tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151407662024-03-23T10:57:56.281-07:00The Musings of Merirandom thoughts to help me escape the ho-hum of everyday life...Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-35288163226487916352010-06-08T03:28:00.000-07:002010-06-08T03:32:13.105-07:00Drive-by posting...... but since it has been over a YEAR since I blogged here, I figured I'd better at least let you know that I'm still alive. That is, if anyone is still reading this. hm....<br /><br />I've been teaching school the last year - but this week we finish up for the summer. There is so much to do in finishing something. So many little things that need to be wrapped up (and some bigger things that are the result of procrastination). My oldest is having a big week of his own - kindergarten graduation! I'm in denial, so we won't go there.<br /><br />At any rate - my youngest is telling everyone that it is time to get up and get moving. I've got some final exams to give this morning. <br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be back to blogging more this summer!Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-72738980098766655772009-03-08T11:51:00.000-07:002009-03-08T12:03:55.033-07:00I am NOT ready for spring.It is beautiful here today - gorgeous. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, squirrels and birds are out and about, and it is warm enough to leave winter coats abandoned for light jackets. The only dampers on the loveliness of the day are the brown grass and dirty leftover snow piles. <br /><br />Well, those and the fact that it is almost too warm to wear the two WOOL sweaters I knit for myself last month. (I say almost because I wore one today anyway - and am really, really warm).<br /><br />Both sweaters are the same pattern - the February Lady Sweater. There is quite the epidemic of this sweater on Ravelry. The last I checked, there were over 4500 projects for this pattern on Rav. That's a whole lot of sweaters! But it is a beautiful sweater - and surprisingly easy to knit. (which is good, because I have several more to make - for family and friends!)<br /><br />My first sweater took me 12 days to knit. The yarn is Serendipity worsted from ZenString in the "Mariana" colorway - and it was gifted to me by a wonderful friend. I loved knitting it - the colors are very much "me." Navy blue, hunter green (hey, those were my wedding colors!), and a couple other shades. I found beautiful Celtic Knot pewter buttons to close the sweater, and I couldn't be happier. (well, I'd be a little happier with a better picture of it, but that is no fault of the sweater's!)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlkHj2H4vAUk3mQLB4s8kfnq9Nx4hM735wgy8ndUmRn0_kGzm7HPTlMkrBcVKtuToYwgpf0gX-Xjpbb0E1wLWzR55g1xn1v4dQ-l08KMdGGS_WzTBU6XPveLqurwqtJnU3qjb/s1600-h/FLSdone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlkHj2H4vAUk3mQLB4s8kfnq9Nx4hM735wgy8ndUmRn0_kGzm7HPTlMkrBcVKtuToYwgpf0gX-Xjpbb0E1wLWzR55g1xn1v4dQ-l08KMdGGS_WzTBU6XPveLqurwqtJnU3qjb/s400/FLSdone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310894471412055474" /></a><br />The second sweater took a bit longer, but I finished knitting it exactly 4 weeks after I started the first sweater - not bad! It is knit from some lovely gray cormo yarn. Now, this yarn is special in its own right. It originally came to me as fleece. About 1.5lbs of cormo fleece (for those of you that don't know, cormo is a corriedale/merino cross, and it is simply heavenly). I then sent it to the Fibers 4 Ewe mill to be processed and spun. The lovely 3ply yarn that came back to me was just a joy to work with. I completed this sweater with pewter clasps (I really hate knitting buttonholes).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLcdGwpRJHJ8uywexbrP07zPEhst8XQ3d3fwkuifPtMrDlYRXu0AytabeP67ox-W0C1YJ_CRFPANQAGcVZqRi0K_PmRmYrBWOAAwsvZFj2d4CM1NtXgCN0fxcrDCPF4Ek0W3K/s1600-h/abunchofpics+379.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLcdGwpRJHJ8uywexbrP07zPEhst8XQ3d3fwkuifPtMrDlYRXu0AytabeP67ox-W0C1YJ_CRFPANQAGcVZqRi0K_PmRmYrBWOAAwsvZFj2d4CM1NtXgCN0fxcrDCPF4Ek0W3K/s400/abunchofpics+379.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310894478984248450" /></a><br />As I mentioned, I've got several more sweaters to make from this same pattern - not to mention the other sweaters I want to make for myself in different patterns... It is most definitely the year of the sweater.Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-17557277067584562482009-02-08T03:48:00.000-08:002009-02-08T03:57:33.708-08:00yep, still knitting...slacking on the blogging, but still knitting. ;)<br /><br /><p><br />Made these before Christmas - two scarves (for gifts), a pair of picky pants for my youngest - oh, and that yarn - yummy merino/cashmere: <br><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9094776@N03/3131037914/" title="abunchofpics 236 by meritodd1221, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3131037914_c053c96a38.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="abunchofpics 236" /></a><br /><br /><p> Also made a sweater for my sister-in-law, but not so sure that she wants her picture on my blog. ;) <p><br /><br />Current projects? oh fun!! Well, um... this scarf for my daughter: <br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9094776@N03/3250664262/" title="Emma's scarf by meritodd1221, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3250664262_a95ed0d6cb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Emma's scarf" /></a><br /><p><br />This sweater for myself - the February Lady Sweater - knit with yarn gifted to me by a very sweet friend: <br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9094776@N03/3250664210/" title="FLS #1 - Zen String by meritodd1221, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/3250664210_40a4ff3e1d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="FLS #1 - Zen String" /></a><br /><br> (I'm actually a lot further than that now, but haven't taken a more recent picture).<br /><p> And a sweater for my best friend's daughter... no picture of that - it is a cardigan with white Plymouth Encore.<br /><p><br />Want to know how nuts I am? I have plans to make a total of five sweaters for myself this year. Not counting a sweater for my sister and my mother-in-law. Oh, and I'm planning to spin the yarn (a 3ply light worsted/worsted weight) for one of those... I think I might need to stop fav'ing and queue'ing things on Ravelry.Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-43637977218685318052008-09-29T14:23:00.000-07:002008-09-29T15:04:36.684-07:00I've been Tagged!<a href="http://holdenslanding.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a> tagged me. :) So here goes!<br /><br />7 Things Meme:<br />The rules:<br />1. Post the rules on your blog.<br />2. Write 7 random things about yourself.<br />3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post.<br />4. Pass on the tag.<br /><br />hm.... well....<br /><br />1. I love to spin. LOVE to spin. If my wrists would allow, I'd spin all day - of course, that would require having a maid to keep up the house, a nanny to keep up the kids, and another knitter to keep up with my knitting orders. Since I have none of those, I do not spin all day. In fact, I don't spin nearly as much as I'd like these days - since little boy isn't going to sleep very early these nights.<br /><br />2. I love crockpot chicken soup. My mom would call it cheater soup. It really is, but I love it. See, I'm a rather picky eater. Mostly, its texture issues, but I cannot stand veggies in my chicken soup. I like chicken, broth, and noodles. Yep - boring. But since I'm the cook in this house, I make it how I like it. And it couldn't be easier. Step 1 - buy rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Step 2 - eat some of the chicken for lunch. Step 3 - put whatever we don't eat (still on the bird - bones and all) into the crockpot and fill with water to almost cover the bird. Step 4 - turn on high and let sit for a couple hours. Step 5 - take out the bird carefully - being sure to get all the bones that may have come loose (those wings like to fall off). Step 6 - "pick" chicken off the bird, and throw back in the crockpot with the broth. Step 7 - add onion powder, garlic powder, celery flakes (so that my Mom will at least agree that there is some green in the soup), salt, and pepper. Put cover back on and let it all meld for a bit. Step 8 - cook noodles - I like small noodles - can't remember the name for them now, but they are kinda like elbows, except only like 1/4 inch long and don't curve. I keep the noodles separate from the soup - just put the noodles in my bowl, then add the broth/chicken. This way, the noodles don't get all mushy (texture thing, remember). Step 9 - enjoy! At the end of the day, put the crockpot bowl in the fridge. Next morning, pull it out, put it back on the heat, and reheat... we get two days of soup out of it (I don't like to reheat it more than the one time - just makes me nervous).<br /><br />3. I'm a teacher, and love it. Well, I WAS a teacher, before kids. I'm slowly getting back into it. I've started substituting a bit for our Christian school this past year - love it. Last week, I taught 3rd/4th grade one day, and High School the next day. I was actually kinda surprised at how un-different the grades were. The biggest reminder both classes received was to STOP TALKING!