"Nuttin but knittin" - that says it all, with an occasional deviation into the real world.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Happenings.....

Wow - seems like the days fly by anymore.  Today was BG's last day of  pre-preschool.  Where have the weeks gone since he started back in September??  Next year, he will be an official 3-yr old, in an official 3-yr old preschool class.  I think my daughter has chosen to send him to a school closer to my home, so transportation will be more convenient for me.  He is already talking about going to a new school and making new friends next year.  Such exciting times!

Getting back to where the days go...I have been busy.  Last weekend, our local knitting guild offered classes with Janet Szabo.  I have admired her work for years, and was thrilled when I heard of this opportunity.  I signed up for all four classes, the first two on Saturday were on cables, infinite cables and  cable colorization.


By afternoon, I was really struggling with brain freeze.  Not sure why, but hopefully it was all the antihistamines I have been on lately.  I'd rather think that than just my age showing.  Guess it could be either.  Anyway, it was a really great experience.

On Sunday, the morning class was on Brioche stitch which I enjoyed more than I had ever guessed that I would.  The possibilities are endless, and soft cushy items are bouncing around in my brain!

The afternoon class was a workshop on her Aran Christmas sock, "Holly Berry".  I have continued to work on it this week, and hope to finish it soon.

 I will probably use it as a gift bag for Christmas items sent off to my son and future DIL (yes, they are officially engaged....or have I already told you that?) next Christmas.  It's a very nice pattern, and I am enjoying it quite a bit. 

And, along with knitting, I have been spinning.....spindle spinning actually!  Great fun, although not as fast as wheel spinning, it is nice to be able to pick it up for 5 or 10 minutes here and there.


This is the 2nd color that I have spun of the rainbow bag of fiber. 



The first was the darker color, and the next will be a more vibrant blue. 


I am simply spinning them as they were in the bag, and when finished I will arrange the colors as I like.  I hope to make a pair of Fiddlehead mittens with these yarns. 

I also received the Jenkins Turkish Spindle that I had on order.  The singles form a little double ended ball of yarn around the arms as you spin, in such a manner that when you finish, you pull out the shaft, pull out the arms of the spindle, and you have a nice little wound-up ball of yarn.  I have only spun a very small sample piece of fiber.....but it was extremely easy to spin, and I know I will enjoy working with it.


It is just a beautiful piece of artwork!  I love that the artist labeled, dated, and signed each one.  It's just beautifully made!


And, like so many other knitters, I am working on Wendy Johnson's Summer Mystery Shawlette.  Anxiously awaiting the release of the next clue....... 


It really is a fun little project, out of stash yarn - Lisa Souza Sock!


The fact that I am using my new Signature circular needles may be why I am enjoying the project oh so much!  I splurged and treated myself to several pairs of these beauties!  LOVE them!  Ahhhhhh...... 

So - that catches things up, on the needlework front anyway.  The garden is in, and looking pretty good so far.  We have had tons of rain, but luckily have been spared the destructive winds and storms that other parts of the US are experiencing.  BG and I are looking forward to a summer sans preschool - which will allow more trips to the park, the zoo, the swimming pool, and just general summer fun! 

We made a trip to the local K-mart yesterday.  He picked out the most obnoxious fire engine.....complete with blaring super-hero music and a multitude of flashing lights and screeching sirens.  He was totally thrilled!  And so am I.  He's only little once, and those days are flying by........

10 comments:

Judy S. said...

Do you know whether the brioche stitch is the same as the linen stitch? Looks like you had a couple of really great classes. Your GS is sure cute and getting bigger too. Our Daniel is 2 today!

Lynn said...

I actually liked noisy toys for the kids. This way when they were in their rooms playing, I knew where they were and what they were doing. It was when it was quiet I got worried!!! LOL

Elle said...

Sounds like your classes were fantastic! I'm glad you're enjoying the Trindle and the turkish spindle. Yes, drop spindling is slower than the wheel but has its own charm and you can enjoy the process a lot longer. :-)

Dorothy said...

You may not have been blogging much, but you've certainly put your time to good use. So many pretty projects! Our grandkids are growing up quickly, aren't they? Isobel will start 1st grade next year!! I think I'll go stash diving tomorrow and maybe work on Wendy's shawl. I need a quick project to perk me up.

Monika said...

It was nice catching up with all your projects, and BG does not look like a Baby anymore. :o) I wish you lots of summer fun!

Anonymous said...

What an interesting update! Your Turkish spindle does look like a work of art- so pretty. I love the color of your mystery shawl.

Those screeching sirens and flashing lights are the things which attract little boys.(vbg) Yes, they grow up so soon so enjoy the Summer.

Karen said...

Everything looks great! I love your spindles. I really wish I wasn't all thumbs when it came to spinning.
BG is going to be 3! Time is just flying by. He looks so grown up with his fire engine. The ones that make lots of noise are the best.

Rebecca said...

I'm having fun with Wendy's Mystery Shawlette, too! Okay...I really need to get brave and try my hand at the spindle I bought last year. I normally jump right in to learning new things but, for some reason, I'm a-skeered of this spindle learning! Love the color of your shawl. Cute BG picture!

Jean said...

To be able to take classes from someone who's knitting you admire must have beenn a blast. Sometimes things take awhile to sink in and you'll recall more details. I can't believe how BG has grown. Hope Sofee is doing well, my dog suffers greatly from allergies and a standard poodle who has only patches of hair is a strange sight, but he is happy and i LOVE him with all my heart. Wishing you all the best.

KnittySue said...

OOOHHHH...yum. Everything looks so good..I'm just recently getting the "how do you do that spinny thing with the spindle" bug. I've even been watching You Tube demo's.
Thanks for sharing...miss you...hope there is alot of fun in your summer.