Lara's Creations

Once Upon a Time.....

2010-03-06T06:46:00.012-07:00

.......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?

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?

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!

Pattern: Seed Pod Socks - Bad Cat Designs
Yarn: Plymouth Happy Feet, 2 skeins
Needles: US1 / 2.25MM

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!

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.

Pattern: Tallin Sunset, by Bad Cat Designs
Yarn: Handdyed Merino Lace (Stonybrook) by Fearless Fibers, used ~1,115 yards
Needles: US4 / 3.5mm
Beads: Megatamas, 3mm crystal AB beads from Earthfaire

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.

I will be back - perhaps even later today - with more on Ravelympics .......

Post Thanksgiving....

2009-11-27T09:46:00.003-07:00

A micro-update ;-).

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.

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?

All in all, it was a very good day indeed.....I hope yours was as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:46:00.003-07:00

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......

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......

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.......

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

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:

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.

My children, the two who have moved away (but not far) and the one who lights my day every day.

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!

My health and the health of my fiber stash in all it’s forms

Laughter - always love the laughs

May you all have a very happy, safe Thanksgiving!

Already?

2009-11-09T18:49:00.007-07:00

.....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!

Modified the pattern for the DK (5 repeats), still on 3.5mm needles
Used ~114 yards/36 grams Colourmart 100% Extra-Fine Merino 15/44 DK (Midnight)

I've finally caved and ordered a little really lovely yarn from Land O Lace 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).......

Just another little preview of what's up here:

Some gorgeous 50/50 merino/silk I'm spinning thanks to a project with Ms. Bad Cat.......

Finish me this......

2009-11-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, I shared some of the WIPs I found. Here now, are some items I've finished that I took forever to share here.

The Get Well Soon scarf is really a free little pattern Ms. BadCat calls Crested Wave 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.

Size 3.5mm (US4) needles
1 full skein Panda Silk Print

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.

Project Name: Heartland Lace Shawl
Yarn used: Colourmart 3/14 fingering weight 50/50 yak/wool
Amount used: approx 616 yds / 120 gr (4.2 oz)
Needles: 4mm
Pattern name/source: Heartland Lace Shawl, Evelyn Clark Designs/Wild Fibers Magazine Winter 2007
Did 5 repeats total

Coming soon to needles near you?

2009-11-04T22:48:00.003-07:00

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 :-).

Just a little preview or two of things in the works.....

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!

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!

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!

For the moment at least, I am calling it Red Cedar and you have GOT to check out the yarn! Gossamer Webs Vorpal Bunny Ranch 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?

Golden Eye - yup, it's FINISHED

2009-11-02T15:40:00.003-07:00

Another beautiful design from the talented BadCatDesigns. 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!

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! :-)

Project Name: Summer Squares - Golden Eye
Yarn used: Bernat Baby
Amount used: ~1050 yards
Needles: US 4 / 3.5mm
Finished dimensions: ~42" square
Pattern designer: BadCatDesigns

Catching up or not?

2009-10-29T21:03:00.006-06:00

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 "Pretty Thing" 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?

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 :-)

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.

Just popping in......

2009-10-28T17:22:00.004-06:00

.......with a little view of today's world.

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? :-).

......anyone want to make a snowman? Then perhaps knit something cozy after......

Fleegle's fault!

2009-10-19T07:00:00.005-06:00

It IS. If she didn't have such lovely yarn I wouldn't buy more right? (yes, she ranks right up there with ColourMart and will custom dye! - but no worries, Richard, she doesn't carry the same yarns you do ;-) )

And if she didn't post about yummy patterns I wouldn't know about them and HAVE to add them to my collection of things that must be made! (No Two Snowflakes is quick to deliver, too)

.....tempt me with visions of lovely batts from Corghi Hill just too many times to resist .....

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 Phoenix. Perhaps size 00 (1.75mm) or smaller........

You see?

("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 ;-) )

Life Happens......

2009-10-18T20:34:00.007-06:00

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:

- Fraud on my bank account
- Harddrive meltdown
- The heartbreaking saga and surrender of my Alaskan Malamute
- Hospice care for an Uncle
- Broken hip for my grandfather
- Funeral for said uncle
- Nursing care / therapy for grandfather

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?

Some other fun:

- Family visits and laughs
- Great, supportive friends
- 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 ->)
- Knitting therapy
- Weaving (yup, you'll see.....)
- Spinning (spindles, wheel......loads of therapy AND fun but to share another day)
- New wood to play with (Red Cedar - awesome stuff!)

....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 ;-)

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!)

Today I bring you a couple of cute little baby hats, one shown above and the other here:

Sorry about the lack of focus - perhaps it's symbolic? Nah, just a needs a better photographer, hehehe.

You can safely assume that the twins in this case are expected to be a boy & girl, not identical.

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.....

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.

There's more great fun ahead; I hope you'll join me :-).

What a GREAT time!

2009-09-20T20:02:00.011-06:00

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!).

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.

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 http://www.invescofieldatmilehigh.com/resources/img/pix/general_big.gif.

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).

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.

Oh yeah.......maybe I should mention, we won :-).

Wow! Look what I found.....

2009-09-15T15:37:00.000-06:00

I have been quiet on the blog but very very very busy! There will be lots more to share.....to begin:

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.

So here we go a few of the - oh let's call them "rediscovered" projects, shall we?

Oh look! A baby blanket - always nice to have a spare baby gift on hand. This one is thick & squishy with doubled yarn.

A pi shawl in a pretty lilac cotton that will be a very nice summer wrap....someday

Isn't this a pretty lil' sweater from Fitted Knits? Modified to work with the yarn. TOASTY warm.

Super-Spiral in colorful mohair:

Hmmmm....perhaps I'll do some finishing of these soon?

More spinning fun!

2009-08-11T16:28:00.002-06:00

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......

The skeins are each approximately 4gr and the Snuggly is ~60 yards of 2-ply and the wine is ~54 yards, also 2-ply.

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.....

A visit to the fair

2009-08-11T06:42:00.000-06:00

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.

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......

Coming in with an "Honorable Mention" we have the Summer Sampler

The judging results......
In second place (for this show) we have the lovely Titania

Her judging results:

And last, but far from least, in first place and Reserve Champion, we have the Veil of Isis

The results:

A HUGE THANK YOU to designer of all of these beautiful designs, Bad Cat Designs 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 :-).

A lovely new drop spindle.....

2009-08-02T10:07:00.007-06:00

......means you just HAVE to play with fibers, right? The spindle is a gorgeous Featherweight Bird's Eye Maple Bosworth weighing in at a "whopping" 13 grams / .46 oz. I see more of these Bossie's in my future ;-).

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?

The sample skein is approximately 4 grams and 48.5 yards long of 2-ply lace weight.

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 Dyeing for Colour. Since I'm not done spinning up the sample I shall wait to tell you more particulars including what I think of it.....

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.......

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)

Opinions - Mine and Yours (please)

2009-07-16T05:48:00.000-06:00

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.

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.

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?

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?

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 :-)

What do you think?

Midsummer Night's Dream - Titania

2009-07-15T07:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a bit of loveliness thanks once again to the wonderful design talents of Bad Cat Designs....

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!

The yarn is wonderful, amazing stuff - like knitting with clouds. Unfortunately, this particular yarn is no longer available, however, Colourmart no doubt has some other bit of knitting delight you could use instead!

Mid-Summer Night's Dream - Titania
Bad Cat Designs
Colourmart 3/45 lace weight 65% Cashmere/ 35% Silk ~50gr (~850 yds)
Plus:
~28 gr #8 clear, silver-lined beads
~1-2 gr #6 Turquoise blue frosted

How'd I miss it?

2009-06-28T11:29:00.004-06:00

.......one of my favorites of the "cheesecake" shots.....didn't Ms. Puppy (my darling daughter) do a fantastic job with the photography?

(ps - if you are on Ravelry there are even more pictures)

The Summer Sampler Takes Flight

2009-06-27T22:52:00.011-06:00

......or at least I enjoyed the lovely breezes for our photo shoot together!

.....and the views!

