Nutty!

Have you seen the Twist Collective Newsletter?

They've included a photo of my Acorns!

Take a look.

My favorite new knit

I've fallen helplessly in love with this sweater. My journey began nearly two years ago with a package from Chris at Briar Rose Fibers. The box contained a huge, squishy hank of Grandma's Blessing which is a superwash sport-weight wool. The colors fit me (Chris has often indulged my desire for greens and blues) and that huge skein called to me.

Enter Carol Sunday's Acorn pattern. Hours were spent on Ravelry while looking for the perfect sweater for my coveted yarn. Acorns did not disappoint.






It took a quick month to finish, but it honestly sat over a week waiting for buttons.


The only modification made was to lengthen the torso by 1 1/4 inches.

Instead of using waste yarn for the cast-on, I decided to use an extra cable with the screw-on ends already attached. These are from Knit Picks. The cable was just held in place of the waste yarn and is flexible enough to stay in place. This worked wonderfully and the live stitches are already on a cable! When ready I just screwed on the correct needle size and knit. When using this technique, you want to keep the provisional yarn tight and you may want to work the stitches through the back loop for the first row to tighten-up the provisional stitches.

Although it seems intuitive, I also slipped the live sleeve stitches onto small cables with the screw on ends. They were waiting there and when it was time to work the sleeves, I attached the needle ends and went to work.

Next up: Completion of the EZ 100th birthday Pi Shawl

Hat to dye for (and Pi too)

My knitting mojo is back with a vengeance. The Pi Shawl is coming along nicely and here is a photo with the first and second parts complete.





Knitting this is making me very happy and the fact that the pattern is broken into pieces is a bonus. When a portion is published, I knit on it until finished and then go back to my other project (which I really need to blog about).


What I really want to blog about is a hat that came out in the newest edition of Vogue Knitting. Color work calls to me and this hat just made my heart do cartwheels.



Buying new yarn hasn't really been on my list of things to accomplish so I searched through that big bag of KnitPicks Palette and found some things that might just work.






The pink was not 'wine' enough. Then thoughts went running through my mind and a pretty good idea came.









Some of the pink yarn went onto the knitty knoddy








and was cooked....for too long! The yarn turned black with too much dye.



After a second try, the perfect shade was produced

The first try is on the right and the second on the left










This is the color before and after








All ready to cast-on.

Pi Shawl Section One

Directions for the first section were posted Sunday morning. Here is a link to the PDF.

We had brunch with friends and I cast on as soon as we arrived home. At first, this shawl and I appeared to not be getting along, but my eagerness was the culprit. Everything finished up pretty well later that afternoon.




The next section comes out this Wednesday. It isn't too late to join if you are just yearning for a way to celebrate Elizabeth Zimmerman's 100th birthday.

My morning did not begin as expected. Today was my annual exam and I know we all dread it. Once the process is over, I feel empowered and accomplished. Last year was my first in our new location and I saw a new Doctor. My appointment was in the afternoon and after waiting a good, long time they told me that she was in delivery at the hospital adjoined to her office. She was nearly finished and then arrived a small while after they informed me.

Fast forward to this year and keep in mind that I am not typically a ultra patient person. My appointment was for 9A and I arrived 10 minutes early to update paperwork. They took me back at 9:20A and gave me instructions for the paper gown... Time ticked away and all of my feelings about the previous year were bouncing around in my mind. I was cold and by now I needed to go to the restroom. No option to solve either problem. It felt like it had been for-ev-er since I'd disrobed, there was no clock to help me with the time. Finally, I got up, got dressed...and left. Boy, was I angry! Fortunately, my daughter's doctor office was right next door and they had a new patient appointment in less than a month.

It is incomprehensible to me that a medical 'professional' can be so unprofessional in the treatment of their patient. My time is just as valuable as hers. I guess that is why it is so easy to just choose a different provider.

Later in the day things began to work a little more smoothly and the afternoon has been peacefully nice.

Me-oh-my Anniversary Pi

Fleeting thoughts about celebrating Elizabeth Zimmerman's 100th birthday have been crossing my mind and then promptly being forgotten.


Today was the perfect day to catch-up on some of my favorite blogs and Jodi's post laid out the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for EZ's contribution to this craft I so truly love. Plus, I've always wanted to make a Pi shawl. Seriously, yummy lace and it is named 'pi'. I love pie and think of it every time 'pi' shawl is mentioned.

The link to Wendy's blog gave details for the swatch and ideas for the perfect yarn danced through my head. After much searching, the yarn was located and the swatch was complete - I am in!

I’ve chosen to use Briar Rose Angel Face in Autumn tones. The yarn will be held double which may run me a tad short. If this happens, I will make modifications or finish it out in a complimentary colorway. Definitely walking on the wild side - first pi shawl and fearlessly tempting yardage.

Pre-block swatch measures 3.75” across by 2.75” high Blocked swatch measures 4.25” across by 3.25” high. This means my finished shawl will be approximately 60".

I just can't wait until Sunday!

Rounding the craft bend

Contemplation has been the word of the month. My elbow has continued to nag at me and thoughts of knitting being worth the trouble have loomed in my mind.

