theblondeknitter

The Mitten Situation

2010-01-18T13:51:00.000-06:00

I have really been liking cables. I have really been liking mittens. It was only a matter of time that I cast on for a pair of Evangeline's. The original pattern is for fingerless gloves and they are great, but I really wanted another pair of mittens. I DO live in Minnesota ya know. While these won't be terribly warm, they WILL be terribly cute and that counts just as much.

Because of the wide spectrum of temperatures that range from 'it's kinda chilly' to 'my nostrils just froze closed', there's a need for a spectrum of mittens to cover all your hand warming needs. Seriously. Just ask around. I have something mid-range for now so there's a need to fill on the 'cooler' end of the spectrum. I will also need a pair of 'nice and toasty' mittens too, but seeing as though I'm writing that pattern myself, it'll take a bit longer seeing as though I'm a newbie and all and seeing as though I only have so many hours in a day. You know?

My yarn of choice is Spud & Chloe Sweater and is so very wonderful and so very soft and so very versatile and so very WASHABLE. Yes, washable! I do believe I have found a new favorite all-purpose yarn. Even the colors are practically edible. This color is Watermelon. Um, YuM.

So far, I have finished the first one, complete with a true thumb gusset (love) and I will be casting on the second after I finish a top secret test pattern for BSA. Work before pleasure and all that, although, working for BSA is quite pleasurable I must say!

What's your mitten situation? Do you even need them where you live? Share a fave pattern?
~traci :D

I've Decided

2010-01-13T10:58:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I have been thinking long and hard and have talked with my husband and have decided to keep this my knitting/sewing blog and I will start a whole new blog that is 'everything else'. I really like 'theblondeknitter' but feel the scope is more narrow, BUT I also think now that I have a better perspective on things I can continue posting here AND at I'll Take Tea, my new blog. I am in the process of creating, rearranging and updating both of them. I will start to have more content very, very soon and a post on THIS blog later today!

Thanks for your patience!
~traci :D

Coming Up...

2010-01-04T18:21:00.000-06:00

I have been knitting, a LOT actually. I have also been on holiday and we all know what that means. The After-Holiday clean-up and getting back into 'normal mode' has begun. I have actually remembered today is Monday...the whole day. It's making me think I may actually have a handle on things!

So, I will be getting organized, editing photos, thinking up amusing and insightful things to say and eventually that will culminate to an actual blog post. In between doing that I'll be cooking, cleaning, baking, parenting, homeschooling, working, writing, researching, FREEZING, make that trying NOT to freeze, knitting, working on getting my other blog up and running, reading, designing, eating, sleeping...you get the idea.

So til then, what's on your needles? What's your new fave project or recent FO? Do share!

~traci

My 'Raison D'Etre'

2010-01-01T15:39:00.001-06:00

The French have this great way of expressing things in concise phrases. One of those phrases is 'raison d'etre' which literally translated means 'reason of to be'. I like that. It causes me to be pensive and searching, probing my heart to dissect my motives. As a human I'm inclined to 'encourage myself' into believing I'm A-OK. I've never killed anybody and I always try to be a nice person. RIGHT. As a Christian I have looked into the 'mirror of truth' only to find the dark reality of my 'wonderful efforts'. If I'm honest with myself, I have to admit there are holes, gaping at that, in my humanity. As much as I'd like to think I'm all that, I'm not. That's exactly why I ran to Jesus when He opened my eyes to see how awful my sins really were. My favorite part is the follow up. He then showed me His mercy by not allowing me to stay there, shackled to my guilty sentence of death. He stretched out His hand of forgiveness and offered His nail scarred, blood stained hands, and I accepted. Thus began my journey of reconciliation with my past, my present, the people in my life and most importantly, my God. And what a journey it has been! (I'M GRINNING EAR TO EAR NOW :D)
More on that later...

(down shift, fast forward)
As for now and this blog, I'm in major overhaul mode. I am still working out the visual changes as well as the content. I felt too creatively confined only posting about knitting. My life is SO MUCH MORE than that. As you can see, I'm not frequent in my posting and I think that was one of the major reasons. (Trust me, you'll come to see it is a truly rare occasion when I have nothing to say!) One of the other reasons is I was worried about sharing things from my faith and having that cause people to shy away and not visit. Honestly, I have no idea why that was even an issue as I'm not normally like that. I believe the discouragement came when I realized there are a LOT of knitters, nay, a TON of knitters out there who are liberal in their beliefs (or run from having any meaningful beliefs at all) who blog. I wasn't finding a whole lot of like-minded people. At first.

I'm now to the point where none of that matters. Even if only one person, or even NO ONE EVER reads this, I am content with that. Why? Because I am not blogging for anyone else. This is MY creative outlet and if anyone visits me and maybe even responds to something I've posted, well, that'll just put a big ol' grin on my face and a little squeal of excitement in my voice and it'll be great.

My prayer is for the reader who stumbles across my blog. That they would find something that touches their heart that encourages them to walk a better walk, try a different recipe, hug their husband, snuggle with their blessings, read their Bible, knit a hat, take a great photo, move them toward something more than themselves or even have a quiet moment with the Lord. A scripture that comes to mind is Colossians 3:23-24, "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ."
Sounds good to me. Real good.

So what's your "Raison D'Etre"? Why do YOU blog?

Mission In Progress: Bust This Stash!

2010-01-01T01:58:00.002-06:00

Scarf Pattern: Scrunchable Scarf by Susan McConne (on Ravelry)

Earwarmer Pattern: Super Duper Ribbed Earwarmer by theblondeknitter (coming soon!)

Fiber: Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky in Orange(a D/C'd color)

Needles: sz15 Boye circulars

I'm on a stash bustin' mission and these are my first FO's. It felt so good to use up this yarn that has been patiently waiting to be crafted into something fun and usable. The end result is what I'm calling them the Super Duper Xtra Long Scarf and the Super Duper Ribbed Earwarmer. Because the scarf is so long--a whopping 91 inches with the fringe--it did take a few nights to complete. The earwarmer is a pattern I designed on the fly and there will be a *FREE* PDF up for anyone to download ASAP. (I need to knit up another one and actually write down what I did!)

Well, there's plenty more stash to get through so I best skidaddle and CO another project...or several...

Imagine That!

2009-09-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

I can do color work! WOO HOOOoooo!!!

