The New Do~~

Milo does miss his Grandma...he had his daddy send me this picture of his new haircut!



Personally I love being able to see his eyes, I swear he talks to you through them!

Hope everyone is having a relaxing "Labor Day" weekend! I am!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Prepster's IT!

Some time back I ordered this from ScoutJ in her "Prepster" colorway. Superwash Merino...4oz's worth that's been staring at me for some time. Every time I go into the fiber room it was always looking at me...

I tell ya...this is fun to spin! I can't wait to ply it...and of course I will be navajo plying it to keep the colors together as much as possible. It still needs to speak to me about what it wants to become, maybe once it's plyed?!

Here are the singles so far...
...pretty cool huh?

I'm so far behind on my blogging, things have happened and such that I needed to post...bear with me I'll get it all done.

I participated in the HHHH (Hush-Hush Handspun Hootenanny) Swap and received this GREAT package from Cary, I believe this will be the next fiber to spin!


She included a fiber sample from her corridale sheep, silk hankies, wool & soysilk roving --AWESOME colors!, sheeps milk soap she made from her flock…even a “fat free” cupcake (see the center of the photo) that fit right in Weight Watchers! A beautiful victorian looking needle case and a lavender sachet from her garden. Her handspun is gorgeous, it’s wool/alpaca/cashgora blend that I can’t wait to knit up...gee, what should I make? I'm thinking mittens?!
THANKS again Cary!! I love making new fiber friends!!



Do you think this is the face of someone who misses his Grandma? He needs a haircut...
He came to spend the weekend with us, we had the camper up getting it ready for camping, I think he wants to go camping too!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

I know I'm not as serious with my posts for this each week as many other participants are...that's because Ace is so much darn fun to photograph and poke-fun at!
This is another "repeat" photo, hubby accidentally deleted the pictures I had taken of Ace last week. So, in looking through my old folder I found this one.
If you've been reading for a while you know that Ace has his favorite pillow that he "loves"...A LOT, so much so that earlier this summer he actually threw his back out "loving it"! ...yes, we all know he's weird! Many know my weird little fella's story and others don't, I put a link on the sidebar to a previous post.
(shhhh...the grouchy old man has a birthday coming up soon!)



This is not a great shot, I had to grab the camera pretty quick...because we came in to find he'd been "steppin' out" on his pillow! Yes, it's blackmail material for later...yep, that's Lammie Ewejean in bed with him!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Eny...Meany...Miny...Mo~~

Since I finished spinning my merino/silk fiber I'm having a serious problem finding something to spin. I'm committed to spinning 10 minutes a day!



...this is one of those embarrassing moments, where I admit I need a 12 step program...Hello, my name is Robin and I have a fiber problem...I've run out of storage space in my fiber room!
(Hey, DD...I need your room, then I can buy more!)

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

WIP's...

~lots of Raverly links~

...turned into FO's thanks to Ravelympics...I have finally crossed the Podium!

My main event had issues, I entered my Nicole vest in the VestVault category. On opening night I found that my project was no where to be found in the event forum on Ravelry as I had "registered", so I chalked it up to a disqualification for "Yarn Doping", on appeal and with a Presidential pardon I was reinstated...all the while the knitting continued. The finish line was in sight when I took a good look only to find an obvious knitting error...which caused a major "frogging incident". With great sorrow I withdrew this project from the event and started on my alternate event...WIP Wrestling. Where I was able to finish 2 of my WIPs!

My Sarong:


Yarn: Blue Heron Cotton Seed - color: Macaw

Merino/Silk Handspun:


Golden Hibiscus 80/20 merino/silk; 18 WPI laceweight; 8 ozs=1155 yds -- LOVE IT!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday~~

Quick post since my internet connection has been "iffy" today!




I know I've posted this picture in the past but I think it deserves another posting...







You know you're in trouble when the cat starts reading books like this!! The scary thing is...he's SO into it!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

I'm Dyeing Here!!

I just had to use that since we all know how much I hate Mondays!



~~flashback to June 15, 2008, our 6th anniversary...the "wood" anniversary~~

My fantastic Hubby made me a warping board.

So this weekend I gave it a try!










I wound the yarn on the warping board, tied and and put it in to soak.








My color choices came from my Granny's garden, she loved pansies. They were everywhere in her many flower beds.

Here are the jars of color steeping...keeping my fingers crossed.








...and in the rinse water.







But you know something, now that I look at it...I think it came out looking more like her bearded iris'!!
This is an experiment, the last test to my success will be in the knitting...I hope it doesn't pool too much!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Domestic Goddess~~

...sewing...knitting...cooking...canning/preserving...etc.
That's me...out of necessity!

Most already know I grew up such a tom-boy that the idea of seeing me doing "domestic work" is probably pretty amazing, if you had known me back then. I've learned these "crafts" over the years out of necessity.



