tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65510461461606646292024-02-07T21:51:36.428-07:00Lara's CreationsA bit of this, a bit of that....and a LOT of project news and noteslarascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-67983534483898437332012-07-23T15:32:00.000-06:002012-07-23T15:48:12.000-06:00So what AM I doing now?Not only is there life after corporate America but it is GOOD! I am loving the self-employed status even though I am working harder than ever and having to learn to juggle from a different sort of perspective.<br />
<br />
I've started more than one business for a variety of reasons and oddly enough they are working out really well to do at the same time. I say odd because normally it's best to give your full attention to starting one business - at least so I hear. The first is a thrill to me because I am getting a chance to do my little part to help small to medium size businesses compete with bigger fish and I love that, I really do! We (<a href="http://www.conachsolutions.com/" target="_blank">Conách Solutions, LLC)</a> are a mobile app provider and perhaps you can tell I'm excited to be doing it? I have a partner for this business (Jaime Gardner of <a href="http://www.hpc-yuma.net/" target="_blank">High Plains Communications, LLC)</a>. So that's one and it rocks.<br />
<br />
Then there is the continued blossoming of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_218541862">Lara's Creations of Colora<span id="goog_218541859"></span><span id="goog_218541860"></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/larascreations" target="_blank">do</a>. Functional art, yes, although this one to some extent I am launching more in phases so I don't bite off more than I can chew! Meaning it's focused on functional art but right now it's limited in scope. Phase one is going extremely well and is all about hand dyed yarn. Semi-solids, yes but especially my very special ColourWaves (check out my pages above for more info). There's a glimpse of phase two in in the store in the form of some lovely wood pens/pencils. Phase two also includes custom wood darts......<br />
<br />
So there's a nutshell overview of what I'm up to on the business front and I'm having a really great time with all of it as well.larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-15442382826214785752012-06-28T18:31:00.000-06:002012-06-29T08:31:45.596-06:00And so it begins......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOKFH8zpk3q2YSM-CPS3r3d25QYTeBxolkwMJE8_1A0iQifhkGpbNlVOQ_q0hGka2SyjqZc-TDfQG7pSpl7ZBYorSWbAB1k6OwW72IE2BFSQ1NcPsOcQn_NGZxahPf4aoYKKsDj6Ijww/s1600/ColourWave+group+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOKFH8zpk3q2YSM-CPS3r3d25QYTeBxolkwMJE8_1A0iQifhkGpbNlVOQ_q0hGka2SyjqZc-TDfQG7pSpl7ZBYorSWbAB1k6OwW72IE2BFSQ1NcPsOcQn_NGZxahPf4aoYKKsDj6Ijww/s320/ColourWave+group+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's post is a bit unusual.......in fact it's downright rare. I'm closing one chapter of my life and opening another. Tomorrow I will turn in my pc along with my badge. No longer will I be considered an employee of IBM. This is a wonderful thing.......but as with any such change there can be some bittersweet mingled in. I'm not going to go off on a diatribe about how IBM is not the company it once was. This isn't about "them" - I could as easily state that I am not the person I once was. It is my hope that I'm a better one......and a certain fact that I could be better still.<br />
<br />
I wrote a farewell email and why rewrite what I already did? So in another even more rare move, I shall simply paste the email here. Yes, some of it will be meaningless to those on the "outside" and that's ok - it is my hope that the gist of it will come across. Tomorrow it will be time to share more of the future but for now I will say it's bright indeed and I'm excited about it! One part of what's to come is hinted at in today's picture.....<br />
<br />
Here's the farewell: <br />
<br />
It’s been said before and many times – perhaps too many but never the less…..:<br />
<br />
“Parting is such sweet sorrow…..”<br />
<br />
Indeed it is. It might not be too much of a stretch to say in some areas it’s the ending of an era. Certainly it is for me at any rate. So many have gone before, some I’ve kept in touch with and some of you perhaps not so much. <br />
<br />
The time has come to move on to other things. As many of you know, my last day with IBM will be June 30, 2012. However, my close-out meeting is schedule for 1130am MT tomorrow (6/29) and I will be offline before that. This will end an “era” that started 20 years ago with a small handful of you and many others in the years since. It’s a long time and the changes have been many. Some good, others perhaps not. This one may be a bit of both. I’m looking forward to many new and exciting challenges, things to do & things to learn and yet I’m leaving behind folks who will be missed. <br />
<br />
There have been thousands of memorable moments, challenges overcome and experiences shared. There’ve been changes in jobs (ok not so many of those in the last 14+ years!) and changes in lives. The IPODC I started with long since ceased to exist when it evolved into split organizations. Apparently the memory of my Friday morning batches of chocolate chip cookies lasted far longer! So did the candy jar. The Federal Systems Division that became Loral that became Lockheed…..sounds similar to a well known nursery rhyme, doesn’t it? A rain storm that destroyed roofs and made much of the Boulder site off limits – especially to someone like me at 7 months pregnant! (that beautiful baby is now 18) BOSS (Component Broker) development & sales that evolved into a key (and again renamed) part of Websphere. Specialized Solutions and “we can and will do anything.” BPS and its many changes in people, systems and more. We almost made planes, trains and automobiles for some of our “trains,” planning sessions and issues but perhaps need to substitute skiing for the autos (yes, you guys know who you are ;-) ). Visits to the long closed conference room “M.” Other conference rooms filled with snacks and a revolving group of people while we refueled for working long hours on crazy software rollouts & migrations. Rarely without issues but often with humor and at least good company – always with some bonus chocolate to help us through! Sunshine & Tiger – those who know the reference need no explanation, those who don’t, sorry you just had to be there, hehehe. Kids growing, changing and in my case even blowing things up a time or two. Thankfully the house survived, even if the microwave did not! Deaths and births. My youngest child was born in my time at IBM. My middle child has gifted me with a beautiful and sweet daughter in law. Together they and our family have been blessed with my first grandson (over a year old now- want to see pictures? Lol). My oldest child paves his own way now but remembers visiting the cool place Mom worked. Changes indeed.<br />
<br />
References to cran-apple martinis (yum!) and copious amounts of other alcoholic beverages and bribes have abounded through the years – if we’d consumed a 10th of what we joked about we’d all have floated away at best! Although we certainly had “some” from time to time and a good time to go with it. Recipe swapping and potlucks with fabulous food sharing. Crazy achievements that shouldn’t have been possible and yet somehow we did them and then we did it again but better…..the list goes on and on. Back then excellence was expected, delivered and above all appreciated. Awards and recognition abounded in years passed and were a treasured delight after a long slog through what often could have been (and sometimes was) described as hell – no matter how satisfying coming out successful on the other side was! Or maybe it was the parties we had to go with them where we could take a breath and savor a successful implementation and lessons learned with good food & good company. Automations, innovations and collaborations. Creativity and creative co-working. And let’s not forget the humorous but educational team presentations of Specialized Solutions! A tiny sampling of the many memories worth keeping.<br />
<br />
It has been my honor, privilege and often great pleasure to work with, learn from and laugh with some of the best and brightest in the world in my time with IBM. Wonderful times with wonderful people.<br />
<br />
Thank you for sharing them with me!<br />
<br />larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-4731632035949175372012-06-22T19:49:00.000-06:002012-06-22T19:49:04.324-06:00Ready.....Set......This weekend <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bad Cat Designs</a> is announcing her summer project. Since her groups are always fun, her designs, fabulous and the chance to learn and help others always comes up, well how much more do you need to know? Keep an eye out.......it's sure to be worth joining!<br />