Wednesday Hat by Kate Jackson
Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes
Chocolate, Red, Aqua, Ecru
sz7 Brittany dpn's

Campin' Up Nort Part 1

2009-09-14T22:45:00.012-05:00

Camping at Schoolcraft State Park this August

Harebell: Campanula rotundifolia

anyone have a name for this?

the "Mighty Mississippi"

Large-leaved Aster: Eurybia macrophylla

some fungus among us

Good night sun

"Minnesota nice"

the "Big One"

His and Hers front row seats

A Busy Bee!

2009-06-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

that is what i have been these last few months! i have been on a HUGE cleaning/decluttering/organizing kick and that has taken up a TON of my time (not to mention schooling, eating, sleeping and a wee bit o' knitting among other such frivolous activities). so, i will be posting a lot more in a little while.

i have been taking plenty of pics and will share them all when we get to the end of what this is all culminating into...a massive sale in my garage! yes. i said it. I, yours truly, the one and only, theblondeknitter, who goes to but never has garage sales, will be selling things from my garage!

my family is still full of skepticism, but the fruit will be bore very soon and with it (i HOPE) will a chunk of cashola! i freely admit i hope i make money at this because to me, it is not worth all the time and effort (and stress) only to make 20 dollars. (hence, the reason why i don't HAVE them)

so, i am alive. i am well. i shall return!

Talk About Cowliscious!

2009-02-13T17:11:00.000-06:00

I have had the Sherbrooke Cowl pattern in my Ravelry queue for quite some time now and have only recently managed to make it appear, in all it's yummyness, as an FO. I am in love with this cowl. I truly, seriously am. Lolly, my dear, thank you.

Yes, it probably has a lot to do with the scrumptious fiber I chose to create it with. After all, it IS Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted. It may also have to do with the oh-so-fab shade of aqua that goes surprisingly well with my coloring. It definately has something to do with the simplicity of the pattern that amazingly shows up as a beautiful interweaving of seemingly intricate detail.

For me, this is the 'whole package', as far as having all the necessary ingredients in making the 'perfect' knit object which are simplistic in and of themselves. The recipe? Pattern ease, great yarn, time needed. Together, they have culminated into such a warm, soft and very, very wearable piece of knitty goodness. (And I was a cowl sceptic~shhhhhh)

Match Maker, Match Maker, Make Me A Match...

2009-01-26T15:53:00.001-06:00

I have been really getting into making matching winterwear objects. It just seems right. Think about how lonely a hat would be without a pair of mittens to keep it company. Think about a scarf, all alone, with no hat or mittens to play with. Just think of it! It's a travesty really. It should not be so! I have resolved to remedy that with my knitwear.

So far, I have made this scarf. It needed a pal, so I made this beret for it.

Great has been the joy of the scarf!

But i cannot stop there, oh no. I am in the process of deciding on a pair of mittens to make that will round out the items to make a sweet trio of handknits. And there will be more joy!

Now, back to the needles!

Happy 2009

2008-12-31T12:21:00.002-06:00

so another year has sped by and i barely remember any of it. i was keeping up until about August and then it starts to blur. i'm hoping 2009 is a bit slower or that my memory will be improved. things have been getting better around here and i hope to keep the resolve i've got and to increase it this next year. so, if i stay on track, i'll have a 'perfect' life in several decades and i'll be able to retire. ;)

i'm glad for my life and i'm glad another year is about to end. i like new beginnings and i can't wait to get this new chapter started!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I Just Have To Say...

2008-12-22T09:57:00.002-06:00

Can I just say, I love Ravelry?
Can I just say, I love swaps?
Can I just say, I love BSA yarn?
Can I just say, thank you to Jenna (thelostsock) my spoiler?
Can I just say, I love how Jenna spoiled me during the swap on Ravelry that gave me BSA yarn and all those other perfect goodies?

Thank you. I just had to say that.

Sample, Thy Name Is Aqua

2008-12-16T16:49:00.002-06:00

I know I've mentioned how much I love knitting for Blue Sky Alpacas, but, it really is very true. These are the BEST yarns I've worked with. They have such FABULOUS colors. They keep turning out GREAT patterns. AND, I have yet to meet a yarn I didn't like from them. I am in deep smit over these fiber purveyors and I am proud to admit it. The only thing that is challenging is trying to choose which yarn to knit with next, and then, what color?! I guess I'll just have to find a way to get them all. Bummer. ;)

Two Button Hat Set in Worsted Hand Dyes (Aqua 2017) pattern by Sylvia Hager

Here's A Post

2008-12-10T16:51:00.000-06:00

ok, here's something. An update of sorts, if you will. Buckle your seatbelt and pay attention now.

I have been knitting a sample for BSA and trying to stay on task for a church newsletter that I publish. I've been nursing myself back to health after what we're referring to as 'The Great Fall of '08' and trying to avoid getting a really bad cold although I do think the Singulair is working. Homeschooling is going well, as long as my Love stays on task. She's not fond of reports. I've found some new info on my family tree. My grandmother has cancer. We finished taking care of the other grandma's place and now have her old car so we can finally retire the very used 1992 Jeep. Cleaning the house has been going well and has been more consistant. I have 2 new teapots I'll share with you as well as some new tea. Menu planning has been going very well and I have actually stuck to 9/10ths of it this time. I just preserved (washed, dried, cut, measured and froze-hence the word 'preserved') about 35 red peppers (pics for that too) and really enjoyed it. I can feel my domesticness growing and I am totally embracing my inner-homemaker. LOVE IT! I've also gotten some vintage linens and a vintage apron from other grandma who passed away. I feel very blessed to have these items and it helps that I really liked these things already. I have recently taken up learning chess. I'm still trying to figure out why people play it and I like strategy games. I'm more of a Risk girl I guess. You know, the whole 'world domination' thing? Uh, yeah, it IS that addicting. (insert evil laugh here) But don't try it cause I already have a ton of competition and it would just annoy me to have to destroy you. Er, I mean, I think there's an intervention class I should take at the new 'Y'. Yeah, that's it....for now. Oh wait, and I am ordering some spices from Penzeys this weekend. Gotta try their salad dressing mixes and I want to learn how to make soup. mmmmm.

ok then. I can't afford the dinner that makes itself.
xoxo

Will Enter Contests for Yarn

2008-11-26T14:09:00.020-06:00

(image from the Telegraph UK, cause i'm an invalid right now)

so my friend Ali (hello Lady!) over at skeinsherway is having a recipe contest in honor of Thanksgiving. The prize is Blue Sky Alpacas yarn. uh, YAH, sign me up! Go on over and check it out after you've checked out my entry.

