Knit me a river

Thirty Six Inches of Stockinette!

2010-08-12T21:47:00.000-04:00

Well I've been working on Widget's stocking as I have time and I've go the knitting finished! The pattern came from a book of Christmas stocking patterns. It is actually just a simple top down stockinette sock with a short foot.

I have actually knit this pattern twice before and it was early enough in my knitting career that I was still actively keeping a notebook on all my projects. So I was able to follow what I had done previously row by row.

My first two stockings took three and a half skeins. This one took just over four skeins. I don't know where the extra yarn went. This one is just a little longer than my notes indicate the last one was -but not that off. I even used the same needles.

I guess it probably has to do with gauge. That is something that I didn't track on this project or the previous stockings at all. I almost never worry about gauge and especially on felting projects. I'll chalk it up to gauge and just be glad that I had enough yarn in my stash to cover the difference.

Now I just have to do the felting. Hopefully I will be able to get it felted soon. But I might wait until I get something else knitted up to felt. I've been thinking of making another felted bag with some more Noro Kureyon I have stashed . I just have to decide on a pattern.

In the meantime, I've picked up an old project and started working on it again. I'm committed to working on old projects or knitting strictly from my stash. So hopefully I'll have some progress to report on that project soon.

Swissy Sunday

2010-08-08T21:08:00.006-04:00

Well the Swissys are still here and doing well, but they are now having to share the stage and our attention with Widget. Sherman is a little indifferent to Widget, but Scarlett is always interested in what he is doing. Sometimes I think she is just as interested in the toys as he is. One thing is for sure, the dogs and the baby make this a busy house. It is nice when everyone decides to take a nap at the same time. I'm able to get laundry folded or a few rows of knitting done.

But the minute one of them gets up, the fun starts again. This time Widget decided to catch Scarlett by the tail. He did pull, but I think she is so much that bigger that she didn't even feel the tugging. He does love watching them and reaching out for them. He likes feeling the texture of the fur.

One of the neat things to see is Widget's face when we get home in the evening from work/daycare. He lights right up and starts laughing and smiling at both of them as they come to the door to greet us. We never leave this group unattended, but it is great to have everyone get along and play nice.

Funky Monkeys

2010-08-01T22:05:00.004-04:00

Widget has been the recipient of many fine knitted gifts, most are from his grandma (my mom). She has been knitting up a storm since she found out she was to have a grandchild. I think she had about given up on the possibility, but she took to the idea with gusto! She surprised us with these monkeys on our trip home over the July 4th holiday.

The monkeys are great, but they will have to sit on the shelf for now. The button eyes are great, but make them unsuitable play toys for the time being. Everything Widget gets makes its way to his mouth sooner or later.

One of the nice things about all of her knitting is that she is using some of my stashed yarn and patterns. Each time she comes for a visit, she goes through my stash and takes home some skeins for new projects. I had originally bought the yarn and pattern for this project, but it is nice to see it done for Widget. No telling how long it would be before I got around to knitting them.

The monkeys are knit from Socks That Rock Heavyweight. The pattern is written for both the large and small monkey. The main color of the large monkey is Lapis and the small monkey is primarily knit from the Amber color. The report from grandma is that the pattern was straight forward and not difficult. The project started with two full skeins, but there was a lot leftover; probably enough for another large sized monkey.

Project Info

Pattern: Funky Sock Monkey
by cockeyed sockateer

Yarn: Socks That Rock

Heavyweight in Amber and Lapis

Notes: Knit according to pattern; no pipe cleaners used for legs or tails.

Is that Knitting I see?

2010-07-22T09:38:00.003-04:00

I'm finally knitting again! It's hard to believe and I have no idea if it will last but it seems like I'm finally getting into a rhythm with handling all my new parent type responsibilities. I'm sure that means that Widget will be throwing a wrench into the works soon.

I've finally gotten a new laptop and I'm itching to get started with my knitting and craft projects and blogging. Every time I walk by my spinning wheel or see a skein of yarn or knitting needles I want to get working on a new project.

I'm guessing that I won't be quite as prolific a knitter and spinner as I once was, but hopefully I can still make things interesting enough to share. So for starters, I decided to start with an easy knitting project to get the ball rolling. I'm working on a Christmas stocking for Widget.

I knit and felted stockings for myself and Mr. Knit Me a River, so I decided that Widget ought to have one too. I figure the project is easy and with minimal effort even I ought to be able to finish it by Christmas. I started with some Noro Kureyon I had stashed. I found my knitting notebook and all my notes from my first stocking (from 2006!) are there and ready to follow. It's really just one big stockinette sock knit on size 11 needles.

In other happenings around Geddesburg, Widget is growing and progressing as expected. He is about six and a half months old and just the absolute best thing I've ever done. He's starting solid foods and I'm making all his food right now.It's not hard at all and it certainly is a lot cheaper. Maybe I'll blog the process with the peaches I'm getting ready to prepare for him. It will be his first time eating peaches.

I'll post an update on Scarlett and Sherman soon too. They are doing well and like any attention they can get now that they are having to share the limelight with a new baby.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just hopping by to wish you all a Happy Easter from the cutest Easter bunny I've ever seen.

Tomorrow is a big day for us here at Geddesburg. I'll be going back to work for the first time in three months and Widget will be starting daycare. I've spent the weekend getting everything together and getting things in order. Crib sheets, bottles, bottle warmer, diapers, wipes, and extra clothes, I think I'll need a grocery cart to get in all into the place on Monday morning.

I'm amazed at how much daycare costs and all the stuff I'm still responsible for providing. That's not even counting all the other baby costs. I'm not sure how any of you with kids afford fiber or yarn. I can tell you my yarn and fiber purchasing is totally on hold for awhile. It's a good thing I have a nice stash!

I am hoping that Widget and I will adjust to the new schedule okay. I'm also hoping to sneak a little more blogging time in the week. So if you are still out there don't give up on me yet.

Coming Back

2010-03-10T16:31:00.001-05:00

As my maternity leave comes to an end, I'm trying to get things together to go back to work and get things going to get Widget ready for daycare. I'm sad my time at home is coming to an end, but I have to face it so I'm prepared.

Widget is still breast feeding and resistant to bottles. So that is one thing to overcome. He also needs to get used to sleeping in a crib. He has been sleeping his swing seat. It comes off the swing base and I set it next to my side of the bed each night.

He is doing well. We had our two month check up yesterday and he got an all clear. He is now up to 12 lbs 6 ozs.

I'm hoping to get back to knitting, spinning, and blogging. I hope some of you that read this are still out there. I downloaded an application so I can post to my blog from my phone. This post is my first try. Hopefully it will work!

I haven't gotten to do any spinning done but I have started to work some knitting into my "free" time. This scarf is one of my traveling scarf projects that finally made it's was home. This group had 10 knitters and I asked each to add 4 rows of garter stitch. The scarf was knitted lengthwise and ended up being just over 100 inchs long. I had to add 4 rows and bind it off to get it finised. Not much, but it is something.

My mom however has been knitting up a storm for Widget. He has got a great selection of hats and some sweaters too. He also has a huge basket of of knitted and crocheted toys. I'm going to get some photos taken and share her work.

Widget is Here!

2010-02-01T14:46:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time between posts for me. For the last month I've been adjusting to our new family addition and my new role as mom. Widget was born via c-section on January 6th. He weighed in at 9 lb 7 oz and was 22 inches long.

For the most part things have been going really well here at Geddesburg. Widget did struggle a little to gain back the weight he lost right after being born. So we spent time with a lactation consultant and made many visits to the pediatrician to make sure he didn't lose any more

weight. The lactation consultant called him a lazy eater - which is difficult to believe knowing his parents. But we followed her advice and by the time he was three weeks old, all the weight lost had been regained.

Before Widget was born I imagined using my maternity leave with a dual purpose and getting a lot done around the house. I have several small home projects I would like to complete before going back to work, not to mention all the knitting and spinning I'd like to catch up with. Although now I can that is not what is going to happen. I've already been home close to a month and I'm just getting around to my first blog post. But we have feedings every two to three hours and he doesn't like to be put down to sleep. I know I have a lot to learn. Hopefully I'll get the hang of this mommy thing and be able to multi-task a little bit better.

I've have actually knit a baby hat since we've been home and I started a shawl the other day, anticipate it won't be a quick project. I'm hoping to get back to blogging more too, but this will have to be all for now, Widget is starting to wake up.

Handspun Friday - Woodland Violet

2009-10-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

I'm behind on everything, including all my knitting and spinning projects. But I do have a new handspun to share this week.

I made a two ply yarn out of Corriedale with the intentions of knitting a shawl of some type. The colors are a little more muted than I normally choose and the yarn is even a little more muted than the fiber was. Probably even a little more than I expected, so I'm anxious to see how it knits up.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Maisy Daisy
Content: 100% Corriedale (combed top)
Weight: 8 ounces
Yardage: 662 yards
WPI: 12 wraps per inch
Notes: 2-ply; handwash

Are You Happy Wearing That?

2009-10-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

Brad spouted off with this line from the Christmas Story movie as soon as he saw this finished hat. I guess this bunny ear hat is just a little too reminiscent of Ralphie's pink bunny suit for Brad.

Well, at least I didn't knit the hat in pink and I did leave off the little pompom tail that the pattern called for stitching onto the back. The pattern was really easy and went pretty quick. I like knitting the little hats - they are quick and generally easy on my hands. I've already got another on the needles.

Project Info:
Pattern: Bunny Tail
by Susan Anderson
from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Berroco Comfort
color - hummus
Needles: addi TURBO US# 7 (4.5mm)
Size: 6-12 months
Notes: pom pom tail left off the back of the hat

Swissy Sunday

2009-10-18T18:42:00.005-04:00

All is quiet on the Swissy front lately. They are definitely enjoying the cooler weather that October has brought our way.

The have seemed almost oblivious to the excitement around them preparing for the new family member. I think that is because most of the activity to date has been upstairs where the nursery will be and neither of the dogs likes stairs. In fact, neither Sherman or Scarlett has been upstairs in our house.

I think they are in for a big surprise when the baby comes. I do think both of them will do well with the baby although we will have to watch them both if for nothing more than just because of their size.

Scarlett does still have a lot of playful puppy in her and we will have to make sure she is careful and never let with the baby unattended. Sherman will probably be afraid of the baby and stay out of the way. It will be a learning experience for all of us.

Handspun Friday - Norway

2009-10-16T07:19:00.000-04:00

I started this yarn back in the summer during the Tour de Fleece but have just recently gotten around to getting everthing finished. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to spin this fiber. The colors are so bold and different from each other. In the end I decided to try and keep the colors together by chain plying the single.

I started with two 4 ounce pieces of fiber and divided each piece into thin strips so drafting would be easy. I used the bulky flyer for my wheel and filled one giant bobbin with a continous single. I like having a single skein, but it does get tedious plying for that long without much of a break.

I'm thinking that I might knit soemthing for the little one next winter with this - Hopefully I have enough yardage for a small baby sweater.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Hello Yarn (Club Fiber)
Content: 100% Bule Faced Leceister (combed top)
Weight: 8 ounces
Yardage: 512 yards
WPI: 13 wraps per inch
Notes: chain-plied; handwash

Widget's First Booties

2009-10-13T07:13:00.002-04:00

Some call it the bump, bun, bean, fetus, the alien, peanut, or even gummy bear. The list goes on and on, and it seems like everyone comes up with a different name for their little expected one. Ours is simply Widget. My husband said the name one evening and it stuck. I'm just hoping we can break away from using the nickname and stick with his given name after his birth.

We have started a list of names we like, we haven't picked one yet. We are also inclined to wait until the actual arrival to decide on a final name. I've had a few mothers tell me that the first time they saw their baby that they just knew the perfect name and several have said it wasn't what they originally had picked. I'm a little skeptical of that - but what do I know I've never done this before. So, I'm willing to wait and see but I've got a list - I even have a favorite on the list.

The booties turned out cute but it was a bear getting the stripes to match up so I don't know if I'd do that again - a solid color might work better. My understanding is that nothing stays on the little one's feet. So these things probably have the life span of an afternoon. But they are so cute and it does feel good to knit some baby things even if they are small.

Project Info:

Pattern: Blue Steps - Baby Booties
by Regina Willer
on Ravelry
Yarn: small amount of leftover sock yarn
Needles: addi TURBO US# 1

Handspun Friday - Step One (The Plan)

2009-10-07T12:46:00.005-04:00

I've got a couple more skeins of handspun in the works, but they aren't read to post about yet. So I decided to post about a planned spinning project today. This fiber is Falklands wool in a color called Five Plum Pie from Hello Yarn. There is 2.5 pounds of fiber in the photo below divided into 4 ounce bags. The first 8 ounces was from a fiber club shipment. The rest I purchased when extra dyed fiber was made available to club members. I wanted enough for a sweater.

My ultimate goal is to get all this fiber spun up before the baby arrives. I'm hoping to be able to start knitting my first handspun sweater while I'm home on maternity leave. I'm planning on knitting the Panel Jacket by Carol Lapin (on Ravelry). I like the idea of a wool jacket - I think I'll get more use out if it than wool pullover. I rend to wear jackets and cardigans over t-shirts for easy layering and un-layering as needed.

I'll need about 1600 yards of worsted weight yarn to knit this project and that seems very possible with the amount I've fiber I've set aside. I'll need to get around 200 yards of yarn from each 4 ounce bag. That would mean I'd end up with just a little extra and could make my jacket longer if I'd like. Or more than likely, it will allow for a little wiggle room to accommodate for variation in the hand spinning.

My grand plan is to chronicle this spinning project on Fridays between postings of finished handspun. This would be my first sweater spinning project and I think I want to approach it with a little more planning than I use when I'm spinning a single skein or two. So, I thought sharing the entire spinning project instead of just a finished yarn would be a nice change.

Expectant Knitting

2009-10-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

If you have been following this blog recently, you've probably noticed a sharp decrease in the my posting and crafting activity lately. I'm going to place the blame for that squarely on the fact that I'm pregnant. I'm very excited, thrilled, and elated. This has been something we've wanted for a long time, although we weren't sure would ever work out. We are expecting a little boy to join our family around January 9th.

I always imagined that I would knit up a storm for any baby I was expecting. there would be booties, hats, sweaters, toys, blankets, and any other knitted item you can think of in abundance. But when I first found out I was pregnant, I was hesitant to knit because the whole thing didn't seem real. Once I settled in with the idea a little bit and things began to look like they might work out, I had a hard time picking patterns and colors that seemed gender neutral. I couldn't decide on anything.

So I joined some blanket square swaps. The swaps are over and I've received all the squares I'm going to get, but the knitting isn't over. I need to fill in missing squares where people dropped or flaked out. Then I'll be ready to stitch them altogether and hopefully have finished blankets for the new arrival. but, I'm currently burnt out on that project so I've set it aside for a little while.

Once I completed my part of the swaps and knew I was having a little boy, I thought I'd be really ready to knit. But my newest obstacle is pregnancy induced carpal tunnel. That has just sucked all the joy and relaxation right out of knitting and spinning for the moment. I'm just starting my third trimester, so I do have a little time left before the impending arrival. Some days though, I'm only able to do a row or two before my hands bother me to much to continue. So the plan is to try smaller projects and just enjoy what I can do. I am told that this should clear up after delivery, so hopefully I can get back into the swing of things early next year.

My first little finished project is the baby socks in the picture above. I knit them from the top down using some leftover Paton's Stretch sock yarn. They are 2x2 rib over 40 stitches. I used a short row heel and toe in garter stitch so I didn't have to pick up the wraps. The socks are probably a little big for first thing home from the hospital, but I look forward to watching him grow into them.

