Knitty Gritty Thoughts

Whoa! It's been awhile

Whoa!  It's been awhile hasn't it?  Typepad has completely changed their format and I feel like I'm all thumbs trying to put together this post.  Everything looks so strange and new, I hope it comes out ok! ;)  I have a lot to say so pull up a chair and make yourself cozy!

Thank you so, so, much for all your support in the last post.  I am a complete introvert so when given the option to say something or nothing at all I will normally choose the latter.  One of the things I'm challenging myself on this year is to make a greater effort to communicate openly and honestly and when I mean honestly I don't mean telling the truth honest.  I mean being honest with myself and others on what I'm thinking or feeling.  I hope you mean what I'm saying.

I really enjoyed my time away from blogs and blogging in general.  It's funny how much time you end up with when you sort of strip away all the preconceived notions of what you "have to do" and start adding in the things you want to do.  I've been enjoying creating new rhythms and new habits of tasks that are important to me.

One of the things I've finally found a rhythm for is weekly baking.  I've been baking a minimum of two loaves of sandwich bread a week and finally weaned myself off store bought bread completely (knock on wood!)

This was a real challenge for me, one of the things holding me back before was not having enough time to make the bread, or I guess I should say, having other priorities with my time.  I'm using Katie's uber-fabulous wheaty/whitey bread recipe she sent me.  You can get it here.  Katie's been baking 4 loaves a week for her family and my hat goes off to her (I wanna be like her when I grow up! ;)). 

She's taught me so much about the ins and outs of bread storing, something which I had no idea how to do... (They don't teach this type of thing in school anymore! ;))

1)  If you want nice, even slices (and are slightly OCD when it comes to the evenness of the slices!) use a electric bread knife.  I found mine at walmart for 9.98 and it works great.  Make sure the bread is cooled all the way through so you don't squish it and the flavor has fully developed!

2)  Find some bread and food bags at your local grocery store (I did not find them sold at target) and bag your bread after it's fully cooled so no moisture gets inside.  Consider double-bagging for extra frost prevention

3)  That's it!  They go stale fast so make sure to freeze same day.  They last forever, although they probaby won't make it that long.  Throw the loaves in your freezer and pull them off slice by slice.  You can use them as-is if you're making a grilled sandwich or defrost on low (20% or reheat mode) for 1min 20 sec for 2 slices.  Your mileage may vary.

Easy peasy, right?? ;)

In the spirit of getting as much of my food as possible locally, grown mindfully and without unnecessary "extras"  I spent my weekends visiting every farmers market in the area.  I went on farm tours and met my meat and veggies.  It was so much fun!  My favorite local farmers market is the Durham (NC) Farmers Market.  Hands down in my opinion the best market in the Triangle.  I used to hate getting up early on the weekends, now I rise with the sun to get down to the market and pick up fresh food.  I've found sources for local meats and poultry, fresh eggs and honey, cheese (this was a tough one to find!), fruits and veggies, beeswax candles, plants, etc.  I've been challenging myself to produce mostly local meals on a regular basis and it's been a real treat to get better at it week to week. 

On that same topic I've been devouring a wonderful book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  If you have any interest at all in learning more about where your food comes from, how it is produced and just general motivation to rediscover your food you must read this book!  I can't recommend it any more highly.

I've also been making my own jam for the first time.  Something I've always wanted to do.  It's pretty easy and fun!  The strawberries are local of course, they are well in season here in NC and it's fun to admire my pretty jars on the pantry shelf.  I have plans to make more as gifts for Christmas.

Hmm let's see what else have I been doing?  I don't want to make it too long!  My mom came to visit from CA again and we went to Duke gardens.  I have some gorgeous photos of the gardens but I haven't uploaded them yet. 

I've been organizing my knitting books and magazines and I have a ton for sale!  You can see my ravelry destash post here.  Please take a look and I hope you find something you like!  I'm happy to offer free shipping of whatever you want to all of my blog friends, just put blog friends as a code when you PM me and I'll ship for free.  Free! =)

 

I've also been spinning, I wanted to take a turn with something a little thicker than my ubiquitous sock yarn and ended up with a DK/Worsted.  This is one my favorite yarns of all time.  The fiber is from Hello Yarn's Fiber Club, Insect Wings, 10 oz total for about 560 yards.