Cranberry Amaretto Sauce (i know, seriously)
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 (12 ounces) package fresh cranberries

2 cup granulated sugar

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup amaretto

2 Tablespoons orange marmalade

2 teaspoons grated lemon rind

Preparation:Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice; stir well to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat; stir in amaretto, marmalade, and lemon rind. Serve with pork or turkey.

Just for Fun:
and IF I ate sweet potatoes, I would try making them like this:
3-4 fresh sweet potatoes-sliced lengthwise
1/2 stick of butter-real
2-3 generous splashes of olive oil
S&P-light sprinkle salt, a bit more pepper
1-2 cloves of garlic-fresh; crush then mince or chop
1-2 dashes of clove-ground
1-2 dashes nutmeg-ground
(you could use fresh chopped/grated ginger instead of nutmeg)

Toss ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon complete mixture into baking dish w/lid (or, if you must-tinfoil). Bake @ 375/400 degrees for about an hour or so. Check them for preferred tenderness(or mushiness). Bake longer if necessary. In the last 15 minutes, uncover and place back in oven. Bring to table and serve. You could also coat w/mixture and lay them out on a baking stone to bake like fries.

Can you tell I'm very experimental when I cook? I do use recipes. Usually when I'm baking. You need a bit more accuracy with baking. I really enjoy making things up on the fly and testing them out and seeing what works. I'm also trying to learn more about foods, spices, etc so I can be a bit more accurate in complimentary flavorings. Combining opposites is always fun too. I like to awaken the taste buds and confuse them a bit. I'm very much an 'outside of the box' person. Not out of rebellion, but out of sincere curiosity. See, now I'm curious as to what my recipe would tast like. hmmmm, I sense a trip to the grocery store coming on...

Good Things Come...

2008-11-21T11:25:00.002-06:00

to those who wait right? you see, I received my new toy yesterday, but on Tuesday night, I fell off a step stool at work and landed on my tailbone/lower back. It was a cement floor, I was on the second rung, I stepped down and missed the first one and went for a ride on the excrutiatingly painful express (still gripping the aluminum ladder). I'm sure it was quite comical to see. Most falls are. Although, I do hope it's not YouTube worthy...

As time went on the pain intensified. I was able to get to the chiropractor and after a painful massage, he went to work. The adjustment was quite painful even though I can take a lot. My clavicals needed adjustment~ouch! I highly recommend being nice to your collar bones.

ETA: It's Monday now and I've been mostly a very sore invalid. As you can see, I'm just getting to posting this. I am going in again today for an adjustment and hope it will last longer. Please say a prayer for me? thanks.

ttfn,
traci

Goody Goody Gumdrops!!

2008-11-18T06:29:00.001-06:00

i am SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! really! but first, we should go back to the beginning of the story...*(queue funky flashback music a la Wayne's World: deedle-e doo, deedle-e doo)*

awhile ago, in a small, bustling town not far from the Mississippi River, a *thirty-something that looks like a twenty-something* girl sat at her desk working on her computer. (now, when i say 'sat' i mean to imply 'with pain'. you see, her desk chair is really cool looking but has no cushion. well, that is to say it has a cushion but the cushion wasn't working very well-at all.) oh how she longed for a comfortable place to put her ample bottom!
it was common to find her staring off somewhere, visualising what a wonderful sensation it would be to have a soft place for her derriere. all too quickly, however, she would be jolted back to reality by pains that shot up her back and the popping sounds of her joints going back into place as she repositioned herself.
now, here i should mention the previous discription is only *slightly* embellished to give the reader a keener sense of the agony our heroine was suffering. after all, one must properly give adequate detail to form a deep relation and compassion between the reader and the one being read about so as to keep the proper amount of attention. let's move on, shall we?
as i was saying, there i was with a pain in my bum due to the junky cushion i was sitting on when i worked on the computer. it was giving me serious back problems. so i asked my hubby about getting a laptop so i could at least sit on the couch. well, gas was 40$/gallon, milk 12$/gal and don't get me started on that tangent...in a nutshell, it wasn't budget busting worthy. drat!

*(fast forward to this week: schoomp)*
gas: $1.75/gal (WoO hOo!!)
milk: $3.50/gal
nutshells: unknown

our budget is back on track so my sweet, adorable honey says, "I think we can afford to get a laptop. We should order one."
*(pan across room to see theblondeknitter's reaction)*
*(husband rushes over to administer CPR to passed out theblondeknitter)*
*(theblondeknitter comes to and sweetly replies)* : sure.

ok, ok, i guess i should mention that in between there was a fair amount of begging, bargaining, complaining, grumbling, and the like to get my own way. BUT, i always stopped when honey said 'no'. sometimes he just waited longer to say it. and sometimes, it took longer to hear it.

so, all that to say, i'm getting a laptop and it will be here soon, and i will definitely post pics to show her off!!

p.s. i LoVe my wonderful, generous, sweet, kind, handsome, gentle, thoughtful, fabulous, stupendous, loving, tall, intillegent, i'm sure there's more husband!

For You Stash Voyeurs

2008-11-15T14:57:00.004-06:00

Q: Isn't it nice when others share photos of their stash with people who will really appreciate it?
A: YES! so I am. or is it so am I? hmmmm...

these are the latest additions to my ever-growing stash pile (cheshire cat-like grin). meet my BSA worsted *NKOTB in green, purple, cranberry, chocolate, rusty and red. these colors are just fabulous. i had a hard time getting the color just right and i can tell they're still not perfect. they're very vibrant and man is this yarn soft! i have big plans for you, my new pretties...big plans...

*extra points if you read this and got it without thinking about it or needing to reread it!

Finished Fetchings

2008-11-06T11:43:00.000-06:00

Blue Sky Alpacas recently came out with their Skinny Cotton so of course, I NEEDED some. I had been wanting to make a pair of fingerless gloves and cable work had already begun lulling me to her, so I figured Fetching by Cheryl Niamath would be a good place to jump in.

I cast on for the first and fell in very deep like. Easy cables, great yarn, perfect cherry red color...what more could a girl want? I admit, I got distracted (again) so these could have been done sooner. Life just seems to blow in and take over and alas, knitting seems to be a casualty.

I dare say I'll make another. I've received a lot of compliments on them already and my boss has even commissioned me for a pair~of course I'll oblige. In the meantime, I'll be working on a few other little goodies as the weather cools off more and more. brrrr...At least I'll know my close rellies will be warm this year!

