenacfibres, from my Drum Carding weekend. So far 30 views and one private message from the Strauch's. Name sound familiar? That's who made my Drum Carder! Holy Crap! It's been a good week :)

Strauch Finest Drum Carder meet your challenge

2012-01-08T16:50:00.002-05:00

The plan was to have 4 ounces or 115 grams of 70% wool and 30% bamboo blend by the end of the day....I started with 150 grams of wool/bamboo combined, and with waste in prepping the fibre, I finished with 113 grams, or 3.98 ounces. Freaking close enough for me.

I started by weighing out the required blend of wool and bamboo and made 10 nests to work with. I like to stick with 15 grams on the drum carder at a time. It will take a little more than that for each batt, but I like to keep it safe.

Then I made a little sandwich of wool, bamboo, wool and fed it through the carder 3 times. More carding than that and I would have had more little waste bits than I would have liked. As it is, there are a few bits I'll need to pick out when I spin, but it's a tolerable amount.

The wool was soft to begin with with a really fine crimp, add the bamboo to it and the sheen is going to be awesome and it will be so soft...can't wait for the spinning step.

I also decided to make a few videos yesterday during the whole process.

I just tried to load one of the three videos, but it didn't work...

Maybe I'll start a YouTube channel to document my efforts. I can't say I know 100% what I am doing, but I can at least show how I do it, in case there are people out there that aren't sure where to start.

2 new skeins of Superwash Merino...what would you name them?

2012-01-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

First I'll start with the two skeins that are now dry and labelled with yardage and weight.

Both Superwash Merino: rust/purple combo (I need help naming skeins...what are your thoughts?)

1st skein: 111 grams, 184 yards, 11 wraps per inch, DK weight
2nd skein: 82 grams, 135 yards, 11 wraps per inch, DK weight
4mm needles: 5.5 stitches per inch

A year in review

2011-12-31T11:38:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve shouldn't have snuck on me, however it did. Normally I take time to reflect on the year that's ending and get excited for the year to come, however, this year...I'm a little behind in the reflection...so I'll do it now...

What happened this year...in no particular order?

~ two beautiful friends had babies girls (one each)
~ hoist was put in the new garage
~ another anaphelactic allergic reaction (hope it was a bee sting)
~ a friend from Idaho came to visit
~ my Birthday party was a house full of amazing friends
~ "cottage party" was "Jack's" Retirement Party instead (again, more amazing friends)
~ was invited to sheep shearing and fleece skirting days!
~ Max met Gertie
~ took a trip to Nova Scotia to see my Family
~ opened my Etsy shop (with a couple sales)

....what will come in 2012?

One thing I know for sure, we will be saying farewell to a couple awesome friends that are moving back to their hometown to start the next chapter of their life with their little baby girl.

All I can say is thank goodness for the Internet, text messaging and Ravelry...the Knitting Revolution will need to work a little harder at staying together, but I think we'll make it. I'm blue.

2011 was a really fun year and I'm looking forward to making memories in 2012!

I almost forgot...finished a sock last night

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T16:20:00.001-05:00

The Big Day is finally here...I have to admit, the month leading up to Christmas Day is my favorite, more so than the actual day.

Another beautiful day with a light dusting of snow outside and tea and coffee with Bacon and Eggs on the breakfast table.

No chores to do, no running around, just good ol' fashioned rest and relaxation.

Just time to chill and check out all the goodies!

One day I'll like crocheting as much as my sister, maybe

Awesome scarf, with the crazy ribbon like yarn accent that she bought from the cute LYS in Mahone Bay when I was home in October.

2012 is the year I learn how to dye yarn and fibre...watch out!

Christmas and Sock Yarn, the perfect combo!

The Sweater Calendar

A clock for the living room...so now I can see how much time I spend on the couch knitting and spinning.

As in years past, we had an amazing meal with the neighbours and their families. It's a treat to be invited to spend the holidays with such a great family.

Side note: as for the unexpected, uninvited and unwelcome visitor. He had a choice of cheese or french toast with peanut butter for his last supper...he choose cheese. He won't be coming around these parts anymore.

Good Morning Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T14:45:00.002-05:00

The first day we can sleep without being abruptly woken up by an alarm, and sure enough, we are woken up by the 6am news on Kix 93.5FM. Someone forgot to turn off their alarm, I'm over it.

The day started with coffee, tea, french toast, homemade Maple Syrup, and sausages. Breakfast of champions.

Then came a morning of knitting and sipping tea and visiting with a friend of Ry's that stopped by.

Alas, the time had come to get the truck and trailer out of the middle of the driveway and repair my blow-out. I'm not exceptionally handy (or not handy at all, depends on how you wanna say it). Ry however, is awesome! With some tricks up his sleeve, and a little Ether, a lighter and an air compressor, we had the tire inflated and back on the rim with only a few small bursts of fire. (by we, I mean he). My only job was to crimp the compressor air line and let it go when the explosion of flames occurred. I have to admit, I was a little freaked out, but he knew what he was doing.

After the repair was complete, my friend and "That Baby" stopped by for a wonderful Christmas Eve visit. Another tradition that I hope continues every year. The Paparazzi was in full force and I got some beautiful pictures of Ry feeding her Cheerios. (the Baby, that is).

The evening arrived and off to the neighbours we went for some holiday cheer and crazy delicious feast of Holiday Munchies. Oh my Goodness! the Food was delicious and the serving tray was awesome. Huge table sized tray filled with cheeses, crackers, pickles, pretzels, chips, dips, veggies...YUM!

All I can say about the amazing gift from our neighbours this year....is "We are so lucky to have the best neighbours, ever!"

Look at this ridiculously thoughtful and time consuming gift we opened up....

Helen is a Happy Hooker and we were absolutely thrilled with our gift! Now I get to stand on the Bossy Rooster anytime I want to...since he chases me around the yard anytime he wants to.

The funny part about this Hooked Rug, is she brought it to the hospital when I went in for allergy tests and I had no idea it was gift for us...very very sneaky!

Gave my socks a rest today and added a few inches to my scarf instead.

Side note: we had an unexpected, uninvited and incredibly unwelcome visitor today at the Bird Feeder...more to come on that one

a Story of 2011 Christmas...

2011-12-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

Here is the story of Christmas 2011.

I'll save the parts about my birthday, as that chapter has already been told.

Let's jump to December 23rd.

The last Friday before Christmas and I had the day off (however my Blackberry went crazy all day, I'm over it).

I woke up nice and early to check my baking cupboard for ingredients so I could take a quick run to the Foodland and spend the day baking. The Christmas Miracle started right around now...I didn't need a single ingredient from the store to make Mincemeat Tarts with dough from scratch and delicious Coconut/Almond Jelly Sugar balls. (supposed to be strawberry's, but I was too lazy to make the icing leaves, so Sugar Balls it is).

My first attempt at dough was a success! A few calls to my mom and grandmother, gave me the courage.

After the baking was done, I decided to do a good deed and load up the basement with wood so when Ry got home from work, he would be able to kick back and relax with some holiday cheer and we wouldn't have to walk across the driveway with arm loads of wood.

Let me just say, the Road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions. I started the Cherokee to immediately have the gas light come on. I thought to myself, worst case, I run out of gas in the driveway...I decided to take my chances. Loaded the trailer with wood and drove over to the window to throw it into the basement down the wood shute.

That's when things went bad...I was more worried about running out of gas, that I didn't check the tires on the trailer, and sure enough I had a blow out. So now, thinking Ry was going to come home to the house smelling of delicious baking and the tree sparkling in the window and he could put his feet up..I had to send the text with a picture of the blow-out...to soften the blow, no pun intended.

Thank goodness it was Friday and Ry had no intention of fixing the tire when he got home, so it stayed in the middle of the driveway with a flat tire and a Cherokee almost out of gas over night.

We nestled in for the night and kicked back to watch some holiday shows. He with his cheer and me with my knitting ( and a glass of cheer too). These cabled socks are going to be amazing.

And that's how the holiday started.

The Special Day continued...

2011-12-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

I mentioned my Birthday party was Saturday and that I was showered with gifts and wine and I am forever grateful to my amazing friends...well the gift getting continued all the way to yesterday (my actual Special Day).

My mom sent me a beautiful clock and my knitting buddy that made the wicked awesome tree ornaments surprised me last night with an amazing hat....out of MY OWN hand spun yarn. I can't even explain how cool it is to receive a hand knit item from yarn you made.

Early Gift Exchange

2011-12-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

I can now show off the final version of the Wine Cozy that I made on the way to the International Ploughing Match this past summer.

The exchange has taken place :)

Check out this link to Cabin Boy in Midland, Ontario. I think it was a hit :)

Happy Special Day

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

What a fantastic weekend. 25 people big and small in our little wee house on Saturday night. I like to call it my Special Day Festivities as I am a Christmas Baby. Really, the older I get I should rename it to a Good Old Fashioned Christmas Party...maybe next year.

I was showered with lots of wonderful presents and wine...oh my, a lot of wine :)

Check out these little treasures!

My knitting comrade in the Knitting Revolution has been a busy new mom, and found time to make these amazing tree ornaments. Definitely going to try them next year with remaining handspun yarn.

SOLD! to the Lady in Ottawa!

2011-12-14T19:13:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to a great co-worker who has purchased the Mad Hatter! So exciting that my yarn will be turned into a beautiful hand knit gift for someone.

Off to a good home :)

Max's sweater vest

2011-12-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

He's humiliated. Which is even more fun for me every time I call Max over to try on his new sweater.

I should have it finished pretty soon. The neck is a little loose so I might sew a simple button on, or velcro to seal it a little tighter once it's on him.

LOL...fun for me..not for him

Dakota, our Great Dane, should be thanking his lucky stars I de-stashed some yarn last night. He won't be getting a sweater this year.

New scarf

2011-12-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

The crochet scarf pattern didn't work out.

I had to rip it back and start over with knitting a seed stitch basic pattern.

My sister-in-law came for a visit yesterday and she is an awesome crocheter...she has started a new sweater for Max, my dog. He has no fur on his belly and the winter is not fun for him (although he has never said), I'm sure when he comes in from the cold and snow, he's not happy.

