tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332182192024-03-13T22:41:26.222-05:00Yarnophiliac(pronunciation: yarn-o-FEEL-ee-ak)
noun; 1. one having a tendency toward yarn; 2. one having an abnormal appetite or liking for yarnyarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-23763361494578833752011-03-15T11:58:00.004-05:002011-03-16T10:29:25.144-05:00Dropped purls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7veHjzm3FE3_QE3RdOJQghIgP_rnddxn37jh9Rb5ylXRNcg8suqxqiaGyyEQIrE5VY6wSILbEzkcGVCqLP45ejEwFXnXfhhbINz-IM4Mf48hVadiZrk2c8l-IaORpBiDgdFHIw/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7veHjzm3FE3_QE3RdOJQghIgP_rnddxn37jh9Rb5ylXRNcg8suqxqiaGyyEQIrE5VY6wSILbEzkcGVCqLP45ejEwFXnXfhhbINz-IM4Mf48hVadiZrk2c8l-IaORpBiDgdFHIw/s320/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584354969703816818" border="0"></a><br />This weekend, I had the very exciting opportunity (yes, this is my kind of excitement) to teach my cousin and her daughter -- I call her my niece, and no one will tell me otherwise -- to knit. They truly were naturals! Now, however, I am home, and Nikki is an hour away and running into the occasional issue. The error that had her up half the night was a dropped stitch. Oh yes, she got the perfectionist gene. It runs strong in our family. So, I put together a video to help her pick up her stitches from the purl side, as that is the side on which she was working, as well as a video on putting in a life line. Hopefully, it will help out some other folks as well. <br />On a side note, watching the video I have realized that I desperately need to moisturize my hands. Yikes!<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GqnDEFESQ28?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GqnDEFESQ28?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qF75-YgPkAQ?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qF75-YgPkAQ?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />This was my first time making any type of a tutorial or video, so be gentle!yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-70011374984694894132010-11-04T07:44:00.002-05:002010-11-04T07:45:27.781-05:00Getting ready for Fiber Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnCTeIfZ3E7fuBi0Fu1_IowV2rE9Y2epvEpYno95O6MEtSQBHzmxiC_UY2P1U44anuJ-RXsWU-DEkRNbKxdfJsRazTD8rPip6mAO_vcNCsS9eggjQvoQ5gqc_SyG2N9K-GoIcrg/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnCTeIfZ3E7fuBi0Fu1_IowV2rE9Y2epvEpYno95O6MEtSQBHzmxiC_UY2P1U44anuJ-RXsWU-DEkRNbKxdfJsRazTD8rPip6mAO_vcNCsS9eggjQvoQ5gqc_SyG2N9K-GoIcrg/s320/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535674705221321426" /></a><br />...a little taste of what will be in the booth this weekend... http://www.thebige.com/ese/ESEEvents/Fiber_Festival.asp<br />Booth #446!<br />(Please forgive the poor lighting in the pic!)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-83458720048909827722010-05-28T09:53:00.002-05:002010-05-28T09:56:21.101-05:00Contest!Just a little quickie post -- How about a little contest? Looking for a name for a new lace yarn line -- 80% merino/20%silk. Lovely stuff (strong, smooth...love!). I'd love a name that evokes the wispy, ethereal feel of lace yarn, possibly something that is musical in nature, to accompany the 50/50 blend, "Ayre". Random name to be chosen from commenters gets a skein of the new line in your choice of available colors (one entry per person, please). <br />Also, if you haven't yet, head on over to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Sereknity-Yarn-and-Fiber/121848214496830?ref=sgm">Facebook fan page</a> to be the first to get news on all things Sereknity.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-19307422123336908082010-05-02T09:23:00.002-05:002010-05-02T10:01:51.766-05:00Thinking about colorIt used to be that I would go through my day thinking about color, or, more specifically, color schemes or colorways. I'd see a lovely flowering tree or a fantastical emerald beetle and begin plotting which colors to pull from the image, what dyes to use to achieve the shade, and what sequence by which to paint the skein. I still think in color, constantly, but there has been a great shift in emphasis. I rarely think in terms of sequencing anymore. The precise sequencing results in a truly variegated skein and is often best left to knits of a simple sort that allows the colors and yarn to speak for itself. A simple stockinette sock, in wild colors, that perhaps pools at whim, or creates lovely little swirly stripes can be a thing of fun and beauty. I have many of these colorways in the repertoire and love them dearly, but my mind just doesn't go there very often, creatively speaking, anymore.<br />Presently, I am mired in thoughts of semi-solid colors. Subtly shifting stitches of highlights and lowlights, and layers of color giving depth to each strand, enticing a glow of color from within. I am drawn more to colors that I would like to wear and those that suit the patterns that I want to knit. I must confess, I am not much of a sock knitter. I love hand-knit socks, and have a queue loaded with interesting patterns, and have even started a fair number of pairs. Finishing, however, is a whole other story. I am a sweater knitter. I can finish an entire sweater in half the time it takes to make a pair of sock. I tend toward more classic subtle colors in my attire. I love cables, and lace, and marvel at the development of stitch patterns within the knitted piece as they build row by row. I want yarn that compliments this, and enhances it, not yarn that battles for attention. I want yarn that I can paint with, in terms of stranded colorway designs, but that is also interesting enough in its own right. <br />I think I have made a bit of a reputation for myself for having bold, bright color. I worry if folks will feel some of that is lost with the introduction of so many colors in this new vein? (The established favorites are not going anywhere, tho, rest assured!) Certainly, that need not be the case! Bright and bold and clear -- colors that make me smile (I have always insisted on bright sunshiney colors for my umbrellas, to combat the gloom of a rainy day. My husband thinks I am strange.) -- will always be first and foremost in my mind, followed closely by rich, deep, equally bold but somehow more sophisticated tones that make me want to bite them. As I delve further and further into this art of fiber, I constantly find new and interesting things to try, and to perfect. It is never static. My goodness, how I love my job. <br />What inspires your knitting and color choices?yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-32403376448704862042010-04-27T09:39:00.004-05:002010-04-27T10:58:25.850-05:00OverrunFor the past week or two, most of my free time has been spent gutting the laundry room/tool room/craft pile/junk depository that abuts the studio. I have simply become so overrun with STUFF and stock and supplies that I can hardly move. Sadly, we (my family and I) are atrocious pack rats, and we have "stored" (losely used term for throwing crap upon crap upon good stuff now turned to crap) so many odds and ends from construction are renovation that really, are they worth it? A resounding "no" is the answer. The clean-out has allowed me to expand the studio a bit, and do some hefty re-organizing, but is certainly bringing out my tendency to overthink every. little. thing. Will the dye jugs be more useful stored in the laundry area or the studio area? What about the trays? Buckets? Should they all be together or split up? Do non-yarn craft supplies even belong in the studio? but if I put them in the laundry area, does that take up too much room for the jugs? and do the jugs really belong there anyway? and what about dyed vs. un-dyed stock? and stash? and and and ...<br />ahh! Brain explosion imminent. (And so I sit here and blog about it because I can't make a decision. doh.)<br />I have at least made enough headway that I can put some semi-solids to dye in their base color baths. Finally back to the color! Most of the week will be spent skeining, but I do have some Perfect ready to go, and about 10 lbs. of Verity. Now the color decisions (oh dear, not this again). I'm thinking I need to replenish Rock Lobster and Envy, and then Dionysus (a deeep plum purple),<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/S9cIi5OlliI/AAAAAAAAB9M/Vz8YaFQ0ucA/s1600/March2010+052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/S9cIi5OlliI/AAAAAAAAB9M/Vz8YaFQ0ucA/s320/March2010+052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846068407965218" /></a><br /> Purple People Eater (Brighter "true" purple), Floozy (deep, hot pink),<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xEGPn3slp25uB2TKyKTjulOgQqYNM0UOVpbF9DjkGJDDKZY6CO-gbzAP5rfkJa7tUxKnHEMZKYGX-f_XYuFcCxrQWJsGspOG6E4xxAbY3VaCcW2nMz9ljclU0IByVK-h59gDdQ/s1600/March2010+161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xEGPn3slp25uB2TKyKTjulOgQqYNM0UOVpbF9DjkGJDDKZY6CO-gbzAP5rfkJa7tUxKnHEMZKYGX-f_XYuFcCxrQWJsGspOG6E4xxAbY3VaCcW2nMz9ljclU0IByVK-h59gDdQ/s320/March2010+161.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846323120352994" /></a><br /> Coal,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpbTlzk7VLRnXiqwtahoc_mpDMNruBUjIwNFjFL9M9Yt1FzMCyZpcP3MpTx_bdy-udGJZtTEOZ8HNgKB9kvr9nxninhXLtXqycw0lPC68xL8juMRN3IZ75fxA89tiY4jnpP0WJQ/s1600/March2010+086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpbTlzk7VLRnXiqwtahoc_mpDMNruBUjIwNFjFL9M9Yt1FzMCyZpcP3MpTx_bdy-udGJZtTEOZ8HNgKB9kvr9nxninhXLtXqycw0lPC68xL8juMRN3IZ75fxA89tiY4jnpP0WJQ/s320/March2010+086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846090814157826" /></a> and Caramel macchiato are all in the running. Or maybe some Margaritaville,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXSF7vn3HNXG5AOuR1vcwntHrNBI4TjK0CqOo57eC7VhZoBp7gy2uouz-2TR6BjnbF58FyLu4PTLyoqLv7MYCZPZqGvHm6lM-kKWcFp2-Pdbre42nWWarCy8tbh7qE4NqWvPStA/s1600/March2010+060.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXSF7vn3HNXG5AOuR1vcwntHrNBI4TjK0CqOo57eC7VhZoBp7gy2uouz-2TR6BjnbF58FyLu4PTLyoqLv7MYCZPZqGvHm6lM-kKWcFp2-Pdbre42nWWarCy8tbh7qE4NqWvPStA/s320/March2010+060.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846056274523362" /></a> or Fallin',<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbCECHr8Lj7218aq48XXZT4s_jMtsTEI-M2ve4e3VEbwy7ed7bp3JolYgNR9z1jZwnro46Od0WdoSQkjwloKYqTO-6MJWiZV_-TFkc2RJefXKvikne93jgz5SN5bjWRq3a4S0HA/s1600/March2010+077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbCECHr8Lj7218aq48XXZT4s_jMtsTEI-M2ve4e3VEbwy7ed7bp3JolYgNR9z1jZwnro46Od0WdoSQkjwloKYqTO-6MJWiZV_-TFkc2RJefXKvikne93jgz5SN5bjWRq3a4S0HA/s320/March2010+077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846070735697234" /></a> or Forbidden Fruit?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM1d4TTddRrCCjwiZ0fnevnSshjf2VELdhsiNg2_ulfLqu0TLCpRyvN48KOoRA3xDdMDGxnVBULfLufJrGAvJ2AAlHMaolhA1CaBHyBkk7UWJWVzsCoFsvhn_wEmPz3IIt1ev9g/s1600/March2010+084.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM1d4TTddRrCCjwiZ0fnevnSshjf2VELdhsiNg2_ulfLqu0TLCpRyvN48KOoRA3xDdMDGxnVBULfLufJrGAvJ2AAlHMaolhA1CaBHyBkk7UWJWVzsCoFsvhn_wEmPz3IIt1ev9g/s320/March2010+084.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464846080880937698" /></a> <br />Off to make some of those decisions! Pictures when all is said and done.<br />...and on the colors -- input is always welcome!yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-50737755714708722542010-04-24T15:43:00.005-05:002010-04-24T16:05:37.263-05:00Promised linkies!First, my <a href="http://alisonknits.typepad.com/alisonknits/2009/09/new-pattern-clotilde-beret.html">Clotilde</a>...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSQuEx_gf8Q_FNToQAz6oxH9VQfnxbOeV7WzciG98QdOmHoxcojfzEF54UC2mWO4O1DdHhxQCSNDz_0rWCozJRtuXy9pH72NfwQfUPLjFFTOd606muZgAQSYx0Gwqhpk3azQOtA/s1600/jan_2010_045_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSQuEx_gf8Q_FNToQAz6oxH9VQfnxbOeV7WzciG98QdOmHoxcojfzEF54UC2mWO4O1DdHhxQCSNDz_0rWCozJRtuXy9pH72NfwQfUPLjFFTOd606muZgAQSYx0Gwqhpk3azQOtA/s320/jan_2010_045_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463811132411247266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNhcYL8MfPwJYDlPx5HPyZ2-3a5JP0rsRGspaVcH3U8BDO63j2Ip06Rlu3tv1KqegRxHXC972HahP_lexOmVJ-AudH2odfLbFmiZb9oTLX8TwG-iqU07Fz4N1JFeE64uzjVUBwg/s1600/jan_2010_046_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNhcYL8MfPwJYDlPx5HPyZ2-3a5JP0rsRGspaVcH3U8BDO63j2Ip06Rlu3tv1KqegRxHXC972HahP_lexOmVJ-AudH2odfLbFmiZb9oTLX8TwG-iqU07Fz4N1JFeE64uzjVUBwg/s320/jan_2010_046_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463811123676415858" /></a><br />...I love her so. You can find the pattern at <a href="http://alisonknits.typepad.com/alisonknits/">Alison's blog</a> or in <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/alison-green-will">her Ravelry store</a>. She has such gorgeous things.<br />My <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/50-autumn-2008/84-jaali-by-alison-green-will">Jaali</a>, also by Alsion, has come much further along than this early picture, and is also being done in Verity. Find Jaali at <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2010/spring/magazinepage_01.php">Twist Collective</a>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijThBAMWvGuFoWdLPEgiuOoa6OkbBKn6j-SY3q9VCjx4KlBOanoVa9WdsNnTPDmrrF_DD4pVf8w3DkkFWEcuKYlITjDd0Q21abvJcxYxKNdV8CF1721yX6IHQxdXmQzPchcBynWA/s1600/jan_2010_002_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijThBAMWvGuFoWdLPEgiuOoa6OkbBKn6j-SY3q9VCjx4KlBOanoVa9WdsNnTPDmrrF_DD4pVf8w3DkkFWEcuKYlITjDd0Q21abvJcxYxKNdV8CF1721yX6IHQxdXmQzPchcBynWA/s320/jan_2010_002_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463811013652153810" /></a><br />My gorgeous friend Jackie has also knit a stunning <a href="http://gaysknits.typepad.com/gaysknits/2008/05/a-recipie-for-s.html">Sassymetrical</a> in Verity in the Envy colorway. (I'd post a pic, but haven't asked her yet, so y'all will have to use the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/HelloJackie/sassymetrical">Ravelry link</a> -- and if you aren't on Rav yet, why the heck not? lol)<br /><br />and then there are the up-coming fairs...