You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.
Get a cookie from Miss Fortune
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Hello Darkness My Old Friend
I spent quite a few hours in the sewing room last night. I haven't been there for a few months. I am trying to get re-aquainted with my machine and stuff, as I promised to sew Alley's wedding dress for next March.
This last weekend I went to the fabric stores to find swatches to send Alley, and I could have almost cried when I walked into the fabric store. Everythig was the same and yet so foriegn, all at the same time. I have missed it. Apparently my family has too, because now that they see me looking longing at my room, they are finding projects for me to do (like I need to find things to do!).
DD2 wanted a dress with ponies on it. So this last weekend, while DD1 was in her cheerleading camp, we checked out the fabrics stores, not only looking for the bridal swatches, but also "horsey fabric". We found one, rather ugly ( looks more for home decor then garments), but this was the one for DD2. I tried to talk her into something different, but nothing doing. She wanted this one. Well we brought home 1-1/3yds, and a simple dress pattern. This was one of the things I sewed last night. It came out cute ( for ugly fabric), simple yet horsey like. The construction wasn't difficult ( oh sure, I did try to put the bodice on inside out, but that wasn't too difficuly to correct). She's pleased. I might even have enough lft to make her shorts as well.
DD1, not to be left behind, wanted something Hawaian like for spirit week at school. I found something kind of tropical ( OK, mostly just bright abstract design), and made her a wrap-around skirt. She's happy for now. I like the pattern, it was one I had done all those years ago for my little sister when I worked in the fabric store. I still can't get over how grown-up she looks sometimes. She's only 7, but she looks older sometimes, and sure seems to think she knows EVERYTHING ( small annoying trait she must have inherited from DH). I'm sure she'll have more projects as the summer progresses.
Then there's the DH. He wants a new pair of pants for Rene Faire, and some pants hemmed ( I don't even know what pants he's talking about, but he assures me I have them...right. I'm sure they're somewhere in the black hole I call my sewing room). This weekend I will investigate what's needed for his Faire pants. We are hoping to go to the faire in 2 weeks. I certainly have the fabric ( if not all, then most of it and only a small amount of additional material would be needed).
Mostly it's been good to be back in the sewing room. I have been wanting to get back in there. I need some new clothes ( even thought I'm in a transitonal stage- weight should be going down soon as I stop driving to work and only walk or ride bike). I was hoping for some skirts for the warmer weather. I just wish I could find some styles that tickle my fancy. That was something disappointing, I just wasn't inspired by the patternbooks - although DD2 made it difficult to look as she was too pre-occupied with the crafts and things she could get into, and I had to keep a constant eye on her. I will look around some more. If one thing is certain, it's that fashion trends will change if we give it a little bit more time.
Not much OTN, Since finishing the MysterShawl2 over Memeorial weekend, I have been kind of kicking around MS3 ( I have almost finished clue 1), maybe knitting up some socks, plus spinning some more of the superwash wool. I'll keep you posted.
This last weekend I went to the fabric stores to find swatches to send Alley, and I could have almost cried when I walked into the fabric store. Everythig was the same and yet so foriegn, all at the same time. I have missed it. Apparently my family has too, because now that they see me looking longing at my room, they are finding projects for me to do (like I need to find things to do!).
DD2 wanted a dress with ponies on it. So this last weekend, while DD1 was in her cheerleading camp, we checked out the fabrics stores, not only looking for the bridal swatches, but also "horsey fabric". We found one, rather ugly ( looks more for home decor then garments), but this was the one for DD2. I tried to talk her into something different, but nothing doing. She wanted this one. Well we brought home 1-1/3yds, and a simple dress pattern. This was one of the things I sewed last night. It came out cute ( for ugly fabric), simple yet horsey like. The construction wasn't difficult ( oh sure, I did try to put the bodice on inside out, but that wasn't too difficuly to correct). She's pleased. I might even have enough lft to make her shorts as well.
DD1, not to be left behind, wanted something Hawaian like for spirit week at school. I found something kind of tropical ( OK, mostly just bright abstract design), and made her a wrap-around skirt. She's happy for now. I like the pattern, it was one I had done all those years ago for my little sister when I worked in the fabric store. I still can't get over how grown-up she looks sometimes. She's only 7, but she looks older sometimes, and sure seems to think she knows EVERYTHING ( small annoying trait she must have inherited from DH). I'm sure she'll have more projects as the summer progresses.
