It's been a long time since I wrote in my little blog!  

Today is July the Fourth. Happy Birthday America! Thank you to all our military families. You sacrifice as much as your spouses during deployment! I appreciate each and every one of you!

This is my first year participating in "Tour de Fleece"  Tour de Fleece is the spinner's take on Tour de France. We spin each day the racers are biking and see how much we can get accomplished.

I am pleased to say I have spun 140 yards on my little drop spindle since June 30th. It feels good to get back in the groove of spinning. I haven't spun in months! My goal is to finish spinning the superwash merino batt I got from my friend Paula last year, as well as to begin the brown alpaca roving I also bought from Paula! I'm making great progress!

I have some two ply yarn from this batt that I spun last year. I still have to soak and dry it to set the twist. The rest I am going to leave as a single ply. It is roughly a sport weight yarn. It has some beautiful shading. I am eager to find a smallish project for it when it's all done.

My dear hubby had major back surgery on June 4. We have been home together a lot. We are enjoying all the together time :)  He is doing very well. He broke out with shingles in the hospital after surgery; that's been the worst bit of his recovery. 

Since I am home most of the time, I have plenty of time for knitting and spinning. I hope to accomplish a lot this summer. 

I have many little hats that I must get photographed and listed for sale! They are cute as can be! I have sizes from preemie to toddler. As soon as I find someone with a good camera I can use, I will get them up on the blog.

Happy Knitting!+

To Stash Or Destash--That Is The Question

 I've been going through my stash. I recently received a destash  that will nicely complement my stash. I love getting destashes!  I am going through my own stash to see if  can bless someone with a destash.  I love finding treasures long forgotten. I love finding yarn and pattern together especially! It's like Christmas at any time of year. 


I must confess I added to my stash while we were on vacation last week. The yarn shop I visited had yarn on 50% clearance! What's a girl to do?!?  I was so committed to using what I have before buying more. *Sigh* I did get ten skeins of one color that will make a gorgeous sweater...when I find the right pattern :)


I got three skeins of a multi-strand elasticky yarn that intrigues me. I think it will make adorable headbands because of the 1% elastic content. I will have fun experimenting. 


I just finished knitting a couple of  coffee cup( to fit a Starbucks to go cup for example) cozies. I once heard that a knitter never met something that wouldn't be better if it were cozied!  


I think I will begin a shawlette  for which the yarn and pattern have been patiently waiting in a tote. The yarn is a light and summery peach color--perfect for the lovely days we have been experiencing. 


To answer the question in my title....I'm thinking stash and destash. We will see what treasures I find as I unearth bags long buried in the closet.


Happy Knitting!

Traverse City

We spent a much needed vacation week in Traverse Cit y.We stay in a beautiful resort  on the East Bay every year that has rock bottom winter pricing . We go with another couple and we just hang out and have a lot of fun, rest and relaxation . The guys like to watch movies and we girls go down to the lobby and sit around the fireplace and knit and talk . Bliss!  We usually go in January or February, but this year waited until the last week of March . It paid off to wait! There was no ice or snow ;  the colors of the bay were breathtaking when the sun came out and the light played on the waters . We collected shells on the beach( yes, there are shells at Lake Michigan!) The weather was mild enough to open the door to the balcony and listen to the waves washing up on the shore.

Of course, there was shopping on Front Street. We had to get our annual Cherry Republic fix as well as the fudge. One of my favorite yarn shops is in Traverse City. Lost Art Needlecraft and Yarn is small, but well worth exploring each time we are in TC. This year I added 10 skeins of merino superwash to my stash in a nice warm beige/tan, enough to make a sweater. It was on clearance for 50% off. I found some very cool yarn for baby hats too.

It feels so good to take a break from the routine. To let everything be "paused" as it were for a week. It's all there when I come home to pick up where I left off.  I need to find "pause" time in my week. I have a wise aunt who calls her pauses mini vacations. Every Thursday she does only the necessary-meals and dishes-and spends the rest of the day relaxing. Catching up on reading, napping, whatever she wants to do to feel refreshed. I can learn from that. What wait an entire year to "pause?"    Something to ponder...I think all of us, especially women, need to learn that pausing to savor a moment ,  a hug from  child, the beauty of the blue sky, will refresh us in the middle of our very busy and hectic days. So, pause.....

Patience

Patience is a virtue I am learning to practice as I mature. There are days when my patience is sorely tested. Today for example. I just finished this post for the first time only to hit the wrong button and have the original disappear. Since I am writing about patience, it occurred to me how funny it would be if I lost it and let fly a few choice words. ( I didn't)  These are the days when it is necessary for me to take three deep breaths and reset the patience meter!