<br /><a href="http://www.nhswga.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36&Itemid=33">NH Sheep and Wool Festival, May 8th and 9th, Hopkinton, NH</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.acadiafiberfaire.com/">Acadia Fiber Fair, Saturday, May 22</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fiberfrolic.com/"><br />Maine Fiber Frolic, Windsor, ME, June 5 & 6</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fiberrevival.com/">Fiber Revival, Newbury, MA </a>(site is not yet updated, but bookmark it -- it will be!)<br /><br />and<br /><a href="http://www.nesheep.org/fiberfest.html">New England Fiber Festival, Nov. 6 & 7, in West Springfield, MA</a>.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-26583367965620689752010-04-23T07:16:00.002-05:002010-04-23T08:45:40.791-05:00Hey, wow, look at that......I thought I was going to have to do all kinds of crazy changes to the old blog here, but apparently this is not an FTP blog after all (whatever that is) and all my hesitancy to post was for naught. This is a good thing. <br /><br />SO, been a while. Life, as always, has been a series of ups and downs coming at what seems to be break neck pace. On the business side, I have so much to tell you! On the personal side, much will be left unsaid, but know that the hubster and kids are great -- I could be completely obnoxious and subject you all to home videos, but I think I'll leave that special kind of torture to family for now. I will, however, say that much of 2010 was taken up with my son's training for his Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo (and boy did he train hard!) and subsequent success. I am so crazy proud of him, and at the same time glad the pressure is off. The girl is getting ready to enter middle school next year, and still singing her little heart out at any school event that allows. Perhaps some more drama training this summer? <br /><br />As for Sereknity, I had a fantastic time at NETA Spa Knit and Spin once again this year (although I was in the throes of bronchitis for the weeks prior, during, and after -- that part? not so much fun). Unfortunately, due to my illness and some worry, illness, concern, and loss in our extended family, it has taken me far too long to get "back to business", but back I am! The Etsy shop is slowly being re-stocked and I even have new lines to list! I debuted two wonderful new yarns at Spa -- Verity, an DK 100% merino superwash that is my absolute FAVORITE new yarn. It is so springy with a fantastic twist, takes color beautifully (although I have found I have to work a bit harder to get the color to soak through to the middle of the twist, but it is oh so worth it)and it has great stitch definition. I am working on Alison Greenwill's Jaali from Twist in Rock Lobster with this yarn, and have also knit another design by Alison, Clotilde, using the Blue Lagoon colorway. LOVE IT. I have so many ideas for this yarn, and it a super versatile gauge. I have also brought in another new sweater yarn, Puro, a 100% wool heavy worsted. This is a perfect go-to yarn for just about any project. I am slowly working up a fun cardi pattern for this that should be ready by fall. Both yarns will be available in semi-solid hand-painted colorways. The Verity has been photoed and will be on the Etsy site by the end of the weekend and I hope to have the Puro up shortly thereafter. Bear with me, tho -- I am also getting the studio cleaned out, reorganized, and expanded to hold more stock and get ready for the boat loads of dyeing I'll be doing in the coming months.<br /><br />On that note, in addition to a number of wholesale orders on the docket, I'll be vending this year at the NH Sheep and Wool Festival on Mother's Day weekend. Come see me! This is one of my favorite fairs, and I have always attended as my Mother's day Gift to myself, but finally chose to work it this year. For me, "work" is a bit of a misnomer for fair vending. The work is done getting ready for the events, and of course in the set-up and break down (but I have gotten that much more streamlined, and have had great help from friends!), but the fair days themselves -- love them! I have so much fun meeting new folks and seeing "old" friends that I usually walk away on quite a natural high. I am also slated to be at the new Acadia Fiber Fair (May -- ME), the Fiber Frolic (June -- ME), Fiber Revival in Newbury (August -- MA -- I could never miss this one!), and another new event in November that looks to be a big one -- the Fiber Festival of New England (MA). <br /><br />A little note on patterns -- I'm working on them!! I had a few samples of some original Sereknity designs at Spa that got great reception. The various personal issues alluded to above have contributed to delays in publishing the patterns, but I also found some errors, esp. in the shawlette, after they were test knit. The cowl pattern will be published free here to the blog shortly, but I do want to work up a new version of the shawlette prior to publishing, to be sure the kinks are worked out. I promise -- it will be worth it! I have no desire to cause anyone frustration in his/her knitting, and the end results of the revisions make the garment just that much prettier. I also have a colorwork sock pattern (ring a bell?)that just wasn't making me perfectly happy -- and if you know me at all, it won't be a shock that I can't put it "out there" unless I am perfectly happy -- so that will be re-worked a bit once the others have been published. One step at a time, right? <br /><br />But I am running out of time now, so I'll put up a separate post later today of pictures and linkies of all the good things mentioned above. <br /><br />It's good to be back. :)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-37644935229630479332009-03-20T08:17:00.003-05:002009-03-20T08:43:24.719-05:00The Eyes have it<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQONaXB1HPXKSdyxg9w4bRAn-1i9WNa69bqk5aQNIG4LsMawmEI8NkWIBQLHFPxuOjAoeVl94pHeaSHCMFVvkLX1YVogEIB8ey39HklRXEKXZ__Fyxt38D5CH-g4xtx-I4HIkaeA/s1600-h/feb2009+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQONaXB1HPXKSdyxg9w4bRAn-1i9WNa69bqk5aQNIG4LsMawmEI8NkWIBQLHFPxuOjAoeVl94pHeaSHCMFVvkLX1YVogEIB8ey39HklRXEKXZ__Fyxt38D5CH-g4xtx-I4HIkaeA/s320/feb2009+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315264029034955698" /></a><br />The Eye of Jupiter took on a bit of a life of its own over the past few months, and has left me with much yarn and fiber to play with. <br />First, my socks (which for some odd reason, I just can't get done! Perhaps in subconscious protest due to the fact I don't want the show to be done?). Briefly, I am knitting them in the Classica merino/nylon base, they were started over a year ago (I'm just not a quick sock knitter), toe up, plain foot, scrap yarn for afterthought heel, Crusoe pattern for the cuff, two-at-a-time, magic-loop. And I somehow managed, once I picked them up again for "karate knitting", to knit the two socks together. See those little crossed over threads? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu0ZWNy8YSYz2LPbiKhPHinPsEjXWYdyF_2MN4Hy7F_O2zT6H455-d4dhsN8ZSQGX857jIwcH92aqfcW2KgAkX7bBOVd1wF3Ip_0RdhEI2gkwT00yS8RLwOcHvby5gqobLp9H3A/s1600-h/feb2009+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu0ZWNy8YSYz2LPbiKhPHinPsEjXWYdyF_2MN4Hy7F_O2zT6H455-d4dhsN8ZSQGX857jIwcH92aqfcW2KgAkX7bBOVd1wF3Ip_0RdhEI2gkwT00yS8RLwOcHvby5gqobLp9H3A/s320/feb2009+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315264026483222914" /></a><br />Yeah, not good. So a-tinking I went. How on earth did I knit 4 rows without noticing the socks were joined? <br />Then, there was the tam from my last post. It will be winging its way overseas to a friend who will get a kick -- and hopefully a lift -- from the bright colors. <br />Lastly, while vending at Spa, a customer in my booth pointed to this colorway stating that, "yeah, but when you spin it, it will look like mud." Being the obsessive person I am, I had to spin some for myself. <br />As with most space-dyed tops, the spinner actually has many options. The preparation can be stripped out randomly and plied together with little forethought, which may result in "mud" or can create a pleasant blending of colors, depending on the colors present in the top. It can be spun as a single, chain-plied to preserve stretches of color, or stripped in a conscious effort to manipulate the colors. I took a small length of the colorway and broke it out into color sections in an a-b-c-d fashion (yellow-red-orange-blue) as it was painted. Then, I took one length and split it in quarters and spun them in the same a-b-c-d order. Then I took another section and spun without splitting a-b-c-d fashion on a seperate bobbin, and then plied these together. <br />The result?<br />No mud! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TaR8BdeOpEcYq03ayLzs0ZgbUtk9KXfWdX7mCyKQwFLYUr2kIyurSdRhWUXQ99hvWvzd0zRTVfIhKpxidc0APbJX-M_bOxCm31eBv9IU_-2CouCcyk0bWsN4D6F7jxXDL8FXQ/s1600-h/feb2009+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TaR8BdeOpEcYq03ayLzs0ZgbUtk9KXfWdX7mCyKQwFLYUr2kIyurSdRhWUXQ99hvWvzd0zRTVfIhKpxidc0APbJX-M_bOxCm31eBv9IU_-2CouCcyk0bWsN4D6F7jxXDL8FXQ/s320/feb2009+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315264016205942194" /></a><br />I knit a fairly large swatch to show all the color shifts. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdXMrJD_kq2eKwIqkaFhiBNZrejXXjduFDbiX9HtI4nrsEt2ByU567bKkvwYGfZF-5pskQxwBudIaGWmppu4donhQg9DM17sNiwbaYcCWgh7JOZQCge3o3pfGzr42Uw9xaMVDAA/s1600-h/feb2009+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdXMrJD_kq2eKwIqkaFhiBNZrejXXjduFDbiX9HtI4nrsEt2ByU567bKkvwYGfZF-5pskQxwBudIaGWmppu4donhQg9DM17sNiwbaYcCWgh7JOZQCge3o3pfGzr42Uw9xaMVDAA/s320/feb2009+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315264037730798418" /></a> <br />I do think if I were to make a larger garment, I would only strip the top in half, rather than quarters, to get longer sections of color, but I do think this technique would be great for entrelac. I am debating frogging the sample to make Quant. Or I just may have to spin out some other colorways to play with. What a hardship, huh?<br />(oh yeah, and guess what? I have a new wheel!! more on the next post)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-87821937158040206642009-03-06T13:22:00.007-05:002009-03-20T08:17:55.469-05:00Back in the SaddleOk, so it has been a long hard winter (but hooray! today is the first day of Spring!). Ice storms, snow storms, illnessafterillnessafterillness. I have been laid-out sick four times -- twice with a stomach bug -- since Christmas, and the kids too many times to count. And when they haven't been home either sick or on another accursed snow day (and I haven't been confined to bed or the couch) I have been DYEING. While one wouldn't know it from stock in the Etsy shop, my little business has kept me very busy. I had the good fortune of <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/01/12/geeky_on_a_monday.html">being "Harlotted" for my homage to Battlestar Galactica</a> (only 3 -- <span style="font-style:italic;">strike that -- 1! </span>episode left!!) which certainly had me hoping while I was also trying to prepare for NETA Spa Knit and Spin. Busy, busy, busy!<br />In my silence, I have also been knitting. A lot. In fact I completed nearly two sweaters. The first of which is a major UGH -- made of Patons Bella on size huge needles I attempted to alter the pattern given for the yarn to knit in the round, top-down raglan with waist shaping. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFkxOj8yAvWr5vjfe8sseVpZwctgpxVrUAap_V522audeaPLPuODeISVDRJvzLslxnW0TVLPNOrTSoC5plBSg9Gto0IlYE2dt4bSfJvqc9rLPRGlUWrETY4EfEn8i5ttTwxPocA/s1600-h/dec2008+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFkxOj8yAvWr5vjfe8sseVpZwctgpxVrUAap_V522audeaPLPuODeISVDRJvzLslxnW0TVLPNOrTSoC5plBSg9Gto0IlYE2dt4bSfJvqc9rLPRGlUWrETY4EfEn8i5ttTwxPocA/s320/dec2008+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315257056093271042" /></a><br />Well, the neck is too tight, the shaping pulls in too much and shows too much belly, I completely messed up the increases, but did find a creative way to stitch over and make them look a bit more matching, but all in all this will be frogged. Buh-bye. I hate it, feel fat in it, and it hurt to knit on big needles with such bulky, heavy yarn. So much for stash busting.<br />The second sweater more than made up for this one, tho! I knit Francis Revisited in Artful Yarns Fragrance in a lovely deep teal and can't stop wearing it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZKl34SYfwF6VtOb9AQfKBO2f6d_wQ6IedUpJTA7YfLOkhNw4uLivDktUlwYU2O_in4xaQCVnxyNwqHSrmuppjaTz0jHBpH1ABQ7h9c-Fc9ShCWI_4Ea4nhemzc8w6qmPCx27uw/s1600-h/feb2009+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZKl34SYfwF6VtOb9AQfKBO2f6d_wQ6IedUpJTA7YfLOkhNw4uLivDktUlwYU2O_in4xaQCVnxyNwqHSrmuppjaTz0jHBpH1ABQ7h9c-Fc9ShCWI_4Ea4nhemzc8w6qmPCx27uw/s320/feb2009+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315257065131591570" /></a><br />It fits beautifully, I love the collar (I didn't tack it down and knit it all on the large size needle. Worked just fine) and the yarn was delightful to work with. Love it!!