Handspun Friday - Melancholy

2009-10-02T10:38:00.003-04:00

I love the blues and purples in the fiber and the way they twisted together into a three ply. I actually started this spin back in the summer during the Tour de Fleece, but am just getting around to photographing and posting photos.

I don't have much to share about this particular spinning project. I stripped the top into thin strips and weighed out three equal piles of fiber. I spun each pile onto a separate bobbin and then plied the three together.

I really like the finished weight of this yarn, and the roundness of a three ply always makes me smile.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
Fiber: dyed by Funky Carolina (Club Fiber)
Content: 100% Super wash Merino (combed top)
Weight: 4 ounces
Yardage: 228 yards
WPI: 13 wraps per inch
Notes: 3-ply

Handspun Friday - Rebel

2009-09-11T16:09:00.003-04:00

I started this project with two braids of fiber that were fairly equal in weight. So I spun a single out of each brad and plied the two together. The result is one large skein that is a little cumbersome to twist up into a nice shape, but I won't have multiple skeins to join for one knitting project.

The name of the fiber color was Rebel; it just doesn't seem to fit the yarn to me at all. The yarn looks more sweet than rebelous. The colors kinds of remind me of some of the colors you see in salt water taffy.

The blend was really nice to spin and the resulting yarn is very fluffy and soft. I was aiming for a worsted wieght and overshot my goal a little bit and ended up with something much closer to bulky in weight. But I am really happy with the final yarn.

The overall result is fairly even and I think it will knit up nicely.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Flawful Fibers and Yarns
Content: 80% Merino and 20% Tussah Silk combed top
Weight: 8 ounces
Yardage: 440 yards
Notes: 2-ply; bulky; handwash

Handspun Friday - Phantasm

2009-08-07T11:02:00.002-04:00

This is the second time I've spun Wensleydale and it is definatley different from merino and the other soft wools I usually spin. The fibers are longer and the finished yarn is a little more fuzzy or hairy than softer wools.

The sheen and shine of the fiber is what always draws me to Wensleydale. It almost looks luminescent in person and that always makes me want to spin some up.

I think the fiber would be best served spun up as a soft single, but for some reason I just can't get that accomplished. Wensleydale always seems to want to draft out very thin when I'm spinning. So this time I decided to ply the two thin singles together. I think this will make a beuatifully colored shawl.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Hello Yarn
Content: Wensleydale combed wool top
Weight: 8 ounces
WPI: 20 wraps per inch
Yardage: 288 yards (1st skein) / 312 yards (2nd skein)
Notes: 2-ply; handwash

Handspun Friday - Adirondack

2009-07-31T10:21:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed spinning this fiber, watching the colors collect on the bobbin. Watching the singles twist together to make the yarn. I only wish I had more of this fiber. I have to say that the final yarn is probably my most favorite in a long time.

Spinning this fiber made me remember just how much I like hand dyed fiber with a good amount of white or undyed fiber left after the dying processs. I think that the white fiber helps balance out all the color during the spinning process and in the finished yarn; especially if the fiber has several different seemingly unrelated colors.

I'm thinking I'll use this to knit up a nice pair of thick winter house socks. But I think I'll just enjoy looking at the yarn for a while first.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by FatCatKnits
Content: Superwash Merino combed wool top
Weight: 4 ounces
WPI: 12 wraps per inch
Yardage: 224 yards
Notes: 3-ply

Traveling Scarf Has Returned Home

2009-07-29T09:41:00.007-04:00

My first Traveling scarf project i s finally complete. The scarf returned home a couple weeks ago. It sat for a little while until I could get some time to get it finished up. I added a section to the end that matched the first I knit and bound off the scarf.

The fun came when I tried to block the scarf. The scarf was longer than almost any flat surface in our house other than the floor. The two big dogs we have really preclude using the floor for anything like blocking a knitting project because they are almost always covered with fur bunnies.

So I did what I could and laid out the camping mat I use for a blocking board onto the kitchen island and started pinning out my scarf. I ended up having to make a fold in the scarf and blocking the scarf that way - but you really can't tell when looking at the finished scarf.

I'm really happy with the overall results of the scarf. The only thing I asked the group to do when working on my scarf was to keep the width as close as possible on each section and to add 10 rows of moss stitch with a skein of yarn I sent along. the skein I sent along was a leftover from my first year in the Socks that Rock Club.

The scarf travelled with a small journal so everyone could write down their pattern, yarn, and any other information they were interested to include. The photo above shows each scarf after it made it's way to me and I added my section. I did have a lot of fun with this project and enjoyed seeing all the different scarves along the way. I'm looking forward to using the scarf this winter too!

Project Info:

Pattern: Various Patterns throughout the scarf
Yarn: 16 different sock yarns
Needles: Started and finished with addi TURBO US# 2 (3 mm)
Finished Size: 4.5" wide by 124.5" long
Project Start: December 3, 2008
Project End: July 25, 2008

Handspun Friday - Paris

2009-07-24T19:28:00.003-04:00

This is the first time I've spun fiber from this vendor and the fiber spun up very well and the finished yarn is nice and soft. I loved how the colors looked in the roving but I do think that the colors got a little muddled in the finished yarn.

The odd thing is that the photos of the yarn look pretty accurate for color on my monitor and so do the colors in the photo of the roving below. The final yarn is very nice though. I look forward to knitting it up into something wonderful.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Spindlefrog
Content: Corriedale wool top
Weight: 4.6 ounces
WPI: 11 wraps per inch
Yardage: 226 yards
Notes: 2-ply; hand wash

Blanket Square Swap

2009-07-20T06:25:00.002-04:00

I've joined another swap. This time the theme is blanket squares. The object was to knit 16 nine inches squares and mail most of them off to other swap participants. The squares were supposed to be knit or crocheted out of a machine washable yarn and be neutral in color.

I used Knit Picks Shine worsted to knit these squares. It was my first time using this yarn and it seems to knit up very nicely and is soft to the touch. Hopefully it will hold up well to general use and washing and too. I guess only time will tell.

I just used the same pattern I've been using for my sock yarn squares. I just used two colors in each square. The nice thing was that the number of round I needed to knit to get to nine inches was divisible by three so the color transitions were very easy to work. The biggest pain was weaving in all the ends. But that tedious task is finally finished. The squares just need to be mailed out now.

I'll end up getting as many squares as I send off back. So in the end, I'll have sixteen nine inch squares to put together a 36" x 36" blanket. I have no idea how I'll put together the squares I get. After I can take stock of all the neutral colors, I'll pick a color for joining the squares and putting a border around the whole thing. I do have a couple skeins of each of the colors of Shine I used, so maybe that will work.

Swissy Sunday

2009-07-19T20:56:00.003-04:00

The Chase

New Ball

Sharing

Time To Go In

Three Little Birds

2009-07-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

One week later and the little birds are really starting to grow and take shape. Last week there were two little birds and two eggs. This week there are three little birds and one egg left. I don't know if the final egg will hatch, but these little birds seem to be thriving.

Handspun Friday -Sea of Green

2009-07-17T11:17:00.005-04:00

I thought I'd share something nice and bright feeling today. This is a simple two ply yarn spun from Bluefaced Leicester top.

I got the fiber from a Hello Yarn shop update a while ago. It'd been marinating in the stash waiting for me to pick it out and spin it up.

So as part of my Tour de Fleece participation I'm trying to spin some of the great fibers I've been hiding.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Hello Yarn
Content: Bluefaced Leicester Wool Top
Weight: 4.2 ounces
WPI: 13 wraps per inch
Yardage: 226 yards
Notes: 2-ply; hand wash

More Fiber Makes More Yarn

2009-07-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

I don't have much knitting progress to show. But I have been spinning, so I thought I'd share that progress instead. I've been spinning every day since starting the Tour de Fleece this month. My approach to this type of marathon spinning is to fill up as many bobbins as I can and then ply all the bobbins at once.

The first set of bobbins that I worked up are finished. I spun, plied, washed, and thwacked. The yarn is in skeins and waiting to be photographed. I ended up with three skeins of yarn from that run through. The first of which I'll post on Friday.

The second set of bobbins is just out of the soaking stage. The skeins are hung up to dry so to speak. I meant to get a picture of all the full pretty bobbins, but forgot, so you get to see an out of focus photo of the finished yarn soaking in the laundry sink. There are four skeins of yarn in this second bunch, but two of the skeins are the same fiber.

When I started this marathon of daily spinning, I promised myself that everything would come from my stash. So far so good, but I must admit my stash has some nice choices available. I've also tasked myself to include a three ply yarn and at least one selection from a fiber club. I've started work on my third set of bobbins this week. I'm starting with a three ply yarn out of super wash merino.

Saturday Surprise

2009-07-11T13:15:00.000-04:00

I decided to spend this morning working outside. I've got some neglected plants that could use a little TLC. So I started with a couple hanging plants on the back porch. I pulled the first plant down to snip out the dead leaves and give it a good drink of water and look what I found!

There is a bird's nest in my plant. It looks like two eggs may have hatched and two eggs remain. The little hatchlings were moving about a bit, but don't look quite as developed as I imagined new hatchlings should look. Hopefully the little ones will be okay.

I'll continue to watch their development and hopefully the mother bird will be back soon!

Handspun Friday - Calendula

2009-07-10T10:31:00.002-04:00

This skein was actually spun before I took my blogging break - but I hadn't shared it yet so it seemed a good place to start this week. The fiber is super wash merino and nylon. I think it is the first time I've spun a blend with nylon. It was actually nice to spin.

The fiber was a pencil roving I purchased on etsy from Fiber Denn. This is the second of third time I've purchased fiber from this source and I've always been happy with the results. One of my first handspun projects, a feather and fan shawl, was knit with yarn from fiber from this source.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Fiber Denn
Content: 80% Superwash Merino; 20% Nylon
Weight: 3.6 ounces
WPI: 11 wraps per inch
Yardage: 200 yards
Notes: 3-ply

Projects in Progress

2009-07-08T09:33:00.003-04:00

Even though I haven't been blogging much and I've lacked motivation to actually do much knitting and spinning; I've actually got a few things going on. This first project is a nice light cotton summer sweater. I've got wool for several sweaters sitting in my stash, but I couldn't get motivated to start any of those projects. So I did what lots of knitters would do, I bought different yarn to see if that would jump start my knitting. This is Ty Dye yarn from Knit One Crochet Too. It is the first time I've used this yarn and it's knitting up into a nice fabric; no more splitty than any other cotton yarn. The pattern is easy enough so far and will require minimal seaming.

I also joined in the spinning for the Tour de Fleece. The goal is to spin each day that the Tour de France race is running. I was hoping this would put me back in a spinning mind set and I can honestly say that I've spun everyday so far. This photo shows some of my efforts from the first couple of days. I've actually got these bobbins plied and a new set of bobbins started. My personal goal this year is to work through as much of my stash as I can. The photo only represents 12 ounces of fiber - I've got a long way to go!

I got my sock yarn traveling scarf back and I love it! I just need to get it bound off and photographed so I can show it off. But in the mean time I decided to go ahead and join two more scarf groups because I had so much fun with the sock yarn group. The first group is with a cable theme. It will be interesting to see how the different cable sections come together. Plus I really don't knit a whole lot of cables so it will be good practice.

The second scarf group is a lengthwise knit group. I've always wanted to try a scarf knit like this and I think it is a great idea for a varied group of knitters. My scarf will be all garter stitch and I think the fact that it is knit lengthwise will camouflage any gauge differences. Anyway, hopefully by winter I'll have a couple new scarves to throw in the lineup.

Swissy Sunday - Another Fiber Addict at Geddesberg

2009-07-05T20:23:00.006-04:00

I know it has been awhile since I've posted. It has actually been a little over a month. I was surprised when I brought up the blog and saw that. That long of a break was unintentional, but it was a nice summer break. I've been in a knitting and spinning slump. I think the warm summer weather has contributed to that, but I'm back at it and you can see I have a new fiber addict in the house.

Scarlett has always been interested in my yarn, fiber, and knitting and spinning tools. Every once in a while she even manages to get a hold of something for herself. This time she got a hold of 4 ounces of super wash merino fiber that I just received from Fat Cat Knits. She was only alone for a couple of minutes and she snatched this off the dinning room table. She managed to tear the braid almost completely apart. I didn't save the fiber. I think if I had a drum carder or some combs, I could have salvaged some of it, but I just didn't have the energy.

I had been going through some of my fiber stash planning what I'd spin for the Tour de Fleece that just started. I had 8 ounces of this fiber and had been planning on spinning it for a shawl project, now with 4 ounces left I'm thinking socks. But for the meantime I've started with some other fiber.

Other than Scarlett's strange eating habits - Sherman and Scarlet are doing fine. We've been enjoying the summer and talking walks in the park that is nearby. This photo shows Sherman in his new hiding spot. He likes to crawl under the bushes near the porch and have us look for him. After several minutes of us calling "where is Sherman?" he will come charging out of the bushes.

I"ll be back later this week with some project updates and I'll have some new handspun for the next several Fridays at least. The slump is over for now at least.

Knit Blanket Bingo

2009-06-02T09:35:00.005-04:00

I love having blankets all around the house, and knit blankets are nice. I like knitting them too. I consider them more of a long term project and usually don't have more than one going at a time. So when I finished my log cabin blanket, I took a look at the blankets I had been wanting to knit and there were two that really stood out. I couldn't decide and decided to go ahead and cast on for both.

The first one I cast on for has probably been in my cue the longest. The pattern in the Curlicue Coverlet by Oat Couture (Ravelry link). The blanket will blanket will end up being sort of flower shaped made up of 15 different sections. There are 5 sections that make up the center and 10 additional sections that form the outside petals.

I plan on knitting each section with a different color of Noro Silk Garden. I image that that this blanket will take the longest of the two. I don't have all the colors purchased. I've started the blanket with some leftover skeins. You can see in the photo above that I have completed two sections. The cool thing is that there will be very little seaming in the end. The sections are joined by casting on or picking up stitches. The shaping is done my short rows. I think this will be an interesting project to knit.

The other blanket I cast on for is the 10-Stitch blanket by Frankie Brown. The pattern is available for free on Ravelry. The construction of this one is a little unusual too. It is knit in sort of a spiral connecting the new rows as you go. I am using a modification to pattern to make this join. I've taken the idea that Smoking Hot Needles used when knitting her blanket. It creates a nice raised ridge detail all along the join, kind of highlighting the spiral nature of the construction.

I'm using some Noro Kureyon in a color I purchased on discount because it is a discontinued color. I really like the purples and oranges together. The photo shows what one skein looks like knitted up into the blanket. I have a long way to go.

Log Cabin Blanket

2009-05-27T06:18:00.004-04:00

I finished this little blanket just shy of the two year mark. I started knitting this blanket in June 2007 and finally completed it last weekend. I am so glad to have it finished and out of the WIP pile. The blanket is finished and that is the best part - it is a little smaller than I had originally hoped, but there is now way I have the patience to order more yarn and add more knitting time to this project. The last few rows of garter stitch really started to drag on and on!

I don't think I can knit another log cabin blanket - or at least one the is made up of only one square. I might be able to complete one if I used smaller individual squares. but the one large square was what enabled me to get the swirl of the three colors. I think one of my mistakes was trying to knit a blanket on size US #6 needles; probably too small for a real blanket. I won't be knitting another blanket with needles that small again.

The finished blanket is 40 inches square. It is probably a little small for an adult to use for curling up on the couch. It is also a little on the heavy side and the garter stitch does make it kind of stretchy. But it is machine washable and the stitching is nice and tight.

I had thought about finishing the blanket with an applied i-cord border, like I did for my Lizard Ridge Afghan. but in the end I just finished with a regular bind off; the edge is actually kind of nice and simple that way.