On February 28th I had knee surgery. I was hoping it was going to be the "clean it up quick and get on with life" variety. After all it was arthroscopic, and we all know that folks who have arthroscopic surgery are on their feet  in a week as if nothing happened. Not this lady! I am still off my feet except for excursions to get food, drinks, snacks, and showers. I do a few small tasks while waiting for the microwave; then I must get back to my chair lest my knee swell up like an over inflated balloon!I am exercising my patience. I say exercising, because patience comes easily to no one. It's more of a choice than an in born virtue.

Knitting has taught me to exercise patience, especially lace knitting. I have never met a pattern that loved me on first sight. Every lace I succeeded at knitting was a hard fought exercise in patience and endurance. For awhile, I gave in to the "I just must be one of those people who will never/can't knit lace" kind of thinking. I am perseverant by nature( my dear hubby would say "stubborn" --silly man) so I determined that I was going to conquer   accomplish lace knitting.  It is still not easy for me. I have to frog nearly every piece I knit up to three times before I get it. But I am getting better at the counting, repeats and other things necessary to knit a beautiful piece of lace. I have some beautiful things to show for my persistence and patience.

So, I am exercising patience through these healing and recovering days. I have taken time to look at patterns, get ideas, knit,knit,knit, find a more uniform way of sizing wee hats. I have had time to think of what other tiny treasures I want to offer.

Patience=Freedom.  I don't have to get all unhappy and bent out of shape over a slow cashier, a traffic jam, a late appointment, an infuriatingly complicated pattern. I can take a deep breath, choose my 'tude and practice patience.

Now, off to find something to knit. It's time for some lace, I think!

Happy Knitting!

More Little Hats and Other Random Thoughts

I am  seeing the beginning of an inventory! I have several little hats made. Pictures soon to follow. I will have sizes from preemie/small newborn to 12 months.  Larger hats available on a custom basis. I am having so much fun experimenting with different stitch combinations to make designs. So far my hats are like snowflakes--no two have been alike  :) I wonder if I will be able to duplicate my designs. Some for sure, yes. I have an adorable little hat that I finished a couple of nights ago. When placed on an itty bitty head the hat will make ears. Can't wait for a little model to try that one out!

I have other Itty Bittys that I want to knit before I launch a Facebook page. I'm glad I held my March 1 launch date loosely, because I want more inventory. I'm in no rush! I have one itty bitty mitten that matches a hat. I have to knit the other little mitten yet.  I may knit wee mittens to match some of the other hats as well.

I found a great pattern for felted dryer balls and felted soap holders. So much fun!

It's a great day to be inside knitting! We had a snowstorm overnight and into this morning, thousands upon thousands of fat white snow globe like flakes falling gently from the sky.  The landscape is brilliantly white as the sun peeks through now and then. I love the "diamonds" in the snow when the sun shines. It looks like a vast treasure stretching as far as one can see. It's a good day to slow down and just "be." I wonder how many diamond moments we miss because we fly through the day instead of taking a good look around. Knitting helps me to slow down and live in the moment. One loop at a time a fabric takes shape. One row at a time a garment takes shape. One moment, one day at a time a life takes shape....don't miss your "diamond moments"

Happy Knitting

Itty Bitty Knitty Bits

I've been chuckling over the wee little hats that are coming off my knitting needles. It really is fun to start knitting and make it up as I go!

I have learned the magic loop technique ; it works very wells with small hats and wee mittens. It's easier on my hands too. I have learned to knit on two circulars as well. I like both techniques. I don't see myself using dpns too often in the future. Thanks to my yarnie buds Emily and Kendra for showing me the ropes ☺

My little inventory is growing slowly. I am having a little trouble sizing my newborn hats. I had an adorable newborn model a couple of weeks ago. He was very cooperative and sooo cute.
I have a little mitten to knit to complete a hat and mitten set in lavender.  I have ears to knit on a rainbow multi hat. That one of going to be very cute. These are instant gratification projects--done in three hours or less.

I am not stressing about building my inventory. It's my business and I can launch any time I am ready!  That occurred to me the other day as I was fretting over lack of progress. ☺

I am nursing an injured knee. Waiting on MRI results to see if I will be having surgery. I will have lots of time on my hands if that is the case. At least for a week or so. I'm glad I love to knit and read, or being on "take it easy" orders would be infinitely harder.

I guess I'm going to have to start participating in the  "Sit and be Fit" shows on PBS heehee.  Gotta do something other than watch my bum get bigger as I sit around!

I think I will start my other hand warmer to match my cowl. That will be another quick knit.Since it has become colder again I think about those things. When it gets warm,  ☼ the warm weather gear is put on the back burner so to speak.

I am ready to begin a more challenging project. I'm going to look through my patterns. I think the next thing to be cast on is a shawl-ette pattern in a lovely peach.

Happy Knitting!

Over A Week Without A Post?!

Oh my goodness!  I have been remiss in keeping my little blog updated!

