tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620729193569657162024-02-06T21:24:41.735-06:00Susie's Small FollyA blog about knitting, yarn dyeing and other small follies...Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-26647209866738118182008-09-22T15:56:00.007-06:002008-09-22T16:07:46.639-06:00ClapotisI started my first <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html">clapotis</a>. I'm making it for my mom as kind of a prayer shawl. I'm knitting it out of <a href="http://www.schaeferyarn.com/yrn_heather.html">Schaefer Heather</a> in a one-of-a-kind colorway that I picked up at the Stitches Midwest market. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp25g_YAWxzSgQMxVetIv1O86u6e8K8ZK8j5TVA5mOSAZn2qDQ4wrnJluM7LgfEDDKCxVsxJfuHUzPyhVyAqgaJ0VzrSlHH1w2cHtJqr6JBOv3TLJ1sX2TtWDHYKTcUYKDYX1fgJMJIKc/s1600-h/IMG_3902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp25g_YAWxzSgQMxVetIv1O86u6e8K8ZK8j5TVA5mOSAZn2qDQ4wrnJluM7LgfEDDKCxVsxJfuHUzPyhVyAqgaJ0VzrSlHH1w2cHtJqr6JBOv3TLJ1sX2TtWDHYKTcUYKDYX1fgJMJIKc/s400/IMG_3902.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248970291014371346" /></a><br /><br />The colors are a pinky rose, teal and sand. I added one additional row to the increase section to make it a bit bigger and I'm knitting it on size 5 needles. So far I like it a lot. Once I get to the main section of the clapotis and start dropping stitches I'll post another photo.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-15752001440644517382008-05-01T08:04:00.005-06:002008-05-01T09:31:40.231-06:00Catching upWow it has been so long since I've posted. I don't even know where to start. Perhaps with what I'm knitting now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9X2NEvvyLqe0JTYWH01i5rSC0LSLnD9XopQCVPUy-Ei3Zzy9YOjDmsBYoi3PJMjJMevGB_T9vy-nzElCODHLe3A7H0TYZfxBBL3vB9kbj85JmPz_WJt2wr_2lXUAWAv_-OSkE7yEvQY/s1600-h/IMG_3263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9X2NEvvyLqe0JTYWH01i5rSC0LSLnD9XopQCVPUy-Ei3Zzy9YOjDmsBYoi3PJMjJMevGB_T9vy-nzElCODHLe3A7H0TYZfxBBL3vB9kbj85JmPz_WJt2wr_2lXUAWAv_-OSkE7yEvQY/s400/IMG_3263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195431571672509586" /></a><br /><br />These socks, called the Sock For All Seasons - Spring Sock by <a href="http://capistranofiberarts.blogspot.com/">Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio</a> are the 5th mailing of <a href="http://theyarntree.com/studio/sockclub/">The Yarn Tree sock club</a>. Admittedly, this is the first sock I've knit from the club, I've just been so backlogged on things to knit. The yarn is absolutely gorgeous, in spring colors and very spongy and soft. The pattern is a bit weird, though. It starts out with a lovely lace pattern on top, then has you knit 3 rows of garterstitch and then switches to ribbing on the instep and stockinette on the bottom. Maybe they look o.k. on but I decided to continue the lace pattern on through the instep. So, I eliminated the 3 rows of garterstitch before the heel and switched from a size 2 to a size 1 needle for the base of the foot but will keep knitting with a size 2 for the lace instep, as the lace on top was rather stretchy and maybe too loose to use size 2's for the entire foot. I also picked up 17 stitches vs. 15 on the sides of the heel flap to give me a bit extra room in the instep, since I have a very high instep and most socks tend to bind me there. I haven't really been able to try them on comfortably yet, but so far so good.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-17641706384767140482008-02-20T09:22:00.010-06:002008-02-21T11:55:50.332-06:00Waterfall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMYC9Wl5Emg5FLXIyf6yvR5E5M0NL64Xd_rNQhjO0vThk5uBvDHw6Q6f3rg79BB82P0i3GyNBopxGYknz18u_w_VeNU8RFGIVvNskN_rix-TIeLU7nkGSAkD8Prsd6yIxIu4HZqbINjQ/s1600-h/IMG_3175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMYC9Wl5Emg5FLXIyf6yvR5E5M0NL64Xd_rNQhjO0vThk5uBvDHw6Q6f3rg79BB82P0i3GyNBopxGYknz18u_w_VeNU8RFGIVvNskN_rix-TIeLU7nkGSAkD8Prsd6yIxIu4HZqbINjQ/s400/IMG_3175.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169491045164260002" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm finally starting my first <a href="http://www.woolgirl.com/">Woolgirl</a> sock club mailing (from October - I'm bad!). The pattern is called Waterfall, designed by Babs Ausherman, aka <a href="http://www.missbabs.com/">Miss Babs</a>. The yarn is also Miss Babs, a lovely melding of blues, purples and a hint of aqua. It's sport weight, which is a switch for me, and really makes the sock knitting go quickly. Plus, it is the softest wool and feels lovely on my foot.<br /><br />Now, I must say, I just love this sock club. Jen, of Woolgirl, is just the best. Her customer service is top notch and she sends each sock club mailing with the cutest little touches, including a custom stitch marker with every one, plus things like soap, lip gloss and even cute bags for toting your sock work around with you (photos to come on that one!). She sells the most beautiful, soft indie dyed yarns and there is always something fun to discover on her website.<br /><br />I got gauge knitting the sock with size 3 dpns but after knitting the cuff and part of the top of the sock, I quickly realized it was coming out way too loose for my liking, so I frogged back and started over with size 2's. Also, I really had trouble with the cable cast-on being stretchy enough, so I opted for a double-stranded cast-on and I think I like it better functionally, even if the cable cast-on looks neater.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsF2yBEgGp0ZOQ_7qS85Mo8G-mlaiY8TV2SkE1k6bxfDYC310tqm0ICpvKPPiIj-B4wRnQGLAgQR9r8t20IEopaM3wrI-wauLf7FVCStb-7wgQxp7vE1jlN3ulf0eDy5W8ok_uUl97_k/s1600-h/IMG_3180.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsF2yBEgGp0ZOQ_7qS85Mo8G-mlaiY8TV2SkE1k6bxfDYC310tqm0ICpvKPPiIj-B4wRnQGLAgQR9r8t20IEopaM3wrI-wauLf7FVCStb-7wgQxp7vE1jlN3ulf0eDy5W8ok_uUl97_k/s320/IMG_3180.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169493029439150770" /></a><br /><br />With one sock finished, I must say these are going to be a favorite pair of mine. They're a little slouchy and soft, perfect for wearing when you just want to be comfy!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-58657315625792663322008-02-10T15:00:00.000-06:002008-02-10T15:31:16.998-06:00Finished!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xL4Br9JE6rSvE1t6RUq9fVWMLtzgexYDKV5u_roANvHX5f_ymaH6XyYmIKBvierKxveXaDd1UhI9PLUxQKUy0hUc7-dsJoDTZqIJ1oU-ZSHCQS4U_D20lRqJBa8Y7DSlrzrkd6Jlpis/s1600-h/IMG_3161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xL4Br9JE6rSvE1t6RUq9fVWMLtzgexYDKV5u_roANvHX5f_ymaH6XyYmIKBvierKxveXaDd1UhI9PLUxQKUy0hUc7-dsJoDTZqIJ1oU-ZSHCQS4U_D20lRqJBa8Y7DSlrzrkd6Jlpis/s400/IMG_3161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165466888441174642" /></a><br />The extended shrug, adapted from the <a href="http://www.oneskeinwonders.com/book.php">One-Skein Wonders book</a> (Shrug This) is complete! I ended up frogging the first sleeve after I made it, as it didn't have any shaping and just looked loose and baggy. So, I figured out how much to decrease to get it to the tapered width I wanted and also added a few more inches in the length to make it a 3/4 length. I was nervous I would run out of yarn but I had just enough with a tiny ball of yarn left to spare!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieemeurIpThgumypTd_L5HrDJFTAzcXP5fIJwjWM1l2XO0svMOsRCeyH2wBlC94Kz0K1U-5qjvN87eBTJlvceBiItkz2jZ0eniKBwC2rm0xIDF3LvC7Fb0_9BBVy7KkU6KDNcMqBB6avo/s1600-h/IMG_3156.