<br />
While you wait, I strongly suggest you check out the gorgeous new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Red-Stitching-Womens-Health/dp/1936096420/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340415814&sr=8-1&keywords=knit+red" target="_blank">Knit Red</a> book. There's a Bad Cat Design in there and many others. A wonderful cause, fabulous, well written designs and gorgeous photography. What more do you want?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVL3l28_FXQ7FAZGgoyz0tEPJqSyxPf4IZUBAQX3TYH3UMMVD5mtPcVCV693t8mLwOWJGfiW2alaXdbz1hQdlyEfEQz-MZe8yhgZAm7Sc7TQVZmpkiulIgUODAUAoySxPa82AWuTKSEBD/s640/Andrea+Jurgrau+Knit+Red+Publicity+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVL3l28_FXQ7FAZGgoyz0tEPJqSyxPf4IZUBAQX3TYH3UMMVD5mtPcVCV693t8mLwOWJGfiW2alaXdbz1hQdlyEfEQz-MZe8yhgZAm7Sc7TQVZmpkiulIgUODAUAoySxPa82AWuTKSEBD/s320/Andrea+Jurgrau+Knit+Red+Publicity+Photo.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Picture linked from <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BadCatDesigns' </a>blog)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-30539581431419069252012-06-10T07:44:00.000-06:002012-06-10T07:46:14.271-06:00Grand fiber fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7357432818_477e65c04f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7357432818_477e65c04f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This weekend is the annual Estes Park Wool Market and I had the pleasure of attending. It's been awhile since I've been able to due to one thing and another so there were a few changes. It's grown for one thing. There were many folks I knew from year's past and new ones to meet. Naturally there was fiber in a vast array of forms.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly (to me) there were fewer hand-dyed vendors this year and none doing anything like a ColourWave. Hand-dyed lace weight in general was limited. Good to know. Nevertheless and no doubt of little (ok, none?) surprise, I was able to find some lovely goodies that just had to come home with me :-). In fact there were many I left behind!<br />
<br />
Shown in the photo above is my unspun fiber loot and oh what loot it is! The balls of undyed roving are Polworth which I have had in mind to try ever since Bad Cat Designs posted about her adventures with it awhile back. The center bag of brown roving is one I have resisted the lure of for years and finally now I gave in - 15.4 micron Paco-Vicuna from <a href="http://deervalleyalpaca.com/" target="_blank">Deer Valley Alpaca</a>. Incredible stuff, so very soft and hard to come by! I offer you a close up below from the lovely 75% Silk/25% Angora & Angelina roving I picked up from the lovely and kind Sharon of <a href="http://woodlakewoolies.com/index.html" target="_blank">Woodlake Woolies</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7357454066_9e660351a9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7357454066_9e660351a9_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pictures do not do these fibers justice - I wish you could feel them, they are all so soft and delightful.<br />
<br />
Lest you be shocked at the astonishing will power (I failed to show, lol), let me reassure you, I did indeed buy yarn! And such lovely yarns, petting and special projects will be necessary to do them justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7357432152_44ac8c3233_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7357432152_44ac8c3233_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Jeny of <a href="http://jenyoriginals.com/" target="_blank">Jeny Originals</a> talked me into the lovely skein of kid mohair/silk/nylon in a lovely blue hand paint shown above and the luscious deep green, silky soft skein of Silk/Merino/Sea Cell shown below! <a href="http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com/" target="_blank">Brooks Farm Yarn</a> had a lovely variety of fingering and worsted weight yarns that were glowing with color. I found a couple of skeins of "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/brooks-farm-ellie" target="_blank">Ellie</a>" that had to come home with me, the slate blue in the center above and the coppery to green shown below. <a href="http://www.textilesamano.com/" target="_blank">Textiles A Mano</a> had some gorgeous cashmere & silk blends along with some silk that I resisted but I did give in to the water-color skein above in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/textiles-a-mano-la-jolla" target="_blank">La Jolla</a> yarn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7357500634_9208941e7e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7357500634_9208941e7e_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, the piece de resistance of the yarns, I met the wonderful Ron & Theresa Miskin of the <a href="http://www.thebuffalowoolco.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Wool Company</a> and just had to give in to the lure of the gorgeous sage green skeins shown above of their "<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/buffalo-wool-company-lux-formerly-12" target="_blank">Lux</a>" yarn. Buffalo down, cashmere, silk & tencel adds up to a soft, strong & shiny, lace weight yarn. Of course it had to come home! Ron & his father worked together to start the original Buffalo Gold line and they know their fiber properties very well. Absolutely lovely stuff and if you get the chance you should try it.<br />
<br />
A fabulous way to spend a day and throw the budget out the window. It was worth it.larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-65594838539760584432012-03-27T17:14:00.001-06:002012-03-27T17:17:50.689-06:00Special BulletinThe first published and available for purchase pattern in Lara's Creations ColourWave yarn is now available!<br />
<br />
Thanks to the wonderful design talents of <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bad Cat Designs</a>, you may now purchase the Wisteria Cowl pattern from Ravelry:<br />
<br />
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wisteria-cowl<br />
Check it out!!<br />
<br />
The yarn to purchase it may be custom ordered in any of the ColourWaves shown in my store or in a semi-solid. (See the links to the right). New colors are coming or tell me what you like and we can come up with something new together!<br />
<br />
A note about the yarn - The Bad Cat used "Basic" which is a lovely 100% Merino lace weight. I have two additional yarns of the same weight right now - Squish! is a 100% Superwash Merino and Starlight is a sparkly blend of Superwash Merino (75%), Silk (20%) and Stellina sparkles (5%). If you have questions about substituting yarns, please ask.<br />
<br />
Happy Knitting!!larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-9941479829822927432012-03-19T22:50:00.000-06:002012-05-18T13:19:04.705-06:00A new beginningIn the years since I last posted - yes, shockingly it's somehow been literally two years - so many things have happened I sometimes thought of simply deleting this blog. Clearly I wasn't updating it. Clearly I wasn't going to......and yet......<br />
<br />
So many things to share but perhaps the time has come back around now and the things to share have new meaning in the context of new beginnings.<br />
<br />
A new beginning for my blog coincides with the very recent opening of my Etsy store (more on that later). That's certainly a beginning. Then there's the move my mother made back to Colorado - not my new beginning you say? Well that's true in one way but since she moved (temporarily) into my house you might rethink that one ;-).<br />
<br />
There are several others as well.......including the fact that after 20 years in one capacity or another, I shall be changing jobs soon - or perhaps moving from my "job" to my store (quick, go buy something to help with that, will ya? lol). It's complicated.<br />
<br />
