Fiber Fiend

Decorating a wedding

2012-01-19T09:54:00.006-05:00

I some how thoughtd that decorating a wedding myself would cheaper. Just like I thought that doing my own invites would be cheaper. It's not. Why? Cause just when you think that you have it perfect, you see one more element that needs to be added. Case in point, I just decided that my outer envelopes will need liners and my inner envelopes need paper bands, but I will get to that later.

As thought how to decorate the aisle for the ceremony I dreaded the cost of flowers at the end of each row of chairs. I saw this picture on theknot.com....

Lanterns! What a great idea! But lanterns are still a couple dollars a piece...I'm sure I could do better than that! A few months ago I downloaded an app for kusudama origami for big girl since she has discovered oragami and loves it. Then I ran into a blog post where a bride to be had used these for pew decorations.There are a lot of variations, of these flower balls and some very stunning, but finding instructions was all too difficult so I'm staying with the traditional ball. You can find some nice instructions here. I got out my stock of purple and green scrap book paper, made a bunch of 3" paper squares thinking that I would be well on my way to the 16 balls I think I will need. Not even close. I have enough for about 5. So I started searching for origami papers to make it out of. Wrong again, too expensive for the amount of paper that I needed. My next bright idea was to go through all of my old magazines and pull out any pages that had the same colors. Brilliant! That got me another two balls. Crap. Why didn't I think of it sooner....wrapping paper! Of course! It comes in every color and design imaginable, it's relatively cheap and there is usually a lot of it.

If you are thinking about kusudama balls for decorating keep a couple things in mind.

They are time consuming. I can do one ball in about two hours.
They take an insane amount of paper. I made mine with 3x3 pieces for each petal. They take 60 petals to make a ball. Do the math.

I'm thinking of doing the balls and a lantern on each end chair for a bit of overkill. Or just to annoy the guests sitting in that chair.

Of course buying 100' roll of wrapping paper in our wedding colors also gave me another idea, envelope liners and paper bands! Work continues on getting them together. I already have to buy more ink for the printer (magenta went first).

Another piece of advice, make sure you spell check your invites and all inserts. I did mine in photoshop and didn't spell check. The first thirty direction cards I printed I spelled south with an "r". Whoops. So I whited out the R and figure I will send those to people who are getting the courtesy invite but won't actually come.

I've also decided that printing our return address as well as the RSVP card envelopes will be too much of a pain, so I decided to create a stamp. Now the stamps that the paper source have are undeniably cute, but also too small and also expensive. But it turns out that you can have a stamp created from a jpg file very affordably. I chose a 2 7/8 by 1 3/8 self inking stamp for $18 from thestampmaker.com. I created the design I wanted in photoshop, uploaded it and tada! For $10 less than the cost of the papersource stamps, I have one that is large enough to stamp our address on the RSVP cards and will work for return addresses as well. It's also something that I can have Mr. Get Lucky do. As good as he is about all this wedding planning and DIY, I would love a little more help.

Well that is what I have for today! Or at least this morning...

OMG! So Flipping Cool!

2012-01-17T00:05:00.005-05:00

After hand addressing 130 some save the date envelopes I'm pretty sure of three things: 1) I really need to lighten my grip on the pen; 2) I have carpal tunnel; and 3) I'm definitely printing the envelopes for the formal invitations. While theknot.com says that it is absolutely unacceptable to let your computer do the work, Martha Stewart says that it's okay. I'll trust Martha on this one, given she's the queen of all things DIY AND Etiquette. I'm sure she didn't write the article, but I digress.....

The save the date cards had a bit of a snafu; according to them I'm getting married. 7/14/201. Get your time machines out peeps. I'm pretty sure that I just missed the full date not fitting in the allotted spot when I created them on Walmart's photo page (yes I'm cheap). I really didn't want to wait the 2 weeks it would take to return them and have them reprinted, so I sucked it up, found an old scratch board pen and scratched the two in the photo paper. Wouldn't you know that after 150 I could scratch out a fairly convincing two? This is the second F-up I've made; the first being that I ordered text paper, not card stock to make the pocket folds out of. I decided that would be okay since it just reduces the weight of the invite and hopefully the postage as well.

Back to the invites I think I got the wording down, the directions return cards and so on together. All I needed was a nice map. Now I could spend 4 hours on photoshop trying to make one, I could pay someone on Etsy a ridiculous amount to make me one...or I could do a little internet searching. Since I'm both lazy and cheap, I chose the latter and found this little bit of awesomeness....

Which gave me an awesome map, that I will choose not to share less my three anonymous readers decide to crash my wedding (email me, and get a formal invite at least!) Hopefully the link took you to the right place, but here is a mock one that I created so you can see how cool this is.

In the meantime I wait for postage to arrive so I can send out save the dates and the rest of the fun stuff for the invites so I can finally get a full mock up to weigh, send to myself and of course take pics of it for here.

What mistakes did you make when planning for the wedding? What cool tools did you find to help you along?

Fiberwhore is getting Hitched!

2012-01-15T11:21:00.002-05:00

Second time is the charm right? Oh it's third? Well we are going with second....

So for the next six or so months wedding me will be taking over the blog! Mostly so I can bitch and moan about how ridiculous weddings are of course. And of course it will be a mostly DIY wedding so hopefully I can add something useful to this as well.

I've already gotten a jump start on the planning. The first thing to get reserved was the photographer of course. I am choosing Volkel Image. He did a friends wedding and the pictures were fantastic! Pricey but so is the wedding and what use is all that money spent if you don't have great pictures to help remember it by?

I'm getting a head start on invites, decorations, lighting and rentals. What I'm not so excited about doing is finding a DJ, baker, caterer, florist and officiant.

So far one of the greatest challenges has been addresses. Getting them how to write them, FRUSTRATING!!!!!!! So I stole the bright idea from a friend who had done the same, to put an event invite up on Facebook to get friends and families to send us addresses since I have none of them...

If you are thinking about doing this DON'T. Worse idea ever. While about 20 of the people who I added to the "Event" bothered reading the event title and description and actually sent me their addresses, the rest either didn't respond at all or thought that it was the actual invitation to the wedding! GRRRRR!

The problem is that sometimes you want to send an invite to people even though you know there isn't a snow balls chance in hell that they will make it. It's more than irritating having someone write on your event wall, "JACK AND JULIE SMITH WILL NOT BE ATTENDING!!!!!" Names were changed but yes, that happened. In all caps. Thanks for being subtle Julie.

So I've deleted those who already given me their address and those who decided they will not attend. I'll send out one more message and then the whole disaster will be going away.

Thankfully my very lovely sister- and mother-in-law to be got together the huge list of addresses from his family. It was 50 some people, and I'm very sorry but second cousins aren't getting the automatic invite. There are a few that he is close enough to that they bothered to give me their address so they will get an invite.

In the end I decided to go through the list of originally invited, have Mr. Get Lucky do the same and sent them individual messages asking for their address which worked much better.

Now I have a list of 125 households and such that need to be sent invites. I know that about half of those won't attend. After all this is a second marriage for the both of us, his family lives 1000 miles away and they all attended the first one. I'm sure that most of my side should attend since my first wedding was more of like a backyard picnic and dinner for our immediate family (all 10 of us including the officiant). So I designed the invites and realized that the postage cost more than the invites! I have to fight the urge to cheap and not put a RSVP card in with the invites going to people I know won't come. Or to put the RSVP card in but not stamp it..... Also it is a good thing that I have til May to get these things put together as well.

So there is now way I'm paying someone to do Calligraphy on 125 envelopes, inner envelopes, return card envelopes, etc. Not when there are enough pretty fonts out there that I can run them through my printer and have a nice result. But now I'm trying to figure out exactly what the proper way is to write so and so's name. Should I address it to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith? Mr. Jack and Mrs. Jane Smith? Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Jane Smith? I'm supposed to include children's names on the inner envelope but even Mr. Get Lucky doesn't know all their names. Do I spell out Northeast or abreaviate NE, do I right out Sixtyfifth Street? It gets a little long when I have to write 122345 Sixty fifth Avenue Northeast Number 23456. Why is there no consensus on the right way to do it?

So what is your biggest invitation pet peeve?

New fun easy and quick hat

2011-11-19T18:26:00.003-05:00

Kind of improvised the first version of this hat. You know cast on a number of stitches that I think will fit my head using some left over sock yarn that I hand spun doubled up. I figured out the math later. The fist version was ok, but I wrote up the pattern quick and figured I would share.

Materials
Size 3 circular needles or double points
Couple hundred? Yards of sport weight or light worsted yarn
Gauge...not real sure.

Cast on 80 stitches using a stretchy cast on. I like long tail. Join making sure not to twist. Insert marker at the beginning of the row. P one round. Start knit one below pattern:
Row1: k1, k1b to end
Row 2: p1b, p1 to end

Here is a link to a pattern...not exactly the same but hopefully it gets you the idea. Instead of using two colors you use one and because it is knit in the round you can't knit both rows, but instead have to purl as stated above.

Continue for 7" ending on a row 2. Begin decrease rows as follows:
Row 1: k1, k1b, k1, S2KP, k1, k1b (10 times)
Row 2: p1b, p1 to end
Row 3: k1, ssk, k1b, k2tog (10 times)
Row 4: p1b, p1, sl1, p1 (10 times)
Row 5: k1, S2KP (10 times)
Row 6: p1b, p1 to end
Row 7: k1, S2KP (5 times)
Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches pull tight.

Stitch abbreviations:
K1b - knit one below
P1b- purl 1 below
Ssk- insert needle as if to k1b, but slip the stitches instead, knit one, transfer slipped stitches over like a regular ssk.
S2KP—slip two tog, knit one, pass two slip stitches over

Wow it's been so long....

2011-05-18T00:54:00.006-04:00

Oh how life has changed since my last post!! I was messing around on Ravelry (no they didn't let me back on, but Alters are wonderful things :).... Let me be perfectly clear, the only reason why I was on was to find some pattern ideas. I think it's time I picked up the needles again and more often. Of course I got a little curious to see if any one was knitting my patterns that I published on there and holy hell they are. There are even forum links! Well hot damn! I feel bad, it looks as if it had been abandoned :(.

As I reflect on the whole Ravelry drama, the ban wagon and what not, the only thing I miss about Ravelry is my presence as a designer. I don't miss the forum all that much. But what I did do was build my presence in the knitting community and I do miss that very much.

Well I haven't done a whole lot lately. I made a coat for a now ex friend's baby boy....

I made one glove.....

Been doing a little leather work....

a few socks at Christmas and a little of this and that, but not much.

Bye Bye Bloggy

2009-10-12T21:08:00.002-04:00

Well I thought I might be able to find a few minutes each week to post, but it turns out that Grad school, kids and life take up all my time. So until I can find the time to post regularly, the blog is getting cut. I'm leaving up all my old posts and if anyone would like a PDF copy, drop me a line and I will email it out! The Etsy shop will continue to be updated although very slowly. I keep hearing rumors that it gets easier after the first year and hopefully I will be able to be a part time fiber addict again!

You're trying to sell that on Etsy...Really

2009-10-01T10:56:00.004-04:00

Alright, in an attempt to get myself back into blogging amongst the chaos that is a PhD program, I'm starting a new weekly section titled "You're trying to sell that on Etsy...Really" featuring the most ridiculous handmade items I come across on my browsing through Etsy.

To start off this week, I have one that I found a while back on a treasury. Some chick decided to make art yarn out of her wedding dress. Okay, seems a little dumb to me, but what do I know. What really shocked was the price tag, a very specific $543.21.

If you would like to keep warm this winter you can surely do so under a big glob of yarn badly knit together...

What else gets you ready for fall? Ugly ass shorts!! If they don't look good on the anorexic model, probably won't look good on anyone else either.

I actually kind of like the hat. But if you are going to sell something, find a better model than yourself. This lady looks like she is going to melt if you throw some water on her. If you are going to model your own wares, make an attempt to gussy up a little and smile!

That's it for this week, time is limiting. Of course I promise I won't be snarky all the time, check back for the best of Etsy too!

It's been a busy summer

2009-08-05T00:32:00.004-04:00

Well it has been! I have been doing just a little knitting on a pair of socks using the handspun merino Twisted Roving in Warlock. I am doing two at a time from the toe up so that I can use all the yarn and I have come to two conclusions, 1) I have a lot of yardage and 2) I am very proud that I have not knit my socks together yet!

