Tour de Fleece - Day 14 Progress

Today has been a very productive spinning day.  I am kinda surprised just how much I got done.

I finished spinning the singles for the Edge of the Universe fiber from Dyeing for Colour.  Beautiful fiber.  All ready to ply.

Then I wound the Bump I Navajo plied into a skein and soaked it.  It is hanging to dry right now.  I am *loving* it so much. Already trying to figure out what it needs to be.  (Currently leaning towards the Afternoon Tea shawl but these things change.)

After that was done, I started on the Bullseye Bump in the Pear Blossom colorway.  With the Loop challenge, I decide to try something different.  I am intentionally spinning it a bit thin & thick.  I am planning on thread plying it and adding seed beads to the thread.  I think it could look amazing.  *crosses fingers*  The fiber is super yummy.

A very productive day.  Now so time for sssslllleeeepppp!

Suggestions

I seem to have stalled.  I have lovely, yummy yarn.  I have wonderful beads.  And can't figure out what pattern I want to make.  I keep looking, but not getting that definitive "that's it!" moment.  It is odd.

Mind you, I know this is sleep dep at work.  So I am not stunned.  But still, I wanna make the pretty.  *chuckle*

So I am turning to the knitters I know and soliciting thoughts, votes, alternatives.

Okay.  Yarn 1 is the Lady Bianca by Storied Yarns.  A colorway dyed especially for me.  Love it so much that it needs to be on the needles!  Red with some black, purple & blues.  The beads are a red mix with some more copper, clear & iridescent ones.

I want to make socks.  I stung the beads as the idea of having loose beads on a project that I want to knit in front of the tv and on weekends seemed like a bad one.  So they are on there.  Plenty of beads.  More than enough for socks.  And btw, if you need to string beads, it is sooo much simpler with the pre-strung beads.   Took no time at all.  I did it while waiting for things to load in my database one night.

I think all the patterns have to be changed from cuff down to toe-up if I want to make toe-up socks which I prefer.  But the Rain Drops might have to be cuff-down because of the pattern.

Here are the possible patterns.

Gothic Windows:

http://tresjolieknitting.blogspot.com/2011/03/gothic-windows-sock-pattern.html

Problem.  The pattern doesn't have beads so I would need to figure out how to add them.

Looking Glass from Walker First Treasury:

This is a stitch pattern.  Even started charting it to figure out how to do it in the round.  Can't find a pic of it.  Sorry.

Queen of Beads:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/queen-of-beads-the-gloves

This is actually a glove modification based off a pay sock pattern that I don't own.  And given my issues with Blue Moon Fibers, I will not give them money for the sock pattern.  Mind you, between experience and the glove pattern, I could probably figure it out.  But I don't know about doing that...

Rain Drops Beaded Socks:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rain-drops-beaded-socks

The beading in this requires slipping the bead onto the stitch with a crochet hook.  And I am not up for that.  I have read it and tried to think how to work it with the beads strung.  But I can't get my head around it.  See sleep dep.  *laugh*

Midnight Sky:

Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midnight-sky

Or Non-Rav - http://www.bopeepswoolshop.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=115

Own the pattern as I was in the yarn club.  Haven't actually used it.  Wish the photos had more detail.  At the moment, it might be the one I am leaning towards because it requires the least amount of tweaking.  And I like making patterns by designers I like.  Renee is pretty cool.  And I got to provide input on the colorways for the Decadently Dark Sock Club. Also, I couldn't track down my pattern and she offered to resend it to me.  So that is cool.  I wish the photos were better on Ravelry honestly.  It is hard to see what the pattern will really look like.  And I would be flipping the pattern to get it to work toe-up.

River Rock:

http://www.siviaharding.com/patterns/river_rock_scarf/

I am thinking about taking this pattern and adapting it to socks.  Given the yarn colorway is a vampire, like the idea of them looking like blood droplets.  It is the same reason that the Rain Drops appeal.  That look of blood.  Yah, I was a goth in my younger years.  Why do you ask?  *smirk*

Okay.  I have to scoot home.  So only one yarn for today.  Maybe I will share the shawl/ette insanity tomorrow...  *grin*

Mind you, I am desperately trying not to cast these socks on until I have the sock on my needles done.  Though I would say they are about 75% done.  So that is good.

I Want It!

Quickie post. I have been watching the videocast Round the Twist a lot recently. It is inspiring me to get off my tush and get my needles busy.

The woman who does it recently showed off some bags. I *want* the Starry Night Dr. Who bucket bag! The seller is all out of those bags. I really want to know where she gets the fabric.

The seller also has a box bag in Tardis fabric. I like that one too. But the Starry Night/Dr. Who combo is too wonderful. I actually just wish the Bucket bag had a drawstring or something. But otherwise it is a lovely bag.