This has been a wonderful bit of fun and learning. Thanks to the internet, I finally learned to both knit AND purl backwards for the edging of this shawl. I had LOTS of practice on the edging and feel rather proficient at it now :-).

Thanks, Ms. Bad Cat for another wonderful design!

Project Name: Dusk Summer Sampler
Yarn used: Graceful, in "Summer Dusk"
Amount used: ~1355 yards
Yarn source: Yarn Place
Total weight: 75 gr
Needles: 2.75mm (US2)
Finishing method: Wet blocked
Finished dimensions: 24"x95"
Pattern name/source: Summer Sampler Study by Bad Cat Designs
Other notes, including techniques used: Knit return edging rows "backwards" instead of turning my work

A preview of coming attractions......

2009-06-27T11:39:00.002-06:00

sounds rather dramatic doesn't it? Well in a way it is. I have finally (at long last!) finished my Dusk Summer Sampler project. It's blocking now. A post with cheesecake shots will follow but for now.....the above shot was bath time. The below view is a rather fuzzy shot of her blocking......

MORE marvelous fun from the Bad Cat!

2009-06-23T20:06:00.004-06:00

I have been behind in sharing that there is a Summer project for THIS summer with Bad Cat Designs. I highly recommend you pop on over to her blog and read all about it - better yet read the details and sign up for the group. It's not too late to join us for a fantastic series of projects, education and good company! C'mon, you know you want to :-).

A preview of my beginning.....at least my FIRST one for this series. I suspect I shall give in quite soon and start another.....

This particular version is in Bernat Baby. I confess that I am only using it because I want to make a baby blanket that can be washed, doesn't need reblocking and a first time mom doesn't have to worry about using but that also is lace. Acrylic, steam blocked, fits the bill. It's just that it squeaks while I'm knitting. Or maybe I've just gotten spoiled/accustomed to knitting with natural fibers and my fingers are no longer adjusted? In any case I hope it will turn out to be a very nice baby blanket that fits the bill and makes my deserving co-worker a happy camper :-).

.....and YES, I am coming down the TRUE home stretch for the Summer Sampler edging.......really, truly.......and am on my way to knit more of it right now!

A little detour

2009-06-18T16:00:00.001-06:00

The Summer Sampler edging is coming along......
I finally found my rhythm with it so it's been moving along much more nicely! There is great hope for actual completion this weekend!

I took a little detour from it last weekend, though, to make these wristlets. They are actually helping quite nicely with flair ups of wrist aches. I really should try to keep a pair around for a change ;-).

Project: Rani (Knitty, Summer 2009)
Yarn used: Green Baruffa Bollicina
Amount used: 1 skein (~145 yds)
Yarn source: Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins
Other materials: #8 silver lined gold beads from Fire Mountain Gems
Needles: 2mm

Yup - more of the Summer Sampler!

2009-04-25T15:17:00.005-06:00

Some better shots this round I think :-). I have actually managed a few other things this week. I've even done some other knitting but have no pictures of that just yet. I still have plenty of other things I plan to start but as it happens I'm getting some hints & whiffs of "finish-itis" as well to balance some of that startitis I had last month. I'm not rushing anything in particular but there are a few things.......

In the mean time, here are some much improved pictures. I hope you'll enjoy them. You'll note the re-dos for Patterns 8&9 but Pattern 10 is an update. Pattern 11 can even be previewed here but wasn't quite done at picture time. Clearly it will be soon ;-).

Pattern 8 reshot:

Pattern 9 reshot:

Pattern 10:

Pattern 10 detail:

Colors and more colors.......wonder which one is next?

Stay tuned for more updates - finished objects no less!

Growth of the "Dusk" Summer Sampler

2009-04-23T18:59:00.004-06:00

Mostly just pictures - I shall have to try for some better one's to replace these with soon, however. I don't think these are quite up to par. None the less, they are what we have today ;-).

Pattern 8:

Pattern 8 detail:
Pattern 9:

Pattern 9 detail:

Playing with Kool-Aid

2009-04-23T18:50:00.004-06:00

An excellent use for Kool-Aid & food colors, don't you think?

A bit of silk loveliness which I started playing with last weekend and managed to get just the hints of green with semi-solid blue I wanted. This is actually roughly 1600 yards so it will make a very nice shawl (all in good time!). I'm calling it Tropical Ocean.

Check out the colors on this baby!

2009-04-18T15:23:00.011-06:00

This one is progressing a bit more rapidly some of the time. It's hard to put it down! The color changes are VERY subtle while they occur and it's all kinds of fun to see the progression on top of a great pattern.

Lots of picture updates for this one!

Pattern 4:

Pattern 4 detail:

Pattern 5:

Pattern 5 detail:

Pattern 6:

Pattern 6 detail:

Pattern 7:

Pattern 7 Detail:

Tallin progresses - slowly

2009-04-18T15:19:00.003-06:00

.....well, I can't do everything fast :-). I am enjoying this one when I do work on it though and already would highly recommend it to anyone. I do love these Bad Cat Designs patterns!

I'm just about a quarter of the way done with the center portion of this one.

It's quite squishy and fun, too!

March wrap up

2009-04-18T12:09:00.003-06:00

Ok, I know, it's NOT March anymore! But wait, there was - yes really! - one more project begun in March; March 28th to be precise....just one though.

This is the Corset Top from Annie Modesitt in a lovely pale lilac Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep Co. It is well on the way although I haven't worked on it too much. I did modify the pattern for in the round plus center pattern instead of buttons. See below for the detail view. We shall see how well this works out.....

Coming up? Updates because I really HAVE been working on all kinds of things from household to knitting.........

March MADNESS

2009-03-30T19:40:00.005-06:00

March 7th, I cast on some more. March 14th, yet another.....could it be? March 21st.....ANOTHER one?

Ok, so this month I have major knitting ADD? Startitis? Whatever, I'm having a very good time so pick on me all you like, I'm just going to enjoy all my very happy projects.....

The weekend of the 21st I finally settled on a yarn choice in a much different colorway for Bad Cat Designs Tallin Sunset. This baby has been callin' my name since she published the post on January 18th. It took some time to get the pattern but Joan of The Local Needle was most helpful in ordering some copies and emailing as soon as they arrived. (Thanks, Joan!!) Not that I had a shortage of things to work on first! I've finished a few things since then ;-). But I had decision issues with color. Some other issues with yarn size substitutions (although less for that). The recommended yarn wasn't readily available in this new colorway for one thing and my stash is hardly um....lacking. Abundant would be a more appropriate term, in fact. I also didn't want to make an exact copy. So I finally went a much different direction. I'm calling this my "Misty Moonlit Midnight" based on the lovely colors of "Stonybrook" lace yarn available from the much appreciated Deb of Fearless Fibers.

Color shot:

Detail view:

I'm actually a good bit further along on this now. Hey, that Bad Cat writes addictive patterns! The yarn is a pleasure to work with. I'm having loads of fun!

March Startitis - Part Two

2009-03-26T18:06:00.006-06:00

So you'd think that starting three new projects would be enough. Maybe. But March 14th was a Saturday. It was, in math terms, "Pi Day." Many of you will also be familiar with Elizabeth Zimmerman's application of "pi" in the creation of the "pi shawl" concept. There has been a specific "pi" shawl on my list to make for a year. It had to be done ;-). The Orkney Pi shawl by Elizabeth Lovick can be found at her Etsy store "Northern Lace." This began as a knit along in sections on the Yahoo EZasPi group. With a start date of February 29, 2008. Even having missed knitting with the group, how could I resist? The yarn is a 2/28 wool/cashmere blend from Colourmart in a lovely heathered light blue. And a good thing I love it because this will not be a short time on my needles.......

So I cast on and it, too, is in the works...... Section one shown above and Section two below.

Could there be more........?

Startitis Part One

2009-03-24T05:56:00.013-06:00

Well I finished up all sorts of Christmas knitting and only some of it was late. I've been busy at work and with plenty of other things. I finished some non-Christmas knitting. I even finished some non-knitting, hehehe. Since I also have had quite a few projects calling me.....well.....finish some, start some, right? I shall have more to post soon about those "finished" objects but in the mean time this month I've had a major case of "startitis." So on the weekend of the 7th, having just finished another large project and a few other goals at home.....