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieemeurIpThgumypTd_L5HrDJFTAzcXP5fIJwjWM1l2XO0svMOsRCeyH2wBlC94Kz0K1U-5qjvN87eBTJlvceBiItkz2jZ0eniKBwC2rm0xIDF3LvC7Fb0_9BBVy7KkU6KDNcMqBB6avo/s320/IMG_3156.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165467154729147010" /></a><br /><br />One thing I learned in doing the decreases is that even though I did it on dpns, and decreased one stitch every other row, it would've been better to decrease 2 stitches on either side of my marker every 4th row, so that I had even decreases (The way I did it the decreases tended to work themselves around the sleeve a bit). Still, I am happy with how it turned out. I chose a pearly looking button and made a button closure by crocheting a little chain loop from where I cast on. <br /><br />Also, the alpaca tends to stretch a bit where it hangs, and if I'd used another yarn that had a bit of wool or other fiber it probably would've retained its shape a bit better. Still, it is soft and warm and, though it is about zero degrees outside right now I am toasty and warm wearing it around the house!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-85480855989767483282008-02-07T09:21:00.000-06:002008-02-07T09:33:35.636-06:00Extended Shrug<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUNmINo5-dkBnCt9P93Vq9qESVEGDc1RK6aTuVfMO83r19LLZ0fHSjS-ny9NjJqDzyJc1b8Uybi78S2RGbryJ-JvYmYgUDAVuUzHfJDbYcIexfTsopb7YO2tdjf-satiMHanicieGGIY/s1600-h/IMG_3131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUNmINo5-dkBnCt9P93Vq9qESVEGDc1RK6aTuVfMO83r19LLZ0fHSjS-ny9NjJqDzyJc1b8Uybi78S2RGbryJ-JvYmYgUDAVuUzHfJDbYcIexfTsopb7YO2tdjf-satiMHanicieGGIY/s400/IMG_3131.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164261503084275906" /></a><br />I'm making this extended shrug from <a href="http://www.mistialpaca.com/catalog.php?collection=2&page=0">Misti Alpaca Chunky</a> yarn in the natural cream colorway (100). The yarn is so soft and warm. The shrug pattern is from the <a href="http://www.oneskeinwonders.com/detail.php?image=shrug.jpg&anchor=mohair">One-Skein Wonders book - Shrug This</a> pattern. I am making the body and sleeves longer, to extend it into a cropped cardigan. I got the idea from Cathy, the owner of <a href="http://www.montoyafiberstudio.com/">Montoya Fiber Studio</a>, a lys near where I live. I made the neck 5 rows of ribbing instead of 3. Also, I added 2 stitches to the body just underneath the armholes and also added 2 stitches when I picked up for the sleeves for more ease so it draped down rather than pinching in like the photo in the book. <br /><br />This is my first raglan sweater and I just love how you can try it on as you go to be sure it is the right length and you like the fit. I had to keep putting it on scrap yarn so I could try it, which was a pain, but very worth it. I'm done with the body and nearly done with the first sleeve. I am really looking forward to wearing it.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-55266958398024630542008-02-06T13:05:00.000-06:002008-02-06T13:21:07.119-06:00The bad blogger...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnLIIZeA_3Dsmr3r1kt1Q-3QHfvoYsSAICcZ9_mVVrUBFjKg8KWBcGgxB2jFUr6bLYWI5do7ehIUoRg5oRHydCgd8I4k1YDYfQldz3KuKeNuVekFsBZ8l770J-9eqb1pr7kz89nGOiqs/s1600-h/IMG_3129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnLIIZeA_3Dsmr3r1kt1Q-3QHfvoYsSAICcZ9_mVVrUBFjKg8KWBcGgxB2jFUr6bLYWI5do7ehIUoRg5oRHydCgd8I4k1YDYfQldz3KuKeNuVekFsBZ8l770J-9eqb1pr7kz89nGOiqs/s400/IMG_3129.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163946570312329362" /></a><br />I have been such a bad blogger! I'll try to make up for it though. On the knitting scene I have just finished 2 more moss grid hand towels (from the <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">Mason-Dixon Knitting book</a>) for my son's voice teacher who just got married. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qdSIi_bMcppzBpIHxXxbe43wrpOfFMCDf77-WJvCjbUqIvcjuqnzsj2Q0EWl2s89HnYU2nVpMH-1sdMLFnOTsNOaP41KMIiMpQLpj3n9VssJCcxr6oW1xMpKUvWcw03DBK6LfN5RC8A/s1600-h/IMG_3128.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qdSIi_bMcppzBpIHxXxbe43wrpOfFMCDf77-WJvCjbUqIvcjuqnzsj2Q0EWl2s89HnYU2nVpMH-1sdMLFnOTsNOaP41KMIiMpQLpj3n9VssJCcxr6oW1xMpKUvWcw03DBK6LfN5RC8A/s320/IMG_3128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163947562449774754" /></a><br /><br />This time I knitted them on size 3's and I really like how the gauge turned out. I even had enough yarn to do all 12 pattern repeats. They are both knit from <a href="http://www.louet.com/yarns/euroflax_sport.shtml">Euroflax Linen Sport Weight</a>. The colorways are navy blue and sage. The blue one came out a little bit stiffer but I think it's because I partially dried it in the dryer and then blocked it. I threw the green one in the dryer and forgot about it, so when I took it out it wasn't as flat but it was softer than the blue one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V5q58jTlPvlHBefGBK9hFulPSqRy3lgBCP9jyGM7Cqf-pJIai5wpYuUYBzTxTr67wghCJJPOaXhMsU36QjZxH6AZftliqvOTajvz99d9ANwA2CXdtTRFCLq_nP4tniG4JzxpsJtWU-w/s1600-h/IMG_3124.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V5q58jTlPvlHBefGBK9hFulPSqRy3lgBCP9jyGM7Cqf-pJIai5wpYuUYBzTxTr67wghCJJPOaXhMsU36QjZxH6AZftliqvOTajvz99d9ANwA2CXdtTRFCLq_nP4tniG4JzxpsJtWU-w/s320/IMG_3124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163947983356569778" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have at least 3 more of these to make but I have to take a break and knit other things for awhile before I go crazy! Knitting with linen gives me hand cramps.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-28765085395638322792008-01-07T16:27:00.000-06:002008-01-07T16:47:10.079-06:00Winter Loveliness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N3xquSWfpbYsfRGjLOesgTl9zVSaUiMefg4ufGffkrTYmKRAoae5BD7gQ0UWSxErabo_n66SX08VjjmbQgm67oyiEtWr3spoY96yWg2wNLdhDOBmjv6rMN7aaRMKx9MHUDejl04pbeg/s1600-h/IMG_3097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0N3xquSWfpbYsfRGjLOesgTl9zVSaUiMefg4ufGffkrTYmKRAoae5BD7gQ0UWSxErabo_n66SX08VjjmbQgm67oyiEtWr3spoY96yWg2wNLdhDOBmjv6rMN7aaRMKx9MHUDejl04pbeg/s400/IMG_3097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152869844353080450" /></a><br /><br />Not too many words are needed to describe the beauty of these winter scenes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4rXGmD5fNffVHuGe0kzUTTNwtGtAfxlRpnkxmSk3n0Lst8heH0cJGC8VIQstbPwrr3JcdFRY20229stYnMgHedGVlNJBgXYc0xQo-nOngQXe1knr_wbHQR5vR7aJTfoCUHdGU7GB04A/s1600-h/IMG_3074.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4rXGmD5fNffVHuGe0kzUTTNwtGtAfxlRpnkxmSk3n0Lst8heH0cJGC8VIQstbPwrr3JcdFRY20229stYnMgHedGVlNJBgXYc0xQo-nOngQXe1knr_wbHQR5vR7aJTfoCUHdGU7GB04A/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152867542250609730" /></a><br />They capture the pure loveliness of a snow-dusted path through the woods or a road seldom traveled. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSBh-KDP1vRqwAcAY1jgXuLiCH8Cm6JrQnhSe_FCjdhfadTaUuqBBXlGzO7SuvTxtIlHBaYZYv_opAUH5mtEZoysFKlBFhg1c8kCwan6wZjR96jPW_PHQwFN4P3bXWmWnJkx-YpWeqMU/s1600-h/IMG_3093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSBh-KDP1vRqwAcAY1jgXuLiCH8Cm6JrQnhSe_FCjdhfadTaUuqBBXlGzO7SuvTxtIlHBaYZYv_opAUH5mtEZoysFKlBFhg1c8kCwan6wZjR96jPW_PHQwFN4P3bXWmWnJkx-YpWeqMU/s320/IMG_3093.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5152868770611256418" /></a><br />I will keep them with me and gaze at them during the long, dirty city winter and dream of snowshoeing down a snowy path through the trees...Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-16336122329082671392007-11-29T10:47:00.000-06:002007-11-29T10:48:54.582-06:00Birthday Goodies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle3F078o8enUI-12Xyp3tJVpREWAA9bsYiYX0rL8XmDvD1_fYmS0Vw1ZCINtysA-1XUxgpi1Qv4NajfK_gjcLO_Kp11n_2NKTjP4Bz2z-wlV4OJy73NBwwgUXZDBZ5yWhwaswVNXUiVo/s1600-h/IMG_3019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgle3F078o8enUI-12Xyp3tJVpREWAA9bsYiYX0rL8XmDvD1_fYmS0Vw1ZCINtysA-1XUxgpi1Qv4NajfK_gjcLO_Kp11n_2NKTjP4Bz2z-wlV4OJy73NBwwgUXZDBZ5yWhwaswVNXUiVo/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137950419219241922" /></a><br />My mom spoiled me rotten for my birthday (my dad too, but he was unaware!). I went to one of my favorite yarn stores, <a href="http://www.colorfulyarns.blogspot.com/">Colorful Yarns</a>, when we were visiting my parents in Colorado, and picked out the new <a href="http://www.catbordhi.com/NP1.html">Cat Bordhi</a> book plus 3 different types of sock yarn. Before I knew what was happening, my mom had paid for the entire thing, before I could even get my wallet out! She is a schemer!<br /><br />Here's a better photo of the yarns:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1VRLNt8GJA4zEG2XygcHL9XvyClwSDTY02cm4c3XwrOg8OzV-J1YnuETWxzRoWfNoZboY-wbwVbWmE48-dtGrULTektMpys36t8YcQOEuQPjeQQw9ePQ-ZyAgw8Z-yNScP8lrQB6fYs/s1600-h/IMG_3020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1VRLNt8GJA4zEG2XygcHL9XvyClwSDTY02cm4c3XwrOg8OzV-J1YnuETWxzRoWfNoZboY-wbwVbWmE48-dtGrULTektMpys36t8YcQOEuQPjeQQw9ePQ-ZyAgw8Z-yNScP8lrQB6fYs/s320/IMG_3020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137950784291462098" /></a><br /><br />The first one is <a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/pages/yarns.html">Dream in Color - Smooshy</a> in the Strange Harvest colorway. I had seen this yarn knitted up recently and thought it was beautiful. Plus it's an extremely generous 450 yards, so it will be great for a pattern with lots of cables or lace, or both! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZ9FgUNdNJrDVS_UXrKsyvhxFifoieZCfn30q9onJxJzpNDJlpJsGbHnYTjnu3nS5qNoA4sbN9Nz2reYa_tIuwKuGJB0Ye8_cPagaZ8N3StRu8onyq2hz7uN-fFifR7iBdWP-ey87lfk/s1600-h/IMG_3022.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZ9FgUNdNJrDVS_UXrKsyvhxFifoieZCfn30q9onJxJzpNDJlpJsGbHnYTjnu3nS5qNoA4sbN9Nz2reYa_tIuwKuGJB0Ye8_cPagaZ8N3StRu8onyq2hz7uN-fFifR7iBdWP-ey87lfk/s320/IMG_3022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137952420674001906" /></a><br />Here's a closer shot of all the lovely greeny-rusty tones:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Red Rocks Fiber Works created my next selection. The owner, Mary-Kay Tilden, is a local yarn dyer out of Morrison, Colorado. I really fell in love with the combination of fall colors in this selection. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WCVI7YTUPVYC2KrGKPX-EWbVBvfmZVVCVz9dCe3FPTVBrqhgYpB2jtG7cxKX4HpV-bbSChusff1nX6faKpoEhT_VzbXp4JU583e-Kyqh-sqRbCIv45kT_f_JLJ0w3t3Zvg2Tis16Umk/s1600-h/IMG_3023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WCVI7YTUPVYC2KrGKPX-EWbVBvfmZVVCVz9dCe3FPTVBrqhgYpB2jtG7cxKX4HpV-bbSChusff1nX6faKpoEhT_VzbXp4JU583e-Kyqh-sqRbCIv45kT_f_JLJ0w3t3Zvg2Tis16Umk/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137961397155650562" /></a><br /><br />The colorway is called Pueblo and each skein is 185 yards of hand-dyed 100% superwash merino. Mary-Kay doesn't have a <a href="http://www.redrocksfiberworks.com/">website</a> ready yet, but here is her <a href="http://mamascrapalota.typepad.com/me/2007/09/index.html">blog</a>. Her colors are amazing and the quality of the yarn is lovely.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPvYKIr13uasJmsvGExlpnBY-v1HYpS41sncAz-3jOqs70Wbpx5QNXee9tqpxEw7DQ6yD0hIToK_qmA2lFZn4Abhe7G6lSLyNjEIjRGX6sSZomtQ6oHtc95rvIFncghf_8gtEODhR6Ek/s1600-h/IMG_3021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPvYKIr13uasJmsvGExlpnBY-v1HYpS41sncAz-3jOqs70Wbpx5QNXee9tqpxEw7DQ6yD0hIToK_qmA2lFZn4Abhe7G6lSLyNjEIjRGX6sSZomtQ6oHtc95rvIFncghf_8gtEODhR6Ek/s320/IMG_3021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137951888098057186" /></a><br />The last one was rather unusual as it has different colors plied together, like a hand-spun. It is called multicolor ply sock yarn from <a href="http://www.riodelaplatayarns.com/sockmulticolor.htm#">Rio de la Plata</a>. The colorway I bought is called evergreen - yellow corn - poinsetta and is incredibly soft. It's 100% superwash merino. It will be interesting to see how it knits up.<br /><br />After I purchased these yarns it occurred to me that they all have fairly similar fall colorways (although the Rio de la Plata really has pinks too) but I guess that's where I am right now in choosing my latest sock yarns!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-27787125635207584132007-11-28T11:34:00.000-06:002007-11-28T11:48:48.417-06:00Moss GridI finished my first moss grid towel, from the <a href="http://www.masondixonknitting.com/">Mason Dixon Knitting book</a>. I knit it using the recommended <a href="http://www.louet.com/yarns/euroflax.shtml">Louet Euroflax sportweight linen yarn</a> in the Sandalwood colorway. It is a gift for my mom and dad and I had intended to finish it before Thanksgiving so I could surprise them with it upon our arrival. Needless to say, this did not happen, and I didn't finish it during our stay either! It is finished, though, and I am pleased with how it came out.<br /><br />It was rather wonky and baggy looking before I washed it:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUrAYc-5co9CyCPo6kPEDAT13tgXhHLQONqP_dI28ZtkWqju0VHC6qtXFAFEelIKVS3wyGjgZBx3w5JC9ma-xVR4NoDZDVgj7T67yYHTq6lbmdT2PM2dJJupGJ6H8XqOd2jUUefaHNeQ/s1600-h/IMG_3010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUrAYc-5co9CyCPo6kPEDAT13tgXhHLQONqP_dI28ZtkWqju0VHC6qtXFAFEelIKVS3wyGjgZBx3w5JC9ma-xVR4NoDZDVgj7T67yYHTq6lbmdT2PM2dJJupGJ6H8XqOd2jUUefaHNeQ/s320/IMG_3010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137946631058086802" /></a><br /><br />Once it wash washed, though, it really relaxed and looked much nicer. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuuus3FP8w7N3nSCyNTONOFDaERV-JmJkkMHpojP9bVuVqrfjfZs8sbnhmU1zmJzbSX8jFAboBUzqxofkHVxKcIFdGo5Jdy7Xok4RMQbhbOHLfW5iTXnyryZh6SqnOfL3PA866c3jaTU/s1600-h/IMG_3016.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuuus3FP8w7N3nSCyNTONOFDaERV-JmJkkMHpojP9bVuVqrfjfZs8sbnhmU1zmJzbSX8jFAboBUzqxofkHVxKcIFdGo5Jdy7Xok4RMQbhbOHLfW5iTXnyryZh6SqnOfL3PA866c3jaTU/s320/IMG_3016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137947417037101986" /></a><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVvGCdjsD3BkvpAdFABVY0ozzel1khgWfKbqrp1KH1gtVmTQL0d4aqIQAQ8H1D2yjw4mJQkiehAHgasxut-TOf2VrVaNxLp59m7rogfq9khXkzu8YwOBA26mGTJYng1DbdZN3sQkceOY/s1600-h/IMG_3017.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVvGCdjsD3BkvpAdFABVY0ozzel1khgWfKbqrp1KH1gtVmTQL0d4aqIQAQ8H1D2yjw4mJQkiehAHgasxut-TOf2VrVaNxLp59m7rogfq9khXkzu8YwOBA26mGTJYng1DbdZN3sQkceOY/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137948860146113458" /></a><br /><br />I knit it on a size 4 (pattern calls for a 5) needle as I got gauge that way, but next time I think I would use a size 3 as I am a rather loose knitter and would've preferred the stitches to be a little tighter together. Now I only have about 8 more to make for other gifts!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-12842939131062561902007-11-18T12:29:00.000-06:002007-11-18T16:00:04.538-06:00Stuck in the slump... and out again!