I had a little yarn left over. I probably could have knit two additional bars, but I liked how I ended up with an exact square with a matching amount of bar on each side of the center square. Each bar is only two inches wide, so it wouldn't have added a whole lot to the finished size anyway.

Project Info

Pattern: How to Log Cabin from Mason Dixon Knitting
by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne
Yarn: Socks That Rock Heavyweight
100% super wash merino wool
each skein: 350 yards / 6.98 ounces
colors: Lemongrass, Thistle, Knitty Rocks / 2 skeins each
Needles: addi TURBO US# 6 (4 mm)
Finished Size: 40" square
Notes: Center square is 4x4 inches and each band is approximately 2 inches wide

Handspun Friday - Decay

2009-05-15T10:22:00.003-04:00

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Cloudlover
Content: 100% Merino
Weight: 4.5 ounces
WPI: 11 wraps per inch
Yardage: 314 yards
Notes: 2-ply; hand wash

Hidden Benefits of Spring Cleaning

2009-05-13T12:50:00.001-04:00

I've been doing a little spring cleaning around Geddesburg and part of that task that involves cleaning out the closets and deciding what clothes stay, gets sent on to others, or have officially been worn out and hit full retirement age. But I have decided that there may be another category that I have yet to fully explore; recycling and re purposing.

I do some recycling now; old worn out t-shirts hit our rag basket and get used for general household cleaning until they are just too tattered to go any further. They do make nice soft dusting cloths. But this time I came away with two stacks of wool sweaters that might have other possibilities. I don't have any intention of unraveling any of these sweaters for the yarn itself, but I've been wondering about felting them down and using the felt for projects like bags, pillows, or even stuffed toys.

First up are the men's sweaters. I'm not sure how well these will felt. They are all wool except the bottom sweater, which is alpaca. Based on the fiber content, they should all felt. But the green sweater is really thick and the top two are color worked so they are thick in their own way too. I have a feeling that these sweaters will make their way to new homes or at least the local Salvation Army drop off point.

Now my sweaters might offer a little more promise. I think the striped sweater on top would make a fun project. A couple of them have very small holes that make them bad candidates for donation. I'm thinking that the striped one will be fun to felt and use to make a bag or hot pads. The sweater on the far right is pretty thick and I'm not sure that the color work will felt well, but I might just give this one a try. The white sweater is one of those with a small hole but it is 100% cashmere and it just seems wrong to throw it away or felt it.

I'd love to hear about any old sweaters you used or seen used in fun projects. I'm open to ideas. Let me know what you think should happen to this pile of old sweaters. Realistically though? These sweaters will most likely remain in the back of the closet until the next spring cleaning attempt.

Handspun Friday - Juniper

2009-05-08T10:01:00.005-04:00

Today's offering is a two ply handspun merino tencel blend. This is the first time I've tried fiber from this vendor. I was browsing on Etsy and was drawn to the color. I had spun merino tencel blends before and I liked working with the fiber - so I decided to give it a try.

I really liked working with this fiber. It was dyed beautifully and it drafted very easily. I was able to spin up two fairly consistent singles and make a nice drapey two ply yarn.

I plan on knitting the Lace Ribbon Scarf with this skein.I think the drape and the weight of the yarn will complement the pattern nicely. I hope to have some time to cast on this weekend.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Cloudlover
Content: Merino/Tencel (50/50)
Weight: 5 ounces
WPI: 15 wraps per inch
Yardage: 450 yards
Notes: 2-ply; hand wash

Carpool Knitting Season

2009-05-05T06:49:00.002-04:00

I've started knitting on my ride home from work again. I kind of let it slide during the winter months. Mainly because it was dark going to and coming from work each day at that time of year. Now it is at least light during the trip home.

I think I need to find something else for this season though. I like the socks and they fit the bill for easy knitting when I confine myself to self striping yarn and a simple ribbed pattern. But they certainly aren't very interesting.

I like using the sock yarn because each skein gets me one square closer to having enough to put together my blanket. So I'll have to search for some simple projects that still use sock yarn. I'll have to come up with something soon though - I need a new car project.

Project Info

Pattern: 4x2 rib
Yarn: Regia desing LIne by Kaffe Fassett
75% wool, 25% polyamid
color - 4253; 2 skeins (50 grams/210 meters)
Needles: addi TURBO US# 1
Notes: Knit toe-up using a provisional cast on, short row heels, and a short row toes. Yarn is super wash.

Swissy Sunday - Sherman and Scarlett Return

2009-05-03T18:16:00.003-04:00

I've had a couple requests for more frequent additions of Swissy Sunday, so I will try and accommodate Sherman and Scarlett's fans. As you can see, Scarlett is no longer a small petite puppy. She is grown to a full rambunctious adolescent. You can see that she is getting close to her full grown height and is now a contender in wrestling matches with Sherman.

She has been the more ornery of the two hands down. She has chewed up two pairs of prescription eye glasses and a fancy remote control to boot. I'm hoping we are approaching the end of these puppy behaviours. She does seem to be maturing - but it sometimes seem painfully slow. But she'll get there, and besides, she is mostly just to cute to stay mad.

Otherwise, both are doing well and are enjoying the last bits of spring. Soon it will be too hot for them to do much outside. When it gets hot outside it is sometimes a chore to get Sherman even to step off the porch. I was hoping to get to the dog park this weekend, but we had too many chores around the house.

So we settled for playtime in the yard. Sherman likes rolling in the grass.

Scarlett enjoys exploring by smelling and tasting everything she sees. I'll try and post photos more frequently now, but this is it for this week!

Handspun Friday

2009-05-01T16:18:00.004-04:00

This spin is from a Black Bunny Fiber Club shipment. I loved the colors in the fiber and debated for quite a while on how to spin this up. In the end, I decided on a chain-plied yarn to keep the colors together as much as possible.

In order the keep the color repeats as long as possible, I did not spilt this roving in anyway. I simply starting drafting and spinning at one end and kept going until I reached the end. I spun one continuous single and then chain plied to finish.

The fiber was a little bit coarser than I normally spin. I would guess that the fiber was carded and not combed. Carded fiber is always a little more challenging for me to spin. I like to spin smooth worsted style yarns, but carded fiber makes that a little harder. But in the end, I'm happy with the results.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by Black Bunny Fibers
Content: Cormo/Corriedale Cross
Weight: 5.8 ounces
WPI: 12 wraps per inch
Yardage: 236 yards
Notes: chain-plied; hand wash

Handspun Friday - Ash Rose

2009-04-24T08:12:00.004-04:00

This fiber came from my stash. It is a super wash merino that has turned into a 3-ply yarn. It is a thicker than traditional sock yarn and is actually closer to a worsted weight in the thickest places.

I think that I'll be using it for socks. Not socks that are meant to be worn with shoes, but house or bed socks. I wear socks at home a lot because my feet get cold. And this yarn will be perfect for those kind of socks.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by PigeonRoof Studios
Content: Super wash Merino
Weight: 3.55 ounces
WPI: 13
Yardage: 240 yards
Notes: 3-ply

Summer Cardi

2009-04-20T07:05:00.004-04:00

My office is getting ready to start it's annual freeze out. Each summer the air conditioner in the place is turned on with enough force to freeze you right where you sit.So this year I decided to knit a simple sweater I could pull on to save myself from the shivers. And with temperatures forecast in the 80s this week; I didn't finish it a moment too soon.

I decided on a simple easy to knit little cardigan that doesn't have any buttons. The sleeves are short, but everything is just warm enough to keep that artificial chill of the bones while I'm in cubicle land this summer. The pattern is from Knitting Pure and Simple and it was well written and very easy to follow. The constructions is a simple top down raglan and the ribbed border is added at the end.

I tried to get a shot of me actually modeling the sweater, but Scarlett was much to interested in my activities and the camera tripod was in danger of falling over. So, no action shots today.

The sweater was quick because of the large needles and the yarn. I knit the sweater according to the instructions for the x-large size. The pattern called for 1,060 yards of yarn. I bought 5 skeins of the Taiyo (1,090 yards), but only ended up using 4 skeins (872 yards). I ended up using less yardage than the pattern called for in the large size. My gauge was slightly off; I got 13 stitches over 4 inches and the pattern called for 14, but I still didn't expect that big a difference in the final yardage count. The finished sweater is a little too roomy, but that will work okay for the office.

This is the first time I've used Noro Taiyo for the first time and I loved working with the yarn. It is billed as a bulky yarn, but I found it much closer to a heavy worsted or aran weight yarn. It has the typical thick and thin sections of other Noro yarn.There were also plenty of thick slubs in the yarn too and the color transitions are typically Noro too.

The cotton and silk content give this yarn a nice feel and working with the larger sized needles give the yarn a nice drape and feel in the finished sweater. I hope that this yarn is around for awhile and that some other colors are released. I'd love to make another project using Taiyo.

Project Info

Pattern: Summer Open Cardigan
from Knitting Pure & Simple
Yarn: Noro Taiyo
40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool, 15% nylon
color - 08; 4 skeins (100grams/200 meters)
Needles: addi TURBO US# 10.5 and 9
Gauge: 13 stitches equal 4 inches in stockinette
Finished Length: 23 inches from
Finished Width: 52 inches
Notes: Used the US 9 needles for the ribbing. Pattern called for US 8 for ribbing, Gauge was slightly different than called for in pattern.

Handspun Friday - Plum Copper

2009-04-17T10:29:00.003-04:00

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: dyed by The Yarn Wench
Content: Merino/Silk (80/20)
Weight: 8.25 ounces
WPI: 11
Yardage: 636 yards
Notes: 2-ply; hand wash

Handspun Friday

2009-04-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've got a nice and bright chain plied yarn for today. The fiber is 18.5 micron Australian Merino and it is much softer that I expected.

The fiber is billed as spiral dyed and I don't know exactly what that means. But the colors in the fiber are really rich and saturated. Surprisingly enough, there was very little, if any, dye bleed out during the yarn's hot bath to set the twist. The fiber came in two identically dyed pieces and the color repeats were nice and long. I did not divide the fiber into strips before spinning. I tried to preserve the long color repeats that showed up in the fiber.

The fiber was easy to draft and nice to spin. I only wish I had a little more so I ended up with more yardage. But I think I have enough for a hat.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Spiral Dyed Fiber by Jacinta Leishman
Content: Austrailian Merino
18.5 micron
Weight: 3.55 ounces
WPI: 11
Yardage: 166 yards
Notes: chain plied; hand wash

Short Attention Span Knitting

2009-04-08T10:41:00.002-04:00

I've definitely been knitting. It seems like I've been knitting a lot actually. But between knitting on the traveling scarves that are making their way to my house and the other projects I've got going, nothing is getting finished. This is the lineup of my current in progress knitting projects. I think it's apparent why nothing is actually getting finished.

I wanted a small project available to carry around for when I have just a few minutes to knit. So I started another pair of ribbed socks with some yarn I broke into for one of the traveling scarves. It's great for the work carpool!

Last Wednesday I attended a knitting focus group meeting and the topic was old works in progress that hadn't been worked on for awhile. The idea was to bring a project to the meeting and make a firm decision on whether to complete it or just terminate the whole thing. I have to say, most projects brought to the meeting were frogged. But I decided to move forward with mine.

The project in question is the Weekend Getaway Satchel that appeared in an issue of Interweave Knits in 1995! And yes, That's when I started the project. It's been sitting in a closet all this time. I started this project before I had even started blogging! I picked this project, out of the several that are in the closet, because my Saturday book club meeting was focused on bags. So it seemed doubly appropriate. The project is back out and I'm knitting. I plan on finishing it this year for sure. I've just finished the base and I'm working on the back. Next up will be the front with the Intarsia and embroidery work.

I had to start another sock too. I'm working on a spin along project for March and April. I'm done with the spinning, but the second have is to knit the Primavera Sock pattern with the yarn. So I got that sock started as well. And since my main sock knitting needles are in another sock project and I had to come up with a solution. I found that I had a US1 circular needle that is 40 inches long. So, I'm learning magic loop on this project as a bonus.

I've been working on a sweater too! I'm knitting a February Lady Sweater in Socks That Rock heavy weight yarn. I love how this thing is turning out. The color is called Korppi and is a basic black with highlights of purples and green. I really just love this color. I'm actually really excited for this project. I've added my first button holes to a sweater and I've learned a twisted purl cast on too. The bad news is that I have to start over. I don't think I started with a big enough size. I could probably knit a few more rows just to be sure, but I'm pretty sure that frogging is the answer. It is a little disheartening; so I've set the project aside for a little bit.

But in the mean time, I started another sweater last Friday. I'm knitting a nice little open cardigan to wear in the office to beat the chill of the summer air conditioner. Our office is kept at deep freeze temperatures all summer, so this will definitely get used this season. I'm knitting it out of Noro Taiyo which is a cotton, wool, and silk mix. I love how the yarn feels and it has all the typical Noro characteristics. I'm to the point of splitting off the sleeves. The yarn is worsted weight and I'm knitting on size US 10.5 needles, so this project is moving right along.

I've been spinning too of course! I can't stop spinning. So I'll have a new skein of hand spun to share on Friday if you come back.

Traveling Scarf Group - The Sock Yarn Edition

2009-04-06T07:03:00.002-04:00

This is the second of my Traveling Scarf Groups and it is focused on sock yarn. I'm really enjoying seeing all the scarves as they pass through me for my addition. Below is a slide show of the scarves that I have worked on to date.

As you browse the pictures, if you mouse over the word notes on the right side, you can see details of the section I added to each scarf.

The great thing about this group is that I'm really getting to dive into my sock yarn stash. I've found yarns I had completely forgotten about and knit with others I'd never thought I'd use. I've been able to knit some of the scarf sections with leftovers from other projects, but other scarves required that I wind a yet untouched skein.

I did make one little rule for myself though. If I wind a skein to knit my section of a scarf - that yarn is by default my next sock project. Maybe not my ideal way of picking a project, but it is keeping me knitting and using the stash!

Handspun Friday - 3 Ply 2 Ways

2009-04-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

I joined another spin along and this time the dyer, All Spun Up, said the fiber would be Bluefaced Leicester, but the color was a surprise. I love the combination of the blues and browns.

I ended up with eight ounces of fiber and decided I wanted to spin the fiber a little different than I normally do. I decided to try for a nice thick chain plied yarn to try and keep the color repeats together. So that is how I spun up the first four ounces. I tried for a low twist single in an effort to keep everything fluffy and light. But in several places I didn't put enough twist and my singles came apart while I was plying.

I decided to do a true three ply yarn with the other four ounces and I enjoyed spinning and plying that a lot more. I thought it would also be interesting to see how different the finished yarns look. I think it will be fun now to see how each actually knits up. I'm thinking I'll try for a pair of socks out of the regular three ply and a hat or maybe mittens if there is enough yardage in the chain plied skein.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: All Spun Up
Content: 100% Bluefaced Leicester
Weight: 4.05 ounces - chain plied skein
3.95 ounces - 3 ply skein
WPI: 8 WPI average - chain plied skein
15 WPI average - 3 ply skein
Yardage: 172 yards - chain plied skein
300 yards - 3 ply skein
Notes: hand wash

Leyburns

2009-03-31T06:30:00.002-04:00

I knit these socks as part of group knit along on Ravelry. These little groups I've been joining have really been encouraging me to dive into my yarn stash for projects. They may be small projects but I'm glad to be using some of the yarn that is just sitting around the house.

The idea being this knit along was to have everyone in the group knit the same pattern, but use as many different colors of Socks That Rock as possible. there were over 150 participants and we ended up with almost as many different colors. I picked the color Titania. It was another leftover from my time in the sock club that I didn't think I'd knit. but I love how the colors knit up in this sock pattern.