Speaking of Twisted, I got an invite for custom order yesterday! I already have close to $200 in my cart, but I'm going to have to cut that back somehow. Dang you Meg for making such lovely colorways!! I did a little dyeing myself today. One sock yarn and one Landscapes colorway, I will post pics when they are dry and skeined tomorrow. I still have yet to get to the yummy base yarn that I got a while back, with the thesis and kids and husband and all, it's been hard to find the time. Not to mention, J is a slave driver!! We have been working our butts off around the ranch, unfortunately, my butt is still just as big. GRR.

I added a new item to the shop! The rose boxes that I send the stitch markers in were really popular, so I am offering them as a stand alone item. These are a little bigger (4" in diameter/2" in height) and even more pretty. They come in sets, 4/$5, 10/$10 and 30+/$.80 each. So, when you are thinking about gift boxes for Christmas presents, these are great for that and will even fit some small knitted items! Okay enough self promotion :).

We are also getting ready to move in 10 days!! Got the new (old) house and the in laws are coming out to help us make it our own with a little paint and some new drapes. MIL offered to buy these, and told me not be scared to use a little color. HAHAHA, I think she may choke on those words when she sees what I have in store. I went to Home Depot with my mom and cleaned the paint dept. out of paint chips LOL. We are going up on Thursday to paint the deck (FHA wants this done) and I need to fill out my hiring papers, so I will take some pics and post them Friday.

Well off to go sit on the deck in the Beautiful evening air!

New House and Shop promo announcement

2009-07-20T15:35:00.003-04:00

Guess what? We are buying a house!!!! It's not new and fancy but its nice and maybe just big enough to fit all our stuff :). It's all happening so fast but I'm hoping that it will all work out okay. I have a couple more hand dyes to put up and a lot of yarn that needs to be dyed in the next few weeks, but not a whole lot of time. Two kids are a lot of work, especially when the baby won't let you put her down for more than a few minutes at a time. I can't type with her in my lap anymore, she loves the keyboard. Okay rambling just a little bit...

I changed the banner a little bit and came up with new yarn tags that feature my new logo...

I am going to start running monthly or bimonthly promotions that include discounts on items, free stuff with orders and so forth! This month I am offering 50% off any set of stitch markers with a $30 purchase of yarn! I am also offering free shipping on orders over $50 and that will be all the time.

Well other than the house and being super busy trying to get everything I need done this summer, not a whole lot is going on haha!!

2009-07-09T23:37:00.003-04:00

Etsy is being updated daily, thought I would give every one a quick pick and some other info...

The line up for this week...

And the cat just had to check out the yarn :)

I have a bunch of undyed yarn of various fiber types, so I thought I would list what I have available if anyone would like something special...

10% cashmere/20% silk/ 70% merino fine laceweight (super soft)--815 yards/50 g; $24 for regular hand paints, $40 for landscape colorways
20% cashmere/20% silk/60% merino fine laceweight (super shiny and soft)--760 yards/50 g; $24 for regular hand paints, $40 for landscape colorways
70% merino/ 30% alpaca heavy DK (light worsted)130 yards/50 g; $20
Cashmere/Lycra very light fingering weight, great for socks--50 g/440 yards--$35
15% cashmere/85% wool heavy lace weight--380 yards/50 g-- $20 for regular hand paints, $40 for landscape colorways
100% Super fine merino light worsted weight (incredibly soft)--100 yards/50 g; $20 SO worth it!!
30% Cashmere, 70% merino heavy lace weight--400 yds/50g $20 for regular hand paints, $38 for landscape colorways
3% cashmere/97% wool lace weight--500 yds/50 g; $18 for regular hand paints, $35 for landscape colorways.

Be sure to check out the shop for daily updates!

2009-07-08T00:41:00.003-04:00

Just a quick post, I have been very busy with kids and thesis! I did take a half day and dye up some yarns though!
The new landscape colorway is up on Etsy now, and the sock yarns (there are two more) will be up in the next week! I just got a bunch of base yarns in all kinds of cool fibers that will be dyed up soon and I have a lot of new colorways for landscape to try out also. I am also considering trying my dye method on heavier weight yarns and for socks which will be fun. I have a little bit of cashmere/Lycra that will make a great sock yarn, some unbelievably soft merino dk a bunch of cashmere/wool and some super luscious silk/cashmere/merino lace weight in limited quantities that I can't wait to dye also as well as some merino/alpaca/nylon sock yarn that is soaking and waiting to be dyed! Okay, more later, I will try to come back to the bloggy before too long...

All settled

2009-05-29T00:28:00.004-04:00

Well, kind of. I have Internet and my printer set up in addition to the spinning wheel and some of my knitting. I have to live out of boxes for the next couple months and that just stinks. The good news is that I should have a few minutes to dye some yarn and I will have the help of my mom. I have obtained a few special undyed lovely yarn to dye. Well... enough with the selling. Time for pictures!!

I finished my Adamas shawl...

Remember back, this was my first attempt at making a graduated color lace handdye... very striped, but when you see it from a distance the striping disappears. Also, fluorescent lights are not the best lights to take pics under. I am super exited about my Knit Picks blocking board and wires though. It took about of the quarter of the time to block and I got excellent results.

I have been playing around with my new camera, and it is fun! I have one complaint, it overexposes pictures. Particularly if you are inside, any light areas are this giant glaring white icky thing that I'm not really happy with. There is also a little shutter lag, but nothing I'm really worried about. Not happy with the over exposure though.

But...check out my mother's day roses, and yes they were this orange!

20X zoom of a redheaded woodpecker out my in-laws window...

H enjoying ice cream with sprinkles at the amusement park....

And a few free range cashmere goats in the driveway, note the two bucks clashing horns. Don't they look so fuzzy, soft and cuddly??

Well I think one of the dogs pooed, ewww. Better go check that out... UGGHH will it never end??

Just a quick word...

2009-05-25T14:54:00.003-04:00

I have been completely absent for a while, life is getting the best of my time! I just wanted to do a quick update. We have moved so it has been a little hectic lately but I have managed to get a few stitches in and I even tried out my new blocking puzzle piece thingies and blocking wires which was super quick and fun. I took some pics and will post them when I get around to uploading pictures.

Let see, moved about three weeks ago, went to see in-laws for a week and got back a couple days ago. I have been working, my tushie off around the ranch and it's been a blast. Of course I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder though and I am so wishing I could take some good pain meds right now cause it kills at the moment, so there will be no hard work for the next few days.

It is great to be back home!

Quick note to Sunby... I never did post the tutorial on how to attach the handles... it was one of those life got in the way things. I will try to remember how I did that and get it an explanation up for you asap :)

2009-04-07T19:11:00.003-04:00

First, just wanted to let everyone know that I have been accepted to the PhD program of my choice!!!

I have been working on a custom colorway for Chris, and it has been a doozy. Usually I play mad scientist and let the colors come out how they will. I always love the results and they are always a little different each time. It's a little harder to get exact colors. My first attempt was way off, but still pretty. I have been layering dyes on the second to get what I'm looking for and I have one more round of over dyeing and I should have it.

First round, the green was a little too bright and the yellow a little too yellow for what I was going for...

Second round, green and Burgundy seem perfect, yellow is not golden enough and orange is too light. I will be adding another layer of color so it gets just right!

2009-03-31T12:58:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to share my latest creation, from a great pattern, I think I will try this in my size now!

Just another rambling day.

2009-03-21T22:01:00.002-04:00

Well I've heard a few people getting reinstated, but I'm still waiting to hear back. A week without Ravelry. I have a couple projects done that I am very upset that I can't post.

Decided to start a new quick knit with some Royal Bamboo that I had gotten from my momma. I'm made a cute little bolero/shrug and the colors are amazing. I was a little upset that there was a knot in each ball I used and one even had two knots! I wrote Plymouth Yarn and received an email that said I need to contact the LYS where it was purchased. Not an option, it was purchased at a booth in a local fair in North Dakota while she was visiting last fall. Not that I'm really looking for anything other than them to take note of the problem. I still LOVE that yarn!!

I'm starting to hear back from the ladies that purchased from the shop and I'm thrilled with all the positive feedback. The little rose boxes are a huge hit and I'm thinking about putting the pattern up on Etsy. They are definitely a new standard with small items like my stitch markers and key chains.

Well I'm off to worry about things unrelated to knitting and Ravelry, such as, oh real life. Not my favorite subject though.

Orders sent out

2009-03-19T22:33:00.005-04:00

I wanted to share something postive, I sent out all the orders that I recieved this weekend.
The pretty little gift boxes for stitch markers...

One of the prettiest sunsets I have created...

I hope you all love it!

Electric Sunset up on Etsy!!

2009-03-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

Hmm, bad grammer first...So I just noticed some improper use of "your" and "you're." My appologies, I'm very embarassed...

In other news, the first skein of the new Landscapes Lace in "Electric Sunset" is already gone on Etsy, I was amazed. I relisted, so it's available. The very first skein (shown in my last post) is being knitted into the Adamas shawl, and I noticed that it was striping more than having a gradual change, so before dyeing the next one, I changed the method a just little and it worked fantastically!! Here is the pic...

I also put up a smaller (400 yard) skein...

That one is a little brighter than the pic shows, but yummy none the less!

Other than the store update, I have been looking for the next item to knit that I will obsessively work on until it's finished. I'm not loving anything that I'm working on at the moment, and that is a super long list. H's window shawl went from creeping along, to a quick speed up to a dead halt. I do not have quite enough to finish the way I want, and I'm debating how to fix that. The Adamas shawl is just slow, and even though I am anxoius for the next color to come in (I've reached the deep blue), it seems too much like work. I have two sweaters I'm working on, several orphan socks and some cashmere that needs to become something for my neighbor, plus lots of "I should knit something for them because they are so sweet" projects. I have 2 of 8 oz of Crazy Monkey spun, and the Twisted is on the Lendrum right now, with several fibers waiting in line. I have the rest of the Landscapes lace colorways to dye, which if they take off, I may spend most of my spare time doing that, hmm I think I need more hours in the day. Yep lots of stuff!

Copyrights

2009-02-24T17:10:00.002-05:00

The issue has come up a few times on selling items made from other's patterns. I think this is up to the designer. That being said if anyone wants to use my patterns to make things for sale, you may, just do the following for me: credit me as the designer and link to my blog ;). If you are going to use my design I might as well get some free advertising, right?

Okay off soapbox...

Preview of New yarn!!

2009-02-23T15:29:00.003-05:00

I've been experimenting with a new method of dyeing lace yarn so that the color change is gradual from one end to the other. I have always liked certain color combos, but they never look quite right dyed as a variegated or even stripe and I really love some of the secondary colors that come in when doing colorways, but never really make a presence in the finished product. I had also noticed a few people coming up with this idea also, but the only indie dyed lace yarns I have seen like this came from recycled yarn, but the more a yarn is handled, it gets damaged, so I came up with a new method of dyeing. The new stuff is "Landscapes Lace" and hopefully I will be able to get a few more dyed up and in the shop soon.
I came up with this one called "Electric Sunset" and it is the first of 4 colorways to start, I will be doing several more. I'm truly painting each skein from a artists prospective, so each will be an original.

A little info about the skeins- they are 100% Merino, 100g, 880 yards each, $35.00 per skein. One skein is plenty to a stole or most shawls. Right now I am working this skein for Adamas Shawl and it's lovely so far. Each color change has subtle variation and as soon as it gets a little farther along, I will post some pics.

So how do you make a quick come to a grinding halt? Add nupps. Evil, evil nupps. Purl 5 together? WTF?? Remember that bright rainbow window scarf for H? Yep. I also increased the budding lace total repeats and although I planned for the Lily of the Valley edge, I did not take into account the scallop edge and now cannot follow the pattern as written. I don't think it will be too hard to redesign the border though. Other than that my poor twisted roving is being neglected on the wheel and I have about 20 other "I really should make this for so-and-so" projects and zero inspiration to actually work on any of them. Either I need to survive on less sleep or I need more hours in the day, cause as it is I will never get everything done I want to do.

Finished with the twisted!

2009-02-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

Congrats to the ladies who chose these two

and

I also finished the twisted shawl...

All I have for tonight is pictures :)

Your Redneck is Showing...

2009-02-09T10:49:00.004-05:00

Excuse me, I thought I would let you know your redneck is showing.