Then there's the DH. He wants a new pair of pants for Rene Faire, and some pants hemmed ( I don't even know what pants he's talking about, but he assures me I have them...right. I'm sure they're somewhere in the black hole I call my sewing room). This weekend I will investigate what's needed for his Faire pants. We are hoping to go to the faire in 2 weeks. I certainly have the fabric ( if not all, then most of it and only a small amount of additional material would be needed).
Mostly it's been good to be back in the sewing room. I have been wanting to get back in there. I need some new clothes ( even thought I'm in a transitonal stage- weight should be going down soon as I stop driving to work and only walk or ride bike). I was hoping for some skirts for the warmer weather. I just wish I could find some styles that tickle my fancy. That was something disappointing, I just wasn't inspired by the patternbooks - although DD2 made it difficult to look as she was too pre-occupied with the crafts and things she could get into, and I had to keep a constant eye on her. I will look around some more. If one thing is certain, it's that fashion trends will change if we give it a little bit more time.
Not much OTN, Since finishing the MysterShawl2 over Memeorial weekend, I have been kind of kicking around MS3 ( I have almost finished clue 1), maybe knitting up some socks, plus spinning some more of the superwash wool. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
This time for sure!
Hi All,
Oh, I've been busy...and not, all at the same time. In this last month I had all the following:
Broken car
Sick Child
Broken Husband's car
Sick Husband
End of School year wind down
End of year wind down - Girls Scouts
Sick Me
Oh sure there's more incidentals in between as well. This time of year is always so busy.
I so want to get back to sewing. I am beginning to miss it. I know the girls are starting at a new school here soon, and they will still need the uniform, but they also need clothes for the summer, and I would like to make them both a few dresses. I need to get back into it anyway, as I promised to make Ally's wedding dress for next March,a nd I know it's only June, but time will fly by quickly, and I need to get the material picked out, swatches sent to the bride for approval. Lots to do. The last 5 years or so it's been real tough to get to the machine for any length of time because the girls usually want to get in and help me...wether I need/want it or not. They are getting bigger, and a little easier to redirect when they decide they need to get right in the way. I just have to dig out my sewing space and find my niche in that room. Hopefully this weekend I will accomplish something, as I have to spend some time at the fabric stores looking swatches.
The dress Ally picked is interesting, in many ways a typical strapless wedding dress, but the skirt has some hitches in it ( to bunch up the fabric in spots as part of the design), but she also wants it trimmed in red. I am trying to picture this dress with the red trim and trying to think of what the best way to approach would be. I will be giving this some thought.
I spoke with Ally yesterday, she was planning to be up in the area in July, and I want to try out the pattern, so I was thinking of making a sundress with the pattern to see how it goes together. This way i can try the fitting, to see how close I am ( I know she's trying to loose some weight for next March, but for now, it would work to see if I'm close. I expect to have to make adjustments anyway.
I just need to put down the knitting...pry it from my sore old hands. I am so close to finishing the Mystery Shawl. I have 2 of the 4 corners turned on the outer edge. I am knitting like a man-woman to finsih it off (this weekend in Memorial weekend, I am hoping to block it this weekend at work when no one is here. I don't have the space at home, so I was really hoping to do it after hours, and let it sit Sunday and most of Monday undistrubed). I have the first shawl done, but haven't blocked it yet - but now as I think about it, I wonder if I should dye it. It's cream colored (ebay special)....maybe I should just block it for now and see how it looks. I keep thinking I should dye it blue, in a graduating color from light on the edge to darker in the middle. I will think about this a little more, as I do have some time before Sunday to dye it if I'm going to.
I am getting ready for another shawl that starts Saturday. It will once again be a triangular shawl, and I do still feel like a square so we'll see what I do. I found another group making a mystery shawl - Galveston Shawl - and this has the option of going Square or triangle, in 3 sizes. From what I've seen of the pictures, the square interests me the most, but it looks like so many of the people are knitting the square, and hardly anyone is knitting the triangle. Maybe I will work on spinning up some of the dark brown wool, and use that to make this shawl... it's something to think about.
I better go- lots to do.
Happy Knitting!
