Marching on....

 

Thank goodness the cold of January has passed and the warmth of Spring has arrived a bit early.  My crocus' are up and the trees are budding--but we all know that Virginia weather can be fickle and we are going to get cold again.  So far March is coming in like a lion, overnight we had 62 mph winds and they're not due to stop till midday tomorrow!

.....but aren't they pretty!

I have a serious case of "Cast-onitis"  

**I'm still working on my Torino Ski Sweater--I have one sleeve 3/4 done and 1 to go.

**Casting on a little skirt for Emmy and using it to enter Ninja Chicken's Knit Your Bottom KAL.

**Casting on a pair of socks for Grocery Girl's March Sock Bash--Cables.  I'm going to design my own very simple cable sock for this one.

**Casting on for Sunset Highway by Caitlin Hunter.        (I'll post pics of these next time)

I need to cast on some Easter projects for all the girls. 

AND...I'm starting to think about dying some yarn.  I played around with it last summer and really enjoyed the process and outcome.  

I made this for little Emmy from my own dyed yarn.  We'll have to see how this goes....

I also have a FO to show....Hubby's Christmas Socks are done.  I gave him the yarn in his stocking and promised socks--

'Til next time......Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

TAP-TAP-TAP.....anyone still out there?

Wow....it's been nearly 5 years since I last posted (boy, this sounds like the beginning of a twelve step program)

I'm really wondering if there is anyone still out there who either reads blogs or still posts on a regular basis.  It seems like Facebook has taken over the world.  Yes, it's a great place to reconnect with people but frankly I'm tired of the passive-aggressiveness, as well as, other crap being posted--so I'm kind of taking a break from it all. I guess I'm really trying to decide whether to revive this old blog or delete it forever.

I seriously had no idea that Picasa had dissolved--that's why a lot of my pictures are gone!

A lot has happened in 5 years, really too much to catch up on but I can try.  The things remain same is, I'm still running, swimming, biking, knitting and spinning--a girl's gotta have many avenues of therapy!

The latest FO is------

What the Fade?! by Andrea Mowry

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this MFKAL.   A lot of the knitting was done while I was on vacation. Learned 2 new techniques--I-cord cast on & bind off and the brioche stitch.  I can't wait to brioche again...yes, it's hard to grasp at first but once you've got it---BOOM! 

Go ahead...give it a try...I dare ya!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Spinning Spaghetti

OH MY.....you know how when you start eating spaghetti it tends to grow?  You eat and eat and the bowl/plate never seems to empty....

Well, that's what spinning this merino feels like!  This started as a 3 1/2 lb fleece I bought...the processing was so labor intensive that I sent it off to Ohio Valley Natural Fiber for processing. When this "beehive" arrived--I just love it.
The fleece had a lot of trash in it and so there is still small bits that I have to pick out as I spin it...not too bad but just enough to slow the spinning process. 













I decided to pull off portions to at least make it feel as though I'm "getting somewhere" with the massive amount I have ahead of me.
Just a mind game I have to play but it really didn't work too well, cause I knew that I had more to spin.

Yes, I am spinning it as gossamer...that doesn't help matters much huh?





I filled 2 bobbins and decided to go ahead and ply them...

From my calculations I have 600+ yds of 2ply yarn in this skein.  It tells me that it wants to be a shawl...maybe dyed!  But what color???

Now I just have to spin something else for a change of pace.  Oh...the decisions I have to make from the stash....wool, silk, alpaca??!!

This weekend the Olde Liberty Fiber Faire is taking place this Saturday (4/14/2012).  I'm going to take my wheel and knitting for some quality time with my fiber friends.  Anybody else gonna go?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Stashbusting!!

During these slim times I continue to hit the stash for my projects--not to mention the fact that my stash has gotten WAY out of hand. With that said hubby brings me not ONE...not TWO...but THREE HUGE bags of alpaca fleece. More about this later...

The latest finished object is my Holden Shawlette I call "Stardust Wrap" (that's the name of the fiber I spun up for this yarn a couple years ago).  Mindy created a fantastic pattern here...a VERY quick knit!

Of course it's snowing today so I had to show off the shawlette against the freshly fallen snow.

Yes, I love BLUE!!

So....about the alpaca fleece.  On a recent trip to Richmond, hubby was introduced to a friend of his brother's--who happens to have alpacas.  He went there to get wood for dulcimers...he came home with wood AND alpaca fiber.....FREE alpaca fiber--one black, one white and one chestnut colored!!!  I've packaged it up to send for processing, in the time it will take to get it back maybe--just maybe I can make room for it. So now my fleece stash has increased significantly....I'd better get busy!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Believe it or not.....