I like the slip stitch design in the pattern. I think it works really well for the variegated hand painted yarn I picked. The pattern was easy enough too, but it was a little convoluted. The pattern is written toe up and after knitting the toe of the sock there is a set of instep increases. Then you knit the foot and before the heel is another set of increases. After the heel, you have more increases and then you have to pay attention to the pattern and borrow a few stitches on one of the pattern rows from the back needle.

I usually don't follow patterns like this. I usually just take a stitch pattern and work it into my own formula for a sock. But this time I followed the pattern. I found most of it worked out okay, but after all the increases, the sock was a little baggy in the leg. I wasn't convinced I'd need all those increases and I should have gone with that instinct. But, by the time I had proof, I was too far along to bother with frogging. So, I'll live with slightly baggy socks. I like the socks, but knitting them once was enough.

Project Info

Pattern: Leyburn Socks by MintyFresh
on Ravelry
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts - Socks That Rock
color - Titania
Needles: addi TURBO US# 2 (2.75 mm)
Notes: Followed pattern

Handspun Friday - Ply by Night

2009-03-27T08:15:00.003-04:00

I joined a spin along group on Ravelry called Ply by Night. The idea behind the group is simple - to see how different spinners work with the same fiber and to compare the different results. Each spin along goes for a two month period. This is the groups second project, but my first with them.

This project is running from March to April and begin with the group voting on a fiber, fiber supplier and color. This time we were able to get a group discount and a custom color dyed just for the group. The fiber selected was Bluefaced Leicester from Briar Rose is a mottled lavender color.

After the fiber was picked, we voted on a pattern. This time we actually voted for a pattern for a thinner yarn and a pattern for a thicker yarn. The winning patterns were the Chickadee Cowl by Kristen Kapur for Through the Loops and the Primavera Socks from Sonnentaler. I decided to spin for the socks.

I ended up with a nice amount of three ply yarn and hope to cast on for my socks this weekend. If you are spinner, stop by Ravelry and join the group for the next round!

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Briar Rose Fibers
Content: 100% Bluefaced Leicester combed top
Weight: 3.80 ounces (finished yarn)
WPI: 18 WPI average
Yardage: 395 yards
Notes: 3 ply, handwash

Clever Little Buckland Shawl

2009-03-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

As soon as I finished spinning this yarn, I had an urge to use it in a project. I ended up with just over 500 yards and didn't know what to knit. The yardage is a little muich for a scarf or a hat amd not enough for a full fledged shawl or stole. I spun the stuff too thick for socks. So I took a look around for ideas and patterns.

I settled on this little shawl pattern after an extensive search on the internet. It really is a clever little shawl. It is knit from end to end and doesn't require a pin. There is a little tube of ribbing at each end that allows the other end to slip through and stay put. The photos above shows one end of the shawl and the tube of ribbing.

The shawl is made up of individual sections referred to as "lace points" and these can be added or substracted to change the size of the shawl. There is also some minimal showt row shaping between the lace points. The pattern suggested 14 lace points for a small and 16 for a larger sized shawl. I knit 15 points.

I had a slighlty tighter guage than the original pattern called for and I wanted to use all my yarn up, but the 15 points actually worked out rather well. I think it "fits" and it does seem to stay in place well too. the shawl was very easy to knit. Except for a couple of yarn overs, the whole thing was knit in garter stitch. It is actaully a quite wearable project. I would definaltey knit this pattern again.

Project Info

Pattern: Carol's Clever Little Shawl
from Cheryl Oberle Designs
on Ravelry
Yarn: Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
520 yards
100% Finn Sheep
Needles: addi TURBO US# 9 (5.5 mm)
Measurements: Length: 51"; Width 15"
Notes: Followed pattern. Knit 15 lace points. Unblocked

Handspun Friday - Curiosa

2009-03-20T09:12:00.002-04:00

I spun the singles for this yarn during the week long frenzy I had a while back. I think it shows a little bit. The finished yarn is a little more uneven than usual. But the good this is that I don't think it will make a difference once it is knitted.

I also really like the colors. The colors in the skein gives me a very spring like effect even though it is 100% wool. The yarn is soft and squishy too.

I have no idea what to knit with this. In fact, that is becoming a problem with a lot of my handspun. But I am working on developing a solution to my growing problem. Hopefully I will be able to implement and share the plan soon.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Flawful Fibers
Content: 100% Rambouillet combed top
Weight: 8.40 ounces (finished yarn)
WPI: 11 WPI average
Yardage: 546 yards
Notes: 2 ply, handwash

Tie One On

2009-03-18T07:45:00.000-04:00

I'm not talking about a night full of drinking, but a much more tame evening focused on fiber.It's amazing how much our entertainment focus changes as we age! To play along at home, you'll need an empty bobbin, leftover yarn, and a pair of scissors. If you have a glass of wine or a beer sitting around, grab that too. It makes a nice addition to the project. I may be older, but I still do enjoy a nice drink now and again. So on to the fiber and spinning.

One of the first things I do when I sit down to spin is check the leader thread on my bobbin. To get started spinning using a spinning wheel, your bobbin needs to have a leader thread attached so you have a way to get the fiber to begin spinning up onto the bobbin. I have even seen leaders used on spindles; although I learned to use a spindle without a leader. If you are using a spindle and having problems getting started, try adding a leader. You don't have that option with a wheel, you need a leader thread.

My leader threads are usually made out of leftover sock yarn. If you don't have sock yarn, you could use any leftover yarn you have on hand. Although I find that I really like the weight of the sock yarn for a leader thread because it doesn't get in the way or take up much room on my bobbin especially when I'm spinning a fine thin singles. Another plus with the sock yarn is the amount of twist and overall strength of the yarn. The yarn leader does get it's fair share of abuse being wound and unwound around the bobbin. I've found my leaders made from sock yarn last the longest.

I cut a long piece of yarn to start, the longer the better for me. I'm guessing that I probably start with 2-3 feet. Tie one end of the leader onto the bobbin and then thread it through your flyer hooks or sliders and the orifice.I then create a loop at the end of my leader and I'm ready to get the fiber out. Some people actually tie their leader to the spinning fiber, but i use the loop and thread a small thin stretch of fiber through the loop and back onto itself to start.

I hold the fiber in my hand and and begin treadling to build up twist in my looped piece of fiber so it stays connected to the leader and will take up onto the bobbin. This is one reason why I like a long leader. It gives me a little time to get the twist from the leader into the spinning fiber and get my hands moving for the drafting. the loop also allows the fiber to separate from the leader in a clean way when you are plying of winding a skein of singles from the bobbin. The leader and loop is then ready for the next spinning project. I use this lead and loop method for spinning and plying. Occasionally when I have a lot of twist in a single or ply I have to cut or break the leader from the new yarn.that is the other reason for a nice long leader.

This is pretty a fairly basic step in spinning and I'm not sure it will be of use to anyone, but it is a place to start. I'm hoping to document more more spinning techniques that I use so we can compare and contrast the methods we all use. I know I still have a lot to learn. Anyway, now that you are all set to start, give the wheel a spin.

Plain 'Ole Ribbed Socks

2009-03-16T10:10:00.003-04:00

Simple socks don't have to be boring. With all the hand painted, variegated, self striping sock yarn available even simple ribbed socks can look like a party in your shoes. Take the socks pictures here; simple ribbed design, but fun bright colors.

There are so many good things about ribbed socks. They fit well and they stay up on your leg. The stretch makes everything a little more forgiving too. Another positive thing is that they are easy and quick to knit; no complicated patterns or counts to remember and track as you knit.

Ribbed patterns not only fit well, but also work well with all the crazy dyed sock yarn I have in my stash. If the color is pooling in an unpleasant way, it is easy to add or subtract few stitches to change the way the color is knitting up without sacrificing fit or a lot of pattern tinkering.

This is a color that was left over from the first year of the Socks That Rock Club. It was a color that I didn't really like at all in the skein and figured it would stay in my stash untouched.

But one of the sock yarn scarves from the Traveling Scarf project I'm working on showed up and the color looked like it would be perfect for the scarf. So I wound a ball and knit my section of the scarf. As I was knitting the scarf, I decided I really did like the colors in the yarn and decided I ought to be able to eek out a pair of simple socks with the leftovers.

So once the scarf section was complete, I knit a square for my leftovers blanket and divided the rest of the yarn into two evenly weighted center pull balls and knit one sock from each ball.

Project Info

Pattern: My own recipe
Yarn: Socks That Rock - Lightweight
color - Flower Power
Needles: addi TURBO US# 1 (2.5 mm)
Size: women's medium
Notes: Short row toe & heel; 60 stitches around

Handspun Friday - Night Sky

2009-03-13T11:52:00.002-04:00

I followed your suggestions from last Friday and finished the three ply first. I usually save the best for last, but I think it will be backwards this time. I love how this yarn came out. The others will be nice, but this is one of my favorites out of all the yarns I have spun.

I switched my wheel to a higher ration for the spinning and I ended up using about the same amount of twist, but everything was a little easier and went a little faster. I liked that. I did use a lower ratio for plying. I did that so I could fit all the yarn onto one bobbin. My wheel has a couple different sized bobbins. But you can only use them with the appropriate flyers and ratios. It was a little more work in the treadling, but I like the idea of a single skein.

The good news is I know I have enough yarn for a good sized pair of socks!

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Hello Yarn
Club Fiber from January 2009
Content: Superwash Bluefaced Leicester
Fiber Prep: combed top
Weight: 7.90 ounces (finished yarn)
Yardage: 460 yard
WPI: 16 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted/short draw
Spinning Ratio: 15 to 1
Plying Ratio: 9 to 1
Notes: 3 ply, singles spun at about 32wpi

Traveling Scarf Group Progress 1 - Halfway There!

2009-03-10T06:47:00.003-04:00

I've been participating in two Traveling Scarf Groups and the first group has reached the halfway point. The idea is to start a scarf and send it among a group of people, each person adding a section to the scarf. Once the scarf has moved through the entire group, it returns home complete.

As you browse the pictures, if you mouse over the word notes on the right side, you can see the details of the section I added to each scarf.

It is fun working on all the scarves, looking for just the right yarn and pattern. I have several stitch dictionaries that I know a lot better now and I'm surprised just how many times I've been able to use yarn from my stash. As each scarf makes it way to me it is one block further along on the way to being complete. It is very interesting to see the scarves now that they have reached the halfway point, but it is also a little sad because I may never see the finished scarf, but I'm looking forward to seeing mine!

Handspun Friday - Singles Frenzy

2009-03-06T08:43:00.005-05:00

Well my goal for this week was to have another chain plied yarn ready to share, but I didn't get that far. I spun a single I intended to chain ply, but after spinning I wanted a break from that fiber. I still wanted to spin so I went on a spinning frenzy and filled all but one of my bobbins. The only reason that one is empty is so I have something to use to start plying these singles. These two singles will become my next chain plied yarns. One is a super soft merino and the other is a Cormo Corriedale cross.

I also spun singles to make two different two ply yarns. The pink singles are a merino silk blend and the green singles are from a Rambouillet combed top. I have eight ounces of each color. After all that I still had three bobbins waiting for fiber so I decided on a true three ply yarn. I used a superwash Bluefaced Leicester. I think I'll get a great pair of sock out of this.

This was a lot of spinning in just one week but now I've just got to start plying. I just don't know what to start with, but I have to start soon. I joined two spin alongs for March and the fiber for both groups arrived this week; I need more bobbins! But I might just have to take a break from spinning today.

Handspun Chevron Scarf

2009-03-05T08:56:00.003-05:00

I started this project because I was anxious to knit up a skein of yarn I had spun up over the holiday.The Yarn was a merino tencel blend. I enjoyed spinning the blend and wanted to see how it would knit up.

I started going though my pattern queue on Ravelry to find something that would work with the limited amount of yarn I had available. I found a simple Chevron pattern that called for one skein of yarn. I knew I had more yardage than a typical skein and if the pattern worked, I'd end up with a good length scarf.

The pattern calls for 25 stitch cast on and that creates two chevron repeats. I started with that and knit a few inches, but didn't really like the results. The pattern suggested casting on 37 stitches if you had more yarn; so I tried that. The 37 stitch cast on gave me three chevron repeats. I liked that a lot better so I knit the two row pattern until I ran out of yarn.

I enjoyed knitting with the merino tencel blend. The finished scarf is light and very soft and smooth. The tencel gives the yarn a sheen that is nice, but makes it hard to photograph. I think I ended up with a good length despite the limited yardage. I did try and block the scarf, but I'm not sure I got it quite right. I missed opening up some small areas down each edge.

Project Info

Pattern: One Skein Tapestry Scarf
by Knot Another Hat
Yarn: Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
250 yards
merino/tencel blend
Needles: addi TURBO US# 8 (5 mm)
Measurements: Length: 69"; Width 5.25"
Notes: Cast on 37 stitches

Swissy Sunday

2009-03-01T20:05:00.004-05:00

Well this weekend has been cold and rainy and the crew has been confined to the house. The twist is that Scarlett was spayed on Friday and we've been instructed to keep her calm and no running and jumping. That worked for the first eight hours she was home. But first thing Saturday morning, she was ready to go.

We've spent a lot of time trying to keep the pups calm and we've had to resort to separating them in different rooms a good part of the weekend. This photo is from one of my times with Scarlett. She likes to be with us and can't resist getting up close. Sometimes she even lays a paw on top of my feet while I treadle the wheel.

Sherman had had his own adventures lately too. He is an intact male, but that is going to change on Wednesday. He is having prostate problems and neutering will correct the problems. You can see in the photo where he was shaved for an ultra sound. I guess this is all our part to keep the local veterinarians in business during these tough economic times. After Sherman's surgery, we are expecting another weekend of trying to keep everyone calm and settled. No easy task with two very energetic dogs.

Handspun Friday - AquaVelva

2009-02-27T09:11:00.003-05:00

If you remember last week's handspun post, I commented a lot on the fiber weight and speculated on how that was affecting my over finished yardage. Well talk about foreshadowing, while I was working with this fiber Miss Scarlett helped her self to a sample and chewed it up and spread it all over the dining room. So I didn't get to spin all the fiber I had, some did not survive the attack.

So the only weight I have this week is the finished weight. But as Dave pointed out in the comments last week, a little more fiber alone wouldn't give me the yardage I was wanting. He's right of course, the amount of fiber I was talking about would not make a significant contribution to yardage. So I sat down this week and thought of all the things I could do to get more yardage out of my fiber. I got over 40 yards more this week than last . The variable this time is twist.

This week I really concentrated on twist and made an effort to put less twist in my singles and my plying. The net result was 42 more yards and my finished yarn is a little bit softer . You can also see that the WPI measurement is quite a bit different too. So a little less twist made the fiber go further and it is a little more lofty and less dense. I like the results.

I haven't started a skein for next week, but I'm hoping to do that today. I'm thinking about another try at chain plying this time.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: All Spun Up
Content: Superwash Merino
Fiber: combed top
Weight: 3.80 ounces (finished yarn)
Yardage: 258 yard
WPI: 12 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10to 1
Notes: 3 ply

Knitting Photos

2009-02-25T07:30:00.006-05:00

I've had a lot going on recently at home and work, but I've been sneaking in the knitting when I can. Sunday I even managed to spent the morning taking a yarn photography class with Franklin Habit. It was sponsored by a LYS. I had a good time and learned a few things, but oddly enough I didn't end up with a photo of Franklin to post on the blog.

I did take these project shots during class. While they don't look like a big improvement from what I was getting, I think I can incorporate some of the ideas into my pictures in the future. Hopefully I'll be able to get better shots and pass any successful ideas on to you.