I immediately cast-on for a BSJ, garter stitch was just what I needed.  I've been wanting to teach myself continental and this was the perfect excuse, all garter!  What was holding me back before was tension issues.  I would switch back in forth in a current project from English to Continental and my stitches would be all wonky.  What I learned with this great video is that it's typical for Continental to be looser than the other way, and you frequently have to go down two needle sizes to get the same tension.  Oy!  What an epiphany!  I knew I had to start a continental only project and the BSJ won!

OH!  And I almost forgot to tell you I've been taking a quilting class too - something on my must-do list for awhile.  Here's my first quilt, just pieced and quilt-sandwiched together.  I'll quilt it next week in class and show you when it's done.  I love the colors!  Blue and Brown and Cream are so pretty together!  Quilting is addicting, I'm already planning my second quilt, plus I get to use the shops machine, a Bernina Aurora.  *Drool*  So, so yummy to sew on!

Oh and last but certainly NOT least as you all know I was a member of the May Day Sock Swap.  Lynne was the one knitting for me, she is one of my favorite people and also favorite people to swap with, such a sweetheart.  She sent me a lovely pair of socks and yummy yummy treats.  A beautiful tray and candles, matching soap and washcloths and yummy candy and as usual got me to a T.  Thanks so much Lynne I love everything! =)

So, haven't been up to much have I???  What have you all been up to?? Can't wait to catch up! =)

Keep on keepin' on

I know I've been a bit quiet lately, not only on my own blog but on commenting, responding to comments and general email chitchat.  I'm going through a quiet, reflective period in my life. 

As many of you already know, my hubby is currently deployed to Iraq.  I certainly am familiar with deployments and separations.  We've been through multiple deployments and even when he's "home" he's never really "home" (fellow military wives know what I mean.)  My husband has been gone almost 3 and a half of the last 5 years.  Yes 5, that is not a typo.  It can be tough, but you get used to it quickly.

We recently hit the 12 month mark time frame that he's been gone, this is the time when normally he would be home.  For me, the 12 month mark was like running full speed into a brick-wall you never saw coming.  It was painful, I never expected it to throw me off balance as it did.  I've had other friends in the same situation who went through the same thing also say that the 12 month mark was hard for them.  The good news however is that when he comes home this time, after out-processing and all that by the end of summer, he'll be home for good.  That sounds so nice I'm going to say it again, for good. 

I come from a long line of procrastinators which may seem funny when I say I'm not a patient person.  When there is a decision to be made I like to review my options and make it quickly.  When he returns it means he's going to get a regular job, that we'll most likely move again even though I just moved less than a year ago to NC, but this time it should be permanent.  It means that we'll be settled down, that we'll be getting on with the rest of our life.  And I'm anxious.  I'm anxious to start making those decisions, to make plans and I'm having a very hard time standing still, being patient for that time to come.

Decluttering in it's own way has been cathartic for me, I've moved so many times that I know that I don't love much of this stuff enough to drag it around again.  I'm working hard to simplify and refocus my life so I can enjoy the big things without sweating the small stuff.

I've also been reflecting on what is important to me in my own life and rethinking what I want to spend my time and energy on.  Instead of doing things just because I've always done them I want to reassess -

• are they making me happy?
• do I enjoy doing them?
• if not - then why do them?

Obviously some things you "have" to do even if you don't enjoy them but I've found that you can keep those to a minimum.  Even cleaning is simpler now with decluttering.  There is quite simply, less things to keep clean, less things to put away and a place for everything.  I recently finished up my closet and bathroom cabinets and it feels so good!  I'd be happy to share tips if anyone is interested.

I'm trying to slow down, to find happiness in the little things - getting up early to sit outside and watch the sun come up with my dogs.  Curled up in a chair reading a book.  I'm even rethinking my knitting projects, trying to focus on those that bring me enjoyment.  Anything I feel like I have to slog on is out the door and I'm having fun casting on, on a whim, just because.  Try it, you'll enjoy it. =)

Anyhow - so you'll have to forgive my silence for a bit longer as I begin to refocus, to re-find my voice and discover anew who I am and who I want to be. 