<br /><br />4. I'm the choir director and pianist at our church. I love both ministries. This Sunday was like Christmas for choir - we got two boxes of new music in the mail. FUN!!! I spent Sunday afternoon listening through the cd with the new music, and was so excited to get to choir practice and share it with everyone.<br /><br />5. I'm a fiber-a-holic. Admitting it is the first step, right? I used to think it was just yarn. And then I started spinning. Oh. my. word. There is soooo much pretty fiber out there - and did you know that handpainted fiber is often cheaper than handpainted yarn? uh-huh! danger! danger! I probably have enough yarn and fiber in this house to sufficiently insulate for the winter - except that it is all in protective Rubbermaid containers (okay, that's not true - I have a couple Sterillite containers as well - have to be unbiased).<br /><br />6. I'm positively desperate for my baby boy to start saying "mommy." He says "daddy" very well. He calls EVERYONE Daddy. But no amount of coaxing gets a "mommy" out of him. However, he makes up for it in cuddles - and I do so love my boy's cuddles. He is totally what keeps me from going back to teaching fulltime right now. I'm enjoying being home with him, and don't want to miss out on his toddler-hood.<br /><br />7. I'm totally in love with chocolate and coffee... not necessarily together. I am totally craving a Pumpkin Spice latte right this second, though a chocolate milk will probably have to suffice. I'd spring for a Peppermint Chocolate Mini from Schwan's except... oh, yeah - my darling husband ATE THEM ALL!! I'll give him some credit, I did get a few of them. But next time I buy a special treat for me, drastic measures will ensue - either eat them all on the spot (could certainly use the weight, but not the bellyache that will no doubt accompany - nor the brainfreeze from so much ice cream), or hide them in the very back of the freezer (which does run the risk of forgetting they are there... but just think of the delightfully delicious surprise I'd have in six months when I clean out the freezer!).<br /><br />So, who to tag now? Hm... how about...<br /><a href="http://www.threeirishgirls.com/blog/">Sharon</a>, <a href="http://www.littleturtleknits.com/blog/">Theresa</a>, <a href="http://www.xanga.com/dandeliondreamers">Patti</a>, <a href="http://johnsontravels.typepad.com/haluhalo/">Tif</a>, <a href="http://bungalowmum.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>, <a href="http://www.naptimemusings.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a>, and <a href="http://curlypurly.blogspot.com/">Marnie</a>.Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-32894527686064300092008-06-04T04:37:00.001-07:002008-12-10T22:01:59.495-08:00Handspun by SweetKnitsHas a nice ring to it, doesn't it? It is the new branch out of my knitting business, and I'm soooo excited about it! There will be more info and new things as the next couple weeks go by. After much time and practice, and lots of friends "testing" for me, the first two skeins of yarn will go up for online sale this Friday, June 6th. (click on the pictures to be taken to the YINIA listings).<br /><br />"Cafe Mocha" Merino 2ply<br /><a href="http://yinia.com/shop/product.php?productid=16974&cat=0&page=1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207989843190385730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWojGHtMNEm_OKqeZ-pZZp7ilfhwyInHR9NVoIESA4DjqrgbJQUq_M_yuIy5IyqNwfmHoiuZhlDa8WF0z7yJPIUwUgMPMZPSeTu74KMEgGN_R5_uO-NnGG6efng56iOtY4hiWH/s400/handspun1YINIA450.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"Afternoon at the Beach" Merino 2ply<br /><a href="http://yinia.com/shop/product.php?productid=16985&cat=244&page=1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207989847035169042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTNA1AfRO-WSXNE9PRu5NThoCgAw2Gp_xviHiNPLvW1A9xK2AIznD2z_Hw7aZ4aROcCIFIWvgPKlWhUmKXxRlwXJnV6Nbp0AWTnWHZHq-lz0gkW8D8fg7CsgEc0nUex8iaXY6/s400/bluehandspunYINIA.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />There will be more coming as the weeks go by. I'm far too much in love with spinning to give it up, or stop long enough to knit up everything I spin!Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-14893153389484192982008-05-27T15:10:00.001-07:002008-12-10T22:02:00.258-08:00A wonderful weekend!This weekend was MA Sheep and Woolcraft Fair up in Cummington. I never even knew there was such a thing until recently, when I started spinning. So, I made plans to be there. Bright and early on Saturday morning - we made it a family event (though I'm not sure it was enjoyed by others as much as it was by me).<br /><br />The weather was gorgeous - a bit chilly with a breeze, but the sun was warm. The kids loved seeing all the sheep (and there were lots of them!). I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the lovely dyed roving, yarn, and the many different spinning wheels and spindles. It was just amazing. I came home with some lovely stuff.<br /><br />First - 4oz of beautiful merino top in "Nova Scotia" dyed by Spunky Eclectic, and an extra bobbin for my new wheel.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUempX0KEDtZPclhKqfpmxYdKy9BeeyA2wOPioMMWm9D5dulpnOVQgDMpJKOT19qlVswHRPFnTK8X2lkbkwIRg21AFgjQJ1qEFUUb_HPjRr_TKHu5h3C8iOnrw_MqTlswhjRKN/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205184011496465858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUempX0KEDtZPclhKqfpmxYdKy9BeeyA2wOPioMMWm9D5dulpnOVQgDMpJKOT19qlVswHRPFnTK8X2lkbkwIRg21AFgjQJ1qEFUUb_HPjRr_TKHu5h3C8iOnrw_MqTlswhjRKN/s400/kids+and+spinning+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Next is 8oz of merino from The Wool Peddler in "Neopolitan" - I was drawn to this color as soon as I saw it, and as much as I tried to get something rainbow-y, I kept coming back to it.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZE5QdUN6qFR02Bh197kfmFVKV6u5tjycdUQXpL3HTNY-ePcOKH003-FpXhuHPHr_00tBncwAd_XWnu0KL4bGE5elFtnjeP9hY-jRS38hHjNsjmTWdbMjsG_GV6jMPcuPm3o1/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205184015791433170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZE5QdUN6qFR02Bh197kfmFVKV6u5tjycdUQXpL3HTNY-ePcOKH003-FpXhuHPHr_00tBncwAd_XWnu0KL4bGE5elFtnjeP9hY-jRS38hHjNsjmTWdbMjsG_GV6jMPcuPm3o1/s400/kids+and+spinning+112.jpg" border="0" /></a> And this just made my entire weekend:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tuBPlqh7pl4A8WZ5RfO5383kYRcMABFgdnYwnJdUjrJyExjdIiin38z7K1upX-qeGsrnSLHySB7VdL0BAoT2frM14HavrucVfvQJJdkT5e3Wl-q-w4fsdYAqZo7mnL91aPhX/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205184020086400482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tuBPlqh7pl4A8WZ5RfO5383kYRcMABFgdnYwnJdUjrJyExjdIiin38z7K1upX-qeGsrnSLHySB7VdL0BAoT2frM14HavrucVfvQJJdkT5e3Wl-q-w4fsdYAqZo7mnL91aPhX/s400/kids+and+spinning+116.jpg" border="0" /></a>Third place in the Wearable Art Division! I'm so stoked! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns3DIoKxc_7dn0yBb4BMTGiHTF15q-737-M6xWkXCLhw79heNWZm0rAaBWMFL8c3BqzahrTDNt6vXvI4HTb7w1xfn74NOfGBYgTrXMTmav6OxYKCos8DdbkzoDpeklxzeMrIC/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205184020086400498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns3DIoKxc_7dn0yBb4BMTGiHTF15q-737-M6xWkXCLhw79heNWZm0rAaBWMFL8c3BqzahrTDNt6vXvI4HTb7w1xfn74NOfGBYgTrXMTmav6OxYKCos8DdbkzoDpeklxzeMrIC/s400/kids+and+spinning+115.jpg" border="0" /></a> These pants are available for sale at <a href="http://yinia.com/shop/product.php?productid=16581&cat=0&page=1">YINIA</a> - they are currently part of a set, though keep an eye out as they may be available individually soon.<br /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-51123297943696768662008-05-23T16:38:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:00.932-08:00And then, there were twoWell, at least for now...<br /><br />Meet the newest addition to the family - a Louet Julia S11 spinning wheel. I've named her Julia-Morgan (just Morgan for short).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0wJd1FMGXKuFewC0RVV_0E6zcnoMTkDLDlD0l_6nVPb9V3bLLNKIpFKFSg3j9EMysk6sXsPIDS3H5oyhpKtU9QyTC2p2tHhdfDMyxY6y1qYLYcqs0XP8qJaNvEPbnn_kbl22/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203722331046421906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0wJd1FMGXKuFewC0RVV_0E6zcnoMTkDLDlD0l_6nVPb9V3bLLNKIpFKFSg3j9EMysk6sXsPIDS3H5oyhpKtU9QyTC2p2tHhdfDMyxY6y1qYLYcqs0XP8qJaNvEPbnn_kbl22/s400/kids+and+spinning+092.jpg" border="0" /></a> The yarn you see on her was a 3ply merino - I spun the singles on Rory, and then plied them onto Morgan (the Louet bobbins hold more yarn). <br /><br />This is my first yarn that was done on the Louet start to finish. It is a batt from CopperPot Woolies on Etsy - with lots of different fibers in it. It was definitely fun to spin, and I love how it came out.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836S1av2LR3jc0R52F2UuuVY6JVDcPheWBJvn9NEZ1M1Vt4lK4Rd5Z21F9LN8oDgJ7Zlklptx3yWQ_fTYd2rx0u3p7vnDRMC7mR72vz2yG8-RkByK25UYJgLVUf2wqHGJoFOg/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203722335341389218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh836S1av2LR3jc0R52F2UuuVY6JVDcPheWBJvn9NEZ1M1Vt4lK4Rd5Z21F9LN8oDgJ7Zlklptx3yWQ_fTYd2rx0u3p7vnDRMC7mR72vz2yG8-RkByK25UYJgLVUf2wqHGJoFOg/s400/kids+and+spinning+096.jpg" border="0" /></a> And this is the current on the wheel project - well, one of them. This is merino from All Spun Up on Etsy - in shades of browns and natural, and I LOVE it!