Pics to come, as she had to leave this morning and it's up to me to finish the sweater.

Merry Christmas Stockings

2011-12-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

What a fun night. Sleepover with a great friend and her little wee baby. And by little and wee...I mean "chunky monkey". 8 months of rolls and giggles. hee hee I'm hoping it's the first of many years to come where we hang out and watch Chevy Chase's National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

I absolutely couldn't wait any longer to give them their Christmas gifts. They needed to be opened early...and this is why!

Merry Christmas

Etsy Special

2011-12-03T23:25:00.000-05:00

I decided to choose tomorrow as a day to feature my Handspun Yarn on Etsy for quick viewing.

If you're looking for a unique Christmas Gift for a knitter/crocheter in your life, stop by my shop and don't be shy to ask me questions before you click "buy now".

You can also check out my favorite shops on Etsy for more handmade gift items that you won't find in any department stores.

Socks in 6 days...not bad

2011-12-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

If I hadn't made such large socks, I think I would have made the challenge of socks in 4 days. This is not the time of year to be ripping out socks and starting over.

Pair of oversized socks in 6 days

2011-12-01T22:58:00.002-05:00

You will have to take my word for it. The Country Christmas Special is just ending and I am tired.

One pair of socks complete in 6 days. Pics to follow

one sock, complete

2011-11-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

I'm half way there, with one sock complete. If I hadn't made a really huge sock, I may have been finished sooner.

I knew a few inches into sock #1 that it was going to be too big, but I kept going, thinking it would work itself out.

lol...it never has before.

Where do all the ball bands go?

2011-11-28T09:16:00.002-05:00

I took a few pics of my newest sock and was happy to sit down and blog about the newest challenge I have tasked myself with, and sure enough, can't find the freaking ball band to share yarn details with you.

Oh well, I know I purchased this yarn in Nova Scotia at Gaspereau Valley Fibres (my favorite yarn store). I splurged on two skeins..I know, only 2? Anyway, both were dyed by Fleece Artist in Nova Scotia. I think all Fleece Artist fibre has some silk in it, so that's all I can share, sadly.

I'll get back to that thought in a minute....

Here is my newest challenge to myself...can I knit a PAIR of socks in 4 days? Before I go back to work on Dec 1, can I have a new pair of socks?

I cast on the 64 stitches on Saturday night during the Hockey Game, and made some solid progress yesterday. (I also went to the woodlot, made dinner and started to decorate for Christmas), so my whole day wasn't devoted to knitting. That would be crazy...right?

Here's my progress so far:

As you can see, I'm all about the after thought heel these days, and simple stockinette stitch legs. I know they aren't fancy patterns or perfectly turned heels, and I really am not bothered by it. These will find their way to someone's home, under their tree for Christmas, and I truly don't believe the first words said will be, "that lazy ass didn't even bother to make a cool pattern". And if those words are said (or something like them), they'll be off the handknit list, forever!

So, back to my thought above regarding the disappearing ball bands. I feel that I need to take full responsibility for this. No one snuck into my stash and sabbotaged my ball bands. I simply think I'll remember and toss them aside. Then, whenever I start throwing out random strings of yarn and loose pieces of paper, I recklessly toss them in the garbage. My bad!

So maybe, I should actually make a "knitting resolution" for 2012. Keep a stash collection diary of all my yarn with the ball bands and a length of yarn. (I'll leave out the price tags, that could go bad).

Yes! That's what I'll do. I have some time to find the perfect book to hold all this info in, and I'll report back. A SMART goal, is only really a goal, when it is shared with others and you can be held accountable. So here goes:

S.M.A.R.T goal

Specific: I will keep a record of ball bands and sample yarn in "Yarn Diary" for projects I start

Measureable: I will log all NEW yarns used in projects (and slowly work on updating the current stash as I have time)

Achievable: This will be done EACH time I start a new project

Realistic: I don't really start that many projects, so how can I not keep this one up?

Time Based: ALL of 2012, starting on Jan 1. To be reviewed at the beginning of each month

Success will be measured by a very colorful, and hopefully full book by Dec 31st of all the projects I started (not finished) in 2012. I will course correct as need be each month to ensure I am staying on track with the basic element of documenting the yarn used. As I gain confidence in my new method of record keeping, I will work on adding project details including pattern source, gauge, needle size and pictures.

Wait...Ravelry is exactly the place to add all these details with pictures! Course correcting already...I'll use www.Ravelry.com as my Knitting Diary. If you want to see my progress and kick me in the kaboose for not following through, you can find me on Ravelry as "teiraferris" and add me as a friend.

In the essence of sharing my "knitting resolution" I am also reading a new book: The Knitter's Life List" by Gwen W. Steege. Excellent read with oceans of cool ideas to add to the "knitting bucket list". Defintely 2 thumbs up. If you have a knitter/crocheter or fibre lover on your Christmas Shopping List, this would make a great Christmas gift.

Socks...check

2011-11-26T16:03:00.001-05:00

For this post...I think I'll let the pictures say my thousand words.

If you could see my face, you would see how crazy happy I am with them.

Although now I am left with 51 grams of this beautiful yarn, that I don't have a use for. What would you do with it?

I considered making a third sock to have a back-up in case I wear out the heel.

Here are a few pics of the afterthought heel in case you were curious.

Visitors

2011-11-23T16:47:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year (with the exception of the blanket of ice that is covering everything today). It's the light dusting of snow that glistens in the sun that I love.

I bundled up and made my way outside to the bird feeders to fill them up and watch the visitors come.

And they did.

Back in Dakota's Good Dog Book

2011-11-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

I was casually looking at old posts and I stumbled across this one....It's a Dogs Life, from November last year. November 11th to be specific :(

That's the fateful day I abandoned Dakota's dog bed. It's not because he is a Great Dane and the bed was too big and I got bored with it. It was simply because I had the crazy idea that sewing in a rope was needed to make the dog bed complete. My sewing machine (not top of the line by any stretch of the imagination), was taking a beating and I was breaking too many needles. hence, the abandonment.

Well...today is a new day. Heck, it's a whole new freaking year! I pulled out the dog bed, the sewing machine, the camera and pot of tea, and I picked up where I left off last November.

After breaking two more needles, using a needle, thread and thimble, I conquered the bed and now Dakota is as snug as a bug in a rug. He hasn't stood up in a few hours.

It's officially a Dog's Life now.

After thought Heel

2011-11-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

Only 4 days after I started the sock that I am excited to give myself for the holidays, I'm happy to report, I'm done. Sock #1

After doing a couple stockings with a crazy quick heel turn, I decided to use the same heel turn for this sock. The heel isn't reinforced, so I'll be careful to avoid any rubbing on shoes. They will likely be my "around the house" socks.

Here's a play by play: as mentioned I modified a simple sock pattern that called for 64 stitches based on 8 stitches per inch gauge. I knocked that down to 48 cast on stitches because I have a wee foot.

#1. The Cuff

Simple 2 x 2 ribbing for 1 1/2 inches

#2. Then beautiful mind numbing stockinette stitch in the round for a day or so....until I have a piece of scrap yarn to mark the heel and finished toe

#3. Voila! A Heel

#4. Now a whole leg, in only 4 days!

#5. Another great knitting weekend with my dog :)

I do love that dog.

Erica Lopi Hoodie Update

2011-11-19T13:19:00.000-05:00

Erica has been shipped to Nova Scotia where hopefully my Mom's friend will sew in the zipper that I have pinned in place. It dawned on me that with only 6 weeks left in 2011, I am done learning.

I had guilt over abandoning her, so I thought I would give finishing it a fighting try (after someone else does the zipper). I just don't have it in me.

What I am doing is a VERY simple stockinette sock with the sock yarn that I bought, what seems like forever ago. It has attempted to be a few different sock patterns, but they all came out way too big. I reduced the cast on stitches from 64 to 48 and the cuff seems a wee bit tight, but I think the leg and foot will be fine. These will be a gift from me to me for my Birthday this year.

What are you giving yourself for Christmas this year? Don't even think about lying and say "nothing"...we all do it!

First Snowfall came and went

2011-11-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

It was really pretty while it lasted. The first snowfall....you enjoy it for a few minutes thinking how pretty it makes everything look covered in a protective white blanket....then you remember...HOLY CRAP...what do I still need to do before a white dusting turns into 20cm?

1. Pull the chicken fence
2. Cover the last of my resilient flowers
3. Actually put the patio table in the shed, not just leave it beside the door
4. Pick up poop (doggy poop)
5. Cover the BBQ (this I know should be done every time...not always the case)
6. Find the snow brush for the car (got a new one this year...new truck, new brush)
7. Snow tires (done)
8. Put the Bird Feeders out (done)
9. Find the shovel and put it on the deck
10. Wind up the hose

Now, I think we are almost ready...I at least have a list, however none of outstanding stuff has been done yet. I do have new tires and a snow brush...so the rest will happen in time.

We had the heart to heart

2011-11-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's official, SOME of my handspun yarn has been posted to my ETSY shop. Not until I started posting it, did I realize how much I really have. I figure every night this week I'll add a few skeins and hopefully by the weekend, the shop will be full.

Don't be shy to ask questions if you take a peek at the shop and are wondering what you can do with each skein and it's yardage. I have "the knitters (and crochet) handy guide to Yarn Requirements" by Ann Budd, so I should be able to help.

I am so proud of my friend Sarah! She made the most beautiful stocking for her new little one's First Christmas. Tackled three colors, new patterns and even grafted her own customized pattern. That's HUGE!

After I finished looking at her pictures on Ravelry, I knew it was time to step up and at least finish a few of my Works in Progress. So, literally, I "sewed" in all the ends on 2 projects, drew the picture I had in my mind on the wine cozy (that I can't show...Christmas is too close). I also decided that I had done enough crochet on my Aqua Cowl, and finished that off too!

Pulled out my rubber mats, that I bought ages ago to block my "Abandoned Erica Hoodie". She's still abandoned. Which I feel bad about, but the zipper has me paralyzed. I think my "learning a new skill for 2011" has come to an end. I'm taking the easy road for the next month and a half.