I started not one, not two but THREE new projects:

American Beauty - another lovely design from Bad Cat Designs that she is doing in incremental posts on her blog. This was a Valentine's start and I'm a bit behind but that's ok. I seem to be having the darndest time getting a decent picture of it! My preferred needle length isn't long enough to get a good "spread" and the yarn blooms a bit in the washing process so at the moment it looks a bit scraggly. Fabulous yarn, though. For the moment here is a shot that sort of shows a bit. I'm well past this point now but this is only a hint of coming attractions anyway.

I've dubbed the next the Irish Sea of Tranquility. So named for the soothing nature of the oh-so repetitive center combined with the Irish Lass colorway of Yarn Place's "Graceful" with the long color repeats. I've been wanting ever so much to see this colorway knit up and for some reason not one entry for this yarn seems to be in this colorway with any pictures/progress. Go figure. So I'm finally getting to see some of these colors although I am quite sure there are more to come yet.

and a color update from 3-22:

....and then there was another Summer Sampler in the Summer Dusk colorway of "Graceful" even though it's true, I have not yet figured out the repairs needed for Steph's Summer Sampler. All in good time; she's not feeling neglected (to say the least!!).

Pattern One:

Pattern Two:

Pattern three:
Color shot:

Believe it or not, I actually have even done a little bit on other projects I already had going as well! For those of you who noted "Part One" in the subject title well.......yes, there just might be a sequel here ;-).

March......wow, how quickly it goes......

2009-03-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

Well there were a few more Christmas things but it seems so silly to post them now that we are into March already! We shall see - there are a couple that have "follow ups" so I might add some tidbits even after today.

In the mean time.....well I have a few warm things to share just because. I made these for a friend. It was kind of selfish though. I made them for a variety of reasons and some were for ME so I'm not sure how much it actually counts as being nice. Even so, I do really hope he'll enjoy them and get some use from them.

There's not a lot to be said. They are hats and neckwarmers. Warm. Cozy. Soft. No particular patterns involved here, just what I cobbled together for each. The "fancy" is only in the materials, chosen for ease of care and color as much as anything. Cashmere is more washable than you might think ;-). Even the pictures are perhaps a bit fuzzy and not so great. I didn't have a model handy but hopefully you'll enjoy them all the same.

DK Cashwool in Galactica from Colourmart (of course!). I'm grateful to say it not only didn't felt when time pressures required a spin in the dryer to help it dry sooner, it actually got a teensy bit softer. It was pretty darn soft already, too......it's called "cashwool" for good reason. The neckwarmer at the top of the post is a match.

DK Cash Vero in Charcoal......from the wonderful LYS (Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins). These, too, survived a wee bit of tumble dry on low with nary a hint of trouble.

Cashmere in fingering weight and while very basic, I hope somewhat wind-proof considering.....
Colourmart again (surprised?). This one is actually a super nice fingering weight marl held with a very lightweight and stretchy blend of cashmere & a touch of lycra to help it hold it's shape (hopefully) for years to come. This was deliberately washed in the washer. Really. Dried in the dryer. On purpose. More than once even so it would shrink as much as it was going to and fluff up nicely (aka - bloom). Very soft. And since it's knit with umpteen stitches on size 2mm needles, I hope it's as wind-proof and cozy as I could make it without being entirely TOO warm.

Spring time's coming..........anyone else hearing the call from the garden? :-)

Wait, what happened to Christmas?

2009-02-16T21:45:00.001-07:00

A few shots & info from some Christmas presents......long overdue!!

For my "nearly nephew" a pair of snug, soft and hopefully warm.....fingerless handwarmers in charcoal Cash Vero DK.

My "actual" nephew loves handknit socks and hopefully will get some wear from this pair of Twin Rib socks knit in Elann's Sock It To Me before he outgrows them!!

And for my brother's "nearly" fiance? (hey the guy's gotta propose properly before it's official, right?).....Autumn In NY take two can be seen below. I'm hoping I can talk her into some modeled shots for some better pictures.

My niece taking dance lessons this year gets a nice soft & warm pair of pink legwarmers in some wonderful Colourmart Merino.

A bonus shot of the Forest Canopy in a lovely Hydrangea (Handpainted yarn) that went to my "nearly niece":

There are a few more........I'm hoping for a modeled shot of Miralda which my grandmother loves thoroughly. Autumn in New York #1 has a new home as well but I need more pictures. The Heartland Shawl that did a marvelous job of keeping me busy knitting instead of spending a bundle at the Estes Park Wool Market this past year is much loved by it's new owner (my sister).

Autumn In New York - Take Two

2009-02-08T11:33:00.004-07:00

At long last - a brief post for this one just to put up the pictures of the matching AINY. The "Take One" post below (Nov. '08) has the relevant info on pattern, etc.

This one is done in Yarn Treehouse Melody, colorway Y06

Another wonderful pattern compliments of Bad Cat Designs - thanks, Ms. Bad Cat!!

Autumn In New York - Take One

2008-11-24T21:34:00.006-07:00

Well Ms. Bad Cat (Bad Cat Designs) has done it again! She's shared another lovely pattern with us - a quick knit this go 'round. I actually was keeping up plus knitting Miralda, finishing socks (Twin Rib), starting more socks (Gentlemen's) and unventing/starting leg warmers while clues were coming.......and I was/am making TWO of these at once! However, work, life and some actual household chores caught up with me a bit the last couple weeks. Which is not to say I'm late. The finishing instructions only came out yesterday! I have finished the first one and will finish the second shortly.

For today.....a pre-blocking photo (below) and one while blocking (above) - I'll add a modeled view later. Check out the colors, eh? Pretty cool and these are nothing like seeing it live! I went with needles on the larger end of the scale for this and it's big and cozy.

Project Name: Adiago Autumn in New York
Yarn used: Adiago #3622
Amount used: 3.51 balls (~765 yards)
Yarn source: Yarn Place
Total weight: 176 grams
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm)
Finishing method: Hot water/shampoo soak, rinsed x2 and final rinse with hair conditioner and a few drops eucalyptus oil
Finished dimensions: 77" top x 57" sides x 45" center
Pattern name/source: Autumn in New York by Bad Cat Designs

Miralda

2008-11-24T20:01:00.003-07:00

This is another quickie I slipped in. Will need to add some pics with my cute lil' model after it's dry....

It's oh sooooooo soft :-). Oddly, I kept thinking of someone I've never even met as a candidate for this one if it didn't turn out as large as I'd hoped for myself. Normally when I have someone so much in mind for a project it's meant to be theirs but I'm not sure how that would work for this one (the mother of a very dear friend).

This was truly a fast knit. Two weeks on the calendar was only because I worked the charts for two other shawls (Autumn in New York - details to follow), finished a pair of socks and started another pair all while working on this in addition to other works already in progress!! What can I say? I simply need variety in my knitting ;-).

Check out how it bloomed in the wash!!

Started 10-31-2008 / Finished 11-15-2008
Project Name: Miralda
Yarn used: 3/28 100% Cashmere
Yarn source: ColourMart
Amount used: 775 yards
Total weight: 75 grams
Needles: US7 (4.5mm)
Finishing method: Hot water/shampoo wash; dryer and repeat followed by hair conditioner in final bath. Wet blocked.
Finished dimensions: 66.5" top edge x 34.5" center x 46" sides
Pattern name/source: Miralda; Nancy Bush's "Knitted Lace of Estonia "

Koolhaas Hat

2008-11-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

The one and only entry for this one, most likely ;-). This was a quick knit, hehehe. No in progress pictures 'cuz I never thought to take any while it was in progress!

The pattern is from the Holiday 2007 Interweave Knits but that sold out very quickly, or so I understand. However, it is now available for sale as a separate pattern here.