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OaLu3nWdbF6z9C-1e35SU8K9BHdG76TdOn2pUqanu_ZQpAmvxhhpVjbcb4qd5IPRrV2ZPTlQuuN93h6nFC0b6upgDbWG3IUs3sbFIkCkqMGSpne4MIUxSxcnG7BYibmMTwUo/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203722335341389234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OaLu3nWdbF6z9C-1e35SU8K9BHdG76TdOn2pUqanu_ZQpAmvxhhpVjbcb4qd5IPRrV2ZPTlQuuN93h6nFC0b6upgDbWG3IUs3sbFIkCkqMGSpne4MIUxSxcnG7BYibmMTwUo/s400/kids+and+spinning+103.jpg" border="0" /></a> Back to spinning!!! Hopefully I'll have some finished skeins to show you next time. </p><p>Oh, and if anyone is interested in a great starter wheel, Rory is looking for a new home (by necessity - but I will miss her!).<br /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-64275016211042000342008-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:01.280-08:00what two months of spinning can do...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcFPizhKwdbKHG4yRo9KVUzuE2MgyPae0XSTbCE7XQKyAKlChqQcWF4ord1i6ksAbPNTq2aznpmmodBV2e41Nn9E1Tv1fiwDLV8DLUL9F-QpnwZf8O_hA4MPZIqapGkR9UW40/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195890307802527154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcFPizhKwdbKHG4yRo9KVUzuE2MgyPae0XSTbCE7XQKyAKlChqQcWF4ord1i6ksAbPNTq2aznpmmodBV2e41Nn9E1Tv1fiwDLV8DLUL9F-QpnwZf8O_hA4MPZIqapGkR9UW40/s400/kids+and+spinning+060.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WwIX0-mUsYeiAlYTBg702tglKJ3RNwazQ4-V9B9QPXVlZVrbk9sQ1mZ6CKcy2tqyjEC4B-TInFgJB0p9Gwn7yG1fzHjZICbianLn8kLhejOQmKymUPHuQEoMwOTbUktk1TOn/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195890312097494466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WwIX0-mUsYeiAlYTBg702tglKJ3RNwazQ4-V9B9QPXVlZVrbk9sQ1mZ6CKcy2tqyjEC4B-TInFgJB0p9Gwn7yG1fzHjZICbianLn8kLhejOQmKymUPHuQEoMwOTbUktk1TOn/s400/kids+and+spinning+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yeTNAwO6UQ63HIT-zk80fUQRMMQXPL7R48gZV5bKYT3_6k9-Nov7QOtgNohHf1TYqJ5Kn4crml-3LgnIB318SN5PmtYNwAjmNMFJEIatPVI_HTdEpM548W-LFLdMqVt2Twjx/s1600-h/kids+and+spinning+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195890316392461778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yeTNAwO6UQ63HIT-zk80fUQRMMQXPL7R48gZV5bKYT3_6k9-Nov7QOtgNohHf1TYqJ5Kn4crml-3LgnIB318SN5PmtYNwAjmNMFJEIatPVI_HTdEpM548W-LFLdMqVt2Twjx/s400/kids+and+spinning+074.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>And that ain't all - this is really all yarn that I spun in the last 3-4 weeks. There's more that isn't pictured here.</div><div> </div><div>I think I've definitely been bit by the spinning bug. </div>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-26693603408050537462008-03-12T15:30:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:01.673-08:00I made yarn.This is Coopworth in "Shabby" from <a href="http://www.zenstring.com/">Zen String</a>:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7MnXs9evPGmHs0SLACKtsybreYdh1g09IqX_W-M4PDn_79wYBFYZje_fcPYct9rrj2kj1JgpuoNsm6NETUSBRZ4woE1kSTLxRB9o6nd4dsDsI9EZuNXj3D6Ok7Q8-fPaKX8x/s1600-h/product+photos+137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176986704913019602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7MnXs9evPGmHs0SLACKtsybreYdh1g09IqX_W-M4PDn_79wYBFYZje_fcPYct9rrj2kj1JgpuoNsm6NETUSBRZ4woE1kSTLxRB9o6nd4dsDsI9EZuNXj3D6Ok7Q8-fPaKX8x/s400/product+photos+137.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I had 4 ounces of the fiber, and got three spinnings out of it. They are in order of spinning below (top=first; middle=second; bottom=third):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd_dnWiYwSLy2rZ5mmPl7hr6AQQ8LujmxedPuuDcfRLr43X3-6_QsrEQiO5v4sfq_dULxIr_bAuN9mSP8_djMStMjRhO5woUP6XoOA6D3qpeCIP4qMkKygbhb4Fca0hjaI07y/s1600-h/product+photos+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176986722092888802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXd_dnWiYwSLy2rZ5mmPl7hr6AQQ8LujmxedPuuDcfRLr43X3-6_QsrEQiO5v4sfq_dULxIr_bAuN9mSP8_djMStMjRhO5woUP6XoOA6D3qpeCIP4qMkKygbhb4Fca0hjaI07y/s400/product+photos+131.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The yarn is the top and the bottom plied together. Its not perfect, but its my first, and I think it might even be knitable!Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-27302159519483812902008-03-05T05:33:00.001-08:002008-12-10T22:02:02.380-08:00Lookie what came to my house?Meet Rory:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174250628128728898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhN5LQ6ksa0MLYToLGBRlG2W91LnvcdtQKK_ukQswByjv8FBFUwHDZh-tXafxVZlrWLNHT1RKN2baoxqmJKnD05-LpScStwY6X5PjVUVy-iOteBgJSwn0ijGbCAnfZZc27jYQ/s400/DSCF0042.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />And lookie what I spun last night?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NUPkP0-DKPH3xz8ZUYwGNV1Xz4BaQkbU5HSUOqcXzResGH6TDopKTt9bkityv3QSi90awuwitfrsRLeY5upTlZStWHVUBdrF6DfA1fA6iG9tpauAqYo-vwGSJ3ilJPU22YT2/s1600-h/product+photos+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174250645308598098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NUPkP0-DKPH3xz8ZUYwGNV1Xz4BaQkbU5HSUOqcXzResGH6TDopKTt9bkityv3QSi90awuwitfrsRLeY5upTlZStWHVUBdrF6DfA1fA6iG9tpauAqYo-vwGSJ3ilJPU22YT2/s400/product+photos+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA_gtvMHIht-BTXF2Vn7C97ANoa1gmG9jDO43EelAFC6Rs_ORvNwtHKeZVPyOYEfulSyJ3tAYVWAbPYXe3Q7NwACf30aTAqABULoSOV0aWk3NWwh2cCyKALLzDe922ZF78q9N/s1600-h/product+photos+123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174250653898532706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBA_gtvMHIht-BTXF2Vn7C97ANoa1gmG9jDO43EelAFC6Rs_ORvNwtHKeZVPyOYEfulSyJ3tAYVWAbPYXe3Q7NwACf30aTAqABULoSOV0aWk3NWwh2cCyKALLzDe922ZF78q9N/s400/product+photos+123.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />No where near perfect - but I've got to start somewhere. Hopefully, it'll only get better from here.Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-47138453662367943552008-03-01T12:04:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:02:02.659-08:00When yarn speaks...<div>Have you ever started a project - even gotten, say, halfway through the project, and then ripped it out because that yarn wanted to be something else?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This was me, yesterday. I was gifted some LOVELY handspun by Julie of Wasatch Handspuns. Gorgeous stuff. It sat in my yarn drawer for months, because I just didn't know what to make with it. It had to be something special. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Yesterday morning, I was online and doing my normal morning things, and I was checking into YINIA - we are celebrating our first year in business starting tomorrow. So I thought - perfect!! A special birthday celebration pair of shorts or pants. I wound the yarn up. I pulled out my needles, debating between a small and a medium (I'm really not sure on the yardage here, so I wanted to be safe)... when I got to the right cast on for the small, there was just a couple inches of yarn left on my long tail, so I decided a small it would be. I started knitting, and I just loved how it was coming out. I was a bit fearful that the short rows would throw off the way things were lining up, but everything turned out perfect. Even my short rows were better than I expected with the varying thickness of the handspun.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I got to the gusset increases - and started thinking about the legs... how would I ever make them match? I only have one skein of this yarn, and I don't want to waste any of it... I suppose I could call the difference in the legs part of the uniqueness of this special project... kept going. Got to the end of the gusset and was just about to split for the legs when I stopped and looked at what I had knit so far...It was gorgeous. The colors were forming wide stripes - the color differences in the two plies added such amazing interest. Just gorgeous yarn...</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I ripped it all out.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>This yarn wants to be a skirt - a skirt that can go around and around, uninterrupted, letting the yarn do all the magic. No shaping. No cutting the yarn and starting a second leg that may or may not match perfectly. A simple skirt that will be anything but simple. </div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173350623676650402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbqf7hUhbAFt65W_ECILyk7qjYLZUoal_hU3QRP90jQeJaBYNTiQIdeBd-qTfquSanphKg69Qg0WAIXO3ByuWXM63ofwfqNJjKJ9HRv-8TEciJpxxGZN4MzzDJn5pfAvvhhGR/s400/Celebration+Skirt+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>And I made it in my daughter's size, just in case...</div>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-4390582219578485172008-02-26T04:46:00.000-08:002008-02-26T06:29:05.084-08:00A day in the life of.... part 2well, yesterday got busier than I expected... sorta... so I didn't end up finishing the blog!<br /><br />I did reheat some coffee and leftover noodles for lunch - also started the bread while I was at it. Then, I signed in to my instant messaging service - my sister-in-law was on, and I spent a good part of the rest of the day messaging her. Of course, it was very interrupted... message a while, go punch down bread dough... message some more, get some more milk for the little girl... message a bit, check the forums, punch down bread dough... you kinda get the picture.<br /><br />My sister came home briefly a bit before 2pm, then left again. Baby boy woke shortly after 2, and little girl fell asleep on the floor a few minutes before 3. Big boy got home from school a few minutes after three (I did remember to throw a pair of jeans on before I had to walk down to the bus!)... all this during the message and do other things period of time. Sadly, I didn't get any more knitting done.