I realize that it really does seem like one can never have too many project bags. *laugh* Mind you, most of mine are cheap bags I have gotten free at work or something. My current project bag came from my local health food store that was giving me one every time I shopped there. So I have about 5 of them. And they are super useful.

Back to work with me!

Finished or Almost Finished Objects

I have been a busy bee with baby knits. I want to get as much done for the baby's arrival as possible. And heaven knows I love the instant gratification of baby knits! *grin*

So I have been working on knitting as much as possible.


Loving Memories Lacy Bunting

Cast On:
May 20, 2009

All Knit, Just Waiting for Buttons & Bottom Closure:
Around July 30th, 2009

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Pattern:
Loving Memories Lacy Bunting by Lion Brand Yarn
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwe-bunt.html

Made for:
Kiddle Due in Sept.

Needles:
US 4 / 3.5 mm
US 6 / 4.0 mm

Yarn:
Bernat Organic Cotton in white - 43006
Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

I looked at a number of buntings and really like this one. The lacy bits on the bottom will be lovely for my baby girl who is due in Sept.

I have decided to knit the body in the round. I loathe seaming and there doesn’t seem like there is a good reason why it needs to be done for this piece.

I subtracted 2 stitches from each side of the front & back. That means I cast on 180 sts.

I charted out the lace pattern. It is my first time converting a flat pattern into one in the round. It was definitely interesting. I should post the chart to my blog as it might be useful for someone else.

I finished knitting the body on 7/25. Added the hood which was done shortly afterwards.

Just need to add the buttons. I am also thinking about on putting a zipper on the bottom. The pattern suggests velcro. But after having some velcro get stuck to another knit item, I think having it on a knit item on purpose is just asking for trouble. So the zipper might work better.


Wave Jumper

Cast On:
May 17, 2009

Completed:
July 18, 2009

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Pattern:
Wave Jumper by Leslie Barbazette
From from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept.

Size:
3-6 mns - Middle size

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm (I think, might have been a 2 and I didn't mark it)

Yarn:
Some Assembly Required Socks That Shine
~400.0 yards (365.8m)
Colorway - Roses Are Red
Purchased at Etsy Trunk Sale


The middle size pattern has errors in it. It should be 198 sts cast on. There are additional changes as well.

I was super impressed. I wrote to let the publisher know about the error. Within a day, the editor wrote me back with all the corrections! It was very cool.

They have posted the corrections for the middle size:
http://www.storey.com/correct_book.php?isbn=9781580176880

This was my third attempt at the pattern. The first two were in self striping yarns. I thought they would look good after looking at some finished projects. But they didn’t work at all.

I think this colorway is okay. It is still busy, but the colors relate well and I think it looks good.

I confess that there were times I thought I would never finish it. If it wasn’t that my baby will be here soon, I might never have completed it. The skirt was kinda tedious. But I did a bunch in the car which helped.


Going Home Mary Janes

Cast On & Completed:
August 1, 2009

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Pattern:
Mary Jane Booties by Lucie Sinkler
http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm

Made for:
Kiddle

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm

Yarn:
Knit Picks Shine Sport
~0.5 skeins = 55.0 yards
Colorway - Cherry
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com


Figured these would be cute to go with the February sweater. It is to match my baby to come’s going home outfit.

They were a super fast knit and very easy. They look adorable. They only took a few hours to knit. Hope they fit well.

Suspect I will make others given the simplicity and the look of them. Very cute.

3 1/2” long
1 1/2-1 1/34” wide

I should have taken the pics *before* they got washed as they looked better. But they will look great on her feet!

I suspect I will make more of these. They were so quick and cute it is hard not to.

Tour De Fleece 2009

I know, I know. This is long past due. But July was a rough month and this is the first I have gotten to post pics and write a bit about it.

I started the Tour with a lot of vigor. I spun a lot over the July 4th weekend, taking my Babe Double Treadle Production wheel with me to the Adirondacks. It was lovely getting to spin there.

Problem was when I got home from the long weekend, my cat was sick. I have posted about her on my non-knitting journal. If you read it, you will see that it was a rough month. In the end, I had to let her go. It still hurts so much. But it was her time to leave us I believe. I still get all teared up just thinking about her. I miss her a lot.

Between all the trips to the vet, caring and spend time with her and the sadness involved, I didn't get as much done for the Tour as I hoped. But I did complete 8 oz. of fiber.

I spun a single of the 4 oz. of DragonFibers Superwash Merino/Tencel fiber over the July 4th weekend. It is lovely to spin. I really want to pick up more from DragonFibers as they do some lovely fibers.

Thanks Silvercat for sending it. It really is lovely stuff.

DragonFibers Superwash Merino/Tencel Fiber from:
http://DragonFibers.etsy.com
Colorway - Heart of Darkness
Present from Silvercat

Though I confess, the pinks in there are *bright*. It is the reason I knew I didn't want to do a Navajo ply with this one. It just would have been too bright in sections.