Saturday night we went out to the Mardi Gra parade. Nothing like some southern culture to bring a little redneck out in all of us. Even me, high class broad that I am, was seen with baby in one hand and beer in the other. It was fun, but we didn't get any of the cool beads so I was a little disapointed. I wanted the girls to leave LA with something fun to remember this state by (even though T won't remember a thing LOL). Instead H has loads of cheap beads. I am also coming to the realization that my point and shoot digital just doesn't take the kind of pics I want to take. Something more to wish for. In the mean time I will dream of camera that I can do as much with as my old 35mm SLR.

I am also really sad. I tried the mermaid scarf but I kept splitting the yarn to I opted for the Evelyn Clark's Heartland Shawl instead. I should have gone down a needle size cause I have 10 rows left and I have no more yarn. Grr. I don't want to rip out cause I spent a week on this thing. It was going really fast and I do so love the yarn. I can't wait for Meg's next update, I hear she is offering lots of evolutions and I might just have to get in on that even though I'm broke and don't really need any new yarn. Wait, I think that is called a yarn diet. But who sticks with diets anyway?

After starting (and frogging) three projects with my handspun crazy monkey I think I may have finally committed to something, another Evelyn Clark design, the Swallowtail shawl. I seem to be on a triangular lace shawl kick. I think what I like best is that I only have to cast on 2 stitches. I really hate casting on, even more than I hate purling which there is a lot of by the end of the shawl. Well this is going to be a little too bright for me to wear, but I think it would look lovely in H's rainbow bedroom as a window scarf!

Bright isn't it? I have been doing a little spinning with my Twisted roving, but haven't gotten very far.

And the winner is...

2009-02-01T17:15:00.003-05:00

Since I only had two contestants, you guys are both winners! Go pick out your fave markers at my Etsy store.

I really like the mermaid scarf, I will be pulling out the hooks. I want to make sure that the stripe repeat looks good in crochet first. I like the cowls also, but I want to use the whole skein on one project and that would be one heck of a big cowl. All the projects will definitely be in my queue! If by chance I'm not super happy with the mermaid scarf I saw some beautiful triangle shawls I was considering.

On a non-knitting note- Go Steelers!

2009-01-24T22:59:00.003-05:00

I have two entries right now! C'mon peeps where you at?? I would love to see some more ideas, so I'm going to extend the contest to next Sat, 1/31. Here are the pattern ideas I have so far...

1st--http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-its-cowled-outside
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mermaid-scarf
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crofters-cowl

2nd--http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stacked-eyelet-cowl

The cowls are in right now. Thanks ladies, they are all beautiful patterns, this is going to be hard!

Contest!!

2009-01-20T20:43:00.009-05:00

Because I have so many readers who are just for a set of my stitch markers... but more importantly because I got my Twisted order today and I have no idea what to do with my Shiny and I don't want to do another pair of socks. Look how pretty! So here is the contest: Find me the perfect non-sock pattern for 400 yards of Shiny in Lagoon and if I pick your pattern, I will throw your fave set of stitch markers from the Etsy shop your way! Leave a link to the pattern in a comment and on Saturday (1/24) assuming I have more than three comments (haha). I will pick my favorite and let you guys know the winner.

Here's the fine print:
Please leave me a way to find you, i.e. ravelry name, email, etc. (Comments will be set so that the public can't see them). I be sure to put a post up with all the links on Saturday I get too so that if you happen upon a skein of Shiny in Lagoon and you are wondering what to make you will have some ideas.

Okay here's what else is up. The BFL from Crazy Monkey is slowly going but here is my progress...

The shop has been updated with a new handspun and some markers, I also plan on adding a couple of hand dyed sock yarns in the next couple of days, stop by and check it out!

2009-01-16T16:14:00.003-05:00

I have to brag. I *finally* scored some Twisted and not only did my stalking pay off, but I also got to it before the update was even posted in the Ravelry group. I splurged and got some Shiny in the Lagoon colorway and some Lively roving in Warlock. I will be waiting by the door for it too show up and in the mean time I will have to find the perfect project for the Shiny.

I have been working on some secret projects and spinning up some BFL roving that I got for Christmas, lace weight for a shawl.

It's going to take a while to spin up, but should be gorgeous when done.

That is all I have for pretties for today. I'm working on a few patterns, one for socks and one for a cowl. Might even have those up in the next few weeks!

Back in the saddle, or whatever...

2009-01-10T01:31:00.005-05:00

Yep after almost three long months of nothing, I promise I am back for good. Well at least every couple weeks until I am so busy trying to write my thesis that I give up again.

What have I been up to...Well I had a baby!!

Isn't she cute? I'm so crafty I make people.

I dyed this

And I spun this.

I added some of my mom's handspun on etsy, an when I get a moment, I have one more to put up...

I'm going to build a light box one of these days so I can get some true to life colors...this is a little more red than the pic shows, but soft squishy and yummy.

Well it is ridiculously early and I think that monkey #2 is finally ready to call it a night, good thing tomorrow is Saturday and I can sleep in a little!

quick pics

2008-10-29T11:42:00.006-04:00

From top to bottom--

Merino sport weight in Briney

Merino 4 oz roving in Zen graduals--the colors change from one end of the roving to the other. I am planning on spinning this up as a lace weight and making a triangular shawl to show this off. I am more than happy to do this as a custom dye job!

Merino 4 oz roving in Briney, for my mom

2 skeins merino silk fingering weight and 3 skeins merino silk lace weight for my mom in Zen.

New yarn up on Ravelry and Etsy check it out! Got to run to class!

Got a few minutes...

2008-10-17T11:34:00.008-04:00

It's been so long since I have posted that blogger forgot who I was and made me sign in...

Well life has been crazy busy since the semester started. I have been busy being lab mommy, trying to keep track of 4 undergrads and a dare I say one incompetent grad student. Only one more semester...

I have had a little bit of time to knit in the evenings though and have come up with a few new things. Kody's socks are coming along painfully slow. I really can't stand the colorway and have zero ambition to finish them other than I love my Kody and he needs some warm wool socks for hunting by November. I have put way Joe's sweater for a while, not that he will need it this year. I started on a sweater I won't be able to wear til next year of my own design and I must say I think it will turn out awesome.

I took a little time for myself this weekend and dyed up some yarn and a couple rovings. I did some for my mom by request, overdyed some alpaca for my aforementioned sweater for me, a skein of merino as a gift and a couple of 4 oz rovings, one to spin and sell and the other for my mom.

I have a couple of new handspuns, one that is on etsy right now and the other will go up by the end of the week.

This is a beaded version of the merino/cashmere blend that is already on etsy. I call it "Spring Chicken beaded"!! I loaded way too many beads and it was a pain to ply, but I muscled through it finally.

Here is a preview of another hand spun that will go up later on etsy later this week.

Unfortunately I don't have a very good place to take pics, and the pics of this yarn don't do it justice. Not a very big skein, only 120 yards, but this is one of my favorites yet for a seemingly ordinary yarn. The roving is blended with navy, burgundy and blue and was sitting in the box next to some red angelina which it picked up a little of. The yarn has little bits of sparkle here and there throughout the skein. It is incredibly soft too. It was spun worsted, but loosely so it has a lot of bloom.

Well I'm off to hobble upstairs and visit my poor neglected bacteria!

I WANT TO KNIT!!

2008-09-10T11:27:00.002-04:00

I'm supposed to be working. I'm not sure what on, but it's a good thing that my major prof doesn't know about my blog... I'm daydreaming about the perfect baby knits browsing patterns and wishing I could go on a yarn shopping spree. If I had $500... hehe. I have a couple of projects in mind, a pattern that I want to write and at this moment I wish I was a stay at home mom again who got to clean house for a couple hours, play with the munchkin and knit for the rest of the day. Ah that was the life of laziness!

I have been working on a pattern though, for my honey's first sweater. I am really unexicted about the yarn, even more about the color which I think I will overdye either blue or black, but the pattern (the whole 6 inches I have worked) seems to be going okay. This may be a little over abitious and I'm sure that I am the only one on earth who would want to do this, but the idea is to write a pattern that has set in sleeve shaping, that is completely seemless. Unless some OCD knitter such as myself has already done this and I am not aware. Of course I will offer a seamed version of this when I get finished.

Another of my less inspire projects, Kody's socks are trudging along too. I was so proud when I reached 3.5 inches!! Then I realized that although I thought I knew my guage, I had chosen size 0 needles instead of size 1. So now I have to rip out that 3.5 inches of hell and start over!! Yay!

In reality I'm just trying to waste another 5 minutes before I have to go to class.

The basketweave stitch tutorial and free pattern

2008-09-07T16:05:00.014-04:00

This can be a little bit difficult of a stitch pattern to understand, and it's even harder to explain, but I'm going to have a go at it... This pattern is basically cabling on both sides of the work without using a cable needle. The front side of the work cables 1 stitch left and the wrong side cables 1 stitch right over two stitches. As far as the terminology, first and second refers to the order of the stitches as they are on the left needle, not the order that new stitches are made.

Row 1: (RS) k1,

*Insert the right needle into the second stitch on the left needle (knitwise), behind the first stitch as shown below. You can go through the front leg of the stitch or the back loop, it really doesn't make a difference on the finished piece, it is easier to go through the back loop.

Make your new stitch, but leave the old stitch on the left hand needle...

Next, insert your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle...

make your new stitch...

Then drop both of the old stitches off of the left needle.

You can see in the picture above that the stitch that was first on the left needle ("first old stitch") has crossed over the stitch that was second in line. * Repeat *-* until 1 stitch remains, k1

Row 2: (WS) p2,

*Insert the right needle into the second stitch (purlwise) in front of the first stitch on the left needle as shown

Make the new stitch and leave the old stitch on the left needle

Insert the right needle in the first stitch on the left needle

make your new stitch...then drop both old stitches off the left needle.If you look on the right side of your work you will see that there is a right leaning stitch just made.* Repeat *-* until there are two stitches left, p2.

Repeat rows 1 and 2!

Free Pattern: Basket weave tutorial swatch coffee cozy

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, I'm guessing here, but I think 50 yards should do it. I used some left over Plymouth Encore wool/acrylic.
Size 7 needles
2 buttons

Gauge: About 4 right leaning stitches per inch in pattern.
Finished size: 3.5 inches wide x 9 inches circumference
Cast on 24 stitches. Work 2 rows in garter stitch.
Work in basket weave pattern until the piece measures 10 inches, BO in following pattern:
*k1, k1tog, rep from *.
Finishing:
Overlap the ends as shown in the photo below, sew together. Add buttons as shown, weave in any loose ends, add to coffee cup!

Gearing up for holiday knitting

2008-09-03T17:43:00.003-04:00

First off, we managed to get through the hurricane without any trees falling on our trucks or home and didn't even lose power. Honestly I was a little disappointed, I'm kind of a sucker for natural disaster drama, but I'm glad that the damage was kept to the minimum for everyone else's sake. The storm was talked up so much that it was kind of a let down when all we got was rain and some weak wind. I did get out of school/work for two extra days though. I have gotten a lot of crafting done over this extended weekend too. I only have one more block plus the sashing on my mom's quilt left to quilt, I started and almost finished a crochet blanket for the baby, I finished the Druid Mitten's, did one of two fingerless gloves, sold some yarn, and started a pair of socks (see below for more on the socks). Whew, that sounds like a lot. Let me tell you I am bored out of my mind.

Look a collage of my accomplishments!!

Well its come to that time of year again when I'm starting to panic and dread all of the holiday knitting that needs to be done. It's not often that knitting becomes a unwanted chore, but that is the case a couple of months before Christmas. This is also the time that I realize that the men in knitter's lives are often overlooked when it comes to style. Not wanting to put forth any creativity of my own I've been looking for a nice pullover pattern for the hubby I have been looking for a nice pattern, preferably free cause I'm broke, that won't make him look like Mr. Rogers or, well, gay, and maybe one that he might be willing to wear. Looks like I'm going to have to use that shriveled up thing that rattles around in my head and write a pattern or fork over five bucks to a deserving designer.

Another knitting challenge is fitting a pair of socks to a guy. Men have the oddest feet and if you want to make a pair that fits right you should take proper measurements, but does anyone really want to get that close to a guys foot? Especially when they belong to someone you don't snuggle with. Somehow I always feel the need to make Joe's friends socks just for being great guys and putting up with my attitude and being there when Joe or I need a helping hand. Ben got a pair of blue alpaca socks last spring and now it's Kody's turn. It should be rather challenging considering that I want them to be a surprise and I have to eye up his feet every time he is over. I can't even use Joe a model cause Kody has totally different feet than my husband.

