Enjoy.....

The last few days of Winter!!!  (And if you get a chance to rid yourself of Nemo mittens - go for it!)  :) 

Update.....

When BG woke from his nap, he seemed to love his Nemo mittens (along with his "Hungry Caterpillar" that we bought yesterday at Kohl's).

But - when daddy came to get him --- only the caterpillar made the journey home with him.  He left the mittens on my kitchen table.  Sigh.....
I'll try again when we go to preschool this morning.  That boy!!!!!!

Are there any sewing experts out there.......????

Hope you can help me.  What have I done wrong?

My cheap thrifty side recently kicked in, and instead of purchasing any of these little box bags off of Etsy, I decided that I could surely sew some on my own.  So.... off to JoAnne's fabric store I went.  WOW - culture shock.  It's probably been 20 years since I have sewn anything more than a hem or stray button.  Enough said - it was an eye-opening experience!

I had found an online tutorial for the little boxes, and I had some fabric stashed away, so all I needed was interfacing and appropriate zippers.  I was unsure as to the proper interfacing, and the blank stare that I received from the JoAnne's employee when I asked questions....obviously I was speaking a foreign language.  (Amazing!)  A helpful customer came to my rescue, and tried to help me find an appropriate product amongst all those bolts.  This is the best we could come up with.

But....there seems to be some puckering, wrinkly action going on.  It is adhered well to the cotton fabric, so I am wondering.....did I buy the wrong stuff?  My other thought is that I should perhaps attach the stiffener to the lining of the bag, not the outer fabric.  (Although I did it as the tutorial instructed, so I imagine that is not actually the problem.)  Any thoughts?  Suggestions?

I have several more bags planned (not sure why??) and would like to cure the puckering problem before I try another one.  I think I will enlarge it just a bit too, and I definitely want to put little tabs at each end of the zipper for ease of  actually zipping the zipper.  Duh!  Wish I'd thought of that early on.  The lack of those is more irritating than the puckering.   

If anyone is still reading this..... I can also share some knitted FO's.  I think these are all posted on Ravelry though, so perhaps it is redundant of me to do so.

Oh, but before the knitting, let me share some spinning.  I haven't spun anything for quite sometime, so it was with great delight that I spun this skein of  FatCats Variegated BFL fiber, colorway "Shadowed Glenn".  (Approx 250 yards of probably sport weight.)  She may make it a stock colorway - I'm hoping.  This is such a pretty yarn, I think.  It's not very well spun, as I was somewhat out of practice, but I don't think it will take me long to get back into the grove of things.
 

Now, back to the knitting..... first off, the mittens that I knit from the Knitpicks Winter Woodland mitten kit

I was a little unhappy with the dark color of the Palette yarn, but Knitpick's customer service came to the rescue again.  They sent me 4 new skeins that really do look much better in quality.  I think there was just some inferior yarn in my kit.  I hope to start the next pair of the mittens soon.  The kit has the patterns and sufficient yarn to make 6 pairs total.  Don't ask - I have no idea why I would want 6 pairs of similar mittens.  Filler for the charity box, probably.

I also made my DH 2 new hats that match the cowl in the previous post.  He loves them!

Jared Floods "Turn a Square" free hat pattern in Malabrigo.  He wears them all the time - inside and outside the house.  I certainly cannot complain that he is not wearing them.  LOL.  Each winter is harder for him to handle - the cold is really getting to him these days.  Apparently his heart meds are to blame.

Speaking of Jared Flood.  I hope to take a class with him this spring.  He is one of the many fantastic instructors that will be teaching at YarnOver put on by the Minnesota knitter's guild. His class is one of my first choices....and I am hoping to hear there is place reserved for me.  I think we will hear our class assignments at the end of the month.

And, another hat.

This photo, you won't see on Ravelry. :)  I should have held the camera just a little bit higher.  I don't wear hats, but this one....just might be the exception.  I also knit one for my mom (but failed to get a photo before I gave it to her).  She asked for a hat, which surprised me - she too being the non-hat wearing type.  I've worn this one a couple of times and really like it.  So warm!

