Fiber Among The Roses

2009-06-15T19:45:00.001-04:00

Do you have a wedding in your future? Check out a way to make your wedding special: http://ping.fm/pDByW

2009-06-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

asks have you gotten your gifts for Father's Day? Need an idea? Check out here: http://ping.fm/ywxWc

2009-06-14T22:33:00.001-04:00

Need a good idea for a Father's Day gift? Check this out: http://ping.fm/8J5qQ

2009-06-13T20:50:00.001-04:00

Cool article on Hemp and Bamboo yarn http://ping.fm/UsG0U

2009-06-13T20:41:00.001-04:00

have you read HandmadeNews.org today?
http://ping.fm/KzcSm

2009-06-11T18:29:00.001-04:00

Asks if everyone has read the latest article on socks?
http://ping.fm/cCgVA

2009-06-10T18:51:00.001-04:00

Just updated my Blog! Check it out here: http://ping.fm/d7WFe

Whats happening here?

2009-06-10T18:36:00.003-04:00

The time is still quickly passing here. I have spent a lot of time on promoting my shop and working on items for in it.
This past week I added a new yarn, Sky. While its only one skein, its a very nice one. I love the color and the original idea was that I would knit it up into a shawl. Probably from a pattern out of the Estonian Lace book.
But, I looked at all the projects on the needles here, and decided that until I get to that project on my queue, It will be up for grabs on my shop. So while I am putting it on the back burner, you have the chance at it here.

As many of you may know, I am now a columnist for HandmadeNews.org in the Craft trend Department. I can't begin to say how excited and happy this makes me. I encourage everyone to stop by and take a look at all the online paper has to offer.

2009-06-10T18:30:00.001-04:00

What does it take to make a pair of socks? Find a overview here: http://ping.fm/xz2Vt

2009-06-10T15:14:00.001-04:00

Why would people knit socks today? Find out some reason here: http://ping.fm/dAvtk

2009-06-10T08:04:00.001-04:00

Do you know what the oldest sample of knitting found is? Find out here: http://ping.fm/Cymuy

2009-06-08T11:40:00.001-04:00

http://ping.fm/JVROa Socks!! Got to love them

2009-06-07T21:36:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to visit my Shop and see the spindles, and yarns!http://ping.fm/8thyL

2009-06-07T19:33:00.001-04:00

Is sock knitting for you? http://ping.fm/vRhog

2009-06-07T11:01:00.001-04:00

Socknitters - Read a article about your hobby/craft here! http://ping.fm/ke3mN

2009-06-07T07:26:00.001-04:00

says the sun is shinning, coffee is good, reading cool article on Lace here http://ping.fm/dwamJ

2009-06-06T20:54:00.001-04:00

What a good thing to keep in mind http://ping.fm/CRn21

Congrats Dr. Anna!

2009-03-30T11:23:00.003-04:00

Congrats Dr Anna!

So its not totally official, but just needs paperwork. I am so proud to say she is my sister. A Doctor! And soon to be Mom in August too! 2009 is a good year for her!

On the home front here, I did get a new knitting bag, one I have been lusting after for a while:

Its the Zhivago weekender from Off Hand Designs in the persian paisley fabric. Dh is calling it a carpet bag, or old fashioned dr bag, which makes it perfect to go with this post. I love how roomy it is :Looks like a cave inside. It can hold everything AND the Kitchen sink! Its really well made and so nice. Worth every penny of its cost.
Of course, I bought it at Delightful Ewe. I am thinking of saving to get some of the accessory bags in matching fabric, but not sure yet.

The Wallaby made me do it.

2009-03-22T22:32:00.002-04:00

There it is, the Pumpkin Patch Wallaby. Number 6 of the Wonderful Wallaby pattern I have now knit. I can't begin to tell you how addictive this pattern is, I lay awake thinking of color combination's.

But I must keep going, and I have 2 other projects on the needles. The first is out of noblesse yarn in green colorway. The pattern is the Corset top by Annie Modesitt.
The 2nd project I cast on only last Thurs. Its the Soleil from Knitty. Some Tattamy tweed yarn that just arrived in the shop, in avacado colorway, had to come home and jump on the needles. I have almost 8 inches knit on it so far.

One other note : My dear friend Carole has a new venture here. I know she will do very well in this as she is such a energetic and creative person!

Losing January

2009-02-06T09:56:00.003-05:00

Yep that is right, I somehow managed to loose a whole month! Life gets that busy.
I am working on several different knitting projects, which has kept me busy as ever.

I started off the year working on Scarves. The first one was from Handspun wool. One ply of golden yellow and one ply of black.

Pattern: Yarn Harlots One Row Handspun Scarf
Yarn: Spun by me
Yardage: Um I have no idea on this one, I just kept knitting until I ran out of yarn.
This was a knit for a Steeler Fan, of course! Way to go Steelers!

The next project was knit for a customer:

Pattern: Heather Undulating Waves Scarf
Yarn: Schaefer Yarns Heather
This is a neat pattern and I really like to knit it. But I do grow bored of it about half way through. I did get it done on time for the customer though.

The next project was a model for the Shop:

Pattern: The Yarn Harlots One Row Handspun Scarf
Yarn :Universal Classic Worsted Long Print
This went fast. I used one skein and just knit till I ran out again.

Finally I got another Wallaby knit up as 2 of my sisters are pregnant, I figured I would work on some small ones for the new babies.

So that is what happened to most of my January. February has begun and the economy is still not doing the greatest.
If you get a chance, check out this new charity looking for sponsorship.

Happy New Years!

2008-12-31T23:35:00.002-05:00

2008 is coming to a close, and in a few minutes, 2009 will begin.
May you all have a blessed and wonderful New Years!

As the New Year begins, we think of what we want to do, and have accomplished since the last. My knitting accomplishments are getting longer every year. But somehow I always have more projects I want to knit still lined up. Go figure.

Tomorrow I will spend several hours at Delightful Ewe during the annual New Years Sale. I hope to see alot of my friends there, and find yarn for several projects too!
And don't forget, if you can't make it there, to watch the Rose Bowl!

Go Penn State!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T08:45:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to say:

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Schwab Estate

2008-11-02T17:45:00.003-05:00

A few months back I had the pleasure of visiting the gardens at the Schwab Estate in Loretto , Pennsylvania. At the time I took a mass of pictures intending to blog about it later that week. Well that certainly never happened, so today I decided to show you some of the pictures I took:
As you walk up towards the gated entrance:

You notice its a walled garden, when I visit I feel very much like visiting " The Secret Garden". I feel this way even more so when I read this sign:
The view inside is breathtaking to say the least. I have visited this garden alot, having found it when I was in college a few miles away. Some friends and I would make the trip there almost every week, sitting on the stone benches I would study, and work, and enjoy the surroundings. The statues are some that really makes you feel you were visiting in a different age:

The Fountain above is an original to the garden, the Estate is now owned by the Franciscan Monks, but the folklore is that Charles Schwab, the steel magnet, had some very risque' statues in the garden. He built alot in the area, including the Cloistered Nunnery a few miles up the road, said to have been built for his sister who was a member of the sect. Rumor has it that while his sister was praying for his salvation, he was having wild parties at the estate.

What ever the truth, some of the statues have been replaced by the Monks, such as this one:
Most of the area is pretty much the way it was when built, as you walk the gardens, you can gaze up at the Mansion sitting at the top of the waterfalls:
A trip to the top of the stairs allows you to view the mansion better:
I love to visit there at least once a year, if not in each season to watch the changes in the garden. Even in the dead of winter the beauty of the stonework and evergreens is present.

Makes one wish that era lived on still.

Monday errands

2008-10-27T20:49:00.005-04:00

Every Monday morning I start the week the same way, by taking a nice drive into Sinking Valley to a wonderful Amish farm to get milk. Depending on the time of year and what I need in the house, I will also stop at the produce stands (spring - end of Oct) or the dry goods store.
Its my time to think, and enjoy the slower pace of the valley.

I love the valley. I even have a farm picked out that someday I would like to live at. Its so quaint that part of my time is spent on the drive thinking of how I would decorate the house inside. Now, mind you, I have never been in that house. But,that doesn't stop me at all.

I can picture one of the 2nd floor rooms overlooking the meadow, with looms and a wheel. One of the side windows in the downstairs living room, I would have a bobbin lace pillow set up on a frame beside a wing back chair. It would be one that received alot of morning sun for good lighting in the morning.

(Yes, you have caught me, I have mentioned another craft. One I am itching to learn, but trying to be patient, and get things done that I have already started. So technically I haven't started any, so I am not actually adding another craft to my arsenal. YET)

If you have never seen Bobbin Lace being made here is a picture of some being worked at MD Sheep & Wool this past spring:
My daydream of the farm with sheep in the pasture, is one I visit every Monday, as I have for the past several years.

This week as I drove past the pastures with the sheep, horses and cows grazing, I enjoyed the colorful falling leaves drifting in front of the van as I drove. The fields have all been harvested for the most part. I shall have to work at remembering to grab the camera and get pictures of the corn stalks stacked up in the fields. It almost feels like I have stepped back into time on this drive. As I get closer to the house, I see the faint thread of smoke from the chimney and can smell the wood fire. Clothes, freshly washed, are already hanging on the line behind the house.

I finally pull into the drive, and park beside a buggy, and am greeted by the smiling faces of the children peaking out the window and waving. The smell of bread baking drifts from the house as I approach the door. The children are used to me coming to visit and chat with their mother, before retrieving my milk and heading back to the fast paced world we all live in. I think they are as curious of me as I am of them sometimes.

Occasionally there is a sheep near the driveway, that runs back and forth as I drive up. The chickens are out scratching and looking for bugs.

Life is simple there, all the problems of bills, appointments, work seem to disappear when I am in the valley. I could spend all day there.

Of course Chey is wondering why I came home, she is, after all, comfortable!

It was 2 mos till Christmas, and all through the House;

2008-10-26T21:03:00.004-04:00

Its 2 Mos till Christmas!
I am coming up from my pile of yarn to report what I have gotten done so far.
I have been knitting a bit lately, trying to get caught up with everything. So far I have finished a few items that were custom ordered:
1 pair of blue mitts:
2nd, a pair of black, grey and brown mitts:
3rd item: Brown shetland handspun socks. Pattern from the book "Handknit Holidays", with some modifications:
I am now in love with this pattern. Its fast, and I really enjoy the rhythm of the knitting. I am starting a pair of handspun one for myself. I will have to get pictures tomorrow when the light is better.
I can't believe its almost the end of October, I am still wondering where the month went. I know I keep saying that every post, but this year is really flying by. Last Saturday I attended my nephew and niece's birthday party, where we pulled names for the Christmas exchange. I went about my whole week in a nice delusion of having lots of time till Christmas, so no big deal. I have projects planned for the person I got. Lots of time - right?
Then Saturday I was at Delightful Ewe, admiring the beautiful designs of Lisa Carnahan of Lisa Knits, and chatting with her and the other customers. When it dawned on me.

Christmas is exactly 2 mos away!

Panic has ensued. I am trying hard not to fall victim to what the Harlot terms as "IT". For those not in the habit of reading her blog or books, "It" is the delusion I will get all the items I want done for gifts done by December 25th. Note the word DELUSION.
Enough said.

So, in the delusional state I am currently residing, I decided to make a list and then to do what any sane person would do. Devote a certain amount of time to each project every day.

That will work, yep, it really should.

Can someone let the family know I will be in seclusion for the next 2 mos? Please?