I debated what to ply with the DragonFibers. I wanted something superwash as I was figuring this was going into something baby related. And given my wooly allergies, I don't really want to have any wool on the baby other than superwash. Superwash is specially treated and doesn't set off my allergies so I am hoping she has the same response.

I tried predrafting some superwash fiber I bought from Etsy in a darker colorway. But honestly, I am not thrilled with the way it was drafting. So I put it back and looked at my other fibers. I have a lot of fibers that either didn't match or weren't fibers I want to put against baby skin.

I finally remember the superwash/silk blend I bought from The Fiber Denn. http://thefiberdenn.etsy.com It is a beautiful fiber. And the silk gave it a nice long draw with some great petability. I figured the silk shimmer would compliment the shine of the tencel. So they would work well together and the violet wouldn't seem dull by comparison.

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So I plied the two singles together and got ~398.0 yards of the two fibers together. I had some of the Fiber Denn single left. I was able to make a small skein that was about ~47 yds.

Honestly, this was the only thing I accomplished for the Tour. I am saddened that I didn't get more done. But under the circumstances, I actually did pretty well. I didn't spin every day that I should have. But given things with my cat, I got a lot more spinning done than I would have otherwise.

Spun on Babe Double Treadle Production Wheel. I love my Babe wheel. *smile*

I will confess though. I haven't done any spinning since the Tour! Ack. Once this was off my wheel, it has been dormant. I have been working on baby knitting or just too wiped to do anything.

Less than 6 weeks until my due date. So it isn't surprising that I am a little preoccupied. *laugh*

Finished Objects & WIPs

I just realized that with work being so busy I hadn't gotten around to posting pics of some finished objects!

Work has been kinda crazed. I had a work conference in March/April so it means I was away for a week. So that always throws things off. On top of that, the time leading up to conference and the time after are busy. So this got lost in the shuffle. I am hoping that most of the post conference work is wrapped up so I can post more regularly again.

I did take pics of a baby sweater I made for my nephew and his wife (It isn't as weird as it sounds. He is mid 30s.) But I didn't seem to email them to myself. So I don't have them to post yet. Maybe Monday.

Though I swear I have been knitting! Here are some pics to prove it.

Woven Ridge Socks for DH

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Cast On:
March 6 2009

Completed:
March 22 2009

Pattern:
Woven Ridge Socks by Cat Bordhi
from New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One
http://www.amazon.com/New-Pathways-Sock-Knitters-Book/dp/0970886969

Made for:
My hubby Paul - 9 1/2" smallest point, 10" long

Needles:
US 1 / 2.25 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:
Spirit Trail Fiberworks "Helen" ~ 100% Superwash Merino Yarn
~ 400 yards
Colorway - Harbor Fog
Purchased from The Loopy Ewe http://www.theloopyewe.com/


I decided I wanted to do a Cat Bordhi pattern for the March Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. I hadn’t done one of her patterns since my Coriolis socks a year ago.

I confess that I forgot just how much math was involved. The spreadsheet I have definitely helps. But I nearly made a huge error when I miscounted the number of stitches & thought something was very wrong. Luckily, I realized my miscalculation before I did anything bad.

But on the flip side, because so much of the pattern is stockinette, it goes really fast.

I added some ribbing to the back side of the sock so it will have a better fit. I find that all stockinette legs have a tendency to slide down too easily.

The weird thing is that I goofed on the Woven Ridge pattern. I don’t know why. But after I finished the heels, I thought I remembered the pattern as it is really simple. But I goofed. I slipped the stitches without bringing the yarn forward. *sigh* It was about 2" into it before I realized the mistake. I asked my husband if he wanted me to rip back. He said it was okay. So I just switched back to the correct stitch. So there is the correct stitch on the foot, then the wrong one, then the correct one again. It almost looks like it could have been intentional.

My hubby is thrilled I made him socks. *grin* This is his second pair. They are definitely his colors. He really loves them.


Works in Progress

I have two real works in progress. I say real because I still have a purse that has been sitting around since before Xmas that needs a button & maybe some lining. It is for a friend I haven't seen since October. I hope to see her. And when I do I will finish it.

One is the long time alpaca sweater. It is from the yarn I bought at Rhinebeck in 2007. I finally cast it on in Sept. 2008 so I could justify buying more yarn at Rhinebeck. *laugh* The sleeves are done as well as about 6-8" of the body. Though I gained weight since I started it. So I am still debating what I will do with it. Given I am doing it in pieces, I can create panels at the sides to add in if I need it. I still pick it up now and again.

Also, I have a pair of Gothic Temptress socks on my needles. The Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL for April is underappreciated patterns or knee highs. This actually fits into both categories.