<br />Sadly, I haven't felt perky enough for a photo shoot, so all you get is a poorly lit shot of it blocking with inaccurate color, but it is proof of completion!<br />I have also managed to crank out a few small samples knit with Sereknity Yarn.<br />(Again, I haven't hauled out the light box, so these photos may be lacking in the color accuracy department, although not too bad.)<br />First a lovely mitten created form the free chart for <a href="http://golden.vuodatus.net/blog/992155">Swirly Mittens</a> using a generic wool/nylon sock form the stash and a new color, Rainbow Ripple on the Shimmer base. LOVE THIS MITTEN. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOfoR12RFfAZf2YLZEUDR8Bdlf19ekXh3F5ob43DXRS2RessTZCjaFiGmVSjSxACHa8zAz8m9hNITtjojUt67SHvS5bIGPXmQqFUPFmYOXktoNTQDFTXNw9LgruE6ECOgXffGag/s1600-h/feb2009+061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOfoR12RFfAZf2YLZEUDR8Bdlf19ekXh3F5ob43DXRS2RessTZCjaFiGmVSjSxACHa8zAz8m9hNITtjojUt67SHvS5bIGPXmQqFUPFmYOXktoNTQDFTXNw9LgruE6ECOgXffGag/s320/feb2009+061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315257069812516802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXL_hwY3M4P1ywODReoL2VtIPbTXK-ESDYydt5nuFlIQF9mNf5nVAQiG5UXmFtbuVy8goiA4E0-9k1wSqDU_yKSz4SNh5ABSMngT135ZMZNoHCgrXDnmUuL2Vt8SpEWI89qrXrA/s1600-h/feb2009+059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXL_hwY3M4P1ywODReoL2VtIPbTXK-ESDYydt5nuFlIQF9mNf5nVAQiG5UXmFtbuVy8goiA4E0-9k1wSqDU_yKSz4SNh5ABSMngT135ZMZNoHCgrXDnmUuL2Vt8SpEWI89qrXrA/s320/feb2009+059.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315257076892835714" /></a><br />I have cast on for number 2 and will get back to it soon (I swear!). I fear my little girl will run off with them when they are done.<br />Then, another new color, Winter of my Discontent (told you it has been a rough one) dyed on Perfect Sock and knit up into the <a href="http://dropstitchknitter.wordpress.com/good-luck-cowl/">Good Luck Cowl</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEvd3Ga_gqaakNjbzpVEm5dDIZstAfAu-6tloOv5hmkG1KITstzkJdOGmJbuI64e9RjhTyT1KxheBzQmzqkFQyn3YybYAtepQT-dmGaBdPpdibGrQkZ1X1oL3BGR7d1i1OSF7cg/s1600-h/feb2009+057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEvd3Ga_gqaakNjbzpVEm5dDIZstAfAu-6tloOv5hmkG1KITstzkJdOGmJbuI64e9RjhTyT1KxheBzQmzqkFQyn3YybYAtepQT-dmGaBdPpdibGrQkZ1X1oL3BGR7d1i1OSF7cg/s320/feb2009+057.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314618934805777954" /></a><br />I used a size 6 needle as I didn't have a 5 in the correct length and it worked out perfectly, lightly blocked. The girl has stolen this one repeatedly.<br />I also had a remnant skein of Eye of Jupiter in Perfect and knit up a super quick little tam -- La Parisenne Beret by SockPixie. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dUYmkdIicBAxvl5WU0Rbmwff40kFXqv_xa4AN8h-La0ne_A20dvbWoUyjZuQr8x0EAda0bjYwy8-rJ7FGYX3PFewTM08QQlsdk1_WdjMmbu0cL1_onS1pnmQrrI8pgf6WmQpNg/s1600-h/feb2009+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dUYmkdIicBAxvl5WU0Rbmwff40kFXqv_xa4AN8h-La0ne_A20dvbWoUyjZuQr8x0EAda0bjYwy8-rJ7FGYX3PFewTM08QQlsdk1_WdjMmbu0cL1_onS1pnmQrrI8pgf6WmQpNg/s320/feb2009+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314618933002937714" /></a><br />Fun and easy, and I only used the one color as I wanted to see what the colorway would do. I do wish I had gone down a needle size or two for the ribbing, and perhaps knit it a bit longer. Unblocked, the hat wasn't slouchy enough, and blocked, the ribbing lost its stretch. BUT, it still sits nice and cute and casual on my head (esp. since I have a lot of hair) I just worry it will fall off, although it hasn't yet. <br />And lastly, I have started Wisteria! I love, love, love this pattern, although my own inattention and attempting to knit on it when I really, really shouldn't has lead to some tinking, I am nearly past the cable yoke section. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaB1QteRWBq3Il5UUogkPWSn2ZnkoSIMRQEltB29RvK5Kez87OceqJCv12mz3yu09mYHS4PBzpgkGzyH110dhQelCVQzTg39C0eICwQySISjd2xbwAuamJk4qGwd1-8T_NBdcUg/s1600-h/feb2009+032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaB1QteRWBq3Il5UUogkPWSn2ZnkoSIMRQEltB29RvK5Kez87OceqJCv12mz3yu09mYHS4PBzpgkGzyH110dhQelCVQzTg39C0eICwQySISjd2xbwAuamJk4qGwd1-8T_NBdcUg/s320/feb2009+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315258173621386050" /></a><br />Yay! I am using the discontinued Adrienne Vitadini yarn Natasha in a so-pale-it-almost-isn't-a-color green. This yarn has so much life in it. It is very springy, the fabric is soft and spongy, and the halo just lovely. I love the soft effect it gives to the cables. mmmmm. I'm using size seven needles to get gauge (or so my swatch tells me) and knitting a size 40 1/2.<br />(Man -- wrote this post a week ago, and it has sat here waiting for pictures. So many new things to tell already! Tomorrow? Maybe even again today!)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-4815522663211362682008-12-20T08:16:00.002-05:002008-12-20T08:41:39.100-05:00UpdateWell, things are much better at my house, but I won't gloat as too many friends are STILL without power. I have many thankyou's to give out tho, to all the wonderful friends who offered help in the comments and also in e-mail. You guys are amazing! When leaving Gloucester, I got a small generator from my father to hook up to the furnace so Jim could have a better time heating the house fo rthe pipes and kitties,upbut exhaustion took it's toll and he had "issues" hooking it up and waited 'til the next day for help. A good friend came by the next day (Tuesday) to assess the situation and they managed to work out the electrics. Then, the fabulous blogless KellyR contacted me after the last post with an offer of a HUGE generator that she and her hubs brought up that was able to power nearly the entire house, so the kids and I came home Tuesday night. Internet and cable were intermittent, but who cares! We had heat and lights. No laundry, tho, so I spent the entire night at my sis-in-laws (she is away on vacation) doing laundry, dozing off on the couch between buzzers. Power was (of course) restored to our house Thursday morning and we have since returned the generator to Kelly in case we have more outages in the area since we now have a snow storm, with a nasty Nor'easter on its way on Sunday evening. The kids have not had school all week, and Monday and Tuesday are doubtful. We are slated to host Christmas dinner here at my house, but that is somewhat in jeapardy as my mom doesn't want to travel in the snow predicted for Christmas day. Such is life in New England. I also think I may bodily remove my friends and her children from their home if she does not get heat within the next few days. ENOUGH!<br />Good news? (Other than that I have electricity!) Jacob seems to be over his bout of ickiness. No pain for over a week now and we seems to be "in the clear." My Christmas shopping is nearly done (as is my bank account...ugh) and Christmas knitting is flying along, being left with little else to do. Both hats for my niece and nephew were completed and already gifted, my MIL's mitts are done -- even blocked with thumbs! -- the larger Kauni poncho for other niece #1 is done, and the oncho for the 2 year old is under way. Fair Isle stocking #1 1/2 done and moving along quite quickly. I'm debating casting on for the MArs scarf for my FIL I've swatched and feel I can get gauge with some nice stash yarn (although I don't like having to figure gauge in 2x2 rib. How much should you stretch it out?) but I just don't know if it can be done by Christmas eve. I'm going to cast on today and see how far I get and determine from there. I'll try to get caught up on pics soon, although I was a dork and forgot to photo the nephew's flame hat before he ran off to Ireland with it. Hopefully, he won't loose it on the plane and I can snap a modeled pic when he returns.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-60017971810328594072008-12-15T08:20:00.002-05:002008-12-15T08:32:21.344-05:00Things are not going well.And I'm not talking about the Christmas knitting -- that is moving along surprisingly well. Life, on the other hand, is throwing us far too many curve balls. Firatly, we have been dealing with some minor/major gastrointestinal issues with my poor little boy. Not an uncommon problem, apparently, but it has occupied many days of doctors appointments, ER runs, x-rays and days home from school and activities while we, umm, try to "clear up" the problem and keep his pain at bay. While in the midst of this, NH was hit with a major ice storm and my town is sadly one of the worst hit, with 95% of the town losing power on Thursday, with 60% still out as of Monday morning. The kids, dogs, and I have been vagabonds living on the good graces of friends and family since Friday while hubby does what he can (safely) to keep our pipes (and cats and rabbit) from freezing running a small propane heater at monitored intervals. He has been sleeping in a 47-55 degree house. LAst night while watching the news I saw footage of a National Guardsman warnigna Derry woman that it may be as long as 2 weeks before power is restored. Enough is enough! I am going to do my best to convince him to drain the pipes while I find temporary homes for the animals. <br />As one I'm sure can imagine, this also means a stand-still with dyeing. I'm very frustrated as I have a large order I had planned to get out the door by Christmas. At this point, I'm just hoping to be home by then. <br />Sorry for the downer post, but we can use all the good thoughts you can send our way. My heart goes out to all those WITHOUT a warm bed to sleep in.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-56754350687332499762008-11-17T08:47:00.005-05:002008-11-20T11:15:07.442-05:00In the worksOh my. My queue and work basket overfloweth. I am actually in the mood for making gifts, and am trying to capitalize on that urge. As it is for most everyone, money is tight, but I actually have many folks in my life whom I deem knit-worthy and I like them to know I think of them. That being said, I am nearly done with mitts started last year (the year of the fingerless mitt -- arg!) for my sis-in-law,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFBY_WADlIvW0F3XcCsBU6fZj9j511Jb5P4tXFYXvBHN1mz-h1zcCGM20B3RPSG8OjhsNIRAWTAGWCo6AlyZXy5mpmW7_Hy0rfDGqeqWrYrPtOjR24x5e4KbnQk3thujRM1bRlA/s1600-h/oct2008+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFBY_WADlIvW0F3XcCsBU6fZj9j511Jb5P4tXFYXvBHN1mz-h1zcCGM20B3RPSG8OjhsNIRAWTAGWCo6AlyZXy5mpmW7_Hy0rfDGqeqWrYrPtOjR24x5e4KbnQk3thujRM1bRlA/s320/oct2008+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771517576774386" /></a><br />and have to re-start some made for my mom-in-law. I could not for the life of me figure out why the mitts I had nearly completed for her last year -- in the amazingly fantastic Acker's Acres Bunny Blend, bought in Maine -- were so darned tight. I had knit these mitts (my own Smocked Gauntlets -- see sidebar) 3 other times with no problem. Then I discovered that what I thought were size 3 dpns were 2s. Doh. So, they will be for Rachel, whenever I get to the finishing. I am debating using some lovely hand-spun for MIL instead, and perhaps a different pattern this time. <br />I am also working ponchos for my "nieces" in <a href="http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9114">Kauni EQ</a> on size 8s to make them nice and airy. The girls and their brother live in the Dominican Republic, which makes for difficult gift knitting! My cousin (their mother -- yes, that technically makes the kids my cousins, too, but we don't play that way...lol) has told me that the oldest girl still LOVES the poncho I crocheted her years ago before I knew better about yarn and anything, and that they could both use something lightweight for the cool mornings before school. And what little girl can resist a rainbow? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG-auEG5dGk79CIrEt9TOC4_jc0pfJ2KHgAjY2YpgvepB_bV_oBbUvcE_jDZqTn-K9uJ8jyxd2epigH5YB71D3A-8lXuWmAJcV9TosEjxockRK56fOi9sB20MktypvIP_UR14zA/s1600-h/oct2008+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG-auEG5dGk79CIrEt9TOC4_jc0pfJ2KHgAjY2YpgvepB_bV_oBbUvcE_jDZqTn-K9uJ8jyxd2epigH5YB71D3A-8lXuWmAJcV9TosEjxockRK56fOi9sB20MktypvIP_UR14zA/s320/oct2008+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771520986913314" /></a><br />I've adopted the basic guidelines for the Very Harlot poncho and am throwing a few eyelet rows in for interest.<br />For my nephew, a Pokemon fan, I'll be picking up the hook again to make him a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pokemon-pikachu-look-alike-toy">Pikachu</a> doll, and am nearly done with a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pokemon-mew-look-alike-toy">Mew</a> for Rachel. I messed up the head, as it should have been in the round, but it will still work. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbU0ZXeBmYeO67BVqmUb4kpf0Mdz5IHxeiWDbtmaj4G7U75_S0dSAWYo22RPEYA9DCyTRHnflkCOdtGPrH74MWs7eq2J_wYHtEwCTpMrcV-lKIciT9jfwFwZHKDCDFrZKEPzyjw/s1600-h/oct2008+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbU0ZXeBmYeO67BVqmUb4kpf0Mdz5IHxeiWDbtmaj4G7U75_S0dSAWYo22RPEYA9DCyTRHnflkCOdtGPrH74MWs7eq2J_wYHtEwCTpMrcV-lKIciT9jfwFwZHKDCDFrZKEPzyjw/s320/oct2008+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771534154570498" /></a> <br />I'll know better for Noah's.