Bedford Fall Foliage 2008

2008-10-14T23:45:00.002-04:00

That time of year has come and gone again, and I was once again at Bedford Fall Foliage spinning on a wheel. This year we had a change of location as the Church from whom we rented the hall for the last 27 yrs decided they wanted to do something new this year. So after much looking, and debate we rented the Old Bedford Jail across the street from the school building we had been in.
Its a interesting building, having been built in 1800's and is still in pretty fair condition after being used by county for several years.
The windows are original, but some of the walls need fixed, as there are cracks showing. I had a strange type of a booth, one that stretched across a doorway.

Now all of the yarn on that table above is hand spun and/or dyed by me. The exception is the small amount of yarn in the wire basket on the table by the yellow rose doily. The doilies were made by Carla's mom Peaches.
I spent most of the weekend in that spinning chair working on the Majacraft Rose wheel. Much as I enjoy demonstrating, it was a cramped space to work in this year.
One could also tell that the stock market was in trouble and people are worried. While we had alot of lookers, not alot of the people were purchasing items it seemed.
I managed to do only fair this year, and am a bit disappointed at the lack of sales I made. However this is a boost to most here in on the Internet as all of the items here will soon be listed in my Etsy shop.
I am going to prolong the fun and only add a few items each day, so keep checking back to see what will be added next.

Congrats Sarah & Andrew!

2008-10-11T22:09:00.003-04:00

Today I had the honor of watching a young lady I have known for years, my "adopted daughter" Sarah:

Become a married woman:
She married a wonderful gentleman, Andrew.
May they have a long and wonderful life together!

What have I been working on?

2008-10-09T12:49:00.007-04:00

This past month has had me working in the kitchen a bit, making grape jam. I figured I would share some pictures of the fun with you. I started with a bowl of concord grapes:

I removed 1/2 of the skins of the grapes, but set them aside:
I then simmered the rest of the grapes in a pan. Finally after removing the juice and adding the saved skins, I left it cook until it jelled:
While all that was happening, I also worked up some salsa for the winter storage too. You start with some fresh tomatoes:
Wash, peel, dice, and add the spices , and cook until it is nice and thick like this:
Then using a ladle, pour it into the hot sterilized jars :Finally after a days work you have this:
That is just a small shot of all the canning that has been done. I also did the green beans, and several other items.
Now its the week between Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, and I have been knitting like mad on some moebius cowls to have for sale this week:

There are 5 in that photo. If they don't sell you will see them soon on my Etsy shop. I go tonight to get the items I placed in Hollidaysburg Farm Show. I haven't been back to see if I got any ribbons, but I was more interested in showing that knitting is alive and well. Speaking of Knitting, don't forget to stop by Delightful Ewe and check out the new class list for fall!

Its amazing how fast time flies if you are busy. Soon it will be time to start baking biscotti for the Holidays!
I will try to update again next week, or sooner if I get the chance to!

Its been almost a month.

2008-09-27T21:24:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it has been almost a Month since I last posted on here? To help take your mind off the long delay, I give you a array of pictures of things that have been keeping me from blogging.Brown Shetland in a fingering weight. Beautiful. I can not say enough about how I am in love with spinning Shetland wool. It comes in such beautiful natural colors too:
Black Shetland spun to a lace weight, have I mentioned it wants to be a shawl?
And of course, White Shetland Lace weight. I also have a dark brown, light grey, and dark grey. It is to go to Fall Foliage next weekend with me in the booth for sale. The Juried show of Craftspersons is being held in the Old Bedford Jail this year. If it doesn't sell, you will be able to find it in my Esty shop for a bit. Although it may get snagged to become some wonderful natural colored Latvian mittens.

I have also been busy with getting a new line of Tadpoles for Ewe yarns done, and the Woodlands Collection was introduced at Knitters Day Out, last weekend.
The top yarn is Mountain Majesty, and Woodland Flowers is below it.
Autumn Skies, which is sold out at this point, but will be restocked soon.
Harvest a wonderful fall colored yarn,
and Forrest. These are all sock yarns and have 400 yrds. They are available at Delightful Ewe and they do mail order!

I have more to show, but I will save that and will post again soon.

Why its Pink - of Course!

2008-08-28T22:24:00.003-04:00

The past week has been somewhat of a blur, as I had a small bump in the road with a minor surgery. Thankfully I am healing now and I did manage to get some things done. Dh took the time off to stay home and keep me from getting up on a chair and hanging wall paper border. It really worked out as he had vacation this week.
So I took the time to knit. Now understand, it took me ALL DAY to get 13 row of 50 stitches in ribbing done after the surgery, but I was determined.
I finished DH's Sweater today and it is on its way to be entered in the Cambria County Fair this that is running this coming week.
Rochelle was after a tween style room, so after the past few weeks, we had a bit of fun and finished her room.
Its Pink, with some blue as you can see:
We think it turned out great, she got surprised with it.
Now to keep on knitting, I have a wallaby on the needles now thanks to my dear friend Nancy who is a horrible Enabler. Its also for Rochelle and is also matching her room. In what color? Pink of course!

What do you mean its August already?????

2008-08-13T21:43:00.003-04:00

Okay, so somehow I missed the entire end of last month. Put it down to being busy around here. I did get some things done:

First I give you the Undulating Waves Scarf in Schaefer Heather:
This was a fun scarf to knit, and the pattern is addictive. But I did manage to finish the first one in a week. I love how the beads lay in the yarn overs.
Being smitten then with beads I quickly cast on another beaded project:
This is the beaded shawlette, and although this picture does not show the beads very well, they are there. Thanks to my dear friend Carla, who took this item and the Dainty baby sweater to Bedford County Fair - I actually have gotten my first ever ribbons! I got a 2nd for the shawl, and took a 1st for the baby sweater!
I have to admit, I am now smitten with the fair bug, so have plans to enter the Cambria County Fair and the Hollidaysburg Farm Show also this year.
On the needles: I have Roy's sweater. I did get the back done, and I am doing pretty well on the front so far. I finished a pair of socks, and have another on the needles. Sad to say I just haven't kept up with the summer of socks like I planned. Hope to do better next year.
I have been doing some spinning, and will be getting pictures and putting up new stuff in my Etsy shop this week.
With all the rush of the past weeks, I am actually looking forward to school starting and things to slow down. Roy and I went to the Toy's for Tots Poker Run, to help, and the guys managed to raise 5k on that! Way to go!!
So hopefully I will keep updated here more. Thank goodness Fall is coming- oh wait- does that mean Christmas is not that far??
UGGGHHHH.

Hot weather and weddings

2008-07-20T13:22:00.003-04:00

Last weekend was a hot one, and this one is no better. We did get to go to a beautiful wedding. The bride arrived being pulled by this gorgeous guy:My sister made the cake for the wedding - look how great it turned out! It was a white cake with a layer of strawberry filling inbetween the layers. She says she is not that good a decorating - I beg to differ on that!
And Finally a picture of the bride - Darla, with her flower girl in arms, and her new husband Alfe'. The gal on the left is my baby sis - Jan.
I loved the wedding- it was great - just wish the dang heat would leave. Have I mentioned I rather like cool weather?

What happened to the time?

2008-06-28T17:26:00.005-04:00

I have been busy lately, and haven't blogged for a while, but Marion was nice enough to remind me I should. I guess I have been so busy with summer things, I forgot to blog. Please forgive me lol.
Things are growing like crazy and I have been torn between knitting, spinning, cleaning, gardening, and canning. I have also been confused about the days. I tried to send Rochelle to camp on the 16th even though I knew it didn't start till the 23rd, but I still was confused enough to try.
But now I will try to get back on track. Opal has asked how the garden is doing, so I was good and took some pictures.
First I give you a picture of my garden today. Not doing too bad at moment. The broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and tomatoes are growing well at moment.

The beans have shot up and weeding is now very minimal.
Sweet cherries came in, so I canned up some Sweet Cherry and Almond jam, and even tried my hand at some Mulberry Jelly today.
I was trying to find a picture so you could see some diffrences in the back yard this week, I only could find one of the old garage in this one:

Now you see it above, and below, its gone!It actually came down in one day, although they are still working at getting the remains cleared out. It has made the alley easier to see for both myself (which is a good thing) and the dogs (which is a not so good thing) as now they can see others there too.

I have been working at the shop a bunch and have also been knitting up a scarf in the past week. I found the pattern easy to memorize and fast to knit, although I do admit to getting a bit tired of the color at some points. It took only a week to do , though, and was a fun time with the beads.Pattern: Heather Undulating Waves Scarf
Yarn : Schaefer Heather
Beads: size 6
Needle: Size 5
I really was sort of sad to see it finished, but I am also glad. I can now start another project to get done. This one is now at Delightful Ewe as a model. Don't forget to check the new class list!

Now to work on other projects, and as I am going to be celebrating my 7th yr anniversary soon, DH is off on vacation this week. Will keep you posted on what we get into, maybe a trip or two to a Amish sale, or some green houses.
Have a safe week.

Roses..... Love them!

2008-06-09T21:20:00.002-04:00

June is the month for roses, and my yard is providing me with alot of them.
So I was out snapping some pictures of them before they all fade away.
The one above is one of my favorites, a simple pink rose.
This one however is like the old fashioned cabbage roses. I so love the scent of them, heady and wonderful.
How could one not love the bounty of June? Did I mention that strawberries came in this week too? It will be a good week.

Whats for Breakfast?

2008-06-02T15:12:00.002-04:00

Today is Opal's last day here, I am so sad to see her go, I decided to make a special breakfast for her. I give you my Mini Quiche's:
These are in Puff Pastry, with bacon, asparagus, egg and cheese. Very Yummy if I do say so myself. I made extra today and put most in the freezer as I really hate heating up the house in summer.
I have also been busy doing some dyeing:
Both of these are up for sale in my shop on Etsy.
Yesterday we took a trip to the Schwab Estate in Lorretto Pa. It was built by Charles Schwab, but is now a Franciscan Friary. The gardens are open to the public but unfortunately the Mansion itself is not. I can just imagine what the view is from the master suit.
Anyhow, tomorrow I drive Opal to Pittsburgh to catch her flight home. Its been a fun month!

Family Outing time!

2008-05-24T21:00:00.003-04:00

So today we got a chance to go visit some fun places here in Central Pa, Historical places. The First stop was Bakers Mansion:This is a beautiful old Mansion that is open to public for tours. I really love visiting there, and seeing the items in it.
The next stop was a drive past here:

Bedford Springs Resort, a newly renovated historical landmark in Bedford Pa. What a beautiful place, very ornate. Then we drove to Gravity Hill, to defy Gravity! At certain points you can put the car into neutral, and drift UP HILL! I kid you not, it was amazing to see and do.
On the way to the spot we saw these Belted Galloway Cows, otherwise called Oreo Cows. Of course I had to get a picture and they were ummm, not impressed at us. Of course I could be mistaken, but I think they were saying - oh man there is that crazy woman with that camera again!The final stop for the day was at a cirica1762 tavern for a really good meal, Jean Bonnet Tavern,
I can honestly say I am exhausted but had a great time with Opal, Roy, Rochelle, my brother , Bill,and his wife Jo, and daughters Melanie & Samantha; my sister, Karen and her kids, Kyle and Claire, and my Parents.
I so enjoy taking the trips like this, small fun times with others seeing things in the area. Will post more pictures of Bakers Mansion in a while. I have been working on the flirty tank some, almost time to divide it for the front and back.
Have a great Memorial Day - and spend it with family if you can!