We have had The Sick at our house for the last three weeks . Upper respiratory nastiness at it's worst . I am coming out from the fog , the children are slowly getting better and hubby and daughter have escaped thus far!

I've been doing a lot of knitting . I have quite a few ideas percolating too.

 My latest accomplishment is a cowl for which I made my own pattern! I never dreamed I would be able to do so ; it's a good feeling!  I am working on a pair of matching arm warmers . The set will be great for those chilly days that don't quite need a coat. I did an afterthought  thumb on the arm warmer(s). I have one finished as far as the thumb . It knit up very quickly.

I sold another little hat! It's going to be hard to build an inventory this way!  I don't mind having such a problem, however.

I'm doing a little drop spindling again. It felt a bit awkward after being away from it for so long, but it came back pretty fast.  This braid is a variegation of pinks and plums . I'm eager to see how it all spins and plies . I have to finish spinning a green batt and I haven't even started on my alpaca roving . So much to do, so little time !

And then there is Pinterest....oh, my. Such an addicting site . I have found some great knitting patterns, make it yourself laundry and dishwasher detergent recipes. I foresee making all my own washing supplies from now on. So much cheaper and less toxic than commercial products .

It's actually a lot of fun "stash busting" this year. One of my goals is to use my entire stash and make all the projects for which I have yarn purchased and tucked away. Big goal!

I think I will get back to working on that goal....

Happy Knitting!

We Have Pictures!

I am pleased that I have learned to upload pictures to my blog! (OK , excited :) )  Here is the hat and legwarmer set I made last week:
                           

I wish I had paid attention when I was knitting the hat. I made it up as I went along when I got to the crown. When I gathered it a darling five petaled "flower" appeared.  I doubt I can duplicate it--but then whoever purchases it will know it is one of a kind. That's not all bad!
                      

I estimate it will fit a baby from about 7-15 pounds, or 0-3 months.

So much fun!!! The legwarmers make me chuckle every time I look at them. They will be so cute adorning chubby baby girl legs.

Today I am knitting a cowl to match my daughter's hat. I had nearly two full skeins left of the beautiful Peruvian cotton I purchased at A Grand Skein. I am using the same design as the body of the hat. I will post a picture when it is finished.

Back to knitting I go. It's way too cold in Michigan to play outdoors or even go shopping! My little weather box on the tool bar  says 5 degrees. Brrrrr.

Happy Knitting!

It's Tuesday!

Oh, my goodness~! Where did my weekend and Monday go?

Yesterday I finished another wee hat . Every hat I make is different. I don't use a pattern; I start and see where the yarn takes me . This little gem is in a pink tweedy acrylic . It started as a little rolled brim hat and ended up with a darling eyelet row at the crown,which then gathered into six distinct flower petals. So cute! I'm starting a matching set of wee leg warmers . I'm using Magic Loop for the leg warmers . First time I have used the technique. I watched a yarnie friend using the method and then followed up with a youtube video. I like it for tiny things, but I have to learn not to hold on so tight!

I will be so glad when I get some pictures that I can post here. It will be nice to have a picture portfolio.

Today I think I will cast on a cowl to match my daughter's slouch hat . I used only half the yarn the hat pattern called for; it will be pretty to have a cowl to match . The pattern is simple and quick knitting. And I know it, so I won't grip it like it's about to run away :)

I have some domestic chores to attend to as well. Knitting Central is all cleaned up; I can't say so much for the kitchen!

Happy Knitting!

Not Much Going On Today

Not much going on today. I have been cleaning and organizing . I will prob'ly get some knitting in tonight.

I must get "knitting central" picked up and beaten back into submission! The area around my chair is always full of runaway balls of yarn, a dropped needle or two, a stray pattern. It's always interesting to see what turns up :) I still haven't found "that" basket that will contain everything and still give me easy access to the project I am working at the time. I have my stash fairly organized. Fairly. I have an ottoman in the bedroom that has a lot of storage. Most of my stash lives there, but I do have some that has overflowed into the closet. It's not even a big stash and it misbehaves! I can't imagine having a large stash--I would never find my bedroom again!

I have installed a Swagbucks Widget on my blog. I highly recommend Swagbucks. I have received hundreds of dollars in prizes. If you would like more info leave a comment and I will send an invitation. It's a great way to accumulate gifts and gift cards to use for special occasions and holidays.

A special "Happy Knitting" to the retreat girls. Hope you ladies have a blast this weekend!

Happy Dance!

I sold another baby hat and headband today. At this rate I am going to be hard pressed to keep an inventory! Such a problem, I know!

I am deeply content.

I'm watching the snow fall. It makes me want to knit all the more. There is something so timeless about sitting and knitting inside when the snow and wind are swirling about outdoors. Give me a cup of hot cocoa and I'm a happy camper!

All that is missing is a little dog at my feet....someday!

