Too many projects, too little time

I definitely have too many projects going on right now. I don't know which one to work on first, so I have been working on each a little at a time. Yesterday, I did some spinning, knitting, and crochet all in one day. I started off by stringing the remainder of the beads onto the yarn for the last piece for the Crochet Club. I knit booties for the display at Make and Mingle. As soon as I sew them up, there will be photos. The rest of the time was spent spinning my yummy Polworth top from Spirit Trail Fiberworks.

At first I was having a bit of a fight with this stuff. I looked around on the internet, and discovered that this fiber is supposed to be easy to work with, softer than Merino. I'd say that the first portion of the bobbin is not going to be great, I was pulling way too hard to draft. Then I discovered that if I fluffed it up a lot, and took it in small pieces, it drafts like a dream. I am making a worsted yarn using the Short Draw, or Inchworm method.

I am convinced that spinning to music helps, currently addicted to The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. It won Album of the Year at the Grammys, and it was much deserved! Check it out, its amazing!

Excuse my slippers on the floor! I had to get my daughter to take the photo. Here is a closeup of the color. Its going to be a beautiful semi-solid of sea blues.

May I also add how much I am enjoying my Woolee Winder. I bought it at Rhinebeck this past October. It's so nice not to have to stop all the time to adjust the yarn on the bobbin. Everything winds on so evenly, and the bobbins are larger than the ones that came with my wheel. The guys over there are super nice as well. This was a great addition to my wheel!

Vermont Yarn Crawl

Went to Vermont for a few days this week. I don't ski, have tried, but its not going to happen. I have an unnatural fear of heights, and anything related to speed. I always say that I don't do anything where I have to strap something on my feet and slide. Anyway, I set out to find yarn and fiber. The first day in Rutland, I found a fantastic and friendly shop called Green Mountain Fibers. I had a great morning hanging out with Sandy. They had some lovely local yarn, and of course, I couldn't stop myself from buying a hat kit from Green Mountain Spinnery. I didn't get a chance to take photos from the inside of their shop, but I love these sheep over the top of the entrance!

Notice the palm trees behind them! So cute!

The next day was a stop at Six Loose Ladies and Friends in Proctorsville, near Ludlow. I had stopped there on the last ski trip. What I didn't realize is that their shop is a Not for Profit. It is run by Fiber Arts in Vermont, and the ladies all volunteer their time. They sell lots of local yarns, and items made by local crafts people. The ladies are super friendly, offering me tea. I stayed for the entire morning, happily knitting my sock. This was my vantage point.

Lastly, I am moving along on the Crochet Club for this month. I finished two of these.

I want to take a break now, as I have until the 15th of March, and am nearly done for the month. I am going to concentrate on spinning my fiber, and another craft that I am about to begin. Hopefully by my next post!

Fluffilicious

In another one of our TransAtlantic moments, Nathalie and I both joined the Spririt Trail Fiberworks Combination Club. I really don't need any more projects right now, but I love her stuff. I also thought it was a fantastic idea, half yarn and half fiber. It runs for 6 months. The first installment just arrived, and I don't know whether to just cuddle with it, or start spinning immediately! Its 100% Polworth Top.

This is SOOO Nathalie's color by the way. She is going to flip. I've sent her a spoiler photo as I don't think it will reach her for a few days. I think I have to cuddle it before I start spinning because...

I have begun the second installment of the Crochet Club. She has us beading this time. Its not the best photo, not blocked, but you can get the idea.

The next panel has over 200 beads. Will post a photo when its finished.

Been there, done that?

I've been there before, and I think you may have too. You know, its Saturday night...back from dinner...had a few glasses of wine...start looking at your favorite Etsy Shop! Over the past week or so, I have been eyeing the spindles on St. Seraphina's shop, so I guess it was going to happen one of these days, sober or not.

This beautiful new spindle arrived in my mailbox today. Check out the lovely sample of fluffy stuff that came along with it!

I have to admit that I don't use a drop spindle very often, but there is something about them that makes me want a collection. This one is from Kundert Spindles, its Walnut with a Cherry accent. Off to try it out now!

TransAtlantic Knitalongs

Nearly two years ago, when I broke the news to Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, the first thing we decided to do was to keep doing Knitterly things together. One of them is our annual trip to Rhinebeck, which has been a huge success the past two years. The other is that we knit projects "together". At the moment, we are both doing the Crochet Club mystery blanket. I am getting close to finishing this months pieces, just in the nick of time for next weeks update. I still have the 4 corner pieces to go. These are a couple of close ups of the others

So far, I love them. The colors are great, and the patterns have been fun, but not too complicated.

As if we don't knit enough together, we decided today to start this one, from Cookie A's new book Knit Sock Love. It's called Cusp, and we chose it mostly because it is pretty, and didn't look as complicated as most of the others in the book. We are talking socks, they shouldn't drive you crazy, or so we think.