<br /><br />A scarf for hubby is in the works and nearly half done. I am making him the simple One Row Scarf (again from the Yarn Harlot). (Sorry -- no pic, but it is a very pretty green.) This poor scarf was started and ripped 4 times (in luscious Pear Tree merino) before settling on this design. I had really wanted to make him something super special, but I have little patience for scarves and needed this to be something completely mindless and painless so I could knit it at karate with out a chart to fuss with. My goal is to get this sucker done before the first real snow fall. <br /><br />Then there are the hats. I have some gorgeous <a href="http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3167">Kathmandu Queensland Aran</a> in a tweedy dark charcoal to make a <a href="http://ysolda.com/store/hats/gretel/">Gretel</a> for my little sis (I want another one of these for myself!) and I am searching for a pattern to make another niece a hat and mitten set. I want them to have horses on them. (Off to Ravelry!!) I am also going to get working on new hats for my kiddos, a purple <a href="http://lindsaysfabulousknits.blogspot.com/2008/08/cheetah-beret.html">Cheetah Beret</a> for Rachel and a hat of my own design for Jacob -- a <a href="http://www.bakugan.com/">Bakugan</a> hat. Anyone with a school aged boy has probably heard of these toys, impossible to find in stores right now, and the latest obsession. I have taken one of Jacob's favorite "characters" (Fear Ripper) and charted out a reasonable facsimile, tested a swatch and am nearly good to go. I just need to pop into the yarn shop and pick up the preferred yarn in the right colors -- <a href="http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=rialto&x=0&y=0">Debbie Bliss Rialto</a> (nice and soft for the boy) -- and get moving. If it works out well, my young nephew here in the states will get one as well. <br />In the meantime, I whipped up a few slippers for the kids. They were just big socks, really, and took very little time at all. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM3HiskQVuDko_CCAN1lUg0Deh4h3_hbKFAYjzQ50OgfPlO2d99Domxf4QNmSoFjpx-1qU7W06r0DAHqNxviN3Fl_es1z5I9HvTDczx-kLX8gMHfBLMpK7TJNqCYp2mbAH873Cg/s1600-h/oct2008+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM3HiskQVuDko_CCAN1lUg0Deh4h3_hbKFAYjzQ50OgfPlO2d99Domxf4QNmSoFjpx-1qU7W06r0DAHqNxviN3Fl_es1z5I9HvTDczx-kLX8gMHfBLMpK7TJNqCYp2mbAH873Cg/s320/oct2008+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270771543038933426" /></a><br />Stashbusting for both, I used 3 strands of Knitpicks Wool of the Andes on size 10 needles for Jacob's (but am wishing I had used 2 strands of blue with the yellow and left out the sickly green) and for Rachel I used just over 2 balls of Patons Bella on US 10 1/2 dpns. Both were a cast-on of 24 stitches and then just a standard heel-flap sock from there. Nice, thick, and squishy.<br />In closing, I was going to say "that's it" but, well, this just may be a bit of an ambitious list, no? Oh well, no pressure. Christmas is only 35 days away. (And let's not forget that I do have to work. gulp.)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-60944928843192768402008-11-13T10:38:00.005-05:002008-11-13T11:33:56.411-05:00SaboteurAlthough I don't often discuss them here, my home is rather happily and warmly filled with company of the soft and furry kind. As I type, I am flanked on either side by my sleeping dogs, and two -- nope, make that three -- of the four family cats are lounging about in sight. The kitties love to "help" with my knitting by keeping my lap warm while I work at night or "guarding" the finished bits of sweater that they may find lying about by, well, lying about on them. <br />My darling BooBoo, the eldest of our brood, but who will forever be "my baby" as I bottle-fed and weaned him myself, has an interesting quirk. He loves shiny things. I have learned to hide my earrings and other bits of portable sparklies when removed as he has been known to steal these from my nightstand and bring them to the smooth kitchen floor for some hockey-type fun. We found quite an array under the refrigerator when we moved from our last house. <br />And then there is his protege, Bella, who once, as a 5 month old kitten, bit the earring straight off my ear and swallowed it, earning her a $700 trip to the ER to scope it out. <br />Given their history, it is a complete wonder that I sat dumbfounded staring at the blocking pieces of my Drops jacket, pins all scattered and askew.<br />The had been perfectly pinned.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tZTMFdPGNI4ckW2QWv3qCuTnENv5aEXbFtImQ2VvuLUpHQ9FLTzNsAxkHE6vEu9Xofzalvup-nADEV5_RQGmZP5UsIR-3oRYonNLZG2CE4ELNAQk5uKd80MGze7J18RlA1o4vw/s1600-h/oct2008+040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tZTMFdPGNI4ckW2QWv3qCuTnENv5aEXbFtImQ2VvuLUpHQ9FLTzNsAxkHE6vEu9Xofzalvup-nADEV5_RQGmZP5UsIR-3oRYonNLZG2CE4ELNAQk5uKd80MGze7J18RlA1o4vw/s320/oct2008+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268172040954892642" /></a><br />Not an extra pin in site.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcFU_-aV-xY5JvipetdcBx7co9UBUwMh0NdIy1WKqbunr2NgqoggPmqxiADb4v7AsuJWjzV3M8PlgEpuyLHKQafdjJufEfva2tOEVQHWb_5bdjAbPSQLzdfLovrBduuHhgLwW5g/s1600-h/oct2008+039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcFU_-aV-xY5JvipetdcBx7co9UBUwMh0NdIy1WKqbunr2NgqoggPmqxiADb4v7AsuJWjzV3M8PlgEpuyLHKQafdjJufEfva2tOEVQHWb_5bdjAbPSQLzdfLovrBduuHhgLwW5g/s320/oct2008+039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268172800945613522" /></a><br />BOOBOO. From now on, the kitties get locked out of the room when anything is blocking.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-16197504909688379702008-11-11T08:18:00.003-05:002008-11-11T10:19:56.689-05:00I've been productiveAlthough I have been silent, I have been productive. Very productive. In fact, I have two sweaters to show you! <br />The first is from Cecily Glowick and labeled in Cast On Magazine in the Nov 2007-Jan 2008 issue as the Irresistable Sweater, but on Ravelry is listed as <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-and-lace-pullover">Cable and Lace Pullover</a>. No matter what it is called, the sweater is fantastic. It was a super quick knit, too! I worked this one up in 15 days. 15! I used a yarn, Jo Sharp Silk Road Ultra (mmmm...merino silky goodness. I am obsessed with this combo), that knit up to a larger gauge and didn't want to drop needle sizes and sacrifice the fabric quality, so I did a little math (yes, me and math -- who woulda thunk it?) and knit the smallest size in the round, eliminating the stitches allowed by the pattern for seaming. As I always do, I also added a few inches in the body for length. The only other alteration I made was to drop to an even lower needle size for the final few rows of the neckline to bring it in more, as I am still contemplating the addition of buttons. Without, I can still wear the sweater very comfortably (with a top underneath, which is a given anyway, considering the openness of the lace in the body. I'm not that daring, nor would anyone want me to be! I do wish I had made the body a tad less fitting, but am going to block it a bit more aggressively with the next washing. Or do some sit-ups. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVhNWYDxjFsRCbButclT1zEsfQzrOvoEry6x_GvVu5kQkjDWSEW11os7l_hasZPKpoLMDhqUEupotrpi6B-A9sl91pAd9XKHLpranlMiSVWjU6NpmdSqx6ZVd_0yqZaQqkdt8rQ/s1600-h/HeatherSweater2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVhNWYDxjFsRCbButclT1zEsfQzrOvoEry6x_GvVu5kQkjDWSEW11os7l_hasZPKpoLMDhqUEupotrpi6B-A9sl91pAd9XKHLpranlMiSVWjU6NpmdSqx6ZVd_0yqZaQqkdt8rQ/s320/HeatherSweater2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267419633563648450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQAdI8deEOGSWz0fLwQwYAbbukCBCcwY6q6V-XgkWi1vQCgDzGZEcXftyg6ZaIIwUV5a3diZUsQRIUF35hdYAvrxlqUB_hEvjblX1OlLanDpa4cNgp1uslyfKNAyDOoSgx7_vYw/s1600-h/HeatherSweater1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQAdI8deEOGSWz0fLwQwYAbbukCBCcwY6q6V-XgkWi1vQCgDzGZEcXftyg6ZaIIwUV5a3diZUsQRIUF35hdYAvrxlqUB_hEvjblX1OlLanDpa4cNgp1uslyfKNAyDOoSgx7_vYw/s320/HeatherSweater1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267419440384069490" /></a><br />The other sweater, also knit in an insanely short amount of time (for me, anyway) being done in just 20 days, was the ever popular Drops Jacket #103-1. I have worn this non-stop since I have knit it as my fall jacket, as it has been cool, but not cold, here in the northeast thus far this fall. I pushed this up in the queue, even tho I have swatched (and shopped) for a few other sweaters, as I really, really wanted to get to wear it for the fall. Taking the lead from my lovely friend Jackie, I worked this one up in a lovely red Lopi purchased at the JCA Warehouse sale (I got the Silkroad here, too) for pennies on the skein. I think the whole sweater cost me about $12, before buttons. This sweater had no business fitting me at all, frankly, as I was a very naughty knitter and didn't swatch a bit with a yarn I knew would not get gauge. I knew Jackie had come in between the worsted gauge and the bulky gauge for her jacket, and blocked pretty aggressively, so I went up a needle size and knit a bigger size in the pattern (Jackie and I have somewhat similar size requirements up top, although I'm sure my butt would eclipse hers!), figureing if it was too big, I could felt it down a bit -- not a bad thing for a jacket. Well, no need. The darn thing fits me freakishly well. The pictures are terrible, but I did once again add length and stuck with the 3/4 length sleeves, as that is part of the styling I fell for in the original. I picked up buttons for the sweater from <a href="http://www.jenniethepotter.com/gallery/gallery_of_buttons.htm">Jenny the Potter</a> while at Rhinebeck and they are just perfect. (She was a doll, too!) I finally got the hang of seaming, I do believe, and I was glad to try it out on this project (although I did knit the sleeves in the round, to make them go along quicker) and I am glad for it. I have <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/magazinepage_07.php">Jaali</a> in my immediate queue and really want the seams on that one to look just right. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjCp2PIATmtxJy7T9i-MsHm6zKVceg3MZq_sD6RfTy1u2FpWu9CvQMY3QOb61Bp8FmM8wdA5bP1lsqcTKQfNbhNz4ATMbpHqAG5KTNACwaKhNH29xLYS-8HtZA8qT26dv9BsWeg/s1600-h/oct2008+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjCp2PIATmtxJy7T9i-MsHm6zKVceg3MZq_sD6RfTy1u2FpWu9CvQMY3QOb61Bp8FmM8wdA5bP1lsqcTKQfNbhNz4ATMbpHqAG5KTNACwaKhNH29xLYS-8HtZA8qT26dv9BsWeg/s320/oct2008+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267419641349857810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8wtAI0kj1rHztf4NuVRxHG3NLWWFamS16DqLnUNa2KabA_CRup-KMfMLCwwTafFmcywe4W1aWQXRmnODM-X9DqQ5wowTkRQnlNochZ-GfyoRLYuA4-ysTctITpm57VMFQVFPZw/s1600-h/oct2008+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8wtAI0kj1rHztf4NuVRxHG3NLWWFamS16DqLnUNa2KabA_CRup-KMfMLCwwTafFmcywe4W1aWQXRmnODM-X9DqQ5wowTkRQnlNochZ-GfyoRLYuA4-ysTctITpm57VMFQVFPZw/s320/oct2008+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267419636481622706" /></a> <br />I think that is all for today, but i have so many more things to tell you! I may space them out over the next few days, but no promises. :)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-61074125740454702522008-09-24T09:03:00.003-05:002008-09-24T09:25:58.754-05:00Mad skillzSo, my needle arts mania has found some far and wide applications this year, and apparently has set me up a notch or two in the opinion of my children, or at least my son. After many a stuffed-animal surgery to repair split seams, my son definitely sees me as his go-to-gal when something -- especially that of the soft and flexible variety -- has come undone. Is it odd that I felt a trifle of pride when he brought home a hacky-sack from a friend at Cub Scout camp that was in need of repair? His friend was forlorn over the unraveling of said sack and Jacob piped up that his mom could fix it (queue the hero music). Cursory examination proved it to be crochet so I got out my tiniest hook and some coned cotton weaving thread (no, I don't weave, but I was a mad cone-yarn stasher for a while. Don't ask.) and went to work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe69LVLPFX7E0lfZhuQZcHnSLU7O1_-MYLjolhaK9uGmiMTXhM6Ca_lI2_Lvr9Sch6If206-XWapXveCPVkfm0ucjFfwkHnthXxE_N4gzlfg4k6lgoVZfSYPSt1ZgVIRhTGfFqg/s1600-h/summer+125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe69LVLPFX7E0lfZhuQZcHnSLU7O1_-MYLjolhaK9uGmiMTXhM6Ca_lI2_Lvr9Sch6If206-XWapXveCPVkfm0ucjFfwkHnthXxE_N4gzlfg4k6lgoVZfSYPSt1ZgVIRhTGfFqg/s320/summer+125.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249592245610874290" /></a><br />Not bad, eh? <br />Then there was the trampoline. The beloved trampoline. The well worn and time tested trampoline. Sadly, the precious injury-preventing net is getting old and brittle and has given way to quite a few holes that just get bigger and BIGGER. Gaping is a word that comes to mind. Stash diving once again to turn up some old black wool/cotton blend and hook in hand, the holes (one about 6 feet long) were summarily repaired. Who knew a little crochet could save kids from a few potential broken bones, and my pocketbook from the price of a new net?