My Granny started me out very young...and my Mom did her part by sending me to "sewing lessons" when I was 11. When times were lean I sewed for the kids and myself to make sure we all had something new to wear on occasions. My grandparents always had a huge garden so we didn't have to worry about missing out on the summer harvest...until now. They've been gone for several years now, so I buy my produce at our local farmers market. With grocery prices going up I'm using this past knowledge to "squirrel-up" for the winter. I've frozen peaches, blueberries & corn. Made jams & "experimental" bread & butter pickles.



Experimental because I expanded on something my Granny used to do with her yellow squash & zucchini. I'll let you know how they turn out! I have orders placed with my "favorite farm" for some green beans to can. Who knows what else might strike my fancy in the coming weeks!

Don't get me wrong, I love doing this...I just hate cleaning up after myself!



I have also been busy with my Ravelympics project -- Nicole



Not sure that I'll be crossing the finish line though, 6 days and counting...I would really like to wear it at the beach in a few weeks!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

After 2 weeks of sweet, lovable and precious Milo, all Mr Ace has to say is...




Talk To The Paw!







Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

My Dear Friends--

I have several friends going through some hard times, please know you are in my constant thoughts and prayers.

Here's a poem for y'all--

Cherished Friends
Author Unknown

God must have know there would be times we'd need a word of cheer,
Someone to praise a triumph or brush away a tear.
He must have known we'd need to share the joy of "little things"
In order to appreciate the happiness life brings.
I think He knew our troubled hearts would sometimes throb with pain,
At trials and misfortunes, or goals we can't attain.
He knew we'd need the comfort of an understanding heart
To give us strength and courage to make a fresh, new start.
He knew we'd need companionship, unselfish....lasting....true,
And so God answered the heart's great need with Cherished Friends....like you!!


Just moments ago I received a phone call that Little Mason Joseph didn't make it. He fought for life for 2 1/2 weeks...now there's a new angel in Heaven.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Sunday Sad Sunday...

After 2 weeks with us Mr Milo left late this afternoon to live in his new home with his Daddy...

Yes, tears have been shed and I'm missing him so much. (the cat's happy...almost sneering)

I love this little face...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!

Age Advantage...

First I'd like to Thank everyone for the birthday wishes...I had a very good birthday! The icing on the cake came today.

I ran my very first 5K this morning! I must admit I was nervous at the beginning and the adrenaline started early, I was so afraid that I was going to start out too fast so I positioned myself in the rear. That way I would feel good as I passed runners and not be in the way of the stampede.


Who looks nervous?? I DID...and I WAS!!!


As you can see only the Bike police are behind me.


This is the start line...see the fella to the right of center, in black, jumping? He was the men's overall winner of the 10K. He came by me so fast on the last leg with so much speed I felt a pull from his draft!!


Which helped me make my pass. Little did the guy in front of me know but he kept me going...he had a shirt on that indicated he'd done this before. So I decided to keep up with him and make my pass later.


Living in this valley means there are mountains and hills everywhere, the finish line was at the crest of a hill going into the park...so I sprinted...UPHILL!!

Upon arriving at the finishing line I found a surprise cheering section! Some of the gals from our Knit/Spin group came to cheer me on...HOW COOL IS THAT? Pam, Nikki, Stephanie, Dani & TJ...You guys are fan-tab-u-lous!



My Mom & Milo were there...and obviously Hubby was there--he's behind the camera!

There was a slight advantage for me today having turned a year older. It put me in a "new age bracket" in my 5K race. I finished--running not walking as I originally expected!

SHOCK & AWE!!
My name was called!!

Michael Wardian was handing out the medals, you've got to read more about this guy. He just finished a 100 miler in June...in 2007 he ran back to back marathons. I mean BACK TO BACK days...finished first on the first day and 3rd on the second day! Recorded the fastest time in a marathon pushing his son in a stroller!!!

...and PRIDE!



I didn't have my knitting there but you can count on my cheerleaders to have theirs!!

Check it out...

I finished 3rd in my age bracket!! Granted I have no idea if there were any more than 3 in this age bracket but HEY...for my first race I can think that there were!!

After the race I felt good enough to keep going. Will this be my last race...I don't think so. There's another coming up in October and November...let the training begin!

I guess I'd better go get busy with my Ravelympics project, more on that later.

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

WoW!

Sorry...No Whiskers on Wednesday for me this week. My laptop is in the shop with all my pics--hopefully they're still there!

**ETA**

I found an old picture from a very old post on this very blog...that pretty much sums up how things are going at "The Coop"---
This is entitled "Kitty's Christmas Wish"


Change the cat's color to a tuxedo cat and make the dog REALLY cute...it's Milo & Ace!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Whiskers on Wednesday

WOW...it's time for WoW again! These Wednesdays sure come around fast, but that also means we're that much closer to FRIDAY!!