Where was I going with this story....right, the rubber mats....I soaked my cowl and pinned it to my rubber mats to give it a little stretch. I think I bailed on it earlier than the pattern suggested, but it was making me nuts, so here it lays...blocking.

Wish me luck on getting all my yarn onto my ETSY shop before the weekend.

Desperately Seeking a new home

2011-11-10T20:26:00.002-05:00

I come from a happy home with a loving family and 2 wonderful dogs. I am not needy and nor do I need constant supervision. I do however need to be encouraged to reach for my full potential.

I believe I should live with owners that don't just enjoy me as a work of art, a labor of love or a colorful skein in a basket. I want to spread my wings and be seen by the world.

When I grow up, I want to be mittens, or a hat, or a beautiful shawl, heck maybe even a sweater for the world cutest baby or a jacket for the cutest toy dog.

Heck, at this point, I want to be anything other than a skein of yarn in a basket in a house where I have to listen to a huge dog bark at falling leaves and passing trucks.

I yearn to be on needles or a hook (something you'll never hear a fish say, lol).

So as I sit here with my other 36 neglected friends, I ask this:

Do you know anyone that might have time for a soft, and colorful One of a Kind Handspun skein of yarn?

My owner has accepted that I need to move on and spread my wings and has offered to take some time over the next few days to put me on ETSY so you can read more about me and determine if I am the best fit for your needles.

If you have room in your life for me, please send my owner a note. She'll be happy to see me reach my full potential :)

Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

WOW!

I might make cool yarn and nifty knitted things, but Ryan makes a mean Jack-o-Lantern...

Hallowe'en isn't for witches and goblins at our house. This year it's about a Horse Drawn Carriage and Deer...

Last year it was about Spinning Wheels and Great Dane's...

The year before that, a tractor and a rooster....

He's what we call a "Pumpkin Artist".

Here it is...Blog Post #100

2011-10-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

WOW! 100 posts on this blog site. Who knew? Actually, truth be told, I think I knew all along that I would stick to blogging.

The question is....why?

I've been asking myself this question all day (in between work events). Why do I like blogging? What is it about blogging that after 99 posts, I feel like doing another?

You may not know this about me, but I love to be inspired. My inspiration comes in many ways...simple quotes, conquering a new pattern/technique, brainstorming with clever people at work, seeing dreams being fulfilled, or simply taking the time to be grateful...how can I not be grateful? I have the best life, ever!

So, again why blogging?

The best part of a work day for me is when someone that I have been training for days/weeks/sometimes years...(you know who you are), finally "get it". Everything I have been training finally sinks in and see the light come on. That's the best!

The excitement of feeling like I have made a difference at work is similar to the reason I blog about knitting/spinning.

The journey of knitting/spinning is more enjoyable when you can share it with those around you that understand and "get it". I do have a couple knitter friends that "get it" and for them I am forever grateful. The non-knitters/spinners out there may not feel the triumph when a friend tackles cables for the first time with a new born baby girl at home. The non-knitters/spinners may not get excited knowing there is enough yarn left over from making a pair of socks to make matching wristlets, or infant "mini-me" socks. A non-knitter/spinner may not understand why dinner is coming...as soon as I finish this row...

It's these moments in time that make me happy to blog. Someone out there can search key words on Google, or come across a project you made on Ravelry, then checkout your profile, just to find your website, and before you know it, you have 4800+ views. These are the people that don't just "get it", they enjoy it.

So, I guess I blog, because after 99 posts, I feel like there are a few people out there that are reading and enjoying.

Fingers crossed all those views aren't all from me.

Are you enjoying?

Mad Hatter off the wheel

2011-10-23T17:30:00.001-04:00

I can hardly believe this is my 99th Blog Post...

I feel like my next one better be noteworthy...not likely going to happen, unless I wait a few weeks as I have nothing really on my wheel or needles that will be that exciting.

I do however, have a new skein off my wheel that I LOVE! As I was plying the multi-colored single with the red single, I wasn't so sure I made the best decision for the final product.

I was wrong, I love it 2X.

100% Superwash Merino
92 Grams (totally unsure how that happened, I started with 58 grams of each color)
12 Wraps per Inch
213 yards

Fixed my Boo Boo

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

Last week, I accidentally applied a Vinyl Expression on my Knitting Chest, just to realize I messed it up.

Although slightly deflated, I wasn't going to be beat. I fixed my boo boo today and removed my mistake and added a sheep...no one would ever know the sheep didn't belong...unless, of course, I said so.

Crisis averted.

Now I am off to ply what I think is going to resemble a skein of yarn fit for the Mat Hatter.

Quality time with my Spinning Wheel

2011-10-17T08:57:00.000-04:00

Finally,

After what feels like a really long time, may have only been 3 weeks, I spent some quality time with my spinning wheel this weekend.

Start to finish, got one skein off the bobbins and dried and the second skein is not quite half way...

Skein #1: Superwash Merino from the Wilton Fibre Mill. I picked it up a little while ago when I knew I had no time to spin, yet missed all the beautiful colors and softness of a roving.

Rust/Mauve blend (still not named)
100 grams
185 yards
12 WPI

Before

After

What's on my wheel now? The second bobbin of a yarn that will no doubt be eye catching...however, I have no idea what it will look like. The colors remind me of the Johnny Depp Mad Hatter costume from Alice in Wonderland. Lime green, turquoise, red, dark blue and then plied with bright red.

We'll have to wait and see on this one:

I also finally took the twenty minutes and added partial thumbs to my fingerless mitts that I made with Gina's yarn. Wool/Mohair blend.

My hindsight is exceptional

2011-10-11T18:56:00.001-04:00

I have been waiting for the perfect time to apply my new Vinyl Expression onto my Hope Chest/Yarn Display and today was the day. I got the first layer all lined up and sitting perfectly level, applied it with a little bit of effort, but after a few minutes I was loving the first layer..."knitting (with a cute ball of yarn)", and then it was time to apply the second layer...that's when it happened....my hindsight was exceptional. I had applied the "2nd" layer first. BALLS!

I'll show you the picture of my sad error, and when I fix it, I'll repost a modified picture so you get the before and afters. I could kick myself, however, if I had known to apply the "2nd" layer first, I would have. I chalk this one up to my first time applying these beautiful expressions and I'll know what to look for next time. It's not awful, it's just not right. LOL.

Bucket List...check....

2011-10-10T10:02:00.005-04:00

To make a list of all the reasons for what I am thankful for would take forever, so let me just say, I am so thankful for everything in my life. My family, my friends, my neighbours, my co-workers, my pets...I have all that really matters!

I don't have a very extravagant Bucket List, and it grows as I learn more and more cool things that are out there to experience. One long standing item on "The List" is Horseback riding. It seems a little odd that at my age, I had never sat on a horse. Well...I can check that bad boy off my list.

After an amazing Thanksgiving Dinner with our neighbours and their family, we went for a fun family stroll on their property and I did the stroll on the back of Hunny. YEAH!!! I have to admit I was a little nervous, which I think is acceptable since she is huge and I have no idea how to "drive" a horse. It was amazing. Again....so thankful :)

This is my concentrating face :) I will definitely be taking them up on the offer for a few more rides. What an amazing way to take in the sunset.

With 4 minutes to spare

2011-10-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

Bed time is in 4 minutes...been a very busy day and I vowed I would finish the stocking before I get on the train to head home. SUCCESS!

More to come from the train ride back to Ontario. Experiencing technical difficulties and can't seem to add photos from my Tab, so this is short and sweet. Text only tomorrow.

What have I been up to? Glad you asked

2011-10-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

I haven't been just touring the Nova Scotian Countryside with idle hands. I've been keeping very busy with knitting and attempting crochet (with the help of my sister. lol)

Here's some progress on Rory's Christmas stocking that I started on the train.

Here's the Crochet Cowl me and my sister are making. She did the 211 chain's required to start this crazy project...I lack the attention span to chain that many. She also did quite a bit of the actual cowl so far.

While my sister was working on my cowl, I was turning the heel of an abandoned sock in her stash of forgotten projects.

Dempsey's Corner

2011-10-05T16:13:00.002-04:00

This hidden treasure , Dempsey's Corner, was a real treat. 300+ acre farm, not far from Aylesford where you can visit the local shop for antiques and fresh veggies and baking, or take advantage of their property to U-Pick whatever is in season...apples, pumpkins, pears, raspberries, corn, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, cherries, plums...yum yum yum.

If you're a kid, or a kid at heart (like me), you can check out their dogs, chickens, cows, goats, pigs and bunnies.

Busy in Nova Scotia

2011-10-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year, however, I always forget that with Fall, traditionally comes damp and dreary rainy days. All but one of my days in NS has been miserable weather.

When on vacation though, you must forge through the crappy rain, and do everything you want to do, rain or shine.

We've seen a couple yarn stores over the last few days. Gaspereau Valley Fibres, north of Wolfville and Have a Yarn in Mahone Bay.

Gaspereau Valley Fibres is such a gorgeous Yarn Shop. Beautiful colors, antiques and old world charm. I am absolutely in love with all the yarn from Fleece Artist and Hand Maiden which specialize in silk. The most colorfully rich yarn that is crazy soft. LOVED every hank I picked up. Only purchased two...if the birdie on my shoulder hadn't kept saying "you spin your own yarn silly", I would have bought so much more.

Have a Yarn is a cute little yarn store in Mahone Bay. This was my first visit. Very quaint shop with a large variety of yarn..again...more Hand Maiden yarn from the Halifax area to tease me.

After the yarn shop, we strolled the community to check out the Scarecrow Festival...so many Scarecrows everywhere...this is just a sneak peek.

Next day...Dempsey's Corner

Have yarn will travel by Via

2011-09-29T22:39:00.000-04:00

On the road again, or should I say on the train tracks again :)

I have no idea where I am..it's dark and rainy and I'm pretty sure I'm still in Quebec, but not 100%.

After a little snooze (2 full seats to myself), it's time to sit up and start thinking about making a Christmas stocking. I am going to post this, and test myself later to see if my pattern creating skills were up to the challenge.