<br /><br />By 5pm, it was obvious that my sister was taking longer visiting a friend than I had thought - a text message confirmed that she would likely NOT be home when she had said she would, and that threw a major wrench in my cooking plans. I did get one meal cooked and packaged for the freezer, as well as the bread baked. Also made a pan of brownies. by 5:30, I hadn't started our own dinner, the kids were all fighting and climbing all over me and each other, and SIL and I were still attempting to message a bit. Every two minutes, I had to get up and pull the little boy away from Daddy's computer. Hubby called and was forced to endure my narration about how things were going... the man is a saint for loving me in spite of my sometimes complaining nature.<br /><br />Daddy got home a bit after six, and I called my friend at the hospital to see if she'd still like me to come visit. I had to make something for our dinner still, but she said that a visit would be good. She also said that the food would be much more needed next week, so it turned out okay that I hadn't finished as much as I'd planned. Cooked and then ate dinner with my hubby, then fixed my hair, grabbed the brownies and one loaf of bread, and headed to the hospital. Made it there a mere 15 minutes before visiting hours ended, and sat and visited with my friends...<br /><br />I ended up staying at the hospital until nearly midnight to help my friend. Her fiance had to go home, and the baby is no longer a patient there, so she was going to be on her own overnight. I remember c-section recovery, and I couldn't stand to leave her with no help. She was more than happy to have me stay. I helped her a bit with pumping and maneuvering back to her bed, and then took the baby until his 11:30 feeding, and gave him the bottle that he needed at that time. Once he was fed and sleeping again, I headed home - just before midnight.<br /><br />I got home exhausted, but found my children sleeping - which they did all night. What a blessing!! Finally collapsed into bed about quarter til 1, only to have a night of less-than-restful sleep that ended at 7, when my sis came up to get herself ready for work... yes, the coffee was ready when I got up... but a few more minutes of sleep would have been preferred to the noise of it being set up. another day...Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-76199195880472135922008-02-25T08:43:00.000-08:002008-02-25T09:12:11.073-08:00A day in the life...This post was suggested by <a href="http://www.crankypantsknits.blogspot.com/">Amy of Crankypants</a>, and it really sounded like a fun idea. I'm sure it'll be eye-opening for myself even! (truth be told, I'm kinda nervous about being this open and accountable today!)<br /><br />At about seven this morning, I started awake - it was bright outside and I had awoken from a dream where I was checking out domain names for something that I'd like to do someday, and I was afraid that we were going to miss the school bus. A glance at the clock did assure me that there was still nearly two hours before the bus would arrive, so I tried to close my eyes again for a few more minutes...<br /><br />Only to be startled again within ten minutes at my daughter yelling in the hallway, "Where is everybody?" Poor kid looked like she must have had a bad dream or something. Her yelling awoke the big boy, though thankfully baby boy slept through it. I brought little girl (laden with her pillow and blankie) out to the couch, where she cuddled for a while longer. The boy asked to watch "music" (Animusic DVD's that grandpa bought us... haven't decided yet if they are a blessing or a curse), so I turned that on and sat down at the computer to check in with my online world. After about 45 minutes, I dragged myself away from the computer long enough to make some coffee.<br /><br />8am, I called to DH (still in bed) and got my cup of coffee - checked a few more things online - there was an email from our church prayer chain about some friends that were in a car accident last night. Little boy woke up - he got his first haircut last night, and I still can't believe that a little trim could make him look so much less a baby and so much more a little boy. Found clothes for the big boy and started packing his backpack for school. After a week of vacation (preceeded by a snow day, and two sick days), I was ready for him to get back into his routine. I asked if he was going to school today, and he said, "Not yet - I reading!" He has been fixated on my <em>Knit Socks!</em> book for the last couple days.<br /><br />While packing the backpack, I realized that we are extremely low on diapers - as in, we have eight diapers that have to make due for THREE kids today. Oiy - I NEED to get at least one of these children potty-learned. I have a feeling that the youngest will learn first at this rate. Anyways, wrote a quick note in big boy's notebook, and set the backpack by the door while Daddy got him dressed and ready.<br /><br />Remembered that this is the week for YINIA one year anniversary stocking, and figure I should probably start knitting some new instock. I have some leftover yarn here from a Rushty! hat I made last week for a custom order, and should have just enough for another adult hat. But, before I start that, I needed to cast off another order that is just needs.... cast off. Why I put that off all weekend is still a mystery to me. I made quick work of that, and then cast on for the hat - though it took three tries. Made the tail too long first, then too short. Oiy. You'd think that after two and a half years of knitting, I'd be able to get it right the first time. I would have just let it go the first try, but I'm going to be cutting it close on this yarn, so I don't want to waste any.<br /><br />By 9am, big boy is out the door on his school bus -- he happily handed me the knitting book before he left -- good thing! I need to compare some numbers for a pair of socks that I'm working on. Not particularly following a pattern - just doing number checks along the way in the hopes that these turn out somewhere near the right size. Back to the hat - made it through the short rows and color change before Daddy left for work -- then changed two more diapers... thankfully before any new wetspots were found on the couch (little girl can rival Niagara Falls most days!).<br /><br />A bit after 10, I was off to the kitchen to start my chores. Emptied the dishwasher and started filling it before checking on the littles -- who were playing with Daddy's computer and the remote controls. Removed them from that situation by getting them each something to eat in the kitchen. Finished up the dishes, and got the counters cleaned off and the bathroom cleaned. Called my sister to see what her plans for the day are - she took the day off, so will likely show up at some point this afternoon. The littles decided that mommy on the phone means they need to squeal nice and loud. Got off the phone and put little boy down for his nap while Little Miss played some more.<br /><br />Remembered that I'm planning to do some cooking and baking today for a friend who just had a c-section last week. She is supposed to be discharged tonight, so I need to get the food ready for her fridge/freezer. Called her up and found that she may not be discharged afterall as she has come down with something and is on IV now. Hoping to still do the cooking and visit her this evening, so her fiance can bring the food up to their house.<br /><br />Mail came while I was on the phone with her - bringing the "lost" netflix movie that was SUPPOSED to show up while my oldest was on school break last week. So, little girl is watching "Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie" as I type this.<br /><br />Managed to get the hat knit up to the first set of decreases, as well as get this morning "entry" done... now we're off to the kitchen to start cooking/baking. Its not a typical "day in the life of Meri" but its definitely a busy one!!!<br /><br />drat... I never got my second cup off coffee... guess it'll be reheated coffee and leftover noodles and sauce for lunch...Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-88682238185951817482007-12-24T05:23:00.000-08:002007-12-24T05:38:03.746-08:00I gave up...I finished one turtle today (# 8) -- it was going to be a "gag" type gift for a friend, and I was going to make another turtle for another friend (#7) ... but if I have to knit ONE MORE turtle leg/head, I'm going to throw something!!! ha ha! And considering that I use double-pointed needles to knit these, I think its safer to just give up. The first turtle is now going to be my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">youngest's</span> turtle -- a birthday present. It's finished, and I am not even going to rip out the one and a half legs I had started on the second turtle -- I'm just rescuing my needles from them and tossing them into a back corner of my yarn storage. Sorry no pictures yet -- I wrapped the turtle for baby boy's birthday already.<br /><br />Item #5 is just NOT turning out like I had hoped -- its a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">primitive</span> angel (free pattern on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LTK</span> website). I used KP merino style, and I should have used peace fleece -- the merino is just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">too</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sproingy</span>. The angel is refusing to stand up correctly. This was to be a gift for the family we are having Christmas dinner with. It will now be stuffed and the bottom sewn shut and given to my daughter (probably for her birthday in March).