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March 30, 2006
The Winds Of Change
I'm turning over a new leaf. Yeah, I know, I've said it before, but I really mean it this time (stop laughing, I'm serious). Let me start by saying that I'm a planner by nature. I like to consider myself organized - I file and compartmentalize and dislike clutter (although Travis would scoff at the idea that I dislike clutter - he thinks I'm a pack rat). But, sometimes planning can just be too much trouble. Now, before you get all worried, I'm not talking about packing my bags and going to the airport just to see if any of the destinations strike my fancy. I'm talking about knitting. I have lists - lists and lists of projects I want to knit that are continually amended and abandoned and reinstated and reabandoned. And as of today there will be no. more. lists. Work with me here - let's talk this through. I'll admit, I have some stash. Not a lot of stash, but some. I have one of those little three drawer carts with sock yarn in the top drawer (and it's full) and then random yarn in the other two drawers, neither of which is close to full, plus Mermaid, which is in her own box. So, some stash, but it hasn't reached the point of needing it's own zip code. Right now, as you know, I'm working on my Sockapaloooza socks, Clapotis, and Butterfly. Three projects is too many for me. I get ADD and hate when I can't see progress on anything. I know it's about the process, but for me it's also about seeing progress and finishing things. Now, let me assure you that I am not abandoning any of my current projects. What I'm saying is that I'm going to be diligent in getting Clapotis and the Sockapaloooza socks done as soon as possible. When I started Butterfly I knew she was a long term project, and she's just gonna have to hang out for a little while until I get these other projects off my plate. And even then, I really won't be able to work on Butterfly unless I'm at home because she requires a lot of concentration on my part. But, the point of all this rambling is to tell you about my new plan. (deep breath) For me, a lot of the fun of knitting is picking the next project. I feel like I've missed out on that lately, and maybe that's making the whole knitting process a little less fun. I've gone from one planned project to another without getting to browse and consider all the great stuff out there to knit and to really decide what I feel like knitting right now. So, as of today, my list is out the window. I'm knitting on the fly. Sounds scary, but who knows, it might be just what I need to get the spark back. There are a few things I know I'll eventually knit - Rogue and Mermaid are absolutes, and one may very well be the next project, but they just don't have to be. And Butterfly will continue to be a work in progress. So, there you have it. My latest crazy plan. I guess I'll just have to see how it works and go from there.
In an effort to get some of these outstanding projects off the needles, I've been working on Clapotis quite a bit.
I'm still in the straight section - I've dropped 8 of the 13 stitches. So, I consider that progress. I'm staying in for lunch today and plan to make some progress on the sock. And if I can work up the nerve, I'm going to try it on. I'm really afraid it isn't going to fit, but I guess knowing sooner is better than later. Get on with it, right?
As always, thank you all for your support and encouragement. You guys really are the best! Have a great day.
Oh, and I can't believe I almost forgot! Sew? I Knit! is moving on to the next project. We're sewing bags this time around. Sign-ups are running through tomorrow and this project will go through the month of April. If skirts aren't your thing, but you'd love to sew yourself a new knitting bag or purse or overnight bag, come over and sign up!
Posted by Stephanie at 8:59 AM | Comments (22)March 29, 2006
Reflections
As March draws to a close, I find myself thinking about the things I accomplished, and I have to be honest here. March was not very productive on the creative front. I had grand plans for my Project Spectrum projects, but didn't get to them all. I did make some pillows for my living room, but I have yet to hand sew the bottoms.
I started a pair of socks, and ripped them out. Started another pair, and I'm not sure about those either. I finished a skirt, but didn't finish a second one (and all I have to do is finish the hem - I'm seeing a pattern in the string of unfinished projects). I learned to spin! And I bought a car, which isn't creative, but is pretty darned exciting. I hope April will be more productive. I'd really like to finish my Sockapaloooza socks in the next couple of weeks (May 1 is the deadline after all) and Clapotis and maybe start the Trellis scarf from the latest IK. And then there's Rogue and Mermaid and all those socks I want to make. I keep seeing so many great sweater patterns, and my to-knit list just keeps growing and growing. How do you keep it manageable? My best intentions are really getting me nowhere.