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtDnIi6DqHzvKzcB7XEjuvnFEN0HneiG5MW_pxLilK4ONJwbJdIxSsWB-1SWs5zrEz880bHkb9PKi9EWQVrBJsIh_NdsORmpSSvEOAItJCstZ0cT2eenp6-OgfZTXLJTiBOQQLA/s1600-h/summer+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtDnIi6DqHzvKzcB7XEjuvnFEN0HneiG5MW_pxLilK4ONJwbJdIxSsWB-1SWs5zrEz880bHkb9PKi9EWQVrBJsIh_NdsORmpSSvEOAItJCstZ0cT2eenp6-OgfZTXLJTiBOQQLA/s320/summer+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249592255853902610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYafXl4jX-oKrB5aG_ujMWUlCkUYYcIPSf-67nModJf3CiGQnBAo2Rcv_s7s2J9BdWLqG3WbMB9mMlGeehxbtetx9jBx6AWyYMkxKxpPQJwP_eZe0hL8BuZTWGWKMa1t5DJwFIg/s1600-h/summer+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYafXl4jX-oKrB5aG_ujMWUlCkUYYcIPSf-67nModJf3CiGQnBAo2Rcv_s7s2J9BdWLqG3WbMB9mMlGeehxbtetx9jBx6AWyYMkxKxpPQJwP_eZe0hL8BuZTWGWKMa1t5DJwFIg/s320/summer+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249592264115592130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Le-S9ZZAOcZK5X5bNcPr93dervDWbUNggxc05LTkWJs5WpLJk0gC0P-DONJr0JPlLJW2KPcjUJLY75EAwtJ7UOhKG8PK7685y4SNXmxTzKK_-cTQFVIb8esyXGve6A0wcQn8sA/s1600-h/summer+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Le-S9ZZAOcZK5X5bNcPr93dervDWbUNggxc05LTkWJs5WpLJk0gC0P-DONJr0JPlLJW2KPcjUJLY75EAwtJ7UOhKG8PK7685y4SNXmxTzKK_-cTQFVIb8esyXGve6A0wcQn8sA/s320/summer+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249592268142297490" /></a><br />And I get to be super mom. Life is good.<br />In other wonderful, happy business news, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sereknity Yarns are now live at <a href="http://theloopyewe.com">The Loopy Ewe</a>! YAY!</span> And I also got word that <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sereknity was also selected as a vendor at <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewEnglandTextileArts/">Spa Knit and Spin 2009</a></span>. Again, YAY! Hope to see you all there.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-86364962521490694682008-09-19T12:08:00.003-05:002008-09-19T12:40:52.973-05:00I'm a very. very. bad girl.Ummm...I recall last post mentioning that I had slightly fallen off the no-yarn-buying wagon and was mostly resisting casting on new projects. Remember that? Yeah, not so much, anymore. <br />First, I went to the JCA warehouse sale in Townsend, MA. And may I say, considering the offerings, I showed amazing -- AMAZING -- restraint. AND I went in with a list! No willy nilly stashing for me! Well, not totally willy nilly. I got two bags of <a href="http://www.josharp.com/Yarn/SRU.html">Jo Sharp Silk Road Ultra</a> in a gorgeous brown to make the Irresistible cables sweater by Cecily Glowick from Cast On Nov2007/Jan2008 (listed on Ravelry as <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-and-lace-pullover">Cable and Lace Pullover</a>) that I have been dying to knit, and just waiting for the perfect yarn (I can't believe no on else on Ravelry has knit this!); 2 bags of <a href="http://filatioutlet.com/natasha.html">Adrienne Vitadini Natasha</a> in a pale, pale celery that will either be <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/magazinepage_030.php">Wisteria</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunrise-circle-jacket">Sunrise Circle Jacket</a>, a bag of <a href="http://www.calyarn.com/colorcardpages/artfulfragrance-cc.htm">Fragrance</a> in the most be-a-utiful teal that may become Slanted Neck Pullover (yeah, Kate is kinda my go-to-gal, her and Norah G.!), and lastly 4 kit bags of Lopi that had 3 skeins each for $7 that I will use to make the <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&d_id=1">Drops Jacket 103-1</a>. Yes, I went with my list of projects and yarn requirements. But, well, Sunrise, Wisteria, and the Slanted neck weren't on it - but they are in my queue! <br />And even tho I have cast on my sleeves for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/70531558@N00/2590959058/">Eastlake</a> (this is for knitting at the shop), and Jacob's sweater (easy, mindless karate and soccer knitting, getting close to the divide for the sleeves), and I have started Jim's scarf in an abbreviated version of Kinetic (this one is kicking my ass for no good reason. Time out!), and I have numerous mittens and such to finish from LAST year, I cast on my cable and lace sweater.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhfK5PAUESfH1tu8FNGk2csKRPvAQo6nxz7j85X4XSWSmqnwzoU3n-rbq6PFQEjF5ZEZzEirMITLL4FNIcS_ifth7nBt8drJZFXPlD4qHyCX3FEa3dWjwgvBOkyxI00DjRlesPA/s1600-h/sept2008+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhfK5PAUESfH1tu8FNGk2csKRPvAQo6nxz7j85X4XSWSmqnwzoU3n-rbq6PFQEjF5ZEZzEirMITLL4FNIcS_ifth7nBt8drJZFXPlD4qHyCX3FEa3dWjwgvBOkyxI00DjRlesPA/s320/sept2008+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247788310739598114" /></a><br />LOVE. <br />I am almost at the point of starting the yoked ribbing, which means putting the rest on hold while I knit the sleeves. I'm debating a provisional cast on for the sleeve openings, and knitting them down, but we'll see. That decision will be made tonight, as I only have one more cable repeat to go. I LOVE this sweater, the pattern, the yarn -- everything. I have made a few minor modifications and am hoping I have judged my gauge properly. The Silk Road Ultra knits up to 12 stitches over 4" on size 10.5US needles and I decided to run with that rather than try to get gauge on smaller needles so as not to sacrifice the feel of the fabric. I am knitting in the round, rather than flat, eliminated 2 edge stitches each side on both the front and back since there will be no seams and am knitting the smallest size. If my math and gauge -- and estimation of what size I truly am -- are all on target, I'll be happily wearing this sweater by next week. YAY! <br />Now to go sit in the corner for being so bad. But I'm taking my knitting with me.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-4785649259298719932008-09-10T10:44:00.003-05:002008-09-10T11:30:43.368-05:00Phyllo finished!o.m.g.<br />I finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarnophiliac/phyllo-yoked-pullover">my sweater</a> and I am in love. I don't know whether I love my sweater or Norah more. Genius! But, you all knew that. I wanted a more fitted sweater than the original pictured version (the pattern is from Norah's inspiring book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Nature-Designs-Inspired-Patterns/dp/1584794844%3FSubscriptionId%3D1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1584794844">Knitting Nature</a>) so I knit the smallest size (I am a 38 inch bust) and the resulting sweater has just the look I was going for. It skims the body very nicely without being either tight or baggy. It also came out to be the perfect length for me. I normally add an inch or two to everything I knit to elongate my rather short waist, but I only added about 1/2 of an inch on this knit. I did knit it in the round, and fretted greatly over the front shaping, wondering why Norah would want a decrease across the bust (it isn't actually -- it was just under the bust and does create a nice shape). I decided to trust the master and go with it -- so glad I did) and if my mods for doing this in the round were done properly, but it came out just right in the end. What a quick and easy knit. I did knit the arm sections first and am so very glad I did. Once done with the very long and mindless portion of stockinette for hte body, I had only to join the sleeves and begin the yoke -- I think if I had to knit the sleeves after the body, I may have severely stalled out.<br />So, here it is -- photos courtesy of DonnaH -- thank you!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd-c0WNtbXabiN32JEEw2_8oyb55kcM_RYo9fiqSNg7Z2CQlmC5m6a2BImcw93_PbOYz5leg5mj89eJ8lLanEdagT_jAZz32F-GpiIhNqfxl1ZbSnXuMqz-UmBFZPoFJPzJZ9_A/s1600-h/summer+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNd-c0WNtbXabiN32JEEw2_8oyb55kcM_RYo9fiqSNg7Z2CQlmC5m6a2BImcw93_PbOYz5leg5mj89eJ8lLanEdagT_jAZz32F-GpiIhNqfxl1ZbSnXuMqz-UmBFZPoFJPzJZ9_A/s320/summer+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244429127148796610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxk3gexsK3PUPwj6BeKfaSWKoQuKyQzHJITN0iuk8F1akBBvLwfIEHi_wXrUDu-iM0bt2ILgECQoyqEIfCT6EisGjGBvN5wjKTe6nCZQpCit0RMRZUBtGiNGymUzn64_GZUhQ3Q/s1600-h/summer+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxk3gexsK3PUPwj6BeKfaSWKoQuKyQzHJITN0iuk8F1akBBvLwfIEHi_wXrUDu-iM0bt2ILgECQoyqEIfCT6EisGjGBvN5wjKTe6nCZQpCit0RMRZUBtGiNGymUzn64_GZUhQ3Q/s320/summer+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244429133603669442" /></a><br />I used just under 10 balls of Cascade Pima Tencel -- 10 balls! I had greatly feared running out, and had 3 shipped to me by a wonderful Raveler in Canada who had the same dye lot, but turns out I needn't have feared. I do love this yarn, tho, and will certainly find a use for the remaining three. Perhaps a shrug for Rachel. She likes purple. My only critique of he yarn is that it does shed -- a lot. But, I haven't washed it yet (bad knitter) and I'm hopping the first wash will solve a lot of that.<br />finishing a sweater always leads me to a grand mal case of startitis, and while I have SOMEWHAT resisted the call of the needles, my queue (and stash) have grown. I did cast on a sweater jacket for Jacob out of some Lion Wool that has been languishing in the stash for this purpose.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSc4h3yjY3TN3vzGYft9W2r8ljJeDER8fKHJirRuElMhxFO7d3oi17yFJgiTFfveK_B-zkHoRYpjumG4towhq-eLMah40IHFJra673pS29T1x4DtGQ6BI4KMbP-kFb5sdM4J-Qw/s1600-h/summer+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSc4h3yjY3TN3vzGYft9W2r8ljJeDER8fKHJirRuElMhxFO7d3oi17yFJgiTFfveK_B-zkHoRYpjumG4towhq-eLMah40IHFJra673pS29T1x4DtGQ6BI4KMbP-kFb5sdM4J-Qw/s320/summer+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244429141653069762" /></a><br />Jacob LOVES yellow, so when I saw this wool, and the Jacob-approved companion colors, on clearance at my local W-big-you-know-who-store, I grabbed it. My search for the perfect pattern to fit the insanity in my head cannot be found, so I'll be designing this one myself. Nothing earth shattering, really -- a top-down raglan zip-hoodie, but the differences will be in the details. I may want to submit it somewhere if I am happy with the results, so pictures will be scarce. <br />Also cast on was the incredibly gorgeous <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eastlake">Eastlake</a> sweater from Norah's <a href="http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=10939">Norah Gaughan Vol. 3</a> in the very un-original (for this knitter) choice of yarn and color as that of the original pictured sweater. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQlF_patygoSvN36mCtq8p-HCJoFwhLH0B9nfrGhbsgHWUb3Ghdy5FUyZ8_wzdwMXoUY1s84rqJ7Bm38AOxZC3ENVh93yd_y0jrM8USdhlMhPo-aNhgbeTh86ap-z1_gS-5FIrg/s1600-h/summer+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQlF_patygoSvN36mCtq8p-HCJoFwhLH0B9nfrGhbsgHWUb3Ghdy5FUyZ8_wzdwMXoUY1s84rqJ7Bm38AOxZC3ENVh93yd_y0jrM8USdhlMhPo-aNhgbeTh86ap-z1_gS-5FIrg/s320/summer+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244429138368319362" /></a><br />I NEVER do that. But, well, Norah knows best, and the marriage of design, fiber, and color just couldn't be beat. HAD to have. I am knitting the sleeves first onthis one as well, as much to be as swatches as anything, but I do like getting the sleeves out of the way. (I did some swatching already, so fear not, but I'll double check after washing the sleeves, I appear to be right on pre-washing, and that is just where I want to be for this one, given the size I am knitting). I bought all at the <a href="http://www.yarnandfiber.com/catalog/index.php">Yarn and Fiber Co</a> and that will be my in-store knitting. I really had a hard time deciding whether or not to cast this on first or Alison Green Will's Jaali from Twist (for which I have the MOST scrumptious <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/stacy-charles-dynasty">Stacy Charles Dynasty</a> in an amazing wine color, purchased at <a href="http://www.sit-n-knit.com/">Sit N' Knit in CT</a>), but Eastlake won out for now, but I have a feeling I just might end up with the two going at once. Of course, I also have that scarf I need to knit for the hubby...and we won't discuss the socks.<br />In other news, there has been a major update over at the <a href="http://www.sereknityboutique.etsy.com">etsy shop</a> -- and I stil have more and yarn to list, so be sure to check it out! I do have multiple quantities of most items, so be sure to PM me if you need more for your project.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-64160518318622212482008-08-29T12:39:00.003-05:002008-08-29T16:27:50.170-05:00The Knits...So, yes, there has in fact been some knitting. I decided to jump in on the Ravelympics/WIPs Wrestling as a push to finish the interminable Hip in Hemp skirt for Rachel. I promised her it would be done for the first day of school, and it is! Here she is, very reluctantly modeling it pre-blocking.