I think this was the first time I can recall in my whole knitting life that I actually used the exact yarn recommended! Pretty nice stuff, actually. See details below. I even mostly followed the pattern, only compensating because either my row gauge was off or there was a bit of an error. It turned out exactly how I wanted it so I didn't bother to check which or fix it.

Project Name: Koolhaas Hat, Interweave Holiday Gifts 2007
Yarn used: Shokay Yarn Shambala (100% yak; 164 yd [150 m]/100 g): Navy,
Called for 1 skein, used a bit more than half I believe
Yarn source: Yarnmarket
Needles: 4mm (US6) & 5mm (US8)
Modifications: One less pattern repeat than pattern called for

Oops? More previews....

2008-11-08T18:35:00.004-07:00

.......Well I learned something new about posting ;-). Continuing with the previews.....and by the way, proper links with all the pattern credits, etc including links will be added with the full project posts.....

A mysterious green thing? Not really - but rather looks it, eh? This will eventually be a Large Leaf Rectangle Shawl from Victorian Lace Today.

Socks, anyone? These are finished too.

A goodly bit of progress on a pattern called "Ostara" by Goddess Knits. A very nicely flowing design.....

I call this my "Conference Call" shawl - it's really Magic Circle from A Gathering of Lace but it's something I can work on without looking at it and is great for conference calls and football games! Sometimes it moves along and sometimes not depending on what else is on the needles and my whim of the moment.

A Faux Russian Stole from Gathering of Lace.......although the yarn is laceweight, not fingering as the pattern calls for. This will be cozy.

I also have a very pretty purple "thing" on my needles as well but can't share that until it's both done and the designer approves......

This is just a sampling! There's more........but all in good time :-)

Busy Busy Busy

2008-11-08T18:17:00.004-07:00

Wow has it ever been crazy. I thought once I got the wedding shawls squared away things would settle a bit. Perhaps I was mistaken - or the "busy" just shifted a bit? I've been getting a ton of stuff done, projects finished and new ones begun but many are pictureless. Some details must be left out for now since I'd hate to spoil any Christmas surprises. Gearing up for Christmas is very much on the agenda though and many things are either begun or even finished! I decided this year to just get done what I can get done and not stress over it. The kids are the first priority and I'm nearly done with their presents (yeah!).

A preview of coming attractions with limited details.......

This is my Handspun Forest Canopy Shawl - yep, as in I am the spinner of this particular yarn. The knitting is actually complete but I don't have picture of it yet. There may be a bit more news about this one soon......

Another Forest Canopy but not handspun. Knitting complete on this as well.....

A Glimpse of Peacock "In Action"

2008-10-13T17:01:00.003-06:00

Not much to say at the moment - or perhaps TOO much to say and not enough time for the updates ;-). None the less, I did receive this lovely shot of Peacock today..... never mind the brilliant pink pants.....those were a pre-wedding jest.

More updates coming soon.......

Wow, look at that Peacock!

2008-09-04T20:38:00.010-06:00

This one turned out as well as I hoped and then some......

First, let's look at some contrast. Lace is good for the "ugly duckling to swan" effect anyway but this yarn takes that to a whole new level. Here are a couple of shots showing the contrast between having the oil washed out and straight from the cone.....

Contrast (Washed to the right, same needles for all!):

Look at all those stitches!! Ok so Isis had more - a lot more ;-). But not quite so squished on the needles.

Complete - but wait - this is washed.......and NOT dressed! Looks pretty decent....

Washed, not yet blocked - detail view:

And here she is - a few different shots......

Project Name: White Peacock Feathers
Yarn used: 2/28 white 50/50 cashmere/viscose
Amount used: Just under 1000 yards / 63gr
Total weight ~ 63 gr (2.25oz)
Yarn source: ColourMart
Needles: 3 mm
Finishing method: Hand washed (dish soap, shampoo, conditioner with rinses of course) and run through the dryer on low before wet blocking.
Finished dimensions: 44" center x 69" top x 55" sides
Pattern name/source: Peacock Feathers Shawl

The Veil of Isis Unveiled

2008-09-04T20:04:00.010-06:00

She's been off the needles since August 3, but the only pictures I had did not do her justice. Today we changed that at long last. It's true, the size is not quite large enough and I am currently making another......because I just don't want to rip back the hours of error-free work in the border and do it over for this one. Crazy, I know!

Project Name: The Veil of Isis #1
Yarn used: 2/28 white 50/50 cashmere/cotton
Amount used: Just under 1000 yards / 64gr
Other materials? 22 gr clear, silver lined 8/0 beads
Total weight ~ 86 gr (3oz)
Yarn source: ColourMart
Needles: 2.5mm
Finishing method:
- Washed by hand (dish soap, shampoo, multiple rinses and conditioner)
- Run through the dryer on low after washing twice for shrinkage
- Wet Blocked for final dressing
Finished dimensions: 41" square
Pattern name/source: The Veil of Isis by Bad Cat Designs
Modifications: None
Other notes, including techniques used: Should have gone for the 6th repeat for that little bit extra but she's beautiful anyway. (Even if I do say so myself!)

Heartland Lace - Part Two (Final)

2008-09-04T19:50:00.001-06:00

Ok so at last perhaps a bit of blog catching up is in order here!

My prior post on this project explained the history, now, the long awaited sequel to close things out with some nice pictures and the details of the project....

The pre-dressing shot:

While dressing:

Complete:

More detail:

Project Name: Heartland Lace Shawl
Yarn used: Handpainted light fingering weight 50/50 wool/silk
Amount used: approx 457 yds / 103 gr (3.5 oz)
Yarn source: Estes Park Wool Market 2007
Needles: 4mm
Finishing method: Hand wash/soak with wet blocking
Finished dimensions: 64" top x 32" center x 44" sides
Pattern name/source: Heartland Lace Shawl, Evelyn Clark Designs/Wild Fibers Magazine Winter 2007
Notes, including techniques used: Did 4 repeats total

Heartland Lace Shawl (Part one)

2008-08-07T20:04:00.000-06:00

This began from a combination of events......first I had received an invite to a knit along for the Heartland Lace Shawl pattern. The original was done with buffalo down yarn since the pattern was created for a Buffalo Gold contest. It's a great pattern. A fun knit and quite flexible. At first I toyed with the very fun idea of just doing it well behind the group and spinning up my own yarn. That was a fun option and I might knit it again for that. But.....

The Estes Park Wool Market (EPWM) takes place Father's Day weekend. This year I was NOT going to go because I still have so much yarn and even more unprocessed fleece from my prior visits. I'm in the midst of reorganizing my fiber storage and so on and so forth. Realistically I knew if I went, I'd bring home at least another fleece or two. What to do? I was trying to behave, right? So.....to keep myself busy, distracted and pretending to be virtuous instead of climbing into the car and heading for Estes.....I decided to use a very pretty, hand-dyed 50/50 wool/silk fingering yarn I bought at the 2007 EPWM. It is, perhaps, not the best possible match for this pattern. It has been waiting for the right pattern to come along. This one works for me and it served it's bonus purpose well since I spent my weekend knitting instead of bringing home more to spin/knit. I am rather finicky about using hand-dyed, multi-colored yarns for much of anything, especially lace. I often love the colors, I just rarely think they work well for patterns. I do think that this one works pretty well though, so long as it's on a contrasting surface. The contrast, is however, quite necessary.....and works better when darker but white is what I had for these pictures. I'll see if I can't do something darker for the final pictures.

Some early in progress pics:

June 15 -

June 23 -

A little news.......

2008-08-07T05:52:00.001-06:00

Well how time just flies right by. Update the blog? Answer email? Knit? Garden? What DO I do with my time? hehehe

No pictures today, just a very quick blurb to say I'm not only still around but yes, pictures are coming. So many things actually moving along or even FINISHED. Weekend before last I finished knitting the Heartland Lace Shawl. I haven't posted about this one - it was a quick knit in terms of knitting time but had many time-outs while I worked on other things. I did that one to both console myself and keep myself away from this year's Estes Park Wool Market where I would have had many new things just follow me right home ;-). It worked. Blocking and pictures coming soon.....