Mothers Day and More Md!

2008-05-11T20:51:00.005-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!
As promised I have more pictures of items from Md today. The first is my Birthday/Mothers Day present:

A Golding spindle - yeah My Husband is a wonderful guy who totally gets my love of fibers and pretty things. This fills the bill perfectly! Look at the side view:
Tom Golding is a wonderful guy! So having bought a new spindle, I needed something to spin on it- I found just the perfect fiber:Its great to spin. Not sure what it wants to be yet, maybe some socks I am thinking.
This was the next fiber purchase. I almost didn't get anything from them as the selection is so overwhelming! Until I noticed the name of this colorway - Carla. Since my best friend is named that, and the colorway does have her signature green going through it, I had to buy all they had left. So now I have 4 ounces of this gorgeous shetland. It is screaming "SHAWL"
I got to help at the fleece sale again, its my favorite place to volunteer. I think we all had a bit of a shock when this fleece showed up. . .
Yeah that says 405.00!! The color was phenomenal, but I fear it went back home with the breeder. I did look on Saturday, it had not won any ribbons in the show. Which makes one wonder why it was priced that way. I do want to point out that the breeder who submits the fleece is the one who sets the price. It was beautiful, but way out of my price range. I did pet it alot while helping others choose.
This is a gorgeous Romney fleece that I almost came home with. It really cried and wanted to, but I was good, and split a fleece with Carole. We each came home with aprox 2.5 lbs of a corriedale fleece in about the same colorway. I have some already washed and hope to get to spin some this week.

This week coming is going to be busy as ever though, as the shop I work at is moving!! Victoria's House of Needlearts is changing its name and moving to a new location:So soon we will be open at the new location. Hope to see you all there!

Md Sheep and Wool - the begining

2008-05-07T11:28:00.004-04:00

I have a feeling most blogs are full of posts about Md at this point. Well this one will be no diffrent.
I am a total Md Sheep and Wool lover.
Its my Mecca.
On Sat am I got there early to get a good spot,
Yeah this is a good spot to park, see how empty everything is?
We only walked out that opening in the fence and boom - there is the gate. How perfect is that?
As you see this early its easy to walk in , NO CROWDS!!

This was a very rare site because in a short time later , that same parking lot looks like this:
A bit of a crowd , trying to get a picture of it all was hard.
There was even a packed bus lot!
It was a total great time to be with my "people". I so enjoyed the booths and vendors. The crowd was a wonderful mix of people of all ages.
The yarns were so pretty , and tempting at every turn.And ohhh the spindles. I am so in love with Spindles!

I don't want you overwhelmed, so I shall stop here. I promise to show you more tomorrow!

Airing of the Stash!

2008-04-28T10:05:00.006-04:00

I have been hard at work here - doing some spring cleaning in anticipation of Opal's arrival tomorrow. Can we say I am excited???
I also decided to air my stash so to speak, as you can see below.
Yeah that is supposed to be my yard in the center there - thanks to the pups that is all I have left,So there is a small amount of it on the line at moment...
Confession time - I saw a moth! Now I don't actually think it was a wool moth - but to be sure - I am taking no chances. Stash was quickly put into a plastic bins, complete with a new box of moth balls ( YUCK - I hate these but when faced with the loss of stash - lets just say I will do what is necessary!) in each, and taped shut.
Several days later- I opened the boxes (outside of course), and have been airing the yarn out. None of this will return to stash until it has been put into hanks, washed in 140 degree water, dried, aired again, and put back into center pull balls.
Yeah I am taking no chances. Anything suspect is being tossed, and YES - it was the stash from my ceder lined closet that is out here.
Now most neighbors would be confused by my strange clothesline, but no fear, my neighbors are well aware I am crazy. They are used to seeing various colored fibers floating away as I card batts, strange array of colored fibers sticking out of birds and squirrel nests in area (the theives!), and yarns. So this didn't even warrent a comment from them.

On a better note , I have a new toy at the moment...
Can you believe I found this baby at a Yard Sale?!?! I won't even go into the price I paid - lets just say it was a steal!! This wheel is complete too - look!!The spindle has a matching turned dowel cap. As you can see I have a drive band on her- and have spun on it, well actually you can't see as the spindle break is in the way - and it spins very fine too. I am pleased to say the least.

Can you believe that I got her right before MD Sheep and Wool??? I am sure I shall be very busy this week with Opals visit, so will try to post some of the excitement.
She will arrive tomorrow at Pittsburgh, and will have a fun time. We are planning on stopping at Panera Bread for lunch, then coming home. Tuesday night she will get to attend a Basket Bingo for Relay for Life. She will even get to try Haluska too!
Should be fun!

Piecing sweaters, Flu , & meds - do not mix!

2008-03-25T09:29:00.004-04:00

So the past week has had me down and out with the flu. This was something I had tried to avoid this year- as I really don't have time to deal with being exhausted for a week or more at a time. I had even broke down and gotten a flu shot this year.
Yeah. That helped alot.
Apparently this years flu, for anyone who has been in a cave for the past few months, was not the one the shot was to prevent. Duhhhh.
So I was stricken, smack dab in the middle of a busy week. The cough, sniffles, headache. . . . you get the idea. Saturday was one of the worst days - energy wise.
Now anyone who knows me knows I rarely can sit still, and even when sick - I still have the urge to do something. Add to the frustration that it was a Holiday weekend - well I was doubly frustrated.

So it was not surprising when I retreated to the bedroom with the vaporizer and my Ribbed Collared Cardigan that was in need of being put together.

Someone should have stopped me.

Instead in my stuffed head and vapor filled room I started to assemble the sweater. When one is sick they are often a bit delusional - as in "directions?? who needs directions???" is often a phrase heard. Often by ill Knitters who have the strange thought they can assemble things without referencing the directions.

If you are squeemish at assembly semi- disasters - stop reading now.

Okay - so in my defense - I did start very slow and very carefully. I seamed most of the evening until I fell asleep. Sunday was spent sleeping, and supervising trying to get Easter food together.
Monday I finally felt clear enough in the head to pick up the pieces of the cardigan again. This time I picked up the pattern and refered to it. In my degraded cognitive state i had sewn the side seams - not the shoulder seams - first. Dang.

I mentioned it to Dh - and his reply was - "so you are going to rip it out?"
I pointed to the sweater piece and asked - can you see where the seam is?
(you will see the pic when I find the camera cable ---- don't ask)

Ummmm - no.

I did such a very good job at seaming the side and hiding the ends --- even I can't really find the ends.
I really should be kept away from knitting when sick. So now I am still working on the assembly of it - backwards but working on it.

In the future though - if you hear I am sick - and have a knitting project to assemble --- please remove it and any yarn needles from my immediate area.

I will thank you later for it.

a day of fun....

2008-03-04T14:59:00.003-05:00

Today I spent most of the day playing with dyes.
oh what fun..
First I dyed this. .
Then this. .
and even this. . .
And finally this . .
This is how to overcome the dreary rain of the day - washing away all the snow from Friday.
Will get better pictures after the fiber is dry and fluffed.

Tagged!

2008-02-28T12:19:00.003-05:00

Its finally happened - I am trying to get to the Meme's I have been tagged with.
So I chose one to start with that "looks" easy hehe.
I was tagged by Kathryn for this simple one.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

So here goes:

1. I am addicted to spinning - yeah I bet you had no idea! Fiber is like a drug to me - I have to feel it, pet it, play with it, spin with it. Oh heck I would love to just roll in it some days. Beautiful fibers call me to buy them and this is not always a good thing. ( looks at her stash and realizes Yarn Wench just updated.....)

2. I love reading. When I was young - I was well known for this - reading the entire Walter Farley (The Black Stallion series) and Marguerite Henry(Misty of Chincoteague) series over and over. I also loved the Laura Ingles Wilder book series too. (however the tv series disapointed me alot as it did not follow the books) As I have gotten older I seem to be a bit of a frustrated reader, I enjoy series - but wish that the new books would come out faster LOL. I am enjoying reading Monica Ferris, The Yarn Harlot, and Maggie Sefton at the moment.

3. Secretly I am a farm gal at heart. I enjoy learning about farming and wish I had one. Somehow despite having lived in several places, I have never had enough room to have a decent sized garden. Case in Point- at the moment the yard part of home now has a 15X15 block of what could be green space. Unfortunatly with 3 dogs, and kids - there is not enough really left for a good garden - but I still try! So I am a frustrated farmer of sorts. I would be happy tucked away on a farm most of the time, allowed to play in the dirt and do things myself. I guess this is why I like to home can and make most of my food here. I feel like I accomplish something good. Besides - who doesn't like to see a whole table filled with freshly canned jars of jam or tomatoes? Makes me feel good that I know what my family is eating. And Fresh bread---- nothing is better than a fresh loaf straight from the oven!

4. In my previous life - in BF time (that is before Fiber) I was an Occupational Therapy Assistant and an EMT. Amazing huh? So I understand most medical jargon. I enjoyed working with people, but things change. What drew me into OT is not really practiced any more. Originally it was a way of teaching movement through crafts, but alas with Insurance companies deciding what to pay for and what not - well its more like PT now. Its still diffrent - don't get me wrong, but Not what I really enjoyed. In some cases - the hospital or Therapy dept is divided by - upper extremities - is OT's area, and lower extremities - PT's area of focus. Add to it there is not many jobs in the field in this area, and it has forced me to find another field. Have I mentioned fiber yet?

5. I love snow. Yep amazing huh? Snow makes me happy. I love to sit inside, with a hot steaming cup of tea, a spinning wheel, and a fire and watch the snow come down. Now mind you - I totally dislike ICE. It is not nice nor is it fun. Snow can be shoveled, plowed and broomed away. Ice must be chipped - not fun.

So there are the things I came up with for this MeMe.

Now who to give it to......
Well I will be good and NOT give it to Opal - as she has been hit with them several times and is running out of things to share, so she says.
So here goes:
1. Betty - a fellow fiber person who has cute goats!
2. Lisa- a great gal who has cool designs and cooks too!
3. Marion - a gal who is good at trying all sorts of craft projects - including Spinning!
4. Dorothy - just look at the lace she is working on.
5. Aim - a newbie spinner and great knitter who has a beautiful dog!

So there is one done. Now to do another one maybe in a day or so.

Snow day Meals

2008-02-12T18:42:00.000-05:00

Central Pennsylvania is a unique place. You ask for a "pop" in some areas, a "soda" in another; a Hoagie is a sandwich more like a submarine than not. But beware if you ask for PotPie in Central Pa. If you think you will get a pie with meat filling - ummm you might not be happy.
This is what you may get instead:

Yummy goodness - potatoes, green beans, ham and a wonderful pot pie peices - a dough style noodle that just oozes yum.
Was a great thing to make on a day when every one is encouraged to stay in and not go out.
Snow has finally arrived. I am in my glory - watching it fall slowly all day long. It looks like about 5 or more inches. Spent most of the day shoveling and playing with Chey. She loves the snow almost as much as me. She has to try to "bite" each shovel of it. But at the end of the day she loves to snuggle up and watch me knit .....

Sweet huh?

Its... Its... Its........Dainty!

2008-02-06T17:35:00.000-05:00

I give you "Dainty!" - a new baby sweater designed by me. This pattern will be available at Victoria's House of Needlearts in Duncansville Pa.

