As promised....

Actual knitting...FINALLY! These are the Bella Mittens and Bella Hat, patterns found on Ravelry. The reddish color is Lambs Pride bulky weight, and the charcoal in the hat is Plymouth Galway Chunky. Sort of a stash busting project, and hopefully the colors go well enough that it can still be considered a "set". The hat has the same cables running from the ribbing to the top of the hat, although the photo does not show it well.

These will go in a box to CIC. In collaboration with Hand of Help, CIC's current challenge is mitten/hat sets for children in Romania. Sizes fitting from age 3 to 21 are needed, so these should qualify. I hope to make several sets to send.

I started a project with my handspun last night, and so far, I am REALLY enjoying it. It just may be true what they say about knitting with your own handspun yarn. A bit magical!

"Tah....Dah...."

All dried and ready to knit up! I have no idea what I am going to make out of this yarn, but I really want to knit with it. The larger skein is the one that I plied first, and didn't put enough twist in it, so it is a little looser. I think it is still ok to knit with, however. I have 488 yards of it. It's soft and squishy! Superwash Merino. The 2nd skein is actually better, as I plied it a little more aggressively. I have 340 yards of it. (Wouldn't you know....fewer yards of the better one.) Actually, I thought the skeins were going to come out the same....surprise! I obviously did not divide the first roving into two equal parts.
I am not sure, but this is probably a sport/dk weight. There are still long color repeats, and it's probably not "my" color....so not sure I will be that excited with the finished knit-up project, but all hand-spinners rave about knitting with your own hand-spun yarn. So.....I am anxious to give it at try.

By way of explanation, for those non-spinners (if any of you are still reading my blog)..... You first spin what are called "singles". You can use your yarn at that point...or choose to ply it together with another single (or multiple singles) to make what is usually looked on as a stronger, more durable yarn. After the plying process, you then "sett" the yarn by washing it or soaking it in hot water, rinsing, and drying. (think Blocking). The setting process makes the fibers relax, and be happy in their new form. Also, it fluffs the fibers up a little...softens the yarn and makes the spinner very happy! Hope that explained it accurately. Such a novice that I am, but I have received a few questions......

I promise I will have a finished knitted project to share with you next time I post. Promise! So...if you never hear from me again, you'll know I'm still spinning and not knitting...... But never fear, I'll be having a good time!!!

Just spinning my wheel(s).....

It's been a week since I last posted to this blog. I would really like to show you a completed Aran Sweater, socks, or at least a completed mitten/hat set. But.....I have nothing to share on the knitting front. I am still working on the Bella mittens (or should I say the project that is being neglected is the Bella mittens).

I am totally obsessed with spinning right now.....I will admit. As DH said "Sofee, I've created a monster!". I spin every free moment. (Knitting is a little more convenient, I will admit.)

Tomorrow, I should have some completed yarn to share with you. It's not a knitting project, I know, but at least it proves that I am not totally worthless. And, I do intend to knit with it....so, it's close to a knitting project.

I purchased these two rovings from Erica (Dreams in Fibers). After I spun the first one up, I realized that I had not divided the roving strips enough - and that I was going to have very long color repeats in the finished yarn. So, I spun up the 2nd roving, and decided to ply them together. It's all a big experiment and learning process at this stage, so what can it hurt? Right.... The resulting yarn is hanging outside drying right now. If you are interested, please come back tomorrow to see the photos. The LYS's have nothing to fear by my ability to spin yarn, but everything I do is such a learning experience right now. It's actually pretty darn exciting!!

And, I leave you with a flower stem. It's a Hosta. Hostas seem to be valued for their foilage, but I personally think their blossoms are so pretty!!!

It's not perfect.......but it's yarn!

I think this may be a first. Two posts in one day......
First, I have to tell you about this Kniddy Knoddy. I needed one, and looked at several while at the MW Weaver's conference last Saturday. But...didn't find the perfect one. Then I stopped at Abi Hutchison, High Prairie Fiber's booth. I bought some fiber from her, and asked if she had any kniddy knoddys. She did indeed! She had several. She explained that she and her husband (i think) are involved in a Parrot Rescue program. The parrots come to them in cages with wooden perches. Since natural branches are better for the birds, she said they immediately change their perches for branches and the wooden perches are re-worked into spinning/weaving tools. Proceeds from the sale of these tools go to fund the Parrot Rescue program. I thought that was such a nice idea......so I have a parrot friendly kniddy knoddy. Size was right, price was right, and it even has a leather strap to capture the loose end....making winding easier. I love it! Not sure, but I would guess this to be a worsted weight. Average out to be anyway. Some are thinner than others, obviously. I got 188 yards of 2 ply out of 4oz. I love it, and dare anyone to call it fugly! LOL!

Big event!