The stocking I am making is for one adorable baby. I decided to put her name at the top of the stocking, and with an app on my Galaxy Tab "LittleKnitter", I drafted out how her name should appear. The trouble is, the stocking is knit in the round from the top down, so I need to figure out how to not make her name upside down or backwards????

If you have any tips, please share immediately as I have a few inches to knit before the spot for her name is supposed to go.

Here's where I am at so far

....only 17 more hours on the train...how far will I get?

International Ploughing Match...Chicken Auction...Baptism...full weekend

2011-09-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

Let me just say the International Ploughing Match is quite an event to take in, if it is ever in an area close to you. It was about 3 1/2 hours from us this year, and totally worth the drive.

So much to see. It was also my first ride in a hay wagon, so that was pretty fun...it doesn't take much to make me smile.

The size of the tractors was out of this world.

The decorations were great,

the beer tent was freaking HUGE!

And on the drive to International Ploughing Match, I managed to finish my Wine Cozy in Handspun and Handcarded Alpaca,Superwash Merino and Mohair yarn.

"Live a life Inspired"

2011-09-20T08:05:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been pretty busy. I know I seem to say that quite often, however, sometimes it really is true. With my job and hobbies, my days are always busy, just sometimes when I tack in some travel, it gets a little crazier. When I do have to travel, it means working double time to keep up.

We are a little closer to being ready for winter. Wood stove is swept and vacuumed out and we have lots of wood cut. If nothing else, we'll stay warm this winter.

I feel like a broken record saying I'm so close to being finished "Erica"...I mean it this time. The zipper is pinned in, I just need to baste and then sew it in.

I'm working on a Christmas Gift right now with the Black Superwash merino/alpaca/mohair blend that I drum carded when my friend Sam was visiting from Idaho in April. Very soft and sleek.

I went to party last week...kind of like a Pampered Chef Party, however it was for Uppercase Living. An awesome company that sells vinyl expressions for your walls, picture frames, decorative pieces...anything with a flat surface. Really cool stuff. I did find a vinyl expression that says "Knitting Soothes the Soul". How could I resist? When it arrives and I apply it to my Hope Chest where I display all my handspun at home and post a pic. If you want to check out the cool expressions and new jewelry line click on the link above.

The website is really cool and because you can customize the products online to show your wall color in the background so you can get an idea of what all 52 colors would look like against your home furnishings before you click "buy now". There is also a nice holiday catalogue for Christmas, Thanksgiving and Hallowe'en.

Just surfing around the website will get your creative juices flowing.

9 days until my vacation...how much wool can I stuff into a carry-on? Will I forget a needle or hook I need to work on a pattern? Will I forget the pattern? Will I have enough yarn? Will I be stumped on reading a pattern?....that happens a lot! I guess I will have my tablet with in case of emergency YouTube requirements.

Have knitting will travel...by boat

2011-09-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Another weekend down...and many things accomplished. First of all, let me say how much I love the new wood splitter. Imagine me saying I love something that has to do with doing wood on the weekend, but it's true. The best part of doing wood is splitting it.

Now for what I really love to do...knit! We are one week over our rule of thumb for putting the boat away. Normally we are adamant it's winterized by Labor Day, since we get so busy getting ready for winter as soon as the weather cools. Today we took it out for a last rip around Sydenham lake before we put it away for the season. What's better that knitting while on a nice boat ride? Can't think of anything.

I am loving Gina's yarn that I picked up from the Verona Garlic Festival. 50% wool and 50% mohair. I think I'll have enough to make two pairs of fingerless mitts.

My little friends have been busy this weekend helping me weed my flower gardens.

What's on tap for me this week? Glad you asked...Aside from a hectic work week and excitement for my upcoming holiday to Nova Scotia, I'm deliberating between which bag of Superwash Merino I will spin first...

Rust and Purple?

Turquoise, Green and Red? or

Deep Red...

My bet would be the Rust and Purple are first up.

Happy Birthday to my Mom today.

Great start to September

2011-09-05T14:48:00.000-04:00

Although some may grumble that this long weekend was wet, dreary and humid...I had a fantastic weekend filled with lots of fun.

First off...Saturday's Verona Garlic Festival was jammed with people, vendors and the aroma of all the garlic was awesome!

I bought an amazing skein of yarn from Gina's Warm and Woolies at the Verona Garlic Festival. 50% Wool and 50% Mohair in a beautiful deep red. The shine of the Mohair had me hooked. I think I'll start mitts with it tonight.

Then Saturday night, my friend brought her beautiful baby up for some cuddle time. I do love cuddle time with "that baby". :)

Sunday was a road trip adventure to Prince Edward County for some apple picking and a stop by Chadsey Cairn's Winery.

Now it's time to try out my new apple sauce maker that I got for Christmas last year from the best neighbors, ever!

Last night I whipped up a pot of apple sauce and today I'm right back it. The house smells amazing...nothing like the simmering smell of apples and cinnamon. YUMMMY!

While the apple sauce simmered, I finished a few skeins of Hot Pink Superwash Merino. I'm taking my chances now having it dry on the clothes line. Keeping a close eye on the clouds.

I smell progress in the air

2011-08-29T20:41:00.000-04:00

YIPPEE!! I am so close to the end of Erica. I can hardly believe I found time this summer to work on this sweater. Not to mention finish a pair of socks, start another pair of socks, learn to crochet and bang off a few baby hats.

I have to admit, summer is not my favorite season and I would much prefer to sit inside or at least in the shade and avoid contact with the sun altogether. With Fall right around the corner, I'm happily ramping up for sweater season. Nothing beats a warm pair of socks, jeans and a wool sweater.

Did I mention we hatched some baby chicks this year too? It looks like we have 2 Rhode Island red(mixed with a mystery hen) Roosters and a little white hen (Buff Orpington mixed with a Rhode Island Red...we think)

This was the first year a hen from last year decided to be broody and sit on the eggs. So we let her keep a few as an experiment. They hatched around July 21st and are all over the place now. Getting pretty adventurous. We thought we lost them a couple days ago. No clue where they went, but they came home.

On schedule for completion of "Erica"

2011-08-21T22:03:00.001-04:00

So happy this sweater is nearing its end. Both hoods are complete and now ready to be sewn up.

Now I have 10 days to sew it up and figure out how to put in a zipper.

Crunch Time

2011-08-20T15:40:00.000-04:00

Only 11 more days until I vowed to have my "ERICA" hoodie finished. So this post will be short and sweet.

What I have finished this week has been given me a sense of accomplishment and I can get back to "Erica" with a feeling that I have actually completed a few projects.

Crochet...where have you been all my life?

2011-08-14T21:46:00.002-04:00

I was introduced to my new friend this weekend, crochet. What a time saver when looking to whip up a couple cute baby hats. My neighbor was awesome and helped get me started with my little baby hat. I found the pattern on Ravelry. Maia's Hat. The pattern designer did an awesome job with the instructions and before I knew it, I had two hats made in one day. I can't even begin to imagine knitting two hats in week, let alone one day.

I feel my christmas presents are going to shape up nicely.

A baby hat...really?

2011-08-10T19:10:00.000-04:00

Bologne! This hat will only fit a baby that has 37 years under their belt!

I got gauge, so I thought. Guess not.

Sheep Dog Trials

2011-08-09T07:57:00.001-04:00

It was another good time had by all at the Sheep Dog Trials in Kingston last weekend. Unfortunately I had to work on Saturday, but took in the festivities on Sunday. We didn't get front seats to watch the trials and I don't have a super duper lens for my camera, so my pics of the actual sheep dogs herding the sheep are filled with the back of people's heads :( You'll have to take my word for it that it was really fun to watch. A nail biter at times.

The Sheep Shearing demonstration was pretty cool. Although I've seen sheep sheared before, it's still amazing to see how still they are when they are wrapped around the shearer's legs.

I was confident I could resist buying any fleecy fibre, I was wrong. Although I didn't buy fleece...I bought a white silk ~~hankie~~. It's a Cap. What the heck do I do with it now? I guess I'll need to surf some YouTube videos and learn how to spin it.

Progress is being made on my Erica Hoodie. Working on the last hood...pics to come soon. My goal is still August 31st.

Like a dummy, I have started a baby hat for one of the three wee ones that I love to huggle. Handspun chocolate brown with a handspun turquoise accent. I really should wait and finish "Erica", but the hood is all burgundy and I get bored with that much of one color.

Two skeins in bright blaze orange in the stash

2011-07-18T20:16:00.001-04:00

I have to admit of all the yarn of I've spun to date, this has to be in the Top 10 for my faves. I love the color, love the softness of superwash merino and I love how easy it was to spin. Although it took awhile to finish it, that was by my own making. I decided to spin two full bobbins instead of just 100grams total at a time.

Very happy with the results, although I don't know where I lost 15 grams in the process? I came out with one skein that weighed in at exactly 100 grams and the other at exactly 80 grams. Somehow missing 15 grams. I don't recall more that a few grams of waste along the way, oh well. Very happy with the two skeins all the same.

Skein #1: 11 WPI, 100 grams and 200 yards
Skein #2: 11 WPI, 80 grams and 150 yards.

Now what to make? I still have a few more stash bags from The Black Lamb, or I could spend some time knitting a few Christmas presents. I'm thinking a pair of socks, cup cozies, baby hats and a couple wine carriers. I spent some quality time yesterday when it was a million degrees outside, surfing around on Ravelry looking for patterns.

I was also thinking it might be about time to try my hand at crochet. That would help in the production of cup cozies, dishcloths and a few baby hats.

We checked out the Athens Antique Tractor Exhibition last weekend and I was able to finish a dishcloth in the Jeep. If I could only have a driver for my work days too, I could get so many projects finished.

ERICA Hoodie is so close

2011-07-14T20:30:00.000-04:00

I sometimes wonder if I will ever really catch on to the "knitter's lingo". Yet again, had to make a trip to Wool Tyme for help reading a pattern. Sadly, it's not even a chart that I was confused by. It was just many english words, one after the other, and I couldn't figure out what it said to do.