Of all the new beginnings in the last few months, oddly enough the fewest are new knitting projects. Don't get me wrong, the siren call is there - but go look at my store and remember that I'm still working full time for someone else as well - perhaps it will make more sense! In spite of that I've still knit a great deal in the last two years......one of the most notable is my Back to the Garden shawl designed (of course) by Bad Cat Designs and knit in a yarn that I converted from a Colourmart beauty into a ColourWave beauty. The original yarn was stunning and fabulous to work with. I'm delighted I had the chance to use it and it's no hardship to me to know I have enough leftover already dyed that I can knit it into a scarf ;-).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuimUktSYAnbja051cN6X0MJ9DVk873LYFdWPNfdoSujZZk-TSb-e4TJkW0SMoJ_8bz6G0rR5re4ZnHqdH4c2anaha14Kx2_c1EaUmjk9JwG8orANF6rhSzU_05oB-vhHFSJvSaU_Hx9E/s1600/BTTG+in+the+garden+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuimUktSYAnbja051cN6X0MJ9DVk873LYFdWPNfdoSujZZk-TSb-e4TJkW0SMoJ_8bz6G0rR5re4ZnHqdH4c2anaha14Kx2_c1EaUmjk9JwG8orANF6rhSzU_05oB-vhHFSJvSaU_Hx9E/s320/BTTG+in+the+garden+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll add more specifics later - such as the Ravelry link and so on like I used to. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For now......I'm relearning the updates to the blog programs. It's time for me to get back to regular updates for my blog.......time to learn to use Facebook more, both for my own contacts and for my new business page (https://www.facebook.com/LarasCreationsOfColorado - please join/share for shop news). Who knows? Perhaps tomorrow's new beginning will be Twitter!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the shop itself, I've gone with Etsy for the moment. Feedback, especially including your experience is quite welcome. Check it out:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/larascreations">Lara's Creations of Colorado</a></div>
<br />
In the mean time........shall we start something new? hehehelarascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-61273358194819189072010-03-06T06:46:00.012-07:002010-03-06T07:33:25.928-07:00Once Upon a Time.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4232672708_9d1e53eb0a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4232672708_797559c86f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />.......there was a lady named Lara. She was a crafter of great variety but also a mother, daughter, granddaughter, friend, an employee and many other things. Sometimes she shared her projects and perhaps a few stories on a blog. However, other times life kept her a very busy lady and if you only followed the blog, she appeared to have poofed into some mysterious disappearance and who knew if she would ever return?<br /><br />In short - yes, I'm still around and have been living life with all it's ups and a few downs to go with it. Thankfully, I also have those crafts to enjoy and they have not been as neglected as the blog! Christmas and New Year's came & went since my last post. Valentine's Day was enjoyed by many. On Ravelry - where I have been slightly more visible these last weeks - the Ravelympics began and ended. As a team captain and a team member I also spent quite a bit of time on Ravelympics as a matter of fact and while I did not manage to complete everything I signed up for in the mad insanity of enthusiasm and hope when planning for events (ok, work also played a disruptive part) I DID cross the finish line with two projects (more coming soon), did considerable spinning on a third and even managed to complete more than half of a shawl I plan to wear to my son's wedding late June. Soooo many things to share but we must start somewhere, right?<br /><br />Therefore - to begin - I give you a glimpse of first of Seed Pod Socks, started and completed since my last, long ago post - finished, in fact, even before the end of December!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4167786717_c111566bb1_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 172px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4167786717_18ee3ac2a8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pattern: Seed Pod Socks - Bad Cat Designs<br />Yarn: Plymouth Happy Feet, 2 skeins<br />Needles: US1 / 2.25MM<br /><br />These were fun to knit and I will no doubt knit them again......and in spite of only one in the picture, the pair really is finished and has been worn!<br /><br />Next - finished December 30th - you might recall the lovely Misty Moonlit Midnight (Tallin Sunset) shawl I began some time ago. As a related side note, I do hope my resident photographer is able to assist with some modeled pictures of several projects - including these - sometime very soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4232673788_65c8b73552_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4232673788_8f1c3b6dd0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4232671284_ee7a74410a_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4232671284_50f34dd876.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Pattern: Tallin Sunset, by Bad Cat Designs<br />Yarn: Handdyed Merino Lace (Stonybrook) by Fearless Fibers, used ~1,115 yards<br />Needles: US4 / 3.5mm<br />Beads: Megatamas, 3mm crystal AB beads from Earthfaire<br /><br />As with all Bad Cat Designs, I feel you can't go wrong knitting this! The pattern was great fun and the yarn was lovely to work with.<br /><br />I will be back - perhaps even later today - with more on Ravelympics .......larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-77687011349174266972009-11-27T09:46:00.003-07:002009-11-27T09:54:31.577-07:00Post Thanksgiving....A micro-update ;-).<br /><br />Yup, the Broncos won (26-6)! My mittens received lots of compliments - a little surprising in the sea of Broncos gear. They did their job well though and unlike the poor guy next to me, with all my various warm knitted items I was quite cozy. Of course I didn't sit still very much and that might've helped. <br /><br />I did not cook the main meal but I was extra lucky - there was a "spare" pumpkin pie in my fridge when I returned home from the game...... Did you know pumpkin pie is excellent for breakfast?<br /><br />All in all, it was a very good day indeed.....I hope yours was as well.larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-92148596184970195212009-11-26T09:46:00.003-07:002009-11-26T10:23:21.559-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4136432744_83a7ddfaa6_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4136432744_83a7ddfaa6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I realize that our friends around the world do not (generally) celebrate Thanksgiving as we do here in the States, but perhaps you folks would enjoy taking a moment with me here and giving thanks all the same.....I'm thankful for YOU as well :-). Pull up a chair and have a piece of pie and some coffee with me......<br /><br />I have plenty of updates to share but I shall save the majority for another time.....except to say that it's just more to be thankful for! I am very lucky to have all these fun projects to enjoy and share. I will mention the mittens pictured. They are the epitome of some things to be grateful for. I had the money to buy the yarn, a wonderful habit - er, hobby - that gives me the knowledge and ability (and sometimes even the time!) to knit it into something to keep my hands warm on a day filled with wonderful family, friends and food followed by the great fun of going to the Broncos game (yes, that's why these colors!) to enjoy more! I will do my best to cheer them out of the slump they've been in the last few games......<br /><br /><br />Now to carry on with the subject of being thankful (well c'mon, it IS Thanksgiving, ya know! - at least in the US).....I found this and while I'm very sorry not to know who authored it to be able to give proper credit (and thanks), it seems appropriate to share.......<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 70% of this world.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the one million who will not survive this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because although the majority can, most do not.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. </span><br /><br />I am blessed indeed. The majority of that list applies to me and on top of that.....here are just a few more of a long list of things I am thankful for today:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">I am thankful to be blessed with a huge, loving family and many wonderful friends, near and far. I am particularly thankful for the time I’ve had with family recently departed, family who will depart all too soon and the new lives who will be joining our family before the year comes to a close.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">My children, the two who have moved away (but not far) and the one who lights my day every day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The opportunity to get to know all of you, learn from you and share some laughs and love of fiber-y fun in all it’s forms!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">My health and the health of my fiber stash in all it’s forms</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Laughter - always love the laughs<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">May you all have a very happy, safe Thanksgiving!