Oh, I've been busy...and not, all at the same time. In this last month I had all the following:
Broken car
Sick Child
Broken Husband's car
Sick Husband
End of School year wind down
End of year wind down - Girls Scouts
Sick Me
Oh sure there's more incidentals in between as well. This time of year is always so busy.
I so want to get back to sewing. I am beginning to miss it. I know the girls are starting at a new school here soon, and they will still need the uniform, but they also need clothes for the summer, and I would like to make them both a few dresses. I need to get back into it anyway, as I promised to make Ally's wedding dress for next March,a nd I know it's only June, but time will fly by quickly, and I need to get the material picked out, swatches sent to the bride for approval. Lots to do. The last 5 years or so it's been real tough to get to the machine for any length of time because the girls usually want to get in and help me...wether I need/want it or not. They are getting bigger, and a little easier to redirect when they decide they need to get right in the way. I just have to dig out my sewing space and find my niche in that room. Hopefully this weekend I will accomplish something, as I have to spend some time at the fabric stores looking swatches.
The dress Ally picked is interesting, in many ways a typical strapless wedding dress, but the skirt has some hitches in it ( to bunch up the fabric in spots as part of the design), but she also wants it trimmed in red. I am trying to picture this dress with the red trim and trying to think of what the best way to approach would be. I will be giving this some thought.
I spoke with Ally yesterday, she was planning to be up in the area in July, and I want to try out the pattern, so I was thinking of making a sundress with the pattern to see how it goes together. This way i can try the fitting, to see how close I am ( I know she's trying to loose some weight for next March, but for now, it would work to see if I'm close. I expect to have to make adjustments anyway.
I just need to put down the knitting...pry it from my sore old hands. I am so close to finishing the Mystery Shawl. I have 2 of the 4 corners turned on the outer edge. I am knitting like a man-woman to finsih it off (this weekend in Memorial weekend, I am hoping to block it this weekend at work when no one is here. I don't have the space at home, so I was really hoping to do it after hours, and let it sit Sunday and most of Monday undistrubed). I have the first shawl done, but haven't blocked it yet - but now as I think about it, I wonder if I should dye it. It's cream colored (ebay special)....maybe I should just block it for now and see how it looks. I keep thinking I should dye it blue, in a graduating color from light on the edge to darker in the middle. I will think about this a little more, as I do have some time before Sunday to dye it if I'm going to.
I am getting ready for another shawl that starts Saturday. It will once again be a triangular shawl, and I do still feel like a square so we'll see what I do. I found another group making a mystery shawl - Galveston Shawl - and this has the option of going Square or triangle, in 3 sizes. From what I've seen of the pictures, the square interests me the most, but it looks like so many of the people are knitting the square, and hardly anyone is knitting the triangle. Maybe I will work on spinning up some of the dark brown wool, and use that to make this shawl... it's something to think about.
I better go- lots to do.
Happy Knitting!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
April's almost gone
April's almost gone, and I still ahven't planted tomato plants. I tought I'd get some from Mom for Easter, but she said they weren't quite ready yet. Now here we are, a few weeks down the road, and still no plants. I guess it's time to head over to the store to get a few plants for the yard, and see if Mom has something next time she comes to town.
Haven't accomplished much with the stuff on the needles. I ran out of fuzzy aqua yarn for the baby blanket, and haven't had time to go to the yarn store to look for more. I did start the Mystery Shawl, but the pattern wasn't what I wanted, so I'm thinking of a few ways to change the construction to fit more of what I was feeling like doing. I was just using the plain vanilla colors wool yarn, same as last time. I have tons of it, and I think it will be dye-able once completed, to a better color ( or at least it's a good neutral color now).
I've progressed some on the booty bag. I have finished the bottom portion, and have turned the corners to start working up the sides. It was more time consuming then I expected to pick up the stitches along the other 3 sides of the bottom flap. I am pleased so far how it's turning out. A great brain twister using both colors at once. I'm sure it will ge real interesting once the design of the Skull and crossbones comes up here in a row or two. Colors are a nice contrast, and it's quite fun to knit the 2 layers at the same time. It does make me excited to try the 2 socks at once idea again.
I have got to get a camera! I received an anniversary present from the employer, and I should get a camera with it. I'll need to talk to the DH and make this happen!
Happy knitting.