<br /><br />Item #4 is the pair of Heart socks I started forever ago for my sister. And guess what, folks -- they are DONE! that's right -- after months of having one sock done and a couple weeks of being to the heel flap of the second sock, I finished the thing in a day. Pictures coming later.<br /><br />So, I've got ONE thing left on my list, instead of four. Baby boy's blanket (#10) -- which, ladies and gents, is very VERY close to being done. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">handsewing</span> the binding to the backside of the blanket edge (the front was machine sewed down). I am halfway finished, and then just have to get some embroidery <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">floss</span> to put ties in for the quilting. Then a quick trip through the washer/dryer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ahhhh</span>....<br /><br />So, its not what I'd planned -- but instead of stressing about knitting Christmas gifts, I was able to go away with my darling husband this weekend for our fifth anniversary. We had a marvelously relaxing time, and I'm so glad we were able to get away. Today I will finish baby boy's blanket (and yes, he's still a baby, even though he'll be a whole year old tomorrow), and do some baking. We'll open Christmas gifts with the children tonight after supper, and tomorrow have a great day of relaxing and celebrating (both Christmas and baby's birthday!) with friends.<br /><br />p.s. Baby boy is just going to love his turtle to bits and pieces. :DMerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-77827460539201982582007-12-18T13:22:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:02:03.747-08:00Dare I even think it???Dare I even let the thought cross my mind? Might I actually FINISH?<br /><br />#9 - Emma's hat (yes, I know, out of order again -- I have to keep myself interested!). Zen String's Nirvana Bulky in "Parfait" knit up in LTK's Rushty! pattern. I almost scratched my eyes out making this hat -- because I did the entire thing on 8" size 11 dpn's. ARG -- never again!!! I got my shipping notice today from Knit Picks -- my 16" circs are on their way. Other than the needle issue, the yarn was lovely, the pattern is great -- a super quick knit! The hat took me just a couple hours.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QCmA1spxuC9xlylGUw5GVUpDvlZLOrOj7EyS_M4J_eJ-fiSkUT9aJ4njKqQYgJkcu8poH8CxKnpCW6Yr_HSD_96jJD6yLvHiAdukqSXRdKleTVm9iEJw0MT8Yu_8Y395oH84/s1600-h/product+photos+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145427752994818578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QCmA1spxuC9xlylGUw5GVUpDvlZLOrOj7EyS_M4J_eJ-fiSkUT9aJ4njKqQYgJkcu8poH8CxKnpCW6Yr_HSD_96jJD6yLvHiAdukqSXRdKleTVm9iEJw0MT8Yu_8Y395oH84/s400/product+photos+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />#2 - Amanda's pants. These were a trade, with yarn sent by her. Lovely to knit with! The pair on the left is BBR, and the pair on the right is Zen String Sutra. <br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YVi3r5DymOvsxZIO1iWFkw9zxAfRO6qFKh0StA-_sGBUmsUjmuJu3eDdHou3jk5SWefzJrXTbJbkVxK7peseihYKwGZ1k10EwWwhOYBpMvr16GcO79bGsMiJyJBvzhAhsFRF/s1600-h/product+photos+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145427761584753186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YVi3r5DymOvsxZIO1iWFkw9zxAfRO6qFKh0StA-_sGBUmsUjmuJu3eDdHou3jk5SWefzJrXTbJbkVxK7peseihYKwGZ1k10EwWwhOYBpMvr16GcO79bGsMiJyJBvzhAhsFRF/s400/product+photos+024.jpg" border="0" /></a> A close-up of the ruffle cuff on the BBR pair -- two rounds of seed stitch, then an increase round. Then stockinette for 5 rounds, a double crochet bind off, and a crochet edging.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiid4VZWoT7BkKvmvWQzhDzn7MtHSdYMPXPsHJvhtUairHLdRau6AoLloRp7BYv4xWBRniKNquaTv6GhFLktSpOvWslDYsIRfA-5ZkcUrYHewANKQhOVVpjcnOzDqCIv7-NHW/s1600-h/product+photos+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145427770174687794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiid4VZWoT7BkKvmvWQzhDzn7MtHSdYMPXPsHJvhtUairHLdRau6AoLloRp7BYv4xWBRniKNquaTv6GhFLktSpOvWslDYsIRfA-5ZkcUrYHewANKQhOVVpjcnOzDqCIv7-NHW/s400/product+photos+027.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Not on the list, but I managed to get a good picture of all three!!! Merry Christmas to me!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY3YWLd2izh3JssA0Nl72cJ4qJTHxC3aJvsWLRUpzhKl9isYEowRZ_rnsnuB0BGrk1NnhY8tHGfQEulXgWOtIKfa8icSNtaYQTXE6autBq4AK0-EF8oDM0EhM70rNOFFgUswM/s1600-h/product+photos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145427787354556994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY3YWLd2izh3JssA0Nl72cJ4qJTHxC3aJvsWLRUpzhKl9isYEowRZ_rnsnuB0BGrk1NnhY8tHGfQEulXgWOtIKfa8icSNtaYQTXE6autBq4AK0-EF8oDM0EhM70rNOFFgUswM/s400/product+photos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-72977372393380182342007-12-14T10:17:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:02:04.369-08:00Only 11 days til Christmas...What in the world have I been up to??? Well, lots! But I can't fit it all in one post, so I'll have to catch up on the last two and a half months gradually! <br /><br />For right now, I'm working on a list of things to get done before Christmas. I'm trying not to think about how few days there are left until Christmas (which also happens to be my youngest's first birthday). I'm also trying not to focus too much on how many items are left on my list. Or how many things I have to do besides what is on the list. The list, by the way, is merely the items I need to knit or sew by then. So you see, its just the tip of the iceberg...<br /><br />#1 -- Katya's hat. This has regretably taken much longer than I had hoped it would. I was hoping it would be keeping Katya's head warm already. But it is finished now and shipping out this afternoon. LTK's "Rhythm Cloche" pattern and Manos del Uruguay yarn in "Wildflowers." My daughter loves it -- I hope Katya will too!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143895025195764194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcmSr4NwxT2w_Y7nrhIeG_NGzRDtJDF07QKy295u93qFEGsr3OApPlwV5Rh_Ew2kk8uDA8ez2CtPLpo6TUSVtuVtaGF2rqdECyQr0E656l6RN0ToNockOuPfCy1ZfMXIOp-9B/s400/product+photos+017.jpg" border="0" /><br />#3 - Booga Bag (yes, I'm aware I skipped number two -- its nearly done, I promise. but there was a deadline for shipping on this one). Knit BIG!!! 50 stitches by 40 rows for the bottom, and up, up, up from there! The thing looked monstrous before felting. Its a lovely size now -- Just a smidge smaller than my diaper bag. Knit from Berkshire Bulky -- the body is "Blue Ming" and the straps are "Fuchsia." I think it turned out great -- hopefully the recipient will agree!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKc9NCeDlPAUPGHXU6GoE8LBgmmcHx6cgZTk56jIsA67l_WsR8sS16uOJaWTfTU8MHyOH__f7jSE5kbAGGzRFX_tV88m7budCgJdra5HZu20GBfIGnyegfNoB49IKgHGEQUii/s1600-h/product+photos+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143895016605829586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKc9NCeDlPAUPGHXU6GoE8LBgmmcHx6cgZTk56jIsA67l_WsR8sS16uOJaWTfTU8MHyOH__f7jSE5kbAGGzRFX_tV88m7budCgJdra5HZu20GBfIGnyegfNoB49IKgHGEQUii/s400/product+photos+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This, my friends, is not on the list -- but I wish it was!! For my birthday, my parents sent me some money, which I spent on a learn to spin kit. I'm so very excited about it!! This is my first few spinnings -- bottom is my very first, middle is second, top is last. I think I'm getting a bit better!!! I'm starting to save now for a spinning wheel, and as soon as the holidays are past and I've finished my list, I'll be back to drop spindling nightly. I'll also be back to regularly visiting Webs to play with the spinning wheels there. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7viMCUnH9C9uAvftgiegK3cDCp_Y7xuP8_4fDZrZd1yXYySS_QFZnqUl4vMGKCoiI_TCiTXDNc0o7CzdTbDIEkXBAdqnPBw22Ume8VEaHplr7ZQwbZH1vUIlPp80slqZILGg/s1600-h/product+photos+076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143895025195764210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7viMCUnH9C9uAvftgiegK3cDCp_Y7xuP8_4fDZrZd1yXYySS_QFZnqUl4vMGKCoiI_TCiTXDNc0o7CzdTbDIEkXBAdqnPBw22Ume8VEaHplr7ZQwbZH1vUIlPp80slqZILGg/s400/product+photos+076.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And again, not on the list, but this is our Christmas tree for this year! It was a family project last night, and the kids had a blast doing it. So glad that we did this!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYjRUqgHij3QAgWCOnvaAZy5uRC0zNOUOs0Zz5mJMvvkIThLHxTLf0-ZNzn8dcsuqag9-l4Y-AicUGox8CKeroHuU7tbuAj6hGoPhedl86u4MR2-sVIeO29FCtC34z4h0PQnN/s1600-h/product+photos+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143895029490731522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYjRUqgHij3QAgWCOnvaAZy5uRC0zNOUOs0Zz5mJMvvkIThLHxTLf0-ZNzn8dcsuqag9-l4Y-AicUGox8CKeroHuU7tbuAj6hGoPhedl86u4MR2-sVIeO29FCtC34z4h0PQnN/s400/product+photos+019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>And now -- back to knitting the list....