Posted by Stephanie at 11:08 AM | Comments (15)March 28, 2006
I'm In Trouble
So I'm sure you all know I have fiber addiction issues. But, it appears I also have book addiction issues. Miss Stephanie has been reviewing books, and they look so wonderful (and we cannot forget the must haveitness of her new book). So, of course, I must have them all. Inspired Cable Knits looks absolutely amazing. Judging from the pictures I've seen, there will be a few must-knits in there (my to-knit list is getting a bit out of control). And then we have Mason-Dixon Knitting which everyone says is wonderful. So, my budget is toast. And this does not include the fiber I will have to buy to support this new spinning habit. Plus the yarn... Yipes!
Speaking of spinning...
Lennie and I made this on Sunday. From some fiber Marcia sent me. Isn't she sweet? It's getting better. Now I have to figure out how to use the plying head on my wheel and I'll attempt some plying.
And, I've turned the heel on the first Sockapaloooza sock.
My gauge appears to be on, but I'm not sure this sucker is going to fit. I thought I'd finish the heel and put it on some scrap yarn and see what's what. If I have to frog it again, I may cry.
I bought a new car (and was kind of sick about it for a few days). A Nissan Murano - in red! I love it. Travis isn't sure it's quite as great as I think it is because, well, you know... it isn't a truck. Which I can't argue with. But, I think it's better than a truck (and besides, we already have a truck - a big truck). My plan is to take it on a road trip and he'll fall in love with it. We'll see. I just got it yesterday, so I'll try to get some pictures of it for you.
This week has been better than last week. We may have turned the corner of craziness - hopefully.
Posted by Stephanie at 2:29 PM | Comments (23)March 24, 2006
Hello. My Name Is...
Lennie
Thank you all so very much for all the wonderful names you suggested. It took me a really long time to choose (obviously). I made a list of all the names and read them as I was sitting at my wheel - I wasn't actually spinning, just considering, because goodness knows I certainly can't do anything else while I try to spin. But, when I started spinning, it seemed like he was just a Lennie. Lennie is after all a simple wheel made of good solid Canadian maple. A simple name just seems to fit. So, thank you to Angela for suggesting it.
Angela is on a bit of a yarn diet, and she's being really good (she has way more willpower than I do, I can tell you that). So, of course she must have yarn as her prize for picking the name. And since I'm in love with Sundara Yarn, she's getting some sock yarn. I have to choose the color, but then it will be on it's way to Angela.
Today is finally Friday, and I'm really ready for the weekend. I'm hoping that this weekend and next week will be a bit slower because it's about time.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AM | Comments (13)March 23, 2006
Scavenger Hunt
I saw this new meme over at January One and thought it looked fun. Here are the rules (you know there are always rules):
~ Your finds must come from knit blogs.
~ You may not use a blog for more than one item-all items must come from different sources.
~ Finds can come from current entries or archives.
~ You must post your answers with the title of the blogs they were found on and a link to the blog/item (permalinks where appropriate) on your blog. If no permalink is available, give us the post date.
~ Do not steal anyone’s bandwidth-which means you should not hotlink pictures.
~ You need to comment [on JenLa's site] and let [them] know when you have completed this meme.
My finds:
1. A blog which you think people have not discovered.
Leanne's blog Happy Froggy Knits - she's hilarious and shares my sarcastic sense of humor.
2. A blog whose author lives close to you physically. Just get as close as you can, it’s all relative.
Kristi of Fiber Fool lives about 50 miles from me, which in Wyoming is close! Kristi lives in Ft. Collins, Colorado, but still...it's close. Trust me. However, we have yet to actually meet in person. We're really going to have to work on that.
3. An unusual or weird animal picture.
Rebekah at Knit-Knack has a blue crown parrot named Basil. He's quite handsome - this is one of my favorite pictures of him.
4. An entry that made you laugh and got you strange looks from family or co-workers.
Cara of January One's furniture building experience. I did not think Cara's troubles and misery were funny, but I could totally see myself in the exact same situation. But, she's much better at writing about her troubles and feelings. I laughed because I could relate and felt her pain and frustration.
5. An idea you wish you’d thought of.
The Knitting Olympics. It was wonderful to see how knitters around the world all got behind the idea and really worked hard to complete their projects by the Closing Ceremonies (although I'm really glad I didn't have to deal with the nightmare of signing up all those people).
6. Something you’d like to knit.
Oh, where to start... Rogue, Mermaid, and Trellis Scarf (from the latest IK)
7. A picture of something you consider beautiful.
The wonderful picture of the shawl Grumperina knit for her grandmother pulled through the ring her grandmother gave her. There's just something about the tradition and love in that picture - the sense of family - that is breathtaking.