The pattern is free on Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gothic-temptress

It doesn't seem to be available elsewhere.

I have the feet and about 3-4" of the leg done so far. Again, lots of stockinette so they are going pretty quickly. I definitely like them. Simple but pretty.

Here is a pic of the one's made for the pattern:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8089512@N02/2960378155/in/photostream/

I am spinning too. I try to do a little each weekday morning before work. I find it calms me and sorta helps me focus for the day.

I was working on the luscious merino/cashmere/silk blend that winderwoodfarm.etsy.com made especially for me. It is yummy.
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=13566446

But I needed a break. It spins super thin and thus takes a long time to spin. I have about 3-4 of 10 oz. spun into a single.

I got this beautiful batt called That Old Black Magic from butterflygirldesigns.etsy.com. So I decided it needed to go on the wheel. It is superwash merino/bamboo blend. So it has a lovely sheen. It is only 3.7 oz. So it shouldn't take as long to spin. But I have found I need to pause when I am spinning. There are nubs that didn't seem to get blended. I probably should have just done more of an art yarn with it. But it is sooo lovely. Black & purple. My kind of colors. I do like spinning it though. It just takes a bit longer than I had anticipated.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=14510202

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She seems to sell these batts now and again. She also has occasionally had similar colors in sock yarn which I need too.

I am still in love with my Babe wheel. It definitely is a great little work horse. I picked up 4 more bobbins for it so I can switch around things if I want to put something else on my wheel.

I have to confess however that I do want to try out some wheels when I go to Maryland Sheep & Wool. I wanted to try wheels at Rhinebeck. But I didn't actually try any. So heaven knows I might not at MD either. But we shall see. *evil grin*

So I am ending this now so that I will actually post it today! *grin*

Hopefully, it won't be so long before the next post.

Fiber!

I got to play with some fiber over the long weekend. Definitely nice!

Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere - Handspun by Me

Fiber Purchased at

The Loopy Ewe

http://www.theloopyewe.com/

$26

Colorway:

Roxanne - Red & Black

I had been lusting over this fiber for a bit before picking it up. Love the colors, combined with it being merino/cashmere, I couldn’t resist.

I confess that I was a bit disappointed that the dye didn't reach the center of the fiber in some places. So there are lighter patches in the yarn. They aren't too noticeable, but it wasn't what I figured when looking at the online pics. I still like the end result.

It was spun & Navajo plied on my Babe Double Treadle Production wheel.

This is my first time doing an entire skein of yarn with Navajo plying. I think it came out pretty well. I don't think I overtwisted it. But it is hard to tell until I skein & soak it.

I think it is definitely too thick for socks. Not sure what exactly I will do with it. I have been thinking a scarf on a diagonal or something to accentuate the stripes of color. Feather & fan could also highlight that.

I need to skein & soak the yarn. Despite finishing this on Saturday, I never got around to do that. I hope to do that soon as I need to figure out the yardage & wraps per inch.

Custom Cashmere/Merino/Silk Batt from Winderwood Farm on Etsy

I got a great deal on this stuff. It is beautiful. The terrific guy at Winderwood Farm dyed it especially for me. The colors are a rich purple & a deep red. Yummy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=13566446

I think this is the listing for the remaining fiber:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20473704

He produced more than I requested. So I bought as much as I could afford to. The pics in the original listing don’t do it justice. The color in the photo show the deeper & richer color than the listing. Super yummy batts. Soft and lofty. A pleasure to spin.

I find I can spin this fiber thinner than most fibers I have used. I don't know if that is about the fiber blend, the batts or just magic. *chuckle* I did nearly identical fiber from the same folks for a present for a friend & loved it so I had to get some for myself. I got 10 oz. and so wish I could have afforded more. This is heavenly stuff.

Valentine's Day Pressies

My DH was super sweet this year. He gave me etsy goodness!

I got the cutest little guy on the top of the pile from my hubby. He made by http://Beastlies.etsy.com. His name is Pepper according to the artist.

The description is great as well as more detailed pics
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=13291273

I think Pepper is going to need some alpaca knitwear to understand there can be non-itchy stuff. But see what he got up to...?

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Of course, that is with a bit of help from some new friends. *grin*

I have been oogling the Beastlies figures for a while. And given my need for heat during the winter, he is a perfect addition to the clan.

Also, he gave me some lovely handpainted yarn from Moonlight Baker http://moonlightbaker.etsy.com

The colorway is Crushed Reds. Different shades of red. Super yummy and soft.

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75% Superwash Merino/25% Nylon

Not to mention he got me some Godiva chocolate as well. Yummy!

I am a lucky gal!!

Yummy Yummy Fiber!