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1jjh-A0TsvOvYeOo0XirP8xpcjNGw_Ja9vzM0pOpX_V5ROrOdEDeAtZMocULXQN-Z5_eibmxqIddojohnVRkI2Ktkt_7AUG0vYcok_D4ogRKkUPFGAs-7G6MbVyHnkN6HEh5rMOXfno/s1600-h/IMG_2996.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1jjh-A0TsvOvYeOo0XirP8xpcjNGw_Ja9vzM0pOpX_V5ROrOdEDeAtZMocULXQN-Z5_eibmxqIddojohnVRkI2Ktkt_7AUG0vYcok_D4ogRKkUPFGAs-7G6MbVyHnkN6HEh5rMOXfno/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134302179508738946" /></a><br />These Grasshopper socks took me forEVER to finish! I am very happy with them but I feel like I have been in a slump with my knitting. We've had several things not go well at home lately, which didn't help, but now I feel like I'm off and running again! I have been finding so many things on ravelry that I want to knit, so that has been very motivating. Plus, now that it is getting colder here I feel the urge to start something more substantial than socks, such as a sweater. <br /><br />I have one in mind in particular, that I saw at my lys. It is an adaptation of the Shrug This from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Skein-Wonders-Judith-Durant/dp/1580176453">One Skein Wonders</a> knitting book edited by Judith Durant. It is hard to believe that you end up with the same sweater, because Cathy, the owner, took the pattern and made both the sleeves and the body longer, so it is more like an open cropped sweater with a one-button closure at the top. She knitted it out of <a href="http://www.mistialpaca.com/catalog.php?collection=2&page=0">Misti Alpaca Chunky</a>, in the cream color. I think it will be a very fast knit, because the yarn is like a super chunky weight, and the pattern is quite small. Just what I need at this point, instant satisfaction!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-12016712450437549682007-11-14T17:11:00.000-06:002007-11-14T17:15:04.569-06:00Roses in November<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-M9cJc1YeP7cO6vCUPZJB5rflNDJpHQCbz-hz0AWczgkjWPrBT2UNpVpIRvEYa8XnYzdX5vg6Dgz1z9IurluLqZ8-6xbKRihchgv6wS2DKeyao8ydDqC2RQhDMS3yDudnLWNEJ3k4uQ/s1600-h/IMG_2997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-M9cJc1YeP7cO6vCUPZJB5rflNDJpHQCbz-hz0AWczgkjWPrBT2UNpVpIRvEYa8XnYzdX5vg6Dgz1z9IurluLqZ8-6xbKRihchgv6wS2DKeyao8ydDqC2RQhDMS3yDudnLWNEJ3k4uQ/s400/IMG_2997.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132838039914808882" /></a><br />This is an example of the amazing fall we are having here in the Midwest. I cannot ever remember roses blooming into the middle of November. What a lovely memory to keep with us during the dreary, cold winter days to come!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-39987504475039171482007-11-01T09:39:00.000-06:002007-11-01T08:40:03.769-06:00Renegade Craft FairIn September (yes, I know that was a long time ago but hey, I've been busy!) my friend Heidi asked me to go to the <a href="http://www.renegadecraft.com/">Renegade Craft Fair</a> in Wicker Park, a neighborhood of Chicago. It was so amazing. We planned to stay for a few hours before heading to our Stitch 'n Bitch and ended up missing SnB altogether! There were over 300 vendors with awesome items they had crafted. Even their business cards were aesthetically beautiful! <br /><br />Here are some shots of the things I found there:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW-hHCwnMaKzzYkIXJX-Zbdn4ddFQA61dP2oUEzQl048tyJ5UU8jvWsgpftzi4cyeBVd_XId93VzTHJu8bddf34muadLiFwzxRUX4cH3ECTVfW3wpuFvpSbMbewj9LoCgkan8C42I0og/s1600-h/IMG_2954.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW-hHCwnMaKzzYkIXJX-Zbdn4ddFQA61dP2oUEzQl048tyJ5UU8jvWsgpftzi4cyeBVd_XId93VzTHJu8bddf34muadLiFwzxRUX4cH3ECTVfW3wpuFvpSbMbewj9LoCgkan8C42I0og/s320/IMG_2954.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127302394683945314" /></a><br /><br />I was especially happy to find the cute little bag from <a href="http://www.rosybird.com/">Rosybird.com</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAYLmsx2p_EqLE3PhGO2Cb6ViCSt21eLQlv0Ljt_UqhIzLYWRTjcfuv9J7n59PXfCmUT1ToiY522zs85P2UjxXJHKWib9RXISdcZU6wNwAh5w7ghsP70a7q7KuIVS0sINzQL-Qbj4BHw/s1600-h/IMG_2955.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAYLmsx2p_EqLE3PhGO2Cb6ViCSt21eLQlv0Ljt_UqhIzLYWRTjcfuv9J7n59PXfCmUT1ToiY522zs85P2UjxXJHKWib9RXISdcZU6wNwAh5w7ghsP70a7q7KuIVS0sINzQL-Qbj4BHw/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127303665994264946" /></a><br /><br />I had seen this bag on her etsy site and hoped to find something like it. Lo and behold, there it was in her booth, waiting for me to pluck it up! It has a fuzzy fleece liner too. I haven't decided what I'm going to use it for yet. It's too nice for make-up. Perhaps I'll use it for all of my dpns!<br /><br />The other major purchase was, of course, yarn! I bought a lovely skein of sock yarn from <a href="http://www.travelingrhinos.com/">traveling rhinos</a> in a colorway called Go Dutch. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftF41euN1zcIXx00UjKkzeEabn3BFH9d_XuQlTl7cdDA2Jywovy5threrKTRLUAZpc8RACEJDhCq2NFzX5MHXHQ21R1rOocjq5zeT7UjnGcSqUX_HGXT6Byxs4nn5p5GkabUy7s6FJNQ/s1600-h/IMG_2980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftF41euN1zcIXx00UjKkzeEabn3BFH9d_XuQlTl7cdDA2Jywovy5threrKTRLUAZpc8RACEJDhCq2NFzX5MHXHQ21R1rOocjq5zeT7UjnGcSqUX_HGXT6Byxs4nn5p5GkabUy7s6FJNQ/s320/IMG_2980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127311873676767618" /></a><br /><br />It looks even better after I wound it up on my ball winder. I can't wait to knit up a yummy pair of socks with it.<br /><br />The other 2 skeins of yarn were from <a href="http://www.aishaceliadesigns.com/">Aisha Celia Designs</a> of St. Paul, MN. Her colors were so tempting. I chose a very colorful skein of sock yarn in blues, purples, greens and yellowy pinky overtones. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEjxZfAHZ_ydMb44yd3ik9rUTn9_3lzOGDiy4-4bMvNahCtyCGFpg7Hp4BDsIgzP2QKG77h1yegqHMG_R5WoWbpPSoUgImLWy7MmCD7IeCCBkr9c6uaxmprlmcnh2glaPoAA7dhnYrLg/s1600-h/IMG_2959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEjxZfAHZ_ydMb44yd3ik9rUTn9_3lzOGDiy4-4bMvNahCtyCGFpg7Hp4BDsIgzP2QKG77h1yegqHMG_R5WoWbpPSoUgImLWy7MmCD7IeCCBkr9c6uaxmprlmcnh2glaPoAA7dhnYrLg/s320/IMG_2959.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127696479408189874" /></a><br /><br />I really splurged on the handspun skein in particular. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9EkHEtwIuYQKCr57AT-7HTzfh9VZaVwOnYpXILSlARM1ZqhOkd2lmsPi2PIHE_RHeqgw2LjyM3ex7TD4XrH76z7_LQzW-qaP3rxa49QUHH2mke1GdBtmysfa_cf4U4IhQDCJURMZACo/s1600-h/IMG_2961.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9EkHEtwIuYQKCr57AT-7HTzfh9VZaVwOnYpXILSlARM1ZqhOkd2lmsPi2PIHE_RHeqgw2LjyM3ex7TD4XrH76z7_LQzW-qaP3rxa49QUHH2mke1GdBtmysfa_cf4U4IhQDCJURMZACo/s320/IMG_2961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127313398390157714" /></a><br /><br />I want to make a winter hat with it and will have to think carefully which pattern to choose so I don't mask the beauty of the yarn with an overly complicated stitch pattern. I'm thinking of the <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTfoliage.html">Foliage</a> hat but don't know if it might be too busy?Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-30509455040376321192007-10-31T09:31:00.000-06:002007-10-31T20:12:03.676-06:00Happy Halloween!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7-2CtVOJylUSpWu5CPr3QOTPCnJ1Zx_x8kvcy4aAl27A3fY3vtVsnk4oxdeqP8tsE04RALhKTgz_x1fUTABOmAENmxq1UOwPFYBaOk7OUPBLL37IJh0CjOYc4AIT2K3uawkI3gNtX94/s1600-h/IMG_2943.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7-2CtVOJylUSpWu5CPr3QOTPCnJ1Zx_x8kvcy4aAl27A3fY3vtVsnk4oxdeqP8tsE04RALhKTgz_x1fUTABOmAENmxq1UOwPFYBaOk7OUPBLL37IJh0CjOYc4AIT2K3uawkI3gNtX94/s400/IMG_2943.