Peek-A-Blue

2008-11-03T07:59:00.001-06:00

I see you!

my last post reminded me of these pics I took of a one Mr. Bluejay who decided to come over and play. he was a bit shy at first, as you can see, but it didn't take long for him to get over that. he dove into the piles of leaves making crunching noises as he went. i'm pretty sure he had a good time, even if he's not showing it readily!

even though we live 'in town' we still get our fair share of 'wildlife' (other than the neighbors). as much as we want to get some land some day, I must admit I am having a great time while we're here!

Goodbye Summer, Goodbye Green...

2008-10-30T15:49:00.002-05:00

Hello Autumn, Hello Yellow, Red, Orange and Brown!

I looked outside the picture window (last week) to discover this busy little tree throwing its leaves up for a crisp breeze to blow them away. (it had actually been doing this for awhile but i am just now documenting it as i was in grave denial and have now decided to embrace the changing weather) It was once so very green. It's lush, leaf-filled branches concealed birds and bugs. Now, that is but a happy memory. *sigh*

Time to break out the long sleeves, heavy denim, leg warmers and hand warmers and ear warmers and big, thick socks! This year will be a very special year for those sorts of things. this year, I will be knitting them! Hats and scarves all around, have a pair of mittens on me! Warm cozy, knit things for everyone! This is going to be an easier transition into the cooler weather than I thought.

Just Keep Going...

2008-10-15T11:39:00.000-05:00

Now that the Ravelympics are over and some sense of normalcy(is there really such a paradise?) has come back to my brain and household, I will be taking more time to post. I'm hoping it will be much more regular as there is so much to write about! New fibres to gander at, new projects on the needles, new pictures, recipes and adventures just waiting to be shared. Now if I could just organize them and get them all into this frame...

The Ravelympics Are About To Commence!

2008-08-01T13:56:00.004-05:00

all righty, i'm getting geared up for the event of the year, The Ravelympics on Ravelry! if you haven't joined, or even heard of this and you're a fiber artist of any sort, you're missing out on a heap of fun!

it's fashioned very much like the real Olympics and starts the same day, 08.08.08.

there are teams: a ton-including international ones. i'm on Team BSA-naturally.

there are events: the ones on my sidebar-as well as the sock put, amigurumi-n-toys toss, afghan marathon, cable steeplechase, shawl relay, vest vault...the list goes on.

there's even a Ravelympic Village to hang out in and meet new people, talk to teammates, get encouragements...

they are really putting on the show for this and i'm so excited to be a part of it!

A Promise is a Promise

2008-07-24T12:45:00.001-05:00

well, since i posted last there's been a lot more noise around the house. as you can imagine the wee little birdies are finding their voices and now that there are 3 baby birds it's even a bit louder. the third one made its grand debut this last Sunday, as far as we can tell. i did get a few pics, but it is hard to differenciate each one from the other as they are kinda crammed in the nest. basically in the pics they are in a row from left to right. and i believe the 3rd one can be determined by its little bum on the far right. the dark blackish colored spots are their eyes if that helps.

You're My Little Girl

2008-07-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

on a warm sunny day in 1993 i went into labor. the next day, i went into shock. i couldn't believe i was holding a baby in my arms that was mine. her tiny fingers and toes, her soft little whisps of blonde hair, her big blue eyes. *sigh* little did i know i was in for the time of my life!

over the years my Lovebug has been my only constant companion. always by my side. we've been through a lot. we've laughed together, cried together, played together and learned together. she has been the source of a lot of things in my life. good things. hard things. sweet things. i don't want to let her go. i don't want to be drawing closer to the time where she'll leave my arms. it's bad enough she barely fits into them anymore. but let her go i must. just a little. a little more.

my one-and-only baby is 15 today. and i can hardly believe what a beautiful young lady she's turning into. as i look at her still innocent face, i see joy, peace and love. i also see a bit of me in there and it makes me smile. *sigh*

Happy Birthday my sweet Princess Lovebug. i love you so, so much. you will always be my little girl!

As I Sit Here...

2008-07-17T12:07:00.005-05:00

i can hear the gentle roll of occasional thunder and the drip, drip, drop of rain. ok, it's a little more constant than that and even with all the windows i have it's almost dark enough to turn a light on-but i'm resisting. outside, my garden is burgeoning with ripened goodies that are anxious to be picked but, alas, it will have to wait for a dryer time. in the meantime...

behind me i can also hear the very faint attempts at chirping by our new baby finches. there are 2 right now. it's an amazing thing. yesterday we got a sneak peek at baby #1 in all its newborn glory. it came complete with tiny beak, tiny head, tiny arms and so on. simply too adorable for words right down to its Albert Einstein 'hairdo'. since the proud parents are named Westley and Buttercup it seemed only fit to name it Waverly as my astute daughter pointed out. (ahhh just warms the heart huh?) we were no sooner all a flutter with 'baby news' than all of a sudden we realized another little something. yep, another little baby was making its little presence known to us! baby #2 has joined us but is yet unnamed. we're open to suggestions (anyone?). it may actually depend on what their genders will eventually reveal themselves to be, but i'm open.

we are now knee deep in amazing life and tiny cuteness. there are 3 more eggs and as you can imagine we are on pins and needles waiting to see if there will be yet another little biddy baby bird birth. i haven't really been able to get a real clean pic of the happy little growing family yet, but when i do, i will most definitely post it.

Stories of Knitting and Fishing Stories

2008-07-10T10:09:00.004-05:00

so there really has been a lot of knitting going on, it's just all been behind the scenes! we got back from camping, cleaned up and then started right back in to our lives. the trip was great. we had fun. it rained on my birthday BUT we had DQ ice cream cake in the in-laws camper while we played card games and we even braved the rain and did some fishing! yes, in the rain. it was so much fun. i even caught a small mouth bass! woo hoo! it was about 18 or so inches long and pushing 2 pounds-a definite keeper. well, it would have been, if the extremely large and apparently hungry snapping turtle hadn't decided he wanted a snack! no kidding, the head on this turtle was as big as my hand and it's body was the size of both my dogs put together. it was like the Loch Ness monster only in Minnesota in Lake Schumway. i lost my fish, but it was very intriguing to watch him devour my fish. i just stood there, mouth gaping in awe. of course i left me camera in the camper to stay warm and dry so you'll just have to believe my fish tale. it really happened. honest. just ask my brother in law who found the fish head still strung to the line with no body! his reaction was priceless.

Sneak Peek Pattern from Blue Sky Alpacas!