I decided to use the traditional sock recipe and very simple k3 p1 stitch pattern using Brown Sheep's Wildfoote. I must admit that although the color (brown sugar) is very well suited to a man, I'm not thrilled with it. I figure I will work about 2" a day and should be done sometime in September. I have some surprise plans for the sock though and will be sure to make Kody model them (I imagine a photo shoot in front of the gas fireplace, with feet kicked up, light that sucker up, try to get a few shots off before passing out from carbon monoxide poisoning cause the idiots didn't vent the fireplace properly or simply from heat exhaustion cause it will still be 80 degrees here in Louisiana, desperately trying to turn of the gas, all the while hoping that Kody smiled nicely and didn't make faces)...I digress...and write a pattern that I can share with the world!

Grrr, quilting

2008-08-26T12:25:00.007-04:00

The fuse on my short temper has disappeared completely with pregnancy. I'm really pissed off about a parking ticket that the campus police won't repeal, but they were nice enough to repeal my husbands parking ticket, which he got for the same reason as me. Grrr.

I am off the knitting kick for a little while and back into a sewing kick, particularly a quilt top that I started when my little girl was only a few months old. It's a lone star with applique flowers and vines around the edge. I had to rip out most of the applique I did because, well it sucked. Now after a little more brainstorming and research I started working on the applique again. I just might finish it in twenty years.

This all got started off with a kick to make place mats for me. I have an iris fetish when it comes to my kitchen and dining area. Every thing is violet, blue and green, iris colors. So, I got on the quilting software and came up with this....

Pretty.... of course, I should probably work on some of my UFO quilts before starting new projects. That and I really can't afford the quilt shop right now and I don't have any batiks in my stash that quite match the colors I want.

I also have been working on and off on machine quilting this Star Sampler quilt for my mom....

Almost every block is a variation of the Evening Star, but I did eventually run out of ways to vary this pattern, so I had to throw some other star patterns in.

It was hand pieced and I originally planned on hand quilting the whole thing, but I would also like her to have it before she dies. (Not that she is going to, but it would take me fifty years to hand quilt this cause I'm so slow)

Instead I decided to ruin it with my questionable free hand machine quilting skill. I only have about 6 blocks plus the sashing and the border to quilt though and then I'm ready to bind and be done with this thing. I doubt I will have the ambition or the time but I could be done by Christmas. I still am not sure what quilting pattern to do on the sashing and the border which are only 2 inches wide. This quilt is truly a sampler though and the quilting patterns, although mostly feather based motifs with a stippled background, but I think the sashing is too narrow for a decent feather motif. Oh the challenges of being creative.

It's been almost a month, sorry

2008-08-19T11:39:00.008-04:00

I didn't really abandon my post, I have been crazy busy with summer and getting back to work/school. First an announcement:

For all of you charity knitter's out there that haven't heard, knit a red scarf for the red scarf project for the Orphan Foundation of America which gives these scarfs to college bound foster kids. For more information go to OFA's red scarf site.

On my own sob story front, my fantastic lovable adorable English Pointer has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and its severe enough that it he will probably be crippled in a few years. For those of you who don't know, canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that affects almost all breeds of dogs, especially large breeds. As the dog is growing the hip joint doesn't form right, usually the socket part doesn't form a socket like it should. This causes pain in of itself, but the debilitating part of the disease is the arthritis that forms as the dog ages. Right now selective breeding of dogs with good hips is the only way to prevent this disease, but even dogs with good hips will occasionally have puppies with bad hips and so is the case with Copper. Both parents are part of a very carefully controlled breeding program by a renowned English Pointer Kennel and this is the first time either parent has had offspring with this disease.

Copper on his first day home.

Right now we are looking into a surgery for him called Triple Pelvic Ostectomy where the hip joint is remodeled. It would be a rough recovery, but the success rate is around 90% and dogs usually return to a completely normal active lifestyle. Because he wants to be such an active dog (born to run and hunt) we are hoping that he is a good candidate. Of course everything is expensive, so if he can get the surgery I will be making up mad amounts of stitch markers and hand spun and hand dyed yarn for sale on Etsy. All profit will go in a special account for his surgery. More on that if he qualifies for the surgery.

Copper as of now, sitting in the typical dysplasic posture.

I have been getting some knitting in. I have been a little bored with socks lately so when Vogue Knitting showed up in the mailbox with those awesome mittens on the front cover, I couldn't help myself but get into the mittens. As long as I live in Louisiana I will never have a need for them, but I plan on getting back to a state that has seasons, particularly one with winter. I really miss playing in the snow... I digress. I had spun up some fingering weight merino from one of the hand dyed rovings I did, and I added beads when I plied it. The yarn is super soft but turned out a little more woolen than I would have hoped for originally but works great for the mittens I ended up doing. Inspired by Vogue and using Ann Budd's book "The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns" I knitted up some mittens with a simple cable pattern.

I think everyone will be getting mittens for Christmas, or at least those who live in a state where they would need them. I also started on the Druid Mittens from Vogue's cover using Pagewood farms Denali. I should have used a lighter color, mine is a little bit dark for the pattern, but it's turning out well. Denali is an interesting yarn and follows the trends that Koigu started with their tightly twisted two ply yarn. Denali is three ply, but has a lot of the same texture that is seen with Koigu.

I really like the saddle closing that this pattern uses versuses the standard decrease seen in simpler mitten patterns. It was a little loose and I might try a different approach on the right mitten though, (for those of you who are knitting this pattern I will let you know how that goes).

Off I go to be anti-productive in another way, or maybe something that I actually need to do...

Fun with dyeing

2008-07-23T13:58:00.004-04:00

I was a little scared when I dyed my first roving but......not too bad. I did two 4 oz rovings and some sock yarn in "glitter" as well as a sock blank from knit picks

One side turned out perfect, the other not as much but either way I'm hoping that it will look good on the sock itself. I also think that I have found a new use for my knitting machine, after all the yarn to make the sock blank costs 5.99. The sock blank cost 11.99. It would take me about 10 minutes to knit it up on the knitting machine, so I think I will do that from now on. I really like the dye effects that you can get out of the blank though.

Off to do some work now....

Back from CO

2008-07-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

I have been completely MIA for the past few weeks, and it was so worth it. Went home to Colorado and I am surprised I even came back! The real purpose of my trip was to be in my friend Heather's wedding which turned out beautiful and made me regret my own wedding choices (or lack thereof). Needless to say she didn't get her shawl, instead I made a quick knit and gave her a knitted white thong with a blue ribbon as a bachlorette gift and a small drawstring bag made from one of my all time favorites, Artyarn's Regal Silk. It was fun to splurge on a skein of yarn. I even had some left overs and made a pair of undies for myself. I thought about giving them to her, but that might be a little weird. Well I have to run home and get some knitting before I meet A for coffee (or decaf) this afternoon, good thing I live 2 minutes from Starbucks!! I will leave you with a pic of the baby...

We aren't going to find out the sex, but I bet it's a girl only becuase DH wants a boy so badly!

Esty shop

2008-06-30T14:17:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the etsy shop is up and running! Right now I have one handspun and several stitch markers. I need to take some pics and I should have a few more handspuns up in the next couple of days.

I am really excited about my new patterns and the positive response on them. I had one knitter contact me about the basket weave handbag. She mentioned that she really doesn't crochet and me (like a moron) forgets that not all knitter's crochet also. So here is a simple solution for those who don't crochet:

Instead of binding off, switch to the cotton yarn. Decrease every stitch, 38 st remain. Work in garter st for 4 rows (2 purl ridges on the front side).
next row: k12, bo 14, k12
next row: k12, co 14, k12 (leaving an opening for the handle but joining to the last 12 stitches) Knit 6 more rows (3 purl ridges on the front side) Bind off.
Pick up 76 stitches from the cast on edge and repeat the above directions.
Sew up side seams, weave in ends.

I used garter stitch as an example but in the spirit of making it your own, you can use any stitch that doesn't curl such as seed stitch. I will be sure to add this to the end of the pattern post also.

I did start on the Malabrigo bag, but I'm not particularly happy with it right now, it just didn't come out like I had pictured in my head. I'm working on a baby surprise jacket for a preggo friend of my mine and that is almost done, so I might try and pick it back up and have another pattern by the end of this week. Then it is off to Colorado for me!!

So freakin cool

2008-06-27T22:40:00.003-04:00

How freaking awesome is that??? My bag is on the recently added list!!!! It has been up for about 3 hours as I write and people are favoriting it, woot woot. Okay everyone, start telling me what a complete dork I am. I know, go ahead, but I feel special right now, or at least some pattern love.

Since I am all about customizing patterns I thought that I would give a quick tip for customizing this bag, make it big! By increasing needle size and/or yarn weight, you can very easily increase and still use the same pattern. If you want to be a little more adventurous, you can increase the number of stitches. The stitch pattern is just a multiple of 2 stitches plus a stitch on each side for the selvedge. To change the top, simply follow the same guidelines and adjust the number of crochet stitches as necessary. The handles are 1/3 of one side of the purse! Voila, from small handbag to large tote! Am I using to many exclamations?

I got off my hiney and set up an Etsy store. You can find it here. There isn't anything up as of today other than I spent a little while actually setting up the store. So far I (and my partner in crime) plan on having dyed yarn, fiber, hand spun yarn, stitch markers and rosaries. I made a few stitch markers tonight...

yep. Well that's all I have for tonight. Happy knitting!

New handspun

2008-06-24T12:56:00.004-04:00

In addition to the new pattern, I was busy this weekend spinning up some pretty new yarn that I felt I need to share.

I also decided that I really need a plying head for the Lendrum and Christmas is still months away... Maybe I could buy it for the hubby's birthday in September. After all he does buy me presents for himself. Okay maybe not, I guess I just need to sell my soul... or yarn... who would like to buy 320 yards (4 oz) of sport weight 100% hand spun wool? $30. Maybe I need to get on etsy.

I really have the spinning bug right now, I started some pretty blended merino last night and I'm thinking about plying it with some mill spun cashmere singles that I have and have no idea what to do with. The merino is very pretty yellow blended with some orange, light blue and pink, and the cashmere is a lighter yellow, I post pics when I can take some.

I am also finding that I don't do forced knitting very well either. I can't even stand the sight of Heather's wedding shawl, so it might turn into Heather's wedding purse or something (not the actual shawl, but I might make a purse instead, which gives me an idea but I would have to spin the yarn and that probably won't happen). I should make something fun for the bridesmaids, each different so I don't get bored...Angelina!! sorry, that was the turret syndrome speaking, angelina the fiber not the brood mare, I mean actress. I am very easily distracted today and rambling so on that note I am off to a cookie cake party in my honor (not really, they just invited me).

New Pattern- Basket weave handbag

2008-06-23T15:47:00.005-04:00

Call me the bag lady for the next few weeks, I seem to have a desire to use up all of my single skeins and small bags are perfect for that. This week is a very simple little bag, very light and perfect for the hot weather. I saw a scarf in a similar color way of a different Manos yarn and I loved the stitch pattern, but what the heck am I going to do with a wool scarf in Louisiana???? If found the stitch pattern in my big book of knitting and decided to go for a bag instead. Sorry for the awful pic, I promise to get a better one up in the next few days.

Materials- Main color (MC) 1 skein Manos del Uruguay silk blend (150 yds) in 3113
Contrasting color (CC) 1 ball Patons Grace in Ruby
size 8 needles
size G/6 crochet hook

Gauge- who cares it's a purse (but if your a stickler--about 6 st/in in pattern, which is really hard to tell, but count both the right leaning stitch and the left leaning stitch below it)

Finished size- 8"x10"

Cast on 76 st and begin pattern as follows:
Basket weave stitch pattern-- worked over two stitches
Row 1-k1, *with right needle behind the first st, knit into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, knit into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep *-* to last stitch, k1
Row 2- p2, *with right needle in front of first st, purl into the second stitch, do not drop stitch off of left needle, purl into first stitch and then drop both stitches off of left needle* rep*-* to last 2 stitches, p2

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 12 inches, BO. Fold in half (hamburger style) and sew side seams. You should have enough yarn left to crochet one or two rounds around the top of the purse; if not, join CC. Single crochet around the top edge evenly in the round (see note below).
Note:
This is about the time I started just going and not paying attention to the fact that I wanted to write this pattern down. To keep even with the stitch pattern, I crocheted into every other BO or CO st, this tightened up the top fairly nice. This means that you should end up with 76 sc.