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127524049356157346" /></a><br /><br />Our little bumblebee, Fiona, is not very excited but the rest of us are! Happy Halloween!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-60085424075889347372007-10-30T18:57:00.000-06:002007-10-30T19:05:47.711-06:00Grasshopper #1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK1NOPLOO7ZWIkCxivY_3hsty-nMhRe-9I8DC_DwBgsItOulKVDDdbY47Lwga4ZWQpXgdwgevTIIkap2VG2jhlJPUxC4rLgXDG59tm60ySG3vx5nWcQZkPKNFGfzbh0McVxsuv016ekA/s1600-h/IMG_2973.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK1NOPLOO7ZWIkCxivY_3hsty-nMhRe-9I8DC_DwBgsItOulKVDDdbY47Lwga4ZWQpXgdwgevTIIkap2VG2jhlJPUxC4rLgXDG59tm60ySG3vx5nWcQZkPKNFGfzbh0McVxsuv016ekA/s320/IMG_2973.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127299164868538690" /></a><br /><br />Here are a few photos of the first Knee High to a Grasshopper sock. They are soooo comfy to wear. I'm nearly 1/2 way to the heel on sock number 2. I can't wait to finish these socks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavaBvRiqiJyoki0OwayZnPoOhUaC_rSJe2okr0bnzpayCocUNhDiRLg6-EmQmUeTzv4D-48i2_6G29bxbX8_8qyhcdIEY4hk5s-sphhQLj-yk6Z8xFOytVZs0XTtSDCH_94b70xNVEbY/s1600-h/IMG_2977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavaBvRiqiJyoki0OwayZnPoOhUaC_rSJe2okr0bnzpayCocUNhDiRLg6-EmQmUeTzv4D-48i2_6G29bxbX8_8qyhcdIEY4hk5s-sphhQLj-yk6Z8xFOytVZs0XTtSDCH_94b70xNVEbY/s320/IMG_2977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127299761868992850" /></a>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-73636164508517403852007-10-26T21:27:00.000-06:002007-10-26T21:46:50.520-06:00distracted...O.k., I know I don't have a big excuse for not blogging as regularly lately, but the real reason is ... <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/account/login">ravelry</a>! I feel like a little kid who can't stop playing with a new toy - it is amazing! I am a far cry from getting all my stash, projects, etc., entered in but I am so enjoying sharing ideas with others who share similar interests in patterns or other outside interests. And I just keep gathering projects to the point where my head is about to explode from trying to figure out what I should make next! <br /><br />All that inspiration being said, my knitting progress has been slow. I finally finished my first Knee High to a Grasshopper sock (April sock from Rockin' Sock Club) and I just love the way it fits. I'm so glad I decided to knit the size small with larger needles. I think the next larger size just would've been way too baggy around the ankles and up the calf. Plus, with the smaller needles the fabric was knitting up like cardboard and I really wanted something slightly spongier and prettier. <br /><br />I decided to go with the addi turbo size 1's. I bought one lace needle this time for the top of the sock and it is working like a charm. They only had a size 32" length at the store, and I was too impatient to order a 24" over the internet, but I still went with it and am so glad I did. It is making the lace knitting go much faster than before. <br /><br />I plunged into the 2nd sock right away and have started it over 3 times. It just didn't look like the 1st one and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well, while knitting at my daughter's swim meet tonight I realized that it is because I messed up the initial increases on the first sock! I must've increased every row instead of every other row, so now I have to frog back to the beginning and do it "wrong" again so I will match my first sock! I like it better the way I did it anyway. Somehow It looks less pointy and seems shaped more like my foot. I just don't look forward to starting it over for a 4th time! Urgh!<br /><br />Well, that's it for now. Sorry no pics but I will post some of the first finished sock soon.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-13840538790059386122007-10-14T11:26:00.000-06:002007-10-14T12:06:32.621-06:00Knee High to a Grasshopper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2vkrw98hzl2aZr-CC20uFVAUe6_j-CSqJ1EUvZGhuToHqyOGHRJid9TgpVMccKj-64vea57shv72lYEdTTbq9l0gIDFxZhI9stnGi55ZCDVFlHRBgX-1sr4S0srbgvsgq_mPhaKnMk8/s1600-h/IMG_2893.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2vkrw98hzl2aZr-CC20uFVAUe6_j-CSqJ1EUvZGhuToHqyOGHRJid9TgpVMccKj-64vea57shv72lYEdTTbq9l0gIDFxZhI9stnGi55ZCDVFlHRBgX-1sr4S0srbgvsgq_mPhaKnMk8/s320/IMG_2893.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121250246599755154" /></a><br />I started the Knee High to a Grasshopper sock - the April 2007 mailing of the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> - Rockin' Sock Club. I opted to make the size small sock. The pattern offers 2 options - a knee-high sock (which requires purchasing an extra skein of yarn) or a shorter sock. I chose the shorter sock, primarily because I didn't want to have to buy more yarn, but also because many others who have knit the knee highs say that they don't stay up, etc. <br /><br />I swatched and ended up getting gauge using size 0's. So I went out and bought addi turbo circulars and got to work. The toe box immediately looked tremendously small but I kept going. I could get it on my toe but admittedly it was a little tight. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8VAso_-pUcmQoUgHIoqyjOwshIOYdw6uKgApzpfxmOzKHJlTHvb5M0zQk4CPjWmzgJRXGng9zhGnit1NvQ3edM5sg_qsqN2xFdFxnZ15FN_tWjBKV40QxwI7tnAuKBEbSWcE4g_VGw8/s1600-h/IMG_2899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8VAso_-pUcmQoUgHIoqyjOwshIOYdw6uKgApzpfxmOzKHJlTHvb5M0zQk4CPjWmzgJRXGng9zhGnit1NvQ3edM5sg_qsqN2xFdFxnZ15FN_tWjBKV40QxwI7tnAuKBEbSWcE4g_VGw8/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121252978198955426" /></a><br /><br />I followed the directions and started increasing for the gusset when I was about 3" from where I wanted the end of the sock to be. It was still a bit snug, but many people said that they liked it that way so I kept going. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFhck6emzAoPxF7ZyD6kxE2ZLgvV3mSL_HnXh800vIAZkFC8QGcecyv6bKM8VwHIM-O7cGJ7b7gywFHP5Pyx43EOxBOb4-HZ_xhzUhHi54fASwoKotzoxS2gY07SieaX3C32rP9ujYrU/s1600-h/IMG_2897.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFhck6emzAoPxF7ZyD6kxE2ZLgvV3mSL_HnXh800vIAZkFC8QGcecyv6bKM8VwHIM-O7cGJ7b7gywFHP5Pyx43EOxBOb4-HZ_xhzUhHi54fASwoKotzoxS2gY07SieaX3C32rP9ujYrU/s320/IMG_2897.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121254468552607154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L_9SbdQla3-3g3PWxIL-ae8Z3rdMWmJrvW5qUr61aUpb4pGtRx74ksnBj1fVdFFXoyF3WAGZGG5fdL29XypO02N9wguIE4WfboaY0IDY6O0Zqh-3O1tnG3s44HmaCz083w5bAOdsats/s1600-h/IMG_2898.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2L_9SbdQla3-3g3PWxIL-ae8Z3rdMWmJrvW5qUr61aUpb4pGtRx74ksnBj1fVdFFXoyF3WAGZGG5fdL29XypO02N9wguIE4WfboaY0IDY6O0Zqh-3O1tnG3s44HmaCz083w5bAOdsats/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121254472847574466" /></a><br /><br />Well, by the time I finished the heel, I was pretty disappointed with the fit, so I decided to frog the entire thing and start over. A week of knitting down the drain! But at least that's better than being unhappy with a pair of lovely socks that don't fit. I wish they'd listed in the pattern instructions the suggested dimensions of the sizes but I think I'm going to knit the same size small over again using the next larger size needles.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-19774768328592939322007-10-05T16:15:00.000-06:002007-10-05T15:14:46.219-06:00Ta, Da!