I just finished another cowl yesterday, but not blocked yet.  I'll share photos soon.

And everyone needs a giggle.  Background - BG is moving from his crib into his "Big boy bed" at home.  He's doing much better now, but there were a few tumultuous nights when the transition began.  This is a photo my daughter sent to me....... She found him like this - and still asleep!

And the lesson for today is.....

When life gives you Lemons....well, make a vest! 

Hopefully that will be the answer!  A couple of days ago, BG tried the front/back on of his sweater.  Big smile...lots of enthusiasm, Grandma is wonderful (and happy!).  Yesterday, I had basted a sleeve on, and needed to have him try it on for a sizing.  He pitched a fit!  Wanted no part of the sweater - AT ALL!  "No Grandma! No Grandma!" is all he would say.  Not happy boy (nor grandma!).  So....I'll give it another try next week, but as one gal suggested in my knitting group this morning, perhaps I ruined it by adding sleeves.  So...I'll keep you posted.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.  I knew it was a risk.....oh well - I am normally a process knitter anyway.  And, there's always room in the charity box for another toddler sweater.  Sigh.....

My mindless, knitting while waiting in the car, etc, project is done. 

Ohhhh....that's a horrible photo!  Sorry...not sure what happened there.  Anyway - nothing too exciting.  Standard guy's vanilla sock.  Used a skein of Opal from my stash.  They will be gifted come Christmas time.  Last of my "must do" gifts. 

Soooo..... I am in need of a new knitting project.  Only bad part of being a one at a time kinda gal is when the one is stalled. 

It rained all day yesterday.  Luckily, it was warm enough that we had only rain.  They say that it would have been a 14" snowfall had temps been lower.  I'm ready for cooler weather, but not sure I want 14" of snow just yet -- thanks anyway!

An update on the eye:  Some days are better than others.  Today is not so good.  :(  Apparently it can take a long time (months and months) to get better, or as good as it's going to get anyway.  So...I'm just trying to be patient and grateful that it is not worse than it is.  So far the left eye remains ok.  I am being told it will be better - eventually. 

Off to start a new project.  Also started some spinning last night, so my world continues to rotate, even if a little lop-sided at times!  Take care.

Can't get much better than this:

In the fun department, I am certainly having it!  First off, these make me smile....immensely!

Another set of markers handmade by WeeOnes.  Again, she honored a special request.  Her normal "Fancy Goldfish" markers consist of 4 fish - these minus the one with the black markings.  For some reason(?) I wanted one with some black on it.  So....she graciously accomodated.  I just marvel at the detail.  Total whimsy - and they entertain me to no end!

Last week, as I was browsing patterns on Ravely, I ran across the "Monster" (ravelry link) sweater.  BG saw it on my computer screen, and was quite interested.  In fact "Granma make monster" were his exact words.  NEED HE SAY MORE? .... I think not!  That very day I purchased the pattern and ordered the yarn from knitpicks.

When the box arrived, you would have thought it was Christmas.  He was totally enthused.  Of course, the real question is will he actually wear it?  LOL - time will tell, but I don't really care.  We are enjoying the process.

I have the back completed, and I'm teaching myself Intarsia on the fly.  Really, isn't that difficult, but I readily admit the chart is an easy one.  Such a cute pattern, and a total joy to knit.  The color changes are just mesmerizing.  To keep the weaving in of ends to a minimal pain, I am weaving them in as I go.  I'll be back soon with finished photos, and Hopefully....ON the body of a 2yr old.  LOL... but he's pretty opinionated, so we can only hope!

As promised:

My Etsy delivery came today!  Sofee stitch markers!

Aren't they just the cutest ever!  Jillian of "WeeOnes" made them for me.  I saw some buff colored Chi markers in her shop,  and I asked if she could make ones marked more like Sofee.  She asked for more photos of her - from the back, etc, and was most accommodating.   I can't imagine being that talented!!!!  I think they are just adorable!  Each one has her in a different pose.  So cute! I am just delighted with them. 