I finished Tiramisu - it was a lovely, easy crochet project that I would highly recommend for a beginning crocheter' (is that even a word? ;)  It took me a long time to find the perfect, coordinating ribbon, in a lovely slate grey.  I don't have a recipient in mind so for now it goes into my gift cabinet until the perfect opportunity comes along.  Ravelry details here.

I also cast-on for a lovely little scarf.  It's a kit and the yarn is hand-dyed by Kim (woolen rabbit) and the pattern is from Ann. I love, love, love this beautiful, cheery green colorway.  And for knitted lace (patterning every row instead of a rest row) this is a fast knit.  (Ravelry details here)

I must say I miss chatting with you all - I hope all is well with all of you! =)  Happy Thursday!

 

May Day Mission Complete!

Well hello there - that was kind of a long break wasn't it?  Life has been busy, a lot of things came up in my personal life that I had to take care of.  Anyhow I'm still decluttering but I felt like talking about knitting today so you get a brief synopsis of what I've been working on.  Don't get your hopes up, it's rather brief, I'm still not in a chatty mood but I did want to share my little rays of knitting sunshine! =)

First up - I finished my may day socks, hurray!  It feels so good to be done early (they were due May 1st)!  Now I can find fun little treats to put in the bag and weave in those ends.  They've already been blocked but sadly you can't see the pattern well  because I can't use my sock blockers.  My pals foot is waaay smaller than mine.  But you get the idea.

The dream in color smooshy may have redeemed itself to me, the yardage on that skein is insane and it's very soft to knit with too!

Embossed Leaves Socks
All the rav details here

Here's my little WIP roundup and 1 FO too  - all of these projects are so enjoyable to me, I'm having a hard time choosing which one to focus on first! =)  Clicky for big.

1 - Butterfly jacket from the current wool gathering knit with 2 skeins of berrocco ultra alpaca.  I love this knit, the garter stitch and simple shaping have taken on a meditative quality while knitting and I love the cute retro shape!  Plus I always love when I manage to find something that few people are knitting, it adds to the fun! =)  Rav dets here.

2 -Tiramisu baby blanket - super easy crochet pattern, if I only could manage not to lose my hook every 5 seconds!  I'm off to buy another so I can finish it off.  Rav dets here.

3 - Glee has been resurrected!  The last time I talked about her I threw her in a corner due to concerns about fit, dye lot issues (well it really should be "year lot" issues.  The two skeins were from different years of shearings and are 100% natural colored prime alpaca.  One year is darker than the other.  If I had planned ahead I really should have alternated skeins but on second glance it's not as bad as I thought it was.  I'm planning on putting back in the needles I yanked out and give it one more try.  Rav dets here.

4 - Cabled Rangoli Hat - very cute and helps with hat hair syndrome, who doesn't like that?  I was SO inspired by Miss Nasseknits version - check out her photo here!  This may be a hat I will actually wear!  Ravelry dets here.

Anyhow have a great weekend all! =)

Mindfulness in the Craft Room

Thanks everyone so much for all the lovely, mindful comments!  I'm afraid life has gotten away from me again from responding to them as I would have liked, I'm a little (lot) busy at work, and with another work trip coming up, MIL visiting for 3 weeks and a variety of other stuff I don't want to discuss here things are not slowing down anytime soon! =)  Every one of your items is a inspiration to me, and I'm filled with all sorts of lovely, mindful ideas that I can't wait to try out!

In the meantime I've been "decluttering" my craft room *sigh*.  It's exhausting.  What I did was pull everything out, everything from the closet went on the floor.  All my yarn and fiber went on the guest bed.  I cleaned everything and scrubbed all the cabinets, shelves and desks and then only allowed items back in the room that I really enjoy or had a plan for using.  Yarn, fabric and fiber went back in pretty fast.  I did have about 3 boxes of yarn that I didn't have plans for and wasn't speaking to me so I'm going to pass them on to new owners.(Angelika, check your mailbox!) =) ;)

When I was done I was still left with that giant pile in the middle of the room.  Everything in the closet was mostly "misc" crafts.  You know, the other crafts that you've tried and then abandoned?  Beads, calligraphy, 15 pillow forms, 3 bags of polyfill, extra, old fabric in patterns I would never wear.  Rubber stamps, embossing powder, glitter glue, markers and paper (I can't draw to save my life), 3 boxes of ink pens, tracing paper, coloring books, half-done projects stuffed in a drawer, etc, etc, etc. 