One of the main things we did was turn off the flash on our cameras. I was really surprised how good the pictures came out, but the room was lit with a lot of overhead lights. I was surprised at just how much better the true color of my projects showed up in the photos just by turning off the flash. I will definitely be trying out more lighting options at home for my knitting photos.

The project is a pair of plain ribbed socks in some stashed yarn I had. The yarn got pulled out to work on one of the Traveling Scarves I knit a section for, so I decided to go ahead and use the rest for a pair of socks. I'll post some on the Traveling Scarf project next week.

This photo is of a gauge swatch, yes I finally knit a swatch, for the February Lady sweater. I'm using Sock that Rock Heavyweight in a color called Korppi and actually the color showed up pretty good in the photo. The base color is black and there are purple and green highlights through out.

Probably one of my more subdued color choices, but I think it will make a wonderful sweater. I picked out the buttons at the local LYS and have not yet made a decision to go forward with them or not. I still need to knit another gauge swatch. I have one on size 8s and I want to see one on 7s before I start the project.

This photo was taken in a makeshift light box and overall was the least successful for me, but it is also the technique I want to use at home the most. He showed us how to make a cheap light box at home with spending very little to no money. The lighting was a bit off for this version, but that would be very easy to correct at home. I'll post more about it once I gather the materials and put one together.

The project is a scarf knit from a skein of my hand spun yarn. It is a merino tencel blend. the scarf is working up quickly, so I expect to have the project complete (blocked and all) over the weekend. I have a new skein of hand spun to share on Friday and I'll have a Sherman and Scarlett update on Sunday.

Handspun Friday - Berry Pie

2009-02-20T10:19:00.006-05:00

I've been wanting to knit another pair of hand knit socks, so I've been spinning three ply again. I love how this yarn turned out, but I don't think I really have enough yardage for a pair of socks, unless they are footies. So I'm not sure what I'll do with this yet.

This was the first time I've tried fiber from Bee Mice Elf on Etsy. The fiber was very nice and I loved the colors she used in dying the fiber. I'd definitely order from her again.

I got less yardage than I anticipated, so I decided to weight the finished yarn. I didn't think of weighing the fiber before spinning, but I don't see how spinning would change the actual weight. The weight of the finished yarn was less than the advertised weight of the fiber. I don't think that is necessarily a problem, but it is something I'm going to track. I have heard the fiber weighs less after the dying process. So it is possible the difference in weight occurred then.

I'm not singling this vendor out about fiber weight at all, but I think it will be worth it to check the weights in the future. It might help me anticipate yardage for future spinning projects better.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Bee Mice Elf
Content: Superwash Merino
Fiber: combed top
Weight: 3.9 ounces (advertised) / 3.75 ounces (finished yarn)
Yardage: 216 yard
WPI: 16 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10to 1
Notes: 3 ply

A Different Noro Scarf

2009-02-16T06:35:00.000-05:00

I had some Noro Silk Garden in my stash and was planning to knit another one of those really popular Noro striped scarves, like I knit for Brad. But then I saw the pattern for this scarf while I was browsing around on Ravelry and decided to try this one instead.

This pattern is accomplished using double knit and it is my first project using this technique. the double knitting wasn't difficult, but it is a little bit tedious. I was ready to work on another project after knitting four skeins. I did end up with a shorter scarf, but I love the thickness the double knitting created. It was a fun scarf to knit and I liked putting in the little inset squares at random places in the scarf.

I'd like to knit this scarf again. I think it would be nice to use one variegated yarn and one solid color to make the squares stand out even more; or even two solid colored yarns. I'd consider trying a lighter weight yarn too; maybe a sock weight yarn.

Project Info

Pattern: Vice Versa
by Laura Aylor
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden
2 skeins color # 255
2 skeins color # 292
Needles: addi TURBO US# 8 (5 mm)
Measurements: Length: 57"; Width 5.5"
Notes: No pattern modifications.

Handspun Friday - First Chain Plied Yarn

2009-02-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally did it. I've chain plied yarn. I have to admit it was went much better than I anticipated. I should have just bit the bullet and done this a year ago. I'd be so much better at it by now. I do want to try this technique again and I can imagine that there would be times I'd really like to be able to create a chain plied yarn. But I do need practice, I have another 4 ounces of this fiber set aside for that practice.

To start this project, I began by spinning one long continuous single. I did everything like I normally do except I didn't strip the fiber lengthwise as many times as I normally do. By doing this I got longer color repeats than if I divided everything into many thin strips. You'd get the longest color repeats if you didn't divide the fiber lengthwise at all. The biggest change from my usual set up was the ratio I used for plying. I used my lowest ratio (5 to1) to slow things down and give my hands a chance to get used to the new movements. I found this video on YouTube to be the most helpful thing in getting started.

There were things I liked about chain plying and things I'm not too crazy about. I really saw two benefits to finishing singles this way. The first and best reason to do this is to keep color repeats together. You can see in this skein that I'll have some nice solid colored repeats instead of the barber pole type that is the result of a regular two or three ply yarn. The other benefit I saw, it that you get to spin one continuous thread for plying. That means no leftover singles from plying that you have to figure out what to do with.

I've seen many references that this technique is similar to crochet; I don't know how to crochet so I can't really offer an opinion on that. I do think the worst part is the little intersection between the loops that are used in the technique. You can feel the a little know at this point, but it is slight and I don't think you'd notice it all in the finished knit fabric. But they are kind of ugly. Especially if there is a color change at the intersection. I've also read that a chain plied yarn is not as strong as a true 3-ply. I don't know if that is true, but I do think there is something about a true 3-ply that is more satisfying to spin.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: All Spun Up
Content: Superwash Merino
Fiber: combed top
Weight: 4.4 ounces
Yardage: 212 yards
WPI: 10 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 5 to 1
Notes: first attempt at chain-plied yarn!

Swissy Sunday

2009-02-08T17:52:00.002-05:00

It was a beautiful weekend here in North Carolina. So we made Sunday all about Sherman and Scarlett. We spent the morning at the bark park then we went to the pet store. We did have a few items to pick but the pups love going to Petsmart.

Once we got home, the crew took a nap and I made Peanut Oat Crunchies. These cookies are Sherman and Scarlett's favorite treats. They are easy to make and never last long, so I always make a double batch. I got the recipe online several years ago - but I do not know the source.

Peanut Oat Crunchies
1/4 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup peanut oil
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat bran
3-4 cups oat flour

In large saucepan combine honey, peanut butter, chicken broth, and peanut oil. Heat, stirring often, until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in rolled oats and oat bran. Let mixture cool down to handle and gradually blend in oat flour to form a stiff dough. Transfer dough to floured surface and roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters or into small squares.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and turn over and bake for an additional 30 minutes. After all biscuits are baked spread them out in one baking pan and set them out to cool for a few hours or overnight.

I find that the cookies don't need to stay in the oven that long at all and the second baking usually only takes about 10 minutes. I use natural peanut butter that I grind at the grocery myself. It doesn't have sugar and salt - which is a lot better for the dogs and its cheaper too!

Handspun Friday - Primal

2009-02-06T09:40:00.002-05:00

This is the latest addition to my growing collection of handspun yarn. I currently have to stored in a basket, but I think I'm going to need a bigger basket. I'm spinning the yarn much faster than I'm knitting.

I was please to get such a nice thick squishy yarn this time. It is somewhere between a worsted and bulky weight. It is nice and soft too.

The colors are nice a muted. This is the next to last yarn I started over my holiday vacation. Next week I'll be sharing my first attempt at chain plying.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Flawfull FIbers
Content: Rambouillet
Color: Primal
Fiber Preparation: top
Weight: 3.9 oz
Yardage: 230 yards
WPI: 9-10 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10 to 1
Notes: hand wash; 2 ply

Fiber Club

2009-02-03T07:46:00.007-05:00

The first rule of fiber club is you must spin the fiber from Fiber Club. I guess that's the most important thing about any club whether the shipment is yarn or fiber. If you don't use the shipments, you end up with a growing stash that can quickly get out of control. That's fine if you want a stash, but I think part of the fun of a club is seeing what everyone does with the same yarn or fiber, kind of like an informal knit along.

I've been a part of at least two different sock yarn clubs and I'm not going to count all the fiber clubs I've joined and quit. But now, I'm currently a part of four different fiber clubs. I thought I'd share a little bit about my current fiber club lineup and their latest shipments.

Up first is Hello Yarn. I joined the club back in February 2008 and like everything Hello Yarn - the club sells out quickly. You sign up for a three months/shipments at a time and pay upfront for all the shipments. After the three shipments are done, a new round opens and if you are a current member you get first chance at sign up and then the remaining slots are opened to everyone else. There is a waiting list for future open slots.

The usual club shipment is 4 ounces but I signed up to get a double does of fiber and my cost for the three month round starting in February was $120 including shipping. Color and fiber selection are a surprise every month too.

The selection I have pictured here is the December 2008 shipment. The color is called Night Sky and the fiber is Super wash Bluefaced Leicester. I have loved all the colors and fibers I've gotten from the club so far and look forward to the new round that starts this month, so my spot won't be open anytime soon. If you want to see more of the club fiber and creations, check out the Hello Yarn Fiber Club Flickr Group.

This fiber is from my membership in the Black Bunny Fiber Club. I'm currently in my second round. Each round consists of 3-4 shipments and payment is due before each shipment goes out and each shipment is spaced out by about 6 weeks. The shipments for this current round are being billed at just under $26.00 per shipment. I've always thought this club was a great value for the money.

One of the unique things about this club is that everyone gets the same fiber but a different color. The color is based on the answers to give in a questionnaire. Shipments usually consists of 6-8 ounces of fiber depending on the type of fiber selected.

This fiber was sent in January 2008 and it is a Cormo/corriedale cross. I've liked most of the shipments from this club. There has only been one shipment that I wasn't crazy about the color selection, but the fibers selections have been varied and interesting. We've gotten fibers like Wensleydale, Peruvian Merino, and a baby alpaca blend.

This fiber is the January shipment of the Spunky Eclectic - Spunky Club and my first shipment. I joined the club during the open sign ups in December. The club is paid for on a month by month basis so you can opt out at any time.

There were a tone of options available at sign up. You could get the minimum 2-4 ounce (depending on fiber selection) dose of fiber, a double dose of fiber, all the way up to a whopping pound of fiber. There were also several combinations of fiber and yarn that were available. I went with the double dose at $34. You can sign up now for the next shipment.

This fiber is organic merino and it is really soft. This color is called Twilight. It reminded me of a tie-dyed I got at a Grateful Dead concert one year. Both pieces of fiber in the photo are the same size - one is just wound up in a ball.

And last, but certainly not least is my first shipment from the FatCatKnits Mixed Blessing Fiber Club. The idea behind this club is there will be two colors in each shipment that are distinctively different, but coordinate. There was a four ounce and an eight ounce option. And if you couldn't guess, I signed up for the eight ounce option.

There is also a fiber goody with each shipment. Each round of the club is three shipments and paid for in full at the beginning. This round cost me $106 with shipping. The fiber types for the three shipments in this round were listed in the beginning; although the colors will be a surprise.

This month was some sparkly bling to add into the fiber as you spin or ply. The fiber itself is 60%merino and 40% bamboo. I've spun this blend before and loved it! I like the idea of the two colors as well. I'm still playing around with how I'll combine the two colors while spinning and plying. The fiber goody this month is some sparkly bling in colors that work well with the fiber. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the club incorporate everything.

This is probably more information than you ever wanted, but if you are interested in joining a fiber club I think any of these four would be a great place to start.

Handspun Friday - Buckland

2009-01-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

This started out as eight ounces of Finn wool top. It is the first time I've work with Finn before and I loved it! I knew nothing about before getting this roving; it was my November Club shipment from Hello Yarn. So I decided to look up a little info about Finn sheep and here is what I found out.

Finnsheep (sometimes referred to as Finnish Landrace) were developed from homebred stock in eastern and north-eastern Finland. They are thought to have descended from the Nordic Short-Tail breed and are closely related to Shetland, Icelandic, Spelsau, and Gotland sheep. They are characterized by their short tails, short ears, and heads and legs covered only with guard hair. Finnsheep are a small, hardy breed of sheep. Mature ewes average between 110 and 150 pounds. Rams weigh between 150 to 200 pounds. They are very docile and easy-keepers.

Finnsheep are bred as ewe lambs and generally produce twins during their first lambing season. They are good milkers and can easily raise triplets unassisted. Finn ewes are known for their superb maternal instincts and lambing ease. Their lambs are very vigorous and are up and nursing shortly after birth. Finns are highly sought after in crossbreeding programs because of their valuable maternal traits.

Finn wool is considered a medium wool. Its average fiber diameter ranges from 23 to 31 microns and the average staple length is 3 to 6 inches. The grease fleece weights range from 5 to 8 pounds. Finns can be shorn once or twice a year. The most notable qualities of Finn fleece are its soft hand and luster. These traits make Finn wool unique because luster is very rare in softer, medium grade wools. Finn wool is available in a variety of natural colors: white, black, brown, and shades of gray and tan. Sometimes the fleeces are piebald, presenting a mixture of white and black or white and brown fibers, similar to Jacob sheep.

I'd say this yarn is soft enough to knit anything you'd like and I've read that the wool would felt well too. I will say that this was great to spin. It was soft and smooth. It was easy to draft and it really almost spun itself. I was sorry that I only had eight ounces. All I can say is I want to try more Finn. I may have just found a new favorite.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber: Hello Yarn
November 2008 Fiber Club
Content: Finn wool
Color: Buckland
Fiber Preparation: top
Weight: 8 oz
Yardage: 528 yards
WPI: 10-11 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10 to 1
Notes: hand wash; 2 ply

The Flip Side

2009-01-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

For some unknown reason, I always feel the need to have at least two small projects with me when I travel. I've been traveling this week for work and wanted to take some knitting along. I only had two projects going the Leyburn socks and the blanket project that I've picked back up. The sock project travels well so I brought that with me. The blanket project isn't really meant to leave the house - so I needed a new portable project.

I decided on a new scarf project. They are small enough to carry along and it seems that there is always enough yarn stashed away for an interesting scarf. So I picked the Vice-Versa pattern by Laura Aylor. She is the lady that designed the Lizard Ridge Afghan. The scarf id a double knitting project and my first attempt at double knitting.

It is a little bit fiddly to do, but I have to say I really like how the knitted fabric feels. It has a nice soft cushy feeling to it. It's kind of fun to watch the color blocks develop too. I have a feeling that this will be a project that sits around for awhile before it gets finished. I like the idea of this really being double sided too.

I'm using two colors of Noro Silk Garden that I had originally set aside to knit myself one of those striped scarves that are so popular. But after knitting Brad's scarf I thought it might be fun to have something a little different than his - then I saw this pattern.

I think the pictures are a little misleading on my color selections. I think when the scarf is finished there will be a lot more color variation than is showing up here. One of the colors I picked is mostly purples and the other is full of greens. It will be fun to watch how it actually works out.

I'm not sure why I feel a need to travel with multiple projects. It is Wednesday now and I"m on my way home. I've actually done very little knitting during this whole trip. I slept on a good portion of the flight out to LA. Maybe I can get some knitting done on the marathon flight home today.

Swissy Sunday - Winter Wonderland

2009-01-25T09:49:00.000-05:00

We had two great days this week with Sherman and Scarlett. We got at least six inches of beautiful fluffy snow on Tuesday. The first part of the pictures are from that Tuesday. It was the first time Scarlett has ever been in snow. The funny thing is that the last time we had this much snow is the year we got Sherman.

Tuesday we had a nice long walk in the woods to admire all the snow. Sherman and Scarlett couldn't get enough of running around and chasing each other in the snow. Scarlett couldn't stop eating the snow and Sherman made his version of a snow angel.