Haven't accomplished much with the stuff on the needles. I ran out of fuzzy aqua yarn for the baby blanket, and haven't had time to go to the yarn store to look for more. I did start the Mystery Shawl, but the pattern wasn't what I wanted, so I'm thinking of a few ways to change the construction to fit more of what I was feeling like doing. I was just using the plain vanilla colors wool yarn, same as last time. I have tons of it, and I think it will be dye-able once completed, to a better color ( or at least it's a good neutral color now).
I've progressed some on the booty bag. I have finished the bottom portion, and have turned the corners to start working up the sides. It was more time consuming then I expected to pick up the stitches along the other 3 sides of the bottom flap. I am pleased so far how it's turning out. A great brain twister using both colors at once. I'm sure it will ge real interesting once the design of the Skull and crossbones comes up here in a row or two. Colors are a nice contrast, and it's quite fun to knit the 2 layers at the same time. It does make me excited to try the 2 socks at once idea again.
I have got to get a camera! I received an anniversary present from the employer, and I should get a camera with it. I'll need to talk to the DH and make this happen!
Happy knitting.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
One down, so many to go
Yeah, I finlly finished the MysteryShawl. I haven't blocked it yet - tryting to figure out when I can do that. 2 Kids, 2 cats and 1 DH makes for crowded diggs, I will have to wait a little. I'll try to post a picture before blocking, just to get an idea.
I have started in earnest to work on the baby blanket in the fuzzy aqua yarn. I haven't gone too far, and sometimes it seems to drag on, but I must persevere. It's a nice feather and fan pattern. I haven't found the other baby blanket I was working on - ROE in white. I have the center part done, now starting on the outer boarders. iT was getting too big for the circular needles I was using, so the progress at the time I was working on it last was very slow. But the baby isn't due until June, only the baby shower is this month.
I have played a little more with the double knit bag I was thinking of as a diaper bag. I have lots of red and blue New Zealand wool yarn. Too scratchy for clothes, but perfect for felted items. As I mentioned, this is double knit, so we are working the inner and outer layers at the same time. At first I was trying to carry both yarns as mentioned somewhere on the internet as holding one yarn in each hand. This was a great brain twister, but somewaht cumbersome. I finally figured out how to hold both yarns with the same hand so I can knit faster without having to stop and wrap te yarn around. It gets to be kind of fun as you get into it. I am still only working on the bottom, but I figure a little here, a ittle there, why I should be done before the kid graduates from college...right?
Happy knitting.
I have started in earnest to work on the baby blanket in the fuzzy aqua yarn. I haven't gone too far, and sometimes it seems to drag on, but I must persevere. It's a nice feather and fan pattern. I haven't found the other baby blanket I was working on - ROE in white. I have the center part done, now starting on the outer boarders. iT was getting too big for the circular needles I was using, so the progress at the time I was working on it last was very slow. But the baby isn't due until June, only the baby shower is this month.
I have played a little more with the double knit bag I was thinking of as a diaper bag. I have lots of red and blue New Zealand wool yarn. Too scratchy for clothes, but perfect for felted items. As I mentioned, this is double knit, so we are working the inner and outer layers at the same time. At first I was trying to carry both yarns as mentioned somewhere on the internet as holding one yarn in each hand. This was a great brain twister, but somewaht cumbersome. I finally figured out how to hold both yarns with the same hand so I can knit faster without having to stop and wrap te yarn around. It gets to be kind of fun as you get into it. I am still only working on the bottom, but I figure a little here, a ittle there, why I should be done before the kid graduates from college...right?
Happy knitting.
Friday, April 6, 2007
April Showers
I've started a baby blanket for the april Showers expected mid-month. I had some auqa yarn ( Thrift store special)- soft and fuzzy, probably acrylic. I started a feather and fan type blanket on size 9 needles. I didn't get real far, but now that I have started, I'm determined to finish.
The other day while looking around the internet, I found some cute patterns for baby hats that I was thinking of trying - lil' devil, Vikings, Frog, Bunny. I was thinking this would be a cute idea for Corbin (Chris and Darne's baby). They would have a great sense of humor about what to put on their kid, so I think this would work. I know I have plenty of yarn to make them. Now I just need to find the time.