The elbow is not in pain, merely discomfort, but it is persistent. Just sharp enough to let me know it is still with me and that escape is probably not possible. I've tried out exercises, sitting positions, and different seating. All to no avail.

So, as I was finishing up the Mod Pod felted tote that was nabbed at Stitches West, I began to wonder if a 'next project' was in my near future. Dread was setting in due to the necessary felting of that long tote strap and it might be a great time for a more permanent break.

What would become of all the lovely fibers in my stash?

A pattern has been sitting on my table for nearly a month. The Aestlight Shawl was a birthday gift from my Ravelry friend Linda. What a lovely surprise it was to receive the pattern and it has been on my list since receipt. The perfect fiber was being elusive so, as the tote dried, I searched my stash. After rejecting much yarn, the perfect choice came to mind. My Aestlight will be made from very beautiful Briar Rose BFL handspun. Using handspun was great for another reason, too - Linda had just dipped her toe into spinning!

The uncertainty and elbow pain washed away and, as that buttery fiber slid through my fingers, I knew that knitting was still my thing.

Olympic scale knitting

When the Ravelympic goal was set it made me nervous. Uncertain that such knitting could be accomplished before departing for Stitches West loomed in my mind. Turns out that President's Day and the Mardi Gras celebration actually helped me reach my goals!















As if that wasn't enough help, we went to see family last Sunday. The car ride was an hour and half there and by the time we returned, I was knitting straight stockinette and could pretty much do that in the dark.

The yarn is Briar Rose Fibers Heritage which turns to softness when washed. It blocked nicely. Needles - US 4 and US 6

There is one more UFO in my basket that should be finished before departing for Stitches. Susanna Hansson's classes have me very excited and I have a little surprise project waiting for me when I return.

Little Blanket

My concern: How do you show your friend dealing with a life altering illness that you care?

My daughter and I discussed my desire to support Lisa and let her know she is in my prayers. My inclinations lean toward doing something and we came up with the idea of making a blanket of portable size so she could take it along to chemo.

A few years ago, many volunteers offered their talents and time to create a large version - The Hope Blanket. Donations were made the American Cancer Society and the blanket was given away. Luckily, I still had the patterns and enough of the original yarn to make this for Lisa. She actually was a contributor and her square designs are included in her new blanket.

If you have a minute, please stop and say a little prayer for those who are dealing with any type of cancer. Before you say 'Amen', please include a little blessing for Lisa.

Under way

Time has flown and I realize it has been a good while since I've blogged.

My mom has been visiting for the past two weeks and we've stayed busy by adding little decorating touches to the house. It is much more home-y and we have had a lot of fun.

There are also many new projects on the needles. Most are clipping along quickly and will be finished in no time.

Through The Loops Mystery Sock 2009 piqued my interest because I've been wanting to knit a pair of socks. After reading Kristin's description of her sample yarn and pattern, I knew my yarn would be Lisa Souza sock that was gifted to me long ago. The color would be fantastic and with the holidays coming, red will be very useful. The first two clues are finished with only one change of adding a repeat for the leg. Each new clue comes out on Thursday and these will be set aside to make progress on one of my other wips.

An Empire Waist Cardigan by Classic Elite is the design that seemed perfect for Briar Rose Penny Lane. This yarn blocks beautiful and holds a very flattering drape. The top half is finished and I am ready to begin the collar and skirt portion.

Another project that caught my eye was this Lana Grossa vest knit in Lana Grossa Come. This yarn is incredibly soft and easy to knit. The pattern is lovely, but not necessarily something to knit in front of the television. There were a couple of places that needed to be fixed where I knit instead of purled. Overall, it is progressing well.

My favorite part of having so many things working at the same time is that they will all likely be finished at the same time and that brings a huge sense of accomplishment. Great photos are sure to come in the next few weeks.

2009 Tour de Fleece: The Alps

I feel a bit like Lance Armstrong must feel - getting a little older, not quite up to the level I used to be...Lingering in here somewhere was the desire to treadle just a bit more to reach my goal.

Late yesterday I finished plying my 11 ounces of yummy Briar Rose Fibers BFL. My goal was to finish with usable yarn, not necessarily to target the gauge, wpi, etc. It had been a good, long while since I had been able to spin so the result is relatively pleasing. Excitement is building now that producing pleasing yarn has re-entered my activities and I will begin to regain some of the consistency that has been lost.

There are three skeins totaling 515 yards at 10 wpi. It is super soft and I am smiling just to think of it hanging balanced.

Reaching my goal early gives way to spin a few other fibers as a bonus. This week will be busy with work, but I'm going to choose something tonight and get ready to go after a day off.

Tour de Fleece 2009: first full bobbin

The first half of the 11 ounces is spun. This single inspires me and also makes me think I've set my goal a little low.

After spinning the second half the plying will need to be done and that might take me a bit longer. It may turn out that excitement will push me on and the plying will be flying.

The colors show true here and are much better than the previous photo.

We've had some hiccups with the pool and are waiting (and waiting) for the correct repairs to be made. The home warranty was a wonderful idea, but it is just taking awhile to get everything going. I'm definitely not swimming in it until electricity has been restored and the pump runs for a day or two which means extra spinning time for me.