Yes...I have the FIRST FO of the new year! 

My Blue Lagoon Socks.

Yarn sent to my from my friend Shona finally became a pair of socks!!  I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the color.  She knows me so well...Thank You Shona, you ARE the best!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

Happy New Years Eve!

Wow--another year has passed, as always leaves me saying "where does time go?" I guess I've been so busy taking life day by day I forget to look back till we get to this point. I know I've been a bad blogger, I'll try to do better but as always I really don't like "resolutions"--they always get broken. So I choose to have "intentions" for the coming year. No, I won't make them here but instead on a day by day basis, also known as my "bucket list."
As my bucket list increases one of those will be achieved tomorrow morning at 9am...I WILL begin my year running! This run is a challenge put before us by our local running group--Here's the Route if you are curious or want to join us!

In 2011 I added swimming to my already busy schedule, which adds another "item" to my bucket list...if I can conquer the stupid bicycle I may give a triathlon a shot! Training has begun for my next 1/2 marathon in March. I'm helping to coach the 1/2 marathon/marathon training team at the Y...let's see what else I can add to the mix!

While 2011 didn't start out so well with the loss of my Uncle the year has come to a close on a good note as we welcomed 3 new members into our family. DS#1 got married, I have a new daughter and 2 granddaughters out of the deal!!

A BEAUTIFUL Family!!!

There was a lot of knitting this year, though it seems I didn't post a lot about it here...again--'cause I'm a BAD blogger!
Christmas knitting was all about "hats"--each of the girls got an earflap hat. I used a great, FAST pattern from Juniper Farms called Sluggy Bonnet.

Sorry for the crappy pics but I forgot my good camera and had to use my phone to document them...yeah, I also forgot to photograph them BEFORE wrapping them!!
I think I need to make one of these for myself!!

MY project had to be put on hold with all the gift knitting going on. This is sort of the icing on the cake for my 2011 knitting!

I will use a Gaelic word--crìochnaichte--EVERYTHING about this sweater means Highlander!

From the fiber I spun called "Highlander" to the place where I spun it while on vacation--Grayson Highlands State Park--to the pattern named Highlander....to the North Ronaldsay ram horn buttons sent to me as a gift from my Shona in Scotland!! I LOVE THIS SWEATER!!!

Well...with that I'll get on with preparing for the rest of the day. Rudy & Milo are pooped from all the "busy-i-ness" of the holidays--Santa was good to them...and they deserve it--they have been really good boys! Hubby has been SUPER busy making his dulcimers. He is SUPER talented!

My Wahoos play in the Chick-fil-a Bowl tonight...My Cowboys play a BIG game tomorrow--hoping for the BEST!!

I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year!! See you NEXT YEAR!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Friday

Another FO Friday is upon us! ....oh, and it's PAYDAY....sorry to get so excited....

Well, I've had lots of baby knitting here lately--and still yet more to come, great for stash knitting!

Rudy's groomer is due this weekend and having a little girl. I made her a BSJ with some very special buttons.




Doggie buttons!!



Then there's the most difficult socks in the world...




Late last year you know about my uncle and his fight for life. Well, I started a pair of "prayer socks" for him...I had one complete when he suddenly passed away at the first of the year. So, I frogged them and began a pair of socks to give to my aunt. They were difficult not because of the pattern but because of the fact that I had a hard time wrapping myself around finishing them...all the while knowing they were intended for him.

Next on the needles? Another baby girl gift, pair of socks and I want to make Effortless Cardigan in linen for summer.
What do you think? Have any other suggestions for me?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'

FO Friday

Yet again I'm really late in posting up something....I've had several knitting FO's and this "sewing" FO~~

I worked on the design during the cold-cold months of winter...when I couldn't do anything else but sit on the couch under a blanket freezing my A*S off, created the "prototype" and finally got the finished product. The only thing this picture is lacking is the closure I put on it.

Drum roll please......



So...what is it?



My EVERYTHING needle case! I wanted a case that would organize all my needles, now I ask myself -- "Why are the straights in there?" I NEVER use them!!

I see a redesign on the horizon!!

So, what have you been working on?

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Friday Flowers & FO's

"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt..." ~Dorothy Day




Winter Jasmine~~

a bit late blooming this year (should have started blooming late Jan) but I have to say it's MAGNIFICENT!!



...and...





my first crocus' are up!!!!

The purple ones are on their way!!!!!!!

