I'm Not Lost Yet

It has been way too long since posting here. I really should get my act together and make a posting schedule.

I have been busy knitting, spinning, visiting with friends, visiting some museums and just relaxing, well besides doing my day job. About ten days ago, I went into DC. I haven't been there in about six months and thought I should go. I really wanted to see the Coral Reef before the display was taken down. This is only one of the many pictures I took that day. I have a few friends who crocheted some items to include here and thought I should see it completed. While I was there I met Jennifer Lindsay, who was the program coordinator for this project. It was interesting to talk with her and find out some of what was involved with this project. She said that Nature's Yarns had an outstanding representation in the reef.

I also went to the Renwick Gallery where I looked at some paintings, fiber arts pieces, and took a nap in the room where they have their video loop going. Yes, it had been a long day and it was after lunch with my husband. I was tired and full! Next time I go downtown, I probably shouldn't wait six months to go.

I have also been doing some knitting. We have two new grand-babies due soon. There has been baby knitting going on. But I also had the chance to make a wonderful scarf for my friend Vicky. I really enjoyed this project. It is Brooke's Column of Leaves (Ravelry link). The charts were easy to read and the knitting moved along really easily. I spun the yarn from some Polworth roving I got from Misty Mountain Farm when I went there with Sue some time this past early fall. I think I need to make me one of these scarfs, it's not like I don't have the yarn sitting around here to do so.

Soon I will be able to show what I have been making for the babies, but I don't want to spoil the surprise for the new baby's parents. When the packages are in the possession of the parents, I'll post pictures.

Happy knitting and spinning!

Ten Non-Knitting Blogs

Today's topic is 10 Favorite Non-Knitting Blogs. This is one I can do even if I might not have ten.

1. Buffaloz Photography Tips. I really like learning how to improve my photography, even if it feels like it isn't helping.
2. What's a Hot Dish. This is my sister's food blog. She tells the best stories and has some pretty good recipes too.
   
3. The Nesting Place. She has some wonderful home decorating ideas.
4. Kerrific Online. It's my daughter-in-laws new place.
5. Photos By Lisa. I really like her pictures and she is a wonderful person.
6. Picture Potpourri. Another of Lisa's blogs. I could look at her pictures all day!
7. Prudence Pennywise. She has some really great recipes and she breaks down the costs for them too.
8. The Things Life Brings. This is another private family blog, but I love to hear about the updates of my kids and grandkids.
   
9. Ben and Melissa's Grand Adventures. Another family blog. Sometimes it's the only way we know what's going on.
10. A Year of Slow Cooking. I am always looking for crock-pot recipes especially when I don't get home until quite late.

I could have ended with many more, but a few of those were other family/private blogs. This was a fun topic this week. I love my knitting blogs, but sometimes I really need a break from them.

What are your favorite non-knitting blogs? Happy knitting and spinning.

Two More Shawls

This first shawl in today's update is the Sun Ray Shawl (Ravelry link) by Elann. The shawl ended up being longer than wider for me, but I think it worked out okay for a throw around the shoulders kind of wrap. This was sent to M for Christmas and I haven't heard back whether she likes it or not.

The second shawl is the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark. I used beads instead of the nupps and really like how it turned out. Am- really liked it also. She called me the evening when she received it and thanked me which I greatly appreciated .
There are two photos of the Swallowtail, one so you can see the beads and the second to see the overall effect. I will definitely make this shawl again!

The picture of the last scarf/shawl I made for Christmas seems to have gone missing. Kar, if you would have 'bug' take a picture and send it, I would appreciate it.

I'm off to enjoy my last weekend of vacation with my knitting needles and spinning wheels. Enjoy. Happy knitting and spinning.

Two Christmas Shawl/Scarves

I can't find where I saved the rest of the pictures of the ear-flap hats I did for the boys for Christmas, so instead you get the shawls or scarves I did for the girls. The shawls were all done with hand spun yarn. I don't remember all of the patterns, maybe I should get organized with where I put all that information. I do know that the light colored one is a lacy baktus. I did put beads along the increase edge, but didn't get a picture of those.


I don't remember which pattern I used on the darker shawl/scarf, but hope the daughter it was sent for enjoys it. I haven't heard from her whether she likes it or not. I have heard from one of the other girls saying she really likes her's. You get pictures of the others in the not too distant future.

I have really enjoyed having the past two weeks off of work. I have gotten some yarn plied (pictures to come), I've worked on spinning up some fiber that has been on the Hitchiker since October, I'm finishing up some knitting projects and just today I've gotten all my hand spun sweaters washed. I have really gotten my fiber fix during the past ten days!

I'll leave you with a picture of two of the hats in action. These two hats have gotten a lot of use lately!

Happy knitting and spinning.

Two, Three, Four

These are more of the ear-flap hats I made the boys for Christmas. The variegated blue and pink hat went to Corb. His favorite color used to be pink.

The blue with variegated blue was made originally for Corb, but when I found out that Gareth would be with us during Christmas it ended up being wrapped for him. I didn't want him to miss out on Christmas presents when I had the ability to make something for him also.

The fourth hat was sent to Justin or Riley, I can't remember for sure. It's kind of bright! The variegated colors in this hat were from an Easter egg dye experiment. I tend to think it was sent to Riley, because if I remember right this yarn was from the sheep of one of his high school teachers.

Boys, if I have the hats labeled wrong let me know.

I have three more hats to show you. I made seven for gifts this past Christmas.

Today I was able to spend some time at the spinning wheels. I have some singles just about plied. I'll have a new skein soon!

Happy knitting and spinning.

One of Seven

I thought I would share one of the seven hats I made for this past Christmas. The older boys in my life all received an ear-flap hat for Christmas. This is the hat that went to Erik, I believe (it was either Erik or Ben). All of them, but one, were made with wool mostly hand spun or partially hand spun.

This week I get to enjoy quite a bit of spinning and knitting time. That's what I get when vacation time takes over. I'm looking forward to knit night tonight and maybe finishing a project or two this week.

Happy knitting and spinning.

Happy New Year 2011

Welcome to 2011. So many plans, vacations, new grandchildren, knitting projects, spinning projects and time spent with family to look forward to. I am hoping to do more blogging in 2011. Last year only had 39 posts, the same as 2009. I'd like to get back to 2008's stats which was over 100.

I'd like to knit more from my stash and to kick that off, I have my first FO for 2011. I purchased the fiber at my last fiber fair in Idaho Falls before moving to Virginia. This yarn was spun in 2008 which was originally used for a hat for a coworker. I used some for the hats I made the 'boys' for Christmas and then I used what was left for this hat for myself. I started it on Dec. 27 and finished it last night, but it wasn't quite deep enough for me. I frogged it this morning and used what was left of the yarn. It is now just about right and will match the coats I use daily.

This has been a lazy day full of watching the Rose Parade, football games, knitting and some spinning. What a great way to start off a New Year.

What are your plans for 2011?

Happy knitting and spinning.