bobbin P0rn

Brain Age

Sad to say but when I first tested my brian age it was 79. Now I am at 53. Better but not great. That is 19 years older then my actual age.

focusing on 1,000 Petals

It had to be done. 1,000 Petals needed an update. Not a fiber update, although that is on its was too. But it needed an image update.

New Label
New Web Button

New Etsy and Ravelry Button

Whats to come? Whats also to be considered?

1. Patterns. Lots of ideas are swirling in my brain.

2. I'm considering and researching building a website. Maybe using zen cart. I need more info and need to decide if I have the smarts to build it. I might also consider having a local friend help out.

3. I've got to decide if buying in bulk will be possible. Currently I buy 2lbs at a time. I'd like to be able to buy much more and get a better discount, but the initial investment might be a problem.

4. I'm currently testing out better lighting equipment.

12-26-08

Okay, time to take a break. Thank God I took next week off from work. I finished Mom's sweater and Dad's blanket. I think they liked them.

Dad wearing his blanket.

Pattern: Cable Comfort Throw from Lion Brand.

Yarn: Lion Brand Thick & Quick.

Mods: I used size 15 needles instead of the recommended 13. I only did 4 panels instead of 5. That's about it. Mom's Sweater

Pattern: Personal Pattern. Created using the help of Sweater Wizard. Top-Down.

Yarn: Elann Superwash Bamboo in Pottery Red.

First Spin

Used 1 oz of "Ra" superwash wool. 4 oz of Ra is available on my etsy. ***self promotion***.

I am very proud of this first try at spinning on a wheel. The Wheel? Stella a Kromski Minstrel. Yes, her name is Stella and I love her.

Special thanks to Mom and Dad for this wonderful gift.

Stinky

It is 3:59 in the morning. I am trying to complete the Christmas knitting, and one of the dogs has gut rot. OMG! That's what I get for giving them wet food.

Thought I would share.

12-21-08

Please forgive me. I have so much to blog about but no time. Just thought I would drop in and let you know that I am currently making a mad dash to the Christmas finish line.

What's New?

Egyptian Deities Roving. I'm most satisfied with these. I think I have found my fav dye process which allows for an unpredictability that I just luv. Each priced at $15 and shipped priority mail.

Things I have learned - Metal Clay

I have never had any formal training so these are things that I have figured out on my own, or borrowed from other sources.

1. I keep the clay moist by storing it in vacuum seal bag with a moist towel tucked in with it. This is good for short periods, days not weeks. The plan is to use all the clay before it dries out, so at this time I don't buy the 50 gram packs unless I know I am going to use it quickly.

2. When attaching two dry (prefired) pieces together I not only use the syringe type clay as a glue but I also moisten both surfaces. This is borrowed from pottery classes.

3. Olive oil does NOT work for me. I spent a little extra money and bought the special hand conditioner used specifically for working with metal clay.

4. Collect all prefired dust. This can be from the residue left on brushes, or from small bits of dried clay left on the work surface. Also, when sanding a dry (prefired) piece I lay a piece of cardstock on my surface to collect all the fillings. These can later be rehydrated and used again. You would not believe how much clay is saved. Also, when using a wet brush, the brush is rinsed in a container that will collect the clay that stuck to the brush.

5. Silicone molds are AWSOME! Carving stamp pads are AWSOME! Both are great for creating your own unique forms and textures.

6. I use polymer clay to shape more intricate items, bake the polymer clay and then use silicone molding material to make a flexible mold. I can then take my time with the poly pieces without worry of the metal clay drying out. I then use the silicone molding material to make a mold of the item. These molds can also be used over and over again. I just press the metal clay in the mold and pop out when dry.

7. A tissue blade, originally purchased for polymer clay work also work very well for metal clay.

8. I use a silicone spray to spray my tools and molds. I also spray a small amount onto a paper towel for use with smaller tools and the tissue blade. This spray keeps the clay from sticking to any surface.

Metal clay is some sticky stuff. Not sticky like gum, but it wants to grab onto anything that touches it. Hope this helps, I am no teacher and I am not in a guild, but these are things that have helped me along the way.

Things I have learned - Spinning

I spin on a spindle, my spinning wheel is being held hostage until Christmas. Santa is mean. Anyway, these are practices that work best for me. I haven't taken a spinning class so some parts might be things you would learn in a class. These might also be "duh" things, but might be helpful to someone.