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsSZl6S8AlUfiOiNNsjaEHTO7tr4JkFRi6bedyArqj3j2WUJfv3LtFFzfFeU7qCIquhtKd9V8KshLNe2pIwp5gMmlyZrtQPkJ_Y_eLmX6Ty2JZOGzV_d2L2llvdXlyQ7D0TWHA/s1600-h/summer+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlsSZl6S8AlUfiOiNNsjaEHTO7tr4JkFRi6bedyArqj3j2WUJfv3LtFFzfFeU7qCIquhtKd9V8KshLNe2pIwp5gMmlyZrtQPkJ_Y_eLmX6Ty2JZOGzV_d2L2llvdXlyQ7D0TWHA/s320/summer+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240052562861013282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PPqdfPoEOxUUZ3I2odydgR8Jj_LsnkGHShILdhY8b8sQUpdXX6UrKS0dg-oAIInSbwJRfzWWlHynp6lpaJLRTjv7yexdTeoQgcZBS0hUa9DNGCvFBrhk9JSHXz56UyOdbxRCOA/s1600-h/summer+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PPqdfPoEOxUUZ3I2odydgR8Jj_LsnkGHShILdhY8b8sQUpdXX6UrKS0dg-oAIInSbwJRfzWWlHynp6lpaJLRTjv7yexdTeoQgcZBS0hUa9DNGCvFBrhk9JSHXz56UyOdbxRCOA/s320/summer+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240052567583161522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo3TC_IU_CzsWgshtz4IAj8hZFs6J_95toONWmlc5ki4Yf-hrOQxpT_fhaQ_I-dZpirWI4aGjc95IWtDwFDDOoskgtPSLvcytdnq3to3vQoG_YSNIYdgZ70DQz_56WlMCJPJ_Cg/s1600-h/summer+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo3TC_IU_CzsWgshtz4IAj8hZFs6J_95toONWmlc5ki4Yf-hrOQxpT_fhaQ_I-dZpirWI4aGjc95IWtDwFDDOoskgtPSLvcytdnq3to3vQoG_YSNIYdgZ70DQz_56WlMCJPJ_Cg/s320/summer+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240052574023449874" /></a><br />It took me while, but once I dedicated myself to the project, the stitch pattern eventually became intuitive and my only real complaint is that the designer has the knitter both starting a lace row AND changing colors in the same row. Not Good. This may for some very messy joins. I was also dreading weaving in all the ends (which ended up to not be so bad at all, and I used the joining to fix some of the nasty gaps in the lace where I joined) until, 3/4 of the way through, wonderful Kate showed me the proper way to weave in ends as I go. Oh, Kate, where have you been all my life? I had to devise my own method of picking up the floated strand on the next row so it didn't hang in the middle of a lace eyelet, but it worked well, and I didn't have to deal with those ends in the end. My advice, tho, would be to knit a row when joining the new color, and then start the lace pattern. Or use Kauni. Wouldn't this skirt be great in Kauni EQ? I also ran a few yards short on the yellow in the last yellow stripe, but one nice jogless join with the subsequent purple, and no-one can see the difference. (and of course, it is in the back!)<br />As for the Ravelympics, I had bound off the skirt on Friday and let it sit thinking I had plenty of time -- 'til Sunday! -- to finish weaving and blocking, totally oblivious to the time difference. DRAT! But no matter, it is finished. And we won't discuss the socks I hoped to get to as well. Won't. Discuss. <br />Other "accomplishments" have been the beginning of yet MORE socks (born of a desperate need to try out my own colorways) and the beginning of the Phyllo Yoke Pullover by Norah Gaughan (goddess). The socks are Aquarium colorway on the left in Perfect, and Eye of Jupiter colorway on the right, in Classica. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJluQpBA2KwVOJuf5xU56K22aCGuBTHLQ6R3QNfQnppwsIQCZv-R8ixSyWbu3GQgcQKm9sRt6NAFDAMUXbQzuyf0VFz4EEEGi5s4_XVAHkjQl15PnoJPA59IX6ftZISArvcpraA/s1600-h/summer+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJluQpBA2KwVOJuf5xU56K22aCGuBTHLQ6R3QNfQnppwsIQCZv-R8ixSyWbu3GQgcQKm9sRt6NAFDAMUXbQzuyf0VFz4EEEGi5s4_XVAHkjQl15PnoJPA59IX6ftZISArvcpraA/s320/summer+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240052579135276338" /></a><br />The Phyllo is being knit in the most gorgeous of plum/eggplant purples in the lovely Cascade Pima Tencel. I bought this yarn originally in the Webs warehouse the fist time I went to see the Harlot talk. Unfortunately, my memory betrayed me as I blithely cast-on thinking I had 20 balls of the stuff. Nope, 10. AHH! Ravelry and a lovely Canadian knitter to the rescue. I found a lovely knitter who was willing to sell me her 3 balls of the same color and dye lot! I should have more than enough now. <br />As for the socks, the Aquarium socks were cast on simply to see how the dye method worked out, but will likely be for Jacob, provided they fit. They are a bit loose in the leg, but by the time they are done they will likely fit just fine. ;) The Eye of Jupiter socks were talked about <a href="http://yarnophiliac.blogspot.com/2008/06/talkin-bout-my-girland-yarn-always-yarn.html">here</a> and, well, I didn't like them and did frog, settling instead on a cuff using the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTcrusoe.html">Crusoe</a> pattern from Knitty. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFljfZTHk7pYoXVEdlOoIhQ7US_Mw8PTJoytDVif2OZBP9FTMinXj8v9YdhdsxG17KBPMpjKR2nN6HXVD7PDZw0IdZHrx0plspu6TwLazb7_AXCy6LcFmlKnxfWGD3fm0rAsdsw/s1600-h/summer+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFljfZTHk7pYoXVEdlOoIhQ7US_Mw8PTJoytDVif2OZBP9FTMinXj8v9YdhdsxG17KBPMpjKR2nN6HXVD7PDZw0IdZHrx0plspu6TwLazb7_AXCy6LcFmlKnxfWGD3fm0rAsdsw/s320/summer+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240052580912172578" /></a><br />I like them much better now, and am determined to maximize the yarn by knitting well into the leg. Sadly, I get really, really bored knitting 2 at a time -- why is that? -- so they haven't been touched for a while. Now that we'll be back in a routine with the kids school and activities, tho, I'll make these my karate/waiting room knitting.<br />I'll be working steadily on the Phyllo for now, tho. I have sooo many gorgeous patterns in my queue that I want NOW and have promised hubby we will hve a scarf this winter (bought the yarn, too!) and now that I have finished Rachel's skirt I owe Jacob a sweater and ...and...and... well, you get the picture.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-16313695868202803692008-08-28T10:52:00.004-05:002008-08-28T11:04:55.556-05:00My summer, in pictures......So, just what has kept me away all summer?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh346pM7_kQh9D4tosATEs0H-NP3Jn13RoDBbMnic0qYc5BC62zmnuYjBgDhJXidQHcHf_qiD3oKAa-7hGy6FV1xR6eMBA_WBkahmiHPwHX-S-HzNp5_1BIQtQP_h72amOOeH9uKA/s1600-h/summer+142.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh346pM7_kQh9D4tosATEs0H-NP3Jn13RoDBbMnic0qYc5BC62zmnuYjBgDhJXidQHcHf_qiD3oKAa-7hGy6FV1xR6eMBA_WBkahmiHPwHX-S-HzNp5_1BIQtQP_h72amOOeH9uKA/s320/summer+142.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598755894205138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10oObr21zmc9QL3V3EhspOAnSA4BWDnJrGPV0oSAsEkClFY1M7lx4ysNSGvyDSgBPFRUJjpRhOkz6TZ1Ybz4HC14UHHNkro7BxupeeKRNTPWxJvg370aOo2zPshxuWCdFDsBTOw/s1600-h/summer+143.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10oObr21zmc9QL3V3EhspOAnSA4BWDnJrGPV0oSAsEkClFY1M7lx4ysNSGvyDSgBPFRUJjpRhOkz6TZ1Ybz4HC14UHHNkro7BxupeeKRNTPWxJvg370aOo2zPshxuWCdFDsBTOw/s320/summer+143.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598764659120274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpyYdpl_uMkMOmYHz5AyWhGsiLupAnVCvQ1j6EUamIlKuQL72zuNrWRSTfr5koycXodDgVBYITnYty1tXwC8NkJxk_Ad_V-zJ4el6sJCliQsRCLyI4QzL2EwqIFCtkqTyKSU-Bw/s1600-h/summer+145.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpyYdpl_uMkMOmYHz5AyWhGsiLupAnVCvQ1j6EUamIlKuQL72zuNrWRSTfr5koycXodDgVBYITnYty1tXwC8NkJxk_Ad_V-zJ4el6sJCliQsRCLyI4QzL2EwqIFCtkqTyKSU-Bw/s320/summer+145.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598767273008162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvmppwvgkliyUepE9loDlRXeG2w85-ziG0of0cFUE2x-ONoqGesaOAyPBmbA4Y-8caG6PLH9ZF_n-dyDVo52CwFYxPfzDjQuoa45K9BElO9KcTHgcYBjCNeCGn1DhFjG8H_vr7Q/s1600-h/summer+146.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvmppwvgkliyUepE9loDlRXeG2w85-ziG0of0cFUE2x-ONoqGesaOAyPBmbA4Y-8caG6PLH9ZF_n-dyDVo52CwFYxPfzDjQuoa45K9BElO9KcTHgcYBjCNeCGn1DhFjG8H_vr7Q/s320/summer+146.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598773469138242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcW9waNH0u1qlIWJXAAa4pmtGWHq_6N7bNq3OipWA_QPXa-AUQy6Ex6SsF7TuHDfZaOqfGIU3FADfX_oOBSZJpAuxvFisn25_jJepm37RikSCkkRSFoXyGD16QZ_8mY0Youy3Xw/s1600-h/summer+147.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcW9waNH0u1qlIWJXAAa4pmtGWHq_6N7bNq3OipWA_QPXa-AUQy6Ex6SsF7TuHDfZaOqfGIU3FADfX_oOBSZJpAuxvFisn25_jJepm37RikSCkkRSFoXyGD16QZ_8mY0Youy3Xw/s320/summer+147.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598780908119282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbustAhFFki6giwylKxqzIy-4pBcrQt23PUuSGNCH9PjdcKcSgFiSFsjqmzWv-LdXXol2PgKNUSvMBCABcmBD1KT185c6eOZ2Nv-Gx2saIKp7FqW5-1TOE6aC6smpn1RG2LaKTkQ/s1600-h/summer+141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbustAhFFki6giwylKxqzIy-4pBcrQt23PUuSGNCH9PjdcKcSgFiSFsjqmzWv-LdXXol2PgKNUSvMBCABcmBD1KT185c6eOZ2Nv-Gx2saIKp7FqW5-1TOE6aC6smpn1RG2LaKTkQ/s320/summer+141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598230791310514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfu-hg0C3ammNRQMAeAJvmhDYY8yZP9Og9MSiNY252RuxLHbVulFYO1veVUsAocIGdYXni5thX3oZPLa8p4nl5gKPOfHXNI_ZXrs79Jo7K3HNu4RWX7qXjxKOYEZe_GpOvgOPgA/s1600-h/summer+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfu-hg0C3ammNRQMAeAJvmhDYY8yZP9Og9MSiNY252RuxLHbVulFYO1veVUsAocIGdYXni5thX3oZPLa8p4nl5gKPOfHXNI_ZXrs79Jo7K3HNu4RWX7qXjxKOYEZe_GpOvgOPgA/s320/summer+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598029917377170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V4eeFF5NvD6mePYGij8QdEA2HM8btmgMXlWWsy5ay3bFog_nlTpC3hAtUXmMKN_5H72_fAqCkV5nCKKRLOJgOANhRcpRcy6oav_YifCbQ3XbZB8mVjeiGHQC3xZ3q9Q8yRmyEQ/s1600-h/summer+137.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-V4eeFF5NvD6mePYGij8QdEA2HM8btmgMXlWWsy5ay3bFog_nlTpC3hAtUXmMKN_5H72_fAqCkV5nCKKRLOJgOANhRcpRcy6oav_YifCbQ3XbZB8mVjeiGHQC3xZ3q9Q8yRmyEQ/s320/summer+137.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598032566362194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5MK_tfmm9kzILJsu15klhwgbvzzCDFjADta_lvHsUxm0sGYWIe7ejzfkgRKlHV_fKpCMBUMdqbgXZhHPN5m793aiU_KSx92ZK_zTftOSMuqcrNEIPBt0H-fCaruyQCBGtSiyHg/s1600-h/summer+138.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5MK_tfmm9kzILJsu15klhwgbvzzCDFjADta_lvHsUxm0sGYWIe7ejzfkgRKlHV_fKpCMBUMdqbgXZhHPN5m793aiU_KSx92ZK_zTftOSMuqcrNEIPBt0H-fCaruyQCBGtSiyHg/s320/summer+138.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598039624488434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7izteiYJJ0KSHJdHUeFADdR0nEwJ5ye-X3kJ10hELfVt8UytoI0JqIbPdr3YZoeDkvx6IY_6LTdHkoBetYnWh_WuahOFqAQWnpyZ8MItE4nfguhpiq6j6-X2lVFMsfBdI1uw7-Q/s1600-h/summer+139.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7izteiYJJ0KSHJdHUeFADdR0nEwJ5ye-X3kJ10hELfVt8UytoI0JqIbPdr3YZoeDkvx6IY_6LTdHkoBetYnWh_WuahOFqAQWnpyZ8MItE4nfguhpiq6j6-X2lVFMsfBdI1uw7-Q/s320/summer+139.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598044313084482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QSloeuGrSrBzj8rVuVO-IwfqPwjVBuh_xPe6FQkBFKlxTAcOGXvl2Pa1ZHTfeR826y9usEDLt1P4Yd7Dw9G7Vh7phMynSOTwO1qbMWVTFxJwUUW0Opao02qVgm3dGQ-3hMxo9w/s1600-h/summer+140.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QSloeuGrSrBzj8rVuVO-IwfqPwjVBuh_xPe6FQkBFKlxTAcOGXvl2Pa1ZHTfeR826y9usEDLt1P4Yd7Dw9G7Vh7phMynSOTwO1qbMWVTFxJwUUW0Opao02qVgm3dGQ-3hMxo9w/s320/summer+140.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239598049917406626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEldiZcxchBwdTQApLY1T6vcNiMm-w8dZIqhrOTLDOWMd8dZJmPmiJlrX-6Szmxhj-d3DHtC5PFZz6bYxMuPEhhtkeuZ-tf-1Z9Juw7XbLoWAbaPydbQVVaYGsaImjO_0xny7JlA/s1600-h/summer+153.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEldiZcxchBwdTQApLY1T6vcNiMm-w8dZIqhrOTLDOWMd8dZJmPmiJlrX-6Szmxhj-d3DHtC5PFZz6bYxMuPEhhtkeuZ-tf-1Z9Juw7XbLoWAbaPydbQVVaYGsaImjO_0xny7JlA/s320/summer+153.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239599139924166050" /></a><br />(This last picture and more is now winging it's wat to the Loopy Ewe! Yippee!)<br />So, yeah, been a little busy -- and loving it! A good deal of this yarn and fiber will soon be making it's way to the etsy shop and Sereknity.com as well. Now that the kids are heading back to school, I can work in earnest on the web-site. More on that soon! <br />Hope you all had as great a summer as I did!yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-69416859346843580612008-06-04T14:59:00.005-05:002008-12-10T03:16:53.429-05:00Talkin' 'bout my girl...(and yarn. Always yarn)I'm squeezing in post between activities and e-mails and orders -- aren't you happy? Stay tuned for the fibery goodness, but first you must suffer through the cuteness of the kiddos...mwoohaha! Yesterday was one of the happiest of all happy days...my little girl's birthday. sigh. I love that kid. She turned nine, and a lovely little nine year old she is. As luck would have it, it is spirit week at her school and yesterday was "Hollywood Day" so my little star got to dress up as, what else? A Cheetah Girl. The before picture, attempting to convince her silken bone-stright hair to do something else...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO6_sneaMCYOCB57_wD9UTJaJ70kE1VbmI6gPuXiGWJZ0MUdXsnTn7n6W2RLprOLxMAAqpd_RSHex0Z4xWNtA8XIyHqw1G3sV46NaK1sD970fu0EeziBZloqQJMX2kH-dYN_37Q/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtO6_sneaMCYOCB57_wD9UTJaJ70kE1VbmI6gPuXiGWJZ0MUdXsnTn7n6W2RLprOLxMAAqpd_RSHex0Z4xWNtA8XIyHqw1G3sV46NaK1sD970fu0EeziBZloqQJMX2kH-dYN_37Q/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208131204906977138" /></a><br />and the next morn, resplendent in all her Cheetah-licious glory...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8NQGBR3k8J9Y_Roz8xXoePk7DZVmDhPkvWVa2WBrgeibMgutY1P1x2h2h0GozvSbFDxB3NkKK7KVA6qOzyCqMD3zcR-KmSbgcfvvpW9D6X5lHRkx72RqYc-81ZvePTf80hYhYw/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8NQGBR3k8J9Y_Roz8xXoePk7DZVmDhPkvWVa2WBrgeibMgutY1P1x2h2h0GozvSbFDxB3NkKK7KVA6qOzyCqMD3zcR-KmSbgcfvvpW9D6X5lHRkx72RqYc-81ZvePTf80hYhYw/s320/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208131245118377906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-OVDpsrmICQOrLA1q6NsxLg2U5LJxNn3akVqyhhZ8VKLVisZlJ5bkceayD16m0LjpoPlJf6V2fkmnUjbWIUD_zHDtrHVy8DA0M3FW2gQVNEdCOgidZWs0FrbH9jubhVvLnNMgw/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-OVDpsrmICQOrLA1q6NsxLg2U5LJxNn3akVqyhhZ8VKLVisZlJ5bkceayD16m0LjpoPlJf6V2fkmnUjbWIUD_zHDtrHVy8DA0M3FW2gQVNEdCOgidZWs0FrbH9jubhVvLnNMgw/s320/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208131291904614242" /></a><br />(Little brother is sporting a quickly sewn/thrown together Luke Skywalker, Jedi, costume.) She fairly squeed when I produced eye shadow for her to wear. She's such a girl! This weekend, after her first-but-certainly-not-last play performance, she'll have her family party along with her little cousin, and then next weekend, the house will be invaded by 4 other lovely little girls for a slumber party. Wish me luck!