As always, Wool Tyme pulled through and I when I got home last night, I started to finish the neck line of my Erica Hoodie. Voila....ready to start the hoodie! So happy to have made so much progress. Looking forward to tonight's re-run's so I can cast on the hood.

Is that yarn...on a Jeep?

2011-07-08T20:33:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, a friend of mine was driving her Jeep with the top off and pulled into a Tim Hortons. The young girl in the drive thru said..."Is that a Poncho...in a Jeep?" We laughed about it for a really long time. Nothing like someone making notice of a cool chick in a knitted poncho riding in a Jeep.

So, I had an older Black Cherokee which will now become the wood/boat hauler and my new Jeep will having me riding in style. Feeling a little out of my league with the new Jeep, but I'm sure I'll get more comfortable as I ride along.

Another anephelactic allergic reaction

2011-07-07T21:05:00.001-04:00

Not too impressed by my second anephelactic allergic reaction this past weekend. Still no clue what is out there that is out to get me, but this time was crazy fast. If you have any thoughts on what is in bloom, going to seed or otherwise harmful, please let me know. Same type of reaction as last year, same time of year too. July 21, 2010 and July 3, 2011.

I've got a specialist appointment at the end of the month, which is better than last year, when I had to wait until December.

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T09:30:00.000-04:00

Off to a great start for July 1st...finished one bobbin of 100gr in Blaze orange and finished my June socks.

And....I bought a new-to-me Jeep Liberty. Pics to come hopefully on Tuesday. You'll see a pattern between my June socks and my new Jeep. I LOVE that color. I have enough yarn to make a couple cup cozies to match my new ride.

Unexpected Little Visitors

2011-06-27T08:26:00.000-04:00

LOL...you should have seen me yesterday getting chased into the garage by two little wee goats. Not sure if it was the fact they were running towards me, or the fact the I wasn't 100% sure where they came from, or their horns...but I ran like a little girl

After the funny goat episode, and after weeding my new garden, I came in from the deer flies and worked on my wheel...

Nothing says "I love you" like Blaze Handspun

Pics are in

2011-06-24T20:47:00.000-04:00

I'm over the excitement of having this skein off my wheel, and finally took it outside for a photo shoot.

Finally finished

2011-06-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

I am so happy my skein of yarn is finally off the wheel and in my "stash basket". No pics yet, but the specs are in...11 wraps per inch, 90 grams and 238 yards. It's so soft. So much softer than I expected since it's 100% wool with nothing added to soften it up.

Pics to follow, just happy it's off the wheel for now. I love it, but that much brown put me to sleep with every treadle :) LOL...I clearly am stimulated by color and texture, because the singles of this yarn were BORING! Now that the yarn is plied, it has depth and texture that's amazing.

...stay tuned for pics

South Frontenac Fibres Yarn Stash Shop

2011-06-15T17:39:00.000-04:00

For someone that works with technology all day long, you would think it wouldn't have taken me so long to figure out to link my Etsy Shop to this Blog.

I finally attempted to link it again and as you will see to the far right of the screen, the ETSY link is there that will gain you access into South Frontenac Fibres Yarn Stash. Hooray! Computer 0, Teira 1

With this large victory under my belt, I will sit and spin up my skein from Frank that thinks I have deserted it on the bobbin. I hope it's ready for showing on Saturday. To be honest, I can't wait to dive into some of the Superwash Merino from the Black Lamb, but can't until this skein is off the wheel.

First Strawberry harvest

2011-06-13T03:33:00.000-04:00

Although I am sure the strawberry harvest is NOT the reason that I can't sleep tonight, I thought I would make a note of what a crazy amount of strawberries we picked today. 3 years ago we started a little wee strawberry patch with 7 plants, and today we picked 6 pounds of strawberries!

As for knitting/spinning this weekend, well that took a back burner until 9pm Sunday night. I have casted-on the dreaded second sock. Not just dreaded because it's the second sock, but also because the toe up method to socks is still not at all comfortable for me to knit. Everything about it is weird. Having said that, I remember the first time I turned a heel from the cuff down and didn't really like that either. So I'm open to the options this toe-up nonsense brings.

Didn't quite make my "show and tell" deadline on Saturday

2011-06-05T20:45:00.000-04:00

I had high hopes of heading to the Verona Farmers Market with lots of show and tell items, and sadly, I just didn't meet my deadline. The one thing I really wanted to have complete was a skein of yarn from Frank's fleece. I didn't even work on that this weekend, so I have NO progress reports to speak of.

I did however attach the arms to my Erica Lopi Hoodie and spent some quality time with this sweater on Saturday night. Thank goodness for Hockey Payoff's still going strong.

Today we worked on my new perennial garden which I am SO SO excited about. Time to shop for some wonderful perennials. I really want a Spirea bush...they look gorgeous this time year. Like a huge white firework display (need to use your imagination on that one, but that's really what they remind me of, lol).

After the garden was tilled, racked, weeded, picked through for rocks, it was Miller Time, or in my case, Corona Time. That's when my toe-up sock joined me on the front stoop for some quality time. I'm just finishing the cuff. Hopefully tomorrow on the train, I'll be able to remember how to cast on to start sock #2...fingers crossed.

Unexpected trip the the Black Lamb in Port Hope, ON

2011-06-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

Very unexpectedly I decided to make a trip to Port Hope, ON to check out the Black Lamb, fibre store. I had heard all about it and even purchased some superwash navy merino from the nice lady last year sometime at a local event at Queens.

They weren't officially open for business, but were home and invited me in anyway. Love that!

I was very impressed by all the beautiful yarn in the shop, but knowing me, it wasn't yarn that I was interested in. So Laurie took me to the basement! What an amazing site. Bags, and bags and bags of Superwash Merino roving everywhere.

How could I resist? Needless to say....I didn't.

195 grams of Blaze Orange

250grams of Fuschia

86grams of Turquoise

250grams of Cherry Red

Franks Fleece, aka Teardrop

2011-06-01T07:59:00.000-04:00

Well I went to the Verona Farmers market a couple weekends ago to ask Frank a little more info about his fleece that is now stuffed into two rubber maid bins in my fleece storage. Although he would have looked up her name if I needed it that badly, we settled on Teardrop, as that was a distinguishing feature of hers, based on the number on the slip of paper.

After all was said and done, her yield was 70% and I know have 3.4 pounds (1550grams) of beautiful soft fawn brown Romney/cross fleece that I have started to spin already.

The weather is so nice lately, it's tough to spin, when I an knit on the front stoop. I really need to take my wheel outside and set up shop on my front lawn.

LYS came to the rescue

2011-05-30T21:47:00.000-04:00

Not to be defeated by a toe-up sock heel issue, I went to my LYS today and Alana made everything right again. Although we were defeated by a weird and wacky acronym (sskWSL) which is short for: "Slip the next stitch knitwise; insert the needle point into the loop at the base of the next stitch, knit the slipped stitch and the loop together through the back loops", she was able to coach me on how to "wrap the next stitch". Which in itself makes sense by the sheer number of words required.

I also couldn't resist adding to my sock library. Last week's error in judgement landed me with Socks a la Carte Toes Up by Jonelle Raffino and Katherine Cole, and today's confusion with Toe Up socks got me purchasing Socks a la Carte, the original book, which is cuff down.

I'm loving the Toe-Up socks for the simple fact that I don't always get full skein yardage with my handspun and the thought of splitting a skein into two balls to make even socks sounds extremely appealing.

Toe-up socks...not easy

2011-05-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

I finished a pair of socks a couple weeks ago, then hit a roadblock in my Lopi sweater, and decided I needed another small project on the go to keep my needles busy.

I had an amazing ball of sock yarn that I bought at Wool Tyme a few months ago but I didn't have a pattern to start. Off to Peterborough and Lindsay I went, and stopped in Belleville for a sock book. A la Carte Socks....loved the patterns and couldn't wait to check it out and start swatching. As I was knitting my swatch and watching Game 7 of the Vancouver series, I realized I bought a "Toe-Up" book. Darn it! I've never knit socks toe up, but this is the year to learn new things and not be satisfied with sticking with "safe" or "easy" projects, so I read the Intro of the book, and decided on a toe, heel, leg and cast off sock and got to work.

The Cast-on method was "Judy's Magic Cast-on", that I needed to learn from her website www.persistantillusion.com and after a bit of fiddling, voila....I was knitting a toe...first....I have to admit it was pretty cool to be able to continually try on the sock as it progressed so I knew when to start the heel.

The damn heel...I absolutely can NOT figure it out. The short form vocab in the book might make sense to some, but I'm lost. Something as simple as "wrap the yarn" has me crippled. What the heck does "wrap the yarn" mean????

I guess I need to find a few YouTube videos to help me get over this heel set back.

I have the best life

2011-05-15T17:46:00.000-04:00

Again, another freaking fun weekend, despite the horrible rainy weather. I figure if the forecast calls for 7 straight days of rain, get over it quick and make the best out of every day. I'm not going to waste 7 days moaning about the weather. That's why I have cool rubber boots and a raincoat!

Had some wonderful cuddle time with a friends 6 week old baby on Saturday, so that was awesome and today had an amazing invite to join a few fibre fanatic ladies, a junior shepherd and farmer for a sheep fleece skirting day.

I don't know exactly how many fleece we skirted today. Maybe 45-50, but time flew by. Such amazing fibres of all kinds. White, black, grey, brown, icelandic, morritz, leicester blends. Just a huge variety of fibres to touch and what a difference in weight, crimp, fineness, courseness, to felt or not to felt, some already felting from just being on the ewe. Awesome lesson in what to look for in a fleece.

And then, of course, the lambs...too freaking cute for words!

And then, unexpectedly, I was sent home with 2205grams of beautiful chocolate brown fine fleece.

WHAT A DREAM!

I'm sure not every can appreciate a fleece filled sink, but I couldn't stop touching these locks. They are going to spin like a dream.

finished objects x 2

2011-05-14T15:43:00.000-04:00

I LOVE finishing projects. This week I can scratch two projects off the list.