I decided to use ShibuiKnits sock yarn in a lovely shade of Mulberry. Not sure what the actual shade is called, but the number is 229. Here is a better photo with Lola in the background.

Cute little Cards

Since I am starting anew, I thought that some business cards were in order. They just arrived in my mailbox. How cute! The photos are from items that I have knitted or spun, and pale skeins were from Stash.

I will be auctioning off my teaching services at two upcoming events. One this Saturday for Westport Chabad, and the other next weekend at the Surfs Up party for A Childs Place.

Awesome

I attended Vogue Knitting Live this past Sunday, and was not only able to be in the same room with the famous Meg Swansen, I also got to listen to her speak for nearly 3 hours. I was awe struck not only by how down to earth and graceful she is, but also by how much information is in her brain! I wish there was a way to get more of her knowledge straight into my head. I came away with quite a few excellent tricks, and an itch to make a sweater with the EPS system (Elizabeth's Percentage System). Needless to say, I have ordered a book on fairisle patterns, and hope to get working on that soon.

The Marketplace was pretty good, but for someone with as much yarn as I have, there wasn't much to entice me. What did impress me were some of the knitted items on display, such as this

I couldn't believe it when I saw this, a giant whale knitted entirely in Stockinette stitch! It reminded me of the one in the Museum of Natural History when I was a little girl. It might even still be there!

On another note, I have finished my Shaelyn Shawl. I know the photo is a bit backwards, but you get the idea....I think.

Last but not least...I am a proud member of the Crochet Club 2011 with the wonderful Jane Crowfoot. I decided that I needed to be more proficient in crochet, and I think this will do the trick. So far, the colors are lovely. The yarns are Rowan Cotton Glace, and Lempur Linen (which might be one of the most horrible yarns ever). So far, so good.

New and Improved

So, I've been back in the US for over a year. I have built a house, gotten the family settled in, and now I am ready for the next chapter. What could that involve...Knitting of course! I will be offering Knitting lessons, either private or in groups, your house or mine. Whether you are a beginner, or ready to move on from making scarves, I can work with you to get you up and running with your projects. Just send me a message on my email, and we can pick a time that works for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, I'll keep you up to date on what I am doing in the crafty world. As most of you know, the weather here has been horrible, and every other day seems to be a snow day. Its not been easy to get projects done. I have been able to work on my Shaelyn Shawl, which is nearly finished. I haven't worked on it for a few days though as I have so little yarn left, I am in fear of running out! I did the required number of pattern repeats, and still had nearly half a skein left. Decided I would go for one more repeat, but its getting kind of tight. I keep weighing the skein after every row. I have to just get on with it and get it blocked. I am using Madeline Tosh Pashmina, which is so soft and lovely. I can't wait to have it snug and cozy around my neck!

I recently finished a pair of Thrummed Mittens, which I have wanted to make for about 2 years now. I finished them just in time for the frigid weather. They come in nice and handy at the dog park every morning!

This weekend I am off to Vogue Knitting Live, which should be very exciting. I am taking the EPS Percentage system class with none other than the famous Meg Swansen! I have to be on a train at 6:30 am to get there, but it will be worth it! Keep you posted...

Crafty Pay It Forward: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment to this update. They must in turn, promise to post this and send something they made to the first 5 posters on their status (or post it on your blog). The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2010.

Spinning Away

After my classes at Rhinebeck on dyeing, I have become sort of obsessed, what a surprise. First I bought a bunch of books, then I bought some dyes. Have done a little dying on the kitchen table, some good and some bad. Anyway, one evening I was surfing around on message boards about dying, and came across an interesting post. One thing lead to another, you know how it goes... found her blog, and then her Etsy page. Next thing I knew, I was buying fiber, as I tend to do. This is what turned up in my mailbox...

Not only is the color gorgeous, but I cannot tell you how soft this stuff is. I won't keep you in suspense any longer, she is stseraphinaknits, and the fiber is called Lambkin superwash merino. I spent about a day or two cuddling this lovely, fluffy stuff, but I just HAD to spin it up. Let me tell you that it practically spins itself. I have since bought some to bring to Nathalie as I am sure she will love it as much as I do. Here is the finished product, plied it up last night.

I was aiming for a DK, but I think that I got a little lazy and it is probably closer to a light worsted. Never mind, now I just have to decide what to knit with it, or I could just keep cuddling!

Finally got around to going through my photos, and came across this one from my last day at Stash, one last one of the girls together. Its making me feel a little nostalgic.

Fast forward to Rhinebeck, and the reunion has begun!

Nathalie and I had a blast, and it was great to see Alice.

When I told Nathalie that I was moving back to CT, we decided right away to make the trip to Rhinebeck. We thought it would be good to have something to look forward to. Took a couple of great classes as well. On Saturday it was "A rainbow of natural dyes". We learned how to dye with indigo, and cochineal (basically bugs!). Here is a little sneak at what we dyed during the morning.