<br />On the fiber front, I have resurrected the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer07/PATThemp.html">Hip in Hemp</a> skirt, and am enjoying it this time around, and it is now the main project of choice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/SEb_3XmqmRI/AAAAAAAABRA/aXDx-cvI1ZA/s1600-h/P1010012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/SEb_3XmqmRI/AAAAAAAABRA/aXDx-cvI1ZA/s320/P1010012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208131345794636050" /></a><br />I have found that the length will be a bit lacking for the size 8 (hmmm...she is nine now...ooops) but she is quite thin, so I am just adding repeats to match the size ten in length. I do hope I have enough yarn. Blogless DonnaD had suggested I switch to Addi lace needles as the M1 left and right stitches, and knitting through the back loops were driving me crazy with this yarn (lovely stuff, but not forgiving like wool). What a difference! I have to say a miss a bit of the slickness of the regular Addi's as the yarn does really stick to the lace needle finish, but it was likewise slipping off too readily with the regular turbos, and the points FAR outweigh the stickiness issue. I wonder if Knit Picks Options would be the perfect choice for this project? One of these days, I will get a set and find out. I am even considering knitting another one of these skirts out of a skein of Kauni EQ (the rainbow colorway) that I have in the stash for the Girl for the winter, and the best part with that will be NO ENDS. I am going to have quite a few ends to weave in at this point. <br />I've been dyeing quite a bit for upcoming wholesale orders and took the opportunity to try out a new base yarn I think I will be carrying -- a 60% seacell, 40% silk lace/lt.fingering weight yarn (700yrds to 4 oz. -- what do you think? lace? fingering? hmmm) I was skeptical as to how it would take the acid dyes, but I am rather pleased so far! It does take color less deepy than wool (esp. superwash) as I expected, but there is no fading and bleeding and it DID TAKE. I stuck a little bitty skein (less than an ounce) in with a pot of Black Pearl, and then knit it up into a little <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTperdita.html">Perdita Bluebell</a> bracelet. The grays and blacks came out lovely, but the blue in the colorway doesn't show up well, but that could just be where it was in the pot. (I have another skeinlet that I hand-painted today, so I'll see how those colors take. ETA -- it is drying but looks great! no bleeding, not a bit of color in the rinse -- yay!) To knit with though, this yarn is just lovely and so soft when blocked! I can certainly see making a full shawl of this. I will order some to have dyed and ready for Revival this summer. Really, really great stuff. (Horrible, horrible picture). I used swarovski crystals for my Perdita instead of seed beads. Love those crystals. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQeW7lFvkBZTrwA90ipM00xmFVGjp95vbeHgJ_eXzvDmIvLgqSxYRqn6BtCinz_-MUkQU-L-Xpqr52nxDX_2SK6dugDL4TSFRrLmYGuMsKoin9yfJx82uHjjGNZkZ0Mjp56u5Cw/s1600-h/P1010018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQeW7lFvkBZTrwA90ipM00xmFVGjp95vbeHgJ_eXzvDmIvLgqSxYRqn6BtCinz_-MUkQU-L-Xpqr52nxDX_2SK6dugDL4TSFRrLmYGuMsKoin9yfJx82uHjjGNZkZ0Mjp56u5Cw/s320/P1010018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208132701953633202" /></a><br />Lastly, I frogged the RPM cuffs of the Eye of Jupiter socks and instead started Bellatrix (designed by the late and very, very great MommaMonkey, Gigi Silva). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7t6tN2QmKHCJuc0XsVlOL9Gxh7mhJs7ClsMX_23pzsJEM5Qwd49hBJObasEOPZYYh74DascOCbJaXLeWaM4wLeIpgCS7ez_r-vPBg4eAJXGv6pAfcSuVFfoS56ROoMgoqqm_1g/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7t6tN2QmKHCJuc0XsVlOL9Gxh7mhJs7ClsMX_23pzsJEM5Qwd49hBJObasEOPZYYh74DascOCbJaXLeWaM4wLeIpgCS7ez_r-vPBg4eAJXGv6pAfcSuVFfoS56ROoMgoqqm_1g/s320/P1010010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208131379965602098" /></a><br />And I screwed them up. I didn't knit enough plain rows between pattern rows and the resulting sock will be all loose and bunchy at the ankles. So, they will be frogged again. I do like how the drop stitch pattern plays with the colors, tho, so I may continue with this stitch, but perhaps put 4 knit rows between pattern rows instead of the called for 3. I'll do the dirty deed tonight, I think, if I don't make it to knit night. (Another Brownie meeting. We've been so darn busy lately that I just haven't had the energy to go back out once I've gotten home.) Unless, of course, I do go and <a href="http://scrapnknit.blogspot.com/">Laurin</a> is there...I just might have to let her pull out a few rows. She really, really loves frogs. lolyarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-58091834487596898782008-05-27T09:09:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:16:54.789-05:00Popping inWell, it's been a while, and I can't say it won't be another while before I post again. (a little note -- I did attend NH Sheep and Wool and just want to say OMG, I had a fantastic time seeing everyone! I was there from about 11 to 5, and saw so many wonderful people -- some major surprises, too, in the form of old friends from my home town -- I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY WERE KNITTERS! Let alone spinners! yay for hometown girls! I confess I browsed lots and shopped little, as I need to be good. This is a recovery year for us. And I took no photos -- bad blogger! but you all know I love you!) This is the crazy, crazy time of year for me. SOOO many year end activities for the kids -- cub scouts cookouts, girl scout outings and ceremonies (I'm her leader -- yikes), soccer, the ever present karate classes and graduations, a play, BIRTHDAYS (apparently there were a lot of little girls born in the spring of 1999, and not only does my Ladybug know them all, but she is one), and, and, phew! I'm out of breath already. This also is the time of year when the wholesale orders come in in earnest, plus I will have my own booths and store to stock, so yeah. I may be silent from time to time! I can't wait for camp. I am in a rush to get everything done before we leave for a two week respite once school is out. And you can bet the wheel, some choice fibers, and a few select knitting projects will be packed along.<br />I did finish the boob sweater, and it is quite cute, but as today is set to hit 80 degreess, I am thinking it will be put away 'til Fall. I did crank out some very quick little socklettes for the Girl a few weeks ago, and try as I might to convince her that they were just too big around and I should finish them for me and make her a different pair, she just wasn't having it. Smart kid. (This yarn is crazy nice.) I used a remnant skein that had been dyed in the <a href="http://sereknity.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=92&category_id=28&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1">Maui Sunset colorway</a> and cast them on mostly as a sample to see how the hand-painted technique would stand up to different stitch patterns. I just don't have enough pictures of my yarns to show. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPOSILY2EcFt6uRbQTd8eVTzJlH33zQ4oIzn5ZVAP_an43iC16zBaPxPKkFL9_n4ySy1_gvAPLaMpYLshv7aigzz6gxnu1ru3rZ2Jv9CV0yOBHWfXogwktDd8BR8iQroF_HNdQg/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPOSILY2EcFt6uRbQTd8eVTzJlH33zQ4oIzn5ZVAP_an43iC16zBaPxPKkFL9_n4ySy1_gvAPLaMpYLshv7aigzz6gxnu1ru3rZ2Jv9CV0yOBHWfXogwktDd8BR8iQroF_HNdQg/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205068665507989250" /></a><br />I did the cuff in a regular ribbing to start on 64 stitches (sz 1.5 needles) and then went into 2 repeats of the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey </a>pattern. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTU2nGFLs0GL4KpUwynKFz254M032y9pf_GoR0X97e-jLPavXRkcX_waRO_wVE55ByPQiznJgS1lkzYRQ9gSCB-KnE7Q1JlyZrZuHftycVRd4mtbR-2fV2I1oSUnRWl57FVl2uA/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTU2nGFLs0GL4KpUwynKFz254M032y9pf_GoR0X97e-jLPavXRkcX_waRO_wVE55ByPQiznJgS1lkzYRQ9gSCB-KnE7Q1JlyZrZuHftycVRd4mtbR-2fV2I1oSUnRWl57FVl2uA/s320/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205068656918054642" /></a><br />I was so happy at how well it still showed the pattern and there was no crazy flashing -- something I don't always mind, but I know a lot of knitter's go crazy about. (Sock #2 is done, and looks exactly the same, so I didn't bother her for another photo shoot.) I then did an Eye-of-partridge heel and half way down the foot reduced to 60 stitches, then knit on to the toe, all stockinette. I am pleased, and so was The Girl. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6djIc6f2O6PV33oMA_gRRuNGyEHp80rVKy4-4_iDeHSDWrkbGBhDLuq4iFppalkXA0KaribP-LqRLaplXhIgvLTRN6AzpOjWEZ7tkEjsG33HLvU-25h5isnkZ3kWbgjI-3jN0Q/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6djIc6f2O6PV33oMA_gRRuNGyEHp80rVKy4-4_iDeHSDWrkbGBhDLuq4iFppalkXA0KaribP-LqRLaplXhIgvLTRN6AzpOjWEZ7tkEjsG33HLvU-25h5isnkZ3kWbgjI-3jN0Q/s320/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205068678392891154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjg5Wr2hKA9KVBjxps3t5neAy2DfqrVP6U4Yf71RQJkJNdKnQCEL_pz4AwxzX2O7FxRnH_KCIw7Vu8-pMU8R3UIvIt53NFAzdhGB83gvFP68x3pvObT2VeEIosSP2yodnMGZI4Q/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjg5Wr2hKA9KVBjxps3t5neAy2DfqrVP6U4Yf71RQJkJNdKnQCEL_pz4AwxzX2O7FxRnH_KCIw7Vu8-pMU8R3UIvIt53NFAzdhGB83gvFP68x3pvObT2VeEIosSP2yodnMGZI4Q/s320/P1010007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205068686982825762" /></a><br />Yes, it pooled around the heel and gussets, but again I don't mind and it is to be expected, quite frankly, when you have SO many more stitches in that area. The best way to avoid this, if it bothers the knitter, is to throw in an afterthought heel, so as not to interrupt the stitch count and flow. (More on this later.) The yarn is my Shimmer bamboo blend and it, Perfect, and Satin are all dyed on the same length skein, although each will prob knit to a different gauge. Classica and Good Harbor come pre-skeined in smaller circumferences. The circumference on which the sequence is painted plays into the patterning, as does gauge and stitch pattern, so there is always a bit of mystery. Any three, four, or five knitters could pick up the same skein I used, cast on the same number of stitches on the same needles, and get different results based on their tension. To me, that is the fun of it all! <br />I've also bee working away on my <a href="http://yarnophiliac.blogspot.com/2008/04/ummmbeen-while.html">Eye of Jupiter socks</a> and decided to go toe-up, 2 at a time, 64 stitch circumference on 1's in a stockinette foot with the cuff to be decided later. I have thrown waste yarn in these for an after-thought heel. (see? no pooling interruption.) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_H2cYLEK4SMjg3lOe4mvuiEhaQ8bhHgE_fn-ibwXlvhyMUIVjQ0Ttyuy0G6wVoN6NW1fB5fqQJw6sT7g36Nt1VYoVVto5O2vjTtFv_-7oZ0HJmbMHjOD14V8W4n6KL7zcDBIsA/s1600-h/P1010001b.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_H2cYLEK4SMjg3lOe4mvuiEhaQ8bhHgE_fn-ibwXlvhyMUIVjQ0Ttyuy0G6wVoN6NW1fB5fqQJw6sT7g36Nt1VYoVVto5O2vjTtFv_-7oZ0HJmbMHjOD14V8W4n6KL7zcDBIsA/s320/P1010001b.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205076551067944754" /></a><br />I was anxious to get into some patterning on the cuff and I really, really don't like a short-row heel (read as "I suck at it") so this is a great option for me, with, of course, the added bonus that if I wear out the heel, I can just rip it out and replace it! I'll get photos of the process of putting the heel in, but it is easy-peasy. I finally landed on the patterning from <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTrpm.html">RPM</a> for the cuff, but i have to say I'm not loving it. I'm slogging along for now, but slowly, since I'm not sure if I want to change. The knitting and the look just aren't really doing it for me. Stinks to be fickle. <br />I did update the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=79001">shop</a> a bit on Saturday, and have a few more things to list today -- including some special orders -- so I think I'm gonna bring the puter outside to my front porch and hang out with my puppies in the fresh air while I work. Yeah, I may be busy, but this life has it's perks.yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-16393655971802965762008-05-09T07:18:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:16:55.428-05:00I'm so steeking excited...I cut my first steeks! I'm so thrilled with this technique and am so glad I gave it a whirl. And you know what, I think I might actually like this little sweater. It definitely says, "Hey, look at me! I have boobs!" <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHXT5hC6oaD_NyC58lnek8ksPwSumesJ6zRf7C9-8m9v5YVJrfSbOK7Gl4eq3zBeHO-zjPy_ZDDKY7wjEtD9SnKSKgIs29szzS9ch6hNBn3He54MXyRRIIxAw3_FVL1wlfrdc6w/s1600-h/P1010002d.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHXT5hC6oaD_NyC58lnek8ksPwSumesJ6zRf7C9-8m9v5YVJrfSbOK7Gl4eq3zBeHO-zjPy_ZDDKY7wjEtD9SnKSKgIs29szzS9ch6hNBn3He54MXyRRIIxAw3_FVL1wlfrdc6w/s320/P1010002d.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198355374685294722" /></a><br />(Holy crap is this a bad picture, but you get the idea.)<br />Thankfully, it becomes a bit more tame when worn over a nice button down shirt, as I intend it to be worn.