Handles
If you haven't already, switch to CC.
work 2 round of hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 24 hdc, ch 14, skip 14 hdc, 12 hdc.
next round: 12 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 24 hdc, hdc in each ch (14), 12 hdc.
work 2 more rounds of hdc, BO.

Finishing- weave in ends and sew in liner if desired.

Abbreviations--
Sc= single crochet
Ch= chain
hdc= half double crochet

See how easy that was?

for the non-crochet-ers, try this top:

Instead of binding off, switch to the cotton yarn. Decrease every stitch, 38 st remain. Work in garter st for 4 rows (2 purl ridges on the front side).
next row: k12, bo 14, k12
next row: k12, co 14, k12 (leaving an opening for the handle but joining to the last 12 stitches) Knit 6 more rows (3 purl ridges on the front side) Bind off.
Pick up 76 stitches from the cast on edge and repeat the above directions.
Sew up side seams, weave in ends.

Next week's bag pattern (hopefully if I don't lose my head before then):

I will pull myself into 2008 and finally knit with Malabrigo, since I am apparently the last knitter on earth to pick some up.

Free Pattern

2008-06-16T09:03:00.005-04:00

Okay this will count as my very first pattern. I have it in PDF format if anyone would like it, please let me know and I will email it (I have no idea where or how to upload it so that it can be directly downloaded. I'm not that technical)

Boho Beaded Bag by Robynn Thomas
Needles: size 13 24” circular needles
crochet hook size I/9-5.50 mm
Yarn: 2 skeins Lamb’s Pride Burly Spun in sable
or about 350 yards of worted weight

yarn, 2 strands held together

Notions: Stitch markers
71/2” diameter round purse handles
Assortment of large wooden beads
Gauge: 10 sts = 4 inches in St st

Notes:
Moss Stitch pattern:
Round 1: k1, p1
Round 2: k1, p1
Round 3: p1, k1
Round 4: p1, k1
Repeat rounds 1-4

Pattern:
Cast on 58 stitches, join being careful not to twist.
Place marker to mark beginning of round. Work 29 stitches in stitch pattern, pm, work in stitch pattern to end of round.

Next round (increase round): m1 by p1, k1 into the first st, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1, slip marker, m1, cont in patt to 1 st before marker, m1.

Work even for the next 3 rounds

Work these 4 rounds until there are 74 sts.

Work even until piece measures 10”

Divide for top of purse
Next round: k16, BO 5, k32, BO 5, k2, ssk, k to last 4 st, k2tog k2 (30 sts), turn. You will work only these 30 sts for now.
Next row: sl1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl 1, p1, p2tog, p to last 4 sts, ssp, p2*
Rep *-* once more
Next row: *sl1, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2
Next row: sl1, p to end*
Repeat *-* twice more
Work 4 rows in St st, bind off.
Repeat for other side

Finishing
Weave in ends and sew in liner if desired

Attach handles by crocheting on. See tutorial for braided look (check for this in the next week or so).

Make 4 20” lengths of cable cord by cutting 40” of yarn (if using 2 strands of worsted held together, do the same to make the cord) tape or have someone hold one end of the yarn, twist in the same direction the yarn is twisted tightly. Hold the middle of the yarn taught, bring the ends together and then release and let the yarn twist back on itself.
Note:
I-cord works very well for this also, but I recommend using a fingering or sport weight yarn to make the I-cord or it will be too thick to fit through the beads.

Using a crochet hook (and picture for reference, I have crudely outlined the cord to make it more visible) lace cords through the top of the purse and secure to the wrong side. String one bead onto both cords, then three beads onto each cord, make knots to hold beads in place, repeat for other side.

Weave in any remaining ends and enjoy!

Local cockroach death ruled a suicide

2008-05-25T11:16:00.004-04:00

Monroe, LA- Allied press
Local residents watched in shock as an unidentified adult male cockroach or climbed up the wall behind the stove, onto the exhaust hood and then leap into a pan of frying bacon grease in a home on Bon Aire Dr mid Saturday morning. The pan had fortunately been emptied of all bacon before the tragedy took place.

“I remember calling to my husband telling him that there was a cockroach on the wall behind the stove, I didn’t have time to do anything before he jumped,” said the female resident of the home who wishes to remain anonymous.

Local authorities are not sure why the cockroach chose to commit suicide, but they speculate that the smell of the bacon grease may have been to attractive to resist. It is not apparent if the roach was a transient or native to the home, however the residents are hoping for the first.

The roach was put to rest with the bacon grease that he was fried in a modified Miller Lite can.

In all seriousness, that was disgusting. I made sure to spray the whole entire house after that. I can't handle them in the house.

Ugh and YAY

2008-05-18T18:27:00.004-04:00

Well the yay is that I can finally tell the world that I am expecting! Here is the first picture of the little jelly bean due in December.

The ugh is the first couple months I'm feeling like dirt. Needless to say I have been extremely unproductive. Unfortunately I won't be dyeing much yarn, and even knitting feels like a chore. The meds that the doc gave me just put me to sleep. With no relief in site for at least the next month (hopefully I will enter blissful pregnancy after that), I doubt that I will be up to much.

It's killing me not to dye yarn cause I have a bunch waiting for me. I finally decided on a pattern and yarn for Heather's next wedding shawl. The new pattern was found in a German knitting pattern book from ??... Good thing I don't have to read German to read charts.

Yes I know its a table cloth, but in wool it can be a shawl and very pretty and lacy, etc.

Well that is about all the tummy will give me today, be back with pics of my accomplishments next time.

On a break

2008-05-01T22:25:00.004-04:00

Knitting and I are on a break right now. With all of the drama in the end of the semester I just don't feel like knitting and I should be together right now. I am afraid that we could have a permanent break up if knitting doesn't give me just a little space.... Don't tell knitting about the solitaire, it might get jealous.

The reality of it is that with the end of the semester pressure, I just don't have the time or the energy to do much of anything. Solitaire seems a little easier on me since it requires very little brain power. I have had a few break through in the lab, so I want to actually start working again, but I don't have time!!! All of my creative juice has been focused on writing these last two papers and then its finals and back to knitting. If you don't see me for the next week, there are a lot of reasons....

Well its off to bed for me, sweet dreams about how I wish I was 19 again for dumb reasons.

The opinion column

2008-04-30T13:53:00.005-04:00

New feature!! Not really knitting related. Today's opinion is what people in Monroe are willing to do to their cars.

First off here is a list of things I need to do to make white lighting a cool truck

1. 3 foot lift kit

2. A hot pink Browning buck sticker

3. A push bar for the front

4. Headache rack or roll bar, with lights

5. something camo

6. an airbrushed front licence plate

I saw this today at the mall....

Now I'm not sure if they used a four dollar can of spray paint or something removable, but what better way to to customize your Subaru than by using amateur artistic talent to paint flames on your car. "It just seemed like a good idea! And look, it really adds to the appearance of the car while adding value at the same time. Plus the car goes about 10 mph faster!!"

Really, what were you thinking?

Back from a long vacation in my head

2008-04-22T10:08:00.003-04:00

Sorry it has been a few days, been a little busy. Well I have pictures on my phone that I would like to share but I can't find the mini SD card to get them to the computer. Theoretically I should be able to use the blue tooth on my computer and on the phone to get them on but technology never works for me, only against me.

I did see something the other day that shocked me to the bone so much I took pictures.

That's right, she is actually wearing the slippers I made for her, just in time for her to grow out of them, makes a momma proud!!

Well I did a little picture editing and decided to post this lovely...

It is a little difficult to see how super fine and ultra soft and downright beautiful the colors are but....that is a size 1 needle. Say it with me.....Robynn you need help.
I also wanted to show a proud mommy pic!! She knits!! Really, there are witnesses.

Needle collecting and other fun stuff

2008-04-14T21:45:00.005-04:00

First off, I have 5 new colors at Threads, all are 70% merino and 30% silk fingering weight (sock yarn!!) In the chaos that is my life I forgot to take pictures, but since I am at the shop every day I promise I will take some tomorrow and post them. Anyway the new colorways are....

Hammer Pants--fluorescent green/bright purple

Hunter--green/yellow/hot pink/bright purple

Pickle Barrel--green/ecru/brown

Tonya--pink/ecru/brown

Beetlejuice--violet/black/white

These are $20 each for 440 yds (enough for a pair of socks + extra). I was planning on selling some cobweb merino in the zen colorway, but it breaks to easily when balling it up ( has to be hand balled very carefully) so I decided that I would be responsible and keep it to myself.

And more excitement.... My momma is the best. The greatest gifts always come from someone who truly understands you, and since we might as well be the same person, I can honestly say she understands me. I have been craving Sox Stix from Lantern Moon for a while now, and in the mail today I got some, as well as a few other goodies.

Let me explain something about my knitting habit. It's not just that I love knitting, and I do, it's also that I love collecting anything involved with knitting. I have a penchant for 5" dps and if manufacturer makes them, they will end up in my needle collection. I think I have a problem. I have been knitting for ~2.5 years and my needle collection rivals that of lifetime knitters. We won't talk about my stash (Ravelry shows about half of it, I have yet to get into the boxes of embarrassing yarn and stuff that has only been recently purchased).

The rest of the package included some buffalo down for spinning, a couple balls of Panda Silk, my signed copy of Maggie's book and Arctic Lace. Can't wait to delve into that, although I really should be reading books relating to school....nyahh. But really thanks for the early B-day Mom, I love it!!!!!!!!

I've also decided that I truly have lost my mind because I'm giving up on the Heather shawl in favor of something that I actually have yarn for (the merino that couldn't make it to market). I also chose a new pattern, circular, written in German, although it is charted , and beautiful!! Of course I decided that a size 1 needle would be best (what is wrong with me?) and I am wondering if maybe a size 15 and worsted weight yarn might be a little more feasible. Okay how about I move up to size 3. Maybe then I can have it finished by her 3rd wedding anniversary. Again pictures tomorrow this time cause I don't believe in flash photography with a point and shoot, it never turns out well.

Classes and future hand dyed!!

2008-04-10T22:36:00.004-04:00

The first round of class dates is now set in stone!!! Here is when they will be plus a few more details. As the time comes I will post more details.

Sock class:
Session 1: May 13 and 20, 7:00-8:30 pm
Session 2: May 16 and 23, 2:00-3:30 pm
Where: Threads Unlimited Knits
Cost: $35 + supplies

Beginner Lace:
May 19 and 26 7:00-8:30 pm
Cost: $35 + supplies

I have the details of what will be covered in the class and I will give out some of those details a week or two before classes start. Class size is limited to 5 people per session and all materials used in class must be purchased at Threads with a few exceptions which I will discuss at sign up. I will also do an individual 20 min followup (no charge. by appointment, limited to 45 days after the class) to help with issues that arrise in the final project. I will be doing additional sock classes and beginner lace classess throughout the summer by demand as well as an advanced lace class (probably one in June and one in the beginning of August).

I also wanted to let everyone know that I have finally found a source for base yarn for my hand dyed yarn that I can count on for consistent (and fabulous) yarns!! Hopefully we will be putting in an order by the end of the week!!! I am hoping that by summer I will have all my colorways fully developed and also that I can find a few more people interested in selling my hand dyes!! I have a few leads on shops that might be interested in carrying them (one in PA and 2 or 3 in CO) and if that works out, I will hopefully be taking on an apprentice (you know who you are girlfriend!!!) to help me deal with the loads and loads of yarn being ordered...would you please quit falling out of your chair, it's not THAT funny. I jokingly tell her its an unpaid internship with the finest dyer on Bon Aire Dr.

I will also doing several limited amounts of special stuff depending on availability of my other source. These will usually be limited to less than 10 skeins in one selected colorway, but will be worth it. I promise that I will not turn into one of those snotty Indie dyers who charges $25 for 200 yds of sock yarn. I will never charge over $20 for a skein (unless it's cashmere, then I HAVE to charge a little more). And every skein of lace weight will make a decent size stole, and every skein of sock yarn will make at least one pair of socks!!!

New colors!!

2008-04-10T09:36:00.006-04:00

I spent several hours deciding on the perfect color ways, and the local dye guru (stop laughing and get back in your chair) has come up with some fabulous colors for spring lace! I wanted to do something with subtle color changes so that when knitting the lace, the pattern shows through and the colorway doesn't take over. After all, why spend all that time on k2tog, ssk, and yo and not even be able to see it?

