Deb on the Web

Endings leave room for beginnings

As in I finished two projects and a book last night.  My wrists were sore from the vest edging so I decided to wait until this morning to share.
First up--the perfect buttons for this Baby Surprise Sweater I hope these show up (Peter Cottontail wearing a blue sweater gathering carrots--this is for a cook's child).  This is an adorable little sweater.  I'm planning on knitting some booties to gift along with it.
Next up on the finishing list is Marina While I loved knitting with Taiyo (cotton, wool, nylon and silk blend)  I just don't care for the end look on me (sorry about the photo).  It doesn't gather in the way a 100% wool yarn would in a rib pattern.  So that my medium feels like extra large.  This was mainly going to be something to wear in the yard for gardening this Summer (I like to be warm).  Now I doubt I will wear it anywhere else.  Oh well, lesson learned about cotton again.  One thing I would mention about the edging.  I had talked to Michelle about using the green for the front edging (it is around the arm holes).  In looking at the buttons I had picked out I decided the brown would be perfect with the brown rim of these cream colored buttons
I've gotta tell you it felt so good to finish two knitting projects (complete with seams and buttons) in one day.  My life for the last two years has been a work in progress and so my knitting life has been a shadow of that.  I am looking forward to pulling out a few old projects and getting them finished too.
However, I do have more babies on the way so the Slip Stitch blanket has begun The yarn is Debbie Bliss, pure cotton.  I have to say it changes my mind about 100% cotton.  I love how soft it is!  And the twist makes it hard to split the yarn (a problem with cotton yarn I hate).  I'm totally into knitting cotton blankets as you don't have the fitted problems.  Besides this is an August baby.
Also on the new knitting front is this Summer KAL I realize that the last time (as in last Summer) that I was trying to keep up with a mystery stole kal I failed miserably.  Part of that was my schedule part was that I didn't care for the way the design was working with the yarn I had chosen.  I still haven't decided what to do with that project, but with this one--I ordered the recommended yarn.  I love Brooklyn Handspun yarns --that was how I found the KAL.  Care to join in?  Michelle?  Tammy?

In other finishings--I finished reading Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs last night.   This isn't a usually genre for me, but I loved it.  Was totally unprepared for the ending though (won't ruin it if you haven't read it).  I don't know why knitting themed books have never interested me.  I guess they just seem like two separate subjects to me.  Who knows maybe I'll find another I like down the road.

The next book on the night stand is Three Cups of Tea.  Several people have told me they think I'll enjoy it.  I'm looking forward to diving in.

What was waiting for me when I returned from the trip?

I wish I had taken photos of the pile of 4 boxes awaiting me.  There is nothing like knitting packages (or insert hobby of your choice) to welcome you home:)
You have already seen the RSC "leafling" sock package.  I also joined just one round of the Yarn4Socks club.  I was a member all of last year, but it was one club too many and I didn't knit even one kit.  So why this one?  This sock kit is a combination of one of my favorite designers and a favorite dyer--Knitspot and The Woolen Rabbit.  As this project came in March I'm sure most of you have already seen this sock around.  It is next on my knit list!  Although as much as I love the patterns and yarns that come out of Yarn4Socks (and if you are looking for a club these ladies really put together wonderful combinations of designer/dyer) I am going back to my original idea of knitting up what I have.  I really loved the patterns of last year!
So why you ask was I receiving this welcome gift as a member of the Lucky Lurker sock club? Well it actually was a slightly tipsy moment in Barcelona that did it....hehehe   This is a great binder for the Duet patterns that will be coming and for those I have from last year's club.  I really do hope to be knitting all my club packages this year.  However, I do think I need to give myself permission to make other project with the yarn besides socks. 
I have not finished my travel project from the Spin club. I am stuck of the stranded heel.  I just don't love the fiddliness of it and the yarn is really calling out to be booties.  There may be some frogging in my future.
There was one more package, but I haven't taken a photo yet.  My last batt from Spunky's fiber of the month club.  I am behind in spinning proects and I am trying to cut back on my fiber in take (see above).  If you are interested in trying different types of fiber and love beautiful colors this really is a great club to join.  $15 a month gets you 4 oz of different types of fibers.  Plus there is a great Ravelry group (Ravelry link) to talk about how you are spinning it up and comparing projects.  I will join again when I've run out of spinning fibers (oh that may be a hard promise to keep).

And finally--Happy May Day!!  And Beltane Blessings:)  I will be spending the rest of the day out of doors as Mother Nature has taken pity on us poor mountain folks and the clouds are starting to roll away as I have been typing.

Busy, but with what?