1. Before pre-drafting roving I do something that I call "snapping". I hold a short lengths of the fiber between my hands (shorter than the staple length) and snap it a couple of times working my way down the roving. For me this fluffs and straightens out the fiber. Seems that it allows the fiber to draft easier.

2. I split the roving into 3 sections, lengthwise. I have tried leaving it hole. I have tried 2 and 4 sections. But for me 3 works best.

3. I made a little pouch wrist thingy. I saw it on a you tube video. While at home I just make a nice little pile, but when I take my spindle out, the little pouch keeps the roving nicely tucked away and keeps it from blowing around in the wind.

4. If I'm wanting to do 2 ply I weigh my roving and split in half. If 3 ply I divide in thirds. This helps to make sure there is even amount for plying later.

5. I keep all my roving in waiting in ziplock baggies. Keeps fiber from snagging on anything, and if my cat sneaks into my studio, the roving is safe.

watcha knitin'?

Yes, I am still knitting. It seems I haven't been blogging much about it lately. Oh, I'm thinking about doing a couple vlogs (video blogs). I thought that would be fun. Anyway, well most of my attention is going to handmade items for Christmas gifts. My Mom's sweater being first on the list. It's a top down v-neck sweater with a 2 row pattern repeat. Simple enough but not to boring to make my mind melt to mush. Still knitting on Paul's socks, 2 done so far. This past weekend I decided to work on some WIGP's (weekend instant gratification projects). I knit 3 pair of Garter Stitch Mitts and a sideways garter stitch hat. I'm also still working (slowly) on my clapotis. Most Christmas gifts this year will be knit or handmade in some way. I'm making some pendents for some and knits for others and I don't know what for the rest.

metal clay

Old dog with new tricks. You know having the proper tools makes all the difference. I worked with metal clays years ago with a bit of success. Well, I wanted to try it out again. I bought some more clay. I also got some tools that I lacked before such as a Teflon board, molding compound, hand conditioner, and non-stick spray. What a difference! The clay not sticking to everything is the best thing ever. The first time I worked with this stuff I think half of it stayed on my fingers. I am also using the vacuum sealing bags with a damp paper towel to keep the clay moist, this seems to be working. I am so excited. I made 4 pendants and one ring only using about half of the 20grams of clay. I also bought the Hot Pot kiln which is a little kiln that uses gelled alcohol. I have heard mixed reviews of this, so it will be interesting to see what happens. I haven't decided if I'm going to sell any of these, or just make them for gifts. I'm thinking of a cute pendant for Paul's niece and something for our friends daughters. We'll see.

well..

...it appears that I join flickr groups like I join ravelry groups.

Currently dying up some more roving. What could be better? 'Course I did have to pull myself away from my other creative joy right now. Precious Metal Clay! Yep, I'm back doing that again. My creativity is cyclic.

Paul and I put up some more shelving in my studio Saturday which was such a relief. Things are quit a bit more organized. For now...

Note to self...

Dear Julie,

Get your ARSS in gear!

You have all these ideas that would be great if you would get moving on them. Motivation is not a reason for the dragging ars, it is fear and funds. But, you know as well as I do (because I am you) that really the funds are not the problem, because these ideas will take very little funds. So what is it? Say it with me...Fear! Fear of the unknown. Fear of rejection. Fear of wasted time and resources. Fear of failure. Whoa...that is the big one...Fear of FAILURE!

Just so you know this is not going to be a motivational letter. Simply a "face the facts" kinda letter. We all know that nothing is certain. We all know that there is no guarantee. We all know these trite things. So in conclusion. GET OVER IT!

Love, Me

Reality Check

There comes a time when you have to ask yourself...will I ever be able to be truely participate in all these Ravelry groups? The answer "No". So, unfortunately I have leave some (a lot) of these groups. I know there is good info to be had in all and great people who regularly post in a lot of them. But, I want to focus on a manageable list. So, I am saying goodbye.

lots to update

Noro swirl afghan is moving along. I am loving how it's turning out. Can't wait to finish it, but I will have to as my top priorities are Christmas knitting.

2nd pair of Paul's Christmas socks are done.

1st pair of Paul's Christmas socks are done.

Coolest thing ever! This is my custom skin from skin it along side the original skein.

Capricorn?

CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorn's tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want.

Is this me? Is this who I am? Well...honestly a lot of these characteristics are me, but there are times I am more like this...