2008-06-25T07:01:00.002-05:00

here's a sneak peek at another sample i did for Blue Sky recently. i'm told the pattern, Two Button Hat Set, will be out soon. it's an quick and easy knit done in their Worsted Hand Dyes. it's lightweight but nice and warm. the color used here is Putty. i knit these lovelies on size 9 Addi circulars and boy was it smooth and fast. i bet the toughest part was picking buttons!

I'm Outta Here!

2008-06-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

i know, i finished these a little while ago. i am so very behind on my blogging and i am playing 'catch-up'. being out of town next week camping with family won't help, but don't worry, i'll leave you with a few visual goodies. ;) i hope you all have a great week and that knitting is a part of it! see ya next week!

here is my Lovebug modeling her new Hat & Wristlets. i used Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in Midnight Blue and their Suri Merino in Earth. i knit them using Clover bamboo dpn's, size 11.

we had so much fun doing these 'photo shoots'. i can't believe how my wee little Princess Lovebug has grown! it's still kinda hard to think about her turning 15 this July. 15! my birthday is this Friday and i'll be turning 34 years young. man does time FLYand i'm glad to say we've even had some fun!

Baby Hoodie--A Pictorial Journey

2008-06-16T07:12:00.000-05:00

Pickled Yarn: Part 1

2008-06-09T15:27:00.001-05:00

i am very late on posting about our adventures at the Sheep Shearing Festival at Shepherd's Choice a few weekends ago and i sincerely apologize for that! i will try to get to as much as i can this next week so you will have plenty to gander at. (in other words i took a LOT of pics!) so check back often. you won't want to miss a thing!

First off, i want to post about this very cool, hip way to dye yarn. from the creative minds of Lynne & Nancy we have none other than...Pickled Yarn. Yes, you read that correctly. Pickled Yarn. it's the simple process of putting a skein of yarn, mine was Lily Cotton, adding some dye and water, slapping a lid on and waiting. a lot like the way we can, or pickle, our veggies. after a few days, you take out the yarn, rinse it well, hang it to dry and voila! a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

more Pickled Yarn pics to come...

Mi 'Manos' Amigos

2008-06-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

say hello, to my leetle friends...(hello to my leetle friends)

mulled wine

woodland

and flame

A Conversation with and A Realization about: My Dear, Dear Socky

2008-06-04T07:14:00.000-05:00

i wanted to be cool and learn how to make a sock. with all the super-stupendous sock yarn and those oh-so-loverly patterns to choose from, how could i not? so, naturally, i bought a fabulous yarn, the best needles, i took a class at the best LYS, and you were born. i was so proud!

it started out so sweet and innocent. i would knit and knit and knit and knit and knit to see how fast you would grow. even though it took awhile at first, i still knit and knit and knit and knit and knit. all that knitting and you had hardly grown at ALL! so, i put you aside. it was hard, i know, but i was frustrated. you understand, don't you? i felt bad for neglecting you, so i started taking you with me. i went to see the Yarn Harlot in all that very bad weather and you were there in my hands my dear socky. no one else got to go. just you. and wasn't it totally fun? i have taken you to the Kelley Farm to visit our friends and the animals. you like my friends don't you? i even bring you with if we go somewhere and i'm not driving. you're the first thing i put in my bag. i will probably even take you camping with us. so you see, I AM TRYING TO BOND WITH YOU DEAR LITTLE SOCKY! really i am. it's not you, it's me. *sigh*

after that, i decided i may not be the sock knitter type. i know, i know, but i just can't seem to stay focused on this one sock so how on Earth am i going to make another one? i'm just not sure how to make this work. does this happen with all first timers? how do you get through? is it just me? is it the sock? *sigh*

at least the yarn is really cool...maybe it could be a shawl?

The Very Model for My ModernKnittedBabySweater(er)

2008-06-02T09:47:00.007-05:00

i thought i'd post these cutie patootie pics of my great friend Lisa's daughter Hadassah...

today, our young model is sporting the ever popular Baby Boat Neck Sweater from Debbie Bliss' pattern book 'Baby Knits for Beginners'. using only the best yarn, this hand knit was made using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton, in their Willow colorway. this cuddly sweater is sure to please even the choosiest of children.

notice how the garment hugs just enough but still leaves room enough to grow? whether your little one is rough-and-tumble or a stop-to-smell-the-flowers type, they'll enjoy wearing this little number in warm and cool weather alike.

this sweater is a 'must have' for any couture savvy wardrobe. pair it up with a sweet little beanie or bonnet and you'll be ready to face the fashion runway of life!

thank you so much Lisa and Hadassah for that adorable photo shoot!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2008-05-30T14:55:00.007-05:00

my daughter has finally picked up her needles to work on her first garter scarf. i'm letting her go at her own pace so it's 'her' decision to knit. (KWIM?)

it all started when we were oot and aboot and came upon a yarn shop. as i was going in to check it out, she asked if i would get her some yarn. um, yah! what good mommy would say 'no' to a sweet request like that? my instructions were: it needs to be soft and blue. please. sure honey! she wanted Blue Sky (awww, doesn't that just warm your heart?) but they didn't carry it, (drat!) so we compromised and i bought her a skein of Berroco Comfort--in red. (she didn't like the blue or the green so that's how we ended up w/the red) i think we did well.

she decided to knit a long, skinny scarf. it's a little less intimidating and goes a lot faster. i think she's doing marvelous and i can't wait until she's done. these first few pics are from a few weeks ago when she first started...

in the hole,

around the back,

pull it through, and off jumps jack! (or something like that)

and this is her progress as of today. that's my girl!

Waxing Nostalgic...