BG had his first two days of school last week - well 2 hours really.  He was so excited about his new back pack.  (Talk about early education - it had to be packed with extra "pull-ups" a clothes change, and his "lovey")  Here he is all ready to go!  Grandma's taxi service seemed to be quite acceptable, and I didn't hear any complaints about it not being a yellow school bus.  Whew.....

Day one went very well, even though I was a little nervous because there was one little boy wailing uncontrollably when we arrived.  BG seemed unfazed, although that was what he talked about most when I picked him up.  His day recaps are mostly in one words - that I have to somewhat piece together.  At barely 2 yrears of age, sentences are just beginning to form.

Day two was a little more challenging for him, however.  When I picked him up, he had his Eyeore in a strangle hold, and had big tears in his eyes.  He declared himself as "sad" when I asked him what was going on.  According to the teacher, he wanted to go to the "big gym" and play with the ball at a time when it was not allowed.  So.....he started yelling for "Grrrraaaaannnnnndddddmmmmmaaaaa" real loud, and got a little disgruntled with the whole situation.  (Yes - he makes about 14 syllables out of that word!!)  Anyway - I guess he thought I'd come to his rescue and let him do what he wanted.  Hmmmm.....wonder where he got that idea????  I probably need to re-evaluate my grand-parenting skills...... (I'll let ya know how that goes.....)

And Three weeks later......

Sorry....MIA.  Several folks have written expressing concern that I have not been posting.  Nope - nothing wrong.  Just life getting in the way I guess.  Sorry - I'll do better, I promise!

While I personally am fine, Sofee, well you know her allergies!  She is in the middle of the worst of it.  Poor little girl.  Her eyes are really bothering her this year.  We have a new ointment, but basically she needs to stop rubbing them.  We are balancing drugs and barrier clothing items with full-attention/lap time.  We'll get through this again......  I'm just hoping for early (and frequent) frosts!

  She could be a poster child.....poor little girl!

On the knitting front, finished are the "Deep in the Woods" mittens.  They've been on my Ravelry page for a couple of weeks, so sorry if this is redundant for many of you.   I made a few changes, which can be found on my Ravelry page.  Basically they are knit as pattern is written.  I really like them!

I started a plain vanilla sock.  Opal yarns can hardly make "vanilla" socks! Pretty wild!  This colorway is one from the rain forest collection of a couple of years ago.  Stash yarn. It's a project that I can take and run with.  Mindless knitting - hmmmm - that seems to be what I need these days. 

I am nearing completion on another pair of  "Knotty" gloves.  These are out of a skein of Cherry Tree Hill - stash yarn that is several years old.  Love them.  They fit a bit tighter than the reddish pair I recently completed.  Same needle size and stitch count, just a slightly different yarn weight. 

The post-lady has been VERY nice to me this past week or so. 

This Schauht Lazy Kate came to me on Friday of this week.  My WooleeWinder bobbins are just a smidge longer than the stock Lendrum bobbins, and would bind up on the Lendrum Kate.  I decided that I would prefer a horizontal kate, and decided to go with this model.  I have yet to use it, but hopefully I will like it immensely!

I decided it was about time that I figure out what I should be doing, so DH actually, purchased these DVD's for me.  I am a "spin by the seat of your pants" type of gal.  I do what feels right.....and for the most part I have been pretty happy with the outcome.  But the recent sale on these DVD's - well, I decided that perhaps it was time to see how things are "supposed" to be done.  LOL.....  (Lots of Luck) with that!  I'll be trying to break bad habits from now on......
 
And speaking of:  This fiber was especially dyed for me by JulieSpins.  I wanted to spin some light to dark transitional yarn.  Love this fiber.  She named the colorway "Teddy Bear", which is a perfect name!

With a little bit of manipulation, it has been spun into a nice hank of yarn.  It's not been sett yet, so not really ready for it's debut shot.  Also, only half has been spun at this point. I need to find the perfect pattern. 

And, a new sock book:  I pre-ordered this one.  I have knit many of Stephanie's designs and find them both beautiful and challenging.  Little dpns have been dancing in my brain since this beauty arrived!