</span></span><br /></span>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-3313275361178196122009-11-09T18:49:00.007-07:002009-11-13T08:06:12.478-07:00Already?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/4090823057_b608e87d16_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/4090823057_b608e87d16.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />.....another Pretty Thing. My first one found a new home immediately with my grandmother! This one is another ColourMart yarn (they rock, what can I say?).....sorry about the fuzzy photo!<br /><br />Modified the pattern for the DK (5 repeats), still on 3.5mm needles<br />Used ~114 yards/36 grams Colourmart 100% Extra-Fine Merino 15/44 DK (Midnight)<br /><br />I've finally caved and ordered a little really lovely yarn from <a href="http://landolace.com/catalog/">Land O Lace</a> to add to the stash........I need socks. That's my story......and we'll ignore that really pretty skein of lace-weight for the moment (except that paired with black......it might weave up into a STUNNING shawl....hmmmmm).......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4091568456_74472c9f3e_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4091568456_74472c9f3e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just another little preview of what's up here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4084163382_a057fd2f83_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4084163382_a057fd2f83.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Some gorgeous 50/50 merino/silk I'm spinning thanks to a project with Ms. Bad Cat.......larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-81986444525182506392009-11-08T13:40:00.000-07:002009-11-08T13:41:29.252-07:00Finish me this......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLJT4Ig8eaeOR-L6DTJtC_NiNUGyxEs5f4RKgdoFcw2bblQyHFBt5Bdgcpk1cjW6oLre9-4OqlOD1BTQARN034iTgbl036_H-AgggDSl_E8avkWkCsGiYDtQzQgj0LQi7IIGvhyNHyzg/s1600-h/Crested+Wave+pre-block.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLJT4Ig8eaeOR-L6DTJtC_NiNUGyxEs5f4RKgdoFcw2bblQyHFBt5Bdgcpk1cjW6oLre9-4OqlOD1BTQARN034iTgbl036_H-AgggDSl_E8avkWkCsGiYDtQzQgj0LQi7IIGvhyNHyzg/s400/Crested+Wave+pre-block.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401824550342069074" border="0" /></a><br />Recently, I shared some of the WIPs I found. Here now, are some items I've finished that I took forever to share here.<br /><br />The Get Well Soon scarf is really a free little pattern Ms. BadCat calls <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/Crested%20Wave%20Scarf">Crested Wave</a> and can be found on her blog or as a download from Ravelry. I called it "Get Well Soon" since I made it for Puppy while she had pneumonia! She slept, I knit and she was very happy on all counts, hehehe. Thankfully, she is feeling much better these days. Since she also loved it enough to make it disappear and not allow pictures lately......it seems I only have a pre-blocking shot for you today.<br /><br />Size 3.5mm (US4) needles<br />1 full skein Panda Silk Print<br /><br />I finished my Heartland Lace Shawl in yummy Yak/Merino fingering weight from Colourmart ages ago. It's been washed into a luscious, soft and warm shawl. It's been used, petted and loved. Ironically, what it hasn't been is properly blocked! Nevertheless, a picture for your screen-petting pleasure. I'm sorry you can't feel it in person! One of these days I'll take it out of action for a proper blocking......perhaps I'll post another pic or two with some finished dimensions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL_WJE2qHb7Zo3ClFDaXI3jmLT-u5VSox9aGBuG6vmcTJkSyVzkVMSpLw6n1ypLAzf4J1diQZenYeiWtCgM7vGWeGUUd_8L2Rwv5vcSPjiw5aIwqmGG_jSUJmJMbMUoGxENSQjnhE9MA/s1600-h/Yak+Heartland+pre-block.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL_WJE2qHb7Zo3ClFDaXI3jmLT-u5VSox9aGBuG6vmcTJkSyVzkVMSpLw6n1ypLAzf4J1diQZenYeiWtCgM7vGWeGUUd_8L2Rwv5vcSPjiw5aIwqmGG_jSUJmJMbMUoGxENSQjnhE9MA/s400/Yak+Heartland+pre-block.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401834962444399458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Project Name: Heartland Lace Shawl<br />Yarn used: <a href="http://www.colourmart.com/eng/cashmere_silk/alpaca_mohair_vicuna/4ply_fingering_weight/baby_yak_and_baby_camel_4ply_and_fingering_weight_yarns">Colourmart 3/14 fingering weight 50/50 yak/wool</a><br />Amount used: <strong style="font-weight: normal;"><em>approx 616 yds / </em></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><em>120 gr (4.2 oz)</em></strong><br />Needles: 4mm<br />Pattern name/source: <a href="http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/portfolio.html">Heartland Lace Shawl, Evelyn Clark Designs/Wild Fibers Magazine Winter 2007</a><br />Did 5 repeats totallarascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-81176940918631134262009-11-04T22:48:00.003-07:002009-11-04T23:09:22.274-07:00Coming soon to needles near you?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4076491889_2a05293879.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4076491889_2a05293879.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ok well first.......Don't you just wish? This is Lump, all flaked out in true worn-out Husky fashion. Don't be fooled, he's a live wire :-).<br /><br />Just a little preview or two of things in the works.....<br /><br />We have these lovely swatches as a wee contribution (along with the "calculations") to the amazing Queen Susan shawl project - a recreation of a gorgeous shawl from the Shetland Museum and it will be astounding!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4038974714_56e04438da.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4038974714_56e04438da.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/4048381861_1f37c148dd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/4048381861_1f37c148dd.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Then there's the teensiest glimpse of the two Dark Star stoles I have in the works as another bit of the Summer Squares projects from the creative mind of Bad Cat Designs :-). As always, her designs are a treat to knit and can't be recommended highly enough! Look for the pattern coming soon for folks who missed the group!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/4027846312_c66b1ca828.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/4027846312_c66b1ca828.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/4027846946_63d56e2530.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/4027846946_63d56e2530.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And last (for tonight), I leave you with a preview of the pattern that I've been working on, mainly from the Haapsalu Sall library of Estonian designs and knitting information. I wish I could read the words, not just the charts but all the same it's a gorgeous book!<br /><br />For the moment at least, I am calling it Red Cedar and you have GOT to check out the yarn! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGossamerWeb">Gossamer Webs Vorpal Bunny Ranch </a>is so soft and so yummy to knit up! We'll see if the name sticks but for now......in Copper - isn't it just a gorgeous color?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/4077244974_b22f2bee79.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/4077244974_b22f2bee79.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-31196581812541499452009-11-02T15:40:00.003-07:002009-11-02T16:55:21.072-07:00Golden Eye - yup, it's FINISHED<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4070374062_35a952c358.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4070374062_35a952c358.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Another beautiful design from the talented <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/">BadCatDesigns</a>. Look how pretty this is, eh? I think I shall have to make another that stays home sometime soon. This one, however, is going to a new baby and hopefully will be well loved and used lots!<br /><br />I used Bernat Baby yarn because it's very soft and easy care for a new mom and I could "kill" the acrylic. It delayed completion because I swear it squeaks when you knit it! It's an odd (and disturbing) thing to feel & sort of hear. I'm spoiled, it's true and thank goodness for it! :-)<br /><br />Project Name: Summer Squares - Golden Eye<br />Yarn used: Bernat Baby<br />Amount used: ~1050 yards<br />Needles: US 4 / 3.5mm<br />Finished dimensions: ~42" square<br />Pattern designer: <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/">BadCatDesigns</a>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-64847750039220245592009-10-29T21:03:00.006-06:002009-10-30T09:03:32.296-06:00Catching up or not?