Last weekend, I finished binding off the first of my Veil of Isis shawls WAHOO! It's amazing...... blocking plus pictures of that will also be coming soon.

I am cruisin' on Peacock with the intent of finishing THAT also before my sister's wedding shower since she is having it here in Colorado in 9 days. Cross your fingers for me.

I have so many things on the needles calling me and more to come.......but approaching the finish of several others in addition to these. So far I have actually NOT cast on anything new.....yet.

Many other things going on.......so I'm still around, just running a good bit.

Summer Sampler Study.......

2008-06-10T21:58:00.006-06:00

Study? Well sure......and doesn't that make a great reason to have another thing going? hehehe

I am making this for my darling daughter as an ongoing birthday present. She's enjoying the progress-watching and anticipation. Since her birthday was last week this one is obviously not a surprise, nor was it intended to be. She chose a meadow green Yubina cashmere lace yarn.

The Summer Sampler Study is another of Andrea's projects she is generously sharing with us. She's also including all sorts of extras like tips on figuring out gauge, blocking, etc. A post a week and now that we are officially into the charts it may come as a shock to know that while, yes, I started a few days late.....I swatched on 3mm needles......

And then I cast on.......and caught up for the first chart.....

.....with days to spare before the second chart.......

......and can now continue with other projects guilt-free on all fronts as this project awaits the next happy installment ;-).

New beginnings.....

2008-06-08T09:50:00.000-06:00

Well now that the immediate round of marathon knitting is finished I'm reorganizing a bit. The list of things on the needles is warring with the list of things I'm wanting quite badly to make so I'm trying to reset things a bit for priorities and also efficiency. It's much easier for me to work on some things "anywhere" and other things only where I can focus a bit hmore. One of my excuses....ah, I mean reasons.....for having multiple projects going at once. Quite valid really but even so, it helps to reset a tad here and there.

So what's still on the needles? Peacock is still moving along a bit. Unfortunately she is one of those that takes paying a bit more attention to counting on right side rows and thus does not get as much attention as others! Still, she will be quite gorgeous when finished. Peacock is another that the number of stitches grows as the project does. I've done 3/5 of the NUMBER of rows but......not 3/5 of the total actual stitches. The yarn is still super yummy. Wonderful to work with and will be just gorgeous. Note that she needed a bath and I finally was able to capture some of the shimmer effect of the yarn. I still love it. We shall see if Sally does.

Isis #1 is about 50%+ complete. I have decided 5 repeats for that one will be enough. It's a fun knit still and one that's good for taking most places. It could go even more places if it weren't white - such a dirt magnet! To give you some idea......right now it's more than 600 stitches per row. By the end of repeat five, it will be close to 750.....with the border ending a bit short of 900!

I'm still working a bit on the second one but am a little more focused on the first iteration at the moment. They'll both get done. But only #1 has to be finished before October.....in case Sally likes that better than Peacock!

My Faroese Shawl and Branching Out scarf are both also still works in progress and are moving along a bit. I'm toying with setting aside other works temporarily to wrap both of these up since they really are getting close to done. We'll see.

I have been swatching like mad for the other projects I want to begin. Some have been on my mind for a long time......some are much newer. Even so, I'm keeping options open for a few add-in's ;-). Some of these knit alongs are nice and easy that way - you can only finish your clue and wait......so if you're like me, that means more than one thing at a time, for sure! It's also part of the organizing. One project I will probably cast on for in the next couple of days is a pair of socks. There's a birthday coming up (July)......... As for others.....well, I might fit in another couple of quickie projects like this:

Isn't she cute? This is the Little Flower Doily from Bad Cat Designs. Doesn't Andrea come up with the best designs? Project specs:

Project Name: Little Flower Doily
Yarn used: 2/28 Silk - Sky Blue
Yarn source: Colourmart
Needles: 2.25mm (US 1)

Where'd she go?

2008-05-22T07:42:00.006-06:00

Well between work - being on call sure does eat up time! - and marathon knitting in between the usual life stuff......I kind of disappeared for a bit. Pretty much had to go quiet on everything else from online groups to taking non-emergency calls, even from family. This was for the quick project for a friend at work (her daughter's wedding....nothing to wear....) that I referenced in my last post about samples (swatches). She decided on the fishnet pattern and merino in forget-me-not blue. Pretty. Basic. And took all my spare time for the last couple weeks :-). "Spare" is relative.... I'm not a particularly slow knitter - perhaps even fairly quick but my spare time might be a little different from yours ;-).

The "pattern", such as it is, is below the picture......

Instructions & the "particulars" of the project:
Materials I used:
~36 grams (576 yds) of 3/44 Superfine Merino laceweight from Colourmart
3.25mm needles - straight or circular. I used 24" circular because it was convenient
Dressing (Blocking) supplies
Dressed Gauge ~ 22 stitches to 4"
Dressed size for mine: 17" x 60"

Knit on 89 stitches (multiple of 2+1; also added 4 per side for garter = 80+1+4+4=89). Mark 4 on each side with the first row - they will stay garter stitch.
Garter stitch 6 rows.
Begin pattern -
Rows 1 and 3 (WS): K4, P to the last 4 sts, K4
R0w 2: K5, *K2tog, yo; rep from * to last four stitches, k4
Row 4: K4, *K2tog, yo; rep from * to last five stitches, k5

I did 106 repeats of the 4 row pattern. I also chose to slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in front.

Knit another 6 rows garter stitch.
BO: with WS facing, slip 1, *k1, knit these two stitches together. Repeat until only 1 left and do your usual yarn break & weave in

Swatches and more swatches

2008-05-05T21:55:00.009-06:00

Yep. Swatches. I know I already have plenty on my needles....but......I have a friend who needs a scarf or shawl for her daughter's wedding. This will be simple. Quick. It'll have to be, the wedding is May 25th!

Besides, this gave me a wonderful chance to play with a few of the Colourmart yarns I hadn't yet cast on with. You could say the swatches were as much for me as for her. I have several upcoming projects......yarn decisions will need to be made :-). I did five of them total, four different yarns in four different patterns but a total of five colors. They ranged in size from tiny to large......and told me fun things about the yarns. I must say.....it's perhaps a good thing I hadn't played with that merino any sooner. Yummy stuff. Perhaps she'll choose one of those..... I don't have pictures of the other two - both different cash/silk samples and one of those was a bit of a surprise - I'm going to have to do a second 2/36 sample. It bloomed even more than I had expected! The fourth pattern was just another mesh.

Two strands of 2/50 Chocolate Silk; fishnet pattern; 3.25mm needles

3/44 superfine merino, Forget-Me-Not; Stork's Nest pattern; 3.25mm needles

3/44 superfine merino, Ice Blue; Cat's Paw pattern; 3mm needles

I actually have done a bit of work on other things as well ;-). For example, Isis #1 is into her fourth pattern repeat! This would be out of either 5 or 6 repeats, I haven't decided although I am leaning in favor of 6. That would be oodles of stitches on every round (even more so than now by a goodly bit). And that last repeat would take a fair number of beads.....adding a bit to the weight. We shall see. I will probably put her on string and dry block after either repeat four or all the way through five......that will take a bit of time, it's true, but not as much as the possible alternatives for having to fix it if I made the wrong choice!

You might note in the picture that the center is considerably more dense - fluffier even - than the knitting closer to the needles. I got something on it and rather than continue to worry about stains, I washed the center. It may bloom even more when I finish it properly but none the less it does show a nice bit of the contrast with how much the "bloom effect" can make a difference!

Bits & pieces.....odds and ends?

2008-04-28T19:00:00.002-06:00

In spite of casting on for not one, but TWO new shawls and making substantial progress on at least one of those.....I've actually done a good bit more in the last week. Just a few of those things......

I managed to do some more housecleaning and clearing out to storage this past weekend. Plus more moved out of the old storage and into the new. The storage consolidation project progresses.....and the weather might finally be starting to cooperate again to move things along more briskly. Not to mention that as things progress my motivation to have it done increases. That and I'm super antsy to get my loom moved into the back room so I can finally do some weaving again. I have a couple of weaving projects that are just begging to be made ;-).