</p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-78931739076821990842007-10-02T08:36:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:05.270-08:00One of my favorite things about knitting...I'm sure every knitter has things that are favorites, and things that aren't-so-favorite. In my last post, I mentioned that I love knitting picky pants, and it is very true! It is one of those patterns that I enjoy making over and over again. But there are parts I'm not so crazy about: the waistband, and the finishing. The waistband is easy to get past -- I cast on, and then push myself through until its done, knowing that after I finish the waistband, I get to enjoy knitting in the round and watching the colors pattern as they will. The finishing is another battle. I've been known to have three or four pairs of pants or shorts just sitting here -- finished, except for the finishing. Kitchener stitch and weaving the ends. Neither of them are difficult. But its not really knitting to me. It is sewing. And as much as I enjoy having a finished project, the finishing is a roadblock nearly every time.<br /><div></div><br /><div>But that isn't what this blog entry is about. One of my very favorite things about knitting is....</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116766112054739058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5UMnxaSazezvGF6z-pP0hOTmo1ULaRoPreqN2pRas8C5FL68tH6yhyphenhyphenWQHgwW5retEVMT238umlTzckK79UDuJNGxe_ackJwXt_xJlqHzrz77r6Lc_A0Ud0wanDf4O2hXyOkF/s400/misc+pics+047.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><br /><div>...stashing. I love yarn. I love the colors. I love the textures. I love sock yarn, lace yarn, dk, sport, aran... solids, handpainted variegated.... I love yarn!!! As evidenced by my extensive and ever-growing collection. Trying new yarns in and of itself is a hobby (some would call it an addiction, but I am totally in control of my yarn habit).</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116766107759771746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTWFoBgv5fovb_NUt3gHIAsqaUwSstg4bLiKL8pbiqGGjeveGGoefQmJo_-Q7JjmNzNir-1nhKvqF3A6dMKPJxPnXJYApgxTFLooXm6bMkVH6NkqVKQWCrfiEdhnSLGyKo6Ox/s400/misc+pics+045.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We won't get into the fact that I probably have more yarn than I can knit in several years. I probably have enough sock yarn to knit for my entire block (okay, probably not that much, but I could totally knit for immediate family for birthdays AND Christmas this year without having to buy another skein). That is not taking into account the worsted weights I have around for business and personal knitting (my daughter has been begging for a pair of pants for a month now). And the cotton -- I don't go through that as much, but I do have a decent stash of it. May not have the time to knit it all up right now (babies and toddlers tend to need a lot of time), but when the time becomes available, I'm ready with yarn, needles, and patterns in line!</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116766103464804434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTYRsVDQ0zrOAnR3WhhKplUwEoXdC5Hp-o7l00wk_60IES5KQmN1LSor9b0z5c1CJP8f6jXpckNRuPJFTLUpZp_YWRjFGw84RE3wU-mqzWzsAXQzTJJCabPy1trCe8ETRLspj/s400/misc+pics+041.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The rainbow of colors present in my stash is a source of never-ending enjoyment and comfort to me. A bad day? Pull out some wonderful wool yarn. Pet it; squish it; rub it against my face; smell it -- the day is instantly better. A horribly bad day can be brightened in a second by the mailman bringing a package of new yarn. Purchased or traded for - it doesn't matter. It is yarn. It is new. It is a little bit of heaven on earth.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116766094874869826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJDSktp0RRmCFJQik8suzQZQLH0Cb_GSONNj6A5ZKWm7Q5_dSFecgyI2HnVve8ksjW3vz-0yZ8NjMEGK3vdEQIFQb3ZErzm1BgMspCFgFRR7laqfn5xfMmYZ6C1jtv_fKRQ39/s400/misc+pics+040.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>What is your favorite thing about knitting?</p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-84258877518231112302007-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:06.147-08:00I love knitting picky pants!And its a good thing, too! Since I get to knit lots and lots of them for work! These are a few recent custom orders. I have several other things that I'm working on at the moment, but these are finished and shipped, so I wanted to share!<br /><br />First up, small picky pants in "Mandarin Cheesecake" BFL from Lizzie's Wonderland. The trim is ZenString's Nirvana worsted.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_4m6baYNUnFA5LA4q8x-KYhyC1MSZQJ68xIW8K-N90V2ts7QQ7sLs2E2LcJ5gHYseOZRxPHTLFTG2j45ryiafpEoFq05xuLuCtVHlPFiHnsY3BOgWIXf-j9Pup59VEv_JPDc/s1600-h/misc+pics+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113787797048098834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_4m6baYNUnFA5LA4q8x-KYhyC1MSZQJ68xIW8K-N90V2ts7QQ7sLs2E2LcJ5gHYseOZRxPHTLFTG2j45ryiafpEoFq05xuLuCtVHlPFiHnsY3BOgWIXf-j9Pup59VEv_JPDc/s400/misc+pics+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Next, newborn picky pants in "Levi Rabbit" handpainted by Dashing Dachs on wonderful LTK 2ply farm yarn. And a small pair of picky pants in "Black Knight" 2ply targhee by Mosaic Moon.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYneu7saVRu0b6yMd375Q1p9fKU1OqICk0prIfeJkMxi1B5UnqzQWVwNwsbRTCs_vx-qC0BmowTO6nAtc7tYGq94DlM431j7l9f43gGypqM3TUgcB6EvcQckf15n8oDarkieH/s1600-h/misc+pics+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113787801343066146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYneu7saVRu0b6yMd375Q1p9fKU1OqICk0prIfeJkMxi1B5UnqzQWVwNwsbRTCs_vx-qC0BmowTO6nAtc7tYGq94DlM431j7l9f43gGypqM3TUgcB6EvcQckf15n8oDarkieH/s400/misc+pics+050.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>And last - small picky pants in treliske organic merino, dyed in "Carrick" by Three Irish Girls. I don't like this picture -- the pants are laid out a bit wonky. The kids were up while I was taking photos, so I was trying to be fast. But I love the pants -- great colors, and the yarn is ever so soft!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n3APKNK7mRhAVnWDKxZWL3-7FqKc-d9DKI0q7TJZpNY7GLhSwMhMEt7O7rt1eocDwJ_xNicL1S-qsvzxnRvBm8mkYbTnD5D17dk2XKjLE_HJ6qdOPLb5aFoeepsN3O5s8u8p/s1600-h/misc+pics+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113787805638033458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n3APKNK7mRhAVnWDKxZWL3-7FqKc-d9DKI0q7TJZpNY7GLhSwMhMEt7O7rt1eocDwJ_xNicL1S-qsvzxnRvBm8mkYbTnD5D17dk2XKjLE_HJ6qdOPLb5aFoeepsN3O5s8u8p/s400/misc+pics+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Busy knitting a baby blanket this week, as well as embellishing a pair of medium picky pants. And working on a NEW something for SweetKnits!!! Look for pictures in the weeks to come!</p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-75166881718752983332007-08-24T19:22:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:07.406-08:00Like the new duds?(Does anyone say that anymore? That may be before my time even, but I know I've heard it somewhere...)<br /><br />So SweetKnits recently had a makeover. Kristin and I felt the need to "grow up" the site, and we had the pleasure of working with Marnie Designs for the project. Marnie did SK's first makeover, and we've been pleased with her designs in both instances! Since I like "matchy" things, I had Marnie update the ol' blog, too! What do you think?<br /><br />So, while Marnie was busy on the site, I did a bit of knitting. All the knits featured in today's blog are now available for purchase online! (does that sound like a sports show announcer or what?).<br /><br />First up, a pair of <a href="http://yinia.com/shop/product.php?productid=16510&cat=0&page=2">organic merino pants </a>in a newborn/small size. These are available at <a href="http://yinia.com/shop/home.php">Yinia</a>. These pants are super soft, and I think simple, yet gorgeous. I wish I had a baby to put them on -- well, I don't wish it enough to have another baby, but you know what I mean.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102459875503461938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAFQ1nam3103hxgncxhR60ifiy0_sIv3UwpFz5NCaTDRXqhGVQvygHObJ_vQMdVLtF8SZWXwWU6z8QAgLDvIHiS_1r-R_loQq2hiBfBJEiIuWoDJagQ6ezYTkUvv_b7FcwkD3/s400/sock+yarns+047.jpg" border="0" /><br />Next, there is this <a href="http://www.wahmchicks.com/auctiondetails.php?id=2058">lovely set </a>-- it is currently up for auction at <a href="http://www.wahmchicks.com/">WAHMChicks</a> as part of the semi-annual <a href="http://www.flufffactory.com/">Fluff Factory Auctions </a>(actually, there is just 12 hours left on this auction!). This is a 12months raglan sweater and coordinating medium picky pants knit from a lovely wool/alpaca blend. 100% of the money for this auction is going to the FFA charity for this summer: The Fistula Foundation. If you are so inclined, please check out the current auctions and bid high and often!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102459879798429250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0IG6LVRblFO5U_8ULrG8p-fuK_RPOnG2MqmHaILqqQwGq381gM_CTvRy7AdpWattOTVzWqVzhA8ib7vXbvab9hGqdWVUUKXGfu9QzgrChgUtgvhRgGnT4PmfwKNflFEsVbOF/s400/SweetKnits+set.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>This adorable size <a href="http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id=72628&vid=422">medium skirty</a> is knit from <a href="http://www.threeirishgirls.com/">Three Irish Girls </a>Elenya Alpaca in "Florry" and was a joy to see finished up! It is part of a set that is currently for sale at <a href="http://hyenacart.com/ThreebiesKnits/">Threebies Knits</a>. My friend Rachel (of TK) knit a gorgeous tank top to go with the skirty. It is just perfect for a styling little girl!