Its been in the works for several weeks now - but finally just needs a few buttons - and DONE!
Just in time too - as it will be at Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet this weekend! Its got some fun techniques - from Latvian knitting incorporated into the design which is very feminine. I have to say it was a fun knit -even though at one point I was threatening to pull my hair out.
On the home front - things are crazy as ever. I finally decided to go to JoAnn's and see about a new lamp to replace the ott lite that had me so frustrated. Checking the flyer, I found that they have Ott-lites on sale. So, I took the plunge and went to look. Unfortunately, they did not have the models I wanted in stock, but they would order them.
Deep breath, I ordered 2 of them to replace the one that I had originally. I am hoping to get them in a week or two. Fingers crossed they will be fine.
Coming back to the house, I was greeted with this:
What???
Seems UPS made a delivery and pulled up on the sidewalk. Now I don't like to get anyone in trouble but DH and I are planning on fixing up the front spots near the road (again) and since this delivery was for something I will be getting every few months, well I felt it needed to be addressed. So I called UPS to ask if this could possibly not happen again. A few hours latter the gentleman who delivered the package was at my door, apologizing. Seems even though I explained it was not too bad and while I was not happy - I was asking that it not happen again. Not to have the gentleman fired!
Goodness - take a deep breath UPS! I just asked that it not happen again. No request for money or the head of the driver on a plate.
Strange things happen with me at times.
Back to knitting the gloves.....

Clearing Ice

2008-02-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

So Friday we had ice. YUCK!
I checked with Parents - they said they were not going anywhere. Good. Its too icy to go out.
Saturday after we finished cleaning out here - we called down to Parents again. No answer.
Hrrrrmmmm.
So Roy and I headed down to work on the driveway - and to check on them.
This is what we saw -

Why does it look as if someone drove on this sheet of ice? - I mean - Seriously!
They had not mentioned going anyplace, so I checked the garage.
Yep - they had left.
Okay - so the drive was a sheet of ice. One really really large sheet of ice!
So we worked on it until it chilled down and was impossible to remove easily without the use of a jack hammer or dynamite. Maybe I am exaggerating - but dang - it was a pain to get up!
We got to the edge of the side porch done and a walkway to the house from the garage.
We parked at the edge of where we left off last night today. Below you can see the walk we cleared in front of the garage.
Returning today - we finished the job - Roy had the job of loosening the ice, I got to shovel it to the sides. Kind of felt like ice skating of sorts. Took a bit but we got it all.
Now I can rest easy - and watch the commercials during the Super bowl.

Ice and Snow...

2008-02-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

I love snow - but I really, really, really HATE Ice. So when I looked out the front door this am and saw this:
and this:
and finally this:
You could say I was not very happy. But I decided to be a helpful wife and clean off the walks. I did manage to get most of the walks done before Husband returned from work.
The walks now look much better - did you know there was a brick walk under the inches of ice?
Yeah - I get done and the wonderful plow comes by and puts more on it right before I take the picture - dang them!
So now they are all clean and we are to get more snow or something. I would rather have the snow - Ice is pretty heavy and hard to get traction on.
Hoping to get some knitting done tonight.

I am blushing....

2008-01-30T18:12:00.000-05:00

I blog just for myself - even though I know that others read this occasionally, I write what I think, and hit the post button. I read several blogs regularly - I was very touched that Aim left me a comment that she has awarded me this:

So now - Here are the rules:
Give the award to up to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel so happy about Blogland! Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so that they can pass it on. Beware! You may get the award several times!

This has lead to several days of pondering.... but I think have narrowed it down, and so I humbly give you my list:

1. Lisa - who has awesome patterns and I love the pictures of Brodie!

2. Jennifer - who I love to be tempted by with her cooking and enjoy reading the ideas, although I think I gain a few oz or lbs every time I look at her blog...

3. Holly - a great knitter who even with her busy life manages to keep on knitting- and ohhh what knitting she does!

4. Aim - Who inspires me with her knitting and whose dog I am secretly coveting. :-)

5. Tric - who never fails to make me want to buy a farm in Canada - where they get real snow!

I also have to mention Opal ( but I promised not to give her this award - due to her already having recieved it several times....hehe -but she is really a good blog to follow!) - who never fails to help me when I am frustrated with some knitting and encourages me to finish what I start.

Hope that everyone keeps warm as the winter weather comes back!

Getting back to normal...

2008-01-22T18:47:00.001-05:00

Time to get things back to normal, but unfortunatly I am still struggling with the strange things my body likes to do to me. Notice my left hand - see the spot on my ring finger? That is what is left of the cold sore I developed under my wedding rings. Yeah - a cold sore- can you believe it? I had never heard it before - but now I know. Leave it to me to get something strange. Hard part for me is not having the rings on - I feel naked! I am trying to be patient - I really want to put them back on but not yet.
So I have been working on my knitting - as promised a a picture of the ribbed collared cardigan:
I have 6 inches done so far on the ribbing - almost up to starting the main part.
I also have been working on designing a baby sweater - so far I have the back and part of the front done. Hoping to have it done by Friday.
I do like the lace pattern and the scallop at the bottom, its going to be very feminine.

The 6 of Us....

2008-01-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

Last week seemed to go on forever. It was really nice to have all my Sibs in for the surgery, so of course we needed to get some pictures: From left: Mary, Janet, Me, Karen, Bill and Anna.

This was taken a few minutes before everyone started to head out. Anna flew home last night- what a trooper she is - heading back to Frankfurt Germany so she can go to work today(she did take the new socks with her). Karen and Mary headed home, Janet will be back today sometime as she has off, and Bill is in for the week (his wife and kids are the greatest!) to help out.
We are hoping Dad will be home today, but we will leave it up to the doctors to decide.

I decided that for some reason all the great lace patterns are probably not good to be working on right now, and for some reason I am burned out on socks for a day or two. So after trolling several magazines - I found a great sweater to work on that is simple enough to be brainless ( no comments lol) - yet just enough patterning to be interesting.
So I give you the Ribbed Collar Sweater from Creative Knitting March 2008:Sorry about the bad picture- but the wind chill outside is -7 and for some reason much as I love to get good pictures- well I don't love it that much. For some reason the Hospital gift shop had this magazine - yet it is not on their site. So I really had to get a picture of the pattern.
I am using Kraemer Summit Hill yarn in Adventurine (green) colorway. So far I am really enjoying this pattern. I do think I will make the sleeves longer - as I am not that happy with 3/4 sleeves, but we will see.
I started this last night during the Championship Football games, I have to say they were both good games, but I had to bury under the blankets. I do enjoy Football, but I don't think I would enjoy it at -23 wind chills. But that is me.
Its to warm up today some - so I will try to venture out to snap a picture of the sweater in progress later today. Until then - stay warm and keep knitting!

Stress Knitting

2008-01-19T17:48:00.000-05:00

Well I have accomplished my New Years Resolutions so far - actually I am ahead of it at moment.
First pair I have done are these:
A fun sock in On Your Toes Sock Yarn. I finished the pair on Monday of this week while at Hospital waiting during Dad's heart cath procedure. Unfortunately there was bad news so on Monday night I cast on a 2nd sock as Thurs I was again at hosp to wait for Dad's bypass surgery.

Thursday night I had that one done - and Dad has 5 new veins in his heart. Today I finished the 2nd one too - this pattern went fast - its little shell socks done in Socks that Rock colorway - Rocktober.These are going to be flying to Germany tomorrow on my sister Anna's feet. So far everything is going well with my Dad, and I am about a sock ahead on my resolution.
I have a feeling I will have more socks done soon as I will be helping and doing alot of knitting to de-stress here.

Etsy shop up- and why I need directions for things....

2008-01-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

I am not mechanically inclined.
I can do small projects.....but more than a few steps - or really good directions (usually pictures are required) are needed to get the job done.
So Yesterday I decided that the Kromski Symphony needed a good cleaning. Better yet- Maybe I should even clean that wonderful device that I abuse -no I mean - love more than most people should....the Woolee Winder.
Now - I had gotten everything needed - the required instruction packet (with the cute little bag holding the special tools attached) :
and a household screw driver.
I also assembled several added items that I normally need when doing this- a few paper towels, several q-tips, and of course the light weight oil.
Satisfied I could do this - I began to disassemble the woolee winder.
2 hours and several reassembly's latter - it is functioning correctly. Now many of you would think -wow- what a shame it took that long.
Not really - I just learned 8 ways that a woolee winder will not work ( okay so I am taking a line from Thomas Edison - thanks National Treasure!) when put together by myself.
I am hoping that I will remember how to do it the next time I need to clean it.
Oh yeah - I might want to make a note - about the fact that cleaning the woolee winder while wearing a white shirt - is probably not recommended. Make that definitely.

On the knitting front I have finished the first sock of the year - and am on my goal so far of one sock a week for this year.
The Lace Moebius is finished and blocked - as you can see from the picture here:

I am also working on the consignment gloves too - here is the progress on those:(please excuse the bad picture - it is raining outside!)
After much encouragement by Opal - I finally put things up in my Etsy Shop too. I even have some Tadpoles For Ewe yarn up at the moment.
My only request is - if your local shop carries this yarn (there are 3 shops that do so far- Victoria's House of Needlearts, Carol's Needleworks, and Y2Knit) Please purchase from them - I want you to support your local shops first!
That being said- If you buy some of Tadpoles For Ewe Pedicures
or the Shimmer
(coming to the web site soon) - and your shop does not carry it right now- please show it to your LYSO and encourage them to look into it.
If you are a LYSO and want to know more about Tadpoles For Ewe - please contact us - Tadpolesforewe (at) yahoo (dat) com ( just remove the words and put in the proper things there .

Resolutions - at last.

2008-01-07T12:04:00.000-05:00

I am proud of myself! Last night I finished the first project of the year - the Lace Moebius scarf. This morning I got up early and blocked it too. It will be in the shop tomorrow for everyone to see as I am giving a class on it starting next month.
After much thought about the whole New Year Resolution deal - it finally hit me what I should do for this year.
Resolution #1 -Knit a sock a week.
This means that at the end of the year - I will have 26 pairs done. 26. That seems like a incredible amount of knitting - but one sock a week. Yeah that is reasonable! By doing this I will also be able to get some of the pesky Christmas gifts for next year out of the way early too- and that will be a great thing.
So right now I have this sock cast on:
It is down to about a 1 inch of knitting before toe decreases. Should be done tomorrow and have 2nd cast on easily.
So - since I have the Moebius done - I have now returned to the consignment gloves I am knitting. Hope to have them up to the fingers tonight.
This weekend was a busy one- Roy and I spent most of Saturday working on some oranges. We juiced them, then cleaned out the pith from the peels and candied the peels up. After getting that far - some more Stollen was called for being made. This has got to be my favorite breakfast yet! A slice of this - topped with butter.....yummmmmmm.
As I was in the domestic mood - I also went to can up the rest of the Pork and Sauerkraut , and even made a huge batch of beef and potato soup to be canned too. Everything was going well - until the silly seal on my canner decided not to work any more. Poor thing - it gave up the ghost. So today I got a new seal (thankfully - it was the last one on the shelf!) and the canner is happily working as I type.
That leads me to my 2nd and 3 resolutions for the year:
Resolution #2 Stop waste as much as possible- I am going to try to be more environment friendly. I will also can up and preserve as much as I can too.
and Resolution #3 Do not wait till November 30 to start knitting for Christmas. I know - this is a lofty goal for me. After all - I have been finishing something every year on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember.
Hopefully I will blog more often this year too - maybe once a week to show you the progress on my resolutions.
Hope the New Year treats you all well.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T00:28:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!
Hope things will be great for everyone in 2008!