8. A blog whose author you’d like to one day meet in person.
Angela of yaiAnn knits!. We've gotten to be good friends and have discovered we have a lot in common. And I can think of about 20 other bloggers I'd love to meet in person, but I keep thinking it will happen - one day.
9. A blog of someone you have already met in person.
That's easy because I've only met one blogger in person. Marcia of Spinnerella's Attic. We met last fall when they went through Laramie on their way to SOAR in Utah and we had a great time together.
JenLa tagged everyone, so if you're interested, go for it.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:28 AM | Comments (10)March 21, 2006
One Of These Days
I know it. One of these days the world is going to right itself, my life will get back to normal, things will slow down to a reasonable pace, and I'll have time to knit and blog. I just know it. Anyone have any ideas on the scientific basis for the world righting itself?
Anyway. Yesterday was mostly productive. I worked on my skirt (which I didn't get done), went to the bank and signed the papers for the car loan (yipes), spun some more, and went to karate. Oh, and look what came in the mail
Sock yarn from Sundara Yarn! Gifts from Grumperina as a very generous prize for guessing the correct finish date on her grandmother's shawl. My fingers are itching to start some socks with this yummy yarn (which is unbelievably soft), but I must behave myself and finish my Sockapaloooza socks first. I must. I figure if I tell myself that enough I'll believe it. And I have you guys to keep in line. Right?
Posted by Stephanie at 4:01 PM | Comments (15)March 20, 2006
My First Handspun
While it isn't surprising, it's still frustrating. What is? How tricky this whole spinning business is. I spent quite a bit of time trying it out this weekend and made significant progress, even to my uneducated eye.
This is my very first attempt. As you can see, it leaves a whole lot to be desired. But man was it fun! I spun this on Friday night.
On Sunday I tried again.
Better, but still iffy. Uneven and places with too much twist and a lot with not enough. But, I felt like I was making progress.
So, I tried again.
I spun most of this this morning - snow day! While it still needs work, I feel like each bobbin gets better than the last. Which is the point, isn't it?
Other than spinning and working on my second skirt for Sew? I Knit! I didn't do anything. No knitting. Yesterday, I didn't even get out of my pjs. I'm actually really glad to be at home today. I can do all the things I didn't get done yesterday and maybe make some progress on some projects. And it gives me a chance to go to the bank and get the paperwork in order for the new car! I'm really excited, but kind of sick. Seriously. Sick. All that money. Why do cars have to be so expensive? Do you have any idea how much yarn and fiber and fabric (and food) I could buy for the price of a car? It boggles the mind.
Have a great day. Friday will be here before we know it.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:30 AM | Comments (28)March 17, 2006
What Day Is It?
I've been so busy I don't know which end's up. Work has been nuts (and I was naive enough to think this week might be a bit slower), I'm trying to buy a new car (and can I just go off on a tangent and tell you what a pain in the ass that is), and I don't even know what's happened to my evenings. But, I do have progress to show! On Butterfly.
See? Isn't it pretty? My tension isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than when I started on the mittens. Don't you think (and just so you know, that check pattern is one row knit, one row purl - my knit tension isn't that bad)?
Tonight I'm actually go to try some spinning (rather than just treadling)! Travis is going to rope so I'll have the tv all to myself to watch my spinning dvd. Fun times around here. I need to finish my skirt for Sew? I Knit (there's a second one) and do something about my post card for Project Spectrum. Oh, and clean out the truck and get it ready for a trade-in. How many days do I have anyway? 5? 7? I might just have to take a day off next week to get this car thing done. Wouldn't that be terrible?
Thank you all for the wonderful names for the spinning wheel. I'm having a hard time deciding (and haven't had more than a minute or two to think about it). I'll let you know on Monday. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:44 AM | Comments (16)March 15, 2006
Red Around The House
Following Margene's lead and jumping on the Project Spectrum bandwagon, I took pictures of some of the red things around my house. I knew I had a lot of red, but there was more than I thought.
Fabric for the shades with a red paisley swirl and a red lampshade in the same color red
A throw pillow and the living room curtains I made awhile ago.
More red living room stuff
The red dining room and a side table with a red runner.
Random red kitchen stuff
Fabric for living room pillows. I actually have them almost finished. I'll post some pictures soon.
So, red is clearly one of my favorites, but pink...there's no pink in my house. None. Well, there are a couple of sweaters, but I had so much red, I decided to just skip the pink.