<br />Here are a few picks of the big moment, after sewing the edges with the sewing machine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuZO0IgQ5kdmxqwWlcOO5vy-6QxFl1zdoRQ5Xn6vZqHZCJJPZEc8tX3V4sqbkHtImG8CDmzNDWGt37GhGly4FbvHH4t-oaeOF2pEhpwtyto2eCStldkBU2wp0ZAsoQnKN0ZQ77w/s1600-h/P1010001c.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuZO0IgQ5kdmxqwWlcOO5vy-6QxFl1zdoRQ5Xn6vZqHZCJJPZEc8tX3V4sqbkHtImG8CDmzNDWGt37GhGly4FbvHH4t-oaeOF2pEhpwtyto2eCStldkBU2wp0ZAsoQnKN0ZQ77w/s320/P1010001c.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198355357505425506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji89BHO3FaUW1HUS2tPRNAlZXjkmlJjMKqOmTUVbcARwaIaJCXkTFDZxljq3s1uVsr6MYgIfaRRzP9FWuKgfJS4kflvt65BIzQ9FB2s8JYVtTTRCcFVu0T8U4iObVE1fTyomYgWQ/s1600-h/P1010002c.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji89BHO3FaUW1HUS2tPRNAlZXjkmlJjMKqOmTUVbcARwaIaJCXkTFDZxljq3s1uVsr6MYgIfaRRzP9FWuKgfJS4kflvt65BIzQ9FB2s8JYVtTTRCcFVu0T8U4iObVE1fTyomYgWQ/s320/P1010002c.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198355370390327410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_KCtAb3NcsiQjmnDnYhqv2lTdJh59L9bG25oM-rAwqhdPAyPISCD7Yjbl-zmUnS4nsVU1JGhv1YJMgJOkrdjg3e0hIUwLUwC0acW_Cat8PhL9H9oyFPGcwOyRBkuXz0fPOcD8g/s1600-h/P1010005b.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_KCtAb3NcsiQjmnDnYhqv2lTdJh59L9bG25oM-rAwqhdPAyPISCD7Yjbl-zmUnS4nsVU1JGhv1YJMgJOkrdjg3e0hIUwLUwC0acW_Cat8PhL9H9oyFPGcwOyRBkuXz0fPOcD8g/s320/P1010005b.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198356143484440754" /></a><br /><br />I have yet to pick up the stitches for the ribbing around the armholes, but the neckline is complete. Then, I need to figure the best way to finish the messy insides, (crochet?) but they are secure, and, hey, I've been known not to weave in ends and just tuck them in, so who knows? It isn't really about being lazy,just impatient. I want to wear what I've done! <br />The other reason for my great excitement is that the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival is TOMORROW! I can't wait, and will be searching for you all there! Yippee! <br />Do you think someone had too much coffee this morning?yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-90315087282896206462008-05-05T09:09:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:16:56.402-05:00LOVE!YAY! I love, love, love my new shawl! Yes, the Big Red Blob is a blob no more. I was very concerned when it came off the needles that it would be much smaller than I wanted, but no beed to fear. It came out to a fantastic 78inch wingspan so it wraps around me perfectly and stays put. Also, I ended up loving the lighter spots in the uarn. They give just the right amount of variation. I did not have any desire to do the crochet edging, so I instead looked up (on <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/FEATfall06TT.html">Knitty</a>) the instructions for a picot bind-off and applied this technique. It gave the shawl just the finished look I was aiming for -- a little bit of detail, but nothing too fancy. This is my "casual" shawl. There isn't a single thing about it I don't like. Wanna see?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI0sFFXUubZczB1Zxcvgqm13OK3CPgFrQWyz-FEj-QVnSN6Vn7LV44IQACX7fUoNOrQjnR4pX4MsDAivhyphenhyphenR5Abb_IHDdDggt87WMCFWw7IwqTBaRNCKeqZ9O8mLyAR2muMwdIWw/s1600-h/dd214+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI0sFFXUubZczB1Zxcvgqm13OK3CPgFrQWyz-FEj-QVnSN6Vn7LV44IQACX7fUoNOrQjnR4pX4MsDAivhyphenhyphenR5Abb_IHDdDggt87WMCFWw7IwqTBaRNCKeqZ9O8mLyAR2muMwdIWw/s320/dd214+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196899385046488802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeLfWVqxF3plSFTRHZk6QJcj53WZZmsmKodvw3dyLKXKhOIQjCcSMsvtXiXF7MHWU8LKPi0_kJVc2gvMkTQajvdTd661kmYjhRb7OQGSkre5tzqom1itWVTng-fOkww1lh1FrmA/s1600-h/dd214+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeLfWVqxF3plSFTRHZk6QJcj53WZZmsmKodvw3dyLKXKhOIQjCcSMsvtXiXF7MHWU8LKPi0_kJVc2gvMkTQajvdTd661kmYjhRb7OQGSkre5tzqom1itWVTng-fOkww1lh1FrmA/s320/dd214+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196899397931390706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptFucRDESuJK5J01vMyggRzcVFUytkfrskJLhzf-yvxjjTzl60zOFERcswZxtn_M7dUxnrwFEeHmj3nLBJ0IHAJbYDlVCQpaDPZUPb8CScQZ6rXhllZJiLoi3muRLdxNQG3-EQg/s1600-h/dd214+020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptFucRDESuJK5J01vMyggRzcVFUytkfrskJLhzf-yvxjjTzl60zOFERcswZxtn_M7dUxnrwFEeHmj3nLBJ0IHAJbYDlVCQpaDPZUPb8CScQZ6rXhllZJiLoi3muRLdxNQG3-EQg/s320/dd214+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196899410816292610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcSDNT7riogQlafGGXcZ3OtpsIs1a4xsMSIcZPExLRsqOm5pepzKXZl2lzQmhzPEIJGCfEUIXplNQ2oPRBYq7563dgBwir-tCfAizV8VQO1S8Z9vQMmOaaFoCy9AeN8nSHqGGBA/s1600-h/dd214+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcSDNT7riogQlafGGXcZ3OtpsIs1a4xsMSIcZPExLRsqOm5pepzKXZl2lzQmhzPEIJGCfEUIXplNQ2oPRBYq7563dgBwir-tCfAizV8VQO1S8Z9vQMmOaaFoCy9AeN8nSHqGGBA/s320/dd214+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196899419406227218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u1ef8YGtF6sSYi9FMn3I0hA5tMrZqNf3ZCjMR4w4IEXU7aty1Zbay62F9NdLjDYoT8-5PwH7rKgjIWk7NpVoBGdaOtq3tmGWH1RDrlgjqn8FbISEjDrjJ8lL8adc5_ryfyS33g/s1600-h/dd214+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u1ef8YGtF6sSYi9FMn3I0hA5tMrZqNf3ZCjMR4w4IEXU7aty1Zbay62F9NdLjDYoT8-5PwH7rKgjIWk7NpVoBGdaOtq3tmGWH1RDrlgjqn8FbISEjDrjJ8lL8adc5_ryfyS33g/s320/dd214+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196899427996161826" /></a><br />Next up, I am finishing the <a href="http://yarnophiliac.blogspot.com/2008/04/kickin-in.html">little vest</a> that will need to be steeked. I'd like to have it for this weekend as it looks like it will be a bit chilly and may well be the last opportunity I will have to wear it. If the weather holds out for Saturday, I'll be wearing the red shawl, if not, my vestie (under a coat!) at the NH Sheep and Wool. (So who's going?) I fully intend to be there ALL DAY and come home with a nice fleece or two. What is it about spring that makes me crave fleeces and my drum carder? We will be camping again in Maine soon and I have promised to bring my wheel and teach the owner how to spin, so i need to have plenty of supplies and options, right? After all, we will be there for two whole weeks this time! Gotta stock up. :)<br />(also -- for those who have yarn on order, esp. my Eye of Jupiter fans, I am working on it starting...now! the kids have returned to school today after their vacation, and the yarn has been soaking, so I have a full few days of dyeing ahead. )yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-69418634537728036892008-05-01T15:25:00.002-05:002008-05-01T15:28:10.226-05:00Technical difficulties...There may be some wonky things going on with the site this afternoon. Fear not! We haven't crashed, nor disappeared. Hubby is updating the shopping cart and I am hoping this fixes some of the bug people were running into registering and checking out. Thanks for your patience! It shouldn't be long.<br />(knitting note -- on the LAST REPEAT of the BRB...hoping for some photos off the needles by tomorrow!)yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33218219.post-83563539934047762032008-04-28T18:45:00.004-05:002008-12-10T03:16:57.330-05:00Ummm...been a while...How are ya? Soooooo...I don't have all that much to tell ya! What have I been doing? hmmm. Well, we have been busy doing yard work ( I am DETERMINED to have a nice yard this year; the past few years have focused on interior and structural renovations, so the yard went TO HELL). Spring cleaning, even. I know -- don't fall over. I said at the beginning of the year I was re-dedicating myself to my home. I meant it! <br />Lest you be worried that I have entirely gone to the dark side, don't be. It ain't spotless (yet?) and I have been spending equal amounts of time with the kiddos and the yarn. the little girl and I had the most amazing weekend the week before this last when daddy and J went on a sleepover on a battleship with the Cub Scouts. (Needless to say, they had a glorious time, but "sleep"over is a bit of a misnomer.) I gave R the choice of a sleepover at her cousin's (with mommy in tow) or time alone doing anything she wanted. She chose ME and didn't care what we did. Stay home, hang out. Get girlie. So that is what we did, with the exception of going to dinner. We hung out, snuggled, and she slept in my bed after a movie and we chatted and just spent time together. Best time ever. <span style="font-style:italic;">sigh</span> I love that kid.<br />On the knitting front, I am still plugging away at the BRB (Big Red Blob) and have forsaken the vest for this. I am a bit sad about this, as I am anxious to cut those first steeks, but I really, really want the shawl done for NH Sheep and Wool. I think I'll be moving onto the final border leaf portion in the next row or two, so, provided the kids let me have the time (it is vacation week) I'll have it done in a few days. Then for the blocking and a vigorous de-hairing! My poor boy Chewie is shedding like crazy and his fur is ALL OVER this shawl. I still have not found just the right comb to help me harvest this furry goodness, either (yup, I want Chewie mittens). <br />I have been dyeing, and have a few fun new colors to show you. I have to say, tho, don't ever come here expecting to see too many calm or neutral colors. I'm finally embracing the fact that I just like. bold. color. CRAZY color. Seriously -- it's socks! why the heck not?? Sure I have some respectable colors (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10295290">Gothic Rose</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9531025">Black Forest Fudge</a> and the new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10290663">Black Pearl</a>), but the wild ones really charge me up. Take Kismet, for instance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSUaru4oNb10j-Ie9W0Gu0nrx0k5i6uIB-QZTje1E3h5bhPV137IqymgGS8okK-Vqw9PstFrlaATa8n0cAXYbp1HjXgn6JQmJHl1wdB6W4LVH7JTT2hGAacsZDmgvirzCuIVcwA/s1600-h/P1010005a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSUaru4oNb10j-Ie9W0Gu0nrx0k5i6uIB-QZTje1E3h5bhPV137IqymgGS8okK-Vqw9PstFrlaATa8n0cAXYbp1HjXgn6JQmJHl1wdB6W4LVH7JTT2hGAacsZDmgvirzCuIVcwA/s320/P1010005a.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194484578339018434" /></a><br />Or maybe the all new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11360772">Barbie Girl</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k_t94Be1qw2_-5t9V2bwk_g0FrQNQvkk0SHxAA4sQjZDdpkUxy_I3SEzpuNQzurv7A7nG9Pf1Hzfc2a4Du-pu_9vGGVjUVa2iqnXWvjKAO-bec-oideCIaL6bTv9VbfSwXfGNw/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k_t94Be1qw2_-5t9V2bwk_g0FrQNQvkk0SHxAA4sQjZDdpkUxy_I3SEzpuNQzurv7A7nG9Pf1Hzfc2a4Du-pu_9vGGVjUVa2iqnXWvjKAO-bec-oideCIaL6bTv9VbfSwXfGNw/s320/P1010010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194484535389345426" /></a><br />I'm tickled that camping season is on its way, so I also came up with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11361736">this</a>... (Campfire)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/SBaEMNMkVrI/AAAAAAAABOQ/FwUh_UDZZqI/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iH6Bs9qBcuk/SBaEMNMkVrI/AAAAAAAABOQ/FwUh_UDZZqI/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194484565454116530" /></a><br />And the BSG inspired Eye of Jupiter (presently sold out on etsy, but you can order it <a href="http://sereknity.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=107&category_id=28&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1">here</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxIsY896EhGpSm5vBawh_ve4Lsdr3aBN95GLVcK9Mkb87cA6CqfHIcG7eIb7vDf9XDLkDu3r8xnz-lU5oK2HLmxEXTsVVw0GJlqPzvMxMN5RUetlFXCUUXSr0zWXWOmPlaiIv5g/s1600-h/P1010021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxIsY896EhGpSm5vBawh_ve4Lsdr3aBN95GLVcK9Mkb87cA6CqfHIcG7eIb7vDf9XDLkDu3r8xnz-lU5oK2HLmxEXTsVVw0GJlqPzvMxMN5RUetlFXCUUXSr0zWXWOmPlaiIv5g/s320/P1010021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194484552569214626" /></a><br />I cast on these socks in EoJ the night before heading down to WEBS to see <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">the Lady </a>herself.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q-0vklASmmhPJlCz5O-_ArB5cKAKVDc72ziQcmQ8OECjCzYCUXPiJTW__BRF9ZEkYn6NLBb4uP0rShb0faBSg9NtsqELmMVR-l61505H1E8r4T6wu42COReIBtR-xFTatsJv7Q/s1600-h/P1010062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q-0vklASmmhPJlCz5O-_ArB5cKAKVDc72ziQcmQ8OECjCzYCUXPiJTW__BRF9ZEkYn6NLBb4uP0rShb0faBSg9NtsqELmMVR-l61505H1E8r4T6wu42COReIBtR-xFTatsJv7Q/s320/P1010062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194485622016071378" /></a><br />I have had this colorway running around in my head since catching up on all th episodes I had missed during a Sci-Fi marathon, and Friday got down to it, knowing Stephanie was a fan of the show and wanting to bring her a little something. I know what a long day it is for her signing and wanted to make her smile the way she always makes all us knitters smile. <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2008/04/28/webs.html">She seemed thrilled</a>. I hope she likes how it knits (tho I fear they aren't really her colors). In case you had any doubts, she was as funny and charming and wonderful as always. And a big thank you to <a href="http://dipndip.blogspot.com/">Caroline</a> for driving and to her, <a href="http://www.armedwithpointysticks.com/">Chris and Ericka</a> for such wonderful company. Oh, and Chris...YARN FIGHT!!!yarnophiliachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01081042266486544795noreply@blogger.com7