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

I think I'm about half and half. So here are the characteristics that I think are more like me. Happy-Go-Lucky
Humorous and funny
Bit shy and reserved (at least until I get to know you)
Doesn't like responsibilities
Often fantasizes (about having my very own yarn shop)
Impatient
Unfriendly at times
Doesn't like rules
Dislikes being confined (like in the Mission Space ride at Epcot)
Gets what they want ( I will have a yarn shop someday)

I'm thinking I'm a big bag of contradictions.

10-25-08 Etsy Update

1,000 Petals Update

60% Merino Top and 40% Bamboo

"What to say when your package arrives" series

Disney World in October

What a great weekend for a theme park. Too bad I just a nasty cold. But we did get some rides in before the mack truck full of snot hit me. When we got there Friday night we went straight to the Magic Kingdom. We got there at the right time...it was in the middle of one of the night parades so we headed to the Haunted Mansion, no lines. Then, to the Thunder Mountain Railroad, very short line. Then, over to Pirates of the Caribbean, no line. We road 3 rides in under an hour and still got to watch the fireworks. By that night though I could feel myself getting sicker. When we woke up Saturday morning I felt okay but not great. But by Saturday night the truck hit. Damn. Ever since then I have felt like ass. Oh well, we have annual passes so we can go back anytime.

Sensual Serendipity

I know. I know. It's just a book. Saturday I got the Jo-Ann Fabric's weekly sale email and it had a 50% off in store coupon. I printed out with plans on going and buying a book. Well, I did come home with a book but so not the one I was looking for. I wanted that color theory book...I can't remember the name. I've seen it there before. Well, it wasn't there today when I went to use my coupon. So, I picked out every book that even looked interesting. Picked out 5. But, this was still not one of them. I then put them all down on the table and took a peak. Nothing special. Put those back. Now, I have seen this book before and they had quit a few copies that kept peeking out from behind the others. I picked up and started looking through it...um wow. Now I have a few criteria for a pattern book. Wide range of pattern styles. Check. Several patterns that will be appropriate for hot weather liven'. Check. Most if not all sweaters with sizes that range above 46' bust. Check. I just hate picking up a book and all the sizes end at 42'. I want to make the Vixen Caamisole, Silken Cowl Tank, McQueen Sweater, Sayuri Sweater, Ramona Sweater, Multiplicity Sweater, Snezi Oversized Shrug, Silky Negligee, and Adelle Stockings. That's um 9. Not bad from one book. Oh I know the negligee is a bit of an oddity, but I think it would be a nice little treat.

etsy update tonight

1,000 Petals

All will be available tonight except for the top left corner. I'm keeping this one.

Spinning Pr0n

Well, I ended up drinking the purple kool-aid. I am completely and totally in love with spinning. Knitting around here has slowed to a crawl, although I did knit up a cup cozy for Paul. It was made out of the Platinum Print handspun.

I started virtually shopping for a spinning wheel. I picked up the recent copy of Spin-off magazine and they had an article on wheel comparisons. When I was first thinking about spinning I thought I would just get a Babe wheel due to economic reasons. But after some though I feared I would just be paying a nicer wheel within a few months. So, just make the big purchase. I tried to approach this very logically. I created a spreadsheet with wheel broken down in to price categories. $200 to $300. $300 to $400. $400 to $500. I then listed the items that could be included in a package deal and treadle type. This was much like the article. Then with a check list I checked the ones that would come with 3 or more bobbins. Then checked the ones that included a lazy kate. Then attractiveness. These were things that were important to me. This narrowed the list down to 3 choices, when I had the choices that had all three checked. The Kromski Minstrel, Lendrum Original (complete Kit), and the Ashford Kiwi. None of them even remotely look alike so my attractive category is weird. But I like the looks of each of them for different reason. I then did some research and read customer reviews for each. So, which did I choose?


Kromski Minstrel with the mahogany finish. Oh My! So Purdy! So Sexy! Now, I have read that it might be a little difficult for a beginner to get used to the double drive wheel. I hope that this can be overcome with just a little patients. Oh, and brooklyntweed did not help with his photos of his Kromski Minstrel wheel on his flickr. Okay, I just spent 30mins being totally distracted by his flickr. I actually forgot I was blogging.

SOON TO COME
More fiber on 1,000 petals.