2008-05-18T22:36:00.001-05:00

let's take a casual stroll down memory lane shall we? down the winding path of life that leads us back to that very first day. that very first time, you were in a real yarn shop. close your eyes and remember the sights, the sounds and smells. are you remembering? meandering down aisle after aisle of yarn in all colors, shapes and sizes petting and hugging every fiber in sight while all of these questions raced about your brain: what should i knit? what kind of yarn? which COLOR? what brand of needles?!

as you continue down a main aisle and you're just about to implode when all of a sudden the clerk sees you and her radar goes up. she briskly comes to you and takes pity on you as she has seen the look on your face so many times before. the look of a newbie knitter (which strongly resembles a deer in headlights, so i'm told). she rushes to your side to let you know you don't have to make the journey alone. 'we're in this together', she confidently whispers. she then smiles at you and leads you off to find everything you need.

a few hours later, after finally making all of those life or death decisions, you emerge from the doors, as if walking on air, beaming with confidence that you are sure you spent more than you should have. way more than you should have...

ahhhhhhh, memories...

well, for me, this is that project. my 'first'. i have finally finished it. i am so proud! *sniff, sniff*

finishing the front

one more sleeve

fin

A Gift For My Love

2008-05-15T13:09:00.001-05:00

the pattern:

the yarn:

my sweetie pie, 'love'-in the yarn:

off and knitting:

wristlet one:

strike a pose:

i made a sample of this in Aqua for Blue Sky last year. it turned out so cute Kayla decided she just 'had to have a set' of her own. so, fast forward to finally getting some time, money and yarn and i cast on the first wristlet. it's an easy knit and the YO's make a cool pattern. i'll post more pics for your viewing pleasure as i get to them.
:)

Have You Hugged Your Stash Today?

2008-05-13T15:42:00.009-05:00

here's a peek at a few little yummies that are currently occupying my stash bins...

Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in Putty

Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Organic Cotton in Birch

Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino in Twilight

Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton in Willow

(and the ever-so-yummy) Blue Sky Alpacas Melange in Cotton Candy!

Uptown Scarf and Harlot Night

2008-04-23T20:04:00.001-05:00

so my super duper great friend emailed me to let me know she snagged a ticket for me to go to the Yarn Harlot! Woo Hoo! now, i admit, i don't follow the Yarn Harlot that much. BUT, i have at least heard of her and i have visited her blog. i'm so glad i was able to go cause, well, she was fabulously funny, witty and charming. i loved her great stories and her insight into the phenonmenon called the knitting world. an LYS -The Yarnery did a great job of hosting the show and provided lots of entertainment by way of singing tunes "Sound of Music" style with humorous knitting and Harlot references. (there are videos on YouTube i hear) it was quite the night and fun was had by all. we even won door prizes and got chocolate kisses! now that's a night!

oh, and at the last minute i decided i wanted to wear a knitted item and realized i didn't have anything. so i dug through my Weekend Knitting book and found the Uptown Scarf by Linda Niemeyer (who happens to be a BSA designer) and 'went to town'. it's knit on size 35 needles (they were like those mini baseball bats!) and i think it took maybe 30 whole minutes.

it knit up soooo fast and it wears soooo nice! i used one hank (it calls for 2) of BSA Bulky Hand Dyes in Peace Pink. i'm vertically challenged (5'5"), so an 8ft scarf wouldn't do me any good. oh this is nice yarn! i think i will make a few more in other colors too just cause it's so easy and really could be worn with just about anything and at just about anytime for a quick, cute accessory. i highly recommend this pattern and yarn. (i did omit the fringe on the end for this one-not a real 'fringy' kinda girl)

There's A First Time For Everything Right?

2008-04-23T18:38:00.001-05:00

my new firsts in knitting are cables, mittens and yarn other than BSA or sock yarn...

so, i took a class to learn how to do cables cause i was under the impression they were very hard to do. well, they sure looked that way to me. i mean, come on, they're all weaving in and out of eachother and twisted and stuff. they must take time and talent to make right? right? ok, i was wrong...
not too bad huh? i know i'll be doing more cabling as they are very easy and very cool. the wool was nice to work with too. it's Rowan Big Wool Fusion. it's soft enough (i guess i have a sensory thing-must be soft AND wearable) and pretty easy to knit with. very decent. i got it to go with the new mittens i made...

i made the mittens with Lamb's Pride Bulky and Madil's Kid Seta. very easy knit and not too shabby on the softness factor. pretty decent colors to pick from too. some good yarn for this kind of knitting.

as you can see, i gave the mitts to my honey so i think the scarf will have to go to someone else. it's just not the right match for him. he needs a more masculine scarf. i guess i should ask if he would even wear one! come to think of it i'm not sure i've seen him wear one...huh.

Humble Beginnings

2008-03-26T12:01:00.002-05:00

so i was doing some Spring cleaning and thought it should include my stash. it was a good idea cause it was pretty disorganized and honestly, i couldn't even remember what i had tucked away. so, when i came across a ziploc bag with these items in it, i was instantly brought back to where i began my whole knitting journey...

it was my first time in a LYS and i really didn't know what i was doing AT ALL. i knew i wanted to make something, i knew i wanted Blue Sky Alpacas yarn, and i knew i needed needles. i ended up with 3 hanks of the organic cotton in 'willow' and a Plymouth bamboo circular needle, size 8. they gave me a free ruler, put it all in a cute bag, and sent me on my merry way! i had NO IDEA what i would do with any of it.

enter my great friend, who had been knitting for a few years and was trying to get me 'hooked'. she recommended getting the book 'Baby Knits for Beginners' by Debbie Bliss. so i did. i picked out the boatneck sweater and started knitting some basic stockinette. then, i started doing projects for Blue Sky (all those sweet baby hoodies and a few others) and it got put in a bag for 'later'. well, that was about a year or so ago and i have found it and i finished up the front. i am going to finish this project so i can add a FO to my list. besides, it's such a shame to see that yummy yarn just sitting there with no one to love it!

another kind of cotton

2008-03-26T11:23:00.006-05:00

so my 'in between time' has been filled with this little project. a cute, easy pattern from a Leisure Arts book called 'Color-Splash Dishcloths'. i'm using some basic sugar'n'cream cotton in their Rosewood colorway. it's a nice yarn that is very well suited for this kind of item. i also have the Landscape colorway to coordinate with it. it has green, brown and white. it will be nice to have a little something for myself. i think they will look perfect in my pink and green kitchen!

Another Cute Hoodie

2008-03-13T12:13:00.003-05:00

this brings the total up to 4. these are so easy to knit up and with all the BSA colors you can pick from, the color combinations are practically endless! i'm thinking i may do a few solid colors too...