I really don't know.  I have been going and going this week.  But I don't feel like I have accomplished a whole lot.
Here is Sunday to Sunday
Sunday: the 5K walk, knitting, spinning, blogging, dinner with friends
Monday: spinning, Ikea with friends which became the rest of day and night
Tuesday: work, knitting at Twisted with Duffy and Aimee
Wednesday: work, house cleaning, great mail!
Thursday: work, dinner at Gino's with friends, more mail!
Friday: work and then some work, again with the mail!
Saturday: baking, funeral and reception for my oldest friend's mom (a very hard day), and a bit of mail:)
Sunday: spinning, shopping for work, niece's birthday party...and who knows

I have finished plying the July Spunky Club "Celebration"
I am now plying some yarn to send to someone in trade for some fiber.
I am also collaging two spindles that I'd like to get into tomorrow's mail.
I cast on last night for the August Rockin Sock club socks (one of those mail days packages). I don't want to show photos here until a few more get their packages.
I have about six packages I'll be taking to the post tomorrow so I have to get them all ready.  My current schedule doesn't let me out of the building during business hours except for Mondays (and last Monday I was kidnapped;) ).

Plans for this next week?  Well there will be work!  And probably the Tuesday knitting and who knows about the rest.  I doubt I'll be quite as lucky with the mail, but I am looking for a couple more packages;)
And what was in the packages I didn't blog about:
Lucky Lurkers sock club welcome package This is such a creative idea.  The first yarn won't arrive until September so she is keeping us anticipating the club with this welcome gift of an accessories bag from woody creations, a measuring tape (I've started a collection lately), a kitchner stitch cheat sheet, a business card magnet, yarn scraps for holding places and her standard sock pattern in a plastic sleeve.
Rockin Sock Club package
C*eye*ber fiber order (Brother Amos-brimstone for a "Cast-on" KAL and Team Knitty sock yarn for a "Campanula for the Cure" KAL )Each of these  purchases donated a portion of theri profit to the  Cast on website and the Team Knitty  site (respectively).
Spunky Eclectic fiber of the month for August I don't have a plan for this yet.

Three packages in one day was fabulous!  But getting one package a day makes my week so incredibly happy:)  I know this stems from Summers in Alaska while I was in college.  I missed my friends so much.  I would be waiting for the mail plane daily--and it came twice a day.  I have been addicted to mail ever since.

Not just socks

Lest you think I am only on the sock knitting kick I have been working on some lace as well.  Here are the first couple of pics from MS3. Chart A and Chart B.  this is being knit on the bias and I chose a yarn that is a little heavier than some I've seen.  I really love the pattern and I'm looking forward to the next clue.  There is still time to join in.  The Yahoo group closes July 6.  I got together with a couple of local gals that are also working on this over the weekend.  Although we found it was hard to chat and knit lace at the same time it was great to see how very different each of our pojects are.  Great time Tammy and Cindy!
On the spinning front I joined the Spunky fiber club this month and this fun BFL roving in "Tulip" arrived. I wish I had thought to get a photo right out of the box.  It really had every color in a bright red tulip.  The finished product I started to ply it Navajo style last night and really didn't like it.  So I think I'll be knitting singles with this for a smaller Argosy.
And speaking of Spinning--yesterday was the spinning circle at AYD.  A group of ladies get together on the first Monday of the month dropping in anytime from 9-3p.  It was great conversation and spinning yesterday It was interesting how different each of our projects were.  (Left to Right) Pat was working on some natural dyed merino, Berlye on bamboo, Cary on something silky and jewel toned, Barb on silk.  Me-I was finishing up the tulip.  Pat and Berlye decided to join the M3 so we'll be comparing that next month as well.  The shawl that Cary is holding has an interesting story.  Berlye gave it to Barb as a surprise gift.  But Barb seemed very confused about it.  Turns out that she spun the yarn and gave it as a gift to someone who wanted Barb to have a gift in return.  She was very excited to have a "Berlye" shawl.
This was a great fiber weekend!
The week ahead is a bit of work and of course off for the fourth.  This is a traditional family day for me.  My dad's side always has a reunion complete with softball and hotdogs.  This year my aunties are getting a bit old and dad can't get over here.  it has been decided to have a mini picnic with just a couple of aunties and a few of us "kids" (I have 21 cousins).  I'm looking forward to it.  It's just not the same when you aren't eating hotdogs on July 4 (my one of the year). We are also really lucky where we live--DH and I will be walking down to the bridge in the evening where we can watch four different firework shows.  Great fun hanging with the neighborhood!
Here is a little yumminess I made at Nostrana last week. We had a lot of apricots this week.  Ice cream is from Marcella Cucina, galette from The Sweet Kitchen and apricot curd from Chez Panisse Desserts.  I have been slacking around here on the food talk.  This has become my release from talking about food all day/night at work.  Don't worry there will be more in the near future;)

Oh let's just have a small sock pic. Vesper (in a ? colorway) for a simple tv, car or office knitting.  This ended up being quite different from the way it looked on line, but I'm glad I got a chance to try it out.  This little sock is part of the smash the stash project I have for Summer of Socks.