The wonderful guy at winderwoodfarm.etsy.com made me an offer on some more custom fiber. After spinning the lovely fiber for my friend's Xmas present, there was no way I could say no (despite knowing I should have...*chuckle*)

The pics really do not do this justice:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=13566446

It is a deep, rich purple & a dark red. I think the pic has the flash on which is why it looks much lighter.

He blended some extra. I wish I could have afforded to buy it all as it is amazing. But I had already picked up more than I should have. But I am sooo glad I did!

I only wish I had enough bobbins free to start on this. But I really do want to finish up the lovely Tempted merino/cashmere blend I have on my bobbin right now. It feels lovely.

With the Tempted I am going to Navajo ply it. I am nervous about that because I have only done extra bits of leftover singles with Navajo plying. I haven't done a lot of it. But I think with the black & red pieces, it will look much better if I do the Navajo ply. The tricky part will be making sure not to overtwist it when I ply it. I don't want it to lose the softness it has.

Spinning Talk

I picked up some black Ashland Bay alpaca a while ago. There was a pound of it at a very good price. I now know why it was so cheap.

It is terrible! It is rough and really prickly. I tried spinning it this morning. Uuuuggghhh!

The original plan was to ply it with the heavenly dark chocolate brown fiber I got from northstaralpacas. It is luscious stuff and spins like a dream. So soft and cuddly. But I couldn't possibly let such beautiful alpaca touch the horrible Ashland Bay alpaca!

I have actually tried some merino/silk Ashland Bay fiber and liked it. I was so stunned to see the difference with what should have been a lovely fiber. I don't know what they did to it but YUCK! Don't know what I am going to do with a pound of this stuff other than maybe pillow stuffing. Though even that might be too itchy! *shakes head*

I am not sure what I will decide to ply with the alpaca now. I *could* spin it with 2 oz of either fawn or more of the dark chocolate color. The dark chocolate might be the best. But I really wanted some of the chocolate for me!! *grumblechuckle* I suspect the fawn is lighter than my friend would like ideally. Might order some more alpaca from northstaralpacas after the holidays. I can't really do it before then. But I won't see my friend until after the new year. So it could work out.

The wonderful thing is that my custom order from winderwoodfarm showed up today. So I have some delicious fiber to spin. In Lime & Violet speak, it is truly lickable fiber. *grin* It is cashmere/merino/silk. It feels like a cloud. *sigh* I can't wait to spin it.

I have never spun cashmere before. But my friend loves it in clothing and such. So I figured I can make something nice out of it. *crosses fingers*

I really love it and want to keep it for myself! *evil grin* But this is the time for giving, right? *chuckle* I am working on a purse for the same friend as her birthday was in Nov.. So the grey in the batt will compliment it really well I think.

I wish work weren't being a beast! I had better get back to it. Whee!

Toe Up Feather & Fan Socks in Handpainted Sock Blank

Cast On:
November 27 2008

Completed:
December 7 2008

Pattern:
Toe Up Feather and Fan Socks by Wendy Johnson
http://wendyknits.net/finished-work-free-patterns-tips/sub-page
http://media.wendyknits.net/knit/featherandfansock.pdf

Made for:
Me in Size 9

Needles:
US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs.

Yarn:
Whimzy Pinzy Creations Feet Sheets by Whimzy Pinzy
Bamboo/Cotton/Elastic Panda Yarn
1 sock blank approximately 400 yards
Colorway - Burgundy, Black, etc. - Dyed by Me
Purchased at Whimzy Pinzy Etsy Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097833


The 64 sts for the foot wasn’t large enough for my size 9 tootsies. I increased to 72 sts for the foot. Also, I worked the feather & fan pattern on the foot. I like having the pattern on my foot as well as the leg.

I wanted something to knit on Thanksgiving that wasn’t an Xmas present. And I have been missing having socks on my needles!

I love working with the sock blank. It is very easy and there is a lot less tangling.

I confess I am surprised by the way the yarn took the dye. It seems I didn’t get the dye into all of the loops that were knit. So there is a lot of heather effect to the yarn. It turned out as a happy accident. I like the way it looks.

I choose the feather & fan to highlight the striping in the yarn. I think it works pretty well. I am happy with the pairing of the yarn & pattern.

The Feet Sheet I have was dyed by me. Also, it is the bamboo/cotton/elastic one, not the superwash wool/nylon one. I have to say the yarn is pretty splitty. But I still enjoy the feel when it is knit. So I would probably buy it again. It was a bit shorter than I like though.

I liked that the repeat was super simple. I definitely like the way it came out.

Only wish they were a little longer. They came out kinda short for my tastes. But I ran out of yarn.

But It's For a Friend...

So it doesn't count as my stash, right...?

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=12510223

I will spin & knit it into something for my friend Karen. But it does look so yummy I suspect I will have a hard time parting with it.