Since I've been working 2 jobs--during this training period I'm working a total of 60 hours a week at the moment--I've had very little time for much of anything...especially knitting. But since Sunday was the Daytona 500 I started and finished a project while watching.



I think you'll remember the last FO I posted, the umbilical cord hat, for the gal at the coffee shop who's having a baby boy in a few weeks...well, I should have known to knit up 2 of those hats. Big Brother to be wanted so badly to try that hat on...so I knitted him his very own--in the exact colors he requested, which I happened to have in my "leftover" basket. He was so excited.



Besides the usual on the needles, Celtic Vest (which I haven't picked up at all) and 2 pairs of socks, I have cast on yet another baby sweater (Rudy's groomer is expecting in May) all the while still keeping up my "stash busting"--oh, I have seen so many new yarn colorways I WANT...I just need more hours in a day to get through my stash---so I can buy more!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

FO Friday

~~a day late!!

"Physical strength is measured by what we can carry; spiritual by what we can bear." ~Author Unknown





...and the baby knitting continues! From the stash of course--this is a fun pattern to knit. VERY quick, can you say "instant gratification"?




You remember this post Well...my hairdresser LOVED THEM! She's going to send me pictures of the "baby girl" wearing them, of course we have a little bit more to wait before she arrives.

I have been sewing too...I couldn't post this till the gift had been "gifted"--but as you've probably read my favorite cousin had a birthday this week. I have had these items stashed away for quite some time now so the idea came to me to make these--


Can you tell what it's made from?



I know it may seem "garish" but these ties belonged to her father (my uncle that just passed away last month)and our grandfather. There's just more sentimental value to these than anything else.
I had intended (and still do) to make myself a "tie vest" but I thought it be more fitting to make Kim one first.

Are you ready for the Super Bowl?? My menu is set...started cooking today...it's all about the food, commercials and OF COURSE----FOOTBALL!!!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

See....I've been knitting!

Babies are bits of stardust, blown from the hand of God.-- Barretto







My hair stylist is having a baby in March, and for a change someone's going to have a little girl!!! Needless to say I'm very excited, this pattern has been one that had to be for the right baby. Knitting from my stash...yep, still on the "yarn diet"...I had this nice fingering yarn that would make the perfect heirloom bonnet. At what little girl goes without a nice pair of booties? If you haven't knit this pattern yet, it's a must for instant gratification!!!

(wow...I still need to post up the pics of my Christmas knitting...I'm so behind)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Attention...Attention...

Yes, I actually have a FO to post about...can you believe it? Well, it only took me 14 months to finish...why? Geez--I don't know!

This is more of David Simpson's fiber, I seriously wish you all could have the opportunity to spin this fiber...he's so meticulous the finished product it's simply amazing to spin.


This is called "Silk Road" 80% merino--20% silk, the pictures do the coloring no justice at all.



Specs:
3.20 ozs
22 wpi
2 ply laceweight
yardage?? I have no idea...I got tired of counting wraps on the niddy noddy! It's A LOT!! If I were to guess I'd think that there's about 1200 or so? I just know that I spun...and spun and spun...then I plied and plied and plied for what seemed like forever!!

Now I look at my stash and say NEXT!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

FO Friday

These are just too cute not to share! BABY CHUCKS

One of the girls at the coffee shop where I get my morning java had her little boy 2 weeks early...luckily these little things are SO easy and quick--I see me making more of these....for girls & boys! Though the pattern does knit up a little larger than newborn I think he will get to wear them...or Mom can use them as decoration!

I used to have Chuck Taylor myself...not knitted of course!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO's & WIP's

Well, I know I've been promising pics of my latest projects....but I just can't seem to find the time anymore to post. Oh, I do find it easy to brag on my Lil Rudy and post pics of him...so now is catch up time!





First are my Spring Socks (Rav Link) Which I experienced "SSS/second sock syndrome" I cast on my second project and concentrated so much on it that I didn't pick to knit the second sock up again for quite some time.
The yarn was a gift from my friend Terri, when I saw it I immediately thought of springtime.











Of course, I always have to have a "big" project to work on...I went out and bought this yarn after a SERIOUSLY bad day at work. Yes, I fell off the "yarn diet" wagon. I haven't gotten a picture of me wearing it yet, so this will have to do for now.
The design & yarn are both from Classic Elite:
Smock Top using Cotton Bam Boo
Beware of this yarn...it grows, luckily I made the sweater an inch shorter than the pattern called for. I did have to run an "insurance line" around the neckline...otherwise I'd be showing off more than just my top!