Plus the magazines, oh the magazines!  I like to tear out pages to save ideas for later and then I stuff them in a drawer if I don't get around to cutting them out and gluing them in my inspiration book.  Needless to say they pile up quickly.

Cleaning out my craft room is hard.  I have a hard time letting it go.  Every little bit of it is a part of my craft history which was changed and evolved to bring me to the type of crafter I am today.  I know now I love fiber and yarn, I adore knitting and can't picture my life without it.  I love spinning.  I love dyeing fiber and carding fiber and making battlets. I love sewing.  It's important to me to be able to sew with a machine and by hand.  I enjoy embroidery, even though I'm not very good at it yet.

But when I started, I didn't know any of those things.  My mom got me started early, ever since I can remember we crafted together but we didn't do any of the things I do now.  We painted, traced, beaded, rubber stamped (a lot!), glued, and paper mache'd our way to fun stuff.  I baby sat other children as soon as I was old enough and I always brought a backpack full of crafty fun from my craft room to play with them and they loved it!  I was always a favorite babysitter. 

I've been moving and carrying this stuff around for so long and I realized it's time to just let it go. 

Declutter.

It's time to give it to a new generation of crafters so they can find something they enjoy doing.  What I did was pile up boxes and boxes of stuff and let my nieces pick through. 

Those bags and bags of stamps?  On to a happy new home!  The bead loom, beading kits, markers, pens and misc stuff that helped me find my inner crafter?  Gone!  I hope it will help them find their own creative muses and find the right crafts for them.  And hey - if it's knitting I'll be there in a heartbeat to teach them! ;)

My craft room is almost finished and it feels so light and airy in there now, stepping in there makes me happy.  I'm so happy I cleaned it out.

Aside from decluttering I've been busy.  I spun up some beautiful (if I do say so myself!) yarn from my Deep End of the Ocean battlets.  This is a dk/sportweight, 260 yards, 3.7 oz and very, very soft and oh so pretty! I love this colorway!  If you are interested in this colorway I have just enough on my worktable to make another set and I'm happy to custom card it for you.

I also am part of the May Day sock swap.  I haven't talked much about my sock here,  I ran into some issues when I ordered yarn (3 colors of dream in color smooshy).  The colors that arrived were NOT what I was expecting so I had to let it marinate for awhile until I could decide what it wanted to be.  Happily I'm making progress.  This is the embossed leaves socks.  I love knitting this - it's beautiful, fun and best of all knits up quickly!  These are going to be some cushy socks!

Happy Monday!

Being Mindful

I got back on the horse literally and figuratively speaking this week, I had another lesson on Tuesday and that went well.  I felt pretty good and did some jumping and even though my legs were burning by the end it was good, a good kind of working my muscles kind of burning.  I really appreciate all the well wishes, thank you so much!  I was lucky, no major bruises and although I tweaked my neck a bit and it's been hurting and aggravated a bit when I sit at a computer, no major injuries to speak of. =)

Anyhow - so as I'm getting back to speed I haven't been doing much knitting but I did want to talk to you a bit about being "mindful."  Something that's been bouncing around in my brain for a long time.

I hear people talk a lot about their resolutions at the beginning of every year as if January 1 is going to wipe their slate clean and all the things they've ever wanted to accomplish will be possible right in that instant of the clock striking 12.

Rather than resolutions, every year I try to choose a word or thought that kind of epitomizes what I hope to accomplish or what's on my mind at a particular time.  The word kind of chooses itself, I let things marinate in the back of my skull until the same word keeps jumping out and out at me and that becomes my "mantra" for the year.  Now you may be thinking that a mantra sounds like a serious word, but the intent of it is not really so serious.  I like having a word, thought or idea that expresses to me, in a single instance what I hope to accomplish.  I can keep it on my brain and it will spur me to action.

As you may have noticed by the title, my thought, my mantra, this year is "being mindful."

Being mindful means different things to different people.  To me it means that I'm aware of the things that I do and the choices I make.  I suppose I should back up for a second, and start at the beginning.  That's the best place to start isn't it?

Gradually last year I began to notice that I started to feel a bit out of balance.  Work-life balance, home-cleaning balance, family-time balance, health-life balance, financial-personal balance, there are so many things that we're balancing day to day aren't we? 