*sigh* Can't wait to get my hands on it. *grin*

The guy at winderwoodfarm was great about doing this custom for me. He dyed the fibers & blended them. Karen is a cashmere junkie so I am sure she will love it. If I can bear to let it go of course. I may just want to roll around on it. *chuckle*

My brillant hubby was looking at some silk I have on my spindle. He mentioned it was in colors that a friend of mine loves! It is brown with some greens & other colors. I also have some yummy dark brown alpaca I bought from northstaralpacas. So I am going to spin that fiber and use the silk as edging. Probably just doing a scarf for her.

I really do need to post some finished object pics. I am hoping that work is a lot less crazed this week. *crosses fingers* On the plus side, I have an extra week when I return to the office to finish the major project which I am involved with. So that is good news. I am hoping it won't be as many long nights for the coming week. I get the two weeks after off. So it should give me a good amount of time to spin & knit. *wiggles happily*

Time for bed! Though I think I am still on a fiber buzz. *grin*

Dyed Yarn & Xmas Knitting

Here are some pics of the Lily Elite Cotton yarn I dyed over the weekend.

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Some are much lighter after they dried than I anticipated. But I am pretty happy overall with the colors. Other than the red. It is a bit too light for my tastes. Problem was I ran low on the Fire Red dye that I was using. I added some fuscia red dye to it. But it still seems to pale. But it is bright enough that I think it will be good as a Christmas red. *crosses fingers*

I dyed it with the intention of creating dish cloths/towels for some people as Xmas presents. I hope that will be enough. I confess I am feeling tapped out money wise. So that may be all some people get. Though I am betting other people are in a similar situation this year. So I am not going to stress it.

(I can post this on here because non-knitters I know do not read this. And if you are a knitter who will be getting a present from me, you should know this won't be your present! *grin*)

I started with one for my sister-in-law. Only to rip the entire thing out and pick another pattern.

The first pattern I picked was:

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/smocked.html

Pretty, but I realized the carried over strands that are picked up are a terrible idea for a dish towel! It would get caught on anything like utensils and such! Not sure why so many people have made that one on Ravelry. I think it would be fine as a washcloth, but not a dishcloth in my opinion.

I end up doing this one instead:

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/ostplume.html

It is simpler than it looks but pretty. I think my sister-in-law will like it. *crosses fingers*

Ostrich Plume Dish Towel Xmas Present

Cast On:

November 4 2008

Pattern:

Ostrich Plume Dishcloth by Edith Taylor

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/ostplume.html

Made for:

Sister-in-law J

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton - Dyed by Me

1 skeins = 184.0 yards (168.2m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

The purple, brown & mixed grey and other colors are for some of my other in-laws. The brown & grey were to compliment their kitchen colors. (Though I am not sure about the grey one. I will knit it up, but it may end up getting redyed or some The purple is just because I know my sister-in-law likes purple. I am figuring the red & green for some Xmas towels.

I still have 4 balls of the Lily Elite Cotton that isn't dyed. I am debating what I will do. One of my sister-in-laws like cows. So I was thinking about doing something about that for one of them. But I didn't dye that up. I was originally thinking about knitting it first and then dyeing it. But now I am thinking it would make more sense to dye it first.

I will see if I have any left over brown from the one. Also, there is a Smiley sale the first week of December. So I can check if they have more of the cotton in other colors.

I used up all my black dye, the fire red and some others during the dyeing over the weekend. So I either need to replenish it or just go with what I have for the time being. I have plenty of knitting ahead of me. So we will see. *smile*

Also, here is a pic of the Panda Cotton sock blank I dyed over the weekend.

Sock Blank Purchased from Whimsy Pimsy etsy shop:

http://WhimsyPimsy.etsy.com

I am honestly not sure about the colors. They aren't what I was expecting. But I think it will be interesting.

I am leaning towards doing something like a chevron to get movement to the stripes. But I also do not want anything too complex given this will be my first time knitting with a sock black.

The Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL for Nov. is either a Wendy Johnson pattern or mosaic knitting. I am very tempted by mosaic knitting but do not have yarn for it. I was thinking about using one of the Wendy Johnson toe up patterns and adding a chevron to it. I am a bit tempted by her toe-up feather and fan pattern. But I suspect that would be too busy for the yarn.

Oodles of Finished Object Photos & My Lovely Birthday Pressie

I finally got all the pics together. Hooray! So this is a picture intensive post.

First I have to share the pics of the knitting bag Silvercat made for my birthday. I love this bag!

This has been a weird couple knitting weeks. I worked on the Zombie Sock. They were done on the 13th which was cool. I cast on the Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf which was as the name said. Super quick. I finished it in less than 24 hours! *chuckle*

Then, I didn't put anything on my needles until six days later!! *blink* Weirdness.

I admit part is I didn't know what I wanted to do. I tossed around some ideas but nothing was talking to me.