I added a few more rows - several actually - to Peacock. She's getting to be quite respectably sized! This picture is actually from today! - I'm about done with the second type of feathers and moving on towards the third. I did put her on a 47" needle yesterday morning. Good for the pic but I'm switching back to 24" circs - that extra cable is just annoying however much it might make it easier to see a bigger view for pictures!

My Branching Out scarf gained some new repeats - enough to add another 5% to the completion status. Ok, I guess I should say I added them since they did not mysteriously appear. No pixie dust for the knitting.

Faroese grew a little......about what I'd call 1 %. This one and Branching Out are a bit of a shock - size 10 and 8 needles respectively. I say shock because it's a bit of a jump between 2.5 or 3mm on up to 5mm+!

.....and of course Isis #1 grew quite a lot and #2 grew a little, hehehe.

Then there's that Mystery Lace KAL. Hmmmmm, what do I say about that one? The sheer volume of mail & time for that is just silly considering the topics. Things turned into quite a mess. Honestly, I think it started with over sensitivity, stress, etc and reacting badly to things that likely were not meant as they were taken. Miscommunication at it's best - er, worst? The designer was also trying to do too much - answering every question over and over again instead of referring people to prior posts or letting experienced folks help. Just a big mess and many folks, especially the designer got pretty worked up about some things. So.......she's closing the group and opening a new one for those who want to pay $10 to participate. Well.......she seems like a nice lady who is going through some bad times. But ..... I think I will pass for a huge mixture of reasons.

And.....as of today I have even finally done some more updates on project entries (see below)......

Another one!?!?......how about two?

2008-04-28T18:45:00.007-06:00

Well.......last weekend I was either very bad or having a really good time, depending on how you want to look at things. It continues, too. Saturday I cast on for yet ANOTHER project. But oh what a fun project...... The Veil of Isis from Bad Cat Designs has been on my upcoming project list for a few months now. I'd studied the charts......and actually at first had a little trouble wrapping my head around quite how they fit together. I had, in fact, finally concluded it was one that would come together when I had it on the needles. I think it would have......but as it happened, it clicked for me a little sooner. I had even joined the yahoo group created by the designer. I had put it off long enough in spite of the urge to try it quite some time ago. So I cast on. I must say, I normally am, at worst, mildly annoyed at the fiddly process of a circular beginning. I love knitting in the round outwards, it's just the starts can be awkward. Normally. This one was downright painful for some reason.....but only the beginning. Once I had it going, oh what a joy to knit! I am actually approaching the end of my third repeat out of 5-6 (roughly). It just flows and is very addictive to knit. I'd have thought the beads would slow me down more since I haven't used them before. They did at first but I think I'm getting the hang of them ;-).

I'm using clear, silver-lined beads and another Colourmart yarn - big shock, right? hehehe. This one is a white 2/28, 50/50 Cashmere/Cotton. It runs about 7000 yards per pound. White, in spite of the colorful, gorgeous yarns that arrived on my doorstep that same Saturday in luscious bright, pretty spring/summer colors. But white it was to be for another option for the October wedding. Well.....here's what it's looking like so far......a bit hard to see the full picture at this stage. Actually this is what it looked like 4 days ago - it's grown a nice bit since then.

But.....I kept thinking about the pictures on the designer's web site.....and looking at them and the design....and there were those colors....... Now, I could have asked Andrea my very simple question. She seems very nice indeed and I'm sure she would be happy to answer. That's even one of the reasons for the Yahoo group....to ask and answer. But......if I had done that than what excuse would I have had to cast on a SECOND Veil of Isis in a lovely mint green color of the most exquisitely soft cashmere/silk blend you could ever hope to knit with? One that, even still in spinning oil as it is, coming straight off the cone, frankly makes other yarns - even soft ones - feel rough? Well, that would just never do ;-). This one didn't even give me a hint of trouble with the circular beginning!

Isis 2 - I don't think I can call it "revisited" since I'm still working on the first one! This one has clear, rainbow coated (AB) beads:

I'm enjoying the yarn and the great pattern. I'm working on this one a good bit less......but I'm happy to have started it ;-).

A note about the yarn for #2.....it's a 3/45 - 65/35 cashmere/silk blend (about 7500 yards per pound). I love it but frankly, I'd have done a little better in terms of patience and time to have reversed these. The cash/cotton is a much firmer yarn. The cash/silk is a bit prone to splitting and not one I would knit without watching. It's so soft & fine you can hardly feel it on the needles!

Excuse me.....I need to go pet my knitting, oh, I mean knit now ;-)........

Branching Out Scarf

2008-04-28T18:40:00.000-06:00

A nice, simple pattern I decided would be a quick and easy knit to test out some beautiful 100% baby camel yarn. I was going fast on it until I got sidetracked - and ran out of the first ball of yarn. But I've past that point now and a repeat here and another there will see this done long before I'm able to use it considering the weather here these days!

The pattern is from knitty.com. It's not likely I'll post too many more pics for this one - probably a final one or two when it's done and dressed but the pattern is all what you see here so it only gets longer. Yummy yarn though :-).

Faroese Shawl

2008-04-28T18:30:00.001-06:00

This one is just a nice big, warm hug for myself ;-). It's also a really simple knit.....it would be done if I didn't keep getting distracted by all these other things.

The pattern is from A Gathering of Lace and the yarn I'm using is Ellen Cashmere - a nice DK weight cashmere blend in a deep navy blue. It will be big and cozy. I like this book; there are several things in it I'd like to make....

I need a new picture for this one, too - it's grown a goodly bit since taking this!

More progress on Peacock

2008-04-18T10:11:00.003-06:00

A little closer to where I really am in the pattern.....at least where I was on 4/13 ;-).....the Christmas placemat was handy for a good contrasting surface. A bit out of season but.....the contrast worked, lol.

White Peacock Feathers

2008-04-17T23:45:00.001-06:00

I bought this pattern at the end of February and may make it in a second color as well. But I liked the idea of all white peacock feathers. And yes, if you didn't already know, there really is such a thing as a pure white (not albino) peacock! Have a look....

The pattern (Fiddlesticks Knitting) was purchased from The Needle Arts Book Shop.

The yarn is perfect for the project.....exactly what I had wanted and not the easiest thing to find! I'm using a white 50/50 cashmere/viscose 2/28 yarn from Colourmart. There are several things that make this yarn special. The cashmere is an obvious one, hehehe. It's not actually a blend, one ply is cashmere and the other is the viscose, giving a shine to it but more subtle than having the blend. It's still in spinning oil so on top of the usual "squished lace" effect, you won't get the full picture of how it will look, except for the swatch. When washed, it blooms beautifully. And, as usual for lace, it takes "dressing" to really get the full effect of the pattern.

This might turn out to be a wedding shawl - hence the white yarn. But I love the effect with this particular yarn in any case so maybe my sister will like another option better and I can keep it, hehehe.

I started this one March 15 with this swatch:

Well hmmmm - I have a picture of that somewhere - will add it later.

Early progress......

You can see I was playing with lifelines here - got rid of them though, they were getting on my nerves a lot more than they were helping ;-).

More recent progress:

Redwood Memories Socks

2008-04-17T23:17:00.000-06:00

Nothing fancy with these - I just wanted a simple pair for an easy "on the go" project plus I was playing with some new techniques, especially with my short row heels so I just went for a very basic p1,k4,p1 pattern. Knit toe up, two at a time, two circular needles.

Pretty far along......and actually on a handwoven towel that was handy because it needs hemming to finish it off ;-). The colors didn't show up terribly well in the lighting I was in though. Will have to try for some proper daylight with the finished photo(s).

I like short row heels but I have had some troubles with having holes on one side and wanted to find a way to correct it other than just sewing it together when done! For those interested in such things I tried Priscilla Gibson-Roberts short-row heel technique this time (that adds yarn overs per end stitch instead of wrap stitches) but it still wasn't fixing the problem. My answer? Instead of just doing a K3tog to consolidate the extra purl-side stitches into the proper number in the second half of the heel, I tried a slip 2, k1, pass the two slipped stitches over. It works ;-).