Left to right: Horton, Zen, Tallulah, and Pushing Up Daisies

I had to monkey with the picture to get the colors true to life, but voila, there you have it!

So this is the time of the year when people often ask me, "what is that intoxicating scent you are wearing?" To which I reply, "Why it's Cutter Deep Woods." I have 6 mosquito bites from standing outside for 2 minutes with out bug spray. Those of you who know me personally know that I don't get along with bug bites very well. Only time will tell exactly what species of mosquito bit me by how much pain and swelling shows up in the next few days. If it's those little black stipedy ones then I'm screwed. I think the common name is Asian Tiger Mosquito or something cute like that.

I have also decided that I no longer want to be a biologist and that I should follow my true calling. I have shunned the idea (or rather DH has) for over a year now because it is not "practical." Hopefully this summer is a turning point for either direction that is either my research takes a turn for the "this is valuable research that will actually work" (the better) or my fiber arts career takes off like weeds in my front yard. I'm really hoping for the latter. Okay enough complaining for the day.

Thursday Night SNB

2008-04-07T10:58:00.006-04:00

Here is some pics of the Thursday night "Sit and Stitch" as Tonya so eloquently renamed (much more PC, which is good!). We had a really great time, Ro is such a great hostess!

Crappy blurry picture, sorry, camera sucks occasionally.

I now have my own corner at the shop filled with my handiwork, which is very exciting for me. Now I just need to make sure that I put all that money :::::rolls off the chair laughing:::::: away to buy supplies!!

I have stitch markers, earrings and a half basket of hand dyed yarn. I am debating putting out some of my hand spun also.

Here it is with the famous feathers and fan shawl (Eugen Buegler)

I finished spinning up some heavy lace weight the other day and started Krista, a fantastic doily. The pattern is not very large, but plan on adding to the outside and making it as big as I can. In this case the amount of yarn will dictate the size of the doilie. I have been translating this and several other patterns from Danish to English in the past months. It has been a challenge, but with the help of Yarn Over's Dictionary and Nurhanne (who emailed me back a translation in record time, which I am so grateful) I can actually get through all the lace patterns even if I haven't translated it out. That means that I can read (not speak) Danish if it relates to knitting!! I am so proud of myself.

The problem with this is that since I am translating, and the patterns are not charted and so forth, mistakes are easily made. The problem being that I cast on 8 st, when I should have cast on 6. That means I did 8 repeats instead of 6. That means that it won't come out as a circle, but rather some ruffled thingy (not what I want AT ALL). That means that I have to frog the whole thing and start over. I spent all weekend on that damn thing. GRRRR. I only realized that this morning as I was reformatting the pattern so I could put in PDF form. ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH. I can't wait to design the rest of it and now I am behind. This is to be one of my crowning glories as a lace knitter and I have to GO BACK!!! I am so frustrated at the moment, can you tell?

2008-04-02T12:16:00.003-04:00

I am a smart girl. At least I have been told that and I believe it because when I walk around I hear something rattling in my head and I'm pretty sure that would be my brain. There are certain things that you are taught as a young girl.
Like when you use bleach, always dilute and never let bleach near wool. In a moment of disappointment that my colors ran in the white while dying yarn last week I had the brilliant idea to bleach the color out. What did I do? I filled a bowl full of undiluted bleach dipped the yarn in there and left it. About 10 seconds later I heard a fizzing sound and turned around to see my yarn steaming, yes steaming. Dumb ass.
So at this point I realize that I am a complete idiot and washed it off. Dumb ass. Needless to say the yarn was ruined although I didn't realize it until I started to skein it and as I turned my umbrella swift the yarn broke and I did really try to save it but it just kept braking and it is now sitting at the house half skeined and begging not to be thrown out. Because I am sympathetic to my yarn it might get to stick around for Hunter to play with. I'm not sure how that is being sympathetic, but it beats going to the landfill.

I am also debating the feasibility of actually finishing Heather's Shawl in the three months that I have left to finish. Remember not only do I have to knit, I have to spin. So I am going to graciously give up. I ordered some cobweight cashmere at a phenomenal price and I will pick something beautiful that can be finished in time. HAHAHAHA

This might take a while

2008-03-31T15:47:00.005-04:00

I have so much catching up to do! Usually I sit in my office for a couple hours and waste a whole lot of time looking at all things knitting. Since I was off last week, I actually did some things that one might consider productive....WHAT?? That's right. Productive.

So, the Mother-in-law was in town for 5 days last week and I couldn't let her leave without something hand knit that I know will get scoffed at behind my back and thrown in a closet. I think it was very pretty and Ro agreed.

Not the best pic of it, but still very pretty. It was a wide border scarf from Victorian Lace done in Koigu KPPPM, one of my favorite yarns of all time. I have been trying to get out of only making socks with it, because not very many people notice my fantastic feet, but will always notice a nice lace piece. I managed to finish it in record time, only took the five days she was here to knit, block and finish!!

I now have a key to the knit shop.... I thought I died and went to heaven, but was coldly thrown back into reality this morning... not a topic for here though. I went every day last week. I can be in such a pissy mood, go there and life seems okay again. Wow!

Ever the enterprising knitter, I died a bunch of sock weight and lace weight to be sold at Threads.

A couple in the basket have been claimed by Hunter already which leads me into my next subject...

Hunter is learning to knit. She FOUR!!! How exciting is that. She must watch me a lot cause she holds the needle like a pro instead of forming a fist around them. She does a REALLY good job too, I am so proud. Okay, it's already after 3 and I am fiending for some Threads Unlimited. Tomorrow, I will be back with more pics and some details. Tata!!

Classes

2008-03-24T23:35:00.002-04:00

Depending on my rediculous school schedule and all, I am pleased to announce that I plan on teaching two classes this coming spring and summer, a sock class and a lace class. The sock class will probably be a two week series and the lace class will be four weeks. I'm still working on the exact plan and how much it will cost, which depends on how much materials I provide. Each session will be an hour and I plan on covering a lot of techniques. If there are any requests please let me know!

Easter!!

2008-03-23T20:08:00.008-04:00

Happy Easter!!

This weekend has been fairly eventful with Gramma Jane in town to see Hunter. Yesterday we dyed Easter eggs and to use up the extra dye I let Hunter dye some of her own yarn. Not bad for 4! She proved that the creativity must run in the family. She did a striped egg (the first pic). ::::wipes a tear:::: I'm so proud of my baby!

Finally calmed down!!

2008-03-20T09:41:00.006-04:00

So the last two weeks of my life have been absolute chaos, but with spring break looming, I think I might actually have some time. I still have a lot of work in my lab to do, figuring out where I am at with my bacteria (love the bacteria). In the last couple of days I have been itching to dye some yarn. Grandma Jane is coming to visit Hunter, so I don't know if I will be able to. Hopefully I can go home tonight and do a couple skeins.

I have actually managed to finish some projects though....

My Lelah in bonsai cortousy of Knitting for Boozehags

And of course I finally finished my Lousiana Alligator Socks. I'm working on a shirt that I think will be adorable when done, but I am not letting anyone see pics of the mess I have going right now. Got some new yarn from my mom, some Koigu KPPPM and some called Yukon. Pretty stuff, need to start some new and fun socks!!

On the needles:
Ben's alpaca socks
Heather's Wedding shawl
The Bamboo T

No life for the next 4 days

2008-03-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

I have a crap load to do and absolutely no time or motivation to get it done....

Stitch Markers

2008-02-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

Well I have decided that based on the very positive response that I recieved on Friday at Threads Unlimited Knits, that I will continue to make beaded Stitch Markers until I am out of beads. I will have a feed with pictures of my current markers available for sale, kept as updated as possible. For those who live outside of Monroe that may be interested, I will accept custom orders, and if you see a set that you must have, I will try my best to hold them for you. Please keep in mind that most of these are one of a kind and cannot be reproduced. I will update my availability weekly, most likely on Fridays, and that would be the best time to get them!

Here is little blurb on my markers:
"For You By Me stitch markers are hand made and unigue with either silver plated or gold plated findings and high quality gemstones. Each marker is soldered shut and great care is taken to ensure that there is no way for your yarn to get snagged."

I also offer free repair for stitch markers in the event that they are damaged.

He's here!!

2008-02-24T12:24:00.003-05:00

We left yesterday morning at about 3:00, drove 6 hours, spent an hour deciding which dog to bring home, finally picked and drove 6 hours back! He doesn't have a name yet though, Joe has yet to decide and doesn't like any of my suggestions. Please excuse the following rant....

Of course the know it all strikes again. I texted a pic to Joe's sister so that she could show his parents. What do I get back as a reply? "Neuter please". Wow. That's a little rude. Let me explain something here. I am not your average dog owner. I have been around more puppies than most people will in their entire life. My family bred labs that competed, with one son going on to be a grand champion hunter and retriever. In fact the puppies that we bred were in such demand that the majority of the puppies were sold before the litter was whelped. We have also breed working cattle dogs and horses with the understanding that breeding requires responsibility and we have come up with some phenomenal dogs and horses. I don't let my dogs run loose. I didn't by a pet store puppy. I bought an impeccably bred dog that I may choose to breed one day, but only if it's the right thing to do. As a horse breeder I am well aware of the implications of breeding lower quality animals. It's hard enough to sell high quality animals, and with the issues of slaughter and unwanted horses I am well aware of the implications of breeding. How dare she tell ME what to do with my animals. Oh I forget that she knows everything at the tender age of 21. What a spoiled little bitch.

Monroe doesn't suck anymore!!

2008-02-23T02:00:00.002-05:00

Well there are quite a few things that I could do with out in this town, however the addition of Threads Unlimited Knits has made life so much better and it just opened today. I was antsy the whole day when I finally got out and went down there. Ro is an amazingly friendly and wonderful lady. She embodies the ideal of a knit shop owner. She is more than willing to take a minute out of her busy day to connect with you, answer your questions and make you feel comfortable. Currently her yarn selection is a little thin, but she is expecting a few more shipments of yarn in the next couple of weeks and I can't wait to see what comes in. Of course the more Monroe knitters shop, the more diverse her yarn selection will be, and I am sure I will be an integral source of capitol (due to my yarn addiction).

Even more than petting fun yarns, the atmosphere in the shop makes it feel like home. I was almost hesitant to sit around, but the second I walked in I felt like I was in my living room with a bunch of new friends. We knit, we talked and we schemed. I met a few new people and I even sold a bunch of stitch markers. I actually left the LYS with more money than I came in with. Amazing.

So my new name is the "Guru" the knitting guru to be exact. I know that I have only been knitting for two years, but it seems that I have a larger base of understanding than other knitters who have been knitting that long. I don't know if it has anything to do with the sheer quantity of projects or the level of difficulty that I am willing to take on with absolutely no experience. It probably has to do with both though. There are a few things that I understand very well, biochemical pathways, bacteria....knitting. I should really do something with the design ideas I have. I did by some more Berrocco Bonsai today so that I could work on my shorts only to remember that I have no idea what I did with the waist band that I have made.

I think some of the most interesting comments I have heard about knitting lately is the desire to knit in a more "mainstream" fashion. I know I have said it before although probably not here, but knitting is all about freedom of expression, creativity and ingenuity. I don't believe there is a wrong way of knitting as long as you produce the result that you like. Never listen to anyone say "that's the wrong way." Pick, throw, hold your yarn as you please. I think that some ways of holding yarn help maintain gauge though. Do what your comfortable with.

In other news, I finished my SWS pillow, stuffed and all. Wooohoo I CAN finish things!! I have to stay up late tonight for reasons untold, so I have some time on my hands. We are leaving in an hour to get the puppy. Squeeee!!

Better get ready, I just went into the black hole of crafts and managed to find the lost box of knitting and my bonsai shorts. Off I go!!

The countdown continues.....

2008-02-21T10:27:00.004-05:00

.....For a couple of things. First Threads Unlimited will be opening tomorrow. Squeeeeeee!! We start our seminar series tomorrow though which means I will be a little pressed for time, life is too busy. The only reason I have time to blog is because I have office hours that none of my students come to, even when they say they will. Back on subject, hopefully I will have an hour or so to spend at the LYS which is down from the original 3 that I had hoped for. I know, call me a knitting geek, but there are others like me! (therefore the creation of Ravelry).