Then there's--

(Rudy's saying..."Thank goodness she didn't put that dress on me!")

The Little Black Dress w/ Pearls that I made for his girlfriend...no, not the sheep in the picture. He met Miss Sophie back in the spring at the Mutt Strutt, she's a petite little girl Tzu that is so much a little lady I couldn't help but think of Audrey Hepburn when I made this dress for her.



He took it to her this past weekend at Dogtoberfest (a fundraiser for St. Francis of Assisi). She was so pleased that she sang him a song...they had a contest called Americanine Idol that she entered.





Now, onto the WIP's--

Keeping up with the "seasonal socks" theme, I pulled this yarn out of my stash for the Autumn Socks.



Opal Herbstmelodie (Rav Link) I found this leaf while walking Rudy, pretty darn close!

...and...

I've swatched for my Celtic Vest



I'm using my handspun yarn...I don't know if you remember but a couple of years ago I had planned to do this pattern but found that I was going to be short on yarn, well since I've lost weight I think I'm going to be good on yardage now! At least lets hope so...


Whew...now that's done I can go knit!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Friday

I'm ashamed to admit it took me almost a year to spin up 4 ozs of fiber...I hang my head in shame...
I started it just before we left for the beach last September, then on October 12th Rudy came to live with us.

But isn't it purty? I have over 5oo yds navajo plied, fingering weight yarn to work with! Hmmmmm....



Now I'm digging through my fiber stash trying to decide which one is next. Decisions-decisions!

My BlogBuddy Robin tagged me for a Meme to list six unimportant things that make me happy. I don't think "unimportant" is a very good word...but these are things that make me feel all warm & fuzzy.

1) listening to birds sing
2) my garden (both flower & veggie)
3) snuggling with Rudy
4) the smell of a campfire (even if it gets my allergies going)
5) sitting by a waterfall or babbling brook
6) the way I feel after I run...invigorated!

I'm supposed to tag six other people. But I'm just going to say "if you feel froggy....jump!" Please let me know if you decide to play along, I'd love to read yours too.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Ahhhhhh, Friday!

WIP REPORT--
I have gotten a little knitting done between 5K training and Spring cleaning...


I REALLY love this yarn -- it's wonderful to knit with, the colors are so vivid and it feels wonderful...these are going to be comfortable socks! (the picture does not do it justice)

MIL REPORT--

Okay, so I took your advice and sent the package to my MIL via UPS...it arrived safely yesterday and...

SHE LOVED IT!!! Man, I was so worried...

She can't wait to show the wrap off to all her friends, and as often as she goes out to dinner and entertains with all her other retired friends I think it's going to find lots of use.

Busy-busy day today, I'll try to catch up later.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Mother's Day is coming

...and I'm going to be ready!

I had the Fir Cone Wrap soaking last week.







It's still on the blocking wires...




Love the detail & the colors, though JoJoland Harmony is beautiful ~ I still don't like knitting with it...



...and SO glad this project is nearly complete (still have to weave in the ends) and in the mail. How long does it take for the USPS to get a package to Florida? Oh geez, what if it gets hung in one of those machines and is ripped to shreds???!!!!! I'll have a panic attack till it gets there for sure.


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

FO Pics

As promised I have FO Pics!

I LOVE THIS SWEATER!!!! I wore it to work today, and didn't want to take if off this evening.
The pictures really don't do it justice...the detail simply doesn't show up in any picture I take.

I'm also very proud of the fact that this is a "sheep to sweater" project!

Aran Wrap Cardigan Vogue Fall 2008


I think I'm gonna run my race tomorrow rain or not! The forecast is for 36 degrees and a 70% chance of light rain. Maybe I should wear my new sweater?
Wish me luck!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

FO Friday!

Can you believe it...actual knitting content and a FINISHED OBJECT!!! Well...this is sort of a tease post, I was so excited that I had finished it late last night it was too dark to get some good shots of it--SO you'll have to hang on for the "model shots"! I lightly steamed it last night and am wearing it to work today!!! Wooooo-Hoooooo!! I really love it!

The weather has turned nasty...just in time for my new sweater and my latest 5K tomorrow! I told Hubby that one thing about running in the cold & rain is I'll want to hurry up and get it finished so maybe I'll get a good time in! Seriously, I'm going to make the call in the morning as to whether I actually run or not. Registration money is going to a good cause and all the training has kept me in shape. Hmmmm, there's always Richmond in 2 weeks?!?! The question is -- Am I ready for a 10K??

Pssst...today is another Friday the 13th...I'm in hiding again!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!