As for the MysteryShawlAlong Gourp#1 - It's done, I just need to bind off the edge. For some reason my brain farted and I can't remember how to do a simple bind off for shawl edges. I left the instructions at work, but was off for 2 days with Mel, she had strep throat. It looks really pretty, I'm sure it will look even better once I block. I was hoping to finsinh this before really starting MysterShawlAlong #2, now that I finally got access to the files. At first I was going to go ahead and strat it beofre, then try to finish #1 when I couls, but I had troubles access the group. Now that Clue 3 will be posted tomorrow, I am more inclined to wait and see what developes while I work on a few other projects before diving in. I know it was going to be triangular, but I thought it was starting at the neck and working out. Now I see it is starting at the bottom point working up. The design is pretty enough, but not quite what I was looking for. I'm thinking I'll wait a few more days to see how it developes and decide what yarn/needle combo to use. What stategy to follow.
Still no progress on the doily - it beakens but I just don't feel like working on such tiny needles right now.
I am feeling like spinning something, I should spin some of the superwash I received, but can't quite jump in. I keep telling myself I should knit for baby, but I'm not real excited about that...or not as excited as I should be.
This weekend is easter, and I'll be getting together with the family at brother John's house. We'll try egg dying on Saturday. It will be a busy time. BIL Joe had his birthday Wednesday, Amy has her birthday Daturday, and their twin girls had their birthday sometime between, plus Emma is in here somewhere( I never know when, she's just always been in the Easter Birthday crowd) so we'll have lots to celebrate on Sunday. I need to run out and go shopping for the gifts sometime on Saturday as well.
I also need to go through yarn stash and see if I have anything I am willing to part with that Rai may want. I'm certainly not using the acrylic yarn like I use to, so no point in keeping it. I want to keep in mind that Darlin's daughter also board knits, so if I find anything good I don't really want, I can pass it on to her as well.
Lots to do and so little time.
The other day while looking around the internet, I found some cute patterns for baby hats that I was thinking of trying - lil' devil, Vikings, Frog, Bunny. I was thinking this would be a cute idea for Corbin (Chris and Darne's baby). They would have a great sense of humor about what to put on their kid, so I think this would work. I know I have plenty of yarn to make them. Now I just need to find the time.
As for the MysteryShawlAlong Gourp#1 - It's done, I just need to bind off the edge. For some reason my brain farted and I can't remember how to do a simple bind off for shawl edges. I left the instructions at work, but was off for 2 days with Mel, she had strep throat. It looks really pretty, I'm sure it will look even better once I block. I was hoping to finsinh this before really starting MysterShawlAlong #2, now that I finally got access to the files. At first I was going to go ahead and strat it beofre, then try to finish #1 when I couls, but I had troubles access the group. Now that Clue 3 will be posted tomorrow, I am more inclined to wait and see what developes while I work on a few other projects before diving in. I know it was going to be triangular, but I thought it was starting at the neck and working out. Now I see it is starting at the bottom point working up. The design is pretty enough, but not quite what I was looking for. I'm thinking I'll wait a few more days to see how it developes and decide what yarn/needle combo to use. What stategy to follow.
Still no progress on the doily - it beakens but I just don't feel like working on such tiny needles right now.
I am feeling like spinning something, I should spin some of the superwash I received, but can't quite jump in. I keep telling myself I should knit for baby, but I'm not real excited about that...or not as excited as I should be.
This weekend is easter, and I'll be getting together with the family at brother John's house. We'll try egg dying on Saturday. It will be a busy time. BIL Joe had his birthday Wednesday, Amy has her birthday Daturday, and their twin girls had their birthday sometime between, plus Emma is in here somewhere( I never know when, she's just always been in the Easter Birthday crowd) so we'll have lots to celebrate on Sunday. I need to run out and go shopping for the gifts sometime on Saturday as well.
I also need to go through yarn stash and see if I have anything I am willing to part with that Rai may want. I'm certainly not using the acrylic yarn like I use to, so no point in keeping it. I want to keep in mind that Darlin's daughter also board knits, so if I find anything good I don't really want, I can pass it on to her as well.
Lots to do and so little time.
Friday, March 30, 2007
March Madness... of sorts
Boy, I'm not averaging very well, am I? It's been over a month since I last posted. Let's see what do I have going?