The other fantastic happening is that we will be leaving early Saturday morning for Tennessee!!! Puppy!!! I have had a few people look at me funny when I tell them that we are getting a new dog so soon after losing Rusty, but all the REAL dog people understand. It starts at about 2:00 pm. In the back of my head I know I have to go home to a Rusty-less house and my mood changes to that of downright miserable. I try to hold back tears and the moment I unlock the door and he's not there to run me over, making me drop my bag with the computer in the process all because of a squirrell that has been taunting him all day, well anyway that's about when I lose all composure.

I usually try not to talk about anything personal on this blog but Rusty left a huge hole and I know from experience that while a puppy will never make one forget a great dog, they certainly help fill it up.

Enough wallowing....

what's on the wheel

same thing

What's on the needles....

Added to the list of UFOs and WIPs is the Mock Croc Socks. I remembered my Froehlich Special Blauband Sock yarn that is the perfect shade of green for "mock croc" and I also got my harmony needles last night (forgot that major detail) which meant not only do I have to change all my WIP's needles to the new ones, but I had to cast on something. I keep telling Tonya that I will show her how to do socks using Magic Loop (best technique EVER) and although I have two other pairs of socks that need finishing, well I just figured I would start a new pair.

Got to love that European wool!!

I was thinking about pulling out another project that I started over Christmas to, becuase by the time I get finish it will be next winter.....

From the fantastic Drops design studio, which has an imense library of awesome patterns (if you go there and don't find about 50 things you want to knit, then your not a real knitter).

Well I think that is enough rambling for today, I better get back to getting something useful accomplished.

new puppy!

2008-02-19T10:11:00.004-05:00

Well the only way a true dog person gets through the loss of a beloved dog is to get a puppy. I'm optimistic about getting another Elhew Pointer because look how cute he is!

This is Sis's Big Shot and I'm not saying that he is the pup we are getting, but he is definitely one we are looking at. So Saturday we are leaving early to Pinehill Kennels to go get a puppy.

Hold on folks, this is not just a blog about a dog (haha, I'm a poet), I started knitting a collar for the new puppy. So it might be just a little embarrassing for a bird dog to be wearing a knitted collar, but how do you think he's going to feel when he gets booties and a sweater.

What's on the wheel-
More of Heather's shawl yarn

What's on the needles-
What's not....I have been casting on fairly promiscuously in the last few days to deal with the loss. I did finish Hunter's fuzzy sweater and my felted bag.

What's on the hook-
I bought some Paton's SWS (cause the colors are SOOO pretty) and I'm starting a decrative pillow, I need to get more. Just hdc's, nothing special.

The felted bag. Yes lets talk about felting. I think that my first REAL felting project may be my last. It looks cute when it's just sitting there but it really is not that great for actually carrying anything. Hmm that might be a problem. Well I guess that will go in the pile of FOs that just didn't turn out how I had hoped along with the shrug I felted acidently, Chrissy's afghan, Hunter's boa yarn cardie, Hunter's jacket, Joe's sweater, yada yada yada.

Goodbye Rusty

2008-02-14T20:19:00.002-05:00

This evening as we were hanging out in the driveway working on Ben's car, Rusty ran out in the road and was hit by a car. I don't think the driver saw him at all and cannot be blamed other than he was driving too fast, but it hurts more than I ever imagined it could. This isn't the first dog we have lost, but one of the hardest to lose. Rusty was a huge part of our family and always deserved the best.

For those of you who don't know, Joe rescued Rusty from a bird hunt club where he worked in Colorado. Rusty came to us a sad and pathetic dog. Even though I was aprehensive about getting another dog, he was so sad that I had to let him stay. Before us, he had many homes and had been abused. He was 7 when he came to live with us and he was 11 when he died. Rusty was a great dog and had many more years left, a sad end to his life, he deserved so much better.

So next time your in a hurry speeding through a residential area, slow down. It isn't just dogs that run out in the road.

Monroe will still suck for another week

2008-02-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

I found out today that Threads unlimited knits will not open until Feb 22 ::::crying:::: due to delayed shipments of yarn. Therefore Monroe will continue to be sucky until LYS opens. =(.

We are supposed to be meeting tonight with possibly 4 people. That is if dh lets me go.

Monroe Stitch N Bitch

2008-02-12T10:20:00.003-05:00

Tonya and I have now gone twice for some knitting and coffee, currently there is one more person interested and hopefully with the addition of the yarn shop I can recruit more!! I finished my "Dream Swatch Headband" last night and I blocked it this morning so it is drying.

I also started a bag that I plan to felt. That's right I am planning to felt something. Expanding my horizons or something like that. I was at Hobby Lobby on Friday and found some felting yarn in a gorgeous colorway that was on sale for $1.97/ ball. Of course I bought it guilt free. I also pulled out some of my needle tatting and realized that the colors go perfectly with the yarn I bought. So accidently a project was born. The tatting was originally going to be just a doily but since I plan on felting this bag I think I will sew it on as decoration. Can't wait to finish that!

More exciting news, I am finally getting my Christmas present from my mom (not her fault, they weren't available). Harmony needles from Knit Picks, the whole set!! Yay, can't wait to try them out.

I will take some pics this evening and post them if I can get online tonight.

Knitting in Monroe

2008-02-04T23:22:00.001-05:00

Knitting in Monroe is about to get better. When I first moved here my first yellow page search was for a LYS and with much disapointment I found there was only chain stores. I was then even more upset to learn that JoAnn Fabrics had closed it's doors to Monroe. That made me sad.

Well the joy is back! Threads Unlimited Knits will be opening on Feb. 15!!!!!!!!!! That means not only do I have a yarn shop within driving distance, I have a yarn shop that is 5 min. away, something I have never been fortunate enough to have.

Of course I am a fiend so I stalked the yarn shop and was welcomed in by the owner Ro. She is a wonderful lady. Of course the fact that she opened a yarn shop in the wool deficient town of Monroe already makes her great, but she exemplifies what a knitter and a LYS owner should be. I plan on stopping by as soon as I get out my weekly lab meeting. The monkey will be at school so I figure I will have a couple hours to shop, and then hang out and knit with some people with the same rediculous compulsion as me.

Speaking of those with my same illness, I am starting a Stitch 'N Bitch group with the help of my new found friend from Ravelry (the best site EVER), Tonya. She has as much enthusiasm as I do and for now it will just be the two of us. Hopefully some more Monroe-ians will want to join. I think it would be awesome to have a group of hard core fiber lovers to discuss what makes us tick. I love hanging out with other knitters, hearing their critique of my work and so forth. Not to mention having someone to show off to, hehe. Non-knitters just don't get excited when you show them the fabulous new yarn you bought for an ubelievable bargain or finish a project. At least not with the same ferver.

What's on the needles--
Heather's Wedding Shawl (Mediterrenian Lace). I can post this cause I know she (or for that matter anyone else) reads my posts

I'm using a handspun lace yarn that I can spin more if needed. Got to give undyed fiber props
for something.

I've been dragging my feet on Hunter's sweater. I only have to shape the neck left but it's hard to get excited due to the fact I had the AC on in Feb. I still have to rip back to fix where I fucked up the neck shaping and "dream" doesn't lend itself to easy frogging. It will be cute but it won't be a spectacular piece, more utility.

What's on the wheel--

Surprisingly it's not the above yarn. I will need more of that but for now I have a heavy lace yarn from a merino/tussah silk roving that was laying around screaming "Make Lace Yarn"

What's on the hook--
Nothing. Mom took my favorite size fancy crochet hook

Rude KIPer

2008-01-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

If you are going to knit in public, you have to be of a personality that welcomes stares, comments, and the occasional compliment. As a person who must constantly have something keeping my attention and a knitter who can't leave home without one of my small WIPs, I have learned and accepted that I will get the people who stare at me with a dirty look wondering why in the hell I would bring knitting into a public domain. Other's even voice their contempt at my brazen display of crafty ability. That always bugs me a little but they must be simply jealous right? Other times I get people who are absolutely fascinated by what I am doing, and these are my favorites. I let them touch the yarn, give a quick layman's explanation of my project at hand, and try not to drown them in my enthusiasm. In fact the latest post of Knitting Daily talked about knit outs, this time at an Avalanche (Denver's NHL Hockey team for those who don't follow) game. I have been known to take knitting to hockey games and my mom who has season tickets to the Av's usually brings her sticks with her also. I get looks and comments from others but I often find the worst criticism comes from my husband and her soon to be ex husband.

So I was very surprised when I approached a girl in the Starbucks on campus who was KIP and got the cold shoulder. I told her that it was awesome to see another knitter brazen enough to show her handiness in public. She was downright rude and responded with an "eh". At that point I just wanted to tell her everything that she was doing wrong instead of applauding her for her creativity.

Remember that next time you pull your sticks out for some public knitting. Some people are actually interested in what your doing. Girls like that give knitting a bad name.

2007-11-07T09:41:00.001-05:00

Well as much as I wanted to take a picture to show all my imaginary fans what I have been knitting lately, I wasn't much into photography after taking over 100 pictures of petri dishes in my lab yesterday. If I do take some pics, I doubt that I will even get around to uploading them after having to wade through my bacteria pics. I do have a couple very pretty results that I will share once I get through them though.

I have officially lost my mind. The fact that I recognize this would say I have not lost my mind, but I must have. Last night I cast on over 120 stitches for a sock with a pair of 000 needles. That's a gauge of 14 st per inch. Oh yeah, I've gone truly mad. To prove this even more, I decided on an improvised fair isle pattern that will use classic motifs at different rates. I have always wanted to make a pair of very fine socks and I have the perfect lace weight cashmere that I found on sale. Okay well it wasn't really lace weight. It was actually six different colored strands of lace weight lightly twisted together that I separated out. Are you convinced yet? I actually made it through about 10 rounds last night before I went to bed. Granted that only got me to about half an inch.... I can't wait to finish this one so that I can get to the second sock. Haha, that could be the worst case ever of second sock syndrome. Yet I can't help but think that I'm not the only one out there who has ever considered or even cast on a pair of socks this tiny. After all, they make 000 dpns for a reason right??

2007-11-06T08:40:00.000-05:00

Well I have actually found some time to do just a little knitting. I finally found all the yarn to finish the celia tank top that I started at the begining of this blog and get rid of that super itchy alpaca. I don't care what alpaca proponents say, Cashmere will always be finer than alpaca. I know this cause cashmere, even the super cheap stuff that you buy comercially, never makes me itchy.

Lets see, I finished one sock the other day... It was my first real atempt to knit from the toe up. I'm not entirely sure I like the method though. My short row heels didn't turn out so hot. You can see in the picture that it looks a little pointy. Right now I have the dreaded second sock syndrome, I'm not sure I will even make the second one, I may just start over.

After spending about a week on a very boring design I frogged it in favor of a crochet tank design (drops design 95-37) until I realized that I really suck at triple crochet. Good thing I have a mother who is very good and loves me enough to make it for me. I ended up starting a quick project last night, slippers for Hunter. It is a very pretty yarn (Artyarns supermerino) that is increadibly soft too. Fortunately this will be a two-three day project so I can feel better about myself when I finish something that I start. I chose to do a very simple design and let the pretty colors of the yarn do the work. I am getting a little more pooling than I would like though, I think its just because the rows are 40 stitches each.

Christmas is coming and I had planned knit hats for everyone, but I don't think that I will have time with all the school work. We get out early in December though so hopefully I can just whip up a few for some of my luckier friends and family :).

2007-10-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

Has it really been almost 4 months since I last posted? Oh my. I have been so busy with school that I have hardly had time to breathe much less post or even knit much. My poor craft room is finally to the point here I can move in it, but it's still not completely unpacked. I haveetn't even set up the sewing machine. I will leave you with a pretty pic of a pretty knit.

Handmade Redefined

2007-06-21T19:13:00.000-04:00

Apparently deconstructed is a look that has gone past ripped jeans and into everything else. I like boho, but I'm not too sure about hobo. A few months ago I saw an episode of Knitty Gritty (AlterKNITive) where safety pins were a sudden fashion statement and the rest of the patterns looked like they had been knit by my 3 year old daughter. My appologies to the designers, but c'mon, seriously.... There really is a difference between punk, deconstructed, homemade; and just plain ugly. I did find this picture the other day....

in one of my fave catologs and of course it is obviously handmade. I think that is what I like about it though. So I started thinking about how most people dislike the look of something handmade. I think that it's because most handmade items look a little sloppy. This shirt looks handmade, but at the same time, the stitches are uniform and what little bit of lace you can see is also very even. What makes a shirt like this look nice? Could it be the drop dead gorgeous brazillian model wearing it? Prabably, but I still like it. I would like to start a new pattern series emphasizing how hand made can still look classy. I have already finished my first project! Check it out.