The Neglected Garter Stitch

My first stitch learned was the garter stitch. This is probably true for a lot of knitters. The first stitch I teach people is the garter. But, I found that as my skills have advanced my pattern choice has neglected the garter stitch. Why? Did I think it was just a stitch for the newbie? Did I think I was too mature as a knitter to use this basic stitch? I don't know that answer. I do know that as of last night I reaffirmed my love for garter. This is my declaration. No longer will I neglect this stitch. No longer will I poo poo the use of garter in patterns. The garter stitch is freaky faboo. Who was I to point my nose down on this stitch? The revelation came last night when I was viewing the pics on the flickr Garter Stitch group. Such great projects! And not just the baby surprise sweater. Although I did jump right up, grab 3 coordinating colors, and cast that sucker on. Not just the washcloths. 'Course y'all know I just made a butt tone of those recently. There are such lovely shawls, sweaters, and blankets. Inspiration galore. There is also the FLOGS (for the love of garter stitch) group on Ravelry. They have fabulous info, patterns, and pics on that group. My hearts flame for garter stitch has been ignited. Burn Baby Burn!

Platinum Print

I LOVE TO SPIN!
This batt turned out so nice. The fuzziness that was bugging me at the start is not an issue any longer. There is very little fuzz. This fiber turned out very soft and shinny. I still have to work on getting the single ply more even. I know...it take time and practice. I am just so impatient with myself.

I haven't knit very much lately. It's all the spinning's fault. I'm still trying to hint and needle my husband into making some more spindles.

fiber comparisons

Received the batt I ordered from Loop.etsy. Wow. I mean WOW!

So I thought I would write about what I have learned so far about the 3 different rovings I've worked with.

Disclaimer: I have only spun 3 fibers and don't have a lot of experience with roving. But these are my observations so far.

BFL: Seems to be a nice all purpose roving. Took dyes fairly nicely and considering it was my first try at spinning it seemed forgiving and easy to work with. The yarn created was soft has a nice texture. It also didn't shed a lot during the spinning process. I would use this fiber for socks.

Merino/Tencel blend: So soft and silky. I'm glad I didn't try this first. I really had to get used to the slipperiness of it. Took dye very well but due to the tencel some fibers didn't hold as much dye. That is fine though, it makes a nice effect. This fiber also didn't shed much at all. The yarn created is nice and silky and I don't think it will be a fiber I would use for socks.

100% Bamboo: Not done with this spin. But so far it is much more different then I thought it would be. This is a very grippy fiber. But that is not a bad thing. It helps when considering that I am new and it has allowed me to get finer yarn. The spun fiber holds the twist very well. It does shed a lot in the spinning process. Which is fine, just have to use a lint roller. The yarn has fibers sticking out all over. I don't know how I feel about this. I could be my fault. Cope it up to inexperience. It may be a something that happens with bamboo. I don't know. I am concerned that the fibers will itch. I do love the idea that it is more eco friendly and also Florida friendly.

Shop Update

Now carrying roving in my Etsy store. Honestly I think I like dying roving more than yarn. I like the idea that someone can take these and create different types of yarn to suite there own desires and needs. The mosaic above shows two of the 50/50 superwash merino and tencel. They are so soft and smooshy.

Finished

I made yarn. Yippee! I am so excited. It's not the most even, but I'm very happy with the results. I told hubby that I'm gonna have to get another closet sweater organizer just for the fiber/roving stash. Ordered 2 fiber batts from Loop's etsy store. I ordered the Chocolate Liqueur and Platinum Print both 100% bamboo. Sooo purdy. I also received the spindle I ordered from Babe's Fiber Garden. It is pretty nice. The whorls or weight thingys slip a little but I think the leader yarn once tucked in will keep this from happening. Alright...going off to find more fiber.

I'm Hooked

The spinning bug has bitten. Spinning is so freakin' fun. This weekend I dyed up 2lbs of roving. 1lb of superwash merino and 1lb of merino/tencel blend. Let me tell you the merino/tencel is so soft and purdy. I really want to keep them all but I dyed them for the etsy store. But I did kept the one above and one other that I made for me. Oh, check it out...Paul made the spindle in the above pic. Isn't that just the coolest.

I thought I would share some of the resources that helped me learn to spin and pre-draft and stuff related to spindle spinning.

YouTube videos: Drafting Wool for Spinning, Spinning Yarn on a Drop Spindle, and Finishing Yarn and Wrapping a skein all by Megan LaCore. Also, Drop Spindle basics by Kelley Petkun (the Knit Picks lady). And, Plying with a Spindle which uses the Andean Bracelet method.

So there you have it.