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4057564398_f6838eb41d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4057564398_f6838eb41d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So I was catching up a teensy bit on my blog reading yesterday, in particular on the Yarn Harlot's doings and found a distraction in the form of her recent <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/10/07/the_moral_of_the_story.html">"Pretty Thing"</a> pattern. Thinking it would make a fun, soft, quick project I succumbed to temptation. Does it even count? It's just a lil' bit of a thing, right?<br /><br />Yes, I could've created my own pattern. Heck I have very nice cowl patterns already waiting to be knit. Don't ask me why. Why was not a factor - and besides, it's done :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/4057565300_21a52aed04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/4057565300_21a52aed04.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />You see, it really was a quick knit. Used some (15 grams/155 yards) of my yummy 3/28 cashmere from Colourmart. The color is Delph Blue and the in-progress pic at the top is more accurate.larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-80404895870824189602009-10-28T17:22:00.004-06:002009-10-28T17:33:18.642-06:00Just popping in......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/4053614291_4480d99f9c_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 1024px; height: 768px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/4053614291_4480d99f9c_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />.......with a little view of today's world.<br /><br />Please note that yesterday it was indeed in the 60's or so with rain changing to snow in the evening and snowing more than expected. What can I say, it's Colorado? :-).<br /><br />......anyone want to make a snowman? Then perhaps knit something cozy after......larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-5949662123403507542009-10-19T07:00:00.005-06:002009-10-23T10:15:00.291-06:00Fleegle's fault!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=31703186"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 209px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.93044853.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It IS. If she didn't have such <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7906279">lovely yarn</a> I wouldn't buy more right? (yes, she ranks right up there with <a href="http://www.colourmart.com/">ColourMart</a> and will custom dye! - but no worries, Richard, she doesn't carry the same yarns you do ;-) )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=31703071"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 220px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.93044555.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And if she didn't <a href="http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/">post about yummy patterns </a>I wouldn't know about them and HAVE to add them to my collection of things that must be made! (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5570964">No Two Snowflakes</a> is quick to deliver, too)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31251079"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.91529832.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />.....tempt me with visions of lovely batts from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775544">Corghi Hill</a> just too many times to resist .....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775544"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.91181421.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775544"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.77599532.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5775544"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.78964279.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yup, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Fleegle, the Great Enabler.......who is even NOW charting designs to map out an absolutely gorgeous (monster size) Shetland Shawl that currently is being voted to be name THE Susan for a KAL on Heirloom Knitting (Ravelry). There are so many stitches that a super fine yarn (52/2 or smaller) on teensy tiny needles are going to be quite necessary to do the full design. Like two skeins of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7906279&section_id=6355649">Phoenix</a>. Perhaps size 00 (1.75mm) or smaller........<br /><br />You see?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">("Small type" Disclaimer - I must add that naturally I'm just kidding.......there aren't too many bigger fans of personal responsibility/accountability than I ;-) )</span>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-24715102463755483672009-10-18T20:34:00.007-06:002009-10-19T05:07:50.942-06:00Life Happens......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4023428294_d6f34f9626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4023428294_d6f34f9626.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Life happens and that's a fact. For those who have wondered where I "disappeared to" well, I appreciate your thoughts and concern. I'm still around but I've had my hands full. In the last few weeks I've had all the usual stuff (and some fun extras....really, truly) and some not-so-fun extras including:<br /><br />- Fraud on my bank account<br />- Harddrive meltdown<br />- The heartbreaking saga and surrender of my Alaskan Malamute<br />- Hospice care for an Uncle<br />- Broken hip for my grandfather<br />- Funeral for said uncle<br />- Nursing care / therapy for grandfather<br /><br />and of course all the associated calls, visits, time, and family. I must say I have been blessed with some really AWESOME family, friends and co-workers. Such a wonderful bonus to offset some of that not-fun life stuff. The family upheaval did bring visits from afar including that of my mother all the way from Thailand. She will be staying with me weekends until early December since she is here to teach, not just visit us all. My brother from Florida was also able to come for a week and we had some great laughs all together. Silver linings, ya know?<br /><br />Some other fun:<br /><br />- Family visits and laughs<br />- Great, supportive friends<br />- Marvelous designs from BadCat to play with including the Summer Squares projects and other new patterns (details on her blog -> link over to the right ->)<br />- Knitting therapy<br />- Weaving (yup, you'll see.....)<br />- Spinning (spindles, wheel......loads of therapy AND fun but to share another day)<br />- New wood to play with (Red Cedar - awesome stuff!)<br /><br />....and ever so much more..........don't let the list at the top fool you, I have a great deal to be grateful for and I don't forget that, especially when "life" happens ;-)<br /><br />Moving along on that same sort of "life" path, one of my cousins is expecting twins and while I haven't finished everything I have planned for her I actually have not been idle with my knitting needles and even weaving. (The spinning is for other things but has been great therapy as well!)<br /><br />Today I bring you a couple of cute little baby hats, one shown above and the other here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3957205255_51ce16bc54.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3957205255_51ce16bc54.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sorry about the lack of focus - perhaps it's symbolic? Nah, just a needs a better photographer, hehehe.<br /><br />You can safely assume that the twins in this case are expected to be a boy & girl, not identical.<br /><br />I've not managed all the booties yet but a pair in lovely cashmere - a fingering weight marl (naturally from Colourmart!). One is of course washed and the other shown not so you can see the amazing transformation that takes place.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4023436674_d1dd71997c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4023436674_d1dd71997c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I have soooooo much more to share - take note of the growing list of finished objects and status changes in the sidebars. Those don't even include nearly everything in the works.<br /><br />There's more great fun ahead; I hope you'll join me :-).larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-8220258639722302092009-09-20T20:02:00.011-06:002009-09-20T20:52:03.113-06:00What a GREAT time!Today I have no knitting updates because I actually had a change in plans. I was lucky enough to get a ticket to today's Broncos game. If you get the chance - well assuming you don't hate football - you should really go. The experience in person is just SO different. Great fun and I felt it was worth the price. If I could get season tickets I would (the wait list is 13-15 years!).