I still need to do my post card, although I'm hoping to have it finished this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that because I just can't seem to get motivated to do it. I don't think I'll do any more of the post card swaps - it just really isn't for me. But, if time allows this weekend I'm going to paint the chair in my craft room (red of course) and work on making a cushion for the seat out of the same fabric I used on the shades.
In Spinning News - I think my new wheel needs a name. Don't you? If you'd like to suggest a name, please leave it in the comments. I'll pick a winner and send you a little something as a thank you. I treadled some more last night while I knit on my sock. A bit more challenging of a project and yet I could treadle while I did yarn overs and decreases - progress. I actually think I'm going to wait until the weekend to spin anything because I need to watch the dvd I have while I do it, and Travis would not find that exciting television viewing. So, I'll do it while he's busy with something else.
Posted by Stephanie at 11:31 AM | Comments (26)March 14, 2006
Spinning!
I am now an official owner of a Lendrum spinning wheel. Wheeee! It came last night and I'm just so excited.
Here it is still in the box from Bountiful
And here are all the pieces
And finally, put together (and boy is that process simple)
Last night I sat and treadled while I knit on Clapotis and watched television. And it was so much fun. Does that mean I'm sick? Just treadling was a blast. I got to where I could treadle without really thinking about it, and I think that's the goal. Tonight I might try to spin, or I might just treadle some more and maybe try knitting some on Butterfly while I do it. Depends on how brave I'm feeling.
Posted by Stephanie at 11:11 AM | Comments (31)March 13, 2006
A Skirt
Remember last week when I was complaining about how I didn't get anything done over the weekend? Well, this weekend was a whole lot more productive. Most importantly, I finished my skirt for Sew? I Knit! The actual assembly didn't take long at all. I had most of it done in an evening. But then it was time to hem and handsew the waistband facing. And I put that off for...well... about 2 weeks. Saturday my mom brought her nice sewing machine out to my house and we figured out how to use the blind hem function and zip... the hem was done. I love things you can do on a sewing machine.
And to celebrate, I wore it to work today.
Project Details:
Pattern: Betsy Ross #001 One Hot Skirt
Fabric: Wool Flannel - Herringbone Weave
Modifications/Thoughts: I added length to the long version of the pattern, and it still isn't quite as long as I wanted - I'd like another 2 inches or so. I made the pattern size that matched my actual measurements, but I dislike higher waisted garmets and this skirt is a little higher waisted than I like. If I had to do it again, I'd modify the pattern so that the waist was a bit larger (so it'd sit lower) and keep the same hip size. Ah well, live and learn. Also, I added a lining to this skirt. The pattern didn't have directions for it, but I found some on the internet (what did we do before the internet) and it turned out to be relatively simple. I thought a wool skirt really needed a lining, and I'm glad I took the extra time because it makes the finished skirt a lot nicer.
I obviously learned a lot with this project - it was my first sewn garmet since my 4-H days many moons ago. The best part was learning how to do a hem on the sewing machine and putting in a zipper. Yesterday I cut out fabric for a second skirt (a different pattern) and I'm going to try an invisible zipper (I have to go buy a special zipper foot today). Hopefully I can get it done before the 20th, since that's the last day for the skirt project portion of Sew? I Knit!. If you think you might want to join the sew-along, check the blog next week (I'll post here too) because we'll be announcing our new project mid-week next week.
Later this week I'll have Project Spectrum and Butterfly updates.
I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of the horses from yesterday - they were begging for food and trying their best to look pathetic (Kris, these are for you).
March 10, 2006
Sockapaloooza Take 2
Thank you all so much for your insight and suggestions. After much debate, I've decided to use the Lorna's Laces in a different pattern.
The Chalet Sock was frogged (sniffle, sniffle) and the yarn was rewound (by hand on the way home from work last night) and has made a reappearance as the Child's First Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks (and here's another look).
And here's the most interesting thing of all in this little project - I'm now getting gauge on my size 0 addi turbo dpns, but the required gauge is the same gauge I was actually getting on the Chalet Socks using the 2 addi turbo circulars (16 sts and 23 rows to 2 inches - and let me just say that for me to get row gauge is unheard of). The only thing I can figure is that I knit looser on the dpns even though the needle material is exactly the same thing. Any other explanations out there?
Despite the frogging and starting over, I managed to knit the ribbing and the first pattern repeat last night. Isn't it pretty?
This pattern is considerably less complicated than the Chalet Socks, but still an enjoyable knit. And don't worry, the Chalet Socks are not gone forever. I will knit them for myself using a different yarn - soon.