Spindle

pic borrowed from Babe's

Okay guys and gals...I ordered a spindle. These are from Babe's which is the same place I want the spinning wheel from. I saw one in action on you tube. Seems to be a good starter spindle. Cool thing is they make different weight pieces to customize your spindle. I thought that was neat. Also went to Lowe's today and got parts to make my own spindle. Thought I would give that a try. Oh, and you know what I think is really fun about the Babe's spinning wheel...you can paint the PVC whatever color you want. That's kinda cool. Anyway...can't wait to try spinning.

spinning

I want to learn to spin. I've been drooling over others hand spun fibers that are just so purdy. I guess I need to get a spindle. I can't decide what kind to get. It will probably be from an etsy seller. I like these.
Blue Jade
Carved Jade
Italian Resin

This is want I want for Christmas. It doesn't cost much and seems to be a decent wheel for a beginner who doesn't want to sink a lot of money into something when I don't know if I will like it.

Florida

When you live in a place for so long you can take for granted the wonders that surround you. Surfing the web yesterday I found a site that listed all of Florida's State Parks. Wow...there are a lot. I didn't know we had water falls. Well, granted they're not huge...but still that's cool. Oh and admission is stupid cheap. You are talking $2-$4 per person and some are $4 for a car full (up to 8 people). What a cheap little mini trip. I just want to thank Brianna (The Crochet Side Podcast) for posting pics of her trip to Washington Oaks Park on her flickr...this is what got me lookin' and thinkin'. I am really excited.

Lefty

I woke up yesterday morning and felt the need to clean my ears. Well...stupid left ear had to start bleeding. I tried to keep calm. It's not another tumor. It's not a polyp which would indicate another tumor. These are the things I was telling myself. A few tears fell, but I tried to retain my composure. By the time I got to work I was hysterical. I couldn't even tell my supervisor what was wrong, only pointing to my ear. She then guessed..."Is it you ear?". Shake my head yes. "Is is bleeding?" Yes. I called my ENT and made an appointment at 3:15. The day seemed to drag on and I just kept thinking "what if it's another one?".

Background. When I was around 7 yrs old I had my first tumor in my right ear. I think I was about 7...I can't remember. Anyway...this one effected my eardrum and middle ear. Oh...

it's called a cholesteatoma. So that one was removed. Then skip forward to early teens...yes another in the left ear. This one could have damaged my facial nerves. Again this was removed. Then sometime around 22ish a third, this time in the right ear again. This one was found the first morning of my honeymoon. I woke up and found blood on my pillow. I later found out that it was a polyp that was in my ear canal that was bleeding (polyp being a sign that there was a tumor). I was later told that this one could have killed me. Yeah...can you believe it? So this one was also removed and left me with a large ear canal.

So back to Friday. Bleeding ear freaked me out. Well I went to the ENT (the one that has done all my ear surgeries and fixed a broken nose). He explained that it was not a tumor. Sigh of relief. It is actually something like a bone spur in my ear that is covered by a very thin layer of skin. So when I was cleaning my ears it irritated the skin causing it to bleed. Stupid bone spur thingy. I felt like a real fool.

Photography

While in college I was totally into photography. I even had a darkroom in my house. There came a time when I made the decision not to pursue professional photography and eventually I stopped altogether. Well, I was married and I essentially allowed my husband at the time to pursue his hobby/business while I allowed mine to fall to the wayside. That was about 7 years ago. Digital photography and manipulation was just emerging as an alternative to the darkroom for the hobby photographer. I was so set against digital photography. It just wasn't the same. Oh how wrong I was. Well, it is not the same...its so much better. But in a different way...you know.
Strange how things in your life cycle around. After giving up on photography I dabbled in different hobbies. I can't sit still and I am a creative person...I had to be doing something. Stamping. Beading. Sewing (well I've been sewing for a long time). Whatever caught my fancy. Then Knitting. Knitting then initiated the desire to take photos of my progress and FO. Once a camera was in my hands again it was only a matter of time. At first it was a point and shoot. I have now gone through 2 point and shoot cameras. They were both good but there was an itch to have more creative control of my photos. You know that previously on my blog I showed off my new hotness. I like to call her Yummy Camera Goodness (totally stole that from my husband and Sara). It's all coming back to me now. I will admit there is a learning curve. Here is one issues I am having. Lighting. It is very hard to get good natural light in my house. We are surrounded by trees. It is great for our electric bill...no sun beating down on the roof during the summer heating up my house. But I don't have any windows that give a nice stream of filtered light. My loving husband bought me a little light tent with two lights, which works...but still not as good as natural light.