<br /><br />Thanks VERY much to my friend for sharing the chance and to the great folks that were fun company in the shared seats! It was a privilege and a pleasure.<br /><br />The seats, btw, are awesome. North End Zone, just high enough to see everything and not so high you have to strain for anything at all. If you are really curious, they were Section 115 and if you look closely at the maps, just at the point where there IS a 116 right next to it. In other words, about mid-way up and on the aisle. Fantastic view. The stadium seating can be found at <a href="http://www.invescofieldatmilehigh.com/resources/img/pix/general_big.gif">http://www.invescofieldatmilehigh.com/resources/img/pix/general_big.gif</a>.<br /><br />I took the bus and avoided the hassles of driving, parking and all that plus had a great seat-mate to chat with on the way. I kept her entertained with my spinning on the trip (no, I didn't spin or knit at the game, sorry). She had tips for me as an experienced ticket holder and they were handy. Like since the bus drops off/loads on the opposite side of the Stadium from where I was sitting, I should just look for a short line any gate along the way. Women have separate lines since they frisk everyone for security checks. Well, I took her advice and lemme tell you, as inconceivable as you would think it should have been, the first gate I started past I practically had one of the folks working the gate escort me right into the checkpoint - zero waiting, thanks. This was during prime entry time in a veritable sea of people (literally).<br /><br />In short, it was one of those days that went supremely well with things just falling right into place and I had a wonderful time. I did forget one little thing though and tomorrow will tell the story on if I'll really pay for it........um, did I mention it was very sunny the first half? Yup. No sunscreen and no hat. Oops.<br /><br />Oh yeah.......maybe I should mention, we won :-).larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-41018914028785681572009-09-15T15:37:00.000-06:002009-09-20T20:37:50.631-06:00Wow! Look what I found.....I have been quiet on the blog but very very very busy! There will be lots more to share.....to begin:<br /><br />I have been cleaning up a storm and going through many a box, stash, pile or closet. This is a marvelously good thing although perhaps a bit dusty. The end goal is coming to light with much reorganizing taking place and this will help projects of every kind to flow much more smoothly. I even completely relocated my large storage unit (naturally with LOTS of help from Puppy!) and consolidated the last smaller stray storage unit that I had been ignoring for a loooooong time. It's surely inevitable that I found some old friends. Most I had remembered to one degree or another but there is something different about pulling these things out and sorting through. It's a bit more than just "oh yes, I should get that out again sometime and finish it" for me at least. For those of you that have UFOs you don't need reasons why - you already know and understand the list of possible reasons is long :-). For those of you who don't? Well I'm not sure you would/could understand if you don't have any lurking! You are of a different breed (style) than I and I commend you for your self-discipline! Perhaps some day you too will be tempted on over here to the dark side and enjoy multiple projects, some to be rediscovered at a fun time in the future, lol.<br /><br />So here we go a few of the - oh let's call them "rediscovered" projects, shall we?<br /><br />Oh look! A baby blanket - always nice to have a spare baby gift on hand. This one is thick & squishy with doubled yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQhBv92YRo73UD6jexGps34Pe9pEUbFEi7ULvB3vRbF9d20F29zCg13_3yOJNDMbnqc54Oez9WgzOg14Qef_xUWhkdSCW12Bp_3ZqNh1qtVXvMV-Kjb-eXot_YBZJfHygFVhyphenhyphen7rd8Ok8/s1600-h/Found+Baby+Blanket.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQhBv92YRo73UD6jexGps34Pe9pEUbFEi7ULvB3vRbF9d20F29zCg13_3yOJNDMbnqc54Oez9WgzOg14Qef_xUWhkdSCW12Bp_3ZqNh1qtVXvMV-Kjb-eXot_YBZJfHygFVhyphenhyphen7rd8Ok8/s320/Found+Baby+Blanket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382991898015948754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A pi shawl in a pretty lilac cotton that will be a very nice summer wrap....someday<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhmljUta7zfsmyZvlUUgFBxR9zgfKV6KgxNe0WxSdgUvjxyDbbvoAfANMtePw7wKi-ek0XqhNVRFAerQ2G_phxWnBbPpfiomqmrN0ZR2hkDvpyr5oe-XqQnWNI7TZY97Dck3411JqhaY/s1600-h/Found+Purple+Cotton+Pi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhmljUta7zfsmyZvlUUgFBxR9zgfKV6KgxNe0WxSdgUvjxyDbbvoAfANMtePw7wKi-ek0XqhNVRFAerQ2G_phxWnBbPpfiomqmrN0ZR2hkDvpyr5oe-XqQnWNI7TZY97Dck3411JqhaY/s320/Found+Purple+Cotton+Pi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382991906008352850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't this a pretty lil' sweater from Fitted Knits? Modified to work with the yarn. TOASTY warm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0r6I6Fhyu79YqvFXFv_FII5mA2dzNc64YVoBdf4_1lFxRhlm2tAGFIRcL8IU-Ufm02PflqgFK37OQ0115FugCg1iLtqJ8imjiq36qhvOM6KmpIwb_Slv5RD7NSY8nnCUuEC2qL9hHOw/s1600-h/Cropped+Cardi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0r6I6Fhyu79YqvFXFv_FII5mA2dzNc64YVoBdf4_1lFxRhlm2tAGFIRcL8IU-Ufm02PflqgFK37OQ0115FugCg1iLtqJ8imjiq36qhvOM6KmpIwb_Slv5RD7NSY8nnCUuEC2qL9hHOw/s320/Cropped+Cardi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382991918764335330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Super-Spiral in colorful mohair:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s3GgJEa5upi8_OkqTCuugGad6ERvEBD6quk-cIqXadtCGOCZZlhOSjt_iv9f4vpX3T7Mdvz54FcJv1aQh7S30z9QfEjLorfO4Buje-98viJmDxidlpz_a_mVvUo_oJ7rDK00dsjbpkk/s1600-h/Found+Super+Spiral.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s3GgJEa5upi8_OkqTCuugGad6ERvEBD6quk-cIqXadtCGOCZZlhOSjt_iv9f4vpX3T7Mdvz54FcJv1aQh7S30z9QfEjLorfO4Buje-98viJmDxidlpz_a_mVvUo_oJ7rDK00dsjbpkk/s320/Found+Super+Spiral.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382991913761138610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hmmmm....perhaps I'll do some finishing of these soon?larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-67710594060412319762009-08-11T16:28:00.002-06:002009-08-11T16:28:00.365-06:00More spinning fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmMCY8tPw1K9AcUsc5TGGVg0g1qieEzQZxcMF9zjAR1r47kaAYCNxI8TYLlRr-9P6CwfO2R9RDJNJmSDxAmQooLMSm_g9pwoOWiFSWSTKnh-ErVKJufegJOj6ulnn3WUqJCCGfRcbTGY/s1600-h/Merino_Tencel+Samples+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmMCY8tPw1K9AcUsc5TGGVg0g1qieEzQZxcMF9zjAR1r47kaAYCNxI8TYLlRr-9P6CwfO2R9RDJNJmSDxAmQooLMSm_g9pwoOWiFSWSTKnh-ErVKJufegJOj6ulnn3WUqJCCGfRcbTGY/s320/Merino_Tencel+Samples+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368821766940828514" border="0" /></a>Just a quick lil' post to show the finished sample skein of the "Snuggly" 50/50 Superwash Merino/Tencel on the left and the same fibers on the right in another sample skein made from fiber sent by my friend Judith. She overdyed the fiber and isn't it just a gorgeous color? Click on the picture and you can see it better......<br /><br />The skeins are each approximately 4gr and the Snuggly is ~60 yards of 2-ply and the wine is ~54 yards, also 2-ply.<br /><br />Does anybody have a super accurate scale they want to recommend? One that measures in less than 2gram increments. Less than 1gr increments might even be fun.....larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-39914502976618154392009-08-11T06:42:00.000-06:002009-08-11T15:15:20.561-06:00A visit to the fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWXhlCK5-H0IjiGXEVQVF-jX_21K3tnDGgv8tXDsi-tlix0thvhFbtgeD-9co9NUF0w-izW2Cxdd54P-Np7ttB72LEWeSUdlYyfIM7zgYwaces-Wq1XZtzX5Qs1k4x8yXjS0zwR69S4s/s1600-h/Fair+2009+All.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWXhlCK5-H0IjiGXEVQVF-jX_21K3tnDGgv8tXDsi-tlix0thvhFbtgeD-9co9NUF0w-izW2Cxdd54P-Np7ttB72LEWeSUdlYyfIM7zgYwaces-Wq1XZtzX5Qs1k4x8yXjS0zwR69S4s/s320/Fair+2009+All.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368809852302143122" border="0" /></a><br />Shown above in the well-protected display cabinet, three of those shawls have been seen here before. This time, they went visiting at the county fair and were quite well regarded. There was only one category for all knitted shawls, scarves, etc for adults so they were competing against each other as well as a handful of others.<br /><br />The experience was fun; the people were wonderful and we made some new friends in both the fiber and 4H worlds. I managed the opportunity to watch the judging for these as well and that was interesting and educational. As for how we did......