It was a big weekend for our family. BG celebrated his 1st birthday yesterday!! WOW....shortest year in my entire life, I do believe. He was too busy eating - no birthday smile right now! He certainly seemed to enjoy his first sugary treat. Momma got a carrot cake for him, trying for a tad healthier.
He's truly a little man....along with last week's remote ownership, he now has a workbench, complete with "power" tools. Another "tool man" in the making! Grandpa couldn't resist this!

As for the spinning wheel, he has been spinning!This 4 oz Merino roving, was spun onto two (hopefully equal) bobbins. This is one of Erica's famous "Fugly" rovings. "Ooppsadoodles" would probably be a kinder name. I think they are the ones that don't turn out quite as expected, so she brings them to TNKG for the newbie spinners to play with. So far they have produced beautiful results, and I hope my effort is no exception. We'll see how the plying process goes. I think some spots are overspun, and others underspun. I'll be back later with the finished yarn..... or mess, whichever I produce...... :)

It's a beautiful thing......(no, not my feet)

On my last post, I had started a pair of footies for myself, but was unsure if I was going to have adequate yardage. Good news is that I DID have enough yarn....with about 6" to spare no less!
So, here they are.....they are just perfect for wearing while I treadle my new:Spinning wheel! The Midwest weavers conference was held in Grinnell, Iowa this weekend. So within an hour's drive was a vendor's mall open to the public, complete with spinning wheels. My son attended Grinnell college, so it was kind of fun to make the road trip back to Grinnell. My knitting friend, Karen, went with me, and along with the conference vendors,we discovered a nice quilt shop (Grinnell Fiberworks) and a great little cafe for lunch. It was hot, but other than that, a very pleasant day.

After hours and hours of online research, I had it narrowed it down to two different wheels. I had decided on either the Kromski Sonata (more traditional in appearance) or the Lendrum. Both are folding wheels with user friendly reputations. My heart was really leaning towards the Kromski, as I loved the old-world look, and it was available with a walnut stain. But.... when tested side by side, I instantly bonded with this lovely Lendrum. (You know, it's a bit of a tradition that you name your spinning wheel....I haven't shared that with the family yet. They already question my sanity at this point.)I had a bit of the orange roving left, so I quickly spun it up and plied it. I have so much to learn, but all in all, I am pretty pleased with the outcome. I think the little bit of spindle spinning that I did really taught me a great deal about how the fibers behave.I haven't sett the twist yet, or measured it, but I think it might be a dk weight. I certainly have tons and tons to learn, but I think it will be an enjoyable journey.......

On the knitting front, yesterday I decided that it would be a good idea to knit a pair of bulky woolen mittens. (93degrees in Iowa - Great idea, no??) I have one "Bella" mitten done, out of Lamb's Pride Bulky. Photos soon. It's a fun pattern, and certainly will be warm mittens. They come nearly to my elbow!!! It's been a popular project in my TNKG, and you know...we are all just a bunch of sheep.....following along.

This and that.....

Folks have recently asked about Sofee, and how she likes having BG around so much. Well....you know the reputation Chi's and little kids have. Sofee has read the book! (Herky on the other hand is writing a new chapter!) As BG becomes more mobile, more persistent, more curious..... Sofee usually heads for a far corner of the house.
Except, that is, at meal times. Then she positions herself near his highchair, on guard..... With all the finger food becoming flying/floor food - I hardly think the scales would say 4.2 LBs right now!

I finished mom's footies. I hope she likes them. I certainly do! I started a pair for myself out of left over yarn. Not at all sure that I will have sufficient yardage. Time will tell..... Remind me - it's the process, right? And, now that BG is such a Big Guy, he had to join The Brotherhood Of The Remote. You know every guy has to have one. It may make life easier if he has his very own. :)I am such a sucker for kid's toys. They are so amazing ....compared to what was available when my kids were little. Bells, Buttons, Lights, Music!...... makes a grandma's head spin!!!

Too bad yesterday's torrential rains pretty much ruined all my flowers. I shot this yesterday afternoon. Gorgeous color, I think....my very favorite!
Enjoy....whatever makes you happy!

Wha happened????

Over the weekend, "BG" aka Baby Garrett.....
Changed into "BG" aka Big Guy! Talk about a make-over!! WOW! It was a fitting transformation for father's day weekend, however. He looks even more like his daddy now.

My mom's birthday is in July. She is my biggest sock fan, if you will remember. She has a fondness for "off-white with little specks of color" and also short socks. So....I thought I would try a pair of "footies" this time. Actually I am working on the 3rd one now, as the first had an error in the lace pattern. I had worked on them during my Thursday knitting group time, and lace and chatting just does not work for me. You'd think I'd learn eventually..... It's a colorway by Lisa Souza colorway called Pipplesnips, just a touch of color. The pattern is "Footies" by Louise M. I have had it for several years, but I imagine it is available on Ravelry. Seems everything is!! I also like short socks, and may knit up a pair of these for myself. They are quick, fun, and pretty comfy.