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSDu1vjGx0sjZmScTsBn7-tHxjKLGvnfAb6agVu6JMEhi8K3-VrOQ9ce6gsKRuRu5M7j3kW2_8Jv_98KAOVSbDZbopC-Z7F8nnilSEcufagwA4hCH8yIn4yjlxWefm3jpiI40xhZEkow/s1600-h/IMG_2892.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSDu1vjGx0sjZmScTsBn7-tHxjKLGvnfAb6agVu6JMEhi8K3-VrOQ9ce6gsKRuRu5M7j3kW2_8Jv_98KAOVSbDZbopC-Z7F8nnilSEcufagwA4hCH8yIn4yjlxWefm3jpiI40xhZEkow/s320/IMG_2892.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117962934465971570" /></a><br />I finished the <a href="http://sundarayarn.typepad.com/sundara_yarn/2006/05/the_petals_coll.html">Petals Collection</a> Bird of Paradise Socks! I only made one noticeable mistake (that I have found, anyway!). I was knitting at a very exciting part of my daughter's swim meet and dropped a few gusset stitches off my needle when I wasn't paying attention! When I picked them back up I somehow overlapped one over the other but didn't notice until I had knitted several more rows and thus decreased several more stitches, so I would've had to frog back quite far to fix it. Usually, I go back and fix such a mistake, but in a way I kind of liked having a reminder in the sock of that moment in time! So, I left it in! Otherwise, knitting them was fairly uneventful and now they are done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-daylPYCJXEmckLNl-EXFHydu3IRET_nIEV2bAsvUVJgOgsQLi9y6XU5OPE2GZumivnbsaFApJKdWzD2KA-p-KcUPHcC19SOOt6z3u49w0ColvisL2TnkIAl2NvUFqFfVX_UvNuMXOuo/s1600-h/IMG_2896.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-daylPYCJXEmckLNl-EXFHydu3IRET_nIEV2bAsvUVJgOgsQLi9y6XU5OPE2GZumivnbsaFApJKdWzD2KA-p-KcUPHcC19SOOt6z3u49w0ColvisL2TnkIAl2NvUFqFfVX_UvNuMXOuo/s320/IMG_2896.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117963372552635778" /></a><br /><br />Once again, like my first pair of <a href="http://sundarayarn.typepad.com/sundara_yarn/">Sundara's</a> socks (which I will try to post about sometime soon) they turned out a little tight in the instep eventhough I picked up one extra stitch on each side of the heel flap. So, next time I knit one of Sundara's patterns I think I will pick up a few more stitches along the side of the heel to allow more ease (I think she likes a nice tight sock). But they are rather comfy and I think I will get a lot of use out of them.<br /><br />Now I am off to start the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts'</a> Rockin' Sock Club Knee High to a Grasshopper sock!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-28380619166855433592007-09-27T11:09:00.001-06:002007-09-27T11:09:43.323-06:00What I did for my summer vacation<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/PD49OBGAcZg' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/PD49OBGAcZg'/></object></p><p>I meant to post this earlier. We had such fun making these videos. Does my hair look like Sting's or what?!?</p></div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-26022493392842620982007-09-23T12:09:00.000-06:002007-09-23T11:08:42.824-06:00Dyeing with goldenrod and overdyeing with kool-aid<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9hrY1vcHFIJq8v0ZN5z7wJPxZYVQAdIcCcOtMk4rjyOVNxC_ObW_KDJdPiR24clG2Mr6qRVd5oHiFtk0fK2nUnuScgGvZozzbDQoyoWKi2TLrgUtymxQ5enI5fpBECkWvjIp3oaF5aM/s1600-h/IMG_2703.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9hrY1vcHFIJq8v0ZN5z7wJPxZYVQAdIcCcOtMk4rjyOVNxC_ObW_KDJdPiR24clG2Mr6qRVd5oHiFtk0fK2nUnuScgGvZozzbDQoyoWKi2TLrgUtymxQ5enI5fpBECkWvjIp3oaF5aM/s400/IMG_2703.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113440664615765330" /></a><br />As we drove home from our summer vacation in northern Michigan several weeks ago, I stared forlornly at all of the blooming goldenrod in the fields we passed. I was just aching to pick some and take it home and try dyeing with it. But our car was already so full of junk and so I hoped that I'd just find some when we got home. <br /><br />So, when we drove down our alley at home I discovered that it grows almost everywhere! I tried it out on some superwash yarn I bought at my lys (I was too impatient to wait for undyed sock yarn to come in the mail so I just bought 2 skeins of <a href="http://www2.dale.no/dalegarn/index.php?mapping=160®ion=us">Dale of Norway Baby Ull</a> in the off white shade). I think it will make fine sock yarn.<br /><br />I first mordanted the yarn using an alum mordant. I then made the dyebath by soaking the blossoms in a pot of water overnight and then steeping them for about an hour or so. I put the blossoms in bags made from panty hose so I didn't have to filter out the dye bath very much. The dyeing directions I followed said that for the lighter, less "dirty" shades of yellow to steam the yarn in the dye bath for only about 10 minutes or so. Even still, the color was awfully bright (sorry, no pics this time). It seemed like a repeat of the mullein dyeing but at least this time I was equipped with some packets of kool-aid from the pantry (and some food coloring too).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxLky60KbdOn2siy7QQF0MjzifxTTFaVW8K1DhTnz9hyphenhyphen8dHHJE0n54n5ccZNAaD_u8dVsqK4p4sqnxq4tVZlJZO8X962mWl5y4mdzXL7P4FCv8lcrM7iAC76U13k2rG9-D7cMDcS3T94/s1600-h/IMG_2639.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxLky60KbdOn2siy7QQF0MjzifxTTFaVW8K1DhTnz9hyphenhyphen8dHHJE0n54n5ccZNAaD_u8dVsqK4p4sqnxq4tVZlJZO8X962mWl5y4mdzXL7P4FCv8lcrM7iAC76U13k2rG9-D7cMDcS3T94/s320/IMG_2639.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113442352537912674" /></a><br /><br />I was very happy with the results this time. I overdyed the goldenrod dyed yarn with 3 shades of kool-aid/wylers/food coloring. I overdyed with blue food coloring to get the deep aqua color. For the orange I overdyed using a cherry lemonade flavor (or maybe it was watermelon strawberry - I just can't remember!). And I got the lime green colorway just from using lemon-lime kool-aid. The skein on the right was how it looked after dyeing and I rewound the skein on the left to see what the colors would look like mingled together. I need to think of a fun sock pattern to knit to bring out the colors. <br /><br />My other thoughts are that it might look lovely to dye with goldenrod and then overdye with indigo. So, I made another batch of dye and stuck it in the freezer. It will be a good project for when the endless winter starts to get to me.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-37003151728305059882007-09-19T12:15:00.000-06:002007-09-19T14:17:26.290-06:00Bird of Paradise Socks Started<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU1Q3lnCH3xb6T1rqWGMt_ChIDbkOv53tCNJTefQpQKTlZwdpqB-cx-N5uSb_wbKFGUnUrVgSFvb5FjaY3YHogAi11o6Kg92uh__5rcycYzCEFxql6oRPE5VR-GXGL0rxt9B_fbUNNfg/s1600-h/IMG_2644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU1Q3lnCH3xb6T1rqWGMt_ChIDbkOv53tCNJTefQpQKTlZwdpqB-cx-N5uSb_wbKFGUnUrVgSFvb5FjaY3YHogAi11o6Kg92uh__5rcycYzCEFxql6oRPE5VR-GXGL0rxt9B_fbUNNfg/s400/IMG_2644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112011964541581250" /></a><br />I am so utterly behind in my sock club socks! This is the beginning of the Bird of Paradise Socks from Sundara's <a href="http://sundarayarn.typepad.com/sundara_yarn/2006/05/the_petals_coll.html">Petals Collection</a>. This is the FEBRUARY 2007 mailing! How will I ever catch up? Anyway, the colors are pretty and the pattern is very basic - which is nice because I don't have to think too much! I hope to have it done soon, so I can move on to the <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/index.php">Socks That Rock</a> April 2007 mailing! Eek!