1) New slippers - after my dismal start on this project, I have put it aside for future endevor. I still want to make them, but I got so frustrated when I found out I was using the wrong size needle(yes I swatched, but it still seem to come out way bigger), and 2-ply instead of single ply. Now with the weather getting warmer, my motivation has waned.
2) New Scarf - sounds silly for someone who does as much knitting as I do, but I don't have a scarf and this last winter I rally missed having one. I found some alpaca/llama/silk blend on the internet, but was disapointed in the color when it arrived. I thought it would be much more red. It's darker, more like a maroon. So I spun it up, but haven't found a pattern I like ( haven't looked very hard either)... I don't know, maybe I'm waiting for something to really jump out at me. I was thinking of doing something moebius with this, but to do that, I need a longer needle to do that special technique. Again, now that the weather has gotten warmer, my motivstion has waned.
3) Doily - I started an pink varigated doily awhile ago. It was just some short ball I had, and wanted to make a little something quick. I can't even remeber what the pattern is, but I should really concentrate on finishing this. I have maybe 3 or 4 rounds to go then bind off. It's pretty, what I can see of it, I just put it aside ( my new glasses, which I thought would cure many og my vision woes, has solved some problems, but not everything).
4) MysteryShawlAlong group #1 - I signed up for the group in January, and just kind of watched the progress of the few members. I lurked and thought about doing it ( the design was pretty enough). Well, 2 weeks ago I finally couldn't take it any more - I casted on the needles, and finished the first 3 clues in the first weekend. Now i'm on clue 4, and it's taking a little bit of time. It's not too bad really, it's just that I came late to the orogram, and now they are starting the next shawl ( a whole other headach in it's own rights!!). I started the shawl on size 6 needles for clue 1, switched to 7 for clue 2, advanced to size 8 for clue 3, and now I'm using size 10 for clue 4( I couldn't quickly find my size 9 needles). It looks great. I can't wait until I finish and block. I am using some fine wool I got off e-bay last year. It's way too thin singlely, so I use 2-strands at a time. Once done, I am toying wiht the idea of dying this. I 'm thinking a pretty wedgewood blue. I just feel like some blue. I am trying to finish this before plungging into the ...
5) MysteryShawlAlong Group#2 - the first clue was posted last weekend, but I can't get to it yet. First I had a problem (well the vendor actually had a problem) with the connection to paypal, so I went direct to the vendor to pay (she received the payment last weekend), but I am waiting for the permission granted to join the yahoo group so I can access the files. I can read all the posts, and it doesn't sound like anything major as yet, but I want to et the file. I was thinking I could get clue #1 so I start when everyone else does, and it wouldn't take long to get it done and out of the way, then contiune with the first shawl, as I am on repeat #4 of the recommended 6.
6) Dye experiment - I bought some purple Wilton's dye to play with. I had some med brown wool in various stages of porcessing, and I wanted to find out what the differences would be to dye at different stages. A - in the lock, uncarded B- carded wool C- spun wool.
I have the first 2 parts done, but need to finish with the final step. I will have more of this to report soon.
7) Baby stuff - I have 2 friends expecting babies in a few months, and I wanted to make them something. They are both expecting boys - one chose "pirates" as her theme, and the other chose "under the sea". I have a great idea for a blanket/quilt for the pirates, but when I explained to my DH what I wanted to do, he poo-pooed the idea. I'm still thinking this over, haven't given it up yet, just reconsidering. It would be really cool, but would be a lot of work. I don't know if it would workout the way I want, and my time is precious.... whine, whine, whine. I did find a washcloth with a skull and crossbones on it, I thought was cute, so I may do that anyway. I also found a bag - "Queen's booty bag" that is knitted and flted. I thought this would be a cute diaper bag. I was thinking of making this up, and if it didn't workout, I could keep it for myslf...it's suppose to be reversable, so I was thining of using red/blue combination of yarn. If I do this, I know I can do something similar with a fishy theme, maybe using green/yellow combination. Still thinking on this.
Well, as you can see I've been sort of busy, but I just haven't finished anything yet. You know, I started this blog to document my progress on various projects, but what it's turned out to be block for blogging, as I get a little embarrassed at how little I finish. Life has a way of getting in the way, so progress can be slow at times. I just have to remember it's not how we finish the race but that we DO finish!