They're all intertwined- our small, day to day choices can affect our health balance, our financial balance and even the environment which I'll call our earth-life balance.  As an example- an item that we chose to buy costs us money right?  It affects our financial balance?  However it also affects the earth as well, say for instance if it's a coffee, it can be the disposable cup that we throwaway or even the source of the global resources put into the cup, the coffee, the milk, the sugar, etc.  Even if we buy things that we take home and use, these items can even affect our personal balance as well as our financial and earth balance.

"Stuff" costs us, more than we're aware.  Once we lay out money to spend to purchase an item we're tied up in the emotional clutter of taking care of it, insuring it, making sure it's not broken and we're even emotionally tied up in getting rid of the item, or not, after it's come to the end of it's usefulness.  I know I've mentioned I've been spring cleaning lately but it's really deeper than that, it's figuring out what's valuable to you, and being aware of the cost of your financial clutter.  Both of those links are life-changing articles - I highly recommend a read. =)

I suppose this is a complicated way of saying that I'm choosing - I'm making a decision to be more mindful on what I buy, using what I have and the balance my choices impact not only personally, financially, but also on an environmental level.

I'm choosing to re-balance and reconnect my life to the world around me and I'm choosing to tread lightly upon the earth.

Some of the ways I've started choosing include -

• Purchasing quality over quantity
• Using what I have
• Decluttering my home and putting items I no longer use into reuse in other functions (towels, clothes, etc) or choosing to donate or sell extra items rather than throwing them away to reduce my impact on the earth
• After decluttering being mindful of the items I invite into my home
  
  • Do they bring me joy or happiness when I look at them?
  • Are they useful, functional items
  • How are the items made, what materials were used and who made them?
    • Was the labor fair?
    • How was the environment affected by the creation of this item?
• No more plastic bottles - I have 1 sigg bottle which I just love and I haven't purchased plastic bottles in over a year.  If you must purchase, please recycle
• Being mindful in the car that I choose and its gas usage
• Choose to replace old appliances with more energy/water efficient ones
  
  • I got the chance when our old washer and dryer bit the dust at Christmas.  It really does use less water!
• Being mindful of using towels more in the kitchen than paper towels
• Replacing all my fixtures, not just shower heads with low water use ones, including aerators on all my sink fixtures and kitchen. 
  
  • In 1 month my water usage dropped in half by this change alone
• I want to know where my food comes from and eat less processed food
  • I've joined a CSA for fruit and veggies
  • I recently started buying all my meat and poultry local including eggs
  • It's important to me to know how my food is treated and what I'm putting into my mouth
  • This ties into eating seasonally and locally, both important items that I'm being mindful of
  • This ties into my making my own bread and pasta now, from scratch
  • Funny point - hubby was so worried about only bringing whole foods into our home, nothing processed (something I often refer to as clean eating) that he bought me a book on how to make icecream!  =)  Yep the first thing on his mind was, icecream! =)
• Recycling as much as I possibly can
• Purchasing a rain barrel to remove my impact on local water for my plants outdoors (NC is currently in a big drought)
• Using more natural cleaning products (as old ones run out I've been buying Seventh Generation, I like their motto and they clean good!
• I stopped using body wash (and I used to love body wash) because of the excessive packaging.  Don't worry, I switched to soap. ;)  Same goes for body pouf's, it finally occurred to me that those little things are made of plastic, out of oil!  Who wants to be rubbing ourselves with that when we're knitters and crafters?  I'm making my own! =)  I'll share some patterns for this soon.
• And many, many more things that I can't think of right now...

Ways I would like to become more mindful-

• Starting a compost pile and reducing more waste
• Make the switch to reusable bags away from plastic or paper! (this is so tough, but very important to me!) =)

It's not about being "perfect" what ever that is, it's about being mindful of the choices that you make and their impact on you and the earth itself.  I have many many times that I've fallen down or haven't made the best choice, but I make the choice that is right for me at the time and that's important.

I would love some inspiration, crafty folks are so wonderful I know many of you are doing many of these things and more.  How are you choosing to be mindful in your own life?  Will you join me in choosing?