Socks that I have been working on since January...I gave up interest when I started my ERICA Hoodie so these went on the back burner. With only a small amount of the foot left to finish, I decided to put ERICA aside and get these silly socks off the needles. I like the pattern a lot and the striping is awesome and looks great on each sock. The only thing is, there isn't much stretch in the leg so it's a "skinny sock".

I also took a new skein off the wheel on Wednesday night. I haven't figured out the yardage, weight or WPI yet, but I know it's poofy!

Loving my Easter Dyepot Blend

2011-05-10T21:06:00.000-04:00

Like a kid in a candy store, I couldn't look at the Zip loc baggies of dyed fibre and not do anything with them, so I pulled out the drum carder and decided to see what they look like blended together...this on the advice of my friend Tracy.

A picture is worth a 1000 words...so I'll save my words and add a few pics...

First time through the carder

Second time around

Third times a charm

Nests to spin

Not quite in skein form, but will be done tonight...hopefully

Work madness simmers, time to catch up

2011-05-03T20:21:00.000-04:00

Not much action these day on the arts and crafts front. I have finished one sleeve of my hoodie ...

and spun up one single for my next skein of sock yarn.

Lopi Sweater Progress for "ERICA"

2011-04-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

I freaking love this sweater. The colors are awesome...if I do say so myself. I am really glad I stuck with it after all my issues getting the pattern right at the beginning.

Here's a progress pic....the body is done, started the arms today on the porch.

Happy Easter from the dye pot

2011-04-23T21:06:00.001-04:00

A timeless tradition of dyeing Easter Eggs did not happen in our house today. I did however, dye some fleece instead.

It started out as a nasty rainy day, so I thought it would be a perfect day watch a few movies and dye some fleece. I had a few packages of RIT dye that I bought a year ago. In hindsight, I should have spent some more time researching the dyes required to easily dye fleece...that's another story.

I decided to use Royal Blue and Magenta. Lesson learned that 200 grams of fleece is too much for the size of my dye pot. It just fit, which made me nervous. I didn't want any spill overs of dark blue dye on the stove.

I tweaked my plan for the magenta, and only did 110 grams.

Both turned out amazing. Colors are very strong. I had a hard time getting the blue to run to clear...still hasn't after too many soaks to count. I'll card it up, spin it and see if I can get it to run clear once in yarn form.

My Etsy store is officially OPEN for business

2011-04-20T21:56:00.002-04:00

WOW!

I can finally say my Etsy shop is open for business. Search "South Frontenac Fibres" and you will find one, count 'em, one skein of handcarded yarn. It took awhile to create my profile and shop policies and I gave up after posting one skein. Not to mention....how do I decide which yarns I am willing to part with?

When you spend so much time on a project...it's like a MasterCard commercial...."priceless". Don't get excited that I posted a free skein of one of kind handspun/handcarded yarn..although "priceless", it sure does have a price tag on it. LOL

It's a small win for tonight :)

Arts and Crafts weekend...featuring a special guest

2011-04-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

Crappy weather is great for one thing...arts and crafts.

Very happy to have had a high school friend here for the weekend. Visiting from Boise, Idaho. Nope...I'm not from Idaho originally, all the more reason it's funny to say that's where she was visiting from.

Like kindred spirits, we share a love of arts and crafts, so the weather forecast, was albeit, awful, I knew we wouldn't be at a loss for activities.

It was a perfect weekend to splurge on a new camera so I can spend some time learning how to photograph my yarn, roving and wool better...and not to mention take picture of all the new babies in our circle of friends.

We spent some time messing with my new Etsy Shop. Nothing posted yet, but she made my shop banner. That's a start.

We then grabbed some fibre from the South Frontenac Fibres Storeroom (aka...the basement), and blended some alpaca, superwash merino and kid mohair locks into 130 grams of roving on the Strauch Finest Drum Carder. It's awesome! So soft and luxurious. I can't wait to spin it. (need to finish my combing experiment from a few weeks ago first).

The following day we had a spinning lesson (singles, navajo plying and 2 ply yarn). She did great!

Her passion is costume making and all things sewing, so I had to get her expert advice on how to sew the corded piping for the dog bed I started in November. With her advice, I may actually finish the bed this year.

Sad to see her go, but happy to have connected for the first time in 7 years. Felt like no time at all had passed...that's the BEST!

LOPI Sweater Progress

2011-04-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

I really do love this sweater, but I seem to not be proportionate to a small woman's chest. When taking sweater measurements, I believe it's best to allow for a a little extra in the rear end...or you end up like me last night...stretching the hell out of an incomplete sweater.

Soaked it down and stretched it out. Hopefully when it's completely dry in a few days, I'll be able to wrap it around me.

Man! That had to hurt

2011-04-11T09:26:00.001-04:00

Another weekend under our belt and a funny picture to show for it.

Let me say, first....the chickens were free to run around the yarn on Saturday while we took down their fencing to clear some brush from the apple trees. They were squawking and making loud chicken noises and I really didn't think much of it...until I gathered the eggs for the day.

HOLY SMOKES...that poor hen...one of these eggs is not like the others :)

Not only did we get some great yard work in and enjoy the sunshine, the dogs did too. It's a dog's life...they sleep, they suntan, they eat, they make a mess of the yard...and don't have any chores to do.

Fibre Prep weekend left me with sore feet..no time to sit down

2011-04-04T18:31:00.001-04:00

It's was an awesome weekend. Here's a run down of my 3 day weekend...

Friday:

6:30am: Up and at 'em. Started laundry, loaded the dishwasher and put on "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past".

9:30am: Head to the Wilton Fibre Mill for some nylon blending fibre for my Fibre Prep Weekend

10am: Off to visit a friend with a new little man (baby #1, 3 months old)...so cute

11:38am: Got the call that baby #3 of my three girlfriends finally arrived! Can't forget an April Fool's birthday

Afternoon: Costco and grocery store then home finally.

5pm: Pull out my Wool Combs and Drum Carder and get the kitchen table set up for Fibre experiments

5:30pm: impromptu wine drinking

6:30pm: start drum carding 100grams of 70% wool (PLUS), 20% alpaca and 10% nylon

10pm: dreamland

Saturday:

7am: Rise and Shine

8am: Breakfast and put the ribs in the slow cooker

10am: Off to meet baby #3

2pm: Home from the hospital and remembered I haven't made a birthday cake, cleaned up any of my Fibre or tools, haven't vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom or mopped the floors. Company expected around 4pm.

2-4pm: a blur

4:30pm: Friends arrive, cake gets made, floors are swept and vacuumed, Fibre and tools put away, time for another glass of wine.

5pm on....Cuddle baby #2 (almost 1 month old). What an adorable little girl...eat dinner, eat cake, watch hockey, watch kids run around and swing acrylic sock blockers at each other...fortunately the knitting needles were out of sight.

10pm on....clean up after a great night. 8 adults, 2 kids, 1 baby, 2 dogs...have a glass of wine and bowl of strawberries and hit the hay.

Sunday:
8am: slept in
9am: Breakfast
10am: in the garden, raking, and planting some Dahlia bulbs (fingers crossed they grow)
Noon: can of coke on the front stoop with the dogs
1pm: Time to Comb 100grams of 70% wool (PLUS), 20% alpaca, 10% nylon.

Experimenting between combing and carding. Which do I prefer to prep and which do I prefer to spin?

I really want to do 200 grams of each method, but clearly, one weekend wasn't enough time.

WHEW! Cap off the weekend with the Country Music Awards and work on my sweater.

Stick a fork in me..I'm done!

Fibre Stash Organized

2011-03-28T19:48:00.000-04:00

I feel that I suffer from some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder. And I don't mean a bad disorder...just another way to express my need for organization...I should also admit, I'm not ridiculously organized in all areas of my life, just fibre and yarn. My office does not reflect any organization.

Of course, although a picture is worth a thousand words, I did make a note in my Blackberry with a full list of all the fibres in each bin.

Spinning Class today...

2011-03-26T20:15:00.000-04:00

My Spinning Essentials class was today. It was nice to meet more people in the area that share the same fascination with spinning and playing with fleece. I now have a few more drafting techniques to practice with and got to practice using the anatomy of my wheel to my advantage...I don't necessarily have to change my technique as much as I need to start changing the settings on my wheel to make the yarn I am looking for.

I didn't get any photos to share from today, unfortunately. Too busy listening to tips and tricks.

An update on the clean fleece that is now hanging out in my basement....

"Plus" is clean and dry now and I have determined the yield was 66%. I started with 9.2 pounds dirty and lost 3.1 pounds of waste (33% waste). I think that's good, you?

Earth Hour in 17 minutes...must get my spinning fibre set up before I cut the power :)

Snow...really...first full day of Spring

2011-03-21T08:54:00.001-04:00

A busy weekend full of spring-like activities followed immediately by a blanket of winter.

Saturday we moved the chicken coop, let the chick graze on the grass, and cleaned half of my fleece.

Sunday we cleaned up the yard and moved all the debris and junk that collects when you realize that you didn't quite get everything done in the fall before winter falls from the sky and you are committed to waiting until spring.

Went to bed feeling tired and satisfied on a weekend well spent, and woke up to a blanket of snow with no signs of it stopping. Break time!

I did start a new knitting project last week, that I struggled with at first, but now I'm getting the hang of it.

Last year I bought a bunch of Alafoss Lopi in a wine color. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but I got such a great deal, how could I pass it by. Well, here I am working through my stash of commercial yarn. I did have to go to Wool Tyme and pick up two others balls of Lopi to use as contrast colors, but I am very happy with it. It is pattern called Erica from the Best of Lopi book. I think that is the name of the book.

Now that winter is back, I`ll have some more time to work on it.

I had a heck of a time working the pattern from the chart. Not because there was anything wrong with chart, I just had a hard time remembering the purl rows read left to right and the knit rows read right to left.

Now I have it!

My yield on XL

2011-03-20T16:56:00.000-04:00

XL is finally all dry and put back in a huge plastic bag, waiting to be carded or combed into roving....that will take some time.

I started with 8.5 pounds of dirty fleece and ended up with 4.8 pounds of beautiful fluffy fleece.