Lovin' a Noro Afghan v2

You know - there are just some projects that every stitch is a joy to knit. Well this is that project for me. I love working on this pattern. Since there are only 9 stitches to work across you really get to see the color changes with the Noro, which I just love. 'Course there are the usual Noro yarn issues, I'm overlooking these.
Things I love about the this pattern.
1. Because you are working from the center out, you can just keep goin' until it is big enough.
2. Much like a ripple blanket, you can use all kinds of colors and they seem to work together.
3. There is not seaming. This is done while you knit around.
4. Color. I'm just using random skeins of Noro Kureyon that caught my eye. Most have some form of turquoise/aqua color, but some do not.
5. Stupid simple, with only 9 stitches to work. The last stitch is slipped and you pick up an edge stitch and then knit the slipped stitch together with an edge stitch. There's a little short row action goin' on at the corners, but that is no big deal. So, in all...this is a great pattern. Well, the actual written pattern is not all that great, but if you've been knitting for a little while you can kinda figure it out.
So, I will just keep going around and once it is big enough I'm going to add a border. I don't know what kinda border...hmmm...yeah...don't know.
I was listening to the Yarn Harlot on Knit Picks podcast and she was talking about enjoying your knitting. How if you don't enjoy a project why do it. She is so right. I wasn't enjoying the first version of this afghan. Once I came to terms with my dread and restarted with this version...Much Love.

WARNING: Questioning Weight issues. Proceed with caution.

Can you be a Goddess sized women and be glamorous or sexy? I would like to think so. I've been struggling with this question for a long time. It's very hard to be a plus sized women and feel sexy. Is it just about self confidence? Is there a point that weight becomes automatically beyond sexy even with self confidence to back it up? If you are so overweight that you can't hardly move out of bed, how can even self confidence make you sexy at that point? So what would be the magic weight? At 5'9" and 230 would I have crossed over this magic line in the cookies? What...I mean sand. If the average sized women in America is a size 14, then does being a size 18/20 mean I'm just a little over the line? Should I call myself "Goddess Size"? If I started using that phrase would I really feel better about myself? I don't wear a lot of make-up and I don't do much with my hair. If I started doing these things more would that make my confidence go up? Or, would it just give me a false sense of confidence to only be shatter every night when the mask came off? What makes me question these things? Well...I work in a office of mostly women. All sizes of women. Seems though that so many women I know are getting gastric bypass to loose weight and "feel better about themselves". I personally could not put myself through this. But why do we as women feel this is needed? Health? Self Image? I can understand if it's a matter of health issues. But, is this the way to go about making yourself healthier? I'm not judging these women. By no means am I making a judgement call on the decision to have a surgery like this. To each her own. But for me...would this ever become something that might be necessary? I feel sometimes that the lack of confidence in women today is just so sad. I'm totally there with them though. My self confidence is a constant struggle. What is needed to correct these thoughts? Hypnosis? Constant pep talks? Societal changes? Make-up?
Well that went all over the place. Whatever...I'm done.

Noro Afghan v2

Pics taken with the new precious, like ya'll didn't know that. I'm really diggin' on this afghan. So freakin' easy.

Ordered the yarn for mom's cardi. Superwash bamboo from Elann. I was looking for something that would be warm but not too warm...we are in Florida after all. I wanted something that was superwash for ease of care. And it didn't hurt that it wasn't expensive at all. While ordering, I ordered some Callista which is a rayon/cotton/linen blend. Also a great price. I'm thinking Gigi from the summer issue of knitty.

Yummy Camera Goodness!

New baby. Still having to pet her nicely until she gives up all her secrets. I'm sure once we trust each other things are gonna go real fine.

Finishathon

I am going to have my own private self imposed finishathon. I have so many projects on the needles and I am still planning Christmas knitting. But how am I gonna get anything accomplished if I don't finish what I have going on right now.

Knitting for Florida

Years of knitting and I finally get it. I live in Florida. I can only wear wool sweaters about 5 to 10 days a year. Even if you get up in the morning and it is really freakn' cold, but mid day it is hot. So...I need to start thinking Florida knitting. Cotton, Linen, and Silk need to become my friend. This is what we can wear most of the time. So in thinking in this new way my Christmas knitting planning is focusing on things that will get the most bang for the buck. Me and Ginger went yarn shopping today and I picked up some yarn for my Christmas list that fits the Florida thinking. I also am going to buy some cotton blend for a cardi for mom (Dad, don't you tell her. Although I think she already knows). I found a nice cotton wool blend. This will be perfect for when she needs a little warmth. I picked up some fingering weight 4 ply cotton to make Orangina by Glampyre Knits. I'm also going to use some Silky Wool to make the February Lady by Flint Knits. Both are lacy which I think will be perfect. I will still make a wool sweater here and there for those 5 special days a year.