I am actually waiting for an Etsy delivery that I will be sure to share with you all.  Nope - not fiber!  Something really cute....and I am so anxious to receive!  Be sure to check back to see......... :)  

That's about all I guess.  BG will start his little "pre" pre-school this week.  Only 1 hour each day (Tues/Thurs) a gradual adjustment.  We have been talking about school and reading books about going to school for the last several weeks.  He keeps zeroing in on the "school bus" aspect of school.  Sadly, I am his school bus.  Hope he's not too disappointed with that.  I'm very excited for him.....I think he's going to love it!  I'll keep you posted.  

Favorite things....

Currently, this is one of my very favorite knitted projects..... 

 

It's another "22.5 degree scarf" by Martina Behm.  It's the second one I have knit, and while both were fun projects, I much prefer this one.  I just love the rich browns!  I changed this one a little by adding some random eyelet work, and some other textured stitches....just whenever the mood hit me.  I also did a picot bind off instead of the scallops on the original pattern.  Both are lovely finishing touches though - I'm not sure which I prefer actually.

This is knit out of a handspun shetland roving from Crown Mountain Fibers.  I was shocked by the softness of the yarn.  I always thought shetland was supposed to be course and scratchy.  Anyway - I'm sure you get the Idea.....I like this scarf.  I'll wear it tucked into the neck of a coat this winter.  A cross between a traditional scarf and a cowl....kind of anyway. 

And BG's favorite thing:

Trying to keep cool on yet another hot, humid, summer day!!

Whats been brewing......

While trying to stay cool, and dry (which is pretty hard to do!!) summer days have been slipping by..... I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. 

I have my mom's socks done.  If you will remember, these were a pair of rare toe-ups.  Not my normal style of socks, but it was fun for a change.  They reminded me of how much I like Lisa Souza's sock yarns!  I have quite a big stash......perhaps I should dive into it more often. 

This is the plain sock with gusset construction from Wendy Johnson's first toe-up book.  I like the gusset construction quite a bit.

I think I will be knitting socks using this technique again.  The "Norwegian Rose" socks are nearing completion.  I'll post those in a few days....hopefully.

I have been busy spinning up some roving.....a BIG bag of roving.  The recipient of this yarn picked up the first 4 skeins a week or so ago, and really seemed pleased with it.  So....I was suppose to spin up the rest.  I have 7 skeins finished so far (well, I need to set the twist of 5 of them).  I need to ply 2 more skeins this afternoon (singles on the bobbins) and then will spin up 3 more skeins, and then will be finished!  It's been a fun project, but I must admit that I am ready for a little color......  Yes, I really said that!  ME....wanting color!  LOL.

Speaking of color, a couple of new rovings arrived this past week or so. 

This is Crown Mountain Fiber's SW Merino in the Bacchus colorway.  Gorgeous!  I really like this, and hope I like the finished yarn half as much!

And this is a mixed BFL (meaning light/dark mixed natural colored wool) dyed by AllSpunUp.  This also makes my heart sing!  Lovely dark, rich colors.  Screams winter socks to me!  I can hardly wait to start spinning on this.....

But probably the most exciting thing that has been going on is this purchase:

BG loves trains, especially Thomas.  This grandma couldn't afford the real Thomas set up, so I bought a generic, and will eventually populate it with "real" Thomas train pieces.  One little 2-yr old is just totally pleased with that plan! 

So, I guess that's what I've been up to.  I must admit, I am looking forward to Fall.  It's always been my favorite time of  year, but this year it may be even sweeter than normal.  Hopefully our Fall weather will be better than the Monsoon season we have had of late.  Also, our son will be coming "home" for a visit!  And....there will probably be a little vacation trip for DH and I.  BG will be starting a little "Pre" pre-school twice a week - which will be very exciting!.  So, hope all of you are surviving in your own crazy world we all call home...... Talk to you later!

Getting back to normal.....

The birthday celebrations are winding down, as is the sugar high.....(thankfully so).  Naps are once again manageable and on schedule.  But we DID have fun on Monday.....

  

I finished this sock this morning:

 It is an older pattern from Knitty, "Red Herring" by Cookie A.   The main color is a Finn that was spun several months ago, waiting in my stash for the right project.  The contrasting color is my latest spin, shown on the bobbins in the previous post.