I have still been spinning most mornings. But no knitting. Bizarre.

I should take some pics of some of the spinning too. But hey, I finally got the project pics done. So it is progress. *chuckle*

So here are the items in order of completion.

Zombie Socks in Scout's Swag Socktoberfest

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Cast On:

August 29, 2008

Completed:

September 13, 2008

Pattern:

Zombie Socks by Sheryl Giles

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zombie-socks

Made for:

Me in Size 9

Needles:

Knitpicks Options & Harmony Circs 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm

Yarn:

Scout's Swag Superwash Merino/Tencel in Socktoberfest colorway

http://www.scoutsswag.com/

1 skeins = 375.0 yards

Trade from Silvercat http://shinysilverstrands.blogspot.com/

The photos don't show the yarn well. The colors are grey, orange & purple. The thick stripes are the grey. The orange & purple look mixed. Also, the tencel gives it a beautiful sheen. And I am hoping it will help it wear really well.

I have been debating what to do with the Scout's Swag in Socktoberfest that I got from Silvercat. I was worried that the Zombie pattern might be too busy for the yarn. But I really like the way it looks.

I did these toe-up. The pattern is cuff down but the pattern repeat doesn't matter which end is up. So it is easy to switch to toe-up instead.

Some striping happened that I think is interesting. Though it isn't as neat on the leg as it was on the foot. But it still looks good I think.

I worked the toe up to the 64 stitches recommended in the pattern. It fits my foot well. It is a little loose, but I am hoping that it will tighten up a smidge when I wash it.

Given the orange in these, I want them knit by Halloween. Unfortunately, there isn't enough orange in the yarn for them to count for the September Sock Knitter's Anonymous KAL on Ravelry. Ah well. I really enjoyed the pattern & the yarn.

Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf in Handspun Merino

Cast On:

September 13, 2008

Completed:

September 14, 2008

Pattern:

Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf by Saralyn Harvey

http://fireflowerknits.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/quick-no-purl-keyhole-scarf/

Made for:

Not sure. Maybe me, maybe a present

Needles:

Knitpicks Options US 13 / 9.0 mm

Yarn:

Handspun made from Merino Wool Top Roving

Purchased at Adirondack Woolery

http://www.adirondackwoolery.com/

I didn't realize this one was still waiting to be posted. It was a super fast knit.

The photos really don't do justice to this fiber. It has a beautiful sheen to it.

Cast on 23 stitches to add 2 more pattern repeats.

I made a mistake with the slip 1 purlwise. I got a good way into the pattern and realized that it specified to bring the yarn forward. I hadn't done that.

I placed the hole in the wrong spot. It is too close to the center. I am debating what I want to do with it. I may pick up some more fiber & spin more, adding to the ends. Or I may just accept it is a bit funky. Not sure yet.

I will check out the Adirondack Woolery when I am up in the Adirondacks again for Columbus Day weekend. If they are open, I will pick up some more fiber and add some to each end. I might make another pattern for the ends just to mix it up. We will see.

Basic Socks in Handspun Superwash Wool

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Cast On:

September 20, 2008

Completed:

September 23, 2008

Pattern:

Improvised Toe-Up Pattern

Made for:

Me in Size 9

Needles:

Knitpicks Options & Harmony Circs US 5 / 3.75 mm

Yarn:

Handspun yarn made with a Ranches Angoras Superwash merino batt in Ember

Purchased from http://theranch.etsy.com

4 oz. ~ 235 yards - used most of it

I spun the superwash wool I got from theranch.etsy.com (Ranches Angoras). It is their Ember roving. I really love the way the fiber came out. It is red and grey.

Given I didn't know how much yarn it would take, I decided toe-up was the better choice. This way, I could see if there was enough stretch in them to make decent socks. If not, I would rip it out and do something else with the yarn.

I decided that a simple 2x2 rib was a smart choice. It has a lot of elasticity to it which helps.

Honestly, I am surprised that they seem to have enough stretch. I was worried. But they fit pretty nicely.

The thicker yarn made these a super fast knit! 4 days total.

They are definitely house/boot socks as they are thick. But I like the way they came out. And I am super happy about the yarn having enough elasticity. Hooray!

Happiness Is a Long Weekend with Fiber

I am pretty happy. I took off last Thursday & Friday as well as this Tuesday. So I got a super long weekend.

Friday was my birthday. My husband bought me a POUND of black alpaca roving! He bought it from someone in Minnesota/Missouri/some M state in the middle. *chuckle* He found it through Localharvest.org. He was trying to find something close, but that is about the closest he could find. It is yummy stuff. *sigh* It has some pre-drafting done so it should be lovely to spin!