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102459884093396562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNhjbzEEqbyWypahdB-Kl_eaAN9w13ePhSrchjK827V8wkQU8SptC6AtaN2l67VD1Es9QhtDGqTPxgtWSXXFtUBU6pKaMx4OnuVLZUA_3j5fFkUu2VgnfIV_3hXj_RXdk_Dya/s400/sock+yarns+117.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Finally, this pair of <a href="http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id=90972&vid=174">small/medium picky pants</a> was knit from Blackberry Ridge Merino. I decided to have a little fun with a new-to-me embellishing technique on these! They sport a sweet little bouquet on one leg. These are available on <a href="http://hyenacart.com/SweetKnits/">SK's hyenacart</a>.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102459888388363874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0f8b_VDfe_qJ2VS7OZBNzPi6VBjKdxKmd6Ldv0kA81dRs3Pw-2bIrh2ebugO5u1RFHrpOtIBNv74mleW2yY9AGMc8hz8cy9cy6ZEfKMv2hu4XAz7OsiE3N22NU6wgcNlbMQ1/s400/sock+yarns+085.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>I've just finished a marathon of other knitting as well -- some for collabs with some other fabulous WAHM's; some for customers. So, there is more coming! Right now, I'm taking a break from knitting pants. I'm rewarding myself after finishing up FOUR pairs this week -- yes, I said four. My treat? I get to knit my second Perambulate sock.</p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-48091088170231611332007-07-17T13:08:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:08.437-08:00so I'm a day or two late on the pics...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMxmcKJBsTnC9P6xENSxhmXE24MCg1h0K18W0V-TNg8OAJY6bTL-HzJTLvOmWGQS840qxVg-TUWk5DEa2dYd7jxmlngxyFGy4DG1V-v9_5bAgeoCoN66Nge8-J18Bhyphenhyphen60OCA7/s1600-h/sock+yarns+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088260747325209266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMxmcKJBsTnC9P6xENSxhmXE24MCg1h0K18W0V-TNg8OAJY6bTL-HzJTLvOmWGQS840qxVg-TUWk5DEa2dYd7jxmlngxyFGy4DG1V-v9_5bAgeoCoN66Nge8-J18Bhyphenhyphen60OCA7/s400/sock+yarns+027.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ankle socks knit from LTK farm sock (self-striping!) in "Beach Umbrella".<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUIsgTOMELIvQi5BzhqpprvStDWj7G5U5Ojq-NyZoXlsfn04VTenbjOCHX_QGrL3LZ2FUsGz05H3RMbPFqSIhNexdCpIbJBFAomS8M6U2FKaYVmjQo5Ja7UtXCyn2HtfZKKgN/s1600-h/sock+yarns+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088260747325209282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUIsgTOMELIvQi5BzhqpprvStDWj7G5U5Ojq-NyZoXlsfn04VTenbjOCHX_QGrL3LZ2FUsGz05H3RMbPFqSIhNexdCpIbJBFAomS8M6U2FKaYVmjQo5Ja7UtXCyn2HtfZKKgN/s400/sock+yarns+029.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Large Picky Shorts in Blue Camo BFL (The Big Blue) from WWBN.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ52C54SPoT9cxl_w5kouB41kyD76R0QEPZTFL5IvQlYsBIo0ESUTTh8Cyj4UCs-C2GsKJibOTht6gs-YWQm7wMgoVgM36YHmZpoXCVV-RqaC2F0ro7VBmJ0K1mIjm5gCdy_9i/s1600-h/sock+yarns+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088260751620176594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ52C54SPoT9cxl_w5kouB41kyD76R0QEPZTFL5IvQlYsBIo0ESUTTh8Cyj4UCs-C2GsKJibOTht6gs-YWQm7wMgoVgM36YHmZpoXCVV-RqaC2F0ro7VBmJ0K1mIjm5gCdy_9i/s400/sock+yarns+033.jpg" border="0" /></a>Heart Socks for my sis in Cider Moon "Hot Flash" purchased at The Loopy Ewe. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ1UWH4C2mcddI2f_FnhYkwOxHYXD5qA2pSLMlQaPuQl7Ov7-ZPB33nuJ_Kws3FTmOVcwg3ZpE_9DJpXRphBngWD53tnaYqJ7-vNQI4DxT4WksVfxbcwD5Ae2UIUQZacr_7K_/s1600-h/sock+yarns+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088260755915143906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQ1UWH4C2mcddI2f_FnhYkwOxHYXD5qA2pSLMlQaPuQl7Ov7-ZPB33nuJ_Kws3FTmOVcwg3ZpE_9DJpXRphBngWD53tnaYqJ7-vNQI4DxT4WksVfxbcwD5Ae2UIUQZacr_7K_/s400/sock+yarns+030.jpg" border="0" /></a>Perambulates in Claudia Hand Painted fingering weight in "Hawaii"... for me! </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4GhnL7zqj1Hh8Z5KpD9fgdVyfd-C7Jf4rF9DDLkc4L_3NR1KNbkTP4rBUDF_95NcyQxtZ5M-uZMpujtRUDQgmOPeIegJRWVR-RkkADqXLPcJRI1HLYOFAAu2P7HXWLc61DD3/s1600-h/sock+yarns+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088260764505078514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4GhnL7zqj1Hh8Z5KpD9fgdVyfd-C7Jf4rF9DDLkc4L_3NR1KNbkTP4rBUDF_95NcyQxtZ5M-uZMpujtRUDQgmOPeIegJRWVR-RkkADqXLPcJRI1HLYOFAAu2P7HXWLc61DD3/s400/sock+yarns+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> Summertime Tunic from IK's Summer '07 edition in Debbie Bliss Cathay. Still a long way to go on that -- it may be ready to wear next summer.<br /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-18708260316033561992007-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:002007-07-12T05:24:08.419-07:00Guess what I've been knitting....... any guesses?<br /><br />Here's a hint: I waited as long as I possibly could, but then had to start!<br /><br /><br />Camera batteries are dead, so I'll come back with the answers/pics later! :)Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-22547877047862380722007-06-22T14:25:00.001-07:002008-12-10T22:02:09.438-08:00I'd rather be knitting.... SOCKS!!!So I've been knitting away on orders lately, and enjoying the yarns I'm working with. But I must admit that I've been daydreaming while knitting. Daydreaming about ..... socks. Sock yarns, sock patterns, knitting socks, even double-pointed needles! I need more hours in the day - either that, or I need to learn to knit faster -- or grow a few more arms so I can knit my orders and socks at the same time!<br /><br />I participated in a Sock Swap this month, and received some drool-worthy yarn that I'm just ITCHING to dig my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dpn's</span> into! It is Claudia Hand Painted from <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a> - in the "Peppermint Mocha" colorway (exclusive to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TLE</span>!!) I'd been eyeing that yarn for weeks, and my swap partner was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SOO</span> sweet to buy it for me! I also got some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dpn's</span>, some lotion, some needle tip covers, a pattern, and some BR coupons in the package. But the yarn... well, you can see for yourself...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZQribn3eDsIEXQPWzaocqZcyjwDKjoTWF720ncnb-nuA4BEyOMA2nYIcJEmTdle5Zq2L3TZzYLRKgO3EPk1ZZM47i_VRCjHMUxqeES1hJlgU_cHF9Hk2_uKjtQaxfuN9mhpa/s1600-h/sock+yarns+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079003304219176674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZQribn3eDsIEXQPWzaocqZcyjwDKjoTWF720ncnb-nuA4BEyOMA2nYIcJEmTdle5Zq2L3TZzYLRKgO3EPk1ZZM47i_VRCjHMUxqeES1hJlgU_cHF9Hk2_uKjtQaxfuN9mhpa/s400/sock+yarns+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Is that not gorgeous?<br /><br />My Yarn Pirate arrived -- and I didn't care for it as much in person as I thought. It was more muted -- not as bright as it looked on the computer. Of course, that could be because I was looking at it through sleep-glazed eyes at 1:30a.m. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">LOL</span>!! At any rate, I was able to trade the "Deep Cove" (that I'd been less enthusiastic over) for another skein of Yarn Pirate in the "Isobel" colorway -- Gorgeous!! Its bright and fun -- the picture doesn't do the colors justice...<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3ZmIJXlbtW2_6_knQP0_1RzodJfP7bUBjcEhvBt-ZKS1c2P50LhOrejDV0uIkjX9rOlaHSDqPi25ZrrBGw-Uf5kvm-3Es2gMmoHQgPx7KyMJ5b0i3jTgpXUOxyQppDELIrd/s1600-h/sock+yarns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079003308514143986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz3ZmIJXlbtW2_6_knQP0_1RzodJfP7bUBjcEhvBt-ZKS1c2P50LhOrejDV0uIkjX9rOlaHSDqPi25ZrrBGw-Uf5kvm-3Es2gMmoHQgPx7KyMJ5b0i3jTgpXUOxyQppDELIrd/s400/sock+yarns.jpg" border="0" /></a>Another yarn that I'm just aching to dig into.</p><p>And then, a week or so ago, I was reading on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Knitty</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Coffeeshop</span> forums, and read about an online shop I hadn't heard about - <a href="http://www.thesweetsheep.com/xcart/home.php">The Sweet Sheep</a>. Its home is in Canada, but there are some amazing yarns there. One totally cool thing they have is a "Mystery Dyer" -- I believe this is changed up often, but it is yarn you buy totally sight unseen. Until it is in your hands, you have NO CLUE what kind of sock yarn it is, or who dyed it. The element of surprise was enough to rope me in. Besides, its sock yarn... how can you go wrong with sock yarn? At any rate, my package arrived this morning -- we were stopping home quickly before heading out for some errands, but I grabbed the package and opened it in the car. The yarn was nicely wrapped in pink tissue paper -- and when I ripped it open...