May you have a wonderful day filled with family and friends --Enjoy the New Year!

Sock Clubs....

2007-12-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

This past year I had the excitement of being in the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rocking sock club.
I was so looking forward to it having heard so much about the yarn and the club..I decided to find out more.
I received the first shipment and was really happy - but then I started to knit it. Okay - the pattern was not bad but the way it looked being knit - lets just not visit that again shall we?
Not being put off I looked forward to the rest of the shipments... Here are a few of the yarns:
The last one I really liked:
I can't wait to knit that up. However, I am not going to do it next year for a few reasons. One is the price. It went up again, and while the yarn is great - I would much rather spend 222.00 on yarn itself - or fiber- than on something I may or may not like.
That is not to say I won't keep up with a different sock club....
I am getting the Pedicures Sock Club -I really love the colors and the yarn.
The yarns are currently in my stash waiting for me to make them into socks. I did manage to get a bit of stuff done this past year - in between all the spinning I did - as you can see from this list:
2007 finished objects
1. clapotis
2. Scarf from stash
3. shawlette in green
4. Monkey socks
5. 5 hour baby sweater - white
6. 5 hour baby sweater - wool in the woods
7. 5 hour baby sweater - Crayola colored
8. Bonnet to match baby sweater
9. Christening dress
10. Roy's black socks
11. Mock turtleneck shell - yellow
12. mock turtleneck shell - birch tatamy tweed
13. Pomatomus socks - Silky STR
14. Fawkes socks - STR firebird
15. Shawlette
16. Pink Waffle socks - for kait
17. pomatomus socks - lagoon STR
18. Moorish Lattice socks - for Janet in brown
19. sheep - felted
20. sheep - felted
21. sheep - felted
22. scarf - charity
23. hat - charity
24. mittens - charity
25. Grammy's gauntlet's- Dad
26. Rococo socks - cotton candy STR for Kait
27. Christmas colored socks - SIL - JO
28. Candy Cane hat - red/white
29. Candy Cane hat - green/white
30. Candy Cane hat - green/white
31. Olive you Hat
32. Black Fetchings
33. Ornament cover (red/green)
34. Ornament cover
35. Ornament cover
36. Bills toe socks
37. Reindeer gloves - Karen
38. Royce's twin rib socks
39. Rochelle's red heart socks
40. Roy's moss cable socks- in Beaver Dam Pedicure yarn
41. Fingerless mittens

I also wanted to show you something else I hope to be working on in the new year - I hope Hanne Falkenburg Plisse' kit.

Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Tired of Red --- and rambles..

2007-12-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

So I have been working on gloves.. and for some reason I have been on a red and white kick - but I think its it fianally catching up to me. I am stalled at this point on both of these gloves at moment:Now this wouldn't be a problem - but I am doing these for a customer. The issue I am having is the face that the pattern is to have a white background or lighter color - and I am doing the red as the background. That shouldn't be a problem - but I keep messing the whole thing up. Irritating as ever. Especially as I have already knit this pattern once - its the Cunningham star patterns from Knitting Fair Isle Mittens and Gloves.
So they need to get done - just to give myself a break from the red issue- I did make these on Christmas day:
These are fast and easy to do! Pattern: Fingerless Mittens by Knitting at noon
Yarn: Poems from Universal yarns
Needles - size 6 DPNS
These will be a model for the shop.
Fast and easy. Satisfied with those - I went to go back to the gloves-- but ummm - well I had to frog a whole 2 inches..
So I started another model for the shop (as I am giving a class on the cast on this session for) the Lace Moebius Scarf from Fibertrends:
Wish me luck - I am going to try to finish it before New Years... Ahem - yes I do know that it is less than 48 hours away.. leave me to my delusions please.
I am going to try to have it at the shop for the New Years Day Sale. It will be a draw your own discount - anywhere from 20 - 50 % off! Don't miss it! 12- 5 New Years Day!
Then we decided to go see National Treasure 2 yesterday. Being a Knitting Addict- I could not go without something to work on. Having nothing on the needles - I quickly cast on a pair of socks:
On the Ott lite saga - I finally got the 2 40.00 gift cards from JoAnn's. Now I will take some time and get a new light. I don't think I will go with a Ott-Lite again- their customer service leaves much to be desired. So I am leaning more towards the Daylight lamps.
Any suggestions?

Okay- off to knit if I am going to hit my deadline!

Christmas - and the ott-lite saga continues

2007-12-23T09:12:00.000-05:00

Wow this week flew.....
I got a call from the manager at JoAnn's here in town - seems they sent the gift card to some strange address here - it was the right town - but other than that - even the zip was wrong .... hrm.....
For some reason I am doubting that they ever sent it.
Supposedly they are to send it out again this week to the correct address..... only time will tell.

On the Christmas front - I am getting my knitting goals accomplished--- I am down to one sock-- Only 1 to go!
So I am somewhat more relaxed now - and even hope to get cookies made today. I have the tree decorated - and everything else is wrapped and under it.
So I am just about ready.
Last weekend I had fun giving out some hand knitted gifts. My Baby Bro now has a 2nd pair of toe socks-- I am hoping that they will send me some of the pictures they took so I can post them here. (hint hint) I managed to get alot of knitting done for the Family Christmas at my Parents. The list of items accomplished -
1 pair of toe socks size 12-- Don't even ask how long they took.
1 pair of socks for his wife - Jo
1 pair of socks for Jan
1 pair of fetchings (fingerless gloves for those who don't knit) for Mary ( some how I forgot to take a picture of the ones I gave her - they were green - the ones below are black - but I will replace the picture if she sends me one of them - maybe even on her hands???)
1 pair of Reindeer gloves for Karen

The only sibling I didn't make anything for was Anna - as she has a wonderful Mother in Law who does knitting that puts mine to such shame-- but I am going to do something for her soon - I just need ideas...(hint hint!)

I so enjoy giving gifts - much better than getting in my estimation. However - this year I am planning on starting some of them in January so I do not have to be sleepless for a month prior to Christmas.

The Ott Lite Saga....

2007-12-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

Last year my Darling Husband was wonderful to purchase for me the one Item I really wanted.

An Ott-Lite to help me when I am doing all the colorful knitting. I was excited as we had decided to only get each other one thing. Now this wasn't a big one - but a small table top one. This was such a wonderful and thoughtful gift! I was excited and happy to use it - so much so I went on line at 9 am Christmas morning and did the online warranty CARD!
Now you know I had to be excited. I rarely ever fill out those things.
So I patted myself on the back and happily began to use the light. I was so excited I cast on a pair of Black socks! On size 0's never the less ( ok-- so I need my head examined to taunt the universe this way - but I was excited....).

So everything worked great till the end of March and then one day in the middle of the row - BAM!

The light went out!
Okay - I thought - its the bulb. I must have used it way to much - so I merrily went back to Jo Ann's and purchased a new bulb immediately. Ran back home and quickly replaced the bulb so as not to stop my knitting or spinning.
Then ---- NOTHING
Okay - don't freak - take deep breaths - check to make sure it is plugged in and try again.
Still Nothing.
I was devastated.
So I was talking to Carla - and she said to check the Ott-lite site. It could be the black balast box. So I did. Yep that is what seemed to be happening. They even had a blurb about it on the site. So I contacted them.
Did I fill out the warranty card? Check!
Did I have a copy of the receipt? Ummm no.
Dang. So I call Jo Ann's and talk to the manager.
Then I call the Corporate Office and get a hard copy sent to me.
This takes a few weeks. Contacted Ott-lite - have to explain myself again and yes this time I have a receipt. I mail a copy of it to Ott-Lite. They are to call upon receipt.
3 weeks go by. No call. So I call them again.
Same questions.
This time I get asked if I have the proof of purchase. ( Oh yeah - by this time - we are in August!)
Proof of Purchase??? What? Are You Kidding ME?????
Okay no I threw away the box in January. Silly me.
After several tense contacts...(including one where I asked if they wanted my arm too - I was frustrated by this time and my patience is running thin...but I think after 4 mos it might be acceptable...don't you agree?)

After many more contacts Ott-Lite finally decided to send me a number to send it back. Oh yeah - include a check please for them to look at it - 9.60 please.
So I did.

4 weeks later - the box - totally destroyed returns -- it was refused by Ott-lite!!

Now I am no expert on things - but at this point - I was totally upset with Ott-lite. I called them again - and was asked (after giving them the silly number that I had been given -- which was even written on the outside of the box) What was this concerning??

When I explained - I got the same questions again.

UGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Bangs Head on Desk!!

Okay - So I go to Jo Ann's to talk to the manager - and she is nice - gives me the number for Jo Ann corporate and tells me to call them.
So I do.
I finally get ahold of them after playing phone tag for a week or so on November 2nd. I was relieved to hear that I would be receiving a gift card for 75.00 to replace it.

Finally! I was relieved. I would at least be able to get another light. Finally!! And - It would be here before Thanksgiving! I "could" use it on Black Friday - and even get a floor lamp maybe....

Yeah well it never showed.

Called them on November 30th. - Apparently they had to wait for the finance dept to send down the gift card. It would be mailed that day.
So I wait.

December 10th I called again as it has not yet showed up. Oh the gal has it but hadn't mailed it yet. WHAT????
Okay - everyone is busy I understand. (trying to be patient here)
It was now being mailed today.
So I wait again.

Friday was Dec. 14. Almost a full year has passed since the purchase of the lamp.
I called the manager at the store here in town again and expressed my frustrations - still being nice. ( I have not begun to yell yet - I think that means I get a medal)

The Manager is to call them and speak to the gal who is supposedly taking care of this on Monday.

So I am still without a Ott- lite. At this point I am thinking they may owe me more than just the money. After all it has been over a year now.

Maybe we should all write Ott- lite and Jo Ann's about this?

After all their customer service is just excellent don't you think?

Christmas knitting

2007-11-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

I am working on Christmas presents - so unfortunately I can't show anything here in case my family actually checks my blog. (this is highly unlikely but I just can't take a chance)
So I was thinking of ways of making money quick. (would love to get lots of presents for everyone)

I may have hit on a great idea:
Knitted Fair Ilse Ski masks targeted towards thieves.

Yep that is what I came up with.
I can hear the news cast now --

"and this evening the bandit was sporting a stunning hand knit fair isle ski mask with matching pistol cosy and gloves. The ensamble was completed by the beautiful cable knit loot bag..."

That is my great idea for the day.

Off to knit again.

Snow in the mountains....

2007-11-19T15:36:00.001-05:00

So this am I was on my way to get some milk from the dairy and this is the sight before me as we went up the mountain:
Yep it has snowed. Which of course was cause for Dh to say his normal complaints about the snow. I tried to point out that it was not laying on the road and therefore he did not have to shovel it.... But that didn't seem to go very well. So instead I amused myself by snaping pictures of the forest as we drove.
Apparently he finally decided to give in to my insanity and stopped the vehicle to allow me to snap this picture of the reservoir.
And then another of this bush that just looked so pretty just dusted with the wet snow.
Doesn't that just make you want to sit inside by a nice hot fire and Knit??