Thursday I asked Paul if he wanted to go up to the Adirondacks which is always pretty unfair as questions go. I don't know if he has ever said no! *laugh* We are still going up Columbus Day so I didn't know if it was really feasible. But we decided that if we brought groceries and didn't eat out much we should be good. So we head off Friday morning.

In the car on the way up, I finished the Argosy Scarf in Unique Designs by Kathy Handspun. I *really* need to take some pictures of it. But I want to wait until I block it. Which if I am good should be tonight. But I don't honestly know. It is already 6:30 pm and I haven't left work yet. So we shall see.

I like the pattern a lot and think it works well in Kathy's Handspun. I am hoping it will look even better after it is blocked. *crosses fingers* I will post more details when I get the pics done.

I have some Scout's Swag Superwash/Tencel Sock Yarn in Socktoberfest that I got from a trade with Silvercat. It has some orange in it which really isn't my colors. But I figured I really should do them up for Halloween. (There is also greys & purples which definitely are my colors! *smile*) So after finishing the scarf, I cast on the Zombie Socks. (Ravelry only pattern)

I wasn't sure if the pattern wouldn't be way too busy for the yarn. But I really like the way it is coming out. I got about 6 hours of knitting on the way home on these as well. I really like them.

The pattern has drop stitches which isn't as scary as I feared. I think these will be fun. Though the drop stitches do cause gaps. And I do wonder if they will indeed be warm enough for Halloween! But just have to see.

Saturday I stopped at the Adirondack Woolery in hopes of picking up some more roving. No luck. It was during their hours. But my guess is that the women who run the place were away for the long weekend. Too bad as I really want some more of the grey sliver roving and maybe some other stuff. Their prices were good so I will stop by over Columbus Day weekend.

Paul and I walked around the Newcomb Visitor Interpretive Center.

We did the Sage Jr. trail (yellow) and most of the Sucker Brook Trail (blue). There is part of the Sucker Brook trail that you skip to make a longer loop. I think we did the Peninsula Trail (green) a couple years ago. And I know we did the Rich Lake Trail (red) in the past as well. It was a beautiful day.

Though of course, fiber was still lingering in my mind. So I asked Paul if he wanted to wander off to Lake Placid. Luckily, he can be bribed with the lure of some tasty Ubu at Lake Placid Pub. (And I was smarter than to every think about yarn shopping *after* the beer... I need every bit of willpower I can get! *grin*)

On the way there, we stopped at Adirondack Yarns.

in Lake Placid. I really like the place. I stopped there last year. That is where I got hooked on Catalina yarns last year.

This years addiction may become Great Adirondack Yarn Co. *sighs lustfully*

I got this lovely Great Adirondack Yarn Co yarn. It is called Silky Sock. There were a lot of lovely colorways. I decide I wanted the Charcoal colorway.

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It is 70% wool, 20% silk, 10% nylon.

This yarn feels so yummy. The silk makes it amazing to touch. I kept rubbing it against my face. Can't wait to see how this knits up.

I also got some Schaefer Yarn Lola in different purples.

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It is 100% Superwash wool. I got some Lola at Rhinebeck last year and love it. It was th first superwash wool I purchased to see if it would irritate me. It definitely doesn't. It is super smooshy and soft.

Mind you, this is thicker so it definitely makes house socks/winter boot socks. But I love my Lola socks in the reds. So when I saw they had the Lola I had to get some more. The purple is brighter than I normally would get, but I really like it.

Sunday & Monday were a whole lot of spinning.

Most of the time was spent spinning the Adirondack Woolery natural wool carded with colored fibers into singles.

It is 6 oz. of natural colored wool carded with colored fibers. I purchased this at the Adirondack Woolery over the July 4th weekend but this is the first I have spun it.

I am spinning this for my mother-in-law for Xmas. I was going to create a 2-ply it with the same fibers. But given the random colors and the combos that could happen, I think that is a bad idea. I am going to pick up some other fiber to pair with it. But I don't know what yet.

I could use a grey easily as there it a lot of grey in the blend. But then there will be large segments that are all grey and I am not sure I want that. If it were for me, I would default to my beloved black. *laugh* I need to hold this against some reddish brown fiber. I don't know why, but I think that might really work well. I need to find the right one, but I am hoping to find something that would work.

Also, I am *very* tempted to go with something much softer. I found some of the wool in the blend is nice and soft. Some was hard with a lot of tight crimp. So I would like something else to balance that out and make a nice yarn. I am leaning towards alpaca. But I am not sure yet.

I also finished plying the Ember superwash wool from Etsy.

I got this roving from The Ranches Angoras aka theranch Etsy shop and had created the singles for the Tour de Fleece. I had already plied part of it but was glad to finish plying it.

This is my first 3-ply yarn. I am hoping to use it for socks. I will have to see if it has enough give or if I will need to do something else with the yarn.

So all in all it was a great long weekend filled with fiber. Hooray!