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AM | Comments (21)March 9, 2006
Paying the Piper
When you know your gauge is off and you knit anyway, eventually you have to pay the piper. Today is that day for me. The lovely Chalet Socks have to be frogged. Sad, I know, but I knew this could happen. I have been trying them on as I go, but just in the last inch or two have I noticed a problem.
As the leg has gotten longer it has become very difficult to get the leg of the sock over my heel - and people, I have skinny feet and ankles. My sock pal's feet measure the same as mine, but I don't have an ankle measurement. I really can't risk it. It'd be absolutely awful if she couldn't get the sock on! Doncha think?
Once I get it over my heel, it fits nicely.
But that just isn't good enough. So, the sock has to be frogged. Now it's just a matter of where I go from here. These socks are knit with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on size 1 addi turbos (2.5mm). The yarn is a finer sock yarn, so I'm doubtful it will knit up nicely on a size 2 (although if my gauge is tight, whiich it is, this should work). So, what do you all think I should do? Try knitting the sock again on a size 2, find a different yarn, or find a different pattern for this yarn?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:29 AM | Comments (21)March 8, 2006
Minor Progress
It's snowing like crazy here. The weather people are predicting somewhere between 5 and 10 inches today (doesn't that just go to show you how they really do just guess on the forecast). I'm hoping the weather keeps at it so I can justify going home early. It seems like a really good day to sit on the couch with a nice fire, a cup of tea, a movie, and my knitting!
Speaking of knitting, I've been making some progress on my projects. The Chalet sock continues along - I'm almost done with the second pattern repeat and should be able to turn the heel soon. I had to do some minor ripping last night because I got a little confused as to which stitches went which direction (I say confused, but really I just wasn't paying attention - that'll get ya every time).
Clapotis has entered the straight rows section (exciting, I know)
and I dropped my first stitch last night - that dropping stitches thing still gets my heart pumping a little. It just doesn't quite seem like something I should be doing on purpose.
And finally, Butterfly. I love Butterfly, but at this rate I'm gonna be 60 before she's done. Last night I knit another 2 rounds and it took me an hour and a half. I know it isn't a race and I'm not in a hurry, but jeeze I'm slow (although there was some television watching when I had to stop knitting - those purl rows still need my undivided attention).
March 6, 2006
Weekend Time Warp
Weekends are a mystery to me. I go into Friday with good intentions and grand plans and am always slightly disappointed on Sunday night. There are always so many things to get done and for some reason I never get even a fraction of them accomplished. My mom came out Friday night and helped me pin the hem on my skirt, but I didn't touch it for the rest of the weekend, which is ridiculous because it's so close to being done and I actually like it and would like to wear it to work. Then there's the other skirt I'd like to make before the 20th. I have the fabric and the pattern and was going to cut it out, but didn't even look at it.
Saturday was the knitting guild meeting, which was fun and I got some quality time knitting on Clapotis. I took Chalet too, but thought talking and following the charts was a bit much for my feeble Saturday morning mind. Then there was the time sucker of all time suckers - the hair appointment. You'd think that when you get the same color every time and are letting your hair grow that you could be in and out in an hour and a half, but no. Three plus hours later I finally stepped out of the salon, a lot poorer and pretty annoyed. I'm going to have to reevaluate that situation at some point in the near future. My mom and I went to Ft. Collins to the fabric store in search of fabric for living room pillows. We found some great stuff and my mom's already made 3 of her 4 pillows. There's a lady who knows how to make the most of her time. Clearly, I have not inherited this skill. Besides the fabric I got for those future couch pillows, I got a chair cushion and am going to paint the chair in my "craft room" red and use the leftover roller shade fabric (the black paisley with the red and cream) to make a cushion for it . Do you think that will count for Project Spectrum?
Yesterday, well I'm not sure what happened to yesterday. Yesterday morning I re-swatched for Butterfly
And got gauge! I didn't do the whole pattern repeat like the previous two attempts, but did 8 of the 16 rows and I think it was enough to accurately measure gauge (at least I hope so). The successful needles are the 3.75mm Holz & Stein - 2 sizes up from the recommended needle size. Having to go up 2 needles sizes is unusual for me, but I guess I had to do the same thing on the Nordic Mittens. Must be the whole stranded knitting thing. High on my success, I cast on the 268 stitches and started the bottom. The second row requires you to purl. Can I just tell you that it took me a bit to figure out purling with my right hand while stranding the colors behind. I can't tell you how many times I purled 2 with my right hand, purled 2 with my left hand and then realized I'd forgotten to move the right hand yarn to the back before starting the left hand color. Jeeze. And it takes me forever. I was tired after 2 rounds, so I put it aside. But, I've officially started, and I'm so very happy about that.