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-3000405661632350142007-09-12T13:53:00.001-06:002007-09-12T14:44:50.594-06:00New Sock Stash Goodies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2tURSSKSwcHu91o0muPYZlUZ8u933dMaFEKHrX_lNKwUUUQB2LjkX5X1RNZu-0nH7s0t1frsV2cc4ZjBG0ZqSbrB7RTOYRp1naY214xlO3Eg6505c8lDn1d3-ToXFrKVCIC5uoHNDFc/s1600-h/IMG_2555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2tURSSKSwcHu91o0muPYZlUZ8u933dMaFEKHrX_lNKwUUUQB2LjkX5X1RNZu-0nH7s0t1frsV2cc4ZjBG0ZqSbrB7RTOYRp1naY214xlO3Eg6505c8lDn1d3-ToXFrKVCIC5uoHNDFc/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109408483515637090" /></a><br /><br />This summer I heard about a new yarn shop, Thistledown Shoppe, that opened in Suttons Bay, Michigan. We were in Suttons Bay for an art show (wonderful show - always takes place the first weekend in August) and I made sure to stop in. The woman who owns it (so sorry - can't remember her name!) was extremely nice. She made it really inviting to want to be there. <br /><br />I tried to control myself and managed to escape without major damage. I really wanted to find some sock yarn to make my husband some socks but everything I showed him was "too colorful." So, I had to just buy for myself - darn! I bought 2 skeins of <a href="http://www.shibuiknits.com/Yarn/Colorways.php?Yarn=9">Shi Bui</a> 100% superwash merino sock yarn in the Pebble colorway (each skein is 50 g - 191 yards). I just love the mixture of all the natural tones with pale blue. I also bought a honkin' big 100 g - skein of Opal ZwergerGarn sock yarn (75% Schurwolle, 25% Polyamid). I have no idea exactly what it is, as the label is in German, but the color number is 211. It is a lovely mixture of pastels and grey. I tried to figure out just what it is called but couldn't really find it anywhere on the internet. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing how it knits up. If anyone knows what this yarn is called, please let me know!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-36114622530650332007-09-06T14:03:00.000-06:002007-09-06T13:13:17.406-06:00Le bikini est fini!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8L_WFSBGK0vjOVZvBKvqr2Y3HPZc-x1fvkE_DN7-VsIRUNaT5qnVzBN4sjTxAGlIUqz3mvPj4CAIbfDDft1ABv3E1vHj57GBP1IUbUdI0MMEDwZ98hYhVZ5LNaLVO6r5DcBCYXDUZt4/s1600-h/IMG_2709.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8L_WFSBGK0vjOVZvBKvqr2Y3HPZc-x1fvkE_DN7-VsIRUNaT5qnVzBN4sjTxAGlIUqz3mvPj4CAIbfDDft1ABv3E1vHj57GBP1IUbUdI0MMEDwZ98hYhVZ5LNaLVO6r5DcBCYXDUZt4/s320/IMG_2709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107168768362837026" /></a><br />Well, I finally finished the <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_dkng/episode/0,3145,HGTV_28316_47505,00.html">bikini</a>. Needless to say, it was challenging since I had to just do my own thing. Luckily I have this watergirl bikini that fits pretty well and I just used it as a model to follow. The bottom started out pretty well but I got to the end of the pattern and the bikini wasn't nearly big enough, so I just kept knitting until I had the height and width I needed. Fortunately the relationship between height and width was o.k. as I kept knitting, so I ended up knitting and increasing until I had 106 stitches for the size 6 bottom instead of the 82 stitches required by the pattern. It's a little late to wear it this year since the beach-going days are about over, but at least it's done!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bikini details<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>:<br /><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_dkng/episode/0,3145,HGTV_28316_47505,00.html">Pattern</a> from Knitty Gritty<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.cascadeyarns.com/cascade-fixation.asp">Cascade Fixation</a> in Magenta (6185), Chartreuse (5806) & Turquoise (2706). Pattern calls for 1 skein of each but I needed 2 for the Magenta<br />Sizes Made: Top - B cup; Bottom - size 6Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-23054916004804469872007-08-30T07:32:00.001-06:002007-08-30T10:10:35.818-06:00Last-minute birthday gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzo_yxRjkCN-zBl7fxXfwA-eavibClyLQhD1xm6hjq3mCDRcWtHNQG7LLTFV4CG8CT9k4-U_GzwmuuakRDwYltqIt3e75wFZa_od06C5IuDkj0icNKOoHRoAgw9FQ8624Pct5vXI-1r8/s1600-h/IMG_2930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzo_yxRjkCN-zBl7fxXfwA-eavibClyLQhD1xm6hjq3mCDRcWtHNQG7LLTFV4CG8CT9k4-U_GzwmuuakRDwYltqIt3e75wFZa_od06C5IuDkj0icNKOoHRoAgw9FQ8624Pct5vXI-1r8/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104514525818549250" /></a><br /><br />Last weekend we were invited to a friend's surprise birthday party and at the last minute I decided to make her a little something to include in the gift. This pattern for a <a href="http://pensandneedles.blogspot.com/2005/12/moms-bath-mitt-pattern.html">bath mitt</a> was up on my pattern-a-day calendar and so I decided to make one for her! I just went to our local hobby shop and bought 2 skeins of <a href="http://www.sugarncream.com/product.php?LGC=sugarncream&P=4">Lily Sugar 'n Cream</a> as the pattern directed. I chose the Painted Desert colorway. Because I knit sooo loose, I had to go down from a size 5 to a size 2! As I got into the thick of it, I remembered how much I hate knitting with cotton. I'm guessing it's because I have such a tension problem and so I feel like I constantly have to pull the yarn tight. It gives me sore hands and wrists after awhile. The pattern calls for size 5 needles but I didn't feel like gauge-swatching for a bath mitt, so I dropped a size and started out with a 4. After several rows it just looked so wide, so I dropped to a 3. It was still way too wide, so I then dropped to a size 2. I thought maybe I'd get away with it this way but it looked weird so I decided to rip out the entire thing and start over using the size 2 needles. I ended up finishing the mitt about an hour before the party! It turned out pretty cute and I really liked the colors. I bundled it up with a soft hand towel and a few bars of nice soap. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Lo2HOLMkFw9WmlQjh3_bunRheo1x8LuDJUsqoJrY5ORN7F5jMkd3teBP7-L6mT1oCoKLHZKw9u093iQu9pMF7qCx7n_P-zhJ891QJ5mA8euxyRDz65cnvVu7of1U4rGPZRPZCqBWb1s/s1600-h/IMG_2936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Lo2HOLMkFw9WmlQjh3_bunRheo1x8LuDJUsqoJrY5ORN7F5jMkd3teBP7-L6mT1oCoKLHZKw9u093iQu9pMF7qCx7n_P-zhJ891QJ5mA8euxyRDz65cnvVu7of1U4rGPZRPZCqBWb1s/s320/IMG_2936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104514624602797074" /></a><br /><br />I only ended up needing one skein of the yarn, so I'll save it to make a dishcloth or something. I have had my eye on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-images/0307236056/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_0/102-2202060-2111350?ie=UTF8&s=books&index=0#gallery"> ballband dishcloth</a> highlighted in the Mason Dixon knitting book. It's actually a <a href="http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/Ballband%20Dishcloth.htm"> free pattern</a> from the <a href="http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/">Peaches & Creme</a> yarn website. It would be good to make a few and squirrel them away for hostess gifts or something. I'll have to wait until I'm ready to knit with cotton again!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-119729042671053232007-08-28T13:06:00.000-06:002007-08-28T14:27:04.716-06:00Dyeing with Mullein ... and food coloring... and Crystal Light!