Finished and beginning again

Finally got the camera to work.  Here are finished socks This is the yarn from the April Rockin Sock Club.  The pattern is only a couple rows on the toe.  I love the pattern.  I had planned to make the knee high version.  However, on toe needles I found this to be a bit to fiddly for my current stress level.  These are going in the present box and the leftover yarn will be anklets later on.  Loved this yarn!!  I am hoping they will be selling some of the Silkie at Black Sheep this weekend.  Of course I am hoping they have anything left on Sunday!
Finished just in time for this to arrive. Just in time for Summer of socks.  This is "Firebird" in Socks that Rock lightweight.  I am excited to dig in!  The pattern is toe up.  Love it! 
However, I have promised myself I will be making a dent in the sock stash bag for the Summer of socks. Um I haven't taken a photo of the (much smaller) second bag.  I am setting myself a goal of 6 pair of socks for the summer.  This includes the Sockapaloosa socks.  I fear I may be starting those over--the pattern is not showing up enough on the beautiful varigated yarn I chose.  I'll show a photo Monday of where I am with that choice.
Some spinning photos This is a Navajo plyed tweed from Creative Crosspatch that has been in my closet for a while.  I have learned a bit about my skills and wheels, as well as how a fiber with lots of bits of silk works in plying.  I find that I work my feet a bit fast on my double treadle Schacht so plying is coming out much easier and smoother on my single treadle Joy.  I am happy that I decided to keep it.  It was a challenge to Navajo ply with the tweedy bits (there was some breakage) but I'm happy with the result.  Here is some finished yarn, but not yet washed Next to my yarn is a ball of Tatiana from Socks that Rock.  I didn't realize how close they were until finished.  Fun!

That's all for today.  Off to work and tomorrow down to the Black Sheep Gathering.  Oh yeah--18 yr wedding anniversary tomorrow as well.  My present from DH is a shopping trip to BS.  We'll see what I find as a present down there to bring back.  Photos on Monday--I'm meeting up with Gay from the San Juans to compare our swatches for the Mystery shawl knitalong and hopefully meet up with some Portland knitbloggers.

New knitting and a birthday

There is a new Mystery Stole knitalong for the summer.  I've wanted to join before, but always have joined too late or had too much going on--like I don't right now?
I was shocked to see that over 1600 people will also be knitting along on this project!  I'm sure with all the variety of yarn out there we could all walk into the same building and not even realize we are wearing the same thing.

Birthday you say--why it is this guy's birthday today I won't share the actual year my sweet hubby was born, but it was on this day.  We have been celebrating his birthday together for 20 years now (as of tomorrow)!  The actually wedding anniversary is next week--18yr.  My how time flies.  Unfortunately, DH will be celebrating his birthday by working the lunch shift at one restaurant and dinner at the other.  And I have no present for him.  I know I suck!  I am hoping for a fabulous idea by Father's Day...

Here's a good idea!

Let's chase away the winter blahs.  Zarzuela has a great idea to help (my computer is not wanting to post her button).  I don't feel like I personally get them, but I am definitely affected by those around me.  I'll be posting updated happiness throughout the month of March.  Sounds a little scary huh?

Temptations

I have broken the the yarn shopping fast.  I am still knitting from my stash, but it did increase a bit this last week.  I needed to buy a present and why not buy a little something for me too;)  I was going to show a photo, but I don't want to give away any hints to the person receiving the present.
Today I found this site.  I haven't purchased anything yet, but wanted to share their unique business concept.  This is a huge temptation as I need nothing!  Not for no one!

I did join the Six Sox Along group over the weekend.  A temptation to knit up some of that sock yarn.  However I do need to be careful about too many projects as I am looking forward to the Blue Moon sock club.  The only way I could justify spending the money was that I would actively knit those projects this year!

Very excited about starting my dye class this evening!  My mother gave me a gift certificate to take a bigger class they were thinking of offering a year ago.  This class is going to be wonderful.  And the money left will buy fiber and dyes/plants for continuing at home.

Here is another little temptation we have been looking at.  It is so nice and warm there!

Autumn days

I just finished a brutal 7 day work week with 10 more to go until vacation.  While out running errands Saturday I was able to capture a pic at a fast moving pace Here's one more of the lovely trees down the street We don't get to enjoy this kind of Autumn every year.  If the wind and rain starts early this is all a slick mess in the street.  I love all the color!!

Here is a wonderful present I received in the mail today from the Hot Socks partner .  Thanks again Kristin!!  I am loving the Swap bot site for swapping.  If I ever chose to host one it would be through them.  Seems to take a lot of the confusion out of the organization part of a swap at least.

Hey it is getting to be pumpkin weather.  I'll have to start looking for some tasty desserts as several farmers are starting to drop off their wares at both restaurants.

The death by way of Sock Wars

Well I didn't last long in the war.  I was having too much fun last weekend to do any all nighters in the sock knitting department.  I found socks in the mail the other day .  As you can see I was not finished with mine so they are heading to Brooklyn to be finished.  Hopefully Karen will avenge my death;)

On the sock front.  I have recently purchased this sock yarn Mama E's Autumn socks and sock yarn from the new Shi Bui line.  These will be my projects for Socktoberfest.  I wanted to try something new.  I'll be matching up patterns soon.