<br /><br />Coming in with an "Honorable Mention" we have the <a href="http://larascreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Summer%20Sampler%20Study">Summer Sampler</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvRPVMMx9AlyBAV5T-gyXcZ1saz3X1FoBqy34hTif8aH4iZM3NdIFu-5l8lXMkQoJuFbc1i0WvGQOtaaEeRJMqlaw72udXk7g8ye1_E2W414nsuRDaSYBNckQM_yen7JAKFlq_Y0Nw8/s320/Dusk+SS+Blowin+in+the+wind+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvRPVMMx9AlyBAV5T-gyXcZ1saz3X1FoBqy34hTif8aH4iZM3NdIFu-5l8lXMkQoJuFbc1i0WvGQOtaaEeRJMqlaw72udXk7g8ye1_E2W414nsuRDaSYBNckQM_yen7JAKFlq_Y0Nw8/s320/Dusk+SS+Blowin+in+the+wind+1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The judging results......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5tUnbHe17KICfD7Q6Fz6xLFo73x4bbFvzJHl-nW-1GuSOPw9Z50Ebr3_OOL_RqrPmYvn8hJ-cfgAsDAQnut77mRZ76HPzf9cOY8PA2nDK6ObdcDqsuF7LmxokV5NWaRaZfGjvDjA4GA/s1600-h/Judging+Summer+Sampler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5tUnbHe17KICfD7Q6Fz6xLFo73x4bbFvzJHl-nW-1GuSOPw9Z50Ebr3_OOL_RqrPmYvn8hJ-cfgAsDAQnut77mRZ76HPzf9cOY8PA2nDK6ObdcDqsuF7LmxokV5NWaRaZfGjvDjA4GA/s320/Judging+Summer+Sampler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368811598525200002" border="0" /></a><br />In second place (for this show) we have the lovely <a href="http://larascreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Titania">Titania</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-TmlQ-JWNojPL3-23gIypg1Kc6I7-k6GxTS2I80LVy96tNyt6AbZJcbtZv-VYxz0LXHe_gH4MoiquzET9mJSeu7nql4Hj6MPJxkjisKki-dRnKwzi3Rjv9uIWy7PVjU3pRMKTxygv58/s1600-h/Titania+side+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-TmlQ-JWNojPL3-23gIypg1Kc6I7-k6GxTS2I80LVy96tNyt6AbZJcbtZv-VYxz0LXHe_gH4MoiquzET9mJSeu7nql4Hj6MPJxkjisKki-dRnKwzi3Rjv9uIWy7PVjU3pRMKTxygv58/s320/Titania+side+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368814047004681650" border="0" /></a><br />Her judging results:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMEASDWWeOjml2L64V0nJJRC0uO0HxRMJdyi9vC7oJNW99BDh2FNrtxiv6xu8UOaDBVCfKEsVYQoEXX480MI1QxcDUzhsQxt7DozzvRLaemJ-rvcfbzzGhvUaRV5WvLfgG2ciSfXS9AU/s1600-h/Judging+Titania.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMEASDWWeOjml2L64V0nJJRC0uO0HxRMJdyi9vC7oJNW99BDh2FNrtxiv6xu8UOaDBVCfKEsVYQoEXX480MI1QxcDUzhsQxt7DozzvRLaemJ-rvcfbzzGhvUaRV5WvLfgG2ciSfXS9AU/s320/Judging+Titania.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368813424308491074" border="0" /></a><br />And last, but far from least, in first place and Reserve Champion, we have the <a href="http://larascreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Veil%20of%20Isis">Veil of Isis</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6In83-ktPsF3Wl4L3GPgzneUhB6IqPh6uRvkiYl2hShhzUlLdrmnTVpqUgAPFiJiXNsHjacYfEoKFTyNaX-nlHLh-GMz4vAqFGSYFJlEYlZBFCOEPkAhxP_mdA31l6JvXFHzv-My6e2Q/s1600-h/VOI+1+Complete+Sun+and+wind+9-4-2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6In83-ktPsF3Wl4L3GPgzneUhB6IqPh6uRvkiYl2hShhzUlLdrmnTVpqUgAPFiJiXNsHjacYfEoKFTyNaX-nlHLh-GMz4vAqFGSYFJlEYlZBFCOEPkAhxP_mdA31l6JvXFHzv-My6e2Q/s320/VOI+1+Complete+Sun+and+wind+9-4-2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368813662405804306" border="0" /></a><br />The results:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18UGArgRyOWhRNkwfd-nVUKcCEy_2eoYHvtL8KrOHgsBVo7Q9hQHaUTupj_aeOafUCiz_W51CxOcvU-crd_xlaYw5u4x-oeYijGTczGPawkDoaMevGaNoVWwZxYx74YUfREQa6rbHLGc/s1600-h/Judging+VOI.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18UGArgRyOWhRNkwfd-nVUKcCEy_2eoYHvtL8KrOHgsBVo7Q9hQHaUTupj_aeOafUCiz_W51CxOcvU-crd_xlaYw5u4x-oeYijGTczGPawkDoaMevGaNoVWwZxYx74YUfREQa6rbHLGc/s320/Judging+VOI.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368813429367499122" border="0" /></a><br />A HUGE THANK YOU to designer of all of these beautiful designs, <a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/">Bad Cat Designs</a> and to the Bad Cat Designs Yahoo group who have supported me, cheered me on, and added so much bonus fun to the knitting of these shawls. You guys are awesome :-).larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-75592182436293214322009-08-02T10:07:00.007-06:002009-08-02T10:45:57.420-06:00A lovely new drop spindle.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Tg27146Cix6yfIUK7KS5WdrHt00CjF63bz0UToxfL116M9YpVz1dijdLW2vBEwzaXI781uKPHaH7ytXL6S-3aHOD15yVDwEicPdao3vviTRxNHBJpxFpMWaSqDuOUUAh1sdRBRKqnc/s1600-h/Snuggly+Merino+Tencel+and+BE+FW+Bossie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Tg27146Cix6yfIUK7KS5WdrHt00CjF63bz0UToxfL116M9YpVz1dijdLW2vBEwzaXI781uKPHaH7ytXL6S-3aHOD15yVDwEicPdao3vviTRxNHBJpxFpMWaSqDuOUUAh1sdRBRKqnc/s320/Snuggly+Merino+Tencel+and+BE+FW+Bossie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365399484920771506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />......means you just HAVE to play with fibers, right? The spindle is a gorgeous Featherweight Bird's Eye Maple <a href="http://www.journeywheel.com/content/view/31/87/">Bosworth </a>weighing in at a "whopping" 13 grams / .46 oz. I see more of these Bossie's in my future ;-).<br /><br />The first pictures (below) are a wool blend of 80% Merino and 20% Tussah silk purchased long ago from Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins of Boulder, CO. Rather amazing how different it looks spun up and plied, yes?<br /><br />The sample skein is approximately 4 grams and 48.5 yards long of 2-ply lace weight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4mMaLGfuVawoQti5D6UDZwJgblRxbJbFdCvr45ibulvcWnQqsm8gol9zq0mSL3DGNwmkLj4LLVFed2lq5QgIqu4IgwibZ0eAmFncbbDn7TQqKOwzLj_915azJNSIz50I2Eqftx1Acys/s1600-h/80_20+Merino_tussah+Sea+Mist+Sample+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4mMaLGfuVawoQti5D6UDZwJgblRxbJbFdCvr45ibulvcWnQqsm8gol9zq0mSL3DGNwmkLj4LLVFed2lq5QgIqu4IgwibZ0eAmFncbbDn7TQqKOwzLj_915azJNSIz50I2Eqftx1Acys/s320/80_20+Merino_tussah+Sea+Mist+Sample+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365399478360512082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMH6u06oFLD3imm97yDr07BZPZUswiF1gMYtZFkKXiHEcmORfE7ocZWPussbMO80v3Kpbtvu3N_H-hj50jsca11slsqkM7dDXiM1Zf0RXD6swDp9C0YWDWpLnrIQzp75AYQyDdp8KsjY/s1600-h/80_20+Merino_tussah+Sea+Mist+Sample+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMH6u06oFLD3imm97yDr07BZPZUswiF1gMYtZFkKXiHEcmORfE7ocZWPussbMO80v3Kpbtvu3N_H-hj50jsca11slsqkM7dDXiM1Zf0RXD6swDp9C0YWDWpLnrIQzp75AYQyDdp8KsjY/s320/80_20+Merino_tussah+Sea+Mist+Sample+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365399846901063298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Look at these pretty colors, eh? Here & at the top of the post you see the spindle itself although the picture could be a bit better below. This is a super soft and shiny 50/50 Merino/Tencel blend from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5368210">Dyeing for Colour.</a> Since I'm not done spinning up the sample I shall wait to tell you more particulars including what I think of it.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIEkbjIU0572cSd0OWor6YbnZVRqVIdMytdv_vgnC9uSXCRJbRPNjgxpzVUfZc9QGXO0j5Zf5DpRjnbJ1OAyj2hztyMk_uVh3PspIOUjkLkEGP_p-uUW2kZQCftOjnsAftpLjUmrPgQI/s1600-h/Snuggly+Merino+Tencel+and+BE+FW+Bossie3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIEkbjIU0572cSd0OWor6YbnZVRqVIdMytdv_vgnC9uSXCRJbRPNjgxpzVUfZc9QGXO0j5Zf5DpRjnbJ1OAyj2hztyMk_uVh3PspIOUjkLkEGP_p-uUW2kZQCftOjnsAftpLjUmrPgQI/s320/Snuggly+Merino+Tencel+and+BE+FW+Bossie3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365399835027808482" border="0" /></a><br />I've finished a couple of small projects that need posting and have many more projects including spinning and woodwork (yes, woodwork) to tell you about soon along with my adventures at the County Fair.......<br /><br />But before I leave you today.....one more picture.....I have a friend who has just started spinning and I have assured her that she really WILL get better with practice, hehehe. This is not my VERY first yarn - I don't think I even have that, I couldn't see even calling it yarn! This, however, was right after or very close to it.......and while it at least looked yarn-ish it's still rather a far cry from the sample you see above. It's definitely chunky weight.....at least where it's not tiny little wire that should have fallen to bits, lol. (Luckily, my pictures have also mostly improved! Sorry this one's pretty fuzzy)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlpQ1GVNirFUvtbJum8fxaamWQxkZOjO5Oa2cp2hwyudKSgeRvGer7H_ZRNTBjV3neP3DAkZN2DHAZTP3nEoZmat63lYX-IR_ua7xxC_PlTCpVphHec4mfdQpoTMZIl2lTithfUXYzqE/s1600-h/Early+Yarn+Attempts.