On Wednesday we took some time and built a Snowlar Bear, our version of a snowman. Scarlett didn't like having to share the sticks from the yard and kept stealing them back. Once we went inside Sherman spent a good hour or so walking by the window and barking at the Snowlar Bear out in yard and Scarlet laid down for a nice long nap.

Handspun Friday - Ivory Coast

2009-01-23T08:18:00.002-05:00

Getting all that spinning done over the Christmas holiday was great for Handspun Friday. I've got several things in the queue to share and up today is Bluefaced Leicester from crown Mountain Farms in a color called Ivory Coast.

I actually have a lot of Crown Mountain Farms fiber in my stash. It comes in in several great fiber varieties and a lot of different colors. It is a good value too. The handdyed fiber comes in an 8 ounce bundle whcih is a lot of fiber to spin and it only costs about what you'd pay for 4 ounces on other sites.

Crown Mountatin Farms has a lot of different fibers avaialble, I've only tried the handdyed. this is my second time; the first time didn't turn out to well. I had a lot of dye bleed out. The problem occured not only in the after spin soak, but during the spinning too. I had a lot of red dye on me and my wheel. So I was hesitant to try again.

But looking at all those 8 opunce bundles of fiber in my stash was really getting to me. So I decided to try again. There was a very small amount of dye that was on my hands after spinning the entire 8 ounces; nothing that was alarming or unacceptable. there was bleed out in the wash but I used HOT waste contrary to the suggested treatment of cool water. I'm okay with that too. Now, I'm anxious to spin up more of my crown Mountain Stash.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber : Crown Mountain Farm
Content: Blue Face Leicester
Color: Ivory Coast
Fiber Preparation: thumb size roving
Weight: 8 oz
Yardage: 414 yards
WPI: 10-11 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10 to 1
Notes: hand wash; 2 ply

Knitting In Progress

2009-01-21T14:09:00.004-05:00

After finishing the ginormous cowl, I couldn't decide what to start next. I've seen a lot of blog posts lately of people knitting the Leyburn Socks with Socks that Rock yarn. Carrie knitted a pair and posted a group photo from others knitting Leyburns. Pam, Cristi, and Zonda are all knitting (or have finished) these too. There is a huge group of people on Ravelry doing a knit along with this pattern and yarn. I have a lot of STR yarn stashed, so I decided to join in.

The pattern is fast and is really working well with the variegated colors in the yarn. I really like how the socks are knitting up. It isn't a color I picked out, it is actually something from a club I belonged to and something I never really had any intentions of knitting. I didn't really think I'd like the colors. But I was wrong, the colors look nicer knitted up than I anticipated.

I've also decided to pull out a project that hasn't touched in a long time. I started this blanket back in 1997 and didn't knit a single stitch on it in 2008. I have several projects in similar states and they always seem to be this dark cloud looming around my knitting and my stash. They sit there making me feel guilty when I want to start a new project.

So the goal is to finish these projects or frog them and be done with it. Either way, I'm looking forward to having a guilt free fiber experience. I decided to start with this blanket for a couple of reasons. It was easy to decided that yes, I still want the blanket and it's cold out now. So having a pile of knitting in my lap is actually kind of nice. I can't think of anything I'd want to do with these colors. I don't think I'd really wear a sweater this bright.

So I'm going to knit a bit on this every week until its complete and then pick up another lost project. I'll keep working on new projects while I work through the back log too; hopefully that will keep me going.

The Expanded Cowl

2009-01-18T19:28:00.003-05:00

I went from not wanting to ever knit a cowl to knitting the biggest one I could find. This one will keep your neck warm for sure, but it will also keep your ears and shoulders warm too. This was a perfect time to finish this too. We've had a lot of cold weather lately.

The pattern called for worsted weight yarn, but this handspun was more of a dk weight. I used the same size needles and cast on number and I'm pleased with the results and it will certainly be warm. I plan on wearing it under my coat in place of a scarf and hat.

The bottom edging does have a tendency to flip up while wearing, but I don't really know what I could have done differently. Maybe I could have made the whole shoulder part slightly wider, but it works as it is. The pattern was very to follow. The instructions were clear and nothing was overly complicated. I have seen several more patterns, mostly wraps and shawls, by this designer that I'd like to knit.

I liked being able to use my handspun yarn for this project. I've really been enjoying the projects I knit with handspun. Its like a surprise as you knit - cause you are never sure how the yarn will knit up. I always wonder what the color will do and if my spinning mistakes will be hidden. If you are spinning your own yarn but not knitting with it, you really are missing something.

Project Info

Pattern: Balsam by Ilga Leja
Yarn: Geddesberg Handspun Yarn
Bluefaced Leicester
10 ounces / 588 yards
Roving - Hello Yarn - Insect Wings (Club Fiber)
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 6 (4.0 mm) and US# 8 (5.0 mm)Notes: I did add the extra increase in the shoulder section. I knit 5 garter ridges instead of 3 for the edgings.

Handspun Friday - Pale Fire

2009-01-16T08:07:00.003-05:00

I love the colors and the softness of this yarn. It is a bamboo merino blend that has a nice sheen and drape. This yarn ended up being something between a sport and worsted weight.

The bamboo made this a nice spin too. Everything was smooth and silky and a little bit slippery.

I'm thinking that I'll knit a nice spring scarf with this skein; probably something with a slightly open pattern. I think this yarn will be nice next to the skin and against the face.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber Content: 60% merino / 40% bamboo
Fiber Source: FatCatKnits
Color: Pale Fire
Weight: 8 ounces
Yardage: 506 yards
WPI: 12-14 wraps per inch
Notes: 2-ply

Thrumming!

2009-01-12T09:00:00.004-05:00

This is my first thrummed project.There is nothing like a 60 degree winter day to make you want to knit a pair of thrummed mittens.I've wanted to try a thrummed project for awhile and I purchased this kit by Fleece Artist quite awhile ago. I bought the kit before I started spinning. I also have a thrum sock kit sitting around too. The kit consisted of a skein of yarn and a piece of roving. A mitten pattern came on the band that wrapped the yarn and fiber together.

Now that I spin, I have more than enough fiber sitting around and I don't think that a kit for thrumming would be necessary. The mittens have about 2 ounces of roving knit into them. They seem like they would be very warm.They aren't too heavy, but they are thick. Movement of your hands is difficult and I don't think I could pick anything up with them on my hands. They feel like I imagine boxing gloves would feel.

The biggest thing missing from the kit were instructions on turning the piece of roving into thrums. if you are interested in thrumming and haven't tried it before, Hello Yarn has some very clear instructions for creating and knitting with thrums.

I started knitting these while my in-laws were visiting for Christmas and my mother in-law was really taken with these. So, I'll be packaging them up and sending them off to her in the next few days. it really isn't cold enough for me to get much use out of them.

Project Info

Pattern: Thrum Mittens by Fleece Artist
Yarn: Fleece Artist Blue Face Leicester Aran
roving - provided in kit (60 grams)
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 4 (3.5 mm)
Notes: I added about 4-5 additional rows of ribbing before starting the thrumming. I cast on for the large size but knit them to the length specified for the medium size.

Handspun Friday - Just Another 3-ply

2009-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is the last spinning project I finished over the Christmas Holiday. It is a three ply super wash merino.

After I finished plying this yarn, I decided that I didn't want to put off learning to chain ply any more. The roving seemed to have strong colors and long repeats of those colors. I was hoping that would translate a little better to the finished yarn. I was really hoping for more of a self striping kind of effect. Instead, my uneven division of fiber and uneven spinning resulted in more of a barber pole effect.

I do like the yarn. It is really soft and I'd definitely buy more fiber from dkKnits. I didn't end up with much yardage at all though, so I'm not sure what I'll knit. I've got another project I'm working on right now, so I'll throw this in a basket and let in marinate for a while.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
Fiber Content: super wash merino
Fiber Source: http://www.dkknits.etsy.com/
Color: Naughty or Nice Nicky
Yardage: 160 yards
Weight: 4 ounces
Notes: 3-ply yarn

Just Keep Spinning

2009-01-07T06:31:00.003-05:00

I know that a lot of blogs post their works in progress on Wednesdays and the knitting I'm doing right now isn't that far along. I don't think anyone wants to see a project that only has a few rows on the needles, so I decided to share what I've been spinning and give everyone a sneak peak at what will be coming up for the next several Handspun/Fiber Fridays.

I did a lot of spinning on my vacation of the holidays. I finished three skeins from start to finish and you've already seen two of those, the Holiday Tencel and the Yarn Wench Mourning Dove that I've recently posted; the third will be posted this Friday. I started a lot of other spinning projects that I started too as you can see in the photo above. In fact, all but one of my bobbins are filled. So if I want to do any more spinning it's time to start plying so I can free up some bobbins.

There are nine bobbins pictured and all but one of them are going to be plied together with their mate for a total of four new 2-ply yarns. The bobbins are not necessarily pictured next to their mate in the arrangement in the photo. Three of the four are going to be big skeins that weigh in at 8 ounces each and one of the two plies will be a small four ounce skein.

The bobbin that doesn't have a mate is filled with four ounces of super wash merino singles and is being reserved for my first attempt at chain/Navajo plying. The idea is to ply a single back on itself and end up with something that resembles a three ply yarn that keeps the colors together. So I picked some fiber that had long color repeats that should highlight the technique well if I can master it. Learning how to chain ply is my main spinning goal for 2009. I've wanted to try it for a long time and have been putting it off, so I'm starting it early.

Handspun Argosy Wrap

2009-01-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

This project took way too long to complete. I started it just about three months ago and most of the time it just sat there in a basket. I got a lot down right when I started the project but then got caught up in a bunch of other things and finally just got back around to getting it finished.

I used the yarn that I spun for the Tour de Fleece this summer. I didn't really know what to do with all that yarn, but I figured it would all go into the same project. I picked the easiest simplest shawl pattern I could find. I figured that the simple pattern would help highlight all the colors in the yarn.

The only thing I might have done differently would have been to knit from alternating skeins every few of rows. I knit each skein completely and then started the next. I ended up with a lot less ends to weave in, but I also ended up with larger blocks of color. Although overall I'm happy with the finished results.

Project Info

Pattern: Argosy Wrap by Vyvyan Neel
Yarn: Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
Fiber: Mix of Merino, Blue-faced Leicester, silk and tencel
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 8 (5 mm)
Measurements: Length: 85"; Width 14.5"(unblocked)
Start Date: September 23, 2008
Finish Date: December 22, 2008
Notes: I followed the pattern, but I did add about 6-8 repeats to the middle section. I have not blocked the shawl.

Fiber Friday - Mourning Dove

2008-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Another holiday vacation spin complete. This one started out as eight ounces of Merino wool from the Yarn Wench. I ended us with a nice fat skein of 3-ply yarn that should be enough for a nice little project. I'm just not sure what it will be yet.

I took the fiber and split it into lengthwise strips and then weighed out three equal piles. I spun each pile onto a separate bobbin. I love the idea of the yardage I can get with eight ounces of fiber as opposed to four. But, you have to remember that every steps takes longer too.

Once I had the singles finished; I plied all three together. The plying is the part that always seems to take the longest to me. I have found that I'm most successful with 3-plies when I keep each single going into the ply at an even angle and rate.

In the end, I do think the final yarn was worth the extra time. I ended up with enough for a nice little project. I' not sure what the project will be yet, but until then I"m happy just looking at this skein.

My plies still aren't extremely even though. I think what I need to do is slow down and do everything a little more consistent. But I do have a hard time doing that. Each time I sit down at the wheel to spin, I seem to begin with intentions to try for a very consistent yarn. But not too far a long into to it, everything becomes a race to finish.

I'm not sure that I plan on doing anything about it for the most part. I enjoy what I'm doing and I'm ending up with some yarn I'm willing to use - that is what is important anyway.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber Content: Merino wool
Fiber Source: Yarn Wench
color: Mourning Dove
Yardage: 490 yards
Weight: 8 ounces
WPI: 12-14 wraps per inch
Notes: 3-ply yarn

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

We wish you a very Merry Christmas

and best wishes for a Happy New Year!

Sherman and Scarlett

Swissy Sunday

2008-12-21T09:25:00.005-05:00

Since our recent visits to Petsmart have been going well, we decided it was time to try the dog park again. So everyone got up early on Saturday and headed out to the park.

This time went much better than last time. Scarlett was still a little nervous around the other dogs and spent a lot of time hiding behind Brad and me. She's poke her head out to bark now and then and she did greet several dogs.

She did love the attention she got from all the dog owners and the kids that wanted to come and pet her. We did make the visit short and made sure everything ended on a positive note. But you can see in the last picture that Sherman still needed a nap on the way home.

Fiber Friday - Holiday Tencel

2008-12-19T09:35:00.005-05:00

This is definitely not the old shiny tinsel that got hung on the Christmas tree, but it is a 50/50 merino tencel blend. It also definitely has a sheen too. It was hard to get a picture that didn't shine so much. The yarn isn't quite as shiny in person as the pictures seem to show.

The tencel did make the fiber easy to draft and spin. Almost too easy really, it was very slippery and I missed the grab that 100% wool has when drafting. The tencel does give the finished yarn a nice drape and it is very smooth and silky.

I do think that this will make a nice scarf or something, although it will have to be small because I didn't get much yardage. I'm wondering is tencel is denser than wool and therefore less fiber for the same weight. Does anyone know? I'll have to go research that.

I didn't get a picture of the fiber before spinning this time. I was ready to spin something and this was sitting on the table. My fiber room is a huge mess and I have been avoiding going in there. I do have to have It all straight before the holidays since we are having company so I plan on tackling that this weekend.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber Content: 50% super wash merino / 50% tencel
Fiber Source: http://www.dkknits.etsy.com/
Color: Tropical Holiday
Yardage: 250 yards
Weight: 4 ounces
WPI: 14 wraps per inch
Notes: 2-ply yarn;

Fiber Friday - Cabled Yarn

2008-12-12T08:46:00.002-05:00

I finally got the remaining singles from my SAFF classes off my bobbins. I decided to use the singles and make a 4-ply cabled yarn.

I took the two bobbins of singles and plying those together for a 2-ply yarn. I used my ball winder to get the two ply off the bobbin. I weighed the ball on my digital kitchen scale and then wound half of that weight into a second ball. I then plied the two balls together.

The only trick to remember about making a cabled yarn is the direction you need to ply. If you spin the singles with Z twist (clockwise), the first time you ply will be using S twist (counter clockwise). When you are ready to ply again you go back to using Z twist.

The results yarn is rounder than the other 2 and 3 ply yarns I've spun. It is also a bit firmer. I think I'd like to try it out sometime with two different colored singles instead of a variegated ones. I imagine it would be easier to see how are four plies are twisted together.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
Fiber Content: Peruvian Merino
Fiber Source: Black Bunny Fiber Club
Color: French Lavendar
Yardage: 176 yards
Notes: 4-ply cabled yarn

Frankenscarf

2008-12-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

I've recently started two new scarf projects. Both are part of the Traveling Scarves group on Ravelry. The idea is that a group of people get together and set up a few guidelines or a general theme and start knitting their own scarf. The scarf segment is then sent to the next person on the group list and then that person adds a segment to the scarf. This continues until everyone in the group has worked on the scarf and then the scarf is sent back to its original owner.

You can send additional instructions with your scarf and a notebook so everyone can include information about their individual addition to the scarf. It sounded like an interesting idea so I decided to try it out. When I explained the whole project to Brad - he said that I'd end up with some type of Frankenscarf with everyone using different yarns and techniques. I said that was really kind of the idea, but I kind of like the name so I'm keeping it.