Stitch Markers on Etsy

2008-03-13T09:32:00.004-05:00

So i was perusing Etsy (just for fun) and came across a few stitch markers that are too cute! these designers are pretty creative if you ask me. there are about 150+ pages of these little guys and i could only get through about a third of that! each page had so many great creations i would love to buy up but, alas, my budget is not conducive to that...

well, here are a just a few i found that i liked. Enjoy!

from Jeanettejed's shop:

from dragonladydesign's shop:

from sunshine's shop:

from kishcraft's shop:

from yarndemon's shop:

from betterbeaditdesign's shop:

from seejayneknityarns's shop:

Some Sweater Progress

2008-02-12T10:54:00.000-06:00

well, i am just about done with the ribbing on the eyelet cardi and then i will attempt the eyelet pattern. i have already had a test run of the pattern to make sure i could do it and it was a lot easier than i thought it would be. i'm getting kind of excited about it actually. i think it will knit up rather nicely. i really want to get it done for my Lovebug so she can wear it for the rest of the season. the way it looks now i should have plenty of time. we are at a 'balmy' 7 degrees now. heat wave!! i'm so glad it's above 0! i will be even more tickled when it stays around 32 consistantly. i'm so thankful we have a fireplace!

oh, and i'm still plugging away at those socks when i can....

For My Lovebug

2008-01-30T23:32:00.002-06:00

my daughter loves blue. my daughter could use a great cardigan. BSA has great yarn and a great pattern. need i say more?

Sock Progress

2008-01-30T23:07:00.002-06:00

so the top sock is the one from my Sock Class and the second one i just HAD to start (from the same pattern) b/c of how fabulous the colorway is (from Fearless Fibers-Sand and Sun). i immediately balled it and got started. it's turning out rather loverly i think. i'm not as fond of the first one. it's ok and all, but it's knitting up very slow. i kinda just grabbed a skein w/out really thinking about it and making sure i REALLY liked it and wanted it...oh well, live and learn right? i WILL finish at least the one so i can say 'i finished it'. this may be the first addition to the 'NGFT' pile (Never Gonna Finish That). i will most likely finish the Sand and Sun to make a pair cause it's just such a great color!

finding inspiration...getting inspired...

2008-01-24T18:20:00.000-06:00

so i have taken some time to just randomly peruse some other knitting blogs for encouragement and inspiration to pick up the needles more frequently. of course i found some great things and people. a lot of the showcased items were, needless to say, extraordinary. i think i am actually starting to get a bit more pumped up about this whole knitting thing. who knows, maybe one of these days i'll actually become a full fledged knitter!

:)

Socks on Circulars

2008-01-18T14:31:00.001-06:00

so this last summer i took a class at Shepherd's Choice called 'Socks on Circulars'. Because of my schedule, i was only able to go to the first class. oh well, it gave me enough info to start a sock. yes, a sock. it is coming along very slowly. it is so tedious. i am determined to finish it someday though. and then add it's mate. i've been trying to sneak a few rows here and there but really, it's not my favorite thing to knit. it IS a good filler. something to do in between. it's nice to just do a few rows of straight knitting, no purling, just knitting. the tricky part is the seam, but if you pay attention, it's pretty easy to get used to keeping it snug so there aren't any (many) gaps. i'll have to take a pic to show my progress sometime soon. at least it looks like a sock and not something random!
:)

hey there, hi there, ho there!

2008-01-18T14:22:00.000-06:00

ok, after a long summer and busy fall, i think i'm back in action. so, i shall soon be posting a bit more regularly...i hope.

i'm hoping to start a new knitting chapter by finishing up a few UFO's and then start tackling some projects i have been wanting to get to for myself. sooooo, we'll see where we go from here!

one set done, one to go...

2007-06-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

i just finished a sample of BSA's new Baby Beanie & Mittens set and it turned out sooooo cute! it's in their new Melange color Blue Cheese. soooooo soft for baby's head and hands! i have pictures, on my 35mm camera of course...along with pictures of the other set i'm finishing up, the new Hat & Wristlets set using their new Suri Merino in Seamist and their new Worsted Hand Dyes color Aqua together. very hip!

if you haven't been to their website lately, you are missing out! they have some great new patterns and yarn and yarn colors to drool over. you should really stop by...it's worth it! (personal affiliations aside)

the Baby Beanie set is a fast and easy knit for a quick little gift. my SIL is having a little boy in August. he will be getting a set for sure. i think i want to try it in the Toasted Almond color.

the Hat & Wrislets pattern was a fun knit, but was a little tricky on the yo's for me personally. it was my first real yo pattern and only my second on dpns, but once i got the hang of it, it was fun to finish up! it's not really my style, but my kinda picky daughter asked me to make her a set as soon as i could cause they were 'sooooo cool mom! i really want a set please?!' how could i say no to that?

i may try the Dungeree and Cloud colors, but maybe she wants Green and Meadow...there are so many choices! i'll have to get her to keep practicing her knitting so she can make her own!

a little bulky for my diet

2007-06-06T13:38:00.000-05:00

this last weekend there was a great little Sheep Shearing Festival at Shepherd's Choice. i got a few pics, but i have to develop the film first-drat! i am still in the stone age w/my 35mm camera so, please excuse...

anyhoo, we had chili dogs, and root beer from a keg-yum! we pet some llamas-so soft! saw some sheep get naked-umm...
Kayla got a turtle painted on her face and played the lute and penny whistle-too cute! i got a steal-of-a-deal on some Blue Sky Bulky -score! i signed up for a 'socks on circulars' class-fun! bought a small bag of lusciously soft roving to try out-someday. met a fellow blogger mommy-yay! and so much more!

my honey, Asa, came with and was such a good sport about it. i think he actually enjoyed himself at first, then he got bored. he has been so supportive of my knitting. he's the best husband a girl could hope to find--really really. i think i'll keep him!

and as per the usual we met Ali, her mom and the kids there. most field trips just aren't the same as when we're together. it's more fun when there's another mom or a friend there to chat with you know?

well, sorry to be a tease, but you'll just have to wait for the pics. if it helps, i have to wait too!
:)

Lemonade! Gitch-yer ice cold Lemonade!

2007-06-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

ok, so you have to go visit (shoeless)Val's blog and read the amazing story about her little girl being a cancer survivor.
They are having a fundraising event at their house, in real life, on June 9th selling lemonade. The benefits will go to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Please stop by if you're in the area.
If not, they also have a 'virtual lemonade stand' where you can donate if you aren't able to stop by in person. Show your support for Val, her family and Pediatric Cancer Research by donating to this noble event! Her goal is $1,000, but I bet we can show more love than that, right!?
And spread the word, spread the LOVE!
:)

double points--away!