Thick and Thin

I've been wondering what to do with this yarn for a while

It's my first hand spun silk and my first hand dyed yarn. How much more homemade can you get. When it comes to spinning silk I'm not so good yet so it came out as a thick n' thin yarn.

And this is what I came up with

The pattern is really easy, just a standard raglan T. The neckline isn't knit the whole way up to give it a boat neck.

I also finished my socks made out of the blue and yellow sock yarn. Not anything exciting, but kind of cute

I also have been working on a lace pattern with this yarn

Pretty...

2007-06-04T21:59:00.000-04:00

This is beta version of my tank pattern. I am still working on sizing and proof reading, but I thought I would get up the size medium pattern up right away in case some brove soul decided that they have the yarn laying around and wants to help me develop this pattern. I plan tearing the pictured tank apart and reknitting it entirely in "Celia". I found that I really don't that alpaca and silk against my skin, but you can't deny silk. I did not include the pattern for the two colors, if you are interested let me know. I will update this pattern as it evolves and as I do the math for every size so if you are not a size medium check back in a week or so I should have the math done for all sizes. I think that I have all the abbreviations but let me know if I'm missing something, or if you see any mistakes. Also I would love to see what other people do with my pattern and you make it your own, so please post pics if you knit it! After all I believe patterns are just an idea and a guide.

Knitting abbreviations
pm-place marker
sm- slip marker
ssk- slip slip knit slipped st tog through the back loop
k2tog- knit 2 togther
p2tog- purl 2 together

Sizes
Medium

Materials
Any sport weight yarn is suitable, I used 2 hanks Blue Sky Alpaca’s “Alpaca and Silk” and 3 skeins Adrienne Vittadini “Celia.” Yardage for this project should be about 500-600 yards sport or dk weight yarn depending on size.
Size 6 24” circular needles
Size 6 strait cable needles (optional)
Size G crochet hook
Size 6 dp needles or other method of forming I-cord

Finished measurements
Bust 36
Waist 28

Gauge
22 st and 28 rows= 4x4” on size 6 needles
TAKE TIME TO CHECK GUAGE

Notes:
This top is knit circularly from the bottom up and then splits at the waist to form cups
Be sure to read entire pattern before starting
If you are uncomfortable using the provisional cast on, you can either pick up stitches from the cast on edge or sew the hem up in the finishing stage
When removing waste yarn from provisional cast on, remove one stitch at a time to prevent dropped stitches. Knit one live stitch together with one stitch from the cast on
When forming cup you can pick up stitches instead of casting on. I recommend switching to strait cable end needles. Pick up stitches from the purl bumps of the row below (on the wrong side of the fabric)
If you are or knitting for a very busty lady, you may want to make more than the stated amount of stitches when shaping cups to accommodate a larger bust

Diagonal Pattern for cups
For left leaning diagonal: Row 1 (ws): knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches
Row 2 (rs): sl, ssk, k3, then *p5, k5 rep from * to marker

Right leaning diagonal:
Row 1 (ws): knit the knit st and purl the purl st
Row 2 (rs): k2, *p5, k5 rep form * to last 6 st k3, k2tog, k1
Row 3: rep row 1
Row 4: rep row 2, but shift sts 1 st to right

Knitted Hem

Using provisional cast on and waste yarn cast on 220 st. Join being careful not to twist, pm

Row 1: K110, pm, K to end
Row 2-6: K
Row 7: (picket edge) *yo, k2tog rep from * to end
Row 8-13: K
Row 14: remove waste yarn from provisional cast on. K2tog with co st
Row 15-17: K
Row 18: (dec row) k1, ssk, k to 3 st before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, k1, ssk, k to last 3 st, k2tog, k1
Row 19-22: K
Repeat rows 18-22 14 more times (160 st remain) Work even until piece measures 11”
Next 3 rows: p
Next 3 rows: k
Next 3 rows: p
Next row: k
Next row (eyelet row): *yo k2tog k6 rep from * to end
Next row: k

Shape cups

Next row: k28, pm, k25, *k1.m1 rep from * 5 times, k to marker, sm, k80 across back, sm, k18,*m1, k1 rep from * 5 times, k1, pick up or cast on 24 st, turn
Next row (ws): begin left leaning diagonal st pattern, sm, k 80 across back, sm begin right leaning diagonal st pattern
Continue in diagonal patterns on cup working St st across back st. until back measures 3” from eyelet row

Shape armholes
Next row (rs): work even in diagonal pattern to 5 st before marker, BO 5 remove marker, BO 25, with crochet hook ch 65, turn sl st into each ch st (65 st) cont BO, BO 30 st, ch 65, turn sl st into each ch st (65 st), cont BO, BO 25 st, remove marker, BO 5 st, cont in established pattern

Cups will be worked separately from now on.
Next row (right leaning cup, ws): work even to last 5 st, p to end
Next row: sl 1, ssk, ssk, cont in pattern to end
Repeat these two rows 2 more times
Next row (ws): work even to last 3 st, p to end
Next row: sl 1, ssk, cont in pattern to end
Repeat these two rows til 12 st remain
Next row (ws): sl 1, p2tog, p2, k4, p2tog, p1 (10 st)
Next row: sl 1, ssk, p3, k1, k2tog, k1 (8 st)
Next row: sl 1, p2tog, k2, p2tog, p1 (6 st)
Next row: sl 1, ssk, k2tog, k1 (4 st)
Next row: sl 1, p2tog, k1 (3 st)
Next row: sl 2 purlwise, k1, psso
Ch 65, turn, sl st in each ch, (65 st)
BO

Left leaning cup
Join new ball of yarn, start first row on wrong side
Next row (ws): p5, cont even in pattern
Next row: cont in patt to last 5 st, k2tog, k2tog, k1
Repeat these two rows 2 more times
Next row (ws): p3, cont even in pattern
Next row: cont even in pattern to last 3 st, k2tog, k1
Repeat these two rows til 12 st remain
Next row (ws): sl 1, p2tog, k4, p2, p2tog, p1 (10 st)
Next row: sl 1, k2tog, k1, p3, ssk, k1 (8 st)
Next row: sl 1, p2tog, k2, p2tog, p1 (6 st)
Next row: sl 1, k2tog, ssk, k1 (4 st)
Next row: sl 1, p2tog, k1 (3 st)
Next row: sl 2 purlwise, k1, psso
Ch 65, turn, sl st in each ch, (65 st)
BO

Make Waist tie
Make 60” I-cord, weave through eyelet row place ends and tie where desired

Finishing
Weave in all ends, block and tie straps. Sew hems and right leaning cup down behind left leaning cup.

2007-05-29T21:23:00.001-04:00

I finished the tank and it would be really cute if I had used only the silk and not the alpaca, which is why designing is a process. I will post pictures soon as I can with the pattern which I have written for a size medium, but am still getting worked out for other sizes. I'm feeling a little fat, so I might have to starve for a few days to pose in it. I also realized that I cannot wear the alpaca against my skin so I will have to line it if I want to wear it.

I have been noticing a lot of unbridled materialism and selfishness in the world around me lately and I am feeling the need to do something good for someone else. I really would like to knit for charity and since cancer has been something that has really had an impact on me in the last few years I think I want to help out with that. I was thinking about knitting up falsies for women who have had mastectomies and was wondering if anyone had any info on an established charity for this, patterns or starting up another group. If anyone has any other ideas or knows of any other cancer related knitting charities please let me know.

Other than that, I've been working on a simple pair of socks out of the "French Country" sock yarn that I dyed the other day. They are just kind of so-so, but I think it helps to knit with my hand dyed so I learn which color combos really work with each other and which ones just look good on the skein or in my head :). Lastly, I will take some picks and post the pattern of that tank top on here, and after that it's getting torn apart and I'm going to buy some more of that silk to finish it. I thought that it would be cool to use up some of my yarn but the best of intentions..... well you know.

2007-05-24T19:27:00.000-04:00

It's been a few days since I last posted, but I don't feel that because cause I think I have like two readers....I am almost finished with the tank but it's been taking me forever becuase I'm in Mt. Top and for some reason I just don't knit as much up here. I hope that I can finish it time for this weekend out on the lake, I will post plenty of pics.

We took the GREs on Monday, I won't say anything about Joe, but I did okay. Right now everything is up in the air for where we will be but it's looking like I will have some time this summer to knit!

Joe took off this morning with his friend Chris and he swore he was going to buy a Harley..... It's going to be a fun day.

2007-05-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

There is nothing better than spending quality time with a GRE prep book, I seriously want to hurl. In between learning new big words and trying to figure out ridiculous math questions I have been working on a new pattern.

It's a redesign of a sexy little tank that I bought at Target and is now falling apart :(. I love the fit so I thought I would try to convert it to a knit tank. I had a couple of stray skeins in my stash so I combined them and it's looking very interesting. I will post the pattern and pics for a size medium as soon as I finish knitting it and I promise I will do the math and post it in as many sizes possible.

Molly and Knitter's Underground are having a Memorial weekend sale, so I think I will I will drag Christina (my latest addition to my harem of knit ho's) and introduce her to "real" yarn. She's picked everything up pretty quick but things kind of fell apart for her when I left her to her own devices, so I need to help her. I really am a pusher though, I take every opportunity I can to get someone hooked on yarn.

Well I have a fun night of drinking planned with Josh and hopefully Joe and I should get back to my stitches!

New web site!!

2007-05-16T21:21:00.000-04:00

My mama and me took the first big leap to getting our website going by actually registering it.... I've registered two sites, deercreekartisans.com and sheep2shawl.com. Hopefully by the end of the summer we should have it up and get some of our stuff on there. It's really going to be a plethora of crafty items including patterns, hand dyed yarn, hand spun yarn, jewelery, stitch markers, rosaries and knitted items. I will keep updating the progress.

Fun on the Farm

2007-05-15T20:53:00.000-04:00

Today was another one of those completely unproductive days. It's not that I didn't want to create something cool and noteworthy, I just didn't quite have the actual ambition to do so. I did manage to create one sub-par scrap book page and take some pics of the horses. Thats all I got.
It needs something but I'm not sure what.

Pics of Jo and baby

I even took some of my big boy Turbo. He got his feet trimmed today and was a real ass about it. I think we need to have a talk about proper horse behavior. He's looking good though

My not so crafty day

2007-05-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Trying to study for the GRE's really puts a damper on the crafty thing. I got a few stitches in on the traveler's sock I started yesterday. I'm not so sure I like the pattern, think it will take forever cause the pattern is so involved.

I did make it to AC Moore and discovered that they are now carrying Heidi Swap embellishments which is a big YAY. I love it. I've been going through my first scrapbook pages and adding to some not so great pages. The more stuff I get the more eclectic (that is a big GRE word by the way one of about a thousand I have to memorize in the next week) my pages become. Its getting to the point where I don't even bother matching colors. If it looks cool it goes in.

I've been staring at the skeins of yarn I dyed the other day and I really need to do something about this one. Maybe if I overdye the whole thing with blue it won't be so hideous.

Is that not the ugliest color you have ever seen? It was supposed to be pinks, purples and blues, you know kind of girly, but itstead its just fugly. I like this one a little better. It's "French Country" just like the blue and yellow of french country quilts. I wonder how it will knit up?

I think the most I accomplished today was to halter the new colt and wash Jo's legs off. They are getting really gross. He really needs a name and I'm waiting on Josh to get his lazy ass down here and go drinking so we can pick one out. Dianne thinks that Boulder would be a good name cause he lies around all day.

Getting to know the Fiber Whore

2007-05-14T21:30:00.000-04:00

Well I guess I'm finally getting around to joining the rest of the world and actually posting on a regular basis. oooo, my first post.

So this is to be a knit blog, rephrase, a craft blog. To know me is know crafting. So far I have conquered sewing, beading, knitting, spinning, crocheting, scrapbooking, and dabbled in about everything else. I chose the name "Fiber whore" cause it really covers all my fave's, i.e. sewing, knitting, crocheting and spinning. I'm a fiber whore because I am always aggreeing to knit somebody something for payment in yarn. I spend my days scheaming, trying to figure out how I can make my hobby pay for its self. I have several small business ventures going including designing knit patterns, making beaded stitch markers and hand dying yarn. Okay I think thats all you need to know even if you didn't want to.