The first group I joined has no special theme or yarn requirements. I did set a few of my own guidelines in the little journal I sent along with the scarf. I asked everyone to use a DK or sport weight yarn similar to what I used in my first segment. I also asked that blues, purples, greens, and browns be the only colors used and that the color shade coordinated with my starting segment.

The yarns I used for the first part of the scarf are Rowan Felted Tweed (green) and Manos Silk Blend. I used the Welting Fantastick pattern from one of the Barbara walker treasuries. I'm really please with how it turned out. It was a little hard to send it off for someone else to finish. But I didn't have enough yarn to knit an entire scarf. I do have enough saved to add a matching piece to the other end once the scarf is returned to me.

There are twelve people in this group so it will take quite a while to get my scarf back. There is about two weeks allotted to knit each segment so I think I'm looking at at least six months before I see the return of this scarf. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

The second group I join has more of a central theme. The idea for this one is to use up leftover sock yarn or other fingering weight yarn. There are 17 people in this group, so I'm not expecting to see my scarf back until late next year.

I started my segment of this scarf with 10 rows of seed stitch from a blackish skein of Socks That Rock. I'm going to send this skein along with my scarf and ask that everyone knit 10 rows of seed stitch after they add their colored segment.

My first segment is knit from some leftover Wollmeise sock yarn. I used another pattern from one of the Barbara Walker Treasuries, but this time opted to try out a cable pattern. This pattern is called the banjo pattern. It was one I hadn't seen and I liked the use of circles so thought I'd give it a try.

So both scarves are now in the mail. It is going to be hard to wait for them but I'll have a bunch of other scarves to see and work on in the meantime.

Swissy Sunday

2008-11-30T20:03:00.004-05:00

Over all, the weekend and Thanksgiving were great. We had nice weather and got to be outside for for a lot of play. Sherman and Scarlett still enjoy playing keep away with any sticks that they find in the yard.

Although, Sherman isn't as inclined to play when it comes to bones. Scarlett usually loses hers to Sherman as soon as she walks away from it for any reason. And since he doesn't ever put them down - he just finishes them - and she never gets them back. Although you do have to admire her for trying.

We did a little yard clean up thins weekend because of all the leaves that were in the yard and Scarlett had a great time playing in the piles and making a grab for them as we'd toss them up for her.

We've been taking her places and have been having some minor successes so we decided to head out to the dog park for a little socializing. When we arrived things looked very promising - there weren't many dogs there (about 4-5) and we were familiar with about half of those there.

Just seconds after getting in the gate - a very aggressive dog grabbed Scarlett by the head and neck and started shaking her and we were certain she was going to be badly hurt. This attack was totally unprovoked. It was extremely scary and upsetting.

I have a hard time believing that a dog that aggressive hasn't acted this way before. And if the dog has done something like this - the owner had absolutely no business having the animal at an off-leash park. It took Brad and the dog's owner to get him to release Scarlett from his jaws.

Thankfully, Scarlett suffered only the most minor of physical damage. I think Brad actually bled the most. The owner was very upset and took his dog out of the park immediately. He did check on us after securing his dog. We tried to stay a little while but Scarlett was very nervous about the other dogs so after a short time and a little walking around the park we came home.

So I have no field trip pictures to share this time. I'm trying to get her into a training class - maybe I can get some photos there.

Scarf Season

2008-11-24T18:06:00.008-05:00

It is finally scarf wearing season down here in North Carolina. It is one of my favorite projects to knit around this time of year. With all the holiday commitments and travel, scarves are small projects that can be carried around easily and just a little work can get you a lot closer to a finished project.

I like the idea of being able to sample a couple of interesting skeins of yarn and come away with a nice wearable project. Scarf yarn is one of my favorite travel souvenirs. Simple patterns or complex lace; handspun, leftover snippets, or pricey store bought yarn - a scarf can be anything you want.

I started off this scarf season by knitting a striped scarf in the style that Brooklyn Tweed highlighted on his blog. I've always loved stripes and I've wanted one of these scarves ever since I saw his. But this scarf isn't going to be mine. I think it looks best on Brad, so it will be his.

The scarf was easy and I finished it within a week of starting. If you plan on knitting one for yourself, if you haven't already, I only have one thing to point out. Watch you color combinations in the Silk Garden. The stripes can disappear if the colors match in both skeins at just the wrong time.

Project Info
Stitch Pattern: 1x1 ribbing
Yarn: Silk Garden by Noro; 4 skeins
Color: 249 & 211 (two skeins of each color)
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 7
Measurements: Length: 94"; Width 4"
Notes: I cast on 30 stitches. If you want the stripes to really show up pick colors that contrast as much as possible.

Swissy Sunday

2008-11-23T18:14:00.004-05:00

We had a field trip to Petsmart over the weekend. Scarlett still refuses to go into the store under her own power. We get just outside the door and she stops and won't go a step further. You have to drag or carry her to get her in the store. She does the same thing once she is inside.

I carried her into the store. She now weighs 30 pounds and gets heavy after awhile. So, she had to go in a cart this time. We only had the cell phone camera so the photo isn't the best - but it is my favorite of the week.

Fiber Friday - Back from Class

2008-11-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

I though I'd share some of my class experiences from my trip to SAFF last month. I signed up for three classes and I think overall it was a little too much for me. I was in class almost the entire time I was there, but on a bright note, it did keep me from spending too much money.

My first class was about fiber dying. The class was fun, I liked the instructor and I did learn some things. We talked about preparing fiber for the dyeing process, mixing dyes, applying and setting the dyes. I enjoyed dying the fiber - but I really am not please with my fist attempt. She warned us about putting too much dye onto the fiber and I took it to heart. I didn't use enough dye and ended up with a dull roving. I don't think I'm ever going to be able to produce enough hand painted fiber to sell - but I would like to try again at home. I think I might give it another try this spring when I can comfortably work outside.

My second class involved preparing fiber with sparkly stuff for spinning. I'm at complete loss on why I signed up for this class. I am not a sparkly person by nature at all, but I signed up anyway. We learned several different ways of incorporating the glitz into fiber from spinning, but I found the drum carder to be the most fun and the only thing I couldn't have tried by myself at home. Who would have thought that there are even different types of sparkle. The stuff in the photo is leftovers from my class. I did purchase a small bag of sparkle to see if I could come up with something more to my liking at home.

The last class I took was on novelty yarns. Another puzzler of a selection, but I think I was really aiming to try something new that I wasn't likely to try by myself. The first yarn we tried was a cabled yarn. Which in this example is basically two 2-ply yarns plied together. I like the was this one looks and will working on one soon. I'm thinking of trying for a cabled sock yarn. I'll be sure to post the process and results.

Next we tried a knotted yarn. It was interesting and for a novelty yarn I can see how it would make an interesting texture in a scarf or something. Mine was create by plying two of my homework singles together. I think there would have been a lot more contrast if I had used different colored singles or even different textured singles. I might try some more of this one too.

We tried soft twist singles and a marled yarn which just means putting two colors together while spinning. This picture shows our soft twist singles, the marled yarn and to top it all off we plied the whole shebang with thread. The poofy white parts are my soft twist singles and towards the bottom you can see the purple/white marl. It was interesting trying to spin two different fiber together in one thread.

We also tried a couple of types of boucle yarns, including a three pass boucle and a core spun boucle. I had a difficult time getting a nice consistent effect with these. It would take some practice.

We tried using beads too. I like the idea but found the process we used difficult to master. We strung the beads on thread and fed that into the fiber as we spun. I'd like to try making a beaded yarn again to see if I could finally master the task.

This class did challenge me to spin in different ways than I was comfortable with and I think that was my overall goal for the class. My hands had to work at the wheel in ways that they normally don't. I like that trying something new if fun.

When I first walked away from the classes I was disappointed, most likely because I didn't have very pretty results from the dying class and my spinning classes produced no usable yarns. But reflecting now, I do think that I got a lot out of some of the classes. I've decided that I need to be a little more selective in picking the classes I'm going to take.

I still have most of the singles I created for class and I need to do something with them so I can reclaim my bobbins for other spinning projects I want to do. If you see something you'd like more information on let me know. I'll practice the techniques and then try to create a detailed blog post with instructions. I know that I'll be doing the cabled yarn soon.

Farewell My Spinning and Weaving Neighbors

2008-11-18T13:11:00.009-05:00

I'm talking about our friends the orb weaving spiders. We had some chilly nights here in North Carolina recently; temperatures have dipped below freezing a few nights now. Before winter sets in theses spiders will spin their final web.

Orb spiders live only one season and leave an egg sac in their last web for the coming spring season. These four spiders are just part of the spider crew that has picked out front porch for their last web hurrah.

I haven't seen any spiders in the past few days, but I do have a couple egg sacs to watch. I'm hoping that they survive the winter and the non hibernating animal life. I'd like to see one of the sacs hatch with hundreds of baby spiders in the spring.

These spiders are oftern refered to as writing spiders becaise of the appearance of their webs. Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web, is an orb spider too. Next year I'll have to try taking some photos of the webs the orb spiders spin around our yard. They can be quite amazing.

The Three Year Scarf with a Hat to Match

2008-11-17T07:53:00.001-05:00

I was going through my stash in search of yarn for a project and came across this project all bunched up in a bag. I had about 5-6 inches of the scarf knit and it was still on needles. I think this was the WIP that had been hanging around the longest.

I started this project back in 2005 when the pattern came out in the winter issue of Interweave Knits. I loved the scarf when I first saw it and set about finding the yarn that was used in the photo. It actually turned out to be difficult to find, but I finally found some in a small shop in Kansas and ordered five balls and a hat pattern the shop keeper had too.

I started the project as soon as the yarn came, but something was off. I didn't really like how the project was turning out. I didn't think the yarn really looked like the scarf in the original photo. So everything got shoved into a bag and then into the closet.

I re-started the project by frogging everything I had and decided on a slight pattern modification. The original pattern calls for moss stitch, but the boucle type yarn really obscured the pattern, so I decided on a simple garter stitch instead.

The pattern called for two skeins, but I used four. I think you'd have to use a minimum of three to even get the short length the pattern mentioned. I like the scarf in the end - but think it would have been more fun in a self-striping yarn. I seem to remember the original looking like it striped.

The hat is nice. It has an interesting construction. It was knit flat in garter stitch using two different sizes of needles and then seamed up. It is an interesting hat - but it is probably a one time knit.

Scarf Project Info
Pattern: Fickle Fingers Scarf
By: Gayle Roehm
From: Interweave Knits; Winter 2005
Yarn: Ethno by Zitron; 50g/90m; 4 skeins
Fiber Content: 85% new wool, 15% nylon
Color: 10
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 8
Measurements: Length: 70.5"; Width 6.5"
Notes: I started with the Fat Finger version of the pattern and changed the moss stitch to garter stitch.

I started this project in 2005 shortly after the pattern came out. I finished it almost three years later.

Hat Project Info
Pattern: Ethno Hat
By: Kennita Tully
From: Wildflower Yarns and Knitwear
Yarn: Ethno by Zitron; 1 skein
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 8 and US# 11

Swissy Sunday - Sleeping the Day Away

2008-11-16T15:47:00.004-05:00

It's been a nice relaxing weekend and Sherman and Scarlett decided to top it off with a nap.

Swissy Sunday - Scarlett's First Bath

2008-11-09T18:56:00.006-05:00

Well this weekend we gave Scarlett her first bath. She actually behaved much better than we could have expected or ever hoped. This photo shows the start of the bath - we put an old towel on the bottom of the tub to help give her better footing and prevent her from slipping around to much.

This might be the only bath she will ever have inside the house. We've always given Sherman his baths outside or taken him to the groomer in the winter if necessary.

We tried another trip to PetSmart this weekend too, but it ended up much like the first. I had to hold her and carry her through the store. I think it is the different floor that she's nervous about.

She's doing well with everything else - we just need to get her out and about more often.

Well, I am finally home and done traveling I'm hoping that work will settle down a little bit as the year comes to an end. I'm looking forward to having more time for fun things like knitting, spinning, puppies, and blogging. I should have some knitting/fiber content later this week.

Swissy Sunday

2008-11-02T15:17:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted this past week because I'm in Austin for work and I couldn't convince Brad to take pictures of my knitting progress or any fiber stuff at all. His favorite part of my blog is Swissy Sunday so he did agree to take some photos of Sherman and Scarlett for today as long as he got photo credits.

Scarlett is growing like a weed. She was eleven pounds when we first took her to the vet; Friday she weighed in at 21 pounds. She's getting harder and harder to pick up and cuddle each day. She is getting to be more of a playmate for Sherman though. She went down to the creek for the first time this week and she's learning to walk us on her leash. I'm anxious to get home and be done with all this traveling. I miss seeing all her new adventures.

Swissy Sunday

2008-10-26T20:01:00.002-04:00

I was at SAFF this weekend so the intrepid duo of Sherman and Scarlett was home alone with Brad. He took them for Scarlett's first walk in the woods. It sounds like they all had a good weekend together, but I think Brad is glad to have another adult back in the house.

I've got a lot to do around the house to catch up on things since I was gone. I'll be back with more about SAFF later.

Handspun Friday - Getting Ready to Spin

2008-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

I wouldn't really call this a new project, but I thought it would work to show what I do when setting up to start spinning a new yarn. Even if I don't have a project in mind for a finished yarn, I find it very helpful to know what type of yarn I want to spin. The desired yarn, say a 2 ply, 3 ply, or even a fat low twist single, will cause me to prepare and divide my fiber in different ways to prepare for spinning.

This project is actually homework for one of the classes I'm taking at SAFF this weekend.I am required to bring two bobbins halfway filled with tightly spun singles for the class. We are going to learn to create different types of yarn with the singles we bring.So based on that information, I'll be preparing this fiber as if I was going to spin a simple two ply yarn.

First thing to do is select the fiber. In an effort to be thrifty and save money for festival shopping, I picked something from my stash. This selection is Peruvian Merino wool from the Black Bunny Fiber Club. There is about 8 ounces of fiber in this bundle and the colors is called French Lavender. Color management is not going to be a concern for this project for a couple of reasons. The fiber is dyed in such a way that keeping the colors together would be difficult and I'm using my singles to take to my class so I'm not going to try and get any particular color pattern.

So the first goal is to get the fiber divided into two equal piles. I will use each pile to spin one bobbin and assuming that my spinning is consistent; I'll end up with two bobbins that contain very similar yardages. If I was making a 2-ply yarn, this would make plying easy and hopefully I wouldn't end up with a lot leftover on one of the bobbins.

You could go about dividing the fiber a couple of different ways. But I like to do some preparation to the fiber before spinning. Some people refer to this as pre-drafting. You can call it what you want, but it does make spinning easier especially if you are a beginner or if you a trying to spin a very fine thread. Sometimes I do more or less, depending on what I'm hoping to achieve,but I always do some.

So I start by undoing the braid/bundle of fiber and pulling the long piece into equal halves length wise.I continue to pull the lengths of fiber into even width strips until I have them about the thickness of a pencil roving.You can adjust the width of the strips depending on what you are trying to spin.I would guess that if I took a typical 4 ounce braid of fiber, on average, I would end up dividing it into about sixteen strips.

Once you have all the fiber divided into strips, you can loosen the fibers up by holding the fiber and placing your hands about 4 inches apart. I picked 4 inches for the hand spacing here because I'm using merino and I know the staple length of the merino fibers is usually 3-4 inches. Adjust the spacing between your hands Gently pull the fibers loose but do not separate them completely; you still want the fibers connected in long pieces. You won't have to make as many joins that way. The top strip of fiber has not been pulled apart, but the bottom part shows where the fibers have been opened up for spinning.