2007-05-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

so i am starting my next 2 projects (#5 & #6) on double points. yep, that's right. i'm just gonna dive right in and go for it. i've read about it, watched a video about it, bought some sticks for it and made a small swatch that resembles something tubular (whoa, like totally tubular! sorry...). the only thing that's left is to actually make something! i think it should go well and it will be fun to try something new.

in the meantime...in between time...hm, hm, hm-hmm...

i can't wait to get my new yarn! i placed an order with Deb at Fearless Fibers. i got a skein of the Sand and Sun and Antique Rose colorways. i'm sooooo excited! (where is that mailman already?) i highly recommend visiting if you haven't yet. you get a ton of yarn at a great price and the colorways are ALL fabulous! Deb was great to work with and it was easy to shop/pay/contact her. go see, go dream, go drool! (and i'm pretty picky too)

i'm hoping to try a pair of socks or two this summer with it and maybe a lacey something-or-other. i've found a few sock patterns that could be do-able. my friend wants to try Monkey Socks...yikes! they are a busy looking little sock aren't they? cool, but busy. i'm still trying to not be too intimidated (yes me) by sock patterns. the socks themselves look great. but the patterns, they just look so tedious and time consuming and those tiny needles...however, i have been told that once i do one, i'll go completely sock crazy and need to make a billion of them. hopefully in sets of 2. so, we'll see...
:)

a little history

2007-05-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

ok, so i've mostly thought knitting would be cool to learn how to do. i don't remember the actual sequence of events but it's goes something like this...

sometime during this last year or so, i remember something about red chenille and Ali trying to help me learn to cast on. i found this knitting bag at a garage sale or hand-me-down or somthing-or-other with tons of needles (poo-mostly crochet). then, getting a Susan Bates 'learn to knit' kit at Wal*Mart and my MIL teaching me the thumb cast on because i had forgotten the cast on that Ali taught me. i spent a lot of time learning/mastering that (i'm not terribly coordinated. i can't even do the 'running man'. *sniff, sniff*. this ones for you Ali!). then i tried actually knitting the chenille on needles that now i know were too small and it was so tight it broke so i gave up for awhile. then i got a skein of Homespun from my FIL who had also knit me this great scarf the year before in 'eyelash' yarn(?) and that sat around for awhile. several months later i tried again and came up with exhibit 'A' in an earlier post below. then i was a 'master' so i ran to wally world and bought several skeins of 'red heart' acrylic b/c i thought that's what you knit with. in between there i learned stockinette and was practicing some random knitting and purling. i then dug out the chenille and tried a larger needle and lo-and-behold, it worked!

i was working on that garter scarf when i was asked to make the camo scarf for the violist. that turned into exhibit 'B' in the other post below. that was this last February/April-ish? then through Ali, Blue Sky Alpacas asked me to knit a couple Baby Hoodies for them and i learned seaming, following a pattern, 3-needle bind off and a bunch of other stuff. which leads us to exhibit 'C' right here:

not too bad huh? i was a bit nervous at first, but i kept on task and watched EVERY video on KnittingHelp.com, Ali gave me a helping hand and a few technique pointers and they turned out great! (thanks again Ali!) i had a lot of fun making them once i focused and became more familiar with things. i've always been a fast learner (whew!) and that character quality comes in handy often.

so, other than a few fuzzy details in between, that's it in a medium-sized nutshell!

Summer Knitting

2007-05-23T14:20:00.000-05:00

well, because my great friend Ali is having a contest on her blog 'Skeins Her Way', here's my hopeful list for the summer months to complete my entry.

~start a few knit-a-longs and knit the items for them (i already have the ideas, just need to implement them and design blog buttons. so check back for the list!)
~find a great sock pattern (and/or make my own) and make 2 pairs (i'm open to suggestions)
~design/knit some scarves for winter gifts for family members
~design/knit a teen-style cardi or pullover that even my daughter will wear
~keep teaching my daughter to knit a few basic items
~knitting samples and testing patterns that Blue Sky sends my way
~make myself a cardi/pullover or some other little treat
~have my daughter and i make the Felted Clutch from BSA to try out felting
~and of course building up my stash of fibers and needles!

i think there's something about seeing, in writing, what you want to accomplish (and what you think you can accomplish) that gives a bit of clarity. and i love checking things off as i go. there's nothing quite like the feeling of completing something!

SOOOOOO, there you have it. here's the link to the contest, now hop on over to Ali's and tell her i sent ya!

a short while later...

2007-05-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

...i found myself offering to knit up another scarf for a young violist at my daughter's chamber orchestra lesson. she is learning to play the violin. i am learning to knit. i knit while she practices. it's a great excuse to get some knitting time in. i also get to chat it up with my great friend Ali while she knits and her kids are practicing. what a spoiled life i have huh? i'm very grateful for it trust me!

anyhoooo, onto the story...
so i'm knitting and Ali's knitting and we're chatting and in walks the young violist and he starts to admire my 'work'. he mentions something about wanting a scarf and i mention i could accomodate that and the next thing ya know i'm on a hunting expedition at wally-world for camo yarn! it was a very neat little exchange and my first 'comissioned' work. it actually turned out well and i was able to give him a pretty decent looking scarf as a gift. i felt bad it was in scratchy acrylic, but he felt great about getting a scarf--so it all worked out in the end!

here's my ever-so-loverly daughter with the aforementioned scarf. tres chic, n'est-ce pas? sorry for the camera phone pic.

see you in a round,

~traci

In the Beginning...

2007-05-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

...there was the garter ridge scarf. and it was good.

the rite of passage for every new knitter-wanna-be. *sigh*
'memories...all alone in the moonlight...la da da de da dah dah...hm hm hm hm hm hmmmmm...'
oh, sorry, i'm back now.

and here is my very first one. as you can see, there are already signs of my numerous talents with fibers and sticks. notice the uneven lines and extra bumps/loops for that 'textured' look? and the raw 'triangular end stretch' that i accomplished without foreknowledge? i know, i know. that's some pure prowess right there people.

of course for the 'full effect', here i am modelling it for all it's worth (a quarter maybe? any takers? anyone? any ebay-ers?)

i want to say this was a candid 'i love what you've done to your ceiling Ali' look, but it's not. it's hard to tell, but i was actually trying to pose. yep, there's a reason i'm not a model (and you thought it was b/c i'm short-silly you!). don't get me wrong. the pay is good, but not worth the neck strain for poses like this one--which are common (a little known fact right there for ya). and of course the blue-on-blue really makes the bluesness of the yarn POP out atcha.

well, i don't want to overwhelm everyone with too many goodies. hopefully i've whet someone's appetite. so check back every so often for a little treat!

see U in a round,

~traci

where have U been?!

2007-05-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

i have recently discovered knitting.
need i say more?

stay tuned, just in case...

~traci