Started: 2/20/2008
Finished: 3/31/2008
Project Name: - Redwood Memories Socks
Yarn used: Knit Picks 100% Merino Fingering weight; Redwood Memories
Yarn source: Knit Picks
Needles: Size 2, circular (2, 24")
Gauge: 8.5 stitches/inch & 10.5 rows/inch
Size: Women's med/large
Pattern name/source: My own, basic
Other notes, including techniques used: Two at once, toe up, two circular needles. Short row heels - worked out new technique (new to me, somebody else has probably done it before)

Picture of completed socks coming soon.......

Ha - finish what you say?

2008-04-17T22:18:00.003-06:00

Well......tomorrow is the release of the first clue in the MysteryLace KAL. In my last post I had mentioned I hoped to finish one or more projects...... go ahead and laugh all over again ;-). Good thing I decided I wasn't going to stress over it since, yep, you're right, no way have I completed another project since then. Heck, I've barely had time to add a row here or there of any sort since last weekend. Maybe one or two on the "real" projects...maybe. I did manage a couple of swatches for this KAL though so that's something, right?

I've decided to go with doubling up on some white 2/33 59% cashmere/41% cotton from Colourmart. It may take a little getting used to for knitting up and be a little on the "thicker" side (well......it's all perspective, even at the equivalent of 450 yds per 50gm ball, lol) but I think it will be soft, warm and very nice. It also will be something that will, as planned, work for one of the options for the upcoming wedding for my sister in October. I say getting used to because when knitting it together, not only am I knitting from two different cones (yes, I could wind it off but....I have reasons to prefer not to ;-)), but the knitting actually looks......oh how shall I describe it? Stringy? Not terribly cohesive? But.....that's one of the most fun things about lace and even just using this yarn. This swatch looked pretty dicey......when first knit. But then I washed it. I threw it in the dryer (yes really!).....and then I did it again. And only THEN did I actually soak it once more and block it out. And oh the difference it makes! The lumpy, bumpy, stringy mess became well defined patterns. The "stringy" separate strands.....well if you KNOW and you really search for the signs, you can tell I used two strands. Might not even be able to do that if I washed it another time or two. It bloomed and came together quite well. My only hesitation was that it's not quite as open & lacy as I was originally picturing. But I think that for this project, based on what little I actually know about it......this will work better than something too open........and I can always change my mind if it's not coming together!

So stayed tuned.......tomorrow we add another project to the list.......will I manage to keep up with the group? Will it be as fun as I'm anticipating? I'm sure this and more will be answered in the coming weeks ;-).

How time flies!

2008-04-13T19:59:00.004-06:00

Well if I could just sort out my new, strange problems with loading my pictures from the camera to the computer, I could actually post details about all these projects!

Mostly I just haven't had any time to mess with it; it's been extremely busy on all fronts. Work got more than a little crazy and home is always pretty busy. Well, ok, I could have worked on it but......there are all these projects I keep working on ;-). Ah well, at least I'm not bored!

I have been keeping the status bars fairly current - it's rather nice to see them moving along. I am probably going to start another pair of socks and/or restart a shawl I keep trying to make for my daughter. It doesn't have a name, I'm trying to semi-duplicate a shawl I made a few years ago where I just kind of "threw" together a pattern as I went. It worked out great except......no notes. I've learned better since then but in the mean time this will be the third or fourth time starting over on this thing! I remember how much yarn I used.......but I keep missing on the needle size. Either that or my knitting gauge has changed significantly since then! Which is actually possible. If I could just get it properly on track it will go quickly though - and be one of those "any time, anywhere" projects. Which is often what my socks are ;-). Most of the other projects I'm working on are a bit more difficult to work on while visiting or with lots of picking up/putting down on the fly. The Faroese shawl is the closest and it's gotten a bit large for carting around too much. And it's moving along with another 10% or so added to it this weekend. I'm hoping to finish at least one project before this new Mystery Lace knit along (KAL) starts next Friday......

If I do, great. I'm not going to stress over it though ;-). I also need to take time out somewhere and see about swatching for this KAL. I haven't picked my yarn officially yet! I've thought about some options though. Often for lace I won't swatch but it does depend on a number of things......and for this one I think I will. Because I would like to make it just a little larger......and the swatch info is available now to help folks get ready.

The designer did say she thought it could be used very nicely as a wedding shawl......and with my sister getting married in October.......well options are nice ;-). She's still deciding what she wants and that's ok. But I can make this in white and dye it later if I want to.......unless she decides it's perfect for her wedding. Either way, I'm making it.

Sakari is now 18 weeks old and weighs over 47 lbs! She's really sweet but has been going through a bit of a phase where she is also a bit contrary! "Loose leash? huh, you want me to what? I don't know what you mean......" But, in spite of that, she's actually just about got "right paw, left paw" down as two separate commands. Which is in addition to her sit, down (lay down), come, etc. Plus she does high five VERY well and we're still working on improving "crawl" and roll over. She WAS doing roll-over really well but suddenly decided that's in the "huh, what" category. This too, shall pass with patience ;-).

More to come......

Progress and playing

2008-03-31T21:35:00.005-06:00

Today has actually had a few highlights/items of note......

I finished the Redwood Memories socks last night. Well, ok, fine, if you want to be picky, I finished weaving in the ends today ;-). I have not, however, taken final pictures. I'll get 'em up, really!

Today was also the day I caved and simply had to start a swatch of one of my new Colourmart yarns. That's almost done, too and once I note all my measurements I'll wash it appropriately and probably have an even harder time leaving it alone! C'mon, someone like me with a thing for textures?? And a 100% cashmere swatch? Need I say more?

Sakari finally managed to convince Keisha (the Chihuahua) that they should be friends and play. It was pretty funny to watch them together. And impressive - Sakari was amazingly gentle.

I also joined a Mystery Lace group/knit-along today. My first. I enjoy lace knitting a great deal. I have an adequate (cough, laugh - try not to fall out of your chair, Mom!) amount of lace yarn available in my stash. No need to buy or spin more for the project, only choose. I've never done one of these mystery projects. So why not? It's worth checking out - many/most of the ones I've seen the results from are quite nice. I'm going to have to go through my stash a bit and decide which yarn I want to use......although I already have some ideas about that.

If you are not familiar with the concept, a mystery knit along basically starts with telling you bare minimum details about the project like what kind and amount of yarn you need, appropriate colors (if relevant) and estimated needle size.....instructions for a sample, that sort of thing. Then, on a certain date (April 18th in this case) you get the first in a series of "clues" - aka the first portion of the pattern - and then, usually on a regular schedule, you get the rest. This one is scheduled for every Friday, running for about 6 weeks. Finishing around Memorial Day. At the end of the knit-along, the pattern will be offered for sale to the general public. The only thing you are supposed to agree to is not to violate the copyright on the pattern. So far this is a HUGE group - at least from my view! There are already nearly 900 members.

Maybe I'll finish that Aran Sweater before the Mystery Lace begins?........

The consolidation of storage - a project of a different sort

2008-03-29T19:38:00.011-06:00

The trouble with living in a small house and having the kind of hobbies I do? Storage. Where do I put the various and sundry stashes? Why do you have one, you ask? Ha, if you have to ask, I'm not sure you would understand. It's a "thing" hehehe. Besides, I have squirrel tendencies. It's true, I'm afraid. Fiber, food or space, it doesn't matter, I have to be well supplied. I'm more than happy to share things (at least some things!) but run out? Horrible thought. So what to do? Well, if you're me, you get storage since that's considerably easier and less costly than a new house. Great. You are tempted but refrain from investigating warehouses and aircraft hangars since those REALLY have space....and power.....and you could......no, no, no, you don't need to go that far!