Sockettes

I'm so in love with sockettes. It's Florida folks, it works. 'Course it does leave me with a lot of half balls of yarn. I could probably make 3 more pairs out of the yarn I have left over. Pattern: Baby Fern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. Hand dyed yarn, Merino/silk blend. I'm totally going to making more sockettes...DUDE...I could put little puff balls on the back. Wouldn't that be so cute.

Girly Cobblestone

I know...it is a bizilion degrees outside and I put on a wool sweater. But I wanted a pic of my most fav sweater that I have knit so far. This is a great pattern and with some waist shaping makes for a great girl version. Also made the sleeves tighter, more fitting. Pattern: Cobblestone Pullover from Interweave Knits, Fall 2007.

Christmas Knitting

I have started planning my Christmas knitting. I want to do a couple of larger projects this year for family. I am going to take the handmade challenge this year and make all my gifts or buy handmade gifts. So, I would list what I am going to make, but some of my family reads this blog. It will be a surprise to everyone.

Wee little container garden

FiredUpFairy blogged about gardening when she gets into her new home. This made me want to garden. I am such a sheep. Anyway, I did a little container garden. Here it is...
I am now thinking about a whole container garden area in my front door. I'll keep ya updated.

Where does it end?

I placed an order for soap making supplies. Still doing melt and pour but man every time I look at handmade soap I start think that maybe I should try again. I don't know. Not unlike dying yarn, I just like the process of creating these things. The cold process of making just takes so much longer than my attention span can handle. I know what is coming. I am going to cave to my own self and get some cold process supplies and try again. I do already have plenty of Olive Oil and Lye so there is no problem with those two ingredients. Just need to get some solid fats. See, I am talking myself into it.

mmm...smells good

Okay, so here is the story behind my soap making. As with any new craft I learn about, I get all excited about something and buy all the stuff that goes along with it. So I got the lye and the oils and the stick blender...on and on. Tried my first batch. I was going to re-batch, which is when you make a base batch and then remelt it and add your scents and stuff. So, I did the base. Cut it into small pieces. Put it into the crock pot and started melting. Things were looking good. Got everything melted, added scent and color. Poured into molds. Allowed to dry. What did I get...mold. Yes. Mold. Yuk! Never giving up, I tried again, just did things a little different. What did I get this time? No mold. That is good. But no smell and no suds. Try, try, again. Still no mold, but still no smell or suds. I give up! Well, no totally. I still like to make soap. I just can't make the base. I'll let someone else do that for me. Truthfully, it ends up being cheaper any way. You can still use additives and smell with the "melt and pour" stuff and these actually have suds and smell. Yeah! Oh, and yes I know that there are tiny bubbles in my soap. I actually like this and try to produce this when making by stirring a lot which adds more bubbles. I think this is actually no proper, but I like the look so I don't care. Above is some soap I made for my mom scented with Sweet Orange essentials oil and with added ground blueberry seeds for look. Below is the one made for Dad with Sage and Tea Tree essential oils and the ground blueberry. Also made the washcloths to go along with the soap. Made a nice little gift and they liked it.

WIGP - Bath Mitt

Bath Mitt with "melt and pour" soap. This was a great project using odds from my the washcloths.
About the soap. I have tried many different times to make soap from lye and oils. This has never worked for me. It just doesn't make any bubbles. And to have to make such big batches when doing this means wasting alot of expensive olive oil and ending up with soap that I can't use. So, I am just going to use the melt and pour stuff you can buy at craft stores. This allows me to make soap without all the big mess and expense. I will post some pics later of the soap I am making.

06-28-08

Motivation alludes me. I can't seem to get motivated to do anything. There is plenty of stuff around here to do. I need to go make some coffee. That would give me the jolt to get up and get going. But, that means getting my ass up off the couch. Paul had to go work this morning and here I am sitting on my ass. I am such a bum.

Alright, I am getting up to make some coffee and clean the house. Ugh!

WIGP - washcloths

I have been bitten by the warshrag bug. I meant to make a couple of these and ended up with 5. It doesn't stop there. I went to the store and bought several more balls of cotton yarn and a 1lb cone of white cotton. I am thinking about trying to dye some cotton with rit dye.
I was showing Paul my washcloths and he made the comment that he would not be using one of these. I bought some black and white yarn and made him this Hidden Mickey washcloth. He actually likes it and now he is agreeable to using a hand knit washcloth. It is hard to see the Mickey patterning in this but it created using purl bumps.Here is the collection of washcloths.