Last Valentine's day, my DH gave me an orchid. I am thrilled to share with you another bloom!Only one bloom this time, but I was thrilled to have that happen. I know nothing about caring for orchids, and the information I have read seems to make my head spin. Fluctuations in night time temperatures, exact amount of light, humidity and watering techniques..... just too much for me to handle.

So, after the initial blooms died, I just set it in a window and hoped for the best. Total beginner's luck!! And..... What may be even more exciting....these are buds on a plant that my daughter got for her birthday back in October. She gave me the plant to care for, and again....that same window sill. I'll post another photo of this once it's in full bloom, before I let my daughter take it back home to enjoy. Orchids are amazing.....the blooms last for a great long time. I hope my beginner's luck holds out. I imagine I will eventually have to transplant them, etc..... We'll see.....

And, summer is here. Heat and humidity in Iowa is stifling this week. I am starting the count down till Fall. Winter even. Anything but this sauna. But...we aren't flooding, tornadoes have not landed on our house, so I guess I shouldn't complain. Later this afternoon, I think we'll try out the pool. We may have to go back to the store and get a larger model....not much room for grandma in this one!

Good things....

Good things surround me right now.... A sympathetic Dermatological Nurse Practitioner with a prescription pad is a very good thing. I am now on a high/long course of Prednizone for the contact dermatitis (cause unknown). It is working well, and hopefully my stomach will be able to tolerate it. Hopefully! I am a little "energized" and sleep is not abundant, but so far I'm doing ok. Apparently the injection that my FP doctor gave me was not long acting enough, and I was experiencing a rebound episode. Whatever....my face is back to normal. Whew.....

And, notice the towel. The scratchy, nasty linen yarn became soft and drapey with a wash/dry. It is indeed a lovely kitchen hand towel. I just may have to make another one, as I have a complimentary orange skein in my stash. This is the hand towel pattern from the first Mason Dixon book. Knit out of Euroflax linen, sport wt. Very happy with the finished project.

Another good thing.... A sheep and wool festival. It's local, and small compared to the large festivals in other parts of our country, but fun none the less. It was last weekend, in Adel, Iowa.
Along with many sheep/wool activities, there were quite a few vendors and classes offered. This was the 5th annual festival (last year being canceled due to flooding). Each year it has grown a bit. The best thing for me was that I took my very first spinning class. I shared the experience with Sue, a knitting friend and a newbie spinner herself. It was great fun!We had a very enthusiastic, animated, and patient instructor, Diane Boehem, Country Dream Acres, Ames NE. She was wonderful, and made the entire experience great fun. We learned some basic fiber preparation and used the drop spindle before moving on to wheel spinning. I learned a great deal, and gained the confidence that I needed......I actually think I could learn to spin!

And, remember that spindle spun yarn from the last post. Well, I just had to knit it up....I wanted to see how the colors would look. I spun it, and plied it with no consideration to where the colors fell. One thing at a time please..... vbg. So, lumps, bumps, and all.... Maine Morning Mitts, from my first hand spun yarn. And, I actually like them, and might even wear them (although I question the real warmth of fingerless mitts for Iowa winters). Perhaps they will be early morning reading mitts. The pattern is from "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" by Clara Parkes. It was highlighted as a good pattern for hand spun yarn in a recent issue of "Spin-off"magazine.

So...there are my good things for the day. Oh, and BG was baptized this weekend. He had a great time splashing in the basin of water while the minister spoke....much to his mother's mortification. He was just having a good time..... That's my BG!

Restlessly waiting........

I am being the proverbial watch pot today. Regular readers will remember that I have been nursing a bad case of Contact Dermatitis. Almost 3 weeks now, and I thought we were on the final stage to recovery. Today I woke up to new lesions....on my FACE!!! Needless to say, my doctor received a phone call this morning, and I am now waiting to hear about an appointment with a dermatologist. I was just told by the scheduler that it would be mid July. (She's going to see if she can do any better.) I tried so hard to be nice...I really did! I know this emergency is not an emergency to anyone else, but JULY!!!!

Ok, rant over. Thanks for listening. I hate when bloggers rant. Please forgive me.

On to happier topics....

I am knitting with linen for the first time ever. This is the hand towel pattern from the first Mason Dixon book. It calls for Euroflax linen. I was forewarned that it would be stiff and nasty to work with, but (supposedly) it will wash up, soft and fluffy.....and make a nice hand towel. We'll see. And, my spindle has been buzzing again. This time it's a painted BFL roving that I received several years ago in the same secret pal gift. (thanks KellyD). Another little skein. Hmmmm....perhaps I need to start knitting for gnomes, all these little skeins of yarn. Again, just trying to test the waters and practice drafting. Look at that dime... (that's what REAL spinners seem to do). The consistency is really poor, some fats, some thins, but perhaps my next attempt will be better.

Oh...and for a happy (somewhat) ending, I just received another phone call from the scheduler. I have a dermatologist appt tomorrow morning.