Hunting Season

2007-11-17T14:31:00.001-05:00

Its getting cooler here in Pennsylvania. Hunting season is upon us.
Every year at this time I somehow start to miss my Grandmother Becker more and more. She was a wonderful woman, and always was working on something, be it a knitted dishcloth, or a sewing project. Every year I received 2 night gowns (the boys got pj's)from her - one in spring out of cotton, and one in fall out of a flannel. While that may not sound like much- you have to understand, I was one of many Grandchildren they had, so it was a huge amount of sewing.
I can also remember the knitted socks she made for the guys in the family who hunted. They were grey with red cuff, heels, and toes. I can still see her sitting in her chair, knitting and watching Julia Child cook.
Last year Daddy asked me to make him a pair of Gauntlets, as the pair he had from his Mother was getting old and tattered. My Mom gave me the tattered pair and I got to hold a item that I am sure to Gram was just another small thing she made. It makes me feel as if she is still here to hold them.
I went to my LYS and found a ball of Kraemer Yarn, Summit Hill. Sitting at home I measured Grams gauge and then set about swatching to get it with this yarn I had chose. Dad was happy to have another pair. Somehow, though, they got misplaced when he was hunting.
My Mom, ever mindful of what Daddy needs - asked me to make another pair. Somehow - this month has gotten away from me and on Thurs I realized he might need them for bear season which starts on Monday! So Thurs night while I was at a fund raiser Bingo game, I cast on for the new pair. I worked on them most of that evening, and then finished the first on Friday morning and started the 2nd one. Last night I finished it up while at my regular Knit Night at the LYS.
Today I delivered them to my Dad before he left for Bear Camp. When I got home I added them to my Ravelry project list, and realized - I should share the project with others. Opal encouraged me to write it down.... so here it is-- I am going to post it here in case you are not in Ravelry yet. (if not why not?? before you cast on for this- go and sign up!!)

Grammy's Gauntlets

Yarn used: Kraemer Yarns Summit Hill Greenstone
Needles: Size 3 DPN's
gauge : 5 stitches to an inch over ribbing.
Size: Fits most
Cast on 48
Join in round being careful not to twist.
K2 P2 around for 11 inches.
Cast off loosely.

These have no thumb holes, and are just slipped on the wrist and over the fingers.

Enjoy.

I can't keep quiet any more!!!!!!

2007-11-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

So time is fast slipping away - and while the camera has been found I have been slow at getting pictures taken due to being so busy - I barely have time to stop.
But I wanted to post some things:
First -- A HUGE CONGRATS!! Goes out to Judy- she WON FIRST PRIZE!! in the Kraemer Textiles design contest. So keep a eye out for the pattern to be up on the Kraemer site under free patterns!
The beautiful sweater is being worn by Judy herself and her beautiful German Shepherd Elsa, who sadly passed away unexpectedly on Oct 7 2007 in front of her.

Elsa will be so dearly missed, and we are contacting Kraemer to see if the sweater can be renamed Elsa in honor of her.

Stay tuned for more on this.

Secondly - I also wanted to show you some beautiful new yarns available at Victoria's House of Needlearts. I am a bit proud of them - they are one of the things I have been working on so much lately - but I can't begin to take all the credit! You see - Judy, and Carla are my partners in crime with this - and our new company - Tadpoles For Ewe - is a labor of love.

So here are some pics of the Pedicure Shimmer - a beautiful yarn in 5 colors...

The colorways are from left to right:
Dragonfly
Cattails
Pond
Lily Pad
& Beaver Dam

The Pedicure Shimmer has a bit of sterling silver running through the silk/ super-wash merino/ nylon blend going through it - beautifully set off by the semi-solid colors....
Each skein holds 420 yards and is fingering weight - good for a pair of socks- or a beautiful shawl! ( retail- 28.00)
We also have a matching solid yarn -Pedicures- without the silver thread in it.
This yarn is superwassh merino and nylon blend in fingering/sock weight also. It has 420 yrds and each skein will make a pair of socks easy!

Colorways are the same as for shimmer:
from left to right -
Pond,
Beaver Dam
Lily Pad
Cattails
& Dragonfly
(retail - 24.00)
These will make beautiful gifts for your favorite Knitter for Christmas!!

So now the secret is out - and hurry if you are interested in it - a fresh batch of Shimmer is heading to the shop on Friday- but it probably will not last long - so get any orders in fast!!

Dang Camera

2007-10-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

Okay so I have alot of pics I want to show you - but dang it I can't find the silly universal port to upload them to the puter. Silly thing grew legs and wandered off someplace.

So I guess you will all have to wait to see the pictures.

On one note- I did a demo yesterday at a school about 50 miles away. It was not a great time for me, it was raining, and did not seem very organized. Maybe it is due to me feeling a bit run down, but I really wasn't into it.

Anyhow - today is my sisters housewarming and Halloween party, Dh has talked me into wearing a costume (I am not a halloween person), so I will be dressed for it. I just hope they all understand that this Vampiress will not have her teeth showing, and has to be knitting, or things will get ugly.

This past week I have started a baby Blanket, its a mindless project which is nice. I was going to do a slipped stitch pattern, but it didn't seem to show up well. Sooo I frogged it, and started a simple basket weave pattern which is turning out much better.

I also got started on a pair of socks, I am using the Rococo pattern and doing it in Cotton Candy colorway in lightweight Socks That Rock yarn. It looks good so far, the pattern is great and I am enjoying it. I have about 6 1/2 inches done on the toe so far.

Fall Foliage went okay this year - the heat during the first weekend was way too much for most people to think about buying stuff. The second weekend was much better.

Cardiac Dr's need not apply.....

2007-09-26T18:59:00.000-04:00

I love to cook, anyone who knows me I enjoy it alot. This summer when I found out I was diabetic I was devastated to think food was my enemy.

But I am now learning to work with it and live with moderation of my loves.

Tonight I decided to make a traditional Polish dish - Haluska.
I was on the phone talking to Opal when she mentioned I should show others what I was cooking....
This is the result - a tutorial of sorts on it.

So the first step I do is cook the bacon slowly.
Now most people don't add bacon to it,
but I love the added taste!

While the bacon is cooking I start water boiling and mix up the dough for the Spatzel, a form of homemade noodles common in German and Polish cooking.

I cook them, drizzling them into the boiling water and cooking until they come to the top and float.

Then I add the chopped cabbage to the water to slightly blanch it.

You can see the cabbage in the pot here.

I let the cabbage cook a bit in the pot,

Here you can see the bowl of the Spatzel after it is removed from the water and waits for a few moments before being added to the pan of bacon.

Once everything is ready- I add it all together with a 1/2 stick of butter.
(I told you no Cardiac Dr's allowed)

Add some salt and pepper... and yum. Wonderful good comfort food.

Enjoy!

Knitters Day Out.....WOW!!

2007-09-19T08:10:00.001-04:00

Knitters Day Out was this past Saturday near Harrisburg Pa. I have to say I really look forward to it!
This year I had some restraint at the market, at least I tried a bit.
Its a total fiber fest there- a huge amount of vendors there and oh the selection! I did manage to keep my purchases down some - but when I saw this knit sack - well - lets just say it jumped into my hands- and off Carol from Mannings waist! Yes - I actually made her take it off to sell to me-- but it had roses on it, and anyone who knows me, knows that it was perfect and could not be passed up at all!
Here is picture proof:

Beautiful isn't it? The Roses are gorgeous! So far it has been used daily for the walk to bus stop with youngest, I am getting a lot of progress on my sock too!
Was definitely a good purchase!
I am also a history buff of sorts.....

I took a class from Beth Brown -Reinsel called Latvian Wristers. Now before you all comment and tell me there is no such thing as a Latvian wrister- let me put you at ease and tell you that it was a practice piece.
The history in this book is great as are the patterns, I am so glad that they have reprinted it!
Of course I can't leave anyplace without a bit of bling!
So I finally gave in and purchased these cute earrings!

have I said they are cute?? I just wish I could have gotten alot more of them in different colors!

So I mentioned the class on Latvian knitting ...

here is the result of my efforts. Its so much fun to do the various knitting techniques. I can't wait to use them in various ways.
The Other class I took was the Sideways Garter Stitch gloves from Jill Bigelow-Suttell.

Now I had attempted to make these once before but the little tricks she showed us... Well worth taking the class!

I got this little sample done to the last graftting of the side in class. That is less than 3 hours people!!

And I had to frog some.... So I think you could get alot of these done fast! Think Christmas Gifts!!

If you are interested in the pattern- go here! and ask for the Sideways Gloves!

I have more to share- but that shall wait for tomorrow!

Package from Hawaii

2007-09-06T14:10:00.000-04:00

So a few weeks ago I offered to make some simple sewn bags for my dear friend, Opal, in Hawaii. She is a wonderful Island Girl who knits, spins and generally trys to keep me in line with my projects.

She ordered the fabric, and then shipped it here - with a "few other items" she assured me saying that most was for the family...

One of them was this little package all wrapped up in tissue paper -- I slowly unfurled it and found this gem....(my picture does not do it justice!)
I am in shock and Awe!! It is so soft and gossamer like - I think Opal has part goddess in her to make items like this!!
Oh yes- the fabric is in there - and I plan on making the items for her tomorrow from it, along with some Milk Chocolate Covered Caramel and Macadamia nuts, some macadamia nut cookies and a Hawaii calendar for 2008!!
She is sooo sweet!!

Kraemer tour!

2007-08-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

Wow - hard to believe it crept up so fast!
We had a great time yesterday as the knitting guild took a trip to Kraemer Textile Mill in Nazareth Pa. There were 10 of us that went- to the Mill. Wow is all I can say!
This is the Lab- where the magic begins- the Gentleman in the picture has been there for over 50 yrs! He is in charge of making the yarn blends that the customer wants.
Raw materials from Alpaca farmers---- wonder if one of those will fit in the van?
Bales of color- they do alot of blending with colors to get the final color needed.
As I debate on that we move to another wonderful machine-- the Carder! Okay- so I doupt that will fit into my van - but a couple of those bins would - I just know it - do you think they would notice??Where the yarn becomes a reality - the yarn comes to life here...

Then they are sent to be plyed or a Twister as they call it in the Mill.Then it gets wound from the bobbins to cones.....

Its an amazing tour- I highly recommend anyone who can make the drive to go! Gives us a much better understanding on how big of a process it is to make the yarn we all love to use!

Did I mention - that the Mill has been in operation for 100 yrs this year?!! WOW --- and they hope to stay in operation for next 100 too. If you haven't tried Kraemer yarns--- you need to! We left at 7 am and arrived back at about 7:30- tired and happy with lots of new yarns and ideas to work on! Although I didn't return with any of the roving - they do sell it, and I have used it in past to make some great yarns!
So ask your LYS to get some of the great yarns from them in - its one of the last mills left in USA and we need to keep it here!

Startitis.....sort of

2007-08-20T09:23:00.001-04:00

So I have been working on the new sweater for Rochelle. She asked for one for her 5th grade year. I have the fronts done- and have the edging done on bottom of back now. Hopefully I will get it done before the 29th as she wants....But - I have a bug- Startitis. Its a horrible bug - so last night when I couldn't sleep - I started to play with the 4 colors for the mitered square jacket from SWTC. I am liking this for a take along project I think- as I have a 14 row pattern for the sweater and the chart for the socks..well- that makes sense right?
Doesn't it?
Oh well - off to do the errands- And will post more tonight!

Its that time again.....

2007-08-13T19:18:00.001-04:00

The sky is getting darker earlier. The heat of the dog days of August are upon us. School shopping is in full swing...what does this mean to me??

Fall is coming!

Mind you - Its not that I dislike summer - I just hate the heat, and the humidity, and the bugs. I am not fond of sand, and the ocean on the eastern seaboard holds very little draw for me. I do however love the fresh produce.