The only other thing I can figure out that I did yesterday (besides the ever present laundry) was get all my stuff settled in this
Namaste Jetsetter. This right here is the deal of the month. Out of stock and on backorder at most retailers, but I found it at a little yarn shop in northern Wyoming for $30! It's blue. Not my first choice, but for 50%off and in stock, I couldn't say no. And the great thing about shipping within Wyoming is that I called on Thursday and had it on Saturday!
It's big and fits all my purse and work stuff plus my knitting.
Last night while I watched the Academy Awards, I worked on Clapotis and have just finished the increase rows. I was going to take a picture, but it's boring - just a triangle. So, I'll wait until I have something interesting to show you.
Despite my grand plans, I got very little done. A little tiny bit of knitting, no sewing, and I didn't fold a single piece of laundry. I really could have used another day or two to get things done. Oh, who am I kidding. Even with another day, I'd still feel like I didn't get anything done. It's a continuous problem when you have too much to do and not enough time to do it.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:53 AM | Comments (22)March 3, 2006
Travelling Along
I've decided that travelling stitches are not extremely difficult, but holy crap, the charts...that's another story. The Chalet Sock is made up of a series of travelling stitches that create lovely designs. Basically you just cross your knit stitch over an adjacent purl stitch either to the left or right to create a series of lovely designs. However, figuring out how to read the charts took a bit of work and caused some headaches. Involved in figuring out the wheres and whys was a somewhat pleading e-mail to Theresa, as an experience Chalet Sock knitter, for a bit of assistance. She was quite helpful and said something that really clicked in my little brain - you look at the graph and then look at your knitting and decide which way the stitches need to be twisted. What? You have to look at your knitting? When did this happen? And more importantly, how the heck did I get myself involved in a pattern that required that much effort? So, still quite unsure and more than a little skeptical that I could actually do what was required of me to pull this off, I started the leg pattern and you know what? It was one of those light bulb moments. Seriously. I'm pretty sure that if anyone had been in my office after that first round of leg pattern, you would have seen a little light bulb over my head. The whole travelling stitch thing, while not simple, isn't really complicated. I still need the chart because I haven't made it through an entire pattern repeat yet, but when I look at the completed row and see where the chart says the stitch needs to go, I just make it go there. I don't even need the little key they provide in the book.
And the best part is that it's kinda fun. There's a pattern that develops as you knit and it's textured and interesting. Sometimes the addis get annoying when I'm knitting into the back of a crossed stitch, but I think working on the 2 circulars makes a lot more sense on this project.
So, anyway, I've finished the first set of patterns and am almost done with the second (there is one pattern on the sock that alternates with another - literally an XO alternating repeat). At this point it's kind of difficult to see the pattern, but here's what I have.
And here's the seam pattern that runs down the back of the leg.
These pictures actually represent the color pretty well. If turquoise could be neon, this would be what it'd look like. The slight variations in the dyeing add another dimension and I like working the the Lorna's Laces a lot. It's tightly spun enough to withstand all the manipulation these stitches have to go through. A looser spun yarn could potentially have some problems. So, I'll keep working on it and see how the pattern develops. It's not a quick knit, but so far has been enjoyable.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:11 AM | Comments (19)March 1, 2006
Sundara Yarn
My very good friend Purly has been leading a double life. Very Alias-esque if you ask me. You see, Purly has been busy starting a yarn business and she's been hiding it from all of us. For months. She is, in fact, Grumperina's Secret Dyer. She's also responsible for Eunny's most fabulous red lace weight silk. Clearly, the girl's a genius.
So, Purly launched her business today. Sundara Yarn.
And ladies and gents, it's awesome. Go check out all her fabulous stuff - so many yarns, so many colors. I'm in heaven. Good thing today marks the end of my wheel saving drive because I'm feelin' the need to buy some yarn! Now I just have to decide what to buy first...
I'm so very happy for her and hope every one of you stops by to say hello and maybe buy a skein or two (or twenty). It takes a lot of guts and determination to start your own business, and I wish Purly only the very best of luck. She's very talented and wonderfully thoughtful, so I have no doubt Sundara Yarn will be the next Lorna's Laces! Let's see what we can do to make that happen.
Posted by Stephanie at 3:32 PM | Comments (9)