In the meantime I'm enjoying a stack of knitting books as I mull over choices and opportunities for next knits and a little bit of mindful/mindless crochet as well.  It's fun to mull. =)

...Slow Down...

I've decided that the universe likes to send me messages sometimes, especially ones like slow down(!).  In a normal day I'm a whirlwind of activity - I dislike pausing or sitting still as much as I can and I love running from one thing to another.  It seems the universe has other plans however.

Remember I mentioned way back that I had started back up horseback riding again?  I know I really haven't talked about it much since then, I've been riding a lot, building up my muscles again and last month I started jumping again which was fun.

Yesterday I went on a trail ride with my instructor and some of the other girls.  I was riding Sunshine who is a thoroughbred mare (anyone who knows horses would think, whoa, fiesty!)  =)  Thoroughbreds are known for their, shall we say, high spiritedness and as we were riding she was getting more and more high-spirited, tossing her head and prancing.

Anyhow at some point she totally freaked out and tried to make a run for it.  I stopped her and then she reared, I held on.  She bucked and tried to kick the horse behind her, I held on.  At that point she tripped and fell on top of me!  It was then that I let go which I think was a good plan!

The only thing I could think of was I didn't want to get my foot caught in the stirrups and drug around (which has happened to me before) so I was happy to be clear!  I rolled away from her hooves as she tried to regain her balance.  Luckily nothing was broken, I was achy and bruised but not too bad.  I even got back on her after we walked to the road and rode her around a bit (you know that old saying "you've got to get back on the horse?"  it's true! =)

Anyhow so I went home, no big deal but when I woke up this morning I am SORE!  I feel like someone had run me over with a truck and I am suddenly 80 years old.  I'll be fine, I just need to take some time to slow down and pamper myself.

So in the meantime I slow.down. and sit a bit and crochet since I can't hold my needles with my wrist tweaked.  I started a easy-peasy tiramisu blanket (a free pattern by Miss Posie, it's in her side-bar).  The ravelry details are here.  I'm working up to her super-cute baby cardigan so I'm treating this as bit of a warm-up.  I have lots of the new cotton-ease that I'm planning on using.  The lake color is for the blanket with a tan border, and then matching cardi eventually.  It will be super cute!  I'll take pics next time when I've managed more than a few rows and have something  to show you.

Until then I'll be over here, slowing down, putting my feet up and relaxing! =)  Have a great week!

Lendrum Wheel For Sale

Something about spring, the dogwoods are blooming, the sun is shining and the temps are perfect, it brings on major decluttering.  This isn't some wimpy cleaning, this is a full out assault on all things clutter! =)

Along those lines I finally made the decision to sell my lendrum wheel. I thought I would post it over here and on ravelry and see if anyone was interested.

I bought it used from a friend oh, only about 9 months or so ago.  It was a wonderful wheel to learn on and it made me realize how much I enjoy spinning.  Now that I have my matchless the lendrum isn't getting any attention and I'd like it to find a new home where it will be happy.

Specs:

Lendrum Single Treadle Wheel

• I bought it used, and it's a slightly older lendrum
• There are a few cosmetic wear marks on the knobs and treadle which would buff out nicely if you were inclined to do so.
• It spins lovely, very smooth and even and is a wonderful wheel to learn on, or to travel with as it folds flat into a bag
• It comes with a custom bag from the well-known "Bag Lady" that fits it perfectly
• 4 bobbins
• Jumbo Plying head with bobbin
• Lazy Kate (lazy kate is missing one of the metal rods that holds a bobbin but can easily be replaced with a skewer or extra knitting needle)
• New all items retail about $550, asking $250 + shipping and I'll send along lots of free fiber to get you started! =)

Whoa - The interest has been overwhelming!  I'm digging myself out of my email box now but I believe the wheel has been spoken for.  Thanks everyone! =)

Here's a photo from when I bought it...It hasn't changed a bit. 
I'm happy to send more pics of closeup if you're interested.

Thanks so much for looking, Back after more decluttering! =)

Of Socks and Mail

I guess it's a good thing I blogged so much last week, I feel like I don't have much to say this week.  Busy, busy at work, taxes (ugh!) and I've been spring cleaning and organizing like no tomorrow.  Clean cupboards make me happy, what can I say?? =)

I was once again part of Lynne's lovely special swap and paired up with Debby which was a real treat.  Debby is a real sweetheart and I enjoyed getting to know her better.