1) New slippers - after my dismal start on this project, I have put it aside for future endevor. I still want to make them, but I got so frustrated when I found out I was using the wrong size needle(yes I swatched, but it still seem to come out way bigger), and 2-ply instead of single ply. Now with the weather getting warmer, my motivation has waned.
2) New Scarf - sounds silly for someone who does as much knitting as I do, but I don't have a scarf and this last winter I rally missed having one. I found some alpaca/llama/silk blend on the internet, but was disapointed in the color when it arrived. I thought it would be much more red. It's darker, more like a maroon. So I spun it up, but haven't found a pattern I like ( haven't looked very hard either)... I don't know, maybe I'm waiting for something to really jump out at me. I was thinking of doing something moebius with this, but to do that, I need a longer needle to do that special technique. Again, now that the weather has gotten warmer, my motivstion has waned.
3) Doily - I started an pink varigated doily awhile ago. It was just some short ball I had, and wanted to make a little something quick. I can't even remeber what the pattern is, but I should really concentrate on finishing this. I have maybe 3 or 4 rounds to go then bind off. It's pretty, what I can see of it, I just put it aside ( my new glasses, which I thought would cure many og my vision woes, has solved some problems, but not everything).
4) MysteryShawlAlong group #1 - I signed up for the group in January, and just kind of watched the progress of the few members. I lurked and thought about doing it ( the design was pretty enough). Well, 2 weeks ago I finally couldn't take it any more - I casted on the needles, and finished the first 3 clues in the first weekend. Now i'm on clue 4, and it's taking a little bit of time. It's not too bad really, it's just that I came late to the orogram, and now they are starting the next shawl ( a whole other headach in it's own rights!!). I started the shawl on size 6 needles for clue 1, switched to 7 for clue 2, advanced to size 8 for clue 3, and now I'm using size 10 for clue 4( I couldn't quickly find my size 9 needles). It looks great. I can't wait until I finish and block. I am using some fine wool I got off e-bay last year. It's way too thin singlely, so I use 2-strands at a time. Once done, I am toying wiht the idea of dying this. I 'm thinking a pretty wedgewood blue. I just feel like some blue. I am trying to finish this before plungging into the ...
5) MysteryShawlAlong Group#2 - the first clue was posted last weekend, but I can't get to it yet. First I had a problem (well the vendor actually had a problem) with the connection to paypal, so I went direct to the vendor to pay (she received the payment last weekend), but I am waiting for the permission granted to join the yahoo group so I can access the files. I can read all the posts, and it doesn't sound like anything major as yet, but I want to et the file. I was thinking I could get clue #1 so I start when everyone else does, and it wouldn't take long to get it done and out of the way, then contiune with the first shawl, as I am on repeat #4 of the recommended 6.
6) Dye experiment - I bought some purple Wilton's dye to play with. I had some med brown wool in various stages of porcessing, and I wanted to find out what the differences would be to dye at different stages. A - in the lock, uncarded B- carded wool C- spun wool.
I have the first 2 parts done, but need to finish with the final step. I will have more of this to report soon.
7) Baby stuff - I have 2 friends expecting babies in a few months, and I wanted to make them something. They are both expecting boys - one chose "pirates" as her theme, and the other chose "under the sea". I have a great idea for a blanket/quilt for the pirates, but when I explained to my DH what I wanted to do, he poo-pooed the idea. I'm still thinking this over, haven't given it up yet, just reconsidering. It would be really cool, but would be a lot of work. I don't know if it would workout the way I want, and my time is precious.... whine, whine, whine. I did find a washcloth with a skull and crossbones on it, I thought was cute, so I may do that anyway. I also found a bag - "Queen's booty bag" that is knitted and flted. I thought this would be a cute diaper bag. I was thinking of making this up, and if it didn't workout, I could keep it for myslf...it's suppose to be reversable, so I was thining of using red/blue combination of yarn. If I do this, I know I can do something similar with a fishy theme, maybe using green/yellow combination. Still thinking on this.
Well, as you can see I've been sort of busy, but I just haven't finished anything yet. You know, I started this blog to document my progress on various projects, but what it's turned out to be block for blogging, as I get a little embarrassed at how little I finish. Life has a way of getting in the way, so progress can be slow at times. I just have to remember it's not how we finish the race but that we DO finish!
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