Fall is coming though! The time to pull out the beautiful hand knits, and watch the colorful display of the Pennsylvania forests. And Knit, Spin, and repeat! Kids will be in school and I can focus on my spinning and getting ready for Bedford Fall Foliage that is coming in Oct.
I am always so excited with fall - and getting ready for winter.
I know - I am in a minority here, but the first snow fall - I have to dance a little!

On the health side- I am getting used to no Pepsi, No pigging out on sweet stuff, and watching my diet and exercise, and remembering to take the meds. Kait is now diagnosed as epileptic, and is on meds for that too, so the whole family is adjusting. Slowly.
Big problem I have is that all of the artificial sweetners are giving me migranes. So I am drinking water, milk, and more water.

Off to spin some more - Oh yeah - I am in Ravelry now too! Woo hooo! Which is also taking some time, but may actually keep me honest. I am currently working on 4 projects, but plan on getting through all of my Works in Progress before end of year. New years resolution will be to keep to 2 projects at a time.

end of the Chevy......

2007-07-27T17:08:00.001-04:00

so there was a wreck last night..

this is what is left of the car--- they say its totaled 3 X's over....at least...

Thank goodness a Guardian Angel was with my baby girl....

and all she got was this..

and a headache.

Thankfully.

Diabetes.....

2007-07-25T11:56:00.000-04:00

Well - Its official. I am a diabetic.
Dang.
Double Dang.
Dang.
That is the news so far. So I am on the Mediterranean diet. That is a yummy one! I can do that!
Exercise--- well I shall work harder at that too, and hopefully loose some weight.

On the up side- It will not affect my spinning or knitting!! Double Yeah for me!!

I currently have a new project on the needles- a blue sweater for Rochelle. So will get pics of it soon for you all to see. I did finish the Pink socks - and Kait reports they are "Very Comfy!"
So things are moving along. I have the 3rd clue of the MS3 done. 2 repeats on a pair of Fawkes sock pattern in the firebird Socks that Rock club color. Its really pretty.
Still stuck on the Moorish Lattice sock though. Dang thing.

Oh - And---- I have started to spin the yarn for the 12 days of Christmas sweater that my Eldest Zusje purchased for me. So I think in 2 weeks i will begin dyeing up the yarn for it. Then start the knitting.
Wish me luck!

New Grand.....Child??

2007-07-24T20:59:00.001-04:00

Welcome Skippy Kitty!

Okay so its not a child - but a 4 legged kind.

He is Kait's new man....

just keep spinning.....

2007-07-19T17:09:00.000-04:00

Yep that is what I am doing-- spinning and spinning...

Spinning is great - it gives me time to think, to ponder, to dwell on the things important to me. Like fiber, and food.

I admit it - I am not a summer person- I rather like putting on layers of clothes, especially the wonderful hand knit items. Summer for me is just a bit too warm. Thankfully today in Penn's woods we are to get a break from the hot humid weather - for the weekend. Then look out!
They are predicting a heat wave.
Which begs the question- how come they can get the snow storms all wrong- but the heat all right?? Seriously! I love the days when we don't hit the high they call for. Yes I know I am strange in this aspect. I love the cold weather- and curling up in front of a fire with my knitting and a hot cup of tea is a wonderful time to me.
I am thankful we put air conditioning in the house a few years ago. For those not in this area - its not standard to do to a house. But then again - we normally do not get many days over 90 a year. Which suits me fine.
Cooler weather is coming though, I keep hoping - Summer is almost half way over - that means some great fall weather- cool days- great fall colors. Produce piled high at the farmers markets.

Times I am looking forward to.

time to shear...

2007-07-04T16:54:00.001-04:00

It has gotten warm, and the boys are nice and fluffy- what is a spinner to do?? SHEAR!!
hehehe...
So here are some pics of my boys :
First I give you the pic of Steamy contemplating the whole idea.. in full coat:
Now I give you 3 hours latter the pic of Dreamy - who was first in line for the scissors this time...
ACKKK - Naked Bunnie!! LOL
He is really cute and sweet though..
Even if he is giving me a weary eye at this point. I do have to say he was very very good - and oh so loveable! I just have to laugh at how diffrent he looks now from before! Soon- Steamy will be getting the shear - probably tomorrow!

Tired a bit....

2007-07-02T22:58:00.001-04:00

Its Monday- I have been busy today. I managed to ply up 4 skeins, got my errands to the farms in Sinking Valley done, and then did a bit of dyeing.
This week looks to be a bit fun - Tomorrow night I get to help at Victoria's for a customer Appreciation sale! Notice I said night, well that is because it will be held durring the Pajama Party at Meadows from 10 pm to 1 am!
I am looking forward to the fun and then of course Weds will be the 4th of July! Sunday will be the Stitch N' Pitch in Pittsburgh which promises to be a fun time- I will be there knitting in hand.
Will have pics tomorrow!

Socks.....

2007-06-28T11:20:00.000-04:00

So who is the one who said Summer is a slow time????
I have been running more now than when the kids were in school -- dang it!
I have been making progress on my socks...

First- I finished a pair of Pomatomus socks in Socks that Rock Silky yarn,

Then I started to feel guilty - as I have 2 socks without mates yet... so Here are the 2 singles:

First - the Moorish Lattice sock in Trekking

Then there is the Blueberry Waffle pattern in Tofutsies Pink colorway:

Feeling guilty I started the Moorish Lattice mate and currently have about 1 repeat done on it. as soon as I finish- I will do the Pink mate--- then I will be up to 5 pairs for the year!!
Hoping to get it all done by July 10th--- any bets???

Craft room here I come

2007-06-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

So several weeks ago I promised some pictures of my craft room rearranging. Today I finally got started on it. . .

The shelves will certainly take several days. . .
The storage bin corner also will take a bit yet. . .
These are really helpful to see what I have on hand here of my yarns. . .
Will try to get more as I go!

Whew!! Finally got a pic or two...

2007-06-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

So I have been promising some pictures, and here goes:

Last Friday I started this Mock Turtleneck Shell pattern by Sarah James, this time being made in a Tatamy Tweed yarn in the Birch color way.
Well I finished it last night. This pattern is great - knits fast and fits great.

So what is next to jump on the needles? Some great Ladera yarn from Wool in the Woods in a light colorway! I am using a old pattern from a magazine that is no longer in print I am sad to say. This pattern is not really named either - so it goes by the call of Seed stitch pullover. Boring!!
The pattern is easy to work - started last night and look at how it is working up!

Stay tuned- as I get better with the camera - I will be taking more pictures... of course - someday I may have to return this camera to Kait... but we won't mention that yet.

we interupt this blog ......

2007-06-10T22:32:00.000-04:00

Okay, so if you haven't already realized I have been extremely lax in my posting- well what can I say?
I am a bad blogger.

But I have been busy. I have been over scheduling myself way more than normal. What was I thinking??? I had a Spinning Demo scheduled for the same night and time as Dress Rehersal for the Dance Recital! Total craziness. Suffice it to say when I finally got to the Rehersal - and walked through the door I was greeted with a young child running in a outfit best described as cinderella's with the whole kercheif over her head and a broom, who was saying her Daddy-O was yelling at her. No it did not get better. Did I mention I tried to sign up for a sock class too that night?? Do you think it was a subconscious cry for escape???
Oh yes- it was a full moon to boot!

On the needles--- I have finished 1 - 5 hour baby sweater for my cousin's baby, and a white set - consisting of 1- 5 hour baby sweater, the matching hat and this dress. Its done. I also have cast on and have almost the whole back of the mock Turtleneck shell by Sarah James.
Of course part of the reason I have so much done on it- is the fact I had a dizzy spell last Thursday night - slight touch of vertigo they say. All I know is that I was dizzy and it was not due to drinking. But I have Knitting to show for it!!

Today I started spinning again - using the wheel and not just in my head- man does it feel great to spin.
Tomorrow - I plan to get pictures of the stuff I want to blog about, so if that is enough to get your intrest- stay tuned!

Please stand by....

2007-05-24T21:42:00.000-04:00

I promise I shall update tomorrow and give some pictures of what I have been up to. I am starting to do some organizing (run- run fast!!) of my craft room. Wish me luck - I am going to attempt to do a flicker acct with a photo journal of the process.
Thank goodness I have a great friend who is walking me through it - as I am totally computer illiterate.
I did get the front beds planted- will get some photos of that too.

Md Sheep and Wool

2007-05-11T09:56:00.001-04:00

Okay- So last Friday I went to Md Sheep and Wool Festival, so why has it taken so long to post?
Well, call it battle fatigue hehehe!
I got to help at the fleece sale on Friday, then met up with Fj, and we helped another vendor set up. On Saterday the real fun began. I took the camera - but ummm was so busy looking at everything - well.... I forgot to take pictures! Well at least I got 2 of the walk to the fair grounds..
We have a way to go - the entrance is that small white spot way down in front.
This was taken just inside the gate. I made 3 trips to the van on Saterday. I must have been nuts! Sunday I carried stuff rather than to do the trek to the van again.

Monday I got to stay and enjoy Fj's cooking final at college. Then it was home to take a good look at my stash enhancements!
I would post the pics of the stuff here- but it would be too much. So I will give you a link to the Stash enhancement Pics instead.

Tuesday I worked at the shop - Don't miss out on the Pedicure Sock Club- Sign-ups close on June 1!
Anyhow - I am off to get some dyeing done.

finished projects

2007-04-29T19:51:00.000-04:00

This weekend I finished 2 projects I have been working on this past week:
The above pic is of the 5 hour baby sweater I made for my friends new neice.

This I have been working on a bit longer:
I love this pattern!

New Sock Club!! Wooo Hoooo!!!

2007-04-23T16:03:00.000-04:00

There is a new Sock Club going on--- with Registration open now!
Isn't that exciting??
Did I mention that the colorways are going to be ice cream based???????
Now who wouldn't enjoy working on socks in the middle of the summer- knowing the names of the yarns will make you think on a cool dish or cone of the sweet stuff?
Just look at the inaugural colorway:
(yes- I have the same pic that is on the site! But--- I have Permission!! - Thanks Carla!!)

I can personally vouch that the yarn to be used is great-- and the colors are scrumptious, and I can't wait to dig in - or rather knit my way through them all!

You can find out more on this here.
I am very excited about it, especially as I am the one doing the dyeing for the club. So don't miss out! Join Now!
Registration ends on June 1, 2007!

Virginia Tech.... saddness

2007-04-19T08:36:00.000-04:00

Such a sad situation. My heart bleeds for the familys of the victems, including the shooter's family.
Maybe that sounds bad, but as we all go strraight to making him into a huge villian, we do need to stop and remember his family.
Yes he is gone.
Yes he did a absolutely horrible thing.
Yes it was the most horrible attack on young adults in our nation.

But what about his family? What must they be feeling?
Were there warning signs? yes.
Did others try to get him help? yes.
So what went wrong?

Maybe the Heathcare system failed him, maybe the society as a whole.
But what about us?
We as individuals need to help each other.
I saw a report about how he had been hospitalized at one point as he was making threats I believe they said. But yet he was discharged the next day, as the powers that be in the hospital felt he was okay.
What responcibility do they have now?
I am not saying we need to take their jobs away. But what about a double check system for those who make that type of decisions. I see many people who go into a Psych unit come out quickly, too quickly. Often with no or little help given other than a place to sleep for a night. Who is at fault? Is it the insurance companies, and their "managed alotment of treatment time"? Or the Dr's?
I don't know.
But I do know that watching the news media drag this through the wringer is depressing.
so, I guess I will leave it at this:

To ALL of those touched by this act - You have my prayers.
May you all find peace in this darkest spot of your lives.