Bobbin 1; a tour de fleece update

Oh thank goodness, I remember how to spin.

The groove was easy to find and my fingers did the right things.

The colors are a little off as it is cloudy and nearing evening today, better photos are forthcoming.

This is BFL from Briar Rose Fibers...have I mentioned that Chris is amazing?

Choices, choices...Tour de Fleece 2009

It wasn't a difficult decision - Briar Rose Fibers! This is beautiful BFL sent to me by Chris. The sun was going down by the time I ran outside to photograph it so you won't notice the subtle green and scattered reddish-browns, but they are there and they are absolutely beautiful.

My goal is to spin and ply all 11 ounces before the end of the Tour. I am optimistic, but also realistic. We've had visitors for 2 of the last 3 weeks plus, it has been awhile since I've spun seriously.

I am going to try and touch my fiber every day - yesterday, it was a miracle to just locate it. Today, I divided it into sections and prepped Georgia for the ride. She needed some serious dusting and oiling, but is up for the challenge now.

There is still time to join. Go over to the blog and get your spinning ready.

Tour de Fleece 2009: a new beginning

Fiber excitement! The Tour de Fleece blog is up, goals are being set, and fiber-licious plans are brewing around here.

Ok, that sounds like how I feel about the Tour de Fleece 2009, but I'm actually trying to get motivated to go searching through my fiber to see what my next step will truly be. 2008 was a wonderful experience and this is just what was needed to get me back on my wheel. There has been little opportunity to spin since moving last December. Actually, there is a little practice Angora from Edward on there and that is the extent of the last 6 months of spinning.

For shame.

I am pretty certain that I will be spinning Briar Rose Fiber again. Chris is a magician and just thinking about that BFL makes my fingers yearn to have the buttery soft fiber flow through them.

There is still time for you to join up and spend most of July accomplishing your spinning goal, go check it out.

That 60's Sweater

An everyday pullover accentuated with an interesting yoke. This design is knit in one piece from the neck down resulting in minimal finishing.

Two different colorways of Briar Rose Charity made this sweater a hit with Bugg and it was quickly carried off to school.

Shades of bright teal and milk chocolate brown in the yoke bring attention upward and soft brown and greens in the body compliment with subtle differences.

Many thanks to Chris for nudging me to write this down, Holly and Debbi for test knitting, and Eloise and Jason for testing gauge.

This pattern is now available on Ravelry.

Another something green

A new sweater for this season is just what I needed and the Ella Jacket from Simply Shetland 4 caught my eye. The thought to knit it in Briar Rose Charity came a little later and this was toted home from Wisconsin.









The design is knit in one piece beginning at the sleeve. Even the collar is knit one by casting on extra stitches. The sides, sleeve seams, and collar did need to be stitched on to finish.









Garments constructed out of the norm always interest me. Disappointment has struck many times after knitting an amazingly constructed design only to find that the fit is bizarre. Not so with this one, the fit is perfect for my build.









This is sure to be a favorite of mine!


2 skeins Briar Rose Fibers Charity
size 7 US Needles
6 buttons from Briar Rose Fibers

See it on Ravelry

cast-on-itis

Only one project in process - the Philosopher's Wool sweater - made me want to cast on.

This green wool is Charity from Briar Rose Fibers. The greens are incredible and were meant to be a jacket that caught my eye earlier this year.

But one new project was not enough and the Wildfoote that my Mitzi gifted me for my birthday was next. The colorway is Bluegrass and it makes me think of Bugg every time I look at it : )


With three pretty big projects going at the same time, it may be awhile before there is another finished item. I will get significant knitting time in the car this weekend as we travel to parents weekend to see our Bugg. I read that Ann and Kaye will be near campus this evening and there is hope that we will make it there in time to pick up their new book.

The bunnies are adjusting well. Bella is an absolute doll. She loves to cuddle and loves to sit on my lap. Edward is a little more adventurous and likes to explore. He is doing an excellent job using a litter pan...Bella is more stubborn in that area. The litter pans make clean up a lot easier. I've managed to work most of the small mats they had out of their fur. More photos soon.

Syncopated hat and my BFL

Last year my pal Becky sent a link to a Ravelry project that immediately sparked my interest. It is one of those projects I knew I wanted to make...and I tried.


There was some self striping yarn in my stash that went beautifully with a solid black, at least it appeared to match. It turned out that there was a navy blue in the self striping yarn and it was just too close in color to the black.

Regia Silk ended up in my yarn procurement and I tried again. Happily, these colors contrast well and the results are pleasing.

It seems like forever since I've spun and finished yarn. Chris gifted me some lovely BFL back in August and I've kept it hidden because my son fell instantly for this:

6 ounces of BFL dyed up by Chris of Briar Rose Fibers.

Rumpelstiltskin, I'm not - it took awhile for me to finish spinning this lovely fiber.

It appears I've gotten over my hesitation to spin my 'good stuff'.





I really wish you could feel this yarn. It is incredibly soft and light.

There is 500 yards and I've tucked it away until something magnificent can be knit of it.