Of course I left with some supplies to do a bit of dying. I am thinking of trying it out on the burner of the bbq. More about that to come of course. Sunday was "How to dye yarn guaranteed not to stripe". Here is Nathalie hard at work.

and the finished products. Needless to say, I left with lots of dyes and undyed wool to work on!

Can't leave without a photo of this guy...

Oh My

I guess I had better start writing something now that Majorknitter has mentioned me on her blog! Haven't been doing much knitting with the move and all, but starting to get moving again. Next week Nathalie and I will be taking the trip to Rhinebeck. Hope to have some good pics for that , as well as the demolition of our old house to make way for the new! See you soon!

OK, I know its been more than forever. Not sure anyone out there reads this anymore. Want to let you know that I am moving back to the US with my family in a few weeks. This Saturday, 25 July will be my last day at Stash. Hope some of you can make it by to say hi.
Hope to have more blogging time once I get over there and settled in. Bye for now!

Koigu has arrived

I know its been awhile, but right now my eyes are starting to blur. I've spent the afternoon photographing all of the new Koigu KPPM and Mori that arrived this today. Check it out at www.stashyarns.co.uk. I am in love with each and every one! What to knit next???

Addi Click

Wasn't expecting them so soon, but we received some Addi Click systems in the shop today. They look beautiful, I really want one!

Finished Projects

I finally finished the February Lady Sweater, I know it took a while. I am now onto quick and easy projects. First the sweater:





I love the color, Happy Forest from Dream in Color. I had a customer the other day who said it reminded her of spinach. Maybe she has bad childhood memories of vegetables! I am very pleased with the outcome.

Next, I did a quick scarf.





The pattern is from Designer one Skein Wonders, the yarn is from Artists Palette, our yarn of the month. I used the buttersoft DK, and may I say that it is indeed butter soft! Next I want to make a hat. I need some instant gratification before embarking on another large project!

Flat Feet Finished

I have not been doing very much knitting lately, we have a new addition to our family that is keeping me very busy.




Its Lola, our labrador puppy. She is nearly 3 months old now. We got her about a month ago, thus, not much knitting going on. The girls had been bugging me for a dog for what seemed like forever, so after much thought, I decided to go for it. I have never had a dog before, and actually didn't really care for them, but I am a convert. She has been pretty good as far as you know what, and she isn't too wild. We've been taking her to puppy class, which is a big help. It does mean that I can't leave the house for more than a couple of hours a day, but thats fine for now. I did manage to finish my Flat Feet socks, which were pretty addictive.




This is what it looked like half way through, just to get the idea.





Now I am determined to finish my February Lady Sweater, only 1.5 sleeves to go!

Flat Feet


Not me silly! Its Flat Feet Sock Flats from Conjoined Creations. We have been reading about them for ages, and couldn't wait to get some into the shop. Its a very interesting concept, knitting directly from a hand painted fabric, or flat. They can even be cut apart so that you can knit two socks at the same time. I should have them available online sometime over the weekend. If you can make it into the shop, there are plenty to check out. Here is a preview...

Malabrigo



Its finally here! They survived a fire, lived to tell about it, and are still dying beautiful yarn! Yesterday several huge boxes arrived containing all of our favorites...worsted, chunky, laceweight and the much anticipated superwash sock.





The are just lovely!

Here is a view of all of it, or as much as I could fit into the photo.



Everything is available online as I spent the entire day photographing every skein. I feel like I am going cross-eyed! Going to meet hubby for a drink, I need it now!

Happy Knitting.

Sunshiny Day


It doesn't happen much lately. I used to tell people that everything they had heard about the weather in the UK was not true, that it wasn't grey and rainy all the time. Unfortunately for the past two summers, it is very true. I was lucky to fly to the sunshine this summer, but since I have been back we have only had about one day of sunshine a few weeks ago. Today was a great one! We took full advantage and drove out to a picture perfect pub in Cobham, Surrey.







My husband looks the part with his pint, sitting outside in the garden. The kids are on a climbing frame somewhere behind me. Notice the squinting, a side effect of sunshine!!! When we got home, I let the piggies out on the grass to enjoy what may be the only nice day they may see for a while.







I enjoyed a bit of knitting beside them on my February Lady Sweater. I am loving this color, Happy Forest from Dream in Color. I know it is close to the one in the photo for the pattern, but to be honest, I have had my eye on that one since we started stocking the yarn, and it had to be done.







It looks small in the photo, but I have tried it on, and it fit with a bit of stretching. Nathalie said hers was the same. It would make sense with garter stitch at the top. I am loving the lace pattern, it is one of those that you can memorize in a second. I can work on it and talk at the same time. Not something I can usually do with lace.

Last but not least, I found the coolest app for my Iphone. It is a row counter. It not only does rows, but pattern repeats, and even increases. I have been waiting for a counter like this forever! Just go to the App store, and search for Knitting. It was the only thing that came up. Just a quick download and you can count to your hearts content!