She sent me such a lovely package - the theme was spa treats which is one of my weaknesses.  I love beauty products that promise, better, prettier, shinier, well, anything!  My bathroom is covered in them (well, was, hence the spring cleaning.) =)

I received a lovely package that really made my day, beautiful bath bubbles, lotions, pedicure treats and a candle to enjoy while I do it all.  One of the neatest little tools ever was the cuticle oil stick she sent me from bath and body works.  That thing is amazing, it's not pictured because it's sitting on my desk and hasn't left my side since it arrived! =)  There was yummy, yummy yarn as well.  I am so, so excited to try out the new alpaca sox (and I'm anxious to see if mine will pool like grumperina's in the ball.)  and don't forget the yummy merino too - it's so soft!  Thank you so much Debby for being a wonderful swap pal!

In other news I've been doing some plain sock knitting this week but the yarn isn't so plain.  Since I'm on a roll with short-row heels I thought I would finally bite the bullet and try toe-up socks one more time ( I haven't done them since my Badcaul ones)

The yarn is Wollmeise in poison nr 5 (strong) and it's quite decadent to knit with.  I wanted to use up every little inch of this valuable yarn so I searched high and low for a pattern that would work.  It had to be toe-up and it had to be knee highs (knee highs in this would be ultra-decadent! =)  I finally found it in Star's awesome pattern, the Anne Diamond Socks.  Ahh perfection in a pattern! =)  I'm looking forward to starting the upper leg this weekend.

Speaking of which I'm going to busy this weekend.  Mama-e is having one of her dye workshops sorta close to me (2hrs away) and I decided to go for it.  I'm always interested in learning new things or new and better ways to do the things I already do and I'm interested in chatting with someone who I've admired her yarn for a long time.  Should be fun, I'm really excited.  If you live in the area there's still room I think, come join us! =)

Have a great weekend all!

A Fo a Day: Polar Morn Shrug

Oh my goodness at a FO a day I feel like I've run out of things to say!  Luckily this one doesn't need much explanation.  I suppose it's only fitting that I should end my Fo a Day week with another malabrigo FO, 3 out of 5 this week were all made with malabrigo! 

I was very inspired by craftoholic's version - I am such a HUGE fan of grey shrugs that I had another must-cast-on moment and went searching for the same yarn - malabrigo worsted in polar morn.  It was sold out everywhere but fellow knit bud Hilary came through for me - her yarn store carried it and she ran down and picked up the last two skeins!  Aren't knit buds the greatest?  Thanks so much Hilary! =)

This was a fun and easy knit - the brioche stitch is easily memorizable and the way it's designed you only have to change needle sizes to increase and decrease- easy peasy.  I did lengthen it overall by about 8 inches so it would hit just past my elbows to be more flattering.  You can add the length in any section but I chose the 10.5.

I have to be honest, it turned out a smidge small on me since I'm so tall I have wider shoulders.  I haven't decided what to do - if I'm going to give it away or let it marinate.

Details as always on ravelry.  That concludes my Fo a Day for 5 days series - I hope you enjoyed it!  I feel so much lighter now that I've organized my WIP queue and pending projects for the end of the month.  Now to get my next projects I want to start ready to go.  Happy Friday and Leap Day all!

A Fo a Day: Baby Surprise Set

Oh my goodness, I didn't know if I was going to make it blogging a Fo a Day for 5 days but I'm almost there!  Only 1 more day to go!

Today's Fo is actually two items, but since they go as a set I wanted to post them as one.  It's a super cute BSJ by EZ in the most scrumptious yarn Hello Yarn Fat Sock with matching Saartje's booties too.  I was able to squeeze both out of two skeins.  It is so, so cute, that's all I could say to myself over and over again as I took photo after photo.

So, so cute.

I had a annoyingly hard time finding the perfect buttons for this set.  I really wanted to find a set that had smaller ones for the booties and larger ones for the jacket but coordinated overall which is darn near impossible (who knew?)  I finally found some that worked and while I think they're cute I'm not IN-LOVE with them, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for another set.

Details on ravelry as always, the jacket here and the booties here.  If you haven't knit either pattern yet, I highly recommend it, both are an enjoyable knit.