Here's my debate now....I love my Double Treadle Lendrum and I also love the yarn I have been making. The debate lies in the fact that I really don't change my style of spinning, ever. I don't long draw, I don't do short little drafts, I'm somewhere in between. I also like to smooth my yarn with my left hand as I release the twist into the draft of my right hand. Somewhere between woolen and worsted spinning. Woolen should be light and airy with a carded fleece, where worsted is more defined twist with combed top as the starting point.

I spin carded roving and combed top the exact same way. Next weekend I am taking an 8 hour Intermediate Spinning Class with the Kingston Weavers and Handspinners Guild and hope to learn a few more techniques.

For now, Janet recommended that I spin three different swatches on my wheel using the same drafting techniques and same roving, and only switch between the whorls on my wheel. In her words, " Let the wheel do the work". So, that's my homework for tonight.

Sheep Shearing Weekend!

2011-03-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

What an amazing weekend I had!

Thanks to my friends at the Wilton Fibre Mill, I got a first hand experience with a full day of sheep shearing. So FUN! I had no idea what to expect so I dressed in layers, put on my Carhartt overalls and Carhartt jacket, stepped into my insulated rubber boots and got ready to do whatever I was told.

First off...how cute are baby lambs??? Three day old twins.

My task was to help skirt the fleeces immediately after they were sheared. Skirting is a delicate term for removing any undesirable sections of the fleece. By undesirable, I mean full of poop, lots of vegetable matter, paint spots, matted areas.

Three great reasons to enjoy skirting fleeces:
1. When your hands get cold, the fleeces are fresh off the ewe and are still warm.
2. They are full of greasy lanolin and your hands are amazingly soft when you are done
3. BEST PART: first dibs on amazing fleeces to buy. This is where I got in over my head. When you can't decide which fleece is nicer...buy both.

I brought home two fleeces on Saturday. X-L and Plus. Weighing in at 8.5 pounds and 9.2 pounds respectively. X-L has been washed and is drying on the rack in the basement. Very curious to weigh it again and see how much weight was washed down the drain.

Here's a play by play on how I wash my fleeces.

Step 1: Fill one sink with water as hot as you can get from the tap. Usually between 120 - 130 degrees and dish soap (I use Palmolive for grease cutting)

Step 2: Put your dirty fleece locks into the soapy water (not too much, enough that the locks can freely soak)

Step 3: push the fleece locks into the hot soapy water to soak. Do not agitate. This will create a felted mess.

Step 4: Allow the ffleece to soak for 15 mins or so.

Step 5: Take the temperature of the water your fleece is soaking in and fill the 2nd sink with water of the same temperature. Drastic change in temperature can also felt your awesome new fleece.

Step 6: Transfer the soaking fleece into a colander (not for food) and drain the 1st sink. Take small hunks of fleece out of the colander and squeeze the water out. Then place the "hunk" into the 2nd sink do this until all your fleece has been transferred into the second sink and is ready to rinse.

Step 7 - 10: continue to transfer the fleece from one sink to the next (always be sure to temp the water and not shock the fleece during the transfer). Continue to do this until the water is clear and you are happy with how clean the fleece is.

Final Steps: remove the fleece and squeeze the remaining water out. Lay the damp locks on a towel, roll up and press with your feet to get out even more water. Arrange the locks on a drying rack, fluffing regularily to be sure the fleece is drying evenly.

Never store damp. When unsure if it's completely dry, assume it's not and wait a few more days.

X-L has been drying for a little over 24 hours and not yet dry, so I'll need to get her final weight in a few days.

Tip: to get her original dirty weight, I used our digital fish scale and picked up the plastic bag.

Fighting Fire with a HOT new hat

2011-02-26T16:13:00.002-05:00

Inspired by a friend, this hat represents the Maltese Cross, the Fire Fighter logo, if you will. It's becoming increasingly fun to put pencil to graph paper and to sketch out some pictures for personalized hats. If I were to have asked myself, even three months ago: "would you ever design a pattern?...absolutely not would have been the answer.

Pattern Available

The beauty of knitting is there is SO much to learn and many ways to grow. This year I have my eye on an amazing cabled hoodie that will make me so proud if I get it finished. Maybe I should start with a dishcloth of the cable pattern, instead of the hoodie...what do you think?

Catelogued 33 Hand Spun Skein's on Ravelry

2011-02-20T16:01:00.000-05:00

Here's a direct link to my Ravelry Stash where I just spent three hours uploading my handspun stash....

Sometimes it's nice to go through the basket and touch all the handspun yarn after some time. When it takes about 16 hours to spin a fine skein of yarn, it's nice to go back and admire the efforts.

A wrench in my weekend :)

2011-02-15T22:42:00.005-05:00

Pattern available

So, being resourceful, I went on the internet and figured out how to sew in a band liner to eliminate the itch on the forehead and ears. That's a win for me.

Crisis averted....

True to my personality, I need to have something on the go at all times, and the thrill of completing a project is short lived. So I started a and finished another one over the weekend.

My sister confirmed the fibre content tonight. 100% Blue Faced Leicester.

93 grams turned into 441 yards of very fine yarn. 17 WPI.

667 yards of amazing Blue Faced Leicester

2011-02-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

All I can say is Holy Smokes! This is the thinnest yarn I have ever made. 18 wraps per inch and 112 grams.

I love it!

It took me a really long time to finish this skein so not only am I excited about the yardage, I'm also thrilled to be working on a new fibre to spin. On the wheel now is a really nice blue combed top (fibre unknown). It was a Christmas gift from my nephew and it's a great color with lots of sparkle.

It's been an interesting month. Extremely busy. Many nights away for business, so not much time to relax and enjoy the fibre arts. I'm making up for it over the last couple nights. I have spent two nights washing the Alpaca fleece I received as a gift in August. 1 pound last night, 1 pound tonight and hopefully the remaining two pounds this weekend. I hope my house guests don't mind the fleece drying every where :)

Captivated

2011-01-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

I have a new phone....an Android Smartphone...

In honor of my new phone and soon to be Tablet, I thought I would create my very first pattern. I'm not sure why I thought a hat would be the best place to start. I haven't had a lot of success with hats as of late. Too big, too small, too tall, too short...you name it and I've messed it up.

I was very diligent about getting my gauge, doing the math, subtracting an adequate number of stitches so the hat is snug...in this case a little too snug, but I think with some water and pins, I can stretch the hat a little.

My gauge worked out to be 5 stitches per inch, and an average head is 23 inches around.

So: 5 x 23 = 115 stitches to cast on - 10 stitches (2 inches) for negative ease. I casted on 105 stitches and hoped for the best. My pattern repeat (or so I thought) was 21 stitches, and I could get 5 repeats in one round. That math didn't work out perfectly and I ended up having the last two patterns closer together than the evenly spaced ones that I had planned, but really, for my first pattern, I didn't care. Nor did I plan on ripping it out.

I started the hat on Saturday night watching the hockey game and Blades of Glory and finished it last night watching Extreme Home Makeover. I also watched The Proposal, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Truth about Cats and Dogs while I casually fiddled with the colorwork.

Other than a four hour Fair Isle class at Wool Tyme 2 years ago, this is my first real attempt at two color knitting.

My First Finished PATTERN! Yippee

One sock down, one to go...

2011-01-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

Why would I have ever said that "I'm going off the socks"? I love socks. Compact project, fits perfectly in my purse, and with all my travel lately, it's a treat to have a little piece of home with me that I can work on whenever I like...except in meetings....that's still a no-no.

I finished sock #1 yesterday afternoon and although I loved the pattern, it was the weirdest (is that a word) toe decrease. I really don't think I like it, but continued with the pattern, thinking it knew better than me. Well...I still don't really like the toe, however, on my foot, it doesn't look nearly as pointy and elf like. I obviously need to do sock #2 the same way, but next time, I think I'll modify the pattern with a more square toe.

I am attempting to create my first pattern. I've done the math and sketch on graph paper, now to see how it looks in yarn form. I need to finish sock #2 before I dive into the next project though. So many thing I want to do, and so little time to do anything.

Newest Sock Yarn addition to my basket of "resources"

2011-01-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a very good friend, for enabling me with the addition of a bag of 93% wool/7% nylon roving.
The color was interesting (lime green and purple). I had no idea how it would turn out, but it's socks. Socks don't need to co-ordinate...why not make them the focal point of your wardrobe?

What's keeping me busy right now? 100% Hand Dyed Blue Faced Leicester from "Frabjous Fibers". This is the second braid of Combed Top I have purchased from this company based in Vermont. I have to say, I love this one, just as much as the last. So smooth to spin, with very little neps and noils to pick out.

Here's a sneak peek:

Strauch Finest Single Wide Chain Drive Drum Carder

2011-01-07T19:33:00.000-05:00

Now that title might look like a mouthful, but I can't freaking wait for this bad boy to arrive...

Little Box of Socks

2011-01-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

The story behind the socks that are on my needles right now....

I found myself on Dec 27th, without anything on needles. And by anything, I mean, the poncho I started 2 years ago doesn’t count.

I have been knitting a lot lately with my handspun and realized I have A LOT of store bought yarn that is really nice and needs to be turned into FO’s, even if I end up giving them away.

So I went through the Little Box of Socks and found this pattern. (Faceted Rib Socks) Piece of cake, so I thought. The pattern is a quick 4 round repeating pattern…but the cast on technique was Twisted German Cast On. That might as well have read, “scrub in….you’re making the making the first cut in the tonsilectomy”.

Not to be defeated by a cast-on, I read the directions and tried to decipher the chicken scratch drawings. Never. Thank goodness for YouTube. A very nice lady (KnitWitch) posted a 2:21sec video that I watched three times and then made my first attempt. BINGO! This cast-on does exactly what is says it will….lots of stretch and very neat and tidy. Extremely time consuming when you need to cast in 60 stitches, but totally worth it.

As soon as the sun come sup enough today to take pics of my newest addition to my yarn stash, I'll post a pic.

Did a yardage check on my two skeins of Alpaca, and the Superwash merino/Sari Silk blend that I finished over the holidays.