I'm going to stay up later than usual, enjoy some alone time and  knit for a bit.

Happy Knitting!

I Caved

My "goal" to use my stash before I purchased anything else has already fallen . I couldn't help myself! My friend's shop was taunting my with a beautiful braid of roving that was calling my name . Not my fault! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

All kidding aside, I want to do more drop spindle  spinning . I have a green superwash merino batt and some brown alpaca roving . Once I get a few more  hats knit I am going to alternate knitting and spinning again . I have some green yarn spun that has to be soaked and thwacked so I can knit it .

I have already sold three baby hats and my business is not officially launched! It's good for my soul to know I have a product people love and want to purchase! Right now my hats are fairly simple; I have some ideas for embellishment that will make them even more appealing . I am going to stay with the basic pattern I made and use different finishing techniques and embellishments to make them different .

Such fun .

Today is not going to be a big knitting day; I have major errand running to do before we get the winter mess coming our way . I'm sure I won't be able to resist the call of the needles all day, however!

Happy Knitting!

Mathematically Challenged? Me???

Yes, yes,  I am. Mathematically challenged.

I woke up this morning and instantly knew what I had done wrong with my decrease row. Silly girl....but now my little hat is done, complete with six little I-cord sprouts on top. And I have enough yarn to do a couple of headbands as well!

My hands are feeling so much better! Yay~! I seriously get depressed when I can't knit. I have been all blah feeling for the last few days. Today I picked up the needles and started knitting and wow! I am feeling energized and happy again.  I think the sunshine and 40+ degree temps had something to do with that too.

My resolve to buy no new yarn until my stash is busted and projects completed was wavering as I looked at the new Lion Yarn catalog.  Recycled cotton yarn was calling my name! All heathered tones and very soft looking. Love! I held firm and put the catalog out of sight.

I think tomorrow I will cast on a vest for my aunt. She gave me the yarn about two years ago. She was planning to knit a jacket; the ladies at the shop she bought the yarn told her it would substitute just fine for Manos Uraguay. Not even close. I found a vest pattern that she loves that will suit the yarn well. I will have enough to make matching hand warmers for her too!

As Always~Happy Knitting!

Back At It!

After several days of carpal tunnel issues I picked up a little hat. It is nearly finished . I'm starting the swirl decrease on the crown . My 60 stitches are not cooperating! I have counted and recounted and somehow come out two stitches off by row two . I will count again tomorrow after a good night's sleep. I plan to top this little cutie with five or six tiny I-cords . When I have several items finished I will have my friend take some pics for me to upload .

I have so many projects lined up and want to start them all!!
Not wise!! I like having three or four projects of various sizes and degrees of difficulty going at once. I can do the easy knitting with my yarnie girls and the have-to-think-about-every-stitch projects at home when the house is quiet. Then I throw in the occasional instant gratification project.

My mind is always working and thinking about the next Knitty Bit to design and try out. I'm having a lot of fun!

Happy knitting!

So Much Knitting, So Little Time!

Since I have decided to finish all my projects this year as well as make all the projects for which I have yarn and pattern I am very excited and want it all done now!

I'm trying to accomplish this goal in an orderly manner( knitters?? orderly??? seriously????) but....I wanna do it all!

Setting a goal really does something to one's thinking. Writing the goal, seeing it in front of me, energizes me. It makes me want to do the next thing instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of the whole picture.

The next step is deciding which unfinished project to pick up next and which new project to start. I like having a couple of different things going at once. Usually, one is a project I can take to yarnie group and knit as I chat; the other is more detailed that I work on at home when it is quiet. Hmmmm. I think one of the scarflets will be the next detailed project. So pretty and easy to accomplish in a short time. Good way to gather momentum.

I'm excited to see what I can accomplish this year!

Happy Knitting!

Goals 2012

In my last post I said I didn't make resolutions, I set goals.

My of my fibery friends asked on her FB page what some of our goals are for 2012 fiber-y speaking.

I have a long list. :)

1. Use my stash . All of it . Yes, I mean that .
2. Make the projects for which I have both pattern and yarn .  
    Currently I have two scarflets, one hat, one baby blanket two
    pair of nearly finished socks and two hibernating afghans .
3. Make bunches of baby hats for my soon to be e-shop .
4. Begin knitting for Christmas 2012 .

It seems like a lot, but when I break it down, I knit for about two hours most days . Let's see, fourteen hours a week, extra when I have yarnie group . I think I can do it ! I just have to balance how much time I can spend knitting without making the carpal tunnel--The Knitter's Nemesis--flare up .

The kids are back in school this week! We are reclaiming the house, after which I will have my normal(normal?)routine back .

Tonight is yarnie group . I can't wait . I haven't seen my yarnie buds since before Christmas!

Have a fabulously fiber-y day!

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