And then you tell people you have this new storage. Suddenly they have things, too and do you mind? No, of course not, I have space. Or someone dies.....and you aren't allowed to do anything with of the majority of their things (literally true here). Oops. What was true.....multiplies. Note the past tense here? Things stay crowded at home and you get another storage space so you can clean out and breathe again before you go bonkers. They're like rabbits :-). Ok, maybe not really but you're getting the idea here. I have lately had three storage spaces, two large and one small. Last fall I did some major reorganizing and cleaning up of these spaces. In part because I couldn't understand how I, having just gotten the third so I could finally PLEASE reorganize at home (it's temporary, right?), didn't seem to have much space in either storage or STILL at home. Good deal, more space again. I start to think about consolidating. (Except I still hadn't cleared things out at home!) Well it was still a good thought and one that grew. One thing led to another......and then, just a couple weeks ago, I found a storage space that is slightly larger than all three COMBINED. One location to keep up with. A single bill to pay. And it will save me money (compared to what I'm paying now). It's convenient as in close AND I can get to it 24x7. This is important. Why? Ah, it seems you may be one one of those that have no stash :-). It's important because it means when I have a brilliant, creative brainstorm at some strange, non-business hour of the day, I do not need to wait for "business hours" and therefore I have no excuse not to allow the stash to live in storage instead of in the house. This may be incomprehensible to some people. That's ok - you do your thing, I'll do mine. It's also important because it might be that I'm cleaning out a room at some other odd hour of the day and I need to add stuff to storage. Now I have a warm fuzzy because I CAN. Whether I want to or not is another matter, lol.

So.....having run the numbers and realizing this is the best option for the time being.....I rented said large storage space. The project here? To move all the contents from the other three into the one. Sorting, organizing, etc as I go. Sooner rather than later, of course, otherwise what was the point?

And there you have the history of the storage consolidation project.

The status? As of today, the first large (nearly full) space is entirely empty, swept out and done! The second large (slightly less full) space is close to 50% empty. And I still have space. I have added a couple of things from home.....and still, plenty of space. I was also rather surprised to realize that at this moment, the contents of that giant storage space are less than 50% mine. I feel considerably less guilty about having sooooo much stuff. Both remaining storage spaces still have things of mine, it's true. But they also still have things belonging to other people. Kind of interesting. I hadn't quite realized....although after the fall re-org I had been starting to suspect.

For those of you reading this that I'm storing things for....PLEASE, don't feel bad or guilty. I said yes. Most of you have asked sometime since the first yes if it was still ok. I said yes again. And today, I still say YES. It's ok, really......next time though, I will have the sense to have YOU help me move it, hehehe.

Before the end of April, I will have consolidated all three, while organizing more as I go. I may or may not also have time to build the platform units that I want to help make better use of the space by putting the odd-shaped things like chairs, Christmas decorations, etc up high where they don't take something silly like 3 sq ft of floor x 10ft of height. That part remains to be seen. It could become the storage enhancement project?

Learning curve?

2008-03-29T06:54:00.003-06:00

Last night I learned a few things about blogging - at least with this particular system. Like that it doesn't just notify people that there's an update......it sends the whole text. Well......that's sort of interesting and all - maybe even supposed to be helpful but I'm not so sure, I'll have to think about that one. Not everyone would want all that extra in their mail, would they? Seems to kind of defeat the purpose in any case.....why have a blog if it's going to email it? Sure, it's a limited list but even so. And if there's a paragraph you *thought* you edited? One that definitely says things you'd just as soon fix? Hmmmmm......at least it wasn't anything really horrible :-). But for the moment.....well, I think I might turn that notify "feature" off.......

Progress......

2008-03-28T22:32:00.000-06:00

Well a bit of an update......

Today was definitely a day where knitting was therapy. Good thing I have plenty of it, eh? At least I can make something and that usually helps in a variety of ways. It's productive, isn't it? Constructive? Something. Yarn I can usually manage to deal ok with....people? I guess it depends. But enough blah! on with the real stuff here :-).

Definitely not blah......I received an order in today's mail. One of THE most wonderful "presents" ever. I tried some yarns from Colourmart and this was actually a follow on order from them (after an initial "test" order). I can be awfully picky about customer service, yes, I know this. Call me crazy but I still expect it from companies I want to spend my money with :-). Colourmart exceeds every dreamed of expectation and boy do I mean exceeds. The yarn is fabulous, truly top of the line premium cashmere and silk, etc and yet at "seconds" prices. I can't even buy the unspun fiber for these prices - not premium stuff like this. And the customer service? Incomparable. Not good, well beyond great. How often these days do you get MORE than you pay for? (yes, I mean that VERY literally!) With friendly input from the owner of the business? With delivery from the UK to the states at my door in less time than it takes SOME businesses to even tell me they've shipped my order? From all I've learned so far, from reviews from others and now my own experience, this is very much the norm for this company. Refreshing, pure pleasure and yes, super smart business, as well. Because, yep, I can't WAIT to buy more from him :-).

But until then I shall be very grateful I finally DID order and thoroughly enjoy playing with the yarns I now have :-).

I've actually managed to take some project pictures although I haven't moved them to the computer yet so I'm not entirely sure how they came out. The lighting wasn't the best.....and the camera operator needs help :-). I've added a variety of links and am adding more as they occur to me. One point, if it's a business link for ordering whatever.....it's one I have bought from and been happy with.

I think when I add the pictures, just to start things off I'll add each of the projects with a blurb about it as it's own post. I've really liked being able to see/sort all the posts on a project on other people's blogs so I'll give it a whirl and we'll just see how it goes. And yes, I know the labels are what make that work but sometimes I've seen ones that pull up soooo much extra with the project updates it gets hard to find the actual project details. Projects are, after all, my primary focus here :-).

In the mean time, I've added progress bars on several of the things I'm currently working on. I could not honestly say that those are ALL the things I have in the unfinished/in progress pile (for those of you that know....try not laugh too hysterically, will ya, hey progress, remember?) but I've gotta start somewhere, right? And I actually AM moving these along a little more than most of the others in said pile. As of today, I've made it through row 92 on the Peacock Feathers Shawl. When I post the full details you'll understand more about why it still only says 10% completed :-). I also have made it through row 70 on my Faroese Shawl. I may well work on that one more tonight. Or maybe those socks? They, by rights, should have been done long since but.....stuff happens (Peacock Feathers?) and I have no particular deadline for those anyway.

Oh yes, an update on Sakari. My "little" girl turned 16 weeks today. As of Wednesday she weighed in at 42 lbs and counting. Pretty amazing. I think she'll keep growing like a bit of a weed here for another couple of weeks and then, perhaps, start to slow down just a bit. Good thing, eh? Feeding her might (big maybe) rival feeding my teenagers. She's pretty cuddly, too, when she's not chewing on Lump or Kaiya. Or playing in the mud, lol.

Anywho......just a bit of progress here and there. I'll count all I can ;-).

Maybe I'll get this thing going at last?

2008-03-24T14:15:00.008-06:00

Ok, so here we go......months and months ago I finally setup a blog account. Great, good, necessary to get things going here, right? Sure......but then you actually are supposed to DO something with the blog. Oh. Right.....ah, let's put that on hold, eh? Christmas projects are a priority, dogs keep needing special vet trips and work is busier than ever. I'll get to it "later." Well, it seems later has finally arrived!

I wanted to be able to have an easy way to keep in touch with my growing number of friends, family and even strangers who are curious about what sort of projects I have going on and how they are progressing. Sidebars optional, after all, it's my blog, right? Of course you should know that there are generally going to be multiple projects going on at once. And in multiple fields. What can I say? I have varied interests although a definite affinity for most things fiber!

It will take me a little more organizing - mostly taking pictures - to really get this thing rolling on what I'm actually doing and how it's coming along. But we'll start off with a picture of the latest addition to my family.....Sakari along with "big brother" Lump. Lump is my daughter's black & white Siberian Husky. He's a sweet boy.

This picture was taken 10 days ago but Sakari is now just over 15 weeks old. I need a newer picture considering how fast she grows! As of Saturday, she weighed just under 40 lbs. She's a Giant Alaskan Malamute and I've waited for her a long time :-). She takes up lots of my time these days but she's worth it.

Coming up next? Projects......probably knitting projects since I have several of those in progress but it could be the weaving ones......or household? Time will tell......but for now my lunch break's over and I need to get back to work.