Alpaca Skein #1: 88 grams - 126 yards - 12 WPI (creme brulee)
Alpaca Skein #2: 90 grams - 130 yards - 12WPI (creme brulee)
Superwash Merino/Sari Silk Blend: 73 grams - 145 yards - 12 WPI (black and sari)
Wool/Nylon Sock Blend: 109 grams - 290 yards - 16 WPI (lime and purple)

It's officially time to go back to work....Happy New YEAR!

It's going to be a great New Year!

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

2011 is off to a great start...

I finished the 2 ply Alpaca skein from my previous post on Dec 28th.

I also have 4 inches of a new sock done too. The bummer is I have to go back to work tomorrow and arts and crafts slows down to a a few hours in the evenings.

I haven't made much progress on the Crochet front. I got a Crochet kit for my birthday this year, and a book to follow along with. Although I don't love crochet, and would pick knitting or spinning as my craft choice, I do think Crochet has a place in the crafters bag of tricks. I did show my friend Sarah a simple chain stitch yesterday so she could sew a button on a gorgeous little sweater.

I have also started another skein of amazing sock yarn. Both singles are done, going to ply this morning.

December at a Glance

2010-12-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

Christmas has come and gone and I have to say...I have a great life. My friends and family just can't be beat.

My sister was here to visit early in December with a wonderful early Birthday Surprise. A bag of Sari Silk.

What a colorful little bag of silk. Of course, as soon as I opened my gift, my first comment was...I'll have to ask Janet and Tracy what they would do, at the Wilton Fibre Mill.

The first night my sister was here, and I asked her if she wanted to try spinning...7 hours later, she had completed a two ply 100gr handspun skein of yarn. I gave her 100grams of "Grace" wool that I carded and dyed last year. It was the easiest fibre in my stash to spin. Not too slippery. She caught on immediately. A natural.

Note the daylight outside .....

It was pretty exciting for her...and me...off to show and tell at the Fibre Mill we went :)

After an extremely short visit with my sister, I hand carded my Black Superwash merino with the Sari Silk while we watched a couple Christmas Movies. Spinning it up was a lot of fun. Just a touch of bright Sari silk poking through the Black Superwash Merino.

My friends and family know me very well...for my Birthday, not only did I get Sari Silk, but I also got a pound of "Creme Brule" Alpaca and 200gr of Superwash merino/nylon sock roving. The Aplaca is a whiteish grey color and the sock roving is an awesome burgundy/lime green mix. Can't wait to see it all spun up.

Yesterday I hand carded 200gr of the Alpaca and spun up my first 100 gram single.

Tonight's project...the second single...maybe even the first bobbin plied.

What have I been up to?

2010-12-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

Well, working on the second sock is never as fun as the first, but I'm almost there. should be done by Christmas. No....has to be done by Christmas.

Like every year, my Christmas Cards got mailed a week later than I had hoped, but it's the thought that counts. Should still arrive with lots of time before Christmas. If not...Happy New Year!

Completely flaked out on knitting responsibilities last night and watched "Grown Up's" with Adam Sandler, David Spade, Salma Hayek, Steve Buscemi and Kevin James. Freaking hilarious!

Not a Christmas Movie, but so so funny!

I did catalogue all my handspun yarn last weekend. Wound all of it into Center Pull Balls and then used my McMorran balance to determine yardage and my fancy WPI tool to determine how many wraps per inch and weight of yarn. That was one heck of a job. Good Golly.

First sock complete

2010-11-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Ok...

Let's pick up where we left off, shall we?

7 inches of foot complete and time to decrease the toe.

Following the pattern, 1st needle knit to last 3, k2 together, K1. 2nd needle: k1, slip 1, knit 1, pass the slipped stich over the knit stitch. 3rd needle: knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch then knit to the end. 2nd round: knit. Continue these 2 rows until you have 5 stitches on needle 1, 10 on needle 2 and 5 on needle on 3. Knit the stitches from needle 1 onto needle 3. Then follow the directions on grafting the toe.

Cut the yarn leaving about 20 inches and using a darning needle...let's graft the toe.

With the working yarn on the needle at the back, put the darning needle through the first stitch on the front needle as if to knit and slide the stitch off. The pass the darning needle through the next stitch on the front as if to purl, but leave on the needle. Now, enter the darning needle as if to purl on the first stitch of the back needle and slide off the needle. Now pass the darning needle through the second stitch on the back needle as if to knit and leave on the needle. Follow this pattern until all the stitches are off both needles and sew in the ends.

The end...of sock #1.

As the Heel turns

2010-11-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

A few days later, it's time to make the heel flap, turn the heel, make the instep and start the foot

Following my pattern, I knit and purled for 7 inches and then started to make the heel flap.

When you are on the Knit 1, slip 1, knit1 side, slip 1 as if you were going purl the stitch. Meaning, put your right needle through the stitch on the left needle from the top and transfer it to the right needle without working it at all. Continue this row and the k1, purl to the last and knit 1, rows until the heel is as long as the pattern calls for. In my case 2 1/2 inches.

Now it's time to turn the heel. Ending with the last row worked being the knit row, following the directions on the pattern, for the purl row (start of the heel turn).

Once you have purled the appropriate amount of stitches, and p2tog (purl two stiches together) and ended with p1, hold your sock and rotate the whole sock so the yarn is in the back and start the 2nd pattern row for "kint" stitches. This will feel awkward but will make sense as you continue to turn the work so the yarn is in the front for the purl rows and in the back for the knit rows.

Now it time to close the heel and instep. Following the pattern, pick up the required amount of stitches along the beginning and end of the heel flap stitches. Slide your empty needle in the bars between the last stitches and the bars will become your picked up stitches.

Once you've picked up stitches on both sides of the heel and instep you start to decrease every second row (on needle 1 and 3, keeping all the stitches on needles 2). Continue until you have the proper amount of stitches on all 3 needles and then work as you did for the leg until the foot measures the length you need to make someone's foot nice and cozy.

Almost time to graft the toe...maybe later today :)

Sock Tutorial...hope I get this right

2010-11-25T18:38:00.000-05:00

So, I have an up and coming sock knitter in my peeps who is looking for directions on how to progress from scarves to socks. I hope my directions are clear enough to start her off.

So first off...I prefer to make socks on double pointed needles rather than circulars, but it's all about preference (and when you are new...it's more about "what does the pattern say")

My pattern called for 3.75mm needles, worsted weight yarn 2 x 100gr. I've never needed two balls of yarn for a pair of socks, so really, one ball is fine. Since I am using handspun yarn, it was important to do a swatch to be sure I got the correct gauge for the pattern

Never skip the "knit a swatch to determine gauge". You'll be setting yourself up for some nasty disappointment if you have to rip it out.

My gauge called for 22 stitches in stockinette (knit one row, purl the next) stitch over 4 inches. I casted on 30 stitches on my 3.75mm needles and knit up my swatch. Gauge...accomplished. Many will cast off the gauge, wash it, dry it and then determine if they got the proper amount of stitches over 4 inches. I however hate to waste yarn, so I knit a gauge bigger than required so I can hold my ruler up to the swatch without stretching it all and very carefully, count the number of stitches within 4 inches. Then...I rip it out and start my project.

So...to start my tutorial....

My pattern called for 48 stitches over 3 needles (the 4th needle is for working with). So, I casted on 48 stitches onto one needle and then transferred 16 stitches to the 2 other needles until I have 16 stitches on all 3 needles. At this point, always make sure your stitches are all facing the same way and not twisted. It often helps to rest your three needles on a table or on your lap while you get everything situated correctly.

Once you have all three needles with 16 stitches, it's time to join them.

With your working yarn (the long string attached to your ball of yarn), on your right (if you're right handed like me), put your 4th needle (with no stitches on it), through the first stitch on your needle in your left hand and wrap the working yarn around the stitch and knit. Once you get to the end of the first needle, you'll notice that all the stitches from needle 1 are now on needle 4 that had none to begin with. Using the empty needle, continue on with the 2nd and 3rd needles....

My pattern calls for knit 2, purl 2 all the way around. You continue to do this pattern until you get back to the first needle. The first needle can be identified by having the cut off strand of yarn.

Don't be too concerned if the join from the 3rd needle to the 1st is loose, it will tighten up the more you get going.

My pattern is really simple, so I am now set to k2, p2 for about 7 inches (or the desired length up the leg before the heel).

Now...it's time to keep knitting so I can review how to turn the heel.

I hope this gets you going....check back for "as the heel turns" :)

Silk is like touching a cloud

2010-11-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

I don't care how the corny the title of today's post might be. It's true. As soon as I started with Fiber Artist 65% wool/35% silk sliver, I couldn't stop spinning it.

Much to my happiness, in yarn form, it's just as soft and squishy. My only disappointment is that out of the 50 grams I purchased, I had a 20% waste. The skein of yarn only weighs in at 40 grams. I'm not sure of the yardage, but I'll find out this week.

I finished toque number two tonight and although I can't post pics of these hats just yet, let's just say. I finished 4 hats and only have two Finished objects. Yep, you guessed it. Frogged each hat once! Never again. Next time, find a smaller head to put them on.

But, with two more Christmas gifts ready to be wrapped, I have time to squeeze in one more (I hope). By request from an up and coming knitter who is ready to tackle socks, I'll try and document the next project a little more carefully. There are lots of details in getting the hang of socks, but once you get it..you just get it.

LOL...It was just three weeks ago that I said "I'm off the socks", like I was giving up a terrible habit that was damaging my health or threatening to make those around me suffer. Well...here I go...."on the socks", again.

It's a Dog's Life

2010-11-11T23:08:00.001-05:00

I have the happiest Great Dane. Although he has no idea how long it has taken to make this new bed, I know he loves it, so all the time has been worth it.

Not only making the liner from scratch, but also destroying 2 old couch cushions bit by bit to make the stuffing made this an incredibly tedious project. And I'm only half way there. The liner still isn't finished. Of course, I decided that I had to put a piping around the edges and a zipper. Hence, the delay in completion.

Arts and crafts week is grinding to a halt and sadly, this will continue to be a work in progress for a few more weeks.