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlpQ1GVNirFUvtbJum8fxaamWQxkZOjO5Oa2cp2hwyudKSgeRvGer7H_ZRNTBjV3neP3DAkZN2DHAZTP3nEoZmat63lYX-IR_ua7xxC_PlTCpVphHec4mfdQpoTMZIl2lTithfUXYzqE/s320/Early+Yarn+Attempts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365407517763576386" border="0" /></a>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-50200502375652832292009-07-16T05:48:00.000-06:002009-07-17T15:39:15.660-06:00Opinions - Mine and Yours (please)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeKpgHF-cr_CuIpbaWDgqICtRdg4HfB1Yjip7ZMSX-Ak5hSmH2e292nqXrIiHm7V48dEjYysPg6j4H_xlasQ6SoHClQa8ICY6eiunq1N-fP7x1cXNu19GaZQU3WrYtIbnTxbeg3wIODo/s1600-h/Lily2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeKpgHF-cr_CuIpbaWDgqICtRdg4HfB1Yjip7ZMSX-Ak5hSmH2e292nqXrIiHm7V48dEjYysPg6j4H_xlasQ6SoHClQa8ICY6eiunq1N-fP7x1cXNu19GaZQU3WrYtIbnTxbeg3wIODo/s320/Lily2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359544484382584498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Soooooo there are these new square needles that are supposed to be better for your hands & wrists to knit with. Cool. My wrist(s) were bugging me from an improper workstation setup which had it's effect even if I have fixed it now. So I thought I should try at least one pair of these. I'd heard from some of you about the circs and the bad joins so I stayed away from those but it just so happened that my LYS (Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins) had one (and ONLY one) set in Palm. Sold.<br /><br />I decided to cast on something new in part because of the size of the needles and there was that nagging pain thing. (Still is, in fact, but it is improving) I still want to try these in a smaller, metal version but so far I've actually been enjoying these and able to use them for short periods even when others have not been an option. I'm cautiously in favor but want to sharpen the points and see how it goes for a bit longer.<br /><br />What did I cast on? A project that's been on my mind to do in large part because I have wanted to see if the yarn will work for it. I probably won't be in any hurry to finish this but right off I have to decide if it DOES work. Your opinions? Is the yarn too varigated? Can you see the pattern?<br /><br />The shawl is Nancy Bush's Lily of the Valley pattern. I'm using the Palm (wood) size 6 (4mm) 11" Kollage straight needles. Since it's the size called for, that automatically means my gauge (as a relaxed knitter) is larger (fine by me, I wanted that) and I am modifying the pattern for the edging at a minimum although precisely how is not entirely decided.....and not really relevant if the yarn won't work, right?<br /><br />So......a couple of less than stellar and unblocked photos. Because if you love it, even in these shots, it's a pretty sure winner, right? Errrm .....well......something like that :-)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIzxBXhub7cyHSLloy4mb2DctfbHj93Jg-g9hWUnSd2HhUFrTqRVeY401pnefVt28mGHotXCUj2qiqhI5s0az3rIhEUkeH6WcEAq5tpHdVIhe42tFis3aIHmTNP0_xWAJCu0cUBi_aRw/s1600-h/Lily1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIzxBXhub7cyHSLloy4mb2DctfbHj93Jg-g9hWUnSd2HhUFrTqRVeY401pnefVt28mGHotXCUj2qiqhI5s0az3rIhEUkeH6WcEAq5tpHdVIhe42tFis3aIHmTNP0_xWAJCu0cUBi_aRw/s320/Lily1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359544478095635074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What do you think?larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-20407948731866223282009-07-15T07:45:00.000-06:002009-07-15T08:18:12.506-06:00Midsummer Night's Dream - Titania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoiKNBycC6bNcSaQUJw1R3_l_w0PbIkV9TBh2V0zkKzyIpNSvHhQmvmWvwt8TxJCul5ctD6BHLAlb-EEOan9D25BvshvaBcHo1vNa7dhvSVp_haMjLAHSAASRvin-kWK4GVsFvjqa_8Y/s1600-h/Titania+in+the+wind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoiKNBycC6bNcSaQUJw1R3_l_w0PbIkV9TBh2V0zkKzyIpNSvHhQmvmWvwt8TxJCul5ctD6BHLAlb-EEOan9D25BvshvaBcHo1vNa7dhvSVp_haMjLAHSAASRvin-kWK4GVsFvjqa_8Y/s320/Titania+in+the+wind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329125216530584082" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a bit of loveliness thanks once again to the wonderful design talents of Bad Cat Designs....<br /><br />I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test knit it. She was quite patient about it, too! I had a few life bumps that stalled delivery on this one but isn't she worth it? The design is a delight to knit up. What else can you expect? That Ms. Bad Cat does the most marvelously fun patterns! The recipient of this one was very slightly less patient (but saw it often) and is exceedingly delighted that she finally has it! It's been done for a wee bit of time but sharing on my part needed to wait until you, too, could have the fun of knitting this up!<br /><br />The yarn is wonderful, amazing stuff - like knitting with clouds. Unfortunately, this particular yarn is no longer available, however, <a href="http://www.colourmart.com/eng">Colourmart </a>no doubt has some other bit of knitting delight you could use instead!<br /><br />Mid-Summer Night's Dream - Titania<br /><a href="http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/">Bad Cat Designs</a><br /><a href="http://www.colourmart.com/eng">Colourmart</a> 3/45 lace weight 65% Cashmere/ 35% Silk ~50gr (~850 yds)<br />Plus:<br />~28 gr #8 clear, silver-lined beads<br />~1-2 gr #6 Turquoise blue frosted<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3fma9GmUAJaoo620V0jU8qSTYL2befHK0CiWJtDSXZayv2h6X9NGRqBaGjPez_GcrRtWffoviOW5bK-il-GSi7R-30GemXyncT5frt7ppO98dgWFGjs4Gt2-srK0e15j7EI9Kh-QZT8/s1600-h/Titania+model+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3fma9GmUAJaoo620V0jU8qSTYL2befHK0CiWJtDSXZayv2h6X9NGRqBaGjPez_GcrRtWffoviOW5bK-il-GSi7R-30GemXyncT5frt7ppO98dgWFGjs4Gt2-srK0e15j7EI9Kh-QZT8/s320/Titania+model+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329125219750572610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvZSrJdqVyT4XumTrEcxfERar6kGJX4g_1WVPkqsTwFizgfVNhIbSXAAs8bwEFS4jD3pb3PEV0hzQqj8_lwG_hpFVTPBmNfUawNpvMJlXtPqn6TSfw2ubFnbzRzyFG_5ojBwvu_FQSVw/s1600-h/Titania+full+view.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvZSrJdqVyT4XumTrEcxfERar6kGJX4g_1WVPkqsTwFizgfVNhIbSXAAs8bwEFS4jD3pb3PEV0hzQqj8_lwG_hpFVTPBmNfUawNpvMJlXtPqn6TSfw2ubFnbzRzyFG_5ojBwvu_FQSVw/s320/Titania+full+view.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310172353632503602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqO6YeCVjGG-D9ru8I5cwdvtfUHtQHm6AfWpqiFQPe7K8_MTmmYJ0krHlxT4pu6mB3Z60sFTjD9-IEPV4gbtYVU1fQYxZ7hEieiliMEUIokGx9xFVesiFk54fH5jVqF73Fapc7oJWToE/s1600-h/Titania+center+neck+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqO6YeCVjGG-D9ru8I5cwdvtfUHtQHm6AfWpqiFQPe7K8_MTmmYJ0krHlxT4pu6mB3Z60sFTjD9-IEPV4gbtYVU1fQYxZ7hEieiliMEUIokGx9xFVesiFk54fH5jVqF73Fapc7oJWToE/s320/Titania+center+neck+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310172359066049506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQQzXlWtAVPhCsiqASiDYfhYiUyHacoh75vuRyWcnAPEeE0nYkzknph0ZWOW-aUXnmBGP3jPRQ4biunXFOUGkxtRTAUTL-gtZ8EQRGsFEPHZ1ZNIJtPto0KYRbvG-fUsg2ua0YSR9k1Q/s1600-h/Titania+bottom+corner+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQQzXlWtAVPhCsiqASiDYfhYiUyHacoh75vuRyWcnAPEeE0nYkzknph0ZWOW-aUXnmBGP3jPRQ4biunXFOUGkxtRTAUTL-gtZ8EQRGsFEPHZ1ZNIJtPto0KYRbvG-fUsg2ua0YSR9k1Q/s320/Titania+bottom+corner+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310172371984561570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Nm9g_WRjUluMPyQoRlg6cukQ0VZIjPe7UiB64aaLcUguUHJEk0G8MTScz4w5JGma9VwfyIuHGLGaOr_Ya7XoMo_vPtlAaqUg607s82DuRuTxU9Fl42KOSXc_AllJzJyWdwtK_PbmRk/s1600-h/Titania+side+tip+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9Nm9g_WRjUluMPyQoRlg6cukQ0VZIjPe7UiB64aaLcUguUHJEk0G8MTScz4w5JGma9VwfyIuHGLGaOr_Ya7XoMo_vPtlAaqUg607s82DuRuTxU9Fl42KOSXc_AllJzJyWdwtK_PbmRk/s320/Titania+side+tip+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310172366996576674" border="0" /></a>larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551046146160664629.post-36621838210082568562009-06-28T11:29:00.004-06:002009-06-30T09:36:55.819-06:00How'd I miss it?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvRPVMMx9AlyBAV5T-gyXcZ1saz3X1FoBqy34hTif8aH4iZM3NdIFu-5l8lXMkQoJuFbc1i0WvGQOtaaEeRJMqlaw72udXk7g8ye1_E2W414nsuRDaSYBNckQM_yen7JAKFlq_Y0Nw8/s1600-h/Dusk+SS+Blowin+in+the+wind+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvvRPVMMx9AlyBAV5T-gyXcZ1saz3X1FoBqy34hTif8aH4iZM3NdIFu-5l8lXMkQoJuFbc1i0WvGQOtaaEeRJMqlaw72udXk7g8ye1_E2W414nsuRDaSYBNckQM_yen7JAKFlq_Y0Nw8/s320/Dusk+SS+Blowin+in+the+wind+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352432312652808114" border="0" /></a><br />.......one of my favorites of the "cheesecake" shots.....didn't Ms. Puppy (my darling daughter) do a fantastic job with the photography?<br /><br />(ps - if you are on Ravelry there are even more pictures)larascreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490681689856813573noreply@blogger.com1