Patterns used:

Garterlac Dishcloth (washcloth)

Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth (washcloth)

Mouse washcloth

Round washcloth

WWKIP day

I am spent! We had a really great day together in Winter Haven Central Park. Thanks to the gals from Central Florida Stitches for coming and helping to get this together. And super thanks to you for making the cutest little hats and booties. Keep an eye out for an article about the event in the Sunday Lakeland Ledger. Also ckeck out the Poke Magazine site for the article that was recently published.

Weekend Instant Gratification Project (WIGP)

I have notice a trend in my knitting. During the week I am more than content to sit and knit on my sweaters, shawls, or socks. On the weekend however I look for quick easy projects. So, instead of arguing with myself about really needing to get the sleeves to my sweater finished. I am going to let myself have these little projects. And they are going to be called "Weekend Instant Gratification Projects". No guilt. Now they have a name and a place in my knitting time. This WIGPs were Coffee Cooler Cozies.

Made from cotton or cotton blends to absorb all those little droplets of condensation that drip on my feet or wet my hands. This moisture then has to be removed before continuing with knitting or typing. Now Paul wants one too...in black of course.

I did it :)

I bought them. I love them. I just ordered tonight. In order from left to right:
Blue Moonstone - Lightweight
Chapman Springs - Luscious Silk Single (2 skeins for a clapotis)
Knitter's without Borders - Lightweight
Mr. Green Jeans - Lightweight
Peaseblossom - Lightweight

So there you have it, my confession. Well I feel better now.

In praise of Cobblestone

I am speaking of the Cobblestone sweater pattern from Interweave Knits, Fall 2007 issue. Dude. Seriously. I am loving this pattern. I did add increases and decrease, Hourglass sweater style. The increases and decreases are done on either side of the garter stitch pattern on each side. Okay, I have knit 2 other successful sweaters. The others have been frogged. So my track record...not so good. It is just really hard to get over the fact that this one is really working and looking great. My only worry. Am I going to have enough yarn? I have 16 skeins of Filatura De Crosa "Zara Plus" which is a total of 1232 yards. It seems to be going well, but I still have to do the sleeves and the yoke. Sigh.

Cry Baby

You really shouldn't cry over yarn. But, I will admit it, I have. I don't know what it is but the Chapman Springs colorway from BMFA is just my very favorite. A couple of months ago I got 2 skeins and now I am jonesing for more. Really. I haven't even knit the first 2 skeins. They are just sitting in there being randomly fondled. So, I have the lightweight and silkie, what more could I want. I really, really, really want Chapman Springs in Luscious Single Silk. If I were to get 2 skeins it would be plenty to make a Clapotis. sigh. pout. They are in my cart along with the Knitters Without Borders colorway. pout.

I really don't know what it is about this colorway. BMFA just brought it back a few months ago. Back in 2007 when I found out it was no longer going to be for sale I called the BM people and they assured me that it was just temporary. I would hate for this to happen again and not have the yarn I want so much. It could just disappear over night. What would I do. pour me. You know I am going to have to go buy it. It could just disappear. What is an obsessed girl to do?

Wow, losts to update!

I wanted to show off what my Mom and Dad brought back for me from their trip to Alaska. This is Quviuk, lace yarn made from Muckox. Now what do you make with such a special fiber? Dilemma, I want to make something that I am going to use, but at the same time something that is special.
Progress on Woodland shawl. Using BMFA Thraven in medium weight. Cast on one extra pattern repeat and plan to make this pretty long using both skeins. I am really liking how this is turning out. This is such an eay lace pattern. After about the 2nd repeat you don't even have to use the pattern, it just makes sense. I was able to make a lot of progress on Wednesday, being in the car for about 10 hrs on a business trip.

First finished sock using magic loop. Umm, I like the technique but for me 2 circs is still my fav. Partly my fault that I was not so found of using this technique. I bought 47" circs and I think if I had bought 40" it would have been less of a pain. 7" makes a big difference when you are pulling those needles through. I used a pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. Also used the short row heel and round toe. I really like the round shape for toes. It is the one pattern that works for my toe shape, my second toe is longer than the "big toe".

WWKIP day (World Wide Knit in Public day) is coming up soon. Go find a city around you and go. You will have lots of fun!