It spun up into this nice 3-ply fingering wt yarn.  This was the first fine yarn that I spun with the assistance of the Woolee Winder.  I think I will be able to spin thin yarns with no problems.  That is one of the things that people sometimes say - that it is not easily done with the WW.   I am convinced we will be life-long buddies and partners in this spinning adventure......

 

 This was the original roving.  It was just over 3oz.  My yardage was 252 yards, which was a little disappointing, but I purposefully put a great deal of twist into the singles and plying, as I knew it would eventually become socks.    It made for nice color accent, although the difference was not great in certain areas.  I like the subtle color changes.  These socks have the afterthought Turkish heel.  I had not knit one of those in many years, but enjoyed the process and I am happy with the outcome.  

Now - off to cast on the 2nd sock!

Gushing.....

Gushing....yes, I'm afraid this may be a "grandma gushes" post.  You see, yesterday was a big day for our family, with tomorrow being even bigger!  Someone is turning Two tomorrow!  He'll be opening presents here later today, and tomorrow we plan on making/decorating birthday cupcakes together, but...... 

his official party was yesterday.  It was a nice time for all, even though Mother Nature was not very cooperative.  We have had nothing but rain for the last several weeks, and DD got an early morning phone call with the news that the originally reserved park venue was flooded.  So, even a last minute scurry to notify all guests of a location change, blazing hot temperatures and strong wind gusts didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the celebration.

Good eats were had by everyone!

He soon remembered how to open gifts.

Some were to dream about,

And some were of sheer wonder (he loves anything with wheels....).

But when it was all said and done....he's just all ready to start a busy year as a two year old!

Hope this Grandma can keep up!!!   LOL!

And now the fibering gushing:

Is this not a hoot!  Through a friend (or two, actually) at TNKG, I came into contact with a lady who had been gifted a huge bag of processed wool.  Apparently her neighbor has sheep and presented her a bag full of fluffiness.  She had no idea what to do with it.....so she went in search of a spinner.

I can hardly call myself that, but I thought, sure, I'd give it a try.  She liked the sample skein I spun, and well....as they say, "the rest is history".  She wanted bulky weight, lumpy bumpy yarn.  I think she plans on dyeing it.  She is a very artsey gal, and I'm sure she will turn this plain natural yarn into a beautiful creation!  She is currently on vacation, so I am anxiously awaiting her return so I can get this first 450 yards to her.  (The remains enough unspun fiber for another 12 skeins....if she so desires).  I am hoping that she is happy with it.  I really do think she will love it!

I  totally enjoyed spinning it - with lumpy bumpy abandon!  It was my first project using my Woolee Winder.  Also the first time I spun from roving rather than combed top.  (For the non-spinners out there, roving is more jumbled fibers, where in top the fibers are all aligned with one another).  In the process of experimentation, I learned how to do a "long draw" which is great for this fiber - creating a softer, fluffier woolen spun yarn!  Doing long draw is just so much fun.......makes me dizzy just thinking about it!

I really can't gush enough about the Woolee Winder!  I just love it.  I started on a 3-ply SW Merino last night.  Just an experimentation with the WW - but I think it will be a very nice 3-ply fingering when I am done.  I am SOOOOOO happy that I took my husband's offer of a Woolee Winder gift!!!  Love it!

So, since this is a positive post, I won't mention that I knit an entire sock, totally finished, ends woven in and everything just to frog it all!  It was a Cookie A pattern knit out of my handspun sock yarn.  Just wasn't loving it!  The yarn deserved to be knit into a sock that I would love and wear.  That may be a plain vanilla, we'll see.

And, I am currently working on some little cotton washcloths.  I recently joined our local knitting guild.  They are supporting a fund raising project.  They are collecting washcloths to be sold with 100% of the proceeds going to the gulf oil cleanup effort.   I'm not enjoying knitting them in worsted weight, which is what they requested, so not sure how many I will manage to make, but I'll do my best.  It is nice to use some of the stashed ww cottons.

Happy knitting, spinning, or whatever makes you happy!  Take care....