<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi239c-_iQnucMQ51TchnDbhcwA8wkS8VmoGJE90-uLqdenH2VvD6cqJCgCNxCJVWl98XF4vMTzxxmJBRk3ukJ-zovi5HI_pnn1YfiEUsB-Jf0RpsWEaDpTvfZ83cpfbgDqKiNV/s1600-h/yarn+pics+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079003312809111298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi239c-_iQnucMQ51TchnDbhcwA8wkS8VmoGJE90-uLqdenH2VvD6cqJCgCNxCJVWl98XF4vMTzxxmJBRk3ukJ-zovi5HI_pnn1YfiEUsB-Jf0RpsWEaDpTvfZ83cpfbgDqKiNV/s400/yarn+pics+045.jpg" border="0" /></a> WOW!! The first words out of my mouth were "Wow, that's bright!" (again, the picture doesn't do it justice). Lovely Perchance to Knit sock yarn in the "Spring Bouquet" colorway -- and I'm in love! Its bright and cheery, and I can't wait to knit it into some socks for me and my 2-yr-old daughter! And the cool thing -- I've been wanting to try PK yarn for some time now -- just waiting for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">paypal</span>. Each skein comes with a matching stitch marker, which is such a nice touch! The yarn is super soft and just feels cushy and cuddly. </p><p>But for now, I must continue with orders. A super cute blanket in pinks and yellow, and some picky pants and hats for fall. I'm enjoying the knitting time, of course, but I long for the time when I can pull out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dpn's</span> and start some socks... of course, then there is the hardest question of all: </p><p>Which sock yarn do I knit up first?<br /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-40921723221465708532007-06-13T08:52:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:09.870-08:00How does one score some Yarn Pirate sock yarn?Well, have an infant that wants to nurse at 1:30am - a mere hour and a half after the yarn is stocked! Because if you wait until morning -- its all sold out!!<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm so excited that I was able to buy a skein of Yarn Pirate from my favorite sock yarn shop, <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a> -- I will post a picture when it comes in. Its the "Deep Cove" color. And I'm just in AWE at how quickly Sheri sold out of the Yarn Pirate! It would be interesting to know just how many skeins of that yarn she had to begin with! Less than 8 hours, and completely sold out! Insane!<br /><br />Some recent knits: Socks for my daughter using my leftover Lola "Pumpkin Spice"...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075578455866089570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBk5NQIohNUxypaPJBUamnPkaEobzEOktglUPzUKBiPBub-PaGHRtTxHjll8e5qFWC6DADk1BThTxCzgQLBCCEpswWkHan1WdCo8D0AR3E2fnlfuu5G7h1UbQQCa4coEY_Z7R/s400/Rachel's+pics+043.jpg" border="0" /><br />Some pants for a customer - from "Jacob's Ladder" 2ply targhee dyed by Mosaic Moon Yarn Store...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075578460161056882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU0Hw5WC9bERAn1zSEBylU1y2HYtjhEN8RzQo7cde_gDHjIU2jtwtepININCSVJGx09W7vyWchaVexX-3rOgGwsoJdOYFCgxdgzBdLzgjm1ofXhJga3AhRdfh6g8WOT8XoHQw/s400/Rachel's+pics+057.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>And just cuz she's cute -- my DD! I didn't make the top -- it was knit by Theresa of Little Turtle Knits...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075578464456024194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH5FiHm_YH47FHs7eEyCTiTV1f72f6OSXwWUKLCoar3GYWgTJAO9pl6zZE-XLfvR5-h0bDiMRrILDnR8ql-Bgudk_Rkz8JJpX3TfcGK0YUldrFPLZcrxYU3G8i6pAASkDrIQ_/s400/Rachel's+pics+053.jpg" border="0" /></p>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-73282201846879265352007-05-25T05:58:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:10.753-08:00Lots of knits, yet so little time...<span style="color:#000000;">Another baby pillow for another friend (girl baby coming this time!). Knit from Rowan All Seasons Cotton.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068482526142352914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu55VVFHGRa8QPBzenDtknTtYJoJnIgVmuynwKoYGA4EgEZp7tMvpD6otqLFybNm0eY4himb_X5l-1rAUrmEKvYVUZhYXSeMLG73tJcimgkiDXAzShAR1F-5Ih1D7UQMJVSlS/s400/babypics2007+126.jpg" border="0" />Two Easy Peasy Sweaters for an order. The brown is a 5T and the cream is a 6mos. Both are knit from Blue Sky Organic Cotton<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wUFrlo5QnwNwtaV56KqidLS6KoqTF-aShEyu3FHbqlYsUen-HN2a_lWdmDAel-SDNqDeI0e0bkeQZMCtLl-BkzcG8z6r8J4TjhuaKoXvMQN-DrtGoQ5189eBDz-qJPANRAPI/s1600-h/babypics2007+128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068482539027254818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wUFrlo5QnwNwtaV56KqidLS6KoqTF-aShEyu3FHbqlYsUen-HN2a_lWdmDAel-SDNqDeI0e0bkeQZMCtLl-BkzcG8z6r8J4TjhuaKoXvMQN-DrtGoQ5189eBDz-qJPANRAPI/s400/babypics2007+128.jpg" border="0" /></a> Toddler Shorts for another order. This is gorgeous Mosaic Moon yarn in "Mocha Mint" with natural brown treliske organic merino trim.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX89RRtM_8lgOfxbGdqY3ePlx8oK8eRBI7pZATx6_z0DMidfJVa9ZfGfw7hRksUAd0i5Q0kCr_At1Nu8XtacHB2lLXV6ga7my5PPouRpmgacKKEP1Kcj-gSOvCQEYzJPKmWGx/s1600-h/babypics2007+130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068482556207124018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijX89RRtM_8lgOfxbGdqY3ePlx8oK8eRBI7pZATx6_z0DMidfJVa9ZfGfw7hRksUAd0i5Q0kCr_At1Nu8XtacHB2lLXV6ga7my5PPouRpmgacKKEP1Kcj-gSOvCQEYzJPKmWGx/s400/babypics2007+130.jpg" border="0" /></a> And my very first baby blanket. This is a gift for my sister-in-law -- her first child is due in August. Knit from TLC Cotton Plus. The pattern is called "Springtime Patchwork." It was supposed to have embroidery on it, too, but I got frustrated with how bad the embroidery looked, so I took it out. It's still pretty without the embroidery.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYS05GGePzLc47AnXEcfrIU65Sno3UxbC_3uTIC4eVny9m1UbJmKgNKlyphPBotvfNFVKUJb-4Ujx02OC4WDhZ_4FYyVfFK8Sgg96VKmI_iW2J9yIQ51ujaTkTp3PsOaVN_U4/s1600-h/babypics2007+135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068482569092025922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYS05GGePzLc47AnXEcfrIU65Sno3UxbC_3uTIC4eVny9m1UbJmKgNKlyphPBotvfNFVKUJb-4Ujx02OC4WDhZ_4FYyVfFK8Sgg96VKmI_iW2J9yIQ51ujaTkTp3PsOaVN_U4/s400/babypics2007+135.jpg" border="0" /></a> And I had a little more time and some extra yarn, so I made a newborn bonnet for my new little niece as well.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvJcyhI1Ee7OJLeKWWvHIFgYM8yM9ISKHTTOrdZSOYPagdSjNExskIOFES__hvkVC0VyjCaf-1fWWuotCP58_44KQbzZmNAhsUGUW-eUYQ-u88QEZkZWeeix2NHkgqJZWYuog/s1600-h/babypics2007+136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068482577681960530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvJcyhI1Ee7OJLeKWWvHIFgYM8yM9ISKHTTOrdZSOYPagdSjNExskIOFES__hvkVC0VyjCaf-1fWWuotCP58_44KQbzZmNAhsUGUW-eUYQ-u88QEZkZWeeix2NHkgqJZWYuog/s400/babypics2007+136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />That's about it for this time! Working on some socks for DH and my sister now, and hoping to start a wrap for myself. Have a few orders coming up soon, too.Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15140766.post-70546733903685934992007-04-28T06:21:00.000-07:002008-12-10T22:02:11.471-08:00Goldfish, and more Goldfish!If you've been in the cloth diapering/knit soakers world at all recently, you'd know that Goldfish are hot right now. Hillary from <a href="http://www.dashingdachs.com">Dashing Dachs</a> has an uber-popular colorway, called "Goldfish." Getting your hands on this color yarn is something of a miracle. She sells out immediately every time its listed. And with good reason! Its absolutely gorgeous! <br /><br />I was fortunate enough to secure a "My Yarn, Your Dye" opportunity with Hillary. FINALLY, I was going to get some Goldfish! I had a skein of natural Blackberry Ridge Merino just waiting to be beautified. (Hillary also dyed up some targhee and LTK 2ply for me in her gorgeous "Levi Rabbit" colorway). The yarn arrived, and was simply stunning in the skein. I put it away, just waiting for the right time to use it.<br /><br />Then it happened -- as I'm sure it does with most WAHM's -- I needed some cash. LOL. So, I listed a semi-custom slot with my prized Goldfish yarn. And wouldn't you know -- it sold immediately! But, the problem was, it DOUBLE sold! ACK!!! Many emails later, I managed to secure some more yarn from Hillary in the Goldfish (BFL this time). A near tragedy averted! (hee hee)<br /><br />So, here they are -- the products of the alusive Goldfish yarn!! First up, a pair of large shorties in the BBR yarn. Short rows for the body shaping, and a garter stitch cuff:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BF1Z-BaS0polVjWzF60jVLq2UDGMxlHseCT0YogKdBchmxzb9SczgEdXeQq6eLV4JDF7sdfVxi9zBl9HAco02CDP2gne3fmUkCIJBnAzi6yll2HuDHVfbmvR5tzGCs4EuBaa/s1600-h/babypics2007+089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058469397233069490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BF1Z-BaS0polVjWzF60jVLq2UDGMxlHseCT0YogKdBchmxzb9SczgEdXeQq6eLV4JDF7sdfVxi9zBl9HAco02CDP2gne3fmUkCIJBnAzi6yll2HuDHVfbmvR5tzGCs4EuBaa/s400/babypics2007+089.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, a pair of medium shorties in the BFL. Backside increases for the body shaping (the short rows were causing some really funky pooling), and a rolled hem.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQacDwx97m30JbLfYjFHHRpyvkrO5VmT3gkYpk4YQCMK0zEA-zm7fvXYI8_7XcI-DEaWpc3wGE5xOzJqdoRfwDvH3pXV605bApZawh8Wyxrk7FtRffEYTNdX2LIFEHVZZDIU_Z/s1600-h/babypics2007+093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058469401528036802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQacDwx97m30JbLfYjFHHRpyvkrO5VmT3gkYpk4YQCMK0zEA-zm7fvXYI8_7XcI-DEaWpc3wGE5xOzJqdoRfwDvH3pXV605bApZawh8Wyxrk7FtRffEYTNdX2LIFEHVZZDIU_Z/s400/babypics2007+093.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>How's that for one week's work? </div><div> </div><div>Also working on a 6mos easy peasy sweater in a lovely natural colored Blue Sky Organic Cotton. Hoping to have pictures of that by midweek next week. Its soooo close to done!!!</div>Merihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02060378883275736731noreply@blogger.com0