One of Ace's many sleeping positions left me with this perfect opportunity...





Around the 'Coop' these days we have a bit of CSI taking place.


Was it the butler with a candlestick in the library?

Was it Colonel Mustard in the Conservatory with the Revolver?






OR






Mr Milo in the living room with his toy raccoon?

My friend Anita sent me this AMAZING video...



True Love!!


Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Old Phones Never Die...

They're put out to pasture!



Take a real close look at these sheep...



Pretty cool huh? I don't think our old phone would have worked...it was that putrid, avocado green!

We had a real nice weekend with Landon, only the sadness set in on Sunday for several reasons. They went home, my baby boy, Chase, is moving 2 1/2 hours away and taking Milo with him. This is the first of my babies to REALLY leave home (I mean the valley in which we live in), on the good news side Lil Mason, my friends new grandson, is doing well...though he has a long road ahead of him.

Sorry, I don't feel much like posting today...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Friday...

...FINALLY!

And today was a VERY special Friday! I had a DATE...and it wasn't with my hubby!
A VERY special date...

Let me take you back to Monday when I received this very sweet phone call. My only FAVORITE niece calls me and wants to spend the afternoon with me on Friday...

KNITTING! Yes, you heard me right...she wanted to spend the day knitting with ME!!











I planted the seed taught her a while back the basics of knitting, and I've patiently waited for it to germinate. She remembers how, has her own special way of holding the needles but she's got it! Of course, as with anything and Maggie, it's always according to her rules. So I would knit on something--and she would knit on something...then we would switch (as soon as she saw that what I was doing was getting bigger).


She's an amazing kid! I LOVE HER!!

Here's her scarf~~













I do have another FO to show off~~



Saartje Booties! I've been so desperate to knit something for a little girl, you know PINK, I made these for my SIL's--SIL, who's due in a couple weeks! These ARE instant gratification! Such a quick knit...and so darn tiny!!


Please keep my (blogless) friend Sherry in your thoughts and prayers, I received a phone call this afternoon that her new little grandson was born prematurely (he was due the first week of Sept) this morning...he's the recipient of this little sweater.

He weighed 2.5 lbs and is doing very well, everything sounds so good I feel confident. Mom is still in recovery and will be there all night.


Hope you all have a great weekend...I know I WILL! Lil Landon arrives tomorrow!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

Whiskers on Wed...again!

Today's post is pretty simple~~







The Many Faces/Poses of Ace:




Yeah...he sleeps A LOT!!

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!

Ugh....Monday again...

Days like these REALLY make me wish I was my own boss again! Monday's would be much easier if I knew I could work on what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted...which, of course, would include knitting & spinning!

I'll have pics to post later, I'm just too darn tired right now--but, IT'S all done but the blocking!!!!

I also found the cutest little "Benjamin Bunny" buttons for the baby sweater--

and I think I found my Ravelympics project.

We've had some tragedy hit our Knit/Spin group family recently. A couple ladies in our group have organized a RAFFLE to raise money for the 2 families. You can read more about this HERE and HERE (Ravelry links). Your help will be appreciated.





Oh...and there's THIS contest.

More later...I'm pooped!

...in the meantime, Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!

WIPS

...and an ALMOST FO!

WIP~

Well, I'm working away at my Bleeding Heart Stole and it's almost done! The question is...


To dye-
or not to dye?!






Then I've been spinning~

This is "Golden Hibiscus" but I refer to it as Spun Sunshine!!

I joined Carole's group--10 minutes a day. I must say this has motivated me to really sit down a little more to my wheel, and I don't just sit for 10 minutes. My time quickly turns into an hour or more!



Then there's this little cutie (the almost FO)!

Hubby had a business trip in Richmond yesterday so I went along, he dropped me off in Carytown where I spent some time in The Yarn Lounge. They had some cute little buttons that I bought for this sweater but my "color judgement" was a little off.
So back to the drawing board and my original idea for buttons.
More on that later...

The trip was short and the ride long and tiring but I did afford me 6 hours of pure, uninterrupted knitting time, something I don't get to do very often!

I'm still trying to find the perfect pattern to enter in Ravelympics, there only 21 days until it begins I'd better get on the ball!

In other news, I'm busting my rear training for my first 5K! The schedule is wearing me out. I still don't know if I'm going to make it...the doubt is setting in! I'm determined that if I have to walk across the finish line that's just the way it's going to be. I'm NOT in this to win, I'm in it to finish!

Today I'm cleaning house from top to bottom in an effort to get things ready for DSD, her hubby & Little Landon to arrive next weekend. I guess I'd better get off the Ole 'Puter and get with it...time's a wastin'!!

Hope you all have a FANTASTIC weekend...

Keep on Knittin' & Spinnin'!!!