If it seems difficult to pull the fibers apart easily; try loosening your grip. it is much easier to accomplish if you do not hold on tightly to the fiber. This is the step I most often skip. Although this step helped me the most when I wast just beginning to learn how to spin. I was able to concentrate more on what to do with the wheel and less about the fiber itself.

Anyway, once all the fibers are loose and ready to go, I wrap each strand into a separate ball around my hand and pile them up. Wrapping the fiber around your hand will introduce a small amount of twist and help hold the fibers together until you are ready to spin.I use a kitchen scale to weigh all the fiber and then I divide everything into two equal piles and start spinning.

I've finished spinning the singles for my class and they came out okay. I'll be sure and share the results of the class and show any yarns that result. Maybe I'll have some singles leftover for a 2-ply as well.

Faceted Ribbed Socks

2008-10-20T16:00:00.002-04:00

Between the dark ride to work and the new puppy, knitting time has been scarce. I did manage to finally finish this pair of socks though.

The pattern was an easy four row repeat and after one round I didn't have to look at the pattern anymore. It is a slip stitch pattern and those are supposed to work well with variegated yarn and prevent pooling. I didn't really get what I would think of as true pooling, but more of a cross between stripes and pooling.

The knitted fabric is interesting it has a great texture and overall look, but it is kind of thick and used up my yarn quickly. Even though the socks are thick, I find the feel of them to be very pleasant, even in shoes. I did have extra yarn, so I could have made these a bit longer, but I was really tired of knitting them and so they are a little shorter than my average pair. I think the only reason that they even got finished was because the project was sitting in the living room next to the chair where I usually sit.

I love the colors in the yarn and I love the pattern. I'd probably even knit the pattern again, but somehow the combination of the two just misses the mark for me.Oh well, on to the next project

Project Info

Pattern: Faceted Ribbed Socks
By: Charlene Church and Beth Parrott
From: The Little Box of Socks
Yarn: Hello Yarn Sock; 395 yards per skein
Color: Sour
Needles: addi TURBO Lace Needles - US# 1 (2.5 mm)
Notes: pattern was knit toe-up with a short row heel

Swissy Sunday

2008-10-19T19:18:00.002-04:00

Scarlett is doing much better this week. It seems like all the health issues are on the mend and hopefully we won't have to go back to the vet's office until the scheudled check-up visit on Halloween.

We did try a field trip to the pet store, but that was just a little too overwhelming for the puppy. Sherman enjoyed it though. He was pet and loved on by so many people that we had trouble getting through the store. We are hoping she enjoys the trip next time, but we'll wait a couple weeks before trying again.

I think her improved health has made her come to life; she's a lot more playful this week. It's been a lot of fun - but she can be a handful too. Although it may be hard to see in the photos, I can tell she is growing.

Going Natural.

2008-10-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I've been spinning about a year and my fiber stash seems to have grown very rapidly. I have a lot of hand dyed fiber and I love spinning the fiber and knitting with the resulting yarn. Watching the way that the colors combine as you spin and knit really help to keep things interesting, especially for small projects like scarves and socks. Then of course, there is a whole different level of things to consider when you want to try and manipulate the colors into behaving a certain way.

As much as I love color, and I really love color, I've wanted to try spinning a few yarns in natural colors. I'm not talking about neutral colors, but the natural colors that actually come straight from the sheep or alpaca as the case may be.

My first step in this process was to buy some unprocessed alpaca blanket (fleece) at a local fiber festival this spring. My grand idea was that I would learn how to process the fiber; that includes washing, picking out any and all foreign matter, and then of course combing or carding the fiber into something spinable. Well, to get to that step was going to require some work and the purchase of at least some simple, though potentially expensive, equipment.

So instead, I decide to send the fiber off to a company that handles all the processing and send you back spinable fiber or even yarn. I sent my alpaca fiber off to Morro Fleece Works and got back some beautiful pin drafted roving - just begging to be spun. It kind of resembles a red chocolate soft serve ice cream. It is soft and will be very easy to spin. I have to mention too that the cost was less than a set of hand cards would have cost me. Including shipping, I spent about $40.00 to have the fiber processed.

I ended up with about 1 pound 12 ounce of spinning fiber; just slightly less fiber than I sent. The fiber I sent in didn't meet the recommended minimum limit, so I was limited on what I could get back and I has charged a set minimum fee for the processing. But I'm please with the results. And at least I don't have unwashed fiber sitting around in my closet.

The other natural project I have in the cue originated as part of the knitting and spinning guild I joined. They occasionally hold a fiber challenge. The idea being that everyone brings in 4 ounces of spinning fiber in an unmarked bag. Everyone takes home a bag that wasn't theirs and is tasked with spinning the fiber and knitting a project with the yarn. The guild will hold a meeting in the spring for everyone to show off how they used the fiber in a project.

The guild gave every participant 2 ounces of white Shetland to incorporate into the project as well. The fiber I drew from the pile is a combination of wool, mohair, and silk. I like how the light tan color work with the white Shetland fiber. I've been considering spinning each fiber into a single and then plying them together into one yarn. I think the over all effect would be nice and maybe slightly tweedy. I'd like to have a pattern in mind though so I know what weight yarn to spin. I've only got four ounces though so the project cannot be too large. I do have some dark brown Shetland that I could incorporate too. That would give me more yardage. Maybe something stripey would work.

So, now I have a dilemma. I have all this great natural fiber and now it is ready to spin. I even have a deadline for one of the projects. But I have no idea what I want to end up making. I think for these two projects, especially the guild challenge, I'd like to have a project in mind before I start spinning. So if you see these photos and are struck with project ideas, I'd love to hear them.

Morning Surf Scarf

2008-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

I just love the colors in this scarf. As I spinning the yarn I knew that it would not be in the stash very long before I started to use it in a project. I like how the yellow moves from orange to pink and back again to yellow. I liked all the colors in the roving - but it seems to look even better in the finished yarn to me. I really like how it held the color sections to make stripes.

I've being eyeing this pattern for awhile, really ever since I saw the handspun version on Smoking Hot Needles. I had just started to get interested in spinning when I saw this and figured it would be a good project once I was able to spin an appropriate yarn. I thought of this pattern as soon as I saw the roving. So I did spin the yarn with this pattern in mind.

The pattern was very easy to memorize and travelled well. I was able to put this into a small drawstring bag and carry it around with me until it was finished. It went quickly too - it probably helped that I was traveling for work and I was cooped up in hotels an airports. That is always conducive to easy knitting projects.

I like the wave appearance in the stitch pattern. It reminds me of the Lizard Ridge Afghan pattern I knit. The dropped stitches are nice and show off the handspun yarn very well. An added bonus is that the dropped stitches seem to help you get maximum length out of a skein of yarn for a scarf. I was very please that I was able to get this length, 65.5 inches, of scarf out of one skein of my handspun.

I did have to block the scarf to end up with the best finished length possible. I was hesitant to block it though because I liked the way everything looked unblocked. I blocked my chevron scarf and was actually sorry I did. But I wanted the extra length the blocking would give so I went ahead and blocked. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. I like the finished project very much; in fact, I think I like it better blocked. It seems to show off the yarn a little better than it did before. I wish I had taken pictures before the blocking so I could compare it here.

Project Info

Pattern: Morning Surf Scarf by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer (Ravelry pattern link)
Yarn: Geddesburg Handspun Yarn
Skein weight - 4 ounces; 320 yards
WPI: 15 wraps per inch
Fiber: Corriedale
Dyed by Traveling Rhinos
Color: Cancun
Needles: addi TURBO Needles - US# 5 (3.75 mm)
Finished Measurements: 7 inches wide and 65.5 inches long
Notes: No pattern modifications

Swissy Sunday

2008-10-12T18:52:00.002-04:00

I think Sundays will be good day to do any puppy updates and show off any recent cute pictures. We spend a lot of time in the yard with Sherman and Scarlett over the weekend so there will usually be fresh material. It will also be a good way to chronicle her growth over the next few months.

Right now we are dealing with some gastrointestinal parasites and anemia with Scarlett. Which required a nice Friday vet trip. The anemia is causing her to eat dirt, stick, rocks, lick concrete, and try and take down the trees in the yard bite by bite! We seem to be on the right track for treating that, but we expect to head back for an unrelated issue on Monday morning. I'm suspecting we now have a uti or bladder infection to add to the mix.

Well I guess those are all things you have to expect with a new puppy. She has been fun too. She loves to follow Sherman around and bite his tale and snip at his heels. She also like to bark at him too. Anyway, we are hoping her health improves this week and we can have a little more active weekend.

I'm sure there will be some good photos to share!

Fiber Friday - 3 ply

2008-10-10T07:48:00.000-04:00

Yeah, it is another 3-ply yarn. I spun this yarn before I got all of your feed back last time. So, I thought I'd go ahead and post this one now. I'm going to start spinning something new today and will try to incorporate the suggestions you gave me in the post for that next skein of handspun.

This is superwash Corriedale. The individual fibers are longer than merino and that helps make it easy to draft and spin. I do like spinning Corriedale, but it isn't quite as soft as Merino. But it is still nice enough to wear next to the skin. The fiber is a little bit hairy too. So the yarn isn't as quite as smooth as the yarns I've spun from Merino either.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this knits up and how it wears in a pair of socks. I'm going to guess that the coarser fiber will produce stronger socks. Time will tell.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber Content: Superwash Corriedale
Fiber Source: FatCat Knits
Color: Champion
Weight: 4 ounces
Yardage: 238 yards
WPI: 14-15 wraps per inch
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10 to 1
Notes: 3-ply

Introducing Scarlett O'Terror

2008-10-08T10:38:00.008-04:00

Nah, actually she's a very sweet little puppy, but she is a lot more active and adventurous than Sherman was when we first brought him home. I have a feeling she will really open up in the coming weeks as she grows and gets use to being here with us in her new home.

Sherman and Scarlett are getting along too. We were a bit taken aback by the size difference in the two. She is a lot smaller than he was when we brought him home. So, right now playtime has to be supervised to keep the Scarlett from getting accidentally trampled. Although she does like to walk behind Sherman and bite his tail and she growls at him to try and entice him to play. She runs to hide as soon as he seems willing to play though.

One nice thing is, she is small enough to be held for now and she actually likes to cuddle up with you for a nap. I"ll enjoy that while I can. Because now she's small but she will probably be around 100 pounds or so when she is full grown. All these photos are from her first night with us.
I'll stop the puppy madness for now, but you can expect to see regular updates and photos as she grows.

I've also got a winner in the name that puppy contest. We did end up using one of the names we already had. And to be honest, she helped pick her own name. We tried several of the names we liked out on her. She seemed to consistently respond to Scarlett, so that is what we ended up using. Everyone had great suggestions; thanks to everyone that posted a suggestion.

So with out further ado, the winner is...... Stephanie . Stephanie, please contact me so I can mail you your prize. My e-mail address is available in my profile.

Fiber Friday -Poison

2008-10-03T07:30:00.002-04:00

I've been spinning again and I went for another 3-ply yarn. I really have enjoyed knitting with my handspun 3-ply, so another seemed in order. I think this skein is destined to become another pair of socks.

I really haven't been trying anything new with my spinning. I've reached a comfortable place with my spinning and I enjoy knitting with the yarn I spin. So that has led to a rut of sorts for trying new things.

I've wanted to try and post some spinning tips or describe some of the methods I use for spinning and plying. But I haven't set aside anytime to take photos while I'm spinning. I also wonder what you want to see posted with the photos of my handspun. Maybe the photos by themselves is enough. So what do you think, is something missing from these posts?

I'm going to a fiber festival (SAFF) at the end of October and have signed up for a a couple spinning classes and a class about hand painted rovings. I'm looking forward to the classes and maybe it will give me some new things to share here too.

Geddesburg Handspun Yarn

Fiber Content: Super wash Merino
Fiber Source: Pigeonroof Studios
Color: Poison
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Yardage: 250 yards
WPI: 13-14 wraps per inch (average)
Spinning Style: worsted
Spinning Ratio: 10 to 1
Plying Ratio: 10 to 1
Notes: 3-ply

Pimp Your Wheel

2008-09-30T02:35:00.004-04:00

I finally finished my felted spinning wheel bag project and I ended up with a nice assortment of little felted bags. I think that they came out really cute and it is handy that my wheel has a convenient place to hang this little bag.I've got a WPI tool, diz, spinner's control card, oil, and a little pair of pliers stored in my bag. I know that all wheels aren't equipped with some place to hang this bag - but it is perfect for my folding Lendrum.

I made these bags in several types of wool to test out the pattern and to see how different wools would work with my pattern.I think that in the end all the bags turned out great and I don't see a huge advantage to one wool over the other. There was a huge difference in the rate at which the wools felted though. That is something you will want to be mindful of when felting.You need to be sure of the felting rate for the wool you pick or check the results often.

I put all the bags into the washer together and ran the agitator cycle three times and then checked the contents. I probably should have jumped in for a look after each round of agitation. This photo shows the results after those three rounds and you can see that all the bags but the ones knit from Kureyon (top 3) are basically finished. I was actually afraid that two of them had gotten a little small. But I gave them a little tug to stretch them a bit and they fit on my wheel perfectly.

I continued the wash the little bags made from Kureyon for another 3-4 agitation cycles before they were felted like I wanted.I did learn that if I was combining wools into the same project for felting that I would probably leave the Kureyon out. It always takes forever to felt.

I also notice a difference in the thickness of the final fabric. The Kureyon is slightly thinner than all the other choices. All of the other wools ended up being thicker overall and much closer in to each other than the Kureyon did.Although it really didn't matter for this project, I could see it making a difference in other projects. Although I could probably run the Kureyon through the washer a few more times and tighten the fabric up a bit, but it will serve the purpose here.

I think it basically comes down to personal preference. This project is also great for leftovers and scraps. All the bags I knitted are from leftovers from other projects and the Kureyon bags each are made up of multiple colors.

Well without further rambling here is the simple pattern. Let me know if you see errors and I'll make corrections.

Felted Spinning Wheel Bag

Yarn: About 70 yards of worsted weight wool suitable for felting.

I have tried the pattern with Noro Kureyon, Cascade 220, Pattons Classic Merino, Lambs Pride Worsted, and Wollmeise Merino-Lammdochtwolle. All will work well. Make sure you know the rate of felting for the wool you choose.

Needles: US #11 (8mm). I used two circular needles, but DPNs would work just as well

Supplies: stitch marker; 2 stitch holders; tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Measurements: I didn't measure my gauge, I usually don't when felting. I've provided measurements both before and after felting fora guide.
Pre-felting Measurements: bag bottom - 4.5 x 3.5 inches; 6.5 inches tall
Final Measurements:

Instructions:

Cast on 14 stitches and knit 20 rows. Pickup up 10 stitches along the first short side of the rectangle, pick up 14 stitches on the long side and then pick up another 10 stitches on the remaining side. (48 total stitches)

Distribute stitches even between two circular needles and mark beginning of the round. Knit in stockinette stitch until side of bag measures 6.5 inches tall.

Move first 3 stitched to a stitch holder and then cast off 8 stitches. Move next three stitches to second stitch holder and continue binding off until 1 stitch remains of the right needle. Move the 2 stitches from the first holder to the left needle and bind off one more stitch. Knit the 2 stitches that are still on the left needles.

You will have 3 live stitches on the right needle. Using these 3 stitches, knit 8 inches of i-cord.

After i-cord is knit, stitch the bottom of the i-cord together with the 3 remaining stitches on the last holder. I break my yarn and thread a tapestry needle for this part of the project. I run the threaded needle through the first stitch on the handle and then the first stitch on the bag and alternate like that until all the stitches have been threaded.

Weave in the tails and felt!