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R2o5fC6ma8TKwdOoLHoAe27TF9QribjVNkehWrhU8GDxI1H5bixtH9zrhfU04bfCSHDPMigvZQne1YRMa72V7TIUfCIPgZXuqrGG0cXPmz8FEThq2TxOVNyfcwVpyNIt_LvigcDUET4/s1600-h/IMG_2477.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R2o5fC6ma8TKwdOoLHoAe27TF9QribjVNkehWrhU8GDxI1H5bixtH9zrhfU04bfCSHDPMigvZQne1YRMa72V7TIUfCIPgZXuqrGG0cXPmz8FEThq2TxOVNyfcwVpyNIt_LvigcDUET4/s320/IMG_2477.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103831308190905234" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to try some more natural dyeing and saw all this mullein plant growing everywhere. I did some research and found out that it dyes a shade of yellowish gold so I thought I'd give it a try.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jFf8c1nRn0W3HdmMepKlzk9PAtbL5zk4SskRXK-1dDKLfgQsZRX4cw4t3gvWsW8R1JQ6Kz-xud6wwqigw-8sHHbS6BcHKT_apQJG54Ii7OletsBNvAxI458Xg2ZKJ5khakgZu1IjHFE/s1600-h/IMG_2490.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jFf8c1nRn0W3HdmMepKlzk9PAtbL5zk4SskRXK-1dDKLfgQsZRX4cw4t3gvWsW8R1JQ6Kz-xud6wwqigw-8sHHbS6BcHKT_apQJG54Ii7OletsBNvAxI458Xg2ZKJ5khakgZu1IjHFE/s320/IMG_2490.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103833270990959522" /></a><br /><br />Well, as you can see from the photo, it came out rather blah and unappealing. I dyed with 2 different types of natural colored yarn, a Henry's Attic Kona superwash DK weight from my lys and a soft worsted weight merino from <a href="http://www.stonehedgefibermill.com/yarn.html">Stonehedge Fiber Mill</a>. The superwash was a little more interesting looking because it took more of the dye but I was pretty disappointed with both of them. So, I decided to see what an ammonia dip would do to the yarn. It made it brighter looking but I was still not thrilled with the color. Plus, the yarn from Stonehedge got a little matted up in the dye pot, between mordanting and dyeing. So, I decided to just let the yarn dry and think about what to do with it.<br /><br />We were still up in northern Michigan, so my options for other dyes were somewhat limited. I decided to try overdyeing it with food coloring. I bought some basic McCormick food coloring at the local grocery store and started mixing. After a lot of experimenting, I came up with a color I liked. I think I used the following proportions in a solution of 8 C water and 3/4 C vinegar: 1 1/4 t yellow, 1/4 t green, 1/2 t blue and 7 drops red. I added the red last so it wasn't mixed in perfectly. I did this intentionally so that the color would be a little mottled. I used this concoction to overdye the superwash yarn and I was very pleased with how it turned out:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7WEak6rN2oLeafY9LGJ5v0MkX_GzM-CwoDRsczc3_5Xr_ZOmHVg96hLldL-YP4yqSmPoagODx5y7h3VL8XyvoCq-sfdnZeQRolTKSTk7R_-BqD1iFTNcerZRWlySdpDhurKYBcAbwRE/s1600-h/IMG_2558.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7WEak6rN2oLeafY9LGJ5v0MkX_GzM-CwoDRsczc3_5Xr_ZOmHVg96hLldL-YP4yqSmPoagODx5y7h3VL8XyvoCq-sfdnZeQRolTKSTk7R_-BqD1iFTNcerZRWlySdpDhurKYBcAbwRE/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103838966117594034" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UV-covOgcsfu8ujdXflDfx8A5rG-viCEZNC6pGMuuAwckrRx52gDZ1ENgfUfEU45ZbhBo1UCt6zRNwD4JhqkpVF59lxoeSXDMZTsDdXOOUlABU-LxYRZA3xeDHU6w_0lADagw5Wgzp4/s1600-h/IMG_2563.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UV-covOgcsfu8ujdXflDfx8A5rG-viCEZNC6pGMuuAwckrRx52gDZ1ENgfUfEU45ZbhBo1UCt6zRNwD4JhqkpVF59lxoeSXDMZTsDdXOOUlABU-LxYRZA3xeDHU6w_0lADagw5Wgzp4/s320/IMG_2563.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103839502988506050" /></a><br /><br />So, next I wanted to overdye the other skein. By now, I had used up all of the yellow food coloring so my options were more limited. I played around with the colors but wasn't happy at all with what I came up with. Finally, in desperation, I saw a box of raspberry ice flavored Crystal Light on the shelf. Now, I had no idea if it would even work, dyeing with artificial sugar. I dumped in 7 of the individual packets and really liked the color. It wasn't quite red and wasn't quite pink. My only concern was that it looked like I had burned the yarn when I took it out of the dyepot but it was only a heavy concentration of dye that rinsed out. Here is how the color came out:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfIsu3LyzJyeeuLqbIfDgMYQcSHffiwkT9LbVlvgE96TSVlKiiuZzSAgsmIQ_3g8p5XAKZ3upWStxULeWQ7Eu4i4y9ZoLmM_3mR5fiu0cQlLcvFXh24Wt7X3B9AhScO7X0s1liZdid7o/s1600-h/IMG_2559.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfIsu3LyzJyeeuLqbIfDgMYQcSHffiwkT9LbVlvgE96TSVlKiiuZzSAgsmIQ_3g8p5XAKZ3upWStxULeWQ7Eu4i4y9ZoLmM_3mR5fiu0cQlLcvFXh24Wt7X3B9AhScO7X0s1liZdid7o/s320/IMG_2559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103841328349606866" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJVspztBdKmYNB6ciZy5BA7hJQvpZcXuOP2K4lg5XcOOn5mbmcAlZqDghYKtjOLnEmJjm4DPiWpYTJlxRdQlqBWViV7OJu89H6JannRS4ZjBBuN-DcjLDgswIAdo8lEvsJ6esJsJa8Sc/s1600-h/IMG_2564.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJVspztBdKmYNB6ciZy5BA7hJQvpZcXuOP2K4lg5XcOOn5mbmcAlZqDghYKtjOLnEmJjm4DPiWpYTJlxRdQlqBWViV7OJu89H6JannRS4ZjBBuN-DcjLDgswIAdo8lEvsJ6esJsJa8Sc/s320/IMG_2564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103841560277840866" /></a><br /><br />This skein really took a beating after all the dyeing and overdyeing, and I was admittedly feeling bad that it had started to felt up a bit, especially given how lovely it was before I started dyeing with it. It still feels soft, it is just more nubby and has almost a handspun look to it. I'm sure I will still use it but I have decided that from now on I'm only going to dye with superwash yarn if it has to be mordanted - it is just not worth it to me to ruin the yarn's texture.Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362072919356965716.post-71548734292226288612007-08-21T21:13:00.000-06:002007-08-22T13:05:32.038-06:00Lovely Alpaca<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOkxnoSgQjAv8lwj5S4GBaC1n0ELlidxOGCMrEouGB30nNQjY5k0T92ZOAMafLtbW-d0ubRHYyAREpLpJ6V8c0LvQc3nwuVon9pcFCmCL3FWU4Aygbi-QNpmlE0PDtFsdXC2GID5PISI/s1600-h/IMG_2551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOkxnoSgQjAv8lwj5S4GBaC1n0ELlidxOGCMrEouGB30nNQjY5k0T92ZOAMafLtbW-d0ubRHYyAREpLpJ6V8c0LvQc3nwuVon9pcFCmCL3FWU4Aygbi-QNpmlE0PDtFsdXC2GID5PISI/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101360125742707586" /></a><br />Every summer it is a tradition in our family to go to the <a href="http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/aug/05nwfair.htm">Northwestern Michigan Fair</a> in Traverse City. There is everything from carnival rides and gut buster food to tractor pull competitions and amazing exhibits of produce, handmade goods and 4-H animals of every variety. While the kids make themselves nauseous on the carnival rides and eating greasy elephant ears, the adults head over to see the animals. My favorite of course are the alpacas and llamas. They are so beautiful, graceful and intelligent! This year I was very fortunate to meet Kathy Easter of Northern Dreams Alpaca Farm in Empire, Michigan. I talked to her at great length about her animals - she has about 40 that she raises. She happened to have some alpaca yarn for sale (spun by the same <a href="http://www.stonehedgefibermill.com/">mill</a> where I bought the antique rose yarn at the fiber fair in Charlevoix!). The yarn came from Kathy's alpaca, Daisy. I can't wait to make something from it - perhaps some warm cozy socks if the alpaca will hold up o.k.!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078789935252371499noreply@blogger.com0