The boys are here!!!!!!

2007-04-15T20:34:00.000-04:00

Okay- I am gushing here, But the boys arrived on Friday! Here are some quick pictures I took of them!

Meet McSteamy:And Mc Dreamy!!

I am totally in love with them. So look forward to some posts about them LOL.

March comes in like a Lion...and ate me....

2007-03-28T10:03:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe that is not true, but it sure seems like it did. This month has been a bit of a strain. First we had son move out, which is a long story, but it happened. Then the washer decided it had enough of washing clothes. Did you know that they no longer put belts in washers?? What the heck?? I mean - lets make it so that the average person can't fix the dang thing so you have to buy a new one.
Then on a snowy morning DH was heading to work, and the car was clipped by a TruckDriver - who didn't stop and truely should have been a bit more careful on bad roads... we won't go on that rant... Thankfully DH was not hurt, however- the car(neon)..was..totaled. Dang it. So much for a good start to the month. Did I mention I turned 40 too??
Okay, so it should get better then right? Well, not exactly.
The Chevy was now the only car left, and due to being left out of the fun- it decided to have the water pump go. Oh yeah--- and the Hampster escaped too.
What a start.
On the bright side, We caught the hampster, had the chevy's water pump replaced, found a used Truck for Roy to purchase.
Then since the chevy is not in a really great shape at moment, and it doesn't quite fit my needs, we found a van for me. Thankfully the tax refund was enough to allow me to aquire it.
We also managed to get a new washer, and to recapture the hampster. So I think March may just go out like a Lamb.... or rather- maybe a Rabbit this year. Or how about 2??

Well I am excited here- I am getting 2 angora baby boys! So I guess the month isn't a total wash out. I have been spinning a huge amount, and I am so looking forward to getting some babys to play with - and shear for spinning too.

I havn't come up with names for them. So anyone have any suggestions? Leave me a comment. They are both litermates and are about 8 weeks old.

what to do.....

2007-02-26T19:33:00.000-05:00

Okay- I promised Opal a while back I would post some pics of the works in progress --- however my Camera is not working Grrrrrrrrr.

So instead I will tell you what I am working on. I have been spinning a bunch, and have 1 1/2 of the huge black socks for Husband done, and 1 1/2 pair of the Monkey socks for me done too. I have the back still in progress and on the needles for the Weekend Sweater - that is being worked in Kraemer Yarns Summit Hill yarn in a green. The last thing I have on needles - is a lace Estonian Garden Wrap being done in a pale grey laceweight.

So I will try to get some pics later for you all to see, but until then that will have to do.

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T23:31:00.000-05:00

Its to be a great romantic day.
I dislike forced feelings. To me - forcing the feelings is almost painful.
I would rather do other things- Like Spin or dye some yarns.
Speaking of dye--- here is what I did last week:Don't those look like something to roll around in? That is my idea of fun.

2007-02-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

I want to apologise- this is a photo heavy post - but - Blogger left me do it!!

I had a night of fun - playing with dyes again.

Some of the yarn was already dyed- so I got to learn about color again, and have fun at the same time.
I love working with colors- each set of skein I dye up I fall in love with - until I do another set...

This was one of the favorites

- or was it that one....

or this one????

Anyhow- all 29 skeins are done and ready to finish drying up. Now to watch the superbowl commercials tonight -LOL!

Ground Hog Day!

2007-02-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

Spring is to be 6 weeks away according to Phil- so in that thought I figured I would help ward of the bitter cold weather that is heading towards Central Pa and show you some beautiful new yarns that I hand dyed this past weekend.

Its Hand dyed sock yarn! Yummy warm colors- that remind me of warm days.
Cool huh?

I dropped these off tonight at Victorias House of Needlearts, in Ducansville, Pa. I even got to return home with more to dye up! So I shall be nice and warm and in color fun times this weekend.

Hope everyone stays warm!

Snow!!

2007-01-30T18:43:00.000-05:00

So, today we got some snow squalls - and finally it looked like it should have in Dec.

I went out on the deck to sweep the snow- and was followed by the pups..who seemed to think I was there just to play. So I snapped a pic of them, or rather tried to. Kaya was good and kind of stood still, Chey on the other hand, decided to try to eat the snow at my feet and thus put down her head. Silly girl!

Huge Socks....

2007-01-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

No you are not seeing things- to give you some sort of reference - the smaller sock- is a womens medium sized one of mine. The Larger one - is my DH's - his calves are huge and this is the first of a pair for him to wear in his boots for work.

Yes - I have officially lost it.

okay - obligatory Family pic time

2007-01-28T00:16:00.000-05:00

Uggghhhhhh !

2007-01-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, so blogger has not been nice to me this past week and would not let me post.
But - in spite of that I have perservered.
This past week - I have managed to finish one of 2 socks. I had hoped to get a pic of it, but of course blogger won't let me upload it.
So you will have to wait till I get the 2nd one done. I know- you are thinking big deal- its just a sock. Well it would be if it didn't have to go around a 16 inch calf and be 15 inches long. In other words---- ITS HUGE!
I am makeing them for DH who needs nice warm socks for work.

I did spin 2 lbs of roving up this week and -- made a scave for a little one at bus stop too.
I am really trying to keep to the 2 projects at a time-- one that is involved and requires some concentration and a 2nd to keep in car and for trips. Its not easy at the moment - these socks are really big and black, and have I mentioned BOOORRRRING!!

Going to get the 2nd one done as quickly as possible - then I plan on getting to work on finishing the Weekend sweater that is taking forever too. Remind me not to keep with big projects.
I did figure out last night that I have about 3.3 MILES of sock yarn. I am going to try to knit as many socks as possible this year.

Wish me luck.

What have I been up to?

2007-01-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

Okay- first the good stuff:
I recieved a fabulous box from my secret Santa - Carole!! You should have seen me trying to behave( yes that was trying to) while I waited for her to get online so I could open it.
Once I got into it - and yes- the DeLoache name on sender gave it away---- I was so spoiled!!

Even Rochelle got a Polly Pocket - she was estatic!

A few days after the New Year I got another box that had a wonderful hat in it from my Dear friend Nancy--with a gorgeous hat in it for me, and one for each of the girls:

So very wonderful for her to do that for me!!

I have been working on spinning and knitting - will get a finish pic of the Clapotis taken soon so you can see-- Its Finished!

So I have the Weekend Sweater still in progress, and I have the take along project of a pair of socks for Roy too.

The Rocking Sock Club has had me a bit upset- not the club itself- but the issue with the bank.
First- Let me say- I want to congradulate Blue Moon for the professional way they have handled it, and I was happy to see that the Bank involved at first was on its toes to notice the activity of the group on the site and money coming in.
However- I can't say I agree with them in their decision that it can not be a good business plan, and cancelling it. I really think they should have taken into account of the wonderful class of Fiber addicts we are and how with the temptation of fresh sock yarn- we gladly part with money.
But the good thing is - the Rocking Sock Club is still on- and I shall be having a blast I hope.

time is moving....

2007-01-07T11:59:00.000-05:00

Faster than me LOL.
Okay- so I have been busy here- got to Victorias House of Needlearts on new years- and got lots of new yarn. Why do I do that to myself? I had issues with the cable pattern again on the Weekend sweater( from interweave knits fall 2006 mag). So of course--- I started the clapotis from knitty again.
I have a good deal done on it now- hope to finish it this week. I will get pics soon of it, I am using some Tattamy Tweed Yarn from Kraemer Yarns in teal colorway. Its a wonderful yarn.
Oh yes--- There is a new yarn at my LYS - Tofutsies!!!
Of course I had to get 2 skeins of it- and its on my list to make some of those too.
So the list grows... again LOL.

Happy New Years!!

2007-01-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

May the new year give you a wonderful time for Knitting.
I have a new list of projects started- here is the first 10 on list so far:

1. Finish weekend sweater
2. Socks for Roy
3. Sweater for kait ( white)
4. socks for Rochelle
5. Finish sock for Jo
6 Finish Philosopher wool sweater
7. 12 day of Christmas sweater
8. Pink Sweater for kait
9. Clapotis
10.Yellow Mock Shell tank top

So here goes me keeping up this blog better than I have been.

badddd Blogger

2006-11-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

So its almost been a whole month since I posted anything! goodness--- what has kept me away?

Well, I have had one of the dogs at the vets for an emergency surgery on a abscess. I did finish a pair of 11 inch ribbed mitts for Dad for hunting, made 3 pair of fetching mitts from Knitty dot com (these will be teacher gifts),and I have gotten Sammi's poncho done.

So now have Melanies poncho, Kyles sweater, Claires sweater and Keifers scarve, and then.....I also need to get Bill's socks done, and finish Jo's socks too.

I will get pictures as soon as I can!

48 things

2006-10-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

48 Things

I picked this off of Amy's blog, so here goes.

48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME?Shelly
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? nope
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? not sure- I am usually pretty happy
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? its okay
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? roast beef
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? definatly
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? a few of them
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Is that a spinable fiber???If not forget it.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? grape nuts ( kind of fits doesn't it??)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? and waste time?? Heck- I rarely wear shoes with ties- best to be able to slip off the clogs and be able to spin in a instant
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Depends on the day
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Chocolate with caramel on or in it
14. SHOE SIZE? 8 1/2
15. RED OR PINK? Deep Red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? my weight..we won't go there.....
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my Grand parents
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? since its a stolen list...nope
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue Jeans, no shoes- but do have hand knit socks on...a commerically knitted sweater in 2 tones of brown with white snoflakes on it.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? pizza
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? nothing...silence is golden
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? deep rose
23. FAVORITE SMELL? roses...lots of roses
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Mom
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?their eyes
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Yes! Amy is a hoot to have around and is a "spinning child" of mine.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Pepsi....
28. FAVORITE SPORT? umm is tailgating a sport??
29. EYE COLOR? hazel with green
30. HAT SIZE? med
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no- even though I probably should...
32. FAVORITE FOOD? coomfort food...fresh bread from oven with butter....yummm
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter -- there is only so many clothes you can take off in general public before the men with white coats come for me
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Kisses
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? cream puffs
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Again, no idea.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? Umm - don't use one at moment- on lap top..
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Ghost wisperer
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? natural sounds of water in a creek, pipe organs,
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? beatles
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME?California
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Handspinning yarns...
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Pennsylvania
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I stole it from Amy's blog.

sweater in progress....

2006-10-27T10:05:00.000-04:00

As promised - here is a picture of my sweater in progress. The lighting in the house is not great for taking a pic- will try to get a better one in a few days.
I have decided I really like the cables in this and the whole design.

Can't wait to get it done!

busy week

2006-10-26T19:05:00.000-04:00

I have been spinning and knitting a bunch this week, Also have been putting things up on ebay too... My id on ebay is shellsfibers, and I have lots of new yarns up on the site too.
I have a goal to clean out the fiber in the basement- well maybe not clean out- how about just getting it all processed or washed and then ready to spin.
I will be getting a pic of my sweater I am currently working on. Thanks to a dear friend - I am trying to only work on one project (knitting) at a time. So far so good...but its a hard thing when I see the new magazines!
By the way- have you seen the beautiful scarve on the front of Vouge Knits Holiday??? Goodness I am having a problem keeping from starting it right now. Of course- that is the 'carrot" to finish this sweater!